July 14, 2006 – Ottawa, Ontario – Taylor Brooks of Vars, ON, claimed the Reserve Championship of the Children’s Hunter division at the ‘KUBOTA’ Capital Classic Horse Show running July 12-16 at the Nepean National Equestrian Park in Ottawa, ON.

The 15-year-old's success started on Wednesday when she piloted Monaco, her 11-year-old selle francais gelding, around the two 'over fences' classes, placing fourth and fifth. The duo came back on Friday and stepped it up, placing first as well as fourth in their two classes. Brooks' results over the two days put her in second place overall in her division, making her the Reserve Children's Hunter Champion from a field of 17 entries from across Ontario and Quebec.

“I was a bit nervous the first day, but on the second day everything seemed to fall into place and it worked out really well,” said Brooks, who only purchased her horse, Monaco, a month ago. “The show went really well and, overall, I am happy because this is only our second show together.”

Brooks, who has been around horses her entire life, helps operate Wynbrook, the family’s ‘small, but professional, riding school.’ No stranger to the competitive arena, Taylor competed on the national circuit in 2004 with her medium pony, Beaverwood’s Echo. After finishing the season ranked in the top 15 in Ontario, the pair qualified for the 2004 Royal Horse Show where they achieved great results. In 2005, Brooks competed at the provincial Trillium shows with her recently sold mount, R’Olympic, and finished up Eastern Zone Champions in the Children's Hunter division.

"Since I have missed some of the 'A' shows earlier this season, I am not trying to qualify for the Royal Horse Show this year," commented Brooks, who is currently being coached by Quebec-based Grand Prix competitor, Angela Covert-Lawrence. "My goal is to move up to the Junior Hunter ranks next year and then try to qualify for the Royal.”

Located in Ottawa’s west-end at the Nepean National Equestrian Park, at the Moodie Drive exit off of the 417 Highway, the 'Kubota' Capital Classic Show Jumping Tournament attracts more than 10,000 spectators annually. Admission is $7 per person Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, and $10 per person on Saturday and Sunday. For more information, please visit www.capitalclassic.ca.