In the second phase of the Canadian Equestrian Championships’ Dressage competition, proof was made that no two days are alike. Winner of yesterday’s test,Vanessa Scanlan had to make do with a 9th place finish. Quebec native Béatrice Boucher was victorious, followed by Maude Joanette in 2nd place. Rachel Blackmon from British Columbia finished in 3rd place.
Riders competing in Dressage actually perform was is referred to as a “test”. This test consists in a series of compulsory figures executed in a precise order at different gaits, being the walk, trot and canter. Precision is indeed required, and a mastery of communications skills between rider and horse as well. Judges evaluate the performance as a whole, and scores are attributed as percentages.
From Ste-Cécile-de-Milton, Béatrice Boucher was the 3rd competitor to tackle the challenge. Aboard Fiori, she sets the tone with a score of 70 %. Topping the Junior trials throughout the summer, the 14 year-old rider has been remarkably consistent. “Fiori is a young 6 year-old, and I have been showing him for only a year. He’s making great progress, and I think we make a wonderful team.” Mounting Davoucci, Maude Joanette also did well for Team Quebec, earning a 2nd place finish thanks to a score of 67.027 %. Standing proud for British Columbia, Rachel Blackmon earned precious Team points as well, clenching 3rd place. Her performance was all the more remarkable as she was mounting a loaned horse she had been training with for a mere couple of days. Named Rafale du Côteau Mermoz, this superb Canadian horse is owned by Carolane Grenier.