By Equine Canada

Sincere condolences to the family and friends of the late Neil Ishoy, who passed away on November 4, 2015 at the age of 56.

Ishoy, born in Weston, ON, was a talented member of the Canadian Equestrian Team, having ridden at the elite level in both eventing and dressage. Beginning his career in eventing, Ishoy represented the Canadian Eventing Team at the 1980 Alternate Olympics in France, as well as the 1982 World Championships in Germany.

Remarkably, 19 years after retiring from eventing, Ishoy returned to high performance in 2001, this time in dressage. Riding at the grand prix dressage level for the first time in his career, and partnered with a horse in its first year of showing, Andiamo Tyme, Ishoy took the North American circuit by storm, racking up wins in Canada and the United States. He capped off the season by winning the Swarovski Canadian League World Cup Dressage Final at the Royal Horse show in Toronto, ON.

In addition to competing, Ishoy was dedicated to supporting the dressage industry in Canada, and operating Ishoy Enterprises, a dressage training and sales business in Binbrook, ON, with his wife and fellow Canadian Olympian, Cindy Ishoy.

Ishoy is survived by his wife, Cindy, his children, Kahla and Zack, his parents, Buck and Molly, and brother, Mark.

Online condolences can be posted in Neil’s honour at www.gilbertmacintyreandson.com. In lieu of flowers, friends are invited to make a donation to Equine Guelph.

Photo: ©Cealy Tetley - www.tetleyphoto.com