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2012 Equine Canada Annual Awards Presented During Gala Ceremony
 

February 9, 2013, Ottawa, Ontario --- During its Annual Awards Gala held at the Delta Ottawa City Centre on Friday, February 8, 2013, Equine Canada presented its prestigious annual awards.

 

The recipients of the Equestrian of the Year Award - The Doctor George Jacobsen Trophy; Junior Equestrian of the Year Award - The Gillian Wilson Trophy; the Media Award - Susan Jane Anstey Trophy; The Canadian Bred Horse of the Year Award; Canadian Breeder of the Year Award; the Lifetime Achievement Award; and the Sponsor of the Year; were honoured in front of a sell-out audience.

 

Junior Equestrian of the Year Award - The Gillian Wilson Trophy

 

The Junior Equestrian of the Year Award - The Gillian Wilson Trophy is presented annually to the junior competitor who has made outstanding contributions to equestrian competition and who has exemplified exceptional talent, sportsmanship and dedication to the sport.

For the first time in the award's history, the Junior Equestrian of the Year Award was presented to two very accomplished young riders - CQHA member Haley Franc of Prince Albert, SK and Laurence Blais-T�treault of Montreal, QC.

Haley Franc

(L to R): Wendy Dyer and Haley Franc  

 

At just 14 years of age, Franc has already risen to the top of the discipline of reining. In 2012, Franc, paired with Jacs Shy Boy, her eight-year-old Quarter Horse gelding, was a member of the silver medal winning Canadian Junior Reining Team at the Adequan FEI North American Junior Young Rider Championships (NAJYRC). In the individual final, Franc and Jacs Shy Boy posted a score of 212.00 for their run, which was five marks higher than the silver medalist, American Stephen Timberlaks, to handily win gold. 

"I'd like to thank Equine Canada for recognizing my hard work this year," said Franc. "My thanks also go to my parents, my coach and everyone else who supported me, and to my horse who has been amazing throughout the year. This award is such an honour and it tops off an incredible season."

When presenting Haley with her award, Wendy Dyer, said, "In 2008 Reining was introduced as part of the North American Young Rider Championships and I have been Chef d"Equipe of Reining since. Each year there is always one person who makes a particular impact whether it be their courage, maturity, leadership, or ability.

 

Last year a young lady arrived at the Kentucky Horse Park from Saskatchewan who made such an impact. She quietly learned the FEI protocols, which are like a foreign language for Reiners as we are not used to them. She was always ready to ride at the right time in the correct attire and nobody could fault her in the care of her horse.

 

Harvey Stevens, Haley's coach for the competition, said it is unusual for one so young to be so focused and able to carry through with the instruction received. Her skill, determination, and confidence built each day.

 

An accomplished National Reining Horse Association competitor and qualifier for their finals in Oklahoma City, this young lady was not only a member of the silver medal winning Junior team at the 2012 North American Junior and Young Rider Championships she also won the individual gold medal with such a score that if it was allowed, she would also have won the Young Rider silver medal.

 

Haley Franc well deserves to be jointly presented with the Junior Equestrian of the Year award," concluded Dyer.

   

photo of Haley Franc 

Haley Franc and Jacs Shy Boy

 


CQHA is very proud of member Haley Franc for representing Canada and the discipline of Reining with such professionalism, great success, and for winning this prestigious award from Equine Canada. 

 
For information on the other award winners, click this link to the Equine Canada website  

   

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Source/Source : Julie Cull

Media Relations Coordinator/Coordonnatrice des communications

Equine Canada/Canada Hippique

Tel./T�l. (613) 248-3433 ext./poste 136

E-mail/Courriel : [email protected]

     

About Equine Canada

 

Equine Canada is Canada's national governing body for equestrianism. A member-driven, charitable institution, it is the executive branch of the Canadian Equestrian Team, and the national authority for equestrian competition; the national voice for recreational riders; and the national association for equine welfare, breeding, and industry. Equine Canada is recognized by the Government of Canada, the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), and the Canadian Olympic Committee as the national organization representing equestrian sport and equine interests. For more information about Equine Canada, please visit www.equinecanada.ca.

 


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Through AQHA Affiliate Grants, MBNA Canada supports grassroots programs in Canada that directly benefit AQHA members. Each year, AQHA Affiliates receive funding to enhance or develop services for shows, races, youth activities, educational programs, public policy and recreational riding. Financial support from MBNA Canada benefits virtually every member program offered by AQHA.  

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For more information on MBNA Canada or their services, call 1-877-428-6060