September 11, 2002 — With an excellent ride in the Grand Prix test, Ashley
Holzer set the standard, aboard Imperioso (NL), for dressage at the
World Equestrian Games (WEG), in Jerez, Spain.
First in the ring, Holzer, originally from Toronto, ON, and now based in
New York, NY, rode a very focused, consistent test and received a score
of 64.08%.
“I am extremely happy with my brave horse,” said Holzer. “His passage
was excellent.”
The second rider in the ring for Canada was Belinda Trussell riding her
horse Royan II. With an excellent half-pass and his trademark up-hill
movement, Royan II and Trussell performed a second solid test for the
Canadian Equestrian Team with a score of 63.96%.
The second half of the WEG dressage entries are scheduled for tomorrow,
Sept. 12, with Canadians Nancy MacLachlan and Shannon Dueck set to perform.
“We are well on our way to qualifying a Canadian dressage team to the
2004 Athens Olympics,” noted Dressage Chef d?Equipe, Gwynne Rooke. “Our
riders today have given us a great start to this goal. We expect the
same strong performances tomorrow.”
The Canadian Equestrian Team is a group of top Canadian riders chosen to
represent Canada at international competitions including the Olympic,
Pan-American and World Equestrian Games. Depending on the competition,
the Team may be comprised of one or more of the seven FEI recognized
disciplines; show jumping, dressage, three day eventing, reining,
endurance, driving, and vaulting.
For the 2002 World Equestrian Games, Canada will be represented by full
dressage, endurance, eventing, reining, and show jumping teams and five
individual vaulting competitors. For results and additional information
about the Canadian Equestrian Team, visit www.equinecanada.ca
