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Canadian Reining Team Slides to Silver at 2006 FEI World Equestrian Games

Aachen , Germany – Canada ’s medal hopes came true today when the Canadian Reining Team earned the Team Silver Medal in front of 8,000 enthusiastic fans at the 2006 FEI World Equestrian Games in Aachen , Germany .

Finishing just one point off the Gold medal, consistency was the keynote for their first three runs. Lance Griffin of DeWinton , AB put in a solid performance aboard Whiz N Tag Chex to earn a score of 219.0. Next up was Luke Gagnon, a Quebec native who currently resides in North Carolina . Although the youngest member of the team, Gagnon has a wealth of experience and put it to use, scoring 219.0 for his ride on Lil Santana. Despite severe injuries, Francois Gauthier, a Quebec born Texas resident, scored 219.5 with Snow Gun. Team anchor and reining veteran, Duane Latimer cinched the silver medal for the team after putting in a brilliant ride on Hang Ten Surprize.

Prior to his run, Latimer, a Saskatchewan native currently living in Montana , said, “I’ve got to score a personal best.” He did just that with an incredible score of 225.5, which proved to be the highest score of the day, putting him in first place individually. “I thought my horse was excellent. This is my first World Equestrian Games and it’s an incredible feeling to be on a Team.”

Griffin was also pleased with his run, stating “It was kind of like marriage; it could always be better, but Tag showed good for me – it felt good.”

Gagnon explained that although he would like to make a few minor improvements, he is pleased with his performance, which put him in ninth place individually. “It felt pretty good; he’s a pretty consistent little horse.”

After suffering a severe groin injury three weeks ago after a horse fell on him, Gauthier was only able to get back in the saddle yesterday. “(The injury) affected my performance, but it is getting better,” commented Gauthier, who went on to explain that he felt frustrated he could not do more for the Team. However, the team unanimously agreed he did an admirable job while in considerable pain.

The Team gold medal went to the USA , while Italy claimed bronze. Interestingly enough, today’s team results were an exact replica of the 2002 World Equestrian Games in Jerez , Spain , which marked the first time Reining was included at the Games.

Still to come for Reining is Sunday’s Individual Final, which will include the top 20 riders from the Team Final and is expected to draw an even bigger crowd. With all four team members moving forward Canada ’s hopes for an individual medal are justifiably high.

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