EC Introduces 2020 Eventing National Team Program Athletes

The Equestrian Canada (EC) Eventing Committee is pleased to announce the Eventing National Team Program (NTP) – High Performance Squad, based on FEI results from the 2019 season.

Athletes are listed in alphabetical order.

National Squad

The National Squad consists of horse-and-athlete combinations committed to and capable of producing individual performance results at international 4* and/or 5* competitions, and who show the ability to contribute to a top six team result at major games.

Scroll to continue with content

Development Squad

The Development Squad consists of combinations committed to and capable of progressing to National Squad. Horse-and-athlete combinations named to the Development Squad are those which have achieved targeted performance results at eligible international competitions in the previous 12 months.

The Eventing NTP is led by Technical Advisor, David O’Connor, and supported by the EC Eventing High Performance Advisory Group and EC Eventing Manager, Fleur Tipton. The 2020 program consists of training camps and individual training sessions for targeted athletes and horses, as well as competition support. The focus of the 2020 program is individual qualification for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

“We are very pleased to announce the talented athletes and horses that comprise the 2020 High Performance Squad,” said Rob Stevenson, Chair of the EC Eventing High Performance Advisory Group. “We feel that this list reflects the progress fostered by David’s technical leadership. The Squad riders will have the opportunity to train with him throughout the year, most notably at the training sessions that are taking place in Ocala, FL, throughout the winter months. The two training sessions to date have been keenly attended and highly successful as we look to hone the skill base of our riders and horses.”

Stevenson continued, “The focus through the spring will shift to competitions and preparation of individuals for the Olympic Games in Tokyo. However, we do recognize the importance of involving all Squad member as much as possible in training opportunities throughout the year, as these will be our team members for 2022, 2024 and beyond. We would like to thank the athletes, their families, the horse owners, grooms and support staff for their ongoing commitment to the program. And lastly, we would like to acknowledge our appreciation for the financial support of Sport Canada, the Canadian Olympic Committee and the EC eventing community.”

The NTP provides a pathway that supports the progression of targeted Canadian athletes in the Train to Compete and Learn to Win stages of the Long-Term Equestrian Development (LTED) framework to achieve international podium performances. It is aligned with EC’s high performance strategy and supported by funding partners, Sport Canada and the Canadian Olympic Committee.

For more information on EC Eventing, visit here.