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Kim Morrison and Margaret “Muffie” Guthrie, were honoured as the 2013 Jump Canada award winners in a special ceremony held during Jump Canada Hall of Fame Reception at The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair on November 2 in Toronto, ON.
With a distinguished career as an FEI and Equine Canada judge and Steward, Kim Morrison of Calgary, AB was named the 2013 Jump Canada ‘Official of the Year’. Morrison was an active of equestrian sport for over 25 years, beginning with her first competition at the age of six. She competed in four different North American Young Rider Championships, was named a “B” carded athlete by the Canadian Olympic Development Committee in 1988, and was long listed for the Barcelona Olympics in Show Jumping, achieving a 13th World Cup Ranking in Canada two years in a row.
After retiring from a successful riding career, Morrison became a judge to give back to the sport that gave her so much. She has served in virtually every officiating role possible; Judge, Steward and Ground Jury, with a wealth of both national and foreign experience, and has spent the last five years teaching National Judge Courses. She currently holds an FEI Level 4* for Jumping and has spent the past four years as President of the Ground Jury at Spruce Meadows and serves on the FEI Jumper Official Committee. Her most notable recent experiences were as a Member of the Ground Jury at the 2012 London Olympic Games, World Cup Final -S’Hertogenbosch 2012, and the 2010 World Equestrian Games in Lexington KY.
“It is an honour to receive this award though winning an award was never my goal. I started judging because I wanted to give back to the sport. I do that by being the best judge I can be (when actually judging, representing Canada or mentoring young judges), stated Morrison upon hearing of her award. “Show jumping has given me some amazing opportunities for which I am truly grateful: Spruce Meadows, WEG Kentucky, London 2012, 2 world cup finals (Gothenberg 08 and S’Hertogenbosch 2012), 2 North American Young Riders Championships and WEG Normandy. This award is another amazing opportunity. I am thankful and humbled by the recognition of my efforts by Jump Canada.”
Margaret “Muffie” Guthrie of Guelph, ON was honoured as the Jump Canada ‘Volunteer of the Year’ for 2013 in recognition of her loyal support and dedication to the furtherance of the hunter and jumper sport in Canada. Guthrie began her lifelong equestrian journey as a rider successfully competing through to the Junior Amateur Hunter Jumper level. As owners of Knightwood Stables in Arkell, ON, she and her family live and breathe the equestrian lifestyle so it’s little wonder that she shows such deep devotion to the sport. Guthrie determinedly volunteers wherever she can make a difference; The Ontario Hunter Jumper Association [OHJA], Jump Canada, working behind the scene on sponsorship and fundraising to support Canada’s Team, and has chaired the annual efforts at the Caledon Horse show by fundraising in support of the Junior Nations’ Cup. She’s is a highly respected member of the Jump Canada Hall of Fame who has worked tirelessly in inductee relations and promotions.
“Muffie has been a member of my Hall of Fame Team from day one. She is a tireless worker and her positive attitude is infectious,” stated Mark Samuel, Chair of the Jump Canada Hall of Fame. “I am so thrilled that Muffie is being recognized for her myriad contributions to our sport and for her class and elegance in execution.”
“I am excited, surprised and honoured by being recognized by Jump Canada for my volunteer work towards the Hall of Fame and the Canadian Hunter Derby, commented Guthrie. Being a part of Jump Canada is important to me because of the love I have for the sport, and the history involved in jumping. Our history is important to share and value as it will influence our future, and the future success in jumping.”
For a complete list of all the previous winners of Jump Canada awards, please visit the statistics section of Jump Canada website at www.equinecanada.ca
