Equestrian Canada (EC) is pleased to name Jill Irving of Moncton, NB the Dressage Volunteer of the Month recipient for May 2017.
Jill is to be commended for creating a Dressage Youth Mentorship Program, which provides up-and-coming youth dressage athletes with the opportunity to travel to Wellington, FL to experience international-level dressage competition at the prestigious Adequan Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) first-hand.
The scope of this exciting program is huge. In addition to observing FEI dressage competition, including freestyles, participants get the chance to visit top training stables in the area in order to observe and learn from international coaches and riders. This provides a wonderful opportunity for participants to get up close with quality horses and training at the highest levels.
The trip also includes a visit to the renowned Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) jumping facility to experience a demonstration from an international hunter trainer. In addition, the athletes are treated to a tour of the Palm Beach Equine facility, where a demonstration from an equine dentistry expert provides insight into current veterinary practices.
The 2017 program worked in conjunction with the Dressage 4Kids Program, and expansion of dressage knowledge was provided through meetings and discussions with coaches, riders, and judges.
Social events and get-togethers maximized fun and relaxed learning, and included opportunities to meet riders and make friends from a variety of countries. Feedback from participants indicates this is a “dream program,” and a thrill to observe and enhance knowledge and make new friends - in addition to enjoying the Florida weather.
Although the Dressage Youth Mentorship Program is led by Jill, she credits the team effort of many high performance athletes and supporters. The 2017 team included Ashley Holzer, Brittany Fraser, Jacqueline Brooks, Lindsay Kellock; Chris and Lisa von Martels, Joan Macartney, Tiffany Dalton, Lisa Shultz, Nancy Olson-Beaulieu, Lendon Gray Dressage4Kids, and young riders, Juan Matute; Nick Hansen and Ava MacCoubrey.
Jill is an experienced FEI dressage competitor who has enjoyed considerable success in the competition ring through to the Grand Prix level. In March 2017, she was a member of the Canadian Dressage Team that brought home gold in the CDIO 3* Stillpoint Farm FEI Nations Cup for the first time in the history of the event.
Her busy life involves riding, training, competing, and managing a busy household and family. Jill is an excellent example of how ‘a busy person getting things done’ and her impressive work with the Dressage Youth Mentorship Program, and her support in the development of Canadian youth, deserves high praise and recognition. The EC Dressage Committee thanks Jill for her leadership in creating opportunities for youth in the sport.
If you know of a volunteer who deserves recognition, nominations are quick and easy
through the EC website. Nominations for the award are accepted until the 20th day of each month, making June 20, 2017 the next deadline to submit the name of a volunteer who has made a difference to the sport of dressage.