Photo by Samantha
Canada has a new eventing coach! Equine Canada has confirmed this morning that Clayton Fredericks is Canada’s next eventing technical advisor (coach). Clayton will replace David O’Connor, who of course is moving on to coach Team USA.
From what I understand, Clayton’s recent transition to Ocala, Florida made his candidacy especially appealing to the Canadians. Clayton’s application for the job was one of the worst kept secrets in eventing for several months, but nonetheless Equine Canada kept their selection process completely under control. The USEF chose transparency over secrecy in their 2011 eventing coach search and the result was a much more open but much more hectic process.
On a personal note, I regard Clayton as a tremendous coach and a huge win for Canada. Any thoughts of Canadian eventing falling apart after David left have been completely put to rest. The thought of having David coaching the US and Clayton coaching Canada is made-for-tv awesomeness. Eventing fans across North America can expect two awesome programs and some epic cross-border battles in the years to come.
From what I have heard, Canada received a number of really qualified applicants from all over the world for the position, which is no doubt a result of the quality of their program and the clear potential of their horses and riders. Word is that Clayton’s experience coaching top riders in Europe, his recent transplant to Ocala, Florida, and his success as an international rider were all key variables in his selection.
For much more from Clayton himself, be sure to check out Jenni’s interview with Clayton from Thursday.
Last, but not least, I want to extend a huge EN welcome from all of us to Clayton for joining the Canadian High Performance family. You won’t find a more tightly knit group of fans, riders, horses, and support staff anywhere in the world, Clayton–enjoy the ride!
Go Canada and go eventing.
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Press release from Equine Canada: The Canadian Eventing High Performance Committee, in conjunction with the Canadian Eventing Committee, is pleased to announce that Mr. Clayton Fredericks has been named as the next International Technical Advisor (ITA) for the Canadian Eventing Team. Mr. Fredericks will replace current ITA, David O’Connor, in January 2013. After many successful years with the Team, Mr. O’Connor has accepted another coaching opportunity.
Mr. Fredericks brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the position. In addition to coaching elite riders, Mr. Fredericks is an individual medalist at the World Equestrian Games and team medalist at the Olympic Games.
Mr. Fredericks has recently moved to his new training centre in Ocala, Florida, USA.
Graeme Thom, chef d’équipe and incoming chair of High Performance, stated, “We are all very excited that Clayton has accepted the position and cannot wait to get underway in 2013. His background and personality will be a great fit with our riders. The process was a full and complete one and we were extremely fortunate to have had many very qualified candidates to speak with. Needless to say, we cannot thank David O’Connor enough for his many years of commitment and look forward to an equally rewarding tenure with Clayton.”
Grit High, current Chair of High Performance, added, “I am grateful for the hard work and diligence that our search committee put into this hiring process and must thank everyone involved. We all welcome Clayton and look forward to future successes.”
The Canadian Eventing Committee is grateful to Own the Podium, Sport Canada, Canadian Olympic Committee and all of its sponsors, supporters, suppliers and friends for their continued support of the Canadian Eventing High Performance program in its quest for excellence.
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Press release from Fredericks Equestrian:
Australian Olympian Clayton Fredericks, 44, has been named as the new Canadian Eventing International Technical Advisor effectively becoming the team coach and will assume the role on January 1, 2013. The new position became available at the right time in his highly successful international career as a competitor and Australian team member.
“This opportunity has come at the perfect time for me as I transition from competing to coaching,” noted Fredericks, who has recently opened a new training center on the 750 acre Oak Lane Farm in Ocala, Florida. “While the Canadian Eventing Team has been generally successful with a sound foundation having been laid in many areas, I believe there are some key areas that are ready for a new perspective and I look forward to the challenge of taking Canadian Eventing to the next level. David O’Connor has already propelled the team to a higher standing in the sport with more consistent international performances and it will be my goal to enhance this record and make Canadian riders not only more competitive at major championships but consistently winning medals too.”
“As a rider I know that the one aspect of a successful coach is how they convey their message and I am confident that my style combined with extensive knowledge, skills and international experience creates a very comfortable environment for riders of all levels.”
Fredericks won Olympic team silver medal in the 2008 Olympic Games and competed at this year’s London Olympic Games. He won an individual silver and team bronze medal at the 2006 FEI World Equestrian Games and won the 2007 Rolex Kentucky CCI4* event as well as being the FEI World Cup Champion in 2005 and 2008.
Fredericks was the Hong Kong Chef d’Equipe at the 2002 Asian Games in Busan, South Korea, he served as a member of the FEI Eventing Committee from 2008-2012 and is a former Chairman of the Event Riders Association. Since 2003 he has been a Director of Southern Stars Saddlery.
