Caledon Equestrian Park in Palgrave, ON, has been selected as the venue for equestrian events by the 2015 Pan American Games/Para Pan American Games Bid Corporation. Photo Credit - EMG

March 10, 2009 – Palgrave, Ontario – Caledon Equestrian Park in Palgrave, ON, has been selected as the equestrian venue by the 2015 Pan American Games/Para Pan American Games Bid Corporation.

Equestrian Management Group (EMG), the Town of Caledon and the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) were notified of the addition of Caledon Equestrian Park to the Bid Corporation’s venue plan on March 9, 2009. Endorsement by Canada’s 2008 Olympic Silver Medal Team, as well as the Caledon Equestrian Park’s reputation for hosting world-class equestrian competition, were cited as factors in the decision.

“We are thrilled and honoured that the Bid Corporation has included Caledon Equestrian Park as the venue for the equestrian events for the 2015 Pan Am Games and Para Pan Am Games,” said Craig Collins, Managing Partner of EMG. “The support that we have received in the past from the athletes and horse enthusiasts is incredible, and now we have the opportunity to provide world-class facilities for their benefit. We, along with our partners, the Town of Caledon and the TRCA, believe strongly that the upgrades provided for the games will serve the community and the sport for many years to come. It is a wonderful opportunity to realize the full potential of the Caledon Equestrian Park.”

Since 1986, EMG has operated Caledon Equestrian Park in partnership with the Town of Caledon and the TCRA. Set against the backdrop of the Niagara Escarpment, numerous Olympic, World Championship and Pan American Games selection trials for Canada’s show jumping and dressage teams have been held at Caledon Equestrian Park.

The Caledon Equestrian Park proposal included endorsements from 2008 Olympic Team Silver Medalists Jill Henselwood, Ian Millar and local area residents Mac Cone of King, ON, and Olympic Champion Eric Lamaze of Schomberg, ON. Representatives from the three Pan American Games equestrian disciplines of dressage, eventing and show jumping have also supported the Caledon Equestrian Park’s proposal.

“The Town and our partners, TRCA and EMG, have always been proud of our solid reputation in the equestrian community and we are honoured to be added to the Bid Committee’s venue plan,” said Town of Caledon Mayor Marolyn Morrison. “The possibility of hosting the equestrian events for the Games would leave Caledon with a world-class facility which would be noted as one of the top in North America. An investment in the Caledon Equestrian Park would contribute to the area economically and to the long-term viability of the provincial initiative to create the Greenbelt.”

Provincially, it is estimated that the Pan American Games/Para Pan American Games will stimulate $2 billion in economic activity, create 17,000 jobs, and bring more than 5,000 athletes and 250,000 tourists to Ontario.

For more information on equestrian events produced by EMG, please visit www.equiman.com.