Gwynneth ‘Gwynne’ Rooke, who led the Canadian Dressage Team as chair or chef d’équipe between 1987 and 2010, died on Dec. 3 at her home in Stouffville, ON. She was 91.
Born in Toronto, Gwynne’s British mother was an avid rider, which likely contributed to her daughter’s early love of horses which would guide her through life. Although her first career was as a nurse, after marrying Lorne Rooke, the couple bought a farm in Stouffville, ON. Lorne passed away unexpectedly in 2004.
In addition to being a Level 2 Dressage Steward from 2009–2017 and an Equestrian Canada official since 1983, Gwynne was chair of the Canadian Equestrian Dressage Team from 1987 to 1992, and was the chef d’équipe for the bronze medal-winning dressage team at the 1988 Seoul Olympics in Korea, as well as the gold medal teams at the 1987 (Indianapolis) and 1991 (Havana) Pan American Games. Gwynne was also chef d’équipe for the 2004 Athens Olympic dressage team, and at the 2003 European Championships where Canada earned their Olympic Team berth.
Always a no-nonsense leader, Gwynne was pragmatic about the team’s chances at the 2004 Olympics in Athens. “We don’t anticipate any medal winners, but you never know,” she commented before the Games. “We aim to improve our world ranking and move up to seventh or eighth. I think that’s a realistic goal. We’re happy that we have a solid team of consistent performers.” Ultimately, the team finished 9th.
The Canadian Dressage Team would go on to win a silver medal at the Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 2007 with Gwynne at the helm. She said afterwards, “We are very satisfied with the result. After many, many miles, we have achieved our ambition as a team.”
Alan Young and Gwynne Rooke at the 2004 Athens Olympics.
Gwynne last served as chef d’équipe for Canada’s dressage team at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Kentucky, where the team placed 7th. “Having the Games on this continent is exciting,” she had said prior to the event. “I know most of the athletes quite well. Their professional behaviour under demanding situations is much valued. I look forward to the opportunity to work with them once again in the pursuit of the goal of delivering their best-ever performances.”
A long-time volunteer, Gwynne was involved in competition organization for many years and served a term as chair of Dressage Canada’s Senior High Performance Committee. She was also a member of the Canadian Para-Equestrian Committee (CPEC), and was appointed secretary of CARD (Community Association for Riding for the Disabled) in 1980 after the Dufferin St. facility opened in 1979. In later years, Gwynne also became a staunch supporter of the Toronto Wildlife Centre.
Rider and coach Nancy MacLachlan, who rode on numerous teams with Gwynne at the helm, said, “Gwynne was an organized, efficient chef who put her athletes’ requirements first. She managed her teams and support staff with dedication and integrity. She was a person I admired and liked long after my team experience with her.”
Cindy Ishoy, a member of the bronze-medal team in Seoul and individual bronze winner aboard the great Dynasty, recalled Gwynne as an extraordinary team leader. “Gwynne was an excellent chef. She went above and beyond to help the riders. I think her leadership as chef also helped me to be the best I could be, because I knew she always had my back and I could concentrate on preparing and competing. I still have the Canada goose pin that she gave all the riders in Seoul. I guess it brought us good luck!”
Longtime Canadian Team FEI vet Alan Young, DVM, said, “Gwynne’s long-standing contribution to Canadian dressage helped make our sport stronger and better, and I have respect and admiration for her from my many Canadian Equestrian Team experiences. Gwynne was the central point in Canadian dressage for more than two decades. Under her guidance, the team was successful winning medals at the Pan American Games and Olympics. Gwynne was supportive of the athletes and sorted out the logistics of team travel to international competition with efficiency and dedication.”
Kim Goodyear was High Performance Chair while Gwynne was chef d’équipe for most major events during those years. She called her “super knowledgeable, extremely capable of handling any situation, very matter-of-fact and supportive of the athletes, their horses and support staff. It is a sad loss for the dressage community in Canada.”
More News
