One Big Thing: Canada launches a new measure to support eventing venue development
An aerial view of Wesley Clover Parks, one venue near Ottawa that has contributed to the growth of FEI-level eventing competitions. Photo by Randy Harquail.
Equestrian Canada continues to invest in the future of eventing, the latest step being the recent launch of the Eventing Venue Development Fund. The fund was established to support the development and improvement of eventing venues across Canada. Funds raised will go to support both FEI-sanctioned competition venues as well as national competition venues. The goal of the fund is to enhance Canadian facilities to meet international standards, improve Canadian athlete competitiveness on the world stage, provide exciting spectator experiences and encourage the growth of eventing within the country.
FEI competitions in Canada are scarce. Bromont (Quebec) is a stalwart resident on the calendar, particularly for its marquee CCI4*-L held in June (and, reminder, this year marks the 50th anniversary of the Bromont Equestrian Park’s hosting of the Olympic Games!). Wesley Clover Parks (Ontario) is another venue that’s contributed to FEI options with its recent introduction of international levels (CCI2*-S and CCI1*-S). Alhambra (ALberta) and Glen Oro (Ontario) also offer CCI2* and CCI1* competition. But in total, including multiple weekends at Bromont, only six FEI events stand on the Canadian calendar currently. If you’re looking for a Long format or CCI3*+, Bromont is the sole option.
So, there’s a want and need for development of these international levels. “We’re launching the Eventing Venue Development Fund to recognize and support the commitment our venues make year after year to the sustainability and continued progress of Eventing in Canada,” said Emily Gilbert, chair of the Eventing HPAG. “Their dedication forms the backbone of our sport, and we’re inviting communities across the country to rally behind this initiative so we can strengthen, grow and protect these essential competition venues for years to come.”
The Fund will support all levels of eventing venues across Canada. Grants will range from $500 – $100,000 depending on scope & funds available. Applicants must meet a set of criteria, and the funding can be used for things like facility and infrastructure upgrades, safety features and technology, and environmental upgrades to areas like waste or water management, etc.
Funding is beyond difficult for the majority of venues to acquire, and we all know that an event can’t run on air and willpower alone. This Development Fund represents a strong step towards the ongoing support of the sport.
More information on the Eventing Venue Development Fund can be found here.
US Events This Weekend
Rocking Horse Winter II HT (FL): [Website] [Scores]
Ram Tap HT (CA): [Website] [Scores]
Jumping Branch Farm HT (SC): [Website] [Scores]
Other Links & Reading
- Don’t miss out on your chance to win an all expenses-paid trip to this year’s Defender Burghley! — We’re teaming up with Five Star Eventing Tours to give away a trip from August 31-September 7. AND if you win, a friend could win a heavily discounted trip to come with you!
- A First-Timers Guide to the US Equestrian Open of Eventing — Starting in 2025, this $200,000 addition to the U.S. CCI4* calendar brought a whole new level of high performance competition to the table. If you’re just tuning in, you’ll find this guide handy.
- Cross Country Days Ostbevern: International eventing tournament saved — A popular German eventing venue has been saved from potential cessation of competitions due to loss of use of cross country areas. A new solution was proposed to help events continue in this popular region.
- ‘My job is to challenge the horse but never overstep the mark’: Joe Stockdale on what a good training session should look like — An everyday training routine starts with a checklist for riders like show jumper Joe Stockdale. He shares his typical checklist, and you might find some to apply to your own routine.
Training Tip of the Day
Whether you’re just starting out (or your horse is) or you’re just wanting to fine-tune or reintroduce leg yields, here’s step-by-step guide from dressage pro Gareth Hughes:
Go Eventing
How Cheryl White changed horse racing forever:
