Marshall Cleland

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

William Marshall Cleland (born June 14, 1912) was a Canadian equestian champion.

Cleland was born in Hamilton, Ontario into a horse-riding family. His father—a successful distillery executive and horse breeder—and grandfather were both named William, so he was known by his middle name, which he was given in honour of Hamilton's Billy Marshall, a long distance runner. Cleland got his first horse at the age of seven. He attended Trinity College School in Port Hope, Ontario where he was a sprinter and football player.

In 1937, at the age of 25, and while serving as a lieutenant in the Governor General of Canada's guard, Cleland won 10 international championship events. That earned him the Lou Marsh Trophy as Canada's top athlete of the year.

Brief Career Highlights
1925 C.N.E Exhibition Horse Show – 1st place in Middleweight Class
1929 C.N.E Exhibition Horse Show – 2nd place Open Jumpers Class
1930 Royal Agricultural Winter Fair – 2nd place Middle Weight class
1931 International Military Jumping Competition – 1st place
1932 Royal Agricultural Winter Fair – 1st place Military Class
1933 Royal Agricultural Winter Fair – 1st place Military Class


Awards
Preceded by
Phil Edwards
Lou Marsh Trophy winner
1937
Succeeded by
Bobby Pearce