Can Jump Alberta defend their 2x Champion title at the Sacramento International Horse Show?
Jump Alberta Team from 2012 Shelby Edwards, Mariloa Slawinskly, Jenna Macoun and Laurel Chard
Jump Alberta team from 2013 Rachel Coldham, Alex Hopkins, Shea Buckland, Meagan Beunder, Rodney Tulloch
For the last two years, the International Team Challenge has been a featured championship at the Sacramento International Horse Show. Impressively, the Canadian team from Jump Alberta, have been victorious both years. This year, they are sending another team of seasoned riders to defend their two time champion title. Make no mistake, Jump Alberta is not traveling over a thousand miles without a plan to defend their back to back titles.
The International Team Challenge is the brain-child of Dale Harvey of West Palms Events and John Anderson of Rocky Mountain Show Jumping. It was created to assist young riders, competing at the 1.20M level, in gaining valuable team competition experience in a Nations Cup format. This experience is meant to propel these young riders forward into major team championships, like the North American Junior and Young Riders, among other international competitions of a similar format.
Kristi Beunder, President of Jump Alberta, says that over the last three years the participation and interest to join the Jump Alberta team has grown steadily. She discussed how the word is circulating among riders and trainers about how fun and rewarding the competition has been. With the high quality of the show venue, the beautiful Rancho Murieta Equestrian Center, combined with the gorgeous California weather, many Calgarians are vying for a coveted spot on the team.
To be considered for the Jump Alberta team, riders must declare their interest officially and submit their results and points from their 1.20M and 1.30M level classes to the Jump Alberta committee. Then, a three person subcommittee from Jump Alberta observes the horses and riders over the course of several shows to see how well both are doing as the Sacramento International Horse Show nears.
This year’s team is possibly the strongest that Jump Alberta has ever sent, according to two time Chef d’Equipe Trish Mrakawa. She says she has many options available to her as she decides on the strategy and order of the team. "Each of the riders is very strong and experienced and could slot into any part of the team from Lead-Off Rider to Anchor,” Mrakawa explains. The team this year will benefit from two time participant and former anchor, Shelby Edwards. Shelby is a very aggressive rider who doesn't like to leave seconds on the table. Jumper Natalie McHenry is a fearless go-getter. Chelsea Walsh is a strong jumper and equitation rider who is qualified for the Canadian Equestrian Team Finals this year. The last member of the team is Samantha Starret and, at just 14, she has already competed in the FEI Children’s Jumper Championship. She adds valuable international experience to the Jump Alberta team roster.
While the team is going to be very competitive, for rider Shelby Edwards it’s not all about the competition. She enjoys the team atmosphere, the opportunity to make friends on other teams and the friendliness of everyone at the Sacramento International Horse Show. The big question on everyone’s mind, though, is can the team from Jump Alberta do it again? If you are headed to the Sacramento International Horse Show, do not miss the International Team Challenge, as it is sure to be a highlight of the show. Get your seat ringside to see if Jump Alberta can clinch the title for a three-peat!
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