Youth Team Cup 2009

The 3rd European Youth Cup in Bodiam, UK was a Success

Seven nations took part in the Cup hosted by AQHA-UK and Sterling Quarter Horses in the new attractive arena in Bodiam, East Sussex. The competitions took place on Saturday and Sunday 18-19. July, but most of the teams took the opportunity to be there some days in advance to prepare and to look at the surroundings.

The young riders also took the opportunity to mingle across countries and the Twitter and Facebook activity level was pretty heavy in the days after the event. The skills level among the competitors is rising every year and the spectators witnessed some high class riding in all the disciplines.

Both FEQHA and the British hosts were apart from the riding competitions also focussed on encouraging sportsmanship, positive values, humour and responsible treatment of the horses. This was acknowledged by giving awards within these areas.

The results of the various competitions were:

The European Youth Team Cup

1. Germany 221

2. Italy 164

3. Switzerland 136

4. United Kingdom 123

5. Denmark 73

6. France 57

7. Belgium 40

Special Awards

Best kept and cleanest stables and horses: Team Belgium

Most positive, constructive and well organised team: Team Denmark

Best and entertaining team presentation: Team United Kingdom

Individual sportsmanship award: Mieke Derks, Denmark

Highest reining score across classes: Natasha Møller, Denmark

Individual class champions

Showmanship at halter: Maxi Schmidt/Lena Noble Mine, Germany

Trail: Melina Hugelshofer/CPR Diabolic Zip, Switzerland

Western riding: Maxi Schmidt/Lena Noble Mine, Germany

Hunt seat equitation: Caterina Fabris/Artasia, Italy

Hunter under saddle: Caterina Fabris/Artasia, Italy

Western pleasure: Melina Hugelshofer/CPR Diabolic Zip, Switzerland

Westernhorsemanship: Chris Dalton/Hesa Classy Shadow, United Kingdom

Reining: Natasha Møller/Its Pine Dunit, Denmark

 

FEQHA would like to express a deep felt thank you to our hosts, to the judges Lyle Jackson and Sean Pulley, to all helpers and not at least to the participating teams for a great event. The next time will be in 2011, venue to be decided.

 

European Youth Team Cup 2009

will be held at Sterling Quarter Horses at Court Lodge Farm, Bodiam, East Sussex, England. Set in the beautiful rolling Sussex countryside above historic Bodiam Castle, the original location of Sterling Quarter horses has expanded to become one of the most comprehensive specialist facilities in Northern Europe. In addition to two large outdoor arenas, Court Lodge Farm has a covered arena and horse walker, as well as indoor American Barn style stabling.