We had the pleasure of speaking with three Canadian riders who are currently training in Wellington, Florida, in preparation for the 2026 World Championships. Here are profiles of Naïma Moreira-Laliberté, Brittany Fraser Beaulieu, and Camille Carier Bergeron, who are counting on your support for their fundraiser on March 22 in Wellington:
https://event.auctria.com/43e2f440-52cb-4773-aa4e-c075b96c5eb3
NAÏMA MOREIRA-LALIBERTÉLSDLF: How did your passion for horse riding begin?
Naïma: « My passion for horses began when I was very young. My parents say that from an early age, I instinctively chose toys and stuffed animals in the shape of horses. I started taking lessons at the age of five. I was immediately hooked, and spent every opportunity I had at the stables. I first took pony club-style lessons, then turned to show jumping for a few years. I then explored “high school” riding and the world of equestrian shows. At the age of twelve, I decided to devote myself fully to dressage by joining a professional training program, a choice that gave impetus to my competitive career. »
LSDLF: What are the highlights of your career?
Naïma: « My memories of championships, the medals I won at the Pan American Games, and my participation in the Olympic Games.
What makes these experiences so memorable is above all the opportunity to share them with my family and friends. I am also fortunate to participate in sporting events that allow me to interact with athletes from various disciplines and discover other sports and their respective worlds, which is always extremely enriching. But beyond the podiums and major competitions, it is above all the more intimate moments that touch me deeply: those moments of tenderness, complicity, and shared presence with my horses. Being able to live and evolve alongside such a sensitive and majestic animal is an immense privilege, which remains at the heart of my athletic journey. »
LSDLF: How do you see your role within Team Canada?
Naïma: « As that of a consistent and reliable athlete, capable of performing when the pressure is at its peak and results are expected. My goal is to be a competitor the team can count on, both in terms of my performance and my attitude. This also means being the best teammate possible: supporting, collaborating, raising the collective level, and contributing to a strong and united team dynamic. I also hope that through my commitment and my journey, I can inspire the next generation of athletes and show that hard work, discipline, and passion can lead to great things. »
BRITTANY FRASER BEAULIEULSDLF: How did your passion for horse riding begin?
Brittany: « It started at a very young age. Horses have always been a part of my life, and I was immediately drawn to the connection and partnership that can be developed with them. What started out as a simple love for horses gradually became a passion for high-level sport. Dressage, in particular, has always fascinated me because of the precision, harmony, and athleticism it requires from both horse and rider. »
LSDLF: As one of the most experienced riders, how does your international experience influence your training in Florida?
Brittany: « Having had the opportunity to represent Canada at major championships such as the Pan American Games, the World Equestrian Games, and the Tokyo Olympics has given me a very clear perspective on what it takes to be competitive at the highest level. »
The winter season in Florida allows me to train in an extremely competitive environment, surrounded by world-class riders and judges. My international experience has taught me that the details make all the difference: quality of basics, ease of execution, mental preparation, and consistency are essential. Every day in training, I keep championship standards in mind. »
LSDLF: What is the strength of your relationship with your horses?
Brittany: « For me, the basis of any relationship with a horse is trust and patience. I take great pride in developing my horses over the long term, building their confidence step by step.
Horses like Jaccardo, as well as others I’ve trained through the levels, have taught me that harmony can never be rushed. I always try to listen, adapt to their personalities, and make them feel confident in their work. When a horse feels understood, it gives you its all in the arena. »
LSDLF: What are the highlights of your career?
Brittany: « Representing Canada on the international stage has been extremely meaningful to me, especially at the Olympics and World Championships. But some of the best moments are also the simplest: setting a personal best in a Grand Prix Special, seeing a young horse progress to the highest level, or standing on the podium knowing all the work that went into that result. »
LSDLF: What would be the determining factor for Team Canada to shine at the 2026 World Championships?
Brittany: “Consistency and team depth. We need several combinations that can deliver top-level performances under pressure. Strong partnerships, flawless technical foundations, and great mental strength will be essential. If we stay united and peak at the right time, Canada has all the talent it needs to be very competitive in 2026.”
LSDLF: Do you have a message for French-speaking Canadians in Florida?
Brittany: “I am always very proud to represent Canada, and particularly happy to see a wonderful French-speaking community in Florida. Your support means a lot. Keep cheering on the Canadian riders—we work hard every day to make you proud.”
CAMILLE CARIER BERGERON LSDLF: What excites you about this sport?
Camille: “It’s an incredible and beautiful sport. You get to communicate with the animal, which makes this sport unique. It’s both magical and majestic to be in harmony with such a large animal with which you can do such impressive things.” Camille started riding horses at the age of 8, and quickly began competing.
LSDLF: Have you had the same horse for a long time?
Camille: « To compete at such a high level, you need to have a very good relationship with your horse. I’ve had the same one for four years. But it was with my previous horse, called Sound of Silence (SOS), that I went to the Pan American Games. I got him when I was 17 and rode up the levels with him. And it was with the mare I have now, Finnlanderin, that I went to the Olympics in 2024 and am hoping to go to the World Cup in 2026. »
LSDLF: How were the Olympics for you in 2024?
Camille (who will soon be 26): « It was a great experience. It was my first Olympics and it was really special because I was the youngest in equestrian sports. It was a great learning experience and it went well. Overall, I was happy with my performance. »
LSDLF: What are the highlights of your career?
Camille: ”First, the Pan American Games in 2023. I really did a great job in the Grand Prix free style, especially with my horse SOS, who I’d had for a long time. Also, as a team, we won the bronze medal. It was a truly magical moment because there were four of us Quebec women in our twenties on the podium in Chile. We had all trained together when we were young, so there was great team chemistry. And that medal allowed us to go to the Olympics in 2024, which was our goal. We absolutely had to make it to the podium to qualify for the Olympics. Secondly, of course, the Games in Paris in 2024. It was so beautiful. We were at the Palace of Versailles. When we entered the ring, it was just WOW to see the palace. I enjoyed every moment, and on top of that, everything was in French. It was just beautiful and magical. »
Invitation
Camille, Brittany, and Naïma invite not only the Canadian diaspora to participate in their fundraiser on March 22, but also to attend their superb competitions in Wellington.
To view schedules and results: https://equestrian-hub.com
