Riding for Canada in Rio Is...

The Canadian Olympic Committee and Equestrian Canada have (finally) named the 10 equestrian athletes nominated to represent the maple leaf in the Rio 2016 Olympic Games next month. According to the official announcement, they’re still keeping their options open on the show jumping horses, though…

Jumping

The four athletes on the Canadian Jumping Team are:

Yann Candele and First Choice 15 (Or Showgirl)
Tiffany Foster and Tripple X III (Or Victor)
Eric Lamaze and Fine Lady 5 (Or Check Picobello Z)
Amy Millar and Heros

Reserve: Kara Chad and Bellinda

©Jason Ransom

“I am thrilled to be representing Canada in show jumping in Rio. The Olympics are the pinnacle of sport; for most athletes it starts as a dream, for the fortunate few it is then a goal and, for the lucky ones, it becomes a reality. I feel incredibly privileged to be one of those lucky ones. A huge thank you must be given to our incredible horse owners, our tireless support staff, and the hardworking individuals at Equestrian Canada who make it all possible. There may only be five people named to the Canadian Jumping Team, but the team that stands behind us consists of so many more. I’m looking forward to doing my very best in Rio and making Canada proud!”

— Tiffany Foster

Dressage

The Canadian Dressage Team did not earn a team berth for Rio. They did secure two individuals spots, which will represented by:

Megan Lane and Caravella
Belinda Trussell and Anton

Reserve: Karen Pavicic and Don Daiquiri

©Winston Chow

“It is an honor to be chosen to represent Canada at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. These Olympics are so special to me because four years ago my dreams were shattered when my horse Anton had a major injury that took us out of the running for the London 2012 Games. Little did I know he would recover so well and earn a place on the Rio Olympic Team with personal best scores. I could not have accomplished this goal without my amazing family, team and coach. Thank you to Equestrian Canada for all the support and huge organizational challenges getting us all to Rio safely. I will wear the maple leaf proudly in Rio!”

—Belinda Trussell

Eventing

After a bit of behind-the-scenes drama, the official Canadian Eventing team is:

Rebecca Howard and Riddle Master
Colleen Loach and Qorry Blue d’Argouges
Selena O’Hanlon and Foxwood High
Jessica Phoenix and A Little Romance

Reserve: Kathryn Robinson and Let It Bee

“I’m super excited and honoured to be part of Team Canada again. It means a lot to me to represent Canada with John and Judy Rumble’s Foxwood High at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. I’d like to thank Canada for choosing us and thank my owners, sponsors, friends and family for believing in me. Teamwork makes the dream work. Go Canada!”

—Selena O’Hanlon

Equestrian sport at the Games kicks off with eventing, August 6-9. Dressage will follow on August 10, 11, 12 and 15. Jumping closes out the equestrian portion of the Games on August 14, 16, 17 and 19.