Area 1 is very excited to announce that four athletes and horse combinations and one groom have been selected to represent Area 1 at the 2024 USEF Eventing Young Rider Championships. This is an annual championship that provides the opportunity for Young Riders (athletes 25 and under) from around the United States to go head to head to compete for gold at the CCI1*, CCI2*, and CCI3* levels. The 2024 championships will run alongside the Maryland International and Horse Trials, July 5-7 in Adamstown, Maryland.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for Area 1 Young Riders. To compete in a team environment against their peers from across the nation is a truly unique experience. The preparation and training the riders will have, coupled with the teamwork and camaraderie they will share is something these athletes will always remember. The entire Area 1 community is 100% behind the team!” said Judy Rossi, Area 1 Chair.
The Area 1 team will be led by Area 1 Young Rider Coordinator and Chef d’Equipe, Melanie Loschiavo.
“I’m so excited to be a part of this opportunity for these Area 1 Young Riders to ride on Championship teams. We have been working hard in Area 1 to provide a wide breadth of opportunities for all the Young Riders at all levels. For these riders who have chosen this path and qualified, the experience will be like none other. Congrats to them all for stepping up to this challenge!”
The following combinations have been named to the Area 1 Young Rider Teams:
CCI3*-S
Elizabeth Gill (Massachusetts) & Opportunity Knoxx, a 2012 Thoroughbred gelding owned by rider.
Elizabeth Gill and Opportunity Knoxx “Mikey, who loves wheat thins, have been competing together for the past 6 years.
CCI2*-S
Audrey Littlefield (New Hampshire) & Mr. Pumpkin, a 2013 Thoroughbred gelding owned by rider.
Fun Fact: Mr. Pumpkin, “Pumpkin” loves clementines and has been with Audrey for 5 years while they climbed the levels from Novice to the 2* level.
Annabelle Sprague (Vermont) & Da Vinci Code, a 2007 Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by Kylie Lyman
Fun Fact: Annabelle lives on a big dairy farm and has been competing with Da Vinci Code, “Da Vinci,” for the past 3 years.
CCI1*-S
Bridget O’Rourke (Massachusetts) & Something To Talk About, a 2009 Thoroughbred mare owned by rider.
Fun Fact: Something To Talk About, “Tillie,” loves red apples but won’t eat the green ones! Bridget and Tillie have been competing together for a little over 3 years.
Team Groom Max van der Schoot (Vermont)
Fun Fact: Max has created her own small business of handmade waterproof dog collars, leashes, and frosted horse treats. Max and her OTTB, Playing With Quarters, “Andy,” have been competing together for 3 years and started at Beginner Novice together and are currently competing at the Training level.
Stay tuned for more information as the team makes their way down to Maryland in the next few weeks!
