International Student Riding Nations Cup this weekend at Shadowgate

Innisfil, ON --From August 912, Canada will welcome teams from approximately 21 countries to the 2006 International Student Riding Nations' Cup (SRNCCanada) at Shadowgate Equestrian Centre in Innisfil, ON.

Canadians have been traveling to Association Internationale des Etudients Cavaliers (AIEC)sanctioned student riding competitions dating back to the 1980s but later this summer, Canada will finally play the role of host.

The opportunity to host the first ever Nations' Cup on Canadian soil is gratifying for the Canadian Universities Riding Clubs Association (CURCA), an organization that has shown rapid development since being resurrected in 1997.

"It's an incredible feeling to know that the best student riders in the world will be coming to our home to compete," says event

organizer Dr. Anna Kate Shoveller, former CURCA-AIEC Responsible. "Over the last 10 years, our riders have had the opportunity to attend some excellent shows. It was always a goal of ours to be able to give something back to the student riding community that has always welcomed our teams. Hosting our own Nations' Cup is the perfect way."

Student riding powers like Germany, Belgium, England, France and the United States will be sending teams to the event. The event will provide a great test to these riders as the Nations' Cup includes both dressage and show jumping components. Horses are provided for the riders, who compete in teams of three. Three teams are assigned to the same horse and the members have five minutes to familiarize themselves with the animal for the dressage and a maximum of three practice

jumps in the show jumping component. The rider with the best score of the three countries advances to the next round.

"I really believe that one of the most intriguing elements of student riding is that the competition is a true test of a rider's ability," says Shoveller. "Because the riders in a SRNC event compete against riders on the same horse, you do not get the benefits of training or competing the horse, it's definitely a level playing field."

All riders in a Nations' Cup competition are currently full-time university or college students that have experience participating in ACircuit jumper and dressage events.

Shadowgate Gate Equestrian Centre, a brand-new facility run by former Canadian Student Rider Allison Zlepnig, will host the 2006 International Student Riding Nations' Cup. Zlepnig is providing

20 of the 65 horses needed to stage the event, with the remainder coming from other stables throughout Ontario.

"Student riding is a great way for riders, who are both athletically and academically committed, to participate in international competitions and have the opportunity to test their riding skills. After attending several Nations' Cups and a World University Games, I think it is only fair to provide a top-notch facility combined with some of my best horses. In addition to the experience for the riders, this is an opportunity for my horses to experience new riders. This event is a first for Canada, and we are working hard to put on an event to be remembered! Shadowgate Equestrian Centre is honoured to have this opportunity to support young riders and to encourage post secondary education among our young equestrians."

The event will be as educating as it is entertaining. Researchers from the University of Guelph will be at the show conducting a unique experiment on rider and horse interaction. Dr. Ian Duncan, an internationally-renowned animal behaviour expert, Dr. Anna Kate Shoveller and PhD candidate Uta von Borstel from the Ontario Agriculture College, together with Ontario Veterinary College professor, Dr. Suzanne Millman, will use cardiac and behavioural indicators to assess how behaviour of riders impacts fearfulness of their horses.

About CURCA

Canadian Universities Riding Clubs Association is a not-forprofit association, for students and run by students. Visit http://www.curca.ca to learn more.