Horses have has always been a part of Jessica Phoenix’s life and since her discovery of the sport of eventing this Uxbridge Ontario daughter has not been shy of opportunities to convert her passion into benchmark experiences.
"Competing and winning gold for Canada has always been my dream. Last year, representing my country at the Pan American Games. brought me one step closer! As a profession I teach and train riders and horses allowing me to connect from the grass roots right up to the highest level of competitition. I feel that by realizing my own dream I can best help Canadian Equestrians of the future reach theirs!"
– Jessica Phoenix
Jessica would like to thank all the businesses, organizations and individuals for their kind support.
Update from Jessie:
A devastating turn of events.
July 8, 2008
Dear Friends,
I can’t believe I am writing this letter to you all.
Last week I left Uxbridge with everyone’s love and support behind me. Never have I felt so much encouragement as you wished me well through your notes, hugs and financial support.
As Exploring and I arrived at our training facility in Virginia, everyone was very pleased with how strong he looked. Following some initial training exercises, Exploring had a routine veterinary inspection. The vet felt a small amount of heat on his front leg, and ordered an ultrasound so that we could respond precisely to any concerns.
To everyone’s surprise, the ultrasound revealed an injury that was not noticeable during normal activities. While the injury itself does not put Exploring or his future ability to compete at risk, Eventing officials are particularly scrutinizing due to the demanding nature of the sport on the wellbeing of the horse.
On Monday evening we performed a second ultrasound. Unfortunately, the findings were conclusive, forcing the Olympic committee to withdraw Exploring and I from the Canadian Team.
As you would suspect, this has been a devastating few days.
On Tuesday we began the trip home. Having watched a life long dream shatter I will need your encouragement now more than ever!
I am still in awe with the tremendous financial support that my community placed behind me. At the time of writing the funds given exceed $58,000. So incredible! But this makes my disappointment even greater, since so many of you became part of my journey too.
The funds received remain in a special bank account untouched. I have asked my support committee to return all of the funds to those that gave so generously. I will soon be back to my normal activities of training my horses and coaching my students and of course, participation in events leading up to the next Olympics!! I look forward to opportunities over the summer to thank and update everyone.
I remain deeply touched by all of your support.
Love,
Jessie
 |
It’s people like you that |
A word from Jessie’s support committee:
We will honour Jessie's request to return all of the funds raised. However, because we know that Jessie has incurred much expense just in getting to this point, we intend to offer the opportunity for supporters to leave any portion of their support as a means of defraying Jessie's costs and positioning for future success. We will be in touch with you all over the next two weeks in this regard. As you read this note, it would help us if you would email your desire to homeiq@aol.com indicating your name and/or the sponsoring business, the amount given and the % of your gift you would like returned.
Kindest Regards.
