Makayla explains that the SRNC compe- titions take place every other month in vari- ous countries. “Right now we have three riders competing in Belgium, and the next one is in Romania. Every other month they’re in a different country. I can’t wait to go back!” Teams are part of either the Gold or
Silver League: the top six teams for the year compete in the Gold League, while the other nine teams are in the Silver League. (Team USA was in the Silver League in 2015.) The format for competitions varies between the leagues, but in both cases the competitions are broken into stages, with tests in both dressage and show jumping, and riders are either eliminated or have the opportunity to advance to the next round based on performance. “I am extremely proud of Makayla and
Jacki Dunt
thrilled that she has been given this oppor- tunity,” says Mimi Wroten, director of riding at Sweet Briar, in a press release before the finals. “Makayla is a dedicated, hard work- ing and talented rider whose focus, atten- tion to detail and determination will take her far in this competition. She will be a great representative of both Sweet Briar and the United States of America.”
At the World Finals in Germany, Makayla represented her
country well. “I made it through to the second phase of dres- sage, I think I finished ninth, and I won the show jumping, so I was third overall,” she says.
Isabella’s Experiences Teammate Isabella Pitts has been riding her entire life. She competed in the A circuit through middle and high school, but sold her horse when she started college in order to focus on her studies. “I quickly realized my riding obses- sion was not going to stop, and I became involved with my university’s equestrian team. I was lucky to find a sort of working student position at a local hunter/jumper stable where I am able to keep up my riding with a great trainer,” she says. This was not Isabella’s first time competing abroad. She
competed in the SRNCs in France in 2014 and Sweden in 2015.
“I think riding with AIEC opened a lot of doors for me in
my future riding career because the connections I’ve made and people I’ve met are invaluable,” she continues. “The riders I am competing against are very talented and are often train- ers themselves. I hope to find a riding job in Europe after I graduate this year, and I am thankful because I know that the people I’ve met through AIEC will be more than willing to help me find one. We all support each other in our riding
The World Finals in Marburg, Germany. TOP: Makayla Benjamin jumps a Warmblood provided to her for the World Finals. She won the jumping division and overall placed third individually. BOTTOM: The American teammates join the lineup of competitors.
endeavors and it is an amazing support system. I would really encourage any serious college riders who are interested in applying to do so.” Isabella enjoys riding the European horses. “The horses provided have been amazing; I’ve gotten to ride some
● All photos were taken at the AIEC World Finals in Marburg, Germany, which ended on January 1, 2016. Warmbloods Today 15
Equnews
Jacki Dunt
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