Local riders shine at nationals

By Melissa Piche Times Contributor

Riders of Tyrrell Riding Academy made Strathmore proud at the Canadian Nationals Team Penning Championship, Oct. 9-13 at the Nutrien Centre in Stampede Park. 

Local riders, coaches and trainers delivered a standout performance, bringing home three buckles – including one won by a 10-year-old competitor, earning her first-ever national buckle.

“It was amazing,” said Christine Huxted, who helps at the academy. “I was so proud of everybody and all of their hard work that got them there.”

In total, the academy brought 15 riders and an impressive 25 horses to the national event. 

“It was a lot of trips back and forth and a lot of horses to get ready and take care of for the week,” Huxted said. “But it was worth it.”

The group ranged in ages from 10 and up, demonstrating the inclusivity and community spirit at the heart of Tyrrell Riding Academy. 

“Our youngest student just turned 10; she was actually one that won a buckle,” Huxted said proudly. “And our oldest rider would be in his 50s. I love that diversity.”

All competitors had to qualify for nationals by riding in about six shows over the season. 

“Most of them take lessons at the barn at least once a week,” Huxted explained. “There’s a lot of dedication and preparation that goes into it.”

Among the highlights were two of the academy’s coaches earning High Point Canadian titles, recognizing the riders who accumulated the most points in their category across the country. “That’s a really big deal,” Huxted said. “And one of our riders, that same 10-year-old, took Reserve High Point. That was pretty impressive.”

Huxted said the atmosphere within the barn community was as rewarding as the results. 

“All of our coaches placed in the Top 20,” she said. “Just seeing, as a group, how well we represented was really cool.”

Huxted explained that many of the academy’s horses are owned by Jessica Tyrrell herself and leased to students, allowing more riders access to high-quality, well-trained horses. 

“That’s extra cool because those are her horses out there bringing those students to that different level,” she said. “The kids have made that relationship and are just borrowing the horse, essentially, but still competing at that level.”

The academy is also known for its strong focus on youth mentorship. 

“That’s probably the biggest part of that barn; taking those kids and giving them opportunities that no other barn could give,” Huxted said. “The level and quality of horses she offers out to so many of those kids is amazing.”

For many of the youth competitors, the championship was about more than just competition. “It’s such a good thing for kids to learn – not just sports, but also what it takes to get a horse ready and take care of a horse,” Huxted said. “They have to bathe, feed, water and clean their stalls for five days. You really see them grow and change as people.”

Huxted emphasized how vital local sponsorship and community support have been in helping young riders access the sport. 

With the summer season wrapped up, Tyrrell Riding Academy is already preparing for the winter months, when their focus shifts to new disciplines. 

“We do Cowboy Challenge, a gymkhana series and three-man cattle sorting,” said Huxted. “It keeps the horses’ minds active and gives riders a different kind of challenge.”