2008 CONTEST

RESULTS ARE IN !

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"Why is my horse/pony a Champion?”

The $2,000 Inspiring Young Riders Contest

The Halton Place Inspiring Young Riders Contest was created to provide financial assistance and inspiration to young Canadian equestrians in the hope of making their dream of riding and competing become a reality.

Thank you to everyone who has submitted an essay!

Results are below:

First Place:

Alana Nair

Age: 17

When champions are recognized, they are recognized for the absolute best they have achieved, and all of the hard work that they have endured to get to the point of success. A champion can be defined as many different things; the most literal definition as one who has defeated all opponents in a competition, or the more in depth definition; a warrior or a fighter. My horse highlights and even surpasses the multiple definitions that can describe a champion.

My 19-year old horse, Fred, cannot possibly stand beside an A-circuit, end of the year champion and compare to their outstanding abilities. This is because Fred could not be bothered to jump courses of over three feet without turning his head every other canter stride questioning me as to what he has done to deserve this. He is not that kind of champion. Instead, he would rather be pulled out of his stall, groomed for an hour (which generally includes a nap), and then go out to practice that amazing extended trot he only ever does to show off to the other horses in the arena. No one has the heart to mention to him that he’ll never be judged on it!

Throughout the many years I have been riding Fred, everything about him establishes a stereotype for him as the “underdog”. He has a very plain name, he is a very simple looking horse - a bay, and is just understood to be a good horse. After getting to know this very plain horse, it has changed my whole perception on him because that stereotype was definitely far from true. Fred has shown Trillium in his early years, and now enjoys showing smaller schooling shows. Fred has no fancy show name to show him off either, his show name is the very same - Fred. Whenever we are called into the ring, it has become habit for me to see who will laugh at his so called “show name” this time. It is no longer something to make fun of, it is how Fred is remembered.

Showing your horse is a very inspirational event because there is always learning to take place, and the teamwork lies between you and your horse. Showing with Fred is never about just the ribbons, because I do not need to receive a ribbon to justify his abilities. Fred enjoys everything about showing, from the minute I begin braiding him, I know he is aware of the exciting day ahead of him. There are so many different qualities your horse must have in order to take on a day of showing with you, and essentially make the rider proud of all the training and work they have put forth. Not only does Fred work hard every time I bring him out to ride, regardless of his age, he allows me to feel like a champion at every show I go to without even receiving a ribbon. For a horse to be able to award the rider with that feeling, is something that cannot even be described.

Regardless of the status and level of your horse, a champion should always possess qualities that reinforce that title. A partnership and bond is an integral part of any championship team. Fred constantly illustrates championship qualities such as; loyalty, trust and honesty. Everyday Fred reminds me that these qualities are found within him. The smallest things validate his quiet temperment such as; coming when his name is called, standing without crossties, “talking” when he is asked to, performing tricks such as bowing, kiss, and smile, to finally walking beside me without any encouragement. A champion should always acknowledge equality within their team mates, and this is how Fred shows that, by walking beside me, not in front of or behind.

Fred constantly wins me over with everything that he does, not only can I have fun whenever I go out to ride him, he also reminds me everyday that winning is not everything, and the unnoticed underdog can always step up and prove everybody wrong. Fred is Fred, what you see is what you get with my horse and regardless of how plain looking and how docile he is, he constantly challenges himself and whether he brings home a ribbon to justify it or not, he is my champion.

Second Place:

Olivia Grace Mortimer

Age: 11

Why My Pony Is A Champion

The dictionary describes a champion as “a person, animal or thing that wins first place, or is judged to be the best in a contest or a sport.” My definition of champion would be more than a first place ribbon holder, because I believe that although there are many talented ponies who are winners in the ring, they can not hold a candle to my pony; a little bay gelding called Tyson. His spirit, temperament, ability to jump and his beautiful way of going make him a wonderful show pony, but what makes him a true champion is the way time spent with him makes you feel inside.

Tyson’s show name is Napoleon Dynamite, and  just like the early 19th century French general; Napoleon Bonaparte, Tyson is a little man with dark hair, dark eyes and a commanding presence! Whether we are at the barn, or at a show, this small but mighty pony, with his charming looks and sweet disposition draws people to him with comments such as “How’s the world’s cutest pony today?”

We all know that good looks aren’t everything and fortunately Tyson has been blessed with beauty and a first place personality. He is gentle and tolerant, for instance when I tack him up he will stand patiently despite the flies best efforts to annoy him. His natural curiosity makes me laugh; his top lip has the dexterity of an anteater’s nose and instead of searching out insects, he will quietly search for treats! His ears are always forward, his eyes are always bright, and he is loving, and friendly to everyone he meets.

This has been my very first year showing and I would have to say that Tyson’s ability to learn quickly and to allow me to learn with him, is amazing. His quiet confidence, steady pace, big stride and willingness to jump, help me to improve, and to have fun along the way!

There are moments when a special friend can make a difference that no-one else can, and Tyson is that friend to me. We share a very special bond, and there are many times when I wish that I could stay the same size and age, in order to ride him forever. I know that this is not possible, but when that time does come, although my body will have outgrown him, my heart will remain Tyson sized.            

Some champion ponies overcome great challenges, or win the best ribbons year after year. I believe that Tyson has the potential to be great in the eyes of the show judges, but in my eyes he is already a champion because he has opened up the world of equestrian sports for me. He is the reason that I love to ride, love to show and that makes him my champion! Thank-you Tyson. You’re the best! 

Third Place:

Megan Barker

Age: 15

Why My Pony is a Champion?

I have been riding since I could walk, but I have never had a horse.

            Athletic, fast, and powerful; three words that describe the most talented partner I believe I will ever have.  Gidget and I were introduced to each other three years ago when I was showing in the Large Pony division on the Central West Trillium Circuit. I was hoping to finally start competing in the jumper ring and was looking for a horse that would help me to make the Young Riders Team. When I first saw Gidget she was exactly what I had always dreamt my jumper to look like. She had a flea bitten grey coat, big brown eyes, load of jumping talent, and she seemed to know exactly what was going on. Unfortunately for Gidget, she had one small problem that everyone other than her, myself included, was painfully aware of. What Gidget didn’t realize was that she was only 13.1 ½ hand high.

            I began riding Gidget, a Welsh Arab X, in the winter of 2005 and worked very hard with her throughout the summer of 2006.  Control was our biggest issue.  Gidget was sure she knew better than me how fast to go, or how many strides to put in.  Exercises to slow her down annoyed her; waiting for her chance, she would turn her head and bite my knee, insisting we jump at her one and only gear, a flat out gallop.  Finally, a pony elevator bit and custom made Gidget-sized figure 8 jumper bridle helped sort out our many rough spots, and we started to put in smooth, balanced rounds.  In the winter of 2006/2007 we were the champion 3’0” jumper in the Twinholm Winter Schooling Series and I decided to try the Child Adult Jumper Division on the Trillium Circuit. Shortly after this decision we had a horrible fall over a jump and I broke my hand, setting us back months while we both tried to regain our confidence. By the middle of the summer Gidget and I were back in the show ring and we competed at the last few Trillium shows. Our greatest accomplishment of the season though, was winning both the $1500 Next Generation Pony Jumper Classic and the $2500 Central Graphics Pony Jumper Classic at the Halton Place shows.

            This year Gidget and I are successfully showing Central West Child/Adult Jumper against much larger horses.  Our goal is to qualify for Trillium Championships in September.  I know Gidget would love to jump in the Grand Prix ring at Palgrave, and to hear her name over the speakers.  Gidget has made many friends and fans during the time we have been partners - everyone admires her determination and fierce competitive spirit.  “Go go Gidget!” they cheer, and Gidget obliges by taking a victory gallop around the ring after her course, despite my best attempts to quell her enthusiasm.  We have had much success in the jumper ring, but it is not about the ribbons.  Every jump, every course, Gidget gives it her everything she has.  She throws her heart and soul over the fences, often jumping her own height, and constantly teaching me to be a better rider. 

            Between shows Gidget and I enjoy hacking and galloping along the bridle path that borders our barn’s property. Gidget is talented at many things; jumping being only one of them. She has character and spirit that is hard to rival and I wouldn’t give her up for a jumper with longer legs. No matter how great a horse may be, nothing could come close to the huge part of my life she has become. If I was to receive the money from this bursary contest I would put it towards purchasing Gidget at the end of the season. She is a huge part of my life and losing her would mean losing something very close to my heart.

            In conclusion; Gidget is a champion in my eyes because of her strength, natural ability, intelligence and heart. No horse or pony could have made me a better rider than Gidget, and nothing comes close to what she means to me.

 Fourth Place:

Alexandra Henry

Age: 15

What Makes My Horse a Champion?

“And the champion is number one hundred and seven, Answered Prayer, owned and ridden by Alexandra Henry.” Sure, your horse can be given the title champion for having the fastest clear round or perfect lead changes, but is that what really makes them a champion? No, I believe that there many different ways that make a horse, just like mine, a champion.  A champion horse is a horse that puts his rider first, a horse that can read and understand his rider’s every thought and movement perfectly, a horse that is loyal, brave, and strong, a horse that stops and looks down at you, puzzled, when they see you lying in the dirt next to them, and would never think about leaving you there without knowing that you could get back up and ride them out of the ring.

            Answered Prayer, better know as Limbo, is a 13 year old Holsteiner gelding, and my best friend. I started riding Limbo just after he was broke at the age of 4 and I was only 6. I can count the number of times he’s ever done anything stupid on one hand. I think he laughs to himself when he sees other horses spooking at things like chairs and leaves.  I have been riding Limbo for nine years now and he has taken me through everything, from short stirrup hunter to metre ten jumpers.  He has always been there for me, whether he’s just cheering me up when I’m sad or saving me from eating sand when we get into a sticky situation. Limbo is the smartest horse I have ever met, he’s more like a human stuck in a horses body and he understands me like no one else ever could, he has even saved my life.

            When I was twelve I was rushed to the hospital with a blood sugar level of 32.5, which is extremely high, about six times the average or normal level. I was then diagnosed with Juvenile Diabetes. The first thought I had when they told me this was not about the diabetes it was about when I would be able to go ride Limbo again. The doctors could not believe how healthy I was when I came into the hospital. Normally someone who had diabetes as long as I had, and not know about it, with blood sugars as high as mine, should be extremely sick, unable to walk, in a serious coma, or dead.  They told me that the reason I was not very sick or in a coma was because of my riding. My muscles were so strong and developed, from my tank of a horse, that they were able to stop the debilitating effects of the Diabetes.

            So not only is my horse amazingly talented, super cute, brave and extremely loyal, he is also my life saver, my hero, my best friend and a true champion.

 Fifth Place:

Arynne Boyes

Age: 13

My Champion

"Well, that's it I guess - we will have to send him back"

I felt my heart sink as my parents delivered the worst news ever. The beautiful chesnut that was to be mine for the year was injured and unridable. It seemed like it was all a dream. My coach had found the perfect horse and when I rode him it was like floating on air. Something just clicked and it was truly love at first sight. I was counting the days until our first show.

But suddenly this dream had turned into a nightmare. I knew it wasn't good. "We don't live on a farm" my parents reminded me"What are we going to do with a horse you can't ride?" "Please just give him a chance" I begged, "I know in my heart he is going to be okay - I can feel it" The Veterinarian explained he would need the summer off at the very least and preferably the year. Even then it would be a wait and see situation.

And so the show season was over before it had even began. I was heartbroken. Over the next few weeks I hoped and prayed that something would change, that he would somehow get well. No such luck. Then, one day not long after, my luck changed. Due to unfortunate circumstances, the horse's owner could not take him back and he now belonged to me. "You won't be sorry" I promised my parents, "I know he is going to get better."

The long journey began. Just because I couldn't ride him didn't mean I couldn't do other things. Every day I would get off the bus after school and brush, graze and pamper him. Sometimes we would just hang out together. I would whisper words of encouragement to him and tell him my hopes and dreams. I knew he would heal. I never lost faith in him. Days turned into weeks and weeks turned into months. Almost fourteen months had passed and it was time to see if the injury had healed. I held my breath as the coach put him through his paces to see if all was well. My heart soared as he walked, trotted and cantered! He was sound! He had healed! Slowly, we began a fitness program to build back the muscle and strength he had lost and every day I could feel him getting stonger.

Finally we made it! We were at our first show! I was nervous and shaking as we went into the warm up ring. The last time I had been here was on a pony two years before and now it all seemed so overwhelming. I couldn't believe we were really here! We did our warm up and then it was off to the ingate. I gave him a pat, and said to my guy "Let's show them what we've got." He did not disappoint. This horse that I had put all my faith in floated over the course flawlessly. I gave him the biggest hug when we finished and my smile was as wide as could be. We had done it - we were a team! I never gave up on my horse and he never gave up on me.

My horse is a Champion because he has taught me that patience, faith and trust will always see you through and that good things come to those who are patient. I never stopped believing in my horse and he never stopped believing in me. Sometimes, if a fellow rider is having a tough day I have shared my story with them and encouraged them to never give up because good things come to those who persevere.

If you believe - you will achieve.

Sixth Place:

Victoria Daniel

Age: 16

Why is my pony a Champion?

I am lucky enough to have had chances to win aboard the made hunter, be constantly successful on board the youngster that I’ve spent all winter bringing along, and sadly enough, losing with the first horse you ever really let in your heart. These are all opportunities; to be gratified, rewarded, and to learn. These qualities are the aftermath of this sport, but to even begin we must provoke courage in our hearts, minds, bodies, and our horses. Different experience and change always happens, and the greatest lesson so far in this confusing and passionate sport is finding the place that makes you happy. The lessons you learn make every ride better, and every day better. What we take from our passion truly makes us daring, understanding, and loving.

Before I met Skye I was in the process of ending my riding career entirely. After a month or so of just going to school and not having any hobbies I looked around different horse classifieds just for fun, and then I found Skye. I remember thinking, maybe just for fun I’ll go try her out and see how things go. The financial commitment wasn’t big for my parents to want to buy into. When I went to see her, I felt drawn back into the sport. I instantly felt that she could be something fun. That night I decided she would be a new journey, and a new road to have the benefit of embarking on. At first I figured I would just play around and we could teach each other some new things. But after a couple months of riding again I decided I would show her the ropes of the hunter world. We are the perfect match. She is truly my greatest accomplishment; as we have come so far, in such a short time. Between the days where rearing was the one and only option to going into the large pony ring wearing the brave game-face, we always stuck it out.

Today, we have attended almost all the Gold level shows, and have been serious competitors. I am so proud of how far we’ve come in the last nine months we have spent together. I enjoy more than anything just spending time with her at the barn. When I wear my name-plate studded belt with my horses’ names, it’s like wearing your heart on your sleeve. Skye is my sleeve. She makes all the early mornings and “hurry-up-and-wait” days worth my while. Her bold and forgiving nature teaches me the most important lessons.

There is not enough room on the page or enough time to tell why she is a real champion. She has brought me back into the horse world and made me appreciate it more than ever. Even when she is completely expired and ready to go home from the horseshows, she still comes through and gives me the best effort in all her trips. We can go from galloping through the fields to walking into the show ring as winners. Her good-nature and big heart gives me the desire and challenge I need everyday. A champion shows true sportsmanship, graciousness, and talent. And every day she goes over and above exhibiting these qualities.

I strive to be a champion, because she is a champion. We are champions together.