The tragic loss of one of Canada’s top Eventers Jordan McDonald as a result of a fall in June of this year is still very painful for all that knew him. Jordan’s smile, humour and grace is forever etched in our minds. We will miss him always.

The heartbreaking decision to sell Jordan’s beloved Glencento is in the works and a syndicate is being formed to keep the ride with Leahona Rowland, Shandiss and Jordan’s dear friend.

Leahona explained, “Jordan was one of the most talented, honest, caring and genuine people I have ever met. He was known and loved by so many in Canada and he has left a hole behind that struggles to mend itself every single day. Jordan was a devoted horseman and always put the needs of his horses first. He took pride in producing his string of horses carefully and correctly. The challenge of selling some of his top rides has been tough but none more then the selling his beloved mare Glencento. Jordan thought so highly of Glencento or Gwen as she is called. He knew she had the talent to go far in eventing. They shared a special connection that I was lucky enough to experience daily when we rode together at the yard in England. The first time I sat on Gwen I could feel what Jordan was talking about. This was in fact a very special little mare. We seemed to click right off the bat. When the subject of selling Gwen came up it was almost too heartbreaking to deal with. Then the idea arose of trying to put a syndicate together to see if we could keep Gwen and I would start to campaign her. It is an opportunity not only to make sure Gwen stays with people that love and care for her but also to keep this talented horse a part of Canadian eventing. This is the mission of the Glencento Syndication.”

Jordan’s loving wife Shandiss McDonald, is a great supporter of this endeavor. Shandiss said, “Jordan first saw Gwen as a five year old in an online catalogue from the Goresbridge Go for Gold sale in Ireland. He recognized her potential immediately. We were fortunate enough to make the trip to Ireland and bring her back to Canada. From the very beginning, Jordan and Gwen just understood each other. Through shared admiration, trust and respect they saw many successes together. Jordan and Gwen had a special partnership and it’s been amazing to see that same bond starting to form between Gwen and Leahona. Leahona is a talented, compassionate rider and I know she will be able to showcase Gwen’s abilities, and together they will reach the top level of the sport. Leahona has always been such a good friend to Jordan and me. I would love nothing more than to see her accomplish her goals in partnership with a horse that is so special. For me, this would be like keeping Gwen in the family.”

Meet Leahona Rowland

Like Shandiss and Jordan, Leahona hails from British Columbia. In recent years she competed in Ontario, United States and the UK. Competing to the Advanced and two-star level she is known for impressive results on some memorable horses like El Paso, Lambrusco, Lorenzo III and R Kameo. Leahona made the move to the UK a few years ago and has been competing and developing as a rider there.

Leahona said, “I have had the opportunity to get to know this special mare over the last few months. Although it has been a very challenging few months mentally and emotionally for everyone involved, being able to work with a horse that was so important to Jordan has been an amazing experience. Both Jordan and Shandiss put so much time and effort into to making sure this mare was brought on slowly and carefully with the idea of her one-day reaching the height of Eventing. It would be a privilege to get to continue her education as I feel like we have already developed a strong connection. Seeing her reach her full potential would be an incredible experience for all involved.”

About Glencento

Glencento is a 9-year-old Irish Sport Horse mare. She has completed successfully to the CCI** level. She has excellent bloodlines and is very well suited to an upper level Eventing career. She is of the Irish Sport Horse Clover Hill line on her dam’s side. The Clover Hill line has produced many successful, good-natured Event horses.

Glencento’s accomplishments include:

2013/2014 Longlisted for Canadian National Team

1 st – CIC** Will O’Wind HT 2013

– CIC** Will O’Wind HT 2013 Double clear at Gatcombe International CIC** 2013

Successfully completed Osberton International CCI** 2013

7 th – CCI* Bromont International HT 2012

– CCI* Bromont International HT 2012 Top placings at Preliminary and Intermediate horse trials in both the US and Canada

The thrill of a syndicate

By being a partner in the “Glencento Syndicate”, the thrill of owning an international quality event horse at a fraction of the cost, is yours. You can look forward to cheering on your horse by attending the shows or by watching competitions and live scores online from the comfort of your own home. It will be an incredible and fun filled journey with the ultimate goal of attending the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro as an owner and cheering on Glencento, a horse whose development you have supported.

This horse offers you the opportunity to experience the highest levels of Eventing. In addition, you will get to share and be part of the behind the scenes action of training sessions with the world’s top riders, thrilling international competitions, and the highs and lows of producing the elite partnership of horse and rider.

Other ways to participate

If you would like to help keep Jordan’s horse with his friend and fellow country woman Leahona Rowland, you can sponsor the initiative by contributing an amount that you can afford. Just visit Indiegogo and make your contribution by credit card or bank transfer to:

[Glencento Fund]

Contact Leahona for complete details about the sydicate: [Email]