Claire Robinson Awarded 2023 Orion Cup

Dressage

Canada

Claire Robinson of Edmonton, AB, has been awarded the 2023 Orion Cup after consistently achieving outstanding results at the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) Under 25 (U25) level.

The Orion Cup was created in memory of one of Canada’s most well-known equine dressage stars - Orion. The Orion Cup is presented to a promising dressage athlete in the process of transitioning from the Young Rider level to Grand Prix.

Open to Canadian dressage riders aged 16 to 25, the award is presented to the rider with the highest average of three scores from the U25 Grand Prix level. Scores obtained at CDI-level competitions receive a 1% bonus. The program encourages young athletes to focus on training and planning at an elite level, with tangible goals and confidence.

Coming off a successful 2023 season, it comes as no surprise Robinson captured the 2023 title, as she is the highest ranked Canadian currently in the FEI Dressage World Youth Ranking’s – U25, holding 25th place as of Nov. 7. Her impressive 67.618% qualifying average score was earned aboard Glamour Boy (Bonjengel x Jazz), a 12-year-old Dutch warmblood gelding owned by her mother Carol Robinson.

"Growing up in riding and the dressage world, Pia and Orion were local heroes to us here in Alberta - and of course a big inspiration. It’s long been a big dream of mine to compete at the Under 25 level,” said Robinson. She added, "on top of achieving this big goal, to win the Orion Cup is a surreal experience.

21-year-old, Claire Robinson has been competing at the FEI U25 level with Glamour Boy since the fall of 2022. “Of course, I share this success with my best friend and partner, Glamour Boy. His quirky, fun, over the top personality is something I treasure every day and above all, he is a fighter for me in the ring” said Robinson. She attests her gratitude for Glamour Boy, “I could not be more grateful, or more honoured to be receiving this award as a team with him.”

Robinson’s first qualifying score came on March 10 in the Grand Prix 16-25 at the CDI 2023 in Temecula, CA. The duo was awarded a score of 67.094%, plus a 1% CDI bonus, to finish with a score of 68.094%. On June 2, Robinson received her next qualifying score of 66.538%, plus another CDI 1% bonus, to a score of 67.538% at the Ginny Memorial CDI in Sherwood, OR. . She would clinch the Orion Cup on August 11, while representing Canada at the North American Youth Championships in Traverse City, MI. The pair would record a score of 66.231%, plus a 1% CDI bonus to 67.231%.