08/28/2026
Ottawa Area Eventing Update-August 28, 2026
Dear Followers,
Many of you may be aware of a clinic with Jessica Phoenix at Wesley Clover Parks that has been organized by the High Performance Committee on the two days following our horse trial on September 13th. On Juy 22, when I was first apprised of this clinic, through email and social media, I wrote a note to the associated parties asking them to change the date because I felt it would conflict directly with our horse trial. Most riders will have to choose between Stevens Creek Horse Trial and the High Performance Clinic. Emily Gilbert replied to me August 25th, five weeks after my initial request, and I was told they cannot change the clinic dates. I am very sad about this. Firstly I have a personal reason in that many of my students would like to attend this clinic but they will not be able to attend the clinic after going in our horse trial because it is asking a horse too much to compete at our horse trial and then jump two days in a clinic. Secondly, I am sad because we were not consulted by any of the parties about scheduling this clinic so close to our horse trials. The burgeoning costs of running a horse trial are threatening the private event organizers and every entry is important and vital to our survival. Scheduling proximate conflicting Equestrian Canada endorsed clinics is not supportive to our cause. I look forward to a day when Equestrian Canada, Wesley Clover Parks and the High Performance Committee can work collaboratively with the horse trial organizers to maximize all event participation.
