Ottawa, ON—Canadian performances at the Hartpury Festival of Dressage July 15-19 showcased the talent and ambition of this country’s elite Para-Equestrian riders.
The event, located near Gloucester, England, drew over 200 top Para-Dressage and Dressage riders from nine countries, including a pair of Canadian riders and a full support team. Lauren Barwick, Hong Kong Paralympic gold and silver medalist from Langley, BC, and Phil Wright of Salmon Arm, BC competed in the Para-Dressage Team, Individual, and Freestyle tests.
Barwick attained respectable results including two fourth-place finishes, and only rode the leased horses for six days prior to the competition. Wright was praised for his improvement upon past performances, and his results were highlighted with a 5th place finish in the Freestyle.
“This was a great show for me to get back into the International scene,” said Barwick. “It really helped me get that competitive feeling again and I came home excited about the prospect of my next show.”
Their performances also helped to highlight the level of care and support provided to them by a hard-working team of professionals.
“I am very appreciative of the support group who worked so well together,” said Canadian competitor Phil Wright. “The result was a wonderful team spirit that made this competition a pleasure throughout.”
His co-competitor was quick to heap praise on the group dynamic as well.
“The team camaraderie was great, and the support staff was the best Canada has ever sent,” Barwick said.
The competition, however, was dominated by the top British Para-Dressage riders, including the team, which will represent Great Britain at the upcoming European Championships in Norway.
Barwick rode Fernhill Bella Donna owned by Ian Walsh, and My Passion owned by Jennifer Tappenden. Wright competed with Sheepcote Diorissima, owned by Serena Pincus.
The support team members who travelled with the athletes included Andrea Taylor (National Team Coach), Jessica Rhinelander (Regional Development Coach), Jan Jollymour (Groom), Alice Beatty (Groom), Donna Perry (Sport Psychologist), Shannon Hendrickson (Support Staff), as well as Elizabeth Robinson (Chef d’Equipe).
The Hartbury event was a valuable experience to the Canadian staff and riders for another reason as well.
“We needed to see our riders competing internationally for the first time since Hong Kong,” Robinson said. “It has given us a good indication of how the bar has been raised once again. We will need to find quality, well-trained horses to be competitive in Kentucky at the World Equestrian Games next year.”
Hartpury College is one of England’s leading equine educational facilities, and hosts a number of international competitions. These include the annual Mitsubishi Motors Hartpury Horse Trials and the Hartpury Festival of Dressage.
Final Competition Results:
Lauren Barwick (Grade II) riding My Passion
4th in the Team Test with 65.873%
4th in the Individual Championship Test with 68.182%
6th in the Individual Freestyle Test with 65.550%
Lauren Barwick (Grade II) riding Fernhill Bella Donna
13th in the Team Test with 55.079%
10th in the Individual Championship Test with 61.667%
8th in the Individual Freestyle Test with 64.070%
Philip Wright (Grade IV) riding Diorissima
6th in the Team Test with 57.857%
6th in the Individual Championship Test with 57.634%
5th in the Individual Freestyle Test with 64.465%
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