Last year some Canadians still came to Florida to compete despite Covid. But for various reasons others did not. Canadian Olympian Megan Lane was one who did not. I recently had a chance to ask her a few questions about how it feels to be back in 2022 competing at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival.
1. How does it feel to be back in 2022 in the Florida horse show season?
It feels great to be back in the routine of competing and qualifying again. For nearly two years competitions were either postponed or cancelled altogether due to the pandemic, this of course made setting and achieving goals very difficult.
2. You had a frustrating disappointment in not being considered an “essential” person at the US/Canada border when you were on your way to a show at Tryon that could have been part of your qualifications for the Canadian Olympic Dressage team for Tokyo.
Qualifying for Tokyo in the height of COVID was indeed very challenging. Tryon was necessary for qualification but due to the discretion/not unified protocols at the border it was, in my case, not possible.
3.You and Belinda Trussell are both now training with Debbie Macdonald. Can you tell me how that came about?
Our collaboration with Debbie became possible after her retirement from her position as US Team Coach. Prior to leaving for Florida we had spoken about the idea of taking a few lessons but after our first lesson we gained so much that we felt it would be smart to capitalize on the opportunity to work together with her.
4.Are you aiming for the World Championships this August in Herning?
Yes, my goal this year is to compete Zodiac at the World Championships.
5.What can you tell me about your horse Zodiac?
Zodiac will be 18 this year. Something about him that makes me laugh is to see is how excited he gets when he travels. He seems to know when it’s his turn to go and when he sees the trailer pull up he will repeatedly neigh softly in anticipation until someone gets his halter on. He will sometimes get so excited when he sees the trailer that you have to slow him down as he approaches the ramp and once he is loaded he is very pleased.
Thanks so much Megan for taking the time to speak with me. All the best for the rest of the winter season here in Florida.
Megan would also like to give special thanks to Deer Ridge Equestrian and team for their dedication and Omega Alpha for their generous and ongoing support of Deer Ridge’s team horses and upcoming stars.
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