Source: New Brunswick Equestrian Association

Two days of intense competition saw riders from New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island sharing in the spoils at the 2018 Atlantic Canada Equestrian (ACE) Championships in Dressage. Each province fielded a Long Term Equestrian Development (LTED) program throughout the spring and summer through which teams and individual competitors prepared for the final event.

Katie Hess from Sackville, NB, participated on the NB Team for the second time. She said it was a very helpful experience and she enjoyed her lessons with team coach Donna McGinnis of Cap Pele. She thought that both the program and the final competition were very well organized to help riders rapidly improve their skills.

Teammate Anne Doiron concurred. “Last year I went to PEI to support my daughter who was competing on the NB Team. I saw what a great experience it was for her and decided to take part myself this year. It’s been wonderful.” Both mother and daughter, Amelie Duguay, were on the NB team this year.

Part of the program included equine theory and other informational clinics. During a break in the competition, held in conjunction with the Dressage NB Year-end Championship show at the Princess Louise Park Show Centre in Sussex, NB, participants learned about the how and why of horse inspections (the jog), which are held prior to many higher level competitions. Heather Findlay, an Equestrian Canada certified Senior Steward, and Veterinary Delegate Helen Douglas led the session while volunteers put their horses through the process. “The point to these Inspections is to ensure that each horse is fit to compete,” said Dr. Douglas. For participants in the program, and other riders and spectators, it gave them an insight into how things are done so they can prepare for future competitions where horse inspections may be required.

After two days of competition, the final results were:

Training Level - Individual Medals

• Gold: NB - Reba Stewart
• Silver: NS - Brandy Nielsen
• Bronze: NB - Anne Doiron

Training Level individual medalists (L-R) Brandy Nielsen (silver), Reba Stewart (gold), and Anne Doiron (bronze). Photo: Ceci Flanagan-Snow

Training Level - Team Medals

• Gold: NB - Reba Stewart, Katie Hess, Faith Easton, Anne Doiron
• Silver: NS - Jenelle Patriquin, Margaret Abando, Brandy Nielsen

Training Level team medalists (L-R) Nova Scotia (silver) and New Brunswick (gold). Photo: Ceci Flanagan-Snow

First Level - Individual Medals

• Gold: Camryn Carter, NS
• Silver: Julie Blanchard, NB
• Bronze: Zowie Johnston, PE

First Level individual medalists (L-R) Julie Blanchard (silver), Camryn Carter (gold), and Zowie Johnston (bronze). Photo: Ceci Flanagan-Snow

First Level - Team Medals

• Gold: NB - Allison Stewart, Pam Rippin, Julie Blanchard, Amelie Duguay
• Silver: NS - Cameryn Carter, Alinta MacLeod, Megan Atkinson

First Level team medalists (L-R) Nova Scotia (silver) and New Brunswick (gold). Photo: Ceci Flanagan-Snow

Deanna Phelan, President of the NBEA, speaking on behalf of the LTED organizers from all three Maritime provinces, said, “Thank you all for all of the hard work done by both the riders and the coaches. We can’t forget all of the support too - the family members and friends who’ve helped out as the season went on. Congratulations to all.”

For further information visit the NBEA website or email Deanna Phelan: deannaphelan@gmail.com.