Toronto, Ontario – The inaugural Jump Canada Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony was held as part of a black-tie gala on Sunday, November 5, 2006, at the Royal York in Toronto, ON.

Sold out weeks in advance, over 340 supporters of the equestrian industry gathered for a special evening paying tribute those who have made immeasurable contributions to the hunter and jumper industry. Inaugural inductees included Jumper - Big Ben, Hunter - Just Cruising, Pony - Farnley Soya, Team - The 1968 Olympic Gold Medal Team comprised of James Day riding Canadian Club, James Elder riding The Immigrant and Tom Gayford riding Big Dee, Rider - Gail Greenough, Sponsor - BMO Financial Group, Builder (Organization) - The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, and Builder (Individual) - Brigadier-General W. Denis Whitaker D.S.O., C.M., E.D., C.D.

Close friends and associates were on hand to present the Hall of Fame awards to the recipients, and video footage of each inductee made for a very special evening recalling the sport's greatest memories. Emotional acceptance speeches also made the evening especially poignant.

"I am thrilled that everything came together so well tonight," said Mark Samuel, Chair of the Jump Canada Hall of Fame as well as Past Chair of Jump Canada. "It was a night befitting the champions that we were celebrating, and it gives us a great foundation to build upon in future years."

Several sponsors stepped forward to offer their support in this important initiative, which served to recognize and honour the history of hunter and jumper sport. BMO Financial Group was the title sponsor of the event while CN presented the reception held prior to the dinner and induction ceremony. During dinner, Henry Equestrian Insurance Brokers Ltd. sponsored the wine. Award sponsors included Knightwood Stables and the Guthrie Family, the Rogers Family, Sam-Son Farm, Torrey Pines Stable Inc., Tournament of Champions, and Jump Canada.

Jump Canada is a committee of Equine Canada responsible for all hunter, equitation and jumper activities in Canada from the grass roots to the international level. Jump Canada is governed by a board of directors, the majority of whom are elected by the stakeholders in the sport. For more information regarding Jump Canada programs and activities, visit www.jumpcanada.ca.

ATTACHED PHOTOGRAPHS:
"1968 Olympic Gold Medalists Tom Gayford, Jim Elder and Jim Day were among the inaugural inductees into the Jump Canada Hall of Fame on November 5, 2006."
"Hall of Fame Inductee Gail Greenough with Jump Canada Hall of Fame Chair, Mark Samuel."
Photo Credits - Michelle C. Dunn