Canada Equine ...On-Line News: Mika Buckwold Captures Jump Canada Talent Squad Western Division

• Home	• FAQs
• Site Map	Weather
• Contacts	Weather

We Accept:

Directory Listings:

Pick of the Best!
Hoof and Nail Farrier Supplies Ltd.

Mika Buckwold Captures Jump Canada Talent Squad Western Division

November 21, 2005

Mika Buckwold of Calgary, AB, Captures Jump Canada Talent Squad Western Division. Photo Credit – CanSport

Ottawa, Ontario --- Mika Buckwold of Calgary, AB, is the 2005 Western Division Champion of the Jump Canada Talent Squad Series.

The Western Division Final took place on October 30 at the Spruce Meadows ‘Oktoberfest’ Tournament in Calgary, AB. In the lead heading into the Western Finals, Buckwold and her 13-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding, Huxley, finished second in the Western Series Final held on October 30.

“Every competitor had earned their place in this Series and I knew that the competition would be tough,” commented Buckwold. “The Talent Squad series is a goal I've worked towards for many years. The Series emulates accomplishment in the equestrian world and inspires a high level of competitiveness right from the start of the season.” The 26 year-old amateur rider gained 12 points for her second-place finish. Combined with her other four top scores earned throughout the season, Buckwold easily held on to top spot to capture the 2005 Western Talent Squad Finals with a total of 47 points.

“It was very special to win this award with Huxley,” said Buckwold. “We have been together for seven years now and made it through two colic surgeries. I feel very lucky to still have him, and his heart and competitive spirit are tough to beat. Winning the Talent Squad Western Division Finals is the pinnacle of our partnership.”

Kristin Russel, 19, also of Calgary, AB, finished the season in second place with a total of 31 points riding Ashtin Holding’s 11-year-old Danish Warmblood mare, Ashtin’s Lucky Seven.

The Western Division of the 2005 Talent Squad Series was comprised of 13 events with the top five scores from each rider counting towards the final standings. Athletes from the vast areas on both sides of the Rockies took part in this national series.

As the Western Division Champion, Buckwold and her Eastern Division counterpart, Christi McQuaker, have been awarded airfare to the 2006 World Cup Final to be held in Kuala Lampur, MAS, from April 26-30, 2006. Buckwold, McQuaker, and Newfoundland’s Mark Leyton, the winner of the Jump Canada Talent Squad Championship at this year’s Royal Horse Show, will be nominated for Sport Canada Development Cards, allowing them to receive much-needed athlete funding towards their training expenses.

About Jump Canada

Jump Canada is a committee of Equine Canada responsible for all hunter, hunter equitation and jumper activities in Canada from the grass roots to the international level. Jump Canada is governed by a board of directors, the majority of whom are elected by the stakeholders in the sport. For more information regarding Jump Canada programs and activities, visit www.jumpcanada.ca.

2005 Western Division Talent Squad Standings

Place / Rider / Horse / Points / Hometown
1/ Mika Buckwold / Huxley / 47 – Calgary, AB
2 / Kristin Russel /Ashtin’s Lucky Seven / 31 – Calgary, AB
3/ Andrea Strain / Cappucino / 30 - Langley, BC
4/ Tosca Kocken / Newton / 28 – Surrey, BC
5/ Gary Brewster / Watermark/ 23 – Richmond, BC

About The Talent Squad

The Talent Squad is a means of recognizing up-and-coming riders 
who are preparing to enter the grand prix ranks and demonstrate 
the ability to become future members of the Canadian Equestrian 
Team.  For complete standings, please visit www.jumpcanada.ca.

To November 2005 News Articles Index | To Canada Equine ...On-Line Home