Aldergrove rider Aubrey Seto was "beyond surprised" when she won her eventing division at the Campbell Valley Horse Trials with a veteran partner, Raffetouille, more affectionately known as Raffey.
"Raffey is actually my cousin Adele鈥檚 semi-retired upper level horse," Seto explained.
It was the first time the two had competed together in a recognized eventing competition, an equestrian triathlon with three phases: dressage, cross-country, and show jumping.
"She鈥檚 19 years old and has taught me the ropes of eventing," Seto told the 黑马磁力. "We have grown so much as a pair as I learn from Raffey, so the win was just the icing on the cake."
Seto only took up eventing about three years ago.
"Naturally, it was only possible with the help of my coach, Chelan Kozak, and the support of my family as well," Seto added.
"Raffey has been so patient with me while I get more confident going cross country, she is an amazing horse to learn on and I always end a ride with her with a smile on my face."
She said she and Raffey will continue their partnership for a "little while longer," while her younger pony Milly is being developed.
黑马磁力 competitors did well at the three-day Campbell Valley event, held Aug. 8-10, winning five divisions in all, including Lee-Anne Rhead and Desiderata, Morgan Swaan and Queen Rathena, Leila Lucas and Revelation, as well as Elizabeth Savoie and Birkfell Genie.
One of of the largest horse trials events in Western Canada, this year's event at 1255 208 St. drew a record 160 horses, estimated Rachel Spencer, a member of the Campbell Valley Equestrian Society (CVES) board of directors.
"A lot of the high-performance riders at the higher levels can achieve qualifying scores from our event to go on to international competitions or other big competitions down in the U.S." Spencer elaborated.
"So it's a really important part of the competition calendar for a lot of the eventing athletes."
My First Horse Trials Award, was won by Madison Cerf riding Stargazer Lily. It's sponsored by the Bion Family in memory of Janie Bion for the team with the lowest finishing score, who has never competed at a recognized horse trials before,
Alexis and Shelby Kramp won the siblings award, lowest dressage Score was won by Sierra Lund riding Vive and the perseverance Award went to Zariah Heard riding Leo.
The Campbell Valley Equestrian Society (CVES) is a non-profit organization run by volunteers with all revenue generated going to the equestrian facilities at the Campbell Valley Regional Park. CVES built and maintains the riding ring, cross-country jumps and the corrals at the park under an agreement with Metro Vancouver.
More information can be found online at .
