Viewpoint

Jill Henselwood

Riding with Heart for Canada

“Canada has been well represented in equestrian sports by some exceptional athletes – from Jim Elder winning Olympic team gold for Canada back in 1968 to Gail Greenough winning the World Show Jumping Championship in 1986 to ‘Captain Canada’ Ian Millar,” says professional horsewoman Jill Henselwood.

She is also a winner, taking the Canadian Show Jumping Championship at the 2005 Royal Horse Show in Toronto, a feat she will attempt to repeat at this year’s Royal in November. “But,” she notes, “more importantly it is the outstanding Canadian spirit that truly prevails. Against all odds and through sheer determination and dedication, we manage to rise to the top.”

Equestrians never lack heart

The Canadian Equestrian Team member says that, “often we encounter challenges like lack of funding, geographical difficulties, lack of competitive opportunities, etc., but never do we lack heart. I believe it makes our wins that much more special.”

One of the challenges, she says, is finding and acquiring an equine athlete that is up to international show jumping. “Competitive jumping is an expensive sport. The human athletes are carded (but not the equine athletes) and funded by the federal government to a small extent,” she explains, then pauses. “Perhaps there should be a talent search and identification of world-class horses, and a system put in place that would fund their development. Likely the owner would need to sign an agreement that would have the horse compete solely for Canada for a four-year cycle.”

Science helping overall health of horses

The importance of having more than one horse at the Grand Prix level is vital. Just like human athletes, the equine athletes need proper nutrition and training. An injured horse can mean no competition and no prize money.

“The modern sciences that have been applied to sport increase overall health and athletic strength, while decreasing injury rehabilitation time. Future sciences are going to have greater effect on the rehab of equine athletes that would have normally ended their careers prematurely in past years,” says Ms. Henderson, who competes on two mounts: Special Ed and Black Ice. “The next trend will likely see more cross training of the jumping horse through swimming, treadmill work and electric walkers.”

Besides competing, Jill, an International Level 3 coach, trains both juniors and amateur riders. She also teaches at clinics across the country.

Eye to 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing

Competing at the Grand Prix level since 1989, she won her third straight North American Championship in July. Her next major goals are the Pan American Games 2007 in Rio de Janeiro followed by the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.

Although she has her own Web site, Jill admits, “the Internet has not yet had a huge impact on my career. It does, however, provide enthusiasts with the ability to view the results of their favourite athletes and their horses. The Internet is also becoming a place where horses can be bought and sold. My favourite Canadian Web sites are the Horsesport Web site and the Equus Web site. They are both very up to date with their show jumping news.”

Photo credit: Betty Cooper

Interview conducted September 2006