The OHJA has really stepped up their initiative to both athlete and horse development in 2019 at Angelstone.
During the International, athletes in the 1.30m and 1.40m JR/AM were encouraged to step out of their comfort zone, and learn to jump the open water on the grass. This initiative is designed to help hopeful future Canadian Team Members learn a skill that you will see in Major Grand Prix and Nations Cup competitions.
Acquiring and developing the skills to have what it takes to become a true asset to the Canadian Equestrian Team is crucial, for this reason OHJA has developed an excellent program and created an opportunity for our up and coming group of talented riders and horses to get familiar with the different challenge the grass ring and open water jump presents. Angelstone is one of the only facilities offering an impeccable grass surface and open water in eastern Canada, and the Team at Angelstone is proud to support the OHJA Super Weekend program!
“The water is still used in every major championship from youth to the Olympics. From horse show to horse show it is rare (almost never) to see it used at a 2* or national level. We continue to lose experience rather than gain experience jumping the water. The introduction of the OHJA Super Sunday with the water being used at the 1.30/1.40m level is giving a great experience to riders like Kendra who has goals to compete at the highest level of the sport” – Erynn Ballard, trainer of Kendra Martenfeld, winners of the OHJA Super Weekend 1.40M Classic on Sunday.
OHJA has also been a supporter of the Pony Power Series at Angelstone over the years, developing Canadian pony riders and future OHJA Super Weekend riders.
What’s to come?
This week at The National, OHJA presents the Young Horse Development series, developing young hunters in Canada. The division includes one hack class, one over fences class as well as one model class. Best of luck to young hunter owners and trainers at Angelstone this week!
The team at Angelstone would like to take this opportunity to thank the OHJA for their continuous support in developing young horses and riders in Ontario and for your true dedication to our sport.