It was a bitterly cold winter evening when Team Canada boarded the plane heading for Johannesburg to compete in the 2006 World Cup of Saddle Seat Equitation. After more than 20 hours of traveling time, they stepped of the plane to a balmy +28 and the journey of a lifetime was underway. The group spent a few nights in Johannesburg and were able to take in a few of the sights in and around the city, including a tour of Soweto, downtown Johannesburg and a lion preserve where they were able to get hands on experience with lion cubs.

After a two hour bus ride the team arrived at the Khaya Ihbubesi Resort in Parys, the competition home base for the next week. The next two days saw the team decorating their Zulu Huts with Canadian flags and banners, getting to know each other and meeting up with the other teams and competitors.

Our first official function was a get together with all riders, coaches, managers, parents and supporters to discuss events, bussing, meals and competition details. That afternoon the numbers were issued, practice sessions were drawn and rail work and rider orders of go were established.

Day two saw the group off to the show grounds to see the horses they had drawn. Video cameras were rolling as they inspected their horses and formulated plans for matching riders and horses. Teams were fortunate to have the trainers available and they were able to give some excellent advise on the horses that were drawn. The quality of the horses was outstanding and Team Canada was thrilled to have some of the best horses in the competition.

Team USA arranged a braai (South African term for barbeque) for all the teams on Tuesday night. It was a subdued affair as Wednesdays practice session was on everyone’s minds. Our practice session saw the team off to a challenging start with one of the horses turning out to be injured and with limited practice time, the team has some real concerns. Substitute horses were brought in and everyone was suitably matched and ready to compete!

That night the teams attended a Gala banquet which turned out to be a great evening. Dinner was served and after introductions the group heard welcome speeches and saw a surprise fundraising event that had bottles of wine with each team’s picture and autographs on them auctioned off to the highest bidders. A dance wrapped up the evening’s festivities.

Opening ceremonies were Thursday afternoon and the teams were off to their huts early to prepare for the start of the competition on Friday morning.

At long last the big day arrived and the girls were focused and ready to do what they had come to do: ride and compete. They were composed and elegant as they rode with the talent, heart and determination that had got them them all this far. Even with a pair of jods split from knee to thigh, heads were held high and smiles were beaming.

The judging saw some very large point spreads for single riders and with only the pattern work scores announced, it was anyone’s guess with the placings right up to the last minutes of the closing ceremonies.

Team Canada was thrilled to be the recipients of the bronze medal in the 3- gaited competition. The US won gold and South Africa took silver in both the 3 and 5 gaited events. Both Canada and Namibia were competing for the first time in the 5-gaited event and competition was fierce to the end. The Namibians took the bronze; a momentous wind for the team as they have been competing for 10 years and this was their first medal! 

The 2006 World Cup was a highlight in the riding careers of all the members of Team Canada. The team will never forget the wonderful hospitality shown by the South African hosts, the beautiful and talented horses, the fabulous riding facility and the outstanding job done by the organizing committee.

Team Canada 2006 competed against the best in the world and did Canada proud!