For Immediate Release
October 23, 2017
The first week of competition of Royal West saw unprecedented divisions sizes, competition, and spectators. Sponsors, riders, coaches, and the crowd raved each night about the intense competition, footing, level of sport, and format of the championship classes.
After three nights in a row of 1.45m classes and championships, Sunday showcased young horses in the 4, 5, 6, and 7-Year-Old Young Horse Championships and also young riders in 1.00 and 1.10m Equitation Medal Finals. At the conclusion of the first week, the top earners were Conor Swail ($35,350), Jim Ifko ($18,200), and Daniel Coyle ($14,438).
Hunter Championships were crowned to: Castell & Ashley Arnoldt (Junior Hunter 3’6”), Danika & Jenna Oxland (Modified Hunter 3’3” and Jr/Am Hunter 3’3”), and Easystreet & Brent Balisky (Combined Working Hunter).
In the Young Horse Championships, Sunday winners were: Fabel & Jaclyn Duff (7 Year Old), Gameboy & Femke van den Bosch (6 Year Old), Laredo & Lindsay Beadle (5 Year Old), and Inferno BF & Femke van den Bosch.
In the Equitation, Bria Gainey and Vespussi SM won the RMSJ JrAm Equitation at 1.00m and her sister Halle Gainey won the 1.10m Overall. Halle Gainey emerged on top after a grueling test of the top four riders in the ring, which included a long approach counter canter. In the Royal West Mini Medal Championships at 1.00m, Ella Fipke and Orlando tested to the top, with Natalie Popham in 2nd and Hailey Avery in 3rd.
Alberta Show Jumpers Medal Finals 1.10m Overall
Rider / Horse
- Halle Gainey / Steel Magolias
- Ella Fipke / Orlando
- Olivia Stephenson / Lacorado
- Austin Krawitt / Sirocco 91
- Carly Stevens / Corona OS
- Mikayla Brabant / Cortofino
- Ashley Arnoldt / Black Tie Affai
- Megan Schlosser / Cassina St. Kriru Z
