The Canadian equestrian federation has announced that the Canadian Dressage Championships, split over an East and West coast show, will return in 2026.
These Nationals will be "showcasing the nation’s top horse-and-rider combinations across both Olympic and Paralympic disciplines. With premier venues, identical East and West judging panels and a clearly defined qualification pathway, the 2026 Championships promise an exceptional and unified national standard of excellence," the Canadian NF communicated.
Christine Peters, EC’s Senior Manager Dressage Olympic / Paralympic Program is enthusiastic about the return of the Championships following the 2025 edition.
“From emerging talent to seasoned international competitors, the 2026 Championships are where Canada’s top dressage and para dressage combinations will come together to compete, inspire, and define the national standard.
“The success of last year’s Championships showed us this is exactly what we needed at the right time to bring our Dressage and Para Dressage communities together in the spirit of sport. We are looking forward to building on that this year, and in the years to come.”
The Dates and Venues are:
- Eastern Championships
October 1–4, 2026
Bécancour, Québec
- Western Championships
October 9–11, 2026
Thunderbird Show Park, British Columbia
Riders may declare their intent to compete in the 2026 EC National Dressage and Para Dressage Championships during their annual Sport Licence renewal or by updating their declaration. Once declared, riders are automatically added to the EC National Dressage and Para Dressage Championships Ranking List for qualification consideration.
The top eight ranked combinations (including ties for 8th place) in each division and category will be invited to compete for National Championship titles.
To ensure fairness and consistency, the judging panels will be identical for both the Eastern and Western Championships, with judges officiating from the same positions at each event.
Judging Panel – East & West Divisions:
- Brenda Minor (Acton, ON) – Senior /FEI
- Joan MacCartney (Manotick, ON) – Senior
- Karen Michele Ashbee (Calgary, AB) – Senior
- Jayne Essig (Nanoose Bay, BC) – Senior
- Margaret Boyce (BC) – Medium
Related Links
Brittney Simpson is the 2025 Canadian Grand Prix Champion, Overall Results Announced
First Champions Crowned in West Canada as Canadian Dressage Championships Return on the Calendar