Junior Ambassadors
Our young leaders
This program recognizes young leaders within the Ontario hunter/jumper community providing opportunities for growth and development with an emphasis on community, responsibility, volunteerism, leadership, pride of place, and the opportunity to work with other leaders within the equestrian community. The OHJA recognizes the important voice that junior riders have in shaping the gold level horse show experience and wants these voices heard.
Junior Ambassadors will represent the OHJA in person at Ontario Gold Shows by means of award presentations, interactions with their fellow competitors, as well as other special events. These riders are respected by their peers and coaches alike. They bring a positive attitude and strong commitment to learning, both in and out of the show ring. They must be approachable, and will work closely with the OHJA Board of Directors advocating for Junior riders. They must represent the OHJA with a positive attitude, excellent sportsmanship and quality horsemanship.
Apply to be an OHJA Junior Ambassador
This program is open to current OHJA Junior Riders between the ages of 13 and 18 years of age as of January 1 of the current year.
Applications for OHJA Junior Ambassadors are due by February 1 of current year.
Application criteria:
- Completed application form
- Letter of intent from the applicant
- Record of relevant horse experience, including show results, other volunteer work etc.
- Signed participation waiver by parent or guardian
- Letter of reference from trainer, or other equine professional
A spotlight on
our ambassadors
Holly Heikkila
Proudly from Northern Ontario. Holly rides with Cathy Inch of Foothills Farm. In addition to returning to the Jumper Equitation ring on La Jovena Venganza, Holly wants to continue expanding her experience around larger tracks, and looks forward to building her connection with her new partner, Foolproof. Fun Fact: when she’s not taking care of her horses, Holly loves Karaoke and is always willing to pick up the mic.
Keira Bodnarchuk
Kiera rides at Pickering Horse Centre and shows her horse, Tigre Adelheid Z, in the 1.0m Jr/Am and Mini Medal. In 2024, Keira is looking forward to further developing Tigre, who is only 6 years old. Fun Fact: Tigre is the first horse Keira has owned.
Mirella Carnovale
Mirella rides at The Meadows. She competes in the 1.20m Junior Jumpers on her horse Tanquillo. Mirella is looking forward to having a fun, confident show season and heading to the RAWF ’24. Fun Fact: Mirella can be funny and witty!
Amelia Gatti
Amelia rides out of Pickering Horse Centre on her horse Cali Hope Z. Amelia competes in the 1.10m Jr. Jumpers as well at the CET Medal. She hopes to gain confidence in the jumper and equitation rings, while experimenting with different heights. Fun Fact: Amelia previously showed in the Pony jumpers and loves skiing!
Emma Linde
Emma rides Kingsland out of Bayview Equestrian Centre, showing in the Medium Pony and Equitation Divisions. Emma is looking forward to meeting new friends, being confident during her rounds, and learning from each one. Fun Fact: A proud Christian, Emma prays before and after each round.
Sara Struk
Sara rides at Somersby Farm, and focuses on the Junior Hunters and Equitation. Although Sara is still looking for the right equine partner, she hopes to continue developing and gaining experience in all show rings. Fun Fact: Sara also plays basketball, with her team’s highlight playing at a CAIS tournament in Winnipeg!
Magdalena Kucha
Magdalena rides at Skyeridge and shows in the Large Pony Division on Caffeinated. Magdalena is hoping to have a consistent season, making new connections & friendships and qualify for the RAWF ’24. Fun Fact: Magdalena was born in Poland where she started her riding adventure, and before moving to Canada, she lived in New Zealand for a year.
Regan Cachia
Regan rides out of Woodwind South; showing Addeline in the 1.10m Jr. Jumpers. Her focus for 2024 is to be consistent in all her rounds. Fun Fact: Regan loves Disney World and hopes to one day be able to show in Florida.
Isabella Erlick
Isabella rides at Normandy Hills and is kept very busy with her three equine partners, Kilroy, KDW Z, and Krazy Express T. Isabella shows in the 1.30m and 1.40m Jumpers, Equitation Divisions, as well as showing Toucare in the National Grand Prix. In 2024, Isabella hopes to qualify for the young riders Pre-Junior team, qualify for the RAWF ’24 and continue to develop her horses. Fun Fact: Isabella used to be a competitive dancer.
Kaitlyn Zhang
Kaitlyn, and her horse Dios Mios, ride with Hayes Ltd. They show in the 3’3 Jr/Am Hunters and are hoping to develop a consistent fitness routine in 2024. Kaitlyn is also going to volunteer more of her time assisting riders who are new to showing the A’s. Fun Fact: Kaitlyn knows the first 50 digits of Pi by heart!
Keira Smith
Hi I’m Keira Smith, I’m 13 years old and I ride at Bayview Equestrian Centre. For the 2024 show season I will be showing Cuenta Atras and It’s Starpower. I am planning on continuing to do the Big Eq including the Jump Canada Medal as well the 1.20/1.25m division. My biggest goal for 2024 is to be on the NAYC FEI Children’s team. A fun fact is my horses look like twins but are not.
Capri Czekaj
Capri rides at Looking Back Farm. Capri is still deciding what division she and Just Synergy will be showing in for 2024. Capri’s goals for this year are to stay consistent in the hunter & equitation rings and to aim for the RAWF 2025. Fun Fact: Capri loves horses, but is terrified of birds!
Avery Wilson
Avery is described by her coaches as a natural leader, with a positive attitude and a strong commitment to learning, both in and out of the show ring. Riding out of The Meadows Equine, Avery, and her horse Freddie aka TME Bohemian Rhapsody will be showing in the Low Junior Amateur Hunters this season.
Jayde Ward
Jayde is excited to be one of the OHJA’s Junior Ambassadors. She started riding when she was 4 years old and has been hooked ever since. This year she will be competing with her horse Phocus HGF in the Childrens’ Hunters as well as doing some equitation, medals and derbies. Jayde is looking forward to a great year ahead representing the OHJA!
Erin Paszt
Erin is from Burlington, Ontario, and has been riding for 11 years. She rides at Bayview Equestrian Centre where she is coached by her ‘‘amazing coaches’’ Jennifer Smith and Ellah Dubeau-Kielty. This year she plans to show her horse Sonic in the junior hunters, CET medal, as well as some other equitation classes and the occasional derby. She is also hoping to qualify for the Royal Winter Fair this year.
Lucy Zhang
Lucy shows in the jumpers with her horses Cookie and Cream and King Falco Van Orshof. She strongly believes in the value of community building among young and upcoming equestrians, which is why she applied to be an OHJA Junior Ambassador. As the 2024 show season approaches, Lucy is looking forward to all the incredible updates OHJA has made as well as meeting everyone at shows throughout the year.