Ottawa, ON – Equine Canada has named Lauren Barwick of Aldergrove, BC, as the inaugural recipient of the Equine Canada President’s award.

As an individual gold and individual silver medalist at the 2008 Paralympic Games, Barwick is not only Canada’s most successful para-equestrian athlete in history, but is also a powerful ambassador for equestrian sport.

A two-time Paralympian, Barwick was named as the 2004 Equine Canada Equestrian of the Year based on her outstanding accomplishments at the 2004 Paralympic Games and was appointed Equine Canada’s official Spokesperson for Horse Week 2009. In recognition of Barwick’s recent international accomplishments, she was also selected as a Canadian torchbearer for the 2010 Olympic Games.

In addition to her competitive success, Barwick has been a leader and a role model within the equestrian community—assisting younger athletes with their competitive pursuits, sharing her experiences, and offering a unique athlete perspective.

Barwick is the pinnacle of a team player, who has consistently helped fellow Canadian competitors achieve their own excellence, and has even offered the use of her horses to fellow Canadian team members for the benefit of our country.

An extraordinary horsewomen, Barwick is known internationally for her training partnerships and her skill in riding horses of all levels to their highest abilities. Lauren has also been a key volunteer spokesperson for Equine Canada/Para-Equestrian Canada, graciously representing the organization at various functions, sponsor events, clinics, and workshops as a competitor, trainer or mentor. She has contributed greatly to the early organization of Para-Equestrian Canada and was a member of the interim Board that brought Para-Equestrian into Equine Canada as a recognized discipline.

As a world leader who has reached the highest pinnacle of success in her sport, Equine Canada awarded Barwick with the 2009 Equine Canada President’s Award at the Equine Canada Annual Awards Gala on Saturday, February 6, in Ottawa, ON.