From the Desk of Sport Operations: Behind-the-Scenes with the Renewals Team

Alexandra Henry (British Columbia)

As Sport Licence and Competitions Coordinator, I am usually the first point of contact for people in the areas of sport licences and horse recordings. My goal is to ensure that anyone in the equestrian community can access and purchase everything they need to successfully enter and compete at EC sanctioned competitions across Canada.

My favourite part of this job is helping people purchase their first sport licence or horse recording as it is often accompanied by the excitement of an athlete or horse attending their first show. As an athlete myself and from my time as a show jumping rider and groom in Europe, I know how exciting and nerve-wracking a first show (or 50th) can be!

No matter what the question, I am here to help walk anyone through the steps and details involved with their first licence purchase, recording or renewal. Every question is a good question, and I guarantee it has been asked before. Here’s to a wonderful 2022 season!

Kelsey McDonell (British Columbia)

My role as the Coordinator of FEI Athlete Services is to support Canadian equestrian athletes competing in FEI events around the world; ensuring their sport licences, registrations and horse’s documents are valid and up-to-date so entries can be submitted for review and submission. I work closely with Katie and Alexandra in Sport Operations as well as members of the High-Performance team.

With my experience of managing an FEI level show jumping barn here in BC for ten years and showing my horse Tino up to the 1.30m jumpers, I have been where you are! I liaise directly with the FEI, other National Federations, and horse show organizers to ensure our athletes have current information regarding status of entries, registrations, and FEI calendar changes. Whether it is your first time showing at the FEI level or you are a seasoned international competitor, I am here to help you with whatever inquires you have.

For our team to serve you better, we recommend ensuring you have all important information ready when reaching out to us. This includes your sport licence number, horse recording, full name, contact information or FEI document number or as much information about as possible. I look forward to helping you get ready for your 2022 show season!

Katie Heier (Ontario)

Although my official title is Sport Licenses and Competitions Coordinator, my main focus is FEI horse documentation. But for renewals, I can help with anything! Having been lucky enough to show my own mare Tallulah up to the silver level, I understand how the renewals process can sometimes feel onerous. Whether someone is travelling south to show in FEI level classes throughout the winter, or is planning their first show season next year, my goal is to provide support in any way I can.

For those showing at the FEI level, I process requests such as ownership changes, revalidations, and new documents. I am especially focused on providing support to newer owners and lessees who may find the FEI requirements challenging. The best advice I can provide for any FEI horse documents is to plan in advance!

I have worked at veterinary hospitals, equestrian facilities and do braiding for shows throughout the summer, so there is not much I haven’t seen when it comes to horses, owners, riders, or drivers. I am hopeful that together with my colleagues, we can make the preparation for the 2022 season as straightforward as possible for everyone. I look forward to seeing all the perfect ponies’ info come in! 

Sylvie Tanguay (Alberta)

I am the Coordinator for Coaching at EC but provide Francophone supports to the team with sport licence purchases and renewals. I have been working at EC since March 2021 and have enjoyed every moment of it. Although I am newer to the equestrian world, I am so fascinated by everything I have been learning so far.

I have a background in sport from the Olympic Oval in Calgary and specifically with guest services and international relations. I’m also the mother of a former competitive Canadian athlete, so I know first-hand all that it takes from both the athlete and their supports to prepare for competition.

Over the past nine months I have been interacting with coaches, athletes and the equestrian community through our Safe Sport and coaching programs. I am really looking forward to assisting everyone with sport licence renewals this year.

The Sport Operations team is looking forward to supporting our equestrian community through the renewals process and ensuring everyone is ready for the 2022 season!

For any questions, please contact sportlicences@equestrian.ca.