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Ontario Equestrian is committed to the development of youth in equestrian sport. Annually we award five – $1,000 bursaries to members between the ages of 14-17. The selection process is based on the individuals’ involvement with horses, their future goals, and letters of recommendation from their coaches. Family resources and academic achievements are also considered. The bursaries will be used towards riding lessons, clinics, competition fees, continuing education, and other learning opportunities to help them develop their skills and continue their passion for the sport.
The Youth Bursary applications are reviewed thoroughly and recipients are chosen by the incredible Youth Bursary committee. Although the committee members wish to remain unnamed, we thank each of them for their time, commitment, and passion for this program.
It is with great pleasure that we congratulate and announce the following 2023 Youth Bursary Recipients!
Caitlin Baier
City: Sudbury, ON
Discipline: Hunter
Coach: Cathy Inch
Description: Originally from Temiskaming Shores, Caitlin has been riding since she was 4 years old. She and her recent mount Toby, an 8-year-old Trakehner whom she and her coach Cathy Inch have developed over the last year, are looking forward to competing at Trillium Championships and completing her C level in Canadian Pony Club. Having overcome personal and financial setbacks and holding down multiple jobs, Caitlin, through the guidance of her coach has been able to focus her efforts on sound basics creating “perfect practice” and seeing Toby blossom into a very competitive mount.
Eliane Orsali
City: Russell, ON
Discipline: Jumper
Coach: Allison Stanton
Description: Eliane’s coach, Allison Stanton, regards Eliane as “a dedicated young horsewoman and great student with the ability to work independently demonstrating common sense and initiative.” We all know these are traits that are paramount to succeed with our personal goals. Outside of her equestrian pursuits, Eliane volunteers to make friendship cards for local nursing home residences. Looking ahead into 2023, Eliane has her sights set on moving up to the 0.90m Trillium division with her mount ‘T’.
Isabelle Ranger
City: Bath, ON
Discipline: Hunter
Coach: Megan Binkley
Description: A martial arts enthusiast, Isabelle can see the many benefits of cross-training to improve her riding skills. In addition, Isabelle’s volunteerism at her local hospital reinforces the development of her people skills (compassion and empathy) both of which transfer over to sound horsemanship methods. Described by her coach (Megan Binkley) as “resilient, dedicated, and showing attention to detail for Leo’s welfare above all else, Izzy has been grateful for every opportunity to work with a green, unfit project horse.” Developing these hands-on equine practical skills combined with her people skills will no doubt set Isabelle up for success as she competes this year in the South East Trillium circuit.
Laena Good
City: Manotick
Discipline: Eventing
Coach: Taylor Symon
Description: Laena is a well-rounded athlete. She is passionate about skiing, swimming, and personal fitness but her true passion is equestrian sport. Along with her 2023 goals of moving up to EV100, Laena has her sights set on completing her EC Learn to Ride levels and pursuing her NCCP Instructor certification. Described by her coach Taylor Symon as “an exceptional role model finding genuine joy in helping less experienced athletes learn and succeed by building new skills” we are confident that Laena will find success in the personal goals she has set for herself.
Liam Grette
City: Alexandria, On
Discipline: Western Performance
Coach: Anna Scheitel
Description: The epitome of physical literacy participating in soccer, basketball, volleyball, badminton, track and field, and of course equestrian sport. A strong athlete, Liam does not shy from physical labor by stacking wood to earn additional income to support his riding goals. Liam is focused on making his western performance debut in 2023 with his AQHA perlino gelding Marengo. His coach Anna Scheitel considers it “an honor to coach Liam” due to his “willingness to learn and grow.”
