The first phase of European championships in Vilamoura ended today. The balance for our Young Riders is very positive: two medals ( silver for Ireland, bronze Great Britain), and five of them qualified to the final on Sunday. Indeed, some slight regret for Jodie who had opened the championship in the lead with an excellent performance. Jodie in the past months, as per YRA program, had been training at BWG stable with Ben Schroder. Ben, enthusiastic about the first round, as the experienced rider he is, knew the road to victory was still long and winding. Jodie made some mistakes in the next two rounds, preventing her from accessing the final. However, her contribution to the British team was crucial in reaching the third step of the podium. She very well knows that sometimes you win, sometimes you learn.
Close to perfection today rounds of Jack Whitaker and Jack Ryan who, with two clears, close respectively in second and sixth individual spot. Remarkable as well Jason, Linda and Vince who today close the competition with a single mistake, securing the final on Sunday among the best European young riders.
Jean Maurice Bonneau, YRA Chef d’Equipe in Vilamoura as well, is extremely enthusiastic about all the YRA riders at the show.
“ Yesterday and today’s rounds were really demanding, for riders and horses. I am very proud of the precision, coolness, and attitude of these guys. They will certainly make their way among the pros”.