Canadian WEG team rider Megan Lane of Loretto, ON had plenty to celebrate after competing at the 2014 World Equestrian Games in Caen, France, marking her very first major games. Riding her 13-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare Caravella (by Contango x Riverman), Lane had a solid performance finishing 37th in the Grand Prix.
Lane received scores up to 7.6 for individual movements, with the highest being awarded for extensions and pirouettes. At the completion of her test, she earned a total score of 69.743% - putting her into 18th place at that point of the competition. She finished her inaugural Games in 37th position overall.
"She was a little bit more looky than she has been recently. She's never been in a venue this big, so I was expecting a little bit of electricity from her. But, all in all, she kept it together really well," explained Lane, who purchased Caravella, a former Hunter mount, five years ago, and has brought her along all the way up to the Grand Prix level.
In preparation of the World Equestrian Games, Lane was briefly coached by Volker Moritz, before returning to her regular trainer Oded Shimoni. In Caen Lane was especially excited about how far her partnership with Caravella has come. She's had the rare experience of taking the same mount to both junior and senior FEI championships, having previously competed with Caravella at the FEI North American Junior and Young Rider Championships (NAJYRC) as a Junior in 2011, and as a Young Rider in 2012.
"It's amazing. Progressing through to the Grand Prix feels a little bit normal to me now because I always expect progress. But it's definitely surreal to have my Junior horse here at the Games," said Lane, who claimed an impressive total of six medals at NAJYRC.
Photos © Astrid Appels
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