Show-jumping family business for Chad klan at Spruce Meadows
Growing up as a show-jumper in Calgary, the International Ring at Spruce Meadows is so close — and yet so far.
So close, because it’s literally right there.
So far, because it represents the sport’s pinnacle — a place where the icons of show-jumping come to provide annual reminders of just how talented you have to be to have the honour of riding through the clock-tower and into the International Ring.
But for Kara and Bretton Chad, the dream of riding in their hometown’s world-famous venue is now a reality.
“It was amazing,” said Bretton, as she recalled riding into the International Ring for the first time in Wednesday’s Bantrel Cup. “Growing up in Calgary, it’s a big deal to have your first time in the International Ring because you’ve grown up and watched it over the years, so it’s exciting.
“The atmosphere is like nowhere else. As soon as you walk in there, it’s a big deal.”
Kara rode on Spruce Meadows’ big stage a couple of times last year, but she got the same exhilarating feeling as her sister when she rode in the National this week.
Despite her — admittedly limited — experience in the International Ring, the soon-to-graduate high-schooler didn’t have any advice for her older sister on the eve of her first competition on the big stage.
“I guess I said ‘Good luck,’ but there wasn’t much advice,” Kara said. “I knew she’d do great, so she didn’t really need it.”
The girls’ parents both show-jump competitively, but the girls have been encouraged to pursue other interests outside of the sport. They both enjoy travelling and say academics have always been treated as the top priority in their household. Kara will take a year off after she graduates but will then join Bretton at Claremont-McKenna College in California.
But yes, show-jumping tends to be a regular topic of conversation around the house.
“It’s a really fun house dynamic because we’re all into the sport and knowledgeable about it, so dinner discussions can get pretty lively,” Bretton said.
Lest anyone think the Chads are just happy to be competing, both girls have had the types of rides this week that suggest they’ll be riding in the International Ring for many years to come.
In Wednesday’s Bantrel Cup, Kara and her horse, Zamiro 16, rode clean and finished 12th overall.
Two days later, Bretton would knock down a rail in the ATCO Energy Solutions Cup but would finish with an impressive time of 76.96 seconds while riding her horse, Lasall, who she said jumped better than ever before.
Despite their encouraging performances, the Chad sisters both admitted they were thrilled to be riding in the same classes as so many of their show-jumping heroes.
“Every time I come to Spruce, I’m completely star-struck,” Bretton said. “All the talent that’s here is absolutely amazing, and it’s a slice of humble pie.
“You’re like ‘Wow, I have some work to do,’ but it’s inspiring.”
Kara echoed that sentiment.
“You’re at the gate, and behind you is Eric Lamaze or McLain Ward, and you’re like, ‘Wow, this is amazing’,’ ” Kara said. “Even when they ask you how it went or say ‘good job’ or ‘good luck,’ it’s always just so encouraging, and you feel more confident.”
The sisters said they’ve received plenty of support from the more-experienced riders over the years, including when they went to Florida to represent Canada in the Young Rider Nations Cup.
The day before Lamaze and Ian Millar were set to compete in the Nations Cup competition, the two Canadian show-jumping icons took the time to walk the youth team around the course and offer advice.
“It was absolutely amazing,” Bretton said. “It blew me away that they were nice enough to take the time to do that.”
Calgary Sun - Jun 8, 2013