Due to their outstanding accomplishments in 2010, Equine Canada is proud to name all the members of 2010 World Equestrian Games Canadian Eventing Team as the 2010 Equestrian of the Year.
The Canadian Eventing Team—comprised of Stephanie Rhodes-Bosch of Summerland, BC; Selena O’Hanlon of Elgin, ON; Hawley Bennett-Awad of Langley, BC; Rebecca Howard of Salmon Arm, BC; Jessica Phoenix of Uxbridge, ON and Kyle Carter of Calgary, AB—began the eventing competition at the World Championships with solid dressage performances and as a result, the team was sitting in ninth place.
With six incredible cross country rides—three perfectly clear and three with minimal time faults—over Mike Etherington-Smith’s difficult course, the Canadian team soared up the leaderboard to sit in third place. Using the three perfect scores of Rhodes-Bosch, O’Hanlon and Bennett-Awad, the Canadian team was also the only team to ever complete the cross country phase without adding any penalties at the World Championship level.
In medal contention during the jumping phase, each Canadian rider in the ring delivered poised and almost flawless rides. With the best three of the four scores to count, the Canadians added only one rail, for four faults, for final total of 151.50, finishing in the silver medal position. This result was not only Canada’s first eventing team medal at a World Championships in 32 years, but also qualified the Canadian Eventing Team for the 2012 London Olympics.
“Going to WEG was the most amazing team experience that I had ever done. It was a really unique experience where everyone came together as a team,” said Bennett-Awad. “I would like to dedicate this award to Mary Swanson and Jacqui Oldham, who both helped me in my early competition years.”
“A huge thanks to Equine Canada and the Canadian Eventing Committee for the support. Without the great program we had we would not have gotten the results we did,” noted Rhodes-Bosch. “Also, I would like to give a huge thank you to my parents for their continued support.”
In 1995 Equine Canada announced the creation of the Equine Canada Equestrian of the Year Award, in honour of Doctor George Jacobson. Dr. Jacobsen was a strong supporter of equestrian sport in Canada and internationally, with a particular interest in the young equestrians as he felt they were future team members. This award is given annually to the equestrian who has demonstrated superior sportsmanship, dedication and the pursuit of excellence in equestrian competition for the current year.
At the Equine Canada Annual Awards Gala, on Saturday January 29, 2011, in Ottawa, ON, the 2010 Canadian Eventing Team for the World Equestrian Games was awarded the Doctor George Jacobsen Trophy.
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