The Canadian dressage community is mourning the loss of one of its own, following the passing of Harper Mackenzie on August 22 after a lengthy illness. Harper was 51 years old.
Harper was a successful FEI competitor and gifted horse trainer. His career defining international dressage horse was the Hanoverian bred Westeross (by Weltmeyer x Gluckspilz), which he competed at international small tour level in 2012, 2013, and 2015. The pair was seen at CDI's in Burlington, Devon, Rockwood, and Cedar Valley. He continued to show the horse at national level through 2017, including at the Global Dressage Festival.
Harper's true passion was teaching. Drawing on the in-depth knowledge of classical principles he gained while training with the likes of Robert Dover, Cindy and Neil Ishoy, and Norbert van Laak, Harper had a rare talent for helping his students understand the most technical aspects of dressage.
He coached his wife Esther Mortimer to the 2003, 2011, and 2015 Pan American Games and Nations Cup appearances, riding at the time for Guatemala and now declared for Canada. Together the pair founded M2 Dressage in Millgrove, Ontario.
Always ready with a smile and a laugh, and always the first to lend a hand to someone who needed it, Harper was so many things to so many people: Husband, father, son, partner, coach, mentor, friend. However, the role he was most proud of was devoted hockey dad.
He leaves behind his wife Esther and son Lucas.
Related Links
Esther Mortimer Declares for Canada
Victoria Winter In the Blue at 2010 CDI Blainville