The Can-Am Wind Rider Challenge made its first stop of the Ontario Regionals Tour on August 22 and 23 in
Clinton, Ont.
The preliminary competition on Saturday brought out over a dozen hopefuls, from all over Ontario; all vying for the coveted first-place ribbon, prizes and free spot in the finals, held at the eighth annual Can-Am All Breeds Equine Emporium in March of 2010.
The new Regional Equine & Agricultural Centre of Huron provided an excellent location to hold day one of the Can-Am Wind Rider Challenge, with a beautiful arena that boasts all the amenities of any top show place in the country.
Participants and spectators alike enjoyed the wonderful commentary by Bob Jeffreys and Suzanne Sheppard, presenters of the Can-Am Wind Rider Challenge. The early morning Educational Clinic offered by them was a great help and much was learned by all in attendance. Many positive comments were garnered from the free clinic that encouraged and enlightened not only the riders, but everyone within earshot. The great advice and horsemanship tools offered by Bob and Suzanne will be utilized for years to come.
After the preliminary competition on Saturday, the participants were informed of their scores and the top three stayed on for the next day’s final. Several of the preliminary participants that didn’t score enough to be in the top three camped out overnight, just to see the finals on Sunday.
The Clinton Raceway Legends Day was full of activity, with autograph signing, a kids' play area, a barbeque, a full card of racing, including the Legends Race and, of course, the Can-Am Wind Rider Challenge, Clinton Regionals Championship round.
The challenge took place right on the racetrack, in front of the grandstand at the end of the 13-race card. As many race fans stayed to watch, the Can-Am Wind Rider Challenge spectators’ numbers swelled markedly. The crowd really got into cheering for all the riders and thoroughly appreciated the entertainment value as well as an education about another facet of the horse industry that they may not usually be exposed to.
After a final obstacle course and a musical freestyle presentation by each of the riders, the judges tallied up their scores. The three finalists in Clinton were: champion, Jamie Gagnon of Windsor; reserve, Chastity Bos of Clinton, and her sister, Courtney Bos, also of Clinton, was third. Congratulations to all three riders!
Part of Jamie Gagnon’s prize as champion is a free spot at the Can-Am Wind Rider Challenge finals, so we will be seeing her again in London, Ont. in March of 2010. The Bos sisters have mentioned they are going use their prize money towards their entry fee for the March event! Looks like the competition next spring will be tough and experienced!!
Can-Am Marketing would like to thank REACH and Clinton Raceway for the use of their fantastic facilities. A resounding thank you goes to our three distinguished guest judges, Pamela Stanley, Central Huron Councillor, East Ward, Melanie Prosser of REACH, and Steve Wywryk of HorseLife. We could not bring this amazing event on tour all over Ontario without our remarkable sponsors; Anivac Bathing Systems, HorseLife.ca, Home Hardware, Ortho Flex Saddlery and TheRider.com. Special kudos to Bob Jeffreys and Suzanne Sheppard, they deserve our utmost gratitude for making this Wind Rider Challenge a North American phenomenon!
Hope to see you all at the next Can-Am Wind Rider Challenge, August 29 and 30, 2009 in Norwich, Ont. as part of the New Norwich World Round UP!
(With files from Can-Am Equine)