“Phenomenal Performance”: 16 Year Old Equestrian Clinches FEI’s Prestigious Trophy In Mechelen

The equestrian industry offers a healthy environment to its younger aspirants with numerous contests. Enthusiastic equestrians find a route forward from an age as early as 12. With programs introduced to encourage the sport among the younger generation, riders have found the right backing to head further. For 16-year-old German equestrian, the path has been particularly well performed.

The FEI recently hosted one of its many series for the season. After over two months of contests, Mechelen welcomed the FEI Jumping Ponies Trophy Final on the 30th of December. As the young athletes gathered to get their hands on the trophy, it was Naomi Himmelreich ultimately clinching the title.

The young equestrian puts up a spectacle

FEI recently introduced the Jumping Ponies series to encourage the younger generation’s participation in equestrian sports. Naomi Himmelreich took the challenge on rather well as she secured her 2nd win of the month Saturday. FEI, excited about the performance, took to Instagram to share the winning moment. “Pony Power,” the caption started. “Naomi Himmelreich 🇩🇪 clinches the victory with Red Star Optimus in today’s 1.35m FEI Jumping Ponies Trophy Final 2023 in Mechelen… Congratulations on this phenomenal performance,” it further read.

The youngster alongside Red Star Optimus managed to put up 6 penalties evoking an obstacle to 1st podium finish. However, competitor Ava Eden van Grunsven second in line, held just one more penalty than Naomi. The equestrian thus, with 68.14 seconds on the clock, earned the gold at the coveted event. Grunsven was followed by Ellen Hammarström in third position with 66.35 seconds. For 16-year-old Naomi Himmelreich, the month brought two prestigious titles. Before the FEI Jumping Ponies Trophy Final, the youngster had trodden the path to live a dream.

A dream attained by the aspiring youngster

On December 10th, Germany hosted the Aachen Jumping Youngsters 2023 calling upon the growing athletes. Among the 28 youngsters in contention, Naomi took to the grounds in the final moments to secure a win. With zero faults and 56.24 seconds on the clock, the winning moment was for the 16-year-old and Red Star Optimus to cherish.

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“That really is a dream come true for me,” commented the equestrian. “He gave everything for me again. Winning here in Aachen, was always my dream. Which is why I am all the happier to have achieved my goal now.”  According to her FEI profile, Naomi currently stands with 85 wins with the most recent individual rank stating 31. Aged only 16 and hundreds of starts to her name, the equestrian seems to own a brighter path ahead.

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