Canadian show jumping rider Wesley Newlands of Toronto, ON, has purchased Evita van de Veldbalie, a 2004 bay Belgian Warmblood mare (Wandor vd Mispelaere x Clinton).
Under the ownership of Stephex Stables of Belgium, Evita van de Veldbalie competed at the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Normandy, FRA, where she was ridden by Lorenzo de Luca of Italy.
Evita van de Veldbalie experienced great success under the saddle of current World Cup Champion Daniel Deusser of Germany. The pair were members of the winning team in the BMO Nations’ Cup at the 2013 CSIO5* Spruce Meadows “Masters” tournament in Calgary, AB, before winning the Rolex IJRC Top Ten Final at CSI5* Stockholm, SWE. They also scored victories at CSI5* Lyon, FRA, and CSI5*-W Stuttgart, GER, in the fall of 2013.
“I am really excited to add Evita to my string,” said Newlands, 26. “She has experience, and I hope she will help me take my riding to the next level, and hopefully to a red jacket.”
Newlands continued, “When we tried her, she was very brave, very willing, and it seemed like a very good match. I am so fortunate that my parents are able to help me pursue my dreams.”
Newlands trains with John and Beezie Madden, and will be competing throughout the 2015 Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, FL. Having enjoyed a successful career in the High Amateur-Owner Jumper division, Newlands won the $15,000 High Amateur-Owner Classic riding Lapacco during week nine of the highly-competitive 2014 Winter Equestrian Festival. She most recently scored victory for the second year in a row in the opening High Amateur-Owner Jumper competition at CSI2*-W Harrisburg, PA, riding Wieminka B.
