Dominique Shone Named Junior Equestrian

Equine Canada has named Dominique Shone, 18, of Langley, BC, named as the 2011 Junior Equestrian of the Year.

The Gillian Wilson Award is given annually to the Junior Equestrian of the Year in recognition of a junior competitor who has made outstanding contributions to equestrian competition.

In addition the individual must has exemplified exceptional talent, sportsmanship, and a strong dedication to the sport. Shone shines in each of these qualities and continues to promote the sport for Equine Canada.

A young 18; Shone had a superb year in 2011 with highlights including: winning and placing in two separate $31,000 CSI2* classes at the Rocky Mountain Show Jumping Bow Valley Classic competitions and fourth in the $50,000 CSI2* Friends of Rocky Mountain Grand Prix and seventh in the $50,000 CSI2* G2 Financial Group Grand Prix, riding Ka Ching, owned by Caroline Shone.

Her positional finishes saw her earned over $35,000 in prize money and was awarded the distinction of Leading Lady Grand Prix Rider for the Rocky Mountain Classic Series.

She finished second overall in the Jump Canada Talent Squad — Western Division. In addition, Shone and Ka Ching have been named to the 2012 Jump Canada Talent Squad.

Her solid attitude made her a favourite among whipper-ins as she always handled victory with gratitude and losing with grace. Shone embodies the spirit of a true horseperson in every way.

“I would like to thanks Equine Canada for having this award and for recognizing the hard work that I have put into the sport this past year,” said Shone. “I am very honoured to win the Junior Equestrian of the Year Award, and I would like to thank my family and friends, especially my parents for supporting and shaping me into the rider I have become.”

The Gillian Wilson Trophy was created in honor of Gillian Wilson, who was the Technical Director of Canadian Equestrian Federation (now Equine Canada) from 1977 until her retirement on December 31, 1992.