Equine Canada Magazine August/September 2012

August/September 2012

IAN MILLAR

TEN Olympic Performances!

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August/September 2012

the Canadian Equestrian Team wishes to thank the following sponsors for their support in 2012 DEPARTMENTS Equine Canada Sport Health & Welfare

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On page 38 in our June/July issue, we incorrectly identified Peter Gray as Chair of the Equine Canada Eventing Coaching Committee.

The Chair is actually Ian Roberts. We apologize for the error.

On the cover / En page couverture : 1972—Ian Millar & Shoeman, 1976—Ian Millar & Countdown, 1984—Ian Miller & Big Ben (CP PHOTO/ COA/Tim O’lett), 1988—Ian Miller & Big Ben (CP PHOTO/ COA/ C. McNeil), 1992—Ian Millar & Big Ben, 1996—Ian Miller & Play It Again (CP Photo/COC/Mike Ridewood), 2000—Ian Millar & Dorincord (AP Photo/ Susan Walsh), 2004—Ian Millar & Promise Me © Cealy Tetley, 2008—Ian Miller & In Style © Kit Houghton, 2012—Ian Millar & Star Power © Cealy Tetley

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Tony La Giorgia

Treasurer

Cheryl Denault

Directors at Large

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Fleur Tipton, ext 110, ftipton@equinecanada.ca

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Jumping—Manager Karen Hendry-Ouellette, ext 102, Khendry-ouellette@equinecanada.ca Jumping—Program Coordinator

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Ashley Raaymakers, ext. 144, araaymakers@equinecanada.ca Margaret Harvey, ext. 133, mharvey@equinecanada.ca

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President’s Message Once again, we have had a very busy summer and the competition season is now winding down. A definite highlight of the summer of 2012 was the outstanding performances of our junior and young riders at the North American Championships in Kentucky. Based on these incredible results, the future certainly looks bright for Canada!

Maybe some of those young riders will represent Canada at the World Equestrian Games in 2018. Canada is one of the three finalist countries bidding to host WEG 2018 at Bromont, Quebec. Canada is also host to the Pan American Games in 2015 where the equestrian events will be held at the Caledon Equestrian Park in Palgrave with cross country to be held at Will o’Wind Farms.

We officially announced our 2012 Olympic Equestrian Team at a joint Canadian Olympic Committee–Equine Canada news conference at Spruce Meadows, Calgary, Alberta in early July. Given the various training camp and competition schedules, only our Jumping Team could be on hand, but they did a superb job of representing our entire team. As a result of this special event, we saw more pre-Olympic media coverage for our Canadian Equestrian Team than ever before. Thank you to Karen HendryOuellette and Cheryl Tataryn for making this happen, and a big thank you as well to Spruce Meadows for hosting our announcement event.

At the Olympic Games our best performance was a fifth place Team finish for our Jumpers. This was a significant accomplishment and makes Canada the only country in the world to have placed in the top five at the Olympics in 2008, WEG 2010 and the Olympics in 2012. The Games certainly had its share of disappointments and unpredictable bad luck for many members of our teams.

Of our 12 athletes that competed, six did not finish their competitions. Regardless, we are tremendously proud of all 12 athletes (and our two reserve riders), and we know you gave it your very best. I expect all of these athletes will be back representing Canada again at future competitions.

I would be remiss if I did not thank our hard-working personnel support teams that accompanied the riders and their horses. I would like to personally thank Team

Leader Kerri McGregor, Assistant Team Leader Tina Collins, all chefs, coaches, veterinarians, managers, owners, grooms, parents and supporters who contributed to the many months of preparation. Thank you to all of you.

Following the disqualification of one of our team horses at the Olympic Games, we will be createing a Task Force to review the FEI Hypersensitivity Protocol rule. The Task Force’s goal is to develop a Canadian position on the protocol for Sport Council’s approval in order for Equine Canada to then solicit international support within the FEI family in order to present a unified position regarding the Hypersensitivity Protocol.

Deloitte Consulting LLP has recently completed an Executive Management Study at our request in order to make recommendations on an updated job description for the role of Chief Executive Officer. A conscious decision was made to not advertise for a new CEO until the Olympics were completed, as it is expected there would be more people expressing interest in the position post-games. We are now ready to launch our search for a new chief executive officer, with the goal of hiring in the very near future.

At the time of writing this, I have just returned from the Paralympic Games. The next issue of Equine Canada Magazine will feature a complete wrap-up of our team’s great results.

Michael Gallagher, President, Equine Canada president@equinecanada.ca equinecanada equinecanada August August/September | September 2012 2012 5

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Message from Team Leader IT’S NOW BEEN JUST OVER TWO WEEKS since Tina and I returned home from London, and while I can’t say we’ve had much time to relax, it has given us an opportunity to reflect upon the Games.

Olympic Games are always an emotional rollercoaster. It’s where athletes, and all those who support them, experience tremendous highs and conversely, agonizing lows. Equestrian sports are certainly no different.

I think it’s fair to say our Eventing Team did not have the outing it was anticipating, nor was it reflective of the tremendous hard work, planning and preparation the riders have been undertaking over the past few years.

After a very solid start which saw some riders produce personal bests in the dressage ring, the cross-country day dealt a very heavy blow which saw only two of our riders complete the course. On a positive note, Jessica Phoenix and Exponential had an incredible Olympic debut.

What made this even more impressive was that Jessica achieved this while dealing with the disappointments her fellow teammates were experiencing. This is a testament not only to Jessica’s strong character, but also

(From left to right) David Marcus, Ashley Holzer, Ian Millar, Jacqueline Brooks, and Tiffany Foster

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Kerri McGregor

to her teammates who never missed a beat in their unwavering support. Even Hawley was cheering from her hospital bed!

Although this was obviously not the way Team Coach David O’Connor envisaged his final major team games for Canada, it is a testament to the Eventing team athletes and support members for the fortitude and determination they demonstrated in London. I know this will only make them hungrier and fiercer for the future and I can’t wait to see that.

Our Dressage Team was an interesting mix of experience and youth this year. We had multiOlympians (four times for Ashley Holzer and two times for Jacqueline Brooks) who were both riding relatively new partnerships. And both experienced terrific rides in an arena which was unlike any other in the world, with Ashley achieving a top 25 result in the strongest competitive field the sport has ever seen. We also had international newcomer David Marcus, who not only was making his debut on a major games team, but was doing so on a horse with whom he just started competing at the Grand Prix level earlier this year— wow! Although things did not work out for this pair in London, they have demonstrated they have a very bright future together and will be tough to beat in the future.

Our Jumping Team’s Olympic experience was very bittersweet. The riders came into these Games with high expectations on their shoulders, thanks to their tremendous results four years earlier, and also with the reality they had some young horses facing one of the most challenging courses in the world. Tiffany Foster in particular showed me that she is one of the strongest athletes I have ever had the pleasure of knowing, and truly worthy of the title “Olympian”. A lot has already been written about Tiffany’s story, so I won’t repeat it here, but I will say that I absolutely can’t wait to see her dominate the field at many international competitions in the future. In spite of the challenges facing them, our Showjumping Team rode to a fifth place team finish, giving Canada the distinction of being the only country to have a showjumping team finish in the top five at the 2008 Olympics, 2010 World Equestrian Games and 2012 Olympics. And Ian Millar showed that age is nothing but a number when it comes to Olympians, as he rode to his best ever individual Olympic result in a record 10 Olympic appearances. As I heard one person say to Ian: “Not bad for a young whippersnapper!”

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I do have to make special mention of the incredible facilities we enjoyed at Greenwich Park. I know some people were unconvinced that this was the right venue for equestrian, but I don’t think a more perfect venue could have been created. From the stables, to the veterinary facilities, to the training rings, to the main stadium itself – everything was topnotch quality. And a big part of this was due to the people. Tim Hadaway’s army of staff and volunteers were world class in every way, always ready with a positive attitude and smile even under the most difficult of situations.

Speaking of the Army, I still can’t get over how awesome the British military personnel were. They provided security throughout the Games and were the first people we met in the morning while going through the scanners, and the last people we said goodbye to at the end of the day. I’ve never enjoyed going through the “mag & bag” (security scanners) as much as I did at Greenwich Park!

At the time of writing, our Paralympic Team is in the midst of its competition and already producing some terrific results. Oddly enough, being at home gives me a greater opportunity to watch the competition, so I look forward to tracking our riders’ performances over the coming days.

I will close this by saying that during the London 2012 Games, our Canadian Equestrian Team was the absolute epitome of class, grace, and downright true grit in the face of adversity and heartbreaking disappointment.

I remain inspired by their performances, their sportsmanship, and giving their everything on the field of play, and I continue to be honoured to play a small role in their neverending pursuits to push the limits and strive for greater success.

Normandy, France—we’re coming for you!

Kerri McGregor, Team Leader Tina Collins, Assistant Team Leader Check out more behind the scenes coverage and pictures at www.kerrimcgregor.com and http://dunkiddin.tumblr.com

Canada in the Running to Host the

2018 World Equestrian Games

Every four years, the best equestrian athletes in the world gather together to compete, excel, and break records at the World Equestrian Games (WEG). The Games are organized by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), the international governing body for equestrian sport, and on December 1, 2011, Canada entered the bid race to host the World Equestrian Games in 2018 at Bromont, Quebec. Seven other countries—Austria, Australia, Hungary, Morocco, Russia, Sweden, and the United States– also entered the race.

To be awarded the WEG, Canada must firmly demonstrate to the FEI that Bromont, along with Montreal, are the best hosts for the Games in 2018. On April 30, Equine Canada and the Bromont Bid Committee filed a bid application and questionnaire with the FEI to qualify as a candidate city. Following this, on June 11, the FEI announced that five countries had been named as official candidate cities: Bromont (Canada); Vienna (Austria); Budapest (Hungary); Wellington (USA); and Rabat (Morocco). Since then the United States and Hungary withdrew from the process leaving Canada, Austria and Morocco as the three remaining bidders.

The next phase of the bid process will see officials from the FEI visit Bromont later this year, and then we will file our final bid book and signed hosting agreement on December 15, 2012 with the international body. The FEI will announce its final decision on the official host of the 2018 WEG in spring of 2013.

Until then, Canada must run a winning campaign to convince the FEI that Bromont can, and will deliver the best WEG ever, while also generating positive economic and social returns.

With the support of both the public and private sectors, the Games are sure to create a lasting legacy for Canada and our international profile as a great equestrian nation.

If you want to be part of this exciting, world-class event, please consider volunteering your time. Volunteers are needed across all disciplines represented at WEG: reining, endurance, jumping, dressage, eventing, vaulting and driving. Please email info@equinecanada.ca if you wish to sign up.

It’s time to welcome our Canadian equestrian athletes ‘home’ to the World Equestrian Games in 2018!

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2012 LONDON OLYMPICS BRING BOTH PERSONAL BESTS AND HEARTBREAK FOR THE CANADIAN EQUESTRIAN TEAM With files from Starting Gate Communications

THE 2012 LONDON SUMMER OLYMPIC GAMES, held July 27 to August 12 in London, UK, were the source of both highs and lows for the Canadian Equestrian Team.

The 30th Olympiad featured the three Olympic equestrian sports of Dressage, Eventing, and Show Jumping in the heart of the city, within the renowned World Heritage Site of Greenwich Park—where a world-class stadium featuring state-of-the-art footing, as well as a unique and challenging cross-country course were built.

Eventing Kicks Off Equestrian Competition

The first Olympic equestrian sport to break in the unique venue was Eventing, which kicked off with the two-day Dressage phase on July 28 and 29.

The Canadian Eventing Team, featuring Peter Barry of Dunham, QC, Hawley Bennett-Awad of Langley, BC, Rebecca Howard of Salmon Arm, BC, Michele Mueller of Port Perry, ON, and Jessica Phoenix of Uxbridge, ON, earned a team total of 154.10 penalty points to stand in 11th place overall after Dressage.

Bennett-Awad was Canada’s highest-placed rider individually at the completion of the phase, holding down 31st position after receiving a score of 48.70 penalty points aboard Gin & Juice, a 12-year-old Thoroughbred mare she co-owns with Linda Paine.

Unfortunately, Bennet-Awad’s Olympic experience ended on July 30 during the cross-country phase after she fell at fence three, suffering a concussion and a stable sacral fracture that required 48-hour hospitalization.

However, the difficult course (created by British course designer Sue Benson)—which contained 28 fences, 39 jumping efforts, plenty of twists, turns, and hills, and a tight allowed time of 10 minutes and three seconds— also presented problems for two of the four remaining team members. Barry was eliminated at fence nine after falling from his mount, Kilrodan Abbott, a 13-yearold Irish Sport Horse gelding he co-owns with family members Susan and Dylan Barry. Howard was also 8 www.equinecanada.ca

eliminated for a fall at the ‘b’ component of fence 14 off her mount Riddle Master, an 11-year-old Canadian Sport Horse gelding owned by Blithe Hill Farm.

Phoenix Rises to the Occasion

On a brighter note, the remaining two Canadian riders, both of whom were making their Olympic debut in London, did complete the cross-country phase. Riding Julie-Anna Pring’s 13-year-old Thoroughbred/Belgiancross gelding Amistad, Mueller was first on course for the Canadian team, and finished on a score of 63.20 penalty points (incurred for both jumping and time faults after having a run-out at the second of two tricky hedge fences set up within the actual stadium).

Phoenix was the top-placed Canadian of the day, moving up from her post-dressage standing of 50th position to take the 28th spot after jumping clear and incurring just 2.4 time penalties aboard her 14-year-old Canadian Thoroughbred gelding Exponential. Despite having to take a 17-minute break mid-course due to a fall of another rider, the duo were able to return to the course without a loss of concentration.

“I have actually been in that position (with Exponential) before,” commented Phoenix about the break. “He’s so good. As soon as you stop galloping, you drop the reins and he walks and chills out and calms down. He is such a fast, good jumping horse, and I just had so much fun out there.”

The final phase of the Eventing competition took place on July 31. With Barry, Bennett-Awad, and Howard having been eliminated during cross-country, and Mueller opting not to present Amistad at the final inspection that morning, Phoenix was the sole Canadian to compete.

The pair completed the show jumping phase with three rails down and two time penalties, and finished in the top 25, qualifying them to move on to the Individual Final.

In their final performance of the Games, Phoenix and Exponential had just two rails down for eight penalties, putting their final score at 79.20 to finish in 22nd place individually. As a team, Canada finished in 13th position.

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Peter Barry and Kilrodan Abbott Jessica Phoenix & Exponential

Jessica Phoenix & Exponential

Hawley Bennett-Awad and Gin & Juice

Rebecca Howard & Riddle Master

Michele Mueller & Amistad

All photos Š Cealy Tetley

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“Jessica showed herself as a true professional as an individual. But, as a team, we didn’t rise to the occasion,” said Graeme Thom, Chef d’Equipe of the Canadian Olympic Eventing Team. “It’s a big change from our strong performance at the World’s two years ago, but we will continue to move forward,” he added, referring to Canada’s Team Silver Medal from the 2010 World Equestrian Games in Lexington, KY.

Holzer and Breaking Dawn Shine in Dressage

Like Eventing, Dressage also saw its fair share of highs and lows. On the opening day of team competition on August 2, Jacqueline Brooks of Cedar Valley, ON, and David Marcus of Campbellville, ON took to the ring for Canada.

As the third rider of the day, Brooks made Olympic history as the first dressage rider to wear a helmet in the ring instead of the traditional top hat. Riding D Niro (a 13-year-old Swedish Warmblood gelding owned

by Brookhaven Dressage Inc.) she earned a score of 68.52% to stand in 18th individually for the day.

Marcus was the next Canadian in the ring aboard Deborah Miculinic’s 12-year-old Danish Warmblood gelding Capital. Unfortunately the weather wasn’t cooperating during Marcus’ performance, and the heavy downpour of rain spooked Capital, who went off course and wasn’t able to regain focus within the allowed 20 seconds, causing elimination.

“Capital was trying so hard in the first half of the test but, at that moment, something triggered him,” explained Marcus. “I don’t blame him at all. It is just an unfortunate circumstance. I feel terrible for Canada, for my team, and for everyone who has been so supportive of me. This is life with horses, and we can put it all in perspective by knowing that both Capital and I are going home healthy. He is going to have a long career ahead of him.”

The third and final member of the Canadian team was Ashley Holzer of Toronto, ON (who is no stranger to the Olympics, and has a Team Bronze Medal under her belt from the 1988 Seoul Olympics). She took to the ring for the first time on the second day of individual and team qualifying competition on August 3. Paired with Breaking Dawn, an 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding she co-owns with P.J. Rizvi, she earned a score of 71.809%, putting her in 20th position, and qualifying 10 www.equinecanada.ca

her to move on to the next round of competition, the Grand Prix Special, which accepted the top seven teams, as well as the top 11 individuals not already included as team members. It also acted as the Team Final, as well as an Individual Qualifier.

Unfortunately Brooks’ score from day one put her below the cut off in 41st position. With Marcus’ elimination, the Canadian Olympic Dressage Team was eliminated from Team competition, making Holzer the sole Canadian representative to move forward.

“I’m devastated for David. He is such a lovely guy, so hard working, and so supportive,” Holzer empathized.

“He came out of the stadium thinking that he had let himself down and the team down, but I reminded him that you can’t do anything when a horse is petrified. He couldn’t have done anything differently.”

The Grand Prix Special took place on August 7, and Holzer and Breaking Dawn put in an expressive test highlighted by strong work in tempi changes, canter tour, and passage. Unfortunately, small errors in the canter pirouettes affected the duo’s final score of 71.317%, putting them in 24th place, not far outside of the 18-competitor cut off for the Individual Final, held in the form of the Grand Prix Freestyle to music on August 9.

“I can’t say enough about the horse. Breaking Dawn has not even competed at the Grand Prix level for a year,” said Holzer, who made up for her horse’s inexperience through her own veteran status, with London marking her fourth Olympic appearance. “Yet in his test today, he kept on getting better. It’s amazing. I’m thrilled. He’s a phenomenal horse and I’m privileged to be his rider.”

Millar Makes History

Show Jumping proved to hold both triumph and heartbreak for the Canadian Team, consisting of Tiffany Foster and Eric Lamaze from Schomberg, ON, Jill Henselwood of Oxford Mills, ON, and Ian Millar from Perth, ON. The opening day of competition on August 4 was one of honour for Millar, who broke a world record the first time he entered the ring by making his 10th Olympic appearance, the most participations of any athlete from any sport. Riding Star Power (an 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding owned by Team Works), Millar had just one rail down for four faults.

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Ashley Holzer & Breaking Dawn

David Marcus & Chrevri’s Capital

Jacqueline Brooks & D Niro

All photos © Cealy Tetley

equinecanada August | September 2012 11

Eric Lamaze & Derly Chin de Muze Jill Henselwood & George

Ian Millar & Star Power Tiffany Foster & Victor

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All photos Š Cealy Tetley

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“Each Olympics stands out well on their own; London is outstanding,” Millar commented on his Olympic record, which began in 1972.

All eyes were on Lamaze as he entered the ring, due to his status as defending Gold Medalist from the 2008 Beijing Olympics. However, after the tragic loss of his long-time partner and previous Olympic mount Hickstead last November, Lamaze made it clear coming into this Olympics that defending his title was not his main goal. Riding Derly Chin de Muze, a nine-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare owned by Ashland Stables and Torrey Pines Stable (who he describes as inexperienced but talented), Lamaze started strong, putting in a clear round to tie for first place in round one, which acted as both an individual and team qualifier.

Henselwood was one of many to incur four faults in the ‘b’ element of a tricky double combination, also adding one time penalty for stopping the clock at .02 of a second over the allowed time with George, a 10-yearold Hanoverian gelding owned by Brian Gingras. Foster also became a victim of the combinations on course, having two rails down for a total of eight faults aboard Victor, a 10-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding owned

by Artisan Farms and Torrey Pines Stable.

The Team Final took place the following day. Millar and Star Power added just four faults for one rail down at the ‘a’ component of a double combination. Two rails came down for Lamaze and Derly Chin de Muze, who also incurred one time fault. Henselwood had two rails for eight faults with George. Overall, Canada added 22 faults to the previous day’s five faults, putting their total two-round score to 26, and moving them up one position to finish in fifth position as a team.

Both Millar and Lamaze closed out the team competition in the top 35 individually (standing 11th and 22nd, respectively), qualifying them to move forward into the two-round Individual Final on August 8. Unfortunately, Henselwood just missed the cut off, ending her Olympic experience in a four-way tie for 47th position.

“I thought George was awesome,” Henselwood commented about her overall performance over the course of the Team competition. “He’s green. He’s tried so hard at these Games and with a little more experience, he would jump clear.”

Lamaze and Derly Chin de Muze incurred 12 faults in round one of the Individual Final, which kept them from advancing to the second round, and made their final individual result a tie for 29th place.

Misfortune struck the Canadian Team on August 5. Foster’s horse Victor was disqualified under the International Equestrian Federation’s (FEI’s) hypersensitivity protocol for a small cut above his hoof, leaving Canada with just three riders in the team competition (where the best three out of four scores count) and with no opportunity to utilize the drop score provision.

“I didn’t wake up this morning seeing myself on the podium, so I am not disappointed. These were supposed to be Hickstead’s games, and when the tragedy happened, we just didn’t have time to prepare,” explained Lamaze.

“Derly Chin de Muze has jumped a lot of big tracks this week, which she’s not used to, and maybe it was just fatigue. She’s young, but she gained experience and came out of this a better horse.”

However, the team rallied together, and Millar put in a clean round for Canada. Lamaze once again left all the jumps up, but incurred one time fault, while Henselwood had just one rail down for four faults. They finished the day in sixth place overall.

Millar and Star Power had just one rail down in each of the two rounds, which featured the largest, widest, and most technical courses of the Games. This put them in ninth position overall—Millar’s best-ever individual Olympic result.

“If you were scouting for a basketball team, you would scout George. My horse can jump a building in a single bound,” laughed Henselwood after her performance.

“George was phenomenal. He’s setting the stage, and positioning himself in the world of international show jumping. Perfection is earned, and I’m still on the journey.”

Following the completion of the team final, Millar was asked by the Globe and Mail if they’ll be another Olympic appearance for him.

“The horse I have now, Star Power, is 11. So next time around [2016 in Rio de Janeiro] he’ll be 14 [or 15], so it’s well within range. If he’s willing, I’m willing.”

For full news and results from the 2012 London Olympic Games, visit www.london2012.com/equestrian. equinecanada August | September 2012 13

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Canadians Frequent the Podium at 2012 NAJYRC

C

ANADIAN RIDERS became a common sight on the podium at the 2012 Adequan FEI North American Junior & Young Rider Championship (NAJYRC), presented by Gotham North, and held from July 17-22 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY. Open to riders aged 14-21, NAJYRC fields teams from Canada, the Caribbean Islands, Bermuda, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the United States to compete annually as a team and individually in the FEI disciplines of dressage, endurance, eventing, reining, and show jumping.

Historically, Canada’s riders have found success over the years, collecting many team and individual medals since NAJYRC began in 1974. This year, the riders bested their performance from 2011 (where they obtained a total of 12 medals), taking to the podium a total of 15 times.

Here are the competition highlights by discipline.

Dressage Canada’s Quebec team claimed the top of the podium in the Junior division of the dressage team competition on July 18. Team members Naima Moreira Lailiberte of Outremont, Laurence Blais Tetreault of Montreal, Frederique Bourgault of St. Bernard de Lacolle, and Nicole Babich Morin of Vaudreuil Dorion, earned a total score of 200.462 for the Gold medal.

Quebec riders also led the Canadian results in the Young Rider division. Mathilde Blais Tetreault of Montreal, Camille Frenchette of Boucherville, Tanya Strasser Shostak of Ste Adele, and Julie Channell of Boucherville, rode to the Bronze medal on a total team score of 196.210.

“The kids from the Quebec teams have every right to be proud of themselves,” said chef d’equipe of Team Quebec and Team Ontario Ellen Rumball Dvorak. “They are so happy, and this is a wonderful experience for them. They all had fabulous rides and really deserve their medals.”

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British Columbia team member Monica Houweling of Delta, received the highest of all of the Canadian scores for the day, earning 69.605% aboard her partner of only six months, Rifradin, a 14-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare owned by her mother Linda Houweling.

The individual final followed on July 20, with Canada’s dressage riders racking up another three medals.

Houweling continued to earn high marks, receiving 71.237% with Rifradin for the Silver medal in the Young Rider division. Reid finished just behind her teammate, taking the Bronze medal with a score of 70.000% aboard VIP. “Rifradin gave me everything. I am beyond thrilled with how she performed,” Houweling commented on her results.

In the Junior division, Laurence Blais Tetreault took the Bronze medal with a score of 67.684% riding Pissarro, her 15-year-old Westphalian gelding. The duo kept building on their success on July 21 during the junior freestyle competition, once again taking to the podium—this time in the gold position on a score of 73.575%. Her teammate Sutton stood beside her, earning the Silver medal after receiving 71.050% with her 15-year-old Oldenburg gelding Renoir.

The Young Rider Freestyle closed out the dressage competition that evening. After a nail-biting day, Houweling and Rifradin’s score of 70.825% held to secure them the Silver medal. Mathilde Blais Tetreault also re-mounted the podium, taking the Bronze medal after receiving 69.325% with her 14-year-old Swedish Warmblood gelding Michelangelo.

Endurance In the NAJYRC-CH 4* FEI Championship Endurance race on July 20, the Canadians had the honour of being the sole team to complete the 120 km race (which marked the first time an FEI 4* level race has been held at NAJYRC).

© MacMillan Photography

Mariah Sutton & Renoir

Monica Houweling & Rifradin Ontario Team— Eventing Junior Silver Medalists

Team Quebec— Dressage Young Rider Bronze Medalists

© SusanJStickle.com

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Canadian Endurance Team—Gold Medalists

Haley Franc & Jacs Shy Boy

Team Ontario/ Quebec—Eventing Young Rider Bronze Medalists

© SusanJStickle.com Mathilde Blais Tetreault & Michelangelo

Laurence Blais Tetreault & Pissarro

Team Quebec— Dressage Junior Gold Medalists

equinecanada August | September 2012 15 Alexandra Reid & VIP

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Team members Lee Hutton of Chesterville, ON and her partner Parker AES, Emma Webb from Flesherton, ON aboard Serloki, and Jessica Yavis of Winfield, AB riding Jahlad took the Gold medal after the rare and heartwarming occurrence of crossing the finish line together (in the time of seven hours and 33, 34, and 35 seconds, respectively, for a combined team total of 21:01:22).

Figuera, paired with her 15-year-old Trakehner mare Danzig, Armstrong-Laframboise and Steven Chepa’s 12-year-old Trakehner mare Roksolana, Ivandaeva riding her 10-year-old Thoroughbred-cross gelding Autorytet, and Evans aboard Mail Order Bride, her 17-year-old Thoroughbred mare, earned a team total of 185.8 penalty points.

“We came to the 2012 NAJYRC with an incredible team of young ladies, and their performance was fantastic which resulted in a team Gold. We are so proud of you,” says Maura Leahy, chef d’equipe for the Canadian Endurance Team. “We also had a great team of grooms and team vets.”

“We went into this year’s competition with more depth than we have had in years,” stated team coach Peter Gray.

“All riders had their personal best results in the dressage phase and added few penalties through the following two days of competition. We missed gold medals in a very close finish, but I was extremely proud to see our Junior and Young Rider Teams finishing on the podium.”

See our sidebar, It Takes a Team: An Inside Perspective of the Canadian Endurance Team’s Gold Medal Performance at NAJYRC, for a first-hand look at the team’s experience from Team Leader Daphne Richard.

Eventing The eventing riders ensured that the podium continued to be occupied by Canadians. At the close of the eventing competition on July 21, the combined Ontario/Quebec team received the Bronze medal in the Young Rider Two Star Championship division.

The team featured Erin MacDonald of Barrie, ON and her 10-year-old Canadian Sport Horse gelding Tobiaz, Rachel McDonough of Etobicoke, ON and Irish Rhythm (her 13-year-old Canadian Thoroughbred gelding), Powassan, ON’s Sable Giesler and her nine-year-old Holsteiner gelding Evil Munchkin, and Katherine Martineau of Brossard, QC aboard H.M. As Spirits Go, her 14-year-old Irish Sport Horse/Thoroughbred gelding. Together they finished on a total score of 258.2 penalty points.

In addition, MacDonald was given the honour of winning the Captain Andrew De Szinay Sportsmanship Award, presented each year to the rider who displays the highest standard of good sportsmanship (a trait that Captain De Szinay continually encouraged and developed within young equestrians). MacDonald was declared the recipient after a vote by representatives from all disciplines involved in the NAJYRC. Canada was also represented on the podium at the completion of the always competitive Junior One Star Championship division. Team Ontario, made up of Kylie Figueira (Fenelon Falls), Haley Armstrong-Laframboise (Orangeville), Dasha Ivandaeva (Richmond Hill), and Charlotte Evans (Whitevale) claimed the Silver medal.

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Reining

Canada’s reining teams added to the medal count in both the Junior and Young Rider divisions on July 19.

The Junior Team of Emily Birch from La Salle, MB, Haley Franc of Prince Albert, SK, Micaela Maharaj of Oak Bluff, MB, and Emily Wilson of Uxbridge, ON slid and spun their way to a total of 592.5 points, which earned them the Silver medal (and was just 1.5 points off the USA’s Gold-medal-winning score). Birch was paired with her 12-year-old Quarter Horse gelding Sunup Dun It, Franc rode her eight-year-old Quarter Horse gelding Jacs Shy Boy, Maharaj was aboard her 13-year-old Quarter Horse gelding Fancy Footprint, while Wilson was partnered with Tamalyn Wilson’s 10-year-old Quarter Horse mare Miss Cielo Chex.

The Young Rider Division saw Starr Boisvert of Chatsworth, ON aboard Mary-Jo MacDonnell’s nine-yearold American Paint Horse gelding Stick To Your Guns, and Megan Robinson of Dufresne, MB riding her six-year-old Quarter Horse mare Sheza Smart Cookie take the Bronze medal after receiving a combined score of 415.0.

“I was very proud of the Canadian riders,” comments Wendy Dyer, chef d’equipe for both Canadian teams.

“Everyone stepped up their game, showing skill, determination, and desire.”

In the following day’s Individual Final, Franc and Jacs Shy Boy added an individual Gold to Canada’s medal count on a score of 212.00—five marks higher than the American silver medallist.

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“My horse was just so great, and I am still processing the fact that we won,” said Franc. “There are no words to explain the feeling of winning. It is like nothing I have ever experienced.”

“Haley has been a very poised and focused young lady all week,” Dyer commented on Franc, who is just 14 years old. “I am extremely proud of the whole team, (they are) all great ambassadors for Canada.

For more information and full results of the 2012 NAJYRC, visit www.youngriders.org.

It Takes a Team: An Inside Perspective of the Canadian Endurance Team’s Gold Medal Performance at the 2012 NAJYRC

by Daphne Richard, Past Chair, Endurance Canada Committee

(left to right) Lee Hutten on Parker AES, Jessica Yavis on Jahlad and Emma Webb on Serloki

To win a gold medal at an international competition, it takes a ‘team.’

Actually, it takes many ‘teams’ within the team, including: » Rider and horse » Rider and family » Rider and coaches and mentors » Rider and provincial and national sport organizations » Rider and national team officials and official crews It takes everyone giving his/her everything (long before, during and after the event). It requires absolute commitment, expertise and a unified effort—as was the case for Canada’s Youth Endurance Team of Lee Hutten and Emma Webb from Ontario, and Jessica Yavis from Alberta at the 2012 North American Junior & Young Rider Championship (NAJYRC) in Lexington, KY. All three riders and horses crossed the finish line together to claim top honours at the first-ever FEI CEI 4* 120km race. The competition was fierce, and the pace blistering.

The Team Gold Canadians mastered the course in seven hours, a very significant personal best for each of them.

What a proud moment for the entire ‘team.’ What a proud moment for all Canadian endurance riding enthusiasts!

Lee, Emma and Jessica are champions for life. They will never forget this amazing experience, and it will undoubtedly influence what lies ahead for them. Their success will serve as such an inspiration to other young equestrians who dare to dream the dream (“If she can do this…”).

This year’s success at NAJYRC was the culmination of years of training, travelling and competing in order to qualify. There were highs and lows, and triumphs and disappointments, but Lee, Emma and Jessica remained focused and dedicated, knowing they could rely on their ‘teams’ to support their every stride because these individuals were just as committed. And they are the first to acknowledge they could not have succeeded without the tremendous support and generosity they’ve received in preparing for, and competing in, this prestigious event.

In 2010, Lee was given the opportunity to train and compete with Dr. Gail Jewell, DVM, and Elroy Karius, two members of the Canadian Endurance Team. She was selected as a crew member for Gail at the World Equestrian Games, giving her first-hand experience at a major international event. Her good friend and coach, Dessia Miller, provided Lee with her own competition horse, Parker AES, for the 2012 season. This enabled Lee to compete at the 2012 NAJYRC (her last eligible year at this level of competition).

Emma, too, benefitted from the kindness of other Endurance competitors. For the event, Jan Worthington, a USA Endurance Team rider, leased her Serloki, who Emma had competed on previously. The lease was arranged by Nancy Beacon, who was the first entry into Canada’s Endurance Hall of Fame, and has done so much to further the sport in this country and to encourage our young athletes. These very successful veteran riders made Emma’s experience of a lifetime possible.

As with Lee and Emma, Jessica’s parents have contributed endlessly to her success as the top Canadian Junior rider for the past three years. They have hauled Jessica and her horse, Jahlad, to competition after competition. Her mom even rode alongside Jessica in many competitions, (Continued on following page) equinecanada August | September 2012 17

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assisting her in climbing ever higher in the national rankings, and setting her future goals. Jessica has learned that ‘you must give back to the sport’ and, as do Lee and Emma, actively volunteers with the youth programs for her provincial Endurance organization—the future.

At the national level, these young riders had the total support and encouragement from the following Endurance Canada Committee of Equine Canada and Canadian Endurance Team officials, who made it a priority in their very busy professional lives (and at their own expense), to complete the endless FEI paperwork, and to be there for them at this major competition: » Chef d’Equipe Maura Leahy » Team Veterinarian Dr. Glenn Sinclair, DVM » Assistant Team Veterinarian Dr. Deanna Spiker, DVM

Their official grooms and crew at the event included Colette Hutten, Dessia Miller, Bob Gielen, Jan Worthington, Jaye and Rick Yavis, Eddie York, Savannah Wilson, Ashlee Miller and Sharry Wilson.

For these individuals there was a resounding “Thank you, without your support, it wouldn’t have been possible,” from Lee, Emma and Jessica.

Conditioning for an Endurance competition involves hour after hour, mile after mile, trail after trail riding. For these young women, the ultimate ‘team’ has been that of themselves and their horses, which has led to the development of bonds that have changed their lives as they shared this most extraordinary ride—a ride that continues to this day, and one that will help to shape tomorrow. They have raised the bar and raised our hopes for the future of this sport in Canada.

Congratulations to our 2012 NAJYRC Gold Medal winners!

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Skate into Ottawa for the 2013 Equine Canada Annual Convention!

Bromont Equestrian Olympic Park Equestrian Park of Blainville, Quebec

The Canadian Interprovincial Equestrian Championships (CIEC) is a sanctioned Equine Canada competition happening September 21–23 in Bromont and Blainville, Quebec. The CIEC is a collaborative event between the national and provincial sport organizations governing equestrian competition, with the Provincial/Territorial Sport Organizations (P/TSOs) fielding combined Adult/Junior teams in three different disciplines Dressage, Jumping and Reining.

The 2012 CIEC event is an important pilot event building on the inaugural 2011 edition, with nine provinces now expected to field teams. “With its emphasis not only on skills but also the importance of fun, this is a quality team event providing an opportunity to test tactical as well as the psychological skills of riders as they begin to specialize and are ready to compete inter-provincially,” says Anne Welch, Chair of the Long Term Equestrian Development Competition Review Group. “We are grateful to the Fédération équestre du Québec (FEQ) for guiding this project through its early days and we look forward to it becoming an integral fixture within the competition calendar in all equestrian disciplines.”

The CIEC promises to be a key event in the development of equestrian’s next generation of national, international and world champions. In addition, it will be a platform for talent identification for athletes, coaches and officials.

It also offers athletes in the Learning and Training to Compete stages within the Long-Term Equestrian Development (LTED) model, the opportunity to test their skills against their peers from across Canada. In order to facilitate participation, horses are made available for lease if shipping is too costly or too logistically difficult for a P/TSO.

Photo © Ottawa Tourism

September 21 – 23, 2012

February 6–11, 2013 THE 2013 EQUINE CANADA ANNUAL CONVENTION is set for February 6–11 in Ottawa, Ontario. The host hotel is the newly re-branded and renovated Delta Ottawa City Centre.

Members of the equestrian community from across Canada are invited to participate in a selection of meetings and clinics tailored to address the unique needs of participants involved in equestrian sport, recreation and industry.

The convention will also play host to the 2013 Equine Canada Awards Gala which consists of an evening of dining and entertainment in honour of the successes of 2012.

Awards presented include Equine Canada’s coveted Equestrian of the Year, Junior Equestrian of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Horse of the Year, Canadian-bred Horse of the Year and Media Award to name a few.

While in Ottawa, take advantage of the Ottawa Winterlude Festival which takes place along the world’s largest skating rink, the Rideau Canal Skateway, and sites across Ottawa. http://bit.ly/Q7BbM2

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Madison Lawson & McGuire (Photos Courtesy of Madison Lawson)

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Para-Equestrian Canada: Spotlight on

MADISON Lawson

by Ashley Raaymakers, Para-Equestrian Department

Madison Lawson of Bonfield, ON is a Grade IV Paraequestrian and the youngest rider on Para-Equestrian Canada’s short list. Now 18, Madison started riding when she was five. “At the time I thought I would be a super star show jumper,” she says, “and be at Spruce Meadows but then I ended up wanting to be an eventer at the age of twelve. A year later I had my accident.”

While out conditioning and exercising a friend’s horse in the summer of 2007, the animal reared unexpectedly, throwing Madison to the ground and then fell on top of her. She spent the rest of the year learning to walk again and adjusting to life as an incomplete paraplegic.

By February 2008, Madison was back in the saddle learning all about Para-dressage. Learning to ride after her accident had proven easier than tackling the act of walking.

Athletes that Madison admires the most are Gary Vander Ploeg, Edward Gal and Sidney Crosby.

“Gary never, ever gives up, no matter what the circumstances are,” says Madison. “He always pushed forward and encourages me to do the same. He always looks at the bigger picture and has the ability to put any disappointments into perspective.”

Edward Gal, she says, “is someone I also admire because of the way he rides so quietly and despite the fact he lost Totilas, he made it to the Olympics and didn’t let anything affect him.” Lastly, Sidney Crosby is an inspiration to Madison because he: “avoids all confrontation and is so set on his goals. I just adore him! Not to mention his gold medal-winning goal gives me goose bumps every time I see it.”

Madison rides at least six times a week for a minimum of one hour. “I spend a lot of time playing with my horse, grooming him, making sure all his things are clean and tidy,” she says. When not riding, Madison likes to sit down with a good book or take pictures. She also enjoys swimming and cooking.

When asked what she would say is a little-known fact about her, she says “shyness”. “I have a strong personality but I’m secretly a very shy person; talking and meeting people intimidates me more than being on a 17hh horse at a major game. It’s sometimes mistaken as indifference but it’s truly just my extreme shyness. I even break out in a sweat when I have to order a pizza.”

When asked what her all-time equestrian goals are, Madison is very matter-of-fact. “I first wanted to make it to the Paralympics and then make it onto an ablebodied team, and hopefully go to the World Equestrian Games or Olympics to represent Team Canada.”

Madison is sure to be a rider to watch in both Para and able-bodied equestrian competition in the years to come. A young rider with big dreams, Madison would like to thank everyone who has been part of her dream and journey.

Madison’s greatest accomplishments include both Para and able-bodied dressage. “My greatest accomplishment is having the opportunity to ride at the 2010 World Equestrian Games as well as being on Team Ontario at the 2012 North American Junior Young Rider Championships”, she continues, “they are very proud moments for me.”

“It really can’t be done alone, behind every athlete there’s a village of people raising that specific athlete. I want to thank my mom Nathalie Lawson and my whole family for supporting me and believing in me. Thank you to Jeannie and Gary Vander Ploeg for their support, as well as Elaine Potter, Lia MacDonald, Marnie Bowden, Ryan Raymond and Gord Cardwell from Knowlton Ridge Equestrian Centre.”

“The championships were such a great experience,” reports Madison. “We had so much fun and the atmosphere was so positive and so relaxed. We’re going to try again next year for Young Riders if McGuire stays fit, happy and sound, and we are currently looking for my next horse.”

“I must also thank my sponsors Marc and Victoria Nicols from the Equestrian Factory Outlet, Hockley Valley, Melanie Kirkwood from Freestyle Saddlery and Melanie Fiske, Fiske’s Animal Products, for their ongoing belief in me, and their support.” equinecanada August | September 2012 21

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Canadian Paralympic Equestrian Team Victorious at Bishop Burton College CPEDI2* Canadian Paralympic Equestrian Team members Lauren Barwick, Eleonore Elstone, Ashley Gowanlock and Jody Schloss achieved outstanding success winning seven of the 12 classes entered at the Bishop Burton College CPEDI2* held from August 17-19, 2012 in East Yorkshire, GBR. The Team was in Great Britain as part of their training camp for the 2012 Paralympic Games beginning August 30.

With more than 33 competitors at the competition from Australia, Brazil, Canada, Great Britain and New Zealand, the Bishop Burton College CPEDI2* has given the riders an opportunity to compete in the UK before the upcoming 2012 Paralympic Games.

Canada’s individual Gold and Silver medalist from the 2008 Paralympic Games, Barwick of Aldergrove, BC, rode Equine Canada’s Off to Paris, to victories in all three of her Grade II classes. In the Team Test, Barwick and Off to Paris earned a score of 76.75%. For the Individual test they received 78.81%, and they won their Freestyle with 76.67%. Barwick was also awarded the overall highest scoring competitor of the competition.

Ashley Gowanlock of Surrey, BC, won the Grade IB Team test riding Lauren Barwick’s 2008 Paralympic horse, Maile, with a score of 71.97%. The pair then went on to win the Individual test with a score of 71.23 and placed second in the Freestyle with a score of 70.08%.

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In the Grade 1A Team Test, Schloss of Toronto, ON, riding her own Inspector Rebus, earned a score of 70.20%, in the Team test, followed by a score 72.00% in the Individual test and a score of 69.83% in the Freestyle test, finishing in second place in each class.

Riding Zareno, an eight-year-old Dutch Warmblood owned by Franklin Posmus, Elstone of Langley, BC received a score of 65.16% in the Grade IV Team test, finishing in fifth position, followed by victories in both the Individual test and the Freestyle test with scores of 69.73% and 70.42% respectively.

A strong support team accompanied the riders and horses to England, including: Andrea Taylor (National Team Coach), Mary Longden (Assistant Team Coach), Elizabeth Quigg (Chef d’Equipe), Amie O’Shaughnessy (Team Leader), Dr. Jennifer Miller (Team Veterinarian), Alice Beatty (Stable Manager), Ozzie Sawicki (Performance Consultant), Caroline Archambault (Human/Equine Massage Therapist), and Julie Cull (Media Attache).

Grooms include Anne Van Silfhout, Zoe Boyles, Tori ElleyMurray, and Kerry-Anne Bourne. Personal team support personnel include Caroline Samson, Suzie Brown, and Vanessa Lurie. Off-site support is also provided by Jamie-Ann Goodfellow and Ashley Raaymakers (Equine Canada Para-Equestrian Department) as well as April Clay (Sport Psychologist).

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Para-Equestrian Canada Announces Upcoming Para-Dressage Judge and Steward Clinic Para-Equestrian Canada is pleased to offer a one-day judge/stewards certification and upgrade clinic in conjunction with Fédération équestre du Québec (FEQ) 2012 Annual General Meeting. Individuals wishing to achieve or maintain EC Para-Dressage status as a judge/ steward, must attend such a clinic and meet the requirements outlined in the EC rule book. The clinic will also be credited for upgrading.

The clinic will assist Dressage judges in evaluating Dressage tests for Para-Dressage riders, as well as inform stewards on the rules and regulations of Para-Dressage competitions. Clinic topics will include: the rider classification process, adaptive aids, and the specifics of judging Para-Dressage tests for each grade of competition.

Date: Sunday, October 21, 2012 Time: 9 am–5 pm

Location: FEQ Annual General Meeting–Hotel Mortagne

(1228 Nobel Street, Boucherville, QC J4B 5H1)

Fee:

1-day Pass for Sunday

2-day Weekend Pass (grants access to activities of your choice at AGM) Non-members : $140 FEQ Members : $100 Students (id required with registration) : $80

Non-members: $100 FEQ Members: $75 Students (id required with registration) : $65

Clinician: Lorraine Stubbs, FEI—I Dressage Judge, Para-Equestrian FEI—I Dressage Judge *Clinic will be conducted in English

Registration is limited to 15 people, with priority given to senior and medium officials.

For further information and a copy of the registration form please visit the FEQ website, http://www.feq.qc.ca/Colloque-Reservation

For questions about Para-Equestrian Canada’s programs and to see rule books, please visit www.equinecanada.ca/para-equestrian

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Jacqueline Brooks Named Dressage Canada Red Scarf Equestrian Athlete of the Month for June

Jacqueline Brooks and D’Niro at the 2012 London Olympic Games © Cealy Tetley

Jacqueline Brooks has been named Dressage Canada Red Scarf Equestrian Athlete for the month of June 2012.

Brooks, of Cedar Valley, ON, rode Brookhaven Dressage Inc.’s 13 year-old Swedish Warmblood, D Niro (D Day x Alitalia), to win the FEI Grand Prix (69.064%) and the FEI Olympic Grand Prix Special (68.356%) at CDI 3* Blainville, in Blainville, QC, held June 14–16, 2012. Competing at the Olympics had been the pair’s focus since his purchase in March 2011, and these results secured them a spot on the Canadian Olympic dressage team.

“I can’t be happier with D-Niro,” said Brooks, who competed in her second Olympics for Canada on August 2. “I have been really concentrating on the Grand Prix with him and it seemed that Blainville was where he really became confident in the test in the ring. It was probably the most fun I have had showing him because we were both on the same wavelength. He was anticipating each movement in a relaxed and confident way which makes it so fun to find your way through the test. Winning in Blainville is always exciting and never gets old.

“Thanks to Red Scarf Equestrian for sponsoring this award. I have a wonderful tailcoat bag and boot bag from the World Equestrian Games that I always use and they still look fantastic six years later. I’m looking forward to spending my gift certificate with them,” added Brooks.

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2013 Equine Canada

Director Elections Call for Nominations Each year the Equine Canada Nominations Committee has the responsibility of presenting a slate of candidates to the membership for election to the organization’s Board of Directors. The Nominations Committee is composed of a Chair who is appointed by the Board of Directors, and representatives from each of the three Division Councils (Sport, Recreation and Industry) and the Provincial Advisory Council.

The Nominations Committee is seeking candidates with passion and drive to serve on the Equine Canada Policy Governance Board, working with other committed volunteers to build and enhance equine activities in Canada. The Board meets monthly via conference calls and face-to-face twice a year.

Equine Canada wishes to recruit and develop Directors who bring a range of needed professional skills, background, and diversity that is reflective of the community it serves. Knowledge in equine activities and strategic expertise in various aspects of non-profit governance are deemed desirable attributes. Additional assets include being logical, innovative, forward thinking, and able to work well in a team environment.

Application packages for the 2013 Director Elections will be available on Equine Canada’s website on October 1, 2012. Nominees, nominators and seconders must all be Equine Canada Individual Members in good standing.

We invite interested candidates to learn more about Equine Canada at www.equinecanada.ca or write: info@equinecanada.ca.

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Strasser Olympic Mount Lavinia Dies Gracefully of Old Age Lavinia, Evi Strasser’s mount at the 1996 Atlanta Games, passed away in June of old age at 28 years old. The black Hanoverian Premium mare (Ludendorff x Dirk) had been enjoying a quiet, happy retirement.

Strasser credits Lavinia with kick starting her international dressage career. The talented mare was imported from Germany by Strasser in 1988 to be sold to a friend, but it was Strasser who would ultimately buy and campaign her to international success. They earned a spot on the Canadian dressage team in 1994, the year Strasser became a Canadian citizen. Strasser had many career highlights riding Lavinia, including winning their first international outing representing Canada, the Grand Prix tour at the 1995 Festival of Champions at Gladstone, NJ, against the American riders. They went on to represent Canada at the 1995 and 1997 World Cup Finals at Los Angeles and ‘sHertogenbosch. Strasser’s debut on Lavina as a Canadian Olympic dressage team member was at the Atlanta games.

“Lavinia was just an amazing horse who always tried harder than I was asking her, she was an over achiever,” said Evi, about her famously hot tempered mount. “You couldn’t miss her; she knew who she was—a real queen. I’m so lucky to have had a horse like her in my life. I have the greatest memories of her and we will miss her a lot.”

Lavinia was retired from international competition in 1998 and has since spent her retirement being lightly ridden by owner Wendy Cutts.

“Lavinia gave me the most wonderful experience for 13 years,” says Wendy. “She was a real gift to me. In her final years, Lavinia was wonderfully cared for by Diane Gertley and her family. I could not have asked for a more kind and careful horse,” adds Wendy affectionately.

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Equine Infectious Anemia

Outbreak Hits Western Canada

W

estern Canada, including the provinces of Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia and Yukon Territory, are currently experiencing the largest Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) outbreak in years. As of June 30, 105 cases of EIA were reported to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) for 2012.

The number of EIA cases has been on the rise since 2011; 179 cases were reported in 2011, in contrast with 23 cases in 2010. EIA is a reportable disease in Canada.

All positive tests are immediately reported to the CFIA by the testing laboratories.

EIA is a blood borne disease. There is no effective vaccine and, because of the nature of the virus, it’s unlikely there will ever be an effective vaccine, nor is there an effective treatment. Horses that contract this virus have it for life and remain capable of infecting other horses. At times, outbreaks result in a high mortality rate and a high rate of infection. Some horses may have few clinical signs. They remain carriers and put any horses with which they comingle at risk of becoming infected.

Clinical signs of this disease may include fever, inappetance (lack of appetite), general weakness, swelling of the extremities, jaundice and in some cases, loss of coordination. Sometimes these signs are missed in horses on pasture.

The disease is transmitted through the transfer of contaminated blood or semen onto an uncontaminated animal. Blood sucking insects can increase the spread of disease. Biting flies are the most common vectors. An infected stallion can contaminate an uninfected mare through breeding. A mare can transmit the disease to her foal. Some outbreaks have occurred as the result of a foal receiving plasma that came from an infected mare. The practice of using shared blood carrying equipment, such as shared needles, is a common means of transmission and has produced devastating outbreaks.

Presence of this disease is accurately confirmed by laboratory testing and all national control programs are based on testing. The test is for antibodies to EIA. When the first test for EIA antibody became available 26 www.equinecanada.ca

in the early 1970s, there was concern that the horses being euthanized were the ones who were capable of establishing immunity. Unfortunately, the virus is never eliminated and as positive horses aged or were stressed, they demonstrated full-blown clinical disease. Negative horses kept as companions for positive horses, also eventually became sick and EIA positive. Any animal that tests positive for EIA must be euthanized or placed in permanent quarantine, meaning the horse is isolated from other animals and kept in an insect-free environment. Animals that have come into contact with the infected animals must also be tested. They must test negative for EIA twice in a 40-day interval before quarantine can be lifted.

Extensive testing and isolation of infected animals is the only way to eradicate this disease. The application of this test is voluntary and compliance varies by region. EIA testing is generally known as the ‘Coggins’ test. This test is generally repeated yearly and often required for many competitions, public sales and boarding facilities. As a

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result, the majority of Ontario horses have been tested.

Ontario was disease free in 2011 and 2012. Horses used in chuck wagon and chariot races were overrepresented as cases in 2011. In Western Canada, less than one per cent of horses are routinely tested. Competitions in these areas are strongly encouraged by the CFIA and Equine Canada to require proof of negative EIA status in all exhibitors.

EIA positive horses should not be bred. Owners should discuss with their veterinarian appropriate testing protocol for their animals.

Increased awareness about the effects of the disease and the importance of testing in these populations is necessary to increase voluntary testing. It is not necessary for the same horses to be tested yearly if they have not traveled to areas experiencing an outbreak or been exposed to EIA infected animals. It is necessary to test horses residing in the areas where the outbreaks are occurring. Horses that have not been tested previously may be carriers of the disease and should be tested.

Equine Canada extends our warmest congratulations to Akaash Maharaj, our former Chief Executive Officer, for being decorated with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in Canada’s national honours of state.

For more complete information, please visit the Horse Health and Welfare section of our web site, www.equinecanada.ca.

Feral horses in North Western Alberta and North Eastern British Columbia and the Southern Yukon are sources of continuing infection. Some of these horses are EIA carriers. Disease control in wild horses is challenging, as a result, there is a pocket of infection that may be difficult to eradicate. They comingle with horses that are used for riding, packing, etc. All precautions should be taken to test horses that have been in contact with the feral population.

Many owners are reluctant to test due to the outcome of a positive EIA test. Under the Health of Animals Act the CFIA may compensate owners for horses destroyed due to EIA. Compensation is based on market value.

Solitary confinement is an option, but may not be practical or ethical for the owner’s situation. EIA is like aids in that apparent non-symptomatic carriers have periods of being unthrifty and, unless some acute injury or accident ends their lives, EIA will kill them in the end.

Infected horses kept in close contact with other horses during fly season, will tragically result in healthy horses becoming contaminated.

EIA has an impact on the health and welfare of the Canadian equine population. Testing is necessary to eradicate the disease. Recent increases in cases in Western Canada are under investigation by the CFIA. Owners in infected regions should take precautions to reduce the chance of infection. Strict hygiene practices should be used when collecting blood samples or administering vaccinations. Insect control measures should be implemented. New horses should be isolated and tested for EIA before introducing them to the herd.

Her Excellency Sharon Johnston, wife of the Governor General of Canada and Akaash Maharaj

equinecanada August | September 2012 27

| COACHING |

A

Equine Canada Launches New High Performance Coach Certification Program– More Certification Opportunities for Canada’s Coaches

n exciting new coaching certification program is now available for equestrian coaches in Canada. The High Performance Coach program is designed for those working with riders looking to succeed at the national championship level or toward Junior/Young Rider FEI or similar international level competition.

Certification is available for Dressage, Eventing, Jump and Reining candidates.

The Equine Canada/National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) High Performance Certification Coach program replaces the former Level 3 equestrian coaching designation and is both more advanced and more accessible than Level 3. Coaches no longer have to work their way up through coaching levels: coaches who meet the application criteria are invited to apply whether they have been certified in the past or not. While it is a pre-requisite for applicants to document their personal athletic performance in their discipline, riding is no longer a component of the evaluation process.

“Aligning the new program with the current NCCP multi-sport focus which is based on coaching competency, opens the door for many candidates who are successfully coaching but may not currently be competing,” explains EC Coaching Manager Heather Sansom. “The program is much more accessible to coaches who have the experience but may no longer 28 www.equinecanada.ca

be high performance competitors themselves, whether due to injury, lack of appropriate horses, busy coaching schedules or other reasons.”

The new program also offers training modules which are open to any interested attendee and not just candidates hoping to certify. Topics include: sport medications guidelines (equine); biomechanics; injury prevention; training program planning; human athlete conditioning and injury prevention; and insurance and feed for high performance horses. Several of the available courses are already running successfully, notably the Equine Clean Sport module which covers medication guidelines for horses in competition and related issues of interest to any coach, participant or official. Training courses in the new NCCP are not mandatory, but the courses are strongly encouraged for candidates prior to evaluation.

“As industry and Equine Canada coaches we can now utilize the more advanced training program and testing Equine Canada offers, and proceed to being recognized for all our hard work as trainers, coaches, showpeople and mentors to achieve our High Performance Certification,” reports Wendy Nelson, High Performance Coach and High Performance Master Evaluator, Reining.

“The new program features enhanced educational resources and modules, making the program highly credible and attractive,” she continues. “Having this

| COACHING |

certification improves our coaching opportunities as well as making it possible to take advantage of lower insurance costs.”

National Coaching Committee Chair, Jump Course Designer, Level 3 Coach and High Performance Jump Evaluator.

“This is a logical and detailed program which is very user friendly,” explains Wendy Christoff, Chair Equine Canada Dressage Coaching Committee, High Performance Coach, Dressage. “Candidates are evaluated on their coaching competency in real situations. The outcomes are structured so that each candidate can access the evaluations according to personal schedules. This accessibility should bring about a renewed interest in the higher levels of coaching certification for Dressage.”

Level 4 Coach, former coach of the Canadian Eventing Team and three-time Olympic Games competitor and High Performance Coaching Master Evaluator Peter Gray, adds: “I am thrilled with our new ability to accept applications for the many coaches waiting to get accredited. New components in the evaluations are fantastic and genuinely reflect real-time coaching.”

To be eligible for certification, candidates must: • Have competition, coaching and training experience described in the High Performance Coach Application Packages:

Newly minted High Performance coaches Wendy Nelson (Reining) with rider Janice Hepburn, and Wendy Christoff (Dressage) with riders Lauren McLeod and Esmee Ingham.

— Jump — Reining — Dressage — Eventing • Be at least 22 years of age as of January 1 of the current year • Hold an Equine Canada Sport License (membership) and provincial/territorial equestrian federation membership, in good standing Acquiring certification requires the following steps: • Submission of sample lesson and yearly training plans • Participating in a single-evaluation day with two evaluators where you are evaluated on coaching skills while giving lessons • Evaluation of your coaching skills during competition

Complete details on the High Performance Coach Certification program can be found on the Equine Canada web site under Coaching – How to Become Certified.

“I am really proud of the Equine Canada Coaching Committees that pulled together to create this program.

We have created a great opportunity for the athletes and the coaches that coach them,” states Grant Field, equinecanada August | September 2012 29

| COACHING |

30 www.equinecanada.ca

| COACHING |

Eventing Athlete Handbook Getting all the information together to reach your goals isn’t easy. This handbook was created from the notes and resources used by leading Canadian Eventing coaches to prepare their show teams for the season. Plan for success with easy to understand tools and information at your finger-tips.

The handbook focuses on educating and preparing riders for the competition season. It is designed for coaches and riders to use, either in a half-day barn team clinic format, or in one-onone coaching. Any rider or coach can purchase the handbook as a handy resource.

Topics covered include: » Safety, risk and prevention » Horse-show checklist » Nutrition and conditioning for horse and rider » Scheduling (farrier, vet, competition, training) » Appropriate competitive selection » Preparing a yearly or seasonal training plan » Scoring and rules » Goal setting and sport psychology » Athlete advancement—know when you’re ready to move up Coaches purchasing Handbooks for use with their students can request a free copy of the accompanying coach teaching notes by contacting the Equine Canada Coaching Department.

FREE! Eventing Long-Term Equestrian Development Guide This Guide provides clear and easy to understand summaries for riders and their parents and coaches about the goals and expectations appropriate to each phase of a rider’s development in the sport. Stages span all ages and abilities. Each stage contains a summary of the skills and abilities required to meet specific outcomes. In early stages, the focus is on participation, broad skill development and enjoyment through variety and fun. Riders who may wish to try Eventing can easily understand how their experience can be transferrable to this discipline. As a rider becomes more competitive, the training goals are aligned with specific technical requirements for each stage of competition.

The Guide is based on the Sport Canada Athlete Development model for all major sports in Canada.

It was developed by a team of leaders in coaching in Eventing in Canada Get a copy/copies for your barn for free by contacting Equine Canada.

All orders of the Athlete Handbook will contain a complimentary copy of the Athlete Development Guide.

1.866.282.8395 x 115

equinecanada August | September 2012 31

| INDUSTRY |

ON AUGUST 1, 2012, the Supreme Court of Canada released its decision concerning Section 31 of the Income Tax Act. The decision is based on The Queen v.

John Craig, a case testing the limits of Section 31 on the ability of taxpayers to deduct farming losses against other income.

The ruling determined that if a taxpayer derives their chief source of income from farming or a combination of farming and another source, then the limits on losses set out in Section 31 do not apply. Mr. Craig, a lawyer who also buys, sells, breeds and races Standardbred horses, was successful in upholding his position that Section 31 did not apply to him. The Government’s appeal ended in a Supreme Court dismissal.

Farm losses recognized by Canada Revenue Agency

When Section 31 is deemed to apply, the maximum farming loss that can be deducted from other sources of income in that taxation year is $8,750. If the losses exceed $8,750 then they can be deducted against farm income, only, earned in other taxation years and can be carried back three years and carried forward 20 years.

Prior to this ruling, the Supreme Court of Canada had upheld a 1978 ruling in the case of Moldowan that limited a taxpayer whose farming income was subordinate to their other sources of income. The recent ruling deemed this an incorrect interpretation of the law meaning income loss limits outlined in Section 31 would not apply to a taxpayer whose farming activity is a business and not a personal endeavour, and where the taxpayer places significant emphasis on his or her farming business. While the court didn’t specifically define ‘significant emphasis’, it states factors to be considered as capital investment, income generation, the time spent farming and the taxpayer’s ordinary mode of living, farming history and future intentions and expectations. When significant emphasis is proven, then farm income is placed outside of the limitations set out in Section 31.

“This ruling is a victory for all of agriculture, including the equine industry,” claims Dr. Edward Kendall, Chair of

32 www.equinecanada.ca

by Theresa Whalen

Equine Canada’s Industry Council, and member of the Canadian Warmblood Horse Breeders Association. “In Mr. Craig’s case the ruling specifically referenced horse racing, however now we need to make sure that it will also apply to other mixed endeavours. On the sport horse front that means production for sale, resale and leasing. We would like to see opportunities all along the value chain eligible for these considerations.”

“I encourage our EC membership to consult with their tax advisors as to whether this ruling applies to them,” advises Dean Leifso, EC Board Director and member of the Industry Council as a representative from Standardbred Canada. “Agriculture is the only business in which losses are limited to $8,750 and this has significantly, and negatively, affected the willingness to purchase and train horses by both existing and new owners. The Craig decision, although not necessarily applicable to everybody in the equine industry, is a welcome step in the right direction.”

Theresa Whalen delivers project management, strategic planning and public relations through her consultancy, FYI Creative Communication. Theresa can be reached at tw-fyi@rogers.com. The information contained in this article is meant for information only and in no way should it replace advice from a designated tax accountant or tax lawyer.

| ADVERTORIAL |

V

accination is an important part of a wellness program for horses. The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) provides guidelines on vaccination programs that can be used by horse owners and veterinarians.

These guidelines are regularly updated to reflect new knowledge on infectious diseases and how they spread, developments in our understanding of the horse’s immune system and improvements in vaccines themselves.

These guidelines are usually freely available on the internet.

The AAEP guidelines divide vaccination programs into ‘core’ vaccinations and ‘optional’ vaccinations. Core vaccinations are for diseases that help prevent illnesses that are usually severe and difficult to treat (tetanus, EEE, WEE, WNV) or are severe for the affected horse and also have human health implications (rabies). Knowing that there are guidelines about what should be core vaccinations is helpful for owners but it doesn’t allow them to assess the actual risks from these diseases for their horses.

Horse owners are often confused about understanding how much risk there really is from these core diseases for horses in Canada.

Horse owners commonly ask how they can better understand what risks there are to their own horses from these core diseases. It is difficult to know the exact risks for an individual horse but there are ways to at least get a rough approximation. One way is to ask your veterinarian who will be aware of

what confirmed cases have occurred locally. If you plan to travel with your horse, advise your veterinarian about where you intend to go because the risk of exposing your horse might be completely different there.

There is information available about many of the core equine diseases because the same diseases can cause sickness in people. As a result, they are closely monitored by federal agencies in both Canada and the United States.

Data for rabies, EEE and WNV can be seen on the website of the Public Health Agency of Canada.

This information is very useful even though by its very nature it is a record of what has already happened, so it might not be able to tell you the exact current risks.

Provincial departments of health have monitoring programs for diseases like rabies and WNV. For example, the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care reports results of its WNV monitoring programs, such as the results for mosquito pool analysis.

This information can be downloaded and is particularly useful because it is reported by health district, so you could get an idea of the local risks.

If you look back on the information on the occurrence of core diseases in Canada, you can see that West Nile Virus occurs every year in almost all of southern Canada. In fact, in 2011, there were more cases of WNV in people and in horses than there had been for several years. Unlike WNV, EEE has always been sporadic in eastern Canada. Even though it is sporadic, there have been horses with EEE in

Ontario for each of the last four years.

EEE has been seen consistently in parts of Quebec too. EEE is more sporadic in the other eastern provinces. Rabies is still present in most of Canada even though it isn’t as common as it was 20-30 years ago. Tetanus is a risk everywhere that horses live.

Boehringer Ingelheim has a long history of developing and manufacturing vaccines. Some of its most recent products are Calvenza® and the Vetera™ family of vaccines.

Calvenza® is an effective and versatile vaccine to protect horses against equine influenza and equine herpes viruses. Calvenza® can be given either by injection into the muscle or with an intranasal applicator. It contains multiple strains of equine influenza virus and is the only vaccine sold in Canada that contains the strain, Ohio ’03.

Vetera™ is actually a family of vaccines consisting of different combinations of West Nile, eastern and western encephalitis, equine influenza and equine herpes virus along with tetanus.

Vetera™ incorporates the most current isolate of West Nile virus available in a vaccine. It has been proven to provide at least 12 months of protection against West Nile Virus.

This submission was provided by Dr. Robert Tremblay, DVM, DVSc, Dipl ACVIM, Bovine/Equine Specialist, Boehringer Ingelheim Canada and does not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Equine Canada. ©Copyright Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada) Ltd

equinecanada August | September 2012 33

| RECREATION |

From Hack to Horror,

a Helmet Saves a Life Silke Kubanek

I

t only took a moment for a young girl’s horseback riding dream to turn into her parent’s nightmare.

If not for the helmet she was wearing, this young girl’s story could have ended very differently.

A lovely summer Sunday afternoon trail ride with friends is one of life’s greatest joys for Silke Kubanek, 15, of Kars, Ontario, located just south of Ottawa. She has been riding since age nine and felt confident on “Lucy”, a draft-cross mare of over 17 hands.

In an instant the hack turned to horror when the mare slipped and lost her footing causing Silke to fall off toward the back-end of the horse. In the excitement, the horse kicked out twice–one striking Silke in the back, just below the shoulder blade, and the other in the head, tearing the helmet harness and ripping the helmet from Silke’s head. Unconscious, Silke went into a seizure–clear indicator to her two riding companions as to the seriousness of her injuries. While one stayed with

34 www.equinecanada.ca

by Theresa Whalen

Silke, the other rode to a nearby house to call 911 who deployed a helicopter to air-lift her to the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario.

“Because of her severe head injuries, Silke could squeeze my hand and make groaning noises, but she couldn’t speak,” recalls Silke’s mother, Carmon. It was not until later the next day that Silke fully regained consciousness.

The medical team determined that Silke had suffered a mild diffuse axonal injury similar to Shaken Baby Syndrome. Silke’s head injuries were not caused by the fall from the horse but rather by the kicks, with the blow to the head being the most damaging. Silke was wearing a good quality, SEI approved helmet that protected her skull from being fractured by the hoof ’s impact – so there was no concussion. However, the impacts of the kicks shook her brain within her skull causing tears and bruising to the brain tissue.

| RECREATION |

“There is no doubt in my mind that if Silke had not been wearing a helmet then she would have had a serious brain injury, or worse,” says Silke’s father, Gordon.

“Thankfully she was fit and in good health before the incident, and now her recovery has been remarkable.”

Equine Canada recommends riders only purchase headgear that has been approved by the Safety Equipment Institute (SEI), American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) or the British Standards Institution (BSI) and which has been properly fitted for both the head and safety harness under the chin.

The harness should be secured during all equestrian activities. Long hair should be safely secured, outside the helmet, so it doesn’t entangle or compromise the fit of the helmet. Any helmet that has sustained a significant impact should be discarded and replaced.

All helmets should be replaced every five years whether or not it has sustained an impact because the integrity of the materials can start to deteriorate after that time and it will not provide the protection that it did when it was newer.

Equine Canada was the first national equestrian federation in the world to introduce a helmet rule across all levels of dressage. It became effective on January 1, 2012 that “all riders, regardless of age or level or competition, must wear ASTM/SEI or BSI/BS EN approved protective headgear at all times when mounted at any ECsanctioned Dressage competition at the event location.”

Helmets are now mandatory for all jumper, hunter, endurance, eventing and dressage competitions.

“I’ve always worn a helmet when riding–it’s just part of my riding and I never gave it much thought,” says Silke. “I sure think about it now!

Not wearing a helmet is very dangerous and there is a huge chance of horrible injuries.”

Bonnie Simpson, Co-chair of Equine Canada’s Recreation Council, is a long-time trail rider and guide, and she also recommends recreational trail riders carry a cell phone.

“Silke’s accident is a prime example of why we recommend cell phones when you’re out on the trail and away from a nearby landline,” says Bonnie. “You have to expect the unexpected and being able to call 911 immediately when you need too, is critical.”

Silke has fully recovered and is now back in the saddle with a new helmet to wear when riding… and she has kept the old one as a reminder. Helmets save lives.

Theresa Whalen formerly owned Noble Harvest Stable and was a founder of the CEREC Equi-link, www.cerec.ca, in Ramsayville, south-east of Ottawa, Ontario. Theresa has deep roots in both the agricultural and safety industries where she delivers project management, strategic planning and public relations through her consultancy, FYI Creative Communication. Theresa can be reached at tw-fyi@rogers.com

SOTRA’s spring session was dedicated to the 2012 Olympics, and these talented athletes were presented medals for successfully demonstrating their riding skills and completing the session.

A special thank you to Joan Sopow, Equine Canada Coach, CanTRA Instructor and Director of the South Okanagan Therapeutic Riding Association for sharing this wonderful photo with our readers.

equinecanada August | September 2012 35

| CANADA HIPPIQUE |

Le message du président

au Québec. En 2015, les épreuves équestres des Jeux panaméricains se tiendront en Ontario au Caledon Equestrian Park de Palgrave, et le crosscountry aura lieu à Will o’ Wind Farms.

Au début de juillet, lors d’une conférence de presse tenue par Canada Hippique et le Comité olympique canadien sur le site de Spruce Meadows (Calgary, Alberta), l’équipe équestre olympique de 2012 a été officiellement dévoilée.

En raison des différents camps d’entraînement et de l’horaire chargé des disciplines, seule l’équipe de saut d’obstacles était sur place, mais elle a représenté l’ensemble de l’équipe olympique de très belle façon. Cette conférence de presse a suscité un intérêt accru de la part des médias qui ont offert à l’équipe équestre une couverture préolympique largement supérieure à ce que nous avons connu dans le passé. Et tout cela est dû au travail de Karen HendryOuellette et Cheryl Tataryn.

Merci à vous, ainsi qu’à Spruce Meadows qui a accepté d’être l’hôte de l’événement.

Après un été fort occupé, la saison de concours tire déjà à sa fin. Parmi les moments marquants de l’été 2012, mentionnons les performances extraordinaires de nos jeunes athlètes aux Championnats nord-américains pour cavaliers juniors et jeunes cavaliers qui se déroulaient au Kentucky. Si ces résultats sont garants de l’avenir, le Canada n’a pas fini de briller sur la scène internationale !

Qui sait, on verra peut-être quelques-uns de ces jeunes dans l’équipe canadienne des Jeux équestres mondiaux de 2018.

N’oublions pas que le Canada figure parmi les trois pays en lice pour accueillir les JEM de 2018 sur le site de Bromont,

36 www.equinecanada.ca

Aux Jeux olympiques, notre meilleure performance a été enregistrée par l’équipe de saut d’obstacles qui a obtenu une cinquième place.

Ce fut une réalisation de grande importance qui a valu au Canada d’être le seul pays à se maintenir au top cinq mondial depuis les Jeux olympiques de 2008, en passant par les JEM de 2010, jusqu’aux Jeux olympiques de 2012.

Nous avons certainement eu notre part de malchance à ces Jeux, et plusieurs membres de l’équipe ont connu d’amères déceptions. Six de nos douze concurrents n’ont pas pu terminer, mais nous sommes très fiers de tout notre contingent, y compris des deux réservistes. Vous avez tous été magnifiques et j’ai hâte de vous voir représenter le Canada à nouveau.

| CANADA HIPPIQUE |

Je ne veux surtout pas oublier de remercier notre personnel de soutien qui a accompagné les cavaliers et les chevaux, pour son excellent travail de tous les instants. Je tiens à remercier personnellement la responsable de l’équipe, Kerri McGregor, et la responsable adjointe Tina Collins, ainsi que tous les chefs, entraîneurs, vétérinaires, gérants, propriétaires et grooms qui, avec les parents et les partisans, qui ont contribué à l’effort de préparation durant plusieurs mois. Un grand merci à vous tous.

Suite à la disqualification de l’un de nos chevaux aux Jeux olympiques, nous avons mis sur pied un groupe de travail chargé de revoir le protocole d’application du règlement de la FEI sur l’hypersensibilité.

Le groupe de travail a comme objectif d’élaborer les termes de la position du Canada sur le protocole et d’obtenir l’approbation du conseil du Sport. La prochaine étape sera de solliciter des appuis au sein de la collectivité membre de la FEI afin de présenter une position unifiée sur le protocole d’hypersensibilité.

Par ailleurs, Deloitte Consulting LLP a réalisé pour nous une étude sur la direction administrative de Canada Hippique afin d’actualiser la description de poste du chef de la direction. Nous avons décidé d’attendre après les Jeux olympiques pour annoncer le poste car nous avions l’impression qu’il y aurait beaucoup plus de personnes intéressées à postuler. Nous sommes donc à la recherche de candidats, et avons l’intention d’arrêter notre choix dans un proche avenir.

Au moment d’écrire ces lignes, je reviens tout juste des Jeux paralympiques.

Le prochain numéro du Magazine de Canada Hippique présentera une synthèse complète des excellents résultats de notre équipe.

Michael Gallagher, Président, Canada Hippique president@equinecanada.ca

Le Canada présente sa candidature pour présenter les

Jeux équestres mondiaux de 2018 À tous les quatre ans, les meilleurs athlètes équestres du monde se réunissent afin de s’affronter, d’exceller et de battre des records aux Jeux équestres mondiaux (JEM), organisés par la Fédération équestre internationale (FEI), l’organisme international responsable du sport équestre. Le 1er décembre 2011, le Canada est entré dans la course aux candidatures et a proposé Bromont, au Québec, comme futur site des JEM de 2018, se mesurant ainsi à sept autres nations, soit l’Autriche, l’Australie, la Hongrie, le Maroc, la Russie, la Suède et les États-Unis.

Afin de décrocher les JEM, le Canada doit persuader la FEI que Bromont, tout comme Montréal, est le meilleur site pour accueillir les JEM en 2018. Le 30 avril, Canada Hippique et le comité de candidature de Bromont ont transmis à la FEI une soumission et un questionnaire afin de qualifier Bromont comme ville hôte candidate. Par la suite, le 11 juin, la FEI a annoncé que cinq villes étaient officiellement retenues, soit Bromont (Canada), Vienne (Autriche), Budapest (Hongrie), Wellington (États-Unis) et Rabat (Maroc). Depuis, les États-Unis et la Hongrie se sont retirés de la course, laissant le Canada, l’Autriche et le Maroc seuls en lice.

La prochaine étape du processus de mise en candidature sera la visite de Bromont par des officiels de la FEI plus tard cette année. Le 15 décembre 2012, nous présenterons alors notre dossier final de candidature et concluront l’entente relative à l’organisation des Jeux auprès de l’entité internationale. Au printemps 2013, la FEI annoncera son choix final de la ville hôte officielle des JEM de 2018.

D’ici là, le Canada doit mener une campagne gagnante afin de convaincre la FEI que Bromont est en mesure de présenter, et présentera effectivement, des Jeux équestres mondiaux meilleurs que jamais, tout en générant des retombées positives, tant au plan économique que social. Grâce à l’appui des secteurs public et privé, ces Jeux transmettront un héritage impérissable à notre pays, et le Canada passera au rang des grandes nations équestres.

Si vous désirez vous joindre à cet événement de classe mondiale, pourquoi ne pas offrir de votre temps? Des bénévoles sont requis pour toutes les disciplines présentées aux JEM : reining, endurance, saut d’obstacles, dressage, concours complet, voltige et attelage. Écrivez à info@equinecanada.ca pour participer.

C’est maintenant le temps d’accueillir en sol canadien nos athlètes équestres pour les Jeux équestres mondiaux de 2018!

equinecanada August | September 2012 37

| ENTRAÎNEURS |

U

Canada Hippique lance le nouveau programme de certification des entraîneurs de haute performance – de nouvelles possibilités supplémentaires de certification pour les entraîneurs canadiens

n nouveau programme de certification des entraîneurs tout à fait emballant est maintenant offert aux entraîneurs d’équitation au Canada. Ce programme, destiné aux entraîneurs de haute performance, est conçu pour les personnes qui travaillent avec des athlètes désireux de réussir en championnat national, aux niveaux de cavaliers juniors ou jeunes cavaliers de la FEI, ou à toute autre compétition semblable de niveau international.

Cette certification est offerte aux candidats en dressage, en concours complet, en saut d’obstacles et en reining.

Le programme national de certification des entraîneurs (PNCE) de haute performance de Canada Hippique remplace l’ancienne désignation d’entraîneur équestre de niveau 3. Il est toutefois plus avancé et plus accessible que le niveau 3. Le candidat n’a plus à franchir les niveaux d’entraîneur : s’il satisfait aux critères de mise en candidature, il est invité à présenter une demande, et ce, qu’il ait été certifié ou non auparavant. Bien que les candidats doivent, comme condition préalable, étayer leur expérience compétitive personnelle au moment de leur mise en candidature, l’équitation n’est plus une composante du processus d’évaluation. « L’harmonisation du nouveau programme au programme actuel de PNCE multi-sportif est axée sur les initiatives fondées sur les compétences en matière d’enseignement et ouvre la porte à plusieurs candidats qui sont de bons enseignants mais qui ne concourent pas nécessairement comme athlètes dans ce contexte », indique Heather Sansom, directrice de la formation des entraîneurs de Canada Hippique. « Le programme est

38 www.equinecanada.ca

en outre plus accessible aux entraîneurs expérimentés qui ne sont peut-être plus eux-mêmes des concurrents de haute performance, que ce soit en raison d’une blessure, de l’absence d’un cheval adéquat, d’un horaire d’entraînement chargé ou pour toute autre raison. » Le nouveau programme offre également des modules de formation ouverts à tout participant intéressé et non seulement aux candidats espérant obtenir leur certification dans ce contexte. Les thèmes en sont notamment les suivants : lignes directrices en matière de médication sportive (équine), biomécanique, prévention des blessures, planification d’un programme d’entraînement, mise en forme de l’athlète humain et prévention des blessures, assurance et alimentation des chevaux de haute performance. Plusieurs des cours offerts ont été dispensés avec succès, notamment le module de sport sans dopage équin, lequel présente les lignes directrices sur la médication pour les chevaux de compétition et les questions afférentes d’intérêt pour l’entraîneur, le participant ou l’officiel. La formation dans le cadre du nouveau PNCE est facultative, mais la participation à plusieurs des modules est fortement préconisée avant de subir l’évaluation. « En tant qu’entraîneurs de l’industrie et de Canada Hippique, nous pouvons dorénavant utiliser le programme de formation et d’évaluation plus avancé offert par Canada Hippique et prendre les mesures nécessaires pour être reconnus pour notre travail ardu comme entraîneurs, instructeurs, compétiteurs et mentors afin d’obtenir notre certification de haute performance », souligne Wendy Nelson, entraîneure de haute performance et maître évaluatrice de haute performance en reining.

| ENTRAÎNEURS |

« Le nouveau programme est caractérisé par des ressources éducatives et des modules améliorés, ce qui le rend hautement crédible et attrayant. Cette certification bonifie nos possibilités de formation des entraîneurs et permet de tirer partie de frais d’assurance réduits. » « Ce programme est logique et détaillé, tout en étant très convivial. Les candidats sont évalués selon leurs compétences éducatives dans des situations réelles », explique Wendy Christoff, présidente du comité de Formation des entraîneurs de dressage de Canada Hippique et entraîneure de haute performance en dressage. Les résultats sont structurés de façon à ce que chaque candidat ait accès à une évaluation selon son horaire personnel. Cette accessibilité devrait soulever un intérêt renouvelé pour les niveaux supérieurs de certification des entraîneurs de dressage. » Pour être admissible à la certification, le candidat doit : • posséder de l’expérience en compétition, en enseignement et en entraînement telle que décrite dans la documentation de mise en candidature de l’entraîneur de haute performance, soit en : — Saut d’obstacles

« Je suis vraiment fier que les comités de Formation des entraîneurs de Canada Hippique se soient ralliés pour l’élaboration de ce programme. Nous avons mis en place une fabuleuse occasion pour les athlètes et les entraîneurs qui les forment », souligne Grant Field, président du comité national de certification des entraîneurs, concepteur de parcours de saut d’obstacles, entraîneur de niveau 3 et évaluateur en saut d’obstacles de haute performance.

Peter Gray, entraîneur de niveau 4, ancien entraîneur de l’équipe canadienne de concours complet, trois fois concurrent olympique et maître évaluateur de la formation des entraîneurs de haute performance, ajoute : « Je suis emballé par notre nouvelle capacité à accepter les demandes de plusieurs entraîneurs en attente de leur accréditation. Les composantes inédites des nouvelles évaluations sont fantastiques; elles reflètent véritablement l’entraînement en temps réel. »

Les nouvelles entraîneures de haute performance Wendy Nelson (reining) avec Janice Hepburn, et Wendy Christoff (dressage), avec Lauren McLeod et Esmee Ingham.

— Reining — Dressage — Concours complet • être âgé d’au moins 22 ans en date du 1er janvier de l’année courante; • détenir une licence sportive de Canada Hippique (adhésion) et être membre de sa fédération équestre provinciale ou territoriale, le tout en règle.

L’obtention d’une certification exige de franchir les étapes suivantes : • Fournir un exemple de plan de leçon et de plan annuel d’entraînement; • Participer à une évaluation d’une journée avec deux évaluateurs, où les capacités du candidat à enseigner sont évaluées dans le cadre d’une leçon.

• Subir une évaluation des capacités à enseigner dans le cadre d’un concours.

Les détails complets du programme de certification des entraîneurs de haute performance sont publiés sur le site Web de Canada Hippique sous l’onglet Entraîneurs – Pour devenir un entraîneur certifié.

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| ENTRAÎNEURS |

Guide de l’athlète de concours complet Il est plutôt difficile de réunir tous les renseignements nécessaires à l’atteinte de vos objectifs. Ce manuel a été élaboré à partir de notes et de ressources utilisées par les plus importants entraîneurs canadiens de concours complet pour préparer leurs équipes compétitives pour la saison. Planifiez votre réussite à l’aide d’outils faciles à comprendre et de renseignements à portée de main.

Ce guide est principalement axé sur la formation et la préparation des cavaliers pour la saison de concours. Il est destiné aux entraîneurs et aux cavaliers pour être utilisé lors de stages de formation d’une demi-journée en équipe au centre équestre ou pour des leçons individuelles. Tous les cavaliers ou les entraîneurs peuvent acheter le guide comme ressource pratique.

Voici quelques thèmes qui y sont traités : » Sécurité, gestion des risques et prévention; » Liste de vérification pour le concours hippique; » Nutrition et mise en forme du cheval et du cavalier; » Organisation de l’horaire (maréchal-ferrant, vétérinaire, concours, entraînement); » Sélection appropriée des concours; » Préparation d’un plan d’entraînement annuel ou saisonnier; » Notation et règlements; » Établissement d’objectifs et psychologie du sport; » Perfectionnement de l’athlète – déterminer le moment où vous êtes prêt à grimper d’un niveau.

L’entraîneur qui achète des guides pour l’enseignement à ses élèves peut demander un exemplaire gratuit des notes de l’entraîneur qui l’accompagnent en communiquant avec le département de la formation des entraîneurs de Canada Hippique.

GRATUIT ! Guide du développement à long terme du sportif équestre en concours complet Ce guide présente des résumés clairs et faciles à comprendre pour les cavaliers, leurs parents et leurs entraîneurs sur les objectifs et les attentes appropriés pour chaque phase du développement d’un cavalier dans le sport. Les stades couvrent tous les âges et les habiletés et chacun comprend un résumé des techniques et des capacités requises pour atteindre des résultats précis. Aux premières étapes, l’accent est mis sur la participation, le développement général des habiletés et l’appréciation par la variété et le plaisir. Un cavalier désireux d’essayer le concours complet comprendra aisément comment son expérience peut se transporter à cette discipline.

Alors que le cavalier devient plus compétitif, les objectifs d’entraînement s’harmonisent aux exigences techniques précises de chaque stade de compétition.

Ce guide s’inspire du modèle de développement de l’athlète de Sport Canada pour tous les sports majeurs au pays. Il a été élaboré par une équipe des plus importants entraîneurs canadiens de concours complet.

Obtenez un ou plusieurs exemplaires gratuitement pour votre centre équestre en communiquant avec Canada Hippique.

Toute commande du Guide de l’athlète sera accompagnée d’un exemplaire complémentaire du Guide de développement de l’athlète.

1.866.282.8395 x 115

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LE 1ER AOÛT 2012, la Cour suprême du Canada a rendu une décision relative à l’article 31 du la Loi de l’impôt sur le revenu dans l’affaire Sa Majesté la Reine c. John H. Craig, laquelle mettait à l’épreuve les limites de l’article 31 sur le droit des contribuables de déduire leurs pertes agricoles d’autres sources de revenus.

La Cour a décidé que si la source principale de revenu d’un contribuable est tirée de l’agriculture ou d’une combinaison de l’agriculture et d’une autre source, alors les restrictions à la déduction des pertes prévues à l’article 31 ne s’appliquent pas. Monsieur Craig, qui se consacrait entre autres à l’achat, à la vente et à l’élevage, ainsi qu’à des activités relatives aux courses de chevaux standardbreds, a soutenu avec succès que l’article 31 ne s’appliquait pas à lui. L’appel interjeté par le gouvernement s’est soldé par un rejet par la Cour suprême.

Les pertes agricoles reconnues par l’Agence du revenu du Canada

Lorsque l’article 31 est jugé applicable, le maximum des pertes agricoles déductibles de toute autre source de revenus au cours de l’année d’imposition concernée s’élève à 8750 $. Si les pertes en question excèdent ce montant, elles ne sont déductibles que de revenus tirés de l’agriculture gagnés au cours d’autres années d’imposition et elles peuvent être reportées sur les trois années précédentes et sur les 20 années suivantes.

Avant cette décision, la Cour suprême du Canada avait maintenu, en 1978, l’appel dans l’affaire Moldowan, laquelle imposait des restrictions à un contribuable dont les revenus agricoles étaient subordonnés à ses autres sources de revenus. Dans son récent arrêt, la Cour estime qu’il s’agissait là d’une interprétation inexacte de la loi. En effet, les restrictions aux pertes de revenus prévues à l’article 31 ne s’appliqueraient pas à un contribuable dont l’activité agricole est un gagne-pain et non un loisir et si celui-ci accorde une importance considérable à son entreprise agricole. Bien que la Cour n’ait pas précisément défini le terme « importance considérable », elle précise les facteurs à prendre en compte tels que le capital investi, le revenu tiré de l’entreprise, le temps consacré aux activités agricoles, ainsi que le mode de vie ordinaire du contribuable, son expérience de l’agriculture et ses intentions et attentes. Lorsque l’importance considérable est démontrée, les revenus agricoles sont alors exemptés des restrictions prévues à l’article 31. « Cette décision est une victoire pour tout le secteur agricole, y compris l’industrie équestre », déclare le docteur Edward Kendall, président du conseil de l’Industrie de Canada Hippique et membre de la Canadian Warmblood Horse Breeders

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par Theresa Whalen

Association. « Dans l’affaire de monsieur Craig, la Cour réfère spécifiquement à la course de chevaux; toutefois, nous devons maintenant nous assurer que cette décision s’appliquera à toute autre combinaison de domaines d’activités. En ce qui concerne le domaine des chevaux de sport, nous parlons ici de production aux fins de la vente, de la revente et de la location.

Nous souhaitons que chaque occasion se présentant tout au long de la chaîne de valeur soit admissible à ces dispositions. » « J’invite les membres de Canada Hippique à consulter leur conseiller fiscal afin de vérifier si cette décision s’applique dans leur cas », suggère Dean Leifso, membre du conseil d’administration et du conseil de l’Industrie de Canada Hippique à titre de représentant de Standardbred Canada. « L’agriculture est le seul domaine d’activité économique où les pertes sont limitées à 8750 $, et ceci a influencé de façon importante et négative la volonté des propriétaires existants et nouveaux d’acheter et d’entraîner des chevaux. L’arrêt Craig, bien qu’il ne soit pas applicable à tous les intervenants de l’industrie hippique, est une étape très bienvenue dans la bonne direction. »

Theresa Whalen, ancienne propriétaire de la Noble Harvest Stable, est la fondatrice de l’Équi-lien CEREC (www.cerec.ca), une société située à Ramsayville, dans le sud-est d’Ottawa, Ontario.

Elle est solidement établie dans les domaines de l’agriculture et de la sécurité, où elle fournit des services de gestion de projet, de planification stratégique et de relations publiques par l’entremise de son entreprise de consultation, FYI Creative Communication. On peut la joindre au tw-fyi@rogers.com. Les renseignements présentés dans cet article ne le sont qu’à titre informatif et ne doivent en aucun cas remplacer les conseils d’un comptable fiscaliste désigné ou d’un avocat fiscaliste.