Photo: Yavuz

Christopher Lowe Named ProChaps ‘Athlete of the Month’ for June

Christopher Lowe of Burnaby, BC, has been named the ProChaps “Athlete of the Month” for June. Taking full advantage of summer vacation from full-time studies at Simon Fraser University, Lowe and his 10-year-old Oldenburg gelding, Jackpot (Landfriese/ Silvio), have recently displayed several world-class efforts.

Following a series of stellar performances including a win at the $35,000 Thunderbird Showpark Grand Prix in his native BC, Lowe headed east to Spruce Meadows in Calgary, AB.  June 11 marked the day that this former World Children’s Hunter Champion was the top-placed Canadian competitor in the $200,000 CN Reliability Grand Prix.  From a field of 44 riders, Lowe was one of only seven competitors to negotiate the first round cleanly and, following a jump-off against the top-ranked riders in the world, placed seventh overall.

“Spruce Meadows is always such a great learning experience,” remarked Lowe.  “It offers Canadian riders the opportunity to compete against some of the world’s best riders right in our own backyard.”

“Winning the ProChaps ‘Athlete of the Month’ Award is an honour for me, especially since it’s based on my results at Spruce Meadows,” Lowe continued.  “I’m coming out of a great month of showing - this was actually my first full month of consistent international Grand Prix competition.  As a newcomer to the scene, it’s a great feeling to be competitive and to show that I truly belong in this division.”
Lowe’s partner of five years, Jackpot, is a horse that he simply adores.  “Jackpot is just amazing.  He has lots of scope and tons of heart.  This horse always gives it his all and there’s never been a moment where I’ve thought that he could have tried a bit harder.”

In recognition of his achievement, Lowe will receive a pair of state-of-the-art 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 rewarded with the prestigious 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.