Source: Equestrian Canada

Equestrian Canada honoured the achievements of some of Canada’s equestrians, organizations and horses during the 2017 EC Awards Reception, presented by Boehringer Ingelheim, held April 8, 2017, in Vancouver, BC.

Held in conjunction with the EC Annual Convention, April 7-9, the Reception celebrated the national award recipients for 2016, and their impressive achievements within the equestrian community.

Eric Lamaze, Equestrian of the Year and winner of The Dr. George Jacobson Trophy.   

Horse of the Year and The Hickstead Trophy winner, Fine Lady 5.

The Canadian Bred Horse of the Year award was presented to One Hot Krymsun, bred by Herb Best.

“We are proud to recognize the incredible accomplishments within the Canadian equestrian industry over the past year,” said EC Chief Executive Officer, Eva Havaris. “The quality and quantity of the nominations for 2016 were extremely high, which is a testament to the world-class athletes, owners, officials, organizations, volunteers and supporters found within the Canadian equestrian community. Congratulations to all the deserving winners.”

The following 2016 award recipients were recognized for their equestrian-related achievements. 

NATIONAL AWARDS 

• Lifetime Achievement Award: Cara Whitham
• Volunteer of the Year, Presented by Henry Equestrian: Anne Welch 
• Equestrian of the Year, The Dr. George Jacobson Trophy:  Eric Lamaze 
• Junior Equestrian of the Year, The Gillian Wilson Trophy, Presented by Asmar Equestrian: Carmen Holmes-Smith
• Horse of the Year, The Hickstead Trophy: Fine Lady 5
• Owner of the Year: Artisan Farms 
• Canadian Bred Horse of the Year, Presented by Equinety XL:  One Hot Krymsun. Breeder: Herb Best 
• Canadian Breeder of the Year, Presented by John Deere: Marvin Katz & Al Libfeld 
• Boehringer Ingelheim Equestrian Canada Health & Welfare Award:  New Stride Thoroughbred Adoption Society 
• Equestrian Canada Media Award: Spruce Meadows Television 

BREED SPORT AWARDS 

• Arabian Horse of the Year: PA Julius Caesar ++++// 
• Owner: Lorraine Prowse 

• Half-Arabian Horse of the Year: Qaracas CSF ++++// 
• Owner: Kristen MacGarva 

• Morgan Horse of the Year: Attn Postmaster 
• Owner: Mackenzie Collins 

• Saddle Seat Rider of the Year: Sara Sheppard 

• Welsh Pony of the Year: Beaverwood’s Cinnamon
• Owner: Kirsten Brunner 

COACHING AWARDS 

• Coach Developer of the Year: Betty-Ann McPhedran 
• Community Coach of the Year: Gabriele Klotz 
• Competitive Coach of the Year: Sandra Donnelly 

DISCIPLINE AWARDS 

• Dressage Athlete of the Year: Belinda Trussell 
• Dressage Horse of the Year: Laurencio 
• Dressage Owner of the Year: Robyn Eames & Mark Trussell 
• MH Lessard Dressage Volunteer of the Year: Renee DeGarie 
• Jumping Official of the Year: Michel Vaillancourt 
• Jumping Owner of the Year: Artisan Farms 
• Jumping Sponsor of the Year: Younger-Millar Family 
• Greenhawk Jumping Volunteer of the Year: Marjorie Dennis 

About the Equestrian Canada Awards Program 

The Equestrian Canada (EC) National Awards are presented annually to celebrate the impressive achievements of individuals, equines and organizations who have contributed to the growth and success of the equestrian community. 

For additional information on the award winners, please visit the Equestrian Canada website.

Photos courtesy of Equestrian Canada.

Main Photo: Lifetime Achievement Award winner, Cara Whitham.