2005 NAYRC Canadian Dressage Team Announced

Dressage Canada is pleased to announce the rider/horse combinations competing for Canada at the CN North American Young Riders Championships, presented by Adequan®, taking place July 26-31 at the Virginia Horse Center in Lexington, Virgina.

Canada will be fielding one team as follows:
Team Canada
Rebecca Elming (ON) - Lenz
Amy McIlwham (ON) - Marzipan
Julie Watchorn (ON) - Quintesse
Leah Wilson (ON) – Amusant
chef d’equipe – Ellen Dvorak

“The individuals who qualified for the team did so with strong scores, and more importantly, with consistent performances.” says chef d’equipe Ellen Dvorak. “They are strong riders with wonderful horses and each one is an exceptional competitor. I've watched these same girls compete over the years and witnessed each of them, at one time or another, display psychological toughness and rising to the occasion when the chips were down. With this competitive strength, the Canadian Young Riders' Dressage Team is definitely a medal contender. ”

Team Canada gratefully acknowledges and thanks all those who supported the various fund raising efforts during the year including Ecogold, Apple Saddlery, Chris Boardman, Ramsports, SSG Gloves and Greenhawk Harness & Equestrian Supplies.
The dressage panel for this year’s championships includes president of the ground jury Lorraine Stubbs (CAN), Minako Furuoka (JPN), Lois Yukins (USA), Joan Macartney (CAN) and Natalie Lamping (USA).

Canada has historically enjoyed much success at the NAYRC bringing home Gold, Silver and Bronze medals in both the team and individual competitions. For many competitors, the NAYRC is their first experience riding on a team, as well as their first time competing under the rules of the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), the international governing body for equestrian sport. In 2004, Canada’s Eastern Team of Alexandra Hosein (NS), Veronique Lavallée (QC) and Julie Watchorn (ON) won a team Silver medal with Watchorn finishing fourth individually.

The NAYRC began in 1974 as an eventing challenge between the United States and Canada. A Dressage Championship was added in 1981, and Show Jumping debuted in 1982. The first complete NAYRC was held in British Columbia, Canada in 1982. Tempel Farms has hosted the Championship more than any other location, 13 times since 1985.