Last year’s champions will be returning to defend their titles when the 2011 Canadian Show Jumping Tournament takes place from September 21 to 25 at the Caledon Equestrian Park in Palgrave, ON.
The $100,000 Caledon Cup, sponsored by Aviva Elite, Peel Maryborough, and RAM Equestrian, will once again be the featured event of the tournament. Comprised of three legs of competition held over three days, the $100,000 Caledon Cup is the ‘triple crown of Canadian show jumping.’
In 2010, Canadian Olympic Team Silver Medalist Jill Henselwood claimed her first Caledon Cup championship title riding IV Ever, owned by Stacie Ryan and Juniper Farms. However, a new champion will be crowned this year as Henselwood will be competing in Spain, and is unable to defend her title.
“Unfortunately, I won’t be able to make it this year,” says Henselwood of Oxford Mills, ON, who has been named to Canadian Show Jumping Team for the annual Nations’ Cup tour in Spain. “Jump Canada has put together a team to compete in Spain, so I will be overseas at the time of the show.”
Angela Covert-Lawrence of St. Lazare, QC, a familiar face in the winner’s circle at the Canadian Show Jumping Tournament, is one of many riders looking to take over Henselwood’s title.
“I think all of us who will be competing in the three phases of the Caledon Cup hope we’ll end up as the champion,” says Covert-Lawrence, who will have two chances at the title this year. “I will take both of my grand prix horses, Utan and Unica.”
Covert-Lawrence comes into this year’s Canadian Show Jumping Tournament as the defending champion in the Seven and Eight-Year-Old National Finals, having won in 2010 riding Candidate du Marquet.
Kelly Soleau, who claimed the championship title in both the 1.30m Junior/Amateur division aboard Centre Ice and the 1.40m Junior/Amateur division riding Vianco V/D Rampaarden, will also be back this year. She, too, may also make a run at the Caledon Cup title.
“I will be there no matter what,” says Soleau, an amateur rider who hails from Connecticut. “I wouldn’t miss it. Last year the courses were very inviting for up and comers and Centre Ice has been fantastic so far this year, so I think there’s a chance we may move up into those classes.”
Even if she’s not enjoying the event from inside the grand prix ring, Soleau will be able to watch the action from some of the best seats in the house. As one of 23 champions at last year’s Canadian Show Jumping Tournament, Soleau is automatically granted access to the Champions Club for 2011, which provides a relaxed viewing area overlooking the grand prix ring.
Whether membership was granted through past performance or purchased, patrons of the Champions Club enjoy a complimentary bar service throughout the Canadian Show Jumping Tournament. Thursday and Friday, a light lunch will be served. On Saturday, Champions Club members will enjoy the special Children’s Wish Celebration luncheon with live and silent auctions, while a full brunch will be served on Sunday, September 25.
“I think it’s fantastic that they are giving the owners this opportunity,” says Soleau. “I haven’t spent much time in the Champions Club, but I have heard nothing but great things about it. I am really looking forward to being able to take advantage of such a wonderful opportunity.”
Covert-Lawrence, who has also been granted access to the club this year, agrees.
“There aren’t a lot of competitions that offer a VIP or Champions Club,” says the Canadian Show Jumping Team member. “Even if they do, it’s often very expensive to buy tables. For most of us trainers and owners, we already spend so much just to compete. It’s nice that the show organizers are rewarding owners this way. I don’t know of any other competition that does something like this.”
Access to the Champions Club is just one of the amenities that keep competitors coming back to the Canadian Show Jumping Tournament.
“I think they do a wonderful job or trying to make it different from every other horse show that we go to,” says Covert-Lawrence. “By that point in the season, we’re looking for a change. Having the three phases for the Caledon Cup is nice, and really makes it feel like it’s not just another generic horse show.”
Anyone can purchase access to the Champions Club for a fee, which also includes seats at the Children’s Wish Celebration on Saturday, September 24, where one deserving Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada recipient will be granted the wish for a horse. For more information on becoming a Champions Club patron, contact Lorna Mackay at lornam@equiman.com.
For more information on the Canadian Show Jumping Tournament, please visit http://www.equiman.com/.
– 30 –
More from Horse Sport:
