Langley, BC, October 9, 2026 – It’s time to shine for athletes of western Canada as the West division of the 2026 Equestrian Canada Dressage and Para Dressage National Championships is set to start at Thunderbird Show Parks on October 9, 2026. Horse and rider combinations from British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba will compete for the titles of West – and overall National – Champions.
The final event to determine the Canadian Champions
As the athletes from the East have already competed in Becancour (Quebec) last week, the results the horse and riders will earn in Thunderbird will determine the West Champions as well as the overall National Champions. The ranking for all divisions and categories, from Training Junior to FEI Big Tour Open and for Para Intermediate and Grand Pix division will be consolidated and the highest score will take the overall title. Sixty-six pairs will be taking part in the 2026 Equestrian Canada Dressage and Para Dressage Championships (West).
Dressage and Para Dressage National Championships – West
Experienced horse and rider combinations as well as up and comers will be representing British Columbia in almost all offered divisions. Paralympian Eleonore Elstone and Szecrecy HP, who recently competed at the 2026 FEI World Championships in Aachen; Erin Silo and Jett, who are currently ranked first overall in Canada in the FEI Big Tour division; 2026 North American Youth Championships (NAYC) Young Rider multiple medallist Alison Campbell-Wright and Vintage and 2026 NAYC Children medallist Estella Gosniak and Impact are among the contenders.
From Alberta, eight horse and rider combinations will be competing including international rider Pia Fortmuller with two mounts: Fireball in the FEI Small Tour Open and O’Marin in Third Level Open. Claire Thomas and Bond Girl – ranked 16th overall in the Third Level division and currently ranked 5th in the amateur category, will be competing against fellow Albertans Matthew Tate & Yahoo Glen Royalle and Maya Dugas & Pirro. Carolynne Champigny and Fierro (Third Level Open) and Junior rider Rylee Ste-Croix (First Level) and Simply Ailsa will complete the Alberta delegation.
Saskatchewan will be represented by Calla Gross and Lady Lark. The pair, who were the 2025 National Champions in the FEI Para Grade IV Intermediate division are competing this year in the Grand Prix division.
2025 FEI Young Rider National Reserve Champion Annika Kriening and Francis XI will be representing Manitoba.
Para dressage rider Eleonore Elstone with Szecrecy HP, riding at last year’s Canadian Championships West. The pair just returned from the 2026 FEI World Championships in Aachen, Germany, and will be competing again this weekend at the Equestrian Canada Dressage and Para Dressage Championships (West) at Thunderbird Show Park in Langley, BC. © Marion Cox Photo
The Dressage community Mourns Following Tragic Vehicle Accident
It is with profound sadness that Equestrian Canada (EC) and Thunderbird Show Park acknowledge the tragic vehicle accident the afternoon of Tuesday, October 6, involving members of our community traveling from Manitoba and Alberta to the EC National Dressage and Para Dressage Championships (West) in Langley, BC. The community mourns the loss of three horses with the fourth having been immediately transported for veterinary treatment.
Equestrian Canada has reached out to the people involved, including the athletes and owners, and has extended them mental health support through our Game Plan partnership. For anyone struggling during this time, reach out to the Canadian Centre for Mental Health and Sport https://www.ccmhs-ccsms.ca or call 2-1-1 to find services near you. Kids Help Phone is also available at 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868
Fundraisers to Support Those Affected
Tickets are still available for Friday night’s Red & White Fundraiser, which was originally a High Performance fundraiser, and will now raise funds to support those affected by this tragic accident. Those wishing to attend, can purchase tickets HERE.
The West online auction is also open to everyone, wherever they may be, offering another opportunity for the equestrian community and beyond to come together in support of those impacted by this heartbreaking event. The auction will close during the Red & White party at Thunderbird Show Park Friday evening. To participate or make a direct donation, please visit the West auction page HERE.
About Equestrian Canada
Equestrian Canada (EC) is the national governing body for equestrian sport and industry in Canada, with a mandate to represent, promote and advance all equine and equestrian interests. With over 15,000 sport licence holders, 7500 horses, 11 provincial/territorial sport organization partners and 10+ national equine affiliate organizations, EC is a significant contributor to the social, physical, emotional and economic wellbeing of the equestrian industry across Canada. As a Registered Canadian Amateur Athletic Association (RCAAA) EC is able to issue tax receipts for donations. EC thanks the Government of Canada for their financial support.
Team Canada is supported by Mad Barn, Ecclestone Horse Transport Inc. (EHT), 4CYTE™, the Government of Canada, the Canadian Olympic Committee, the Canadian Paralympic Committee and Own the Podium.
Media Contact:
Michelle Dunn
Equestrian Canada
Media & Communications
mdunn@equestrian.ca