The Courtenay CADORA dressage club is proud of its talented local riders.

CADORA created the new Jim Kerr Sportsmanship Award of the Year in 2010 in honour of Dr. Jim Kerr. Joey McKay of Country Lane Stables, Courtenay was the recipient of the 2010 sportsmanship award for her great display of sportsmanship during local competitions. "The CADORA club was proud of Joey for her accomplishments showing off-Island as well as travelling to Southlands Dressage Shows in Vancouver and representing the local chapter of CADORA," a CADORA spokesperson said.

Karen Erickson of Goodmatch Farm, Courtenay was the recipient of the Dove Creek Farm Annual High Point Award 2010. "Karen maintained the highest scores while competing in the Courtenay horse shows in 2010 riding Orphan Annie, owned by Colleen Selby. Karen and Orphan Annie then qualified for the Pacific Regional Championships at Thunderbird Show Park in Langley, where they won the Training Level Championship, making the CADORA club and riders very proud," the spokesperson said.

CADORA stands for the Canadian Dressage Owners and Riders Association. CADORA is separated into "chapters," one of which is the Courtenay CADORA club. CADORA is a non-profit organization dependent on its members and donations to run the club and to organize and host events.

Competitive dressage is an immensely popular equestrian pursuit. It is a worldwide sport that ranges from novice standards to the Olympics. 

When competing in a dressage competition, horse and rider execute a series of movements within a dressage arena. The performance is judged and marks are given for each movement accomplished and for the horse鈥檚 way of going. A score is given to determine the rider鈥檚 position in the competition. Many different breeds and types of horses and ponies compete in competitive dressage.

The object of dressage is the harmonious development of the physique and ability of the horse. As a result it makes the horse calm, supple, loose and flexible but also confident, attentive and keen thus achieving perfect understanding with his rider. The rhythm that a horse maintains in all its gaits and paces is fundamental to dressage.

Courtenay CADORA is always encouraging new members to join. To find out more information come to a monthly meeting or e-mail the club at swattcourtenay@hotmail.com or on Facebook.