Endurance Canada Announces WEG Squad and Alternate Riders

Ottawa, ON – The Endurance Canada International Committee is pleased to announce the squad and alternates who will represent Canada at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG) to be held in Lexington, KY September 25–October 10, 2010.

Endurance Canada WEG Squad

Rider – Home Town – Horse

Elroy Karius – Kelowna, BC – Apache Eclypse

Gail Jewell – Kelowna, BC – NL Temptation

Robert Gielen – Norton, NB – F.C. Galaxy

Ruth Sturley – Owen Sound, ON – RBF Super Sport

Yvette Vinton – Morriston, FL – Teese

Alternates

Gail Jewell – Kelowna, BC – Diamond Reo

Terre O’Brennan – Delta, BC – Koszaar

Carol Steiner – Vanessa, ON – Jumpin’ Jax

Kathy Irvine – Blackfoot, AB – Nightwind’s Savanah

Trisha Dowling – Saskatoon, SK – ZF Mocha

Gail Jewell – Kelowna, BC – A Salisbury Rose

Leanna Marchant – Calgary, AB – Samsons Fire

“On behalf of Endurance Canada International, I am extremely pleased to announce the list of ranked riders and alternates for the upcoming World Equestrian Games in Kentucky,” said Myna Cryderman, chair of Endurance Canada International Subcommittee. “I know how hard all the contenders for these positions have worked for their opportunity to represent Canada at these Games. I congratulate all of riders for their efforts.”

Members of the squad and alternates will arrive in Lexington on September 18th, giving them time to focus prior to the competition on September 26. The 160 km race, which will wind through the beautiful bluegrass countryside, will consist of five compulsory veterinary checks and hold times where the horses will be carefully monitored. The riders must complete the course in less than 12 hrs 20 min, but it is anticipated that the winning times will be much faster, but the final time is always dependent on weather conditions.

“I’ve had a wonderful opportunity this year to attend numerous FEI CEI 3* 160 km competitions in both the US and Canada to observe our elite athletes compete with top riders in North America who were building their resumes and fine-tuning their conditioning — all in preparation for the WEG,” Kay Melvin, Chef d’équipe of the Canadian Endurance Team. “I sincerely congratulate the members of our squad, and I look forward to being with them and the rest of the team officials and crew in Kentucky doing what we do best, which is working as a Team going for a spot on the podium.”

The official first veterinary inspection will occur on September 25, and following the inspection, the official Team and Individual competitors will be announced.