Wits End Canadian Young Event Horse Competition

Local rider MH Lessard earns 2nd place finish at Wits End Canadian Young Event Horse Competition.

This new competition was held at Jo Young & Bill McKeen’s Wit’s End farm near Rosemont. The purpose of the competition is to identify young talented horses which will eventually become upper-level event horses.

Horse and rider had to complete four components. The first phase was a dressage test judged by Federation Equestre Internationale judge Jo Young. This required correct paces and obedience. The second phase was a show jumping round which included some natural cross-country obstacles. The form of the horses over fences and their ability to gallop were evaluated. The third phase was a conformation line class where the structure of the horse were assessed with relevance to their function. The last phase was a suitability class where all horses performed in a group.

“It was an honour to ride in front of Jim Elder, John Rumble and Walter Pady who were members of Canada’s first Olympic team,” says Lessard.
         
Lessard purchased Brady, a Hanoverian/Thoroughbred cross last spring. Brady was underweight and his feet had been neglected. “As soon as I saw him move, I was impressed and he has a wonderful, kind temperament” says Lessard. It took daily training for most of the summer to get Brady to pick up his hind feet without kicking out. He is now very well-mannered. Future plans for Brady & Lessard include competing in Montreal in mid-July. Lessard will also be riding one of her other horses Even, an 8year old ex-racing Thoroughbred.
         
Lessard will return to Wit’s End with Equus Brady for the Canadian Young Event Horse Finals on Sept. 30th
         
Equus 3D will be hosting a Canadian Young Event Horse Competition on Wednesday July 18th. For more info: call  519 940 0048 or email equus3d@ican.net

Submitted by: Allison Park