Brittany Fraser-Beaulieu, her horse Jaccardo, and its owner Jill Irving have become the recipients of Equestrian Canada's 2026 Dressage Athlete, Horse and Owner of the Year award.
From outstanding performances on the international stage at the FEI World Championships in Aachen to remarkable achievements at national and international competitions, this year's recipients of the 2026 Dressage and Para Dressage Awards have demonstrated excellence, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to their sport.
Equally important are the countless hours of dedication and support provided by horse owners, volunteers, coaches, grooms, families, sponsors, and supporters whose contributions often take place behind the scenes. Their generosity, leadership, and commitment are essential to creating opportunities for Canadian athletes and horses to develop, compete, and succeed at every level.
Dressage Athlete of the Year – Brittany Fraser-Beaulieu
Brittany Fraser-Beaulieu is the recipient of the 2026 Dressage Athlete of the Year Award, recognizing her continued excellence, international achievements, and significant contributions to Canadian Dressage at the highest level. Currently ranked 31st, she is Canada's highest-ranked Dressage athlete competing at the CDIO3* level and above.
One of Canada's most experienced international Dressage athletes and a Tokyo 2020 Olympian, Brittany continued to represent Canada with distinction throughout the 2026 season. Her partnership with Jill Irving’s Jaccardo continued to advance rapidly at the Grand Prix level.
At the World Championships, Brittany and Jaccardo earned an impressive 71.926% in the Grand Prix, finishing 22nd to advance to the Grand Prix Special, where they scored 69.271%. Their performances contributed to Canada's ninth-place team finish, marking the country's first top-ten World Championship team result since 2014.
Dressage Horse of the Year – Jaccardo
Jaccardo, owned by Jill Irving, is the recipient of the 2026 Dressage Horse of the Year Award, recognizing his outstanding achievements and continued development on the international stage.
The 2014 KWPN gelding, partnered with Canadian Olympian Brittany Fraser-Beaulieu, enjoyed an exceptional 2026 season, qualifying for the FEI Dressage World Cup Final and representing Canada at the FEI World Championships in Aachen, Germany.
Making his World Championship debut, Jaccardo demonstrated his talent, athleticism, and composure in the demanding atmosphere of one of the sport's most prestigious international competitions. The pair earned an impressive 71.926% in the Grand Prix, finishing 22nd and advancing to the Grand Prix Special.
Remarkably, these achievements came almost exactly one year after Jaccardo and Brittany performed their first Grand Prix together in Bromont, Quebec, highlighting the rapid development of their partnership and their ability to compete successfully at the highest level of international Dressage.
Jaccardo's performances throughout the 2026 season reflect his exceptional potential, consistency, and growing experience on the world stage. His continued progression alongside Brittany Fraser-Beaulieu provides a strong foundation for Canada's future international championship campaigns.
Dressage Owner of the Year – Jill Irving
Jill Irving is the recipient of the 2026 Dressage Owner of the Year Award, recognizing her longstanding commitment to Canadian Dressage, her achievements as an international competitor, and her significant contributions to the development and success of Canadian high-performance sport.
A distinguished international Dressage athlete and dedicated horse owner, Jill has represented Canada at some of the sport's most prestigious international competitions including being named to Canada's Paris 2024 Olympic Dressage team.
As the owner of Jaccardo, Jill has played an instrumental role in supporting the development of the partnership between the talented gelding and Canadian Olympian Brittany Fraser-Beaulieu. Her commitment and investment contributed to the pair's qualification for the 2026 FEI Dressage World Cup Final and their successful World Championship debut in Aachen, Germany, where they advanced to the Grand Prix Special and contributed to Canada's ninth-place team finish.
Beyond her achievements in competition and as a horse owner, Jill is deeply committed to fostering the next generation of Canadian equestrian talent. Through the Jill Irving Youth Equine Mentorship Program, which she founded and continues to lead, she provides valuable opportunities for young Canadian equestrians to learn from experienced athletes, coaches, and officials, helping inspire and support their development within the sport.
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