The Olympics! Tokyo! Summer 2020! There are riders competing in the Florida winter season, at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival, for scores to qualify for a place on their nation’s team. As a Canadian my particular interest is the Canadians. I spoke with Brittany Fraser- Beaulieu, about her horse All In, qualifying for the Olympics, and being a new Mother.
You have declared for the Olympic Games in Tokyo. Is riding for Canada in the Olympics a long time goal or dream?
Yes, it is a dream I’ve had since I was a young teenager. Trying to qualify with my horse All In is extra special. He’s a seasoned Grand Prix horse now! I’m feeling confident
Tell me about your horse All In.
He is 15 years old now. My father and I purchased All In as a 5 year old at an auction in Europe. At the time, he was a very big, young horse with lots of potential. It’s been a long road, but a great road with him. When you buy young horses, of course it’s a dream that they would be your partner at a major games, but it’s always an unknown. It has been an amazing journey together. All In has brought me to the top of the sport.
What are your plans for the rest of the show season here in Florida?
I’m going to compete in the CDI 5* in two weeks, Nations Cup and the last CDI-W in March. I have two World Cup qualifying scores already and if it is something that happens then I may go for it. But the Olympics are the main focus for myself and All In.
Is is a stressful to be competing for scores to qualify for the Olympics?
Yes, of course it is stressful, but I have experience being on the Pan American Team in 2015 and the World Equestrian Games in 2018. I have an eye on the goal. I know what I want to achieve personally and I’m going to fight for it
You are also a new Mum. Congratulations and does this present any new challenges for you?
My son Theo is 7 and a half months old. My Mum is newly retired and she is here helping me. My Dad is semi retired and also comes down from home, when he can, to help. Also my husband has been able to take some time off work to be in Florida so he is helping as well. On the riding side of life my coach is Ashley Holzer. I have been with her for for seven years and she is incredible. I would not have been able to do it without her. She really helped me bring All In up to the Grand Prix as he is the first horse I have had at that level. Everybody in Ashley’s group is so supportive and we know we are learning from one of the best in the world.
A great bond with her horse, support from an excellent coach and her family will help Brittany to realize her dream. Best wishes to you Brittany and All In !
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