FOURTH ANNUAL HORSE SHOW
FOR RIDERS WITH A DISABILITY
By V.J. Wilmin-Browne

Saturday, May 26th, 2007 saw the Fourth Annual Horse Show for Riders with a Disability, held at Fforest Mere Equestrian Centre.  The day showcased the talents and accomplishments of our budding equestrians. The event this year showed another superb turnout of riders with 44 competing on the day!

The weather was similar to last year – cool and cloudy to start, but lucky the rain held off – so it was the perfect competing temperature!!  The breezy airs and fresh temperatures ensured that everyone was bright and ready to perform. Horses were spotless, smartly trimmed and impeccably mannered, only to be outdone by the riders themselves. Friendly competition and camaraderie were the order of the day and our crowds, we are pleased to say seemed, yet again, to be bigger and more impressive than even last year!

The first horse and rider entered the ring just after 9:30 am. The schedule this year was spot on – amazingly!  We finished at precisely 3:45 p.m. – which was the time we had aimed for!   Judging for the events was proficiently carried out by Dawn Ruthven (Dressage p.m), Lorraine Bardua (Dressage a.m.), Fonda Monroe (Obstacle), Joann Orchard (Horsemanship p.m.) and Karen Whyte (Horsemanship a.m).  It was our pleasure to host such a distinguished list of judges - thank you!

The show was divided into two main segments – riders with assistants were scheduled in the morning, and independent riders rode in the afternoon. Each segment ended with awards, prizes and ribbons – everybody received recognition for their efforts. Ribbons were given to sixth place, and there were Champion and Reserve Champion ribbons for each division. During the lunch break, spectators were treated to a beautifully executed vaulting demonstration from the Manestream Vaulters, and a very special demonstration was given by Sergeant Ruth Lick on her dressage horse, Denis.  They rode a Third Level Freestyle test to music – leaving everyone watching in amazed silence!  The post-show wrap-up included the awarding of the Rachel Brameld Trophy, given to a deserving young rider in Dressage. This year, Sarah Rae, an Independent rider from Victoria Riding For The Disabled was the recipient; this is Sarah’s second time for winning the coveted trophy.  Other award recipients included: (for rider with handler and sidewalkers) Aviv Dekel (Champion), Amanda List (Reserve Champion); (rider with handler) Sarah Johnson (Champion), Miranda Yates (Reserve Champion); (independent rider) Mara Boulton (Champion), Kim Scott (Reserve Champion). Congratulations to all riders on their successes!

We already have things in mind for next year – so keep watching! If the standards this year are anything to go by, next year will be another “cracking” show!!!! Riders will be invited from various associations, stables and clubs throughout Vancouver Island, the mainland and the Pacific Northwest region.