Team Morgan arrived with a title to defend in the TELUS Battle of the Breeds. They were champions in 2010 and champions and fan favourite in 2009. They had a three-peat in their sights. When asked if this was in fact a dynasty in the making, team member Deb Clary of Tofield, AB, smiled and modestly replied. “Well, it would be very nice – we have been working hard through the year with a win as our goal.”
Deb Clary and Cec Watson are the long established experienced team members having participated on the team for over 15 years. Clary and Watson were joined by Liam Kronlund and Josephina Kaderabek. This year was Kaderabek’s first on team Morgan but she is not a stranger to competitions, having competed for many years in jumper ring at Spruce Meadows.
Well, it seems it is good to have goals. On Thursday September 8th, the first day of competitions, Team Morgan placed first in the Compulsory Skills and fifth in Jeopardy Jumping. Precision Driving and Barrel Race were held on Friday and Team Morgan placed second and fifth.
Trail Riding, held in Meadows on the Green on Saturday was the final testing ground in the series of five events. This event presents many challenges to the horses and their riders with training, trust and horsemanship being necessary ingredients for success. With a win in this competition, Team Morgan cemented their placing by 3 points over Team Appaloosa and eight over Team American Saddlebred.
Join the TELUS Battle of the Breeds fans at the Spruce Meadows “Masters” in 2012 to see this dynasty flourish!
2011 Final Standings
1. Team Morgan
2. Team Appaloosa Team
3. Team American Saddlebred
4. Team Paint
5. Team Connemara
6. Team Arabian
7. Team Shetland Pony
8. Team Quarter Horse
9. Team Canadian Horse
10. Team Canadian Horse
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