2007_dressage_pag_team_web.jpgOttawa, Ontario — Following 5 days of intense competition, Dressage Canada is pleased to announce the 2007 Pan American Games Dressage Team who will be traveling to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil:

Rider                Hometown             Horse    Owner

Andrea Bresee  Brockville, ON        Raffles   Gina Smith & Faith Berghuis

Diane Creech   Caistor Centre, ON Wiona     Doug & Louise Leatherdale

Tom Dvorak     Hillsburgh, ON        Beaumarchais Susan Holden

Reserve:

Karen Pavicic   Richmond, BC        Lionheart  Karen Pavicic

Competition was certainly hot during the two final selection trials held May 30 – June 3rd at Saddlewood Equestrian Centre (Bethany, ON) and CornerStone Spring Into Dressage (Palgrave, ON). With weather reaching over 30 degrees Celsius at times, the top 8 Pan American Games (PAG) finalists treated spectators to a very tight race which culminated with the Intermediaire Freestyle held on June 3rd.

A total of 8 horse/rider combinations vied for a team spot during the two head-to-head final selection trials including Gillian Sutherland aboard Great Tyme, Dominique Culham riding Matisse, Evi Strasser paired with Foto Tyme, and Jacqueline Brooks with Balmoral.

An appreciative and enthusiastic audience was entertained by some of the top horses and riders in the country with music ranging from Pirates of the Caribbean to The Sound of Music to The Blues Brothers.

 

With results always in the top 3 during the final selection trials, Andrea Bresee and Raffles proved their consistency and composure under pressure. “It was such a close race – very exciting, although a little nerve racking!,” exclaimed Bresee. “Raffles is getting so steady and really knows her job, and likes to show off.  It was a joy to go out and perform with her every day – she felt great!” Bresee admitted that her favourite class is always the Freestyle performance. The pair rode to the music of “Quest of the Dream Warrior” by David Arkenstone and was arranged by Canada’s Karen Robinson of Applause Dressage. “I can’t wait to represent Canada at the games.  It has always been a dream of mine to be able to do something like this – so I am very excited to go, and I think we have a very strong team going.”

Diane Creech and Wiona, a 10-year-old Hannoverian mare owned by Doug & Louise Leatherdale, performed to original music composed by David Young. “I was very happy with Wiona,” said Creech. “It was a marathon competition, but she was very consistent and performed really well.” Creech was quick to point out the team behind the scenes that is crucial for any successful athlete. “I have been so fortunate to have such great supporters behind me, including my groom, mother, husband and Wiona’s owners Doug and Louise Leatherdale. They have supported me for many years, and I am so glad to be able to give something back to them.”

Tom Dvorak and Beaumarchais, a 12-year-old Hannoverian gelding owned by Susan Holden, performed their Freestyle to music from the “Blues Brothers” soundtrack. “I am really pleased with our results at the trials,” commented Dvorak. “Beaumarchais was consistent all five days in a row. It really couldn’t have gone better and I am thrilled with him!” Dvorak has previously represented Canada internationally at World Cup and World Equestrian Games, and is looking forward to adding the Pan American Games to his resume. “I am always honoured to represent Canada in any competition, and am proud to be a part of the Pan Am team.  We have a super team that all get along really well and the horses are ready to go.” Dvorak also gave praise to Beaumarchais’ owner, Susan Holden, for her strong support and making it all possible. “Without the owners, we wouldn’t be here.”

Travelling as reserve team member is Karen Pavicic with Lionheart, a 10-year-old Hannoverian gelding owned by Pavicic. Making the long trip from their native British Columbia in order to participate in the final selection trials, the pair had to accustom quickly to the heat and humidity that prevailed during the trials. “I was extremely pleased with our performance during the trials,” said Pavicic. “It was an intense competition and I am pleased to be joining the rest of my teammates in Brazil and look forward to cheering them on.” For her freestyle, Pavicic chose music from “The Sound of Music” as well as “Cabaret”. 

The success behind each of these athletes include not only their own dedication, but also the team effort of family, friends, owners, grooms, veterinarians and blacksmiths just to name a few.

The team will enjoy a well deserved rest before preparing for the trip to Miami Florida where they will meet up with Senior National Team Coach Norbert van Laak before heading to Brazil at the beginning of July.  The Canadian dressage team will also include chef d’equipe Gwynne Rook, FEI veterinarian Dr. Alan Young, and grooms Laurel Bacher (Wiona), Emily Dexter (Raffles), Marcie Doyle (Lionheart) and Ellen Dvorak (Beaumarchais).

The 2007 Pan American Games take place July 13 – 29 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.  There will be approximately 7,500 athletes and officials from 42 different nations participating in these Games.  Competing dressage nations will include Canada, USA, Columbia, Brazil, Mexico and the Dominican Republic.

“Well done to all!” said chef d’equipe and Chair of Dressage Canada’s High Performance Committee Gwynne Rooke.” I am looking forward to working with this solid team of riders leading to their success in Brazil.”

Canadian dressage has a long and illustrious history with the Pan American Games, achieving over 16 medals in the past 30 years including the Team Silver and Individual Gold at the Pan American Games in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

Help Support Our Pan American Games Team Athletes!

Many thanks to all those who could join us at the fundraiser luncheon held during the second trial on Sunday June 3, 2007. The luncheon, sponsored by CornerStone Farms, Schleese Saddlery Service and Dressage Canada was able to raise funds which going directly to the 2007 Pan American Dressage Team. If you were not able to attend, you still have an opportunity to help support our PAG athletes by making a donation. Visit http://www.dressagecanada.org/dcp.asp?pageid=94 for more information.

Useful websites:

Dressage Canada – www.dressagecanada.org

Equine Canada – www.equinecanada.ca

The official website of the 2007 Pan American Games  – www.rio2007.org.br   

Equestrian Federation of Brazil – www.cbh-hipismo.com.br

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