Source:  News Release/Julie Cull

Tom Dvorak Named Dressage Canada Red Scarf Equestrian Athlete of
the Month for October

Ottawa, ON — Tom Dvorak of Hillsburgh, ON has been named the Dressage Canada Red Scarf Equestrian Athlete of the Month for October, 2011. 

Tom Dvorak of Hillsburgh, ON has been named the Dressage Canada Red Scarf Equestrian Athlete of the Month for October.”
Photo Credit—Cealy Tetley, www.tetleyphoto.com

At the 2011 Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico, Dvorak was the highest placed Canadian dressage rider, placing fourth in the individual competition, and was an integral part of Canada’s team silver medal.

Dvorak was partnered with Viva’s Salieri W, a ten-year old Canadian-bred Hanoverian stallion, owned by Augustin and Christine Walch of W. Charlot Farms in Stratford, ON. Dvorak has trained the horse for the past six years, and the games demonstrated the cohesive partnership between horse and rider.

This was Dvorak’s second consecutive Pan American Games, and the confidence came through in the team competition held October 16.  The pair performed a fluid test and earned a score of 71.711% for fifth place. When combined with the scores of Tina Irwin/Winston (70.737%) and Crystal Kroetch/Lymrix (68.790%), Dvorak helped Canada win the team silver medal, and a much-needed berth to the 2012 London Olympics.

The first leg of the Individual competition, the Intermediaire I test, was held on October 17, and Dvorak and Viva’s Salieri earned a score of 73.079%. The freestyle competition was held two days later. Riding to Spanish guitar music, and including four canter pirouettes and tempi-changes on curved lines, Dvorak suitably impressed the judges, and was awarded a score of 77.300%. The pair’s overall combined average of 75.190% placed them fourth behind a team of powerhouse American riders.

The games were reminiscent of the 2007 Pan American Games in Rio de Janiero, where Dvorak also placed fourth individually and won a team silver medal for Canada.  Yet, Dvorak demonstrated his good sportsmanship when he was quoted as saying “I’m still pleased to be fourth for a second time,” he said.  “We gave it our best, and it was a personal best score for us in the Freestyle.”

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 Dvorak 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.

About Dressage Canada

Dressage Canada, as a committee of Equine Canada, is the national governing body for dressage in Canada. Dressage Canada's objective is to foster the growth of dressage and the pursuit of excellence in the sport at the local, national and international levels. Dressage Canada provides support and guidance to both amateur and professional through the following programs: coaching education and programs, officials’ education and programs, rules and qualifying criteria, sport development, and publications and awards. For more information about Dressage Canada, please visit the Dressage section of the Equine Canada site or connect with us on Twitter atwww.twitter.com/dressagecanada or Facebook at http://tinyurl.com/lp8cnd.

About Red Scarf Equestrian

Red Scarf Equestrian is proud to offer a line of equestrian luggage and travel bags that deliver exceptional quality and extraordinary value.  This line is a refreshing change as it speaks of elegance and simplicity.  It works to protect your expensive and valuable apparel, boots and accessories.  In a world of clutter, you can't afford not to buy quality. Red Scarf Equestrian is proudly made in Canada. For more information about Red Scarf Equestrian, please visit www.RedScarfEquestrian.ca.

About Equine Canada
Equine Canada is Canada’s national governing body for equestrianism.  A member-driven, charitable institution, it is the executive branch of the Canadian Equestrian Team, and the national authority for equestrian competition; the national voice for recreational riders; and the national association for equine welfare, breeding, and industry.  Equine Canada is recognised by the Government of Canada, the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), and the Canadian Olympic Committee as the national organisation representing equestrian sport and equine interests. For more information about Equine Canada, please visit www.equinecanada.ca.