Equestrian Canada (EC) is pleased to announce that the 2021 national championships for jumper and equitation have been awarded to competition organizer, Rocky Mountain Show Jumping (RMSJ) of De Winton, AB.
The championships for EC-recognized jumper divisions, the Canadian Show Jumping Championships, the CET Medal, the JC Medal and the U25 Series will be hosted at the Royal West from Oct. 27-Nov. 7, 2021, in the Nutrein Western Event Centre at the world-famous Calgary Stampede Park in Calgary, AB.
“The cancellation of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in July positioned Equestrian Canada with the opportunity to pivot in response to the continued desire to compete, as we have seen a strong 87% participation rate in domestic jumper and equitation competition this year compared to pre-pandemic years,” said Meg Krueger, EC Chief Executive Officer. “We are delighted that celebrated Canadian organizer, Rocky Mountain Show Jumping, has agreed to welcome the EC national championships this year. We hope it will support the Gold show industry in nearby communities while also inspiring and fostering new participation in the west, as well.”
Participation in jumper events will be based on the newly-launched EC national rankings, which show where an athlete or horse stands against other competitors nationwide. They include results for EC Gold sanctioned competitions and are continuously updated as results are submitted by competition organizers. Available jumper division championships will be outlined in the Royal West prize list.
Participation in the CET Medal Final, as well as the JC Medal Final as per a new pilot program for 2021, will welcome the top four riders coming out of four regional finals across Canada. To offer more riders the opportunity to compete in the regionals, riders must only compete in at least one qualifying medal class to be eligible.
“It has been a challenging few years to say the least, with the COVID-19 pandemic and all of the repercussions it has caused,” said John Anderson, RMSJ President. “Our sport certainly hasn’t been spared the difficulties. It is unfortunate that the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair had to be cancelled, as it is truly a gem of an event on the North American show jumping tour.”
Anderson added, “I am extremely honoured that our team has been awarded the opportunity to host the championships, along with the U25 and Medal finals at the 2021 Royal West. I must commend Meg for the out-of-the box thinking it took to arrive at this decision to celebrate the champions of our sport. I realize it is a once in a lifetime opportunity for my team and I will do everything in my power to make Equestrian Canada proud of making this decision.”
Unfortunately, no championships for the EC-recognized hunter divisions will be held in 2021. However, several competition organizers have stepped up to the plate to host circuit championships across the country. EC commends their support of local equestrian communities and looks forward to the return of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair for its 100th anniversary in 2022.
Further information on jumping programs and services can be found at www.equestrian.ca/sport/jumping and full rules on national championships for jumper and equitation can be found in the EC Rules, Section G: Hunter, Jumper, Equitation and Hack.
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