Megan Lane Named 2014 Dressage Canada Owner of Year
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OTTAWA, Ontario, Nov. 7, 2014–Megan Lane was named 2014 Dressage Canada Owner of the Year for Caravella, the 13-year-old Canadian-bred Dutch Warmblood she rode at the World Equestrian Games in Normandy.
The 23-year-old rider was cited for having “developed and showcased ther talent in achieving many success together” since the start of the partnership in 2009.
“There is no other way to describe it, except that it was the equestrian equivalent of ‘love at first sight’,” said Megan of Caravella (Contango X Riverman) that was bred and initially trained and competed by Jill Irving. “I remember seeing her for the first time in the cross ties, and walking right past her because I thought she was too pretty to be for sale.
“I wasn’t intimidated by the fact that she was a horse with an opinion. It is the aspect of her character that I think gives her the extra edge in the ring. I can’t thank my parents enough for trusting me that the 15.3 ½ hand (162.5cm) horse that stood in front of them would be the horse of a lifetime.”
Three weeks later, she began competing Caravella in international Junior division and qualified for the North American Junior & Young Rider Championships. The pair captured a total of six medals at the championships.
“We have progressed together to the Grand Prix level but my partnership with her is constantly evolving,” Megan said. “It is a longer road, but the advantage of training a horse yourself is that you develop a stronger understanding of each other, and that is what creates harmony in the ring. I think it is the ingredient that makes dressage beautiful to watch, and is hard to come by if the partnership is not there. I really have the feeling that she is having as much fun in the process as I do, and we have a connection that makes working together so enjoyable.”
The duo competed on the Wellington, Florida circuit last winter as well as in Canada before heading to Europe where they rode at the World Equestrian Festival in Aachen, Germany ahead of performing on the Canadian team at the World Games.
“Going forward I am taking it day-by-day and am applying all I have learned in the process of competing at WEG,” she said. “It was a wonderful journey that I wish to continue with Caravella and other up and coming horses. She has already given me more than I could have dreamed of, but as long I feel she is healthy and still eager in her work, I will continue to progress with her at the Grand Prix.”
Past winners of the Owner of the Year Award include Karen Soupcoff (2003), Deryol Andrews (2004), Evi Strasser (2005), Doug Leatherdale (2006), Faith Berghuis (2007), Ian and Moreen Nicoll (2008), Robyn Eames (2009), Cindy Ishoy (2010), Christine and Augustin Walch of W. Charlot Farms (2011), Mary and Eric Brooks & Anne and John Welch (2012) and Deborah Kinzinger (2013).
Victoria Winter, a former Canadian team rider who was chef d’equipe for the dressage squad at the WEG, was named Dressage Canada Volunteer of the Year.
