March 13, 2026 – Ottawa, ON – 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, Kevin Sanford and the Samuel-Sanford family. Athletes are chosen at the end of each competition season.
Eighteen-year-old Addyson Purdy of Bowen Island, British Columbia, trains with Ashley Arnoldt and is a dedicated young athlete within the Canadian equestrian community. In 2026, she hopes to compete in the CET Mini Medal. Following her graduation, Addyson plans to take a gap year to travel, work, and further develop her riding. She intends to continue her education at the University of Guelph, where she plans to pursue a major in Psychology with a minor in Equine Management.
Photo: Addyson Purdy riding Olympus at Thunderbird Show Park.
Credit: Jessica Regehr at Lucky Shot Photography
Sixteen-year-old Adrian Cecchetto of Azilda, Ontario, trains with Cathy Inch and is an emerging young athlete in the sport. Adrian aspires to compete on the NAYC Pre-Junior Team and is committed to continuing his development and progression through the competitive levels.
Photo: Adrian Cecchetto riding Corrdina Z at The Kentucky Horse Park
Credit: Winslow Photography
Nineteen-year-old Alyssa Gillis of Aldersyde, Alberta trains with Rodney Tulloch and is focused on continuing her development at the highest levels of the sport. She aspires to compete at the NAYC in the future, participate in the U25 circuit, International USHJA Derbies, and further her experience developing young horses. Alongside her riding goals, Alyssa plans to complete her undergraduate degree in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Calgary and intends to pursue medical school, with the long-term goal of becoming a neurosurgeon.
Photo: Alyssa Gillis riding Maddam VF at Amberlea Meadows
Credit: Shealynn Chow of S.C.Capturing the Moment Photography
Sixteen-year-old Chloe Meechan of Maple Ridge, British Columbia trains with Ayla Martinoff and is a student at the Langley Equestrian Academy. She values the opportunity to work toward her rider levels while gaining hands-on experience in horse care. Chloe is focused on continuing her progression through the sport’s competitive levels and aspires to compete in the U25 division in the future.
Photo: Chloe Meechan riding Amigo B at Thunderbird Show Park
Credit: Jada Chapleo of A&J Photography
Eighteen-year-old Elizabeth Perkins of Langley, British Columbia trains with Andrea Strain and is committed to maintaining her involvement with horses while pursuing her academic goals. She plans to attend a post-secondary institution to study Civil Engineering and hopes to continue qualifying for The Royal in various divisions. Elizabeth also aspires to compete at the North American Youth Championships and progress through the U25 division in the future.
Photo: Elizabeth Perkins riding Lady of the Lake at Thunderbird Show Park
Credit: A&J Photography
Nineteen-year-old Emma Lévesque of Laval, Quebec trains with Karyne Lord and is focused on building a strong future in the sport. She aims to progress to the U25 and FEI levels while also developing young horses for resale. Alongside her riding career, Emma is currently enrolled in the Administration profile of the Human Sciences program at Collégial Sainte-Anne and plans to pursue a degree in Business Administration at HEC Montréal, establishing a solid foundation in business and management to support her long-term equestrian goals.
Photo: Emma Lévesque riding Chevalier de Vivario Z at Wesley Clover Parks
Credit: Radvanyi Photography
Eighteen-year-old Madalyn Hill of Aylesford, Nova Scotia trains with Alissa Cue and has set clear competitive goals within the hunter ring. She is focused on finishing in the top three of the Large Pony Hunter division in Nova Scotia and qualifying for The Royal. Academically, Madalyn plans to complete her Grade 12 year with honours before enrolling in a Criminal Justice program, with the long-term goal of pursuing a career with the RCMP or attending the Atlantic Police Academy.
Photo: Madalyn Hill riding RW Pixplease at Restless Pines Farm
Credit: Dueling Cameras Photography (Jacklyn Monaghan)
Sophie Tupper is a 19-year-old athlete from North Vancouver, British Columbia is focused on setting her sights on the CET Finals as well as the Canadian National Derby Finals. She plans to take a gap year before pursuing post-secondary studies in Real Estate Development and Business. She has also applied to several Division I schools in the United States as she continues to balance her academic and athletic ambitions.
Photo: Sophie Tupper riding Cuba Libre Z at Thunderbird Show Park
Credit: Aj.eq. photography – Jade Chapleo & Aria Doerksen
Teia Fennell is a 17-year-old athlete from Victoria, British Columbia is focused on qualifying for the Jump Canada and CET Medal Finals, as well as competing in the Canadian Hunter Derby Finals. She is also aiming to transition into the jumper divisions and progress toward the U25 series. Looking ahead, she hopes to combine her passion for riding and competition with a career in veterinary science or academic research focused on equine care and behavior.
Photo: Teia Fennell riding Graffiti at the Royal West
Credit: Wild Rose Photography
About the Jumping Youth Bursary
Each year, the Youth Bursary 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 https://equestrian.ca/resource/jumping-youth-bursary-program.