Working Equitation Canada names first official Team Canada for Spain world championships

Working Equitation Canada has selected its first official four-rider team, plus one alternate, for the 2026 World Association of Working Equitation World Championships in Jerez, Spain, Sept. 8-13. The milestone marks Canada’s first team representation at the event and is part of a national push to grow the sport, build athlete pathways and secure sponsorship support.

Why it matters: - Canada is sending an official team to the WAWE World Championships for the first time. - The selection gives Working Equitation Canada a new international benchmark and a visible platform for athlete development. - The Road to Spain campaign is positioned to support not only one championship trip, but also the sport’s long-term growth in Canada.

What happened: - Working Equitation Canada announced the athletes chosen to represent Canada at the 2026 World Association of Working Equitation World Championships in Jerez, Spain, Sept. 8-13, 2026. - The team includes Ilona Berbekar of Calgary, Alberta; Pam Esteves of Oro Medonte, Ontario; Kerry Marit of Cochrane, Alberta; and Susanne Zimmermann of Kelowna, B.C. - Sarah Bradley of Roberts Creek, B.C., was named alternate. - Darcy Henkel was named chef d’équipe. - Henkel is also president of Working Equitation Canada.

The details: - Canada will send four riders and one alternate to compete against some of the world’s top working equitation athletes. - Working Equitation Canada called the selection a milestone for both the athletes and the sport’s growth across the country. - Henkel said the team announcement reflects years of work from riders, coaches, volunteers, officials and supporters. - The Road to Spain campaign is framed as a national effort focused on athlete development, community engagement, education and sponsorship partnerships. - Funds raised through the campaign are meant to support athlete development and international preparation. - Campaign funding also supports Team Canada’s World Championships participation. - Additional campaign goals include growing awareness of Working Equitation across Canada and supporting future opportunities for riders, coaches and chapters nationwide. - Working Equitation Canada is still seeking sponsors and partners to back athlete development and the sport’s expansion. - Recent campaign efforts have drawn national media coverage and introduced the sport to new audiences. - The organization included a Facebook link for sponsorship updates and social media: Working Equitation Canada Sponsorship. - For sponsorship opportunities, campaign updates or additional information, the organization directs supporters to workingeq.ca.

Between the lines: - The announcement is about more than roster selection; it is also a fundraising and visibility push for an emerging equestrian discipline. - The timing suggests Working Equitation Canada wants Team Canada’s debut to help attract sponsors and expand the sport’s footprint in North America. - Henkel said the effort is intended to build a stronger foundation for future generations of riders.

What's next: - The selected riders will spend the coming months preparing for international competition. - Team Canada will also serve as ambassadors for the sport while Working Equitation Canada continues its sponsorship campaign. - The organization says it will keep building pathways for future athletes and expanding participation across Canada. - Supporters, sponsors and members of the equestrian community are being asked to follow Team Canada’s journey and explore partnership opportunities.