Ottawa, ON, June 9, 2023– The Equestrian Canada (EC) High Performance Advisory Group, Eventing (HPAG) is pleased to announce that Canada will officially name two Nations Cup Teams in 2023. And thanks to a generous donation from Kelly McCarthy-Maine and Shane Maine, travel grants will be available to help athletes get there.

The FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ series for 2023 began in March and will offer nine dates across the UK, mainland Europe and Canada for teams to compete in the equestrian triathlon.

A Canadian team of four athlete and horse combinations will be named for:

• Bromont CCI4*-S-NC from August 11-13, 2023 in Bromont, QC; and
• Arville CCI4*-S-NC from August 17-20, 2023 in Arville, BE.

These competitions aim to provide crucial team experience and exposure to national team eventing athletes in the Nations Cup format; a key strategic goal of the HPAG who have their sights set on building a positive performance trajectory for the Canadian Eventing Team as they continue to grow.

The HPAG is duly thrilled to announce a significant donation from Kelly McCarthy-Maine and Shane Maine towards supporting the vision of creating and maximizing global competitive opportunities for Canadian eventing athletes with a focus on international experiences.

The Canadian Eventing Team with family, friends and support staff at the 2022 FEI World Championships in Pratoni, ITA
Photo Credit: Cealy Tetley

McCarthy-Maine and Maine were hallmark donors to the ‘Pratoni, Let’s Go! ’ campaign in 2022, and they have stepped up to help Canadian eventing athletes again, through these travel grants. The donation will offer support to Canadian Eventing Team members named to the Nations Cup competitions this summer.

“We’re thrilled to be able to offer travel grants to the athletes this year. It’s a very positive step for the program and look forward to building these grants into 2024 and beyond. The entire HPAG and all of the riders want to extend the biggest thank you to donors Kelly McCarthy-Maine and Shane Maine,” said HPAG Eventing Chair Emily Gilbert. “We appreciate you!”

When asked about the goal of creating and maximizing global competition experience and exposure, Canadian athlete representative on the HPAG, Mike Winter remarked, “The Nations Cup plans for 2023 are exciting. They are perfectly in line with the strategic plan of the HPAG, directly support the athletes, and help Canada prioritize and maximize opportunities for team sport, something that is fundamental to the growth of this program,” he continued. “To Kelly and Shane — these grants, our progress and the positivity of the response from the eventing high performance community is a direct result of your generosity and trust in the HPAG. Thank you.”

Mike Winter and El Mundo competing at the 2022 Badminton Horse Trials 
Photo Credit: Shannon Brinkman

Canadians McCarthy-Maine and Maine have offered financial support to the athletes named to each team, including a $1,000 CAD per each athlete named to the Bromont CCI 4*-S and $2,500 CAD for each named entry to the Arville CCI 4*-S Nation’s Cup teams. Additionally, North American-based athletes who declare for the Arville Nations’ Cup are also invited to apply for an additional travel grant valued between $20,000 – $25,000 CAD.

The athlete application for travel grants and Nations Cup declaration deadline are June 16, 2023

More information & To Apply