Introducing your 2015 Pan American Games Canadian Equestrian Team!

Equine Canada is the latest to fill out Team Canada for the Toronto 2015 Pan American Games, with 12 names added to the roster.

The Canadian contingent is particularly strong with Olympic experience among the jumpers. Beijing 2008 individual champion Eric Lamaze , along with 10-time Olympian Ian Millar , London 2012 jumper Tiffany Foster , and Yann Candele round out the group. Traveling reserve is Elizabeth Gingras.

Ian Millar & Dixson - © TetleyPhoto.com

Eric Lamaze & Coco Bongo - © Sportfoto

The eventing competition will see Olympian and defending Pan Am Champion Jessica Phoenix represent Canada, as will Colleen Loach , Waylon Roberts and Kathryn Robinson . Traveling Reserve is Stuart Black.

Jessica Phoenix & Pavarotti - © TetleyPhoto.com 

In dressage, Belinda Trussell – who competed for Canada at Athens 2004 – joins Brittany Fraser , Megan Lane and Chris von Martels . Traveling Reserves are Karen Pavicic and Diane Creech.

Brittany Fraser & All In - © Cheryl Denaul Photography

The Pan Am Equestrian Park in Caledon (just over 60 kilometres north of downtown Toronto) will host the dressage and jumping events, as well as those portions of the eventing competition. The cross-country showdown in eventing will take place in Mono, 20 kilometres north of Caledon.

At the previous Pan Am Games, Canada won three equestrian medals, including two for Jessica Phoenix in eventing (individual gold and team silver) riding her horse, Pavarotti.

Equestrian competition runs virtually throughout the Games, starting on July 11 and they are Olympic qualifiers for Rio 2016.

Chefs d'Equipes
Eventing - Clayton Fredericks
Dressage - Alison Martin
Jumping - Mark Laskin

"I am excited to welcome our equestrian athletes to the Canadian Pan Am Games Team. Traditionally, these athletes have delivered outstanding performances and I have full confidence this team has what it takes to continue this trend. Congratulations to all those who were nominated." - Marcel Aubut, President, Canadian Olympic Committee

"Canada has a long tradition of excellence in equestrian events and I am proud of the team that has been nominated to represent our country for the Games. Congratulations to the athletes that have been named by Equine Canada." - Curt Harnett, TORONTO 2015 Team Canada Chef de Mission

"We are really looking forward to having the Pan Am Games at the Caledon Equestrian Park, a venue that we've spent so much time competing at over the years.  With so many friends in the area supporting us, it should be a great ambiance for Canada.  These Games are especially important for Canada, as Olympic qualification is on the line." - Eric Lamaze, Beijing 2008 Olympic Champion, London 2012 Olympian, four-time Pan Am Games athlete, three-time Pan Am Games medallist

"I am absolutely thrilled to have been named to the team and to be a part of something so important. I feel so honoured to have such a strong team and group of supporters behind it. I am really optimistic about our Canadian team, and ultimately, I don't think there is anything that would stop us from the gold!" - Megan Lane, 2014 FEI World Equestrian Games athlete

"It is a great honour to represent Canada at my tenth Pan American Games in Toronto. The equestrian venue is the Caledon Pan Am Equestrian Park.  It is an outstanding facility and we are very proud to host the North, Central, and South American Teams.  Our team riders have competed at this facility in the past and we have great memories.  We also have many friends and supporters in the area. To ride for Canada at these Pan American Games is a great privilege."
- Ian Millar, ten-time Olympian, nine-time Pan Am Games athlete, nine-time Pan Am Games medallist

"I am incredibly excited to be representing Canada at the Toronto 2015 Pan American Games!! Thank you to our owners, sponsors, supporters and our entire staff for their help in pursuing these games."
- Jessica Phoenix, London 2012 Olympian,  Guadalajara 2011 Pan Am Games individual gold medallist

"Congratulations to the athletes named today to the Canadian equestrian team for the TORONTO 2015 Pan American Games. During this Year of Sport in Canada, we look forward to being inspired by your performances as you proudly wear the maple leaf on home soil."
- The Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport)

Check out the 2:30 mark for Jessica Phoenix