2011 Equine Canada Equestrian of the Year: Jessica Phoenix

At the 2012 Equine Canada Annual Awards Gala on Friday, February 3, in St. John’s, Newfoundland, Jessica Phoenix was named the 2011 Equestrian of the Year.

Hot on the heels of a fantastic 2010 season, Phoenix, of Cannington, ON, continued to prove in 2011 that she’s got what it takes to be the best.

Born in Uxbridge, ON, horses have always been a part of Phoenix’s life. At 13 years of age she won the Ontario Horse Trials Training Championship, and every year from then on she continued to win a Championship.

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Phoenix was named to Canadian Eventing Talent Squad until she was long listed in 2006. Riding Exploring, Phoenix was a member of the Canadian Eventing Team at the 2007 Pan American Games in Brazil. At the 2010 World Equestrian Games, Phoenix and Exponential were members of the Canadian eventing squad that claimed team silver.

In 2011, Phoenix’s star continued to rise as she and Pavarotti, owned by Don J. Good, won individual gold and team silver at the Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico, where they finished on their dressage score of 43.90, and led the three-phase competition from start to finish. Her win was only the second individual gold medal in eventing for Canada at the Pan American Games.

Phoenix is the complete athlete—athletic, focused, and always ready to learn and give back to her sport.

“It was an honor to receive the Equine Canada Equestrian of the Year award” said Phoenix. “I feel it is a reflection of the team of people that have helped me to this point—from our coaching to our entire support staff, vet, farrier, owners, sponsors, teammates and families. It would not have been possible without all of these people. We are all looking forward to 2012.”
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.