October 28, 2026
Ottawa, ON – Equestrian Canada (EC) is pleased to recognize the recipients of its 2026 Dressage and Para Dressage Awards, presented in conjunction with the EC National Dressage and Para Dressage Championships East and West. The Eastern Championships took place October 1–4 in Bécancour, Quebec, followed by the Western Championships October 9–11 at Thunderbird Show Park in British Columbia.
From outstanding performances on the international stage at the FEI World Championships in Aachen to remarkable achievements at national and international competitions, this year’s recipients have demonstrated excellence, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to their sport.
Equally important are the countless hours of dedication and support provided by horse owners, volunteers, coaches, grooms, families, sponsors, and supporters whose contributions often take place behind the scenes. Their generosity, leadership, and commitment are essential to creating opportunities for Canadian athletes and horses to develop, compete, and succeed at every level.
Equestrian Canada extends its heartfelt congratulations to all recipients of the 2026 Dressage and Para Dressage Annual Awards, recognizing their exceptional achievements, dedication, and contributions to the continued growth and success of equestrian sport in Canada and on the world stage.
Brittany and Jaccardo at the FEI World Championships, Aachen, 2026.
Dressage Athlete of the Year – Brittany Fraser-Beaulieu
Brittany Fraser-Beaulieu is the recipient of the 2026 Dressage Athlete of the Year Award, recognizing her continued excellence, international achievements, and significant contributions to Canadian Dressage at the highest level. Currently ranked 31st, she is Canada’s highest-ranked Dressage athlete competing at the CDIO3* level and above.
One of Canada’s most experienced international Dressage athletes and a Tokyo 2020 Olympian, Brittany continued to represent Canada with distinction throughout the 2026 season. Her partnership with Jill Irving’s Jaccardo continued to advance rapidly at the Grand Prix level.
At the World Championships, Brittany and Jaccardo earned an impressive 71.926% in the Grand Prix, finishing 22nd to advance to the Grand Prix Special, where they scored 69.271%. Their performances contributed to Canada’s ninth-place team finish, marking the country’s first top-ten World Championship team result since 2014.
Dressage Horse of the Year – Jaccardo
Jaccardo, owned by Jill Irving, is the recipient of the 2026 Dressage Horse of the Year Award, recognizing his outstanding achievements and continued development on the international stage.
The 2014 KWPN gelding, partnered with Canadian Olympian Brittany Fraser-Beaulieu, enjoyed an exceptional 2026 season, qualifying for the FEI Dressage World Cup Final and representing Canada at the FEI World Championships in Aachen, Germany.
Making his World Championship debut, Jaccardo demonstrated his talent, athleticism, and composure in the demanding atmosphere of one of the sport’s most prestigious international competitions. The pair earned an impressive 71.926% in the Grand Prix, finishing 22nd and advancing to the Grand Prix Special.
Remarkably, these achievements came almost exactly one year after Jaccardo and Brittany performed their first Grand Prix together in Bromont, Quebec, highlighting the rapid development of their partnership and their ability to compete successfully at the highest level of international Dressage.
Jaccardo’s performances throughout the 2026 season reflect his exceptional potential, consistency, and growing experience on the world stage. His continued progression alongside Brittany Fraser-Beaulieu provides a strong foundation for Canada’s future international championship campaigns.
Dressage Owner of the Year – Jill Irving
Jill Irving is the recipient of the 2026 Dressage Owner of the Year Award, recognizing her longstanding commitment to Canadian Dressage, her achievements as an international competitor, and her significant contributions to the development and success of Canadian high-performance sport.
A distinguished international Dressage athlete and dedicated horse owner, Jill has represented Canada at some of the sport’s most prestigious international competitions including being named to Canada’s Paris 2024 Olympic Dressage team.
As the owner of Jaccardo, Jill has played an instrumental role in supporting the development of the partnership between the talented gelding and Canadian Olympian Brittany Fraser-Beaulieu. Her commitment and investment contributed to the pair’s qualification for the 2026 FEI Dressage World Cup Final and their successful World Championship debut in Aachen, Germany, where they advanced to the Grand Prix Special and contributed to Canada’s ninth-place team finish.
Beyond her achievements in competition and as a horse owner, Jill is deeply committed to fostering the next generation of Canadian equestrian talent. Through the Jill Irving Youth Equine Mentorship Program, which she founded and continues to lead, she provides valuable opportunities for young Canadian equestrians to learn from experienced athletes, coaches, and officials, helping inspire and support their development within the sport.
Jill Irving; EC’s Sue Bundy, Lisa Von Martels and Joanne Kohen.
Dressage Volunteer of the Year – Lisa von Martels
Lisa von Martels is the recipient of the 2026 Dressage Volunteer of the Year Award in recognition of her exceptional dedication, leadership, and longstanding commitment to supporting Canadian Dressage and Canada’s international teams.
With more than 30 years of involvement in competitive Dressage and high-performance sport, including representing Canada internationally, Lisa brings a wealth of experience, passion, and a deep understanding of the sport to her volunteer efforts. Her commitment to Canadian Dressage extends well beyond the competition arena, where she has become a driving force behind initiatives that support Canadian athletes competing at the highest levels.
For many years, Lisa has spearheaded the Equestrian Canada Dressage Red and White fundraising initiatives in Wellington, Florida, bringing together owners, riders, grooms, families, sponsors, and supporters in celebration of Canadian Dressage and Team Canada.
Through her leadership and the extraordinary generosity of donors, sponsors, and volunteers, these initiatives have raised more than $350,000 over the past three years, providing valuable financial support to Canadian high-performance Dressage athletes and international teams.
Beyond their fundraising success, the annual Red and White events have become an important celebration of the Canadian Dressage community, fostering a sense of national pride, connection, and shared commitment to supporting athletes on their journey to international competition.
In her acceptance remarks, Lisa reflected on the importance of the community behind Canada’s athletes:
“While not everyone can be an elite athlete, an Olympian or a World Champion, every one of us can share in the dream — and every one of us can be part of the journey.”
Lisa’s ability to inspire generosity, unite the Dressage community, and encourage individuals to contribute in meaningful ways has made her an invaluable supporter of Canadian high-performance sport.
Her recognition also reflects the collective efforts of the many donors, sponsors, and volunteers who contribute their time, resources, and expertise to these initiatives. They are truly the “team behind the Team.”
Camille Carier Bergeron presenting to Brooke Mancusi
Orion Cup U25 Award – Brooke Mancusi
Brooke Mancusi is the recipient of the 2026 Orion Cup U25 Award, marking her third consecutive year receiving this prestigious recognition, following her previous awards in 2024 and 2025.
Established in memory of Orion, one of Canada’s most celebrated Grand Prix Dressage horses, the Orion Cup recognizes promising Canadian Dressage athletes transitioning from the Young Rider level to Grand Prix. The award is open to Canadian riders aged 16 to 25 and is presented to the athlete who achieves the highest average of three scores at the U25 Grand Prix level.
Brooke enjoyed an outstanding 2026 season, demonstrating her continued development and success on both the national and international stages. Representing Canada at the FEI North American Youth Championships (NAYC) in Traverse City, Michigan, she earned two individual bronze medals aboard DeJohn Ymas, achieving personal-best scores in both the U25 Grand Prix and Grand Prix Freestyle. These impressive performances marked a fitting conclusion to her final year of NAYC eligibility.
Her success continued at the 2026 National Dressage and Para Dressage Championships – Eastern Region in Bécancour, Quebec, where Brooke and Kalisto Sollenburg captured the FEI U25 division title. She also demonstrated her versatility as a competitor by winning the Fourth Level Open category aboard Van Vincent.
Adding to her accomplishments, Brooke and DeJohn Ymas secured victory in the Grand Prix 16–25 division at the September CDI in Bromont, Quebec, further highlighting her consistency and progression at the U25 Grand Prix level.
Receiving the Orion Cup for the third consecutive year reflects Brooke’s dedication, talent, and continued growth as one of Canada’s promising young Dressage athletes. Her achievements throughout the 2026 season highlight her potential as she continues to progress toward the senior Grand Prix level and contribute to the future of Canadian Dressage.
Para Dressage Athlete of the Year – Jody Schloss
Jody Schloss is the recipient of the 2026 Para Dressage Athlete of the Year Award, recognizing her outstanding achievements, dedication, and continued excellence representing Canada on the international Para Dressage stage.
Jody enjoyed a remarkable 2026 season, highlighted by her performance at the FEI World Championships in Aachen, Germany, where she competed aboard her longtime partner, El Colorado.
Competing in the Grade I division, Jody and El Colorado delivered a strong performance in the Grand Prix A, earning 70.208% to finish 10th. The pair went on to produce an exceptional performance in the Grade I Grand Prix Freestyle, scoring 73.586% to secure fifth place against some of the world’s leading Para Dressage combinations.
The Freestyle result marked a significant milestone for Jody and El Colorado, representing a substantial international personal best and one of Canada’s strongest individual performances at the 2026 World Championships.
Jody Schloss with EC’s James Hood; El Colorado “Denny” competing at the FEI World Championships in Aachen, 2026.
Para Dressage Horse of the Year – El Colorado
El Colorado, affectionately known as “Denny,” is the recipient of the 2026 Para Dressage Horse of the Year Award, recognizing his outstanding achievements and contributions to Canadian Para Dressage on the international stage.
Owned and ridden by Canadian Para Dressage athlete Jody Schloss, the 17-year-old KWPN gelding has become a fan favourite and an integral part of Canada’s international Para Dressage program.
Representing Canada at the 2026 FEI World Championships in Aachen, Germany, El Colorado demonstrated his talent, consistency, and exceptional partnership with Jody. Competing against some of the world’s leading Para Dressage combinations, the pair delivered a memorable performance in the Grade I Grand Prix Freestyle, earning an impressive 73.586% to finish fifth.
This outstanding result marked a significant milestone for the partnership, reflecting their continued development, mutual trust, and dedication to competing successfully at the highest level of international Para Dressage.
Para Dressage Owner of the Year – Jody Schloss
Jody Schloss is the recipient of the 2026 Para Dressage Owner of the Year Award, recognizing her exceptional dedication, commitment, and investment in the development and success of her longtime partner, El Colorado.
In addition to being named the 2026 Para Dressage Athlete of the Year, Jody is honoured for her important role as the owner of El Colorado. Her commitment to his care, training, preparation, and overall well-being has been instrumental in developing a successful partnership capable of competing at the highest level of international Para Dressage for many years.
Their achievements throughout the 2026 season were highlighted by their representation of Canada at the FEI World Championships in Aachen, Germany, where the pair delivered an outstanding performance in the Grade I Grand Prix Freestyle, earning 73.586% and finishing fifth in the world.
Para Dressage Volunteer of the Year – Wendy Christoff
Wendy Christoff is the recipient of the 2026 Para Dressage Volunteer of the Year Award in recognition of her exceptional dedication and longstanding commitment to the advancement of Dressage and Para Dressage in Canada.
As Chair of the Equestrian Canada Dressage and Para Dressage Committee, Wendy provides invaluable leadership, guidance, and support across a broad range of initiatives that contribute to the continued development and success of both disciplines.
With an extensive history of volunteer service, Wendy has played an important role in shaping and supporting Canadian Dressage and Para Dressage programs. Her contributions include many years of involvement with the High Performance Advisory Group, where she has shared her experience, knowledge, and expertise to support Canada’s high-performance athletes and international programs.
Wendy’s volunteer efforts extend well beyond committee leadership and high-performance initiatives. Her dedication encompasses athlete development, program planning, governance, fundraising, competition support, and community engagement. Through her willingness to contribute her time, energy, expertise, and resources, she has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to strengthening the sport at every level.
Much of Wendy’s work takes place behind the scenes, where her leadership, collaborative approach, and willingness to take on additional responsibilities have made her a valued and respected member of the Canadian equestrian community.
EC’s Jamie-Ann Goodfellow and Clive Milkins present to Wendy Christoff
Celebrating the 2026 Award Recipients
“The 2026 Dressage and Para Dressage Awards celebrate the outstanding achievements, dedication, and contributions of the athletes, horses, owners, and volunteers who continue to inspire and strengthen our sport across Canada.
These awards recognize not only excellence in the competition arena, but also the incredible partnerships, commitment, and generosity that make our equestrian community so special. From our athletes and their equine partners to the owners and volunteers who provide invaluable support, each plays an essential role in the success and growth of Dressage and Para Dressage.
On behalf of Equestrian Canada, I extend my sincere congratulations to all our 2026 award recipients. Thank you for your passion, dedication, and continued contributions to our sport. Your achievements and commitment are an inspiration to our entire community.”
Jamie-Ann Goodfellow
Program Coordinator, Dressage & Para Dressage
Equestrian Canada
Photos: Eve-Lyne Ouellet, Cealy Tetley, Marion Cox, Michelle Dunn