Collingwood Horse Show Highlights Canada's Show Jumping Stars

Collingwood, Ontario - August 11, 2002 - With the Blue Mountains offering a dramatic background, Frankie Chesler of Orangeville, Ontario places fourth in this weeks prestigious $50,000 CIBC Grand Prix presented by Jaguar. With twenty-one top riders from Canada and the United States competing for the win, Chesler and her trusted Hanovarian mare Ravenna Z was among the 10 riders to go clear to advance to the jump off. Olympic veteran Ian Millar of Perth, Ontario, aboard Jasmijn posted the first clear round in the jump off with a time of 51.51. This proved difficult for the other riders, as only one other went clear. Chesler had one rail down and finished the class with a blistering time of 48.49. Chesler commented "I was excited to participate this week Grand Prix, as this was a good preparation class for the Spruce Meadows Show in September which I am looking forward to. Danny Foster built a great course today and the weather was perfect for horse showing."

Today's class was also the final jewel in the Jaguar Triple Crown Series, now in it's third season. The rider with the most points following the three grand prix competitions in Bromont, Quebec, Ottawa and Collingwood Ontario, drive away in a brand new Jaguar X-TYPE sport sedan, for a year. Ainsley Vince of Milton, Ontario riding Catch 22, the 12-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding owned by Trinity Farms drove away the winner of the series with Karen Cudmore in second position and Frankie Chesler in third.

The Collingwood horse show is located in the heart of both a winter and summer vacation destination that has old world charm and history throughout. Canadian show jumper Jay Hays and his wife Shawn run this yearly horse show that has become Canada's largest outdoor hunter and jumper event. Located on Fisher Field, the Collingwood Horse Show guarantees a good time fit for any age, with riding demonstrations, face painting and shops with golf, tennis, hiking, mountain biking and water sports nearby.

On the first Saturday night of the two-week show, a Silent Auction was held to benefit Jump Canada, raising almost $30,000. On Saturday August 17th, a Hole in One Shoot Outwill be held at the Blue Mountain Driving range just adjacent to the Horse Show. The winner will receive a brand new Jaguar X-Type sport sedan.

Both the World Equestrian Team and the Spruce Meadows Team are looking forward to their shows this September. Most of the team members were at today's show preparing for the competition to come.