Dedication, determination and drive are all traits Grade 9 student Jamie M. embodies not only in the classroom but at the stables. “It’s so fun,” said Jamie. “The friends I’ve made there are really nice and it’s a way to get away from everything.”
Jamie slips on her riding boots, clips on her helmet and trains five to six days a week. “Training a horse is really hard. It takes a lot of hard work, time and bonding,” she said. All of which has paid off, as Jamie is one of only 18 riders in Canada to qualify for the 97th Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, the largest indoor agricultural fair and international equestrian competition in the world.
“I’m feeling really excited and also nervous,” Jamie said. “It’s going to be very nerve-racking and scary to have so many people watching me.”
This will be the first time Jamie shows at the Royal Horse Show but her nine years of riding has prepared her. “My coaches will ride my horse most days this week and then I’ll ride him,” she said. “Then we’ll groom him, cut his hair and make sure he’s looking pretty.”
Regardless of how Jamie scores, her passion for the sport is sure to shine through. “I really love riding and I really love animals. Horses are among my favourite,” Jamie said with a smile.
The Royal runs from Friday, November 1 to Sunday, November 10 at Toronto’s Exhibition Place and is expected to draw over a quarter of a million spectators. Congratulations for qualifying Jamie! Your Trafalgar family will all be cheering you on!