Latest from Horse & Hound in Canada

Team stalwart ruled out of Aachen World Championships: ‘We have a responsibility to make the best decisions we can for him’

Lucy Elder — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 13:25:10 +0000

Canadian eventing team stalwarts Michael Winter and El Mundo will miss the 2026 World Championships in Aachen (11 to 23 August).

Canada had two individuals entered for the eventing World Championships. Michael’s withdrawal means Jessica Phoenix and her skewbald five-star campaigner Fluorescent Adolescent will be the sole eventing combination competing under the maple leaf at Aachen.

British-based Michael, a three-time Olympian who has ridden at multiple five-stars, was part of the Canadian team with El Mundo (Roberto) at the last World Championships in Pratoni and at the Paris 2024 Olympics. The pair also helped their country to team gold at the 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago.

A statement from Equestrian Canada yesterday (4 August), said the 17-year-old gelding sustained an injury during his final preparations for Aachen and “is being given the time and care needed for his recovery”.

“The care and wellbeing of Roberto, and of all our equine partners, is paramount,” said Michael, who owns the horse with his wife Emma Winter, and Jonathan Nelson.

“The most important thing is that Roberto is here at home, being well cared for. Not because of what he has done for us, or what he may still do, but because he is a valued partner entrusted to our care.

“We have a responsibility to make the best decisions we can for him, always with his long-term welfare at heart and with the goal of creating the best possible outcomes throughout his career and his life.”

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Medal-winning horse who instilled confidence in his adoring rider retires aged 16

Lucy Elder — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 16:48:26 +0000

Truman, a stalwart of Canadian showjumping teams, has retired aged 16 to spend time “with his friends on 600 acres of grass”.

Rider Amy Millar acquired the gelding in 2016, with the support of her father, Ian Miller, and supporters Patty and Patrick Overlund, and he went on to become one of her “best friends and most trusted partners” over the following nine years.

Amy paid tribute to Truman, recalling their career highlights and the journey they shared.

“Together Truman and I travelled the world and shared many unforgettable moments in the sport,” she said.

Truman and Amy represented Canada at the 2022 World Championships in Denmark, were part of the silver medal-winning team at the 2023 Pan American Games and competed at last year’s Olympics in Paris.

The gelding was also “a cornerstone” of Nations Cup teams, helping the side to victory at Spruce Meadows in 2021, and many more successes. He also scored his first international grand prix win in 2019 and was second in the Queen Elizabeth II Cup at Spruce Meadows in 2024.

Amy said that she is “most proud” of their bond.

“The relationship forged between Truman, my groom Dan Ingratta and I was one of complete trust,” she said.

“Dan went to every big class that horse jumped over nine years, including the eight months Ian trained and showed Truman for me when I was pregnant with my son, Alex. We taught Truman to love his people, to be proud when he did a good job, and to enjoy his job.

“I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to know and love this animal. When I walked in the ring on Truman, I always knew we could do it and never felt like the fences were too big or the course too hard. Thank you, Truman, for your kindness, reliability and heart. But most of all thank you for giving me the confidence to know I can jump any class in the world – that’s the best gift a rider can receive.”

She added that Truman will “spend the rest of his days living his best life at Millar Brooke Farm” and has good friends “human and equine” to entertain and care for him.

“It brings Ian, Dan and I great joy to see him happy, sound and enjoying his retirement. He has more than earned it,” she said.

“For a very long time I didn’t want to go to the show unless Truman was on the truck. Truman, I will think of you every time I walk a course and there are no holes left in the standards because the jumps are so big and I will laugh and know I can do it. Because we did it together.”

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‘Our darkest hour’: one horse killed and seven injured in ‘evil’ stabbing attack

Eleanor Jones — Tue, 05 Aug 2025 10:54:47 +0000

One horse died and another is in hospital after eight were stabbed in their own fields in Canada, in an attack described as a “terrible dream you were begging to wake up from”.

Police are appealing for information on the “disturbing act of cruelty” at Eagle Wing Ranch, in the Welland area of Niagara, Ontario, last week.

“We have no words to describe the shock and devastation our barn staff and family felt as yesterday unfolded,” Amanda Janssen of Eagle Wing said. “It felt like a terrible dream you were begging to wake up from.

“The grief is heavy as we mourn the loss of a very special horse and the injuries of seven others. We are still reeling trying to make sense of something so unnecessary and evil.”

Ms Janssen said all good wishes for the recovery of the mare in hospital are appreciated, and thanked vet Matt Nugent, who “came promptly and triaged horses as we sickeningly came to conclusions this was an act of violence”.

“Thank you to the NRP, detectives and forensics for their professionalism, attentiveness and empathy,” she said. “Thank you to my barn staff who handled the darkest hour with calmness and capability. Thank you to all the overwhelming support we have felt from our horse community near and far.

“Right now we are taking it day by day and hugging our ponies a little tighter.”

A GoFundMe page set up in support of Ms Janssen has raised nearly $50,000 (over £27,000).

A spokesperson for the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) said officers launched an investigation on 31 July.

“The incident occurred overnight at a horse boarding farm located near Buchner Road and Highway 140 in Welland,” he said. “During their morning routine, farm staff discovered that several horses had sustained injuries consistent with cuts or stab wounds.

“Tragically, one horse was found deceased on scene. Another was transported to an out-of-town veterinary hospital for emergency care. Several additional horses received treatment on site. In total, eight horses were targeted in this act of cruelty.”

NRPS forensic officers examined the scene and the investigation is ongoing.

“The NRPS takes allegations of animal cruelty very seriously,” the spokesperson said. “Investigators are appealing to the public for assistance. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Niagara Regional Police Service at 905-688-4111, option 3, extension 1009487.”

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‘Thank you, my soulmate’: sad farewell to $2,000 racehorse who became a five-star eventer

Becky Murray — Wed, 28 Feb 2024 17:19:32 +0000

More Inspiration, the former racehorse who cost $2,000 (£1,575) and went on to become a five-star eventer, has died in retirement aged 18.

Canadian eventer Holly Jacks-Smither bought “Morris” as a four-year-old off-the-track-Thoroughbred (OTTB) as a project to sell on. During his racing career he claimed four wins from 28 starts.

“My $2,000 sales investment who I couldn’t sell, stuck around to change my life,” said Holly.

Holly produced Morris up the levels, and they completed their first CCI4*-L in May 2015. Later that year they were selected to represent Canada at CHIO Aachen.

In 2017 Holly and Morris made their five-star debut at the Kentucky Three-Day Event. They returned to Kentucky the following year, and in 2019 they enjoyed their highest five-star placing, 12th at Pau in France. Morris retired from international competition in 2021 aged 16.

“If it wasn’t for you Morris, I would have been on a totally different career path,” said Holly. “You taught me that hard work truly pays off; that thinking outside the box is a must to be successful with the tricky ones, that a big heart matters more than confirmation, and that hard work and perseverance get results.

“From a gallop girl at Woodbine Race track where we met, to my first Nations Cup in Aachen, Germany, my first five-star at Kentucky, and my first European five-star in Pau, France… we did it all together.”

Holly added that she will never have another horse like Morris.

“Thank you for challenging me, teaching me and giving me so much joy. But most importantly, thank you for being my soulmate and making me believe that life can be changed because of one special OTTB and a dream,” she said, adding thanks to all of her team.

“Make sure you have a good buck and squeal as you gallop through heaven’s doors. I’ll meet you on the other side. It was a hell of a ride buddy.”

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Olympic rider and daughter ‘strongly deny’ allegations leading to provisional suspension

Becky Murray — Tue, 20 Feb 2024 16:10:07 +0000

Canadian Olympic dressage rider Evi Strasser and her daughter Tanya Strasser-Shostak have been provisionally suspended by Equestrian Canada (EC) and the FEI.

An EC spokesman confirmed to H&H that as of 17 February the pair have been provisionally suspended from all EC-related business, activities, and events pending the completion of an investigation.

In a joint statement Evi and Tanya stated that an “unsupported allegation” was received by EC from a past employee of their business Good Tyme Stables who was “terminated several years ago for her unprofessional and improper conduct”.

“Since 2018, that former employee, who claims to be a competitor of ours, has engaged in a campaign of libel and slander against us, requiring us to send two cease and desist letters to that person in 2020 and 2023,” read the statement.

“Unfortunately, this person has now decided to escalate her attacks upon us, by making a complaint to EC for allegations arising in 2017. We strongly deny the allegations by this disgruntled ex-employee. We are defending this matter vigorously, through our legal counsel. As our friends and equestrian community members know, defending such allegations is a difficult and sometimes lengthy process. We appreciate the kind words of support we have received, and continue to receive, as we work through this difficult time.”

Pictured Tanya Strasser-Shostak. (Image credit: Marie Cobb)

The EC spokesman said that the governing body cannot comment specifically on cases currently open with the independent third party that handles EC complaints.

“All allegations of misconduct are received through EC’s third-party complaints process. If EC receives a report from our independent third-party complaints manager regarding a complaint they have received that is serious in nature, the respondents are provisionally suspended,” said the spokesman.

“To protect the integrity of the process, EC is not provided further details until it is complete and a decision is rendered.”

The spokesman added that EC asks its community and the public to “support the complaints process and allow it to do its job in coming to a fair and expeditious resolution for all parties involved”.

“Anyone that has witnessed or has reasonable grounds to believe that a human or horse is suffering or has suffered abuse in our sport, is obligated to report it and we encourage them to report their concerns,” said the spokesman.

Evi represented Canada at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, and the 2006 World Equestrian Games in Aachen. The 60-year-old continues to compete at top level, and on 9 February was ninth in the freestyle on her 16-year-old gelding Disney Tyme at a World Cup qualifier in Wellington, Florida. Tanya is also an international grand prix rider, and last year competed at the young horse World Championships in Ermelo, the Netherlands.

An FEI spokesman told H&H that the FEI was informed of the provisional suspensions, and has implemented them at FEI level. H&H asked if the FEI is launching its own investigation and the spokesman said the FEI will “first liaise with EC”.

‘She lived joyfully’: tributes to Olympic rider who suffered ruptured aneurysm while competing

Eleanor Jones — Wed, 08 Mar 2023 17:15:11 +0000

Tributes have been paid to former Olympic eventer Wyndham St John, who died on Monday in Spain.

The 63-year-old Canadian suffered a ruptured aneurysm and brain bleed and fell from her horse during an international showjumping competition. She was airlifted to a specialist neurological unit but died in hospital on 6 March.

“Wyn and I had the best 34 years together, our common passions and goals took us around the world,” her husband José said.

“The last three weeks of competition Wyn was very happy, doing what she loved, planning competitions, preparing the horses and executing at the highest level. She achieved success in the biggest showjumping competitions in Europe.

“Wyn leaves an unavoidable void. I would like for all of us to remember and cherish Wyn for what she was, an incredible human being, caring, loving and the best person I was lucky to have met.

“To honour her, remember a memory of Wyn and keep it in your heart for ever.”

Wyndham St John was born in Vancouver but moved to the UK, and was “an accomplished Canadian equestrian throughout her life”, an Equestrian Canada spokesman said.

Wyndham competed at the 2000 Olympics and the 2002 Olympic Games on Oliver, and in 2014, she switched to showjumping, competing throughout Europe until last month.

“Known as a kind and genuine woman with a wonderful sense of humour, she lived joyfully doing what she loved,” the EC spokesman said.

“She will be fondly remembered by all who knew her and leaves memories of a dedicated horsewoman, partner, and friend in the Canadian and international equestrian community.”

A spokesman for the Andalucia Sunshine Tour, where Wyndham was competing last month, said: “It is with great sadness that we hear of the passing of Wyndham St John – our thoughts and prayers are close to her loved ones. Her kindness and love will for ever be remembered by all of us.”

Noseband tightness under review, as national federation looks to implement new tack rules

Becky Murray — Mon, 17 Oct 2022 16:41:20 +0000

New data has shone a light on riders’ attitudes to noseband tightness – as Canada takes steps towards implementing new tack rules.

In January, H&H reported that Equestrian Canada (EC) had launched a noseband-measuring pilot project, with the view of implementing a rule that reflects scientific recommendations; that a horse’s noseband “should not be tight enough to prevent the placement of two adult fingers between the noseband and the frontal nasal plane” (news, 13 January).

Currently EC’s rules say that abuse of horses at EC-sanctioned competitions is not tolerated. Acts of cruelty can include nosebands used in such a way that they interfere with the horse’s breathing, or tight enough to cause pain or discomfort.

As part of the project stewards measured the tightness of 551 nosebands across 32 competitions using the International Society for Equitation (ISES) taper gauge, a tool that precisely measures the space between the noseband and nasal plane. More than 1,500 EC members also took part in a survey on noseband fit – and potential rule changes.

Researchers have now published the findings from the work, in Animals. Of the 551 measurements taken, 71% passed the 1.5cm (two fingers) measurement; 19% passed 1cm (one finger); and 10% were too tight to fit the taper gauge. Stewards unanimously agreed that over-tightened nosebands present a welfare issue; 60% believed the current rules are sufficient and 40% did not. Stewards also commented on other issues, such as nosebands being positioned too high or too low.

Of the 1,528 survey respondents, only 181 professional riders felt over-tightened nosebands were a welfare issue, compared to 613 amateur competitors. Overall, 326 of respondents said being able to fit only one finger between the noseband and nasal plane was acceptable. Just over 74% of respondents mostly agreed that all disciplines should have the same standardised rules for noseband fit and that a measurement gauge was a fair method to measure this – but only 65% agreed that noseband fit should be measured at the nasal plane.

The researchers discussed that noseband fit depended on many factors, including the breed and conformation of the horse and the type of noseband used.

“While the noseband taper gauge admittedly cannot account for all types of head conformation, it is within the realm of science to create a gauge that could,” they said.

“For now, though, a standardised rule across the board may not be well received by competitors who already feel weighed down by rules.”

The researchers concluded that misinformation and misunderstanding of noseband research was evident, indicating a need for the education of riders and coaches on the importance of appropriate noseband fit – and the consequences of over-tightened nosebands.

“Making nosebands optional in disciplines that currently require them was suggested. Despite differing viewpoints, there was a clear desire to improve equine quality of life,” they said.

An EC spokesman told H&H the body launched the project to investigate the need for and acceptance of new standards to noseband measuring, before they formulated a rule-change proposal.

“EC is keen to share and support the results of the paper as well as the data collected to further inform the community and provide information regarding the rule change proposal that has been submitted to the national rules committee,” said the spokesman.

Change to eventing World Championships line-up as Olympian withdraws

Lucy Elder — Tue, 30 Aug 2022 16:56:14 +0000

The Canadian eventing World Championships team is facing a rejig owing to an injury sustained in a final pre-Pratoni preparation run.

Olympian Colleen Loach has withdrawn from the Canadian squad heading to Italy after her ride, championship debutant Vermont (“Monty”), picked up an injury in the four-star short at Bromont this month, where they finished second with a double jumping clear.

“Monty felt incredible in his final prep run for the worlds at Bromont Nations Cup last weekend. Unfortunately he came off [the cross-country] with a sprained fetlock and so we won’t have the privilege of representing Canada this fall in Italy,” she said.

“Best of luck to team Canada over there and I will be sending positive vibes your way.”

Colleen has been a pivotal part of Canada’s senior championship sides in recent years, partnering Qorry Blue D’Argouges in the Rio and Tokyo Olympics and 2018 World Equestrian Games.

Vermont, a 10-year-old gelding by Van Helsing out of a Heraldik XX mare, owned by Peter Barry, has a stellar four-star record, finishing in the top 10 on six of his nine starts at the level.

Colleen was named alongside Hawley Awad (JollyBo), Holly Jacks (Candy King), Karl Slezak (Fernhill Wishes) and Michael Winter (El Mundo) on the Canadian World Championship squad, which comprises a team of four and an individual spot.

Dana Cooke (FE Mississippi) and Lisa Marie Fergusson (Honor Me) were originally named as non-travelling reserves. Colleen’s replacement for Pratoni has not yet been announced, and the definite entries for the 2022 World Eventing Championships (14 to 18 September) will be released on Monday (5 September).

‘I wanted to stop halfway and pat him!’ World Championships ride of the day

Eleanor Jones — Thu, 11 Aug 2022 19:47:44 +0000

Canadian rider Tiffany Foster said she wanted “ to stop halfway” round the course today at the Agria FEI World Showjumping Championships, to pat her horse Figor as he was “trying his absolute heart out”.

The combination sit in fifth place individually after day two of competition, just 0.95 penalties behind leaders Julien Epaillard and Caracole De La Roque.

After a strong clear in yesterday’s opening speed class, Tiffany said: “It felt amazing.

“I really wanted another clear round today, but I felt like I wasn’t really with my horse for the first four jumps. I don’t know why, I just felt like I wasn’t doing all the right things. I got way too deep to number four, and he totally saved me.

“And then I thought, okay, from now on I’m gonna give him a good ride; get organised, do what you need to do. And I feel like for the second half, we felt really together with it. And he tried his absolute heart out – I just wanted to stop halfway through and pat him.”

Tiffany has had 12-year-old KWPN gelding “Figgy”, who she owns with Artisan Farms LLC, for about five years.

“He has a bit of nervous energy that we’ve had to try to manage,” she said. “His flat rider was here, Max Manzardo, and he does a great job with that. It’s a team effort for this horse, because he is a little bit of a handful sometimes, but when you can get him in the zone, I feel like he just gives everything and that’s the best.

“He’s actually not strong, he’s like the most amazingly lovely horse to ride, he’s just really bloody, like he really wants to go the jumps, and my favourite thing is to try to calm horses down so that was really what drew me to him in the first place. It’s been a bit of a journey with him because it hasn’t totally been easy, but he’s lovely to ride. He’s like the dream; he wants to go but you have all the controls and all the brakes and even though he’s a bit fussy now and I have a really soft bit in his mouth, he doesn’t need much bridle and I feel in total control all the time, which is a great feeling.”

Tiffany added that Carlene Ziegler of Artisan Farms bought Figgy for her when he was seven, in hopes that he would be a championship horse.

“Then with Covid and injuries and things that have happened, this is the first championship we brought him to,” she said. “And so I have high expectations because there’s no course he can’t jump. He is the scopiest horse I’ve ever ridden, even when I went in the ring and there was that fence with the bushes, I thought ‘Oh my god, how are horses jumping it?’ But he just flies. He’s got so much scope and it gives you so much confidence. He’s just amazing.”

Tiffany and Figgy will be in action again tomorrow (12 August) in the World Showjumping Championships team final.

Eric Lamaze in major new role: ‘I will not stop until we reach perfection’

Lucy Elder — Mon, 07 Feb 2022 17:56:55 +0000

Former Olympic champion Eric Lamaze has taken on a new role out of the saddle as chef d’equipe of the Canadian showjumping team.

The 2008 Olympic individual gold medallist is Equestrian Canada’s newly appointed technical advisor for jumping, which includes acting as chef d’equipe.

Eric takes over from Mark Laskin, who held the role from 2012 until he resigned in November 2021, citing contract issues among the reasons for his departure. Equestrian Canada undertook a review of its jumping high performance programme after Tokyo, including its technical advisor role.

“I am excited to help lead the Canadian showjumping team to future success in a new capacity,” said Eric, who was appointed by a hiring panel, following an application and interview process.

“It’s an honour to be named to this position and not one that I take lightly. I look forward to building on the foundation that Mark Laskin laid and am committed to the success of our athletes, both nationally and internationally. I have a strong vision for the sport in Canada and will not stop until we reach perfection.”

The 53-year-old revealed in November 2021 that he would be “taking a sabbatical” from the sport, owing to health issues, with Beth Underhill piloting his string while he oversees training from the ground.

Eric is Canada’s most decorated equestrian and holds Olympic team silver and individual bronze alongside his Beijing gold. His major grand prix victories include Calgary, Geneva, Aachen, La Baule and Rome, and he has topped the world rankings on multiple occasions in his career.

He also claimed individual bronze at the 2010 World Equestrian Games and has four Pan American Games medals to his name, including team gold.

In 2021, Lamaze was inducted into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame and awarded the Order of Sport.

“I would like to thank Equestrian Canada and the hiring panel for putting their trust in me,” said Lamaze, who is based in Florida and Belgium.

His first duty as chef d’equipe will be at the CSIO4* Winter Equestrian Festival (2 to 6 March) in Florida, which features a Nations Cup leg. The World Championships in Herning, Denmark, in August, will be his first senior championship in the role, as Canada target Paris 2024 Olympic qualification.

Equestrian Canada chairman Karen Sparks said the organisation is “thrilled” to welcome Eric to the position.

“[We] are fortunate that he felt the timing was right to take on this challenge,” she said. “We are confident that he can build the national program and podium pathways and be the leader the team needs to be successful on the world stage.”

EC chief executive officer Meg Krueger agreed, saying, “There is no one with more experience and [such]? a proven track record in our sport than Eric. His knowledge and passion are truly remarkable, and there is little doubt that he is the right choice to lead Canadian showjumping into a successful future.”

Education key to changing views on tight nosebands

Becky Murray — Sat, 08 Jan 2022 20:03:25 +0000

Science and education are key to changing views on the tightness of nosebands, industry experts have agreed.

Last year, Equestrian Canada (EC) launched a “noseband measuring pilot project” with the view of implementing a rule that reflects scientific recommendations; that a horse’s noseband “should not be tight enough to prevent the placement of two adult fingers between the noseband and the frontal nasal plane”.

As finger size can vary, the EC equine health and welfare committee has recommended the standardised use of the International Society for Equitation Science (ISES) taper gauge, a tool that precisely measures the space between the noseband and the nasal plane.

During the voluntary project, competition stewards measured the tightness of 550 nosebands across EC-sanctioned competitions using the ISES tool. Data was collected to compare current compliance with the proposed rule, identify where education was needed, record competitor willingness to comply, look at the practicality of using the tool and the training requirements for assessing compliance.

Following the project, EC hosted a webinar in November during which panellists discussed the theme, “How science can be applied to improve noseband tightness in Canadian equestrian sport”. World Horse Welfare chief executive Roly Owers led the meeting, featuring panellists EC stewards Diane Goyette, Susan Legge, Brett Filson, and Allan Ehrlick.

The topic of social licence was raised, with Mr Owers stating that he believes social licence, essentially public acceptance of a practice, will help secure equestrian sport in future.

“The way we can protect our sport is by behaving with trust, transparency and building confidence with the public. How we can do that in part, is by having rules and regulations in our sport built on evidence and that evidence in a large part comes from science.”

Ms Legge said the equestrian world is looking at the application of scientific criteria to its relationships with horses with a “higher level of integrity than ever before”.

“EC’s support of the project demonstrates a commitment to improving horse welfare by developing a system of consistent measurement that can be applied easily and accurately. Nosebands can be a useful training tool or they can be a discomfort to the horse, so the more we know about fit and impact on the anatomy, the better we can do for our horses,” she said.

“Being aware of the impact of items like nosebands creates responsible riders and handlers, so for me the ISES gauge is so useful because it demonstrates consistency, which results in trust of the tool and the process. With trust in the fairness of the system comes cooperation, so the ultimate result is not just compliance with a rule but the desire to do better. This is positive science in action.”

Mr Ehrlick, a former Olympic eventer, said he found riders of all ages willing to learn about noseband tightness when he performed measuring at competitions.

“The youngest person was eight and the oldest was 81. The interesting connection is that they were both willing to learn why we were doing this,” he said, adding that when he asked for a noseband to be loosened, he was later thanked by the rider following their competition round.

“Our job is to educate about horse welfare; science is about learning and learning is about teaching. I stewarded 68 days [during 2021] and by the last two shows, I had people lining up saying, ‘Can you measure my noseband?’ They wanted to be seen by others that they were being checked and the word spread, it was quite popular. I think the tool worked.”

The panellists discussed different styles of nosebands and it was agreed that padded crank nosebands, often worn in dressage, were usually found to be done up more tightly. It was noted that the panellists did not find tight nosebands as much at hunter shows, compared to dressage and jumper shows.

“I am concerned that nosebands have been too tight in dressage for years,” said Mr Filson, a senior dressage steward. “[It’s] not across the board, but at the most senior level. I have been at shows where I have had competitors whose nosebands were so tight that when they came out of the ring, I’ve said, ‘If you don’t loosen that, you’re not going back in – end of story.” It’s been a problem for a long time and I’m thrilled we’re doing something about it.

“The education that we started in the summer was helpful. If we have a consistent noseband tool, we’re going to get consistent results, education and positive change. If we have to get to the point of consequences [for nosebands being too tight], then let’s make sure the consequences are very real and enforceable.”

How a Horse & Hound advert helped a Tokyo Paralympian find her ‘heart horse’

Lucy Elder — Wed, 06 Oct 2021 12:02:51 +0000

A chance phone call to an advert placed in Horse & Hound led to Canadian rider Bert Sheffield finding her Tokyo Paralympic dressage star Fairuza.

UK-based Bert was looking for a new challenge when she spotted an advert for part-bred Friesian driving horses in H&H in 2015.

“I contacted the breeder and he said, ‘I haven’t got any Friesian crosses left, but I’ve got about 100 [part-bred] Gelderlanders. Do you want to come and look?’” she explains.

“She was pretty inexpensive, so I bought her thinking well if it works, it works. If it doesn’t, then I’ve not lost much. I thought that she would be a project and I could sell her on, but actually the more she came out of her shell, the more I thought ‘oh I really like you’ and she’s stuck around. She’s not going anywhere. She’s absolutely my heart horse. She just has the most amazing temperament.”

Roberta Sheffield riding Fairuza CAN. Team competition. Grade 3. (Image credit: Liz Gregg)

Bert started “Wonky”, as the now 12-year-old is affectionately known owing to her crooked stripe, slowly, giving the lightly handled mare plenty of time to adjust to her new career.

“It took quite a long time, but it’s amazing how she coped with it all,” she says. “I really enjoyed doing groundwork and horsemanship work as well as the dressage.”

Bert adds the fact Wonky was “a bit of an underdog” appealed to her.

“She’s unusual breeding for dressage. She’s no recorded breeding – I mean we know she’s Gelderlander cross KWPN, but it’s all driving lines, not fancy dressage lines. I’ve had to defend her quite a lot from people saying, ‘Oh, she’s ugly, she’s not elegant, she’s heavy, she’s old fashioned’. And she was very spooky and very quirky, especially at the beginning.

“I just kept looking at her and thinking, ‘the brain is so good’. Because when you’re on her, she gives herself over to you. She doesn’t hold anything back. She’s incredibly expressive just in her daily way of being, so I always thought, ‘when I can get that on my side, she’s going to be amazing’. Everything about her is this total extrovert.”

Bert took Wonky to the H&H Festival of Dressage at Sheepgate in 2018, where the mare competed in her first ever test outdoors, and from there they have gone on to bag wins and top placings across the world.

In Tokyo, the pair scored a personal best of 72% in the team test and also finished 12th in the close-fought grade III individual contest on 69.77%. She also served as “friendly horse” to Sir Lee Person’s Breezer.

“Tokyo was actually the nicest games experience I’ve had,” says Bert, adding this was both a combination of their achievements at the event and the fact the team were able to bond during pre-export quarantine.

“Because the Canadian team is quite a disparate team. We don’t get to spend much time together unless we’re actually at a Games. So it was really nice to reconnect with the team before we were in that mega high pressure environment.”

Bert adds that is the mare’s ability to focus and deliver in that pressurised atmosphere, forged through their partnership, that makes her so special.

“Why she’s so lovely, to me, is because in that high pressure environment, she doesn’t quit. She doesn’t dry up on you, she just says ‘right what do you want me to do?’. She’s such a friend as well – since we’ve been home, we’ve been riding out on the stubble. Even when we were in Germany, before we went into the export quarantine camp in Aachen, we went hacking all around the locality around the edges of Cologne. She’s high performance one day and you could put pretty much anyone on her and take them out hacking the next. What a horse.”

‘The greatest honour’: hall of fame induction for legendary partnership

Eleanor Jones — Mon, 04 Oct 2021 19:31:36 +0000

Eric Lamaze and his “one of a kind” Olympic gold medal-winning partner Hickstead have been granted “the greatest honour you can achieve from your country”.

The showjumper and the KWPN stallion were inducted into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame in a virtual ceremony on 3 October, in the teams category.

Eric and Hickstead had a host of stellar achievements. As well as winning individual gold, and team silver, at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, they won individual bronze at the 2010 World Equestrian Games in Kentucky, in which Hickstead was also awarded the “best horse” title.

They also took individual bronze, and team silver, at the 2007 Pan American Games, as well as major grands prix across the world, including at Spruce Meadows in 2007 and 2011, Geneva in 2008 and Aachen in 2010. They also finished second at the 2011 World Cup final.

“I believe this is the greatest honour you can receive from your country,” said Eric. “Hickstead was incredible, simply one of a kind. Together, we were proud to represent Canada on the world stage. It is well deserved on his part; I just went along for the ride.”

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

As well as the hall of fame induction, Eric has been given the Order of Sport, Canada’s top sporting honour. This was presented to him last month while he was competing at Spruce Meadows, at which a life-size bronze of Hickstead stands.

The Hamlet stallion, whom Eric bought as an eight-year-old in 2004, owing him with John Fleischhakcer’s Ashland Stables, won over £3m with Eric until his death in 2011.

H&H Tokyo rider of the day: Brittany Fraser-Beaulieu impresses on 11th hour call-up to Olympic dressage freestyle

Lucy Elder — Wed, 28 Jul 2021 15:11:01 +0000

Brittany Fraser-Beaulieu found out that she had a place in the Tokyo Olympic dressage individual final just hours before she headed up the centre line aboard All In.

The Canadian rider was first reserve for the freestyle, where the individual medals were contested, following their performance in the grand prix on Sunday (25 July). When US rider Adrienne Lyle withdrew, Brittany got the call.

“I knew I was the first reserve for sure and with horses, you never really know [what might happen so] you always have to be prepared,” said Brittany, who heard at this morning’s horse inspection that she had a place in the final.

She added her first thought was that she felt “so sorry for Adrienne”, and she spoke to the US rider about what she had achieved in helping the US to team silver and told her how it was “incredible to witness” her performance in that team final.

Brittany and the 16-year-old gelding, by Tango, performed to an original composition by Joost Peters.

“Yesterday I went through parts of my freestyle, just to practice because when I was training at home I was mostly concentrating on the grand prix, not so much my freestyle,” she said.

“I was so excited to ride tonight and you know All In loves dancing to the music and it was everything that I’d dreamed of.

“[Joost] wanted to connect it to the Canadian artists so that’s why we had Celine Dion’s I’m Alive in bits and pieces running through my freestyle,” she said, adding the music suited All In “very well”.

“The majority of my test felt amazing. He was a little tense in the piaffe tonight, but overall, just so thrilled to be here and be competing against the top in the world and, like, as a Canadian it’s very hard to make the top 18. So I’m so happy.”

The pair finished 18th on a score of 76.40%.

Brittany has competed all over the world with the Tango gelding, who she describes as “like family”.

“He’s taken me to the Pan Ams, WEG [World Equestrian Games] and the Olympics – he’s taken me to so many Nations Cup teams,” she said.

“He’s like family, he’s going to be with me forever. This horse owes me nothing and I’m going to do what’s best for him. Whenever he tells me that he’s had enough, he will retire.”

Five riders shortlisted for Canada’s sole Tokyo showjumping place

Becky Murray — Sat, 08 May 2021 16:03:29 +0000

Eric Lamaze is among the five showjumpers shortlisted to represent Canada individually at the Tokyo Olympics.

Last week Equestrian Canada announced the riders bidding for the one individual showjumping space available at the Games. Also on the list are Erynn Ballard, Mario Deslauriers, Tiffany Foster and Amy Millar.

Three of team Canada’s 2016 Rio Olympic squad are on the roster; Eric, Tiffany and Amy. If selected, Tokyo will be 53-year-old Eric’s fourth Games. He won individual gold and team silver at Beijing in 2008, was part of the London 2012 squad with Tiffany, and took individual bronze at Rio in 2016.

Mario, 56, represented Team Canada at the 1984 Los Angeles Games and the 1988 Seoul Games alongside Amy’s father Ian Millar, and was part of the 2018 World Equestrian Games squad in Tryon, USA, with Eric and Erynn.

An Equestrian Canada spokesman said the Canadian Olympic committee will submit the definite entry to the Olympic Games organising committee on or before 5 July.

Continued below…

(Image credit: TREVOR MEEKS)

Tokyo dream ended for Canadian showjumpers by appeal ruling

Canada’s last hope of fielding a showjumping team at this summer’s Olympics has been quashed in a ruling by the

Tokyo Olympic place lost after rider unknowingly used teabag containing cocaine

The rider took what she thought was green tea from the breakfast area of the hotel

(Image credit: TREVOR MEEKS)

The Canadian showjumping team lost its team place at the Tokyo Games after rider Nicole Walker tested positive for a metabolite of cocaine at the 2019 Pan American Games. Nicole was disqualified at a PanAm Sports disciplinary committee hearing in December 2019, meaning the team dropped from fourth to seventh place, and lost their Olympic qualification.

The Argentinian team, which originally finished fifth, were promoted to fourth following the amended result and took the Tokyo spot.

Nicole, who has always denied taking any illicit drugs, and EC appealed the decision. In an arbitral award, released this week, a Court of Arbitration for Sport panel said it accepted that the positive sample was caused by Nicole’s unknowingly using a teabag containing cocaine, provided by her hotel, but the disqualification stands.

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

Tokyo Olympic place lost after rider unknowingly used teabag containing cocaine

Eleanor Jones — Fri, 07 May 2021 15:56:41 +0000

The Canadian showjumping team’s place at the Tokyo Olympics has not been reinstated, despite the fact a rider who failed a dope test had unintentionally ingested cocaine in a teabag taken from her hotel.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport has ruled that Nicole Walker’s team results at the 2019 Pan Am Games remain disqualified, meaning the team loses its fourth place, and its place at the Tokyo Games.

H&H has reported on the case of Nicole, who tested positive for benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine, in a sample taken on 7 August at the games, and was provisionally suspended by the FEI. In December that year, in a PanAm Sports disciplinary hearing, Nicole’s results from the team competition were disqualified, dropping the team’s place to seventh.

Nicole said throughout that she never takes any illicit drugs, and is “always fully aware of the possibility of being tested and would never expose myself to any substance that could test positive”.

But in January, the Court of Arbitration for Sport dismissed the appeal of Nicole and Equestrian Canada (EC). In an arbitral award, released this week, the CAS panel said it accepted Nicole had not intentionally ingested cocaine at “any relevant time” on or before 7 August 2019, or done so unintentionally at any time before that date.

The court accepted that the positive sample was “the result, and only the result of, the unintentional ingestion of cocaine by Ms Walker on the morning of 7 August 2019 as a result of her using a teabag containing cocaine, which she took from the breakfast service area of the Los Incas Lima Hotel”.

The panel had heard that Nicole had brought eight teabags of her favourite green tea to the Games, as she was to be there eight days. But as it was colder than she had expected, she drank more tea, and so ran out. On the morning of 7 August, she chose what she thought was a green teabag from the hotel’s breakfast area. She does not speak Spanish so did not know that the word “coca” — the tea was described as “matte de coca” — means cocaine.

It became apparent during the hearing that tea containing cocaine is “readily available” in Peru, but no warning to this effect had been issued to Nicole, by the games organisers or Team Canada officials.

CAS said that Ms Walker “assumed such tea would be illegal in Peru, as it was in Canada or other places she had visited”. She also wrongly believed, as did other witnesses associated with Team Canada, that the hotel was an official Games hotel, so no food or drink containing prohibited substances would be available there.

Continues below…

Tokyo dream ended for Canadian showjumpers by appeal ruling

Canada’s last hope of fielding a showjumping team at this summer’s Olympics has been quashed in a ruling by the

(Image credit: Alamy Stock Photo)

‘I do not use illicit drugs’: Tokyo 2020 hopeful provisionally suspended after positive test

“My teammates, my team in the barn, our horses and I, have all put a lifetime of effort towards an

(Image credit: Alamy Stock Photo)

In a statement, EC said: “EC is firmly committed to clean sport and recognises the breach in the PanAm Sports anti-doping rules during the Lima 2019 Pan American Games. We also believe in fully supporting our athletes through the execution of those rules with fairness and technical precision.

“EC is pleased that the CAS panel accepted that Nicole innocently drank a cup of coca tea, believing it to be green tea. EC is further pleased that CAS found that the Canadian showjumping team was not warned about the prevalence of coca-based products in Peru and that neither the [team] nor Nicole had any knowledge that coca meant cocaine.

“However, EC is extremely disappointed that despite the panel’s recognition of Nicole’s integrity and commitment to clean sport, her affected results at Lima 2019 were not reinstated, resulting in the Canadian showjumping team remaining disqualified from the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

“EC has stood by Nicole throughout the discipline and appeals process and together, we will explore the option of appealing the CAS decision to the Swiss Federal Tribunal in Lausanne, Switzerland.”

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

‘He tries his heart out – I just hang on for the ride’: Canadian pair dominate in Wellington

Polly Bryan — Tue, 16 Feb 2021 11:25:54 +0000

A personal best score earned Canada’s Brittany Fraser-Beaulieu and All In last week’s World Cup victory at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival (GDF) in Wellington.

Brittany and the 16-year-old Tango son claimed the grand prix with 73.7% – “probably our best grand prix to date” – before topping the grand prix freestyle, presented by Helgstrand Dressage, with 79.33%.

The 2021 GDF has marked the pair’s first international appearence since September 2019, and Brittany admitted she was “a little nervous” ahead of competing on the Wellington dressage circuit.

“All In has come out this season and really proven that he knows his job so well,” she said. “He tries his heart out for me every time we go down the centre line, and I just have to hang on for the ride. I’m ecstatic with him.”

‘We have a strong team for Canada’

Montreal-based Brittany’s freestyle programme was created by Joost Peters, featuring music by French Canadian Celine Dion.

“This was only the second time I have ridden to this new freestyle. I love Celine Dion, my husband is French…and I love the song, so I asked [Joost] to incorporate it into the beginning and the end,” explained Brittany, who competed All In for Canada at the World Equestrian Games in 2018.

Her flowing test was mistake-free, featuring punchy extended trots straight up the centre line and multiple piaffe pirouettes. After this win, Brittany has set her sights on the World Cup Final in April in Gothenburg, and is also targeting the Tokyo Olympics with All In.

“If Tokyo happens, I think we will have a very strong team for Canada,” she said.

British dressage success in Wellington

The GDF also hosted a CDI3* alongside the World Cup qualifier, and here it was another Candian rider, Lindsay Kellock who dominated. Lindsay and the 15-year-old Sandro Hit son Sebastien won the grand prix special, having finished second in the grand prix to te USA’s Nick Wagman and Don John.

Continues below…

(Image credit: Susan Stickle)

‘I want to show what’s possible’: Man born with one hand and foot aims for Paralympic gold

‘I’m happy the way I am; my disability made me the person I am, and I wouldn’t trade it for

(Image credit: Susan Stickle)

‘My true partner’: Olympic champions to take their place in hall of fame

(Image credit: Susan Stickle)

British rider Susan Pape claimed third place in both classes, riding the 12-year-old Zenon stallion Harmony’s Eclectisch. This brings the pair’s tally of top-three placings in Wellington up to six since the start of this year.

The GDF continues with a CDI5* show this month and the next World Cup qualifier in early March.

We are continuing to produce Horse & Hound as a weekly magazine during the coronavirus pandemic, as well as to keep our website at horseandhound.co.uk up to date with breaking news, features and more. Click here for info about magazine subscriptions and access to our premium H&H Plus content online.

Tokyo dream ended for Canadian showjumpers by appeal ruling

Lucy Elder — Thu, 14 Jan 2021 11:02:49 +0000

Canada’s last hope of fielding a showjumping team at this summer’s Olympics has been quashed in a ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

Canada lost its Tokyo team place after rider Nicole Walker tested positive for a metabolite of cocaine at the 2019 Pan American Games. Ms Walker was disqualified at a Panam Sports disciplinary committee hearing in December 2019, meaning the team dropped from fourth to seventh place and with it went their Olympic qualification.

The Argentinian team, which originally finished fifth, were promoted to fourth following the amended result and took the Tokyo spot.

Ms Walker, who has always denied taking cocaine, saying she “do[es] not use illicit drugs ever”, and put the positive test down to contamination as a result of drinking cocoa leaf tea, and brought an appeal against the Panam Sports disciplinary committee hearing result to CAS.

Equestrian Canada supported and endorsed Ms Walker’s appeal to CAS to overturn her disqualification and reinstate her results, which would have put the Canadian team back in fourth and return their ticket to Tokyo.

Panam Sports argued against the appeal at the hearing, held by video conference on 21 and 23 December 2020.

The CAS panel issued its decision on Tuesday (12 January), dismissing the appeals filed by Ms Walker and Equestrian Canada, and partially upheld Panam Sports’ case in ruling that the results for the Canadian team are disqualified. This includes the forfeiture of any medals, points and prizes.

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(Image credit: Alamy Stock Photo)

Canada loses team showjumping place at Tokyo Olympics

The decision was made at a hearing on 4 December

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‘I do not use illicit drugs’: Tokyo 2020 hopeful provisionally suspended after positive test

“My teammates, my team in the barn, our horses and I, have all put a lifetime of effort towards an

The arbitral award, with grounds for the panels decisions, will be notified to the parties “in the coming weeks”.

A statement from Equestrian Canada said the organisation was “disappointed” by the CAS rulings.

“[Equestrian Canada] will await the reasoned arbitral award before commenting further at this time,” it added.

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

‘My true partner’: Olympic champions to take their place in hall of fame

Lucy Elder — Fri, 29 May 2020 06:10:24 +0000

Olympic gold medallists Eric Lamaze and Hickstead are to be inducted into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame.

The pair are the second horse and rider combination to join the hall of fame, and Eric will also receive Canada’s highest sporting honour, the order of sport.

The combination claimed individual gold and team silver at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, as well as individual bronze at the 2010 World Equestrian Games (WEG), plus individual silver and team bronze at the 2007 Pan-Ams.

The Beijing success was a defining moment for Canada, as Eric was the country’s first Olympic showjumping champion. He ended the year as Canada’s first world number one in the FEI rankings, an achievement he followed up in 2010 and 2011.

Hickstead was also given the title of “best horse” at WEG 2010, when the championships still ran to the format where the top four combinations swapped horses in the final round.

Their grands prix record together included titles at Calgary, Geneva, Aachen, La Baule and Rome. They also finished second in the 2011 World Cup final in Germany.

“It is an honour for myself and Hickstead to be recognised for our achievements by Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame,” said Eric.

“I’m especially happy for Hickstead. In our sport, it takes two athletes, one human and one equine, working together and in Hickstead I found a true partner. It’s wonderful that his accomplishments are being recognised for the great athletic feats that they were.

“Together, we were proud to represent Canada on the world stage. My sincerest thanks to all who supported this nomination and made it possible. I gratefully accept this honour on behalf of all of our supporters, our fans, and our great nation.”

The induction ceremony, which normally takes place in October, will not be held this year owing to the coronavirus, so Eric and Hickstead will be part of the 2021 cohort.

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Hickstead was bred in the Netherlands by Jan van Schijndel and joined Eric’s string as an eight-year-old.

Eric co-owned Hickstead with John Fleischhacker and the stallion earned more than $3m (£2.43m) in prize money during his career. He died aged 15 in 2011 after sustaining an aortic rupture during a leg of the World Cup series in Italy.

The Hickstead Trophy has been awarded annually in his honour since 2012 to Equestrian Canada’s horse of the year.

Eric, 52, who has competed at every WEG since 1994 as well as the 2012 and 2016 Olympics, winning individual bronze in Rio, has the rescheduled Tokyo Games in his sights.

We continue to publish Horse & Hound magazine weekly during the coronavirus pandemic, as well as keeping horseandhound.co.uk up to date with all the breaking news, features and more. Click here for info about magazine subscriptions (six issues for £6) and access to our premium H&H Plus content online.

5 horsey gap year ideas to make you want to pack your bags right now

Gemma Redrup — Wed, 01 Aug 2018 11:24:13 +0000

You’ve worked hard for years at school, you’ve finally completed your A-Levels and you’ve decided to reward yourself with a gap year before starting university. But what to do? If you love horses, here’s just a few ways you could give your gap year an equestrian theme. Pack your bags, grab your passport, let’s go…

1. South African coast working rider

This trip gives you the opportunity to work and ride with horses all day for four weeks or more on the South African coast for a riding holiday company. Riders should have a good foundation in flat work schooling and be able to ride and work a horse in the correct outline. You get to participate in and be part of the general care of the horses (but with no mucking out as all horses live out!), round pen and ground work, exercise and schooling of horses and the chance to assist on rides and trails in Kei Mouth and Morgan Bay. A normal day is from 8am to 5 pm with an hour for lunch. You spend time caring, working, schooling and exercising horses at the beach paddocks in Kei Mouth.

Visit: www.wildcoasthorsebackadventures.com/

2. Learn how to work on a ranch in Australia

This five-day course in Australia will teach you all the skills you need to live and work on a ranch, from tractor and quad bike driving, to cattle mustering, fencing and horse riding, all making sure you stand out to prospective employers. At the end of your time on the ranch you’ll even be given assistance getting a farm job.

Visit: www.bunac.org

3. Learn about horseracing in Zimbabwe

This course in Zimbabwe aims to develop your horseracing skills to the fullest. Not only will you learn about horse racing, you will also learn what it is like to manage and maintain a racing stable. Days will be varied as you work on a number of aspects that will contribute to your goal of becoming a competent jockey with knowledge of proper animal care. You will undertake chores such as feeding, grooming and exercising the racehorses as well as maintaining the racing yard and assisting at races. Two-, three- and four-week courses are available.

Visit: www.frontier.ac.uk

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4. Teaching riding in the USA

Why not share your equestrian knowledge with children at an American summer camp? You could be teaching skills and giving lessons for several hours a day, usually in hour-long periods, generally in addition to caring for the horses. Riding programmes vary greatly from camp to camp and may consist of simply teaching, some horse care and ring work, or of more advanced lessons plus trail rides. Having equestrian qualifications will really strengthen your application. These include the Pony Club B or C test and BHS qualifications, or the UKCC equivalent, ranging from the groom’s certificate in horse knowledge and care to BHS assistant instructor level one.

Visit: www.bunac.org

5. Become a cowboy/girl in Canada

Live and work on a farm in the spectacular Canadian countryside. Help out around a family farm in exchange for room and board, and enjoy an authentic experience no horseback. Farms are located all across Canada, including British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, French-speaking Quebec or Atlantic Canada and trips run between two and four weeks.

Visit: www.gap360.com

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday.

From pre-novice to Badminton: eventer pays tribute to top horse after cross-country tragedy

Lucy Elder — Mon, 02 Apr 2018 14:53:45 +0000

Olympic eventer Kathryn Robinson has paid tribute to her stable star Let It Bee, who died at Burnham Market on Friday (30 March).

Kathryn and “Bee” represented Canada at the top of the sport across the world.

They competed at five CCI4*s, including jumping double clear at Badminton in 2016, as well as the Rio 2016 Olympics and 29 three-stars during Bee’s 10-year career.

CIC3* Event Rider Masters’ section at the 2017 Ssangyong Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

“We have been learning along the way together,” Kathryn told H&H.

“He taught me a lot and I hope I taught him something — he was such a big horse, but so eager to please.

“He took me to places I would never have expected.”

Rio Olympics 2016 (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Kathryn, who is based in the UK, bought Bee from Germany in 2008 as a green seven-year-old as she was looking for a horse with whom to build her confidence and compete in a few pre-novices (now BE100) and novices.

“I went to try him and he was very ugly and there was a lot of work to be done,” added Kathryn.

“I took a bit of a gamble; he didn’t pass the vet, so I bought him for €7,000 (£6,144).”

The pair had seven top-10 finishes at pre-novice and novice level in their first season together, before moving up through the levels.

Their best CCI4* place was at Pau in 2014, where they jumped double clear to finish seventh.

They also enjoyed a string of successes at three-star level, including five top-10 placings.

Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials 2016 (Image credit: Lucy Merrell)

Kathryn said riding Bee at her first Badminton in 2016 was her highlight of their competitive career.

“It was my childhood dream and I never ever thought he would get there — he took it all in his stride,” she added. “I couldn’t have asked him for more.”

Kathryn added Bee was “more like a pet” than a horse and a “total gentleman” to have around.

Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials 2016 (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

The 17-year-old gelding was competing under Kathryn in an advanced section at Burnham Market on Friday (30 March) when he collapsed and died on the cross-country course, between fences 13 and 14.

Kathryn, who was uninjured, said she wanted to thank everyone for the support and kind messages she has received.

“I’m really touched by [the response from] the eventing community and how many people have contacted me, and to know how far Bee was known,” said Kathryn, adding it is helping her through this sad time.

“We don’t do this sport for the money, it is for the support you get, from your friends, team and family, and for the horses.”

A statement from Cranford Stud Eventing, which is run by Kathryn and her partner Italian eventer Giovanni Ugolotti, said the team were “absolutely devastated to say goodbye” to Bee.

“He wasn’t just a horse, he was Kathryn’s baby, and best friend,” added the statement.

“He will be terribly missed by us all.”

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday

Canada’s top eventer awarded place on Olympic team after appeal

Lucy Elder — Fri, 29 Jul 2016 11:21:45 +0000

Canada’s leading international event rider Jessica Phoenix has won her appeal for a place on her country’s Olympic team.

British-based Canadian Kathryn Robinson had been chosen to ride on the team with her own Let It Bee ahead of Jessica, who was listed as reserve with two horses — A Little Romance (pictured) and Bentley’s Best.

Following the initial selection, Jessica and the horses’ owners appealed the decision through the Sport Dispute Resolution Centre of Canada (SDRCC)— which they won in a hearing dated 11 July. The summary of proceedings was released on Monday (25 July).

Following the publication, Canadian eventing team coach Clayton Fredericks said he stands by his statements explaining why Jessica was left off the team.

“We have a great group of riders in their final preparations for Rio and as a coach I am looking forward to the Games and helping our riders perform at their best,” he said afterwards.

“As the eventing team coach my focus has always been on the performance of the athletes and helping them achieve their personal best in competition.

“The aim this year was to have as many combinations as possible achieve their qualification for Rio and be in form and ready for a major games such as the Olympics.

“It is never an easy job selecting and particularly so this year with so many great combinations available to represent Canada.

“As a selector I had to consider both the soundness and performance information available to me and that, ultimately, is what I based my decision on.

“While I respect the appeal process and eventual outcome, I stand by my statements and the process that was followed.”

Eva Havaris, CEO of Equestrian Canada, said the organisation “respects and supports” the appeal process.

“One of the great things about our country and our Canadian sport system is that we have a process in place that honours fair play and integrity,” she added.

“We look forward to seeing a full team of Canadian eventing athletes kick off the equestrian portion of the Games.”

What happened?

According to the notes of the SDRCC hearing, Equestrian Canada recommended five targeted competitions for prospective team members during 2016, but no particular event was compulsory.

Jessica and her owners submitted that she has been Canada’s leading eventer for the last 10 years and satisfied “all nomination criteria” to be on the team.

They argued the selection panel did not properly apply nomination criteria and should have chosen Jessica with Pavarotti or A Little Romance (two of her possible four rides).

In a statement, Clayton Fredericks said Jessica’s withdrawals at Carolina International CIC3*, Kentucky CCI4* and Bromont CIC3* were not part of a team decision and “went against” his advice as team coach.

“In each instance the withdrawals were communicated to me by [her] on the day of cross-country close to competition time,” he said.

“This pattern of withdrawals has raised concerns regarding Jessica’s level of competitiveness and her readiness to be competitive at the Olympic Games.”

He added he has had concerns regarding the fitness programme of Jessica and her declared horses.

The hearing heard that although Clayton had concerns, he had not reviewed vet reports of Pavarotti or A Little Romance between Jersey Fresh in May and the selection panel meeting on 22 June.

Clayton acknowledged he thought Pavarotti and Bentley’s Best should have run at Bromont, but denied that he told Jessica failing to run the horses would prevent her from being on the team, as she claimed.

He also denied telling Don Good (owner of Pavarotti and Bentley’s Best) at Bromont that he thought he and Jessica were hiding something from him regarding Pavarotti’s soundness.

Jessica argued that she and Pavarotti’s owner were concerned the recovery time between Bromont and Jersey Fresh — a little over three weeks — was too short, so chose not to run him across country.

Jessica testified that Clayton arrived at the barn in Bromont and was “very agitated”.

“He told her, ‘you were in the driver’s seat for this selection and now you have completely ruined your chances not just on Bentley’s Best and Pavarotti but on the other two mares as well,’” read the summary of proceedings.

“Ms Phoenix testified that Mr Fredericks said ‘he could no longer help but was going to spend his time preparing the people who wanted to do this’.”

Graeme Thom, a former chef d’equipe and chair of the eventing high performance committee, testified that Jessica’s scores on all of her horses beat Kathryn’s.

“That Kathryn completed Badminton is very impressive and normally this type of an outing would trump any three-star result,” he said. “However, Kathryn’s time penalties were so numerous (53.2) that her four-star result is not impressive enough to stand on its own.”

He added “neither of the three horses” (Pavarotti, A Little Romance and Let It Bee) will win an individual medal, but the question is which will contribute most to the team’s overall placing.

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The decision

Arbitrator the Hon Robert Armstrong QC summed up that he accepts Clayton “earnestly believed” both of Jessica’s horses needed another cross-country run before the selection panel met.

“However, he became a man with a mission on this issue and my assessment, unfortunately, is that he lost it,” he said.

He added “all the evidence” shows Jessica to be Canada’s leading event rider and ruled that she be included in the team along with A Little Romance, with Kathryn moved to reserve.

The three other eventers on the Canadian Olympic team are Rebecca Howard (Riddle Master), Colleen Loach (Qorry Blue D’Argouges) and Selena O’Hanlon (Foxwood High).

2018 World Equestrian Games seeks new venue

Lucy Elder — Fri, 22 Jul 2016 12:38:32 +0000

The 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG) will not take place at Bromont in Canada due to “ongoing financial issues”.

Questions over whether the country would be able to host the championships had been raised this month after the government revealed it would not support the event financially.

Bromont was awarded the games in 2014, but during the past year money trouble and mass resignations from the organising committee board have raised doubts as to whether it would go ahead.

The FEI has said it is now “working on alternatives” after a mutual agreement was reached between the organisation and the Bromont organising committee (COJEM).

“We are sad that the Bromont organising committee is no longer in a position to host the Games in 2018”, said FEI president Ingmar De Vos.

“We have been working very closely with the COJEM board and all levels of the organisation since the Games were allocated to Canada in mid-2014 and have known for some time that the Bromont team was facing major financial difficulties.”

The 2018 Games were allocated to Canada by the FEI Bureau in June 2014 after the bid committee provided confirmation to the FEI that it had substantial government backing. This was at local government level, but the financial plan for the Games included sourcing federal government funding.

However, Carla Qualtrough, Canada’s minister of sport and persons with disabilities, last week confirmed the federal government would give no funding to the Games.

“We have done everything possible to offer support during these tough times, but sadly the COJEM board was unable to put in place a realistic funding and sponsorship strategy,” added Mr De Vos.

“Despite their best efforts, we have been left with no choice but to agree between us that the contract should be terminated.

“We believe Bromont is a really special venue and equestrian sport plays a key role in the local community.

“We hope that they will be able to host other major equestrian events in the future.”

He added he is confident a “workable solution” can be found.

“Of course it isn’t easy for any organising committee to put on an event of this magnitude in a two-year timeframe, but it is not unprecedented,” he said. “The Italians hosted a brilliant World Equestrian Games in Rome in 1998 after Ireland pulled out less than two years before the Games.”

COJEM chair Rosaire Houde said the committee had left “no stone unturned” in its quest to find solid funding to support the Games.

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“This has been a very difficult decision to come to terms with”, he said.

“We are extremely grateful to the FEI for their support throughout the entire process, but it has been mutually agreed that we should terminate the contract.

“It is something I personally bitterly regret but it was the only responsible course of action.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has been involved in the Games project and who had faith in it from the outset.

“It was so dear to the hearts of so many people in Bromont and Quebec and we are devastated that we have been unable to deliver this great event.”

Canada loses Nations Cup round over sponsorship row

Pippa Cuckson — Thu, 30 Jul 2015 06:25:48 +0000

Canada, one of the world’s strongest jumping nations, has lost its Furusiyya Nations Cup round as a result of loyalty to long-term sponsor Rolex.

The late cancellation of the qualifier by the iconic Spruce Meadows venue seems to be the latest casualty of the FEI’s sponsorship lock-out.

It has also left Canada without a place in the 2015 Nations Cup finals in Barcelona — the country finished second last year.

Unlike Europe, North America has only three Furusiyya qualifiers. Canada sent “rookies” to the Mexico leg to gain experience, expecting to grab their Barcelona slot at Spruce Meadows. But on April 10, Spruce cancelled, too late for Equine Canada to find a replacement venue.

In December 2012, the FEI agreed a 10-year, £120m exclusivity deal with Rolex’s rival watchmaker Longines.

This ended Rolex’s long-term support of FEI official series, even though it wanted to continue.

Several other shows have already chosen to stay with Rolex, notably ‘s-Hertogenbosch, Geneva, Wellington and Kentucky, which variously withdrew from the jumping World Cup series and 2018 WEG bids as a result.

FEI secretary-general Sabrina Zeender told H&H that shows had until December 2014 to sever old ties with Rolex, with the exception of Aachen, whose hosting of the 2015 European championships was agreed before the Longines contract was signed.

Consultants examining the future viability of the FEI World Equestrian Games recently recommended a move towards multiple principal sponsors.

Asked if the Longines exclusivity agreement worked against this, Ms Zeender said: “Longines is the FEI’s top partner in the timepieces and time-keeping category. There is nothing in the contract that prevents the FEI from having partnerships in other categories, such as IT, financial services, vehicles, various beverages, cosmetics, or others.”

Ian Allison, spokesman for Spruce Meadows, declined to answer a direct question about Rolex, but said: “Despite exploring numerous options, and the collective best efforts of each of the stakeholders, Spruce Meadows was not able to host a regional qualifier for the [Furusiyya] series this year, as it is not able to meet all of the required criteria set down for the 2015 season.”

Spruce Meadows has hosted Nations Cups without a break since 1977 with Britain winning 10 times. At Spruce’s September show, Scott Brash aims to win the first ever Rolex Grand Slam of jumping — a bonus launched by Rolex shortly after it was dropped by the FEI.

Ref: H&H 30 July, 2015

Heavy snowfall forces Spruce Meadows to reschedule

Sophia Heath — Fri, 12 Sep 2014 10:12:10 +0000

Spruce Meadows has been forced to battle with more than 25cm of snow (pictured above and below) to get the annual Masters competition underway.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

The Canadian venue (pictured left as it normally looks) was forced to cancel Wednesday’s competition (10 September) after the downfall caused power cuts and damaged numerous trees at the site

“It wasn’t about conditions for the sport,” said Spruce Meadows’ senior vice-president Ian Allison.

“There was no electricity — we couldn’t

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

conduct commerce, there’s no bathrooms or phones and no emergency response capacity.

“We’ve never had to reschedule a day.”

More than 150 staff worked to clear the snow and fallen branches to allow the show to kick-off on Thursday (11 September).

Temperatures were set to climb and Mr Allison was confident that the competition can now get back on track.

H&H’s reporter Jennifer Donald reporting from Calgary (Image credit: creditUnknown)

WEG vaulting: rescue horse takes to the international stage

Horse & Hound — Fri, 05 Sep 2014 17:00:51 +0000

We caught up with ILPH Islay who we reported on prior to the World Equestrian Games (WEG) and lunger Liz Mackay after their performance with Canadian vaulting duo Angelique and Jeanine van der Sluijs in Normandy.

Eric Lamaze continues impressive comeback

Sophia Heath — Tue, 27 May 2014 09:00:24 +0000

Canadian showjumper Eric Lamaze continued his impressive comeback this weekend winning a 2nd grand prix on the trot.

Eric managed to hold off Michael Whitaker by 0.02 seconds to win the €200,000 prize in Rome, Italy, with Zigali P S on Sunday (25 May).

Until his victory in La Baule last week, Eric had not won a 5* grand prix since the shock death of his Olympic partner Hickstead in 2011.

The 15-year-old stallion, who led Eric to individual gold at the 2008 Olympics, collapsed after jumping his round at the World Cup in Verona.

After the incident Eric took a year out of out from showjumping in 2012 but started to rebuild his string of showjumpers in 2013.

Last month Eric’s company Torrey Pines bought Ben Maher’s Olympic ride Tripple X III.

The horse was seen out competing with Tiffany Foster, who trains with Eric, earlier this month at Le Touquet (8-9 May) but it has not been confirmed who will be the horse’s partner at future competitions.

“The faith I had in these horses is paying off,” said Eric. “We are really clicking, everything is coming together between myself and the horses.

“I’ve spent time really getting to know them, and the moment has come now. Yes, I won these 2 events before with Hickstead, but to do it again now with 2 different horses really shows the depth of horses that we have.”

Eric will now head to the Global Champions Tour in Hamburg, Germany where he will aim to continue his winning streak.

For a full report from the Rome CSIO5* don’t miss this week’s magazine — out Thursday (29 May).

Clayton Fredericks to wind down top-level competition

Charlotte White — Tue, 30 Oct 2012 17:37:01 +0000

Australian eventer Clayton Fredericks has told H&H that his new job as coach to the Canadian eventing team indicates “a winding down” of his top level competition.

“I am not going to completely retire but I have been wanting to focus on coaching for a while,” he said.

Clayton moved to the US from Team Fredericks’ Wiltshire base last month and the rider has admitted it was to boost his prospects of becoming the Canadian coach.

His appointment was announced on Friday (26 October).

“I didn’t like to say anything prior to getting the job but I knew I had a good chance [of being appointed], although there were some very strong candidates, and I hoped it would improve my chances,” said Clayton.

His base will remain in Florida, where he already has South African eventer Hayley Parker on his yard and US eventer Sinead Halpin is due to move in in the next few weeks.

And he hopes to attract further pupils.

The Canadian event team’s recent performance peaked with team silver at the 2010 World Equestrian Games in Kentucky.

But, with three fallers on the cross-country, their London Olympics result was disappointing.

“A lot of people had bad luck at London,” said Clayton with a wry laugh, referring to his own fall from Bendigo on the course.

“Canada has some really good, solid riders, particularly the young ones, and some exciting prospects.

“It’s very important to have a sound strategy of where the horses run and how often and to bring other horses on. We need to increase the depth of horses available.”

Clayton Fredericks to coach Canadian eventers

Charlotte White — Fri, 26 Oct 2012 16:20:40 +0000

Clayton Fredericks will be the next coach of the Canadian eventing team.

The Australian event rider takes over from David O’Connor — who moves on to coach the US team — in January 2013.

Clayton recently moved to a new training centre in Ocala, Florida.

Canadian chef d’equipe Graeme Thom said: “We are all very excited that Clayton has accepted the position and cannot wait to get underway in 2013.

“His background and personality will be a great fit with our riders.”

Helmets to be mandatory in all Canadian dressage competitions

Amy Mathieson — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 11:31:27 +0000

Safety helmets are to be mandatory for all levels of dressage in Canada from Sunday (1 January 2012).

All riders, of any level, taking part in Equine Canada and Dressage Canada competitions in 2012 must wear “approved protective headgear at all times when mounted” during an event.

“I am very proud of our dressage committee for taking this step,” said Equine Canada president Michael Gallagher. “I believe we are the first national federation to introduce this rule across all levels, and I can guarantee we will not be the last.”

Canadian Olympic rider Ashley Holzer added: “I am thrilled that Canada is promoting the use of helmets. They prevent head injuries, and I feel a rule that promotes the safety of its riders is a great rule.”

The rule change came after an open process, in which all Canadian dressage riders had a chance to express their views to the proposal. According to the federation the majority of feedback was in favour of riders wearing approved helmets in competition.

In December (news, 8 September) crash helmets were made mandatory for all British Dressage riders except at advanced and above, but the news was met with a mixed reaction.

Horse hanging was not cruelty, rules judge

Horse & Hound — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 15:13:35 +0000

Two men, who hanged a 27-year-old horse from an excavator, killed the horse humanely, a Canadian judge has ruled.

Judge Susan Wishart, sitting at Victoria Provincial Court on Tuesday (14 December) found the two men guilty of cruelty for inadequately feeding the horse “Jalupae” before putting it to death.

She said Clayton Cunningham and David Whiffin, both of Victoria, allowed the horse to starve before hanging it in September 2009. They will be sentenced later.

The Canadian Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), who had been following the horse’s welfare before its death, described the case as “particularly heinous”.

But the judge told a local newspaper: “Where death is immediate the law does not require the most dignified means.

“My decision should not be seen as endorsing or condoning this method of euthanasing an animal.

“If there was sufficient evidence here to satisfy me that Jalupae died other than immediately my decision would likely be different.”

Following a visit from the SPCA, a vet visited Whiffin’s farm in September 2009 and found the horse in a very poor condition.

He offered to put the horse down but Whiffin said his backhoe, which he would need to dig a grave for the horse, was not working.

The vet returned a few days later to find Jalupae had been moved.

Canadian long-list for WEG showjumping revealed

Horse & Hound — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 15:15:51 +0000

Canada has announced the long-list of candidates in consideration for the Canadian Show Jumping Team at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.

In alphabetical order, the riders and horses are:

John Anderson and Terrific
Yann Candele and Pitareusa
Mac Cone and Ole
Jill Henselwood and Special Ed/Bottom Line
Eric Lamaze and Hickstead/Ronaldo
Ian Millar and In Style/Star Power
Jonathon Millar and Contino 14
John Pearce and Son of a Gun/Chianto
Keean White and Celena Z/Bethsabee

The final five athletes who will form the Canadian showjumping team will be named by the Jump Canada High Performance Committee by 29 September, 2010.

“We face challenges due to the injuries of some of our top horses, but we have a strong rider base,” said Terrance Millar, chef d’équipe of the showjumping team. “I am confident that we will put together five horse and rider combinations that will be competitive.”

“Given Hickstead’s current form, Eric Lamaze has to be considered as one of the front runners to become the 2010 World Champion,” added Millar.

Read the latest World Equestrian Games news

Canada hedges its bets with its endurance squad for WEG

Horse & Hound — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 14:44:15 +0000

Canada has named a squad of five riders, plus a further seven reserve combinations, to contest the endurance competition at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.

Endurance Canada WEG Squad

Elroy Karius with Apache Eclypse
Gail Jewell with NL Temptation
Robert Gielen with F.C. Galaxy
Ruth Sturley with RBF Super Sport
Yvette Vinton with Teese

Reserve combinations

Gail Jewell with Diamond Reo
Terre O’Brennan with Koszaar
Carol Steiner with Jumpin’ Jax
Kathy Irvine with Nightwind’s Savanah
Trisha Dowling with ZF Mocha
Gail Jewell with A Salisbury Rose
Leanna Marchant with Samsons Fire

“On behalf of Endurance Canada International, I am extremely pleased to announce the list of ranked riders and alternates for the upcoming World Equestrian Games in Kentucky,” said Myna Cryderman, chair of Endurance Canada International Subcommittee. “I know how hard all the contenders for these positions have worked for their opportunity to represent Canada at these Games. I congratulate all of riders for their efforts.”

Members of the squad and the reserve combinations will all arrive in Lexington on 18 September, to allow time to focus prior to the competition on 26 September. The official team and individual competitors will be announced following the official first veterinary inspection on 25 September.

“I’ve had a wonderful opportunity this year to attend numerous FEI CEI 3* 160 km competitions to observe our elite athletes compete with top riders in North America,” Kay Melvin, chef d’équipe of the Canadian Endurance Team.

“I sincerely congratulate the members of our squad, and I look forward to being with them and the rest of the team officials and crew in Kentucky doing what we do best, which is working as a Team going for a spot on the podium.”

Read the latest World Equestrian Games news

Canadian dressage team for WEG announced

Horse & Hound — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 14:02:08 +0000

Canadian dressage riders Ashley Holzer, Belinda Trussell, Bonny Bonnello and Victoria Winter will be representing their country at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.

Three-time Olympian Ashley Holzer will ride her 2008 Olympic partner Pop Art, a 13-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding owned by Rusty Holzer and Moreen Nicoll. Currently ranked 14th in the world, Holzer and Pop Art recently returned from a successful tour in Europe, where they won the grand prix freestyle in CDI 3* Lingen on 76.3% and secured a bronze medal finish for the Canadian Dressage Team in the CDIO Rotterdam Nations’ Cup.

Also a member of the recent European tour, Belinda Trussell was on Canada’s 2004 Olympic dressage team. She will be riding Anton, a 10-year-old German-bred gelding owned by Robyn Eames. The pair have only been competing at grand prix for one year, but they have achieved an average qualification score of 69.595%.

Bonny Bonnello’s participation in the European tour with Pikardi, a 13-year-old Canadian Warmblood gelding co-owned by Bonnello and Jean Bell, marks her return to the Canadian equestrian team. Bonnello rode at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles and has qualified the relatively green Pikardi with an average of 66.932%.

Victoria Winter, a member of Canada’s dressage team at the 1996 World Equestrian Games, will ride Proton, Neil and Cindy Ishoy’s 16-year-old Baden-Wurttemburger gelding by Patriarch. The duo have an overall average score of 66.745%.

The two reserves will be Wendy Christoff riding Pfalstaff and Evi Strasser with Quantum Tyme.

Both Cheryl Meisner and Shannon Dueck had earned positions as reserve team riders but have decided to remain in Europe to compete. Due to quarantine restrictions this means they will not be available to the team as reserve riders.

“All of these riders have shown tremendous effort and made great sacrifices to be where they are in the standings. I am very proud to be associated with all of them,” said Dressage Canada technical coach/advisor, Robert Dover, who will also be the team coach at WEG.

“I commend Cheryl Meisner and Shannon Dueck and respect their decisions to remain in Europe with their horses to compete. I know they will be a strong credit to the Canadian Team in the future. I also want to congratulate both Wendy Christoff and Evi Strasser who have been named as reserve riders for this year’s team.”

Read the latest World Equestrian Games news

Three donkeys killed by grizzly bear in Canada

Horse & Hound — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 11:29:50 +0000

A Canadian donkey breeder is worried that a grizzly bear that killed two of her animals last month will attack again.

Last month donkeys Jewel and Tabasco were ripped apart by a grizzly bear in Elmworth, Alberta.

And tests by Fish and Wildlife Department officers have confirmed that the same bear killed another donkey near Sundre, Alberta last August.

“It’s not safe. I don’t want it to be a person next time,” donkey owner Christie Olesen told local press.

“It was just awful. I could see their bodies outside my kitchen window.”

The bear was given a tracking collar and relocated to British Columbia after the attack last year but appears to have returned. Although officers say the bear is no longer in the area, Ms Olesen is worried that it will come back again.

“I worry for whoever the bear goes back to. This isn’t your typical bear, it’s not afraid of vehicles or houses,” she said.

Three horses killed by bow and arrow in Canada

Horse & Hound — Thu, 13 May 2010 16:04:48 +0000

A police hunt is on in Canada after three horses were killed by bow and arrow.

Three horses since the end of April have been shot dead in Kawacatoose First Nation, Saskatoon.

Police believe they were killed with bow and arrow, or possibly rifle and are appealing to the public for help.

Earlier this year a $6,000 reward was offered after a horse was found with three arrows sticking in its head, neck and spine in Georgia, USA.

And last November a police investigated after a horse was shot with a crossbow in Tyneside.

Herd of 33 starving horses taken into care in Canada

Horse & Hound — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 18:25:59 +0000

A horse rescue group based near Sherwood Park in Alta, Canada, has taken a herd of 33 malnourished horses into its care.

The herd, which consisted of three stallions, 24 pregnant mares and six very young foals, was rescued by the Alberta SPCA on 20 February and taken to the Rescue 100 Foundation to be nursed back to health.

All of the horses were emaciated, many had cuts or limps, and eight were close to death.

“It is a disgusting case and it makes me so sad,” Susan Fyfe, founder of Rescue 100 Foundation, told local papers.

“If people get into a situation where they can’t afford to keep their horses, they should cry out for help and the public will help.”

On 12 February, the centre took in 17 neglected horses that had been seized from Carrot Creek near Edmonton. A woman now faces charges under the Animal Protection Act.

The charity was founded after 100 Arabian horses were rescued from a farm near Edmonton in 2008, the largest seizure of horses in Alberta SPCA history.

Two miniature donkeys killed by grizzly bears in Canada

Amy Mathieson — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 11:43:46 +0000

Two miniature donkeys have been killed in Canada by grizzly bears.

Owner Deborarah Killam found four-year-old donkey Sadie mauled to death on her ranch in Sundre, Alberta, on Friday (14 August).

The next day the grizzly responsible was trapped and relocated further north by wildlife officials.

But on Sunday (16 August) a second donkey, a rare white donkey called Mystique, was also found dead.

“I have not stopped crying, I don’t have any tears left,” Ms Killam told local press. “I don’t know how to describe it. My donkeys are like my children.”

A second bear was captured yesterday (Monday 17 August) and removed from the area.

And Ms Killam, who owns a herd of 22 donkeys at Black Mountain Miniature Ranch, is worried it will happen again, after a spate of grizzly attacks on animals — and humans — over the last year.

“It might be closure for me. I wanted to see the animal responsible for taking my animals,” she said.

“But what’s stopping other bears from coming down? How do I know there’s not another bear out there?”

The donkeys are worth about $25,000 each, but as they are pets and not meat animals she will not receive compensation.

If a bear is shot, the person faces fines of up to $100,000 and five years in prison.

Turning horse dung into horsepower

Horse & Hound — Fri, 08 Jun 2007 10:54:45 +0000

Turning dung into energy: how a group in Canada are attempting to perform equine alchemy

You’ve heard of turning water into wine – well, now an association in British Columbia in Canada is looking at ways of converting horse dung into horsepower.

The Bio Products Association, which promotes the use of alternative fuel, is trying to trap the methane given off when horse manure decomposes in order to burn it to produce energy. The plan is to convert sufficient methane to power Vancouver’s Hastings Park Racecourse.

Executive Director of the non-profit society, Glenn Rousseau, said: “This is an easy do. It’s going to happen this summer.”

The 1,000 or so horses stabled at the racecourse produce between 16 and 32 tons of waste every day, which includes the straw that catches the dung.

Mr Rousseau said: “That’s a lot of manure. You could generate a fair amount of power.”

It is also thought that the material left after the decomposition process would be sterile and suitable as barn bedding material.

“It would be pretty close to a zero-waste system,” said Mr Rousseau.

Canada wins individual reining gold

Horse & Hound — Mon, 04 Sep 2006 08:39:18 +0000

Reining cemented its place on the world stage this afternoon when 8,000 spectators gave Canadian Duane Latimer a standing ovation as he took individual gold. The Canadian won on a score of 228 after an exciting ride-off against America’s Time McQuay, an unusual occurrence at top-level reining competitions.

The two were equal on scores of 230 after the individual final, meaning each had to ride again. Afterwards, Duane said it had been his “lucky day”.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Duane Latimer (CAN) aboard Hang Ten Surprize. Pictures by Kit Houghton

“My horse is very consistent — but it’s his first major competition,” he said. “The crowd didn’t phase him.”

Tim McQuay, part of America’s gold-medal winning team on Friday, took home silver on a score of 206, and his compatriot Aaron Ralston took bronze.

“My horse is a really good family horse, he keeps coming back and winning competitions,” said Aaron of the 12-year-old Smart Paul Olena.

Britain’s Francesca Sternberg scored 217.5, and although finishing well down the leader board, said she was “delighted” to have been in the final.

Seven weeks ago the Brit had a fall in France which resulted in bruised ribs and concussion, and said it was a miracle she was in WEG.

“But I went in there and thoroughly enjoyed myself,” she said.

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‘Thank you, my soulmate’: sad farewell to $2,000 racehorse who became a five-star eventer

“My $2,000 sales investment who I couldn’t sell, stuck around to change my life,” said Holly.

“From a gallop girl at Woodbine Race track where we met, to my first Nations Cup in Aachen, Germany, my first five-star at Kentucky, and my first European five-star in Pau, France… we did it all together.”

Holly added that she will never have another horse like Morris.

“Thank you for challenging me, teaching me and giving me so much joy. But most importantly, thank you for being my soulmate and making me believe that life can be changed because of one special OTTB and a dream,” she said, adding thanks to all of her team.

“Make sure you have a good buck and squeal as you gallop through heaven’s doors. I’ll meet you on the other side. It was a hell of a ride buddy.”

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Olympic rider and daughter ‘strongly deny’ allegations leading to provisional suspension

The EC spokesman said that the governing body cannot comment specifically on cases currently open with the independent third party that handles EC complaints.

“To protect the integrity of the process, EC is not provided further details until it is complete and a decision is rendered.”

The spokesman added that EC asks its community and the public to “support the complaints process and allow it to do its job in coming to a fair and expeditious resolution for all parties involved”.

“Anyone that has witnessed or has reasonable grounds to believe that a human or horse is suffering or has suffered abuse in our sport, is obligated to report it and we encourage them to report their concerns,” said the spokesman.

An FEI spokesman told H&H that the FEI was informed of the provisional suspensions, and has implemented them at FEI level. H&H asked if the FEI is launching its own investigation and the spokesman said the FEI will “first liaise with EC”.

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Change to eventing World Championships line-up as Olympian withdraws

“Monty felt incredible in his final prep run for the worlds at Bromont Nations Cup last weekend. Unfortunately he came off [the cross-country] with a sprained fetlock and so we won’t have the privilege of representing Canada this fall in Italy,” she said.

“Best of luck to team Canada over there and I will be sending positive vibes your way.”

Colleen has been a pivotal part of Canada’s senior championship sides in recent years, partnering Qorry Blue D’Argouges in the Rio and Tokyo Olympics and 2018 World Equestrian Games.

Vermont, a 10-year-old gelding by Van Helsing out of a Heraldik XX mare, owned by Peter Barry, has a stellar four-star record, finishing in the top 10 on six of his nine starts at the level.

Colleen was named alongside Hawley Awad (JollyBo), Holly Jacks (Candy King), Karl Slezak (Fernhill Wishes) and Michael Winter (El Mundo) on the Canadian World Championship squad, which comprises a team of four and an individual spot.

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‘I wanted to stop halfway and pat him!’ World Championships ride of the day

After a strong clear in yesterday’s opening speed class, Tiffany said: “It felt amazing.

“I really wanted another clear round today, but I felt like I wasn’t really with my horse for the first four jumps. I don’t know why, I just felt like I wasn’t doing all the right things. I got way too deep to number four, and he totally saved me.

“And then I thought, okay, from now on I’m gonna give him a good ride; get organised, do what you need to do. And I feel like for the second half, we felt really together with it. And he tried his absolute heart out – I just wanted to stop halfway through and pat him.”

Tiffany has had 12-year-old KWPN gelding “Figgy”, who she owns with Artisan Farms LLC, for about five years.

Tiffany added that Carlene Ziegler of Artisan Farms bought Figgy for her when he was seven, in hopes that he would be a championship horse.

Tiffany and Figgy will be in action again tomorrow (12 August) in the World Showjumping Championships team final.

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Eric Lamaze in major new role: ‘I will not stop until we reach perfection’

Eric takes over from Mark Laskin, who held the role from 2012 until he resigned in November 2021, citing contract issues among the reasons for his departure. Equestrian Canada undertook a review of its jumping high performance programme after Tokyo, including its technical advisor role.

“I am excited to help lead the Canadian showjumping team to future success in a new capacity,” said Eric, who was appointed by a hiring panel, following an application and interview process.

Eric is Canada’s most decorated equestrian and holds Olympic team silver and individual bronze alongside his Beijing gold. His major grand prix victories include Calgary, Geneva, Aachen, La Baule and Rome, and he has topped the world rankings on multiple occasions in his career.

He also claimed individual bronze at the 2010 World Equestrian Games and has four Pan American Games medals to his name, including team gold.

In 2021, Lamaze was inducted into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame and awarded the Order of Sport.

“I would like to thank Equestrian Canada and the hiring panel for putting their trust in me,” said Lamaze, who is based in Florida and Belgium.

Equestrian Canada chairman Karen Sparks said the organisation is “thrilled” to welcome Eric to the position.

“[We] are fortunate that he felt the timing was right to take on this challenge,” she said. “We are confident that he can build the national program and podium pathways and be the leader the team needs to be successful on the world stage.”

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Education key to changing views on tight nosebands

As finger size can vary, the EC equine health and welfare committee has recommended the standardised use of the International Society for Equitation Science (ISES) taper gauge, a tool that precisely measures the space between the noseband and the nasal plane.

“Social licence is all about that unwritten contract we have with society today and society is changing all the time, especially its views about animals. We can see that when we think about circuses and zoos, but also within equestrian sport,” he said.

“The way we can protect our sport is by behaving with trust, transparency and building confidence with the public. How we can do that in part, is by having rules and regulations in our sport built on evidence and that evidence in a large part comes from science.”

Ms Legge said the equestrian world is looking at the application of scientific criteria to its relationships with horses with a “higher level of integrity than ever before”.

Mr Ehrlick, a former Olympic eventer, said he found riders of all ages willing to learn about noseband tightness when he performed measuring at competitions.

“The youngest person was eight and the oldest was 81. The interesting connection is that they were both willing to learn why we were doing this,” he said, adding that when he asked for a noseband to be loosened, he was later thanked by the rider following their competition round.

The panellists discussed different styles of nosebands and it was agreed that padded crank nosebands, often worn in dressage, were usually found to be done up more tightly. It was noted that the panellists did not find tight nosebands as much at hunter shows, compared to dressage and jumper shows.

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Bert started “Wonky”, as the now 12-year-old is affectionately known owing to her crooked stripe, slowly, giving the lightly handled mare plenty of time to adjust to her new career.

“It took quite a long time, but it’s amazing how she coped with it all,” she says. “I really enjoyed doing groundwork and horsemanship work as well as the dressage.”

Bert adds the fact Wonky was “a bit of an underdog” appealed to her.

In Tokyo, the pair scored a personal best of 72% in the team test and also finished 12th in the close-fought grade III individual contest on 69.77%. She also served as “friendly horse” to Sir Lee Person’s Breezer.

“Tokyo was actually the nicest games experience I’ve had,” says Bert, adding this was both a combination of their achievements at the event and the fact the team were able to bond during pre-export quarantine.

“Because the Canadian team is quite a disparate team. We don’t get to spend much time together unless we’re actually at a Games. So it was really nice to reconnect with the team before we were in that mega high pressure environment.”

Bert adds that is the mare’s ability to focus and deliver in that pressurised atmosphere, forged through their partnership, that makes her so special.

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‘The greatest honour’: hall of fame induction for legendary partnership

Eric and Hickstead had a host of stellar achievements. As well as winning individual gold, and team silver, at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, they won individual bronze at the 2010 World Equestrian Games in Kentucky, in which Hickstead was also awarded the “best horse” title.

“I believe this is the greatest honour you can receive from your country,” said Eric. “Hickstead was incredible, simply one of a kind. Together, we were proud to represent Canada on the world stage. It is well deserved on his part; I just went along for the ride.”

As well as the hall of fame induction, Eric has been given the Order of Sport, Canada’s top sporting honour. This was presented to him last month while he was competing at Spruce Meadows, at which a life-size bronze of Hickstead stands.

The Hamlet stallion, whom Eric bought as an eight-year-old in 2004, owing him with John Fleischhakcer’s Ashland Stables, won over £3m with Eric until his death in 2011.

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“I knew I was the first reserve for sure and with horses, you never really know [what might happen so] you always have to be prepared,” said Brittany, who heard at this morning’s horse inspection that she had a place in the final.

She added her first thought was that she felt “so sorry for Adrienne”, and she spoke to the US rider about what she had achieved in helping the US to team silver and told her how it was “incredible to witness” her performance in that team final.

Brittany and the 16-year-old gelding, by Tango, performed to an original composition by Joost Peters.

“Yesterday I went through parts of my freestyle, just to practice because when I was training at home I was mostly concentrating on the grand prix, not so much my freestyle,” she said.

“I was so excited to ride tonight and you know All In loves dancing to the music and it was everything that I’d dreamed of.

“[Joost] wanted to connect it to the Canadian artists so that’s why we had Celine Dion’s I’m Alive in bits and pieces running through my freestyle,” she said, adding the music suited All In “very well”.

“The majority of my test felt amazing. He was a little tense in the piaffe tonight, but overall, just so thrilled to be here and be competing against the top in the world and, like, as a Canadian it’s very hard to make the top 18. So I’m so happy.”

The pair finished 18th on a score of 76.40%.