Dressage Canada announced the official launch of the 2013 Auction of Promises, giving dressage enthusiasts the opportunity to bid on a package of two lessons from some of Canada's most renowned dressage riders.
Proceeds from the auction will go toward the Dressage Canada High Performance Program to support its goals in providing development opportunities to Canadian athletes vying to qualify for the 2014 World Equestrian Games, 2015 Pan American Games, and 2016 Olympic Games.
The following riders have generously donated their coaching time and expertise to this worthwhile cause:
Diane Creech
Diane began riding as a teenager and never looked back. Since moving to Canada from Germany in 1989 she has been a staple in the Canadian dressage industry. Diane represented Canada at the 2007 Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro, BRA, helping Canada take the Team Silver Medal. She was also named the alternate for the Canadian Dressage Team at the 2012 London Olympics. Diane also recently delighted a packed crowd at the 2013 Royal Horse Show in Toronto, ON with a dramatic and winning performance in the Grand Prix Freestyle aboard her current top mount, Devon L.
Ashley Holzer
Ashley got her start in dressage as a teenager, training at both Canadian and West German riding schools, before spending time riding under "master of dressage" Willi Schuitheis. She has been a mainstay of the Canadian Dressage Team since the 1980s, riding for Canada at the 1988 Seoul Olympics, 1991 Pan American Games in Havana, CUB, 2008 Beijing Olympics, and 2012 London Olympics. Her many accolades include numerous Canadian Dressage Championship titles, Team Gold and Individual Silver Medals from the 1991 Pan American Games, and the Team Bronze Medal from the 1988 Seoul Olympics. She has also been the highest-placed Canadian Dressage rider at the past two Olympic Games.
David Marcus
David got his start in the equestrian world within the disciplines of eventing and show jumping before discovering his passion for dressage. An Omaha, NE, USA native, David moved to Canada in 1996 in order to train under Canadian Dressage Olympians while simultaneously pursuing a post-secondary education. In 2011 he became a Canadian citizen. And, although he has only been part of the Canadian Dressage Team for a few years, he has already made huge contributions, with 2012 proving to be a landmark year for him. David helped Canada win the 2012 CDIO3* Wellington Dressage Nations' Cup and was part of Canada's team at the 2012 London Olympics. He also racked up many wins at the Grand Prix level with his two top mounts, Chrevi's Capital and Don Kontes, including back-to-back Grand Prix and Grand Prix Freestyle wins at Wellington's CDI-W and the CDI3* in Rockwood, ON.
Auction bids will be accepted until Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2013. Bidders should note that the lessons will need to be scheduled at a time, date, and location that works for both the auction winner and the selected coach. Bidders must be willing to travel in order to redeem their lesson package.
Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity to learn from some of Canada's most esteemed dressage athletes. To place your bid, click here. For further details, go to www.equinecanada.ca/dressage.
Photo © Astrid Appels
Related Links
Marcus and Creech Take Top Honours at 2013 Royal Winter Fair in Toronto
Diane Creech Named Dressage Canada's Athlete of the Month for February 2012
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Victoria Winter Appointed Canadian Chef d'Equipe for 2014 World Equestrian Games