Nicole Walker of Aurora, ON, won the Running Fox CET Medal Final on Thursday, November 10, at the 2011 Royal Horse Show in Toronto, ON.
Riding Brittland Hughes’ nine-year-old Argentine Warmblood gelding, SS San Remo, Walker won the CET Medal Final. The CET Medal Final is held over two days and consists of three phases — Flat/Gymnastic, Jumping and a Final Four test.
In the Flat/Gymnastic phase held Wednesday, November 9, riders were required to complete a demanding gymnastic course featuring counter canter, trot and hand gallop fences. Walker handily won the phase with a score of 84, which was six points ahead of her closest competitor. Returning to the Ricoh Coliseum the following day for the Jumping phase, Walker placed third with 83. First place in the Jumping Phase was awarded to Zoe Beckerman of Toronto, ON, with a score of 86.
Combining the scores from the Flat/Gymnastic and Jumping phases, the top four riders overall returned for a final test, which included rollback turns as well as hand galloping a fence immediately followed by a halt. Walker and SS San Remo performed a flawless final test, including executing a perfect final halt, to secure the win.
“It feels pretty awesome to win the CET Medal because I have been working toward this goal all year,” said Walker, who is coached by Canadian Olympian, Beth Underhill. “Since this is the last ride on my horse, it is also a bitter-sweet victory.
“Winning the CET Final is a great step for my future in the sport because equitation is very important,” continued Walker, who finished second in last year’s Final with SS San Remo.
Designed to be a foundation for riders moving from the hunter divisions into jumper competition, the Running Fox CET Medal Final 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 held across Canada, were invited to contest the Running Fox CET Medal Final at the Royal Horse Show.
As the winner, Walker received a new Childeric saddle donated by long-time CET Medal Final sponsor, Running Fox.
Laurence Addison of Lorraine, QC, was the reserve champion while 2011 Jump Canada Medal winner, Amelia Vernon of Calgary, AB, finished third. Zoe Beckerman of Toronto, ON, placed fourth.
Running Fox CET Medal Final overall results
Placing / Rider / Hometown
1 / Nicole Walker / Aurora, ON
2 / Laurence Addison / Lorraine, QC
3 / Amelia Vernon / Calgary, AB
4 / Zoe Beckerman / Toronto, ON
5 / Melissa Tomkins / Burnaby, BC
6 / Kendra Martenfeld / Toronto, ON
7 / Shelby Edwards / Dewinton, AB
8 / Taylor Brooks / Vars, ON
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