Marjorie Dennis of Caledon, ON has been named the 2016 Greenhawk Jump Canada Volunteer of the Year in recognition of her longstanding dedication and invaluable contributions to hunter/jumper sport in Canada.
The 2016 edition of the award marks the first time it has been sponsored. The members of Jump Canada would like to recognize Greenhawk as the inaugural sponsor and offer sincere thanks for their generous support of the volunteers who fill such vital roles within equestrian sport.
One of Canada’s most respected judges, Dennis has been an Equestrian Canada Senior status national hunter, hack, jumper and equitation judge for over 30 years, and has been carded as an FEI 3* Jumper Judge for over 25 years.
Her illustrious background in the Canadian equestrian industry includes officiating at such international events as the Washington International Horse Show, the FEI North American Junior and Young Rider Championships (NAJYRC), and the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF). She also assisted with the management of the 1999 Pan American Games in Winnipeg, MB.
Dennis continues to officiate at national and international events, and her vast experience in the equestrian industry makes her an invaluable member of EC’s Continuing Education Program for National Officials – where she directs her knowledge and expertise as an official back into the community by conducting regular clinics for aspiring judges.
In addition, Dennis has generously volunteered her time in many different capacities, having served as a past director of Equestrian Canada and the Ontario Equestrian Federation, and past president of the Ontario Hunter Jumper Association. Dennis is also a co-founder of the Trillium Circuit in Ontario, and a former chairperson for the Royal Horse Show and the North American Junior and Young Rider Championships (NAJYRC). Since 2008, Dennis has been the Chair of the Officials Committee on the Jump Canada Board.
“Marj has been a huge contributor to our sport over the years, both as a highly respected official and a tireless volunteer,” said Pamela Law, Chair of Jump Canada. “She continues to work closely with Equestrian Canada to ensure up and coming judges follow through the process of checks and balances to become competent and qualified EC officials. I have enjoyed our friendship for many years and continue to look forward to working with Marj in the future.”
In recognition of her many years of dedication to the equestrian community and the incredible integrity, knowledge, and absolute fairness that she has brought to the sport of hunter/jumper, Dennis was presented with the 2016 Greenhawk Volunteer of the Year Award during the Jump Canada Hall of Fame Gala, held Nov. 6 at the Liberty Grand in Toronto, ON.
Dennis joins a long list of distinguished Jump Canada Volunteer of the Year Award recipients, including John ‘JT’ Taylor (2015), Frances McAvity (2014) and Muffie Guthrie (2013). For a complete list of award recipients, click here.
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