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Monday, August 16 2021 / Published in Sidelines Spotlight

Unbridled With Michel Vaillancourt

By Jan Westmark

Show jumper Michel Vaillancourt has worn many hats in the equestrian world. While currently a sought-after course designer, his talent in the saddle took him to Olympic and Pan Am Games as a member of the Canadian Equestrian Team and also as the team coach.

Michel won an individual silver medal at the 1976 Olympics, team bronze at the 1975 Pan American Games and a silver team medal at the 1979 Pan American Games. When Canada boycotted the 1980 Olympics, Michel competed in the Alternate Olympics, winning a gold medal. “Riding for your country is the optimum dream of any athlete,” he said.

Michel was inducted into the Jump Canada Hall of Fame in 2009. “I felt very privileged to be included in a group of such talented horsemen and horsewomen,” he said. “It was a recognition of years of hard work. We all have bumps along the road, but you have to persevere. Nothing comes easy; you have to work for it.”

As a course designer, Michel has designed courses at top shows including the Winter Equestrian Festival and Spruce Meadows but also enjoys designing courses at smaller, well-run shows. “It’s a way of staying involved at the top level and helping educate the newcomers,” he said. “It’s a very difficult and important job. The responsibility that comes with it can be very stressful, but also the reward can be, and should be, satisfying.” 

How did your horse career start?  

My dad got me a pony when I was about 6 years old after a trip to the local fair. But I really got hooked when I was 11 and got to jump for the first time. I went on to have a very successful junior career and showed at the Royal Winter Fair in the national open division when I was 15. I had the opportunity to represent Canada as a Junior on many occasions including trips to Puerto Rico and Venezuela. Those events gave me a great foundation for team competitions. 

Do you come from a horse family? 

My dad had a keen eye for talented horses and produced several that went on to the Olympics. He became my mentor and biggest fan, and is the reason I am where I am today. Unfortunately, he died in a tragic accident when I was only 16. 

What was your favorite Olympic experience?

The 1976 Olympics. I turned 22 the day before the individual competition where I won a silver medal and am still the youngest to ever do so. Pierre Jolicoeur, who was my trainer, and I were watching the three-day eventing medal ceremony a few days before and were saying what a kick it must be to stand on an Olympic podium. If we only knew.

Where do you keep your Olympic and Pan Am medals? 

My Pan Am medals, as well as the alternate Olympic medal, are framed. My Olympic medal is in a beautiful glass case sitting in our living room.

 

What was it like coaching the Canadian team at the Olympics? 

I was glad I could bring my riding experience into my coaching. Being part of the team, even if it was in a different role, kept me involved in our sport at the top level. 

Any favorite horse experiences over the years? 

Trying to clip a pony years ago and getting dragged all over the aisles in our barn. I don’t think I ever got it done!

Have you had a funny horse moment that still makes you laugh? 

One year at the Royal before an international class, I started imitating every rider that night (I was good at it). I don’t think I ever saw Bert de Nemethy, chef d’equipe of the U.S. team, laugh so hard. He was always so serious, so that made my week even though I almost missed my class.

What’s your favorite thing about being part of the horse world? 

The horses first: They truly are special animals. The people second. We are a big family. And like any family, we care for one another. We also argue, shout, hug and laugh just like any family.

If you weren’t involved with the horse world, what career do you think you would have picked? 

Architecture is what I wanted to do as a kid before I started riding, so I guess I came pretty close. 

If you had a week off, what would you do? 

Nothing!

Who inspires you? 

So many. My wife, because she’s such a hard worker; Eric Lamaze, for his tenacity; my dad for his wisdom. 

What talents do you feel you have? 

Creative, tolerant, a diplomat 

Do you have a personal motto or catch phrase? 

It is what it is. 

What’s your favorite item of clothing to wear? 

Beautiful sweaters 

What three items can usually be found in your refrigerator? 

Pellegrino, milk, fresh veggies

What’s your favorite meal?

Anything that is cooked for a long time

What would be the best gift in the world?

Health

If you could have a superpower, what would it be?

To have the ability to clean the ocean

What’s something everyone should try at least once?

My lasagna

How would you like people to remember you? 

Just for being a nice guy will do.

Photo:

Michel Vaillancourt

Photo by Andrew Ryback

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Marie Meyers has been around the world because of Marie Meyers has been around the world because of dressage, but it’s her farm in Moorpark, California, that has captured her heart. The farm and the business that thrives there represent Marie’s lifelong journey—a journey made up of good friends, spectacular horses and relationships made to last.

Marie was raised in Southern California, and spent her childhood playing just about every sport under the sun, but she didn’t discover riding until she was 14 years old. “I loved animals so much, so I started taking lessons. I did jumping at first, but I was very bad at that, for sure!” Marie laughed.

After some time, Marie moved on to take lessons at Foxfield Riding Academy and began riding dressage. “I fell into dressage by accident,” Marie said, “At the beginning, I thought it was extremely boring, but then I got hooked. By the time I graduated from high school, I had plans to travel to England to work for Franz Rochowansky, a former head of the Spanish Riding School.”

In 1988, Marie’s hard work paid off, and the pair was selected as alternates for the 1988 Summer Olympic Games. “They didn’t take the alternates that year, so we didn’t go to Seoul, but the experience, the training and the European Tour afterwards set me up for the 1990 World Equestrian Games in Stockholm, Sweden,” Marie said.

In addition to having success representing her country, Marie was busy with her life—marriage, a business, teaching lessons and clinics. 

Learn more about Marie in this month's edition of Sidelines Magazine. Click the link in our bio for more 🦄

📸Photos by Lindsey Long Equine Photography, www.lindseylong.com

#dressage #equestrian #horse #horses #horsesofinstagram #dressagehorse #equestrianlife #showjumping #horseriding #equine #pony #pferd #instahorse #dressur #horselove #eventing #equestrianstyle #cheval #dressagerider #horselife #horselover #pferde #love #riding #jumping #pferdeliebe #horseofinstagram #horsebackriding #paard #dressurpferd
We are starting a ‼️new series‼️ here on o We are starting a ‼️new series‼️ here on our socials where we share some of the lovely stallions, and their breeders featured in each month's magazine. Our first feature on this #STUDSunday is...

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Contact Cheryl Maye at (703) 431-9096 for more information
https://www.mayeshowponies.com/more-info/stallions

You can find ALL of the stallions featured towards the back of the magazine in the equestrian gallery. Keep a look out EVERY Sunday for a new handsome STUD muffin🧁 and don't forget to subscribe to get your very own edition of Sidelines Magazine, the magazine for horse people, about horse people 🦄

📸  SAS Equestrian
‼️ROB JACOBS COLUMN‼️ The purpose of this ‼️ROB JACOBS COLUMN‼️

The purpose of this month’s column is to help the young equestrians of our sport develop and maintain healthy friendships within the industry. Cultivating healthy relationships with other members within the industry is not as easy as one may think. As a young equestrian, it may be difficult navigating friendships at the barn and at horse shows. Typically, kids have friendships within the barn they ride at but also friendships with others from different barns in their area. 

Initially, it may seem as though making other friends in the sport would be easy and ideal; after all, there is the common interest of horses. However, because of the natural therapeutic benefits of horses, the sport has a history of attracting all types of people, with a wide range of personalities. This can be both an advantage and a drawback. We are now in an era that acknowledges the growing need to discuss and manage one’s mental health. 

One thing I have learned is that we are likely to notice mental health challenges at an age younger than most people may think. Some of the friendship dynamics I have observed over the years have caused me to pause and really think about the future of our sport. Without looking for a source to blame for the cause of this, i.e. social media, parents, school, teachers, etc., I think if all adults involved worked to encourage, affirm, love, and respect our youth, the likelihood of them developing authentic friendships with their peers may increase.

Both humans and horses were designed to have connected relationships. These relationships allow a greater sense of security when one experiences challenges in life. Cultivating the quality and authenticity of these relationships requires intentional work. 

Thank you Rob for providing your helpful insight on developing healthy relationships. Check out his tips in his column you can find in the link in our bio.
Never miss a story by subscribing to Sidelines Magazine🦄 

Photo by Blenheim Equisports

#horse #horses #horsesofinstagram #equestrian #horseriding #equine #hunterjumper #equestrianlife #horselove #dressage #sidelinesmagzine
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