Canadian Para-Dressage Riders Compete in the Individual Test at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games

Canadian Para-Dressage riders competed in the Individual Championship test on October 7th at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG) held in Lexington, KY.

Lauren Barwick of Aldergrove, BC and her horse Maile, a 16-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare, earned a score of 66.000% for 10th place in the Grade 2 Individual Championship test.

“My mare, Maile, went in the ring and felt really awesome. She was there for me. I felt very good about the test. Overall, it was a steady and accurate test,” said Barwick. “For my Freestyle, I am going to ride it like I have all the other times. I am going to have fun and go for it.”

In 12th place in the Grade 2 Individual Championship test with a score of 63.238% was Sharon Buffitt of Pointe-Claire, QC, riding Gitane d’Aubrac, Ecurie d’Aubrac’s 11-year-old Canadian Warmblood mare.

“My test was great, and Gitane was on. She just felt good throughout the whole test, and I am very happy about it,” said Buffitt. “It feels amazing to represent Canada at the World Equestrian Games. I would like to thank my coach, Chelsea Van Lierde. She has been a big part of this. Without her I never would have got here.”

Rounding out the Canadians in Grade 2 was Jennifer McKenzie of Maple Ridge, BC, and Sunbury Lodge Voodoo, who finished 14th with a score of 62.095 % in their Individual Championship Test.

“My test went very well today, and I really liked my lengthen stride” said McKenzie. “I am really going to enjoy myself and ride well in my Freestyle. I just love being at the World Equestrian Games.”

Tara Kowalski of Chilliwack, BC rode Philippa Keegan’s 19-year-old Anglo-Arabian mare bred by MJ Farms, to a score of 59.800% for 16th place overall in the Grade 1a Individual Championship Test.

“Today, my test was great. I had a few minor rider errors, but nothing unusual. In the Freestyle, my horse will kick butt. I am planning on listening to my music and just have fun,” said Kowalski.

In the Grade 1B Individual Championship Test, Ashley Gowanlock of Vancouver, BC, and Alexander (Sandy) Mitchell’s Donnymaskell, an 11-year-old Hanoverian gelding, received a score of 65.478 % for seventh place.

“My test was exciting and it went very well,” said Gowanlock. “I loved our medium trot and our circles. Everything felt pretty good.”

The combined scores from the Team Test and the Individual Championship Test determined the Team medals, and the Canadian Equestrian Team— Para-Dressage, comprised of Barwick; Eleonore Elstone of Langley, BC; Gowanlock and McKenzie, finished in eighth place overall, which is Canada’s highest team placing ever at a World Championships or Paralympics Games.

“I think that the complete Para-Dressage team of support group, coaches and grooms, have come together extremely well. It is has worked so well for all our riders. And without all these great people like our vet, coaches, personal grooms and personal coaches, I don’t think we would be able to do as well as we have done,” said Elizabeth Quigg-Robinson, chef d’équipe.

The competition continues with the Individual Freestyle Tests for Grade 3 and 1A on October 8th, Grade 2 and 1b on October the 9th and the Grade 4 Individual Freestyle will take place on October 10th.