Dressage Canada National Championships For FEI Pony, FEI Junior and FEI Young Rider to be Held in 2005

Photo: TheHorsesEye.com

Ottawa, Ontario – Dressage Canada is pleased to announce the first head to head Dressage Canada National Championships for all three FEI Youth divisions, which will be held August 25-28, 2005 in conjunction with the Ottawa Fall Classic in Ottawa, ON. Riders, aged 12 to 21 will compete for Champion in the FEI Junior, FEI Pony and FEI Young Rider divisions. With each of Canada's four regions sending their best riders, this will be truly a nation-wide Championship.

These 2005 Dressage Canada Championships are a pilot programme in anticipation of a new and exciting National Championship format being finalized for 2006. “The great news is Championships are back,” said Dressage Canada co-Chair John Harris. “The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair Canadian League Final continues as the Dressage Canada Grand Prix Freestyle Championship and the inaugural three Youth FEI divisions. Dressage Canada Championships start with a fanfare at the Ottawa Fall Classic. Soon to come is the announcement for the 2006 schedule.”

Dressage Canada wishes to extend a sincere thank you to competition organizer Equivents Inc., who have generously offered to run these classes this year in Canada's capital. The venue is the Nepean National Equestrian Park, located just outside of Ottawa and a location of past National Championships and CDI competitions, as well the popular Capital Classic CSI3* International Show Jumping Tournament.

Qualifying classes will take place throughout the summer at national competitions and the competition will be intense.

“This is a great year of opportunity and challenge for our Youth Riders,” noted Dressage Canada Youth Program Leader Roz Farber. “From Newfoundland to BC, at all three levels, Youth riders are training hard as they plan to participate at qualifier competitions listed in the 2005 National Competitions calendar, which offers more events than ever before. The momentum is building and the excitement is growing across the country with a clear focus to achieve the scores to qualify and compete at the late August Dressage Canada National Championships in Ottawa”.

For further information on the Championship, including qualifying criteria, please visit the Dressage Canada website at www.dressagecanada.org. Entry forms and prize lists can be found at www.equivents.com.

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 & qualifying criteria, sport development, publications & awards. For more information about Dressage Canada email info@dressagecanada.org, or visit us online at www.dressagecanada.org.