She’s been jumping competitively for one year, but Isabelle Biron already has a reputation in the Manitoba horse community.
“She has the older generation scared and on the run,” said Shelley Kuebler of Winnipeg, while standing in the equestrian barns at the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair in Brandon in March.
Biron won first in two jumping events in Brandon last week.
It is quite the accomplishment for an 11-year-old competing in her first Winter Fair in the open class for three and 3.3 foot jumps.
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“She’s competing on level terms … with all ages and professionals and amateurs alike,” said Sarah Biron, the youngster’s mom and coach.
Her success isn’t a surprise, given her history and genetics. She started riding when she was two and her mom was a competitive rider in England before the Biron family moved to Ile de Chenes, Man., four years ago.
Sarah, husband John, 19-year-old son Tom and Isabelle, better known as Izzy, run the Misty River Ranch, offering horse boarding, riding lessons and horse training.
Brandon wasn’t the first time that Biron has competed in equestrian. Last year, she jumped twice at Spruce Meadows near Calgary, finishing second and fourth in the open class.
“It doesn’t matter about winning. It’s about fun and getting trust in your horse,” said Biron, who has a unique accent, half-Canadian and half-English.
Asked about the keys to her early success, she didn’t get a chance to respond before her brother, unloading hay five metres away, shouted an answer.
“Because she’s got my horses,” he said.
Biron agreed that his training of her horses, Nimrod and Rusty Nail, has made a difference.
But her character is a bigger factor behind her success, Sarah said.
“She’s brave, she’s competitive, she’s athletic and she sometimes does as she’s told,” she said with a laugh.
Being both mother and coach is not easy, but Biron said her mom manages to pull it off.
“We have some ups and downs. Most of them are ups.”
After watching Biron earn first place ribbons in Brandon, Pat Ferguson, marketing chair for the Manitoba Horse Council, is convinced the 11-year-old will win more ribbons and medals.
“She will be an Olympian…. I just know she’ll be.”
