Image Credit: Jim Bradbury

By Mel Rothenburger

ARMCHAIR MAYOR

ROTHENBURGER: Shame on Equestrian Canada for not letting Kyra compete

Aug 28, 2019 | 4:53 AM

Image Credit: Jim Bradbury

KAMLOOPS — A BUREAUCRAT is commonly defined as an official who is —as the Oxford dictionary says — “perceived as being concerned with procedural correctness at the expense of people’s needs.”

Procedural correctness is at play in the case of 10-year-old Kyra Barrett of Pritchard. Kyra has been legally blind since birth and rides in show jumping with the help of her coach who stands in the ring and gives her directions, and who rides a guide horse beside her in cross-country.

She made the news a year ago when she was nine for her love of the sport and her hopes to be able to compete against sighted riders.

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Earlier this year Equestrian Canada seemingly certified her as a para-equestrian, which allowed her to be scored along with able-bodied riders in cross-country, show jumping and dressage — called eventing.

But now, Equestrian Canada says there was no approval, and Kyra and her parents didn’t know about it until a few days ago. It means she can compete in dressage but not the other events, including an upcoming event in Chilliwack.

Her mom Hayley says Kyra is heart-broken.

After a few days of silence since the story came out, Equestrian Canada released a statement that referred to “safety and fair play” and to “approved compensating aids” but, frankly, did nothing to advance the rationale for withdrawing eligibility.

Image Credit: Jim Bradbury

Some would say Kyra should confine herself to other events and not expect to compete against sighted riders. Some would say having a guide during jumping events gives her an unfair advantage.

I say horse radish. It’s not even a precedent — it’s done elsewhere. Kyra has never fallen off her horse in competition. She’s a kid who loves to ride. She’s a role model. Let her ride.

I’m Mel Rothenburger, the Armchair Mayor.

Mel Rothenburger is a former mayor of Kamloops and newspaper editor. He publishes the ArmchairMayor.ca opinion website, and is a director on the Thompson-Nicola Regional District board. He can be reached at mrothenburger@armchairmayor.ca.

Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or the Jim Pattison Broadcast Group.