The Belgian national anthem filled the show arena as Ilke Poelman accepted the medal for a first place win in the second round of hunter under saddle on July, 13. Riding Millun Moxie Man, Ilke upped their performance from the first day in the under saddle when they placed second. The Journal caught Ilke Poelman at the photography backdrop with an exuberant Team Belgium.

Out in the arena, did you think the ride was going well?

Oh, really, really good. I was in the second cut. They told me I was better than the first time on Thursday (July 10). So I was really confident going into the final. I just went in and rode him, just like before.

What do you like about him as a show horse?

He’s such a really nice horse. I want to take him home with me! (She laughed.) He’s nice; he’s good in his head; his movement is great. He has so much attention for you.

What would you like people back home to know about this competition?

It’s very tough. You get really tired. But it’s so much fun, I really like it; I enjoy it. I like the horses. You get to know new people. It’s fun.

What do you like about this class?

I did dressage before, and it’s a little bit like dressage. I like the movement – it goes faster than the pleasure. The horses are bigger.

What do you like about Canada?

The temperature! And the nature (outdoors) is nice. And the people here are very friendly; everybody says “hello” and “good morning,” “how are you.” I really like it.

Fun Fact: Ilke has been showing American Quarter Horses for almost four years, and before that she showed dressage. “I do everything,” she said. “Reining, hunter under saddle, horsemanship, everything.”

Team United Kingdom’s Caroline Coles and Hot Roddin Minute placed third overall in the first showmanship class on July 10. But the pair bested their run the second time, getting a silver for their efforts. Shortly after Caroline rode in the hunt seat equitation class, the Journal caught up with her as she was pulling off her boots in the Team UK stall area.

How did your hunter under saddle ride go?

Well, the first round wasn’t too great. He got a little bit fast on me. One way was really, really good the other way he got a bit fast. But after that, the final round, went really, really, really well. He was really listening. I felt as though if picked up he would slow down and everything. I felt more in control of him.

Is he a good horse?

Oh, yes. He’s such a good horse. He’s only 3, and he’s not as broke as some of the other horses but he’s a very, very talented horse, and he’s going to do very well. He’s a nice, calm horse to ride.

You were third in the first hunter under saddle class. Besting that placing must feel pretty good?

Oh, yes, especially when we got placed first under one of the judges. I was so thrilled. I was really happy with him. It was good.

How is Youth World Cup going for you?

Really good. Very, very good. I’m having a really good time, and it’s taught me so much about how to ride new horses I don’t know. I’ve absolutely loved it.

Anyone you would like to thank?

All the owners of the horses and also the volunteers. They have been amazing. Of course our coach and manager, Jackie (Krshka) and Christy (Leach). They have been absolutely amazing. We couldn’t have asked for better people really.

Fun Fact: Caroline's interest in showing American Quarter Horses came about after watching a demonstration at a horse show in the United Kingdom.