2011 Equine Canada Junior Equestrian of the Year: Dominique Shone

Equine Canada has named Dominique Shone, 18, of Langley, BC, named as the 2011 Junior Equestrian of the Year.

The Gillian Wilson Award is given annually to the Junior Equestrian of the Year in recognition of a junior competitor who has made outstanding contributions to equestrian competition and who has exemplified exceptional talent, sportsmanship, and dedication to the sport. Shone demonstrates excellent examples of each of these qualities.

At just 18 years of age, Shone had a stellar year in 2011 with highlights including: winning and placing in two separate $31,000 CSI2* classes at the Rocky Mountain Show Jumping Bow Valley Classic competitions and fourth in the $50,000 CSI2* Friends of Rocky Mountain Grand Prix and seventh in the $50,000 CSI2* G2 Financial Group Grand Prix, riding Ka Ching, owned by Caroline Shone.

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With these and other fantastic placings, Shone earned over $35,000 in prize money and was awarded the distinction of Leading Lady Grand Prix Rider for the Rocky Mountain Classic Series and finished second overall in the Jump Canada Talent Squad — Western Division. In addition, Shone and Ka Ching have been named to the 2012 Jump Canada Talent Squad.

And Shone’s winning ways didn’t stop there. At shows, her great attitude made her a favourite among whipper-ins as she always handled victory with gratitude and losing with grace. Shone embodies the spirit of a true horseperson in every way.

“I would like to thanks Equine Canada for having this award and for recognizing the hard work that I have put into the sport this past year,” said Shone. “I am very honoured to win the Junior Equestrian of the Year Award, and I would like to thank my family and friends, especially my parents for supporting and shaping me into the rider I have become.”

The Gillian Wilson Trophy was created in honor of Gillian Wilson, who was the Technical Director of Canadian Equestrian Federation (now Equine Canada) from 1977 until her retirement on December 31, 1992.