Watch the Video! Kassandra Barteau and GP Raymeister - 2009 USEF National Young Rider Champion

The 21-year-old Young Rider claimed her third consecutive National Championship in impressive fashion. Despite the downpour, the gutsy Young Riders completed their competition as they were the only class to go on Sunday morning. Riding GP Raymeister, Barteau left no question that her title defense was not negotiable, as her score of 72.368% in the Young Rider Individual Test was almost three marks better than Caroline Roffman and Accent Aigu FRH. Barteau is a USDF Bronze, Silver and Gold Medalist, who aboard her long term partner Gabriella won the USEF National Young Rider Championships on 2007 and 2008.

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“I’m really, really proud of him,” said Barteau about the 9-year-old Holsteiner breeding stallion by Rantares and owned by Ginna Frantz. “He was super today, super steady and was with me. I thought it flowed together nicely. He was a little timid with the puddles.” The novelty hasn’t worn off – Barteau was very emotional about her win. “I was crying during the national anthem,” she said. “It means a lot.” Barteau is assistant trainer with her parents at Grand Prix Equestrian, in Maple Park, Illinois. Her resume boast of multiple wins and championships at every level of dressage, making her at the age of 21 years old the winningest US Dressage rider.

Video by Frank J. Morelli

Meagan Davis was third today in the Individual Test with a score of 69.984%, but her overall percentage was high enough to land her in the reserve champion honors with Bentley. “I’m so excited to be here after only riding Bentley for seven months,” said Davis about her relationship with the 16-year-old Danish Warmblood gelding by Sarel. “He was such a good boy and I am so proud of him. Bentley is a really incredible horse.” With her FEI Junior and Young Rider mount Cachet, Davis competed in 2006 and 2007, at the NAJYRC in the FEI Junior Division, and in 2008 as a Young Rider winning the Team Silver Medal for Region 8. Davis trains with Lendon Gray in New York. Bentley who is owned by Kelly Roetto and John Rocco of Bedminster, NJ, was purchased through Barteau Dressage and was Kassie Barteau's 2006 NAYRC Team Silver Mount.

These two as well as the other Young Riders performing at Gladstone this weekend will meet again at the Kentucky Horse Park July 21-26 for the North American Junior Young Riders' Championships.