Is Lindsay McLean Canada's newest up and coming Show Jumping Olympic hopeful? Well, if the results of the North American Young Riders Championships are any indication (double gold) of what is in store for this young rider, it is decidedly so.

The highlight of the week for Lindsay McLean from White Rock, British Columbia, was clinching the Gold for her team by completing the Nations Cup with double clear rounds. When asked about competing on the team she said, "I feel a responsibility to the team. It is a lot more stressful to know everyone is dependent on your ride, I didn't want to let them down."

In Caldero, an eleven-year-old Thoroughbred gelding, is better known as "Zoom" around the barn. Lindsay has a partner capable of helping her reach her goals. Following and extremely successful 1998 season which included four top ten placings in grand prix competition. Lindsay and Caldero were chosen to represent Canada at the AHSA National Junior Jumper Championships at the Pennsylvania Horse Show in October.

To prepare for the Young Riders Championships, Lindsay who is coached by Morgan Thomas, competed with her horses, in Indio and Spuce Meadows. She said, "It's a big sacrifice to prepare yourself for Young Riders, because you have to arrange your whole year around the competition." Lindsay earned the title of Xerox Junior Jumper of the year for her performances at both the National and North American tournaments at Spruce Meadows. She was presented the award, which included a $2,500 scholarship, during the prestigious Spruce Meadows Masters Tournament.

McLean has already traveled to Europe to scope out horses to compete on. She thinks the horses are wonderful, but can live without the European food, especially their breakfast food. "I am a vegetarian so it is sometimes hard to get a meal without meat. I pack a whole separate suitcase full of food to get me through the mornings."

This coming year Lindsay plans to postpone her sophomore year at college to focus on her riding. Even though she is unsure about what she is going to major in, as of yet, one thing she is quite sure about is pursuing her showjumping career. Lindsey is unsure whether or not she is going to come back to Young Riders next year, "I'm at the top right now, one team gold and an individual gold, I'd be kind of worried about defending it."

One thing is for certain, we haven't seen the last of Lindsay McLean. She is definitely a rider to be reckoned with.

By : Leah Trunzo and Astrid Appels
PhelpsPhoto® by JJ. Hathaway and Leah Trunzo

Related Links
HorsesDaily Coverage of the 2000 NAYRC