FEI Children’s International Jumping Final

The Hummingbird Nest Ranch in Simi Valley hosts, for an unprecedented second year, the FEI Children’s International Jumping Final.

32 competitors ranging from the ages of 12 to 14 are participating. Half of the competitors are from the host country, United States, and the other half from 12 other countries.

United States riders:
Allison Van Sickle (Camarillo, CA)
Alec Lawler (Atherton, CA)
Richard Neal (Pasadena, CA)
Brittney Allyn (Seal Beach, CA)
Isabel Jolicoeur (Wellington, FL)
Julianna Fisher (Lake Worth, FL)
Kelsey Silverstein (New Canaan, CT)
Victoria Birdsall (Topsfield, MA)
Paige Kirwin (Toluca Lake, CA)
Kailey McElwee (Cota De Caza, CA)
Anne Cook (Woodside, CA)
Zazou Hoffman (Santa Monica, CA)
Ella Cornell (Los Angeles, CA)
Rachel Verleur-Jani (Orange, CA)
Taylor McClung (Newport Beach, CA)
Renick Townsend (West Palm Beach, FL)

International Riders:
Andres Tobon (Colombia)
Kim Pfeiffer (Germany)
Katherine Stewart (Australia)
Elizabeth Bryant (South Africa)
Jasmine Busson (Lebanon)
Tomas Moraes Dantas (Brazil)
Matias Bayas Erazo (Ecuador)
Oganes Amalyan (Russia)
Luis Fernando Larrazabal (Venezuela)
Alejandro Vila (Guatemala)
Jake Krembil (Canada)
Mark Bluman Donskoy (Columbia)
Astrid Chalendard (France)
Thomas Teufel (Germany)
Luis Fernando Muro Moleiro (Venezuela)
Mathilde Riffard (France)

The FEI Children’s International Jumping Final was first introduced in 1995 to promote the sport of horse jumping among the youth in an international level. Over the past 9 years, Finals has been held in Brazil, Canada, Chile, Columbia, Japan, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates.

The Hummingbird Nest Ranch is a 140-acre equestrian facility, located off Highway 118 and surrounded by acres of land that’s part of the Rancho Simi Recreation and Parks District. The ranch includes a 17,000 square-foot Clubhouse that has 360° view of the entire property, 15 3-4 bedroom guest houses, solar panels, and a helipad.

The event is sponsored by HBO and Goldman Sachs. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.

The first qualifying round was held on Thursday 24 November and was won by Allison Van Sickle (USA) on her 10 year old chestnut Dutch stallion Amazing Grace after a faultless jump-off against 6 other competitors. Luis Fernando Larrazabal (VEN) placed second on Cosmos 36, ahead of Rachel Verleur-Jani (USA) on Picardo.

Saturday, November 25 will be the second qualifier and Sunday will include the Farwell competition and Final Competition. Internationally renowned course designer Leopoldo Palacios is designing the jump course for the event. Further event information can be found at www.hummingbirdnestranch.com.

Daily results will be posted at the end of each day. A post press release and event photos will be available Monday, November 28, 2005 by contacting Monica Gillen at mcatg@earthlink.net or at 714/ 271-4081.