Local horse, trainer in Pan Am Games

A horse from J-Bird Ranch near Fergus is going to be one of 25 horses being used in the modern pentathlon in the Pan Am Games in Toronto.

Genuine, better known by his barn name Oliver, is a Dutch Warmblood that loves to jump.

“It’s exciting to see him grow and become more confident,” said owner Kimberly Goringe.

Genuine was seen at a show by one of the organizers of the Pan Am Games and was asked to compete. He then went through a selection process before he was chosen.

Helen May, his trainer, is very excited about the opportunity.

“I think it’s awesome,” said May. “We don’t get the Pan Am games that often, and it’s in our backyard and we get to contribute.”

May will also be joining the Pan Am Games volunteer roster as a jury rider. She will be riding and assessing the horses and will then select horses that will be used during the competition.

The modern pentathlon includes five events - fencing, swimming, equestrian show jumping, shooting and running - combined one after the other.

The event is being held at the Pan Am/Parapan Am Aquatics Centre and Field House on July 18 and 19.