Interview with Team Canada in Normandy *VIDEOS!

Well, the Eventing test event for the 2014 World Equestrian Games is in the history books and it seems from the reports coming out that overall it ran pretty smoothly.

Test Events are invaluable for organizers to not only test if their preparations have been enough, but more importantly to identify where the gaps are and where improvements need to be made.

In particular, it was a test of the "convoy" moving competitors and their gear from Haras du Pin National Stud to a facility within Caen for the Showjumping phase. This was to mimic what will be happening next year when the Showjumping phase will take place at the soccer stadium Stade D'Ornano.

Lindsay Traisnel & Candar Van Het Neerve rode a double clean showjumping round to move back up the standings to finish in 18th position.

Jessica Phoenix and A Little Romance had just 1 rail down, but unfortunately it was enough to drop them to 26th.

Many thanks to HorseJunkiesUnited.com who has been providing terrific on-the-ground coverage of the test event, and in particular our Canuck riders.

And what did our Canadian Team think?

"The footing was fantastic, the horses did not slip," said Jessica Phoenix. "The design of the course was different than what I was used to. It's a very important thing to come here and test everything out."

"I had a little bit of steering problems," said Lindsay Traisnel about her cross-country ride which saw her jump clean but incur some time penalties.

Team Coach Clayton Federicks gave his views on what is needed for success.
"We need our idols at the top level to inspire success. If we can get some real good success at the top level and get it publicized, it makes the younger kids - everyone with a pair of jodphurs - wants to ride on the Canadian team."

Fun fact! Did you know that Jessica and Lindsay used to ride together at Dreamcrest Stables (in Port Perry - home to Ian & Waylon Roberts) as Young Riders?

 

Interview with Jessica Phoenix, Lindsay Traisnel & Team Canada Coach Clayton Fredericks

 

 

Showjumping - Lindsay Traisnel & Candar van Het Neerveld

 

 

Showjumping - Jessica Phoenix & A Little Romance