Equestrian Canada (EC) is pleased to announce the promotion of Robyn Allen of Thornbury, ON to EC National Para-Equestrian Classifier.
Allen holds Bachelor of Science degrees in Kinesiology and Physiotherapy from McMaster University. In 2001, she began working as a clinical physiotherapist, treating a variety of age groups and conditions. Ten years later, she opened her own practice, Two The Core Physiotherapy Clinic, and an accompanying class-based fitness studio. Allen focuses on orthopedic rehabilitation and pelvic health. Lately, she has been heavily involved with hippotherapy as rehabilitative treatment, and received her certification from the American Hippotherapy Association, Inc. in 2017.
In addition to operating her own business, Allen is the Program Development Manager for Hope Haven Therapeutic Riding Centre in Markdale, ON. There, she is tasked with creating, implementing and evaluating evidence-based programming for a wide range of populations that includes cognitive, emotional and physical special needs. She also volunteers as a horse handler and side walker, and acts as a consulting physiotherapist for Hope Haven.
“I am honoured and extremely excited about being part of our national para-equestrian classifying team,” said Allen.
“As a physiotherapist and program manager of one of Ontario’s therapeutic riding facilities, I am continuously fascinated by the motivation, creativity and abilities of para athletes. I am looking forward to getting to know equestrians across the country and watching them grow and compete within their discipline.”
Allen joins five other EC National Classifiers:
- Kim Anderson – Saanichton, BC
- Mireille Bilodeau – Gatineau, QC
- Sue Foell (who also holds International Classifier status) – Sharon, ON
- Marion Slatter Blitstein – Langley, BC
- Dr. Paula Welton – North Alton, NS
About EC National Classifiers
An EC National Classifier is a person authorized by EC to conduct evaluations for athletes who are ready to compete at EC Silver and Gold competitions. A classifier assesses athletes in accordance with the methods and standards of the Fédération Équestre International (FEI), as outlined in the FEI Classification Manual.
Becoming a classifier is an opportunity to give back to the community, enhance the life of a person with a physical or visual impairment, and grow both professionally and personally. EC National Classifiers play an integral role in an athlete’s journey from grassroots to representing Canada at the international level. By providing assessment, classifiers are essential in supporting athletes and their coaches by helping them to identify and use the compensating (adaptive) aids that are best suited to their needs. EC National Classifiers have the opportunity to become International Classifiers, who are invited to competitions all around the world, including the Paralympic Games and FEI World Equestrian Games.
For more information on Para-Equestrian Classification, visit www.equestrian.ca/sport/para-equestrian/programs.
Those interested in becoming an EC National Classifier are encouraged to contact Jamie-Ann Goodfellow, Coordinator, Para-Dressage by email at jgoodfellow@equestrian.ca or by phone at 1-866-282-8395 x 146.
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