The Future Of Canada’s Equestrian Sports Lies In Its Youth

By: Dax Adam

Sam Walker

Sam has been on a horse from as far back as he can remember. Now twelve years old, he is a young man with tremendous talent and results. He began competing at age of four in equitation classes and has his sights on competing in the modified Grand Prix classes next year, and hopes to represent Canada in the 2020 Olympic Games.

He made his Royal Winter Fair debut five years ago in the small pony division where he placed sixth. At this year’s Royal he qualified to compete in the pony jumper, junior jumper and junior hunter divisions. “I’m not that nervous, but I’m competing on a new horse this year which I’m excited about.” He says. Sam enjoys all aspects of the fair but when not riding he spends time watching all of the international riders who compete at The Royal Winter Fair.

Sam Walker

Under the guidance of his parents Scott and Dee Walker he has had a very successful 2014 show season at WEF in Wellington, FL. and at home, in Canada. He placed sixth in the $20,000 Pan Am Challenge, competed successfully in the FEI childrens and represented Team Ontario at The Canadian Interprovincial Equestrian Championships, where he received individual bronze and team silver medals. Sam Walker is focused and determined to achieve whatever he sets out to do, and we will no doubt see him in the international ring in the years to come.

Zoe Meloff

Zoe started riding at the age of seven in summer camp. She fell in love from the start and begged her parents to let her take lessons. She found Forest Hill four years ago where she began training with Scott and Dee Walker.

Her first class at the Royal Horse Show was the International horse/pony/dog relay, where she won first place and was partnered with eventer Clayton Fredericks and a border collie. This is Zoe’s third year competing at the Royal. She has had some outstanding results, finishing third in the Royal Invitational medal class, and fourth and fifth in the 1.20 meter classes. She also competed in the Jump Canada medal and junior jumpers. “I’m thrilled to be here, my horses have been excellent,” said Zoe.

Clockwise: Scott and Dee Walker, Veronique, Zoe Meloff and Leslie Howard.
Clockwise: Scott and Dee Walker, Veronique, Zoe Meloff and Leslie Howard.

Some of her other accomplishments include a first place finish in the FEI Childrens and qualifying at The Canadian Interprovincial Equestrian Championships as the top junior rider in Ontario for 2013. In the future she aspires to represent Canada at NAJYRC. Zoe believes in a consistent training program. “If you want it, you will work hard enough to get it. Just stay committed.” Advices the fifteen year old from Toronto, Ontario. We look forward to following Zoe in her future endeavors.

Forest Hill Farm
A unique facility located in Caledon, Ontario, Scott and Dee Walker started Forest Hill Farm in 1992. It’s equipped with a lovely stable, large arena, loft and pro shop. Offering lessons at the grass roots level to the A Circuit in hunter/jumper, they recognize the importance of solid basics and strive daily to maintain the championship level Forest Hill riders are accustomed to while keeping a fun, family atmosphere. Make yourself at home.

Photos courtesy of Scott and Dee Walker