Kassidy Keith (CAN) and Fenelon WF. Photo ©tbird/Quinn Saunders
In the last six months, Kassidy Keith (CAN) has felt a difference in her 9-year-old stallion, Fenelon WF.
The bay Irish Sport Horse took his first U25 win in August at the Summer Fort Festival, and Thursday at tbird, he and his rider were again best in the CSIU25-A MarBill Hill U25 1.35m—the pair’s first foray into the FEI U25 division.
The duo comfortably crossed the timers of Peter Holmes’ speed track more than four seconds in front (63.15) of runners-up Reid Pankewicz (CAN) and Barack (67.21 seconds). Carly Stevens (CAN) and VIP des Majuros were third (68.62).
“He’s really starting to follow me. He’s looking where he’s going now, [when] before he didn’t pay attention,” Keith said. “Our partnership has flourished over the last six months. He’s really turned out to be a very cool horse.”
Keith got out in front of the time early, leaving out a stride up the very first line on course. That momentum would only continue as Fenelon showed off an open stride and ample scope. Their turns back to the final fences on course also showed a dimension of agility.
“He stepped up today. The course was good for him,” Keith detailed. “There were a couple places where I had walked a different number. In the first line, I walked nine [strides], and he stepped up in eight. It was easy for him.”
This time last year, Keith had just secured the U25 series title with her top mount Havana. That mare is now jumping the CSI3* division with success, and Keith hopes Fenelon can step up to join his stablemate in the not-too-distant future.
“If I stay accurate, he definitely has heart to do it. I think he will be a super [FEI] 1.45m horse,” Keith. “I really think for me, he will be able to do the earlier classes in the week, and Havana can jump on the weekends.”
Kassidy Keith (CAN) and Fenelon WF stand for the winner’s presentation with tbird CEO Jane Tidball. Photo ©tbird/Quinn Saunders
$10,000 CSIU25-A MarBill Hill U25 1.35m Place / Horse / Rider / Nationality / Owner / Faults / Time
Fenelon WF / Kassidy Keith / CAN / Cheryl Keith / 0 63.15
Barack / Reid Pankewicz / CAN / Reid Pankewicz / 0 67.21
VIP des Majuros / Carly Stevens / CAN / Grant & Susie Stevens / 0 68.62
Pasquinelle / Emily Fitzgerald / CAN / Emily Fitzgerald / 0 73.73
Princesa / Shaelynn Enders / CAN / Joyce Enders / 0 74.33
Cella / Taylor Winther Blair / CAN / Sorine Winther / 4 66.32
Gogolinus / Jarne Francken / USA / Brylee Dickie / 4 71.24
Deister Z / Olivia Stephenson / CAN / Olivia Stephenson / 4 76.48
Dento / Carly Stevens / CAN / Grant & Susie Stevens / 8 68.24