Team Canada at the Rancho Murieta CPEDI 3* (L to R: Teressa Allwood (Athlete Support) with Rufus and Tristiana Allwood (Athlete), Chef d'Equipe Elizabeth Quigg, Tammy Van Samang (Horse Owner), Vi McKenzie (Athlete Support), Kaelyn Van Samang, Lexington Star Bright, Jennifer McKenzie (Athlete), Monique Fraser (Personal Coach), Sarah Cummings (Athlete), West Bay and Jo Cummings (Athlete Support). Photo by Monique Fraser
Team Canada at the Rancho Murieta CPEDI 3* (L to R: Teressa Allwood (Athlete Support) with Rufus and Tristiana Allwood (Athlete), Chef d'Equipe Elizabeth Quigg, Tammy Van Samang (Horse Owner), Vi McKenzie (Athlete Support), Kaelyn Van Samang, Lexington Star Bright, Jennifer McKenzie (Athlete), Monique Fraser (Personal Coach), Sarah Cummings (Athlete), West Bay and Jo Cummings (Athlete Support). Photo by Monique Fraser

Canadian Para-Dressage riders overcame soaring temperatures to compete for Canada at the Rancho Murieta CPEDI 3*, held June 12-14 in Rancho Murieta, Calif.

Three riders, all hailing from British Columbia, competed for Canada throughout the weekend. Canadian Paralympian Jennifer McKenzie of Maple Ridge was the team veteran, with Tristiana Allwood of 100 Mile House, and Sarah Cummings of Cranbrook competing at the international level for the first time. The riders were led by Para-Equestrian Canada (PEC) Chef d’Équipe, Elizabeth Quigg of Stouffville, Ont.

After settling in at the beautiful Murieta Equestrian Center and completing the horse inspection, all three riders headed into competition on June 12.

Despite dealing with a heat wave that settled on the Rancho Murieta area, McKenzie started off her weekend with a second place finish in the Grade II Team Test on a score of 64.216%. Her mount was the recently acquired Lexington Star Bright (OA Tango x Warn), an eight-year-old Warlander mare owned by Tammy Van Samang. The duo continued to earn second place ribbons across the division after scoring 60.952% in the Grade II Individual Test on June 13, and closing out with a score of 64.250% in the Freestyle on June 14.

“I had a wonderful experience on a fantastic horse this weekend,” said McKenzie of her experience at Rancho Murieta, which marked her return to the CPEDI-level after having taken a few years off from competing internationally.

Allwood and Cummings rode into the ring for their inaugural CPEDI 3* class on June 12. Paired with Rufus, a 17-year-old Thoroughbred gelding sire by Katahaaula County and owned by Sue Willis, Allwood rode to a score of 61.009% for third place. Cummings wasn’t far behind, taking fourth place aboard her 11-year-old Oldenburg mare, West Bay.

“It was a big leap into international competition, but overall this was a good experience for me,” commented Cummings.

The following day saw Allwood and Rufus add another third place to their collection, this time in the Grade III Individual Test with a score of 60.732%, while Cummings held her fourth place position with West Bay.

“It was a great learning experience,” Allwood said at the close of the competition. “I was able to get two FEI qualifies scores, which was great. I also saw the quality and training level the horses must be at to work toward higher scores, and I will take this information home with me.”

On June 14, Allwood wrapped up her division with a third place finish in the Grade III Freestyle (58.583%).

“With temperatures reaching 108 F, I was happy and proud that everyone got through their tests without incident,” said Quigg. “This was a team with two young horse/rider combinations riding for Canada for the first time, and Para-Equestrian Canada is proud to see these young people moving up the ranks.”

For more information on the Rancho Murieta CPEDI3*, visit www.goldenstatedressage.com.