Equestrian Canada (EC) is excited to announce the High Point Champions from the 2024 Para Dressage Video Competition Series. This year’s competition saw para equestrians from across Canada showcasing their skills and dedication by submitting their competition videos to earn top positions across multiple divisions.
Riders from coast-to-coast demonstrated incredible talent and commitment, with standout individual winners including Matthew Bodach (ON), Micah Klein (ON), Ella Gieselmann (BC) and Avery Wilkinson (BC). These athletes have proven their excellence in the sport and are being recognized for their hard work and achievements.
The Para Dressage Video Competition Series provided these riders with a platform to compete and gain valuable feedback, furthering their development and promoting the sport of Para Dressage across Canada.
Jamie-Ann Goodfellow, program coordinator, Para Dressage remarked: “The High Point Championships are a celebration of the incredible dedication, passion, and progress of everyone involved. It’s about more than just winning – it’s about recognizing the growth and achievements of each rider, coach, and team member. Every milestone reached and every challenge overcome is a victory, and together we celebrate the continued success of Para Dressage.
“Congratulations to all our award winners! Your hard work and commitment have truly shone, and we are thrilled to celebrate you! We eagerly look forward to the exciting season ahead in 2025.”
The following are the High Point Champions from the 2024 EC Para Dressage Video Competition Series:
Division 1: Matthew Bodach from Hope Haven Therapeutic Riding Centre, riding Deere Country Gaben from The Blue Mountains, ON.
Matthew Bodach and Deere Country Gaben
Photo Credit: Danielle Caswell
Matthew has been riding at Hope Haven Therapeutic Riding Centre for five years. He participates in Para Dressage video competitions because he feels he performs well in them. Winning this award means a lot to Matthew, as it makes him feel “excellent.” His ultimate goal is to compete at the Paralympics. Matthew is thankful for the support of his coach, Danielle Caswell, Director of Operations Robyn Allen, and his parents. His advice to those starting their Para Dressage journey is simple: “Keep going.”
Division 3: Micah Klein from Serendipity Stables, riding Sugar Crush from Newmarket, ON.
Micah Klein and Sugar Crush
Photo Credit: Mandy Klein
Micah has been riding since the age of four and currently trains at Serendipity Stables. Micah became involved in the Para Dressage video competitions because they offer a more affordable, less stressful, and accessible alternative to in-person shows. Winning this award has shown that with continuous effort, more can be achieved than originally thought possible. Micah is incredibly grateful to coach Linda Weldon and mom Mandy Klein for their unwavering support. Micah’s advice for those starting their para-dressage journey is to find a coach who understands or is willing to learn about specific adaptations. It’s also important to find a horse that’s a good match — school horses and therapeutic riding horses are often fantastic options.
Division 4: Ella Gieselmann from Southlands Riding Club, riding Hendrix from Vancouver, BC.
Ella Gieselmann and Hendrix
Photo Credit: Antoinette Giesen
Ella Gieselmann is from Vancouver, BC, and has been riding for six years at Southlands Riding Club. Ella got involved in Para Dressage video competitions because she liked the idea of exploring para tests in a familiar ring, where she and her horse Hendrix, feel most comfortable. Since there are limited local opportunities to compete in para classes, she saw video competitions as a great way to gain experience. Winning this award means a lot to Ella — it serves as a reminder that she and Hendrix are on the right track and gives her a sense of belonging in the para dressage community. Looking ahead, her goal is to see how far she and Hendrix can go together in the sport, with the dream of representing Canada in international competition one day. She is deeply grateful for the unwavering support of her family, who are always there to encourage her and help care for Hendrix, as well as her coach, Amelia Butler, who has always believed in her abilities as a rider, even when she was riding her 12hh pony, Hocus Pocus. Ella also appreciates the many mentors and helpers who have guided her along the way, and she wants to acknowledge Equestrian Canada for all the support they provide to para riders. For anyone starting their para dressage journey, she advises not to worry if you don’t have the perfect horse or if progress feels slow at first. Every small step forward counts, and eventually, the results will come. Most importantly, she encourages riders to enjoy their time with their horses, as that’s what truly matters!
Division 6: Avery Wilkinson from Kamloops Therapeutic Riding Centre, riding Beni Sango from Kamloops, BC.
Avery Wilkinson and Beni Sango
Photo Credit: Brandy Wilkinson
Avery Wilkinson is from Kamloops, British Columbia, and rides at the Kamloops Therapeutic Riding Association (KTRA). With eight years of riding experience, Avery credits coach Ashley Sudds for encouraging participation in video competitions to broaden opportunities and receive valuable feedback on dressage skills. Winning this award brings immense pride for the hard work invested in improving abilities. Deep gratitude is felt toward Ashley Sudds, as well as the other instructors and guest coaches who have shared their knowledge and passion, inspiring the best effort. Advice for those starting their para dressage journey is to have fun and always maintain a positive mindset.
High Point Centre: Hope Haven Therapeutic Riding Centre – Markdale, ON
The year-long video competition that concluded in October, allowed athletes to experience competition conditions in the comfort of their home stable and on a familiar horse.
Hope Haven out of Markdale, ON earned the most points during the series to top the leader board and earn their position as High Point Riding Center Champions for 2024. The riding centre has been providing therapeutic riding to individuals in Ontario for 14 years and had six competitors in the 2024 video competition season.
Coach Feature – Danielle Caswell (Tara, ON) from Hope Haven Therapeutic Riding Centre.
Danielle has been riding for 13 years and coaching for four years. As a PATH Intl certified therapeutic riding instructor and an Equestrian Canada licensed competition coach, she has built a strong foundation in equestrian education. Hope Haven’s involvement in Para Dressage video competitions was inspired by the opportunity to prepare riders for in-person competitions, allowing them to receive feedback from judges and become familiar with the competition process without the pressure of traveling off-property. These virtual competitions have played a key role in the centre’s success, even helping Hope Haven’s show team transition to the Caledon Dressage show series. Winning the High Point Centre award is a significant honor for Hope Haven, recognizing the hard work and dedication of their riders. The centre’s future goals include advancing riders through the Para Dressage levels, with the hope of seeing them at the top of the sport. For those starting their Para Dressage journey, Danielle advises immersing oneself in the community, seeking out resources like virtual competitions, and connecting with experienced coaches or facilities to overcome barriers and move forward in the sport.
To be eligible for a High Point Championship in 2024, an athlete or centre must have entered a minimum of four competitions over the course of the year’s series. Athletes and centres earn points for placings in their division throughout the season, and points are tallied at the end of the year to determine the Champions.
Everyone at Equestrian Canada congratulates the 2024 High Point Champions and all the competitors on their resilience and dedication to excellence through another season.
We look forward to seeing them continue to thrive in future competitions!
We would like to sincerely thank Leveza for their generous support in providing items at a discounted rate for the High Point awards. Your contribution is truly appreciated! In the photos, you’ll see the beautiful Leveza jackets and saddle pads.
