Since first being named to the Canadian Eventing Team in 2007, Selena O’Hanlon has represented Canada at the Olympics, World Equestrian Games and Pan American Games. With Colombo, she competed in the 2008 Beijing Olympics and in 2010, was team silver medallist for Canada at the World Equestrian Games in Kentucky. With Foxwood High, owned by 1956 Canadian Olympic eventing bronze team medallist John Rumble and his wife Judy, O’Hanlon helped Canada clinch the silver team medal at the 2011 Pan Am Games in Guadalajara. She and ‘Woody’ made history in 2017 as the first Canadians to win the Fair Hill International CCI3*. She and her mother, international eventing coach Morag O’Hanlon, operate O’Hanlon Eventing at Balsam Hall in Kingston, ON.
Selena gives back by imparting her vast knowledge to keen young eventers such as her head groom Anne-Marie Duarte, among other students. “I enjoy coaching my local Pony Club at rallies and clinics,” says Selena. “In 2019, I taught for the Ontario Eventing Association and worked with the Under-25 riders in my area and will continue to help develop up-and-coming riders.”
Foreseeable Future
“We plan for Foxwood High to compete at Badminton, with John Rumble and his family cheering us on. This is going to be Woody’s year to show the world what he’s capable of. We’ve declared Woody for the Tokyo Olympics with the goal to represent Canada as an individual.
“I have two new young Irish geldings, MS Thunderbolt and Ringwood Hustler, that I look forward to moving up the levels to preliminary and perhaps a two-star. I’m looking for syndicate members to join team MS Thunderbolt on his journey to the top!”
Mission Possible
“I hope to have a string of upper-level eventers so I can compete in world championships for Canada. I’m thoroughly enjoying developing a partnership with my Irish horses and enjoy pairing them with new owners. I want to continue importing Irish Sport Horses and finding them homes where they can blossom.”