February 21, 2025 – Ottawa, ON – In recognition of the challenges young riders face as they strive to continue their education while competing at high levels of the jumping sport, the Jumping Youth Bursary was developed for athletes between the ages 14-21 who compete in hunter, jumper and equitation divisions. The program is made possible through a generous donation by Mark Samuel, Kevin Sanford and the Samuel-Sanford family. Athletes are chosen at the end of each competition season.
The following athletes have each been awarded $1875 through the Jumping Youth Bursary in recognition of their hard work and dedication:
Bryn Harvey (18), resides in Maple Ridge, BC. Bryn rides with Ashley Papalia, and hopes to compete in the U25 division this year. She doesn’t have any post-secondary education plans yet, but has a strong interest in forensic sciences or may pursue a career as an air traffic controller.
Photo: Bryn riding Caprice KWZ at Thunderbird Show Park.
Photo Credit: Totem Photographics
Camille Ducap-Harnois (19), resides in Saint-Liguori, QC and rides with Bianca Lafontaine. Camille hopes to compete in the U25 division and will be starting her bachelor’s in administration in the management of Human Resources.
Photo: Camille riding Kyaklahoma VDL at Wesley Clover Parks.
Photo Credit: Ben Radvanyi
Colby Winther Konig (17), resides in Prince George, BC, and rides with Sorine Winther and Lindsey Paton Garner. Colby is planning to work on developing some young horses and attending post secondary school in the USA, as well as riding on a Division 1 team.
Photo: Colby riding Lein at Thunderbird Show Park.
Photo Credit: Quinn Saunders
Darby Cook (15), resides in Edmonton, AB. Darby rides with Christine Ilnicki, hoping to one day compete in the Olympics or Asian Games. Darby will attend the University of Alberta to earn a Bachelor of Science in nursing.
Photo: Darby riding Allwynds Valherro at Amberlea Meadows.
Photo Credit: S.C.apturing The Moment Photography
Laila Simon (16), resides in Cowansville, QC, and rides with Cynthia Labrecque. She aspires to be named to a NAYC team and compete on the U25 circuit in the hopes of jumping some National Grand Prix classes in the coming years. She also plans to study law after completing high school and some pre-university courses.
Photo: Laila riding Ex Aequo de Sorto at World Equestrian Centre Ocala.
Photo Credit: Andrew Ryback Photography
Lindsay Iacovellio (18), resides in North Vancouver, BC,and rides with Rodney Tulloch. She hopes to focus on the hunter derbies, U25 and NAYC, and plans to attend the University of British Columbia for the Sauder School of Business program.
Photo: Lindsay riding Easy Rock at the Royal West.
Photo Credit: Rylee Smolarchuk
Riley Denoon (21), resides in Guelph, ON. Riley rides with Heather MacInnis, hopes to compete at the 1.10m level and apply for the GRIT program. Riley is currently in the Health Sciences Program at McMaster University.
Photo: Riley riding Vicery B at Ten Sixty Stables.
Photo Credit: Melanie Denoon
Trista Sillers (19), resides in Sherwood Park, AB, and rides with Shauna Cook. Trista has the goal of jumping in the Grand Prix and FEI classes long term, but short term would like to work towards the U25 and NAYC. Trista is looking to work in real estate as it would give the flexibility to continue working towards her riding goals.
Photo: Trista riding Scribble at Thunderbird Show Park.
Photo Credit: Kim Gaudry
About the Jumping Youth Bursary
Each year, the Youth Bursary Committee selects recipients of the Jumping Youth Bursary program based on the strength of applications received. Elements considered in the application process include a transcript of grades and outline of academic curriculum; future educational plans; equestrian experience; commitment and dedication to their sport; a positive image within the sport; achievement of notable competition results, whether at the local, regional or national level; goals within the equestrian industry; and financial need.
For additional details regarding the Jumping Youth Bursary Program, please visit equestrian.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Jumping-Youth-Bursary-Program.pdf