Wellington, FL – June 4, 2019 – The North American Riders Group (NARG) is back on the show jumping scene with renewed intensity representing riders, owners, trainers and their horses, with a keen focus on improving our sport at a global level. After three meetings in 2019, the NARG Board has elected new members, submitted an updated position statement to the IJRC, and approved a proposal for the return of the NARG Top 25.

Who is on Board?

After the first two meetings of 2019 in February and April, where several agenda items were discussed, the NARG Board agreed on a new Treasurer and invited three new members to join. Upon consent of all involved, the 2019 Officers and Board of Directors are: Mark Leone (USA)/President, Tiffany Foster (CAN)/Vice President, Lauren Hough (USA)/Treasurer, and Board: Kent Farrington (USA), Jimmy Torano (USA), Mark Samuel (CAN), Missy Clark (USA), Will Simpson (USA), Enrique Gonzalez (MEX), Andrew Welles (USA), Ben Asselin (CAN) and Eugenia Garza (MEX). Jennifer Markee remains as Executive Director.

NARG is grateful to all past Board Members whose contributions have given the organization the fundamentals needed to continue to serve the needs of the membership and represent North American riders, owners and trainers. With a renewed sense of commitment and energy, NARG welcomes the three new board members.

Advocating for the Sport with an Updated Position Statement

Also on the agenda for the February meeting and a follow up meeting in April was updating and reinstating the NARG Position Statement to the International Jumping Riders Club (IJRC). This includes key topics that are significantly important to the sport of show jumping today and in the future. The four page statement addressed the Blood Rule with solutions for revision in approach and rulings; adjusting the allocation of FEI Ranking Points for the AAA Category as well as the Nations Cup Final; the escalating costs of competing at FEI events in North America, particularly 2* shows; and the potential implementation of an FEI Course Designer Certificate of Capability.

The Return of the NARG Top 25

After a five year break, NARG is pleased to announce the return of the NARG Top 25 in 2020. Taking this year to analyze six years of past reports, study the current show jumping landscape in North America, revamp the evaluation system, NARG web site and communication systems, discuss presentation methods and reach out for feedback from an evaluation panel in the sport, NARG will be well-prepared to present the next generation of the NARG Top 25. EqSol returns as not only producer of the NARG Top 25 report, as they were from 2010-2015, but the niche agency has agreed to take on the vision and mission of the entire project from concept to completion.

With a ton of potential, the broad plan for the NARG Top 25 is slated to have a tremendously positive impact on our sport, athletes and horses.

The energy behind these efforts is palpable. Together we will once again improve our sport. Want to participate? Have ideas? Contact Jen Markee at 516-428-4423.