OEA Announces NAYC Eventing Athletes

The Ontario Eventing Association (OEA) is proud to announce the following partnerships representing Ontario at the North American Youth Championships (NAYC) for Eventing, in Maryland, July 5-7, 2024.

This year the OEA had the most riders qualify for the NAYC, since we re-launched the Young Rider Under 25 (YRU25) program in 2019. Congratulations to the following rider/horse combinations:

CCI 1 *

• Olivia MacLeod and Watch Me Skip Away (Skip)
• Alexandra Wickett and Philanthropy (Phil)
• Alexa Maclaren and Allemande (Whisper)
• Avery Tallman and BDE Olympic Royale (Caymus)
• Avery Tallman and Rehy Investor (Figgy)

(Avery Tallman will ride one horse as an individual and one horse on the team).

CCI 2*

• Saffron Klotz and Ballingowen Clarity (Peanut)
• Chelsea Lowe and Fernhill Malito Park (Toby)

CCI 3 *

• Megane Sauve and Nuance (Potato)

On Saturday, June 22, Alison Tallman held a Garden Party and Fundraiser in honour of the team. It was a chance to mingle, get to know one another, and celebrate their hard work getting to this milestone in their eventing journeys. An on-line auction has also been created to help off-set costs.

Said Veronica Low, Chair of the OEA and of its U25 Committee, “It takes a great deal of sacrifice and dedication to make it to this level. Our e-signature ends with ‘Somewhere in our grassroots is our next Olympian.’ But to work their way to the highest levels in the sport, our dedicated riders require financial support, and our team has set a goal to raise $10,000. To do this, they have sourced generous sponsors to contribute to an on-line auction, running on Facebook until Friday, June 28.

They are also accepting donations and if you would like to support these young riders, please visit here where you can leave a donation. We encourage you to get to know our riders and their equine partners, Cyamus, Figgy, Phil, Skip, Peanut, Whisper, Toby and Potato, and cheer them on!”

Get to know the team

Olivia MacLeod and her thoroughbred mare Watch Me Skip Away (barn name: Skip or Skippy), have been partners since the autumn of 2018 and are now competing successfully at the EV100 level. Skippy has a lot of quirks. She gets very attached to other horses and can be extremely sassy. “I could not ask for a better teammate. She tries so hard for me, and always puts in 100%. She is my heart horse, and I am so grateful to represent Ontario and Canada, along with some other talented young riders! Thank you to the OEA Young Rider Program for making this opportunity possible!” – Olivia MacLeod, Georgetown, Ontario

Alexandra Wickett and Philanthropy (barn name: Phil), a thirteen-year-old thoroughbred gelding, have been partners for 5 years and compete successfully at the EV110 level. Phil has the personality of a golden retriever; he’s that lovable. His favourite treats are sugar cubes, and his favourite trick is to give people kisses on command with his nose. Alexandra is coached by Jessica Ruppel. “I’ve been riding for as long as I can remember, and I started eventing when I was 11. The opportunity to compete at Young Riders has always been the goal I’ve worked towards and I’m so grateful and excited to finally see my dreams realized. Thank you OEA for making my dreams come true.” – Alexandra Wickett, Toronto, Ontario.

Alexa Maclaren and Allemande (barn name: Whisper), became a team three years ago and competes successfully at the EV100 level. Alexa started riding at the age of six as a western rider, but that all changed when she got to sit in an English saddle and jump. Throughout her years of riding, she has learned to love every discipline of this sport, but cross country is what got her hooked to the sport of eventing. Coached by Rosemarie Huxted, Alexa was the grant recipient of the 2024 Zara Buren Memorial Award. “NAYC has been a dream of mine ever since I started eventing, and I am beyond excited to represent our province! Thank you to the OEA and the selectors.” – Alexa Maclaren, Vankleek Hill, Ontario.

Avery Tallman is riding two horses, one as a team member and the second as an individual. Rehy Investor (barn name: Caymus) is a 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding. BDE Olympic Royale (barn name: Figgy) is an 8-year-old Irish Sport Horse mare and a half sibling to Rehy Investor. Currently, they compete at the EV110 level and are trained by Selena O’Hanlon. They have successfully competed at the CCI 1* at the NAYC in 2023. “Figgy recently took me around my first EV110 course and has been the one to hold my hand over all the bigger tracks we’ve gone through together. This mare is so special to me and my team. With a kind eye and a winning heart, she always tries her best and has such a competitive spirit to her. I can’t thank the selectors enough for giving me this opportunity. I hope to make the team proud.” – Avery Tallman, Kleinberg, Ontario.

Chelsea Lowe and her partner Fernhill Malito Park (barn name: Toby), will compete in the CCI 2*. Toby is a seven-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding and they have been competing together for over two years. Toby is all business on the field, but he’s like a giant golden retriever puppy in the barn! His talent and competitive drive make him an absolute joy to ride and compete. Chelsea started to event at the age of seven and is excited to represent Ontario. She credits her coach, Jessica Phoenix, for giving her the tools to succeed. Chelsea currently competes at the EV110 level, and this will be her second time representing Ontario and Canada, having competed in the CCI 1* in Tryon in 2021. “I would also like to thank chef d’équipe Kendal Lehari and all the selectors for their constant support and encouragement! None of this would have been possible without them!” – Chelsea Lowe, Uxbridge, Ontario.

Saffron Klotz rides a nine-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding named Ballingowan Clarity (barn name:Peanut). This is their fifth season together and they will be competing in the CCI 2*. The partnership between Peanut and Saffron is amazing; he consistently gives his best effort with a smile on his face. Over this past year, he has matured greatly, now feeling, moving, and looking his absolute best. He excels in jumping and is so fun to ride in dressage. Despite his imposing size, Peanut is incredibly laid-back, akin to a Labrador, which adds to his charm. Two years ago, Saffron relocated from Ottawa to Uxbridge to train under Kendal Lehari. “I am so grateful for the huge role Kendal plays in both mine and Peanut’s development, enabling us to be ready and selected for Young Riders.” – Saffron Klotz, Uxbridge, Ontario.

Mégane Suave and her mare Nuance (barn name: Potato) have been an incredible team to watch for the past six years. They compete at the EV115 level. Mégane relocated from Quebec to Uxbridge, Ontario, to train with Jessica Phoenix. She and Nuance represented Canada at the NAYC in 2022 at the CCI 2* level. “I am super excited to have been selected to represent Ontario and Canada, this time in the3*! We are both very competitive and are looking forward to the competition. Let’s go!” – Mégane Sauve, Cannington, Ontario.