Whoa! fall2012

The Official Newsletter of the Ontario Equestrian Federation

Fall 2012 www.horse.on.ca

Jessica Phoenix Reflects On The Ride Of A Lifetime Celebrating Ontario's NAJYRC Riders Boost Your Equine Knowledge At OEF Conference Stay Safe On The Trail In Hunting Season

Canada Post Publications Mail Agreement #40946006

The Official Newsletter of The Ontario Equestrian Federation • 1 West Pearce Street, Suite 201, Richmond Hill ON L4B 3K3

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INTERCITY INSURANCE SERVICES

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Fall 2012 is published quarterly by ONTARIO EQUESTRIAN FEDERATION 1 West Pearce Street, Suite 201, Richmond Hill, ON L4B 3K3 Tel: 905-709-6545 • Fax: 905-709-1867 Toll-free: 1-877-441-7112 • Email: horse@horse.on.ca www.horse.on.ca

Ontario Equestrian Federation BOARD OF DIRECTORS Allan Ehrlick President 905-854-0762

Mark Dobrindt Director 905-892-9769

Al Patterson 1st Vice President 905-659-1132

Susan Legge Director 289-221-2279

Grant Field 2nd Vice President 905-888-1226

Marc Nicols Director 705-435-9229

Martha Worts Treasurer 905-751-4625

Sarah Pratt Director 905-751-4623

Jack de Wit Secretary 905-655-4666

Lindsey Reeve Director 905-424-1151

Jeremy Denouden Director 905-669-7196

Paul Richardson Director 905-838-1809

Ken Denouden Director 416-409-8614

Bonnie Simpson Director 705-438-5752

STAFF Dianne Graham Executive Director d. graham@horse.on.ca ext. 19

Mackenzie Bodnar Membership Services Rep m.bodnar@horse.on.ca ext. 25

Catherine Barker Operations Manager c.barker@horse.on.ca ext. 23

Gillian Ross Erasmi Coaching Coordinator g.rosserasmi@horse.on.ca ext. 11

Melissa Monardo Marketing Manager m.monardo@horse.on.ca ext. 17

Charlayne Szafranski Administrative Assistant c.szafranski@horse.on.ca

Brandon Hall Executive Assistant b.hall@horse.on.ca ext. 30 Melissa Kosowan Communications Coordinator m.kosowan@horse.on.ca ext. 27 Kim Banks Marketing Coordinator k.banks@horse.on.ca ext. 22 Lesley McCoy Membership Services Rep l.mccoy@horse.on.ca ext. 13

Angelique Homan Competition Administrator a.homan@horse.on.ca ext. 15 Stephanie Rutherford Program AdministratorFirst Safe Strides s.rutherford@horse.on.ca ext. 12 Pam Coburn Program Administrator Horse Facilities p.coburn@horse.on.ca ext. 26

Copyright, including electronic, belongs to the OEF. All rights reserved. Articles and letters are welcome from all members but must be signed and include a phone number. The publisher reserves the right to edit articles and letters due to space restrictions.

The Ontario Equestrian Federation is the umbrella organization committed to equine welfare, and to providing leadership and support to individuals, associations and industries in Ontario's horse community.

Publication Dates Winter 2013 / deadline December 7 Spring 2013 / deadline February 8 Summer 2013 / deadline May 31 Fall 2013 / deadline September 6

Contents NEWS 4 President’s Message 4 Executive Director’s Message 6 Ontario Equestrian Federation Quarterly Report 10 New OEF Council Members 10 OEF Associations Council Update 10 OEF Director Named President Of Ontario Trails Council 10 BFL Canada Takes The Reins As OEF Official Insurance Provider 12 Introducing Our New Staff 12 2012 OEF Recreation Funding Recipients Announced 14 Ontario Fairs Welcome First Safe Strides Program 14 2013 Membership Renewals Available In November 17 Ontario Equestrian Federation Model Member Award 18 Strong Performances At NAJYRC Bring Home Medals For Ontario Dressage Riders 19 NAJYRC - Sportsmanship Award Tops Off Silver And Bronze Medals For Eventers 20 NAJYRC - Canadian Endurance Team Takes Gold With Only Team To Finish Event 21 Jumping Team Faces Tough Course In Stormy Weather At NAJYRC 22 NAJYRC - Ontario Reiners Medal Despite Fierce Competition 24 Top Hunter Derby Horses To Vie For $50,000 At Royal 25 Team Ontario Wins Bronze At Canadian Interprovincial Equestrian Championships MEMBER SPOTLIGHT 26 Jessica Phoenix - An Olympic Dream Comes True THERAPEUTIC SPOTLIGHT 29 Healing With Horses For 35 Years AROUND THE BARN 31 Is Your Barn A Horse Facilities Member?

MANE EVENTS 33 2012 Competitions 33 OEF Conference Has Something For Everyone!

34 OEF Conference Schedule 35 OEF Conference Registration Form 38 Become A Director On The OEF Board 39 Notice Of AGM 40 Spirit of the Horse 40 Canadian Cowgirls Set To Dazzle At The Royal 42 Horse Depot Coming To Canada's Largest Indoor Farm Show 42 Canada's Largest Pets Show Adds Equestrian Showcase COACHES CORNER 44 Toronto's Mounted Unit Takes Riding Skills To New Levels 45 Ontario Athlete Assistance Program Update ASK DR. BOB 46 Drought: What Can We Do?

ASK MIKE 50 What Do I Do If I Have A Claim And What Happens After I Do? ON THE TRAIL 52 Tips To Ride In Harmony On Multi-Use Trails 53 Stay Safe During Hunting Season 53 Meeting A Horse On the Trail 53 Best Practices for Horses on the Trails NUTRITION 55 Transport And Nutrition LEGAL LOWDOWN 57 Do Your Neighbours Love Your Horses?

SPECIAL FEATURE 60 Canada's Riders Give Their All Despite Challenges At 2012 London Olympics 62 Ontario's Jody Schloss Makes Paralympic Debut 63 Equestrian Association Keeps University Students Connected To Their Passion BREED & DISCIPLINE UPDATE 65 Arabian Association Brings Breeds Together In Combined Show Format 65 Gearing Up For The Royal After A Successful Summer 66 Gloomy Weather Didn't Put A Damper On Miniature Horse Club Clinic 66 Clinic Offers Forum for Driving Discussion 67 OCTRA Riders Take Top Honours At Stormont Endurance Ride 67 Rainy Weather Didn't Dampen Spirits At Annual AllBreed Trail Ride 68 New Faces At Reining Shows Cap Off Great Season 68 Morgans Are On The Move At Events Across The Province 69 Breeders Realize Long-Time Dream With Olympic Contender EQUINE GUELPH 71 Fall 2012 Correction: In the summer issue of WHOA! we inadvertently missed photo credits on the images illustrating the Equestrian Icons feature, Celebrating Ontario’s World Class Racing Icons, on pages 24-25.

The photos of Sandy Hawley, Roger Attfield and Tammy SamuelBalaz were taken by Michael Burns Photography and provided courtesy of the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame.

Yoder Farm’s Duke is a Percheron stallion owned

by John and Margaret Northcote, True North Percherons, Arthur, ON. ©Lynn Cassels-Caldwell www.horsephotos.ca

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President’s Message The busy summer show season has come to a close for another year and fall fairs are in full swing across the province.

For some, it’s a time to breathe a sigh of relief as hectic competition schedules wind down. For others, it’s only just the beginning.

While every fair has its own unique tradition, the most venerable of all is the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. Every year, the Ontario Equestrian Federation has the privilege of taking in part in this historic show. This year is no exception and we hope you will be able to join us.

Tuesday, Nov. 6 promises to be particularly exciting. We will once again be hosting the Spirit of the Horse ring and encourage you to stop by to meet beautiful horses, learn about different breeds and disciplines and watch informative demonstrations. We invite all OEF members to be our special guests from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Spirit of the Horse ring for our annual Member Appreciation Day. It’s a great opportunity to meet fellow equine enthusiasts.

Tuesday is also "Derby Night" at the Royal. The Hunter Derby is a truly unique class that is as fun and exciting for spectators as it is for exhibitors. With $50,000 up for grabs, this is a must-see event that demands athleticism, handiness and boldness from horse and rider.

November is also the month of our OEF Annual Conference on Nov. 23-24. We hope you can find the time to attend this important event to learn more about the OEF, member benefits and how you can get involved. The annual general meeting will be held on the Friday and will be followed by a free party, during which the OEF Annual Awards and the People Make a Difference Awards will be presented. Saturday is chalk full of educational sessions covering a wide range of topics. No matter how long you have been in the horse industry, there is always more to learn and this is a great opportunity.

Until then, I wish you a safe and enjoyable fall riding season!

Allan H.L. Ehrlick, President

Executive Director’s Message It is that time again when the year draws to a close and horse shows begin to wind down that we hear words like “placings” and “qualifying” and “championships.” It has struck me that winning can be many things and is not always relegated to the show ring.

Winning can take on many different forms for different people. For some, winning is receiving the red ribbon, while for others its reaching personal goals. Sometimes, a success can even be perceived as a disappointment until reflected upon at a later time.

Over the past year, the horse industry as a whole has faced unprecedented challenges. Some of these have been administrative in nature while others have threatened the very foundation of some facets of the industry. Each challenge has been a battle, but you can be rest assured that the OEF has fought hard with every challenge presented and will continue to do so.

As in any situation, there will be those who agree with what you are doing and those who feel that another path is required. This is a valid concern, but to do nothing makes this, or any, organization irrelevant and purely administrative. In a perfect world we would be able to please everyone and be successful every time we try.

However, if you never try you will never succeed and failure is a part of the process. When I look back at some of the most successful accomplishments of my life I realize that at the time the results felt like a tremendous let-down Sometimes when we think that a battle is lost, in reality a path has been created where we can be successful another day. Take the positive from your disappointments and move forward, creating something better than what you had. You may find that the result is something more wonderful than you ever dreamed possible.

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Winning can, at times, involve compromise and this I have learned may be an unpopular option for some parties. Passion is always a requirement for true success but it can often make it difficult to focus and manage.

I get discouraged, believe me. I question how I can do better, help more people, make riding safer and protect more horses. I wonder how to make the OEF more relevant and better positioned in the industry, how to develop and identify equestrian talent and how to provide increased benefits to you, our members, and make you proud to be part of this organization.

We deal with the government on zoning issues, on horse welfare issues, reach out to other organizations, visit and work with provincial government members and look for new program and marketing opportunities to create visibility.

Do I win? Not always. But sometimes I get a call from someone who says that we have made a real difference in their lives, like the person who tearfully called to thank us for trying to protect her way of life or the little girl who gave me a hug for bringing her a white ribbon for the “Ribbons for Rides” program. One battle at a time, we are constantly edging forward. Perhaps that is my winning.

In this season of thanks, I ask us all to think about our successes this year and how they changed our lives for the better. If our failures are our classroom, we need to treat them as such so that we may learn and determine a better path moving forward.

Dianne Graham, Executive Director

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News

Ontario Equestrian Federation Quarterly Report The Ontario Equestrian Federation (OEF) continuously works on behalf of its members to develop new programs, create new benefits and improve equestrian activity in Ontario throughout the year. To ensure its members are aware of the work being done, every issue of WHOA! will now include a quarterly activity report that will highlight current projects and those that have been completed. Articles within this issue of WHOA! will provide more details on these various projects.

HUMAN RESOURCES

• Longtime staff member Susan Bell had a healthy baby girl on September 19 and is currently on maternity leave • The OEF office welcomed four new staff members over the summer: • Mackenzie Bodnar, membership services • Stephanie Rutherford, program administrator – First Safe Strides • Brandon Hall, executive assistant • Charlayne Szafranski, administrative assistant

MINISTRY OF TOURISM, CULTURE & SPORT

SPORT PRIORITY FUNDING • The OEF applied for Sport Priority funding from the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport to help support strategic planning and a full review of the current bylaws. Unfortunately, we were unsuccessful in accessing funding.

BASE FUNDING • The OEF has been notified that it will maintain its base funding support for the 2012/2013 reporting year, but will see a decrease of 5% for 2013/2014 and a further decrease of 5% in the 2014/2015 year. Other sports are facing similar funding reductions that will pose challenges for many.

• Staff has met with the OEF’s sport consultant to discuss and identify areas of improvement.

PARNTERSHIPS & COLLABORATIONS

SWIM CANADA • Dianne Graham met with Pierre Lafontaine, CEO of Swimming Canada and head coach of the national swim team, to learn about swimming’s athlete development programs.

Fédération équestre du Québec (FEQ) • Dianne Graham spent a day in Montreal with Richard Mongeau, FEQ executive director to learn about FEQ’s programs and identify areas where the OEF can improve. Richard is going to spend a day at the OEF office in November.

INSURANCE • After a thorough tender process, BFL Canada has been named the official insurance provider for OEF beginning Jan. 1, 2013.

NEW PROGRAMS

FIRST SAFE STRIDES - FAIR PROGRAM • Program administrator Stephanie Rutherford has attended 21 agricultural fair horse shows across the province since July. Currently focusing on understanding the needs of and developing a relationship between the OEF and the fair directors and committee members. The OEF is currently preparing show administrative materials available for use in 2013. Plans are also underway to host a horse show planning workshop in 2013.

HORSE FACILITIES COUNCIL • Program administrator Pam Coburn is working to redevelop the Horse Facilities Council to make it more relevant in the industry.

• Has met and discussed partnering with shared interest groups including the Ontario Camp Association, Municipalities that license facilities, Municipal Law Enforcement Officers Association, etc.

• Exploring pertinent benefits that can be offered • Will be conducting a general membership survey to learn 6 | WHOA! Fall 2012

more about public perception of the program and areas of improvement.

• Releasing a new membership application package

COMPETITIONS

CANADIAN INTERPROVINCIAL EQUESTRIAN CHAMPIONSHIPS (CIEC) • The OEF sent five riders (four Jumper and one Dressage) to represent Ontario at the 2012 CIEC in Bromont, QC over the weekend of Sept. 21-23.

• Team Ontario member Helen Chambers won the Individual Junior Jumping Championship and Team Ontario received the bronze medal in the team Jumping competition. See page 25 for more details.

EQUINE MEDICATION CONTROL PROGRAM

DRUG TESTING • Drug technicians have attended competitions every weekend since May. The OEF is on track to meet the established testing targets: 20% of all bronze competitions, 40% of silver, 60% of gold competitions and all platinum competitions in Ontario.

Drug technicians have attended 107 shows to date in Ontario, with 412 samples tested.

• Ontario has experienced two positive tests to date in 2012.

RECREATION

FUNDING • Applications have been received for the first round of funding.

The Recreation Funding program provides $25,000 in support of trail development, improvement and education. A second application round will be accepted, and the application deadline is Nov. 30.

COACHING/EDUCATION

COACHING • Hosted NCCP/EC Equestrian Theory workshops in Val Rita and Richmond Hill • Hosted Instructor of Beginner workshops in Val Rita and Pickering • Hosted a NCCP/EC Competition Coach Analyze Performance and Competition Coach Specialist Eventing Workshop in Ottawa • Hosted a Competition Coach Evaluation in Collingwood • Eight successful English Instructor of Beginners Certified • Four successful Competition Coach Specialists Certified – two Dressage and two Eventing CONFERENCE • Working with committee to finalize 2012 conference

MARKETING

SPORT PROMOTION • A Guide for New Riders – Tips for first time horseback riders and parents • Will be offering an introductory guide to riding lessons.

Content is based on the national coaching certification program, learn to ride program and Horse Facilities Council standards.

• Will be available from the OEF office, special events, Greenhawk retail locations, fairs, riding schools, etc.

I GOT GREAT STUFF AT PICOV’S!

At the Royal Winter Fair Classic Long Chaps Ladies sizes: xs,s,m,l,xl.

Colour : Champagne only. (reg. $299.99) Royal Special $79.99*

Ariat Bancroft Zip Boot is a sharp winter paddock boot built for riding in any condition.

Brown. Ladies Sizes 6-10 (reg. $189.99) Royal Special $89.99* Ariat Riding Boots, Western Boots, Terrain Boots and More. (reg. $129.99~$229.99) Royal Special $89.99*

Tuscany Zip Paddock Boots Black. Ladies sizes 6-10 (reg.$169.99) Royal Special $89.99*

Horse Hair Bracelets Get them to match your horse! $12.99 With Silver Trim $16.99 Equi-Comfort Plaid Breeches Knee Patch (reg. $79.99) Royal Special $39.99* Full Seat (reg. $99.99) Royal Special $49.99* Winter Breeches (reg. $129.99) Royal Special $59.99*

5/a Baker Belt.

Great with Breeches or Jeans! (reg.$49.99) Sizes Sm, Med, L, XL. Royal Special $39.99* “Tuscany” Italian Leather Field Boots Made with Premium Italian Leather.

Fully leather lined. These semi custom field boots have a full back zipper, stretch gusset and contoured ankle for superior fit.

Royal Special $345

Bonus! Free Deluxe Boot Bag

*While quantities last. Available at Picov’s Booth at the RWF only. No Rainchecks.

Quantities will be limited on some items. No substitutions. **SEE STORE FOR DETAILS.

PICOV’S Where Horse People Come First

380 KINGSTON ROAD. EAST, AJAX, ON. L1Z 1W4 PH. (905) 686-0948 ,TOLL FREE: (800) 661 –9622 EMAIL: picovs@bellnet.ca STORE HOURS: MON. TO SAT.: 10-6, SUN.: 12-5 VISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.picovs.ca

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th

November 2 To 11 2012

I GOT GREAT STUFF AT PICOV’S! Equipe Half Pads Quilted top with Fleece Lined Bottom. (reg. $39.99) Royal Special $14.99 Amigo Hero Plus Turnout Blankets 200 gm. of Fill Detachable hood Included Gun Metal Grey With Khaki trim 66’’ to 81’’ (reg.$179.99) Royal Special $99.99

Get 3 initials Embroidered for free**

$79.99 & up

Get a $20 Gift Card with every Bucas Horse Blanket Purchase* Bucas and Masta Dog Blankets $24.99

“ContourPedic”Saddle Pads Over 30 Colours To choose from.

A/P, Dressage and Pony.

Royal Special $24.99* Rambo New Market Stable Blankets 60’’ to 87’’ (reg.$159.99)

Free Embroidery*

Baker Winter Turnout 300gm fill. 1200D Navy Blue. 68”- 84” Royal Special $149.99* (reg.$199.99) Baker Turnout Sheet No Fill. Navy or Hunter Only.

Royal Special $119.99*

Royal Special $69.99 Perri’s Leather Halter Amish Made in The U.S.A.

Bonus!

Plaid Wool Fitted Cooler 68” to 84” (reg.119.99) Royal Special $49.99

Free leather lead and brass plate With Purchase*

(Valued at $39)

*While quantities last. Available at Picov’s Booth at the RWF only. No Rainchecks.

Quantities will be limited on some items. No substitutions. **SEE STORE FOR DETAILS.

PICOV’S Where Horse People Come First

380 KINGSTON ROAD. EAST, AJAX, ON. L1Z 1W4 PH. (905) 686-0948 ,TOLL FREE: (800) 661 –9622 EMAIL: picovs@bellnet.ca STORE HOURS: MON. TO SAT.: 10-6, SUN.: 12-5 VISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.picovs.ca

News

New OEF Council Members The OEF is pleased to introduce NEW 2012 Council members: INDUSTRY Canadian International Farm Show Cornerstone Insurance Brokers Ltd. L&D Equine First Aid New Awakenings Wellness Centre Inc. Nisco National Leasing The Hartford TSC Stores Western Fair District HORSE FACILITIES Grass Stables Windy Hill Stables Please visit www.horse.on.ca to view a current listing of all OEF Council members and learn about the products and services they provide. The OEF appreciates the support that OEF Industry members provide, and encourages WHOA! readers to support OEF Industry, Horse Facilities and Affiliate members!

For more information on how you can promote your business please contact Melissa Monardo m.monardo@horse.on.ca, 1-877-441-7112 or 905-709-6545 ext. 17.

OEF Associations Council Update

By Bonnie Simpson

I would like thank everyone for their patience and understanding while I have been sick. A special thanks to Jack de Wit, Catherine Barker and Pam Coburn for covering for me. The good news is I have recovered and I am back to work.

We encourage everyone to attend our upcoming Associations’ Council meeting on Nov. 23 at 4 p.m. at the Delta Meadowvale in Mississauga. We will have guest speaker Catherine Raso who is an expert in board governance. She will address the issues and importance of better governance for all groups. Please see the schedule for this year’s conference in this issue of WHOA! Next year’s meetings: Feb 25, 2013 at 07:00 pm, OEF Office, Richmond Hill April 15, 2013 at 07:00 pm, OEF Office, Richmond Hill Sept 16, 2013 at 07:00 pm, OEF Office, Richmond Hill AGM Fall 2013 TBA Ride Safe! Ride Smart!

OEF Director Named President Of The Ontario Trails Council OEF director Jack de Wit has been re-elected as president of the Ontario Trails Council, a charity that promotes the development, preservation, management and use of recreational trails in Ontario.

De Wit has served as president of the Ontario Trails Council for the past five years and also serves as the vice-president of the Canadian Trails Federation, a united voice for trails throughout Canada.

Among the projects the Ontario Trails Council is involved with is the creation of an equestrian trail in Wiarton, ON. that de Wit hopes will be complete in 2013. In his role as vice-president of the Canadian Trails Federation, he will be working closely with the federal government to try to secure funding for trails.

A Brooklin, ON. resident, de Wit has served on the OEF board for the past 10 years and currently serves as board secretary and chair of the recreation council.

BFL Canada Takes The Reins As OEF Official Insurance Provider The Ontario Equestrian Federation is pleased to announce BFL Canada as its new insurance provider, a company with equine experience to offer OEF members the coverage that matters most to them.

BFL Canada is the largest, employee-owned commercial insurance brokerage in Canada. Its equine team, operating out of Toronto and Ottawa offices, has been providing horse industry insurance products to equestrians and their associations for over 16 years.

The BFL team consists primarily of lifetime horse people who have elected to make insurance their career. As a result, OEF members have access to highly trained insurance professionals that understand the needs of the horse industry.

“We are very excited to be working with BFL Canada to provide new opportunities and programs for our members,” says Dianne Graham, the executive director of the OEF. “It will be a seamless transition for our members and we are confident they will find “My family and I have been members of the OEF for almost BFL Canada thorough, helpful and knowledgeable about what 30 years,” says Sara Runnalls, FCIP CRM RIBO, vice-president and associate of BFL Canada. “It feels very satisfying to know matters most to horse people.” that after everything the OEF has done for the horse industry in In addition to providing OEF members with automatic personal Ontario, and for me personally as a horseperson and competitor, liability insurance, as well as accidental death and dismemberment my team and I are now able to give back by providing the OEF coverage, BFL Canada also offers additional optional coverage and its membership with the best possible insurance products tailored to the specific needs of the horse industry. BFL Canada and risk management advice. The equine team at BFL Canada becomes the new provider on Sept. 1, 2012 and covers any looks forward to serving the OEF and its membership with new members after that date. Any current 2012 members will professionalism and pride.” continue to receive coverage with their current provider until the end of the year.

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News

Introducing Our New Staff...

Mackenzie Bodnar Membership Services Rep Mackenzie comes to the OEF from a background in administrative work in the government and not-for-profit sectors.

In addition, Mackenzie has managed equestrian centres, volunteered with the running of clinics and shows and worked as a summer camp and riding instructor. A native of Durham region, when Mackenzie is not at the office she can be found kicking around the barn with her AQHA gelding who has been patiently helping her learn the discipline of reining. In her spare time she enjoys reading, playing her fiddle and creative writing.

Stephanie Rutherford Program Administrator - First Safe Strides Stephanie Rutherford is the new program administrator for the OEF’s new First Safe Strides program, an initiative designed to help educate and support Ontario’s fairs in providing safe introductory horse shows.

Stephanie currently lives in Orono, ON. on her family’s heritage farm where they raise beef cattle and train Morgan horses.

Stephanie competes in breed shows under saddle and in harness, as well as in dressage and horse trials.

After graduating from Fleming College, Stephanie travelled and worked in the corporate and non-profit sectors, including a museum where she created marketing materials, helped with educational programming and assisted with exhibit design and set up.

Stephanie’s resume also includes the development of a riding program through Yamnuska Inc., an outdoor adventure company.

The seven-week program, based out of the National Army Cadet Summer Training Centre in Cochrane, AB., taught horsemanship and riding skills to advanced army cadets to enable them to trek by horseback through the mountains.

Stephanie has also instructed downhill skiing for eight years in Ontario and B.C., and recently attained her Coach Level 1 for ski racing.

Brandon Hall Executive Assistant Brandon’s natural passion for animals has taken him from the Toronto Veterinary Emergency Hospital where he worked as the communications/marketing manager, to now filling the OEF's executive assistant position.

Having also competed on the Central East Trillium circuit as well as select A level shows, Brandon is excited to be able to combine his love for animals and the equine industry into his new role. During out of office hours, Brandon enjoys traveling, family nights out and is typically seen with his dog, Spencer, tagging along beside him.

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Charlayne Szafranski Administrative Assistant Charlayne was introduced to horses at a very young age by her grandfather. She inherited his love for horses when he would take her to the barn on Sundays. Charlayne always wanted to ride and finally began taking riding lessons a couple of years ago. She absolutely loves it and adores her equine partner, Robert. She looks forward to learning more and becoming a better rider. An active person, when Charlayne is not at the barn she can be found participating in sports. She particularly enjoys cycling and skiing and also takes part in canine sports with her two dogs.

2012 OEF Recreation Funding Recipients Announced The Ontario Equestrian Federation is pleased to announce we have $25,000 available for recreation funding opportunities for member clubs of the Recreation Council. The program is designed to fund educational programs and trail development for equestrian communities in Ontario and is an important step in the future of recreational equestrian activities in the province.

First Grant Recipients Selected The OEF is pleased to announce the following successful applicants who will be receiving money through the 2012 Recreation Funding Program: • • •

Eastern Ontario Miniature Horse Association Renaissance Riders Recreational Riding Club Southern Ontario Trail Riders Club

We will be offering another application opportunity for the Recreation Funding Program in 2012. Application forms and information are available on our website at www.horse.on.ca.

The application deadline is Nov. 30, 2012 at 4 pm.

For further information on the program, please call the OEF office at 1-877-441-7112 or e-mail horse@horse.on.ca.

News

Ontario Fairs Welcome First Safe Strides Program After receiving funding earlier this year from the Ontario Trillium Foundation to start First Safe Strides, an OEF initiative to provide resources and support to horse show organizers at Ontario’s fairs, the program is up and running.

The First Safe Strides program is intended to support fair boards as they design and implement safe horse shows, and to act as a sounding board when advice is needed. The goal is for the OEF to become a resource for horse show organizers and assist them in developing competitions that adhere to national safety and procedural requirements.

Stephanie Rutherford was hired on as the program administrator of the First Safe Strides program and has spent the summer visiting various horse shows across the province and will continue until the end of the fair season.

When visiting a show as the First Safe Strides representative, Rutherford is able to see the show from an exhibitor’s perspective. This includes a review of the grounds layout, organization of show committee, flow of show, classes offered, factors affecting exhibitor turnout, feedback from exhibitors, recommendations on how to change or improve the show, and other details. At the conclusion of the show season, Rutherford will be contacting the fairs she has attended to follow up with show directors and committee members.

In addition to sending the First Safe Strides representative to horse shows, the OEF is currently preparing show administrative materials available for use in 2013. Plans are also underway to host a horse show planning workshop in 2013.

If you are a show director or committee member and would like more information, please contact the OEF. As we develop an e-mail database, show directors and committees will be updated with planning suggestions for next year’s show season.

Stephanie Rutherford can be reached at 1-877-441-7112 ext. 12 or s.rutherford@horse.on.ca.

2013 Membership Renewals Available in November The 2013 OEF membership renewals will be available in November and notices will be sent out in the mail or by email, depending on the method you selected on your 2012 application.

It is important to note that membership rates are not changing in 2013. However, the OEF is now required to charge HST on all its fees. For your convenience, the published membership rates will include HST. Here are a few tips to make sure that your membership form is completed properly to ensure that your membership can be processed promptly and accurately.

Include your birth date – Due to your automatic insurance coverage we must have a record of your birth date.

Sign and date your form – please ensure that you sign and date your application form. Incomplete applications cannot be processed and will be returned.

Privacy policy – By law, you must give us permission to send you any correspondence that goes through a third party i.e. a mail house or email service. Please be sure to read the privacy policy and answer accordingly. If you do not check the box then we cannot send you OEF mailings including WHOA!, the Ontario Horse Directory, email notices, etc. Please note that the OEF DOES NOT sell its membership lists.

Submitting an Application – we can only accept membership forms that are completed online or hardcopies that are returned via fax, mail or in person. We cannot accept membership applications over the telephone. Acceptable forms of payment are Visa, MasterCard, Cheque, Money Order or Cash (in person only).

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ONTARIO EQUESTRIAN FEDERATION 2013 YOUTH BURSARY PROGRAM A P P L I C A T I O N th

DEADLINE: applications must be received in the OEF Office by 4:00pm on Friday December 7 , 2012 IMPORTANT: The application must be completed IN FULL and accompanied by all required original documentation by th December 7 , 2012 in order to be considered for a 2013 Youth Bursary. Faxed or emailed applications will NOT be accepted.

Applications received after the due date will not be eligible. All information provided will remain strictly confidential.

CRITERIA FOR APPLYING:

st

v OEF Junior member in good standing between the ages of 14 and 17 as of January 1 , 2013 (2013 OEF membership application for yourself and your coach must accompany your 2013 Youth Bursary application in order to be valid)

v Currently attending high school in the Province of Ontario APPLICANT INFORMATION: Name:

OEF Membership #:

Date of Birth:

Province:

Postal Code:

Address: City: Phone:

Fax:

mm / dd / yy

Email: TOTAL Gross Household Income/Support:

Parent/Guardian:

(Household income/support must be stated or application is incomplete)

Total # of Adults In Household:

$

Total # of Children/Youth In Household:

List any special Awards/Recognition received: Are you an active volunteer? Please list where you volunteer Areas of Equine Interest (i.e. Hunter, Jumper, Eventing etc): Do you own your own horse?

How are most of your equestrian endeavours paid for?

What challenges do you face in pursuing your hobby?

Are you a member of or pursuing:

Yes Money Money 4H Club

No Transportation Transportation Pony Club

Other: Other: Other: Rider Levels

APPLICANT’S COACH:

(Equine Canada certified coaches are recommended. Coach MUST BE an OEF Adult member in good standing – 2013 OEF membership must be paid prior to January 1, 2013 for youth bursary application to be valid)

Coach Name:

Phone:

RIDING EXPERIENCE: None Lessons with a coach?

** Please include a reference letter from your current coach if applicable ** Little

Member of a school team?

Yes

Moderate No

Experienced If yes, how long

Yes

No

If yes, what sport(s)

SCHOOL INFORMATION: High School Name: 1.

Address:

Phone #: Fax #: Please provide an original copy of recent report card detailing your Grade, Subjects and most recent Marks and have your Principal sign and date

ESSAYS REQUIRED: 1.

2.

In 200 words or less, please describe your interest and experience with horses (attach a separate sheet) In 200 words or less, please indicate how you would spend the bursary funds if they were awarded to you (attach a separate sheet)

PICTURE:

A current, non-returnable, colour photo of yourself (head and shoulders or in-action with horse) must accompany your youth bursary application.

LOCAL MEDIA:

Please list the names of your local media (community newspapers etc.)

1.

3.

2.

4.

RELEASE FORM: I,

(parent/guardian)

, acknowledge that

(applicant)

is applying to the Ontario Equestrian Federation’s Youth Bursary Program. I hereby consent to his/her involvement in this Program. It is recommended that he/she attend an approved riding facility to receive coaching in horse-related skills. This is to certify that the information provided is accurate and the applicant and parent/guardian agree to abide by the rules and regulations of the Ontario Equestrian Federation.

Publicity Agreement: I hereby give permission to the OEF to use the name and/or photo of my son/daughter in conjunction with the OEF Youth Bursary Program being reported in the OEF newsletter, WHOA!, and in articles or reports of activities used on the radio or in newspapers, magazines, the OEF website, or other media which may be utilized by the OEF for publicity or communication purposes.

Signature: Signature: Please send completed application to:

(applicant)

Date: Date:

(parent/guardian) Ontario Equestrian Federation, 1 West Pearce St, Suite 201, Richmond Hill, ON L4B 3K3 p: 905-709-6545 f: 905-709-1867 tf: 1-877-441-7112 e: horse@horse.on.ca w: www.horse.on.ca

16 | WHOA! Fall 2012

News Ontario Equestrian Federation Model Member Award The OEF is very pleased to announce a new and exciting award that will recognize outstanding individuals in the equestrian community, whether in sport, leisure, business or otherwise. The OEF Model Member Award will be bestowed on those that exemplify superior acts of good sportsmanship, benevolence, comradeship, etc. within the horse industry, regardless of discipline.

All current OEF Members are eligible to make nominations and/or receive an OEF Model Member Award with the exception of OEF staff, board of directors and immediate family members of staff and directors.

In an effort to acknowledge Model Members, the OEF will present all recipients with black wool coolers that include the OEF logo. Supplied by Brubacher’s Harness and Saddlery, the coolers will be presented to the recipients during a special presentation arranged by the OEF. Please note that the OEF Model Member Award is a separate award from the OEF Annual Awards and can be presented at any time throughout the year. The OEF Model Member Award will only be presented to those who are most deserving. For more information please contact Catherine Barker at c.barker@horse.on.ca or 1-877-441-7112 ext. 23.

Nominee’s Name: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address:_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ City: __________________________________________________________________ Postal Code: _________________________________________ Telephone: ______________________________________________________ Email: _____________________________________________________ Nominated by: _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ City: __________________________________________________________________ Postal Code: ________________________________________ Telephone: __________________________________________________________________ Email: ________________________________________ Please outline why you feel this person is deserving of the OEF Model Member Award. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

ONTARIO EQUESTRIAN FEDERATION 1 West Pearce Street, Suite 201, Richmond Hill, Ontario, L4B 3K3 phone 905-709-6545 • fax 905-709-1867 • tollfree 1-877-441-7112 • email c.barker@horse.on.ca • website www.horse.on.ca www.horse.on.ca | 17

News

ADEQUAN/FEI NORTH AMERICAN JUNIOR & YOUNG RIDER CHAMPIONSHIPS PRESENTED BY GOTHAM NORTH

Strong Performances At NAJYRC Bring Home Medals For Ontario Dressage Riders Wyoming, ON. with Sirocco. Their team placed 5th in the team competition on Wednesday.

Canada was not out of the medals though, with the Quebec Junior team winning gold. All riders moved forward to the individual competition on Friday where three Ontario riders placed in the top 15 (of 36), allowing them to move forward to the Freestyle competition on Saturday. There, Laurence Blais Tetreault from Quebec took gold while Sutton captured the silver for Ontario.

Lawson was 8th and Wight placed 11th.

Jonah Freedman, Kristen Wight, Alex Reid, Anneka Sutton, Alex Dvorak, Megan Lane, Madison Lawson and Mariah Sutton represented Ontario at the NAJYRC.

The Ontario Young Rider Team consisted of Alexandra Dvorak of Hillsburgh, ON. on Fling, Megan Lane of Loretto, ON. on Lucky Lemon, Alexandra Reid of Carlisle, ON. with VIP and Anneka Sutton of Drumbo, ON. with Fidelio. On Wednesday, in the team competition, the Ontario team placed fourth just 0.789% behind the bronze medal team from Quebec. In the individual competition on Friday, Reid captured the bronze just behind Monica Houwelling of British Columbia, who won silver.

Canada’s junior and young Dressage riders represented their country and respective provinces well at the North America Junior and Young Rider Championships (NAJYRC), held July 1722 in Lexington, KY.

Five Canadian young riders moved forward to the freestyle where Houwelling won silver and Blais Tetrault from Quebec took bronze. Reid on VIP were 4th and Lane on Lucky Lemon finished 9th.

The NAJYRC is the premier equestrian competition in North America for junior and young riders between the ages of 14-21.

Young equestrians come from around the continent to vie for medals in Show Jumping, Dressage, Eventing, Endurance and Reining.

The riders and their parents are very grateful to the OEF and the many sponsors and supporters who contributed in so many ways to help send representatives to the championships. š

Photo credit: Nathalie Lawson

The weather, as usual, was very hot and humid but was punctuated by a number of storms bringing much rain, the occasional strong winds and some great light shows. The Dressage riders were very fortunate their schedule dodged the storms. And, as usual, the footing was fabulous throughout.

Competing in Kentucky requires a heightened awareness of hydration of both human and equine athletes. Fitness and hydration leading up to the competition and monitoring throughout can never be emphasized enough. The horses arrived in great form this year and the riders did an excellent job monitoring them throughout the show.

All Ontario Dressage riders were at the park by Monday morning.

The jog took place Tuesday afternoon with all horses being accepted. Spy Coast Farm once again sponsored the welcome party for the riders and supporters from all disciplines attending the championships, providing good food and entertainment.

The Ontario Junior Team was represented for a second year by Jonah Freedman of Toronto with Ulex, joined by first time-team members Madison Lawson of Bondfield, ON. with McGuire, Mariah Sutton of Drumbo, ON. with Renoir and Kristin Wight of 18 | WHOA! Fall 2012

Photo credit: Nathalie Lawson

Mariah Sutton and Renoir were part of the Ontario Junior Team, which placed 5th in team competition.

News

Sportsmanship Award Tops Off Silver And Bronze Medals For Eventers Canada’s Eventing teams had a strong showing at the Adequan FEI North American Junior and Young Rider Championship (NAJYRC), held from July 18-22 in Lexington, KY., bringing home silver and bronze medals.

Canada was able to field an Ontario team of CCI* riders, a second mixed team of Ontario and Quebec competitors at the CCI* level, and a combined Ontario/Quebec team at the CCI 2* level.

The Ontario CCI* team was made up of Kylie Figueira of Fenelon Falls, ON. riding Danzig, Dasha Ivandaeva of Richmond Hill, ON. riding Autorytet, Charlotte Evans of Whitevale, ON. riding Mail Order Bride and Haley Armstrong-Laframboise of Orangeville, ON. riding Roksolana. They delivered four clear Cross-Country rounds, with only 1.6 time penalties for a final combined score of 185.8 penalty points for the silver medal. Armstrong-Laframboise was also the top-placed Canadian individual, finishing 9th.

Rachel McDonough of Etobicoke, ON. riding Irish Rhythm, Erin MacDonald of London, ON. riding Tobias, Sable Geisler of Powassan, ON. riding Evil Munchkin and Quebec’s Katherine Martineau on H.M. As Spirits Go, rode as “Team Canada” at the CCI 2* level. They managed to claim the bronze medal despite having no drop score after Martineau withdrew H. M. As Spirits Go prior to the Cross-Country test.

Individually, MacDonald and McDonough were the top two Canadians in the final rankings, placing 9th and 10th. In addition, MacDonald was honoured with the Captain Andrew B. De Szinay Sportsmanship Award.

included Sean McIntosh of LaSalle, ON. on Wild T’Mater, Mia Dover Terrettaz of Ottawa on Etoile, Hannah Galway of Toronto on D’Jion and Quebec’s Genevieve Boutin on Curioso. The team placed 5th in the CCI* team competition out of a total of nine teams from across North America.

“We had an amazing bunch of kids this year,” says Team Ontario chef d’equipe, Caroline Morshead. “I heard so many times throughout the week that we had the most fun-loving group, but at the same time they were so focused and professional. The team spirit was phenomenal. The friendships that were formed and the skills they learned, riding as a team, will stay with them for life.”

The Ontario Young Riders program would like to extend their sincere thanks to chef d’equipes Caroline Morshead, Lori MacDonald and Eve-Marie Frappier, team coach Peter Gray, and team veterinarian Kathryn Surasky DVM. They would also like to express their gratitude to their generous sponsors: the Ontario Equestrian Federation, which donated the entry fees, SSG Gloves, Tipperary, Greenhawk, Avid Equestrian, McKee Pownall Equine Services and Lori MacDonald.

Grandview Farm, owned by international Eventers Bob Holman and Sarah Irving, graciously hosted the Team Ontario training camp during the week of July 9 and Cara Whitham provided her Dressage expertise for a clinic prior to the NAJYRC. John MacPherson and many of the riders’ personal coaches also gave generously of their time during the championships.

The third Canadian team, representing Ontario and Quebec,

Photo credit: Glyn Evans

Ontario CCI* riders Haley Armstrong Laframboise, Dasha Ivandaeva, Charlotte Evans and Kylie Figueira proudly show off their medals.

Photo credit: Kim MacMillan/MacMillan Photography

Ontario CCI* rider Haley Armstrong-Laframboise on Roksolana was on the silver medal winning team and placed 9th individually.

www.horse.on.ca | 19

News

ADEQUAN/FEI NORTH AMERICAN JUNIOR & YOUNG RIDER CHAMPIONSHIPS PRESENTED BY GOTHAM NORTH

Canadian Endurance Team Takes Gold With Only Team To Finish Event

by Misha Green

(OCTRA). Hutten has completed 1,040 miles and Webb has completed 2,099 miles in OCTRA-sanctioned competitions.

Hutten started riding at eight years of age and showed Arabian horses before she was introduced to the sport of Endurance.

She is currently a student at the University of Guelph, entering her third year of the bachelor bio-resource management program with an equine major.

This ride in 2012 was Hutten’s fourth appearance at the NAJYRC in Kentucky, riding Parker AES, an Ontario-bred Arabian gelding owned by her friend and coach, Dessia Miller.

Photo credit: Allen MacMillan/MacMillan Photography

Canadian Endurance team members Lee Hutten on Parker AES, Jessica Yavis on Jahlad and Emma Webb on Serloki cross the finish line, with fists in the air, to take gold.

Two Ontario riders were part of the gold medal Canadian Young Rider Endurance Team at the 2012 Adequan FEI North American Junior and Young Rider Championships (NAJYRC) in Lexington, KY. The Canadians, which included Lee Hutten of Chesterville, ON. riding Parker AES, Emma Webb of Flesherton, ON. riding Serloki and Jessica Yavis of Winfield, AB. riding Jahlad, were the sole team to complete the 75-Mile FEI CEI 4*Endurance Championship, held on June 20, 2012, at the Kentucky Horse Park.

The Endurance race, a true test of horse and rider stamina, perseverance and teamwork, began at 6:30 a.m. with a total of 16 young riders heading out on trail with their equine partners. The Canadian team members finished the 75-mile race three abreast with their hands raised in a victory salute at 4:10 p.m. for a total combined team time of 21 hours. They made the decision out on trail to finish together as a team and to allow the FEI officials to determine their individual placing.

Throughout the duration of the race, the horses were examined by veterinary staff a total of four times to ensure their fitness to continue. Following each “vet check,” each horse/rider team entered into a mandatory “hold” to allow the horses and riders a period of rest and time to refuel. The ride time for each of the Canadian team members to complete the 75-mile race was seven hours, earning each of them placing in the top 10 individual standings, with Hutten on Parker AES placing 5th, Webb and Serloki placing 6th and Yavis and Jahlad placing 7th. This is truly an outstanding achievement and an indication of exciting times to come for Canada on the endurance stage!

Both Hutten and Webb got their start in distance riding as members of the Ontario Competitive Trail Riding Association 20 | WHOA! Fall 2012

Webb was born and raised with horses and has enjoyed many aspects of life through riding. In traveling with her horses she has seen how beautiful this continent is and how diverse it can be, always presenting new challenges to meet from the saddle. Webb recently graduated from Grade 12 and hopes to spend the next year focusing on endurance racing. Her goals include NAJYRC in 2013 and possibly FEI World Endurance Championships for Juniors & Young Riders in France in 2013!

Webb credits much of her success on the world stage to the unwavering support of her family and Nancy Beacon, an Equine Canada Hall of Fame member, as well as Robert Gielen, a member of the Canadian Endurance Team and top Canadian Endurance athlete at the World Equestrian Games in 2010. Webb is also especially appreciative of the support of Jan Worthington, past member of the U.S. Endurance Team and the owner of her mount, Serloki.

Both Hutten and Webb hope to continue to qualify to represent Canada in the sport of Endurance on the international stage!

Photo credit: Allen MacMillan/MacMillan Photography

Adorned with their gold medals, Lee Hutten, Jessica Yavis and Emma Web stand proudly on the podium.

News

Jumping Team Faces Tough Course In Stormy Weather At NAJYRC

by Hyde Moffatt, Chef d'Equipe for Team Canada at NAJYRC 2012

This past July Ontario had the opportunity to send three riders to contest the 2012 North American Junior Young Riders Championships (NAJYRC) held in Lexington, KY. Jacqueline Steffens of Harriston, ON., Taylor Mulligan of Merrickville, ON. and Zoe Beckerman of Toronto, ON. were selected as representatives at this prestigious event. Ontario’s three riders were enough to be a team, but not enough to have a drop score.

Fortunately, two other Canadian riders – Amelia Vernon and Justin Prather – from Calgary allowed for a combined team to be formed, consisting of a team of four riders and one individual representative.

Wednesday brought the first day of competition and an ominous looking bank of clouds looming over the Kentucky Horse Park.

The course was set and riders had made their plan. For the Junior Young Riders the first round was a Table A Speed Class, with the goal being the fastest clean round. For Seniors, it was a Table C Class with faults converted to time. Any faults incurred in this phase stayed with the rider throughout the individual competition.

With many good tests, and no room for error, it provided a fine challenge. Team Canada had one returning Young Rider from 2011 – Jacqueline Steffens – and three rookies challenging the Nations Cup. Together they provided each other with support, information on the course and determination that drove them to a 5th place team finish. All of the riders agreed that this was the greatest test they had seen in the ring, a testament to the difficulty of the course.

Three U.S. zones failed to complete the day as a team.

Competition finished at 10:30 p.m. Thursday night, and it was sure to be a short night as horses were to be presented for the veterinary inspection for the individual finals the next morning at 6:30 a.m., with the competition to follow at 7:30 a.m. Once again, the Canadian horses passed on first inspection.

In the championship format, faults incurred by a rider in every round, including the Nations Cup, are carried forward into the individual final in which the top 25 individuals qualify to compete. Canada was represented at that point by Prather, Steffens and Mulligan.

Three riders, including Jacqueline Steffens, managed to start the course before the lightning started. Due to the severity of the weather, the organizers elected to postpone all other riders until 8 a.m. the following morning.

Faults at the triple combination towards the end of the course for Prather and a stop in a difficult line for Mulligan meant they would not qualify for the second round of the individual final. Steffens had a great round with four faults, allowing her to continue to compete.

With the sun shining Thursday morning, the competition resumed.

Unfortunately, due to the speed class being carried over from the previous day, this created a schedule conflict. Thursday was supposed to be the Nations Cup day, Friday was supposed to be a day off with the individual final on Saturday. Because of the delay, the Nations Cup was moved to Friday at 5 p.m. in the main stadium.

With no room to move the events from Saturday morning to another time, it became apparent the conditioning work the riders had done in preparation for the championships would be put to the test!

With the field narrowed to 15 competitors, the course was shortened, but made even bigger. At a solid 1.45m this made for a formidable task, especially as this was the fourth round of jumping within 16 hours. Rails were felled everywhere along the way as the course and the pressure took their toll. A well-ridden round of four faults secured a 13th place finish for Steffens.

The Nations Cup was built very solidly by Richard Jeffries of England.

The OHJA Young Riders Committee would like to thank the OEF for their contribution to funding the entry fees for each horse/rider combination representing Ontario at NAJYRC. As well, thanks go to Running Fox, which kindly assisted the team in outfitting the Ontario riders and chef d’equipe with jackets, golf shirts, caps and saddle pads.

Photo credit: Peter Steffens

Chef d’equipe Hyde Moffatt and riders Anne-Sophie Milette, Justin Prather, Taylor Mulligan, Zoe Beckerman, Amelia Vernon and Jacqueline Steffens show their Canadian pride.

Photo credit: Sportfot

Jacqueline Steffens and Quercus Van Generhese placed 13th in the final individual standings.

www.horse.on.ca | 21

News

ADEQUAN/FEI NORTH AMERICAN JUNIOR & YOUNG RIDER CHAMPIONSHIPS PRESENTED BY GOTHAM NORTH

Ontario Reiners Medal Despite Fierce Competition

Submitted by Wendy Dyer, Reining chef d’equipe

The North American Junior and Young Rider Championships (NAJYRC) in Lexington, KY. once again lived up to its reputation as a fun event that brings together North America’s best riders, including top Reining competitors.

From the opening ceremonies, the golf cart parade and welcome party at Spy Coast Farm, through the week’s activities and on to the closing ceremonies, it was jam-packed full of fun, learning, competition and excitement.

The welcome competition was back in the program again this year. This competition aims to help reduce nerves and give riders and horses a chance to get used to the big new Alltech Arena – air conditioned no less! The other disciplines envied the Reiners, who spent as much time as possible in the cool arena to combat the hot and humid weather.

Photo credit: Kim Maharaj

The Canadian riders show their patriotic spirit in the golf cart parade.

The order of go for the team competition was drawn for the team and then the horse/rider combinations that made up the teams were entered in rotation. Teams with four horse/rider combinations had the luxury of dropping the lowest score while teams with three horse/rider combinations had to count all scores.

These riders meant business! When all was said and done, the Manitoba Junior Rider Team, which included Emily Wilson from Goodwood, ON. riding Miss Cielo Chex, won the silver medal.

Riders from different provinces may be combined to form a team, as was the case here, if there aren’t enough individuals from a province to make up a team. The combined Young Rider Team with Starr Boisvert of Owen Sound, ON. on Stick To Your Guns, received the bronze medal.

Photo credit: Kim Maharaj

Starr Boisvert and Stick to Your Guns were part of the combined Young Rider Team that won a bronze medal.

After a day’s rest, 20 riders went back to battle for the individual medals. Again the young people pulled out all the stops. At the end of the week, horses and riders were tired and ready to go home, but they all managed to keep a little extra in reserve and the competition was fiercer than ever.

The competition was very close and saw the Canadians finishing just off the podium, with the exception of Haley Franc of Saskatchewan riding Jacs Shy Boy, who won the Junior Individual gold medal. During the event, Franc was coached by Harvey Stevens from Indian River, ON. who was thrilled Franc’s first trip to the NAJYRC ended so successfully.

Congratulations

to all riders, horses & support staff who represented Ontario with such pride at the 2012 NAJYRC!

22 | WHOA! Fall 2012

Photo credit: Ian Maharaj

Emily Wilson of Goodwood, ON. riding Miss Cielo Chex won the silver medal as part of the Manitoba Junior Rider Team

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Subject to policy conditions and exclusions. Insurance products provided by Novex Group Insurance. Services available in Ontario through Canada Brokerlink (Ontario) Inc. ™ BrokerLink & | 23 Design is a trademark of Canada Brokerlink Inc. Used under license. © Copyright 2012 Canada Brokerlink Inc. All rights reserved. Certain conditions applywww.horse.on.ca to all discounts.

News

Top Hunter Derby Horses Vie For $50,000 At Royal Winter Fair The best 3’6” horses in the Canadian Hunter Derby Series will show off their jumping prowess and athleticism at the Royal Winter Fair as they compete for $50,000 and the Lorna Jean Guthrie Challenge Trophy.

The top horses from the East (Quebec and Ontario) and West (Alberta and British Columbia) qualifying regions will go head to head in the National Final on the evening of Tuesday, Nov. 6. Two $25,000 derbies, the Knightwood Hunter Derby and Hogan’s Inn Hunter Derby, will run back-to-back on what has been dubbed “Derby Night.” The horse with the highest point total in the two classes will take home the Lorna Jean Guthrie Challenge Trophy as the Canadian Hunter Derby Champion.

“Only in its second year, the Canadian Hunter Derby Series has taken the show circuit by storm,” says Brian O’Leary, Royal Winter Fair Horse Show Chairman. “At many shows, this class draws more spectators than the Grand Prix. We are delighted to be able to host the national championships at this year’s Royal A Hunter Derby combines a Hunter Classic with a Handy Hunter class in a one-round format. The talents of horse and rider are showcased over a challenging course with high performance, handy and “take-your-own-line” options. The result is a class that’s as exciting for competitors as it is for spectators.

What makes a Hunter Derby class unique is its challenging course that demands athleticism, handiness and boldness over both traditional Hunter and natural fences such as post and rail, stone wall, logs and hedges. Judges reward handiness, boldness, brilliance and athleticism while still emphasizing style, manners, way of going and smoothness.

Photo credit: Celine Jaisaree

“We are encouraging the horses to jump bigger than they would normally see in the Hunters and we are encouraging the riders to take a lot of risks,” says Jeff Brandmaier, organizer of the Canadian Hunter Derby Series. “I think it makes it exciting for the crowd because instead of everybody doing the same course, a good course designer sets jumps that you can jump in either directions, gives you option lines, so you will see so many different strategies playing out.”

“The fun part about the class is that people go out there and they take a shot and you will see more rails hit the ground than you will in a normal Hunter class because people are trying different stuff,” says Brandmaier. “It’s a lighter atmosphere, I think.”

In a Hunter Derby class, each competitor receives a score made up of three components, up to a maximum of 120 points. The class is judged as a Handy Hunter class with each competitor receiving a score out of 100.

In 2011 likeminded horsemen worked together to start the Canadian Hunter Derby Series by building on the success and tradition of established Hunter Derbies like The Knightwood Hunter Derby, founded in 1998 by Lorna Jean Guthrie. With fond memories of riding years ago at the Royal Winter Fair in the Handy Working Hunter class, famous for its pen, coups and garden gates, Guthrie wanted to challenge a new generation of riders to push their limits.

There are also high performance option jumps that award two bonus points for each high performance option taken on the course, for instance taking a more challenging line option or selecting a higher jump. At least five options will be offered on the course.

“She was trying to stretch the boundaries of riders,” Brandmaier says of his mother-in-law. “It was to stretch your boundaries over more natural jumps, encourage the bigger gallop than you would have in the Hunter ring and really encourage handiness.”

From that initial class, the Canadian Hunter Derby Series was born to create more spectator, sponsor, owner and competitor interest in the Hunter divisions by providing opportunity for Hunter riders to take center stage in a Grand Prix environment and showcase the high performance capabilities of horse and rider.

24 | WHOA! Fall 2012

Lastly, there is a “handy bonus” of up to 10 points that are awarded at the judge’s discretion for additional handiness and high performance displayed on course, including efficiency of stride, unique turns and approaches, athleticism and boldness.

“The Hunter Derbies in Canada have inspired the sport and taken it to another level,” says international trainer Erynn Ballard.

“Competitors are being challenged and having fun. They are taking the next steps to own horses for the opportunity to compete in the Canadian Hunter Derby Series and $50,000 Championships at the Royal.”: For more information about the Canadian Hunter Derby Series visit www.Hunterderby.ca

News

Team Ontario Wins Bronze At Canadian Interprovincial Equestrian Championships Team Ontario took home the bronze medal in Jumping at the Canadian Interprovincial Equestrian Championships, which took place in Bromont, QC. from Sept. 21-23.

Nova Scotia, British Columbia, New Brunswick, Quebec, Alberta and Saskatchewan.

The Ontario Equestrian Federation provided funding for participants and collaborated with OEF industry members to secure team uniforms, helmets and other exciting items exclusively for Ontario’s team members. Team Ontario is sponsored by Bucas Ltd., Brubachers Harness Supplies Inc., Equestrian Factory Outlet, Greenhawk, SSG Gloves, System Fencing Limited and Tipperary Equestrian.

The Jumping team, coached by Grant Field, who was also the chef d’equipe, was comprised of two junior and two senior riders.

The junior riders included Dillon Sambasivam of Toronto, ON. riding Tradition and Helen Chambers of Oakville, ON., who was named Overall Individual Junior Champion in Jumping on Utopia Belles. Benjamin Eyles of Mississauga, ON. riding Luczio and Denis Sweeney of Peterborough, ON. riding Foxworthy were the senior members on the team.

In Dressage, Allie Schmidt of Campbellville, ON., coached by Simone Williams, was the lone rider representing Ontario. The junior rider showed her horse, Walkin’ Shoes to a 12th place with 65.541% on day one of competition, an 8th with 60.968% on day two and, on the last day of competition, a 7th place finish with a score of 63.065%

For more information, visit the Canadian Interprovincial Equestrian Championships website at www.cec-en.ca.

In 2011, its inaugural year, the competition welcomed riders from six provinces. That number grew to nine provinces this year, with riders representing Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland,

Photo Credit: Pam Coburn

Recognized as a pilot project, the Canadian Interprovincial Equestrian Championships is a collaborative event between the national and provincial sport organizations governing equestrian competition. A multi-discipline competition, it is a key event in the development of the next generation of national, international and world champions. In addition to team awards, the Canadian Interprovincial Equestrian Championships honour the individual junior and senior champion in the divisions of Jumper – 1.1 meter, Dressage – Level 1, and Reining.

Dillon Sambasi Junior Individual rs riding Overall be am Ch Helen Champion s.

Utopia Belle

Team Ontario representatives: chef d'equipe Grant Field, Allie Schmidt, Benjamin Eyles, Denis Sweeney, Helen Chambers and Dillon Sambasivam.

Benjamin Eyles

vam riding Tradi

riding Luczio.

tion.

Allie Schm

idt ridin

ess.. oe ho Sh g Walkin' S

orthy.

ey riding Foxw

Denis Sween

www.horse.on.ca | 25

Member Spotlight

Jessica Phoenix An Olympic Dream Comes True

By Jessica Phoenix

After two months of being away from home, my feet are finally back on Canadian soil and I’m thrilled with the Olympic-sized task that I’ve just accomplished. After eight years of training, with many ups and downs, my dream of competing at the Olympics finally came true in London, England.

On Monday, July 9, Canada’s Eventing team arrived at Maizey Manor for a two-week stay to acclimatize our horses and prepare for the Games. The 220-acre English farm is situated in the sprawling countryside of South West England and boasts miles of grass gallops and an Olympic size all-weather arena for perfect footing. The hosts at Maizey Manor were so welcoming and even organized a few group activities, including skeet shooting for the entire team and a group gallop!

We spent our days training and our evenings unwinding in our thatched roof cottage, which looked like it was plucked from the pages of a fairy tale. Our time spent here created a strong camaraderie among the team members. We really came together and were feeling positive and ready to compete on the world stage with all intentions of reaching the podium as a team.

On Monday, July 23, we made our way to London’s Greenwich Park and set up camp in the unbelievably stunning Olympic venue. The main arena was a sight to behold, with seating on either side rising up into the British sky. The barns were pristine and Exponential, or Tucker as we call him at home, settled into his corner stall almost immediately. The most amazing thing about the equestrian venue was that everything was built above the ground to preserve the World Heritage Site. Even the CrossCountry course had to be built with great care so as not to disturb the historical ground that we were running on. Obstacles, including ditches and water jumps, were built by adding earth to raise the ground level and then creating the jumps from this new “ground.” The thought and effort that went into this is mindblowing!

With competition set to begin on Saturday, July 28, we trained twice a day, usually staying at the park in between rides for team meetings and various activities. Since the athletes’ village can get quite rowdy, our team opted to stay in a hotel for the sake of our sanity! The Premiere Inn was a short 15-minute walk from the venue and was a clean and comfortable hotel that also housed a restaurant where we met in the evenings for dinner.

With every day that inched closer to competition, the pressure mounted. I’m a big believer in blocking out the enormity of what I’m about to tackle so that I can stay focused, which is exactly the approach I took in London. It helped me quell any nerves and block out the pressure that was building among the athletes and in the barns. I made myself believe that it was just another horse show.

Since the Eventing competition began the morning after the 26 | WHOA! Fall 2012

opening ceremonies, our team decided to watch the ceremony unfold from our hotel lobby. However, a few days before this we attended the flag-raising ceremony and it was a day I will never forget. The flags of four to five countries were raised simultaneously as the song “Eye of the Tiger” rang out. Canadian dignitaries were standing proud alongside Canada’s athletes, shaking our hands and congratulating us for making it this far in our careers.

We were packed in shoulder to shoulder with our fellow Canadians and as our flag was raised, I allowed myself to revel in the huge sense of accomplishment that I was feeling for having made it to this point. Eight years of perseverance and tireless work had finally brought me to this moment. Let the Games begin!

I was slated to ride my Dressage test on Sunday, the second day of competition, and I was solely focused on the task at hand.

While Dressage is the most challenging phase for Exponential, I was thrilled with his test and especially his focus in the daunting main stadium. He performed a personal best at the four-star level, receiving 54.8 penalty points and landing us in 50th position.

Despite being so far down the leader board, I knew the best was yet to come. Cross-Country is where Exponential shines and it’s my favourite phase of the three-day competition. I knew we would move up the standings by a large margin and I could barely contain my excitement for the next day!

Cross-Country day came and Team Canada was ready to tackle the difficult course. Unfortunately our excitement turned to disbelief as each of our riders went out and experienced unanticipated troubles. I was the fourth Canadian to go out on course. With two of our team members already having been eliminated for falls, including my close friend, Hawley Bennett-Awad, who was sent to hospital, I knew I had one very important job to do for my team.

Somehow I think Exponential knew this as well. We galloped out of the start box and tackled the first jump without question, continuing on to the next obstacles. Exponential understood all of the jumps set before him and he was giving me everything I asked. We were riding as one, which is what I love so much about my partnership with this horse, and it felt amazing!

Then came the only hiccup in our run: the rider who started ahead of us fell and as a result we were held on course. You can imagine how difficult it is to reel in a Thoroughbred that is in the midst of giving it his all, but Exponential was listening intently and as soon as I dropped the reins he pulled up and we went into the holding area. After a lengthy 15-minute wait we were given the heads up that we would be back on course within minutes. I picked up the reins and got Exponential ready to continue our run. They counted us down out of the holding pen and we were off like a shot. My off-the-track Thoroughbred showed his true colours, eating up the distances between fences as if it were nothing. Incredibly, we made up time on the second half of our run and we crossed the

Member Spotlight

finish line with only 2.4 time penalties. I simply couldn’t wipe the grin off of my face. My boy had made me so proud!

On the final day of competition I was the lone Canadian rider competing and my first Show Jumping round was a solemn one. Exponential and I knocked three rails in our first round and we just weren’t on our game. I knew I had to regroup and refocus for our second round, should we be lucky enough to be in the top 25.

As luck would have it, we were! We pulled up our boot straps – literally – and rode a wonderful second round, knocking one rail and finishing in 22nd spot. Not bad for our first Olympics!

When we exited the stadium I was overcome with gratitude for my horse. I immediately jumped off of him and gave him a giant hug. He gave everything that I asked for throughout the entire competition and I was immensely proud of him.

A short time later I was on my way from the barns to the main ring for an interview with CTV News. As I was mulling over what I would say to CTV, the highly publicized Royal Family passed by me within arm’s reach, having just watched our Show Jumping rounds. And that’s when it hit me: I had done it! I had achieved my goals and finished my first Olympics!

An overwhelming and exhilarating feeling of accomplishment flooded over me, and for the first time since arriving in England, I allowed myself to take in the magnitude of the Olympics.

As a high performance athlete, you put everything you have – both professionally and personally – into achieving this one goal. To have my husband, son, mom, dad and grandma in London cheering me on and to be recognized in that moment was incredible. It’s not just me who makes sacrifices; it’s my entire family. My accomplishments are most definitely theirs as well.

I’m so proud to have been on the Canadian Team with a group of riders that I have great respect for. I am also thankful to all of our supporters who have been with us throughout this journey.

As a team we felt like we had the entire country behind us and we couldn’t have done it without you.

I’d like to thank the Ontario Equestrian Federation for following our road to London. It has been a great pleasure sharing this exciting time with all of you!

Photo Credit: Cealy Tetley

My focus now is the 2014 World Equestrian Games being held in Normandy, France. I’m excited to be back training my upper level horses and some very talented younger horses that have been waiting so patiently for me.

www.horse.on.ca | 27

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Therapeutic Spotlight

Healing With Horses For 35 Years The Therapeutic Riding Association of Ottawa, better known as TROtt, has been serving children, youth and adults in the Ottawa area for over 35 years, providing a safe, structured, goal-oriented program that includes physical, social, cognitive and educational activities.

It is TROtt’s mission to provide an exceptional therapeutic riding program that will enhance the quality of life for riders. A member in good standing with both the Ontario Therapeutic Riding Association (OnTRA) and the Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association (CanTRA), TROtt addresses the needs of children and adults with conditions such as cerebral palsy, developmental delay, spina bifida, stroke, head injury, multiple sclerosis, amputation, sensory integration dysfunction, learning and language disability, Downs Syndrome and visual impairment.

Therapeutic riding can improve physical health, relax tight muscles, improve balance, build muscle strength, mobilize the trunk and pelvis, sharpen hand/eye coordination, improve social skills, and the sense of control and self-confidence as the rider experiences a freedom which has often never been felt before.

Lelia Sponsel, who continues to advise the board of directors, founded the program at TROtt in 1975. It was then known as the Greenbelt Riding Association for the Disabled (GRAD), with four rented horses, a handful of volunteers and a physical therapist. A logo was designed depicting Pegasus, known in mythology as the protector of the spirit and guardian of the soul.

In 1982, GRAD moved to Equidae Stables, just south of Ottawa, and the name was changed to TROtt. The stable owners, Nancy and Gordon Reid, have supported TROtt activities on their property ever since. The facility includes a heated indoor arena, outdoor sand arena, activity rooms, viewing lounge, seminar room and washrooms.

TROtt has eight CanTRA and Equine Canada certified instructors and coaches. The 12 horses and ponies used in the program were chosen for their temperaments and are carefully trained. Without the help of over 100 volunteers, TROtt could not offer the program, which runs daily year-round, with the exception of Sundays.

Sponsel began the program because she believed that riders with challenges deserved excellent teachers and she made it her mission to train the very best. TROtt has certainly lived up to those expectations, as its staff and volunteers have demonstrated time and time again. In fact, Jane Tudor, one of TROtt’s long-time volunteers, won the CanTRA Volunteer of the Year Award in 2011 out of all the therapeutic riding volunteers in Canada. TROtt was honoured to have Her Excellency Sharon Johnston come to the stable to present the award.

TROtt volunteers, instructors and riders function as a team, supporting and encouraging each other to learn new skills while having fun.

There is always a chance to smile about something, to applaud, to “high five” and to feel pride in achievements. It may be mounting a horse for the first time, going “round the world” in the saddle, or the excitement of going off lead. But those special moments can also come from something as simple as a hug, a smile or patting an understanding horse.

For the past two years, TROtt riders have participated in ParaEquestrian Canada video competitions. Riders competed in the Seato-Sea Para-Dressage Video Competitions this year and have been

placed with scores as high as 75%.

Other riders have competed in the Coast-to-Coast competition and have also done very well. These riders appreciate the opportunity to compete. The competition is fun and encourages goal setting as well as adding interest to riding classes where the riders practice. One of the riders, who has been in the TROtt program since 2002, began competing in the Sea-to-Sea video competitions in 2010. She was so successful that she is now leasing a horse in order to compete in higher level Para-Dressage competitions.

TROtt also supports the Canadian standardization of therapeutic riding instruction and provides in-house preparation for CanTRA’s internationally recognized instructor certification program. CanTRA examinations, coaching clinics and workshops are regularly held at the TROtt facilities. TROtt has successfully prepared five instructors and assistant instructors for CanTRA certification and TROtt has hosted CanTRA exams on four occasions.

It’s easy to see why so many people give so much to TROtt and its riding program. As one generous donor explained it, animals have a magical way of touching people. Horses, in particular, go a step further than other animals because they can be ridden and driven.

They are the great equalizer and enable everyone to reach for the stars. Mobility issues disappear and self-esteem soars.

TROtt continues to look for volunteers and as a registered charity the program is always in need of funds. TROtt actively investigates new funding sources in order to keep costs as low as possible for the riders.

If you are interested or can help in any way, please visit the website at http://trott.ncf.ca. www.horse.on.ca | 29

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Around The Barn

Is Your Barn A Horse Facilities Member?

In September 2011, the OEF board struck a committee to begin a review of the Horse Facilities Council. This program has been in place for many years without a full-scale review, so it was clearly time to evaluate the program to identify new opportunities, areas where improvement is needed and benefits to facility members.

The main objectives of the review are: • • • • •

To review, renew and simplify the application material To update the membership package and supporting materials, adding templates for emergency action plans, incident report forms, waivers, etc.

To identify new benefits and offer facility members a broader range of discounted products and services, including business services To consult with the membership at large, more specifically facility members, on their perceptions and ideas for this program To broadly market and promote the Horse Facilities membership as a reflection of the facility owner’s commitment to running a safe, well-managed and professional equestrian facility for the benefit of all riders

Businesses around the world subscribe to recognized quality control programs such as the Better Business Bureau and ISO programs as a means of telling their clients they strive to meet the highest standards in their industry. Programs like this are valuable and the Horse Facilities Council is no exception. It is a useful tool to promote your barn to new clients, particularly new riders and their families.

We are developing a strategy to promote equestrian sports through, for example, the Ontario Camp Association. We will also be looking for opportunities to work with private and public school boards and associations, as well as other recreational and tourism groups. Our goal is to have more people consider equestrian sports as an option. We want to give them the information and tools to make an educated decision about whether riding is right for them and guide them in selecting a safe facility. To that end, we are in the process of producing A Guide for New Riders as a marketing and educational tool to be distributed to potential new riders.

With a dedicated staff person available to support the Horse Facilities Council, the OEF will be reaching out to facility owners across the province to encourage participation in this program. Not only does it offer terrific marketing benefits, with greater participation and consultation across the membership, we will look for opportunities to increase the value of the program. We are also currently reviewing the possibility of offering a competitive commercial insurance package to facilities and coaches through this program.

Please visit the OEF website and download the new Horse Facilities membership application package or call program administrator Pam Coburn at 1-877-441-7112, ext. 26 or e-mail p.coburn@horse.on.ca.

Member Survey Coming Soon!

In the coming weeks, the OEF will be launching an online survey about the Horse Facilities membership program. Please expect to receive an e-mail with further information. To help us improve this program, we ask that you kindly take a few minutes to fill out the survey. Your feedback will enable us to tailor the program to better suit the needs and wants of our members. As a thank you, survey participants will have their name entered in a draw for a gift.

www.horse.on.ca | 31

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OEF Conference Has Something For Everyone!

Riders, drivers, trainers, coaches and horse owners are invited to attend the OEF Annual Conference in Mississauga on Friday, Nov. 23 and Saturday, Nov. 24 to learn from respected professionals, network with fellow horse enthusiasts and discover the latest industry trends.

The conference offers something for everyone and promises to connect all horse lovers, regardless of discipline or interests.

Friday’s schedule includes OEF council meetings – industry, horse facilities, competitions, recreation, and associations – followed by the annual general meeting. The day wraps up with a free party, during which the Ontario Equestrian Federation Awards and the People Make a Difference Awards, will be presented.

The OEF is also delighted to offer, at no charge, the new NCCP/ EC Clean Sport High Performance module on Friday, Nov. 23. This half-day workshop, led by FEI veterinarian Dr. Mary Bell, focuses on equine medications and drug testing requirements.

There are a limited number of seats available, so register early!

This workshop is highly recommended training for all High Performance coaches and is a great resource for anyone who is interested in gaining more knowledge on this topic.

Educational sessions take place on Saturday and will cover rider fitness, equine first aid, equine alternative therapy, equine nutrition, natural horsemanship and concussions/spinal injury.

There will also be panel discussions on the future of horse racing, selecting the right competition horse and trailering your horse.

The OEF is pleased to announce that Dr. Deb Bennett will be speaking at the 2012 conference on conformation and biomechanics. Bennett is a vertebrate paleontologist who specializes in horses. She is the author of Principles of Conformation Analysis and a long-time consulting editor for Equus Magazine. She has also been published in many other horse magazines worldwide. Bennett has an extensive scientific publication list and has written over a dozen books or book-length publications for the benefit of horse owners.

Bennett will present four Principles of Conformation Analysis workshops on Saturday, Nov. 24. They include: All-Important Loin Coupling and Overall Body Balance, Solving the Great Mystery – Raising the Base of the Neck, Penalties You Pay for Failing to Make Straight and The “Plane of Analysis” Method for Accurate Limb Assessment.

A one-day practical workshop on conformation and biomechanics with Bennett has been added for the Sunday and will provide each participant with an opportunity for hands-on learning with live demonstration horses. This workshop will be held in the heated arena at DeerFields Stables Country Inn in Caledon and will include refreshments and lunch catered by DeerFields Country Inn. The Ontario Equestrian Federation Annual Conference takes place at the Delta Meadowvale Hotel & Conference Centre, located on Mississauga Road, just south of highways 401 and 407.

For further information, or to register, visit the OEF website at www.horse.on.ca. www.horse.on.ca | 33

Ontario Equestrian Federation Conference The Ontario Equestrian Federation is pleased to announce the 2012 Annual Conference will be taking place at the Delta Meadowvale Hotel & Conference Centre located on Mississauga Road just south of Highways 401 and 407. The room rate is just $115 per night (exclusive of taxes) for up to 4 individuals in a room. For reservations please contact the Delta Meadowvale at 1-800-422-8238.

We look forward to seeing you at this year’s Conference!

FRIDAY November 23, 2012 Registration Desk Open From 8:00am - 5:00pm 9:00am High Performance Clean Sport

FREE for OEF Members to Attend

SATURDAY November 24, 2012 Registration Desk Open From 8:00am - 5:00pm 7:30am

Yoga/Rider Fitness

FREE for OEF Members to Attend

8:30am 9:00am

Equine First Aid Sponsored by Equi Health Canada and L&D Equine First Aid

12:00pm

Industry Advisory Council Meeting FREE for OEF Members to Attend

1:00pm

Horse Facilities Council Meeting FREE for OEF Members to Attend

2:00pm

BREAK Equine Alternative Therapy

Panel Discussion

Competitions Advisory Council Meeting

12:30pm

Recreation Advisory Council Meeting

1:30pm

Associations’ Advisory Council Meeting

FREE for OEF Members to Attend

5:00pm

Ontario Equestrian Federation Annual General Meeting

FREE Awards Party Opening Ceremony

11:00pm

Panel Discussion

Natural Horsemanship with France Vanier

Principles of Conformation Analysis: Solving The Great Mystery - Raising the Base of the Neck

with Dr. Deb Bennett

Principles of Conformation Analysis: Penalties You Pay For Failing to Make Straight

with Dr. Deb Bennett

3:00pm 3:30pm

Concussions/ Spinal Injury

Panel Discussion

FREE for OEF Members to Attend

6:30pm

Equine Nutrition Panel Discussion

FREE for OEF Members to Attend

4:00pm

Selecting The Right Competition Horse

LUNCH BREAK

FREE for OEF Members to Attend

3:00pm

Panel Discussion

Principles of Conformation Analysis: All-Important Loin Coupling & Overall Body Balance

with Dr. Deb Bennett

10:30am 11:00am

The Future Of Race Horses

5:00pm

BREAK Everything You Need To Know About Trailering Panel Discussion

Principles of Conformation Analysis: The “Plane of Analysis” Method for Accurate Limb Assessment

with Dr. Deb Bennett

www.horse.on.ca

For more details visit 34 | WHOA! Fall 2012

Ontario Equestrian Federation Conference REGISTRATION FORM Payment in Canadian dollars must accompany this form to confirm your registration Become a member and save! For membership information please visit www.horse.on.ca/membership

STEP 1: CONTACT INFORMATION ______________________________________________________________________________________________ First Name

Last Name

OEF #

______________________________________________________________________________________________ Address

City/Province

Postal Code

______________________________________________________________________________________________ Phone

Fax

Email

STEP 2: CONFERENCE REGISTRATION

Member $125.00

Non-Member $150.00

SUNDAY DR. DEB BENNETT CLINIC

$125.00

$150.00

CONFERENCE REGISTRATION & DR. DEB BENNETT CLINIC

$225.00

$275.00

SATURDAY CONFERENCE REGISTRATION Lunch included

Lunch included

This package will save you $25.00 and includes 4 educational session selections on Saturday November 24 plus the all day off-site Dr. Deb Bennett clinic on Sunday November 25. Lunch included for both days. ** please make education session selections in Step 3 below

STEP 3: SATURDAY EDUCATION SESSION SELECTION Equine First Aid

OR

The Future Of Racehorses

OR

Equine Alternative Therapy Equine Nutrition

OR

Selecting The Right Competition Horse Natural Horsemanship

OR

Concussions/Spinal Cord

OR OR

Everything You Need To Know About Trailering

STEP 4: PAYMENT INFORMATION

STEP 5: PAYMENT OPTION Cheque

Money Order

OR OR

All-Important Loin Coupling & Body Balance Solving the Great Mystery Raising the Base of the Neck Penalties You Pay for Failing to Make Straight The “Plane of Analysis” Method for Accurate Limb Assessment

CONFERENCE PACKAGE TOTAL $_______________ 13% HST $_______________ GRAND TOTAL $_______________ VISA

Master Card

Card #:_______________________________________

Expiry Date:___________

CSV #: __________

Name On Credit Card: ______________________________

Signature of Cardholder: ___________________

CANCELLATIONS: The OEF reserves the right to cancel session(s) due to unforeseen circumstances or insufficient advance registration. The OEF cannot accept responsibility for expenses incurred as a result of the cancellation of the Conference or any session(s).

Ontario Equestrian Federation Conference

FREE Awards Party & Opening Ceremony

Friday November 23, 2012 at 6:30pm FREE for all OEF Members to attend!

Delta Meadowvale Hotel & Conference Centre, Mississauga, ON draw prizes w entertainment w food w cash bar

Come out and show your support for the 2012 OEF & PMAD Award recipients!

All proceeds raised will go towards the OEF Youth Bursary Program

To attend this event you must RSVP your attendance online at http://oefawardsandopeningceremony.eventbrite.com

www.horse.on.ca

For more details, visit

36 | WHOA! Fall 2012

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www.horse.on.ca | 37

Mane Events

Become A Director On The OEF Board

By Melissa Kosowan

Do you think you have what it takes to be a director on the Ontario Equestrian Federation’s board? Nominations for individual directors are currently being accepted and all adult members of the OEF are eligible for nomination.

According to Catherine Raso, president of CMR & Associates Governance Consulting, many people are reluctant to throw their hat in the ring because they don’t have previous board experience and aren’t familiar with what directors do and how boards operate.

“You might have the motivation and you really want to help, but do you have the right skills to do this? Raso asks.

So who is the ideal director? The short answer is that there isn’t an ideal candidate, she says.

“You don’t have to have had experience on a board. I don’t think that’s a key thing, but being willing to look at doing things a different way,” says Raso. “I think that’s pretty critical.”

She emphasizes, however, that training is essential to be an effective director.

“You wouldn’t drive a car or play a game or sport without training or some teaching or some coaching, but we think that with boards, that we can do that without training,” she says. “Boards should invest a little bit each year into their own training and development.”

All that being said, Raso says there are certain skills, abilities and attributes that a director should possess. In addition to being passionate about the organization’s mission, they need to be disciplined team players with strong analytical skills who are future oriented, able to delegate and willing to learn about governance, the board’s own process and the organization. They also need to be connected to the ownership – in this case the OEF membership – and share their characteristics and values.

“You have to be there for the whole membership or ownership, not for any individual purposes,” says Raso.

what you think as board members, it’s what they want you to do for them.”

The second role of the board is to lead the organization by determining the strategic direction of the organization. Directors must also evaluate, clearly delegating the work of the organization while exercising fiduciary responsibility and managing liability by monitoring the organization. Lastly, the board must operate using a sound governance system in which it exercises transparency and uses clear board policies that clarify roles and articulate board values, including due diligence, board structure, committee roles, purpose of board meetings, decision making and self-evaluation.

“One of the biggest things we’re looking for in a board member is someone who is a big picture thinker,” says Raso. She adds that being a director isn’t about specific details like planning a horse show, nor is it operational decision making or the day-today management of organizational details.

“Am I comfortable dealing with big picture issues and talking about the future? she asks. “We have to be able to walk out of a board room having not made a decision and still be comfortable that we did the right work. If people want to go to a board meeting and they have to respond to this request and make that decision . . . if that’s what they want – concrete tangible, short-term decision making – this is not the right place.”

For more information on becoming a director on the OEF board, visit www.horse.on.ca and go to the Board of Directors page.

Fast Facts About The OEF Board • • • •

You also need to be willing to commit the time that it takes to be an effective director.

“It’s more than just the board meetings. It’s the prep time for board meetings,” Raso says. “If we have a three-hour board meeting, there should be three hours of prep.”

•

The responsibility of the board, Raso says, can be broken down into four key roles. The first is to represent the ownership by proactively communicating and listening, acting on their behalf and reporting back.

“When you talk about key responsibilities, one of the big flaws in boards is that they think the eight or 10 people sitting around the table are making the decisions,” says Raso. “That’s a flaw.

We’re making decisions on behalf of a much larger group and so therefore we must talk to them and communicate. . . It’s not

38 | WHOA! Fall 2012

• •

The board meets at 7 p.m. on the second Tuesday of every month, except July and August Meetings typically last between two and three hours Directors serve two-year terms The board of directors holds a meeting directly after the AGM each year to elect the executive committee that includes the following positions: president, 1st vice president, 2nd vice president, treasurer and secretary. Only directors can vote There are 14 volunteer positions on the board. The current OEF board is made up of the following positions: • Industry Council Chair • Horse Facilities Council Chair • Associations Council Chair • Associations Council Vice Chair • Competitions Council Chair • Recreation Council Chair • 8 directors at large All OEF adult members are eligible to run as a director at large Council (Industry, Horse Facilities, Associations, Competitions and Recreation) chair positions are elected from within their respective councils

Mane Events

ONTARIO EQUESTRIAN FEDERATION NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Notice is hereby given to the membership of the Ontario Equestrian Federation that the 2012 Annual General Meeting will take place during the OEF Annual Conference on Friday, Nov. 23, 2012 commencing at 5:00 pm in the Pavilion Auditorium at the Delta Meadowvale Hotel & Conference Centre in Mississauga.

The meeting agenda is as follows: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Opening Remarks Minutes of Previous Meeting (Nov. 26, 2011) Business Arising from the Minutes President’s Address Treasurer’s Report (a) Appointment of Auditor for 2013-2014

6. Executive Director’s Report 7. Elections 8. Council and Committee Reports 9. Other Business 10. Announcement of Election Results 11. Adjournment

All Adult Members are encouraged to attend and exercise their vote.

2012 NOMINATION FORM - OEF INDIVIDUAL DIRECTOR The Committee on Nominations of the Ontario Equestrian Federation is seeking nominations for Individual Directors to the Board of Directors

We, ________________________________________________________ Name and OEF # of Nominator 1

______________________________________________________ Signature of Nominator 1

________________________________________________________ Name and OEF # of Nominator 2

______________________________________________________ Signature of Nominator 2

hereby declare we are members in good standing of the OEF and wish to nominate _______________________________________________________ (full name)

______________________________________________________ (OEF #)

for election to the Board of Directors of the Ontario Equestrian Federation.

I hereby declare I am a member in good standing of the OEF and I accept this nomination to the Board of Directors of the Ontario Equestrian Federation. I enclose a copy of my curriculum vitae for display on the website, in the OEF Newsletter, WHOA!, and for distribution to the members attending • Current role of a member of the OEF Board of Directors • Director's Code of Responsibility (Article XIX, OEF Bylaw, 2009) • Conflict of Interest policy (Article X X, OEF Constitution, 2009)

_________________________________________________________ Signature of Nominee

__________________________________ Date

mail/fax to: ONTARIO EQUESTRIAN FEDERATION - 1 West Pearce Street, Suite 201, Richmond Hill, ON L4B 3K3 phone 905-709 - 6545 • fax 905-709 -1867 • email horse@horse.on.ca • website www.horse.on.ca curriculum vitae must accompany nomination

www.horse.on.ca | 39

Mane Events

Equine enthusiasts who make the annual pilgrimage to the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair are counting down the days to the storied event, an annual tradition that includes a number of perks for OEF members.

The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair is offering members of the OEF an exclusive ticket offer for the horse show portion of the historic event, which takes place from Nov. 2-11 at Exhibition Place, Toronto.

For every two tickets that members purchase, The Royal will provide a third ticket free!

To qualify for this offer, at least one of the two tickets must be for the Tuesday evening show (Nov. 6). This purchase entitles the member to receive an additional ticket free for any performance, with the exception of the final Saturday evening (Nov. 10).

Each OEF member is eligible to purchase a maximum of eight tickets.

To purchase your ticket, call Ticketmaster at 1-855-985-5000. The password for the Ticketmaster representative is OEF. Once you have purchased your tickets, or if you have questions or concerns, call Joni Smith at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair to receive your complimentary ticket. Her direct number is 416-263-3403.

The OEF is pleased to continue the partnership with the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair and will once again be managing the Spirit

of the Horse exhibit for 2012 sponsored by Mamma's Pizza. The full-size exhibitor ring hosts breed and discipline demonstrations, clinics and much more during the 10-day fair.

The OEF is excited to welcome the following exhibitors to the Spirit of the Horse exhibit: American Saddlebred, Arabian and Half-Arabian, Black Forest Horse, Blazing Colours, Canadian Sport Horse, Donkey Sanctuary of Canada, Friesian, Kentucky Mountain Horse, Gypsy Vanner Horse, Haflinger, Miniature Horse, Newfoundland Pony, Norwegian Fjord Horse, Paso Fino Horse, Peruvian Horse and Quarter Horse.

The OEF will also continue to build upon the success of the discipline clinics held in 2011, and will offer a Saddle Seat clinic with Mary Ruth Moore, a Side Saddle demonstration with Debbie Smith, a Hunter/Jumper clinic with Hyde Moffatt as well as Dressage and Eventing clinics.

The OEF would also like to invite all members to the 2nd Annual Member Appreciation Day, on Tuesday, Nov, 6, 2012 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Spirit of the Horse ring! There will be draws, prizes and a pizza party, sponsored by BFL Canada. Come out and meet fellow members, competitors and coaches, along with the board and staff of the OEF. And don’t forget to stop by the OEF booth! Tipperary Equestrian will be on hand for free helmet fitting sessions and there will be autograph signings with some of Canada’s top riders. We look forward to seeing you at the Royal!

Canadian Cowgirls Set To Dazzle At The Royal Dressed in red and white with flags flying proudly, the Canadian Cowgirls are set to bring their patriotic, elite rodeo-style precision drill team performances to the 2012 Royal Agricultural Winter Fair.

Yet, despite travelling across the nation to perform, Jenkins says there is no place they would rather ride than at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair.

Celebrating their 10th anniversary as a drill team, the Canadian Cowgirls will perform in the main arena during the Royal, as well as give demonstrations and presentations on precision riding in the Spirit of the Horse ring, which is managed by the OEF. Members of the Canadian Cowgirls will also be available to answer questions.

“To be invited to set foot on hallowed ground is a great honour and privilege. That’s what I tell the girls, too,” says Jenkins. “That is the greatest show in Canada and they understand that so they bring their best game there.”

“What they can see from the Canadian Cowgirls is enthusiasm, bright smiles, flashy horses, glittery costumes and professionalism and patriotism in the ring,” says Terry Jenkins, the captain of the Canadian Cowgirls.

Making over 100 appearances each year, the Canadian Cowgirls hail from Chatham-Kent, ON. and are comprised of 22 riders representing a wide age range – some are as young as 14 and others are old enough to introduce their grandchildren to horses.

Riding a variety of different breeds, including Quarter Horses, Arabians, Paints, Appaloosas and grade horses, they have participated in a number of high profile events, including the Calgary Stampede Parade, where they won first place for the best horse entry. In January, the Canadian Cowgirls are scheduled to ride in the Tournament of Roses Parade in California.

40 | WHOA! Fall 2012

ONTARIO EQUESTRIAN FEDERATION

MEMBER APPRECIATION DAY Tuesday November 6, 2012 5:30pm - 7:00pm Spirit of the Horse Exhibit Royal Agricultural Winter Fair All OEF members and family are cordially invited to attend a member appreciation pizza party taking place at the Spirit of the Horse exhibit at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair.

Refreshments ~ Prizes ~ Meet Special Guests Donations Donations and/or and/or non-perishable non-perishable food food items items welcome welcome in in support support of of the the Ontario Ontario Association Association of of Food Food Banks Banks

Proud sponsor:

Classic Equine Insurance™

www.horse.on.ca | 41

Mane Events

H orse D epot Coming To Canada' s L argest I ndoor Farm S how The Canadian International Farm Show is pleased to announce the creation of Horse Depot, a new facet presented by the Ontario Equestrian Federation that will showcase products and services for horse owners.

"We are pleased to launch this section of the Canadian International Farm Show in 2013," says show manager Rob Etmanski. "This typed of section will blend well with the current exhibitor base that we have for farm equipment, products and services."

The new equestrian exhibit will include equipment, feed, tack, clothing, grooming supplies, fencing, trailers, riding groups, farriers, veterinarians, breeders, associations and more.

Educational seminars will touch on topics relevant to small farm and horse owners.

"The Ontario Equestrian Federation is working closely with the Canadian International Farm Show to develop an equestrian

exhibit that is informative and relevant to small farm and stable owners," say Allan Ehrlick, president of the OEF. "Our hope is that everyone who walks through those doors leaves with the knowledge and resources they need to make the most of their equine operation, no matter how big or small it might be."

The Canadian International Farm Show, billed Canada's largest indoor farm show, will take place from Feb. 5-7, 2013 at the International Centre in Mississauga. A destination for agricultural professionals who attend to make farm related purchases, the show welcomes over 23,000 buyers on an annual basis - a number that is sure to grow with the addition of the Horse Depot.

"Products, services and educational seminars geared to the unique needs of stable operators and small farm owners make this a must-attend event," says Ehrlick. "We hope to see our members there."

For complete details, visit www.CANADIANFARMSHOW.ca

Canada’s Largest Pets Show Adds Equestrian Showcase Long considered the harbinger of spring for pet lovers, the 20th annual All about Pets Show, held March 29-31 2013 at the International Centre, will include a spectacular new equestrian showcase with a dedicated exhibition hall, renowned speakers and clinicians, a demo ring with spectator seating and aisle upon aisle of equine products and services.

“The natural synergy between pet owners and horse owners is an undeniable fit for this show given its prime location in the heart of the GTA, with immediate adjacency to the highly populated horse communities of the GTA rim,” says Alan Barnes, president of Zodiac Events, which purchased the All About Pets Show just weeks before the 2012 event. “There is tremendous crossover of products and services between the horse and pet industries, and horse people, by their very nature, are avid multi-pet owners.”

Designed as a show within a show, “Ontario’s Mane Event” equestrian showcase will feature industry leaders and renowned clinicians providing tips on wellness, conditioning and fitness, training methods, nutrition advice and more.

“Ontario is the fourth largest equine industry in North America,” says Barnes, borrowing from recent Ontario Equestrian Federation stats. “This warrants a dedicated spring event which caters to horse owners, riders, and the grassroots development of the sport within the 5.5 million population of the GTA”.

42 | WHOA! Fall 2012

Everyone Can Be A Champion!

• Riders are challenged to complete any of the FEI ParaDressage tests (Grade 1A through IV). Riders can be on a lead.

• Complete 1 test, receive an 8th place ribbon; 2 tests receive 7th place; 3 tests receive 6th place; 4 tests receive 5th place; 5 tests receive 4th place; 6 tests receive 3rd place; 7 tests receive 2nd place; complete 8 tests and receive your FIRST PLACE RIBBON! Riders can ride the same test multiple times.

• Have an elite athlete of your choice autograph Champion ribbons!

• Everyone can participate in this free program. Riding facilities, instructors, parents or riders can contact the OEF to receive ribbons.

For more information or to receive ribbons please contact the OEF at horse@horse.on.ca or OnTRA at president@ontra.ca For a list of current tests, please visit: http://www.fei.org/disciplines/officials-organisers/ organisers/para-equestrian-dressage/dressage-tests

   

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     

Coaches Corner

Photo Credit: the Toronto Police Service's Mounted Unit

Toronto’s Mounted Unit Takes Riding Skills To New Levels

Const. Richard Cooper, Sgt. Kris McCarthy, Const. Harold Williamson and Const. Joel Houston recently received their Instructor of Beginner certification after a rigorous day of testing carried out by evaluator Stephanie St. Pierre.

by the Ontario Equestrian Federation, is focused on those who wish to instruct children and adults learning to ride, establishing foundational riding skills with an eye on safety.

“The OEF is very pleased that the individuals who are responsible for our public safety value the importance of being trained and certified as a riding instructor in this national program,” says Gillian Ross Erasmi, education coordinator with the OEF. “Members of this unit have been working for several years with a certified coach who has not only helped them develop their riding skills but more recently their skill as riding teachers. It is exciting to see them reach their goals.”

Linda Weldon has been there every step of the process. Weldon is a certified riding coach who has been mentoring, training and evaluating officers at Toronto’s Mounted Unit for close to 20 years.

Toronto Police Service’s Mounted Unit entered a new era in its 130-year history when four of its officers became nationally certified riding instructors in September, an initiative that will translate into more effective crowd control.

“It’s personal satisfaction for me because I’ve worked with them, I’ve trained them and now they are actually going into the system,” says Weldon, who has been reviewing everything from stable management to safe lunging techniques since preparation began in December. “I’m just extremely proud of the four of them.”

“There is no requirement under law, or rules or regulations from the Ontario government that we have to have training in certain areas, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t embrace it,” says Training Sgt. James Patterson. “This is definitely going to make everyone here a better rider.”

According to McCarthy, who was a driving force behind bringing the certification program to the unit, the biggest hurdle was the language barrier between the cavalry oriented mounted unit and the rest of the equine world.

Sergeant Kris McCarthy and Constables Harold Williamson, Richard Cooper and Joel Houston received their Instructor of Beginner certification after a rigorous day-long evaluation period on Sept. 10.

“To bridge that gap and come up with the terminology that works both ways and come up with a format that follows your guidelines but falls within our guidelines at the same time, I find that the most challenging,” he says. “Everyone speaks the same language but they are using completely different ways to describe it.”

“From a personal standpoint, it was a huge accomplishment for me,” says McCarthy, who has been with the unit for the past 12 years and had no prior riding experience. “As soon as I started training people, I automatically thought, the proper thing is to be trained yourself.”

Weldon hopes that the officers from the Mounted Unit will inspire other riders who have been toying with the idea of becoming certified.

While the Toronto Mounted Unit already trains its own horses, runs an intensive 15-week training program to teach new recruits how to ride and welcomes officers from other units who want to brush up on their skills, having certified instructors demonstrates the unit’s commitment to riding excellence and ensures consistency.

“Our main function is crowd control and it can get tough at times,” says Patterson, who likens effective crowd control to a three-legged stool. One leg is having a horse that has been desensitized to distractions, one leg is to work cohesively as a group and the final leg is equitation. “When you are going in and somebody is trying to grab you and pull you out of the saddle, you had better know how to sit in and how to ride. Or all of sudden there is a bicycle in front of you; you had better know how to jump. This is basic application of a skill. If you are weak in any one of those three areas, your stool is going to fall over and you aren’t going to do that crowd control properly.”

Const. Harold Williamson, a senior trainer at the unit, says he has noticed an improvement in his skills since taking the certification program, the benefits of which he’s confident will be transferred to the horses and riders he trains.

“It fine tuned me on things I already knew and I picked up things I didn’t know and my riding is better,” says Williamson. “I was better than I was before and I will be better again.”

The Instructor of Beginner certification program, administered 44 | WHOA! Fall 2012

“It’s not just for show people; it’s for all walks of life. Anyone can do this, whether it’s Western or Saddle Seat or the Toronto Mounted Unit,” says Weldon. “I think it sends the message that our police officers are out there really trying to be the best that they can be in order to better serve the public in a safer manner.”

Upcoming Events

• • • • • • • • • •

October 14 & 15 – English Instructor of Beginner Evaluations – Pickering Horse Centre, Claremont October 21 – Carriage Driving Instructor of Beginner Workshop – Beaverwood Farm, Hillsburgh October 27 – NCCP/EC Competition Coach Analyze Performance Workshop – Dreamcrest, Port Perry October 28 &29 - NCCP/EC Equestrian Specific Training Workshop for Competition Coach – OEF boardroom, Richmond Hill November 18 – NCCP/EC Competition Coach Specialist Dressage Training Workshop – OEF boardroom, Richmond Hill November 18 – Western Learn to Ride and Instructor Workshop – SkyLine Farm, Dunrobin November 23 & 24 – Conference – Delta Meadowvale Hotel and Conference Centre, Mississauga November 25 - Dr. Deb Bennett Conformation and Biomechanics Practical Workshop – Deerfields Stables, Caledon December 1 & 2 – NCCP/EC Equestrian Theory – OEF boardroom, Richmond Hill December 3 – St. John’s Ambulance, Emergency First Aid – OEF boardroom, Richmond Hill

Ontario Athlete e Assistance ance Pro Progra Program am

UPDATE

Photo Credit: Shoot Photography

The Quest for Gold Program was established to provide additional support to athletes from Ontario and to increase the performance and number of Ontario athletes competing at the highest national and international levels, thereby contributing to the improved performance of Canada at international competitions.

ALANA AIRD Alana Aird and Vladimir Weering have had a great summer. They had several top five finishes in their division and competed at some great new Ontario Show Jumping venues, including the Cornerstone show in Barrie, ON. and Angelstone Tournaments in Rockwood, ON. In August, Aird and Vladimir Weering travelled to Lexington, KY. to compete at the Kentucky Horse Park, site of the 2010 World Equestrian Games. They had the opportunity to compete against riders from across North America and were reserve champions in their division. September will see Aird and Vladimir Weering compete in their final outdoor shows of the season before heading to the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in November.

Photo Credit: Janis Byer

BRONWYN BARLOW CASH This summer, Bronwyn Barlow Cash travelled to Germany, where she is a working student at Hengststation Pape, under the direction and supervision of Ingo and Susan Pape. There she has been immersed in the world of European dressage. Her experiences include attending small local competitions to the annual FEI World Young Horse Championships in Verden; the training of young horses just started under saddle to established stallions schooling the movements of the Grand Prix; and the scrupulous evaluation of young Dressage stallion prospects to the careful matching of a broodmare with a licensed stallion. It is a world with many different forms of work and expertise, centered on the harmony between horse and rider. In her daily training, Barlow Cash has been challenged and motivated by both young and mature horses, and hopes that this experience will both broaden and sharpen her skills as a rider and a horsewoman. She is looking forward to continuing to work and learn at Hengststation Pape in the fall and winter.

ZOE BECKERMAN Zoe Beckerman had a successful show year that included being named to the team representing Canada in Jumping at the North American Junior and Young Rider Championships, which took place from July 17-22 in Lexington, KY. Beckerman finished the year on a high note at the 2012 Summer Festival that took place from July 31 to Aug. 5 at the Caledon Equestrian Park. There, at her last show of the season before heading off to Queen’s University where she studies engineering, Beckerman was high point jumper with her horse Sir Sydney.

SABLE GIESLER Sable Giesler’s summer competition plans centered on going to the North American Junior and Young Rider Championships (NAJYRC) in Kentucky this past July to represent the Canadian Young Rider Eventing Team. She received her main qualification, which was a CCI 2*, in April at the Ocala Horse Properties International event where she placed fourth.

Then, at her final qualification on July 1 at Dreamcrest Horse Trials, which was an Intermediate level event, Giesler had a second place finish. At the NAJYRC CCI 2* her team had a podium finish, walking away with bronze. To finish off the season, Giesler went to the OHTA Championships, hosted at Grandview Farm.

She finished fifth in the Intermediate division with no Cross-Country

or Stadium Jumping penalties, which moved her up after what she describes as a less than ideal Dressage test. This fall she will be training with her Ontario-based coaches and campaigning Gord Cardwell’s young off-the-track Thoroughbred, Hietorie Tango, at the Pre-Training level.

JORDAN MACPHERSON This summer Jordan MacPherson stayed on the east coast and competed in a number of shows, including the Lake Placid Horse Show, International Bromont, Orangeville Show Jumping Tournament and the Angelstone International Show Jumping Tournaments.

Some of her highlights competing with Piccobello du Val De Geer include placing fourth in the $30,000 Open Jumper Classic; placing fifth in the $75,000 Woodlea Farms Grand Prix at the I Love New York Horse Show in Lake Placid, New York; winning the $32,000 1.50m Open Jumper class at the International Bromont CSI 3*; placing fourth in the $25,000 Open Welcome at the Orangeville Show Jumping Tournament; and placing ninth in the $32,000 Open Welcome and eighth in the $50,000 Grand Prix at the Angelstone National Phase 1 CSI 2*. This fall, MacPherson will be competing at Angelstone Show Jumping Tournament Phase 4 as well as the Pennsylvania National Horse Show.

BROOK PICKERING Summer of 2012 has been an educational experience for Brook Pickering. Having the opportunity to ride with Ruth Armstrong, Pickering developed the skills to ride multiple horses, each with different levels of training and experience. Pickering was also given the chance to compete some of these wonderfully bred event horses at Ontario events. Pickering is currently entering her second year of studies at Ryerson University, working towards her bachelor of commerce degree, majoring in human resources. Pickering would like to be back in the saddle again to compete on the young rider CCI 2* team for Canada, as well the Canadian Olympic team in the future.

LYNNE POOLE To further her education, this summer Lynne Poole concentrated on showing her horse, Frisbee, at Fourth Level and PSG (able-bodied).

They were named PSG champion of the Caledon Silver Series and will compete at the Silver Championships at the FEI Advanced level (PSG and Intermediate I). The pair’s marks over the summer enabled them to qualify at Fourth Level for Dressage at Devon, PA. According to Poole, it has been challenging for a Para-Equestrian to compete at this level. Poole’s other mount, Vasco E, continues to work on the Para classes with the latest rankings moving them up to sixth on the list of short listed riders. Unfortunately, there are no CPEDI events to date for 2013 on the FEI calendar for North America, so Poole’s Para-Equestrian goals for next year are on hold. She will continue to work hard in the ablebodied field of competition both as a rider and a coach.

Attention Athletes: The 2012-2013 Quest for Gold –Ontario Athlete Assistance Program information and application is currently being organized and will be available on the OEF website in the coming weeks.

www.horse.on.ca | 45

Ask Dr. Bob

Photo Credit: Dr. Bob Wright

Dr. Bob, The drought of 2012 dried up our pastures and by mid-July we started feeding hay. Our first cut of hay was okay, but we always depend on second cut to get us through the winter. The second cut was almost non-existent. What can we do?

Unfortunately, most of North America is in a similar situation. By early August, hay and grain prices skyrocketed to record prices.

The harvest of first cut hay in Ontario was good but second cut was non-existent. Farmers cut what second cut was available, with hopes that a third cut harvest would be brought on by rain in early August. Regardless, hay inventories across North America are low.

There are some key strategies that will help you through the dry times. Unfortunately, it is too late for this year to implement some of them. Note: All references to nutritional quality will be on a 100 per cent dry matter basis as obtained from either the fifth or sixth edition of Nutrient Requirements for Horses. Refer to my website wwww.horsenewsandviews.com for further reading where indicated below.

Horses need a good source of forage daily. Forage in the form of hay and pasture are the traditional cornerstones of horse rations. At least 50 per cent of a horse’s daily feed intake (1.25-1.5 per cent of body weight) should consist of good quality forage. For the average adult weighing 500 kg (1,100 lb.), this equates to a minimum of 7.5 kg (15 lb) of dry hay. Forages are an important source of digestible energy (DE), protein (CP), minerals (e.g., calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P)), vitamins, and fibre.

Long-stem hay and pasture grasses contain over 20 per cent crude fibre (CF) or expressed as 50-60 per cent NDF (neutral detergent fibre). The higher the NDF is, the higher the fibre content. Most grain mixes, even so-called “complete” feeds, contain less than 12 per cent CF (<12% NDF). Horses can adapt to balanced rations that do not contain hay or pasture, but the absolute minimum of fibre necessary has not been established. Low fibre/high concentrate rations have been documented to increase the risk of colic and gastric ulcers and will dramatically increase a horse’s desire to chew wood.

STRATEGY 1: PRESERVE WHAT YOU HAVE Pasture management Pastures are often poorly managed by horse owners. Good pasture management starts with: Maintaining high fertility in the soil through prudent use of chemical fertilizers. Fertilizer should be applied early in the spring and at strategic periods in summer and fall. High fertility will decrease drought stress on plants. Seek the advice of local fertilizer dealers.

Preventing horses from overgrazing and damaging pastures. It is too late for this season. However, subdivide your pasture(s) with electric fence to create areas that will be grazed short for five to seven days and then move the horses to a new section allowing each section a minimum three-week rest period.

46 | WHOA! Fall 2012

Ensuring that poisonous plants don’t get a foothold in pastures.

Poor pasture management leads to the influx of weeds. In drought periods, horses will eat anything that is thought to be palatable, including poisonous plants (e.g., bracken fern, horse tail etc.) and leaves (e.g., red maple) with disastrous results.

Feeding Place hay in a feeder with a pan or bottom that catches the leaves.

Don’t feed on the ground. In the 1980s, Les Burwash and Bob Coleman of Alberta Agriculture showed that horses fed hay into a simple 4' x 4' plywood box with a bottom reduced waste and increased the growth of weanling horses by 25 per cent. Therefore, if hay is $8 a bale, every time you place it on the bare ground you are wasting $2 of hay. Well-built hay feeders can be safe and quickly pay for themselves.

STRATEGY 2: USE ALTERNATIVES TO EXTEND LONG-STEM DRY HAY Livestock such as sheep, goats and cattle are fed a variety of crops to meet their nutritional needs. Some of these can be used to replace hay, but most are hay extenders. They include preserved forage (e.g., hay crop silage (haylage), corn silage, straw and root crops (e.g., carrots and turnips).

Haylage, grass silage and corn silage Haylage is produced by the ensiling process, which consists of cutting, partially wilting and placing young respiring plants in a silo or container, such as a plastic bag, where the air is eliminated.

Ensiling maintains the quality of the forage as it was cut. It is usually high in energy, protein and fibre because the cutting date is not dependent on the weather. The high moisture level and lack of dust are useful when feeding a horse with heaves. Haylage feeding brings the danger of botulism. Horses should be vaccinated for botulism prior to being fed haylage or corn silage. Corn silage, like haylage, is fermented high moisture forage. It is made by chopping the whole corn plant and placing it in a bag or silo, which excludes oxygen and allows the content to ferment. It is high in fibre (CF 25% or NDF 49%), moderate energy (DE 2 Mcal/kg) and low in protein (CP 8.9%). It has been fed to horses but should only be fed by those who are knowledgeable about what spoiled silage looks and smells like. It, too, carries the danger of an increased incidence of botulism.

Acid treated hay Acid preservatives are applied to hay during wet haying seasons or with late-season harvests where it is hard to get hay to dry with the shorter days and heavier dews. The preservatives are of various types (e.g., proprionic acid) and are applied to the hay during the baling process. The preservatives, when used properly, allow the storage of hay at a higher moisture content level than dry hay.

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Ask Dr. Bob

Only proprionic acid preservatives have been studied for feeding to horses. Horses prefer non-preservative-treated hay when given a choice but will consume equal quantities of either when not given a choice. Proprionic acid is normally produced in the gastrointestinal system of horses.

“Complete” concentrates “Complete” concentrates are mixtures of grains, hay or beet pulp, vitamins and a mineral supplement. They are available in textured, pelleted or extruded forms and designed to be fed without hay, grain or other supplements and still meet the horse’s basic needs. “Complete” concentrates are available in a wide variety of nutritional profiles. Ensure that you purchase the one to suite your horse’s requirements (e.g., an adult horse for maintenance vs. a growing or performance horse). The label should contain the statement “designed to be fed without forage.” Do not confuse complete concentrates with concentrates that are mixtures of grains only designed for feeding with hay or other forages.

Unfortunately, complete concentrate products lack sufficient fibre to satisfy the horse’s need to chew. Fibre deficiency will cause dramatic increases in wood-chewing activity.

Use complete concentrate feed instead of, not in addition to, a horse’s regular grain ration. Switch horses to the complete concentrate rations slowly, taking over a week to completely eliminate hay from their diet and get them on the amounts of complete concentrate feed necessary to meet their needs. Feeding smaller amounts (1–1.5 kg or 2–3 lb per feeding) more frequently will not only optimize digestion but will also keep the horse more occupied. Feeding horses complete concentrate feed without any other source of roughage may increase the risk of colic and/or laminitis.

Hay cubes Long-stem hay, either alfalfa or a mixture of alfalfa and timothy hay, is dried, chopped and compressed into cubes. The nutritional quality is dependent on the hay used to make the cubes. When hay is in short supply and expensive, hay cubes will equally be in short supply and expensive. Hay cubes can be fed up to 5.4–6.8 kg (12–15 lb) of cubes per 1,000 lb. horse per day. A dramatic increase in the incidence of wood chewing is observed when feeding hay cubes. The incidence of choke is also increased. The danger of choking is eliminated by soaking the cubes in water for 10 minutes before feeding them to the horses.

Straight alfalfa cubes will contain high protein and calcium concentrations along with a high Ca:P ratio. These nutrients are supplied at concentrations higher than the normal adult horse requires but will not harm the horse as long as its kidneys are functioning properly. Alfalfa cubes are more appropriate for either lactating mares or growing horses and as a partial forage substitute.

While up to 6.8 kg (15 lb) or more can be fed per horse per day, 1–2.5 kg (2–6 lb) of cubes per horse per day can be used as a “hay extender” if only poor quality hay is available in limited quantities.

Beet Pulp Beet pulp is a by-product of the sugar beet industry. It is a good source of fermentable fibre (CF 20% or NDF 44%). It is high in energy (DE 2.56 Mcal/kg), fairly high in calcium (0.68%), low in P (0.1%), with only moderate protein (CP 8%) and no vitamin content.

Beet pulp is available in its “raw” form, which looks somewhat like ground up old shoe leather, or in pellets. Traditionally, the raw form is soaked in water for 1–12 hours before feeding to prevent choke.

Soaking in hot, humid weather can result in the pulp becoming rancid. It is a very common additive in “complete” concentrate feeds. Up to 4.5 kg (10 lb) (dry weight) can be fed to the average adult horse, but it should be supplemented with a balanced vitamin/ mineral supplement and perhaps protein. Do not feed beet pulp as the sole source of nutrition. Feeding it dry (unsoaked) increases the risk of choke.

Root crops (carrots, turnips, potatoes) Cull carrots are commonly found in areas where there is extensive market gardening. Carrots are an energy dense feedstuff, much like grains (DE 3.78 Mcal/kg). They have medium protein content (CP 10%) and are low in fibre (CF 9.5% or NDF 12%). This analysis is very similar to oats. They should never be fed free choice.

Other root crops (turnip, potatoes) are fed in various locations around the world as energy dense feedstuffs. With the availability of grains they have fallen out of favour for the most part. If they are fed they should be fed soil-free. Green potatoes and plant leaves should never be fed because of a glycoalkaloid poison. Root crops carry an increased risk of choke as well as dangers from being frozen and rotting.

Bran Although bran is a fair source of fibre (CF 11% or NDF 42.5%), do not feed it to horses in large quantities for prolonged periods of time. Wheat bran is extremely high in phosphorus (P 1.18%), low in calcium (Ca 0.13%) with a high Ca:P ratio (1:9) and will cause potentially debilitating calcium/phosphorous imbalances. Feeding horses excessive amounts of bran can cause nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism or Big Head syndrome. Bran is also fairly high in protein (CP 17%). If feeding it as a supplement, limit it to no more than 0.45 kg (1 lb) per adult horse per day and carefully balance the calcium/phosphorus ratio with calcium supplements. Wheat bran can also contain Fusarium-related mycotoxins during wet growing years.

Rice bran has been promoted as a source of fat (energy) for horses (DE 3.35 Mcal/kg). It, too, is a fair source of fibre (CF 12.9%) (NDF 33%). However, it has a higher concentrate of phosphorus (P 1.78%) and lower calcium (Ca 0.07%) and higher Ca:P ratio (1:25) than wheat bran. Some commercial rice bran products have added calcium to correct the imbalance, but, as with wheat bran, rice bran is not recommended as a main component of your horses diet or as a forage substitute.

Lawn clippings Grass clippings are small in particle size and high in moisture content. They ferment rapidly in warm weather and can lead to colic, botulism, laminitis and/or death.

Straw Straw is leftover stalks from harvesting grain crops (wheat, barley, and oats). It contains very little nutritional value (DE 1.62 Mcal/kg, CP – 3.5%). It is a great source of fibre (CF 41% or NDF 78%).

If the horse’s energy, protein, mineral and vitamin needs are met by feeding a complete pelleted, extruded or textured concentrate, bedding the horse on straw will satisfy the horse’s desire to chew and reduce the amount of wood-chewing activity. Think of straw not as a source of nutrition for horses but rather as a “chew factor” and fibre source. However, straw can cause impaction colic.

STRATEGY 3: USE ALTERNATIVES ONLY WHEN YOU HAVE TO Long-stem, dry hay should always be the main nutrient source for horses. Learn from your shortfalls this year and be prepared for next year. Look at the substitutes described in this article closely.

Many have drawbacks and should be looked as “hay extenders,” not as replacements.

Straw may be contaminated with mycotoxins produced by different fungi, especially in years of wet weather. This is less likely this year, but be cautious about the intentional or unintentional feeding of potentially Fusarium-infected straw. Rye straw can be infected with the fungus, Claviceps. It will cause dystocia (difficulty foaling) in pregnant mares. Do not use rye straw with pregnant mares in the last two months of gestation.

Dr. Bob Wright has authored more than 150 fact sheets, information sheets and scientific publications. He also created the monthly Horse News and Views column where more than 450 “snippets” provided advice to horse owners. The topics of these writings were based on the many investigations he has been involved in. Much of this information can be read on http://www.horsenewsandviews. com/

48 | WHOA! Fall 2012

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www.horse.on.ca | 49

Ask Mike

I have purchased insurance for my horse, my farm, my business and my car for years and never had a claim.

What do I do if I have a claim and what happens after I do?

We all hope to never have to make an insurance claim. That said, the whole reason to purchase insurance is to defer the risk of loss (of your horse, your farm, your car, your business) to the insurance company so that if there is a loss, you have a way to recover from it. Be sure to work closely with your broker when you secure a policy of insurance. Review the coverage and ask questions of your broker to make sure you have the protection you want or think you have. If you understand what it is that is covered (and the things that are not covered) you will have a realistic expectation of the outcome in the event of a claim.

There are a few basic things to remember in any type of loss and a few things that will be different, depending on the type of loss you incur.

First, the basics: â&#x20AC;˘ Regardless of the type of loss, report it to your broker right away. The sooner they are aware of a claim (or possible claim), the sooner the insurance company will be notified and the sooner they can serve you to protect your interests. Most brokers insurers have a 24-hour emergency claims number (this information should be found on the policy when issued or in some other correspondence you received when you bought the policy) that you can call to get the initial reporting done ASAP. â&#x20AC;˘

If you have a theft or suffer a loss from vandalism, or are required to do so for an auto incident, report the loss immediately to the police.

â&#x20AC;˘

If your property is damaged (fire, wind, flood etc.), do what you can (only when it is safe to do so!) to protect it from further damage.

Once the loss is reported, a claims adjuster will be assigned. The sole responsibility of this individual is to investigate the incident/ circumstances on behalf of the insurance company to ensure that the policy covers the loss and that all conditions of coverage as detailed in the policy wording have been met so that the loss can be settled as quickly as possible.

Remember, no policy covers every loss. The investigation will include gathering a statement from you, the insured, as to what happened and obtaining reports from authorities as necessary (i.e. police, fire departments and veterinarians, for horse related claims etc.). Once the investigation is complete, the adjuster will file a report to the insurer and make a recommendation for settlement as applicable.

Once the adjusters report has been filed, the insurer may ask for more information or settle the loss right away. Hopefully, the first report made is the only report necessary to close the file and the cooperation of you, the insured, in assisting the adjuster to do what is necessary during the process can go a long way to expedite the process.

50 | WHOA! Fall 2012

Ask Mike

We are often asked, “How long does it take for a claim to be settled?” The answer is, “As fast as possible.” Losses involving a lot of investigation are going to take longer to finalize. Some property losses can take several months to settle and liability claims can take even longer – sometimes several years.

Conversely, a straight forward mortality or surgical claim related to horse insurance can often be settled in a matter of weeks if the adjuster can get all documents together quickly.

Things that you can do to help the (often) challenging process of working through a claim include: a. Keep receipts for “everything.” The claims adjuster is going to ask you to “prove” your loss and that often means confirming that you bought and owned the item that was damaged/lost. b. Be available for the adjuster. There is often a delay in the process when clients are uncooperative. Remember that the adjuster has a job to do and they really do want to make you as satisfied as possible as fast as possible. They probably have several files on the go at any one time. This cooperation might include helping obtain a report from a vet, returning signed documents in a timely fashion, attending meetings as necessary, getting quotes for repair as applicable etc. – basically whatever it takes. I stress, again, that your help will make the whole claim process go faster.

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What happens to the insurance once the claim is settled?

The answer is that it depends on the coverage and terms of the policy. In some circumstances you may lose a “claims free” discount, which means that your cost of coverage in the future will be higher. In other circumstances, nothing happens – that is to say that the conditions of future coverage are unaffected by your loss. In yet other circumstances, the insurer may simply not offer coverage at all, which would be bad news indeed. The implications of your circumstances and possible losses can be clarified by your broker. We strongly suggest that to be fully informed of the implications, you contact your broker before you have a loss so you know in advance what to expect..

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We would be remiss if we did not mention that most types of insurance polices carry a “deductible,” which is a stated amount that you will pay as a contribution of the loss settlement. If you are not sure if your policy has a deductible, ask your broker so you know and are prepared.

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www.horse.on.ca | 51

On The Trail

Tips To Ride In Harmony On Multi-Use Trails

By Melissa Kosowan

There are few things as enjoyable as going out for a trail ride on a

beautiful fall day, but riders need to remember that they share Ontario’s trails with hikers, mountain bikers and motorized vehicles.

“At one point or another, everyone goes trail riding,” says Mark Dobrindt, a director of the Ontario Equestrian Federation who has ridden trails across Ontario and the U.S. “People say they don’t, but even if they ride down the side of the road from my farm to your farm, they are on a trail ride. Everyone should learn, know and understand.”

The biggest issue he sees when out on the trail and delivering clinics on trail safety is a lack of education on both the part of riders and non-riders.

“A guy on a mountain bike coming towards you does not see you because he’s got his head down,” he says, citing one example. “It’s your ball at this point to speak to him. Most people, when you get them stopped and talk to them, you’ll find they don’t have a problem sharing the trails.”

According to Patrick Connor, executive director of the Ontario Trails Council, cyclists and horses tend to have more negative interactions than any other user group.

“Horses can be intimidating to walkers based on their size, but I think the biggest issue is actually cyclists because you can’t hear,” he explains.

“That’s what’s the most dangerous on the trail is that element of surprise.”

He suggests riders consider putting a bell on their horses to make other trail users aware of their presence.

“It’s not too obtrusive and it gives people notice that there’s an animal ahead,” he says. “That would actually help improve relations with mountain bikers because they are travelling at speed. If they had advance warning, they wouldn’t come around corners and hit horses. They would know and prepare.”

While some trail may see a horse well in advance, they may not realize that horses have the right of way over all other trail users. It’s something Dobrindt wants to see rectified through the installation of more yield signs on all trails that allow horses.

Dobrindt recommends that in addition to wearing a helmet, riders wear reflective vests and outfit their horses with reflective accessories such as boots.

Photo Credit: Wendy Webb Photography

“If you are going to be on the side of the road, they need to see you,” he says. “Be noticed. Be seen.”

52 | WHOA! Fall 2012

This is particularly vital when riding near cars. Dobrindt reminds riders to stay as far onto the shoulder as possible and ride with traffic. If you are riding with a group and you must cross a roadway with your horse, he recommends riders line up single file and then turn and face the other side and cross at once before returning into single file again. Alternately, two people on horseback can carefully stop traffic and once it’s safe to do so, the riders can pass between these two individuals and proceed to the other side.

Riders also need to be very familiar with their mounts and know what type of situation could startle or set them off.

“Be aware of your horse. Know your horse,” says Dobrindt. “The more you ride a horse, the calmer they get.”

On The Trail

While issues arise between riders and other trail users from time to time, Connor says the biggest issue stems from horse manure left on the trail.

“It’s not a major crime by any means; it’s just one of these nuisance things,” he says. “I think the other issue when it comes to trails and trail riders, is just the equestrian folks knowing what other uses might be on those multi-use trails and vice-versa.”

He asks the riders take the time to get off their horses and kick manure off the trail, or at least break the piles up so it breaks down faster.

Connor recommends riding clubs get involved with trail maintenance on their local trails to improve relationships.

“It wouldn’t take a lot to mitigate the complaints,” says Connor, noting he would like to see more trails in Ontario that allow horses.

Before heading out on an adventure with your horse this fall, be sure to check what’s in season where you are planning on riding. Hunting information can be found wherever hunting licenses are sold, online at www.ontario.ca/hunting or at Service Ontario kiosks.

Do you operate a bed & bale or know of one in your area?

We’d love to hear about it! E-mail horse@horse.on.ca or call 1-877-441-7112 ext 26.

Meeting A Horse On the Trail USE THE THREE C’s 1. courtesy 2. communication 3. common sense

Both Connor and Dobrindt believe every interaction between trail users is an opportunity to educate and build positive relations.

“Our main motto is expect and respect other users,” Connor says.

“The trail is a two-way street. It’s not about all the other users ganging up on horses and it’s not about horses controlling some sort of ground. It’s a point for education and mutual involvement.”

Stay Safe During Hunting Season

By Melissa Kosowan

•

Make your presence known from a distance by calmly addressing the rider.

•

Please pass slowly on the left after the rider acknowledged your presence.

•

If you are motorized, we request that you stop and shut off your engine as a courtesy. Please greet the rider and wait until horse and rider have moved off a safe distance before continuing.

•

If you are unsure of what to do in any situation concerning a horse, please ask the rider before taking any action.

•

We all share the trails, so lets work together in harmony to ensure safe and enjoyable trails.

For many horse owners, fall is one of the nicest times of the year to go riding in the great outdoors, but it’s important to remember that other outdoor enthusiasts, including hunters, are out enjoying themselves, too.

While riders shouldn’t necessarily put their plans on hold during hunting season, they need to take precautions, says Bonnie Simpson, an avid rider and trail advisor. One of the most important things to remember, she notes, is to stay on marked or established trails.

“They shouldn’t be leaving the trail at any time,” Simpson says.

“For one, you’re trespassing . . . It applies at all times of the year, but hunting is the crucial one. You don’t want to be just wandering silently through the bush.”

Bright colours that make riders easily visible to hunters are also important. In addition to wearing an orange vest or helmet cover, there are also products, including brightly coloured headstalls, to help your horse stand out as well. Or, you can tie bright ribbon to your existing equipment.

“Everyone should be wearing a fluorescent vest, whether they are on the trail or on the road,” says Simpson, who notes that it will also make riders more visible to other trail users. “They also need to have some kind of bright coloured clothing on the horse’s head. No deer is wearing a bright coloured halter or headstall.”

Wearing a bell is also a good idea, to make yourself known to hunters, other trail users and wildlife that may spook your horse.

“The other thing they need to watch out for is the wildlife moving,” she says. “That animal is running for its life, so you need to have your head up about what is around you.”

Riders shouldn’t be afraid to head out on the trail though, stresses Shannon Gutoskie, communications manager with the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters.

“By no means should they ever feel unsafe. Hunters are trained, licensed, they are aware of their target and what’s behind it. So they know what they are shooting at,” says Gutoskie. "They are aware that other people are in the area.”

Courtesy of the Ontario Trail Riders Association www.otra.ca

Best Practices for Horses on the Trails 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

You and you horse should have suitable riding attire hunter orange from waist up all year, boots with a heel, helmet, well fitting saddle and good tack.

Ride with a suitable horse - size, conditioning and training matter.

Carry a first aid kit, cell phone, GPS/compass and map on you NOT the horse.

Never lead off until all riders are mounted.

Stay on the marked trails and obey the signs. Know where you are on the trail in case of an emergency.

Walk on the right of the trail or road. Never canter or gallop.

Leave two horse lengths between you and the other horses even when you have stopped.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

When crossing a road do so all together.

Use the buddy system; be responsible for the rider in front and behind you.

If riding alone, tell someone where you have gone and when you will return.

Use the three C's Courtesy, Communication and Common Sense.

Do not litter on the trail or campsite Put manure and hay in designated areas.

Leave only hoof prints behind.

No dogs on the trail or alone in the campsite.

No alcohol or smoking on the trail.

Water your horse into the shore, and do not cross or wade unknown waters.

www.horse.on.ca | 53

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Nutrition

Sweating and water requirements One of the major risks during any transport is dehydration. It is difficult to ensure that the animal consumes enough water during the trip for a number of reasons. First, you will certainly have noticed that most horses are reluctant to drink during stops, either because the water offered is different than the water they are used to drinking at home, or simply because the horse is feeling uneasy and nervous due to the numerous sources of stress associated with transport. Research has shown that, even when water is offered to the horse at regular intervals during the trip, water consumption is very low, if not non-existent.

This low water consumption combined with the water lost through sweating during travel increases the risk of dehydration, especially in hot, humid weather when sweating is more abundant.

A Japanese study has shown that a 454 kg horse loses 11 to 18 kg after 2 ½ hours of travel time due to sweating during transport.

Research also shows that, even under cool weather conditions, the horse can still lose up to 0.5 per cent of its body weight every hour. Prolonged transportation is therefore particularly demanding on the horse.

Transport And Nutrition

Proper nutrition can help minimize effects of stress

By Josée Lalonde, B. Sc. A. Transport means stress! Stress for the horse owner but stress especially for this naturally claustrophobic animal whose basic survival mechanism is flight (as opposed to fight). Let’s take a look at what can be done nutritionally to ensure your horse has a problem-free trip and recovers quickly when it reaches its destination.

No matter why your horse has to travel, several factors during transport can be sources of stress for the animal and therefore affect its health: confinement, darkness, poor ventilation, constant vibration, ambient noise, etc.

How you feed and water your horse before, during and after transport can also affect its well-being, stress level and recovery time. Since the transport of horses is often unavoidable, it is important to keep in mind that any travel affects the horse’s normal consumption of food and water.

What’s more, serving hay to the horse during long trips also increases its water needs due to the significant water-retention capacity of the fibre in the large intestine. If its water consumption is insufficient, the horse will be more susceptible to impaction colic. On this subject, many horsemen and women recommend using mineral oil before departing, a good idea for improving the fibre’s transit through the digestive tract.

To reduce the risk of dehydration during transport, it is important to serve your horse a good dose of salt no less than 12 hours before departing. The salt will make your horse drink more in the stable, so he will have a good reserve of water for the coming hours of travel. During the trip, it is important to stop every four hours to offer the animal a pail of water. Even if you strongly suspect that it will barely wet its lips, it is always best to give the horse an opportunity to drink. You never know! Unfortunately, most horses won’t generally start drinking water until 12 hours into the trip. In any case, stopping every four hours will give you a chance to check the condition of the horse and the trailer, and to make any needed adjustments, for example to the windows, the hay net, blanket, etc.

If your horse is particularly finicky about drinking water, offer it the same water it is used to drinking back at home during the trip. Just remember to bring enough with you. If packing a store of water from the stable is not possible, for instance on longer trips, you can always add flavoring, such as apple juice, to the horse’s usual water several days before the trip, so it gets used to the taste. This way, during transport or at the destination, where the water you offer the horse will smell and taste different than it is used to, all you have to do is add a little apple juice and the horse won’t even notice – at least you hope! One thing is certain, it is important to offer your horse some tepid water soon after you arrive so it can begin to combat dehydration. Once again, a dose of salt or commercial electrolytes will encourage the desired water consumption.

Hay and feed Even though serving fibre to your horse increases its water www.horse.on.ca | 55

Nutrition

requirements – requirements that are already difficult to meet during transport – fasting is not recommended, except during a very short trip (two hours or less). Indeed, long periods without eating during transport will worsen the weight loss problem and lengthen the horse’s recovery time at the end of the trip. In any case, an empty stomach is never recommended, since horses are extremely sensitive to the development of gastric ulcers and irritation. Despite the horse’s apparent immobility during transport, weight loss is a risk because the horse burns energy by constantly trying to maintain its balance, which is tiring. If the animal has a nervous temperament or is traveling for the first time, it can be assumed that it will have burned that many more calories and be that much more exhausted when it arrives at its destination.

For these reasons, hay on a free choice basis is therefore recommended throughout the trip, paying particular attention to how the hay is presented to the horse. In fact, a hay net that is hung too high up, in what is called the horse’s “breathing zone,” will force it to breathe in hay dust continually. One good way to avoid this problem is hang the hay net lower – but not low enough to put the horse at risk. Also, completely soak the hay in water for a good 10 minutes before placing it in the trailer. It is recommended that it be kept moist throughout the trip, which will help prevent the insidious onset of respiratory disorders.

Now, what about concentrates? Should they be served to the horse before or during transport? If the feed is starch-based (grain), the meal should be served one to four hours before the scheduled departure time. The horse’s stress level, the quantity of feed served per meal and the length of the trip will determine whether the meal is served one hour or four hours before departing. An old hand that has travelled a lot does not experience the same stress levels as a young horse that starts rolling its eyes at the mere sight of the trailer! Also, a 0.5 kg meal does not require the same digestion time as a three kg meal, just as a half hour trip does not cause the same stress level as an eight-hour journey. Use your judgment.

Why should you be cautious when transporting a horse that has been eating starch-based feed? Simply because of the very normal stress it will experience during the trip. Stress reduces the blood flow needed to digest starch in the small intestine, redirecting the blood to the muscles of the horse that feels stressed and nervous. The reduced blood flow to the small intestine can cause the starch there to ferment, leading to digestive problems.

This problem does not occur when your horse is consuming hay.

In fact, the fibre in hay is not digested in the small intestine like starch is, but rather fermented in the large intestine by billions of bacteria and microbes. Microbial fermentation is a slow and continual process. The blood flow to the large intestine is already fairly reduced and constant and is not affected by the increased blood flow to the muscles during transport.

For the same reason, if the feed that you usually serve your horse is fibre-based and contains negligible quantities of starch, the problem of starch fermenting in the small intestine does not occur, as this type of feed behaves essentially like hay in the horse’s digestive system. This type of feed can in fact be served during transport, in reduced quantities, at each scheduled stop.

Turning off the truck’s engine during the meal will reduce the horse’s stress and allow it to relax a little while it eats. Also, moistening the feed before serving it to the horse is a good way of feeding it water in a roundabout way, while slowing down its rate of consumption, thereby preventing the risk of esophageal 56 | WHOA! Fall 2012

obstruction (choking) or impaction colic.

Once you reach your destination, it is preferable to wait a while before serving the horse its usual feed ration, especially if it is starch based. Over the first few days, resume serving the horse its usual feed ration gradually, in several small meals, to help prevent digestive problems.

If the amount of hay brought from the stable is insufficient for the horse’s entire stay at the new destination, mixing the usual hay with the new hay that is served at the new location is highly recommended to reduce the risk of colic, which is often associated with switching hays suddenly.

Effects of stress on the immune system All stress is detrimental to the proper functioning of the immune system. The stress of transport, particularly on a long trip, has an undeniable effect on your horse’s defence mechanisms. If its immune system is already compromised, the risk of it developing health problems, notably shipping fever (respiratory illness), is very high. It is therefore extremely important to provide the horse with all the essential elements for the optimal functioning of its immune system so that it can withstand the hazards of stress.

The daily intake of a nutritionally balanced diet that includes selenium and vitamin E, two powerful antioxidants, is paramount to a healthy immune system. It is therefore essential to offer a daily vitamin and mineral balancer if your horse is receiving less feed than the product label indicates for its body weight, life stage and level of activity.

Certain other nutrients may also be beneficial to the horse when served at the right time relative to the travel date; such is the case for vitamin C, another antioxidant that supports the immune system. The recommended supplementation is 0.5 g to 5 g per day on the day before departure, on the travel day and for two days after arriving at the destination. The B complex vitamins, particularly thiamine (B1), known for its beneficial effects on the nervous system, may benefit the horse if served on the day before departure, on the travel day and the day after arriving.

A supplement such as Horse Plus, which is rich in B complex vitamins and contains vitamin C, can do the job at a dose of 60 g per day. If the horse being transported is a performance or competition horse, a daily intake of B complex vitamins is recommended in any case, throughout the racing or competition season.

Finally, since research shows that the stress experienced by the transported horse reaches its apex after 12 hours of transport, scheduling an extended stop at this point should help reduce the risk of associated health problems. For a trip that is a dozen or so hours long, a minimum 12-hour layover, where the horse can stretch its legs, drink and eat and recover some of its calm, is the ideal. If time does not allow this, a four to six-hour stop should be considered at the very least.

The watchword for the transport of horses is prevention.

However, any trip can cause major stress for a horse, even when done under the best conditions. By preparing well for transport and controlling as many parameters as possible, notably nutrition, perhaps you can make your horse’s trip, if not pleasant, at least more tolerable…

Josée Lalonde is Equine Marketing & Product Manager at Agribrands Purina Canada. Visit Purina’s new website at www. agripurina.ca

Legal Lowdown

Do Your Neighbours Love Your Horses?

Manure, flies and other nuisances

By Catherine E. Willson, B.A., LL.B. with assistance from Aimee Colyer McGuire, B.A., LL.B. As urban sprawl encroaches on the country life, we are faced with the unfortunate sight of lookalike subdivisions springing up in former farm fields. The people moving into these homes may have patted the occasional horse but know little of the smells, sounds and other wonders of the barn. Smells we have come to know and love curl the nose of even the most insensitive city dweller, and it is inevitable that more lawsuits will crowd our courts in the name of nuisance.

graze in the road allowance area. The plaintiffs argued that the defendant’s refusal to erect a fence to contain his horses from using the road allowance area unreasonably interfered with the use and enjoyment of their property by causing distress to them, their horses and the clients of their business venture. The courts agreed. The use of the land by the defendant amounted to a substantial and unreasonable interference with the plaintiffs’ use and enjoyment of their property.

A nuisance is created when a person repeatedly allows the escape of noxious things onto someone else’s property; smells, sounds, insects, animals and many other things can be nuisances if their presence unreasonably interferes with the use or enjoyment of another’s property.

The judge in this decision stated that not every incident between the parties had been significant but as the problem had persisted for so long (20 years), the cumulative effect had become substantial. Also, the court found that because the defendant had been aware of the problem and the solution, i.e. erecting a fence, but had refused to do so, his interference was clearly unreasonable.

Everyone must put up with some discomfort caused by the lawful actions of their neighbours. Just because your neighbour has the occasional urge to mow his lawn at 7 a.m. on a Saturday does not make him a nuisance. If, however, his acts repeatedly result in noise that causes you to suffer inconvenience and loss of enjoyment of your property, you can start a legal action to stop him. Thus, the constant blaring of a loud stereo or the sounds of a racing stable with traffic and horses coming and going at all times of the day and night could be actionable in nuisance.

The usual remedy for an action in nuisance is the granting of an injunction. This is a court order preventing the wrongdoer from continuing the offensive action that is affecting his neighbours’ property. An injunction requiring a stable to cease creating noise after a certain hour in the day or to stop emitting offensive smells could basically shut down the business. Injunctions can be a very serious problem for stable owners and operators near suburban areas.

In Saskatchewan last year, there was an action for nuisance, Northern Light Arabians v. Sapergia [2011] S.J. No. 587, against the owner of a farm by a neighbour, also a farm owner. The defendant, whose neighbouring land was separated by a road allowance, refused to erect a fence, thus allowing his horses to

This case reaffirmed the test for establishing whether an interference with one’s use and enjoyment of property is unreasonable as, (i) the severity of the interference, (ii) the character of the location, (iii) the sensitivity of the plaintiff and (iv) the utility of the defendant’s enterprise.

In Nova Scotia, there was an action for nuisance, O’Regan v.

Bresson (1977), 3 C.C.L.T. 214 (N.S. Co. Ct.), against a racing stable operation in which the plaintiffs alleged that they were bothered by the sounds of the horse vans taking the horses to and from the track, the sounds of the horses whinnying to each other and kicking their stalls, by the defendants washing the horses on the street in front of the plaintiffs’ residence, by horse urine running in the street and by the rats and flies attracted to the area by the manure piles and feed in the barns.

Although the stable complied with all public health standards, the court found that a nuisance had been committed because the defendants brought horses owned by other persons to the barn. The court stated, “It seems to me that the defendants acted unreasonably in subjecting the plaintiffs to such an increase in the objectionable factors associated with the keeping of horses www.horse.on.ca | 57

Legal Lowdown in such an area.” However, no injunction was granted because the barn was moved away from the plaintiffs’ property before the trial.

Two interesting points were discussed in this case. A child plaintiff had a severe allergy to horse dander and horse hair and suffered greatly. The court ruled that the horse was not itself a nuisance, nor did it turn into one simply because of the child’s abnormal sensitivities.

Secondly, the fact that a complainant purchases property on which a nuisance is already being committed does not prevent him from pursuing a legal remedy, i.e. just because he “comes to” the nuisance does not prevent him from recovering damages. So, the fact that your stable operation is there before the subdivision was even built does you little good in a suit for nuisance.

Although an injunction was avoided in O’Regan, the defendant in the case of Atwell v. Knights (1967), 1 O.R. 419 (Ont. H.C.J.) was not as fortunate. The defendant operated a “caged hen-laying business” that consisted of a large number of hens occupying two galvanized iron buildings near a village. The hens were well fed and excreted accordingly. The buildings were ventilated by fans and, unfortunately, the powerful and obnoxious odour emanating from the hen-houses drifted over to the neighbours’ properties. Apparently, barbecues and picnics had to be cut short and windows closed depending on which way the wind was blowing.

Other provinces have statutes that provide some protection to horse breeders. In Prince Edward Island’s Farm Practices Act, R.S.P.E.I. 1988, c. F-4.01, “agricultural operation” explicitly includes the act of “raising or keeping livestock, including poultry and horses,” when done in “the expectation of gain or reward.”

Even with statutory protection, there is still cause for concern.

In Pyke v. Tri Gro Enterprises Ltd. (2001), 204 D.L.R. (4th) 400 (ON C.A.), the plaintiff neighbours brought an action against the defendant farmers in nuisance due to noxious odours emanating from the composter on the defendants’ mushroom farm.

The court found that the farmers could not claim the statutory protection under the Farming and Food Production Protection Act because the operation was commenced in an area where the nuisance it produced was completely out of character with the area and did not constitute a "normal farming practice" within the meaning of the statutes.

The Court of Appeal found that the trial judge, in determining what was “normal,” could consider the degree and intensity of the disturbance, the fact that the neighbours were there first, and the fact that the mushroom farm created a “significantly greater and different disturbance than anything that had been experienced before in the area.” As a result, the court found that the odours constituted a nuisance and awarded damages to the plaintiffs.

The complaint of nuisance is an objective standard that will continue to change with society. The smells and sounds of the farm – something that was an absolute necessity 60 years ago – is now considered a nuisance and pushed out further from many of the towns and cities that once supported its existence.

Perhaps we can turn the tables and push back using this tort of nuisance; industry and suburbia are annoying, too!

The court decided that the offensive smell was indeed a nuisance and granted an injunction against the defendant, despite the defendant’s request that an injunction be denied on the grounds that the plaintiffs could be compensated by money and that the cost of moving the hen-houses created a hardship against the defendant. The court reaffirmed an old English Court ruling, Shelfer v. City of London Electric Lighting Co., [1895] 1 Ch. 287, that stood for the proposition that “no one should be called upon to submit to the inconvenience and annoyance arising from a noxious and sickening odour for a ‘small money payment’, and the inconvenience and annoyance cannot be adequately ‘estimated in money.’”

This article contains general information only based on the laws of Ontario and is not intended to provide a legal opinion or advice.

Readers should consult a lawyer with respect to the application of the information contained above to their particular circumstances.

Readers may also contact the lawyers at Willson Lewis LLP at (416) 534-9504 or www.willsonlewis.com to discuss any specific issues they may have.

It should also be noted that the application of all possible skill and care to prevent the farm operation from amounting to a nuisance is no defence. If a horse stable cannot by any care and skill be prevented from causing a nuisance, it cannot be lawfully undertaken at all, except with the consent of those injured by it or the authority of statute.

Catherine Willson is a partner at Willson Lewis LLP, a law firm in Toronto, Ontario with counsel practising civil and commercial litigation and construction, employment, family, and equine law. Her experience with horses spans a lifetime and she is well recognized in the horse industry for her knowledgeable experience with equine law. cwillson@willsonlewis.com

Fortunately, statutes have been enacted in Ontario that should give hope, if not to stable owners, then at least to conscientious farmers. The Farming and Food Production Protection Act, 1998, S.O. 1998, c. 1, addresses some of the issues that arise from the competing interests of agricultural operations and adjacent properties. Section 2(1) of the Act states that a farmer (defined as “the owner or operator of an agricultural operation”) is not liable in nuisance to any person for a disturbance resulting from an agricultural operation carried on as a normal farm practice (“agricultural operation” includes growing, producing or raising livestock, including poultry and large flightless birds such as emus). “Normal farm practice” is defined as a practice “conducted in a manner consistent with proper and acceptable customs and standards as established and followed by similar agricultural operations under similar circumstances, whether based in traditional farming techniques or assisted by the latest technology.” As a result, farmers are protected from nuisance complaints made by neighbours, provided they are following normal farm practices, and no municipal bylaw can be passed to restrict a normal farm practice carried on as part of an “agricultural operation.”

58 | WHOA! Fall 2012

1183 King Street West, Suite 1183, Toronto, Ontario M6K 3C5 Tel: 416-534-9504 • Fax: 416-534-9503 Toll Free 866-258-2848 www.willsonlewis.com E-mail: clewis@willsonlewis.com

Litigation Lawyers Practising in: Equine Law - Family Law Construction Law - Employment Law Wrongful Dismissal - Tax Disputes Civil Litigation - Commercial Litigation Estate Problems - Property Disputes Contracts - Collections

Quality Work + Excellent Service

E-mail: cwillson@willsonlewis.com

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Equine Law including: Boarding & Breeding Agreements Syndications Tax Issues Negligence Sales Agreements Disputes & Litigation Veterinary Negligence

www.horse.on.ca | 59

Special Feature

Photo Credit: Danielle Yaghdjian

Canada's Riders Give Their All Despite Challenges At 2012 London Olympics Canada’s equestrian athletes experienced more than their share of ups and downs at the 2012 London Olympics, which was fraught with disappointment and heartbreak.

The equestrian events kicked off with Eventing, which included a challenging Cross-Country course that resulted in several falls from various nations, including Canada.

Quebec's Peter Barry and his horse Kilrodan Abbott were eliminated after a fall and Rebecca Howard of Salmon Arm, B.C. fell at fence 14b with Riddle Master. While both escaped without serious injury, Hawley Bennett-Awad of Langley, B.C. wasn’t as fortunate. Riding Gin & Juice, she fell at fence 3 and was transported to hospital by ambulance where she was diagnosed with a concussion as well as a stable sacral fracture.

Of the five-member team, only Ontario riders Michele Mueller of Port Perry on Amistad and Jessica Phoenix of Uxbridge on Exponential successfully completed the course, which was designed by Sue Benson of Great Britain.

Mueller’s celebration quickly turned to heartbreak, however, when she announced that Amistad had sustained an injury and would not be presented at the horse inspection for the final Stadium Jumping phase of the competition and would be retiring from competition.

Phoenix, however, continued to move up through the placings.

From 50th position following the Dressage phase she moved up to 28th position after incurring only 2.4 time penalties on the Cross-Country course and entered the final phase of competition – Stadium Jumping – with 57.20 penalty points. With three fences down and two time penalties, she qualified for the Individual Final in Stadium Jumping where she had two rails down.

Phoenix finished the Olympic Eventing competition in 22nd place with a final score of 79.20 penalty points. Canada finished in 13th position in the team competition.

In Dressage, Canadian riders once again felt the sting of

60 | WHOA! Fall 2012

disappointment when Canada was eliminated from team competition. David Marcus of Campbellville, ON. saw the dreams of his first Olympic Games dashed when his horse, Chevri’s Capital, spooked. Unable to regain the focus of his frightened horse during the Grand Prix test, a dignified Marcus, who stroked his horse’s neck to try to calm it, was forced to exit the ring.

Jacqueline Brooks of Cedar Valley, ON. made history when she became the first Olympic rider in her discipline at the Olympics to wear a helmet instead of the traditional top hat typically worn in Dressage competition. Riding D Niro, Brooks received a score of 68.526 and finished in 41st position.

After earning a score of 71.809% in the Grand Prix test on Breaking Dawn, Ashley Holzer of Toronto advanced to the Grand Prix Special where she earned a score of 71.317% to finish in 24th position. Holzer, representing Canada at her fourth Olympic Games, also sported a helmet during her tests.

Show Jumping got off to a good start on Aug. 4 with the first round, an individual and team qualifier. Aboard his new mount, Derly Chin de Muze, Eric Lamaze of Schomberg, ON. sailed through the course with a clear round.

Ian Millar of Perth, ON. went down in the history books when he entered the ring in what was his 10th Olympic appearance. The veteran rider for the Canadian Equestrian Team navigated Star Power through a ride that finished with four faults.

Jill Henselwood of Oxford Mills, ON. finished her ride aboard George with four jumping faults and a time fault for a total of five faults.

In her Olympic debut, Tiffany Foster of Schomberg, ON. took her horse Victor through the course with eight faults for the two rails down.

Controversy overshadowed the second round of competition the following day, leaving Canada with only three team members competing. Foster’s horse Victor was disqualified under the

Special Feature

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International Equestrian Federation’s (FEI) hypersensitivity protocol after a cut on the horse’s coronary band was discovered.

While the FEI released a statement acknowledging that malpractice was not suspected, the Canadian team was not given the opportunity to demonstrate that the horse was fit for competition and the rules prohibited an appeal of the decision.

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Despite the uproar that the situation caused and a call for a review of hypersensitivity rules, the show went on. Star Power lived up to his name, giving Millar a fault-free ride, which moved the pair up into 17th place in the individual rankings. Lamaze also rode a clean round, but incurred a time fault that left him sitting tied for 13th individually. Henselwood had one rail down, which put her in 47th position.

Jill Hense

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Canada was ranked sixth heading into the third round – the team final and third individual qualifier. Henselwood and George started things off and finished their round with two rails down for eight faults. Canada’s next rider was Lamaze who had eight jumping faults and one time fault. Millar, who rode in the anchor position for Canada, had a solid ride with Star Power with just four faults. The result was a fifth place finish in the team Jumping competition.

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Olympic Photos Credit: Cealy Tetley

In the end, Canada’s riders held their heads high and rode their best, with some making history while others were left to dream about what might have been. With London behind them, Canada’s best now have their sights set on the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

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riding Sta

Finishing in the top 35, both Millar and Lamaze qualified for the Individual Final, which sees riders enter the ring with a zero penalties for a fresh start. Heading into this final phase of the competition, Lamaze incurred 12 jumping faults, finishing in 29th.

Star Power had only one rail down in each round of the individual final, securing ninth place overall for the pair.

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www.horse.on.ca | 61

Special Feature

Photo Credit: Danielle Yaghdjian

Ontario's Jody Schloss Makes Paralympic Debut Vying for a spot on the podium at the 2012 London Paralympics, which ran at the historic Greenwich Park from Aug. 30 to Sept.

4, were seasoned Canadian riders and a new face from Ontario.

Canada was represented by Lauren Barwick of Aldergrove, B.C., Ashley Gowanlock of Surrey, B.C., Eleonore Elstone of Langley, B.C., and Jody Schloss of Toronto, ON. Facing a wet, windy start to the first day of competition, Gowanlock and Maile rode their way to a score of 67.955% for 8th place in the Grade 1B Team Test. Barwick, the third last competitor to enter the stadium for the Grade II Test, also had a strong ride, turning in a score of 72.095% aboard Off to Paris to take 3rd place out of 23 competitors.

Team competition continued the following day with Ontario’s Schloss, who made her Paralympic debut. Riding her own horse, Inspector Rebus, she placed 12th in the Grade 1a Team Test after receiving a score of 63.882%. Elstone, who was a member of Team Canada at the 2008 Paralympics, had a score of 66.688% in the Grade IV Team Test on Zareno, which secured 10th place for the pair.

end of the six-day competition, with Elstone achieving a score of 68.75% for 10th place and Schloss earning an 11th place finish with a score of 66.500% in the Grade 1a Freestyle.

Para-Equestrian Dressage developed in the 1970s, with the first events held in Great Britain and Scandinavia. The multi-disability sport has since spread around the world, with athletes from more than 40 countries now competing. The classification rules of the International Federation for Equestrian state that athletes with a physical impairment and athletes with a visual impairment are eligible to compete in the sport at the Paralympics. Classification also groups athletes in classes, defined by the degree to which they are limited in their ability to perform activities within that sport. There are five classes in Equestrian: Grades Ia, Ib, II, III and IV. Grade Ia is for athletes whose impairment has the greatest impact on their ability to ride; through to Grade IV, which is for athletes whose impairment has the least impact on their ability to ride.

The individual tests followed on Sept. 1, with Barwick, who won gold and silver at the 2008 Paralympics, earning a score of 71.857% for 6th place in the Grade II Individual Test and Gowanlock riding into 6th place with 69.304% in the Grade 1b Individual Test.

On the following day, in front of more than 10,000 spectators, Schloss and Elstone performed their Individual Championship Tests. Schloss rode Inspector Rebus to a score of 67.700% for 11th place in the Grade 1a Individual Test. Competing in the Grade IV category, Elstone secured 7th position with a score of 68.226%.

After combining each country’s best three scores from both the Team and Individual Tests, Canada finished in 8th place out of 16 nations.

The equestrian portion of the Games wrapped up on Sept. 3 and 4 with the highly anticipated Freestyle competition, which didn’t disappoint. Barwick placed 8th with 71.500% in the Grade II Freestyle while Gowanlock took 6th that same day in the Grade 1B Freestyle with a score of 68.800%.

The final two Canadian riders hit the ring the following day, the

62 | WHOA! Fall 2012

Photo Credit: Lindsay Yosay McCall

Jody Schloss making her Paralympic debut aboard her horse Inspector Rebus.

Special Feature

be respectful of your competitors and have a good time.”

What started with seven schools being represented has now grown to 17 equestrian teams that compete in two zones. Each team can send a maximum of 12 riders to each sanctioned competition and is expected to host at least one horse show during the school year.

There are four divisions comprised of flat and over fences classes, including Entry (0.45m), Novice (0.68m), Intermediate (0.76m) and Open (0.91m).

“It’s grown so much,” says Dorricott, who has been involved for the past four years. “Even the quality of the horses, the facilities, the riders have improved.”

As with other show circuits, ribbons are awarded for each class, but individual as well as team points are also accumulated. Each school selects a “point rider” for each class and the points that rider collects at the show go towards their team’s points.

“You are competing as a team, which you don’t get to do a lot with horseback riding because you’re not usually on a team,” says Bassili.

Photo Credit: Celine Jaisaree

The Ontario University Equestrian Association tracks points and hosts the year-end finals that see the very best go head-to-head for top honours. There are also year-end awards for overall season placings in each division and the overall high point rider.

Equestrian Association Keeps University Students Connected To Their Passion

While most schools have both competitive teams and social clubs for horse enthusiasts, there are other ways to get involved, even if you don’t make your school’s team. The OUEA recruits warm-up riders as well as helpers that do everything from tacking horses up to holding them.

“A lot of teams have a club and then their competitive team,” says Bassili. “There are a lot of ways to get involved and we try to encourage that as much as we can.”

In addition to giving riders the opportunity to continue to participate in their sport while in university, being part of an OUEA team also allows them to meet friends and relieve the stress of school.

“It’s so much fun. There’s a lot of team spirit. We encourage people to really represent their teams,” says Bassili. “We really focus on being competitive and taking it seriously, but we emphasis sportsmanship and that it’s going to be a fun environment.”

By Melissa Kosowan

At Ryerson University in Toronto, that camaraderie has helped many “country kids” make the adjustment to city living.

Heading off to university can be bittersweet for riders who are often forced to put their riding on hold as they focus their time and money on school. But getting an education doesn’t have to mean trading in riding helmets for textbooks.

“I went from being small town farm girl to downtown city girl and it was a culture shock,” says Kailey Rigelhof, club supervisor of marketing and sponsorship. “Just to meet people who lived in country settings kind of like me or just had a love of horses and knew how to ride, that kind of gave me more of a sense of home.”

The Ontario University Equestrian Association (OUEA) gives riders the chance to pursue their hobby while developing their riding skills and meeting new friends. A student-run organization with 300 members, the OUEA was founded in 2007 by a group of university students to offer fellow riders a way to continue riding and competing while in school without the same financial and time commitments traditionally associated with the sport.

Like many other students who are members of the Ryerson University Equestrian Club, Rigelhof came from a small town and had to leave her horses behind. Being able to surround herself with like-minded individuals who shared her passion helped her make the transition from a town of 12,000 people to a university campus with over 25,000 students.

“It allows people a way to compete while they are in university and it expands their experience level,” says OUEA president Tara Bassili. “It’s a chance to get out and compete and be part of a fun atmosphere.”

“We have our own little community within Ryerson,” she says of the club, which sees members get together for riding lessons and social outings. “We are all really good friends. The people that I have met I wouldn’t have met because they are in different programs.”

The OUEA was originally structured based on the Intercollegiate Horse Show Associate in the United States, but over time has evolved. Like its cross-border counterpart, the OUEA offers Hunter Equitation classes and riders compete on donated horses they have not previously ridden.

The OUEA continues to gain momentum with each passing year – so much so that it recently appointed someone to help new teams get started, secure members and work towards hosting shows. To cater to the growing demand, the association is considering allowing colleges to get involved and is investigating the possibility of adding other disciplines, such as Dressage.

“It’s very different from your normal show circuit,” says Kirsten Dorricott, vice-president of the OUEA as well as a representative for the University of Guelph team. “It’s really fun and you learn so much from hopping on a horse you have never ridden before and going and jumping a course with no warm up. It teaches you how to ride and to

“We are really focused on inclusiveness,” Bassili says. “We want to be sure all skill levels and all disciplines and people from different financial backgrounds can participate because you can’t always find that in the equestrian sport.” www.horse.on.ca | 63

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64 | WHOA! Fall 2012

Breed & Discipline Updates Arabian Association Brings Breeds Together In Combined Show Format Submitted by the Arabian Horse Association of Eastern Canada

On June 2-3 the AHAEC Summer Sizzler took place at the Western Fairgrounds and welcomed about 110 Arabians, Half-Arabians, Saddlebreds, Morgans and Peruvian Pasos who came together for the show, but competed in their respective breed-specific classes as well as a few all-breed classes.

“Initially it was from a financial point of view. We could not attract enough Arabs alone to fund the facilities,” explains Cross, who was the show manager. “From a numbers point of view, the more classes and the busier the show we have, the more horses we can attract and the nicer the facility we can participate in, so there are a lot of advantages.”

Photo credit: Kim Arndt

The Fall Festival on Sept. 8-9 at the Orangeville Fairgrounds followed the same format. Although not as well attended as its summer counterpart, welcoming close to 50 Arabians, Half-Arabians, Saddlebreds and Morgans, exhibitor feedback was positive.

“I think it’s working great,” Cross says. “It’s great because you have three or four different breeds of horses that you get to view at the same show and they all have their own nuances. It’s pretty neat.”

The Fall Festival also hosted the 2012 Ontario Provincial Saddle Seat Equitation Championships.

Arabian gelding Ali’s Maverick, owned by Jane Lloyd, is shown in a halter class at the Fall Festival, a multi-breed show.

As another show season comes to a close, the Arabian Horse Association of Eastern Canada (AHAEC) is reflecting on a new format that brings together multiple breeds in one location for a show that’s economically viable, diverse and fun for exhibitors and spectators alike.

“It’s a way for us to have larger shows, more exciting shows for the participant and for the public,” says Dan Cross, president of the AHAEC. “It’s a fun horse community when you throw all these breeds together,”

“It was well attended and very exciting,” Cross says. “The provincial committee did a phenomenal job putting together prizes, neck ribbons – the whole thing. And it was a lot of fun too!

Cross points out that the combined show format, which was popular in years gone by, also introduces riders to horses they might not otherwise get to interact with, a benefit he says is particularly important to dispel misconceptions about Arabian horses.

“It gives people the opportunity to view the Arabian horse and it takes some of the myth away of the Arabian horse being hot-headed,” he says.

“It’s a nice fit for everybody.”

Gearing Up For The Royal After A Successful Summer Submitted by the Canadian Road Horse Association

There was no shortage of road horse entries at the 2012 CNE and Ontario Hackney Show, the latter of which was held at Ricoh Coliseum on July 30 with the former following on July 31 and Aug. 1.

Following the class the Canadian Road Horse Association will be hosting a wine and cheese party to honour our 2012 Hall of Fame Inductees: Myrna Walker, Ross Thomas, Phyllis Sheridan and Lois Allison.

We saw an overwhelming number of entries in all of the classes this year by exhibitors from both Ontario and Quebec. Congratulations to all of the participants, and thank you to both the CNE and Ontario Hackney Association for hosting these events.

The Canadian Road Horse Association has two fundraising initiatives in place for 2012. Plans are underway to host a pancake supper at the Royal on Monday, Nov. 5. Tickets will be available there and everyone is welcome to come and enjoy pancakes, sausages and a beverage.

Preparations are underway for the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair which is expected to be better than ever. We have received 19 nominations for the OHHA Green Roadster Classic, which will be held on Saturday, Nov. 3. To qualify for this class horses need to be five years of age and under or in their first or second year of showing. The Ontario Harness Horse Association has graciously sponsored this class since 2001 and we are very grateful for their continued support in promoting the use of Standardbreds as road horses.

The Canadian Road Horse Association thanks Mako Renovations for their donation to this year’s beef raffle. Tickets are available from the directors which will be drawn following our final class on Wednesday, Nov. 7th. The prize is your choice of half side of beef or $500.

For more information on the road horse and the Canadian Road Horse Association, visit our website at www.roadhorse.ca.

Michele Cimino, Dipl., Ac., CEMT 647-406-1161 michelecimino@hot ail.com www.michele-cimino.com/equine www.horse.on.ca | 65

Breed & Discipline Updates Gloomy Weather Didn't Put A Damper on Miniature Horse Club Clinic Submitted by the Ontario Miniature Horse Club

owner, but also to seasoned horse enthusiasts. Colic prevention, nutrition at all stages of a Miniature Horse’s life, salt and water availability at proper temperatures during the cold season were some of the many subjects covered.

Honey and Gemmell finished up their presentation by body scoring the two Miniature Horses and Miniature Donkey with foal at side, brought in for the day by the Hitchin’ Granny, Betty McGowan. The floor was then open to questions from the attendees, resulting in a lively discussion before time out was called for a noon break.

Armand and Sandy Beaudoin, new club members from Elmside, Quebec won the $20 gift certificate donated by Purina.

Afternoon speakers included Phyllis Beggs on the perils of using a tape to weigh a Miniature Horse. There were three tapes and three conversion factors that resulted in three different weights!

John Cundell showed us how to measure for blankets and harness, with Mary Hume on the proper choice of bit and its adjustments for your horses.

Judge John Cundell of Ottawa with miniature horses owned and shown by Betty McGowan of Edwards, Ontario. John demonstrated how to measure harness, fit blankets and gave advice on the well being of our horses.

Under leaden skies, the Annual Eastern Ontario Miniature Horse Club Clinic was held at the Russell Fair Grounds.

Again, a great line up of speakers got underway at 9 a.m. with Allie Honey, equine nutrition consultant, assisted by Katy Gemmell, regional equine nutritional consultant, to introduce everyone to Purina’s Hitching Post presentation.

Over coffee and muffins, Honey presented information on many aspects of Miniature Horse care and management at various stages of life, as well as seasonal feeding. These topics were of great interest not only to the new

Celine Hutchison, of Forest Lane Horse Farm, presented information on emergency preparedness, both on the farm and away, while Karen Lamb showed the proper way to measure the height of your Miniature Horse.

Mary Hume was the lucky person to win the door prize of 50 bales of this season’s hay delivered. The door prize was sponsored by Jerry Whissel and Julia Wainwright.

New to the clinic this year was the sale of new and lightly used miniature horse tack and supplies.

Despite the weather, those in attendance had high praise for the quality and breadth of the information provided.

Clinic Offers Forum For Driving Discussion Submitted by Margaret Monnelly, Eastern Ontario Pleasure Driving Society The Walnut Hill Pleasure Driving Show welcomed 12 licensed American Driving Society officials who attended the officials’ clinic, which was held in conjunction with the annual show in August.

Officials, both judges and technical delegates, are required to renew their licenses every three years in order to remain current in their knowledge of the American Driving Society (ADS) rules and their application at competitions. Overall Carriage Driving issues were discussed in the context of the competition. As the event at Walnut Hill extends over five days, the venue presented a comprehensive high quality view of Pleasure Driving competition.

When working at a show, officials are very visible when acting as judges in the arena. However the technical delegate is very important to the management of the show as they are responsible to the ADS and also to the competitors.

Many perceive the technical delegate duties to be limited to overseeing the cones obstacles and the cross-country course. However their duties extend well beyond those tasks. They are also responsible for all aspects of the show grounds, from safety to stabling, including issues relating to the rules, such as disagreements with a score, the welfare of the horse or incorrect turnout. The technical delegate also works closely with the course designer and with the volunteers, who perform tasks that are integral to the success of the show.

The clinic presented a two-day forum in which many issues were discussed. It presented a valuable educational experience, as many of the officials are very experienced. Many ideas were shared among the group.

Two Canadian officials participated: Gerry McCollum from Loretto, ON.

66 | WHOA! Fall 2012

and Margaret Monnelly from Ottawa.

The clinic was organized by Dana Bright, who holds qualification in all five official categories, both at the ADS level and also at the United States Equestrian Federation level (USEF). The instructor was Debbie Banfield, who is manager of the Gayla Driving Centre in Kentucky. Banfield is also a qualified official in all Carriage Driving categories at both the ADS and USEF Level. She is president of the U.S. Driving for the Disabled, Inc.

Breed & Discipline Updates OCTRA Riders Take Top Honours At Stormont Endurance Ride Submitted by the Ontario Competitive Trail Riders Association

The Stormont Endurance Ride, sanctioned by the Ontario Competitive Trail Riding Association (OCTRA), took place on Sept. 2, 2012 in Berwick, ON. and offered something for everyone, including 25, 50 and 75-mile distances.

The 50 and 75-mile rides were held in conjunction with FEI, Equine Canada and the Arabian Horse Association Region 18 Arabian and HalfArabian Championship events.

Photo credit: Pat Kuffner

The OCTRA 25-mile mileage ride attracted 11 entries. Mileage rides are between 10 and 35 miles in length with a minimum and maximum time allowed to cover the marked trail. To finish really is to win, as no placings are awarded. This, however, does not prevent riders from feeling the competitive spirit!

Endurance rides are a minimum of 50 miles each day. The winner is the horse that completes the ride in the shortest time and is judged “fit to continue.”

There were nine entries in the 50-mile ride, with four cross-entered in the FEI 1* event. The top placing Canadian was Monica Grundmann of Bainsville, ON. aboard Excalibur Legend, who finished just one second behind the winner. High Vet Score was awarded to OCTRA junior rider, Solstice Pecile of Bailieboro, ON. who was competing in her very first endurance ride on Glorious Song IA. Seven horses entered the 75-mile ride, six of them also in the FEI 2* event.

The top placing Canadian was OCTRA member Wendy MacCoubrey of Quebec who earned second place riding Motyf. We are all glad to see MacCoubrey back on home soil after her year spent working with top endurance riders in the United States.

Denise Blanchet riding Cabasco and Mike Merriam riding Walker AES take part in a 25-mile mileage ride.

Ontario-bred horses took home the Arabian Horse Association honours.

The Region 18 75-mile Champion was Cognac Amberfyre, ridden by Kim Woolley of Finch, ON. and Best Condition was awarded to Serious Moonlight, ridden by Nancy Zukewich of Ottawa, ON. Many thanks to the ride management team from Seaway Valley Arabian Horse Association for hosting a successful OCTRA event that encompassed grassroots and international competitions.

Rainy Weather Didn't Dampen Spirits At Annual All-Breed Trail Ride Submitted by the Ontario Quarter Horse Association

Old friends and new faces came together on Sept. 7-9, 2012 at Esker Springs Ranch for the Ontario Quarter Horse Association/American Quarter Horse Association annual all-breed trail ride.

The ranch, owned by Karen and Steve Cook, boasts miles of trails in the Kawartha Lakes region, just outside of the town of Omemee, ON. The Cook family put a lot of time and effort into ensuring a fun-filled weekend for all attending. With what seems like the driest summer in Ontario’s history, it was unfortunate that one of the few weekends calling for extensive rainfall was the weekend of the trail ride. Nonetheless, that didn’t dampen the enthusiastic hosts as well as some die-hard Ontario Quarter Horse Association (OQHA) supporters.

The festivities started off on the Friday evening with a bonfire social, followed by a continental breakfast on Saturday morning. Due to heavy rainfall, the planned morning trail ride was postponed until later in the afternoon, in hopes the skies would clear. At 2 p.m., everyone headed out on the trails. It was nice to see a mixture of cross-bred horses and Quarter Horses, some of which just finished showing the previous weekend. As the riders left the ranch, the trails wound around ponds, rolling fields and through forests, with all trails offering extremely good footing for the horses. Everyone opted to take part in the poker run. Although they did get rained on a bit, that didn’t deter anyone. Half way through the ride, the skies were blue and the sun was shining.

Following the ride, everyone gathered in the garage to socialize where approximately 30 people enjoyed a delicious dinner; including turkey and fixings, pulled pork, mashed potatoes, salad, rolls and an OQHA cake to top it off. A number of friends of the Cooks came out to entertain the guests with singing, fiddle and guitar music. Sunday morning started off with a pancake breakfast, followed by an optional trail ride.

Everyone who attended and took part thoroughly enjoyed the weekend.

Although the weather certainly deterred a number of riders, OQHA would like to thank everyone who came out and support the organization. OQHA would also like to give a special thanks to the Cooks, as well as Jan Ropp, for doing an amazing job in providing a fun-filled weekend. They put an extensive amount of preparation and planning into this event to ensure everything was perfect; from the trails, to the abundance of delicious food and the entertainment!

OQHA holds a trail ride each year, which is open to all breeds. This is an excellent opportunity for all horse enthusiasts of all disciplines to get together and spend a weekend meeting other horse enthusiasts and spending time with their horses out on the trail. OQHA invites everyone to join the next trail ride! Information can be found at www.oqha.on.ca or by contacting crawfordqh@gmail.com

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Breed & Discipline Updates New Faces At Reining Shows Cap Off Great Season Submitted by the Ontario Reining Horse Association

The Ontario Reining Horse Association had another full season of shows, with some great runs and impressive placings both here, in Quebec and in the U.S. Show hosts – the Fletchers of Fletcher’s Horse World, the Lubinskis of Y Not Farms, the Yaghdjians of the Pickering Horse Centre – did a wonderful job of opening up their facilities to ensure we got to enjoy our sport, and they deserve a huge thank you.

Some of this year’s highlights were: • Loris Epis and Resting Whiz won reserve champion, Level 3 Open, at the NRHA Derby • Heather Vaughn placed well at several big shows on Gotta Magnum Dream • Tim Stanton won the Open in Syracuse, New York • Lesley Martin won the Limited Open in Michigan on Wimpys Best Jac, with Bill Thomas also winning the Level 2 and 4 Derby in Michigan The youth members also had a good year, enjoying some fun and camaraderie, while also raising funds for their association. The highlights were the group “funstyle” at the Fletcher’s show, with Sarah O’Grady winning the class on behalf of the youth, and the egg and spoon race at Pickering Horse Centre, won by Taylor Mariani.

The Ontario Reining Horse Association saw a lot of new faces again this year, with some large Green as Grass classes, so it is wonderful to see the growing interest in the great sport of reining.

For more information on reining, visit www.orha.on.ca or e-mail president@orha.on.ca.

Lesley Martin On Wimpys Best Jac won the Limited Open in Michigan.

Morgans Are On The Move At Events Across The Province Submitted by the Ontario Morgan Horse Club

It’s been a hot summer and the Ontario Morgan Horse Club has been fired up with a few events around the province to show off our beautiful Morgans!

The Ontario Morgan Horse Club supported the Can-Am All Breeds Emporium in March with a booth and three Morgans for the breed demonstrations. In May, two Morgans showed off their talent at the Lindsay All About Horses expo and in June, two Morgans demonstrated their versatility at the Uxbridge Horseman’s Expo.

The Ontario Morgan Horse Club Fun Day, hosted by Cyan Star Morgans in Port Perry, was also held in June. It was a day of fun on horseback; playing games like musical stalls, baton race, egg and spoon and the refreshingly fun game of apple bobbing! A potluck was held afterwards for everyone to eat, relax and dry off from apple bobbing.

The club’s premier event, the OMHC Classic Horse Show, was held in July in Orangeville. Show chairperson Greg Reeves did a fantastic job of guiding the show. The show officials also deserve a pat on the back for their great work. Thank you to Brian Errico, Jill Barton, Craig Petterson, Carrie Purcell, Val Reeson, Gloria Cote, Barry and Sandra Beach and the show committee for your hard work and dedication. It was good to see entries up slightly from last year and we invite all owners of Morgans and part-Morgans to check it out for next year.

Morgan Horse Club members enjoy a game of musical stalls at the OMHC Fun Day at Cyan Star Morgans in Port Perry.

68 | WHOA! Fall 2012

A few more shows and fall fairs are ahead and we look forward to our Christmas potluck turkey supper meeting in December. Please join us!

For more info visit www.morganhorse.on.ca

Breed & Discipline Updates Breeders Realize Long-Time Dream With Olympic Contender Submitted by Tracy Hanes, Canadian Sport Horse Association

Many breeders dream that some day one of their homebred horses will compete at the Olympics. For Caroline Bazley and her mother Jean Watson of Blithe Hill Farm in Orangeville, that dream was realized this summer when their Canadian Sport Horse gelding, Riddle Master, competed in the 2012 London Games Eventing competition with rider Rebecca Howard.

“It has been a dream 50 years in the making and my mother and I have been breeding horses for long time,” says Bazley. “The long and short of it is, it’s a family affair and we’ve always bred Canadian Sport Horses.”

Riddle Master (Rupert) is by the CSHA approved Hanoverian stallion Rodero, out of Blithe Hill’s mare, Legacy III (by Eyes to Rule). He is the last of four colts the mare had. As Bazley tells it, the gelding is a carbon copy of his Thoroughbred dam in appearance, with his sire’s movement and jump.

Riddle Master (registered as Blithe Hill Riddle Master) was the only Canadian Sport Horse of 80 horses in the Olympic Eventing competition.

During the Cross-Country phase, an unfortunate slip at Fence 14B caused Howard to lose her stirrups and to fall at the jump, but Bazley couldn’t be prouder of her horse or his rider. The pair went late in the day when the course was chewed up and slippery. The terrain proved to be the most challenging aspect of the course.

“Riddle Master is a jumper and he loves it. He was so, so focused and when Rebecca bounced out of the saddle, the shock on his face was ‘Oh my God, what have I done?’ Bazley says. “But he followed the track to the next jump even without a rider.”

As a teen, Howard had the ride on another Blithe Hill homebred, Talaris III, when she lived in British Columbia. Joni Lynn Peters, Howard’s coach, called her friend Bazley and told her about a “phenomenal” student she had, so Bazley sent the horse west.

A few years later, she met up with Howard at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair.

“I tracked her down and said, ‘You owe me big time and I’m here to blackmail you,’” jokes Bazley. The “blackmail” involved Howard taking on Bazley’s then six-year-old gelding, Riddle Master. “He went to North Carolina with her in 2007 (Howard became equestrian director at The Fork Stables in 2006) and she wasn’t wild about him for at least a year. All of a sudden, it clicked for them.”

The pair started racking up good placings and, in 2010, Riddle Master made his four-star debut at the World Equestrian Games in Kentucky with Howard, showing impressive poise for a nine-year-old.

“We bred a very good horse and Rebecca made him a great horse,” says Bazley. “You can never discount what the rider is capable of doing. There are many good horses that don’t have the rider, so they don’t get to strut their stuff. Rebecca has persisted and is an amazing athlete.”

Bazley says Riddle Master represents the modern event horse that requires a mix of Warmblood and Thoroughbred blood to have the movement needed for Dressage and the heart and endurance for Cross-Country.

“We breed for Eventers because in our estimation, we believe when you breed a good event horse, you breed a very good horse. They have to have the temperament and movement for Dressage and you have to breed in incredible courage,” says Bazley. “Cross-Country does not take a timid athlete. You need to breed for soundness, courage, heart and temperament.

They have to have it all.”

She adds, “I believe the dam is the most important element and any stallion owner is fortunate to get a good mare with a performance record. None of mine can be broodmares until they have a performance record.”

Riddle Master and Howard have remained in England where they will stay for two years, honing their skills in preparation for the 2014 World Equestrian Games in Normandy.

“It’s a culmination of dreams. It takes a long time to get the recipe right and sometimes you spend a lifetime getting it right or you never get it right,” says Bazley. “I felt it in my bones that Riddle Master had it and I was so persistent.

Rebecca came to me after the World Equestrian Games and said, ‘Caroline, you will never have to blackmail me again to ride this horse.’”

ONTARIO EQUESTRIAN FEDERATION

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The OEF Provincial Officials program provides individuals with no previous judging or course designing experience with the knowledge and skills to begin their career. This program offers entry level training to those who want to officiate at Equestrian Skills Development (E.S.D) competitions, EC Bronze competitions and/or help prepare for the Equine Canada Officials programs.

The OEF will be hosting a series of OEF Provincial Officials clinics in the fall of 2012. Please visit the OEF website for clinic dates and details.

If you are interested learning more about the Provincial Officials program please contact Angelique Homan at a.homan@horse.on.ca.

www.horse.on.ca www.horse.on.ca | 69

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Equine Guelph Research Update

Fall 2012

helping horses for life

Surface Study Covers More Ground The opportunity to study arena footing was a natural leap to take for University of Guelph researcher, Dr. Jeff Thomason, given his extensive involvement researching track surfaces. “Meeting Karen Leeming, co-owner of Footing First, whilst attending the first Equi-Challenge event was serendipitous,” says Thomason.

Footing First has initiated a two to three year scientific study involving noted

researchers Dr. Jeff Thomason, Dr. Mick Peterson and others to look at the effects of footing surfaces on show jumping horses.

Results are intended to assist footing designers in reducing the chances of injuries to horses as they create their next generation of products.

Thomason intends to gather data on top show jumpers performing on a variety of different footings: sand with and without additives (such as fibre and rubber particles), turf, and even a surface with an under mat (which waters the surface from below)!

Sensors on the hoof will measure hoof slip, concussion and loading using the same horses and riders.

In an earlier study of concussion and mid-stance loading, Thomason and student Katie Gallagher found that jumping horses bring their front legs closer together on landing Part of good surface maintenance includes resulting in more force preventing compaction and loss of cushion on the lateral quarter of through regular harrowing.

INSIDE

Volume 9, Number 2

Research Project Update .............................................2 Rhodoccoccus Update .................................................2 We Need Your Help.....................................................2 Shock Waves for Speedy Healing .................................3 Maximizing the Benefits of Genomic Research................4 How Can Horse Farms Practise Biosecurity ....................6 Eye Opener for Electrolyte Use.....................................7 Combact Colic............................................................8

each foot. An interesting side project will include riders giving feedback of their perception on how each surface feels.

Moisture content of the different surfaces will also be studied during the summer of 2012.

When asked to identify the main challenges for creating optimal footing, “Riding surfaces need to provide cushion, be able to bring the foot to a halt fairly quickly while also allowing the foot to cut into the surface allowing torque,” explains Thomason, “Part of good maintenance includes preventing compaction and loss of cushion through regular harrowing.”

Footing First has funded Thomason’s research on this project and will help arrange horses and riders for studies both in Florida and throughout Ontario. The company is in the process of seeking matching funds for ongoing research.

By – Jackie Bellamy Welcome to another bi-annual report on the ground-breaking research funded by partners, sponsors and a growing number of donors to Equine Guelph’s Research Program. This issue brings you news of expanding surface studies, progress in stem cell therapy, the benefits of shock wave treatment, developments toward finding a Rhodococcus vaccine, genomic research in the areas of respiration and reproduction, biosecurity on horse farms and the use of electrolytes.

The last page announces upcoming Equine Guelph programs to help horse owners combat colic. Enjoy and learn!

Dr. Jeff Thomason, Co-Chair, Equine Guelph Research Committee

2011 RESEARCH PROJECT UPDATES

Full Speed Ahead Toward R. Equi Vaccine Development Research aimed towards Rhodococcus vaccine development continues to gain momentum with University of Guelph researcher, Dr. John Prescott, working in collaboration with Ph.D. student, Iain MacArthur at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. Thanks to the advances brought about by genomic research, the team has been able to identify the most “switched on” genes in the R. equi bacterium and come up with an improved process to mutate targeted genes (for example the “LSR” gene) to the point where the bacteria will no longer survive.

Advances have been made in the screening process with hundreds rather than thousands of potential mutants to screen.

The Edinburgh group has also developed an important mouse model for immunization and bacterial challenge.

MacArthur has achieved a 99% reduction in the bacterial count of R. equi in immunized and then challenged mice.

With the advances in this research, Prescott can foresee development of a new vaccine within the next three years. Funding for this research project has been provided by the Horse Race Betting Levy Board and Equine Guelph.

Photo: Brian Stevens Airborne R. equi hides in the macrophages which normally destroy invading bacteria. R. equi has taken over this foal’s lungs resulting in suffocation.

Advances in Differentiating Cells for Regenerative Therapy University of Guelph researcher Dr. Koch is optimistic that advances in his stem cell research are bringing his team closer to in vivo studies. Satisfactory cartilage repair has not been achieved using undifferentiated cells. Priming the cells to become cartilage cells prior to implantation may improve treatment outcome, but coming up with enough cells for use in vivo is a challenge. The new membrane-based culture system will yield better quality cells in higher numbers.

Progress has been made to develop a way to track the cells once they are injected into a live horse. MRI technology has enabled the tracking of 2 Equine Guelph

the stem cells for a week after injection into tendon specimens.

Dr. Thomas Koch is an assistant professor in the Department of Biomedical Sciences at the Ontario Veterinary College and an adjunct associate professor in the Orthopedic Research Lab at Aarhus University in Denmark. His work is funded by the Danish Research Agency for Technology, Production and Innovation, Grayson Research Foundation of Lexington, Kentucky, BioE Inc. of Minnesota, SentrX Animal Care Inc. of Utah, Morris Animal Foundation, and Equine Guelph.

We Need Your Help to ‘Help Horses for Life’ The celebration of ‘War Horse’ continues when you give to the Equine Guelph OEF 'War Horse' W e l f a r e Education Fund created to improve equine welfare education as it applies in today’s world. Equine Guelph, working together with the horse industry, will develop new courses that will teach the highest degree of skills in horse care and welfare and contribute to the reduction of welfare issues.

“Your donation to Equine Guelph helps fund groundbreaking work that is making a significant difference in the lives of our horses. We truly appreciate your support,” Gayle Ecker, director, Equine Guelph.

Donations to Equine Guelph can be made online (http://uofg.convio.net/ eg), by phone (1-519-824-4120 ext.

54431) or by mail using credit card (VISA or Mastercard) or cheque.

Please make cheques payable to University of Guelph/Equine Guelph.

An official tax receipt will be sent for donations (online donations will receive an immediate e-receipt).

There are many different ways to give: cash gifts, planned giving, gifts-in-kind, hosting a fundraiser, or volunteering your time. Equine Guelph also offers a tribute program, Hoofprints, to honour deceased horses or people. Donate today at www.EquineGuelph.ca

E

Shock Waves for Speedy Healing

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Shock wave benefits:

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inflammation phase post-injury, especially in their limbs. Koenig believes that shock waves work in wound and tendon healing by inducing a stronger inflammation in the tissue which results in a shorter healing time. Although it is not fully understood how shock wave treatment works, the theory is shockwaves are acoustic waves that are created by a shockwave generator and travel through fluid in the shockwave head. These acoustic waves create shear forces when they meet tissue of a different density (i.e. tendons) which release gas bubbles on the cell surface and release inflammatory Koenig has found mediators and shock wave treatgrowth factors. ment beneficial in Koenig’s challenge • Speeds healing reducing proud flesh has been attempting of wounds in large wounds, if to measure the up used immediately and down regulation • Reduces down time after injury occurs. of growth factors to • Early treatment “Although the treatexplain the research is key ment is expensive, results. Funding for savings can be this research has realized in reducing been provided by a stall rest time and g r a t e f u l eliminating the cost of treating proud flesh thoroughbred owner, who donated the after wound healing,” says Koenig. equipment, and through Equine Guelph.

Horses are known to have a long and weak By – Jackie Bellamy

Dr. Judith Koenig began studying shock wave treatment when a particular horse with a broken leg came in for treatment. Koenig was interested in all the work that had been done in humans using shock wave therapy and preceded with her studies using a wound healing model.

Photo: Dr. Judith Koenig

The right front leg was treated with shockwave; the left front leg was used as untreated control. Note the amount of proud flesh formation in the untreated leg.

The Value of Research for the Health and Welfare of Your Horse As I write, the diverse and successful equine industry is moving into unknown and very uncertain territory. I do not want to belittle the likely impact on many businesses and individuals, but I do want to deliver a positive message, and possibly a little hope. We, at Equine Guelph and at the University of Guelph have been discussing what we can offer to a redeveloping industry. Even if we focus on research for the purposes of this

newsletter, we can and will continue to contribute through several programs including the many educational and training opportunities.

To date, most of the research supported through Equine Guelph has been on the health and welfare of the horse itself.

What will be added to that in the near future is research on the health and welfare of the equine industry (how

much research is done will greatly depend on funding availability). The aim will be to find or generate information of direct use to individuals, businesses and associations as they adjust. I hope that we will start reporting some success stories based on this research, perhaps as early as next year.

-By: Dr. Jeff Thomason, Co-chair, Equine Guelph Research Committee

Equine Guelph 3

M ax imiz ing the B enefits of Genomic Research on Cl Cl In a major step towards combating issues affecting equine reproduction and respiration, researchers at the University of Guelph have identified a protein called Clara cell secretory protein (CCSP) that may assist in developing better defence systems when it comes to treatment and prevention of different diseases in horses.

The initial release of the horse genome database in 207 has provided scientists with completely new information pertaining to horses’ genes. This, along with the associated technologies in identifying proteins controlled by the genes, has since then greatly benefitted veterinary researchers working on equine health and disease.

In Respiratory Research Working as a main anti- inflammatory protein, CCSP appears to play a critical role in the defence against airway disease in mammals, and D r. D orothee Bienzle, professor in the D epartment of Pathobiology at the Ontario V eterinary College (OV C), is currently studying the effects of this key protein and the role it can play in determining and treating Recurrent Airway Obstruction (RAO) in horses.

A chronic inflammatory lung disease, RAO is commonly referred to as heaves and affects up to 50% of horses worldwide. It is typically caused by an allergic- type of reaction following repeated exposure to environmental substances associated with poor quality hay or bedding. Even though this disease has been recognized for centuries, current treatment for horses with RAO is limited, resulting in affected horses being unable to race or compete.

While environment plays a key role in RAO, Bienzle believes that this disease could also develop in older horses that had suffered severe respiratory virus infections as youngsters. Even after overcoming the viral infection, a certain proportion of these horses end up developing this asthma- like condition later on in life, which, at this stage is very difficult to treat and is essentially impossible to reverse.

“We believe that some horses which suffer severe viral respiratory infections as youngsters, with organisms such as herpesvirus, influenza virus, or rhinovirus, will develop a condition called ‘inflammatory airway disease’ (IAD ),” says Bienzle. “Basically, the lining of the airways becomes inflamed, and some horses that have IAD never ‘reset’ their airway epithelium to the right balance of reacting to environmental stimuli and suppressing reactions. We believe those horses that remain prone to exaggerated inflammatory response are very likely to develop heaves.”

4 Equine Guelph

Bienzle has discovered that the CCSP that is naturally produced in the lower bronchi plays an important role in counteracting lung inflammation in horses with RAO. In identifying the role of the protein they are studying, Bienzle explains that this will help researchers to better understand how the airway defends itself against environmental stimuli, enabling them to properly diagnose and better treat the condition.

“We recognize CCSP as a main anti- inflammatory protein, but we don’t really know how it works,” explains Bienzle.

“We would like to know whether it works in defending the airway epithelium (tissue which ng T op right photo: E M _ CC: Scanning lines the respiratory tract) bed cells w ith round surface are embed against viruses, inhaled ce mucus are attached to the surface particles, bacteria and/ or other stimuli. We would also like to know how it decreases airway inflammation.”

In Reproduction Research While it has been found that the majority of CCSP is produced in the horse’s conducting airway, University of Guelph researchers have also discovered important changes pertaining to key proteins that are involved in similar interactions between the uterus of the mare and the early developing embryo.

D r. K eith Betteridge, D epartment of Biomedical Sciences and D r.

Tony Hayes, D epartment of Pathobiology, both professors at the OV C, came together eight years ago with a common goal of reducing early pregnancy loss in mares.

Nearly 17% of diagnosed pregnancies fail to produce a foal, and about 60% of the failures occur within the first five weeks of pregnancy. Both Betteridge and Hayes are focused on identifying the changes in molecules that are produced in the uterus in mares, including proteins that play a critical role in the failure of early pregnancy, as well as in infertility due to inflammatory processes.

EQUINE RESEARCH UPDATE

lara Cell Secretory Protein Photo: Dr. Dorothee Bienzle

“If we are able to identify the key molecules that are produced in mares, we will be able to do two things,” says Hayes. “We will be able to hopefully develop a test which will help us measure the potential for that particular mare to get pregnant and may be able to use particular treatments that counteract the nasty effects of some of these proteins and therefore settle down the inflammatory response and make pregnancy more likely to occur earlier.”

While genomic research has revolutionized the ability to identify the production of thousands of proteins, Hayes notes it can also be bewildering at times because researchers are confronted suddenly with huge amounts of new information about what’s happening during these critical events. It then takes some time to analyze all of these activities and the locations of protein production.

“There are a lot of the proteins controlled by these genes that have been identified in parallel with what has been known in other species, but still there are many, many genes that are poorly understood in the horse, and I think it will be another five or ten years before the full depth of genomic information will be available for researchers like us,” says Hayes. “But nonetheless, there are many, many helpful items that we can follow now with regard to reproductive health that will be of benefit to the industry.”

g electron micrograph of a bronchiole from a horse. Clara dded amidst ciliated epithelial cells. Small amounts of e of the Clara cells and the cilia of the epithelial cells.

They feel that identifying these key molecules will assist in the development of early diagnostics and in creating new treatments for infertility.

Funding for these research projects have been provided by Equine Guelph, Grayson Jockey Club Research Foundation, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) and the University of Guelph.

By – Barbara Sheridan

“It would be very nice to be able to reduce the numbers of failed pregnancies,” explains Betteridge. “And to be more specific, when we have systems that age the horse from the 1st of January for example, it is very important to get mares pregnant early in the season; being able to prevent pregnancy loss would go a long way towards meeting that goal.”

Genomic research has equipped the veterinary researchers with the ability to identify many proteins by mass spectrometry and has revolutionized their ability to analyze the proteins in detail, as they study fertility and infertility in horses. It is details like these that guide researchers to the next ‘growing point’ of the continuous research process.

The researchers note that there is much more to learn about early pregnancy, and by studying CCSP, they will have a better idea of what can go wrong in early pregnancy.

Trouble accessing R codes? Get the free mobile app at http://gettag.mobi or access Equine Guelph research videos on You Tube by visiting: http://www.youtube.com/user/EquineGuelphUofG/ videos?view=1

Equine Guelph 5

E

How Can Horse Farms Practise Biosecurity?

Biosecurity in the horse industry can be a difficult concept to comprehend, and put into practice, especially when the average horse frequently travels off property or encounters horses that have been off the farm. However, lack of infection control procedures can leave a barn vulnerable to all kinds of diseases. Important preventative steps to discuss with your veterinarian can include cleaning, disinfection, considerations to make when moving horses around and testing of horses when they become sick. According to University of Guelph researcher and author of the “Worms and Germs” blog, Dr. Scott Weese, “having a basic infection control plan in place is probably the biggest thing someone can do to reduce the risk of disease.” Weese goes on to stress, “It does not matter what you do with your horse(s), or whether you have only one horse or a herd of 100, as an owner you should have a general idea of the measures you are going to take in order to reduce the risk of infection.” Weese has been working in the area of biosecurity and infection control for over 15 years trying to find better ways to prevent and treat infectious diseases with a strong emphasis on prevention.

Weese and Dr. Maureen Anderson of the Ontario Veterinary College's Centre for Public Health and Zoonoses have been tracking diseases and infections all over the world. For the last three years they have been posting helpful information for horse and pet owners, first with “equIDblog” and now via the “Worms and Germs Blog.”

Keeping tabs on emerging diseases in the area is valuable information when discussing the importance and timing of a vaccination program with your veterinarian.

This will help ensure the program is a good fit for the needs of your horse. Although, Weese cautions that vaccination should not be the only biosecurity practice horse 6 Equine Guelph

owners engage in.

Any time a horse goes off the farm and encounters other horses it has a chance of contracting an infectious disease. A few ways to lower those risks include: avoiding nose to nose contact, not sharing water buckets and grooming equipment, and avoid having people who are handling other horses handle your horses.

Ideally, a horse that leaves the farm and is exposed to other horses should come home to a quarantine protocol to reduce the chances of spreading infections to the entire herd. Although this is not always possible, consideration should be given to keeping the housing separate for horses that travel frequently, especially if you also keep horses at greater risk of infection such as broodmares or foals.

Weese was the first speaker at the launch of Equine Guelph’s “Beat the Bugs” biosecurity workshops and says, “These workshops are great for getting people thinking in a broader context when it comes to infection control and putting into practice the easy day to day steps which can reduce outbreaks of disease.”

To learn more about protecting your horse from infectious disease - sign up for Equine Guelph's upcoming Biosecurity workshops.

By – Jackie Bellamy

BIOSECURITY WORKSHOPS Grand River Raceway, Elora September 6, 1 - 3pm University of Guelph, Guelph September 13, 5 - 7pm Woodbine Racetrack, Toronto September 25, 1 - 3pm Best Western Inn, Orangeville September 27, 1 - 3pm Equine Guelph's eWorkshop Oct 22 to Nov 4 Sign up at: www.EquineGuelph.ca/biosecurity.php

OEF Contributes to Research A generous $10,000 donation made by the Ontario Equestrian Federation to Equine Guelph has been allocated to research involving respiratory health and digestive track health.

Dr. Dorothee Bienzle is studying etiologic agents and their interaction with macrophages in heaves. Dr. Scott Weese is studying genetic characteristics of equine intestinal bacteria. Equine Guelph looks forward to bringing you updates.

E

Eye Opener for Electrolyte Use Most horse owners have used a skin pinch test to assess hydration in a horse.

University of Guelph professor, Dr. Mike Lindinger cautions this qualitative approach can not only give a false negative but may also be too-little-too-late as clinical dehydration may already be occurring at the point when skin tenting is apparent.

camera imaging was used to track gastric emptying and showed the electrolyte supplement emptied from the stomach as quickly as water. Through blood testing it was discovered the supplement, given one hour prior to exercise, was being absorbed into the blood within 10 minutes of administration.

Muscle biopsies showed that potassium was taken up by this tissue, and sweat analysis showed appearance of sodium from the supplement, indicating that supplemented electrolytes replace those lost through sweating.

Electrolytes moderate many body functions including firing of nerves and contracting of muscles.

Lindinger first became involved with studying electrolyte balance in horses 20 years ago after meeting potential M.Sc. student Gayle Ecker, current director of Equine Guelph. Ecker introduced Lindinger to elite equine athletes in the world of endurance riding and eventing.

Riders know first-hand the damaging effects that can result Lindinger’s studies have included from dehydration, a condition when working with three-day event horses sweating exceeds drinking. and endurance horses (most notably However, the amount of salt a horse before the games in Atlanta) but loses in sweat is far greater than high performance horses are not the their human counterparts. Horses only ones at risk for dehydration. can lose up to 10 – 15 litres of water Transport stress can also result in Horses can lose up to 10 – 15 litres of an hour.

Lindinger explains, dehydration.

Lindinger says one of water an hour. Drinking plenty of “Drinking plenty of water after the first signs of dehydration is water after exercise is NOT enough! exercise is NOT enough!” usually behavioural, as the horse Prolonged exercise results in loss of becomes less responsive.

His volume overload. Giving electrolytes electrolytes and depleted glycogen levels again after exercise helps restore those studies conclude that giving electrolytes which contribute to muscle soreness and essential nutrients lost during sweating. before situations likely to cause poor performance. When there is dehydration will be beneficial to overall dehydration, consequences can be as Lindinger and Ecker, with the help of performance and help guard against the serious as lack of appetite, colic, Buckeye Nutrition, have produced the serious effects of dehydration. Funding physical injury, heat strain, only scientifically developed and tested for Mike Lindinger’s research has been hyperthermia, cardiovascular electrolyte supplement. Their study provided by the American Endurance impairment and kidney damage. monitored the performance of horses on Rider’s Conference, Buckeye Nutrition, a treadmill with and without use of the Equine Guelph, Natural Sciences and Simply replacing water is not sufficient electrolyte supplement. They showed Engineering Research Council of due to the high concentration of that when horses received electrolyte Canada, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, electrolytes that a horse loses during supplement one hour before exercise the Food and Rural Affairs and United sweating (including sodium, potassium, horses could perform at a fast trot for a States Equestrian Federation Equine chloride, magnesium and calcium). 27% longer duration than the control Health Research Fund.

Water given during or after exercise group. The research also measured the dilutes the body fluid compartments and rate of gastric emptying and intestinal By – Jackie Bellamy is excreted because the body senses it as absorption into the blood. Gamma Equine Guelph 7

UPDATE ON EQUINE GUELPH’S WORK

Colic and Biosecurity eWorkshops Coming Soon!

Combat Colic

Equine Guelph makes updating your horse knowledge easy with its new informative two-week online short courses providing the latest evidence-based information available.

Photo: Jackie Bellamy EquiMania!’s life-size model of the 85’-long digestive system shows why horses are prone to colic.

Colic is the #1 killer of horses (other than old age), and Equine Guelph has announced a new program to help horse owners battle colic through prevention. Stay tuned for: 1) Colic Exhibit – visit the EquiMania! display featured at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair from Nov. 2 – 11, 2012 2) ‘Colic Risk Rater’ Online Tool – available on Equine Guelph’s website Feb. 2013 3) Colic Prevention eWorkshop – twoweek online short course will be offered Mar. 2013

Thank you to all who are contributing to our colic survey; your input is integral in helping us develop these programs. For in-depth survey results, go to www.EquineGuelph/ education/colic.

Investment in this project has been provided

by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada through the Canadian Agricultural Adaptation Program (CAAP). In Ontario, this program is delivered by the Agricultural Adaptation Council.

Thanks to the following animal health care companies for sponsoring the educational, interactive tools at www.EquineGuelph.ca.

Vaccination Equi-Planner

educating horsepeople

Lameness Lab & Journey through the Joints

funding industry research

Equine Guelph, University of Guelph 50 McGilvray St., Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1

Biosecurity Risk Calculator

promoting health & performance

Horse enthusiasts from around the globe enjoyed the first offering of Equine Guelph’s eWorkshop on equine biosecurity this past April 2012.

"This course offered extensive information on biosecurity. I believe it to be valuable, and even essential, for anyone who wants to protect and give their horse the best and safest conditions possible."

Patty Russen, New York, USA—Student Watch EquineGuelph.ca for new two week online eWorkshop offerings: Biosecurity - Oct. 22 - Nov. 4, 2012 Colic Prevention - Spring 2013

EVENTS Mark your

calendar!

Royal Agricultural Winter Fair (EquiMania!) November 2 -11, 2012 Equine Guelph Online Courses Next offering January 2013 Anyone wishing to excerpt Equine Guelph should contact: Jackie Bellamy, ext 54205 horses@uoguelph.ca

equine guelph

helping horses for life™

tel: 519.824.4120 ext. 54205, fax: 519.767.1081 horses@uoguelph.ca • www.EquineGuelph.ca

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www.horse.on.ca | 79

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