A young student from Duncan will be the first-ever Canadian to compete in a national American equestrian competition next month.
Julie Wynne-Smith is a Grade 9 student at Queen Margaret’s School. At a regional competition in Lynden, Washington on March 8-9, she earned first place and qualified to compete in the national finals.
She competed in the Varsity Intermediate Flat class and after an outstanding performance in the first phase, she faced off in a tense tiebreaker “ride-off” to secure first place.
At the finals, Julie will ride horses she’s never worked with before. Her coach, Indiana Wynne-Smith, says she has been training with several different horses to hone her skills.
“For this rider, that’s really shown she’s put the time and energy in,” she says. “And, to be able to qualify at this young of an age, and just making the varsity team this year, is amazing.”
Indiana says the moment is a significant milestone, not only for Julie, but also for the school’s equestrian program and for equestrian sports in Canada.
The young rider says she’s looking forward to the national finals.
“This is an exciting opportunity, and I’m thrilled to compete at the national level,” says Julie. “I’m grateful for all the support from my teammates and coaches, and I can’t wait to give it my best in St. Louis.”
Queen Margaret’s School’s equestrian program lets students train during their physical education blocks. It’s open to new riders as well as those with experience.
The Interscholastic Equestrian Association’s national finals will be held in Lake St. Louis, Missouri from April 24-27.
