About Dax

Little Dax

Dax felt a strong connection from the first moment he was mounted on a horse.

Dax Adam was born in Scarborough Ontario, Canada. As a result of complications at birth (15 weeks premature) he is afflicted with Cerebral Palsy. At age four Dax was introduced to horses and riding by recommendation of his physiotherapists Tema Stien and Margret Ameli. From the first moment Dax was mounted on the horse he felt a magical connection! At the very early age of eight it was his goal to compete at the Paralympics.

Dax began competing when he was thirteen years old. He became a well known name and face at the Regional, Provincial and National level in Ontario achieving consecutive top honors at all levels. In 1997, 1998 and 2001 he was Regional Champion, in 2002 Reserve Champion and in 2000 and 2002 National Champion. Due to his ever present sportsmanship and leadership skills he was recognized with The Captain Mark Phillips Spirit Award and The Edgar Dunn Memorial Award. Dax was also nominated for Disabled Male Athlete of the Year in 2004. Since 2000, he has been short listed to the Canadian Paralympic Team and in 2004, he achieved his dream by being named to the Canadian Paralympic Team for Athens, Greece.

In 2001 Dax's mom was instrumental in introducing her son to Doreen Resnick a wonderful and extremely helpful woman who guided Dax in the second phase of his riding career. Under Doreen's wing and mounted on her two advanced level horses MR Mc Duff and Panache, Dax was able to expand his knowledge and skills. A seasoned dressage competitor, Doreen was quick to spot Dax's ability, drive and dedication. She put him in touch with her long time coach Gary VanderPloeg, a top Canadian FEI dressage trainer and coach, based at Pine Ridge Farm, King, Ontario.

Dax credits all of the people at Pine Ridge Farm, the support of his mom Rosanne and particularly Gary for preparing him to pursue his greater goals. Thanks to his unique and patient approach he has nurtured Dax to learn to ride with feeling and sensitivity. In turn, Dax is passing this along to all horses and riders that he influences.

Olympic Rings

Dax and his horse Copper Rose were accompanied to Athens by Gary. Thanks to the kindness and generosity of the VanderPloeg family not only do dreams come true but Dax was able to have familiar faces of his mom and Jeanie VanderPloeg in the stands to cheer him on during the competition.
Dax & Copper Rose, Palgrave 2005 Dax was the subject of a CBC special leading up to Athens. He was able to showcase his long time equine partner, Copper Rose. Originally from British Columbia were she had spent 13 years of her life competing Hunter/Jumper. Rose had proven to be a quick learner, which along with her giving temperament allowed her to quickly progress through her dressage career to become confirmed at Third level.

Despite maintaining his weekly training schedule and traveling abroad Dax continued to be a Volunteer Assistant Instructor at CARD applying his own brand of expertise to help other disabled riders with similar goals in mind. In addition he has a variety of able-bodied students ranging from amateur to FEI.

Dax currently trains out of the lovely Stirling Hill Farm in King City Ontario where he keeps his horse Rhythm of the Night. Over the past two show season they have mainly focused on able-bodied competitions. As a partnership they have received top placings at Second level. Dax has participated in Clinics with Olympians Ashley Holzer and David Marcus.

Always Stay Focused On Your Goals ~Dreams Do Come True~