Shannon Walter of Campbellville, ON, closed out her 2022 competition season on a high note by winning the Pommies Cider Co. Junior/Amateur 3’3” Hunter championship title on Monday, November 7, at the Royal Horse Show, held as part of the 100th Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto, ON.
“She’s my heart horse for sure,” said Walter of her winning mount, Chantilly Lace. “I got her when she was three years old, broke her myself, and I’ve been the one bringing her up. She’s amazing. She’s always perfect, and this is her favourite show, so it was great to see her shine here.”
Walter and Chantilly Lace qualified to compete at the Royal Horse Show in the Junior/Amateur 3’3” Hunters, a new division that serves as a stepping-stone between the 3’ Adult Amateur Hunters and the 3’6” Amateur-Owner Hunters.
“I think the jump from 3’ to 3’6” is a big one,” explained Walter, 26, who trains with Wayne McLellan of WGM Stables. “We did the 3’6” Amateur-Owners the last time we competed at The Royal. Then she was off with an injury over the winter, so the 3’3” division seemed like a good medium option that is not too hard on her. I think the addition of this division is great. It gives horses a place that might not have a place in the 3’6”.”
Walter and the 12-year-old Canadian Sport Horse mare sired by Cabardino earned first, second, and fourth place ribbons over fences as well as fifth place in the under saddle class to take home the championship ribbon out of a competitive starting field of 16 horse-and-rider combinations. The 100th anniversary edition of the Royal Horse Show marks the pair’s fourth time showing at the prestigious year-end event together.
“It means a lot to be champion here,” commented Walter. “I’ve been coming here since I was a kid to watch the show, but Chantilly Lace was the first horse that ever took me to The Royal to compete. It’s just great to get better each year with her and build our relationship.”
Shannon Walter and Chantilly Lace were presented with the Pommies Cider Co. Junior/Amateur 3’3” Hunter championship title and the Murray and Louise Cornblum Challenge Trophy by Lindsay Sutcliffe of Pommies Cider Co.
This year’s Royal Horse Show showcases the very best in horse sport with an elevated CSI5*-W rating from the International Equestrian Federation (FEI). For more information and to purchase tickets for the Royal Horse Show, the marquee event of the 100th Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, please visit www.royalfair.org/horse-show.
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