“I really believe we have good enough horses and riders to get something good done there (at the upcoming Paris Olympics). So that’s what I’m most excited about.”


Amy, who grew up riding at Spruce Meadows, was delighted to take the top spot at the main event on day one of The ‘Continental’, presented by Rolex, this afternoon.


And when prodded on whether she would enjoy being part of the first all-female squad in Paris, she conceded a little, adding: “Yes…I mean, I really like all of my teammates. Mostly I focus on what I can control and that is my own performance.”


Today’s test saw Amy take first in the 1.50m FEI event The Partners, with a clean 68.09s finish aboard Christiano, beating 18 competitors from nine different countries.


A Special Way to Commemorate D-Day


Amy’s victory lap around the scenic All Canada Ring was lead by mounted troops from the Lord Strathcona’s Horse, as part of Spruce Meadows’ recognition of 80 years since Canada’s participation in the pivotal Second World War invasion known as D-Day.


President and CEO Linda Southern-Heathcott, Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel of the King’s Own Calgary Regiment, presented Amy with her trophy.


Amy added: “The amount of respect that this facility gives to all of Canada, and especially the military, is fantastic. When you look at the way the world is today you kind of wonder why we didn't learn more from all of the sacrifices of the past. My grandfather served and that is always on my mind as well.”


The course for The Partners was designed by FEI Level 4 Course Designer Marina Azebedo (BRA) and featured 11 obstacles (13 jumping efforts) across 510m. On stage Hannah Selleck and Cloud 39 (Clarimo) followed as runner-up, referring Erynn Ballard with her Belgian Warmblood-mare, Nikka vd Bisschop (Emerol NOP) to a third place.


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