Equine Niagara News - at the Royal

Fun and Awards for Local Riders at the Royal
annie and robin
Robin Allen on Annie - a warmblood from Vandenbrink Warmbloods

The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair is fun for one and all, regardless of whether you live the country-life or just visit it now and then. But for those that show their horses all year in hope to have their grand-finale at the Royal, it's more than fun - it's work. First showing all season at the A's to qualify, then the preparation for the big event and probably the most work of all, dealing with the nerves from showing at the Royal.

Niagara boasts a great talent in the riders and the horses themselves. We had the pleasure of attending the Royal ourselves with Tori Pennell doing the Wind Rider Challenge demonstration as part of the OEF's Spirit of the Horse display - of course we covered that story in the last issue, but here is more of what others did at this year's event.

The Royal Winter Fair Horse Show wouldn't be the same without the competitors from Avanwhit Stables. Usually having many entries in various divisions, this year was no different for the "A" level barn. Shara Pavan, strives for excellence and achieves it with her horses and her students. A barn worthy of competition at the Royal. This year was no different.

cydney & molly Cydney and Molly last year.
First time competitors at the Royal, Cydney Pavan and Tanya Singh made their mark. Cydney was riding a veteran horse to showing at the Royal, Summit Lighthearted in the small pony division finishing 1st and 4th with Lily Weima finishing 4th on the pony as well. As one of the top four finalists in the small pony division, Cydney also qualified for the special evening Stake Class where she finished in 9th place. Also qualifying for this special Stake Class was Jannea Allen riding Pomodoro . Cyndey's hard work for the year had her finishing 3rd overall in the OHJA small pony division for the year. She was also awarded the High Point Welsh Pony title.

Tanya Singh, also a first-timer to the Royal and riding Beau Soleil in the Adult Amateur Hunter Division pinned 3rd, 5th and 8th. She finished the OHJA A Circuit 3rd overall as well.

As for the line classes, Mackay's Show N' Tell, a large pony, owned by Kelly Travers did excellent as well, finishing as Champion Half Welsh, and was Reserve Grand Champion Sport Pony, among numerous other first place finishes. The pony was handled and shown under saddle by Shara Pavan. Another one-year-old filly named Pagn placed 2nd in the Canadian Sport Horse Line Class.

Once again another grand finish for the riders and owners at Avanwhit Stables. And although, the following horses did not show at the Royal their finishes for the OHJA Year End standings are worth noting: Dan McGee - 1st place overall Junior Amateur Jumper; Bakari Champion Baby Green, ridden by Shara Pavan, 8th overall for Tanya Singh and Hamlet in the 1.10M Jumper Division and 6th overall for Chloe Dodge and Siebrand in the 1.0m Jumper. Chloe recently purchased Siebrand from Avanwhit Stables .

Moving on to other Royal Events. Jackie Vandenbrink was pleased to have the opportunity to show off her warmbloods for both herself, Vandenbrink Warmbloods and the Canadian Warmblood Horse Breeder's Association at the Spirit of the Horse display. Jackie attended on November 11th and 12th.
annie
"I decided to take Annie as my spokes-model. She's a good representation of what I breed. Top Dutch and German bloodlines with great comfirmation and a very good mind," says Jackie. Jackie breeds for the hunter, jumper and dressage market. Robin Allen had the pleasure of riding Annie in the demonstrations.

On another note, although this magazine is about horses and horse people, we couldn't let Victoria Wickabrod's ribbons go unnoticed - even if they were for a cow. For everyone that knows Victoria and her horse Molly, it's a pleasure to see Victoria doing so well in other areas as well.
victoria meagan
Victoria was showing Highland Cattle for Kim McQuhae of Gryphon Ridge Highlands. Meagan Sentineal and Victoria competed in the Highland Beef Showmanship against each other. In this division Meagan came first and Victoria second, then we went onto the next round in which Meagan won Grand Champion Highland Show Person and Victoria Reserve Champion. Meagan was showing Gryphon Ridge's Windigo, and Victoria Sunset Harmony's Unforgettable. Beef showmanship is based on how well you are able to handle your animal, a little different than horse showmanship, but you still have to square the animal up, know birthdays, sires and dams etc.

There was so much happening at the Royal, I couldn't see it all. And I'm sure there are more stories to tell, unfortunately - I just haven't found out about them as of yet. So if you were at the Royal, please send in the who's, what's, where's and why's - I as well as the other readers would like to know.

EQUINE NIAGARA NEWS - From the Horse's Mouth

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