2008 National Tetrathlon Championships
Results are here
The Most Versatile of Athletes
Imagine you are twelve, and you fly across the country to be introduced to a strange horse. You warm up, pop a few fences, and then are given the thumbs-up. You and your new partner compete over a stadium jumping round, and next day you gallop cross-country on an eventing course. Sound like fun? Add to this a week of making friends with youth from BC to the Maritimes, competing in a swimming race, a running race, and a marksmanship match with air pistols, and you have the Canadian Pony Club's National Tetrathlon Championship.
The St Lawrence – Ottawa Valley region hosted the 2008 Nationals in Ottawa, 27 July to 1 August. Twenty-five youth aged 12 to 19 participated, representing 9 regions of Canada. Fourteen terrific equines also competed, loaned by Ontario horse-owners who want to encourage the horsemanship skills being developed by these kids.
 At a local level, tetrathlon is a fun activity for children 6 to 21, which teaches them to cheer for their competitors, enjoy fitness, learn differing skills, and practice adaptability by competing on unknown horses. It is particularly popular with kids who do not own a pony, as the mounts are usually provided. Tetrathlon is also the farm sport for modern pentathlon: all three Canadian Olympic athletes in Beijing are Canadian Pony Club graduates.
The 2008 Nationals had many wonderful sponsors, but in particular the contributions of Waste Services Inc., EDS, and Stalls Etc. made it possible.
Congratulations to our National Champions: Jean Eagleson of Parkhill Ontario (Senior Women); Philip Cigagna of Tottenham Ontario (Junior Men); and Megan MacDonald of Pitt Meadows British Columbia (Junior Women). BC is hosting the 2009 National Tetrathlon Championships; Ontario's athletes cannot wait!
Go to www.canadianponyclub.org and www.tetrathlon.ca for more information.
Alex Walker
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