Alicia Stein represented Canada in Maryland
A young Kelowna show jumper is reflecting on her inspirational appearance in a top international competition.
In October, 18-year-old Alicia Stein was the only rider from Canada at the Taylor Harris Insurance Services Medal Finals Capital Challenge in Maryland.
Stein has rode horses since she was little, in a small town in Switzerland.
“Being the only Canadian, it was inspiring, like I could feel there was a little bit of pressure of course," Stein told Kelowna10. "I was the first one to go in the ring… but for me it was a real honour to be there."
She said the competition was very difficult since she was riding with other top juniors from around the continent. She placed in the top 30 out of of 40 riders.
“Everyone that was there was the best, it was a really high level of competition, and it was just super rewarding being able to ride with all those top riders,” she said.
After placing high in qualifications, she became the number one rider in Canada for the championship, which is a series of equitation classes held for youth riders throughout the year. The junior riders collect points to qualify for the year-end finals.
Stein is a member at the Kelowna Riding Club (KRC) in Lower Mission.
KRC Vice President Amanda MacCormack said the club is a non-profit meeting place to support the horse community.
“There’s something so rewarding about the partnership you have with a horse. Like these are big, strong animals and they’re so intelligent,” MacCormack explained.
“They have to buy into what you’re asking and telling them to do. When you have that working in unison it’s probably the most amazing, rewarding feeling that you could have.”
Stein said the club is an important part of her life, especially when she first came to Canada a few years ago.
“I did my very first show here six years ago and being able to always come here and train, that is something super special,” Stein said.
“When I went to [the U.S.], they were a big part of my support. It’s just great to have such a nice community place where everyone can come together and share their love for horses.”
Published 2021-11-23 by Jordan Brenda
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