Cudmore and Conejo’s Comeback Earns them July’s ‘Athlete of the Month’ Title

Following a two-year hiatus from the Canadian show jumping scene, Karen Cudmore and her mount Conejo, the 12-year-old Holsteiner stallion owned by Blair Cudmore, are back in action.  The duo had top results at some of Canada’s premiere competitions during the month of July, making Cudmore Jump Canada’s choice for the ProChaps ‘Athlete of the Month’ title for July.

Following an injury that kept him out of the show ring, Conejo started back in competition at a few smaller American shows before Cudmore, a native of Victoria, BC, who currently resides in Omaha, NE, crossed the border for the CSI-W Blainville Jumping International held July 6-10 in Blainville, QC.

In the $60,000 Grand Prix Jumping du Quebec World Cup Qualifier, Cudmore was the first of seven to return to the jump-off after completing a faultless round over the challenging course set by Olympic Gold Medallist Conrad Homfeld.  Cudmore was blistering fast over the course, posting another clear round in a time of 35.50 seconds to capture the win.

“I knew we had to go fast and clear, I had good company behind me,” said Cudmore.  “Conejo was amazing, he didn’t forget anything while on his vacation.”

Cudmore returned to Quebec three weeks later for the $60,000 Kubota Cup Grand Prix on July 30 at the Kubota Bromont International Horse Show.  This time, after yet again completing a clear first round, Cudmore was the last challenger to return for the jump-off.  Taking all the risks paid off for the pair, who left all of the jumps up and crossed the timers at 41.08 seconds.

“It was very exciting,” said Cudmore.  “Being last is a great position to be in, but I knew I still needed to go fast.  Conejo went as fast as he could on the long stretches and it just all came together.”

In recognition of her achievement, Cudmore will receive a pair of state-of-the-art riding chaps, compliments of ProChaps.

“I am honoured and greatly appreciative,” Cudmore said of her title.  “It has been awhile since I have competed at this caliber, so it makes being chosen to receive this award all the more special.”

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 Equi-Fair’s prestigious 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, 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.