Natasha Grapes of Quesnel has once again attended the Pony Club National Dressage championship, held in Ottawa this past July 16 – 21.
Now aged 16, Grapes has been a rising star rider, representing Northern B.C. in many championships with her horse “Café Veanna.” Veanna, a grey 12-years 16.1 thoroughbred/QH cross mare has been Natasha’s faithful winning partner in many equestrian events for the past eight years, when Grapes first joined the Quesnel Pony Club.
Last year, Natasha had placed third in Training level at the Pony Club National Dressage Championship held in Calgary.
Although young riders qualify with their mounts, they do not ride their own horses at these championships (due to travelling logistics and constraints that would occur at that amateur level). This clearly adds difficulty to the competition but does help prove a rider’s true ability and horsemanship skills.
This year, she helped team B.C. win second place at the PC National Dressage Championship, by winning first place in First level on her borrowed mount.
Grapes is not only an accomplished dressage rider but is also a regular winner in the show jumping circuits. Last year, she placed fourth at the Pony Club National jumping championship, held in Prince George.
We look forward to see what other awards she will collect.
She has already won many awards in early spring such as “Top Pony Club rider” and “Youth Rider High Point” in Prince George. Congratulations Natasha. Quesnel is proud of you.
–Submitted by Carolyne Blanchet- QDRC president
