There’s no doubt about it. The California team that nabbed the NAJRC Young Rider Dressage Team Gold Medal is a real team. There were no individual egos here. The riders worked together. Their trainers worked together and their parents worked together.

“It was easy being chef d’equipe,” said team leader Liz Hendrix. “It was an amazing group that worked together – from the riders to the trainers to the parents. There were no problems.”

The Gold Medal-winning team from Region 7, all from California, consisted of Jaclyn Meinen, of Dana Point, riding Rockette DG, Emily Tears, of Rancho Santa Margarita, riding Luciano; Amanda Harlan, of St. Helena, riding Liberte; and Crystalyn Hoffman, of Santa Clara, riding Diamo 10. The teams total winning score was 204.223 points.

The riders were a team long before they ever arrived at the Championships. Karen Ball, who trains Tears, said they were in constant contact with one another months before the competition. “There aren’t enough words to express what an experience it is to be with such a great group of girls. They were on the phone constantly with one another, sharing laughter and support.”