In the first-ever JC Medal under a new format, it was 14-year-old Sloane Betker of Kelowna, British Columbia, who proved the best, topping a field of 10 competitors from around the country to win the JC Medal after three phases.
Fran McAvity, head of rules and a member of the Jumping Committee, spoke about the JC Medal and its new format. “The whole idea was to redevelop and revamp the format of the former JC Medal. This new format gives the opportunity to many more junior riders across the country to compete at regional finals which is the same format as the National Final,” said Fran. “We hope this new program encourages and helps develop better future Hunter and Derby riders,” she added.
And Derby ride she did, as young Sloane also competed in the Canadian National Hunter Derby Championships, placing 11th. Sloane spoke about her experience in the JC Medal and competing at Royal West. “This was a much better show for me than my first Royal West where I competed with my pony and he bucked me off into the bushes on the side of the ring,” she giggled. Sloane was nine years old at the time. When asked about her horse, she answered, “I have had him for two years now, and this was my first-ever show season together with him. I just moved up to the 3’6” division in June and didn’t really know about the JC Medal until July. It is really awesome, because I get to do some of the bigger stuff.“ added Sloane.
The JC Medal was added to the schedule of events at the 2021 Royal West only a few weeks ago when it became apparent that the Angelstone November indoor show may not be able to run. John Anderson was asked about the competition being added on such short notice. “My team is fantastic and we knew we could pull it off.” said Anderson. “It did mean that we had to move all of our Hunter jump material down to Stampede for one event, but it ended up being good news for the Hunter Derby riders, because we figured, ‘What the heck! We may as well add that division as well.’” laughed John.
Equitation continues Nov. 3rd with the Flat & Gymnastic phase of the CET Medal National Finals, followed by the start of the Canadian Championships for the 1.0m, the 1.10m, the 1.20m, the 1.30m, and the $175,000 Open Jumper National Championships.
Online viewing is available at RMSJ TV.
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