Erica Forgeron and Verdiano Close Out 2026 Season With First Grand Prix Victory

OTTAWA, ON, September 13, 2026 — Erica Forgeron of Quispamsis, NB and Verdiano earned their first Grand Prix victory in the $25,000 Mad Barn Grand Prix at the Ottawa National, the season-closing feature of the 2026 Ottawa Equestrian Tournaments season at Wesley Clover Parks.

Six combinations advanced to the jump-off on Saturday, September 12, with course designer Charles Faubert setting the track for the final national Grand Prix of the 2026 season.

Christine Carlsen of King, ON and Qilaja Van De Helle were first to return and immediately set the bar with a clear round in 38.610 seconds. Forgeron and Verdiano returned third and edged ahead of the leading time, crossing the timers clear in 38.060 seconds to take over the top spot.

Alex Mitchell of Mallorytown, ON and Casallco Aurora followed, producing another clear round in 38.910 seconds to round out the top three. Forgeron’s time held through the remainder of the six-horse jump-off, securing the victory ahead of Carlsen in second and Mitchell in third.

Forgeron, 29, and Verdiano returned to Wesley Clover Parks just weeks after competing at the RBC Ottawa International in August, where they contested both the CSI2* Qualifier and CSI2* Grand Prix. This week proved extra special for Forgeron, as Saturday’s victory marked her first career Grand Prix win.

Carlsen and Mitchell were both coming off strong results earlier in the week. Carlsen claimed the $5,000 Open Welcome sponsored by The King Eddy and Lil Z’s Pizza aboard Heritage Junior, with Mitchell and Casallco Aurora finishing second.

The $25,000 Mad Barn Grand Prix served as the final national Grand Prix of the 2026 Ottawa Equestrian Tournaments season. Proudly Canadian, Mad Barn advances equine health through science-backed nutrition, premium supplements, and expert support for horses across disciplines.

Competition at the Ottawa National concludes Sunday, September 13, wrapping up a successful summer of national and international show jumping at Wesley Clover Parks. The Ottawa Equestrian Tournaments extends its sincere appreciation to the athletes, teams, sponsors, officials, volunteers, staff, and everyone who took part throughout the season, whose continued support, dedication, and enthusiasm helped make the 2026 Gold season another memorable year of competition at The Parks.

While the Gold season is coming to an end, equestrian competition continues at Wesley Clover Parks later this month. Eventing at The Parks CCI2*-S CCI1* returns September 25 – 27, featuring FEI international eventing alongside the Eastern Canadian Eventing Championships. The event marks the second year of international eventing in Ottawa and will once again make Wesley Clover Parks the only venue in Canada to host international competition across all three Olympic equestrian disciplines. For competitor information, entries, schedules and event updates, visit ottawaequestriantournaments.com/2026-horse-trials.