Devon Cassell of the local Springwater Pony Club was Champion of the Starter Division at the Canadian Pony Club National Dressage Championship held in Salmon River, Nova Scotia last weekend.

Unlike provincial or regional championships where competitors ride their own horses, national competitors are not permitted to ride their own mounts. This is a true test of the rider's skill and ability in the discipline. Riders are introduced to their horses 15-20 minutes prior to competition, and have very limited time to assess the ability of the horse and identify the skills needed to ride the horse successfully through technical dressage movements. Owners of dressage horses from across Nova Scotia and New Brunswick graciously offered their horses for this National event.

Nearly 50 provincial and regional champions from across Canada competed at the National Dressage Championship, representing the Nova Scotia, New Brunswick/PEI, Central Ontario, St. Lawrence-Ottawa Valley, Western Ontario, Alberta South, Alberta North, Alberta Central, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, BC Interior-Northern, BC Lower Mainland and BC Islands Regions.

The 2008 National Dressage Competition was not held last year; therefore the 2007 and 2008 provincial champions were invited to the 2009 Competition to vie for their respective national titles.

Other Central Ontario competitors also did well. Janene Howran of the Kawartha Pony Club was 2007 group Champion in the Pre-Training Division. Sisters Johanna and Jennifer McKeen, both members of the Oshawa Pony Club, each finished as Reserve Champion in their respective Divisions; Johanna McKeen was Reserve Champion in the Second Level competition, the highest level offered, while Jennifer McKeen accomplished the same placing in the Training Division.

For more details e-mail Bob Inglis, Central Ontario Regional Communications Chair, or call him at 416-493-1223 (office) or 416-491-4230 (home).