Winner of Young Rider Jumping Series announced
Congratulations to Anna McGregor of Mariginiup, Western Australia who has won the Equestrian Australia Jumping Young Rider Selection Series proudly sponsored by Tekna Saddles.
The series, which aids the selection process for the 2010 National Jumping Youth Development Squad, has consisted of two selection competitions in every state. 79 riders took part in the series which has been running since June. The final competition was held in NSW at Sydney Show Jump Club's Summer Championships at Clarendon last Sunday.
Winners from each round have been awarded a new saddle of their choice from Tekna Saddles. As the series winner Anna will be presented with another saddle as well as additional products from Tekna and the Saddlery Trading Company.
Anna won the series riding an 11-year-old Warmblood mare DVZ Fuerstin Faberge, a horse that she has trained for the past five years.
"It was pretty amazing to win," said Anna who only returned in September from six months training in Germany with Willy van der Ham. "The mare has not had many competitions this year so I was really surprised."
Anna has also been competitive in the senior ranks having won the Perth World Cup qualifier in 2007 aboard Mandarin. The 21-year-old full time rider is unsure of her plans for 2010 "I would love to go back to Europe but maybe I will stay and do some World Cup shows in Australia next year - I am still deciding."
2008 winner Olivia Hamood (Kilcoy, Qld) finished as runner-up this year proving her consistency. Placing third in his first attempt at the series was Tom McDermott from Wagga Wagga, (NSW). Keeping up family tradition Tom is the son of 1988 Olympic Jumping rider Greg McDermott and Olivia is the daughter of elite Jumping rider, Paula Hamood.
All squads along with the 2010 National Jumping Youth Development Squad will be announced on 26 January.
"Thank you to Tekna for their sponsorship of this series and their support of young riders," said Anna.
For full results please see www.equestrian.org.au
