JustWorld Ambassador Richard Neal Wins ‘Final Four’ at Spruce Meadows

Calgary, Alberta – One of JustWorld International’s newest junior ambassadors, 15-year-old Richard Neal, won the ‘Four Final’ 1.40m competition held during the Spruce Meadows ‘Skyliner’ tournament in Calgary, Canada. JustWorld International is a not-for-profit, humanitarian organization founded to work as a catalyst for positive change in the developing world by helping underprivileged children.

Run in the World Championship format, the ‘Final Four’ sees riders compete throughout the week with the top four in the standings going head-to-head on the final day where, in a true test of horsemanship, each rider competes on all four horses.

Following the opening speed round, Neal was placed 16th among the field of 55 competitors. In Friday’s Prix des Nations, where Neal was competing as the anchor rider of the ‘Just World West’ team which also included JustWorld Ambassadors Paris Sellon and Mavis Spencer, he produced a clear round to jump up to fifth place in the standings. Yet another clear in Saturday’s Grand Prix saw Neal move into fourth place on the leader board, qualifying him for Sunday’s ‘Final Four’.

Things got off to a rocky start for Neal, whose first ride in the ‘Final Four’ was his own. Larina, a 10-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare, crashed through the fourth fence on course, and the pair was eventually eliminated, resulting in a score of 21 faults. Braving adversity, Neal then rode all three of his competitor’s horses, turning in three clear rounds. With a final score of 21 faults, Neal emerged the winner of the $15,000 Riddell Family ‘Final Four’.

“After being eliminated with Larina, I had to ride the same course with the three other horses. It was not the most pleasant experience,” reflected Neal, who had also participated in last year’s ‘Final Four’ and placed fourth overall with a score of 12 faults. “After the first round, I was completely destroyed and had no confidence, so I got more out of the experience by pushing myself to get on and doing it. You grow a lot and learn a lot about yourself.”

Neal, who hails from Pasadena, California, became a Just World Rider Ambassador this spring.

“I had heard a lot about JustWorld because my trainer’s wife, Francie (Steinwedell-Carvin), had recently joined,” explained Neal who trains with Dick Carvin and Susie Schroer. “Once I started talking to Jessica and hearing more about it, I got more excited. I think the reasons for joining are obvious; it is just such a wonderful organization. I can contribute by doing what I am doing now, so there is really no reason not to.”

“It was so exciting to come to Spruce Meadows and see that our newest junior members from the west coast were so proud and excited to be involved that they named their prix de nations team ‘Just World West’,” said Jessica Newman, Executive Director of JustWorld International. “Seeing each of them wear the JustWorld colours, and knowing that they were all riding for a reason greater than glory, made me so proud! We have a wonderful group of new ambassadors, and I am thrilled that our family is growing both on the west coast, as well as internationally.”

There are currently more than 120 JustWorld Rider Ambassadors around the world representing 25 nations, from pony kids to juniors, amateurs, and Olympians who donate portions of their prize money and act as spokespeople for JustWorld International. Recognized by their signature royal blue riding jackets as well as their JustWorld saddle pads and blankets, these riders have made the commitment to be part of the JustWorld family and support an important cause.

Founded in 2002, JustWorld International raises awareness and funds in the equestrian community to support humanitarian projects that benefit impoverished communities and children in the developing world. Cooperating with local partners, JustWorld International implements sustainable, culturally sensitive education, health and vocational projects. For more information on JustWorld International, please visit www.justworldinternational.org.

PHOTOGRAPH: JustWorld Junior Ambassador Richard Neal (center) won the ‘Final Four’ competition during the Spruce Meadows ‘Skyliner’ Tournament in Calgary, Canada. Photo credit: Cansport Photography, courtesy of Spruce Meadows