Ottawa Dressage Festival (ODF), held from May 30 to June 2, 2024, was a spectacular event that drew equestrian enthusiasts from British Columbia to Nova Scotia as well as all across Ontario. ODF, hosted at Ottawa’s Wesley Clover Parks, featured four days of intense competition, breathtaking Freestyle performances, and a fun atmosphere that celebrated the art and sport of dressage.
Among the many talented riders, the spotlight shone brightly on some key athletes who are looking to represent Canada at the Olympics and Paralympics in Paris. Equestrian Canada will be selecting Canada’s dressage team and para-dressage team in a few days.
At ODF, Belinda Trussell finished as ODF’s leading athlete in the international show (CDI) for her rides aboard Feng De Lys. Additionally, James Irwin won the CDI Freestyle riding Guernsey Elvis with a stunning performance, scoring 72.625%. James was followed by Esther Mortimer and Hernando who scored a personal best 71.270%.
ODF also celebrates diversity in our sport, with a large and competitive contingent of para-dressage riders including top Canadian CPEDI rider Jody Schloss. Jody finished as the top rider in the CPEDI3* Grand Prix A with her splashy ride El Colorado, with Natasha James and Pantera finishing as the top CPEDI2* Intermediate A rider. Equestrian Canada attended ODF and held an information session to promote greater understanding of para-dressage in the broader equestrian community.
Beyond the competition, ODF offered a variety of activities and attractions for spectators. The showgrounds buzzed with energy, featuring vendor booths selling equestrian gear, food vendors and equestrian-related products.
ODF’s social events were another highlight, fostering a sense of community among participants and attendees alike. We were pleased to host a cocktail reception sponsored by Simons; a Jog Party sponsored by Leveza and a Risings Stars Meet & Greet sponsored by Nancy Olson and Real Serve. We were delighted to see a strong return of the Rising Stars Youth Dressage program. Rising Stars (RS) serves as a solid entry point for riders interested in the discipline of dressage. There was an extremely competitive field of riders in our RS program.
ODF not only highlighted the highest levels of dressage and para-dressage talent, but also highlighted the dedication, passion, and sportsmanship that defines the equestrian community. Everyone looks forward to the next time we can all be together at Ottawa Dressage Festival 2025; until then, we wish our competitors the best of luck in their summer show season.
Results here.
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