Annika Kriening & Francis XI

Hi Friends!

My name is Annika and I am an aspiring FEI Junior Dressage rider. My horse, Francis XI (Fetti), and I have been training and competing together for a year. We are based at Solace Stables in Headingley, MB and are coached by the founder of Horizon Equestrian, Mackenzie Thiessen.

In the winter, we traveled to Wellington, FL to train with Evi Strasser, a Canadian Olympian and High Performance Coach. We did many tests at Global Dressage Festival, as well as White Fences and Jim Brandon Equestrian Centres. It was eye-opening to see what it takes to be an elite rider, and we were humbled more than once! Fortunately, after 4 months of blood, sweat, and tears, Fetti and I managed to earn enough qualifying scores to (hopefully) make Canada's Junior Dressage team.

From Florida, we went to Ste. Adele, QC to learn a bit more from Evi and her daughter, Tanya, at Good Tyme Stables. After having a major breakthrough with our training, Fetti and I competed at the Ottawa Dressage Festival, where we were able to place first in the FEI Junior Team Test, the FEI Junior Individual Test, and the Rising Stars Equitation Ride-Off. We also managed to place second in the Open category of the FEI Freestyle, where we were up against older and more experienced riders.

My horse and I are now back in Manitoba and awaiting confirmation of our status for the North American Youth Championships. These will be held in August 2023 in Traverse City, Michigan. We have a great chance to be selected to be on Team Canada, but nothing is for sure until we step into the arena!

Unfortunately, there is no funding for Junior equestrians, and not a lot for any riders, for that matter. It is a very expensive sport to be in and yet, Equestrian Canada provides little to no help. For NAYCs, all propective participants are expected to fundraise for the Canadian Children, Junior, Young Rider, and U25 Teams, and for ourselves as individuals.

I am looking for some sponsors to help me reach my goals. I have been gaining a following on social media @annika_dressage and would list donors over $1000 in my bio and highlight them on my page. I will also be ordering stall drapes and trunk covers on which I would embroider your name or logo.

I am also hoping to collect prizes that can be used for the EC Team Canada auction that will be happening in June. As there will be bidders from all over the country, the best items are gift cards and experiences that don't have to be mailed to the ultimate winners. If you are able to send me a GC or certificate electronically, that would be awesome.

A final option is to simply donate any amount to this site and I can purchase items for the auction that I think would be popular and help raise money for Team Canada.

I thank everyone so much for their support and consideration. I am grateful for any financial help and promise to do my best to make my home province and country proud!

Sincerely,

Annika Kriening