A group of Canadian riders hailing from Windsor, Ontario had a victorious weekend at the Dressage at Waterloo Spring Classic in Grass Lake, Michigan. The group of eight riders took home five reserve champion ribbons, one champion ribbon and a USDF/Dover Adult Amateur Medal in levels ranging from Green as Grass to Prix St. Georges. Although it is in a foreign country, Dressage at Waterloo provides these border city riders with the “big show” atmosphere without the gas mileage it would take for the four hour trek to Toronto, the closest venue for a show comparable to Waterloo.

These Canadians not only enjoy the show for its geographical convenience, but also because of the efficiency of the show and the positive atmosphere it provides the exhibitors. “It is a very horse-friendly show,” said Jacklyn Courtney Brooks, coach to many of the Canadian competitors who competed. “I would feel very comfortable taking a young horse or a green rider there for their first show.”

Some notable results from the Canadian crew included: Alessia D’Agostini and her 5 year old Thoroughbred gelding Aftershock (Concerto), who earned Reserve Champion in the Green as Grass division; Sarah Pfaff and her 6 year old Dutch Warmblood gelding Winchester (Gribaldi x Pirona), who made their showing debut at Training Level and gained Junior Reserve Champion; Jill Pfaff and her 14 year old Selle Francais mare Diva (Evensong), who were the show’s Adult Amateur Second Level Champion and took home the USDF/Dover Adult Amateur Medal; Alexandra Devin and her 15 year old Oldenburg gelding Pilote (Plasir D’Amour), who made their Third Level debut at the show and earned Adult Amateur Reserve Champion; Pam Sweetman and her 15 year old Hanoverian gelding Loyal, who acquired Adult Amateur Fourth Level Reserve Champion; and Andrea Bingham and her 7 year old Dutch Warmblood gelding Voldemort (Rasputin x Rowena), whose Prix St. Georges premiere earned them reserve champion.