In the first-ever JC Medal under a new format, it was 14-year-old Sloane Betker of Kelowna, British Columbia, who proved the best, topping a field of 10 competitors from around the country to win the JC Medal after three phases.
Fran McAvity, head of rules and a member of the Jumping Committee, spoke about the JC Medal and its new format. “The whole idea was to redevelop and revamp the format of the former JC Medal. This new format gives the opportunity to many more junior riders across the country to compete at regional finals which is the same format as the National Final,” said Fran. “We hope this new program encourages and helps develop better future Hunter and Derby riders,” she added.
And Derby ride she did, as young Sloane also competed in the Canadian National Hunter Derby Championships, placing 11th. Sloane spoke about her experience in the JC Medal and competing at Royal West. “This was a much better show for me than my first Royal West where I competed with my pony and he bucked me off into the bushes on the side of the ring,” she giggled. Sloane was nine years old at the time. When asked about her horse, she answered, “I have had him for two years now, and this was my first-ever show season together with him. I just moved up to the 3’6” division in June and didn’t really know about the JC Medal until July. It is really awesome, because I get to do some of the bigger stuff.“ added Sloane.