The Dressage segment of the Canadian Equestrian Championships came to an end on Sunday with the third and last test. Quebec native Béatrice Boucher signed off in style, capturing the coveted first place. Vanessa Scanlan (NS) finished 2nd, followed by Maude Joannette (QC) in third place.
Riders competing in Dressage actually perform was is referred to as a “test”. This test consists in a series of compulsory figures executed in a precise order at different gaits, being the walk, trot and canter. Precision is indeed required, and a mastery of communications skills between rider and horse as well. Judges evaluate the performance as a whole, and scores are attributed as percentage points.
Quebec riders performed well throughout the competition. From Ste-Cécile Milton, Béatrice Boucher and her horse Fiori were remarkably consistent, earning results good enough for 2nd place. The young Boucher was determined top win this last test, and that resolve paved the way to a Gold medal in the Junior category. “This was an incredible experience for me and Fiori. Winning a medal is a great way to finish off the season, and the atmosphere between the competitors was really awesome”, stated the 14 year-old rider.
After winning the first test and finishing 9th in the second, Vanessa Scanlan (NS) scaled the rankings all the way up to 2nd place in the last test. This amazing comeback earned her the Silver medal in the Senior category, behind Gold medal recipient Maude Joannette. For the Quebec rider, this fine performance was in line with what had been a great Trials season. “Right from the beginning of Trials, I was determined to qualify, and I was dreaming of a medal”, confided the young rider. “Now I feel like I’m walking on air”. For her part, the 11-year-old Camille Carier Bergeron brilliantly made up for her counterperformance of the day before, winning the Silver medal for the Junior category. Paige Hodgson (SK) and her horse Romeo also had a great weekend. Although finishing 7th in the third test, Hodgson’s combined results earned her the Bronze medal for the Juniors.
Many riders from other provinces really rose up to the challenge, as they were riding horse loaned by Quebec owners. Leah McCullough (SK) and Goliath, property of Isabelle Simard, achieved an honourable 5th place. Aboard Carolane Grenier’s Rafale du Coteau Mermoz, Rachel Blackmon (BC) was consistent enough to win the Bronze medal for the Senior category.
Organisers and representatives of the different provinces unanimously agree that this first edition of the Canadian Equestrian Championships is a great success. All participants hope to reconvene in 2012.
Results
1st Béatrice Boucher / Fiori (Qc) 67.568 %
2nd Vanessa Scanlan / Paviana (NS) 67.297 %
3rd Maude Joannette / Davoucci (QC) 66.757 %
4th Camille Carier Bergeron / Miss Honey Church (QC) 65.676 %
5th Leah Mc Cullough / Goliath (SK) 63.784 %
6th Rachel Blackmon / Rafale du Coteau Mermoz (BC) 63.514 %
7th Paige Hogdson / Romeo (SK) 62.703 %
8th Caleb Ripley / Honor Man (SK) 61.892 %
9th Megan Kordner / Best of Illusion (SK) 61.351 %
10th Maya Michel / Shadowfax (QC) 59.459%
Medals – Individual Junior
Gold : Béatrice Boucher (QC)
Silver: Camille Carier Bergeron (QC)
Bronze : Paige Hodgson (SK)
Medals – Individual Senior
Gold : Maude Joannette (QC)
Silver: Vanessa Scanlan (NE)
Bronze : Rachel Blackmon (CB)
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