Source:  News Release/Julie Cull

 

 

Sarah Loewen Named Dressage Canada Red Scarf Equestrian Athlete of the Month for July

Ottawa, ON — Sarah Loewen of Winnipeg, MB has been named the Dressage Canada Red Scarf Equestrian Athlete of the Month for July. Loewen’s impressive results at the 2011 Adequan FEI North American Junior & Young Rider Championships, held July 27–31, at the Kentucky Horse Park, in Lexington, KY earned her this honour.

Sarah Loewen of Winnipeg, MB has been named the Dressage Canada Red Scarf Equestrian Athlete of the Month for July for her impressive results at the 2011 Adequan FEI North American Junior & Young Rider Championships, held July 27–31, at the Kentucky Horse Park, in Lexington, KY. Photo Credit—Susan Stickle

Loewen, 18, began the competition on July 27 with a score of 66.081% in the Junior Team test riding her horse Ricardo, a 13-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding. The competition continued on Thursday, July 28 with the Individual Test, and Loewen and Ricardo continued to excel, scoring 67.079%, which resulted in a silver medal for the pair.

July 30 was the last day of competition for the discipline of dressage, and featured the Junior and Young Rider freestyles. Extreme weather conditions and power outages caused several delays, but Loewen and Ricardo were still on their game. Riding a very accurate test that kept in time with the music, Loewen’s Freestyle test, set to big band music and designed by Canadian Karen Robinson of Applause Dressage, earned the pair a score of 69.675% and the gold medal.

“The Championships is a great opportunity for young people to get experience in the international ring with international level competition,” said Loewen. “This was my second year attending, so my confidence gained from last year allowed me to take a hold of my tests and ride to the best of my ability. I would really like to thank my horse and my coach, Chris Von Martels. Chris really was able to get me to ride my best despite all the distractions.”

Loewen added, “I really appreciate Red Scarf Equestrian for sponsoring this award. It is fantastic for riders to be recognized for all the hours that they spend in the saddle.”

The Dressage Canada Red Scarf Equestrian Athlete of the Month is a recognition program that celebrates the achievements of Canadian dressage riders who represent Canada in national and international competition in the FEI Pony, Children, Junior, Young Rider, Advanced, Grand Prix and Young Horse classes.

As the generous sponsor of this award, Red Scarf Equestrian will be providing Loewen with a generous gift certificate that can be used towards the purchase of elegant equestrian luggage, travel bags and accessories that are all made in Canada. For more information about Red Scarf Equestrian, please visit www.RedScarfEquestrian.ca.