Averill Saunders, Sundre, AB, (Vaulting):
“It’s truly an honour to be named to the World Championships team, marking my fifth time on the Canadian team, I am equally excited and proud to represent my country as I was the previous four. I take pride in breaking new ground for our nation on the international vaulting stage, with my favourite part of the sport is the competition aspect. The atmosphere is incredible, you get this feeling that is unmatched when entering the competition ring for your second-round freestyle. Like all championships, Herning will be exciting and inspiring, I anticipate getting a wealth of new and unique experiences.”
Jody Schloss, Toronto, ON (Para-Dressage):
Photo Credit: Jon Stroud Media
“I am very honoured to be representing Canada in the World Championships in Herning, after putting in a lot of work to qualify. I am so proud of Lieutenant Lobin for proving he is the superstar that he is. I have learned a lot from all international competitions I’ve been part of, I prepare a schedule that we follow, also Lobin and I enter a bubble where I only concentrate on Lobin and think about my ride. We try not to stress, be happy and proud everything Lobin, who is a great traveller, gives me.
Due to the pandemic, the championships have arrived quicky, we had to start training for the qualifiers following the 2020 Paralympics (2021). We have been training in an arena which is the same size as the one in Herning. Lobin will be leaving on July 20, so I will be training on my past Paralympic horse, Inspector Rebus until I leave on August 2 to begin a new adventure.
My advice for aspiring para-equestrians to reach major championships is, don’t let anyone tell you what you can and cannot do, make sure you are safe and keep trying. My second point is that it takes a team to accomplish such a big goal, especially in para sports, make sure to know it isn’t shameful to accept or ask for help.
Thank you also to my coach Karis Van Essen for training Lobin and I, assisting us to qualify for the World Championships.”
Amy Millar, Perth, ON (Jumping):
Photo Credit: Starting Gate Communications
“One of the big things Rio did for me was inspire me. Being able to compete with the world’s best, makes all the hard work we do worth it. It’s important to remember to put everything except championships aside, there is a lot of distractions, but like Rio, I need to block those out and focus on clear rounds. My Dad has been an amazing support to me, watching my videos if he isn’t at the event and we both know Truman very well. The key to our success is the little details, I must take care of them and success will follow.
For those young jumping athletes, it is worth it, you will have great days and terrible days. On the great days, thank everyone who helped you get there because it takes a village, especially thank your horse. On the terrible day, remember you do it because you love the horse. If you are not winning, you are learning and with that attitude you never lose.”
Naima Moreira Laliberté, Outremont, QC, (Dressage)
Photo Credit: Starting Gate Communications
“I’m looking forward to my first world championships, it’s always a surreal experience to represent Canada on the global stage and I’m excited to share the arena with the other top competitors. Lima 2019 was my first time competing in a senior championship and my first season at a Grand Prix with Statesman.
My partnership with Statesman has only grown stronger after competing together, I can’t wait to enter the arena in Herning. We’re going into the World Championships with a desire to produce the best performance we can deliver, alongside Ryan Torkkeli and Sternenwanderer, I am confident in our team to represent the maple leaf.”
For more information on the FEI World Championships – Herning, please click here