Selena was born in England but the family moved to Canada when she was a toddler. While still a youngster Selena rode the necessary number of naughty ponies (think stop drop and roll when tired or sweaty) before her mother found Toby. Selena and Toby have the same birthday and she credits him with making her the horsewoman she is today.

"He taught me so much in and out of the saddle. Confidence, bravery, patience, understanding & most of all my love of horses." - Selena

 

At the age of nine Selena started her Eventing career with Toby and never looked back; competing the horse up to Training level and teaching her first students with him. Following that she rode a home bred called The Main Man aka Cameron to her first North American Young Riders 1* championship team. Be Bold Juliet took Selena to her next NAYRC at the 2* level & then her first Advanced level competition before retiring. Juliet then entered the OHE breeding program and provided Selena with two babies that are currently competing at the national levels.

 

In 2007 Selena was first named to the Canadian Eventing team with Colombo, a horse owned by Elaine and Michael Davies. The following year in 2008, the pair made their four-star debut at the CCI 4* Rolex Kentucky Three Day Event, finishing 20th. That 2008 result earned Selena and Colombo a place on the Canadian Eventing Team for the Beijing Olympic Games where they impressed with a top 20 finish in the Dressage phase before finishing 46th individually.

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In 2010 the pair improved on their past placings at the CCI 4* Rolex Kentucky Three Day Event by finishing on an impressive 8th place. At the 2010 WEG Selena and Colombo were part of the Canadian eventing team that brought home Canada’s first silver eventing medal in 32 years! The Canadian team wowed the eventing world and made it clear that Canada was a force to be reckoned under the watchful eye of Head Coach David O’Connor.

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In 2011, Selena and Colombo, through Canada’s fantastic program Own The Podium, debuted at the infamous Badminton Horse Trial in England – the world’s premier and largest horse trial event.  It’s said that the crowd drawn for "Badders"  is the largest live audience spectator sport in the world beating out other famous sport venues like Formula One racing.  It was an incredible experience for the whole Canadian eventing team and one Selena and team will cherish. Ms. Samantha Clarke was able to catch Selena at the event for the interview, see below

 

The 2011 Guadalajara PanAm Games saw Selena bring home another silver medal, this time on Foxwood High. Our local newspaper was quick to support the duo and featured them in an article “Local rider wins silver at Pan Am Games”. Foxwood High, who within one year of training with the O’Hanlons, made the amazing transition from Training Level to CCI/CIC 2* competitions. Foxwood High was also long listed for the 2012 London Games. John Rumble, Foxwood High’s owner, is an Olympian in his own right, and won a bronze medal in team eventing at the 1956 Stockholm Summer Olympics. 

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After Jersey Fresh CCI 3*, a qualifying event in New Jersey (May 10-13, 2012), Selena and Colombo were one step closer to the London Olympic Games after a successful THIRD place finish. However, after a stop at the water complex at Bromont QC, the combination wasn’t chosen to the London team.  Despite the disappointment Selena cheered on her team mates and friends from home showing her support and world class sportsmanship. Colombo was retired in 2012 and enjoyed his last days surrounded by family and admirers. In 2013 Colombo passed away at the age of 20 from incurable lymphoma. His memories will be cherished by all who knew him.

 

2013 was an exciting and busy year with Selena as the only Canadian rider with three CCI 3* horses in her line up.  The boys, Foxwood High, Bellaney Rock and A Fine Romance consistently topped the leaderboard for Canadian standings.  They were the top 3 Canadian partnerships at Red Hills CCI 3* Horse Trials more all finished in the ribbons at the Volvo CCI 3* Bromont Three Day Event - finishing an impressive 2nd with Foxwood High, 4th with Bellaney Rock and 12th with A Fine Romance.  Their success at Bromont, qualified all three horses for the prestigious CCI 4* Rolex Kentucky Three Day Event in 2014.  Selena ran the boys at Plantation and Fair Hill International with Fair Hill being the last 3*competition of the year for O’Hanlon Eventing.

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In 2015 Selena placed top ten with Foxwood High in 4 of the 7 competitions they entered with the highlight being 4th place at Richland Park Horse Trials 3*. In 2016 Selena and Woody started the year securing 4th place at Red Hills 38 and then placed top ten at the Bromont 3* and just out of the top ten at The Fork 3* and Carolina Horse Park 3*.

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2017 was a big year for Selena and Foxwood High, who was honoured at the United States Eventing Association Year-End Awards Ceremony as 2017 Advanced Horse of the Year. It’s a well deserved accolade following the best season of his international career, which concluded with Selena O’Hanlon becoming the first Canadian in history to win the prestigious Fair Hill International CCI3*

 

Woody started the 2017 season with an 8th place finish at The Fork CIC3*, which served as his final prep run before making his fourth career start at Kentucky CCI4* where he finish 11th. Woody finished 5th at Great Meadow CICO3*,  one of only three horses to make the optimum time and 2nd at Plantation Field.

According to Selena, it’s a privilege to campaign these fantastic athletes. She understands all too well the rigors and highs & lows of this sport. The pursuit for excellence is a well worn path for the O’Hanlons, beginning with Morag O’Hanlon‘s own career and nurturing Selena as she pursued her own dreams and goals.  To be a professional, in Canada, it requires not only knowledge and experience but a steel-like perseverance, heart and above all bravery not to mention the invaluable support from the community, volunteers and especially the sponsors whom without them – this would be impossible.  Selena can only do this with your help. It’s people like you that make the difference!