August 14, 2021 
The cheers that went up as Jimena Carrillo Watanabe cleared the final fence of the Children’s Final jump-off could be heard around the Traverse City Horse Show grounds.
In a thrillingly fast jump-off, the 14-year-old and her horse, First Time LS, had just guaranteed themselves a Children’s individual medal at the FEI North American Youth Championships. As the final rider returned to jump-off and it became apparent that Watanabe’s medal would be a gold one, the cheering only increased.
“It’s just amazing. I couldn’t believe that I won!” said Carillo Watanabe, who was one of five riders to return for the medal-deciding jump-off and ultimately stopped the clock in 32.93 seconds. “After I jumped the last jump, I just knew I had the best time because all of Mexico was screaming!”
Watanabe was joined on the podium by her fellow Mexican teammate Alessandro Neumann Priess, who earned the bronze medal after finishing with a jump-off time of 34.57 seconds aboard Corlinus. The silver medal went to the jump-off’s clear round pathfinder and the sole NAYC representative from Honduras, Lenir Alejandro Perez Facusse.
“Not too many people come from [Honduras] to represent it, and just representing it is an achievement and winning silver is like a super bonus,” said Facusse, who finished with a jump-off time of 33.73 seconds aboard Di Vadine.
For all three riders, the event marks their first time competing at the NAYC. Watanabe hopes it’s not her last.
“It’s amazing that the FEI can make this event for the young riders to have experience of what it’s going to be like in the future,” said Facusse, who has been partnered with First Time LS for the past three years. “[First Time LS] and I have had our ups and downs, as I think every rider does. It’s definitely been a journey, and I hope we can make more memories together.”
For full results of the FEI NAYC Children’s individual competition, click here. The NAYC action concludes on Sunday, August 15. Catch all of the action live on USEF Network. (Use promo code ‘nayc21’ for a free fan membership.)
