I am very lucky to have a great team around me, without their continued help and support I would not be where I am today. Thank you!
- Jason Surnoski
CURRENT COACH AND MOUNT
Jason is very happy to be back in training with Michele Mueller. After successfully competing at Adequan Global Dressage Festival in Wellington, Florida this year (2020) they have increased their ranking to become apart of the National Squad and have been short listed for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic games.
Jason is very happy to be back in training with Michele Mueller. After successfully competing at Adequan Global Dressage Festival in Wellington, Florida this year (2020) they have increased their ranking to become apart of the National Squad and have been short listed for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic games.
Phoenix - Westphalian Gelding
Owned and very kindly leased to Jay by Cynthia Nugent, Phoenix is an international caliber
Grade II mount that Jay is very excited to have the opportunity to learn from and compete with.
PREVIOUS COACHES AND MOUNTS
2017-2018 Amanda Kalvoda took on Jason at Dunraven Farm and helped him find a new, international level, competitive mount, Phoenix. Amanda's dressage training skills and coaching really helped Jay to up his game.
2016-2017 Kendra Flynn-Stronach coached Jason on Patricia Robertson-Corner's lovely mare, Bella de la Noche at Field of Dreams Farm in Lindsay, ON.
2015-2016 Michele Mueller agreed to teach Jay part-time and she became his full time coach in October 2015. Michele has given Jay the exceptional opportunity to train and compete on her Olympic mount Amistad. Michele is an Olympic level eventer and coach.
2012-2015 Kendra Flynn-Stronach, Kendra's support and knowledge in para equestrian helped Jay and his previous mount, Highland Fling (Willy) achieve the competitive experience and scores required to make it onto the Para Equestrian Canada (PEC) nationally ranked riders list. She is an Equestrian Canada Competition Coach, CanTRA Coach/Examiner and EC Para Equestrian Committee member. Kendra also coached Paralympian Sandy (Alexander) Mitchell at the 2008 Paralympic Games in Hong Kong and the 2010 World Equestrian Games in Kentucky.
2012-2013 Allie Lewis, Allie was the coach who first introduced Jay to Para Dressage after observing Jay's potential, drive, and determination . Allie is a CanTRA certified Intermediate Instructor.
2010-2012 Nadia Machin, Nadia was the first coach who introduced Jay to riding in general and who saw potential in his riding. Nadia continues to be supportive and encouraging of Jays equestrian dreams and aspirations.
Jennifer, Jay's wife and biggest supporter, is also a horse lover and rider. She has been there every moment along the way, encouraging Jay to be the best that he can be.
Bella de la Noche ( Bella ) - 16hh Grey Hanoverian Cross Mare. Owned by Patricia Robertson Corner and leased to Field of Dreams Farm, Jay was partnered with Bella since the summer of 2016. Bella and Jay had a very successful 2017 season which was highlighted by competing at the Tryon CPEDI3* in North Carolina where Jay and Bella earned their first qualifying score for the EC Para Equestrian Development Squad. Amistad - 3/4 Thoroughbred Gelding Jay started riding Amistad in 2014. Ami, having competed previously at the 2012 London Olympic Games in eventing, exceeded everyone's' expectations in terms of how quickly he adapted to a grade 1b para rider for such a fit, sensitive equine athlete. Upon retiring his previous competitive mount, Highland Fling (Willy), Jay found himself horseless and it was at this juncture that Michele suggested trying out Ami as his next competitive partner. Jay will be forever grateful to Michele for affording him this fantastic opportunity. Highland Fling (Willy) - Warmblood X Thoroughbred Gelding Jay started riding Willy, a semi retired, former Paralympic mount in April of 2012. Willy helped Jay bring his riding skills to a whole new level. The pair have had many successful show seasons together, winning a number of awards and succeeding in the goal of becoming a nationally ranked pair. In 2014, at the age of 22 years young, Willy was retired from competition and is now enjoying his time at pasture. Jay will be forever thankful to have had Willy as a competitive partner and will continue to take care of him, and ride him recreationally. |
Guinness Maskell (Alex) - Percheron X Thoroughbred Gelding Owned by Alexander (Sandy) Mitchell and graciously loaned to Jay for use in training and competition when Willy was recovering from lameness. In their short time together Alex and Jay worked very well as a team, resulting in championship results at the competition they attended. |
Tango of Colour (Jim) - Paint Gelding Jay started to take equestrian sport more seriously when he began riding Jim. He decided to go to three hunter schooling shows in his first year riding and was in the ribbons each time. Jay also had the opportunity and financial support to lease Jim, making it possible for him to ride more often and consistently, to gain strength, balance, and best of all build an amazing bond with a fantastic friend. |