Third Annual Jump Canada Hall of Fame Gala Greater Than Ever

Toronto, Ontario – The third annual Jump Canada Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Gala, presented by BMO Financial Group, was a resounding success.

Held Sunday, November 9, at the Royal York hotel in Toronto, the sold-out Hall of Fame Gala saw seven new inductees honoured by the equestrian community. The 2008 inductees were Jumper Horse – Monopoly; Rider – Shirley (Thomas) Prosser; Coach/Trainer – Tom Gayford; Sponsor – Rothmans of Pall Mall Canada; Builder (Individual) – Ron and Marg Southern; Hunter Horse – Blue By You; and Pony – Minnie Mouse.

The special evening celebrating hunter and jumper sport began with over 360 guests enjoying the CN Reception before moving into the Concert Hall for dinner and induction ceremonies, which included a commemorative video for each inductee. Before the inductions began, recognition was paid to the Canadian Olympic Show Jumping Team through a video recalling its epic battle to claim the Silver Medal, and all four Team members – Mac Cone, Jill Henselwood, Eric Lamaze and Ian Millar – received a standing ovation for their efforts. An equally emotional video showcasing Lamaze’s Gold Medal win was later played and, once again, brought the audience to its feet.

“I am so thankful to BMO Financial Group, CN, our other sponsors, and my amazing organizing committee for producing a first-class celebration of the sport that we all love,” said Mark Samuel, Chair of the Jump Canada Hall of Fame. “The evening was made all the more special for the opportunity to celebrate our incredible Olympians alongside our honoured Hall of Fame inductees.”

The Jump Canada Hall of Fame organizing committee consists of Mark Samuel (Chair), Alan Chesler, David Esworthy, Butch Ferneyhough, Margaret Guthrie, Carolyn Vaillancourt, Jennifer Ward and Lindy Welsby.

Since its creation in 2006 to recognize outstanding contributions to national hunter/jumper sport, the Jump Canada Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Gala has been presented by BMO Financial Group. Reinforcing its commitment to the sport, the Jump Canada Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Gala will continue to be sponsored by BMO Financial Group through 2009.

For more information on the Jump Canada Hall of Fame Gala and to view the photo gallery from this year’s event, please visit the Jump Canada Hall of Fame website at www.jumpcanada.ca.

More from Horse Sport:

Christilot Boylen Retires From Team Sport

After an exemplary career as one of Canada’s top Dressage riders, seven-time Olympian Christilot Boylen has announced her retirement from team competition.

2020 Royal Agricultural Winter Fair Cancelled

For only the second time in its history, The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair has been cancelled but plans are being made for some virtual competitions.

Royal Agricultural Winter Fair Statement on 2020 Event

As the Province of Ontario starts to reopen, The Royal’s Board and staff will adhere to all recommendations put forward by government and health officials.

Government Financial Assistance for Ontario Farmers

Ontario Equestrian has recently released this update of several financial assistance packages available, including those for farm business.