When Brian Gingras and daughter Elizabeth, of Edmonton, Alta., were
approached by Jill Henselwood to invest in an Olympic horse they were
intrigued by the idea, and that is how they became the proud owners of
George, a 10 year old chestnut, Hanoverian gelding on his way to London
in a few weeks.
When Brian Gingras and daughter Elizabeth, of Edmonton, Alta., were approached by Jill Henselwood to invest in an Olympic horse they were intrigued by the idea, and that is how they became the proud owners of George, a 10 year old chestnut, Hanoverian gelding on his way to London in a few weeks.
The Gingras family was introduced to George in Thermal, Calif., a couple of years ago and from the beginning Gingras knew the horse could jump the moon and was very athletic. The big concern was how immature and spooky he showed to be. but the Albertan saw something in it and decided to take a chance, with the 2012 Olympics in mind.
Both Brian and Elizabeth have traveled to California, Europe and Spruce Meadows to witness George and Henselwood perform and develop into a winning team.
Being the horse owner of a top elite athlete has its ups and downs.
There have been setbacks with lameness issues. Just when things were going well, George suffered a bruised hoof and was sidelined for a short period, a serious matter that mean sleepless nights when you are scheduling your training and competition around an Olympic year.
But this is nothing new for a family who has been horse owners for over 30 years. Gingras's son is a horse vet and all three of his daughters have been involved with horses. They all traveled to Mexico last fall to support George at the Pan American Games.
Both father and daughter were absolutely thrilled after hearing the news that George and Henselwood were named to the Canadian Olympic show jumping team.
The entire Gingras family will be flying to London for the event.
Elizabeth has Olympic aspirations for 2016, she is currently competing in the 1.60-metre jumper division with her horse, Avensis 4. There is some talk that she will take over the reins of George after the London Olympics. However, she mentioned she will have to measure her skills and see if their personalities are a match.
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Canada's Jill Henselwood and horse George were named to the Olympic Show Jumping Team that will travel to London for the 2012 Olympics. (AP Photo/Victor R. Caivano)
Deanna Phelan
Deanna Phelan has been involved in the Equine world all her life. She currently is the owner of the family farm...GEARY HILL STABLES in Geary, New Brunswick. Phelan is a certified Level 3 Jumping Coach. She also trains and actively competes in Quebec, Ontario and Wellington, Florida with two 8-year old jumpers. She has competed for many years and was short listed for the National Talent Squad. Phelan also began commentating on CBC's Spruce Meadows television programming in 2009. She continues to be a part of the broadcasting team in addition to covering the Equine world for CBCSports.ca. She is currently President of the New Brunswick Equestrian Association. Phelan considers herself a student of the sport who continues to work hard at becoming a better professional rider and coach. She has a BA in Public Relations from Mount Saint Vincent University, Halifax, Nova Scotia.
