145 Canadians currently hold FEI Officials status (not including veterinarians), with 11 receiving promotions in 2019*:
- Joanne Bouwhuis (FEI Para-Dressage Judge 3*) – Oshawa, ON
- Brenda Casement (FEI Endurance Judge 2* & FEI Endurance Technical Delegate 2*) – Foam Lake, SK
- Sue Foell (FEI Para-Driving Classifier 1) – Sharon, ON
- Cindy Gerred (FEI Jumping Judge 2) – Toronto, ON
- Peter Gray (FEI Eventing Judge 3) – Orangeville, ON
- Angela Lavallee (FEI Endurance Steward 1 & FEI Endurance Technical Delegate 2*) – Anola, MB
- Maura Leahy (FEI Endurance Steward 3) – Springfield, MB
- Lynne Milford (FEI Dressage Steward 2*) – Lindsay, ON
- Lynda Ramsay (FEI Eventing Judge 2) – Kelowna, BC
- Lorne Robertson (FEI Jumping Judge 3) – Calgary, AB
- Birgit Valkenborg (FEI Dressage Judge 3*) – Hudson, QC
*The FEI Officials Status in parenthesis represents 2019 promotions, not the full list of FEI Officials statuses held by each individual.
“I wanted to be a part of the solution helping educate and administer fair play, and advocate for the welfare of the competition horse,” said Angela Lavallee of her decision to become an FEI Official. She is not only an FEI Endurance Judge 2*, Steward 1 and Technical Delegate 2*, but also an active athlete competing at the CEI 2* 120km level. “I also wanted to learn from other officials and experts in the field. As a competitor, I have learned from other competitors, trainers and horse owners; as an official, I want to continue learning from veterinarians, organizers, ride managers and other support people in endurance. With the certification to work in three different roles, I get the chance to experience several different facets of the whole big picture.”
“Officiating as an FEI judge has given me a chance to stay active in the sport in which I have been so passionate all of my life,” commented Peter Gray, who has now achieved the highest credential for international eventing judges, and officiates across North America and Europe. “The process getting to a Level 3 Eventing Judge has been a fantastic learning pathway and one that I have enjoyed every second of the way. It has been a journey of education, which I love, but also hard work. I am proud to have achieved the top level of international judge, and at every competition I strive to maintain the highest standard of judging, sportsmanship and fairness.”
Achieving FEI status requires a significant commitment, with travel to competition and promotions courses held overseas. Equestrian Canada (EC) is extremely grateful for the dedication of these Canadians, and congratulates them on their hard-earned and well-deserved promotions.
In addition to welcoming several new FEI Officials in 2019, EC also extends heartfelt congratulations and thanks to two pillars of the Canadian officiating community upon their retirements.
In April, Harriet Cherry of Ottawa, ON, capped off nearly four decades of service as an instrumental developer of the stewards program in Canada and beyond. She was awarded the 2018 Lifetime Achievement Award by EC in recognition of her illustrious career as an official, which spanned from 1981 until her retirement from her role as FEI Jumping Steward 3 at the age of 88.
Harriet’s fabulous sense of humour, unwavering moral compass and impeccable knowledge of the rules led to her presence being heavily requested at both local and international competitions. She was incredibly sought-after as a clinician and mentor, and remains greatly respected and admired by her peers. The level of participation that Harriet sustained for nearly four decades as an official has been essential to the facilitation and growth of equestrian competition.
Karen Ashby of Vancouver, BC, retired from her role as FEI Dressage & Jumping Steward 2 in November 2019. Over nine years as an FEI Official, she brought her positivity and enthusiasm for equestrian sport to prestigious events such as the CSIO 5* Nations Cup at Thunderbird Show Park in Langley, BC, from 2016 to 2019, and acted as the Chief Steward at CDI 3* competitions across Ontario for seven years. Karen also served on the 2015 Pan American Games Dressage Steward Team, as well as the Appeal Committee for the Vancouver CSI 4*-W in 2018 and 2019.
Reminiscing on her favourite moments from her FEI career, Karen recalled, “the early mornings when the air is crisp, the grounds and rings are freshly groomed and pristine; the sun has just barely risen there is a peacefulness… before the chaos of the competition.” She also spoke fondly of her associations with the International Jumping Officials’ Club and International Dressage Officials’ Club, as well as “the friendships formed over the years with other international officials at educational courses and competitions.”
Karen concluded, “It is a long road to achieve FEI status in any discipline, but it is so worth the investment of time and effort. A passion for horses and our sport is a must! I have great memories and had such fun at the shows over the years, and would encourage anyone with a similar passion to just go for it!”
Feeling inspired? Learn about becoming an official at www.equestrian.ca/programs-services/officials.