U.S. Athletes and Horses Set for 2025 FEI Endurance World Championships for Juniors and Young Riders

The U.S. Endurance Team at the 2025 FEI Endurance World Championships for Juniors and Young Riders (©Nicole Zerbee)

USEF.org

by US Equestrian Communications Dept. | 9/19/2025

Buftea, Romania – Five U.S. athlete-and-horse combinations have been accepted at the first horse inspection for the 2025 FEI Endurance World Championships for Juniors and Young Riders hosted by the Shagya Sports Club Association in Buftea, Romania. The team is supported by their dedicated crew members, Interim Chef d’Equipe Heather Reynolds, Team Veterinarian Dr. Olivia Rudolphi, and Team Leader Nicole Zerbee.

The Championships officially opened on Thursday evening, September 18, with a welcoming ceremony that brought together athletes from across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Australia, and North and South America. The U.S. athletes and their horses passed the pre-ride horse inspection on Friday, September 19, and will move forward to competition, which begins on Saturday.

The following athlete-and-horse combinations were accepted:

• Jax Beloberk (Loomis, Calif.) and Highh Treason, a 2011 Arabian gelding (Tomanchie x Ecstatika) owned by Katie Beloberk

• AnnaMaria Clarke (Davis, W.Va.) and Southern Justice, a 2012 Arabian gelding (PA Gazsi x PA Ecolina) owned by Valerie Kanavy and Dessia Miller

• Vanessa Erickson (Rocklin, Calif.) and Leno, a 2016 Arabian gelding (Dahess x Ta Dance WithTheStar) owned by Samantha Ellis

• Uma Kraskin (Deland, Fla.) and Maggies Nchanted Pipi, a 2011 Arabian mare (FSF Dakaros Enchanter x Whizlin Comets Maggie) owned by Evelyn Baig

• Lila Reeder (Loomis, Calif.) and Cricket MHF, a 2017 Arabian gelding (Jolly By Golly x Awesome Zell MHF) owned by Bethany Reeder

The course for the 2025 FEI Endurance World Championships for Juniors and Young Riders will cover 120 km (~74 miles) across grass, fields, agricultural roads, and forest terrain. Horses must cross the finish line in a maximum time of 20:07:30 to be classified. Designed to test stamina, skill, and partnership, the course requires athletes to balance pace with precision while maintaining their horse’s health, as verified by rigorous veterinary checks at each phase.

Competition Information

Competition officially begins Saturday, September 20, at 6:45am GMT+3 and will conclude with the Prize Giving and Closing Ceremony on Sunday, September 21, at 12:00 p.m. GMT+3/5:00 a.m. EST.

More at https://www.usef.org/media/press-releases/us-athletes-horses-set-for-2025-fei