Kassidy Keith Pilots Wallabee To Win CET Medal Finals At The Royal Winter Fair

By: Dax Adam

Toronto, ON. – Kassidy Keith of Nanaimo, BC. rode to victory on Thursday, Nov. 12th, in the 2015 rendition of the CET Medal Finals, sponsored by Running Fox, held at The Royal Winter Fair in Toronto, ON.

After placing second during the gymnastic phase, which consisted of 10m circles in either direction, sitting trot, lengthen stride, counter canter, four changes of lead on the center line and a halt, and turn on haunches, Keith felt confident in her horse Wallabee’s ability to navigate the course coming into Thursday’s jumping phase. The duo had a solid jumping round that featured 11 jumps and 14 jumping efforts – an intricate course including several tricky combinations that proved to be challenging. Last of the final four to jump off, Keith was able to watch the three competitors ahead of her and adjust her ride accordingly. “I felt overall that my rides were good… I’m very happy,” she exclaimed.

Now age seventeen, Keith has known her mount Wallabee since they were both the age of four, and they have been fortunate of growing up together. Wallabee, a Canadian Warmblood owned by Jolene Benham, is also registered with the United States Equestrian Federation and has competed in the ASPCA Maclay, Pessoa Hunt Seat Medal, and WIHS Equitation with Keith in the irons.

Keith – a first time competitor at The Royal Winter Fair – also captured the win in The Canadian Championship Jump Canada Medal. “It feels great to win,” she remarked.  “It’s always been a goal of mine to compete in both the Jump Canada and C.E.T Finals.” In preparation for this year’s CET Medal competition the pair also competed in Royal West, Calgary, AB. and Maclay Finals in Lexington, KY.

Kassidy Keith has been riding for as long as she can remember, starting with ponies and progressing to the 1.35m level. She has a very strong relationship with her coach Cheryl Ann Keith, who she also proudly calls mom, and has received guidance from John Turner, Shelly Kerron and Brittany Turner.

Future goals for the junior rider include competing at North American Junior and Young Riders Championships, returning to the Maclay Finals and moving up to the 1.45m division. “Never give up,” Keith advises. “Always keep trying to succeed in your goals and you will achieve them.”

Following Kassidy Keith was Arora Peters riding In Shock, owned by Asta Torokvei, in second place. Third place went to Brianna Ballard and Carpe Diem, and finishing up the top four Megan Champoux aboard Chicago, owned by Catherine Chalack.

Kassidy Keith’s Score
Flat: 85
Jumping: 89


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