Roberta Sheffield and Fairuza finishes with top results at the CPEDI 3* in Mannheim, Germany
Two-time Paralympian Roberta Sheffield rode to top results at the CPEDI 3* Mannheim, held in Germany from May 4 to 9, 2023. Competing at the Maimarkt tournament, where Para Dressage competition has been offered since 2003, Sheffield made the maple leaf proud, posting high placings in the Grade III division.
Roberta Sheffield and Fairuza
Photo Credit: Yadel Moehler Photography
Sheffield started off strong on May 4, riding her own Fairuza to a second-place finish with a score of 71.056%. She and her 14-year-old bay Gelderlander mare were just fractions of a percentage point off the leader, Germany’s Melanie Wienand, who earned 71.222% aboard Lemony’s Loverboy.
A day later, Sheffield, who resides in Lincolnshire, ENG, and Fairuza, also known as ‘Wonky’, returned to the ring. This time the pair finished on top of the standings, earning a score of 72.111%. They concluded the event together in Mannheim finishing with another first place on a score of 74.489%— their highest yet.
“Back in 2013, I wore the maple leaf for the first time in the Mannheim CPEDI3*. It was the start of an adventure that would take me to three World Championships and two Paralympic Games and counting,” said Sheffield. “In so many ways, Mannheim is such a special show for me. I love its huge atmosphere and sense of organised chaos. It is the perfect preparation for a major Games. This year was my fifth visit and Fairuza’s second.”
“The competition itself was wonderful. Wonky really found her form. She loves the big occasion! On the first day we had some moments of tension but by the second test we had found our rhythm to set a new PB. Our freestyle, made by Avery Maude Dressage, felt like a dream.”
“To have so much success at our special show with my heart horse is just the most incredible feeling. The tears flowed unapologetically when I was watching my horse staring at the Canadian flag while O Canada was playing during the prize giving. It was a perfect moment.”
Next for Sheffield and Wonky is the Ottawa CPEDI3* as part of the team event and then they will return to Europe for the Grote- Brogel CPEDI3*.
For complete results of the CPEDI 3* Mannheim, visit www.maimarkt-turnier.de.
Mike Winter and El Mundo compete at Badminton Horse Trails
Over the same weekend of the first British coronation in 70 years and the crowning of King Charles III, the 74th edition of the CCI 5*-L Badminton Horse Trials presented by MARS Equestrian took place from May 4th – 8th in South Gloucestershire, England.
Mike Winter, a native of Toronto, ON., who resides in England, was the only Canadian to compete in the five-day event. This was his second Badminton Horse Trials with El Mundo, a 14-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding he co-owns with his wife Emma Winter and Jonathan Nelson. The pair began the event in the dressage phase on a score of 32.2 for 36th place.
Mike Winter and El Mundo
Photo Credit: Bob Langrish
After heavy rains had hammered the area on Saturday, the cross-country course was left drenched for Sunday’s second phase. With the footing as it was, the ride-ability for some pairs, especially those competing later in the day, came into question. Many athletes and owners were faced with the difficult decision of whether to ride on. Winter was one of six who decided to withdraw prior to attempting it with El Mundo.
“We spend so much time and attention producing our equine partners,” said the two-time Olympian about their withdrawal. “Everyone has to take the best decisions they can to protect and nurture their competitive careers.”
The track proved its challenges with 11 retirements, 17 eliminations and just 30 completions. Britain’s Rosalind Canter with 11-year-old Lordships Graffalo, owned by Michele Saul posted a clear round with the second-fastest time of the day, then followed up by jumping clear in the stadium to capture the title on a score of just 35.3, a full 15 penalties below second place finisher fellow British rider Oliver Townend with Ballaghmor Class.
Members of the Canadian equestrian community gather for Élisabeth Brosda fundraising event in Gatineau
Members of the Canadian equestrian community gathered on May 6 at the Canadian Legion in Gatineau, QC, for a fundraising event held by the Brosda family in memory of their daughter Élisabeth, a passionate young equestrian and an accomplished dressage athlete who was tragically killed in a car collision in 2016 .
On behalf of the Brosda family, Equestrian Canada (EC) facilitates support for the Élisabeth Brosda Memorial Fund through the Horsepower Foundation – EC’s legacy fundraising program created in partnership with the Canadian Olympic Foundation, to inspire and support Canadians to embrace lifelong participation in equestrian activities.
In honour of Élisabeth, monies donated to the memorial fund are directed specifically to the annual Brosda Olympic Bursary. During the event, Élisabeth’s mother Marie-France Maisonneuve, presented a cheque for $100,000 to be added to the fund.
For more information about the Brosda Family and the Élisabeth Brosda Memorial Fund, please click here.
EC staff Senior Manager, Olympic/Paralympic Program Christine Peters and Program Co-ordinator Para-Dressage Jamie-Ann Goodfellow posing with Élisabeth’s mother Marie-France Maisonneuve.