The Ontario Equestrian Federation is pleased to announce the riders who will represent the province at the upcoming Canadian Interprovincial Equestrian Championships, taking place in Bromont, Que. from Sept. 21-23.

The Jumping team, coached by Grant Field, who is also the chef d’equipe, is comprised of two junior and two senior riders. The junior riders include Helen Chambers of Oakville on Utopia Belles and Dillon Sambasivam of Toronto on Tradition. Benjamin Eyles of Mississauga on Luczio and Denis Sweeney of Peterborough on Foxworthy are the senior members on the team. In Dressage, Allie Schmidt of Campbellville, is the lone rider representing Ontario. The junior rider will be showing her horse Walkin’ Shoes.

“We wish Team Ontario safe and successful rides at the Canadian Interprovincial Equestrian Championships,” says Dianne Graham, the executive director of the Ontario Equestrian Federation. “It’s exciting to see such talented riders from across the country go head to head.”

Recognized as a pilot project, the Canadian Interprovincial Equestrian Championships is a collaborative event between the national and provincial sport organizations governing equestrian competition. A multi-discipline competition, it is a key event in the development of the next generation of national, international and world champions. In addition to team awards, the Canadian Interprovincial Equestrian Championships honour the individual junior and senior champion in the divisions of Jumper – 1.1 meter,Dressage – Level 1, and Reining.

In 2011, its inaugural year, the competition welcomed riders from six provinces. That number has grown to nine provinces this year, with riders representing Ontario, PEI, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, British Columbia, New Brunswick, Quebec, Alberta and Saskatchewan.

The Ontario Equestrian Federation is providing funding for participants and is working with OEF industry members to secure team uniforms, helmets and other exciting items exclusively for Ontario’s team members. Team Ontario is sponsored by Bucas Ltd., Brubachers Harness Supplies Inc., Equestrian Factory Outlet, Greenhawk, SSG Gloves, System Fencing Limited and Tipperary Equestrian.

“Thank you to everyone who has shown their support for Team Ontario,” says Graham. “We have a very talented group of riders representing this province and they are ready to give their all at this competition.”

For more information, visit the Canadian Interprovincial Equestrian Championships website at www.cec-en.ca