Canada’s Jacqueline (“Jacquie”) Brooks is known for her positive attitude at dressage shows across the globe. She is a top competitor with laser focus in the arena, but regardless of the outcome, Brooks can always be seen with a smile on her face – rain or shine. In recognition of her unwavering sportsmanship, Ann-Louise Cook rewarded Brooks with the People’s Choice Award in the first week of competition at the 2016 Adequan Global Dressage Festival.

A successful dressage rider and realtor at Illustrated Properties (a company specializing in equestrian and luxury real estate sales), Ann-Louise Cook established the People’s Choice Award as a way to give back to her equestrian community. The award honors riders who are well-known for exhibiting good sportsmanship, horsemanship, and performance in the Wellington dressage show circuit. When presenting the People’s Choice Award to Brooks, Cook said, “As a spectator and adult amateur, we all look up to you because you have the horse first in mind, you have consistent performance in the arena, and also you are always so friendly and positive.”

Brooks had strong performances in the competition arena with her two mounts during the opening week of the popular show circuit in Wellington, Florida. Her long-time partner D Niro strutted his stuff in the CDI-W Grand Prix, earning a 68.500%, resulting in twelfth place out of a thirty-eight combination start list. The pair danced to the beat of a new Grand Prix Freestyle to earn a 69.925%, finishing in sixth place. Brooks was delighted with her 17-year-old Swedish Warmblood (D Day x Napoleon 625) partner, and said “Believe it or not, even at 17, [he is] excited to go in the ring, like he can’t wait for his turn.” She continued, “Anything over 68% is always such an accomplishment for him and I am so thrilled with him.”

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