Equestrian Canada – Ottawa, ON, Dec. 12, 2017 – Equestrian Canada (EC) is pleased to announce the hard-working young athletes who were chosen by the EC Jumping Committee to receive Jumping Youth Bursary funds for 2017.

In recognition of the challenges young riders face as they strive to continue their education while competing at high levels of the jumping sport, the Jumping Youth Bursary was developed for athletes between the ages 14-21 who compete in hunter, jumper and equitation divisions. The program is made possible through a generous donation by Mark Samuel and Samuel, Son & Co.

The following athletes have been awarded $2,000 each through the 2017 Jumping Youth Bursary in recognition of their hard work and dedication:

Bria Gainey, 17, of Kelowna, BC, began competing when she was 10 years old and has since become a constant presence on the leaderboard. Her accomplishments to date include the 2016 Alf Fletcher Excellence in Equitation Award, British Columbia Hunter Jumper Association (BCHJA) Awards for ‘A’ Equitation and Junior Hunter, and second place in the BCHJA Jr/Am Hunt Seat Medal Finals. In 2017, Bria also captured fourth at the JC Medal National Final at the Royal Horse Show in Toronto, ON. When not training or competing, Bria can be found at the barn playing polo, enjoying trail rides, and helping out beginner riders. Her goals for 2018 include competing in the ASPCA Maclay Medal Final and the North American Junior and Young Rider Championships (NAJYRC). Focused on excelling in the classroom as well as the ring, Bria maintains a 4.0 grade average and plans to attend university in 2018 with a long-term goal of becoming a large animal veterinarian.

Halle Gainey, 15, of Kelowna BC, joins her sister, Bria in calling the barn a second home. She became hooked on horses at the age of four, when she participated in her first pony camp. Traveling to shows throughout North America, she has earned top placings in a variety of equitation series in 2016, including ABSJ, CET, JC, Pessoa, Maclay and USET. Her 2017 highlights include first-place finishes at the BC CET Regional and ABSJ Medal Finals. She also earned the 2017 Reserve Champion title in the Running Fox CET Medal National Final. Her sights are now set on representing Canada at the 2018 NAJYRC. Halle is a top student with a 4.0 grade average. She hopes to become a dermatologist so that she can help athletes who train and compete outside mitigate the risk of sun damage and skin cancer.

Vanessa Krohn, 15, of Hemmingford, QC, has cultivated tremendous homegrown success in the show ring. Partnered with Belvedere, who was born in the Krohn family’s backyard, she progressed from the Baby Green Hunter division at regional shows to competing nationally in the 3’9 Combined Hunters and CET series on the national circuit. In 2017 alone, Vanessa claimed the titles of JC Medal and Junior Hunter Champion for Quebec, as well as Reserve Champion in the 3’ Combined Hunter division, earning an invitation to compete at the Royal Horse Show for the third time. Vanessa hopes to return to the Royal in 2018 with the goal of becoming the youngest rider from Quebec to compete in the 4’ Combined Hunter division. In addition to time spent at the barn, Vanessa practices piano at least two hours a day, and teaches music to fund her riding expenses. Vanessa also studies diligently to maintain her grades in pursuit of a career in medicine.

About the Jumping Youth Bursary
Each year, the Jumping Committee selects recipients of the Jumping Youth Bursary program based on the strength of applications received. Elements considered in the application process include a transcript of grades and outline of academic curriculum; future educational plans; equestrian experience; commitment and dedication to their sport; a positive image within the sport; achievement of notable competition results, whether at the local, regional or national level; goals within the equestrian industry; and financial need. For additional details regarding the Jumping Youth Bursary Program, please visit www.equestrian.ca/programs-services/athlete-development.

– 30 –
EC Media Contact /
Personne-ressource de CE pour les médias :
Jessie Christie