ZONE TWO EQUESTRIAN GOLDEN AT THE GAMES

That’s a wrap on the July 21-24, 2022 British Columbia (BC) Summer Games in Prince George! It was four jam-packed days of competition with athletes from all over the province competing in Dressage, Para-Dressage, Jumping, Vaulting, and for the first time Eventing. Forty-eight athletes representing eight Zones throughout the province made the trip to the Games, working as zone teams with accumulative points from all days of competition.

As Sunday wrapped up, Zone 2 was awarded the gold medal for Overall Zone. Four gold medals, one silver, and one bronze led this tiny but tough team to win the overall points and take home the Zone award. Zone 2 was made up of coaches Brandy Saunders and Ashley Sudds, and athletes Avery Wilkinson, Katie Thielman, Hannah Robbins, and Brook Forai.

Saunders spoke about her experience: “Congratulations to all BC Summer Games participants and support people, and especially to our Zone 2 equestrian team with coach Ashley Sudds, myself Brandy Saunders, and athletes, Katie Thielman, Hannah Robbins, Avery Wilkinson, and Brook Forai. We were able to win gold for overall medals won.

“The BC Summer Games was a reflection of the importance of teamwork, and this was demonstrated on so many levels throughout our whole equestrian community, not just our zone teams. Coaches and athletes came together over and over to support all teams and disciplines. This included celebrating each other’s success and supporting in times of challenge. Seeing old friends and meeting new ones brought our BC equestrian community together. Within just a few days, teams became very close and connected, resulting in great pride and confidence.

As an eventing coach, it was very exciting to be there for the introduction of Eventing into the Summer Games. We had a strong contingent of support from our BC Eventing Association. This included volunteers, officials, coaches, riders, and an eager audience! It was awesome to see and feel that kind of support. 

Thank you for the memories and the experience!!”

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OUR ATHLETES on their amazing accomplishments! We look forward to the next BC Summer Games in Maple Ridge, July 18-21, 2024.

Overall Dressage Winners (awarded Sunday)

• Gold — Ella Parker, Zone 3
• Silver — Amelia Mosuumgaard, Zone 7
• Bronze — Mia Lambert, Zone 6

Overall Para Dressage (awarded Sunday)

• Gold — Avery Wilkinson, Zone 2
• Silver — Leila Corntassel, Zone 6
• Bronze — Claire Hendrix, Zone 6

Overall Jumping (awarded Sunday)

• Gold — Katie Thielman, Zone 2
• Silver — Hannah Askew, Zone 5
• Bronze — Melodie Kopiyka, Zone 6

Overall Eventing (awarded Sunday)

• Gold — Jacob Sovio, Zone 3
• Silver — Ella Ficociello, Zone 4
• Bronze — Hannah Robbins, Zone 2

Overall Vaulting (awarded Sunday)

• Gold — Emma Mindel, Zone 3
• Silver — Maklaine Rogers, Zone 3
• Bronze — Sophia Kahil, Zone 6

Full results from the weekend and daily medal break down can be viewed here.

OFFICIALS AND DISCIPLINE CHAIRS

• Provincial Advisor for Equestrian: Lynda Ramsay, Kelowna 
• Sport Chair: Steven Dubas, Prince George 
• Dressage Discipline Chair: Jodie Kennedy, Prince George 
• Para Dressage Discipline Chair: Stella French, Victoria 
• Eventing Discipline Chair: Julie Johannson, Oliver 
• Vaulting Discipline Chair: Marijean Maher, Aldergrove 
• Jumping Discipline Chair: Maegan Friess, Prince George 

Officials

• Dressage and Para Dressage Judge: Burgi Rommel, Langley 
• Jumper Judge: Katy Ostberg, Prince George 
• Course Designer: Cat Armitage, Lone Butte 
• Eventing Ground Jury: Bonnie Kennedy, Prince George 
• Vaulting Judge: Lynn Wallden, Chilliwack 

A huge thank you to our sport teams and amazing judges for all their hard work. Thank you to all the coaches, athletes, parents, volunteers, and sports chairs who made the games possible. Thank you to the Prince George Horse Society for being an incredible host venue, and the BC Games for including equestrian sport in this amazing event! 

Main Image: Zone 2 won the gold medal for overall points. Zone 2 athletes Avery Wilkinson, Katie Thielman, Hannah Robbins, and Brook Forai were coached by Brandy Saunders and Ashley Sudds. Photo courtesy of HCBC