Two local riders filled their saddlebags with prizes during the BC Heritage Circuit finals at the Maple Ridge Equestrian Center on July 6 - 8.
Kaylee Hudema and Dani Noble joined about 70 competitors from all around B.C. at the finals. The group competed in 62 events in both English and western disciplines for their share of $10,000 in prizes.
Hudema is a member of the Rodeo Rednecks 4-H Club while Noble is the club's leader.
Hudema did very well during the weekend placing - (youth classes) English classes: 8th in hunt seat equitation; 2nd in hunter under saddle; 4th in English pleasure and 4th in road hack. Western classes: 1st in showmanship; 2nd in western pleasure; 1St in western equitation; 2nd in western horsemanship; 6th in trail class; and 3rd in command class.
Noble also did very well that weekend despite some tough competition and classes with between eight and 10 riders. Her placings were - western classes: 10th in showmanship Sr.; 5th in western pleasure Sr.; 6th in western equitation Sr.; 5th in western horsemanship Sr.; 3rd in command class Sr. English classes: 5th in hunt seat equitation Sr.; 2nd in hunter under saddle sr.; 1st in English pleasure sr.; 3rd in road hack sr.; and 1st in show hack sr.
Maple Ridge Equestrian Centre has five all-weather outdoor sand rings and a grass grand prix field, along with 100 permanent outside show stalls, and an 80-feet by 200-feet indoor arena.
In order to compete in the finals the competitors needed to finish in the top four in their event at a minimum of two qualifying horse shows.
Horse Council BC is a non-profit organization representing more than 22,000 horse enthusiasts in the province. A 2009 horse industry study compiled by the agriculture ministry showed there are nearly 100,000 horses in B.C. and the industry creates about 7,200 full-time jobs, generating about $740 million in economic activity.
The two Clearwater participants report that the weekend was extremely hot but the event was very well organized.
Darcey Woods from Barriere riding Ima Class Of My Own also attending the event and did very well.
The placings can be viewed at www.hcbc.ca/Competition.html .