Canadian Dressage Community Loses Dressage Icon

It is with deep regret that Equine Canada (EC) acknowledges the passing of long-time member, coach, official, clinician and mentor, Jacqueline (Jacqui) Oldham, 72, of Langley, BC, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Jacqui was born in Bellevue, AB in 1938 and started riding as a young girl in Edmonton. By the age of 14, Jacqui directed her equestrian interest to dressage leading into a lifelong dedication to the sport.

Jacqueline continued on to accrue over 60 years of experience in the horse industry and had trained and competed in dressage up to the Grand Prix level. As an EC Level 2 Dressage Coach, Jacqueline shared her talent and knowledge with countless students from Training to Grand Prix levels.

“Jacqui has helped and mentored literally hundreds of people over the years and I feel very fortunate to have been one of her close friends and students,” stated Grand Prix rider Wendy Christoff.

A dressage judge since 1976, Jacqui received her Equine Canada Senior Dressage Judge status in 1993 and her United States Equestrian Federation Senior status in 1994. Jacqui had the enviable reputation of judging with authority, fairness and compassion, and this afforded her the opportunity to judge competitions in North America, Australia and Barbados.

Jacqui was one of the founding members of CADORA in British Columbia where she helped organizers develop the “Best Ever” program which helped identify and support talented horses and riders.

Jacqui held the position of president of the Horse Council of British Columbia (HCBC) from 1997 to 1998, and continued to sit in on hearings and disciplinary committees with HCBC after the completion of her term. In 2003, Jacqui was named the HCBC’s Official of the Year, and in 2009 HCBC bestowed Jacqui with their Lifetime Achievement Award.

Jacqui proudly ran the very successful “Educate Your Eye” clinic for approved judges across Canada. Through this program, Jacqui truly excelled in sharing her lifetime of experience and love of dressage with aspiring judges. She mentored numerous judges over the years and touched thousands of others who will continue to benefit from her great work.

Jacqui played a large role in the advancement of Dressage Canada (DC) programs that focused on the development of horses and riders. DC recognized her passion and talent and had called upon her on two occasions to be an official facilitator and evaluator.

Jacqueline leaves behind her husband Bill and two children, Shannon and Haley, as well as two grandchildren Lauralee and Justin.

At her family’s request, memorial donations in lieu of flowers may to the BC Cancer Foundation at 600 – 686 West Broadway, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1G1, or to the equivalent agency in your local area.

Equine Canada would like to extend its deepest sympathies to Jacqui’s family and friends.