Kelti Burnett, 15, a sensation on the course
Woodstock athlete excels on Equine Canada circuit
It takes hard work, and dedication, to be considered one of the best young athletes in Atlantic Canada.
Kelti Burnett, 15, of Woodstock continues to progress in the sport she loves, as the daughter of Robbie and Cathy Burnett is making a name for herself, and her beloved horse, and teammate, Fly, on the Equine Canada circuit.
Burnett, a Grade 11 student at Woodstock High School, has been riding, and competing, since the age of 8 under the coaching expertise of Rayna Doucette, who has guided and developed Burnett's, and Fly's, talent in the ring.
Doucette also bred Fly - whose show name is With Flying Colours.
Burnett said she loves the sport, and her horse.
"It's a team effort all the way with Fly and me and the rest of the people, especially my family, who have supported me and have guided me," she said. "I've been in the sport for as long as I can remember and it's great to compete and travel to so many places. This sport continues to grow and I'm glad that I have been a part of it for so many years."
Burnett and Fly compete in the Large Pony division, which means her horse is passported with Equine Canada to be a certain height.
Although the summer of 2008 is still in full swing, she has already competed at five equine shows this season - with top-flight results in each and every event.
Her tally of awards has included two Pony Champion titles for Over Fences, two Pony Hack crowns, a Reserve Champion title for Over Fences, as well as 24 first place, four second place, five third place, two fourth place, and two fifth place ribbons.
The most recent show was held in Windsor, Nova Scotia and there were up to 40 horses in some of the classes, which featured high level competition in all categories.
At these finals, Burnett and Fly were awarded the silver medal in the Windsor Pony competition, which makes Burnett one of a small group of N.B.-based equestrian athletes to have ever achieved this honour.
Burnett's mother says a huge part of her daughter's success is due to Doucette.
"Woodstock is very fortunate to have someone with Rayna's qualifications and dedication," says Cathy Burnett. "Rayna has guided and developed Kelti and her horse to a highly-respected level on the A circuit in Atlantic Canada. It is very important to note that the driving force behind Kelti's success is through the direct efforts of Ms. Doucette."
Doucette says she is proud of her charge, and Fly.
"Kelti is such a great girl, and a great athlete," she said. "She's one of the best in her sport and she deserves to be celebrated for who she is and what she has done."
Burnett rides, and trains, at the Oldfield Farm and Stables in Wakfield, which are owned by Sally and John Teague.
Burnett's mother says "the facility offers one of the most outstanding outdoor riding rings in Atlantic Canada, which is so important in training for the over fences competitions Kelti takes part in. Other support include the expertise of our farrier Shawn Cunningham, who has worked hard to make sure Fly is ready for each and every show, and Noreen Caldwell - who is a well-known coach and judge."
Burnett and Doucette have been busy in training to qualify for the second consecutive year for a berth at the Maritime Fall Fair, which will be held in Halifax in November.
Only the top horses are invited to compete at this prestigious event and they say they are looking forward to representing the Woodstock region at the finals.
Burnett said the ultimate goal is "to get the one spot offered to the top Large Pony in Atlantic Canada (so as) to compete at the Royal Winter Fair in Toronto in November."
The annual Royal Winter Fair is considered the ultimate event for those in the sport.
According to the duo, no one from this area of New Brunswick has ever qualified for the honour.
Burnett said she is working hard to "make that dream a reality."
"It's a big time commitment for me in relation to my sport, but I love it," she said. "Fly and I spend many hours together every week in the barn, as well as practicing and getting ready for events. Every rider has a strong bond with their horse, and it's the same with me and Fly. This sport, and horses, are a big part of who I am. It's my life, basically. I don't have time, besides school, for much else."
She said competing provides her with a challenge she enjoys.
"When you're in the ring you have to stay focused on what you have to do and everything involved with the judges," she said. "In a course of a season, you will be at local shows to Atlantic and national competitions, so that means a lot of your hours have to be spent with your horse and all that entails to get ready for these events"
As for her future plans when she graduates high school, Burnett said she would like to have a career which would involve horses in one way or another.
"It could be as a vet, or something similar to that," she said. "I love horses."
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