Ottawa, ON—Lauren Gue of Vancouver, BC, emerged the winner of the Running Fox CET Medal Final on Thursday, November 12, at the Royal Horse Show in Toronto, ON.
Riding her horse Toronto, a nine-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding, Gue 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 11, riders were required to demonstrate lengthening of trot, lengthening of canter and canter lead changes prior to starting a demanding gymnastic course featuring bounces. Gue placed second in this phase, within one point of the leader, Miranda Travers-Cavill of Claremont, ON. Gue returned to the Ricoh Coliseum the following day for the Jumping Phase where she once again finished one point behind Travers-Cavill for second place.
The top four riders returned for a final test, which included a trot fence and a halt in the middle of a six-stride line. Gue and Toronto performed a flawless final test to secure the win.
“I remember watching the older riders at my barn doing this class, but I never thought that one day I would win the CET Medal Final at the Royal,” said Gue, 17, following the awards ceremony. “On both days, the courses rode really well, but were very difficult. Knowing your horse in a class like this means everything.”
Designed to be a foundation for riders moving from the hunter divisions into jumper competition, the Running Fox CET Medal is a two-phase equitation class 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.
“This is Lauren’s first year jumping 3’9” and she is a real natural,” said Gue’s coach, 1988 Canadian Olympian Laura Balisky. “She is a great rider and a very dedicated working student.”
As the winner, Gue received a brand new Childeric saddle donated by long-time CET Medal Final sponsor, Running Fox.
“It was such a great class to watch. Lauren really stepped up and put the pressure on the other riders in the final round with her fantastic trip,” said Debra Smith, co-owner of Running Fox. “That is the reason we really enjoy sponsoring this class.”
Cassandra Kahle, of Langley, BC, was the Reserve Champion while Lanie Thomas of Kingston, BC, finished third. Miranda Travers-Cavill of Claremont, ON, placed fourth.
Running Fox CET Medal Final overall results
Placing / Rider / Hometown
1 / Lauren Gue / Vancouver / BC
2 / Cassandra Kahle / Langley, BC
3 / Lanie Thomas / Kingston, ON
4 / Miranda Travers-Cavill / Claremont, ON
5 / Ally Franczak / Calgary, AB
6 / Anne-Sophie Milette / Montreal, QC
7 / Jessica Rooks / Pitt Meadows, BC
8 / Jordan Wilson / Okotoks, AB
9 / Laurence Addison / Lorraine, QC
10 / Angelica Edward Jones / Calgary, AB
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