A native of Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Angela Covert began riding at the age of six in the pony, hunter and equitation division and entered the junior jumper ranks at the age of 14. A successful competitor throughout her teenage years, Covert was named the 1994 Canadian Equestrian Federation’s Junior Equestrian of the Year and was awarded the prestigious Gillian Wilson Trophy. She further developed her skills working as a trainer at the world-renowned Spruce Meadows show jumping facility in Calgary, AB, for two years before moving back to eastern Canada in 2000.
A stellar season in the 2003 Jump Canada National Talent Squad Series with Lord Byron Z resulted in Angela being nominated for one of two Development Cards under the Sport Canada Athlete Assistance program, identifying her as one of the country’s top up-and-coming riders.
In 2004, Angela enjoyed her first grand prix victory in the $35,000 Otter Creek Grand Prix at the Vermont Summer Festival riding Tomboy Major. Consistent results at the grand prix level have followed ever since. In 2009, Angela rode Unica to victory in the $40,000 Grand Prix du Quebec in Blainville while Utan won the $25,000 Grand Prix of St. Lazare. The St. Lazare win marked a home victory as Angela has based her training business at the competition site since purchasing the legendary Pepiniere Stables in 2003 following the passing of long-time owner, the renowned Gladys Adam.
Angela’s dream of representing Canada in international competition was realized in 2010 when she rode as a member in the Nations’ Cup in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where Canada finished second. Angela and Utan posted the best score of the entire competition, with one time fault in the first round and a clear second round. The following year, the pair once again competed in Buenos Aires, leading Canada to victory in the 2011 Nations’ Cup and placing second in the World Cup Grand Prix.
Also in 2011, Angela enjoyed strong performances at CSIO5* Lummen, Belgium, and CSI3* San Giovanni, Italy. In October, Angela won the $60,000 Grand Prix of Rockwood riding Utan while Unica was her partner in claiming the Reserve Canadian Show Jumping Championship title at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair.
Now a familiar face on the international show jumping scene, Angela regularly competes throughout North America as well as Europe. In addition to her busy riding and coaching schedule, Angela is a Rider Representative for JustWorld International, a not-for-profit, humanitarian organization working as a catalyst for positive change in the developing world by helping impoverished children. Angela contributes prize money to fully fund a medical clinic in Guatemala. She joins such show jumping luminaries as Olympic team gold medalist Laura Kraut of the United States, 2009 European Champion Kevin Staut of France, and Olympic Champion Eric Lamaze in representing the organization.
