Warwick dressage rider working to make national Junior Olympics team

Warwick - Colleen Akin found love at age six. When Akin went on vacation in 1997, she rode a horse for the first time, and it’s been true love ever since. At 14, with more discipline than most adults, Akin has risen high in the ranks of her sport. In September, she won the Regional Dressage Seat finals for region eight and will compete this July in the national finals for riders ages 14-18. Now, she has an opportunity to ride in the first ever North American Junior Riders Championships, which would be her second national-level competition this year. The recently approved 2006 Federation Equestre Internationale’s North American Junior Championships for Dressage will allow junior dressage competitors the same thrills of competition in an FEI-team format as the young riders. Many of this country’s best equestrians got their start at this type of event, including Olympic medalists Greg Best and Karen Lende-O’Connor. The Virginia Horse Center in Lexington, Va., will host the inaugural competition, along with the Young Riders’ Championships for riders ages 18-21, from Aug. 1 to 6. Equestrians from the United States, Bermuda, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean Islands are scheduled to compete in three disciplines: eventing, dressage and show jumping. Each of the nine United States Dressage Federation regions will have the opportunity to field a four-member team of juniors and young riders to compete at these events. Dressage competitors from the United States must qualify for their respective regional teams by satisfying the requirements outlined by the USDF/USEF criteria and selection procedures. Akin will be competing to qualify at specifically designated shows between now and June with the goal of representing the New England/New York region at the championships. Anyone associated with the sport of riding knows the costs to compete at the national level are high. Akin has been giving beginner riding lessons on her pony Cee-Cee for three years. She provides care for other horses and hosts fundraiser clinics, all to earn money to help offset the cost of achieving her dream. Sponsorships from groups and individuals have helped as well. Akin said the local community has been wonderful. Ed of Barn Systems is sponsoring her. Andy from Windy Hollow Hunt Dressage Committee is also helping with a donation on the committee’s behalf. Bliss Siman and Bert Linder of Timbrel Farm in Warwick have not only sponsored Akin but have also agreed to let her use their farm for a fundraiser clinic next month. Akin’s clinic is set for April 8 and 9. Auditing and private and semi-private lessons will be available with Alison End, a USDF certified instructor. For more information on the clinic or to sponsor Akin, contact her at collakin@yahoo.com or lakin@optonline.net, or call 986-3044.