Canada’s Olympic Dressage team were supported by four amazing grooms who cared for their horses.
Yasmine Saunders (YS) –grooms Statesman for Naima Moreira Laliberté
Mary McGrath (MM) – grooms Delacroix for Jill Irving
Florence Archambault (FA) – grooms Finlanderin for Camille Carier Bergeron
Ida Viljanen (IV) – grooms Eclips for Chris von Martels
1) What has been the highlight (so far) of these Olympics?
YS – The FEI organised a lovely evening at the groom accommodation, that was fantastic and we all had so much fun! I was also extremely lucky to be able to watch team GB win gold in the show jumping 🏆
MM – Watching the top riders on GP day. Carl Hester and Catherine Dufour and THE Grooms Party!!!
FA – Being able to meet all the best riders in the world!
IV – Too see the top sport so up close. Being able to study the best riders and how they prepare themselves for the most important show.
2) What is your favourite horse show to work at?
YS – Probably Ocala in Florida! It’s so beautiful and everything is so convenient like access to food and accommodation.
MM – Here!! At the Olympics!
FA – The Olympic Games!
IV – This was cool.
(L-r) Ida, Yasmine, Florence, Mary (back).
3) What is your horse like in the barn?
YS – He’s happy…. As long as he has food and attention!
MM – He is happy and settled. Enjoying the quiet barns and endless hay and air conditioning.
FA – Finn is a very simple horse. She adapts to everything. She has a big heart.
IV – As long as he has his friends around him he’s very calm and happy.
4) What barn quirks does your horse have?
YS – He’s constantly looking for food and attention, he’ll stare at you and kick the door until he has it 😅
MM – He is a treat stealer (apples and bananas).
FA – Finn is a princess. She loves treats and cuddles!
IV – Sometimes he’ll play with me and doesn’t want me to catch him in his stall until I go get him a banana.
5) What advice would you give to a novice groom aspiring to work at this level?
YS – You must love the horse more than the sport, regardless of success or failure. It’s also often hard work and long hours so it’s important to work for a kind rider who will respect and appreciate you!!
MM – Have good shoes to prepare for all of the walking.
FA – Being organized and meticulous are the most important qualities in this profession. Take the horses’ well-being to heart.
IV – Be well organized and on top of things. Make a good plan together with your rider and stick to it.
6) What has been your favourite meal in France?
YS – The steak! Team Canada kindly treated us to lunch. I had a gorgeous steak by the lake, near the palace of Versailles. STUNNING 🤩
MM – The restaurant by the lake by the Palace of Versailles. We celebrated a coach’s birthday and had escargot and a lot of desserts especially loving the Strawberry Sundae!!
FA – We ate in a restaurant near the Château de Versaille. I had the best salmon tartare ever!
IV – Team dinner in Versailles.