34 SIDELINES JANUARY 2013
FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE
By Jennifer Ward
For David Marcus, the journey to the Olympic
Games frst began in Omaha, Nebraska. David
then moved to Canada at the age of 17 to attend
McMaster University. Continuing his athletic
career in his newfound country, David opened his
own training center, David Marcus Dressage, in
Campbellville, Ontario, just west of Toronto and
became a Canadian citizen on December 28,
2011.
Having only performed their frst grand prix test
six months earlier, David and Chrevi’s Capital
accomplished the seemingly impossible by
qualifying for Canada’s three-member Olympic
dressage team.While London did not go according
to plan – the pair was eliminated when Chrevi’s
Capital spooked during a heavy downpour and
David was unable to regain control within the
20 second time limit, David now has his sights
frmly focused on qualifying for the 2014 World
Equestrian Games in Normandy.
He has two top contenders in Chrevi’s Capital,
who recently won the Grand Prix at CDI-W
Dressage at Devon and Don Kontes, who took
top honors in the Grand Prix Special. Both horses are
owned by David’s greatest supporter, Deborah Kinzinger.
Recognized for his coaching abilities in addition to his own
riding accomplishments, David’s student Alexandra Reid won
an individual bronze medal at this year’s North American Young
Riders’ Championship before making a clean sweep of the FEI
Young Riders’ division at Devon.
How did you begin your riding career?
My mom was an amateur dressage rider and introduced me
to the sport. I used to go with her to the barn from a very young
age. My mom made me wait from the age of three, when I started
asking to ride, until seven when I was fnally allowed. After
competing at fve North American Young Riders’ Championships
on two different horses and fnishing university, I started teaching
riding lessons to help pay my bills while looking for a “real” job.
That was the beginning of what has become my life with horses.
What do you consider your biggest riding accomplishment
to date?
My biggest accomplishment has been competing on the
Canadian Team at the 2012 London Olympic Games. My horse,
Chrevi’s Capital, nor I had ever done a grand prix test as of
January 2012 and to go from that start to making an Olympic
Team in the same year was a real highlight.
What are your plans for the future in the horse world?
I am lucky to have the wonderful support of my owner, Deborah
Kinzinger. Together with Nicholas Fyffe, we strive to keep
producing horses for major games while developing ambitious
amateurs, juniors and young riders, and offering top quality
imports for sale at all times.
What traits do you look for in a horse?
When I am looking for horses I look for good conformation and
David Marcus with Chrevi’s Capital (left) and Don Kontes
e
Canadian Connection
correct mechanics of the hind leg. The more I learn, the more
important I have found this to be. I also always look for a willing
temperament and trainable character. The horses have to be
sensitive but also want to please. The last thing I consider is
beauty…who wants to ride an ugly horse!
What is your favorite thing to do when you aren’t riding?
One of my favorite things to do when not riding is to go to the
beach with a good book and relax. This is obviously a lot more
feasible while in Florida for the winter than while in Canada for
the summer!
What are your top fve favorite songs on your iPod right now?
The only thing on my iPod is Chrevi’s Capital’s “Clash of The
Titans” freestyle.
What profession other than your own would you like to take
part in and why?
I think, had my life taken a different path, I would have gotten
into real estate. I am always looking at real estate and seeing
what is available for sale and I am also intrigued by the art of
negotiation. I spent a lot of energy renovating my house and really
loved the process. I could see myself doing that.
What is your biggest pet peeve?
Laziness. I think that a lot of the little things that can annoy me
often come down to laziness.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be?
In November, I took a vacation to Australia. It is somewhere that
I have always wanted to go. I had the chance to go with Australian
grand prix rider Nicholas Fyffe and had such an amazing trip!
David Marcus:
Making His Mark