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Billie Derouet Named 2005 Equine Canada ‘Junior Equestrian of the Year’

February 17, 2006

Ottawa, Ontario --- At the 2006 Equine Canada Awards Banquet held on Saturday, Feb. 11 in Saint John, NB, Billie Derouet of Bromont, QC, was presented with the Gillian Wilson award for being named Junior Equestrian of the Year.

In 2005, Derouet finished second in the eastern qualifier for the FEI Children’s Jumping Finals. Following this achievement, Billie participated in her first provincial level Grand Prix. Adding to this illustrious season, Billie yet again showed her versatility as a rider by capturing Reserve in the coveted CET Medal Final at the Royal Horse Show.

“I would like to thank the members of the selection committee for having chosen me to receive the Gillian Wilson trophy. This honour is a terrific end to an extraordinary 2005 show season. In 2006, new challenges await me and I will double my efforts to reach my objectives which include competing in section 7, the CET Medal Finals, Young Rider’s Championships and perhaps a few dressage competitions. Thanks again and I look forward to seeing everyone on the show grounds!”

Fourteen-year-old Billie first began riding while attending a summer camp at age five. Two years later, her parents bought her first horse, a thoroughbred gelding named Inuk. It was with Inuk that Billie received training in jumping, dressage and vaulting and even became a junior member of the Montreal Hunt Club.

Despite a very successful career in the dressage ring, including year end championships in both First and Second levels at the age of 11, Billie decided to set her eyes on the jumper ring. In 2003, Billie became the youngest rider in Quebec to have successfully completed her Rider 3 examination.

Since then, Billie has experienced an overwhelming degree of success in the jumper ring and when her busy schedule permits, she continues to experience top finishes at national level dressage competitions.

Billie’s daily life demands high levels of structure, concentration and determination. This talented rider has shown that she has no difficulties combining her equestrian pursuits with her education, consistently averaging a grade point average of over 90%. In the first school term of 2005, Billie’s average was 95%. In addition to her outstanding scholastic results, Billie has shown tremendous leadership skills and as a result, was nominated as class President.

About the Award

The Gillian Wilson Trophy, presented to the Junior Equestrian of the Year, was created to honour Gillian Wilson who served as technical director of the Canadian Equestrian Federation for more than 15 years. The recipient of the Gillian Wilson Trophy must be 18 years of age or younger, have made outstanding contributions to equestrian competition, all while demonstrating exceptional talent, sportsmanship and dedication to the sport.

About Equine Canada

Equine Canada is a member-based association that represents, promotes and services Canada's equine community and industry. Its core areas of activity involve sport, equine health and welfare, education and safety, governance and marketing, representation and communication. Equine Canada is recognized by Sport Canada, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), the Canadian Olympic Committee and Canadian Coaching Association of Canada as the national organization representing equestrian sport and equine interests in Canada. For more information about Equine Canada, please visit www.equinecanada.ca.

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