Name: Jody Schloss
Sport: Equestrian
Class: Grade 1A
Age: 39
Associations: Swan Manor Stables, The Court at Barrhaven
Hometown: Toronto
Previous Games: None
Originally from Toronto, Jody Schloss is a Grade 1A rider who is very quickly making a name for herself on the International Para-dressage circuit.
Although Schloss began riding recreationally at the age of 11, her competitive Para-dressage career began in her mid-20s after a car accident in Central America put her in a coma.
When not riding, Schloss enjoys volunteering, sailing, and sit-skiing. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and English as well as a diploma as an educational assistant. Schloss began her Masters in Disability Studies but has since put that on hold to focus on riding.
Under the training of her personal coach, Jessica Rhinelander, Schloss represented Canada in May 2010 at WindReach International CPEDI3* and in March 2011 at CPEDI3* Del-Mar; Schloss was also one of four riders who qualified to represent Canada at the 2011 European Tour.
Schloss trains at Swan Manor Stables in Oxford Mills and has spent the past two years competing internationally with a goal of qualifying for the 2012 Games, where she will be making her Paralympic debut in London as a member of the Canadian Para-Equestrian Team.
She currently lives at The Court at Barrhaven, where a deal was struck in June of 2011 between a unique young woman and a retirement community. The young woman got to pursue her dream without the worries of accessibility, food preparation, and mundane housekeeping duties.
The retirement community got a focus that kept 100 seniors, for over a year, hoping and praying for the day where Schloss would be named to the London 2012 Paralympic team.
A send-off party was held last week where Schloss was feted before she departed for the Aug. 29-Sept. 9 Games.
Here are portions of the Ottawa Sportspage’s e-mail interview with the first-time Paralympian:
Q: How did you enjoy the send-off event?
A: The event was absolutely incredible. I felt so special, especially since Don Henderson (the manager of where I live) organized the entire event himself. I have become close to a lot of the residents, so that made it even more special. I had many interviews for CTV, CBC, some newspapers, and even a radio show. I never thought I would be able to speak on a program, or be live on TV.
Q: How would you rate the support folks at the Court at Barrhaven have shown you?
A: They have been absolutely amazing. They have given me so much support, I feel like they are all my grandparents.
Q: Who has been your biggest helper along the way?
A: Lauren Barwick, because she introduced me to the possibility of competing in the Paralympics. I didn’t really think it was a possibility before she started introducing me to people as a Paralympic athlete.
Q: What are your goals for the Paralympics?
A: My entire goal is to do my personal best. Doing my personal best may or may not lead to a medal, but either way, I will be happy.
Q: What has been your biggest challenge to getting to qualify for the Games?
A: I have had to move to Ottawa and then to Florida and back to Ottawa for training. I have had to find accessible housing and assistants to help me with driving and my horse.
Q: What are you most looking forward to in London?
A: Competing with the team as a member representing Canada.
COMPETITION SCHEDULE
MIXED TEAM TEST GRADE 1A – AUG. 31, 10:45 A.M. ET
MIXED INDIVIDUAL CHAMPIONSHIP TEST GRADE 1A – SEPT. 2, 11:15 A.M. ET
MIXED INDIVIDUAL FREESTYLE TEST GRADE 1A – SEPT. 4, 10:45 A.M. ET