East Aurora, NY – July 25, 2012 – It was an exciting week of competition for junior rider Charlotte Jacobs during the 2012 Adequan/FEI North American Junior & Young Rider Championships presented by Gotham North (NAJYRC). Jacobs and her talented mount Kachina captured the Individual Junior Show Jumping Bronze Medal, as well as the Junior Team Gold Medal alongside the riders from Zone Two.

During the championship event’s five rounds of competition, Jacobs and Kachina added just four faults to their score. After an unlucky rail in the speed round during the first day, they consistently laid down clear efforts.

On the second day, riders participated in the Team Competition, where Jacobs represented Zone Two with Lillie Keenan, Kira Kerkorian, and Katherine Strauss. Jacobs and Kachina took the lead-off position, and their clean efforts in both rounds helped boost the team’s confidence. The riders captured the Gold Medal and led the lap of honor at the end of the evening.

“After having four faults on the first day, I was focused on winning Gold for the team,” explained Jacobs. “I thought I was out of the running for an individual medal, so didn’t feel any pressure the second day. Going early helps me ride better, so Ralph [Caristo] put me in the lead-off position for the team and it worked out really well.”

On the third and final day, three riders were tied for the second place position with four faults. Two more clear rounds by Jacobs and Kachina meant they would be jumping off for silver against Shawn Casady. Jacobs focused on laying down a quick effort, but they had an unfortunate rail. The talented duo’s performance over the weekend was good enough to return to the podium, this time claiming the Bronze Medal.

“It feels really good to earn a medal at the championships,” expressed Jacobs. “In the jump-off I had to go first and I know Shawn goes fast I took a shot, but I am really happy with the way the week turned out. Kachina was great. I know she always wants to jump clear and perform her best. She kept performing better and jumping better the more we showed.”

Jacobs will continue showing this summer with Missy Clark, John Brennan and the team from North Run during the Vermont Summer Festival and the Hampton Classic.

Photo Credit: Charlotte Jacobs and Kachina won the Individual Junior Show Jumping Bronze Medal at the 2012 Adequan/FEI North American Junior & Young Rider Championships presented by Gotham North (NAJYRC). Photo By: Kenneth Kraus/PhelpsSports.com. Photo may only be used in relation to this PMG press release.