Equestrian Canada (EC) remembers and extends heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of those stewards, coaches, athletes, volunteers and all community members who passed away in 2021.


Larissa (Iron Lady), the 32-year-old Canadian eventing chestnut mare was owned by Franz and Elke Hollenbach and cared for in her final two years by Sandra Ammonn. The duo of Bruce Mandeville and Larissa (Target x Hemmingway) represented the maple leaf at many international events including the 2000 Sydney and 2004 Athens Olympic Games, 2002 World Equestrian Games and captured a team silver medal at the 2003 Pan American Games – all without cross country jumping penalties.

“Larissa’s life impacted anyone who met her and made everyone, including myself, better horse people, she was one of a kind,” said two-time Olympian Mandeville.


Sharon MacBay, who was from Caledonia, ON, spent time being a FEI Jumping Steward, EC Senior Steward, EC Senior Hunter & Jumper Judge.

“Sharon was a highly respected EC official, holding credentials as a steward and a judge. She first became an EC official in 1993” said Rachel Huebert, EC’s Director, Sport Operations.


Gary Chalmers, St. Lazare, QC, a long-time EC competition organizer and husband of EC/FEI Steward Patricia Chalmers.

EC’s Manager, Eventing Fleur Tipton remembers him as “being a great host of the Harmony Horse Trials and instrumental in helping to continue the development of the sport of Eventing in Quebec and Eastern Canada.”


Eva Maria Pracht, Stouffvile, ON, was the daughter of German Olympian Josef Neckermann and one year after moving to Canada in 1981, Pracht represented her new home country at the World Equestrian Games. In 1984, she made her Olympic debut in Los Angeles, riding Little Joe. Pracht opened Canada’s heart to dressage, hosting the World Championship at her facility, International Equestrian Sport Services Ltd., in Cedar Valley, ON., where Pracht placed in the top three, riding Swedish Warmblood gelding Emirage.

The duo of Emirage and Pracht helped the Canadian Dressage Team win gold at the Indianapolis 1987 Pan American Games before capturing team bronze at the Seoul 1988 Olympics. Pracht continued her successful career coaching other athletes riding for Canada, at the highest level.

In Memoriam: Eva Maria Pracht (1937-2021) (equestrian.ca)

“As an athlete, coach, competition organizer and tireless promoter, she fashioned dressage in Canada into the prosperous sport it is today. We are glad to see many of her students still in the ring, carrying on her teachings and legacy for generations to come” said EC’s CEO Meg Krueger.

In Memoriam: Remembering those we lost in 2021

Eva Maria Pracht and her daughter Martina Pracht attending a dressage event in 2019
Photo Credit: Cealy Tetley


Ultimo (Invasor III x Teodoro), Langley, BC, The 14-year-old para-dressage Andalusian gelding began piloting Winona Hartvikson in 2017 in Tryon, placing second and third in their debut. Ultimo, owned by Hartvikson and Jane MacDonald, represented Canada at the 2018 World Equestrian Games and Ultimo won the top scoring Canadian para-horse. The pair’s last season together was in Wellington in 2019, finishing third and fourth place in the CPEDI 3*.

“Ultimo and Winona were contenders every time they stepped into the ring, their harmony and partnership was always a pleasure to watch. Together, the duo achieved many red ribbon placings, while achieving scores above 73%” said Christine Peters, EC’s Senior Manager, Dressage Olympic/Paralympic Disciplines. “Ultimo will be missed by many and always be cherished as a member of the Canadian Equestrian team”.    

In Memoriam: Remembering those we lost in 2021

Winona Hartvikson and Ultimo competing at the 2018 World Equestrian Games in Tryon
Photo Credit: Cealy Tetley


Robin Hahn, Lumby, BC, was an extremely accomplished equestrian in eventing earning many awards and championships on the national and international stage. Hahn was a three-time Olympian, representing Canada at 1968 Mexico City, 1972 Munich and 1976 Montreal and the 1967 Pan American Games.

“Canada is indebted to Hahn for his contributions to the development of the sport of eventing across the country” said EC Manager, Eventing Fleur Tipton.

In Memoriam: Robin Hahn (1933-2021) (equestrian.ca)


Dixson, a Belgian Warmblood gelding piloted by ten-time Canadian Olympian Ian Millar on many grand prix and Nations Cup wins from 2013 to his retirement in 2018. Dixson (Vigo D Arsouilles Stx x Olisco), who was owned by Ariel Grange of Lothlorien Farm in Cheltenham, ON, helped Millar and the Canadian Show Jumping Team to gold medal on home soil at the 2015 Pan American Games.

“Dixson and Ian’s synergy was impressive to witness, they helped Team Canada secure many wins over the years”. stated Karen Hendry-Ouellette, EC Manager, Jumping. “All of us were very fortunate to share in the tremendous victories produced by this duo. A huge thank you to Ariel Grange and her Team at Lothlorien Farm (past and present) for making Dixson available to the Canadian Show Jumping Team.”

In Memoriam: Dixson (2003 – 2021) (equestrian.ca)

In Memoriam: Remembering those we lost in 2021

Lothlorien Farm and owner Ariel Grange pays tribute passing of Dixson
Photo Credit: Lothlorien Farm Facebook page.


Manfred Rau of London, ON., a dedicated EC Senior National, FEI Judge and Steward. Rau spent over 50 years owning horses, 40 years of officiating at horse shows and putting the wellbeing of horses first.


Harriet Cherry, Ottawa, ON, was presented with the 2018 EC Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her long and illustrious career as an official, which spanned from 1981 until her retirement at the age of 88. Cherry’s influence reached across the country and the globe through numerous EC accreditations, becoming one of Canada’s first FEI stewards in 1993.

“Harriet was a shining light in the Canadian equestrian world and her loss is deeply felt, her tireless work helped lift our sport to new heights and we will continue to honour her legacy for years to come.” said EC CEO, Meg Krueger.

In Memoriam: Harriet Cherry (1931-2021) (equestrian.ca)


Anne Kossatz, Walter Falls, ON, EC Senior Dressage and Hunter/Jumper Steward, as well as an FEI Level 1 for Jumping.

“She had an incredible zest for life and a drive to live it to the fullest. Her love of horses was her passion and she served as a Board Member of Ontario Equestrian as well as a Steward with the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI).”


Fancianna (Fancy), was a Friesian/Andalusian-cross mare owned by Robyn Andrews of St. John, NL. Fancy carried Andrews to success at FEI-level competitions all over the world, including the 2014 Caen World Equestrian Games and 2016 Rio Paralympics. Before retiring from competition in 2018, Fancianna and Andrews would achieve top results and win the EC Para-Dressage Horse of the Year award. Andrews referred to Fancianna as “her legs”, as the beloved bay has taken tremendous care of her rider over the years, and provided Andrews with the opportunity to achieve her wildest dreams

“Fancy was respectful of others, hard-working, and as honest as could be – a true Canadian” said EC’s Para-Dressage Technical Advisor, Clive Milkins. “A reliable team horse who was guaranteed to be safe and always deliver a good performance, she will be truly missed”.

In Memoriam: Remembering those we lost in 2021

Robyn Andrews and Fancianna competing in the individual test at the 2016 Rio Paralympics
Photo Credit: Jon Stroud Media


Deirdre Wright, Belfountain, ON, was an advocate for the preservation of farmland, first easement donor and long-time supporter of Ontario Farmland Trust (OFT). Wright loved being on the farm, moving to her own ‘Belain Farms’ with her late husband in 1970.

Wright once told OFT staff when she started her land protection work that she felt compelled to do something, “When I looked around, I saw lands being used up and farmers losing their properties. I wanted to make a difference and help preserve some green space and farmlands for the future.”


Charmaine Bergman, Prince Albert, SK, was a valued member of the EC Equine Industry Development Committee and a Category C Voting Member. Bergman spent more than 20 years with the Canadian Warmblood Horse Breeders Association (CWHBA), President of the Saskatchewan chapter, National Secretary, Treasurer, senior inspector, and qualified International Young Breeders judge. Her personal connection to the industry included an accomplished dressage rider, a breeder and stallion owner.

“Charmaine was a dedicated horse person, breeder, and advocate for the Canadian Warmblood Horse” said Kristy Laroche, EC’s Director, Active Equine Industry and Development. “As a volunteer she always came to the table with positivity and a solution-based attitude that helped us to accomplish great things especially with the ID and traceability project. Charmaine radiated strength and compassion in everything she did for the horse industry. She was a great friend and is deeply missed at EC.”

In Memoriam: Charmaine Bergman (equestrian.ca)


Julie Tattersall, New Tecumseth, ON, a well-respected equestrian involved in many facets of the industry – as a rider, trainer, coach and breeder of thoroughbreds, Welsh ponies, and hunter-jumpers.

“Julie Tattersall was a great horsewoman whose humor, candor, stories, and love of community will sadly be missed” said Helen Dillon, EC’s Competition Services & Sanctioning. “Her unique and witty charm couldn’t help but bring a smile to every life she touched. My sincerest condolences to her family, and all those that had the honour of knowing her.”

In Memoriam: Remembering those we lost in 2021

Photo Credit: Roadhouse & Rose Funeral Home 


Susan Jamieson, of Red Scarf Equestrian Inc. was involved in various capacities of the equine industry for many years. Jamieson hosted her own radio show about her love of horses, participated on podcasts, and contributed to traditional media and news stories.

“We lost a very passionate and successful entrepreneur in our equestrian community. She provided many amazing conversations and stories to Red Scarf Equestrian Inc. that would be heard all over Canada, she will be missed.” Said EC’s CEO Meg Krueger.

In Memoriam: Remembering those we lost in 2021

Photo Credit: Red Scarf Equestrian Inc. Facebook Page