Ottawa, ON, Nov. 6, 2024 – Equestrian Canada (EC) is pleased to announce that Brooke Mancusi of Chambly, QC, is the recipient of the prestigious Orion Cup Award for 2024. Riding new partner DeJohn Ymas, Mancusi earned a qualifying average of 65.103% at the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) Under 25 (U25) level.
The Orion Cup was created in memory of one of Canada’s most well-known equine dressage stars – Orion.
Presented to a promising dressage athlete in the process of transitioning from the Young Rider level to Grand Prix, the Orion Cup is open to Canadian dressage riders aged 16 to 25. The award is given to the rider with the highest average of three scores from the U25 Grand Prix level. Scores obtained at CDI level competitions receive a 1% bonus. The program encourages young athletes to focus on training and planning at an elite level, with tangible goals and confidence.
This recognition is particularly impressive given that Mancusi began riding DeJohn Ymas in the spring of 2024. DeJohn Ymas (Johnson TN x Saloniki x Sandro Hit), is a KWPN gelding owned by BM Dressage.
Having quickly formed a strong bond with “Johnny,” as he’s affectionately called, Mancusi achieved her first qualifying score just weeks into their partnership. This notable accomplishment took place on April 13 at the Grand Prix 16-25 during the Gold Coast Finale I, a well-regarded national show in Florida.
Brooke Mancusi of Chambly, QC, is presented the prestigious Orion Cup Award for 2024 by Pia Fortmüller
Photo:Cealy Tetley
The young partnership continued to excel, earning additional scores at the CDI-U25 event held alongside the North American Youth Championships at Flintfields Horse Park in Michigan, as well as at the Bromont CDI-U25 event.
On earning the 2024 Orion Cup Championship Brooke had the following to say: “I am so grateful to have been selected as the 2024 Orion Cup National Champion. Thank you, Equestrian Canada, and particularly Pia Fortmüller for supporting and encouraging young Canadian athletes transitioning to the Grand Prix level, while continuing to acknowledge this special horse, Orion. It is an honour as an upcoming athlete to be included with the esteemed group of previous recipients, who continue to represent Canada on the world stage in the sport of Dressage. It truly takes a village and I am blessed to have such wonderful support from my family, friends and coach/trainer and mentor Brittany Fraser-Beaulieu. Winning this award encourages me to continue pursuing my dreams.”
About Orion: Orion (Jazz x Consul), a 1996 Dutch Warmblood gelding, was an Olympic Team horse for Canada and was trained to the advanced level by Pia Fortmüller’s former coach, Leslie Reid, who rode Orion at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. In 2009, Fortmüller took over the ride on this incredibly talented horse. The pair would go on to compete at the Grand Prix level, culminating with their selection as the reserve combination for the London 2012 Olympic Games. Sadly, Orion died at the start of 2014. His passing was a devastating loss to Fortmüller and her family, as well as the Canadian Dressage Team.