Canadian eventing has emerged as a true international eventing power after finishing 2nd at last year’s World Equestrian Games. Although Canada is already qualified for the Olympics next year, the fighting maple leafs rightfully look at the Pan American Games as a great chance to win individual and team gold, with the only big competition coming from the United States. Eight riders were named to the Canadian short list over the last two months and Canada should release their PAG squad over the next couple days.
Canada did not use Richland as a mandatory selection trials because Hawley and Jessie are both over in England getting ready to compete at Burghley, but many of the Canadian hopefuls competed at Richland. Danica Moore and Utah B had a great weekend at Richland, finishing 10th in the advanced. Unfortunately, Danica is unable to leave the US for the next couple months due to citizenship rules related to her marriage to Bobby Meyerhoff. Selena O’Hanlon and Foxwood High finished 3rd in the two-star at Richland, making a great final addition to their resume. Young Jordan McDonald and Apple Cider finished 5th in the same division. Micheline Jordan and Irish Diamonds finished 16th in the advanced with 19 time and 10 faults in the show jumping. Now for my opinion of who should and will make the Canadian squad.
In my opinion, the three sure bets to make the Canadian squad:
Rebecca Howard and Roquefort
Hawley Bennett-Awad and Five O’Clock Somewhere
Jessie Phoenix and Pavarotti
Roquefort destroyed the competition at two-stars this spring and she might be the current favorite to win gold at the Pan Ams. Five O’Clock Somewhere has had great results this year and it’s impossible to overstate the benefit of Hawley’s international experience. Jessie and Pavarotti delivered a great XC ride at Rebecca Farm and we already knew that the dressage and show jumping were top quality.
I think the 4th spot will go to James Atkinson and Gustav. This pair has a really impressive record this year with a lot of wins and top 3 performances. Although Gustav is young James has lot of experience competing internationally for Canada.
My feeling is that the 5th spot is a toss-up between Selena, Jordan, and Micheline. Gun to my head, I think Jordon might have an edge because it would be a great chance to give him international experience, but it is going to be a very close decision. There is no bad pick between those three and they are all quality people and quality riders.
The top 3 Canadian horses for the Pan American Games can compete with anyone on the world at that level and remember that only 3 of the 5 scores are counted to the team results. The key will be keeping those horses healthy and sound as the Pan Ams approach as well as filling out the team with two other really quality pairs, which I think is inevitable given the remainin names on the short list.
The Canadians will likely use a combination of Morven and Millbrook for their last runs before the Pan Ams. Go Canada.
