Amanda Knowles
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Breed and Sport News > ProChaps Athlete of the Month for December

Amanda Knowles Awarded 'ProChaps Athlete of the Month' Title for December

Ottawa, Ontario--- Jump Canada is pleased to announce that Amanda Knowles of Toronto, ON, has been named the ProChaps ‘Athlete of the Month’ for December.

Knowles, 14, finished in second place in the Farewell Competition at the 2004 FEI Children’s International Jumper Final, held on November 28 at Hummingbird Nest Ranch in Simi Valley, CA. She accomplished her second place finish with a clear round in a time of 67.75 seconds.

Knowles rode Houdini, a borrowed nine-year-old Holsteiner gelding, to represent Canada for the second consecutive time at the FEI Children's Final, a feat never before accomplished by a Canadian. She was fifth in the Children’s Final Competition at the 2003 event at Spruce Meadows, aboard her horse Robin Van Het Lindehof.

"I am honoured to have been chosen as Jump Canada's athlete of the month for December. I appreciate it so much. Thank you ProChaps for supporting me, a junior rider, and for supporting the professional riders as well,” remarked Knowles. “I would like to express my appreciation to my coach Mark Hayes for all of his commitment, hard work, and time he has put into helping me reach my goals. I consider myself very lucky to receive this award.”

In qualifying for the Final, Knowles won the FEI Children’s Jumping Final Qualifier held in Bromont, QC, by posting four clear rounds aboard Joconde De Sisse, her seven-year-old Selle Francais mare. As a result of her outstanding performance, Knowles was not only the highest-placed Canadian rider, but also topped the FEI Regional Group IV, used to determine the overall standings and invitations to the FEI Children’s Final.

In recognition of her achievement, Knowles will receive a pair of riding chaps, compliments of ProChaps. A Canadian manufacturer of high-performance riding chaps, ProChaps is the proud sponsor of the Jump Canada ‘Athlete of the Month’ program and rewards each selected rider with a brand-new custom pair of its groundbreaking chaps. Using innovative materials, ProChaps has radically advanced the construction of riding chaps to cutting edge perfection. At the 2004 Spruce Meadows “Masters” Tournament, ProChaps was selected to receive the prestigious award of 2004 Equi-Fair New & Innovative Product Award for their original and unique chap design. For more information, please visit www.prochaps.com.

Jump Canada is a committee of Equine Canada responsible for all hunter, hunter equitation and jumper activities in Canada from the grass roots to the international level. Jump Canada is governed by a board of directors, the majority of whom are elected by the stakeholders in the sport. For more information regarding Jump Canada programs and activities, visit www.jumpcanada.ca.