DIORELLA

This rider/horse team was already well known on the provincial circuit but at the national and international level, it was with Diorella’s precious help that Lucie was discovered.  Diorella is an imposing 17.2 hh Hanovarian mare by the stallion Don Juan.   She was imported from Germany .

For Lucie it was love at first sight.  Diorella was young, full of energy, brave and had the supple, natural movement that Lucie looks for in a horse.  Diorella, nicknamed “the gazelle”, had it all, including a slightly rebellious character.  Lucie knew well that with patience and a soft touch she could win through.  After all, it takes character to get to the top levels of competition.

Lucie has always had a way with tempermental horses, especially mares.  After a period of training, Diorella became Quebec champion in the Preliminary Jumper division…A year later, Intermediate Jumper champion… And the year after that, Open Jumper champion, winner of the National Talent Squad and of the Firestone Scholarship Award (for best upcoming rider in Grand Prix in Canada).  Three years after the purchase of Diorella, Lucie made her debut in World Cup qualifying Grand Prix where this duo made their mark.  Lucie was training seriously for the Atlanta Olympics, but unfortunately, Diorella was injured during Winter 1993 and was put out to pasture for three years.  It was a huge disappointment for Lucie.   A dream that slipped away…

Back on the scene in 1997, they were the « comeback story of the year » in Canada.  Due to their exploits, their talent, and performances they were chosen in 1997 by the selection committee for the Canadian Equestrian Team (CET) to represent Canada.  Lucie and Diorella were entered into the prestigious DuMaurier International Grand Prix in Spruce Meadows for the following September.  In July 1998, on the eve of the World Cup qualifying Grand Prix at the Blainville International, symptoms of Diorella’s old injury resurfaced and Lucie made the decision to put an end to Diorella’s impressive career….. “She gave me her all….... I think one needs to know  when to stop”.

Diorella is synonymous with excellence and thanks to her performances, her statute as a “Premium” mare and her bloodlines, she is now an embryo donor.  Two weeks after insemination, the embryo is transferred to a surrogate mare and Diorella returns to her huge pasture with her friends. A nice retirement fit for a great champion.