August 11, 2021 
Seven months ago, Mia Albelo received the 16th birthday gift of many girls dreams in the form of Cocominka EST. Since then, the 10-year-old Rheinländer mare has been the gift that keeps on giving—including on Wednesday, August 11 at the FEI North American Youth Championships (NAYC).
The duo topped a 30-horse field to win the Pre-Junior First Individual Qualifier 1.30m at Traverse City Horse Shows, giving them an early lead in the Pre-Junior Individual competition and helping to put their Zone 4 team into second in the team standings.
“[Cocominka] has taken me to some of my biggest classes,” said Albelo, who hails from Florida. “I did my first High Junior class with her at [the Winter Equestrian Festival], and they set pretty big there. She just took me around like a champ. She’s just been the best partner and teacher. She’s really giving me a lot of confidence with the bigger fences.”
While Albelo did not necessarily to plan to come out guns blazing on Wednesday afternoon, the time of 59.19 seconds turned in by she and “Coco Loco” would prove to be untouchable in the one-round class. Second place with a time of 59.51 seconds went to Alexa Elle Lignelli and Girl Scout for Zone 2. Zone 7’s Ava Myers and Chico P rounded out the top three with a time of 59.67 seconds.
“The plan was just to go in and be quick, but not let the ‘cat out of the bag,’ basically, and to keep her ready for tomorrow. It ended up being the fastest time!” said Albelo, who has spent the last four years training with Margie Engle. “I’m just so happy with that. My horse was jumping great and turning great. She was just really, really good today. I’m so excited for the rest of the week, especially with this high note to start with.”
Watch Albelo’s winning ride:
While this year marks the inaugural year of the Pre-Junior division at the NAYC, as well as the inaugural year of the event being held in Traverse City, this is Albelo’s third time competing at the championships, having competed for Zone 4 in the Children’s division in 2018 and 2019.
“I think the concept of having a Nations Cup team format for the youth is one of the best ideas that USEF has made for us,” said Albelo.
“It’s such a special opportunity. We really don’t get that anywhere else. Usually, we’re competing as individuals against individuals; to be able to come together as a team with the team bonding and experiences, not just in the ring, but outside with our team poster making, our team dinners and just being able to cheer on all your friends at all the different heights. It’s such a fun experience. It’s really, really unique, and I’m so thankful to be part of it and to be here again. It’s truly unforgettable.”
The team of Zone 7/2 leads the way in the Pre-Junior competition. Full standings are available here.
For the complete schedule, results and more on the FEI North American Youth Championships, click here.
Feature image: ©Phelps Media Group
