The U.S. Endurance Team achieved a strong performance at the 2025 FEI Endurance World Championships for Juniors and Young Riders held in Buftea, Romania, finishing seventh overall with four horse-and-rider pairs completing the challenging 120 km course. Led by Interim Chef d’Equipe Heather Reynolds and supported by a dedicated crew, the team demonstrated excellent preparation and teamwork. AnnaMaria Clarke and her Arabian gelding Southern Justice (“Roo”) were the top American finishers, placing 23rd individually with a ride time of 6:43:57. Other team members Vanessa Erickson, Jax Beloberk, and Lila Reeder also completed the race, finishing closely behind.

The demanding course consisted of five loops through varied terrain including grass, fields, agricultural roads, and forests near Bucharest, with mandatory veterinary checks and rest periods after each loop to ensure the horses’ health. The event highlighted the skill and endurance of both riders and horses, with Clarke expressing pride in her partner Roo’s performance. The U.S. team’s cohesive effort and successful completion of the race underscore their competitive presence on the international endurance riding stage.