National Dressage and Para Dressage Championships – West Division Crowns its Champions

Eleonore Elstone & Szecrecy HP © Marion Cox Photography

Ottawa, October 19, 2026 –The 2026 National Dressage and Para Dressage Championships – West concluded at Thunderbird Show Park last weekend. Twenty-five West Champion Titles were awarded from Training Junior through Para Dressage Grade V Grand Prix levels. Among the winners, the 2026 North American Youth Championship (NAYC) medalists Estella Gosniak & Impact and Alison Campbell-Wright & Vintage were celebrated victory in their respective divisions.

Earlier in the week, Canada’s dressage community had suffered a great shock with the loss of three horses and injury to a fourth, in a devastating accident while traveling to the Championships from Alberta.

“The 2026 Dressage and Para Dressage National Championships (West) was a powerful reminder of the strength, compassion, and resilience of our equestrian community,” commented Christine Peters, EC’s senior manager of Dressage and Para dressage.

“Following such a tragic start to the week, it was incredibly moving to see everyone come together to support one another, while continuing to celebrate the outstanding performances, special moments, and lasting memories that make these Championships so meaningful.

“On behalf of Equestrian Canada, I want to extend my sincere gratitude to everyone who contributed to making this event such a positive experience for our athletes, horses, owners, coaches, volunteers, officials, and the broader equestrian community. Your support, generosity, and dedication throughout the week demonstrated the very best of our sport.

“Congratulations to all of our champions and to every participant who helped make this event so special. We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to bring the National Championships back to the West and to host them at this outstanding venue. Most importantly, we are proud of a community that continues to show up for one another, celebrate excellence, and find strength in coming together, even in the most difficult of circumstances.”

The Red & White fundraiser held on the Friday evening was transitioned to a fundraiser to support those affected by the tragic accident. Our community has been overwhelming in their support, and with so many wishing to contribute, the donations portal will remain open for at least one more week. For anyone wishing to donate, please click HERE.

With the East and the West Championships now concluded, the results are being tallied to determine who will be named the overall Equestrian Canada National Dressage and Para Dressage Champions for 2026. Watch this space!

Ella Gieselmann & Hendrix © Marion Cox Photography

Rylee Ste Croix & Simply Ailsa © Marion Cox Photography

EC National Dressage and Para Dressage Championships – West Division

TRAINING LEVEL JUNIOR
Champion: Sabina Dobrescu (BC) & Neon Lights

TRAINING LEVEL AMATEUR
Champion: Jesse Fountian (BC) & HaveFaith

TRAINING LEVEL OPEN
Champion: Jessica Hannah (BC) & Mastroianna

FIRST LEVEL JUNIOR
Champion: Rylee Ste Croix (AB) & Simply Ailsa

FIRST LEVEL AMATEUR
Champion: Curtis Lindballe (BC) & Razzbuten HT

FIRST LEVEL OPEN
Champion : Jessica Marquis (BC) & Vivacious II

SECOND LEVEL AMATEUR
Champion: Ann Wallin (BC) & Athena

SECOND LEVEL OPEN
Champion : Marcie Doyle (BC) & L’aza

THIRD LEVEL AMATEUR
Champion: Alana Hilton (BC) & Beaujolais WS

THIRD LEVEL OPEN
Champion: Pia Virginia Fortmuller (AB) &O’Marin

FOURTH LEVEL JUNIOR
Champion: Rosalie Richards (BC) & Zorro JRB

FOURTH LEVEL AMATEUR
Champion: Aynsley Foss (AB) &Jivago

FOURTH LEVEL OPEN
Champion: Scarlett Solymosi (BC) & Samson

FEI CHILDREN
Champion: Estella Gosniak (BC) & Impact

FEI JUNIOR
Champion: Jade Smith (BC) & Fabio DC

FEI YOUNG RIDER
Champion: Alison Campbell-Wright (BC) & Vintage

FEI SMALL TOUR AMATEUR
Champion:Valerie Maks (BC) & Fruhlingsstern

FEI SMALL TOUR OPEN
Champion: Pia Virginia Fortmuller (AB) &Fireball

FEI MEDIUM TOUR OPEN
Champion: Eiren Crawford (BC) & Hendrix

FEI BIG TOUR AMATEUR
Champion: Linda Houweling (BC) & Dos Amigos OLD

FEI BIG TOUR OPEN
Champion : Erin Silo (BC) & Jett

PARA DRESSAGE GRADE III GRAND PRIX
Champion : Ella Gieselmann (BC) & Hendrix

PARA DRESSAGE GRADE IV INTERMEDIATE
Champion: Crystal Meier (BC) & Zorano

PARA DRESSAGE GRADE IV GRAND PRIX
Champion: Calla Gross (SK) & Lady Lark

PARA DRESSAGE GRADE V GRAND PRIX
Champion: Eleonore Elstone (BC) & Szecrecy HP

About Equestrian Canada

Equestrian Canada (EC) is the national governing body for equestrian sport and industry in Canada, with a mandate to represent, promote and advance all equine and equestrian interests. With over 15,000 sport licence holders, 7500 horses, 11 provincial/territorial sport organization partners and 10+ national equine affiliate organizations, EC is a significant contributor to the social, physical, emotional and economic wellbeing of the equestrian industry across Canada. As a Registered Canadian Amateur Athletic Association (RCAAA) EC is able to issue tax receipts for donations. EC thanks the Government of Canada for their financial support.

Team Canada is supported by Mad Barn, Ecclestone Horse Transport Inc. (EHT), 4CYTE™, the Government of Canada, the Canadian Olympic Committee, the Canadian Paralympic Committee and Own the Podium.

For more information

Michelle Dunn
Equestrian Canada
Media & Communications Manager
mdunn@equestrian.ca