Brittney Simpson Builds on Experience in Big Tour at 2025 CDI Calgary

Shows

2025 CDI Calgary

-- press release, edited by Eurodressage

Canadian Grand Prix rider Brittney Simpson produced two experience gaining rides in the big tour at the 2025 CDI Calgary, a West coast competition that goes by the name "Tilted Tiara I Dressage Show".

The international and national dressage competition concluded on Sunday 25 May 2025 at Rocky Mountain Show Jumping (RMSJ) after three days of competition, camaraderie, and celebration of dressage.

The competition was overseen by a panel of international judges, including Mariette Sanders-Van Gansewinkel (NED), Freddy Leyman (BEL), Jane Ventura (AUS), Mary Robins (NZL), Joanne Bouwhuis (CAN), and Alexandre Lacerda Leao (BRA). Mariette Sanders-Van Gansewinkel praised the event, stating, “What a nice show, very well organized and super venue. This show is ready and looking forward for more international competitors.” CDI3*

Building on Experience Garnered in California

The CDI portion was anchored by CDI3* competitor Brittney Simpson (CAN) riding her own Kartsevo Goldfinch (a 2011 born KWPN gelding by Jazz x Lingh). As the sole competitor in the big tour, she rode the Grand Prix on Friday and scored 65.848%, while in Saturday’s Grand Prix Special she scored a 65.192%.

“I was super pleased with my Grand Prix, I feel like our best yet and our partnership has really grown with the winter experience showing the CDIs in California. It was my first time riding the Special in the year; my trot tour felt amazing but unfortunately I had two expensive mistakes in the canter work, but was able to get a personal best."

Brittney added, "this horse teaches me so much and every time I go down that centerline I feel like our partnership is growing!!

Simpson is currently ranked 149 globally and is the fourth highest ranking Canadian.

"I’m excited to build on this as I head to Devonwood (CDI Sherwood) to ride my Freestyle to try to secure a spot for the US open," said Brittney.

Western Canadian Young Talent in U18 Classes

The Under 18 contingent showed promise for what the future of dressage in Western Canada can be; a mix of CDI rookies and NAYC medallists, consistency and growth was shown across the board throughout the weekend. Calgary attracted one children rider and three juniors for the youth classes.

A particularly bright spot was Gwendolyn Joinson (CAN) in her CDI-Ch debut with Bonnie Doyle’s Blind Date AT (2014 Westphalian, by Bellissimo M x Hotline) riding her Children Team Competition with a score of 67.125%. In the individual test she got 63.449%.

Imogen Hawes booked a triple win in the Junior division abaord Knights Cavollo Dolce, a 9-year old bay U.S. born Anglo Arabian bred by Laurie Stang. She won the team test with 64.788%, the individual with 65.059% and the kur with 68.025%. Imogen is a graduating student from North Saanich. She has had "Curly" for four years.

CPEDI Returns to Western Canada after almost a Decade

A highlight of the weekend was the CPEDI 2/3*, the first in Western Canada since 2016, providing para-dressage athletes local access to an international stage.

Leading the charge in the CPEDI2* was two-time Canadian Paralympic athlete Eleonore Elstone of Langley, BC. Eleonore’s new international partnership with Rachel Blaney's 6-year-old Szecrecy HP (by Secret out of the Friesian cross mare Maize HP (by Adonai HP)) delivered scores of 67.797% and 69.091% in the CPEDI2* Para Intermediate A.

Reflecting on her experience, Eleonore expressed gratitude: “A big thank you, especially to the show organizers, volunteers, and everyone who were so helpful and supportive and friendly. Thank you also to my fellow competitors who demonstrated a great deal of camaraderie. Altogether, a well run CDI, CPEDI, Gold and Wild Rose show with great judges. A competition that I am excited to return to next year.”

Elstone competed at the 2008 Paralympics in Hong Kong, while in the 2010s she rode Why Not, Zareno and Silas. After a 7-year break from international showing, she returned to the CPEDI ring in 2023 with Linden Ein. This year her new equine partner is Szecrecy HP, a warmblood cross bred by Sherry Koella who also bred international Grand Prix mare Adiah HP (Jim Koford).

The Sunday freestyle spotlight was captured by CPEDI3* rider, Laura Hall of Ladysmith, British Columbia, who, with her partner Istrano (2013 Dutch Harness horse, by Chironie x Waldemar) achieved an outstanding score of 72.417%.

Laura shared, “The atmosphere here was amazing—so welcoming and vibrant. The judging panel was exceptional, and their daily feedback was invaluable in helping us push our performance forward. We’re coming back. Huge thanks to the organizers, volunteers, and sponsors who made this possible.”

In support of these athletes, the newly launched Tilted Tiara Para Dressage Travel Bursary, generously sponsored by the Varnhagen Family Trust, offered up to $2,500 CAD to help offset travel and competition expenses. Eleonore Elstone commented, “I would like to also say thank you to the Varnhagen Family Trust for their support with the travel bursary; it was an incredible help to be able to get here."