The Jump Canada Hall of Fame Gala and Induction Ceremony, presented by BMO Financial Group, returned with resounding success on Sunday, November 3, 2024, at the Liberty Grand in Toronto, ON.
The Governor’s Room was filled with members of the hunter/jumper community who came together to celebrate this year’s inductees. Following the sold-out event’s Welcome Reception, presented by Wesley Clover Parks, guests enjoyed a four-course dinner and live music as the award presentations were made. Tribute videos commemorating each inductee’s contributions to the sport were a highlight of the evening, played prior to each award presentation.
The Jump Canada Hall of Fame welcomed three new champions as follows:
Horse (Show Jumping) – Special Ed
Groom – Jenny Courchesne
Rider – Ian Millar
Canadian Olympic silver medalist Mac Cone presented the award for Horse (Show Jumping) to Special Ed, which was accepted by Bob Henselwood on behalf of himself as owner and Special Ed’s partner in the saddle, Jill Henselwood.
Two-time Canadian Show Jumping Champion Ainsley Vince made the award presentation to Jenny Courchesne in the Groom category. Only the second groom to be inducted, Courchesne had the longest tenure of her career with the Vince family, working for 17 years at their Linden Ridge farm.
For the grand finale, recently retired CBC Sports analyst and a familiar voice for show jumping fans, Scott Russell, introduced 10-time Canadian Olympian Ian Millar in the category of Rider. While Millar and his most memorable mount, Big Ben, have been inducted in other Hall of Fame categories, his induction into the Rider category finally became a reality following his retirement from international show jumping competition.
Last held in 2019, the 13th edition of the Jump Canada Hall of Fame was warmly welcomed back on the community’s social calendar.
Jenny Courshesne (right) is presented with the Jump Canada Hall of Fame award in the Groom category by Ainsley Vince. (Michelle C. Dunn photo)
“After a five-year hiatus, the Jump Canada Hall of Fame is back!” declared Mark Samuel, Chair of the Jump Canada Hall of Fame. “Many thanks to my committee, our sponsors, and to our amazing inductees for making it such a special evening. The night was one of laughter, reflection, storytelling, and connection, and we are already excited to get working on next year’s edition!”
The success of the Jump Canada Hall of Fame Gala relies on a dedicated group of sponsors, volunteers, and attendees. Supporters of the Hall of Fame include its founding and presenting sponsor, BMO Financial Group. Angelstone Events; Artisan Farms; the Equestrian Canada Jumping Committee; Sam-Son Farm; Spruce Meadows; Thunderbird Show Park; and Wesley Clover Parks also generously provided sponsorship support.
The Jump Canada Hall of Fame Committee members wish to recognize those who supported the event by purchasing Gold Medal tables, including BMO Financial Group; Juniper Farms; Millar Brooke Farm; the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair; Sam-Son Farm; Spruce Meadows; Thunderbird Show Park; and Wesley Clover Parks.
The Jump Canada Hall of Fame was created in 2006 to recognize outstanding contributions to Canadian hunter/jumper sport. Following the 2024 Induction Ceremony, 67 champions have been welcomed into the Hall of Fame, including 22 horses and ponies, 30 humans, nine organizations, and six teams.
The Jump Canada Hall of Fame committee is comprised of Mark Samuel (Chairman), Jennifer Anstey, Evie Frisque, Muffie Guthrie, Jennifer Ward, and Nancy Wetmore. For more information regarding the Jump Canada Hall of Fame, a property of the Jumping Committee of Equestrian Canada, visit here.
For further information, please contact Jennifer Ward, Jump Canada Hall of Fame Committee, at jward@startinggate.ca, or Karen Hendry-Ouellette, Equestrian Canada, at KHendry-Ouellette@equestrian.ca.
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