The Canadian Olympic Committee and Equestrian Canada have named the 10 athletes nominated to represent Team Canada in equestrian at the Rio 2016 Olympics.
Both eventing and jumping will field teams of four, while two individuals will represent Canada in dressage.
Dressage:
Megan Lane from Collingwood, Ontario, on Caravella
Belinda Trussell from Stouffville, Ontario, on Anton
Reserve is Karen Pavicic from Surrey, British Colombia on Don Daiquiri
Eventing:
Rebecca Howard from Marlborough, UK on Riddle Master
Colleen Loach from Dunham, QC, on Qorry Blue d’Argouges
Selena O’Hanlon from Kingston, Ontario, on Foxwood High
Jessica Phoenix from Cannington, Ontario, on A Little Romance
Reserve is Kathryn Robinson from Kettering, UK on Let It Bee
Jumping:
Yann Candele from Caledon, Ontario on Showgirl or First Choice 15
Tiffany Foster from North Vancouver, British Colombia on Tripple X III or Victor
Eric Lamaze from Schomberg, Ontario on Fine Lady 5 or Check Picobello Z
Amy Millar from Perth, Ontario on Heros
Reserve is Kara Chad from Calgary, Alberta on Bellinda
The Canadian Eventing Team earned their Olympic berth after finishing sixth at the 2014 FEI World Equestrian Games in Normandy, France. The Canadian Jumping Team received a team berth after winning the gold medal on home soil at the Toronto 2015 Pan American Games last July. Although the Canadian Dressage Team did not earn a team berth, spots for two individuals were secured through qualification criteria set by the FEI.
The Canadian Equestrian Team’s final preparations for Rio over the next few weeks will include training camps in Florida and Germany. In addition, jumping athletes are competing at CHIO Aachen World Equestrian Festival.
Historically, Canada has earned a total of six equestrian medals. Most recently, Eric Lamaze claimed the individual gold in jumping at Beijing 2008. His teammates, Mac Cone, Jill Henselwood and “Captain Canada” Ian Millar also helped secure the team silver. Ian Millar set a record at London 2012 by becoming the first athlete in any sport, from any nation, to compete in 10 Olympic Games.
Ian’s horse was ruled out through injury but his daughter Amy has been selected!
Belinda Trussell was of course thrilled about her selection. She also rode at Athens in 2004. “It is an honour to be chosen to represent Canada at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. These Olympics are so special to me because four years ago my dreams were shattered when my horse Anton had a major injury that took us out of the running for the London 2012 Games. Little did I know he would recover so well and earn a place on the Rio Olympic Team with personal best scores.”
Selena O’Hanlon rode at Beijing in 2008. “I’m super-excited and honoured to be part of Team Canada again. It means a lot to me to represent Canada with John and Judy Rumble’s Foxwood High. I’d like to thank Canada for choosing us and thank my owners, sponsors, friends and family for believing in me. Teamwork makes the dream work. Go Canada!”
