Katie Johnson Claims her Second Gold Medal at 2008 NAJYRC
Katie Johnson Claims her Second Gold Medal at 2008 NAJYRC
Parker, CO – August 2, 2008
Competition continued today at the CN North American Junior and Young Rider Championships (NAJYRC) at The Colorado Horse Park Presented by Gotham North. In young rider dressage, Katie Johnson impressed judges and spectators with a 69.05% to claim the gold medal in the young rider individual test.
Johnson was also on the gold medal winning Region VII team on Thursday. Jennifer Brannigan held on to her lead in the CCI** division after turning in a clear round over David O’Connor’s cross- country course.
Young Riders Champion Katie Johnson with proud mom and trainer, Elizabeth Johnson
Dressage
After adding an individual gold medal to her team gold in the young rider dressage division, an emotional Katie Johnson couldn’t hold back tears of joy. “It hasn’t sunk in yet,” she said. “I came here hoping to be in the top ten.” The El Cajon, California resident said she was in a state of disbelief because she has only been partnered with her horse for three months. Johnson leased Millenium, a 14-year-old Dutch gelding by Inspekteur, with the intent of qualifying for NAJYRC, a goal that eluded her last year. Johnson has nothing but praise for her partner, who is owned by Pam Schachter. “I love him. He works so hard,” Johnson said. “He’s so honest. He went out there today and tried his gosh darned hardest.”
Although Johnson also enjoys snowboarding and wakeboarding, she’s committed to her riding career. “This is what I want to do,” she said. Johnson trains with her mother Elizabeth Johnson, as well as Debbie McDonald.