Canada’s Olympic Dressage Team of “Best Friends” on Way to Tokyo After European Quarantine

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Canada’s Olympic dressage team in front of the Deutsche Bank stadium at Aachen. Germany, home of the world famous CHIO, where the riders and horses were in quarantine before leaving for Tokyo.

July 15, 2021

Canada’s Olympic dressage team of “best friends” flew to Tokyo Thursday to arrive in Japan a week before opening of the Games.

Brittany Fraser-Beaulieu and All In, Lindsay Kellock and Sebastien and Chris von Martels and Eclips as well as reserve Naïma Moreira Laliberté and Statesman were making the 13-hour flight with a brief layover in Dubai. They are scheduled to arrive Friday, a week ahead of the dressage horse inspection followed by two days of Grand Prix dressage. The Grand Prix of 15 teams and 15 individuals will decide which eight countries qualify for the Grand Prix Special and team medals as well as the Grand Prix Freestyle for individual awards.

All of the Canadians–all coached by Ashley Holzer, who now rides for America but competed at four Olympics for Canada–have competed successfully at international championships.

“Sebastien is feeling in top shape and we had very productive training sessions here in Aachen with Ash,” said Lindsay. “This was the perfect venue for our preparations leading into Tokyo. We got to school in many different rings and watch the top horses/riders in the world train which was so inspiring.

“It’s been so nice to feel the love and support from home through social media and private messages. Our team is looking great and we are ready to make Canada Proud!”

Brittany said: “Everything in Aachen has been great. All of our horses are looking fantastic, feeling fresh and fit.

“All In has never felt better. We had amazing training with Ashley Holzer here in Aachen. I am so excited to start our journey to Tokyo and take in this whole experience.

“As a team we are all best friends which makes this even more special. Of course I miss my family, especially my son. Théo, but we are FaceTiming a few times a day.”

“Eclips has been very good during our training in Aachen,” Chris said. “For me, it has also been very motivating to be alongside the best in the sport, I like to look at it as a perfect ‘warm up’ for what we should expect the sport to be like at the Games.

“I am heading out to Tokyo feeling a great deal of excitement, gratitude, and proud!”