Sophie Simpson and Why Not (Sportfot)

The USHJA North American Junior & Young Rider Show Jumping Championship began Wednesday, featuring the first class of the week in the International Ring at CHP, welcoming the Young Rider First Round Individual Qualifier. The USHJA North American Junior & Young Rider Championship Young Rider Team competition will being Thursday, July 28, in the International Ring at 12:00 p.m. MT.

Horse and rider combinations were able to test their skills for the first time in the main competition arena at the facility, as the class featured 23 entries. Sophie Simpson (18, Westlake, Calif.) and Why Not, capitalized on their first trip around the International Ring, capturing the win with a total score of 37.72, while loftier goals lie ahead of the duo in the team and individual portion of the competition.

Christine Firestone (21, Upperville, Va.) and Arwen finished in second place behind Simpson with a score of 38.15, while Mackenzie Drazan (21, Woodside, Calif.) and Waliba VDL rounded out the top three earning a score of 38.19.