Recognizing the Dedication and Impact of Jan Stephens on International, National, and Provincial Equestrian Competitions
OTTAWA, ON – April 25, 2025 – Janis ‘Jan’ Stephens, of Springfield, MB, has officially announced her retirement from stewarding at international and national equestrian competitions after an extraordinary 50 years of service to the sport.
Jan, who first started officiating in the late 1970’s as an Equestrian Canada and Manitoba official, first earned her FEI Steward designation in reining, jumping and eventing in 2000. In 2008, Jan was appointed as the FEI Steward General for the same three disciplines, a role she proudly fulfilled for Canada in many subsequent international competitions. As Steward General, she represented Canada at the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI) Steward meetings and played a pivotal role in developing new FEI Stewards across the country. Her contributions include writing numerous articles and conducting multiple clinics for FEI, Equestrian Canada, and the Manitoba Horse Council. Additionally, she served as Chair of the Equestrian Canada Stewards Committee and was a key member of the Equine Health and Welfare Committee.
Jan (centre) with the Stewarding team at the 2015 Toronto Pan American Games.
As Stewarding assignments go, Jan earned her spot among the best of the best. From Pan American Games (1999 Winnipeg and 2012 Mexico) and World Equestrian Games (2010 Lexington and 2018 Tryon); the Central American Games (2014 Mexico) and the Olympics (2012 London) Jan’s stewardship has taken her across the country and around the world. Closer to home, she has officiated at numerous Nations Cups including Spruce Meadows, The Royal, Thunderbird, Wellington, WEC, Desert Horse Park and the Super League, as well as at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event and MARS Maryland CCI.
Jan has garnered numerous accolades over the course of her remarkable career including the prestigious 2010 Equestrian Canada Volunteer of the Year and 2014 Jump Canada Official of the Year. She was also honored as one of the Top 50 Influencers in Equestrian Sport in Canada in 2020.
Reflecting on her retirement, Jan shared, “I loved the work, the horses, and the many wonderful people I met at every competition. But most of all, I cherish my colleagues—those who have taught me, laughed, and cried with me, and who have become such valued friends.”
Colleague Susan Adey expressed her gratitude, stating, “I would like to take a moment to thank Jan Stephens for her long-term dedication and the invaluable expertise she provided to all new and upcoming Stewards. Her commitment to training Stewards nationally has truly elevated the professionalism we see in our sport today.”
Fellow FEI Level 4 Steward and Judge, Frances Hesketh-Jones Triulzi also reflected on Jan’s contribution over the years. “Jan, thank you so much for all you have done for the sport and all your hard work to create a legacy via the colleagues you have taught and mentored over the years. They are a credit to your dedication and passion and will, in turn, teach and mentor others to follow in their and your footsteps. Enjoy the ride!”
Director of Sport Operations at Equestrian Canada, Rachel Huebert, expressed, “EC extends our heartfelt thanks to Jan for her years of dedicated service as FEI Steward General. Her leadership, commitment, and passion for the sport have left a lasting impact. Jan has always been so generous with her time and consistently available to support and lend her expertise to the committees and staff at Equestrian Canada, and her contributions have been truly appreciated. We wish her all the best in her retirement.”
As Jan embarks on this new chapter, the equestrian community celebrates her remarkable legacy and the lasting impact she has made on the sport.