Equine Canada (EC) is putting the call out to all Canadian equestrians, looking for those willing to lease their horses for the inaugural Thunderbird Touch of Class International Para-Dressage CPEDI 3*, running June 8-12, 2016 in Langley, BC.

The first CPEDI 3* competition held in Canada since 2010, the event will act as a crucial stop on the road to qualifying for the 2016 Paralympics, which will be held in Rio de Janeiro, BRA later this year. Leasing a horse to a para-dressage rider for this exciting Canadian competition is an amazing way to take part in equestrian sport at the highest level.

Horses with a variety of skills, from walk/trot through Prix St. Georges, are needed, and must be exclusively available beginning June 1, 2016. To be considered, horses must be in good physical health and demonstrate a steady, kind, and tolerant temperament. Previous show experience is required and all horses need to be well accustomed to noises and crowds.

Any horse considered for lease also needs to be able to perform a true walk and trot, staying round with little work on the part of the rider. An active, rhythmical, and expressive walk is preferred, as is the ability to perform walk pirouettes, and lateral work, shoulder-in, travers, and half-passes at the trot.

All horses will also be required to meet the following criteria:

• Sound, fit, and able to pass an FEI horse inspection
• Not be on any banned substances, as the horse may be subject to FEI drug testing
• Hold a valid vaccination certificate
• Hold a valid FEI passport, or be able to attain one
• Meet any other competition eligibility requirements

Pricing, lease arrangements, and training periods will be arranged directly by the horse owner with the rider. Anyone interested in more information should contact Equine Canada’s Para-Equestrian Coordinator, Jamie-Ann Goodfellow, at 613-287-1515 ext. 146 or jgoodfellow@equinecanada.ca.