Canadian Eventing 2008 Athlete Development Scholarship Recipients

Ottawa, ON—The Canadian Eventing Committee is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2008 Canadian Eventing Athlete Development Scholarships.

The 2008 recipients are Kerry Johnston of Summerland, BC, Stephanie Rhodes-Bosch also of Summerland, BC, and Sarah Talaga of Richmond Hill, ON.

Designed to recognize and encourage Canadian riders in the pursuit of international competition, this year’s program offered scholarships of $1,000 each these three outstanding young athletes. The assessment criteria included eventing experience, competition results, competition plans and goals, and dedication to the sport, including support and promotion of the sport of eventing in Canada.

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Johnston has been riding since the age of seven and is currently competing successfully at the three star level with her horse Warrick, a 10-year-old Canadian Warmblood stallion. In 2008, the pair were the top placed Canadians at the Galway Downs Three Day Event CCI 2*division in November finishing in second place. A member of the Canadian Eventing National Team long list in 2008 and 2009, Johnston’s goal in 2009 is to compete with Warrick at the advanced three-star level.

Rhodes-Bosch and her horse Port Authority, a 10 year-old Selle Francais/Thoroughbred gelding won individual bronze medal in the two star Championship division at the North American Junior Young Riders’ Championships (NAJYRC). The pair also finished in eighth place at the CCI 2* 2008 Jersey Fresh Three Day Event. Allentown, NJ. A member of the 2008 and 2009 Canadian Eventing national team long list, Rhodes-Bosch plans to move Port Authority up to the advanced level and complete a three star in the fall in 2009. Her long-term dream is to compete on the Canadian team at a major games.

In the Junior division at the NAJYRC, Talaga and her nine-year-old Polish bred mare Vena won the individual bronze medal and contributed the bronze medal finish of the Canadian Junior Riders’ Team. Her other one star finishes in 2008 include eighth place at CCI 1* Wits End Three day Event in September and 13th place at the Bromont CCI 1* Three Day Event in June. Talaga plans to qualify at a two star three day event in 2009 in the hopes of being selected for the Young Riders Championship Team attending the 2009 NAJYRC.

“It was a pleasure to review the applications and to see the goals to which the riders aspire,” says Athlete Development Scholarship Selection Chair, Lori Leach. “The Athlete Development Scholarship selection committee wishes all the 2008 recipients the best of luck for the season ahead, and wish to thank everyone who applied. Congratulations to the 2008 recipients.”