When Dylan Munro (CAN) enters the ring to compete, he remembers a piece of advice from his employer, Ben Asselin (CAN).
“Ben has always told me to trust in all the work, the countless hours put in at home, and my connection with my horse,” he said.
That was Munro’s recipe for success in Wednesday’s MarBill Hill U25 1.35m. He rode to victory aboard Gryffindor de Hay as competition kicked off at the Summer Fort Classic.
The winning time in the jump-off competition was 39.74 seconds. Isabel Coxe (USA) and Fuego finished second (40.79s), followed by Georgia Knight (CAN) and Ero del Pierire (41.62s).
Ten of the 23 combinations advanced to the jump-off of Joey Rycroft’s (CAN) track, and through the first half of the class, it appeared that defending series champion Knight might add to her tally of U25 victories as she set a strong standard with her big-strided partner Ero del Pierire, with whom she competed at the recently concluded North American Youth Championships in Traverse City, MI (USA).
Coxe was the first the get the better of her, but her lead didn’t last long. Two rides later, Munro put the class away with Attache Stables’ 8-year-old French bred gelding.
“It was a quick jump-off. I watched a few before me, and it was just quick in general,” Munro said. “I can’t identify one [part of my round where I was fastest]. I was pretty efficient everywhere.”
Munro has been aiming to break into the U25 divisions with Gryffindor de Hay, whom he’s been riding since the horse’s 6-year-old season. The grey gelding has shown a maturity beyond his years from the beginning, forming a connection with his 21-year-old rider almost immediately.
“The connection [with him] is hard to describe,” Munro said. “Whenever I can, he’s the first horse I get on in the morning. The feeling is so good. If I’m ever struggling with one of the other horses, I can always relate things back to him.
“He’s one of, if not the, nicest horses temperament-wise in the barn,” he added.
Munro is a stable rider for Attache Stables, working primarily with young, up-and-coming equine athletes. Originally meant to be a single gap-year endeavor after high school, he’s remained with the team for nearly four years.
“It was a unique opportunity to get out and really enjoy horses and experience life, and it kept growing from there,” Munro reflected. “My dad keeps telling me I need to go back to university, and at some point I will, but for now I’m in what I’m calling my fourth gap year.”
Munro isn’t operating on timetables. For now, he’s content in enjoying his journey—and a less traditional education.
“I’m so thankful for everyone’s support between Ben and Kelly [Koss-Brix], their parents Jonathan Asselin and Nancy Southern, and everyone in the barn,” he continued. “As much as it is a job, and you try to do the best you can, you have to enjoy each and every moment. Every time I step into the ring, it’s a privilege.”
$5,000 MarBill Hill U25 1.35m
Horse / Rider / Nationality / Owner / Faults / Time
1. Gryffindor De Hay / Dylan Munro / CAN / Attache Stables / 0/0 39.74
2. Fuego / Isabel Coxe / USA / 5 Roosters / 0/0 40.79
3. Ero del Pierire / Georgia Knight / CAN / Georgia Knight / 0/0 41.62
4. Chaccalanda / Olivia Stephenson / CAN / Olivia Stephenson / 0/0 43.14
5. Canberre 59 / Sloane Betker / CAN / Sloane Betker / 0/0 43.88
6. Nuovo Supremo / Jessa Rae Girard / CAN / Jessa Rae Girard / 0/0 47.92
7. Indy / Georgia Knight / CAN / Georgia Knight / 0/4 40.93
8. Jillz / Natalie Popham / CAN / Natalie Popham / 0/4 42.31
9. Fair Play d’Esquelmes / CAN / Nyah Chernoff / Stump Lake Ranch & Cattle Co Ltd / 0/4 42.94
10. Coralissa / Amanda Sinnett / CAN / MarBill Hill Farm / 0/4 45.73
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