Source:  News Release/Julie Cull

Nicole Walker Wins Running Fox CET Medal Final at Royal Horse Show

Ottawa, ON — Nicole Walker of Aurora, ON, won the Running Fox CET Medal Final on Thursday, November 10, at the 2011 Royal Horse Show in Toronto, ON.

Nicole Walker of Aurora, ON, riding SS San Remo won the Running Fox CET Medal Final on Thursday, November 10, at the 2011 Royal Horse Show in Toronto, ON.
Photo Credit — Cealy Tetley

Riding Brittland Hughes’ nine-year-old Argentine Warmblood gelding, SS San Remo, Walker won the CET Medal Final.  The CET Medal Final is held over two days and consists of three phases — Flat/Gymnastic, Jumping and a Final Four test.

In the Flat/Gymnastic phase held Wednesday, November 9, riders were required to complete a demanding gymnastic course featuring counter canter, trot and hand gallop fences.  Walker handily won the phase with a score of 84, which was six points ahead of her closest competitor.  Returning to the Ricoh Coliseum the following day for the Jumping phase, Walker placed third with 83.  First place in the Jumping Phase was awarded to Zoe Beckerman of Toronto, ON, with a score of 86.

Combining the scores from the Flat/Gymnastic and Jumping phases, the top four riders overall returned for a final test, which included rollback turns as well as hand galloping a fence immediately followed by a halt.  Walker and SS San Remo performed a flawless final test, including executing a perfect final halt, to secure the win.

“It feels pretty awesome to win the CET Medal because I have been working toward this goal all year,” said Walker, who is coached by Canadian Olympian, Beth Underhill.  “Since this is the last ride on my horse, it is also a bitter-sweet victory.

“Winning the CET Final is a great step for my future in the sport because equitation is very important,” continued Walker, who finished second in last year’s Final with SS San Remo.

Designed to be a foundation for riders moving from the hunter divisions into jumper competition, the Running Fox CET Medal Final is an equitation competition where the riders are judged on their position and riding style, as well as their ability to control the horse over a jumper course.  The top 16 riders, qualified from four Regional Finals held across Canada, were invited to contest the Running Fox CET Medal Final at the Royal Horse Show.

As the winner, Walker received a new Childeric saddle donated by long-time CET Medal Final sponsor, Running Fox.

Laurence Addison of Lorraine, QC, was the reserve champion while 2011 Jump Canada Medal winner, Amelia Vernon of Calgary, AB, finished third.  Zoe Beckerman of Toronto, ON, placed fourth.

About Jump Canada

Jump Canada is a committee of Equine Canada responsible for all hunter, equitation and jumper activities in Canada from the grass roots to the international level.  Jump Canada is governed by a board of directors, the majority of whom are elected by the stakeholders in the sport.  For more information regarding Jump Canada programs and activities, visit www.equinecanada.ca/jumpcanada.

About Equine Canada

Equine Canada is a member-based association that represents, promotes and services Canada's equine community and industry.  Its core areas of activity involve sport, equine health and welfare, education and safety, governance and marketing, representation and communication.  Equine Canada is recognized by Sport Canada, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), the Canadian Olympic Committee and Canadian Coaching Association of Canada as the national organization representing equestrian sport and equine interests in Canada. For more information about Equine Canada, please visit www.equinecanada.ca.

Visit www.equinecanada.ca for more information.

About Running Fox

With two retail stores in Ontario, a mobile unit and a large online store, Canadian owned Running Fox is a retailer of prestigious English riding apparel.  Running Fox also attends 12 additional weeks of horse shows in Wellington, Florida every year.  Carrying tack and equipment of the highest quality, Running Fox is the exclusive Canadian and US distributor for Luc Childeric saddles and Dy'on bridleworks.  For more information on Running Fox and their products and services please visit www.runningfox.com or call 1-888-387-8225.

Running Fox CET Medal Final overall results

Placing / Rider / Hometown

1 / Nicole Walker / Aurora, ON

2 / Laurence Addison / Lorraine, QC

3 / Amelia Vernon / Calgary, AB

4 / Zoe Beckerman / Toronto, ON

5 / Melissa Tomkins / Burnaby, BC

6 / Kendra Martenfeld / Toronto, ON

7 / Shelby Edwards / Dewinton, AB

8 / Taylor Brooks / Vars, ON