Monday, November 21, 2005

International FEI Junior Competition at CDI*** Copa Mexico

Mexico City CDI*** 2005 - by Erica Urf

From November 10th-12th 2005 five Canadian riders participated in Mexico City’s first ever CDI*** competition. The riders included Pia Fortmuller of Vancouver (Young Rider), Alexandra Duncan of Vancouver (FEI Junior), Brittany Fraser of Halifax (FEI Junior), Jessica Rheinlander of New Found land (FEI Junior), Jade Deter of Ottawa (FEI Children’s) and me, Erika Urff of Langley (FEI Junior). Each rider would be riding a horse provided by the show committee. It was an opportunity for a select few young riders to participate in an International competition under top judges who included Axel Steiner, Cara Whitham, Mariette Withages, Gabriel Armando and Mercedes Campdera. Several riders came from countries such as Mexico, Peru, Argentina, Costa Rica, USA and Canada. This CDI was by invitation, meaning riders submitted scores and were selected to participate.

The facility was set on a sloping hill rich with Spanish culture. The grounds were stationed on a military base. There were several large sand arenas and one covered indoor in which the CDI took place. The ring was decorated with the flags of the represented countries and the Mexican colors. A large Coca-Cola® score board displayed the name of the rider and the horse currently riding. The climate was cold morning but warm days. Because of the high altitude that the facility was in walking up the hill literally left you breathless.