p>Dressage Canada has unfortunately announced that Neil Ishoy has regretfully declined to participate at the World Equestrian Games (WEG) this September.
“After careful consideration we feel that Andiamo Tyme is not yet in the required condition needed to participate at this level of competition,” said Ishoy. “I would like to thank everyone for their continued support and wish the Canadian Dressage Team the absolute best of luck and success in their endeavours in Spain.”
Replacing Ishoy on the team will Ms. Belinda Trussell of Stouffville, ON, riding Royan II.
“I am very sad to hear about Neil’s withdrawal from this event but I am thrilled at the opportunity to represent Canada in his absence” Noted Trussell. “Royan II and I continue to get to know each other more every day and we have remained in training for this competition. I feel confidant that he will meet all my expectations at WEG.”
Trussell and Royan II have had a fantastic season winning the Grand Prix freestyle and placing second in the Grand Prix at the Spring in to Dressage Show at Palgrave, ON. Also, the duo placed second in both the Grand Prix and the Grand Prix Freestyle at the CDI*** in Cincinnati, OH, earlier this year. They capped off their qualification with a Gold medal in the Grand Prix Team competition at the Coupe des Ameriques in Blainville, PQ. It is fortunate to have such a strong competitor to complete the Canadian WEG dressage team.
The Dressage Canadian Equestrian Team is listed below in descending order of qualifying scores:
Rider Hometown Horse Owner
Nancy MacLachlan Terra Cotta, ON Davis Cup, 1985 Hann. gelding Nancy MacLachlan
Shannon Dueck Whiteman, MA Korona, 1992 KWPN gelding Shannon Dueck
Ashley Holzer New York, NY Imperioso (NL), 1990 KWPN stallion Tess Gilder
Belinda Trussell Stouffville, ON Royan II, 1990 Old. gelding Belinda Trussell
Alternates
Evi Strasser Ste-Adele, PQ Pryme Tyme, 1991 Old. gelding Evi Strasser
All Team members obtained scores of 65% to 75% in qualifying competitions.
“It gives me great pleasure to have the privilege of announcing such a strong team for this year’s competition,” said Chair, Dressage Canada High Performance Committee, Kim Goodyear. “All the riders are very excited to be able to represent Canada at such a prestigious event and are looking forward to the competition.”
Also named to the Team were Chef d’Equipe Gwynne Rooke, Veterinarian Dr. Alan Young, and Blacksmith Andy Vergut.
Related Links
2001 Dressage at Devon Coverage - Ishoy Wins Freestyle