Source:  News Release/Julie Cull

Canadian Eventing Names Initial Squad for the 2011 Pan American Games

Ottawa, ON — Following a successful spring training and competition program, the Canadian Eventing High Performance Committee (CE HPC) is pleased to announce the names of the Canadian Eventing Squad for the Pan American Games, October 21 – 23, 2011. Selected according to the qualification thresholds and selection procedure, six rider/horse combinations are named to the initial Squad. The 2011 Pan American Games eventing championship will be held at the Club Hipica and Santa Sophia Country Club in Guadalajara, Mexico.

Named to the Squad (in alphabetical order) are:

Rider, hometown Horse, Owner

Hawley Bennett-Awad, Langley BC, Five O’Clock Somewhere (2001, bay, American TB gelding), Rider , Sue Church &  Kimberley Barron

Rebecca Howard, Salmon Arm, BC, Roquefort, (1998, black, KWPN /TB gelding), Rider & The Fork Stables


Micheline Jordan, Ottawa, ON,  Irish Diamonds, (1998, bay, Canadian TB gelding), Rider


Jordan McDonald, Oakville, ON, Apple Cider, (1999, dark bay, KWPN /TB gelding), Amanda & Jorge Bernhard


Danica Moore, Salmon Arm, BC, Utah B, (2001, bay, KWPN gelding), Rider

Selena O’Hanlon, Elgin, ON, Foxwood High, (2003, bay, Canadian Sport Horse, gelding), John Rumble


Under the selection criteria—prior to August 31, 2011—additional rider/horse combinations may be named to the Eventing Squad for the 2011 Pan American Games by the EC/CE HPC Selectors. In order to be considered by the Selectors, the rider/horse combination must have achieved a Certificate of Capability for the 2011 Pan American Games and would be evaluated according to the conditions described in the criteria.

For rider biographies, visit web site www.equinecanada.ca.

The Squad will participate in a training sessions and preparatory competitions throughout the summer leading up to the final training camp, which will take place in October prior to the Games. The final team of up to five rider /horse combinations and alternates will be named in late August.

The team trains under the leadership of David O’Connor, International Technical Advisor. Eventing Chef d’équipe, Graeme Thom; stable manager, Debbie Furnas; team veterinarian, Dr. Christiana Ober; and team farrier, Randy Pawlak, will accompany and provide support to the team throughout the Games.

The Canadian Eventing Committee is grateful to Own the Podium, Sport Canada, the Canadian Olympic Committee and all of its sponsors, supporters, suppliers and friends for their continued support of the Canadian Eventing Team in its quest for excellence.

The Olympic sport of eventing encompasses three separate tests: dressage, cross country, and show jumping held consecutively. Each test ridden by the rider and horse in combination is scored individually but added together for the final results. The rider/horse combination with the fewest number of penalty points over the three days wins the competition.

At the 2011 Pan American Games each eligible nation may compete up to five rider/horse combinations in the team and individual competition with the best three scores to count towards the final team classification. Nations which are unable to field a team may send one or rider/horse combinations to compete in the individual competition.

Provisional Schedule for the Pan American Games Eventing Competition

Friday , October 21 Dressage

Saturday, October 22 Cross Country

Sunday, October 23 Show Jumping
Victory Ceremony—Team and Individual

For specific times and competition details and results consult the Organizing Committee website www.guadalajara2011.org.mx or the FEI web site www.horsesport.org.