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Canadian Endurance Riders Poised to Compete at the World Equestrian Games

June 30, 2006

As the date for the World Equestrian Games in Aachen, Germany draws closer, the Canadian Endurance Team riders are priming their strategies to compete against the best in the world.

Coming forward from the 2005 WEC and 2005 NAEC 05, with good depth of experience, are five riders and horses, poised to again compete for Canada:

Karen Badger, Grande Prairie, AB and Bree

Julius Bloomfield, Naramata, BC and Avtar

Mary-Anne Dorchester, Whitecourt, AB and SH Rock ‘N Roll

Linda Riley, Leslieville, AB and Sir Century

Ruth Sturley, Owen Sound, ON and RBF Super Sport

The team is working closely with Chef d’Equipe, Kay Melvin and Team Veterinarian, Dr. James Carmalt, to keep their horses sound and fit.

“I think we may have a shot at a top ten and if the riders ride smart we could finish a team,” commented Melvin. “We don't have a large number of horses to draw from so we will do the best we can; they [the riders] are all so proud to be representing Canada.”

Canadians are held in good regard; for the size of the endurance population and small number of international events, Canadians can, and do, earn top ten finishes at this continent’s most prestigious international team events, FEI **** championships, and even secured a bronze team medal at the 2003 Pan American Endurance Championship.

More recently, in 2005 the team was one of only four teams to complete the World Championships in Dubai, and saw two top ten finishes at the FEI**** North American Championships on a slow and complicated course with unexpected heat and humidity, which caused more than half the horses to be excused at the vet gates.

The 2006 World Equestrian Games will take place from August 20 to September 3 with the Endurance portion scheduled for August 21.

Held every four years, the 2006 edition of the World Equestrian Games will feature 800 competitors from seven different disciplines vying for the title of World Champion. An anticipated 500,000 visitors are expected to attend the Games. For more information, please visit the World Equestrian Games website, www.aachen2006.de.

About Endurance Riding

Endurance Canada is a committee of Equine Canada, and the National governing body of the sport of Endurance Riding in Canada, from the grassroots to the international level. Endurance Canada is responsible for the growth and pursuit of excellence at all levels of the sport, providing support and guidance through various programs and committees: veterinary; rules and sanctioning; athlete and sport development; education and coaching; communication and awards. For more information about Endurance Canada, please e-mail Daphne Richard, Interim Chair (daphnedr@shaw.ca), or Chicki Jacques, Membership Secretary (jacques4151@shaw.ca).

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