Riders from across the globe will head to Mexico next weekend for the FEI Children’s International Classic Final.
Fonthill’s Grace Clairmont will don the red and white as the lone Canadian to qualified for the final.
“It’s been really exciting,” the 15-year-old said. “It’s not something you expect to happen, but it’s finally starting to sink in now that it’s only a week away.”
Clairmont followed in her father’s footsteps by getting on a horse at the age of nine. It grew first slowly then quickly.
“We started at just two lessons per week. Then we leased a horse and I haven’t looked back.”
She began riding Urioso, a 17-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding owned by Robin Hannah, in September after her previous horse had retired. Hannah owns Sherwood Farms where Clairmont rides.
The horse and rider had instant success, winning the 1.10 m Junior/Amateur Classic at the Angelstone Erin Welcome and qualifying for Mexico by winning the FEI Children’s International Classic Qualifier held at the Jumping Blainville.
“We just went for fun and we ended up winning,” Clairmont said, giving full credit to Urioso.
“He knows more than I do and often saves my butt in competitions.”
The Fonthill native, however, will be without her experienced horse when she heads down to Mexico. Each rider competing will enter a draw to determine who will ride whom. The available horses will be some of the top choices from the host country, as well as from around the world.
Clairmont can feel the excitement building as she looks forward to the challenges of riding a new horse.
“I’ve been riding every horse in the barn to get adjusted to the transition,” she said. “They all are different. They are like people – where they like and dislike certain things.”
Clairmont will see some familiar faces at the competition.
Hannah, along with friends and family, will be making the trip to support the lone Canadian in the field.
She said it’s fitting for those coming, as the results she’s put in this past year wouldn’t be possible without the support of her team.
“It takes a lot of people to help get you to this place and I’m grateful for all the support I’ve received in chasing something I love to do.”
A total of 32 riders are qualified to compete in the FEI Children’s International Classic Final in Valle de Bravo, Mexico.
Riders include 16 from the host country of Mexico. The remaining 16 riders will be the top ten on the Gold Tour final standings list, plus the best riders from each FEI Group not already represented in the top 10.
The FEI Children’s International Classic Final runs from Jan. 26 to Jan. 31.
