The Dressage competition of the Canadian Equestrian Championships got underway on Friday at the Bromont Equestrian Horse Park. Twelve riders stepped into the arena to compete in the Individual segment, but also to earn precious points toward the Team results. Nova Scotia native Vanessa Scanlan brilliantly mastered the test, while Béatrice Boucher from Quebec took 2nd place and Maude Joannette, also from Quebec, finished 3rd.
Aboard Paviana, her 9-year-old Trakhener, the Port Williams resident bested the Quebec riders with a score of 71.389 %. This superb performance beat a fine showing from the very first competitor to the test, Quebec native Béatrice Boucher, who had up until then held top ranking with a score of 70.556%. This was nonetheless a fine result for the Junior rider and her horse Fiori, who had dominated trials throughout the season.
Another rider who did not disappoint was Laval resident Maude Joannette. Training under the supervision of Anne-Marie Bélanger in the Senior category, Maude has performed tremendously on the National Circuit with her young horse Davoucci. She finished this test with a score of 68.899 %.
The youngest competitor at 11 years old, Camille Carier Bergeron from Mascouche also did very well aboard her poney Miss Honey Church. Her execution was right on the dot, if not for an unexpected jolt from her horse which cost her precious points. She managed to breeze through this delicate moment, earning a final score of 68.333% good for 4th place. Montrealer Maya Michel and Shadowfax took 5th place with a score of 67,222 %.
Team Nova Scotia was literally glowing over Vanessa Scanlan’s superb showing. “I was well prepared, but I’m so happy for this victory” she said, smiling radiantly. « This result is a reflect of my season with Paviana back home. This mare has been constant throughout the year, and I can rely on her easygoing demeanor. This is my first competition away from home”, added the 25 years old rider. “I must say that the facilities here are wonderful. This is my biggest showing ever.”
An initiative of the Canadian Equestrian Alliance, the Canadian Equestrian Championships are an intergional finale where six provincial associations battle against one another. Nova Scotia, British Columbia, Newfoundland & Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Saskatchewan and Quebec each present a team in three disciplines : Show Jumping, Dressage and Reining, the latter being the only Western saddle discipline recognized by the FEI. Some of the riders have travelled with their own horses, while others rode mounts loaned by horse owners from Quebec.
The Canadian Equestrian Championships are part of the Caballista event, which takes place at the Bromont Olympic Horse Park until September 18, 2011. At the end of the competion, riders will receive Individual and Team Gold, Silver and Bronze medals. The province having scored the best overall result will be known during the Closing Ceremonies on Sunday afternoon.
The Bromont Olympic Equestrian Park is located at 450 chemin de Gaspé, Highway 10, Exit 78. Admittance and parking are free.
Results
1st Vanessa Scanlan / Paviana – 71.389 % (NS)
2nd Béatrice Boucher / Fiori – 70.556 % (QC)
3rd Maude Joannette / Davoucci 68.899 % (QC)
4th Camille Carier Bergeron / Miss Honey Church 68.333 % (QC)
5th Maya Michel / Shadowfax 67.222 % (QC)
6th Rachel Blackmon / Rafale du Coteau Mermoz, 66.944 % (BC)
7th Payge Hodgson / Goliath 65.833 % (SK)
8th Caleb Ripley / Honor Man 64.167 % (SK)
9th Megan Kordner / Best of Illusion, 63.333 % (SK)
10th ex-aequo : Alexandra Fishman / Sergeant Peper, (BC), Léah Mc Cullough / Slamma Jamma (SK) 63.56 %
More from Horse Sport:
