The CN North American Young Riders’ Championships (NAYRC), presented by Adequan, will host vaulting demonstrations at the 2005 competition, which takes place July 26-31 at the Virginia Horse Center in Lexington, VA.

Founded in 1995 by Priscilla G. Faulkner, the Friendship Vaulting Team is the ambassador program for the AVA promoting vaulting as an exciting equestrian sport throughout the United States. Providing a live vaulting demonstration at the 2005 NAYRC, the Friendship Team will perform classic vaulting exercises, which test the balance, coordination, poise and courage of the team, as well as their horse. Members of the Friendship Team have all earned a Silver medal or higher in vaulting, and have been a crowd favorite at many events.

First started as an eventing challenge between the U.S. and Canada in 1974, the NAYRC has evolved to include dressage, which was added in 1981, and show jumping, which was introduced in 1982. The first full NAYRC was held in British Columbia, Canada, in 1982. This year, the competition is making its debut appearance in the mid-Atlantic region at the Virginia Horse Center in Lexington.

For many competitors, the NAYRC is their first opportunity to be part of a team and to compete under the rules of the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), which is the international governing body for equestrian sport. For some riders, competing at the NAYRC, it is the first step toward an equestrian career riding internationally and possibly even in Olympic competition. For others, the NAYRC serves as the peak of their riding careers.

For more information on the 2005 CN North American Young Riders’ Championships, presented by Adequan, please visit www.youngriders.org, call (540) 348-1152 or email to [email protected].

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