Ali Ramsay of Victoria, BC, emerged the winner of the Running Fox CET Medal Final on Thursday, November 8, at the 2012 Royal Horse Show in Toronto, ON.
Riding her own 10-year-old Hanoverian gelding, Alonzo, Ramsay won the CET Medal Final which was held over two days and included three phases-Flat/Gymnastic, Jumping and a Final Four test.
In the Flat/Gymnastic phase held Wednesday, November 7, riders were required to complete a demanding gymnastic course featuring bounces and trot fences. Ramsay won the phase, with a score of 87, six points ahead of Kendra Martenfeld of Toronto, ON, with 81. Ramsay returned to the Ricoh Coliseum the following day where she earned 76.5, which was enough to remain at the top of the two day standings with a combined, two-round total of 163.5.
The top four riders returned for a final test, which included a canter, four loop serpentine demonstrating a simple or flying change each loop, a half turn on the haunches, jumping at a collected canter and a halt. Ramsay and Alonzo performed an almost flawless final test to secure the win.
“I’ve been doing the CET for four years, so that really helped in my preparation for today,” said Ramsay, who is coached by Joanne Orchard. “My coach Joanne is kind of psychic. We had done all the tests found in the gymnastic phase at home. She has an idea of what is going to happen at the Royal. Nothing comes as a surprise for us.”
“I’m very proud of Ali,” said Orchard, who is a certified Equine Canada level 2 coach. “In British Columbia, we are blessed with an excellent course designer in Peter Holmes, who prepares us really well for these competitions. He just does a beautiful job all year long.”
“The medal classes, especially the CET Medal, are really important because they include the three phases. They don’t leave a step out and it makes for good foundations, leading to good riders,” added Orchard.
Designed to be a foundation for riders moving from the hunter divisions into jumper competition, the Running Fox CET Medal is an equitation competition where the riders are judged on their position and riding style, as well as their ability to control the horse over a jumper course. The top 16 riders, qualified from four Regional Finals, were invited to contest the Running Fox CET Medal Final at the Royal Horse Show.
As the winner, Ramsay received a new Childeric saddle donated by long-time CET Medal Final sponsor, Running Fox. The top eight riders received coolers and all 16 entries were awarded lovely Walsh halters-all courtesy of Running Fox. Running Fox also sponsored the four regional finals across Canada as well.
“It has been a joy and privilege for Running Fox to sponsor the CET Finals for the last 12 years,” said Debra Smith, co-owner of Running Fox. “The class that was originally started by Mrs. Barbara Anderson has developed into a very competitive class that is enjoyed by competitors from across Canada. The Royal Winter Fair highlights this competition and brings out the best the contestants have to offer. This year we would like to congratulate Ali Ramsay, the winner, on a job well done. Thank you to all the finalists for your efforts.”
The remaining top four athletes were, Kendra Martenfeld of Toronto, ON, as the Reserve Champion, Haley Stradling of Aldergrove, BC, finishing third, with Brigitte McDonald, of Calgary, AB, rounding out the top four.
Running Fox CET Medal Final overall results
Placing / Rider / Hometown
1 / Ali Ramsay / Victoria, BC
2 / Kendra Martenfeld / Toronto, ON
3 / Haley Stradling / Aldergrove, BC
4 / Brigitte McDonald / Calgary, AB
5 / Katelyn Burke / Caledon, ON
6 / Alicia Gadban / Delta, BC
7 / Billie Derouet / Bromont, QC
8 / Rachel Bingham / Oakville, ON
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