Local equestrian rider crowned CET Medal National Champion

It was her first time competing at the National Finals. Competing at the Regional Finals, she had missed the 4th place cutoff by one spot in 2019. With COVID-19 hitting in 2020, she looked at 2021 as the year to make a lifelong dream come alive.

With a new format in 2021, the requirements of competition better exemplified what the young riders would face in their future endeavours in a jumper ring. As a result, a jump-off replaced the traditional ride-off with the top four riders through two rounds moving on to compete in the Final.

With a final score of 257.50, two and a half points over fellow British Columbian Jessica Felcan, Winther Blair achieved her dream. What many may not realize is that she accomplished this while injured, experiencing a fifth metatarsal fracture in her foot two weeks before Regionals.

Courtesy: Rocky Mountain Show Jumping

“I actually told the doctor, ‘I have finals in two weeks. I’ve been working my whole life for this. Do I have a chance of going,” she explained her discussions with the doctor at the time.

She was told by medical professionals that she should avoid any weight-bearing activity. As she says, she took her own comprehension with that information.

“I haven’t needed surgery yet. I think we’re in the clear,” she laughed.

She finished third at Regionals, clinching a spot at the National Competition in Calgary. She admitted she’d ice her foot for several hours prior to competing, numbing it to the point she could compete. Two weeks after finishing third, she was taken off crutches and into a walking boot as she prepared for Nationals.

“Prior to breaking my foot, I was feeling good. I had lots of time to get ready. It changed a little when I broke my foot but I was still like ‘we’re going to go do this.”

She’s ridden her entire life with her mom being her trainer at Ridge Country Farms, just south of Prince George. Her mom, Sorine Winther, is a decorated rider herself. She was a junior much like Taylor, competed at the Grand Prix level until her mid-30s, and now owns and operates her own equestrian business at Ridge Country Farms.

“As a mom, you’re just so proud,” said Sorine, getting emotional as she spoke about her daughter’s latest accomplishment. “As her trainer, I guess and as her mom, I didn’t find it surprising. She is that driven. I was just so glad we finally got to do it.”

Taylor explained this achievement had been years in the making, admitting it’s taken at least five years just getting herself trained to a point she could be competing against riders who have the luxury of riding year-round; something that’s difficult with the weather conditions in and around Prince George.

Having won and now being unable to compete at the CET Nationals again, Taylor is shifting her focus to her studies. She’s studying to become a veterinarian at the University of British Columbia.

But she does admit riding will always have a place in her life, with the goal of one day competing at the Grand Prix level, much like her mom.

by Ethan Ready

Local equestrian rider crowned CET Medal National Champion

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