Ottawa, ON, Feb. 14, 2020 – Equestrian Canada (EC) is pleased to announce the hard-working young athletes who were chosen by the EC Jumping Committee to receive Jumping Youth Bursary funds for 2019.

In recognition of the challenges young riders face as they strive to continue their education while competing at high levels of the jumping sport, the Jumping Youth Bursary was developed for athletes between the ages 14-21 who compete in hunter, jumper and equitation divisions. The program is made possible through a generous donation by Mark Samuel, Kevin Sanford and the Samuel family.

The following athletes have been awarded $3,000 each through the 2019 Jumping Youth Bursary in recognition of their hard work and dedication:

Béatrice Daviault, 19, of Saint-Damase, QC, provides a shining example to fellow young riders of how to deftly balance success in the ring as well as the classroom. In the same way that she has progressed up the levels in the ring – from tackling provincial show jumping championships at the 0.9m level to earning Reserve Champion in the 2018 Running Fox CET Medal National Final to successfully debuting her two young horses at the 1.40m level – Béatrice has similarly advanced in the realization of her academic goals. For many years, her concentration and perseverance has been recognized with multiple scholarships, including the Boursière Fondation de l’Athlete d’Excellence du Québec, Boursière Fondation Sports-Études and the Boursière Elte St-Hyacinthe. Béatrice completed her first year studying medicine at the Cégep de Saint-Hyacinthe and was subsequently accepted at the University of Montreal with the goal of being a family doctor or dermatologist. Well on her way to achieving her professional dreams and with two young horses to carry her into the next chapter of her jumping career, Béatrice is poised for yet another year of personal, academic and equestrian growth.

Charlotte McLaughlin, 16, of Ottawa, ON, has twice represented the maple leaf at the North American Youth Championships, claiming the Children’s team gold and individual silver medal in 2018. She is motivated in her riding by a desire to jump higher and faster, and that desire to soar is mimicked in her academic pursuits. Charlotte has been an honour student for the past three years, as well as the recipient of several academic scholarships – all while maintaining a time-consuming training schedule at Millar Brooke Farm. She also believes strongly in giving back and has volunteered for several charities, including The Peeps Foundation, which is dedicated to miniature horses, and Me to We, a social enterprise that funds humanitarian operations worldwide. After graduating high school, Charlotte plans to study design or architecture with the admirable goal of creating structures or modes of transportation that are space- and climate-conscious. Her deep sense of care for and commitment to her surrounding environment, coupled with a strong work ethic and sense of integrity, make Charlotte a valuable asset to the various communities of which she is part.

Taylor Winther Blair, 17, of Prince George, BC, has woven her love of horses into every aspect of her life. Numerous division championships with the British Columbia Hunter Jumper Association serve as milestones on Taylor’s journey up the levels in the hunter, jumper and equitation rings, from her first titles of Pony Hunter and Pony Equitation Champion in 2015, all the way to her 1.20m Junior Jumper Champion title in 2018. Having grown up on the family farm, Taylor’s commitment to horses extends far beyond the saddle and includes breeding, training, barn management and more. She was awarded the George and Diane Tidball Legacy Scholarship for 2019, recognizing her work ethic and dedication to sport, sportsmanship and leadership. Taylor’s all-encompassing passion led her to decide on a career as an equine veterinarian at the tender age of seven. Since then, she has relentlessly pursued this goal, racking up hundreds of volunteer hours at local veterinary practices and maintaining top marks in high school as she turns her focus to university and vet school beyond.

About the Jumping Youth Bursary
Each year, the Jumping Committee selects recipients of the Jumping Youth Bursary program based on the strength of applications received. Elements considered in the application process include a transcript of grades and outline of academic curriculum; future educational plans; equestrian experience; commitment and dedication to their sport; a positive image within the sport; achievement of notable competition results, whether at the local, regional or national level; goals within the equestrian industry; and financial need.

For additional details regarding the Jumping Youth Bursary Program, please visit www.equestrian.ca/sport/jumping/athlete-development