FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                          July 22, 2005
   Contact: Sarah Lane (859) 225-6974
U.S. Riders Shine at FEI Jumping Competition for Children
in Bogotá, Colombia
By Cindy Stys and USEF staff

Lexington, KY – Three junior riders, Jordan Coyne of New Port Richey, Florida, Zazou Hoffman of Santa Monica, California, and Renick Townsend of Wellington, Florida, served as excellent ambassadors of equestrian sport as they represented the United States in the CSI-Ch B Bogotá, Colombia, July 13-17, an FEI sanctioned jumping event for children.
Thirteen-year-old, Renick Townsend competed against 43 riders from 12 countries and four continents to claim the championship title as well as the award for Best International Rider.
“This was an experience of a lifetime,” Townsend said. “It was a big competition with a lot of people watching, which made me kind of nervous.” Townsend’s first international experience-turned-victory was especially impressive since Townsend and all of the international guest riders competed on horses borrowed from the Colombian riders.
Jordan Coyne secured a notable second place in the B Final and Zazou Hoffman, who was among the finalists at the FEI Children’s Jumping Final 2004, won the Style Award and placed 10th.
“Renick was amazing and is a very, very good rider,” said Grand Prix show jumper, German Camargo of Columbia. Camargo accompanied Townsend as her trainer and also served as Chef d’Equipe for the U.S. riders. He added, “Jordan, although a little nervous in the beginning, gained confidence for the Final B. Zazou rode very good winning the style award.”
The CSI-Ch B Bogotá came as welcome preparation for the 2005 FEI Children’s International Jumping Final, slated to take place November 22-27 in Simi Valley, California. For more information, log on to www.hummingbirdnestranch.com.