Mark Laskin has resigned from his position as Equestrian Canada鈥檚 technical advisor - jumping, which includes acting as chef d鈥橢quipe for the Canadian Show Jumping Team at major games and Nations鈥� Cup team competitions, effective immediately.

Laskin, a 91原创 resident, issued a statement Tuesday, Nov. 9, citing lack of a contract and 鈥渋nterference鈥� by Equestrian Canada leaders who, he said, lack understanding of the sport.

鈥淚 was told during the first week of April that a contract would be forthcoming,鈥� said Laskin. 鈥淪even months later, the contract promised to me still hasn鈥檛 been delivered.鈥�

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Compounding the issue, Equestrian Canada recently undertook a review of the position led by James Hood, Equestrian Canada鈥檚 Director of High Performance and FEI Relations.

鈥� James Hood has told me that EC is doing a review of the role and will be compiling a job description and putting it out to tender. Almost as an afterthought, he added that I would be welcome to apply,鈥� continued Laskin.

Laskin also cited interference from Equestrian Canada鈥檚 leadership group as another reason for his resignation, including recently being pressured as to which athletes are selected for Nations鈥� Cup team competitions.

鈥淭he leaders at our national federation need to have understanding and experience with our sport,鈥� stated Laskin. 鈥淯nfortunately, Equestrian Canada has had many people in leadership positions that have no background in the equestrian field. Equestrian Canada鈥檚 leadership group are making decisions that aren鈥檛 congruent with my philosophy. It is my opinion that the high performance program has been adversely affected and will continue to be in the future with the current leadership group at the helm. Consequently, I felt that I had no choice but to step down.

鈥淚 feel very sad to be resigning,鈥� continued Laskin. 鈥淭he management of an international team is a complex task that requires the full support and understanding of the national sport organization, and that has not always been the case recently.鈥�

Laskin was supported by the EC High Performance Committee 鈥� Jumping. Laskin acted as chair of the volunteer committee comprised of Gail Greenough, Mike Lawrence, Beth Underhill, and Marni von Schalburg.

鈥淭he high performance committee - jumping is 100 per cent unanimous in its support of Mark鈥檚 decision and the rationale behind his resignation,鈥� said Lawrence. 鈥淲e share Mark鈥檚 frustration at the lack of communication and consultation with our committee.鈥�

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Laskin, 64, got his start riding in Edmonton, and went on to a career as an international grand prix competitor and coach.