Bécancour, October 3, 2025 – The Bécancour Equestrian Complex is hosting the much-anticipated Equestrian Canada National Dressage and Para Dressage Championship – Eastern Division this weekend. It’s the first time in over twenty-five years that athletes from across the country are competing for the title of Canadian champion in the disciplines of dressage and para dressage.
A Promising New Edition
Nearly 200 athletes from across the country entered the qualification process, and 78 of them are currently in Bécancour. This marks a significant success for the organizers and Equestrian Canada, the national equestrian sport federation, which is reviving this major competition.
Athletes from five provinces—Quebec, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick—are competing across various levels this weekend in Bécancour. Results from the Eastern and Western divisions will be combined: ultimately, this weekend’s event is a coast-to-coast competition.
“Hosting championships helps support athlete development across all levels and allows us to showcase Canadian athletic talent on a national scale,” says Christine Peters, Dressage Manager for Equestrian Canada. “It’s important for athletes to benefit from high-quality competitions that align with a meaningful pathway for progression.”
“The national championships are an important step in athlete development, and we want to contribute to the growth of our discipline,” shared event organizers Carine Blaquière and Nathalie Desrosiers. “When we had the opportunity to submit Bécancour’s candidacy to host the Championships, we didn’t hesitate: we’re fortunate to have a high-caliber venue and strong support from our donors, partners, and volunteers, all of whom have enthusiastically contributed.”
The Championship Continues Until Sunday
Horses and athletes were officially welcomed on Thursday for the mandatory veterinary inspection. This exam allows the judges and veterinarians to assess the physical condition of the horses before the first event.
Birgit Valkenborg and Johanne Bouwhuis, both international dressage judges and members of the 2025 National Championship jury, praised the athletes’ preparation.
“The veterinary inspection went smoothly on Thursday, and most athletes presented themselves and their horses in a positive way,” they noted.
To highlight the importance of this preparation, organizers Carine Blaquière and Nathalie Desrosiers awarded two prizes Friday evening: the Horsemanship Award and the Best Dressed Award.
Up-and-Coming Talent and Canada’s Elite Athletes
Canada’s top dressage athletes, including Olympians Gina Smith, Brittany Fraser-Beaulieu and Camille Carier Bergeron, are in attendance for the return of the national championships. Emerging athletes are also competing across several divisions throughout the weekend.
Two athletes from Equestrian Nova Scotia Performance Program are in Bécancour: Mascha Jung, who received the Horsemanship Award following the veterinary inspection, and Terrianne Feetham.
Athletes from Cheval Québec’s Programme de soutien au développement de l’excellence at the Espoir, Relève, and Élite levels are also participating: Juliette Ferland, Emma Larochelle Lemieux, Camille Ratthé, Vicky Chrétien, Nicole Babich Morin and Brooke Mancusi all completed their first classes today.
Highlights
- Horsemanship Award: Mascha Jung, Junior, Nova Scotia
- Best Dressed Award: Darlene Mergl-Moore, Amateur, Ontario
Media Contact
Nathalie Desrosiers
450-806-8675,
info@equicoquebecinc.com