Song released in memory of eventer killed in fall
The family of Canadian eventer Jordan McDonald, who died while competing at Nunney International Horse Trials in Somerset last summer (14 June), has released a single in his memory.
The 30-year-old had moved from Ontario to the UK with his wife Shandiss in Autumn 2013. The couple — who were based in Leicestershire — had been together since they were teenagers.
Jordan suffered fatal injuries from a rotational fall with Only Me (not pictured) in a novice section at the horse trials.
His sister Shanna Lynn and her husband Damian Marshall have now recorded a version of one of his favourite songs — The Boxer by Simon and Garfunkel.
“Jordan, a self-taught guitarist, would ask Shannon to sing ‘The Boxer’ and Shannon would laugh and say ‘I don’t know the words’,” a statement from the family said.
“With the tragic loss of her only brother, she and husband Damian have not only learned the words but have honoured Jordan with a beautiful rendition of this timeless classic.”
The song is now available to download from iTunes and proceeds from the song will go towards “keeping Jordan’s dreams and goals alive through his wife Shandiss and their horses.”
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Shandiss will no longer event and has instead decided to concentrate on pure dressage. She is currently working with one of Jordan’s young horses called Alfie.
A syndicate has also been established to give Shandiss’ and Jordan’s friend Leahona Rowland the opportunity to ride his two-star mare Glencento (pictured, top).
”Leahona is a talented, compassionate rider and I know she will able able to showcase Glencento’s abilities, and together they will reach the top level of the sport,” Shandiss said.
“Leahona has always been such a good friend to Jordan and me. I would love nothing more than to see her accomplish her goals in partnership with a horse that is so special. For me this would be like keeping Glencento in the family.”
One of Jordan’s other top horses, Prince Mayo, is now part-owned by Paul Tapner. The combination finished fifth in the CIC2* at the South of England at the end of last season (27 September)
For more information visit: www.rememberingjordanmcdonald.com
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Sophia Heath joined Horse & Hound in July 2013 having previously worked for the Daily Telegraph's Olympics website, CNN International and Omnisport. A Durham graduate with a Masters in journalism from City University, Sophia has evented, showjumped and hunted. Sophia left Horse & Hound in early 2015 to join an international boating website.