Taylor Campbell is New National Para-Equestrian Classifier

Equestrian Canada (EC) is pleased to announce the promotion of Taylor Campbell of Toronto, ON to EC National Para-Equestrian Classifier.

Campbell’s extensive qualifications include two Master of Science degrees; the first in Biomechanics from the University of Guelph (2013), and the second in Physical Therapy from the University of Toronto (2015). She brought her research background in fall prevention to LifeSpring Physiotherapy, where she has worked in the outpatient musculoskeletal clinic as a registered physiotherapist since 2015. In 2017, Campbell also began working at the CareWell Health Group, where she provides shadowing opportunities for undergraduate students in addition to patient care.

Campbell’s clinical experience is complemented by a long history of community involvement. She has donated her time to numerous fundraisers – such as the 2012 Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada Big Bike Ride and 2014 Toronto Wheelchair Relay Challenge – and shared her expertise as a peer mentor, physiotherapy consultant, and guest speaker.

An avid equestrian competitor, Campbell will also act as the Para-Dressage Team Physiotherapist at the upcoming 2018 Ottawa Dressage Festival.

“I am thrilled to be a part of the para-equestrian classifying team,” said Campbell. “I have been a part of the equestrian community for as long as I can remember, and am excited to take on new roles in the sport. It is an absolute honour to be able to work with these dedicated and hard-working athletes, as well as my fellow classifiers.”

Campbell joins six other EC National Classifiers:

Robyn Allen – Thornbury, ON
Kim Anderson – Saanichton, BC
Mireille Bilodeau – Gatineau, QC
Sue Foell (who also holds International Classifier status) – Sharon, ON
Marion Slatter Blitstein – Langley, BC
Dr. Paula Welton – North Alton, NS

An EC National Classifier is a person authorized by EC to conduct evaluations for athletes who are ready to compete at EC Silver and Gold competitions. A classifier assesses athletes in accordance with the methods and standards of the Fédération Équestre International (FEI), as outlined in the FEI Classification Manual.

Becoming a classifier is an opportunity to give back to the community, enhance the life of a person with a physical or visual impairment, and grow both professionally and personally. EC National Classifiers play an integral role in an athlete’s journey from grassroots to representing Canada at the international level. By providing assessment, classifiers are essential in supporting athletes and their coaches by helping them to identify and use the compensating (adaptive) aids that are best suited to their needs. EC National Classifiers have the opportunity to become International Classifiers, who are invited to competitions all around the world, including the Paralympic Games and FEI World Equestrian Games.

For more information on para-equestrian classification, visit www.equestrian.ca/sport/para-equestrian/programs. Those interested in becoming an EC National Classifier are encouraged to contact Para-Dressage Coordinator, Jamie-Ann Goodfellow by email at jgoodfellow@equestrian.ca or by phone at 1-866-282-8395 x 146.