Dressage-News

OTTAWA, Ontario, Dec. 21– Jacqueline (Jacqui) Oldham, a lifelong dressage horsewoman, was reported by Equine Canada to have died after a battle with cancer. She was 72 years old.

Jacqui was born in Bellevue, Alberta, in 1938 and started riding as a young girl in Edmonton. By the age of 14, Jacqui directed her equestrian interest to dressage leading into a lifelong dedication to the sport.

Over 60 years in the horse industry, she trained and competed up to Grand Prix level. As an Equine Canada Level 2 Dressage Coach, Jacqueline shared her talent and knowledge with countless students from Training to Grand Prix levels.

“Jacqui has helped and mentored literally hundreds of people over the years and I feel very fortunate to have been one of her close friends and students,” Grand Prix rider Wendy Christoff said.

A dressage judge since 1976, Jacqui of Langley, British Columbia, received her Equine Canada Senior Dressage Judge status in 1993 and her U.S. Equestrian Federation Senior status in 1994. She judged in North America, Australia and Barbados.

Jacqui was one of the founding members of CADORA in British Columbia where she helped organizers develop the “Best Ever” program which helped identify and support talented horses and riders.

Jacqui was president of the Horse Council of British Columbia (HCBC) from 1997 to 1998. She was named the HCBC’s Official of the Year, and in 2009 was awarded HCBC Lifetime Achievement Award.

Jacqui proudly ran the “Educate Your Eye” clinic for approved judges across Canada.

Jacqui played a large role in the advancement of Dressage Canada programs that focused on the development of horses and riders.

She is survived by her husband, Bill. and two children, Shannon and Haley, as well as two grandchildren Lauralee and Justin.

At her family’s request, memorial donations in lieu of flowers may to the BC Cancer Foundation at 600 – 686 West Broadway, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1G1, or to the equivalent agency in your local area.