Parker, CO—After more than six years in the United States, Canadian Equestrian Team member Jay Duke has decided to return to his homeland. Making the move with Jay Duke and his Falcon Grey International Show Jumping stable are several of his American clients, including Nicole Crighton, Shawn Tebben and Elizabeth Savoy.

“We are very excited to go home,” Jay Duke said. “Returning to Canada is the best decision for our family and our business. Based on our goals and our clients’ goals, this made the most sense for us.” Jay and Falcon Grey plan on a heavier show schedule at Spruce Meadows, as well as trips to HITS Indio in the winter and the Vancouver shows in the spring and fall. Although the Falcon Grey team competed at last year’s Spruce Meadows Masters, the show schedule in California and Colorado during the spring and summer months prevented them from showing at summer Spruce Meadows shows.

“It is important for Jay’s international career to compete regularly at Spruce Meadows,” explained Lisa Duke, Jay’s wife and co-owner of Falcon Grey International Show Jumping. “Plus our families are there and we feel it is important for our kids to be with their entire family.”

Jay Duke’s business will be based in Calgary. “With the return to Canada, we plan on keeping our business as personalized and customized as our customers are used to,” Jay said. “The goal is to continue to offer hands-on care and a close working relationship with all of our clients.”

This attention to detail is what has led Donna and Tim Savoy, the parents of 14-year-old Elizabeth, to keep training with Jay even if it involves a few extra plane tickets. “ Our daughter was very sad and distraught about the prospect of losing Jay. He’s been the best trainer and we just knew that continuing to work with him made a lot of sense.”

Jay has made his time in the United States very productive by winning numerous grand prix as well as qualifying several horses to the prestigious indoor circuit and earning great ribbons. “We are very grateful to all of the wonderful people that we have worked with in the U.S.,” Lisa said. “It was a hard decision to make, but we are very fortunate that our clients have been very supportive and understanding.”

Shawn Tebben and Nicole Crighton will also be sending several horses to Canada. Both Nicole and Shawn have been very successful in the amateur and adult amateur jumper divisions by earning multiple championships and circuit tri-colors at shows like HITS Indio. Both riders are looking forward to competing at Spruce Meadows on a regular basis.

For more information contact Jay Duke at 403-990-7937.

About Jay Duke
Jay Duke has represented his native Canada on several Nation’s Cups teams, including the Royal Winter Fair, Washington International Horse Show and the National Horse Show. He is the winner of more than a dozen grand prix. Jay comes from a long line of successful Canadian equestrians. His father has been inducted into the cutting horse Hall of Fame and his mother is a well-known riding instructor whose students have gone on to represent Canada at the Olympics.