Connaway & Associates Highlights Sportsmanship and Camaraderie With New Team Spirit Award at the 2024 FEI North American Youth Championships

During the 2024 FEI North American Youth Championships (NAYC), which ran July 30 through August 4, at Traverse City Horse Shows’ Flintfields Horse Park in Traverse City, MI, a new team spirit award presented by Connaway & Associates Equine Insurance Services, Inc. was given to the dressage junior team of Region 4/5/7 and the jumping junior team of Zone 2, both of which were observed demonstrating outstanding team spirit and sportsmanship throughout the competition.

“Camaraderie and a positive attitude are essential when riding on a team and working with our beloved partners, our horses,” stated Laura Connaway, President of Connaway & Associates Equine Insurance Services, Inc. and amateur grand prix show jumping athlete. “I’m thrilled and proud to be able to reward the hard work and partnership of these talented young dressage and jumping athletes who undoubtedly have bright careers ahead of them.”

Dressage Junior Team, Region 4/5/7

The dressage junior team of Region 4/5/7 led by chef d’équipe Benjamin Pfabe was comprised of Claire Tucker (Lincoln, NE) with her own Finnur; Catherine Burlew (Greenwood Village, CO) and her own Flynn; and Carmen Stephens (Saratoga, CA) on her own Fox. Interestingly, none of the athletes had met prior to the competition but they proved that didn’t hinder their ability to bond with one another and build a strong team dynamic. Ultimately, they clinched second place in the junior team final on a total score of 198.060, less than half of a point behind the gold medal-winning team of Region 3, which ended on a total of 198.455. Tucker also took home the individual silver medal in the junior freestyle championship and the bronze medal in the individual junior final.

Upon learning they had received the team spirit award, the Region 4/5/7 junior athletes commented on how their teammates had inspired them throughout the week.

“I’m inspired by my teammates Claire [Tucker] and Catherine [Burlew] because of how much they love their horses and how hard they work,” explained Stephens. “We were able to bounce ideas off of each other, and we built this amazing team spirit even though we’re from three different regions.”

“We always support one another, and we have a great time whether it’s building each other up when we’re down or celebrating everything that went well,” added Burlew.

“They’re always in a good mood no matter how their tests go, and they’re very helpful and super funny,” concluded Tucker about her teammates.

Jumping Junior Team, Zone 2

The jumping junior team of Zone 2 led by chef d’équipe Krista Freundlich was comprised of Clara Propp (New York, NY) riding Cocolina owned by Marigold Sporthorses, LLC; Maison McIntyre (New York, NY) on Stena owned by Clover M Sporthorses, LLC; James Leone (Great Lakes, NJ) with Galliano LW owned by Zimmerli Show Jumping, LLC; and Alexa Elle Lignelli (New York, NY) piloting Helium owned by Skyline Sporthorses, LLC. The Zone 2 athletes also captured the silver medal in the junior team final while Propp went home with the gold medal in the individual junior final.

“The Zone 2 team this year was comprised of an incredible group of riders. Some were first timers at NAYC, others were returning,” explained Freundlich. “The enthusiasm and camaraderie that they displayed all week was very special. We try to carry on the legacy of Zone 2 that was instilled by [former longtime Zone 2 chef d’équipe] Ralph Caristo. We work hard to keep the spirit of his program alive and thriving.”

The Zone 2 athletes agreed with Freundlich’s sentiments.

“Zone 2 has so much history, and it’s very inspiring to be a part of this team with athletes that I’ve ridden alongside since competing ponies,” noted Lignelli.

“Everyone is so talented so you can learn from each other’s rounds, and everyone helps each other be the best they can be,” continued Propp of her Zone 2 teammates.

“We’re all like a family, and we all support each other,” shared McIntyre. “Krista [Freundlich] is amazing and very supportive, too.”

“I’m inspired by my teammates’ enthusiasm and how excited they were [to participate in the team activities at NAYC this week],” concluded Leone.

Connaway & Associates congratulates these youth riders once again on their success as well as their support of each other, sportsmanship while competing, and love of their horses throughout.