Sussex, NB – August 12, 2025 – Competitors from across the Province and throughout the Maritimes came to Sussex to vie for the title of Champion in sixteen categories of dressage. Enthusiastic spectators cheered as the Champions and Reserve champions were named at the end of two days of rigorous competition under Judge Susan Rothgeb of Green Valley, Ontario.
Dressage. The word itself can be intimidating, creating visions of elegantly clad equestrians, mounted on huge warmbloods, dancing under the lights. While performing a Grand Prix Kür (freestyle to music) may be the pinnacle of performance in dressage, the basics of a training program used for the development of a strong, graceful and responsive horse are similar, regardless of the style of riding (English or Western) or the rider’s competitive discipline of choice.
In high level competition, the graceful movements may look like an effortless dance between the human and equine partners. In reality, that appearance is the result of many years of training for both. The horse and rider combine the strength and agility of gymnastics with the elegance and grace of ballet – a unique blend of sport and art.
It’s a long way from the beginning level to Grand Prix, but many of the participants at the Dressage New Brunswick Provincial Championships are well on their way. One young lady whose feet are firmly on the first rung of the ladder is Josée LeBlanc. On the first day her pony, Demi, proved to be a little obstinate, refusing to listen to his diminutive rider’s directions. But, on the second day determination won out and the pair were able to capture the Walk/Trot Junior Reserve Champion’s ribbon.
Renée DeGarie, one of the event’s organizers, said, “The members of Dressage New Brunswick and the show’s competitors, just love coming to the Princess Louise Park Show Centre. Everything is so convenient and the facilities are excellent. We’re hoping to hold a third show this year, here, in October.”
The show’s judge, Susan Rothgeb, echoed those sentiments, adding, “The facility is very nice and the footing is great.”
“With a multi-use facility like this, footing is always an issue,” said Ceci Flanagan-Snow, Manager of the Show Centre. “It’s nice to know we’ve got it (the grooming of the arena) right for this group.”
The next event at the Princess Louise Show Centre in Sussex will be the Kings County Agricultural Fair from Tuesday to Thursday, August 21 – 23, featuring dairy and beef cattle exhibits, 4-H exhibits and more.
The week-end of August 25-26 is devoted to Western Horses with a wide variety of classes and horses from several breeds competing. There’ll also be cattle penning in the Ronnie Wilkins Memorial Cattle Penning ring on Sunday, the 26th.
The month wraps up with colour during the Paint Horse Show August 31 – September 2. People will be seeing spots during the Appaloosa Horse show on September 8-9, and learning about forestry at the Fundy Model Forest display held in conjunction with the annual Atlantic International Balloon Fiesta.
About Us
The Princess Louise Park Show Centre is located in Sussex, New Brunswick, near the 8th Hussars Sport Arena. The Show Centre is home to shows, training clinics and competitions, celebrating our agricultural heritage, from early May through late October. Parking is plentiful and free and admission to most events is free, too.
To check on the schedule for upcoming events, go to www.plpshowcentre.com and click on the Calendar.
Level
Champion
Reserve Champion
Walk/Trot Junior n/a Josée LeBlanc and Demi
Training Level Junior
Jenny LeBlanc and Alina
Roxanne Saulnier and Whisper
Training Level Adult Amateur
Brenda Noble and Ratina
Ambre Tawil and Wanja
Training Level Open
Michelle DeGarie and Poster Boy
First Level Junior
Katie O’Hanley and Billy
Veronique LeBlanc and De-Montem Faro
First Level Adult Amateur
Rosie Buerkle and Prussia
Kim MacKeen and Bay Crest Canadian Tye
First Level Open
Harma Germs and Whiscalina
Donna McGinnis and Valhalla
Third Level Adult Amateur
Emily Smith and Elita
n/a
Third Level Open Champion
Erin MacQuarrie and Leonard the Firehorse
n/a
FEI Young Rider Level
Tiffany Hamilton and Lasting Impression
n/a
FEI Advance Level
Erin MacQuarrie and Draxon
n/a
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