Returning for the Caledon Premier 2 CSI2* (August 9-13) at the Caledon Equestrian Park, Caledon, ON is the ever popular Mckee-Pownall Equine Services FEI Groom Appreciation Award.
McKee-Pownall Equine Services is comprised of a group of veterinarians, technicians and support staff who work with horse owners, trainers and grooms to continually improve the health and welfare of their equine companions.
McKee-Pownall Equine Services is onsite at the Caledon Equestrian Park offering equine veterinary care focusing on: Lameness, Sport Horse Medicine, Pre-Purchase Exams, Dentistry, Preventative Health Care and Emergency Services.
Dr. Melissa McKee, Dr. Mike Pownall and their team are spearheading this initiative to recognize those people behind the scenes that contribute to the responsibility, care and overall welfare of these magnificent animals.
Grooms are an integral part of a horse’s success in and outside of the show ring. As the team at McKee-Pownall Equine Services puts it “we couldn’t do it without them! Grooms are the unsung heroes of many show careers. While we are sure they are driven by a passion for the sport and animal, we would like to acknowledge their hard work and showcase them with this award”.
Throughout the 2017 show season at the Caledon Equestrian Park, during each FEI horse inspection, the Ground Jury selects a recipient for the McKee-Pownall Equine Services FEI Groom Appreciation Award which is based on turnout and presentation of their horse.
This week, ground Jury members Cathy Roy (CAN) and Monica Gomez Su (MEX) selected Vittorio 8, presented at the FEI Horse inspection on Wednesday August 9th by caretaker Danny Ingratta. Vittorio 8 is a nine-year-old Hanoverian stallion owned by Future Adventures and ridden by Captain Canada himself, Ian Millar!
Danny Ingratta who hails from Markham, ON has worked with the Millar Brooke team for 7 years. When we asked what keeps him motivated, he stated “going to all the different shows. Its ever changing. We have 30 horses on the road that always rotate and its pretty cool to be part of that team”. When asked what his favorite thing about working with horses is, he responds very simply, “they’re always there. Horses are a great creature and I’ve (just) been with them forever”.
We would like to congratulate Danny Ingratta for his dedication to horses, his career and as this week’s winning recipient of the McKee-Pownall Equine Services FEI Groom Appreciation Award. Danny was presented with a $200 prize money cheque and a McKee-Pownall prize pack in the Grand Prix ring before the start of the $50,000 FEI Jumper Classic, Aug 12, 2017.
The Canadian Show Jumping Tournament CSI2* (Sept 20-24) marks the last opportunity to win this prestigious award, but don’t forget about the 2017 groom appreciation Instagram contest ending Sept 16, 2017. This award, also presented by McKee-Pownall Equine Services offers similar prizes with the winner being announced via their Instagram, Facebook and website on September 20, 2017. Click here for full contest details.
For more information about the Caledon Equestrian Park, including upcoming events and schedules, please visit caledonequestrianpark.com
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