Robert Gielen

Birthdate: July 1, 1950
Birthplace: Edmonton, Alberta
Hometown: Norton, New Brunswick

Robert Gielen took up riding in 1986 and began Competitive Trail two years later at the age of thirty-eight. His success have been linked to great horses such as ROA Tshoboy and, more recently, FC Galaxy. Robert is the first to admit that "horses are the athletes here."

Competing in Endurance, while residing in New Brunswick, has been a challenge for both rider and horse as they are forced to travel considerable distances to race. At the local level, Robert has completed over 3000 miles of Competitive Trail and, further afield, 3400 endurance miles have been logged at rides from Florida to Montana.

Robert and FC Galaxy have partnered for 1500 endurance miles including seven 100-mile competitions. Galaxy arrived at Robert's barn in 2002, at the age of five, from a career as a race horse. He has a strong will and tons of heart.

Ruth Sturley

Birthdate: March 6, 1946
Birthplace: Toronto, Ontario
Hometown: Owen Sound, Ontario

After participating for some years in a field hunting club, Ruth Sturley became involved in Endurance in 1996. She has also been involved in showing, Eventing, and various other horse activities: mostly at the local and provincial level. Competing in Endurance seems a perfect fit for Ruth as she enjoys the stamina and strategy demanded of the sport.

Since 1999, Ruth has participated in many FEI events including several Pan Am Championships, the North American Championship (2005), and was the first Canadian and 3rd North American to complete successfully at the 2006 World Equestrian Games. In 2007, Ruth won Gold at the Ontario Provincial Championships, and for the year took 1st place Feather weight and 7th overall for the NE Region of North America.

Ruth and her fifteen-year-old gelding, Super Sport, are now preparing to compete in Malaysia, Im really looking forward to this venue I expect it will be quite different from anything else Ive done. Ruth feels very fortunate and honored to be representing Canada at this World Championship.

Yvette Vinton

Birthdate: November 19, 1961
Birthplace: London, England
Hometowns: Ontario & Florida

Yvette Vinton started Endurance racing in 1992, and ran her first 100 mile race at the Vermont 100 alongside the well-respected, Hall of Fame Inductee, Nancy Beacon! She has completed in over twenty-five, 100 mile races and has over 8500 lifetime miles. She currently has four horses competing at the FEI level.

Yvette has competed all over the world: three times at the Dubai World Cup, the Dubai World Championships (2005) wherein Canada took 4th place, France (2000) - Top 20, Spain (2002), Argentina Pan American Championship (2005), and national championships in Brazil, Argentina, and Chile.

Yvette is also a veterinarian. Her specialties range from general medicine and surgery to chiropractics and acupuncture. She also breeds Abyssinian cats and Australian Labradoodles. Her best buddy is "Babe", an old Rottweiler.