the recently completed North American Continental Young Riders Championships contested in Bromont, Quebec.

Twenty-year-old Gina Flood, on Swizzle Inn , came back from a rocky dressage showing to feature prominently in the final two disciplines of the three-day event and place fifth overall. However, fellow three-day eventer Peter Hind ( Prime Time ) and showjumping specialist Jill Terceira ( Alchemist ), both also 20, did not fare as well, Hind finishing in the lower half and Terceira having to withdraw.

Standing midway the field following the opening portion of the event, Flood and Hind moved in opposite directions thereafter. Flood rocketed up the tables courtesy of clear endurance and showjumping phases, but Hind, although not losing places, never gained any, especially after being assessed 60 jumping penalty points in the second part of the endurance test and 10 more for the showjumping.

Hind accummulated a whopping 146.80 penalty points, mostly due to his falling in a penalty zone, to finish 18th out of a 29-rider field. Flood also fell but fortunately not in an area where riders are penalised.

Flood's penalty total of 87.60 in fact was only 3.60 behind fourth-placed Deanna Hines of the United States, but more than 20 adrift of runaway winner Rebeka Smith (63.80) another American rider.

In fact, the Americans dominated the top 10 of the standings, having nine members counted among them with only Flood preventing a US sweep.

Terceira meanwhile had opened the week in spectacular fashion, guiding Alchemist to the second fastest time and knocking just one rail in the opening speed event, positioning herself in fifth after the first day.

The blazing start sent her into the individual championship harbouring high hopes of doing well, but these were mercilessly shot down with her forced withdrawal due to an injury incurred by her horse.

The team was accompanied by former Olympic equestrienne Carol Ann Blackman.

GINA FLOOD -- Impressive performance.