Ottawa, Ontario—Jump Canada is pleased to announce the young athletes who have been named recipients of the Jump Canada Bursary for 2007.
In recognition of the difficulty that young riders’ face as they strive to continue their education while also competing at high levels of equestrian sport, Jump Canada developed the Bursary program for competitors aged 14-21 in the hunter, jumper and equitation divisions. Since its inception in 2002, the Jump Canada Bursary Program has been made possible by a leadership donation of $5,000 from the Samuel Group of Companies. Jump Canada matches that donation to offer a total of $10,000 in bursary monies.
The following young athletes were awarded Jump Canada Bursaries in the amount of $1,000 each.
Billie Derouet, 16, of Bromont, QC, successfully competed in the 2007 Jump Canada Talent Squad Series, securing a fourth place finish in the Eastern Division Standings. With her new mount, Sweet Dreams, Derouet competed in her first World Cup qualifying competition at the Halton Place Horse Show in the $75,000 Canadian Country Classic, where she finished in 14th place. When it comes to her education, Derouet plans to pursue a post-secondary education in the natural sciences or sport studies program.
Dana Henson, 18, a resident of Vancouver, BC, competes in the Junior Hunter, equitation medals and jumper divisions. An avid equitation rider, she qualified for both the ASPCA Maclay and CET Regional Finals. Her future goals include qualifying for the CET Medal National Finals as well as the ASPCA Maclay Medal Final, and to be a member of the British Columbia show jumping team for the North American Young Riders’ Championship. Upon completion of her Bachelor of Arts Degree at the University of British Columbia, Henson plans studying law and become a practising lawyer.
Bianca Lafontaine, 18, hails from Hudson, QC, and has been a reserve champion twice at the Royal Winter Agricultural Fair in the Children’s Hunter and Junior Hunter divisions. She was also a member of the 2006 Ontario/Quebec Show Jumping Team that won the bronze at the CN North American Juniors and Young Riders Championship. She also consistently placed in the High Junior Jumper division at the Wellington Equestrian Festival and in the Level 7 division in the Quebec Circuit. Lafontaine’s big dream is to represent Canada at the Olympic Games. She also hopes to someday have her own breeding operation and be able to show her own home-bred jumpers.
Andrea LaFrance, 21, is from Langley, BC. She has been riding for 10 years and is a student at the University College of the Fraser Valley. She has competed and placed very well in the Adult Amateur Hunter division and equitation classes in local national shows. With plans of moving into the 3’6†hunter ring followed by competing in the CET Medal, LaFrance hopes to compete in the jumper ring too. LaFrance plans to continue competing while she completes her Bachelor’s Degree, majoring in Geography and minoring in English.
Kelly Harnish, 17, of Halifax, NS, qualified for the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in the Children’s Hunter division. Next year, she hopes to qualify again for the Royal in the Children’s Hunter division, and then move her horse up into the Amateur Owner Division. Upon completing high school, Harnish intends to obtain her Bachelor of Arts and possibly become a lawyer. Harnish hopes to someday own her own barn.
Elements considered in the application process include a transcript of grades and outline of academic curriculum; future educational plans; equestrian experience; commitment and dedication to their sport; a positive image within the sport; achievement of notable competition results, whether at the local, regional or national level; goals within the equestrian industry; and financial need.
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