Featured in: USHJA
Lexington, KY-July 21, 2014-Brothers Lucas and Wilton Porter came out on top at this year’s Adequan FEI North American Junior and Young Rider Show Jumping Championship, presented by the United States Hunter Jumper Association, winning individual gold in both the Junior and Young Rider divisions.
Junior Gold Medalist Lucas Porter aboard Phineas |
“Sitting in sixth [place] coming into today, I knew I had to give it everything and jump two clean rounds,” said Simpson. “My mare tried so hard for me this week and I was just so happy with my rounds today.” Simpson was one of three riders to put in two clear rounds on Sunday, along with Lucas Porter and Jennifer Gates of Medina, WA.
It came down to the last ride again in the Young Rider division, with Wilton Porter also of Bartonville, TX, narrowly edging out Michael Hughes of Allendale, NJ to win gold. Wilton Porter ended on a score of 10.52 faults to win gold, with Hughes ending the week on 12.23 faults for silver. Victoria Colvin of Loxahatchee, FL earned bronze with only one rail in Sunday’s competition ending on 18.01 faults.
Young Rider Gold Medalist Wilton Porter aboard Diamonte Darco |
The week’s courses, designed by Olympic course designer Steve Stephens, proved to be challenging for both Junior and Young Rider divisions with Sunday’s courses built bigger and more difficult.
“The first round was really technical and big,” said Lucas Porter of the Junior division. “It was definitely a hole or two bigger than what we jumped all week.”
Wilton Porter walked the course with his younger brother Lucas. When asked what kind of pep talk he gave him, Wilton stated, “We know each other too well to give each other a pep talk. It just goes without saying.”
As a celebratory move, both Porter brothers got tossed in the open water, and not by their horses. Their good friends on the Mexican team insisted on carrying out the Mexican Federation’s tradition of the winner taking a swim in the open water jump.
“I helped throw Euguenio [Garza Perez] in the water last year when he won gold,” said Wilton. “I guess you could call it revenge!”
Playfulness aside, both brothers were humble upon their win. “It’s a dream come true to win one medal let alone two” said Wilton Porter of his and Lucas’s win. “We have been so lucky to have such supportive family and trainers.”
USHJA is proud to be the presenting sponsor of Show Jumping for the Adequan FEI North American Junior and Young Rider Championships, presented by Gotham Northand recognizes the importance this program plays in the development of our sport’s future top athletes.