With a total of 159 attendees treated to a fantastic learning experience, the Jump Canada Symposium held on November 18 and 19 at Thunderbird Show Park in Langley, BC, was a resounding success.
A packed two days, led by Linda Allen, an FEI 4* course designer, and Julie Winkel, a Registered USEF judge, featured 16 top riders and horses demonstrating showing hunters on the line and over fences, riding Derby courses, executing jumper courses and jump-offs, using gymnastics to improve horses and so much more. Throughout the Symposium, Allen and Winkel were more than willing to answer questions from the audience, and were eager to share their wealth of knowledge.
“Jump Canada is committed to improving our sport by providing educational opportunities for both rider and their horse,” said Lindy Welsby, chair, Jump Canada Athlete and Domestic Development Committee. “The symposium created a terrific learning atmosphere where the participants could interact, listen and learn from top professionals and two of the best clinicians in our sport. Quality events like this are key to building success of our hunter and jumper riders across Canada, by putting an emphasis on learning and development and not just competing.”
In addition Dr. Antonio Cruz gave an informative talk about the veterinary side of the competition horse, and during the lunch hour many presenters spoke on topics such as shoeing, footing, clipping, coaching information, tack fitting and schooling exercises over low obstacles.
“I would like to thank Claudia Cojocar, who planned and organized the program, along with her on-site team, Jane Tidball and Chris Pack of Thunderbird Show Park for their facility and team work, along with Barbara Mitchell of the Athlete and Domestic Development Committee. Also a special thank you goes to Equine Canada staff member Ashley Raaymakers for her administration of the Symposium,” added Welsby.
“The Symposium covered so many aspects of training the rider and the horse — both hunter and jumper — that everyone who attended was sure to have added a great deal of knowledge to his or her repertoire,” said Barbara Mitchell.
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