The CWHBA has sent a team to the International Young Breeders’ World Championship (IYB-WC) since it started in 2003. This year’s results speak for themselves. Combined results placed them 11th overall – sixth place for the senior team, 15th for the juniors. In the individual categories, Junior competitor Rielle Longtin (SK) tied for first place in theory as did Seniors Hailey Larkin and Jessica Larkin (ON), while in the Athleticism/Free Jumping category Junior Grace McConnell (AB) finished fourth, and Senior Victoria Smith (ON) placed seventh.
“I am so proud of our team this year,” commented Lisa Longtin (Young Breeder Program Coordinator) “In addition to spending four great days at the absolutely beautiful and iconic Landgestüt Celle, what really stood out for me at this competition was how dedicated and self-motivated all our of Canadian team members were. There was a palpable vibe of everyone wanting to do their best. They were all business during the events, and then really cut loose and enjoyed themselves when it was over.” Coach Kailey Parkin added: “The girls did amazing. There were 19 teams in total, and we were so close to cracking the top 10.”
That, of course, is not the main story. What is really important is the friends made, the experiences shared, and the opportunity to learn more about the international horse industry.
Team member Grace McConnell’s take away was unequivocal. “The things I enjoyed most at the competition were getting to know new people from other countries and putting my knowledge to the test. What I found interesting were the different types of competitors from each studbook.”
Rielle Longtin found” “It was really amazing to meet people from all over the world with the same interests and passion that I have, and apart from the incredible experience and opportunity, the people there are what really brings it together. Everyone is always so nice and willing to learn whenever possible.”
(L-r) Avery Caine, Katelyn Mullin, Ainsley MacLean, Rielle Longtin, Hailey Larkin, Grace McConnell, Jessica Larkin, Victoria Smith. (ES Legacy Photography)
Others on the team had similarly interesting perspectives. According to Jessica Larkin: “I had an incredible time at this year’s International Young Breeders’ World Championships. It was so great to get to work as a team and see everyone’s hard work pay off. The part I found the most interesting was how the venue was situated right in the heart of the town of Celle, which really highlighted the importance of the equestrian industry to the community and its history.”
Avery Caine remarked, “Competing at world-class facilities and handling horses of that calibre is always so eye-opening. There is so much to learn from the Europeans, and being able to gain experience and ideas to bring home is incredibly valuable in helping shape our industry here in Canada.”
Ainsley Maclean said, “An experience I’ll carry with me forever. My favourite memory wasn’t one single moment, it was sharing the journey with such an amazing team while representing Canada. Learning from the other studbooks will always be another highlight for me, from seeing the way they handled the horses to getting the opportunity to chat with them about the way they see them. This opportunity was definitely one for the books and I can’t wait to use the knowledge I gained here at home.”
Liana Spies, who attended as an alternate, was equally impressed. “It was a fantastic experience to be a part of Canadian Warmblood, representing Canada in the International Young Breeders’ World Championship in Celle, Germany. It was an honour to be a part of such a hardworking team, and I really enjoyed meeting people from all over the world who share the same passion as me and dedication to learn.”
The historic Lower Saxony State Stud in Celle was a fitting site for the 12th Championship and the 25th anniversary since its inception. The CWHBA joins all studbooks in congratulating and thanking Dr. Ludwig Christmann, founder of the program, for inspiring an event that has had such a profound and lasting impact on the youth members of the CWHBA over the years.
The next IYBC, with Belgium hosting, will bring it full circle for Canadians, since the 2003 IYBC was also hosted in Belgium.
Results here.
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