As riders came out of the dressage ring yesterday at the Pan American Games, several of them exchanged high fives with a very enthusiastic volunteer who was helping open and close the gate at A. Closer examination under her baseball cap revealed just who that volunteer was—Canadian team alternate Jacqueline Brooks. 

“I’m from here, and this is my home show,” said Brooks, who’s competed for Canada at Olympic Games. “I’ve gone to all these shows for 22 years. We’re so appreciative to Craig Collins for the shows we have here, and the updates he’s made, and the footing. For him to bring the games here, that’s a legacy that’s left for us, and the people like Brittany [Fraser] and Chris [von Martels] who are coming up. We’ll have world-class competitions, and we’ll have the Americans coming up. I was talking, and I was like ‘If I don’t make it [on the team], I’d like to just be part of it.’ I want to make sure Toronto puts on a good show, and people walk away saying, ‘This was an amazing games.’ I was like, ‘I can do that gate! I know when to open it and close it, and I won’t ruin anyone’s ride. I’ll make sure it’s done well.” 

Brooks was also excited about her ringside seat to watch both Fraser and von Martels score personal bests in the Prix St. Georges yesterday. 

“I’m finding it so much fun to be there at the end of their rides—good and bad rides. People are coming out and saying, ‘Did I miss a change?’ And I’m like, ‘No, it was fine.’ You have to support it at home, for sure.

“Brittany and Chris laid it down! They’ve been in Toronto qualifying, and they train with Ashley Holzer, so they’ve been staying at my barn, and so we’ve all been together all summer. It feels like we’re all a family, and to see them ride better than I’ve ever seen here at the games, you’re just so happy for them. Chris said it the best, he said, ‘We’ve been doing our homework, and now we’re just handing it in,” she continued. 

Her job isn’t done at the conclusion of the pure dressage though. Brooks is also staying on and volunteering for the eventing dressage. 

“It’s funny. People think it’s not a serious job,” she said. “But it is! You’re the last person after the bell to help that rider and that horse. We’re really quiet, and we do a good job, and I think that’s important.”