Colleen Loach Leads CCI2* and CCI1* at Inaugural Eventing at The Parks

Sep 27

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Ottawa, ON – Saturday, September 27, 2025

International competition is officially underway at Wesley Clover Parks as riders completed the opening phases of the Eventing at The Parks CCI2* and CCI1* presented by Omega Alpha on Saturday, September 27. The addition of these two Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI)-sanctioned divisions mark the venue’s debut on the international Eventing stage.

Running alongside the FEI divisions, the Eastern Canadian Eventing Championships offer a year-end competition for qualified riders from Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland & Labrador.

In the CCI2* division presented by Apple Saddlery, Lindsay Beer-Drury (CAN) and Catherston Tick Tock claimed the early lead with the top dressage score, followed closely by two-time Canadian Olympian Colleen Loach aboard Chiaro Z Excalibur. Loach then moved into first place after producing a strong stadium round, positioning herself at the top of the leaderboard as competitors head into Sunday’s cross-country.

In the CCI1* division presented by Struck Apparel, Elizabeth Brousseau (CAN) and Nico led the standings after dressage, with Colleen Loach (CAN) and Canada Post close behind in second. A clear round in show jumping then shifted the leaderboard, with Loach moving into first place and Brousseau holding on to second.

As a result of her strong performances, Colleen Loach now leads the CCI2* and CCI1* standings as the competition turns to the decisive cross-country phase on Sunday. Reflecting on her rides so far, Loach said, “I was really happy with both of them. Chiaro ‘Cheech’ is getting better and better every time out — more subtle and rideable in the ring, and he show jumped really well. ‘Ashton’, Canada Post, had a little rambunctious moment in dressage, but I got it back under control. Show jumping can be a bit of a challenge for him, but he jumped clear, so that was really good. We’re looking forward to the courses tomorrow. Jay’s done a great job. There are a couple of challenging questions out there, but it looks like it will be lots of fun.”

On the milestone of Wesley Clover Parks hosting international Eventing for the first time, Loach added, “I think it’s a great thing for our sport, and hopefully it will keep growing in numbers. They’ve done a great job, it’s a great facility, so there’s no reason it shouldn’t.”

Competition concludes Sunday, September 28, with the much-anticipated cross-country phase designed by FEI Level 3 course designer Jay Hambly. Fresh from assisting Mark Phillips at the European Championships at Blenheim Palace in the UK, Hambly has crafted a course that offers a demanding yet fair test featuring two ditch complexes, three bank complexes, and two water complexes, including the newly constructed “Struck Splashdown” water complex.

The debut of international Eventing at Wesley Clover Parks reflects the team’s commitment to delivering world-class opportunities for athletes and to strengthening Ottawa’s position as a hub for equestrian sport. With established Eventing venues dwindling, this investment underscores Wesley Clover Parks’ role as a premier destination for equestrian competition in Eastern Canada and beyond.

Live scoring is available at www.evententries.com. Follow the Ottawa Equestrian Tournaments on Facebook and Instagram @ottawaequestriantournaments.

Visitor Information

Spectators are invited to attend and celebrate this exciting new chapter for Canadian eventing. Admission is free. For more information, visit www.ottawaequestriantournaments.com/spectators.

Media Contact:
Robyn Cyr – Press Officer
613-882-7491 | Robyn.Cyr@wesleycloverparks.com