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Home , Canadian Equestrian Team, Denis Whitaker, Eric Lamaze, Ian Millar

THE WARM-UP RING The Official News of the Jumping Committee May 2020, Volume 16, Issue 5 LETTER FROM THE CHAIR IN THIS ISSUE 2020. Will we even be able to compete at The Royal this year? How will we qualify? These are all questions that cannot be answered at this time. and Hickstead to be

Michelle C. Dunn If shows do take place this year, strict protocols Inducted into ’s Sports will dictate how we will be able to compete Hall of Fame while still maintaining physical distancing. There will likely be parking restrictions for exhibitors, Young Guns! spectators may not be allowed at the venues, Profiling Stephanie Valdes and stabling will have to allow for spacing between and competitors for the safety A Look Back at the Inaugural Jump of all. Canada Hall of Fame Inductees Additionally, there will be sanitary stations and disinfecting, lots of signage to explain what Jump Canada Hall of Fame Gala can and cannot be done, and little offered in the way of amenities. Imagine your show Cancelled for 2020 These are indeed strange times all over the experience with no food facilities, no mobile tack world. We have felt the global impact of the shop units, and no bathrooms! Passionate Equestrians Sought to COVID-19 virus, and our competition sport We all love to go to horse shows. It’s the place continues to be at a standstill. At the time of Join the Jumping Committee where we test ourselves and our horses against writing this letter, some areas of the United others, and it’s where we socialize and hang out States are planning to start showing again on Stay Up to Date on COVID-19 with our riding friends. There’s nothing better June 1; in Canada we are still on hold for the than sitting at the in-gate chatting with friends, foreseeable future. I am based in , the Remembering Kitty Bowland watching others ride, and soaking in the great hardest-hit province in Canada, and we are atmosphere of the show in general. For this year, probably still a lengthy time away from being able Equestrian Canada Extends these moments that make our experience so to compete again. Competition Suspension to June 30 enjoyable will be things of the past. This hiatus from showing has a tremendous No one knows what the future holds for ripple effect. High performance athletes from Equestrian Canada Releases equestrians at this point. We do know that our all over the world are restricted to their own new normal won’t be the same as what it was Return to Competition Guidelines countries and not able to travel. This has before the virus. I hope everyone will be patient resulted in many top international competitions and wait for our world to open back up the way Rules Corner being cancelled for 2020 including the we want it to. I also hope you will be able to enjoy Olympics and our own Spruce Meadows your horses at the barn, and perhaps take time Meet Your Jumping Committee ‘Masters’ competition in September. The ability to reflect on why you love horses and riding so Members to earn points for various programs has changed much. dramatically, including for those seeking points North American Youth for the Longines World Rider Rankings. Most Be safe this spring, and cross your fingers that international riders and horses are staying home, the good news about life slowly returning to Championships Cancelled staying in shape, and waiting to see what the “normal” continues. future will bring. Global Champions Tour Nationally, many of our larger venues are still Cancelled for 2020 unsure when, if at all, they will be able to open for shows in 2020. Some, such as Thunderbird Equestrian Canada is on the Move! Show Park in Langley, BC, plan to host shows in Pamela Law the near future while other large venues such as Chair, Longines World Rider Rankings the Caledon Equestrian Park in Ontario are still EC Jumping Committee on hold for now. Acknowledgments The impact of COVID-19 on our competition venues is immense. Staff has been laid off, revenues for the season are seriously impacted, and the future remains uncertain. The Jump Canada Hall of Fame has been cancelled for

MAY 2020 THE WARM-UP RING 1 ERIC LAMAZE AND HICKSTEAD TO BE INDUCTED INTO CANADA’S SPORTS HALL OF FAME

2008 Beijing Olympic champions Eric Lamaze and ClixPhoto.com Hickstead will be inducted into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame as part of the class of 2020/21.

Together, Lamaze and Hickstead wrote show jumping history. Their crowning achievement was claiming the individual gold and team silver medals at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Lamaze and Hickstead also earned an individual bronze medal at the 2010 World Championships where Hickstead was awarded the title of “Best Horse.” They won team silver and individual bronze medals at the 2007 as well as several major grand prix show jumping titles including (2007 and 2011); Geneva (2008); Aachen (2010); La Baule (2011); and Rome (2011).

“It is an honour for myself and Hickstead to be recognized for our achievements by Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame,” said Lamaze, 52. “I’m especially happy for Hickstead. In our sport, it takes two athletes, one human and one equine, working together and in Hickstead I found a true partner. It’s wonderful that his accomplishments are being recognized for the great athletic feats that they were.

“Together, we were proud to represent Canada on the world stage,” continued Lamaze. “My sincerest thanks to all who supported this nomination and made it possible. I gratefully accept this honour on behalf of all of our supporters, our fans, and our great nation.”

In addition to being inducted into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame, Lamaze will receive the Order of Sport, Canada’s highest sporting honour.

Due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, the Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony, traditionally held each October in , ON, will not take place in 2020. Rather, it will be deferred for one year, making Lamaze and Hickstead part of the class of 2008 Beijing Olympic show jumping champions Eric Lamaze and 2020/21. Hickstead will be inducted into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame.

Lamaze and Hickstead will be the second horse-rider combination ever inducted into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame, following and Big Ben’s induction in 1996.

Hickstead (Hamlet – Jomara x Ekstein) was bred in The Netherlands by Jan van Schijndel and born on March 2, 1996. Lamaze purchased the Dutch stallion in 2004 through Stephex Stables in Belgium and owned him in partnership with John Fleischhacker’s Ashland Stables of the United States. Prior to his tragic death during competition in Italy in 2011, Hickstead earned more than $3 million in prize money during his career with Lamaze and was widely considered to be the best show jumping horse of his era.

Having competed at the 2008 Beijing, 2012 London, and 2016 Rio Olympics, Lamaze is now focused on representing Canada at the rescheduled 2020 Tokyo . He owns and operates Torrey Pines Stable, a large show jumping training and sales business with bases in Wellington, Florida, and Brussels, Belgium, where he trains many students from various nationalities at the elite level.

MAY 2020 THE WARM-UP RING 2 Sportfot

Stephanie Valdes competing at Spruce Meadows aboard Balermo, a horse that she describes as “the goofiest horse I’ve ever met in my entire life.” YOUNG GUNS! PROFILING STEPHANIE VALDES By Emily Randolph

For Stephanie Valdes’ 12th birthday, the British Columbia native requested a horseback riding party. Weeks earlier, she had attended one hosted by a friend and, after getting her first taste of horses, Valdes wanted more.

Her parents obliged, and in the 15 years since then, a birthday has not passed for Valdes without horses playing a role in some aspect. As she celebrates her 27th birthday on June 2, she may not have a horseback riding party, but she will continue to savour the gift of horses – a gift that has shaped her life and provided her with abundant opportunities and enjoyment.

From British Columbia to Barcelona Following her 12th birthday party came a month of riding lessons, Courtesy of Tiffany Foster purchased from the horse party facilitator. Before long, a month of lessons had turned into years, and Valdes was soon riding at Southlands Riding Club in Vancouver, BC.

At 15, Valdes began riding with Brent Balisky and his wife, Canadian Olympian Laura Tidball-Balisky, of Thunderbird Show Stables in Langley, BC.

“At first, Brent and Laura came to Southlands and taught a there,” said Valdes, who progressed from the three-foot hunters to the 1.30m jumpers under their tutelage. “Then we moved the horses out there to Langley. Once I finished high school, we moved to Langley to be closer to their barn and I started riding full- time. It was really awesome! It was such a fun group, and we did the horse shows at Thunderbird all summer, which was so much fun.”

In 2017, Valdes and her family decided it was time to take the next step to international competition. The Baliskys suggested their former student and fellow British Columbia native, Tiffany Foster, as a trainer. Tiffany Foster (left) welcomed Stephanie Valdes as Little Creek Equestrian’s first client.

MAY 2020 THE WARM-UP RING 3 “It’s really cool that Tiffany is from the same One Shot area and started out with some of the same trainers,” said Valdes of the two-time Canadian Olympian. “The Baliskys said that Tiffany was just starting to take on clients and said, ‘You should go meet her in Europe and look at horses. Go to the show with her and see what it’s like over there.’”

Not knowing how things would evolve, Valdes made the trip to Barcelona, Spain, to watch Foster compete as part of the Canadian team at the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) Nations’ Cup Final in October of 2017.

“My thought was that it was going to be a cool one-off thing to do, to see some different things and maybe look at horses,” said Valdes of her initial visit with Foster. “As soon as I arrived in Spain, you could see all the opportunity there and what it could be.” Stephanie Valdes and Cyber Lady Z competing at the Stephex Masters in Belgium.

Valdes soon became Foster’s first official student at her newly launched Little Creek Equestrian, and the young rider returned home to North America with three exciting new mounts: Balermo, Cyber Lady Z, and Thalis de la Roque.

Changing Course That December, Valdes moved to Wellington, FL, to begin training in preparation for the 2018 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) season.

“We’d been practicing, and we did the Holiday & Horses show with all of the horses,” said Valdes. “It went great, and it was all going really well. The second day after I returned to Florida from being home for Christmas holidays, I fell off.”

While the fall itself wasn’t a bad one, Valdes had previously broken her ankle. When she landed on the weak ankle that already contained a plate and pins, it broke again, putting Valdes out of the for six weeks. Just as Valdes was returning to riding in March, she had another fall, injuring her neck and preventing her from riding for another three months.

During that time, Foster competed Valdes’ horses for her while Valdes continued to learn and absorb as much knowledge as she could from both Foster and the horses.

“I was still able to go to the barn every day, which was great,” said Valdes. “I watched Tiff with the horses and still learned a lot just from watching her ride. Her getting to know the horses better was a great aspect of the situation. It was really cool to see her take them in classes and see what they were able to do with such a great rider.”

By the summer of 2018, Valdes was back in the saddle and progressing by leaps and bounds with her new mounts.

“We started back at the 1.20m and worked our way up from there,” explained Foster. “Over the last two years, Stephanie has progressed to riding consistently very, very well at the 1.40m and 1.45m level high amateurs.

“She’s been super; she’s a great student,” continued Foster. “She’s really intelligent; she picks up everything really quickly. She’s a pleasure to have around. She’s so positive about everything and has a great attitude.”

Seeing the World from the Back of a Horse Under Foster’s wing, Valdes has experienced and accomplished a great deal.

“These last two years have just been mind-blowing almost every single moment,” said Valdes, who has had the opportunity to travel throughout Europe, and even to Africa, while competing. “Just being able to show in Europe at some of the coolest shows like the Stephex Masters in Belgium and the Royal Windsor in England was amazing.

“We showed in Morocco last fall and that was the first time that I’d ever been to Africa,” continued Valdes of her three-week tour competing at three different venues at the CSI1* and CSI4* level. “It was such a mind-blowing experience. It was so completely different from anything that I had ever done before. It was kind of like a caravan; everyone arrives to the first show and then on the next Monday or Tuesday, there is an escort that guides everybody to the next location, which is a couple of hours away. It was not anything that I ever expected to do, and I’m so grateful that we actually went there and did it.”

MAY 2020 THE WARM-UP RING 4 Along the way, Valdes has picked up several top results and an Courtesy of Stephanie Valdes abundance of experience on all three of her mounts. She’s also had the unique opportunity to return to each of her horse’s original “homes.”

“One of the coolest moments that I had with Balermo was when we went to Mannheim in Germany, which is where he’s from,” said Valdes of the 16-year-old Oldenburg gelding previously competed by Marco Kutscher, a two-time Olympian for Germany. “So many people recognized him. They’d say, ‘Oh, is that Balermo?’ It was so mind-blowing to me!

“You could tell he’d been there for the European Championships and other shows in that ring; he would light up every time he went out there,” said Valdes of the horse she describes as “the goofiest horse I’ve ever met in my entire life.”

“We went to Saint Tropez last year in France, and that was awesome because that’s where Thalis is from,” said Valdes of Thalis de la Roque, her 13-year-old Selle Français mare acquired from Canadian Olympic gold medalist Eric Lamaze. “She’s the coolest. She’s like having a little Ferrari. She’s super competitive and very serious about her job but is also just the sweetest horse that you can imagine in the barn. With her, you really know that Stephanie Valdes aboard Thalis de la Roque with the Little Creek team. you have a horse that is capable of doing what you need to do to From left to right: manager Louise Persson, Valdes’s groom Candace win. Green, and Tiffany Foster.

“Cyber Lady Z is the third horse that I’ve had since the beginning with Tiffany,” continued Valdes of the 11-year-old Zangersheide mare formerly owned by Lucas Luz and previously ridden by Foster. “She’s really talented. Her technique is amazing. It’s been fun to get to know her in the barn and gain her trust because she’s a little more of a mare than Thalis is. She had to get to really know us to trust us. She loves her people, but that’s it. It’s not easy to become one of her people. Now it’s me and Candace, my groom, and Louise, our manager. Our relationship is very special now. She’s been the one that I’ve done the most with so far.”

Looking Ahead Amid the current coronavirus pandemic, Valdes’ world travels have been temporarily put on hold. She’s had to table her goal of advancing up the ranks in CSI2* competition this year but she’s taking full advantage of the downtime, both in and out of the saddle.

Outside of the ring, Valdes – a graduate of the University of British Columbia with a degree in microbiology and immunology – enjoys yoga and spending time with her family, including her dad, Steven Valdes; her mom and fellow equestrian, Wendy Valdes; and her two brothers, Cody (30) and Ryan (28).

“My mom actually rode when she was growing up, so when I first got involved with horses, she was really happy about it, because she got to be back at the barn,” said Stephanie of her mom, who has enjoyed great success in her own right, largely in the hunter ring.

Stephanie is using her time away from the show ring to further build on her partnerships with her horses, including a new mount, Ducati 24.

“We’re really lucky that down here we’ve been able to continue riding, and our group has stayed on top of all the quarantine stuff,” said Valdes, who remained in Wellington, FL, amid the COVID-19 outbreak. “Hopefully I’ll be able to continue moving up the heights and get more competitive with the horses. I’m also getting to know the new horse better. There is still so much that we’re able to work on even if it’s not business as usual.

“This whole experience at Little Creek has been really cool, having been there through the whole evolution of seeing where it started and how far it’s come,” continued Valdes. “I’m proud to be part of that team and to learn from all of the girls that work there. I’m really looking forward to the future.”

For Valdes, her future goals include one day riding for Canada, a goal that she describes as her “ultimate dream,” and one that Foster says is highly attainable for the accomplished young rider.

“I’m really excited for her,” concluded Foster. “As soon as we can get back showing again, I’m excited to see what she can do. She’s a resilient and determined young lady, and I think that she has all of the qualities to make it in this sport. I’m really, really proud of her.”

MAY 2020 THE WARM-UP RING 5 A LOOK BACK AT THE INAUGURAL JUMP CANADA HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES

In the April issue, we revisited our inaugural inductees to the Jump Canada Hall of Fame. A total of eight champions were inducted that first year, including the 1968 Olympic gold medal team; loyal show jumping sponsor, BMO Financial Group; founder Brigadier-General W. Denis Whitaker (posthumous); and the pony, Farnley Soya, who we profiled in the April issue.

This month we delve back into the archives to profile the other four members of the class of 2006. The legendary Big Ben; 1986 World Champion Gail Greenough; hunter legend Just Cruising; and the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair were all inducted to the Hall of Fame in our inaugural year.

Founded in 2006 by Chairman Mark Samuel and his loyal committee, the Hall of Fame recognizes outstanding contributions to Canadian hunter/jumper sport. While the COVID-19 pandemic has forced the cancellation of the 2020 edition of the Jump Canada Hall of Fame, we can have fun remembering some of the riders, horses, teams, and organizations that have thrilled us over the years with their historic achievements.

Jump Canada Hall of Fame Class of 2006 – Part 2

Jumper Horse - Big Ben Big Ben is undisputedly the most famous horse in Canadian show Courtesy of Horse Publications Group jumping history. Ridden to glory by Ian Millar, Big Ben captured the imaginations of fans worldwide with his bravery, heart, and presence.

The huge chestnut gelding was imported to Canada in 1983 and a syndicate, Canadian Show Jumpers Unlimited Inc., was formed to buy Big Ben for Millar. During the pair’s illustrious career, they set countless records, including becoming the first horse-rider combination to win back-to-back World Cup Final titles in 1988 and 1989.

Big Ben made three Olympic appearances in 1984, 1988, and 1992. He claimed both the team and individual gold medals at the and, the same year, won the du Maurier International Grand Prix, the richest show jumping event in the world, at Spruce Meadows in Calgary, AB. Big Ben won more than 40 grand prix events, made over 30 Nations’ Cup team appearances for Canada, and was the first horse in North America to earn over $1.5 million in prize money.

During his long career, Big Ben survived two colic surgeries, each time bravely returning to the show ring with his trademark courage. In 1994, Big Ben was retired following a sentimental cross-country tour sponsored by BMO Financial Group. In 1999, he was laid to rest at Millar Brooke Farm in Perth, ON.

Such was Big Ben’s impact on the nation that his image was immortalized on a limited-edition Canada Post stamp. In 1996, he was inducted into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame alongside Millar, making Big Ben only the second non-human to be inducted, the other being racehorse legend, Northern Dancer.

A life-size bronze statue of Millar and Big Ben was erected in downtown Perth, commemorating the pair’s invaluable contribution to the community, the country, and the sport of show jumping.

Rider - Gail Greenough With her historic 1986 World Championship win in Aachen, Germany, Canada’s Gail Greenough became a show jumping legend.

Having won the first two selection trials and finishing as runner-up in the third, the young woman from Edmonton, AB, was chosen to represent Canada at the World Championships with her nine-year-old horse, Mr. T. While the Canadian team of Ian Millar (Big Ben), John Anderson (Goby), and Laura Tidball-Balisky (Lavendel 48) finished just out of the medals in fourth position, Greenough became the first woman to ever advance to the “final four.”

MAY 2020 THE WARM-UP RING 6 In the ultimate test of horsemanship where each of the ‘final four’ competitors jumps the course on all four horses, 26-year- old Greenough was the underdog. Great things were expected from her three opponents, show jumping legends Pierre Durand of France, Conrad Homfeld of the United States, and Great Britain’s . However, as Greenough proved, they had underestimated the ability of a determined amateur as well as the complexity of Mr. T. Of her three competitors, only Homfeld was able to produce a clear round with the temperamental gelding who considered himself to be “a one-woman horse.”

Cheered on by the predominantly German crowd that had adopted the Canadian as their own in the absence of German representation, Greenough emerged victorious to claim the title of World Show Jumping Champion. In the blink of an eye, Greenough was a superstar who had her photograph splashed across the front page of newspapers throughout Europe and Canada. Hiring an agent to help manage her career, she secured sponsorship deals and was invited to compete at every major show in Europe.

Since that glorious weekend in Aachen, Greenough, who was inducted into the Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame in 1988, has continued to demonstrate her skill and determination in the competition arena, winning numerous grand prix events. Outside of the ring, she has volunteered her time to the sport including having served on the EC Jumping High Performance Selection Committee. Greenough continues to be an excellent coach, a great judge of young equine talent, and a charming and gracious ambassador for our sport.

Greenough remains the first woman and, to this day, the only North American to have ever claimed the World Championship Courtesy of Horse Publications Group title.

Hunter Horse - Just Cruising Courtesy of Horse Publications Group A “jack-of-all-trades and a master of one” is an apt description of hunter legend, Just Cruising. During the 70s and 80s, he captured championships across North America including at such prominent destinations as Palm Beach, Devon, Upperville, and Ox Ridge.

His is a true Cinderella story. Foaled in Spain, the Thoroughbred gelding was sent to Argentina to play . Standing at 16 hands, he was the perfect size, but his heart was not in the game. He was purchased by Jerry Laframboise and sent to Hudson, QC, to be a hunt horse. When he failed to live up to expectations, he was sent to a barn where, yet again, he was deemed unacceptable for the job. He finally found a home in 1978 when purchased by Randy Roy and his former wife, Cathy, when they were based at Dwyer Hill outside of Ottawa, ON.

The plain bay gelding had finally found his niche, excelling in the hunter ring with Cathy. In their first year competing together, they claimed zone championship titles in three divisions - Green Conformation, Green Working Hunter, and Amateur-Owner. While pregnant with her daughter, Ryan, Cathy leased Just Cruising to Leslie Howard who took over the ride stateside. Other riders who successfully showed Just Cruising, known as “Sham” around the barn, included Mac Cone, Jamie Mann, and Ian Millar.

In 1980, Cathy and Randy moved to King City to start a new business, Hunter’s Glen. Although they had many generous offers, the Roy family decided to keep Just Cruising for a few more years. He and Cathy went on to win many more championship titles, including at Toronto’s prestigious Royal Agricultural Winter Fair and on the competitive Florida circuit. In 1982, Just Cruising was sold to Carl and Martha Lindner of All Seasons Farm in Cincinnati, OH. After claiming numerous accolades in the amateur divisions, Just Cruising was retired to California.

Just Cruising is remembered for many reasons including his struggle to find a career, his dominance once he found his calling, and his remarkable longevity.

MAY 2020 THE WARM-UP RING 7 Builder (Organization) - Royal Agricultural Winter Fair The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair has long represented excellence in all areas of country life not the least of which is horse sport.

On November 22, 1922, more than 22,000 spectators passed through the Princes’ Gates on their way to experience “the greatest agricultural fair on earth.” In that first year, 1,850 horses were entered among the cattle, the swine, and the poultry and, since then, the importance of the Royal Horse Show has never diminished.

Since its inception, the Royal Horse Show has represented the pinnacle of the show season. Hosting the final events of the year, The Royal brings together competitors, owners, sponsors, supporters, and fans in an atmosphere unlike any other.

International show jumping has been a mainstay of The Royal since its debut, and soon became one of the most important and prestigious stops on the North American fall tour. The Nations’ Cup team competition was introduced in 1925 with the inaugural event comprised of military teams from Belgium, Canada, France, and the United States. In the 1950s, civilians were included on Canada’s teams for the first time, and the Nations’ Cup continued to be one of the most popular competitions at The Royal.

Courtesy of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair The calibre of international riders presently competing at The Royal remains stronger than ever. With numerous marquee events to showcase both horse and rider, including the World Cup Grand Prix, the biggest names in the sport are attracted to Toronto each November. The perfect venue to crown a national champion, The Royal has played host to the Canadian Show Jumping Championship since 2001.

Today, more than 2,000 horses compete each year at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. While more than 90 years may have passed, one thing remains the same – it remains the goal of every competitor to show at The Royal.

JUMP CANADA HALL OF FAME GALA CANCELLED FOR 2020

In light of the ongoing COVID-19 global pandemic, the 2020 edition of the Jump Canada Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Gala, presented by BMO Financial Group, has been cancelled.

Originally scheduled for its traditional date of Sunday, November 8, in Toronto, ON, the Jump Canada Hall of Fame committee determined that it would not be practical to continue with preparations for this year’s event given the uncertainty surrounding social gatherings and other financial, safety, and travel considerations.

“It is with sincere regret that we announce the postponement of the Jump Canada Hall of Fame for a year but, given the current local and national COVID-19 conditions, it was the responsible thing to do,” said Mark Samuel, Chairman of the Jump Canada Hall of Fame. “We would like to recognize our great title sponsor from day one, BMO Financial Group, for its support of our decision.

“Our hearts and thoughts go out to all those who have been touched by this pandemic and we are steadfastly committed to returning next year with renewed strength and purpose,” continued Samuel. “No doubt we will all be looking for community, connection, and reasons to celebrate once again as an extended family in 2021. Until then, stay safe, stay well, and take good care of yourself, your families, friends, communities, and horses!”

The Jump Canada Hall of Fame committee is already preparing for its 2021 induction ceremony and gala scheduled for Sunday, November 7, 2021, at the Liberty Grand in Toronto, ON. The committee is comprised of Mark Samuel (Chairman), Jennifer Anstey, Evie Frisque, Muffie Guthrie, Bobbie Reber, Phil Rozon, Jennifer Ward, and Nancy Wetmore.

The Jump Canada Hall of Fame was created in 2006 to recognize outstanding contributions to Canadian hunter/jumper sport. To date, 64 champions have been welcomed into the Hall of Fame, including 21 horses and ponies, 31 humans, six organizations, and six teams.

MAY 2020 THE WARM-UP RING 8 PASSIONATE EQUESTRIANS SOUGHT TO JOIN THE JUMPING COMMITTEE

Are you looking for a fulfilling way to make a difference in the Canadian jumping community? Are you passionate about using your experience and abilities to contribute to the development of the hunter/jumper discipline nationwide? If the answer is ‘yes,’ apply by June 15, 2020, to volunteer on the Equestrian Canada (EC) Jumping Committee.

What is the EC Jumping Committee? The Jumping Committee is an operational committee of EC responsible for providing strategic guidance and counsel to EC management to support the development of hunter/jumper sport in Canada. The Jumping Committee works in collaboration with other EC committees, task forces, and national office staff, to provide assistance in implementation of the respective mandates.

What does the EC Jumping Committee do? Specific responsibilities of the Jumping Committee include:

• Advising management on the annual operational priorities, strategies, and performance targets for the ongoing development of hunter/jumper in Canada. • Reviewing and reporting on the achievement of the Committee’s annual operational priorities and performance targets, and identifying key areas for improvement. • Providing input and feedback to management concerning policies, programs, rules, regulations, and services related to the development of hunter/jumper. • Supporting management in dealing with appeals related to hunter/jumper. • Interfacing as a unit with the equestrian community in partnership with management on key developments, issues, challenges, and achievements within hunter/jumper. • Providing strategic counsel to the EC Director of High Performance on matters concerning High Performance programs and services.

What is the process for selecting Jumping Committee members? Committee members will be appointed by the CEO. In appointing members, the CEO will solicit recommendations from the Chair and Committee members, and/or may solicit expressions of interest from the relevant, qualified equestrian community.

There are two positions to be filled for 2020. Committee members will be appointed for a term of three (3) years ending in 2023. Each member is eligible to serve up to two (2) terms. In appointing the members of the Committee, consideration is given to diversity, including without limitation, national/international experience and competency in the sport discipline, as well as gender, regional, technical, and linguistic balance.

Members of the Committee must be in good standing with EC and hold a valid Sport Licence.

For further information on the Jumping Committee’s operational policy, please view the EC Operational Committee Manual.

How Can I Apply? Individuals are invited to submit their resume along with an expression of interest highlighting their unique qualifications to serve on the Jumping Committee to:

Karen Hendry-Ouellette Manager of Sport - Jumping [email protected]

The applicant’s full name and EC Sport Licence number must be included in the application.

The deadline for applications is June 15, 2020.

For further application information, including a detailed list of the core competency considerations, please contact Karen Hendry- Ouellette at [email protected].

STAY UP TO DATE ON COVID-19

Equestrian Canada (EC) is constantly monitoring updates regarding the COVID-19 global pandemic and the corresponding impact on Canadian equestrian sport and the . For all the latest information and resources, including updates on the EC office closure, cancellation of EC-sanctioned events, and recommendations for equestrian facility owners, clickhere .

MAY 2020 THE WARM-UP RING 9 REMEMBERING KITTY BOWLAND

Long-time and dedicated Equestrian Canada official Kitty Bowland passed away on March 10, 2020, following a sudden battle with cancer. Equestrian sport was both a passion and lifestyle for Bowland.

Bowland was a well-known horsewoman in the Ottawa area and frequented many of the area’s stables and competitions. In 2019, she was an active and licensed EC judge in no fewer than five disciplines – hunter, jumper, , dressage, and .

Bowland’s daughter, Tara, wishes to honour her mother by spreading her ashes in any barn or arena that her mother taught at or passed through. To participate, email Tara Bowland at [email protected] to receive a small thimble of ashes by mail to be spread in your arena or paddock.

Kitty Bowland poses beside a portrait painted in 1977 by her mother, Thelma Gordon. EQUESTRIAN CANADA EXTENDS COMPETITION SUSPENSION TO JUNE 30

The suspension of Equestrian Canada (EC) sanctioned competition has been extended to June 30, 2020, due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

NOTE: From May 1 to June 30, 2020, EC competitions may be sanctioned on a case-by-case basis upon request by a Provincial/ Territorial Sport Organizations (PTSOs) due to varying timelines across provinces regarding reopening. Mandates from provincial and federal government bodies and public health authorities will be the final factor for sanctioning until further notice.

Return to activity i.e. reopening of riding schools, lesson barns, coaching businesses, and training facilities, etc. will be determined by reopening plans from the appropriate provincial government bodies.

No competitions will be sanctioned by either EC or PTSOs for the period of suspension, except those approved on the case-by-case basis outlined above. All matters pertaining to the accumulation of points, scores, qualification or rankings towards any EC awards program or team selection will be addressed once a return to competition framework has been published. Competition hosts will be able to receive a full refund of their sanctioning fees or have the funds held as a credit for future competitions.

EQUESTRIAN CANADA RELEASES RETURN TO COMPETITION GUIDELINES

Equestrian Canada (EC) has released return to competition guidelines for sport horses following a break in training due to COVID-19. Many sport horses across the country have been partially or fully out of training due to varying restrictions relating to the COVID-19 pandemic. This pause in training impacts the horse’s ability to return to competition safely and gradually.

As provinces and territories start to lift restrictions relating to COVID-19, all equestrian sport participants have a responsibility to ensure that horses return to an appropriate fitness level before re-entering competition. The Return to Competition Guidelines for Sport Horses provide guidance to that effect and can be viewed by visiting this link.

MAY 2020 THE WARM-UP RING 10 RULES CORNER

Attention FEI competitors! The FEI Jumping Committee has confirmed that January 1, 2021, will be maintained as the date of implementation for the rule on hind boots at all FEI Jumping events.

Article 257.2.6 of the FEI Jumping Rules: For implementation as of 1 January 2021: Only hind boots as described in JRs Art. 257.2.4 and 257.2.5, may be used at international Jumping Events.

MEET YOUR JUMPING COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Pam Law (Chair) (term ends 2020) Lynn Macyk Craig Collins Karen Sparks Mark Laskin Marni von Schalburg Mike Lawrence (term ends 2020) Jennifer Ward Fran McAvity Karen Hendry-Ouellette (EC Manager – Jumping)

We love to hear from the people we represent! For any questions or comments that concern the hunter/jumper discipline, drop us a line at [email protected].

NORTH AMERICAN YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIPS CANCELLED

The North American Youth Championships (NAYC) have been cancelled for 2020. Staging competition for riders aged 12 to 21 in the three disciplines of dressage, eventing, and show jumping, the NAYC are considered an important stepping stone in a young rider’s career, providing one of the first opportunities to compete as a team member in international competition. The dressage and show jumping portions of this year’s NAYC had been scheduled for August 4-9 in Traverse City, MI. Traverse City, which has never hosted the NAYC before, will act as host for the dressage and show jumping events in 2021.

GLOBAL CHAMPIONS TOUR CANCELLED FOR 2020 EQUESTRIAN

As high-profile international equestrian events continued to be cancelled in the wake of CANADA IS ON the global COVID-19 pandemic, little hope remained for the Longines Global Champions Tour and its Global Champions League team events which are staged in various locations THE MOVE! around the world. On May 25, founder and President Jan Tops officially confirmed that the tour would be cancelled for the 2020 season and would resume next year. Effective May 1, 2020, the new mailing address for Equestrian Canada “We sincerely thank our event organizing partners, our Title Partner Longines, the Global is as follows: Champions League team owners, and our partners around the world for their tremendous support and understanding,” said Tops. “None of us could have foreseen the scale of this global emergency and the suffering so many people are going through. 11 Hines Road Suite 201 “Our priority must continue to be the health and safety of our fans, our staff, the athletes, and their teams and those living in the locations of our events,” continued Tops. “It is with Kanata, ON great regret we have decided to cancel the remaining shows this year. Now we must K2K 2X1 all pull together to build a positive future after the pandemic, adapting and adjusting to deliver incredible sport in 2021 and beyond.” All telephone numbers remain the same.

MAY 2020 THE WARM-UP RING 11 LONGINES WORLD RIDER RANKINGS TOP 20 CANADIAN RIDERS as of March 31, 2020

21. Eric Lamaze 2285 362. Nicole Walker 610 65. Mario Deslauriers 1630 367. Jill Henselwood 595 76. Tiffany Foster 1563 430. Jonathon Millar 515 87. Erynn Ballard 1508 433. Kara Chad 513 186. Amy Millar 1037 471. Rachel Cornacchia 465 204. Vanessa Mannix 960 507. Hyde Moffatt 428 244. Sam Walker 842 538. Kyle Timm 390 252. Ali Ramsay 830 545. Lisa Carlsen 380 292. Beth Underhill 745 589. Susan Horn 350 352. Jim Ifko 628 605. Keean White 340

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

EDITORIAL BOARD Karen Hendry-Ouellette (ex-officio), Pamela Law, John Taylor, Jennifer Ward (Editor), and Nancy Wetmore

CONTRIBUTORS Pamela Law, Emily Randolph, and Jennifer Ward

EC STAFF CONTRIBUTORS Karen Hendry-Ouellette

PHOTOGRAPHERS ClixPhoto.com, Courtesy of Horse Publications Group, Courtesy of Tiffany Foster, Courtesy of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, Courtesy of Stephanie Valdes, Michelle C. Dunn, One Shot, Sportfot

LAY-OUT AND DESIGN Starting Gate Communications Inc.

PUBLISHER Equestrian Canada

TRANSLATION Pas de deux Communications

CONTACT US [email protected]

Jump is the committee of Equestrian Canada responsible for all hunter, hunter equitation and jumper activities in Canada from the grassroots to the international level. For more information regarding jumping programs and activities, visit: www.equestrian.ca/sport/jumping.

MAY 2020 THE WARM-UP RING 12