Canada excelled at the August 13, North American Young Riders Championship, coming home with three gold and two bronze medals from the Great Lakes Equestrian Festival VI in Traverse City, MI, USA. The team show jumping gold had a CWHBA connection. Lead rider Duke, 20, of Spruce Grove, AB, was riding her own Ilana (KVF Tacorde x Contender), a 10-year-old Canadian Warmblood mare, bred by Klondike Victory Farms of Red Deer, Alberta. Although she had six faults in the first round she jumped clear in the second, contributing to the Canadian come from behind victory. When asked, she shared her pride for her horse and for Canada. “She jumped incredibly today and the second round I gave her the ride she deserved. This is my second year coming here and it’s amazing, every part of it. To be able to represent your country is incredible.” Read the complete EC news release here.
Halle Duke and Ilana
Photo Credit: Ben Radvanyi