Canada’s Eventing and Eventing High Performance Committees have announced that Clayton Fredericks of Australia will be the next international technical advisor for the Canadian Eventing Team. Fredericks will replace current ITA David O’Connor, who accepted the role of chef d’équipe for the United States, in January.

In addition to having coached many elite riders, Fredericks earned a team silver medal at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing and individual silver and team bronze at the World Equestrian Games in 2006 (Germany). In 2007, he won the Rolex Kentucky CCI****.

This fall, Fredericks moved to his new training center at the 750-acre Oak Lane Farm in Ocala, Fla.

“We are all very excited that Clayton has accepted the position and cannot wait to get underway in 2013,” said Graeme Thom, Canadian chef d’équipe and incoming chair of High Performance. “His background and personality will be a great fit with our riders. The process was a full and complete one, and we were extremely fortunate to have had many very qualified candidates to speak with. Needless to say, we cannot thank David O’Connor enough for his many years of commitment and look forward to an equally rewarding tenure with Clayton.”

“This opportunity has come at the perfect time for me as I transition from competing to coaching,” said Fredericks. “While the Canadian eventing team has been generally successful with a sound foundation having been laid in many areas, I believe there are some key areas that are ready for a new perspective, and I look forward to the challenge of taking Canadian eventing to the next level. David O’Connor has already propelled the team to a higher standing in the sport with more consistent international performances and it will be my goal to enhance this record and make Canadian riders not only more competitive at major championships but consistently winning medals too.”