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WORLD CUP TRAIL-SATURDAY ITALIAN SARA D’IMPERIO TAKES THE GOLD WHILE AMERICAN SHARNAI THOMPSON WINS THE SILVER. BY TONYA RATLIFF-GARRISON AND ABIGAIL WILDER Sara D’Imperio knew she had a good horse, but she also knew she was up against some tough competition in the 2006 Youth World Cup trail event on Saturday, July 1. But in the end, Im Rusty Impression proved his worth with Sara besting a field of 32 to take the gold medal.
“My horse was very, very good,” Sara said, wiping away tears from her eyes. “He was waiting for me all the time. He was very fluid, and I was not ready for that. He was great!” Im Rusty Impression is a 13-year-old gelding owned by Beth Donley. Sara has been riding since she was 6 years old and has had the opportunity to ride many different horses. She attended her first Youth World Cup in 2004 when it was in Australia. “It was a wonderful experience,” she said. Team Italy’s manager, Stefania Ugolini, was thrilled to see Sara win the team’s first gold medal. “I’m so excited about her ride,” she said. “I knew she could win it, but you never know. All the kids out here are very, very good.” Sara, who placed fourth in showmanship earlier in the day with Im Rusty Impression, was also scheduled to ride him in western riding, hunt seat equitation and hunter under saddle. “I’m happy that I get to ride him again,” she said. “I really, really like this horse.” USA WINS ANOTHER SILVER
The United States flag again flew during the class awards ceremony for the Youth World Cup on Saturday. Sharnai Thompson, 19, won the silver medal in trail while riding Principle Income. “It was really good,” Sharnai said. “It really couldn’t have been much better. I had a couple spots that I kinda panicked on, but he was good. Sharnai completed the intricate pattern smoothly with the 12-year-old bay gelding owned by Joe Moran. “My strategy was just to be safe,” Sharnai said. “I don’t know him, so I just wanted to be safe everywhere possible. I think I have a little better idea for the second day.” Far from being finished for the day, Sharnai still has to compete in western pleasure, western horsemanship, western riding, hunter under saddle and hunt seat equitation. She has already placed third in the first class of the day, showmanship. “I’m doing every event today and tomorrow,” Sharnai said. “I feel like I’m probably the most ready for western riding, but I’m also the most nervous about it since I want it to go well. I’m ready to get it over with.” Sharnai prepared for the Youth World Cup by keeping up her usual riding program and riding 2-year-olds. “I tried not to get too nervous about it by over-preparing.” Sharnai said. Team USA has held the lead in points so far this week, with its members consistently placing in the top 10. “Everything is going according to plan so far,” Sharnai said about her team. For the full results, click HERE.
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