More information on the winners will be published in the coming weeks!
Ottawa, ON, April 8, 2025 – Equestrian Canada (EC) is pleased to announce the 2024 National Award recipients, recognized for their impressive achievements and contributions to the growth and success of the Canadian equestrian community.
EC would like to thank everyone who participated in the 2024 EC National Awards process, including the many individuals who submitted nominations to support deserving individuals. Across the board, the quality of the nominations was extremely high, which is a testament to the world-class athletes, owners, officials, organizations, volunteers, and supporters within the Canadian equestrian industry.
2024 Equestrian of the Year: Erynn Ballard. Pictured here with Nikka vd Bisschop, owned by the Rein Family LLC at the Paris Olympics. Photo Credit: Cealy Tetley Photo
Please join us in congratulating the following recipients. More information on the winners will be published in the coming weeks!
2024 EC National Award Recipients
Gold Medal Award
Margaret Teske (Awarded Posthumously)
Lifetime Achievement Award
Sheila Skene
Equestrian of the Year – The Dr. George Jacobsen Trophy
Erynn Ballard
Junior Equestrian of the Year – The Gillian Wilson Trophy
Hailey Marr
Horse of the Year
Flip (Fidertanz x Carprilli)
Owners: Kelly Bruder & Frank Houtappels
Canadian Bred Horse of the Year
Freedom GS (Humble GS x Friedel GS)
Owner: Charlotte Schickedanz
Breeder: Charlotte Schickedanz
Owner(s) of the Year
Kelly Bruder & Frank Houtappels
Canadian Breeder of the Year
Galten Farms
Coach of the Year
Mackenzie Thiessen
Official of the Year
Susan Adey-Bagg
Volunteer of the Year
Janice Spenst
Media Award - The Susan Jane Anstey Trophy
Susan Stafford
Flip, winner of the 2024 Horse of the Year award, is owned by owners Kelly Bruder and Frank Houtappels. He is pictured with his driver, Kelly Bruder.
EC would also like to thank the Recognition and Awards Committee for their time and effort in selecting the recipients, with support and input from EC stakeholders and experts. The 2024 EC Awards Committee is comprised of Peggy Hambly (Chair), Jennifer Anstey, Julie Brewster, Alison Martin, and Taylor McRae.
For more information, visit www.equestrian.ca/about/national-awards.
Source: Equestrian Canada
Photo: Solène Bailly Photo. 2024 Canadian Bred Horse of the Year: Freedom GS. Owned and Bred by 2024 Canadian Breeder of the Year Galten Farms / Charlotte Schickedanz. Ridden by Jessica Phoenix, here at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Cealy Tetley Photo.