I do declare Part 2 + CDI update

Ariana Chia & Guateque IV (Photo: Susan J. Stickle)

We’re in the midst of another big competition week, with a CDI just wrapped up Wellington, Florida and another set to begin in Del Mar, California. A number of Canadians are striving for Olympic qualifying scores in the CDIs. while more still are shaking off the show rust in the National classes. Last week was also a CPEDI, which means a qualifying opportunity for Canada’s para dressage hopefuls as well.

it’s always worth checking out the scores at Equestrian Hub to see not only which pros are in the mix with which horses, but also to follow the surprising number of Canadian amateurs, young riders and juniors competing south of the border.

On the road to Paris
Camille Carrier Bergeron earned her final minimum score required with longtime partner Sound of Silence. She also had a very strong showing with scores over 70% in the national show with her newer ride, Finlanderin. Ariana Chia earned qualifying scores thanks to a solid performance with Guateque.

On the para dressage side, the lone Canadian competitor in the CPEDI was Lauren Barwick, her first appearance in the international ring since the Tokyo Paralympics and a break to have a baby. Despite a bobble on the first day, she earned solid 70+ scores.

Michelle Mills seems to be the lone Canadian entry in the HITS Del Mar CDI this week; however a few more are testing the waters in the national show.

Olympic qualifying leaderboard
Liz Steacie has very helpfully created an unoffical leaderboard to keep track of Canadians' Olympic qualifying progress, which she will update regularly on her Facebook page. 

​I do declare
this instalment of “I do declare,” the list of Canadian riders who have confirmed their Olympics declaration is a group of riders I’ll call the veterans. They include past Olympians and team members from international events such as the Pan Am Games, World Equestrian Games, World Cup - the ever-present athletes who are always contenders.

In no particular order, today’s declared list includes:
- Jill Irving with Delacroix and Genesis
​- Jacqueline Brooks with Te Amo QOS and Quel Filou
- Tom Dvorak and Cyrus
- David Marcus and Qosmo
- Tina Irwin with Fancy That and Guernsey Elvis
​- Jaimey Irwin with Donegal V and Simsalabim
- Evi Strasser with Deja Vu Tyme and Disney Tyme

I’m also including Tanya Strasser and Fidelis Tyme on this list, although Tanya’s far too young to be considered a veteran. But I can’t mention the mom without the daughter!

​Bonne chance everyone!

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