Five U.S. athlete-and-horse pairs have successfully passed the initial horse inspection at the 2025 FEI Endurance World Championships for Juniors and Young Riders, held in Buftea, Romania. Hosted by the Shagya Sports Club Association, the event marks a major milestone for the American team as they advance to the competition phase.
The U.S. contingent is supported by a dedicated team, including Interim Chef d’Equipe Heather Reynolds, Team Veterinarian Dr. Olivia Rudolphi, and Team Leader Nicole Zerbee, along with their skilled crew members.
The Championships officially kicked off with a welcoming ceremony on Thursday evening, September 18, uniting young endurance athletes from across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Australia, and the Americas. On Friday, September 19, the U.S. horses passed the pre-ride veterinary inspection, clearing the way for the start of competition on Saturday.
The following U.S. athlete-and-horse combinations have been accepted:
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Jax Beloberk (Loomis, Calif.) with Highh Treason, a 2011 Arabian gelding (Tomanchie x Ecstatika), owned by Katie Beloberk
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AnnaMaria Clarke (Davis, W.Va.) with Southern Justice, a 2012 Arabian gelding (PA Gazsi x PA Ecolina), owned by Valerie Kanavy and Dessia Miller
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Vanessa Erickson (Rocklin, Calif.) with Leno, a 2016 Arabian gelding (Dahess x Ta Dance WithTheStar), owned by Samantha Ellis
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Uma Kraskin (Deland, Fla.) with Maggies Nchanted Pipi, a 2011 Arabian mare (FSF Dakaros Enchanter x Whizlin Comets Maggie), owned by Evelyn Baig
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Lila Reeder (Loomis, Calif.) with Cricket MHF, a 2017 Arabian gelding (Jolly By Golly x Awesome Zell MHF), owned by Bethany Reeder
The 120-kilometer (~74-mile) course will take competitors through varied terrain, including grasslands, agricultural tracks, open fields, and forest trails. Riders must complete the course within a maximum time of 20 hours, 7 minutes, and 30 seconds to be officially classified.
Designed to challenge endurance, strategy, and the bond between horse and rider, the course includes multiple veterinary checkpoints to ensure the health and fitness of each horse throughout the race.
