Jump Canada is pleased to announce the young athletes who have been named recipients of the Jump Canada Bursary for 2015.
In recognition of the difficulty young riders face as they strive to continue their education while also competing at high levels of equestrian sport, Jump Canada developed the Bursary program for athletes aged 14-21 in the hunter, jumper and equitation divisions. Since its inception in 2002, the Jump Canada Bursary Program has been made possible by a leadership donation of $5,000 from the Samuel Group of Companies. Jump Canada matches that donation to offer a total of $10,000 in bursary monies.
The following young athletes were awarded Jump Canada Bursaries in the amount of $2,000 each.
Olivia Jordan of Grimsby, ON, who will turn 17 on December 21, fell in love with horses at the tender age of three after her very first pony ride. Three years later she began regular lessons and has been a passionate and enthusiastic competitor ever since. Starting her career in the hunter ring, Jordan has since transitioned to the jumpers, utilizing her skill and patience to bring along her young mount Good as Gold. She competed at the 1.10m level in 2015 and hopes to continue to advance in 2016, and one day compete at the prestigious Royal Horse Show in Toronto, ON. To help fund her dreams, she has started a small landscaping business.
Calgary, AB native, Kaelyn Kennedy, got her competitive start in 2010 in the Short Stirrup division at Thunderbird Show Park in Langley, BC, winning the championship her very first time out. With her sights set on one day competing at the grand prix level, the 16-year-old has earned a reputation as a fierce competitor in all three rings, with a heavy focus on equitation. She has qualified for the Regional CET Medal Finals twice, and qualified to compete in the Children’s Hunter division at the Royal Horse Show in 2013. Motivated by more than just ribbons, Kennedy prides herself on developing a true partnership with her mount. Currently in Grade 11, she hopes to finish high school early to spend time as a working student before pursuing a degree in business.
Seventeen-year-old Erin Cechetto of Newport, NS, has been riding almost as long as she’s been walking. After getting her first pony at age two, she moved on to Pony Club before turning her focus to hunters and now jumpers. Competing at 1.15m this season, Cechetto hopes to move up to 1.20m with an eye on competing at the Royal Horse Show in Toronto, ON. She has qualified every year for the Canadian Interprovincial Equestrian Championships (CIEC) since 2012 and is aiming to once again represent her home province neat year. Currently a Grade 12 student, she plans to continue with her education, hoping one day to become a doctor.
Campbell Legere, 14, of Hammonds Plains, NS, grew up on her family’s farm, developing a love of horses early on. An accomplished hunter rider, she has competed at the prestigious Royal Horse Show in Toronto, ON, every year since 2011. This season she also contested her very first CET Medal in Blainville, QC, earning a top-10 finish. Next year Legere plans to spend more of her time in the jumper and equitation rings, moving up to 1.20m and taking part in more CET Medal classes. Her ultimate goal is to one day represent Canada at the North American Junior and Young Rider Championships (NAJYRC).
A resident of Calgary, AB, 19-year-old Ally Memedovich began riding at age eight. Now a seasoned competitor, she is working on balancing her equestrian pursuits with her educational goals. Currently enrolled at the University of Calgary where she is working toward an honours degree in health sciences, she aims to incorporate the concept of memory in riders and trainers as part of her thesis. In addition to her rigorous course schedule, she managed to find time to continue riding and competing. Taking part in numerous competitions this season at 1.15m, she hopes to move up to 1.20m in 2016.
Each year, Jump Canada selects recipients of the Bursary program based on the strength of applications received. Elements considered in the application process include a transcript of grades and outline of academic curriculum; future educational plans; equestrian experience; commitment and dedication to their sport; a positive image within the sport; achievement of notable competition results, whether at the local, regional or national level; goals within the equestrian industry; and financial need.
For additional details regarding the Jump Canada Youth Bursary Program, please visit the Jump Canada website.
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