Naima Moreira Laliberté Secures Double Win at Toronto’s 2024 Royal Winter Fair Horse Show

After a nine-year break from international dressage competition, the Royal Horse Show at Toronto’s iconic Royal Agricultural Winter Fair returned in style on 4- 05 November 2024, reintroducing the elegance of the equestrian ballet with an international indoor CDI3* competition. 

This prestigious event welcomed top riders, all competing under the lights of one of Canada’s most celebrated venues, marking a thrilling comeback for both fans and competitors alike.

Moreira Laliberté Steals the Show

Seven riders went down the center line and Canadian Olympic team rider Naima Moreira Laliberté stole the show with a double victory. Her appearance at the Royal Winter Fair was particularly momentous for Naima as it marked her first competition on Canadian soil since 2019.

Returning in 2024 with Statesman (by Sandro Hit x Sir Donnerhall), her loyal partner since 2018, was very special.  Naima won the Grand Prix with 69.739% and achieved an outstanding Freestyle score of 75.745%. Her performance to the electrifying soundtrack of The Brothers Johnson, Chic, Hall & Oates, and Michael Jackson captivated audiences and celebrated her unwavering bond with Statesman.

"Statesman was focused, he stayed with me,” remarked Laliberté after the awards. “We know each other pretty well, so we always try to go mistake free. You're always learning even with the same horse after all these years. I feel like finally at age 17, he's actually matured in there. When I started with him, every corner, every letter would be like a different personality, a different horse. But I feel like now he's actually matured for real and he knows what he's doing and he's really helping and trying his heart out. I can't ask more of him."

Paris 2024 teammate, Camille Carier Bergeron rode Finnländerin (by Fidertanz x Donnerhall) to a second place finish, earning a final freestyle score of 73.60%. Rounding out the top three, 24-year-old Vanessa Creech-Terauds of Caistor Centre, ON, scored a 70.68% riding Daniel L (by Damsey x Wolkenstein II)

Unforgettable Milestone

For Naima the double win marked an unforgettable milestone and a powerful source of motivation. 

“The Royal Winter Fair has always been a special event and to win here with Statesman in front of my family and friends is an amazing feeling," said Naima. "It’s a celebration of everything we’ve accomplished together.” 

President of the ground jury, FEI Level Four judge Cara Whitham, expressed how excited the dressage community was to once again be hosting a CDI3* at the Royal, and commented on the crowd-pleasing winning test.

“The choreography (of Naïma’s test) perhaps was not as difficult as some, but it was so beautifully ridden and the technical side of the horse was so correctly presented,” said Whitham. “Those marks kept the score really high and you cannot lower the artistic when you see a good technical performance like that." 

Whitham continued, “it's just wonderful to be back at the Royal. We are already looking at people we know out of the country that want to come and compete next year.”

Climbing the Ladder to the Top

Originally from Montreal, Quebec, Naima is no newcomer in the world of dressage and she represented Canada at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

In her early teens Naima's drive and passion took her to the rigorous winter competition circuit in Wellington, Florida, where she has been a regular since the beginning of her international career in 2012. Over the years, Naima steadily advanced through the FEI levels, achieving notable success in Juniors, Young Riders, and U25 competitions. Her experience on the Florida circuit proved invaluable, as she honed her skills and paved the way for future accomplishments.

In 2019 Naima made her Grand Prix debut and her career trajectory has been marked by steady growth. Naima and Statesman were instrumental in securing a team gold medal at the 2019 Pan American Games, followed by a bronze in 2023. Competing at the world’s most prestigious shows such as Olympic Games, World Championships, World Cup, Pan American Games, Nations Cup, CDI5* the pair has consistently showcased their level and dedication.

They represented the Canadian flag in 13 countries, including Chile, Denmark, France, Germany, Holland, Japan, Luxembourg, Peru, Qatar, Spain, United Kingdom, and the USA,

"I am proud to be ambassador for Canadian equestrian sport and elevate the profile of Canadian dressage," said Naima, . "I hope to inspire a new generation of riders."

Statesman, Canada's 2024 Horse of the Year

After being nominated Canadian team reserve for the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, Naima saw her life-long dream of riding down the Olympic centerline come true in Paris 2024. They became Canada’s top-ranked dressage duo, reinforcing their status as the nation’s number one dressage pair. 

In recognition of their outstanding achievements this season 2024, Equestrian Canada awarded Statesman the prestigious 2024 Horse of the Year title.

Coming to the end of 2024, Naima is also the highest ranked Canadian dressage rider on the FEI World Ranking, cracking a spot in the Top 100.

"I couldn't think of a better way to conclude this memorable year," said the 28-year old Naima,  whose journey from Montreal to the global dressage stage is a testament to her passion and commitment.

Photos © Cealy Tetley - Ben Radvanyi - As

Related Links
Scores: 2024 CDI Toronto