"I've had him for two years. I feel like we know each other and we trust each other," Nella said. "To finish as Champions is so special."
After three rounds of jumping, Toronto native Ruby Nella was named the Junior/Amateur Jumper National Champion with Adare Ya To.
Nella, 17, and Baystreet Equestrian's Adare Ya To were rewarded for their consistency across the division, winning the Welcome Stake Saturday and finishing among the top four in both the Speed Challenge and $10,000 Royal Final.
"This is my last show with my horse, so it was definitely emotional," said Nella, who trains with Yann Candele out of Caledon, Ontario.
Ruby Nella and Adare Ya To received the Junior/Amateur Jumper National Championship Award, Presented by Champion Shavings Corporation. All photos by Ben Radvanyi Photograph
Nella was one of four athletes to jump clear in Sunday's Final, but things didn't go to plan in the jump-off. Returning first of the quartet of competitors, Nella and Adare Ya To became separated after the combination. Still, it was enough to finish among the top four, with those final points proving crucial in the championship race. The pair edged Isabella Erlick and Charmeur for the top tricolor, with Erlick earning Reserve honors.
A 16-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding, Adare Ya To is similar in age to his rider, who describes him as "hilarious." Horse and rider shared that sense of humor as they left the arena together for the last time, but a few tears may also have been shed.
"I've had him for two years. I feel like we know each other and we trust each other," Nella said. "To finish as Champions is so special."
Nella will next turn her focus toward the 1.30m Junior/Amateur division with her newer partner, the 10-year-old Lalanda van de Kapel.
Avery Clune and Karamba won the $10,000 Jr/Am 1.40m Royal Final. All photos by Ben Radvanyi Photography
Avery Clune saved her best for last at the Royal Horse Show, riding to victory in the $10,000 Junior/Amateur Royal Final with Karamba.
The pair topped a compact four-horse jump-off, crossing the timers of Olympic level course designer Bernardo Costa Cabral's (POR) short course in 33.17 seconds. Camille Ducap Harnois finished second (34.40 seconds), with Isabella Erlick and Charmeur third with a single knockdown (4/33.35s).
Full Results: https://www.longinestiming.com/equestrian/2026/royal-agricultural-winter-fair-toronto/resultlist_119.html
SOURCE The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair