Canadian Grade 4 Para-Dressage riders competed in the Individual Championship test on October 6 at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG) held in Lexington, KY, taking place October 5–9, 2010.
Eleonore Elstone of Langley, BC, was the first in for Canada riding Why Not G, a seven-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding owned by Elstone and Kelleigh Kulscar. The pair performed a very impressive test highlighted by excellent lateral work at the trot and canter. Elstone and Why Not G scored 64.903% for eighth place in the Grade 4 Individual Championship test.
“I really liked today’s ride,” said Elstone. “Why Not G really wanted to be in the ring with me today and be my partner. It was really wonderful to ride him. In preparation of Sunday’s Freestyle, I am going to school exactly as I did today.”
Competing as an Individual for Canada, Madison Lawson of Bonfield, ON made her debut at the World Championship level of competition with her horse McGuire, a 13-year-old Canadian Sport Horse gelding. They earned a score of 61.419% for 15th place.
“I am really proud to be here. It feels amazing, and it is an honour to ride for Canada,” said Lawson. “We have a lot to work on, but I am only 16-years-old, so I have a lot more to learn. McGuire was really good, and I am really pleased with him. I am going to work on my lateral work to get it more rhythmic leading up to my Freestyle.”
“Eleonore is a little bit disappointed in the scores she received today. We all thought that she had a better ride today than yesterday,” said Elizabeth Quigg-Robinson, chef d’équipe of the Canadian Para-Dressage Team. “Madison did an excellent job for her first major games. She really put it together and stayed very cool in the ring. Madison and her horse are a nice combination and I think they have a great future together.”
The Para-Dressage Team competition continues on October 7th when Lauren Barwick of Aldergrove, BC and her horse Maile and Jennifer McKenzie of Maple Ridge, BC, and Sunbury Lodge Voodoo will ride their Individual Championship Test. The combined scores from the Team Test and the Individual Championship Test will determine the Team medals.
Canadian riders competing as individuals—Sharon Buffitt of Pointe-Claire, QC, and Tara Kowalski of Chilliwack, BC—will also compete with all the team members in the second day of Individual Championship Tests on October 7 and the Freestyle Test on October 8th and 9th.
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