Ashley Guy of Reidville is hoping to blaze a new trail to the rest of Atlantic Canada.
While western Newfoundland is not widely known for producing equestrian athletes, Guy has been following a strict training regimen for several years now in hopes of going to competitions in Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and, from there, the nationals in Quebec.
Guy practices five or six times a week and has constant coaching.
She was one of 23 riders from around the island took part in the Cache Rapids horse show Saturday in Reidville.
The riders were competing in both English and Western styles. They were judged in dressage, hunter, jumper and flat classes on their maneuvers.
At the end of the day, Guy won in her category of senior English, making what is called the “high point.”
Deer Lake’s Alexis Locke made the high point in the junior English class.
The western tale
In western riding, Stephanie Smith made high point in the junior class, while Erin Gallant made high point as a senior rider. Both Smith and Gallant are from St. John’s.
Newfoundland Equestrian Association president Kathie Lane, who was on hand to observe and help out with the event, said everyone participating seemed very skilled within their skill levels.
“The best thing about equestrian riding is that it can go from the absolute beginner that is barely walk and trot to the highest levels of competition,” said Lane.
All of the riders were female in Saturday’s event.
“Boys seem to be afraid of the horses,” joked Cache Rapids owner Kevin Stacey.
“When we’re showing how to put on horseshoes or something like that, the boys tend to keep their distance and the girls are always right there watching.”
phutchings@thewesternstar.com
Twitter: WStarDeerLake
