Tosca Holmes-Smith: Eventing in the Blood

Although she recently traded barn duties for books, 18-year-old Tosca Holmes-Smith has no intention of giving up the equestrian life. In September, Tosca commenced science studies at the University of Victoria after a milestone summer. It marked her fourth consecutive year competing as an eventer at the North America Youth Championships (NAYC, formerly NAJYRC), each time on a different horse. She claimed an individual gold and team bronze in the 2017 CCIJ 1* with Fiat, an accomplishment that helped her garner the 2017 Equestrian Canada Junior Equestrian of the Year Award. This year, she stepped up to the CICOY2* in Kalispell, Montana, as the sole Canadian eventing representative, finishing ninth on Tom Riddle. “Young Riders is a really cool experience and gives you a taste of what it’s like to compete for your country,” says Tosca. An aptitude for riding is in her genes – her father, Nick Holmes-Smith, is…