|
|
 |
|
As a child growing up on her family’s farm in Abbotsford, BC, Chelan Kozak has nurtured a passion for horses and riding, fuelled by immense natural talent and a burning desire to stand on the winners’ podium at the Olympic Games. Born in Revelstoke, BC in 1969, this tenacious equestrian athlete has been competing since her first horse at age 11. Active with both the 4H and Pony Club throughout her teen years, Chelan’s Eventing career began on a 14.3 purebred Arab named Azrasan.
|
In 1988, while grooming for two-time Olympian Nick Holmes-Smith, her interest in Eventing blossomed. She was first named to the Canadian Eventing Team in 1991 and, at 25 years of age, was the youngest member of Team Canada at the ‘94 World Equestrian Games in Holland. In 1994, Chelan finished 10th at the CCI*** Rolex Kentucky Three Day Event and won the Carimati Cup, awarded to the highest-placed foreign rider.
|
Her spot on the Canadian Team at the ‘94 World Equestrian Games also qualified Chelan to represent Canada at the 1996 Olympic Games. In preparation for Atlanta, she and her 17.1 Thoroughbred Soweto competed at the 1996 CCI**** Badminton Horse Trials in Great Britain. They were one of just eight horse/rider combinations to ride clear on stadium jumping day. The pair also placed 11th in the CCI*** Fair Hill International Three Day Event and qualified for the 1999 Pan American Games in Winnipeg.
|
|
|
|
