NEWS RELEASE
RUSHMOUNT EQUINE SPORTS
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Local girls Hayden Kova McCahon and Sydney Freeman started out their equine show season with some lofty goals.
They planned to compete on the 'A' Circuit and qualify for The Royal Winter Fair, a feat not easily attained. Both of the girls had never competed at 1m with 1.10 spreads, however, it ended up not being an issue.
The riders, both of Rushmount Equine Sports Ltd. in Orillia, soon became a force to be reckoned with on the circuit, finishing with an overall 5th place for Freeman and an overall 9th for McCahon.
Participants had to compete in three to four classes each show at locations including Ottawa, Angelstone in Erin, Ontario, and Palgrave in Caledon.
A few weeks before the last show, McCahon’s pony became extremely ill. After a stay at Guelph University Equine Hospital, the pony had a miraculous recovery and was given a complete bill of health to compete.
Not only did the girls qualify, but they also placed in every single class. Freeman placed 2nd, 6th and 6th while McCahon placed 2nd, 9th and 11th at the Royal. "Such a proud moment for me as a coach and mother to Hayden," said Heidi Mueller.
McCahon had a second opportunity to compete at the Royal. She started working with her mom and coach Heidi on a horse named Gaia, also known as Rush Bak Atacha, a three-year-old Canadian Sport Horse.
This horse had approximately 30 rides on her and at the tender age of three, was ridding and shown in hand at the qualifiers by 10-year-old McCahon.
"To both our surprise, the horse performed like a veteran to the show ring and qualified to compete at the Royal. Hayden was the youngest rider and handler to ever compete at the Lieutenant and Governor General Cup Classes in Canadian history. I was so proud of my daughter and our filly," said Mueller.
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