Inaugural Members Inducted into the Canadian Eventing Hall of Fame

Ottawa, ON—The Canadian Eventing Committee is pleased to announce the inaugural members of the Canadian Eventing Hall of Fame. The recipients were selected from over fifty nominations and chosen in recognition of their contributions to the development of the sport of eventing in Canada.

The inductees will be honoured at the Canadian Eventing Hall of Fame Gala Dinner which will be held November 7, 2009, at the Metropolitan Hotel, 108 Chestnut Street, Toronto, ON.

Athletes/Teams

• The 1978 World Championship Gold Medal Team

With the World Equestrian Games returning to the Kentucky Horse Park in 2010, the site of the Gold Medal win for Canada, it is only fitting to acknowledge this incredible achievement.

Team members:

Elizabeth Ashton and Sunrise

Juliet Graham and Sumatra

Mark Ishoy and Law and Order

Cathy Wedge and Abracadabra

Coach: Michael Herbert

• The 1956 Olympic Bronze Medal Team

As the second team to ever compete at an Olympic Games for Canada in the eventing competition this was the first team to put Canadian Eventing onto the world stage.

Team members:

James Elder and Colleen

Brian Herbinson and Tara

John Rumble and Cilroy

Coach: Major Anatole Pieregorodzki

*The accomplishments of both horses and riders to be recognized.

Horses

• Crusader — owned by David Wilding-Davies and Russell Smith, and ridden by David Wilding Davies, this appendix quarter horse gelding rose through the ranks of eventing winning a Gold Medal at the North American Young Riders Championships in 1985 and catapulting David onto the world stage by competing at many international competitions and being selected for World Championship and Olympic Game teams. “George,” as he was known to those around him, was an unlikely eventing star who went well beyond his days as a mountain pack horse.

• Dial-a-dream — owned by Kelly Plitz and Doug and Carol Plitz, and ridden by Kelly Plitz, “Dreamie” as she was known throughout the event world, was a 15.3hh appendix quarter horse mare who carried her rider into the ring at many international competitions including the 1982 World Championships in Luhmuhlen, Germany, and the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, where they were the top placed Canadian both times.

Builders

• Barbara Kemp — as a competitor, judge, international official in both dressage and eventing, Pony Club supporter and organizer, Barbara contributed to every aspect of equestrian sport in Canada and around the world. Perhaps her greatest achievement was to be appointed cross country course designer for the 1976 Montreal Olympic Games Three Day Event competition. She was the first and only woman to do so in history.

• Ewen B “Pip” Graham — Pip Graham was a true founder of the sport in Canada, especially in Western Canada. He was an organizer, course designer, FEI Technical Delegate and participated in many International Championships and Olympic Games as Chef d’equipe of the Canadian Team. One of his finest achievements was as organizer of the Three Day Event competition at 1976 Montreal Olympic Games.

• General Michael Gutowski — affectionately known as “the Colonel,” he brought to Canada the classical form of European equitation and his training principles are the foundation of the coaching system today. He was also the coach/trainer of many horse and riders that have competed for Canada at Olympic Games and other international championships.

• Allister Marshall — Allister was the organizer of the Applewood Horse Trials held in the Annapolis Valley for many years and a significant part of the growth of Eventing in Eastern Canada especially the Maritime provinces.

Contributors

• Joan Kendall — Joan Kendall was a tireless volunteer for the sport, one of the founding members of the Canadian Combined Training Association a tireless volunteer for the Ontario Horse Trials Association and for many years the organizer of the Caledon Horse Trials in Caledon, ON.

• Jean and George Simpson — Jean and George Simpson have been supporters of the sport for over 50 years, promoting Young Riders development and contributing to the growth of the sport in British Columbia. Their BC Supporters Club designed to promote eventing was unique and legendary. They were also owners for some of the country’s most successful riders whose horses have achieved some of our greatest successes.

• Pam Arthur – Pam has been involved in every aspect of development of the sport in British Columbia and Western Canada. She’s been a competitor, organizer, coach, course designer, judge and steward for both the Eventing and Show Jumping disciplines.

• Russell Smith – Russell Smith’s name is synonymous with the Checkmate Horse Trials and Training Centre in Feversham, ON. As an organizer, supporter and owner of many top level horses, Russell’s contributions to the sport of eventing are legendary.

Tickets for the Hall of Fame Gala dinner may be purchased through the Equine Canada office. Tickets are $225 per person $1800 for a table of 8 and $2100 for a table of 10. For a Ticket Order Form please visit www.equinecanada.ca and click on Disciplines then Eventing and Hall of Fame. More information may be obtained by writing to canadianeventing@equinecanada.ca.