Canadian Paralympians Complete Hat Trick at the WindReach International CPEDI3*

Ashburn, ON – The WindReach International Para-Dressage CPEDI3* competition came to an end May 30 with riders performing their Freestyle Tests—always a crowd favourite which incorporates music and technical skill.

Both Lauren Barwick of Aldergrove, BC, and Ashley Gowanlock of Langley, BC won all of their respective classes over the three-day competition, including today’s Freestyle Tests—a respectable feat when competing against some of the world’s best.

Lauren Barwick rode her Paralympic horse Maile in the Grade 2 Freestyle Test to an impressive score of 78.750%, which was the highest score achieved by any rider during the competition.

“I performed the same Freestyle test that I rode with Maile at the 2008 Paralympic Games to win the gold medal,” said Lauren Barwick. “It was the best that she has performed, and it would not have been possible without the fantastic support of my grooms, personal assistant, Equine Canada and my sponsor, Parelli Natural Horsemanship.”

The WindReach Para-Dressage International CPEDI3* was host to 39 international riders from Australia, Bermuda, Chinese Taipei, Ireland, Japan, Mexico, the United States and Canada, becoming the largest FEI Para-Equestrian event ever held in North America.

The top three results from each class were as follows:

Grade 1a Freestyle Test:

1st – Laura Goldman (USA) riding Carlingfurd JD owned by Trudy Phillips with 75.000%

2nd – Tara Kowalski (Vancouver, BC, CAN) riding MJ Fatal Attraction owned by Philippa Keegan and Rachael Tipper with 66.083%

3rd – Kim Decker of (USA) riding Dashers Destiny owned by Paul Decker with 63.583%

Grade 1b Freestyle Test:

1st – Ashley Gowanlock (Langley, BC, CAN) riding Donneymaskell owned by Sandy (Alexander) Mitchell with 64.250%

2nd – Judi Island (Caledon, ON, CAN) riding Wouldja Believe it owned by C.A.R.D. with 63.167%

3rd – Rosie Fahey (AUS) riding Narhan’s Gift owned by Laura Austin with 62.500%

Grade 2 Freestyle Test:

1st- – Lauren Barwick (Aldergrove, BC, CAN) riding Maile owned by Lauren Barwick with 78.750%

2nd – Rebecca Hart (USA) riding Kazan owned by Kerri Sowers with 75.417%

3rd – Lauren Barwick (Aldergrove, BC, CAN) riding L’Amistad 22 owned by Lori Garlough with 72.750%

Grade 3 Freestyle Test:

1st – Erin Alberda (USA) riding Collo 5 owned by Peter Gray with 65.667%

2nd – Yu-Jen Sun (Chinese Taipei) riding Legacy owned by Jacqueline Norman with 56.333%

3rd – Beth Levine (USA) riding Cinnamon Girl owned by Lauren Adam with 55.917%

Grade 4 Freestyle Test:

1st – James Dwyer (IRE) riding Orlando owned by James Dwyer with 76.167%

2nd – Jennifer Baker (USA) riding Duel owned by University of Findlay with 73.667%

3rd – Eleonore Elstone (Langley, BC, CAN) riding Why Not G owned by Kelleigh Kulscar with 67.917%

The competition organizers would like to extend their utmost appreciation to the volunteers and supporters who helped make the event a great success and to Sandy (Alexander) Mitchell and WindReach Farm for their generosity and hospitality over the past year. They also wish the best of luck to each of the international riders who will now be pursuing their goal of competing at the 2010 World Equestrian Games.