Letter from the Editor
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Jump Canada Announces Canadian Qualifiers for
2004 FEI Children’s Jumping Final

Ottawa, Ontario---Jump Canada is pleased to announce that Canada will host two qualifying events for the 2004 FEI Children’s International Jumping Final to be hosted by the Beverly Hills Equestrian Partners at the Hummingbird Nest Ranch in Simi Valley, CA, from November 22-29, 2004.

Open to riders aged 12 to 14, the FEI Children’s International Jumping Final was developed to encourage up-and-coming riders to participate in international competition with support from the FEI. Two qualifiers will be held, one in eastern Canada and one in western Canada, to determine Canada’s two representatives. The International En Fete, held June 30 to July 4 in Bromont, QC, and the Summer Festival Horse Show held August 25-29 at Thunderbird Show Park in Langley, BC, will act as the two qualifiers.

The results from each of the qualifying competitions will be sent to the FEI and points will be tabulated. The top ten riders in the final overall standings as well as the top rider from each FEI Regional Group not already included in the top ten will receive an invitation to contest the 2004 Children’s International Jumping Final. At the Final, each country will be represented by a maximum of two riders with the exception of the host country, the United States, who is entitled to have a number of competitors equal to the foreign entries.

In order to qualify for the Final, competitors aged 12 to 14 will jump four courses no higher than 1.20 m with a maximum width of 1.30m on their own horse or pony. All competitors, regardless of country, jump pre-determined courses published by the FEI that are built to the exact specifications of the course plan and arena size published by the FEI.

At the 2003 Children’s International Jumping Final hosted by Canada at Spruce Meadows in Calgary, AB, Femke Van den Bosch of Red Deer, AB, finished second overall after facing stiff competition from riders hailing from around the globe. Other top Canadian finishers included Amanda Knowles of Toronto, ON, who finished fifth, Sarah Cuddy of London, ON, who earned a sixth place finish and Lauren Patava of Toronto, ON, who placed eighth overall.

"I had a great time last year competing at the Children's FEI Final in Spruce Meadows last December," said van den Bosch. "It was interesting to watch the different styles and techniques of riding from around the world. Everyone should have the opportunity to participate in this fantastic competition."

For more information on the Canadian qualifying competitions, please contact the International En Fete at tel: (450) 534-0787 or the Summer Festival Horse Show organizers at tel: (604) 888-4585.

Jump Canada is the national body responsible for all hunter, hunter/equitation and show jumping activities in Canada from the grass roots level to the international arena. Governed by a Board of Directors elected by the sport's stakeholders, Jump Canada is an autonomous committee of the national equestrian federation, Equine Canada. For more information regarding Jump Canada programs and activities, please visit www.jumpcanada.ca.