Royal experience
By Melissa Piche Times Contributor
Photo Courtesy of Rylee Smolarchuk
Former Strathmore resident Jamie Hilton (18) has her sights set on attending the horse jumping event at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto, Ont. Nov. 3-12.
Jamie has been jumping since she was five years old and she’s been riding the same horse, Leo, for the past four years.
Through the help of her coach and her trusted horse, Jamie’s goal is to be able to attend the competition with Leo.
“The partnership is so important, it’s special,” said Sheryl Hilton, Jamie’s mother. “She’s slowly been rising through the ranks and now competes against the pros and wins against the pros and some of the toughest levels of competition here in Alberta.”
The categories Jamie has been focusing on and the ones she’s qualified for are junior hunter 3’ 6”, combined hunter 3’ 6”, hunter derbies 3’ 6” to 4’ and Jump Canada medals.
“It’s all the ability (Jamie has) to compete for Alberta,” said Sheryl. “It’s like Olympic level (competition) for Canada.”
Jamie and Sheryl hope that through continuous fundraising and perhaps some sponsorship, Jamie and Leo will be able to attend the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair.
For more information on helping Jamie meet her goal, you can email Sheryl (sherylhilton2020@gmail.com) or Jamie (hiltonhorsegirl@icloud.com).