Dressage, Para Dressage Champs Crowned at Thunderbird

The 2026 National Dressage and Para Dressage Championships – West concluded at Thunderbird Show Park October 9-11. Twenty-five West Champion Titles were awarded from Training Junior through Para Dressage Grade V Grand Prix levels. Among the winners, the 2026 North American Youth Championship (NAYC) medalists Estella Gosniak and Impact, and Alison Campbell-Wright and Vintage celebrated victory in their respective divisions.

Earlier in the week, Canada’s dressage community had suffered a great shock with the loss of three horses and injury to a fourth in a devastating accident while traveling to the Championships from Manitoba and Alberta.

“The 2026 Dressage and Para Dressage National Championships (West) was a powerful reminder of the strength, compassion, and resilience of our equestrian community,” remarked Christine Peters, EC’s senior manager of Dressage and Para Dressage.

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“Following such a tragic start to the week, it was incredibly moving to see everyone come together to support one another, while continuing to celebrate the outstanding performances, special moments, and lasting memories that make these Championships so meaningful.

“On behalf of Equestrian Canada, I want to extend my sincere gratitude to everyone who contributed to making this event such a positive experience for our athletes, horses, owners, coaches, volunteers, officials, and the broader equestrian community. Your support, generosity, and dedication throughout the week demonstrated the very best of our sport.

“Congratulations to all of our champions and to every participant who helped make this event so special. We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to bring the National Championships back to the West and to host them at this outstanding venue. Most importantly, we are proud of a community that continues to show up for one another, celebrate excellence, and find strength in coming together, even in the most difficult of circumstances.”

The Red & White fundraiser held on the Friday evening was transitioned to a fundraiser to support the four horses affected by the tragic accident. Our community has been overwhelming in their support, and with so many wishing to contribute, the donations portal will remain open for at least one more week. For anyone wishing to make a donation in support of those affected, please click HERE.

With the East and West Championships now concluded, the results are being tallied to determine who will be named the overall Equestrian Canada National Dressage and Para Dressage Champions for 2026. Watch this space!

EC National Dressage and Para Dressage Championships – West Division

TRAINING LEVEL JUNIOR
Champion: Sabina Dobrescu (BC) & Neon Lights

TRAINING LEVEL AMATEUR
Champion: Jesse Fountian (BC) & HaveFaith