The 2025 Tilted Tiara I Dressage Show at Rocky Mountain Show Jumping (RMSJ) offered a fantastic three days of world-class competition, camaraderie, and celebration of dressage.
The competition was overseen by a panel of international judges, including Mariette Sanders-Van Gansewinkel (NED), Freddy Leyman (BEL), Jane Ventura (AUS), Mary Robins (NZL), Joanne Bouwhuis (CAN), and Alexandre Lacerda Leao (BRA). Mariette Sanders-Van Gansewinkel praised the event, stating, “What a nice show, very well organized and super venue. This show is ready and looking forward for more international competitors.”
CDI3* Showcases Canadian Rising Star:
The CDI portion was anchored by CDI3* competitor Brittney Simpson (CAN) riding her own Kartsevo Goldfinch (above; 2011 KWPN, Jazz x Lingh). Riding the Grand Prix on Friday she scored 65.848%, while in Saturday’s Grand Prix Special she scored a 65.192%.
“I was super pleased with my Grand Prix, I feel like our best yet and our partnership has really grown with the winter experience showing the CDIs in California. It was my first time riding the Special in the year; my trot tour felt amazing but unfortunately I had two expensive mistakes in the canter work, but was able to get a personal best. I’m excited to build on this as I head to Devonwood to ride my Freestyle to try to secure a spot for the US open.”
Simpson is currently ranked 149 globally and is the fourth highest ranking Canadian.
CDIJ & CDICh Spotlight Western Canadian Young Talent:
The 18 and under contingent showed promise for what the future of dressage in Western Canada can be; a mix of CDI rookies and NAYC medalists, consistency and growth was shown across the board throughout the weekend. A particularly bright spot was Gwendolyn Joinson (CAN) in her CDICh debut with Bonnie Doyle’s Blind Date AT (above; 2014 Westphalian, Belissimo M x Hotline) riding her Children Team Competition with a score of 67.125%
CPEDI Returns to Western Canada after almost a Decade:
A highlight of the weekend was the CPEDI 2/3*, the first in Western Canada since 2016, providing para-dressage athletes local access to an international stage.
Leading the charge in the CPEDI2* was two-time Canadian Paralympic athlete Eleonore Elstone of Langley, BC. Eleonore’s new international partnership with Rachel Blaney’s 6-year-old Szecrecy HP (by Secret out of the Friesian cross mare Maize HP (by Adonai HP)) delivered scores of 67.797% and 69.091% in the CPEDI2* Para Intermediate A.
Reflecting on her experience, Eleonore expressed gratitude: “A big thank you, especially to the show organizers, volunteers, and everyone who were so helpful and supportive and friendly. Thank you also to my fellow competitors who demonstrated a great deal of camaraderie. Altogether, a well run CDI, CPEDI, Gold and Wild Rose show with great judges. A competition that I am excited to return to next year.”
The Sunday freestyle spotlight was captured by CPEDI3* rider, Laura Hall of Ladysmith, British Columbia, who, with her partner Istrano (below; 2013 Dutch Harness horse, Chironie x Waldemar) achieved an outstanding score of 72.417%.
Laura shared, “The atmosphere here was amazing—so welcoming and vibrant. The judging panel was exceptional, and their daily feedback was invaluable in helping us push our performance forward. We’re coming back. Huge thanks to the organizers, volunteers, and sponsors who made this possible.”
In support of these athletes, the newly launched Tilted Tiara Para Dressage Travel Bursary, generously sponsored by the Varnhagen Family Trust, offered up to $2,500 CAD to help offset travel and competition expenses. Eleonore Elstone commented, “I would like to also say thank you to the Varnhagen Family Trust for their support with the travel bursary; it was an incredible help to be able to get here.”
Photo: (L – R) CPEDI Saturday: Elenore Elstone, Laura Hall, Elexis Ortlieb, Connie Varnhagen, Alexandre Lacerda Leao, Shelagh Hohm
In The National Ring:
The event also hosted the Young Horse Championships, spotlighting promising 4- to 7-year-old dressage horses. These classes focused on evaluating the quality of gaits, rideability, and overall potential, giving breeders, trainers, and riders valuable feedback from experienced FEI judges; affirming the show’s commitment to nurturing emerging talent.
Outside the traditional competitive arena, attendees enjoyed a variety of activities including the Terrific Classic jumping divisions, a lively dog costume contest, and numerous opportunities to engage with the equestrian community, making the event as fun and welcoming as it was competitive.
John Anderson, President of Rocky Mountain Show Jumping and longtime event partner, reflected on the spirit behind Tilted Tiara: “Working with the Tilted Tiara management team has been a joy over the years. Shelagh Hohm’s passion and dedication bring together great sport, friendship, and fun. Without her leadership, events like this simply wouldn’t happen. We’re thrilled to be part of this event and look forward to many more years. Including eventers in a primarily dressage tournament was brilliant — it’s all about uniting for the love of the horse.”
The success of the 2025 Tilted Tiara I Dressage Show reaffirms Calgary’s rising prominence on the international dressage stage and highlights the passion, dedication, and spirit of the entire equestrian community.
For full details on the Tilted Tiara Dressage Show and upcoming events, please visit: www.tiltedtiaradressage.com.
Media Contact: Shelagh Hohm Event Director 1-780-490-8982 info@tiltedtiaradressage.com