It’s just like old times for veteran Carlsen
Okotoks rider back in the saddle for Team Canada at Nations Cup
Lisa Carlsen remembers her last call to arms for a Nations Cup at Spruce Meadows.
It came way back when she was a young phenom in the show-jumping world.
We’re talking 30-plus years ago riding for Canada on the big stage.
“A loooong time,” said the Okotoks rider with a chuckle, recalling that participation in the late 1980s.
“When you’re young, you’re living the dream in a different way, because you think this is easy and you’re at the top of the sport and you’ll just stay there,” Carlsen said.
“For a guy like Eric Lamaze, who’s a fabulous rider and has great support behind him, he gets to stay there. For myself, it didn’t work out that way. Reality struck. I didn’t have horses, and then I was working the business, and then I had a daughter. So I went off and did that for a bit — all great things in my life.
“But I wanted to get back at it, for sure. And here I am.”
Carlsen’s here, all right, preparing to ride once again in one of the Masters’ marquee events, the BMO Nations Cup on Saturday in the International Ring (2 p.m.).
And she’ll join Lamaze and another legendary Canadian showjumper, Ian Millar, in representing the home country.
Rounding out the squad for Canada in the nine-country battle is Kara Chad, a 22-year-old from Calgary.
Of course, Chad — just like Carlsen three decades back — is the phenom of the Canadian foursome.
“It being my hometown, it’s huge,” said Chad of just her second Nations Cup appearance at Spruce Meadows. “It’s an amazing Nations Cup for me and for Canada, and I’m really hoping to perform well. My horse, Carona, is in top form, and I think we’ve done everything we could for the horse and I to prepare for the competition. So I’m feeling pretty good about it, for sure.
“But it’s an honour to be here to represent Canada. It’s never going to get old coming to Spruce Meadows.
“I know the venue quite well. I’ve been competing here all my life,” Chad said. “But there’s always pressure to compete in your home country and perform well. But I’d say the more times you do it, the better and more confident you feel.”
For Carlsen, she may have to reach back in her memory bank to find that comfort.
After all, even with a successful season of show-jumping under her belt, the Nations Cup is a different animal.
“I’m feeling the butterflies, excitement, nerves, a bit of every kind of emotion,” Carlsen said. “I was a lot younger the last time I did this. I’m excited for my daughter. She’s 16. Obviously she’s never see n me at this venue representing Canada.
“But I get to ride with Ian again,” continued Carlsen, who carried the Canadian colours with Millar in her only other Nations Cup appearance. “It’s always fascinating riding with Ian. I love watching him and working with him. He’s been a great help, even at this age, to me.
“I’ve been on one team with Eric, and it’s exciting again to be on this one with him. I’m riding with two great riders and a fantastic up-andcoming rider.”
However, with a fantastic horse in Parette, a 12-year-old Brandenburg mare, Carlsen knows she belongs, even after all these years.
“No, I’m not surprised,” Carlsen said of making the Nations Cup squad. “My goal this year was the World Equestrian Games, which I’m a reserve for. So this was on the road going there. I think my horse deserves to be on the team this year. She’s jumped very well here. She’s been solid.”
The Canadian team itself is solid. It will have to be, going up against the likes of Germany, France and the defending champions from the U.S. Also vying for the Nations Cup crown are Belgium, Brazil, Switzerland, Mexico and this year’s new entry from Ireland.
“It’s always special to be on a team with Eric,” said Chad of her boss, mentor and inspiration. “Lisa, I’ve known her since I was very, very young — to have another woman on the team is very nice. And Captain Canada, he’s a legend — it’s always exciting to have him on the team because he always brings everybody together and is a great team leader, so I’m superfortunate.
“It’s definitely a team of veterans — they know exactly what they’re doing,” Chad said. “Ian and Eric have competed together for years and years all over the world, and definitely they ’re two strong competitors.
“So to have them on your team, you have to feel good about it. I think we have a very good chance.” The veteran Lamaze agreed. “Kara Chad has had wonderful rounds (this week). We’re happy about that,” said Lamaze when asked to break down Team Canada. “Ian is Ian. He loves the Nations Cup, and he’s a clear-round man when it comes to that. And Lisa’s had some fantastic rounds during the summer tour.
“This is our home ground, and we love to hear the Canadian cheers for us, so we’ll try our best.”
I’m feeling the butterflies, excitement, nerves, a bit of every kind of emotion. I was a lot younger the last time I did this.