Henselwood Takes Early Lead in Canadian League World Cup Standings

Jill Henselwood of Oxford Mills, ON, has taken the early lead in the Canadian League World Cup standings after placing third in the first event of the season, the $100,000 CN Performance World Cup Qualifier held June 19 during the CSI-W Spruce Meadows ‘Continental’ Tournament, in Calgary, AB.

Riding Special Ed, her 11-year-old Oldenburg gelding, Henselwood left all the rails up over the jump-off course but her time, less than one second off the winner’s, placed her third in the $100,000 CN Performance World Cup Qualifier behind Bernardo Alves of Brazil riding Canturo and Nick Skelton of Great Britain riding Russel.  Despite a flood warning in many parts of Calgary, the footing held up and the sun shone while 44 competitors faced the challenging first-round course, with 11 advancing to the jump-off round.

“As I was nearing the end of the jump-off I knew I must be close to the leading time, and I could hear the crowd cheering loudly,” said Henselwood.  “In hind sight, I wish I had done one less stride down the last line, but I’m still thrilled with the result.  Special Ed is a great partner and he always gives it his all.”

“There is a reason why Spruce Meadows is the number one venue in the world, and I witnessed it first hand,” continued Henselwood.  “We have been ‘under water’ in Calgary since the first week of competition started, and I would like to take this opportunity to recognize everyone at Spruce Meadows for their tireless efforts. Against all odds, the CN Performance World Cup Qualifier went off without a hitch, and the jump-off was great sport with the riders really putting on a show for the fans.”

Not far behind Henselwood was her student and rising star, Kelley Small of Ottawa, ON, who finished the jump-off with one rail down to incur four faults and place eighth with Calibur, a 10-year-old Holsteiner gelding owned by Cimmaron Farms.

The second event in the Canadian World Cup League will take place on Sunday, July 2, during the Spruce Meadows ‘Canada One’ Tournament in Calgary, AB.

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 about Jump Canada, please visit www.jumpcanada.ca.

$100,000 CN Performance World Cup Qualifier – Final Results

Placing/Rider/Country/Faults/Time
1/Bernardo Alves/Brazil/0/39.32
2/Nick Skelton/England/0/39.33
3/Jill Henselwood/Canada/0/40.28
4/Norman Dello Joio/United States/0/40.66
5/Laura Kraut/United States/0/41.90
6/Richard Spooner/United States/4/38.95
7/Maryline Vorpe/Switzerland/4/44.00
8/Kelley Small/Canada/4/45.69
9/Cayce Harrison/United States/8/42.89
10/Marie Burke/Ireland/8/43.61