Elliott Stone Wins the 2002 National Talent Squad Series

Source :  Equine Canada

Elliot Stone - ©Cealy Tetley

After leading the National Talent Squad Series for virtually the entire season, Elliott Stone of Midland, ON, riding Freestyle, an eight-year-old Belgium Warmblood mare, has been crowned the winner of the 2002 Jump Canada National Talent Squad Series.

The 2002 National Talent Squad Series, presented by Jump Canada, came to an end with the completion of the National Talent Squad Championships at Toronto’s Royal Horse Show on November 16 and 17, 2002.


The Championships consisted of the $5,000 Alfred Rogers National Talent Squad Championship, Phase I, on Saturday, Nov. 16 and the $8,000 Alfred Rogers National Talent Squad Championship, Phase II, on Sunday, Nov. 17. Stone came seventh and third the two classes respectively, and along with his points throughout the season, won the 2002 National Talent Squad series.


Along with the National Series, riders accumulated points in just the two phases at the Royal Winter Fair. Keean White of Cambridge, ON, handily won both classes, aboard Arriscraft Rocca, an eight-year-old Selle Francais mare, and was awarded champion of the National Talent Squad Championships.


Along with the honour of the win for both Stone and White, the Jump Canada Board has awarded airfare to the 2003 World Cup Final held next year from April 16-20, 2003, in Las Vegas, NV, for both riders.


In addition to the Championships, riders from the Talent Squad Series were able to use these two classes at the Royal in their overall standings as a part of their best five scores throughout the year. The top two riders in the overall standings will be nominated to Sport Canada in the Athlete Assistance program for a development Card and a monthly allowance of $500.


Acknowledging the need to support up-and-coming riders across Canada, Greenhawk Harness and Equestrian Supplies is a sponsor of the 2002 National Talent Squad Program. Greenhawk has donated a saddle pad to all registered horse/rider combinations in the Jump Canada National Talent Squad Series. Thus far, 63 saddle pads have been distributed. Also, Greenhawk is donating a luxurious Shedrow fitted polar fleece cooler to the top eight overall at the 2002 National Talent Squad Championships at the Royal Winter Fair and a similar cooler to the overall Champion of the 2002 National Talent Squad Series.

The National Talent Squad Series is a means of recognizing up-and-coming riders who are preparing to enter the grand prix ranks and demonstrate the ability to become future members of the Canadian Equestrian Team.


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.


2003 Jump Canada Talent Squad
Rider Hometown Horse Owner

Elliott Stone Midland, ON Freestyle Michael Stone
Keean White Cambridge, ON Arriscraft Rocca Keean White
Libidou Randy & Keean White

John Kersley Hudson, QC Moritze John Kersley
Isabelle Lapierre Breakeyville, PQ Diaka de Semilly La Chaudiere Farm,
Francois Lamontagne St-Justine-de-Newton, PQ Cashi Francois Lamontagne
Lifeguard Francois Lamontagne

Rebecca Irvine Brockville, ON Quincy Rebecca Irvine,
Myra Simard Montreal, PQ Dutch Treat Myra Simard,
Muffie Guthrie Guelph, ON Kasjmien Knightwood Stables,
Andrea Strain Langley, BC Cappuccino Andrea Strain,
Gary Brewster Richmond, BC Platinum Laurie Cavanaugh