The Official Newsletter of the Ontario Equestrian Federation
Fall 2014 www.horse.on.ca
Member Benefits Get A Makeover Tips For Sharing The Trail Remembering MH Lessard
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
www.horse.on.ca | 1
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Fall 2014 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
GRANT FIELD
905-854-0762
905-888-1226
MARC NICOLS
Maxine Lewis
President/Associations Council Chair
1st Vice President/ Industry Council Chair
705-435-9229
KIMBERLEY BLEASE
2nd Vice President/Associations Council Vice-Chair
416-566-1801
Director/Horse Facilities Council Chair
Director
416-925-1809 Mark Nelson Director
613-227-9784 PAUL RICHARDSON Director
VALERIE SHIPP
905-838-1809
519-362-5668
JEAN SZKOTNICKI
ANDREA CLARKE
519-822-2836
519-763-3999
CLAUDIA WAGNERWILSON
Treasurer
Director
ISABEL DOPTA Director
519-993-1192
Director
Secretary
905-466-1901
TRACEY EVANS Director
289-231-6775
STAFF DIANNE GRAHAM Executive Director d.graham@horse.on.ca ext. 19
SUSAN BELL Sr. Membership Services Rep s.bell@horse.on.ca ext. 14
IRYNA KONSTANTYNOVA Director Of Finance i.konstantynova@horse.on.ca ext. 16
LESLEY McCOY Membership Services Rep l.mccoy@horse.on.ca ext. 13
MELISSA MONARDO Marketing Manager m.monardo@horse.on.ca ext. 17 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
PAM COBURN Program Administrator Horse Facilities/Coaching p.coburn@horse.on.ca ext. 26 CHARLAYNE SZAFRANSKI Administrative Assistant Education/Coaching c.szafranski@horse.on.ca ext. 32 ANGELIQUE HOMAN Competition Administrator a.homan@horse.on.ca ext. 15
Copyright, including electronic, belongs to the OEF. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Articles and letters are welcome from members, but must be signed and include a phone number. The publisher reserves the right to revise all material accepted for publication, including articles, columns, photographs, images and advertisements.
UPCOMING PUBLICATION DATES Winter 2015 / deadline December 5 Spring 2015 / deadline February 6 Summer 2015 / deadline May 29 Fall 2015 / deadline September 4
Contents
NEWS 4 President’s Message 4 Executive Director’s Message 8 Introducing Your OEF Board Of Directors 8 Health & Dental Benefits Now Available To Members 10 All 2015 Members Receive $50 Savings At System Fencing 11 2015 OEF Membership Renewals Available In November 11 Forage Cubes Offered Exclusively To OEF Members 13 Member Given New Award After Original Lost In Fire 13 OEF Associations' Advisory Council Update 15 2014 Jump Canada Hall Of Fame Inductees Announced 15 FEI Stewards Wanted For Pan Am Games 16 NAJYRC Wrap Up 20 Ontario Shines At Canadian Interprovincial Equestrian Championships 20 Ontario Riders Take World Stage At WEG 20 New Program At Woodbine Uses Ex-Racehorses For Therapy Work 21 2015 Youth Bursary Application 24 Quest For Gold Updates 26 Ontario Equestrian Federation Quarterly Report 27 In Memoriam: Marie-Helen Lessard MEMBER SPOTLIGHT 28 Hackney Trainer Has Show Of A Lifetime 30 Ontario Rider Makes History At National Show 30 Member Urges Others To Be Organ Donors 32 Equestrian Icon: The Merrills - From Racetrack Records To Show Ring Success ASK BFL 36 Business Use vs. Commercial Use SUCCESS AFTER THE TRACK 38 Off-The-Track Quarter Horse Enjoys New Career On The Trillium Circuit
ON THE TRAIL 50 Stay Safe And Make Friends On The Trail 51 Meeting A Horse On the Trail 51 Best Practices for Horses on the Trails AROUND THE BARN 52 Expanding The Reach Of The HFAC Program BREED & DISCIPLINE UPDATES 55 Ontario Riders Win Big At Canadian Arabian National Horse Show 55 Emma Johnston Receives Heather Wellman Youth Bursary 56 A Long Tradition Of Road Horses Continues At Orono Fair 57 Le Trec Challenges Pony Clubbers Over Three Phases 57 Another Busy Season For The Eastern Ontario Miniature Horse Club 58 Canadian Rider Tackles The Mongol Derby 58 Icelandic Association Launches Youth Sponsorship 60 Peruvian Riders Tour Wine Country On Horseback 60 OQHA Reaches Out To Grassroots Competitors 61 Igniting A Passion For Horses At The Erin Fair 63 Forge New Friendships Through Fun Times At Mounted Games 63 Toronto And North York Hunt Is New OEF Affiliate Member 65 Vector Equestrian 'Family' Raises The Bar On Community Sharing 65 Equifest Helps Riders Broaden Their Horse Experience 66 Welsh Champion Of Champions To Be Named At Royal Winter Fair 66 Tri-County Carriage Association Offers Fun Events For All Skill Levels EQUINE GUELPH 67 Fall Newsletter BUSINESS & STABLE LISTINGS 76 Business & Stable Listings
SAFETY FIRST 40 Stay Safe When Riding On The Roads MANE EVENTS 42 OEF Returns To Spirit Of The Horse 42 Take Advantage Of OEF Member Benefits At The Royal Winter Fair 47 2014 Sanctioned Competitions COACHES CORNER 49 Making The Coaching Program More Accessible For Members
About The Cover: Huntsman Mark Mcmannus of the Ottawa Valley Hunt at Longley's Gate. Photo by Heather Swan, Liberty Shots
www.horse.on.ca | 3
News
President’s Message It is hard to believe that the outdoor competition season is over and the cooler weather is around the corner.
of new membership benefits available to OEF members that we’re very excited about, so please check them out. Dianne and her whole staff have done a great job with the benefits package offered to members.
It seems like just yesterday that I was watching Canada win the Nations Cup and Ian Millar win the $1.5 million Grand Prix at Spruce Meadows. Moments like that give us all reasons to be proud. I am privileged to have been able to watch Ian compete and bring glory to Canada for over 50 years. He is one of the best athletes this country has ever produced, in my opinion.
Many of you are, no doubt, excited about the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. It’s a good feeling to have “Spirit” back at the Royal, which you will read more about in this issue. Hopefully you can get down and see the different breeds and disciplines and enjoy the clinics offered in the Spirit of the Horse demonstration ring.
We have lots to be proud of at the OEF, too. We have a number
Allan H.L. Ehrlick, president
Lastly, thank you to the OEF board of directors for your continued support. I look forward to serving as your president over the coming year. Stay warm and healthy and enjoy your horses! Stay warm and healthy and
Executive Director’s Message It is a very exciting time at the OEF. There are many changes happening while we focus on expanding and strengthening our programs and improving our member relations. All the while, we need to continue to focus on being innovative, relevant and responsive. As you know, change is never easy and we know that we have some challenges ahead of us. Firstly, we need to ask ourselves, can the OEF be an effective provincial sport organization and still create and deliver value for all of its members, whether they are competitors or recreational participants? Ultimately, we want to ensure that the OEF remains relevant and we want to avoid stagnation. In the coming months we will be launching a comprehensive member survey to help us better determine who our members are, how they enjoy their horses and what they need from us as an organization. In the midst of creating value for all of our members, we also need to satisfy the needs and expectations of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport. As the provincial sport organization for equestrian in the province of Ontario, the OEF enters into a contractual relationship with the ministry to deliver programs to improve equestrian sport in Ontario. While there is a funding component to this relationship there is also a strict delivery criteria. The ministry has made it very clear that the base funding we receive must be used to improve and grow equestrian sport in Ontario. Over the last nine years, the OEF has distributed $428,000 to various associations, recreational groups and projects. The OEF can and will continue to support associations and recreational projects, but all funded projects will now have to involve one of the following factors: safety, capacity building, talent identification and development, along with officials and/or coaching development. 4 | WHOA! Fall 2014
With our new, clearly defined guidelines and criteria we can now assist in funding programs that we can measure. One of the new athlete development projects that we will be working on is the newly acquired Ontario Has Talent program. Until now, it has been focused on developing young Dressage athletes, but the plan is to roll out the initiative to other disciplines going forward. We have also recognized that we need to give more time and attention to our key educational programs, including Equestrian Skills Development (ESD) competitions, the national Learn to Ride program, coaching certification and stable accreditation. Along with developing our educational programs we have given a great deal of time and energy to securing new affinity programs and aligning our brand with established organizations, like the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA), over the past year. Programs like the new health and dental coverage offered in association with the OFA will provide our members with more tangible benefits that will help strengthen our numbers and create more revenue that can be invested back into the industry. We’re also pleased to be able to offer our members exclusive access to MAAAX™ forage cubes, which will change how we do business in Ontario. This forage cube program, which sees $1 from every bag sold donated to OEF programming, gives the OEF an opportunity to be self-reliant and to “float to our own boat,” so to speak. We are also excited to announce that all 2015 OEF members will receive $50 off a purchase of $100 or more at System Fencing, a new benefit being offered in addition to the 5% members already save at the store throughout the year. You can read more about these new programs and benefits in this issue of WHOA! As you can see, we are working hard to add value to your membership. You continue to demand the best from us and we plan to do our best for you by providing you with quality programs, relevant benefits and effective communication. We will continue to make change relevant, meaningful and effective for you. Dianne Graham, Executive Director
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380 KINGSTON ROAD. EAST, AJAX, ON. L1Z 1W4 PH. (905) 686-0948 TOLL FREE: (800) 661 –9622 STORE HOURS: MON. TO SAT.: 10-6, SUN.: 12-5 WEBSITE: www.picovs.ca EMAIL: picovs@bellnet.ca
News
Introducing Your OEF Board Of Directors The Ontario Equestrian Federation is pleased to welcome its new board of directors following the annual general meeting and election that took place on Sept. 30 in Caledon. Executive Committee: Allan Ehrlick – President Marc Nicols – 1st Vice President Kimberley Blease – 2nd Vice President Valerie Shipp – Treasurer Andrea Clarke – Secretary Directors: Isabel Dopta, Tracey Evans, Maxine Lewis, Paul Richardson, Jean Szkotnicki, Grant Field, Mark Nelson, Claudia Wagner Wilson.
Meet Our New Directors MAXINE LEWIS
Maxine’s love of horses started as a young girl in Vermont, showing her pony in the short stirrup division and fox hunting. Now a recreational rider, she is working her way through the Rider Levels on Elliot, a Belgian Warmblood, at her familyrun facility in the Oak Ridges Moraine. Returning to riding after a 20-year absence, Maxine will bring a perspective and voice to the board that is shared by the heart of the OEF demographic.
A graduate of Dalhousie University, Maxine has built a career in commercial printing, publishing and project management. Her accomplishments include analyzing, creating, implementing production workflow solutions and providing advisory services. She currently woks in financial education.
Her past volunteer experience includes working at the Community Association for Riding for the Disable (CARD), as social director at Moore Park Tennis Club and communication chair of Ashbridge’s Bay Yacht Club.
MARK NELSON
Mark operates Oakhurst Farm in Ashton, ON. with his wife, Ruth Allum. Riding ponies and competing from a young age, Mark progressed to completing Advanced level Three-Day events. Mark experienced his first taste of international success riding the exracehorse, Power of 2. The pair enjoyed a 4th place finish at the Advanced Horse Trials at Morven Park, and were long-listed for the Canadian Eventing Team in 2006 Along with being a certified farrier, Mark is a Level 2 Technical Delegate with Equine Canada, as well as being a Recognized Cross-Country Course Designer. Mark actively promotes Eventing in Canada and is currently on the board of the Ontario Horse Trials Association.
OEF Bylaw Changes In order to comply with the requirements of the Ontario Corporations Act, the Ontario Equestrian Federation has updated its bylaws. The amendments were voted on and approved at the 2014 annual general meeting. To review the revised bylaws, visit the Events/Competitions section of the OEF website at www.horse.on.ca. ❧
Health & Dental Benefits Now Available To Members The OEF health and dental benefits program, offered in association with the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, is now available to offer affordable insurance protection to OEF members, their family and their employees Through this new benefits program, OEF members are eligible to apply for a wide range of flexible benefit programs to provide health and dental insurance plans to protect members, their families and their employees if they own a business. Health and dental plans are provided through a partnership with CBA, a firm with more than 25 years of plan consulting expertise. OEF member plans include: • • • • • •
Semi-private hospital and prescription drug coverage Chiropractic/massage/naturopath Long-term disability (optional) Vision care Dental Travel
For more information, visit the OEF website at www.horse. on.ca/membership/membership-benefits or contact Yvonne Hay, CBA Member Services, at 1-800-463-2555 or memberservices@ corpben.com. ❧ 8 | WHOA! Fall 2014
News
All 2015 Members Receive $50 Savings At System Fencing We’ve added more bang for your membership buck! All 2015 OEF members will receive $50 off a purchase of $100 or more at System Fencing, a new benefit being offered in addition to the 5% members already save at the store throughout the year. “We’re very excited about this new offer, which will add even more value to the OEF membership,” says Dianne Graham, executive director of the OEF. “This is a great deal! For a youth member, it’s almost like getting their membership for free when you factor in the savings they’ll receive at System Fencing.” The $50 savings can be redeemed in store, online or at events. Members will receive a key tag with their 2015 membership card stating the System Fencing benefit. “We are very proud of the partnership that we have enjoyed with the OEF for the past 15 years,” says Dwayne Job, president of System Fencing Limited in Rockwood, ON. “System Fencing and Tack is a leader in the horse industry and this is another program that lets us get our name out in front of people.” ❧
Fencing & Stall Experts on site Bring your Ideas & Visit us in Hall A
sales@systemfence.com systemfence.com systemtack.com 14321 5th Line Nassagaweya, Rockwood ON N0B 2K0 1-800-765-6670 Fax: 519-856-4141
10 | WHOA! Fall 2014
News
2015 OEF Membership Renewals Available In November Your 2015 OEF membership renewal will be available in November and notices will be sent out in the mail or by e-mail, depending on the method you selected on your 2014 application.
Sign and date your form - Please ensure that you sign and date your application form. Incomplete applications cannot be processed and will be returned.
Here are a few tips to ensure your membership form is completed properly for prompt and accurate processing.
Submitting an Application – We can only accept membership forms that are completed online or hard copies that are returned via fax, mail or in person. We cannot accept membership applications over the telephone. Acceptable forms of payment are Visa, MasterCard, VISA Debit, cheque, money order or cash (in person only). ❧
Include your birth date – Due to your automatic insurance coverage, we must have a record of your birth date.
Forage Cubes Offered Exclusively To OEF Members TM
Manufactured by: ~The Ontario Forage Processor~ OEF members can now feed their horses premium forage at an affordable price while also supporting OEF programing, thanks to a new exclusive offer.
Bruce Agra Dehy Inc. and the Ontario Equestrian Federation have formed a partnership to provide long-fiber forage cubes exclusively to OEF members. Grown and produced in Ontario, MAAAX™ Equine Feed provides consistent, quality nutrition all year long. “This is an opportunity to bring a quality product to our members, which directly benefits the Ontario equestrian community,” says Dianne Graham, executive director of the OEF. Kincardine-based Bruce Agra Dehy is the only forage processor using the iTrackAgra “Seed to Stable” concept, a quality assurance process in which every step is inspected and monitored. It allows any customer full traceability of the product, all the way back to the field where it was grown. “My horses love them! I'm finally noticing that my mare, who I have been trying to improve body condition on for a year, is starting to round out,” says OEF member Nancy McAfee of Tobermory, ON. If that’s not enough to convince you to try MAAAX™ Equine Feed forage cubes, here are a few more reasons to make them part of your feeding program: • Consistent quality year-round – Grown and produced in Ontario under strict controls, MAAAX™ Equine Feed products provide consistent quality nutrition all year long. • Virtually dust free – MAAAX™ Equine Feed reduces the risk of respiratory problems. • More energy – Contains up to 50% more digestible energy than even the best quality hay • Virtually no wastage – Every cube is consumed whereas hay can end up as very expensive bedding. • Guaranteed nutrient content – Every MAAAX™ bag comes
with a guaranteed analysis of nutrient composition. Hay can vary from flake to flake and bale to bale. • Convenience – MAAAX™ products are an effective way to monitor feed rations and are easy to handle, store and transport. • Easily chewable & digestible – Their long-fiber composition means they break apart easily with no soaking required, and they keep horses occupied longer. • Horses love them! • Great price! The transformative power of the MAAAX™ Equine Feed forage cubes are well documented at Whispering Hearts Horse Rescue in Hagersville. In 2013, Bruce Agra Dehy Inc. teamed up with the OEF to help with the rehabilitation of a herd of severely malnourished horses that had been surrendered to Whispering Hearts. “The hay cubes have been amazing! The horses that arrived the same day the product did were severely emaciated and had terrible coats. Within four weeks their coats improved drastically and they had gained an average of 90 pounds,” says Brenda Thompson, owner/operator of Whispering Hearts. “This was quicker than any other recovery we have done. I truly believe in this product. Our herd has also done amazingly well. Their coats just gleam! I love this product and will continue to use it.” Bruce Agra Dehy Inc. agreed to feed the 12 surrendered horses for three months, but substantially increased their donation to care for the entire Whispering Hearts herd after visiting the facility and seeing first-hand the wonderful work done there. Bruce Agra Dehy and OEF continue to support the horses at Whispering Hearts Horse Rescue. Since that first donation in 2013, close to 5,000 bags have been shipped to the rescue facility. MAAAX™ Equine Feed is offered exclusively to OEF members who can purchase alfalfa cubes or alfalfa-timothy cubes for $618.75 per skid of 45 bags ($13.75/bag) or for $15.75 per bag. For every bag sold, $1 is donated to the OEF to support member programs. “We need to try to create ways to be self-sufficient and to provide programs that benefit all horses in this province,” Graham says. “This program is just the start of new and exciting ways to achieve this goal.” For more information, or to place an order, www.maaaxequinefeed.com. ❧
visit
www.horse.on.ca | 11
NEW OEF MEMBER BENEFIT
NOW Is The Time To Reward Yourself Exclusive once-in-a lifetime opportunities for all OEF Members!
The OEF and Strategic Incentive Solutions have partnered together to offer OEF members the JustRewards™ sports, vacations and experiential packages. OEF Members can now access packages to one-of-a-kind events such as: « The Kentucky Derby « The Masters « Wrangler National Rodeo Finals « All inclusive vacations, spa packages, sporting events, and much more! Accessing the JustRewards™ packages is simple! Visit the OEF website to view the catalogue of available packages, complete the online application and redeem your certificate at any time. The JustRewards™ packages make great gifts, high point awards, trade show prizes, employee incentives or personal travel opportunities.
www.horse.on.ca
12 | WHOA! Fall 2014
Photo by James Youells, River Bend Designs
News
Laurel Gould was surprised with a new award, which was presented after her class by Greg Reeves and Stephanie Rutherford.
Member Given New Award After Original Lost In Fire The Ontario Equestrian Federation was on hand at the Ontario Morgan Horse Classic Championship in July to make a very special presentation to a member who lost an important award in a house fire earlier this year.
horses and taking in abused and traumatized youth. With Gould’s commitment and compassion, she helped change the lives of horses and youth who found strength in each other.
Laurel Gould and her husband, John Vogels, lost their home in Clarington, ON. in February. Among the possessions they lost was the Yvonne Collard Award that the OEF presented to Gould in 2006.
“Teaming the horses and kids up had such great results and really filled my heart, so to be honoured with a humanitarian award, its what I believe life is about,” says Gould. “Ribbons and things are nice, but I just felt this was a more meaningful award of all that I have received in my life.”
“It was definitely a surprise – a very pleasant surprise,” she says. “After the fire I had said to some people that it was one of the most prized possessions I missed because it was gone forever.”
While the plaque can’t undo the hardship Gould and her husband have been through, the board and staff of the OEF hope it will restore memories as they rebuild their lives.
This Yvonne Collard Award is presented annually by the OEF to an adult member who has made an outstanding contribution of time and effort to Ontario equestrian sport, recreation, industry and/ or equine welfare. Gould was nominated for her work rescuing
“I just burst into tears,” Gould says, recalling the surprise award presentation at the end of one of her classes. “It was so thoughtful for everyone to pull that off.” ❧
OEF Associations' Advisory Council Update by Allan Ehrlick, Chair
We hope you have all had an enjoyable summer filled with enjoying time with your equines, heading out on the trails, and/or participating in competitions. The Associations’ Advisory Council met on Monday, Oct. 6 at the OEF office. This meeting focussed on the changes in the grant process available for Association Council members to meet the guidelines and expectations of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport.
The meeting also covered how associations can participate in the upcoming Spirit of the Horse exhibit, which is part of the President’s Choice Animal Theatre at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair from Nov. 7-16. If anyone has any suggestions for future speakers and topics for discussion at meetings, please let us know. Have a safe and enjoyable autumn! ❧
www.horse.on.ca | 13
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News
2014 Jump Canada Hall Of Fame Inductees Announced This year’s celebrated inductees will be: • Hunter Horse: Killer Tom, owned by Sam Son Farms • Official: Sandra Sillcox (posthumous) • Sponsor: The Bassin Family including Don and Frankie Bassin and their children, Marni, Sari and Stuart • Team: 1987 Pan American Games Gold Medal Team comprised of Laura Tidball Balisky, Lisa Carlsen, Hugh Graham and Ian Millar “We are proud of what the hall of fame has come to represent: excellence, achievement and transformational contributions,” says Mark Samuel, chairman of the Jump Canada Hall of Fame. “We thank BMO Financial Group for their on-going and steadfast support, and we look forward to another fantastic evening of celebration and entertainment.” The eighth annual Jump Canada Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Gala will be part of a black-tie gala and dinner, including live music and dancing, held in the elegant Governor’s Room at Toronto’s Liberty Grand Entertainment Complex at Exhibition Place. The Jump Canada Hall of Fame was created in 2006 to recognize outstanding contributions to Hunter/Jumper sport. To date, 45 champions have been welcomed into the hall of fame, including 17 horses and ponies, 20 humans, five organizations, and three teams.
Sandra Sillcox is being posthumously inducted into the Jump Canada Hall Of Fame.
The Ontario Equestrian Federation would like to congratulate this year’s inductees into the Jump Canada Hall of Fame. Returning to its traditional festive format, the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Gala, presented by BMO Financial Group, will be held on Sunday, Nov. 9, 2014, at the Liberty Grand in Toronto.
The Hall of Fame Gala has quickly grown into an annual favourite and each edition has sold out. Friends and associates will be on hand to present the distinct hall of fame awards, making for a very special evening recalling the sport’s greatest memories. For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit the Jump Canada Hall of Fame website at www.equinecanada.ca/ halloffame or contact Jessica Scarlato at 613-287-1515 x 101 or jscarlato@equinecanada.ca. ❧
FEI Stewards Wanted For Pan Am Games If you’re an FEI steward, the Pan Am stewarding team welcomes you to take part in the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am Games as a national technical official (NTO).
What does this mean? 1. A s a volunteer you would work beside and with a team of international stewards. 2. You would gain valuable experience as part of a “games team”. 3. You would have the opportunity to be involved at the top level of your sport. O2015 offers no hospitality for NTO officials, so it would be your T responsibility for: 1. Housing
2. Travel 3. Meals outside of your assigned shifts Check your calendar for dates between July 6 when the Dressage horses are scheduled to arrive and July 25, the completion of the Jumping competition. If you are interested in working this event (and it will be work!) contact Jan Stephens, chief steward of Eventing and Jumping, at jstephe@highspeedcrow.ca. ❧ www.horse.on.ca | 15
News
ADEQUAN/FEI NORTH AMERICAN JUNIOR & YOUNG RIDER CHAMPIONSHIPS The North American Junior and Young Rider Championships (NAJYRC) took place from July 15-20 in Lexington, KY and welcomed over 200 young athletes from across Canada.
three Olympic equestrian disciplines of Show Jumping, Dressage, Eventing and the FEI World Equestrian Games disciplines of Reining and Endurance.
The NAJYRC is the premier equestrian competition in North America for junior and young riders between the ages of 14-21. Young equestrians vie for team and individual FEI medals in the
We asked a rider from each of the disciplines that fielded a team from Ontario to share their experience. So, here’s a recap of the 2014 NAJYRC – straight from the horse’s mouth!
Jumping Into A Team Environment
Young Rider teammates Muhammad Itani finish individually in 17th place and Carlie Fairty make it through to the top 15 to finish 14th overall in the Young Rider division.
The North American Junior and Young Rider Championships (NAJYRC), held annually in Kentucky, is an amazing event that I have been fortunate enough to attend for the past two years.
The week spent at NAJYRC is as social as it is competitive, and we all came back having made new friends. NAJYRC is a great learning experience, and I’m hopeful that many more Junior and Young Riders make it their goal to qualify to attend before they age out of the competition.
by Adrien Vilcini
My experiences as a competitor have been nothing but positive. First of all, the facility is impressive – the landscape, barns, Rolex stadium and the organization of it all is outstanding. I remember the first time I walked on the property and saw the stadium I was going to compete in. I was wowed, to say the least. The main difference between NAJYRC and any other major horse show is the team aspect. As a young rider, there aren’t many opportunities to be able to represent your region or your country as a team. The experience of being on a team definitely alters some of the aspects of competition. There’s more pressure, for one thing, but there is also a feeling of competing for others rather than just yourself. I believe that gaining this experience is highly beneficial to developing as a high-level rider. I have learned a lot at the past two championships. At my first NAJYRC in 2013, I was tested over the biggest tracks I’d seen before on a horse that was jumping his absolute maximum. When you find yourself in a situation like that, you have to be confident and assure your horse that he can do it. Otherwise, it can be overwhelming. Unfortunately, the tracks proved to be too big and we didn’t finish. What I did learn however, was the experience and knowledge of what happens at that level of competition. This year, I knew what to expect and had a horse with more ability that was also peaking. I was much more comfortable as the anchor ride, knowing the order and locations of everything. Unfortunately, on the first day of competition my horse spooked and we were eliminated from individual competition. This was a reality check of how you never have full control when paired with an animal. On the following day of team competition, however, things turned around nicely and we were one of six horse and rider combinations to put in two perfect back-to-back clear rounds. I was absolutely content with my performance and was satisfied to have bounced back from the previous day’s disappointment in time for team competition. One of the great things about being on a team is to be able to have your friends as teammates rather than as the competition, like at other shows. And even though our teams were unable to medal due to our inability to field full teams, we were able to watch 16 | WHOA! Fall 2014
NAJYRC From An Eventer's Perspective by Annick Niemuller
The first time someone asked me what it’s like to be a rider at NAJYRC I said, “It’s like the Olympics, but for teenagers!” The atmosphere at the Kentucky Horse Park and the feeling of being there with a team is indescribable. Eventing is a funny sport. First you have to do Dressage and demonstrate the precision and beauty of your horse’s movements. In my opinion, the test started as soon as you walked down the chute to the Rolex arena. All you hear is the sound of hooves and the buzz from the warm-up ring. At that moment you know how your horse will perform. To my surprise and delight, Kegan puffed up his chest and started strutting around, producing our best FEI Dressage score yet. Other amazing tests that day came from Moira de Ste Croix-Laframboise, who finished third in the CCI* event, and Hanna Bundy who was second in the CCI**. Some rides didn’t go as planned because the atmosphere was spooky for some of the horses. But that is Eventing. It’s exciting and sometimes there can be heartbreak, but there is always another day to start again. After our strong showing in Dressage, Team Ontario was ready for Cross-Country! This is what Eventers live for! It’s the chance to fly over the fields and jump over obstacles. It is where dreams are realized or shattered. One stop on Cross-Country incurs 20 penalty points and will take away your podium finish. One misstep and you part ways with your horse and that is the end of the competition. When it all comes together and you fly around the course with no jump or time penalties, it is the most exhilarating feeling. Team Ontario experienced all of this, but being part of a team means you pull yourself together, cheer your teammates on and get ready for another day. This is Eventing, after all. After running Cross-Country, we spent a lot of time icing, walking, and caring for our horses so that they would be ready for the Show Jumping phase. The higher you are placed in the
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standings, the longer you have to wait before you can ride and the pressure mounts. Walking down the chute for the second time is even more daunting. There are spectators watching from the grandstands, music is playing and the jumps are big and bright – the course requires your full concentration. Kegan responded once again and put in an outstanding effort to give me a smooth, clear round. What an incredible finish for us! The competition ended on a definite high for Team Ontario as all the riders handled the pressure with skill and professionalism.
them in as many activities as possible. Several of us went to dinner a couple of nights, including team silver medalist Sophie Potter and team silver and individual Bronze medalist Alexandra Meghji. For the record, I knew them before they were famous medallists! What made the competition particularly inspiring and enjoyable was the support teammates showed each other. We helped each other in the barn and were the loudest cheering section when the Canadian riders entered and exited the Rolex arena. In fact, after one test was completed, it was requested that the “Canadian cheering section please quite down.” Whoops! Even though we were technically competing against each other, we go to each competition to do our personal best and it doesn’t matter what the placings are.
I would like to congratulate everyone who rode for Ontario at NAJYRC this year. I was very proud to be a member of the CCI* team. Our CCI** team won team bronze and April Simmonds brought home an individual bronze medal. I also want to thank our two chef d’equipes, Cristina Barbour and Caroline Morsehead; team veterinarian Kathryn Surasky; our Dressage coach, Jacquie Brooks; and our tireless and passionate head coach, Jessica The opening ceremonies were particularly memorable. It’s a Phoenix. chance for each team to dress up their golf cart with a theme. Our theme was plain and simple – Canadian. We had flags, stickers, hockey sticks, ribbons and pinwheels. We also wore ponchos, cowboy hats and umbrella hats. On our way to Spy Coast Farm, which generously hosted the ceremonies, Mariah, Erica, and I sang the Canadian anthem – out of key – at the top of our lungs.
A Day In The Life Of A NAJYRC Dressage Rider by Cassandra Jessop
My favourite part of the show was when I finished the Young I really enjoyed my experience at NAJYRC this year, more so than Rider team test. It was a good test and I was over the moon with my horse, Mariska. She tried her heart out for me and stayed last year because the horses and riders continue to improve! very ridable in the ring. It was a big atmosphere but she handled It was great to be a part of a team. This year, both Ontario teams it extremely well. When coming out of the ring it was amazing to – Junior and Young Rider – worked together as a single team. It see the score right above me. I was going back to the barn with was a lot of fun being at such a large competition. However, what a smile on my face, but after seeing the score it became a huge made it even better was that it is catered to riders between the smile! For personal reasons, I was happy I received a solid score, ages of 14-21. For all four juniors, it was their first year competing but I was also happy to have a good score to contribute to Team at NAJYRC, but it didn’t stop them from getting the silver medal! Ontario’s placing. To make them feel involved and welcomed, we tried to include
OEF Celebrates Ontario Athletes With Party In Their Honour To kick off the North American Junior and Young Rider Championships, the OEF held a Louisiana-style barbecue for Ontario riders and their entourage, which included coaches, chef d’equipes, assistant chefs, parents, grooms and team veterinarians. On the Wednesday before the start of the competition, 110 guests met at WindHaven Thoroughbred Racing Farms, which is owned by Bill Graham, the father of OEF executive director Dianne Graham. There they feasted on jambalaya, pulled pork, summer slaw, baked beans, potato salad and a cupcake cake for dessert. Thank you to Equestrian Factory Outlet USA, MAAAX Equine Feed and StemPhase Biomedical Inc. for sponsoring this delicious barbecue. “The OEF put on a great party for the Ontario team members from all riding disciplines,” says Adrien Vilcini, who rode for Ontario on the Show Jumping team. “We had a great barbecue at a stunning Kentucky Thoroughbred breeding farm, and our jumping team really got to know the other riders. We cheered each other on during the competition.”
Sponsored apparel was provided by Red Scarf Equestrian to all 22 riders and six chef d’equipes and assistant chef d’equipes during the event. “We are so grateful to our partners for their generous support of this event,” says OEF marketing manager Melissa Monardo. “The NAJYRC is an exciting event for up-and-coming riders and it’s nice to be able to celebrate them with an evening in their honour.” The welcome barbecue was also the perfect opportunity for a special presentation by Ontario Has Talent, a grassroots program that supports youth Dressage riders. Cheques totaling over $24,000 were presented to five Dressage competitors and six Dressage coaches who donated their time to help train the Ontario NAJYRC Dressage Team. The founders of Ontario Has Talent took the opportunity to announce that the Ontario Equestrian Federation will be taking the reins of the program. The OEF will be extending the fundraising program to include Eventing and Show Jumping in the years to come. www.horse.on.ca | 17
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ADEQUAN/FEI NORTH AMERICAN JUNIOR & YOUNG RIDER CHAMPIONSHIPS Ontario Eventing Results
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CH-Y** Team – Bronze • Lauren Clark & Coolumn XV, Uxbridge, ON. • April Simmonds & Impressively Done, Uxbridge, ON. • Hanna Bundy & D’Jion, Toronto, ON. • Jamie Kellock & Don’t Blink, Cedar Valley, ON. CH-Y** Individual • Bronze – April Simmonds & Impressively Done, Uxbridge, ON. - 64.2 • 6th – Lauren Clark & Coolumn XV, Uxbridge, ON. - 74.3 • E – Hanna Bundy & D’Jion, Toronto, ON. • RF – Jamie Kellock & Don’t Blink, Cedar Valley, ON. CH-J* Team – 5th • Autumn Wells & Hot Toddy, Whitby, ON. • Emma Green & Raniki, Alliston, ON. • Sophie Ochocinski & Pog Mahome, Brooklin, ON. • Moira de Ste Croix Laframboise & Blue Ben, Kars, ON. CH-J* Individual • 4th – Moira de Ste Croix Laframboise & Blue Ben, Kars, ON. - 57.2 • 17th – Emma Green & Raniki, Alliston, ON. - 72.9 • 21st – Sophie Ochocinski & Pog Mahome, Brooklin, ON. - 78.5 • 22nd Annick Niemuller & Kegan’s Irish Clover, Goodwood, ON. - 78.5 • 23rd – Autumn Wells & Hot Toddy, Whitby, ON. - 82.4 • RF – Chloe Graham & With a Whisper, Colborne, ON.
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Ontario Dressage Results Junior Team – Silver • Vanessa Creech-Terauds & Finja, Caistor Centre, ON. - 58.676% • Alexandra Meghji & Iliado II, Toronto, ON. - 65.649% • Sophie Dean-Potter & Frisbee, Kleinburg, ON. - 63.568% • Liza Wilson & Fleurina, Collingwood, ON. - 68.568% Junior Individual • Bronze – Alexandra Meghji & Iliado II Toronto, ON. - 67.711%, • 4th – Liza Wilson & Fleurina, Collingwood, ON. - 67.658% • 18th – Sophie Dean-Potter & Frisbee, Kleinburg, ON. - 64.684% Junior Freestyle • 6th – Alexandra Meghji & Iliado II, Toronto, ON. - 68.325% • 15th – Sophie Dean-Potter & Frisbee, ON, Kleinburg, ON. - 64.425% • 17th – Liza Wilson & Fleurina, Collingwood, ON. - 62.150%
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Young Rider Individual • 18th – Cassandra Jessop & Mariska, Newmarket, ON. - 63.132% • 23rd – Mariah Sutton & Renoir, Drumbo, ON. - 61.895% • 32nd – Erica Flak & Fraggle Rocks, Bethany, ON. - 55.921%
Jumping - Ontario Results Junior Individual • Adrien Vilcini & Gervantus, Selwyn, ON. - Eliminated Young Rider Individual • 14th – Carlie Fairty & Lady Plane, Markham, ON. • 17th – Muhammad Itani & Tax Free, Essex, ON.
Photo by Doug Palmer
18 | WHOA! Fall 2014
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1: Dianne Graham, OEF Executive Director, welcoming the 2014 NAJYRC Ontario athletes to the OEF party in their honour. 2: The Junior Dressage Team celebrates their silver medal victory. 3: Dianne Creech (far left) and Tom Dvorak (far right) receive Ontario Has Talent sponsor cheques from Gabrielle Sutton and Marc Nicols. 4: Eventer Annick Niemuller gets a supportive hug from family.. 5: Adrien Vilcini aboard his mount, Gervantus, compete at the 2014 NAJYRC. 6: Team Ontario in full force at the welcome party in their honour. 7: Eventer Sophie Ochocinski aboard her mount Pog Mahome competing in the Cross Country phase. 8: Young Rider Cassandra Jessop rode Mariska to an 18th place finish.
www.horse.on.ca | 19
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Ontario Shines At Canadian Interprovincial Equestrian Championships After three days of competition against 70 determined athletes from across Canada, Team Ontario brought home the hardware from the Canadian Interprovincial Equestrian Championships, which took place from Oct. 3-5 in Blainville, QC. Ontario took home second place in the overall standings and finished with a team silver in Show Jumping. Members of the Jumping team also brought home medals in individual competition: Junior Individual Show Jumping • Silver – Abigail Bibbings of London, ON. • Bronze – Sam Walker of Nobleton, ON. Senior Individual Show Jumping • Bronze – Alexa Bennett of York, ON. Watch for more CIEC coverage in the winter issue of WHOA! ❧
Ontario Riders Take World Stage At WEG Ontario riders held their own against the world’s best during the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, which took place from Aug. 23 to Sept. 7 in Normandy. The Ontario Equestrian Federation would like to congratulate the Ontario riders on representing their province, and their country, at this prestigious event.
Eventing – 7th overall
Team members: Jessica Phoenix of Cannington, ON; Selena O'Hanlon of Kingston, ON; Peter Barry of Dunham, QC; and Hawley Bennett-Awad of Langley, BC. Individual standings (Ontario riders): • Jessica Phoenix & Pavarotti – 29th and Canada’s highest placed individual Eventer • Selena O’Hanlon & Foxwood High – 41st
Show Jumping – 8th overall
Team members: Yann Candele of Caledon, ON; Ian Millar of Perth, ON; Eric Lamaze of Schomberg, ON; and Tiffany Foster of Vancouver, B.C.
Individual standings (Ontario riders): • Yann Candele & Showgirl – 22nd with a score of 8.19 as the top Canadian • Eric Lamaze & Zigali P S – 31st with a score of 10.96 • Ian Millar & Dixson – 36th with a score of 12.91
Dressage – 9th overall
Team members: Belinda Trussell of Stouffville, ON; David Marcus of Campbellville, ON; Megan Lane of Loretto, ON; and Karen Pavicic of Surrey, B.C. Individual standings (Ontario riders): • Belinda Trussell & Anton – 26th in the Individual Grand Prix with a score of 71.614%, which qualified them for the Grand Prix Special where they finished 22nd with a score of 72.409% Trussell emerged as the top-placed Canadian individually. • David Marcus & Chrevi’s Capital – 34th in the Individual Grand Prix with a score of 70.357% • Megan Lane and Caravella – 37th in the Individual Grand Prix with a score of 69.743%
New Program At Woodbine Uses Ex-Racehorses For Therapy Work Woodbine Entertainment Group (WEG) has announced a new charitable partnership with Horses Offering People Encouragement (HOPE), a program that brings together retired racehorses with the community’s most vulnerable to produce remarkable outcomes. “WEG has a long history of teaming with valued community and charitable partners,” says Wendy Loiselle, senior manager of corporate social responsibility with WEG. “Today, we are proud to announce our newest program, HOPE, which will help give retired horses the chance to have a positive impact after their racing careers are finished, while providing those in need with much-needed therapeutic programs.” 20 | WHOA! Fall 2014
“Therapeutic horsemanship” is the use of horses and equineoriented activities to achieve therapeutic goals for youth or adults with physical, mental, or emotional disabilities. HOPE will serve to educate the public about responsible horse care, while also providing educational opportunities in therapeutic recreation and related fields. “We are dedicated to helping those who provide retired horses with the opportunity for a new life outside of the racetrack, and to supporting organizations that help a vulnerable demographic,” says Loiselle. “HOPE brings those two important causes together, and WEG is thrilled to add this important initiative to its stable of partnerships.” ❧
ONTARIO EQUESTRIAN FEDERATION
2015 YOUTH BURSARY
A P P L I C AT I O N deadline - 4:00pm December 5, 2014
The OEF Youth Bursary is aimed at supporting young riders/drivers and horse persons of all disciplines who are OEF members and full time high school students where financial resources and/or personal hardship is a significant impediment to them reaching their equestrian goals. To qualify for the OEF’s Youth Bursary applicant’s must: • be between the ages of 14 and 17 as of January 1, 2015; and • the applicant and coach must hold a valid 2014 OEF membership A qualified candidate must also submit the following: • a completed and signed application form including the appended release and publicity agreement, and applicant package before the deadline of 4:00pm December 5, 2014; • A 250 word essay describing: a. the applicant’s interest and experience with horses; and b. what would the applicant do with the bursary funds if they were a successful bursary candidate; • include a photo of the applicant with their horse (if applicable); • a letter of reference from the applicant’s coach or trainer, or if the applicant does not ride with a coach, a personal reference from a person who is not a family member; • a copy of the applicant’s current report card APPLICANT INFORMATION: Name:___________________________________________ OEF Membership #: ____________________________ Date of Birth: ____________________________ Social Insurance Number: ________________________ mm/dd/yy Full Address: ________________________________________________________________________________ Phone Number: _____________________________________ Email: ____________________________________ Parent/Guardian: ____________________________________ Total Household Income : _________________________ Total Number of Adults In Household: __________________ Total Number of Children In Household: ________________ Applicants School Name & Address: __________________________________________________________________ School Phone Number: ________________________________ School Fax Number: ____________________________ APPLICANTS COACH: Name:___________________________________________ OEF Membership #: ____________________________ Phone Number: _____________________________________ Email: ____________________________________ Name of Facility: _____________________________________ NCCP Certified: YES NO Other (BHSI/FEI): _____ RIDING/HORSE EXPERIENCE: None
Up to One Year
Between 1 and 5 Years
More than 5 Years
RIDING FREQUENCY: Once A Week ARE YOU A MEMBER OF:
2 to 3 times per Week
3+ times per Week
4H Club Pony Club EC Learn To Ride Program
Year Round Rider
NCCP Instructor of Beginner Program
Do you participate in any other sports? If so please describe: ___________________________________________________ How do you have access to horses? Own Lease Schooling Facility How are your equestrian activities paid for (i.e. do you contribute to covering the cost of your participation and, if so, how much)? _________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ Describe any challenges you face in participating in your sport/activity? ____________________________________________ LOCAL MEDIA OUTLETS: Please list the names of your local media (community newspapers etc.)
1. _______________________________________________________ 2. _______________________________________________ 3. _______________________________________________________ 4. _______________________________________________
RELEASE FORM: I, ___________________________________________, acknowledge that ________________________________ (parent/guardian) (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 clarify 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 Ontario Equestrian Federation 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: ____________________________________________ (applicant)
Date: _______________________________
Signature: ____________________________________________ (parent/guardian)
Date: _______________________________
CHECKLIST: Please be sure to check off all of the following to ensure the applicants Youth Bursary application is complete: Applicants 2015 OEF membership has been purchased Applicants coach has purchased his/her 2015 OEF membership (if applicable) 250 word essay describing the applicants experience with horses and how the applicant plans on using the Bursary money A colour photo of the applicant along with their horse (if applicable) is attached to the application and an electronic version has been emailed to p.coburn@horse.on.ca (minimum 300 dpi) A letter of reference from the applicants coach/trainer or a personal reference letter is attached to the application A copy of the applicants recent report card The application must be completed IN FULL and accompanied by all required original documentation. Applications received after the due date will not be eligible. Faxed or emailed applications WILL NOT be accepted. All information provided will remain strictly confidential. Ontario Equestrian Federation ~ 1 West Pearce St, Suite 201, Richmond Hill, ON L4B 3K3 p: 905-709-6545 ext. 26 e: horse@horse.on.ca
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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 completing at the highest level and international levels, thereby contributing to the improved performance of Canada at international competitions.
Callie Evans
Since graduating from the University of Guelph this spring, this will be the first fall Cleminson doesn’t have to head back to school. That will allow her to continue training and competing with Winnie. Currently the team’s plan is to cross the border into the U.S. for the first time and complete their first CCI2* at Fair Hill in October. Winter plans include going south for the winter and working with Jessica Phoenix in Ocala, which Cleminson is thrilled about!
Mariah Sutton
Mariah Sutton and her horse, Renoir, made the Ontario Young Rider Dressage Team that competed at the North American Junior and Young Rider Championships, which took place in July in Kentucky. With unusually cool temperatures for that region, the pair enjoyed a great show. Unfortunately they didn’t make it into the Freestyle due to what Sutton describes as a “silly, but costly, mistake” in their Individual Young Rider test. Sutton finished the season by showing Renoir at the Summer Festival in Palgrave in early August. After the summer season wrapped up, she was off to Thunder Bay to attend Lakehead University, but she plans on flying home regularly to see her beloved partner. “All in all, it was a great year for Renoir and I,” says Sutton. 24 | WHOA! Fall 2014
Callie Evans has had a great summer with her horses. Glendening Avis started off the summer by winning the Will O’ Wind CIC2* Jordan McDonald Challenge in a competitive field. Avis led the competition from start to finish and made it look easy. Next Evans and Avis headed to Millbrook Horse Trials in New York to tackle the Advanced division there. Avis put in a very competitive Dressage test and made light work of the Cross Country to show that she belonged at that level. After Millbrook, Evans and Avis headed to Richland Park Horse Trials in Michigan to compete in the Advanced division. They finished 5th in a seasoned field of horses and riders, also finishing as top Canadian in the division. Next they will head to Pennsylvania to compete in the CIC3* at Plantation Field Horse Trials. Evans’ young horse, Ledger, also competed in his first Preliminary event at Grandview Horse Trials and showed he was ready to take on the challenge! She is excited for what the rest of 2014 will bring for her and her talented horses.
Photo by Shannon Brinkman
Emilie Cleminson and her horse, Winnie Wonka, have had a busy and successful summer competing on the OHTA circuit! Major accomplishments include a 4th place finish at their first CIC2* at Will O’ Wind in July, a second place finish in the Intermediate division at Dreamcrest and, most recently, a successful weekend at the OHTA Championships where Winnie Wonka finished on her Dressage score, earning a white ribbon for 3rd place.
Photography by Bailini
Emilie Cleminson
Madison Lawson
It was a busy, but educational, summer for Madison Lawson. Now a full-time working student for her trainer, Gary Vander Ploeg, she has been fully immersed in the Dressage world. She and her new partner, Lawrence, enjoy regular training and have developed in leaps and bounds in the short amount of time they’ve known each other. Building a bond with a new horse has been a wonderful learning experience for Lawson, and it has given her the opportunity to ride a more athletic and educated horse. The focus for this summer was to develop Lawrence in preparation for the fall/winter competition season. The long-term goal for this pair is to compete at the 2015 North American Junior and Young Rider Championships as a Young
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Rider, which will be Lawson’s final year at the young rider back to school during the second week of September, she will level. Lawson also has her sights set on the 2018 World return home every weekend for fall shows and, of course, the Equestrian Games in Bromont. The potential of bringing home Royal Agricultural Winter Fair! a World Games medal on home turf has been her life-long dream.
Kendra Martenfeld
Photo by Mackenzie Clark Photography
This past show season was undoubtedly one of the greatest for Kendra Martenfeld. Martenfeld and her horse, Buttercup, conquered their first Grand Prix classes over the course of the second two weeks in June at the Caledon Pan Am Equestrian Park. During the first week, nerves ran high, but Buttercup jumped unbelievably to help Martenfeld survive her first FEI class. By the second week, her confidence had returned, allowing her to post a clear round in the Open Welcome and a four-fault score in the Grand Prix.
Adrien Vilcini
It has been a very successful summer Show Jumping season for Adrien Vilcini. July began with a Talent Squad win at Angelstone, and then the 17-year-old travelled to Kentucky mid-month to represent Canada as a junior team member at North American Junior Young Rider Championships. It was an exciting and tumultuous week that started with disappointment, but ultimately ended with success. Vilcini and his horse, Gervantus, were eliminated from the first speed round with a refusal at the skinny at jump six. Vilcini dug deep and trusted in himself and his horse the following day, putting in two beautiful clear round. He was one of only six competitors out of 40 who managed to accomplish that.
Photo by Darryl Masterson
Lawson plans on working and training through the winter at Vander Ploeg’s facility. Going to Florida for a few weeks might be an option for Lawson and Lawrence if a CPEDI is planned for the Wellington Florida show schedule. Lawson also plans on taking some online university credits to be able to work and train while simultaneously getting a post-secondary education.
In August, Vilcini and Gervantus competed in both the Junior/ Amateur 1.40m classes with several first and second place finishes, and also placed in the ribbons in multiple Open Welcome classes at both Palgrave and Angelstone. August ended with Vilcini competing in the FEI $100,000 Grand Prix at Angelstone under the lights. This was the biggest track this duo has tackled, and they were able to finish strong. Although After two successful weeks at Palgrave and earning the they had multiple rails, this was a great learning experience for Junior/Amateur 1.40m championship on Angelstone Farm’s both horse and rider. beautiful grass field during the second week of July, Buttercup and Martenfeld embarked on their journey to HITS Saugerties In addition to his successes with Gervantus, Vilcini competed along with coach, Erynn Ballard, and five of her horses. with his seven-year-old mount, Carte Blanche, in the Junior/ Although competing against over 30 other riders in the High Amateur 1.30m classes and the 7/8 Year Olds Young Horse Junior/Amateur Owner division and riding in the ring alongside classes. Carte Blanche has awesome scope and is maturing McLain Ward and Todd Minikus initially seemed intimidating, in his rideability all the time. It has been a wonderful education it only heightened Martenfeld’s desire to ride to the best of for Vilcini learning how to build success with a talented, but her ability. Buttercup and Martenfeld rose to the occasion, green, horse. propelled to the High Junior/Amateur Owner Jumper reserve championship during their second and final week in the states. Vilicni is looking forward to the fall season, even though it brings the return of school (starting Grade 12) and lots of Saugerties set them up for an incredibly successful month of juggling to find the time to both ride and study. He hopes to August back at Palgrave and Angelstone in Ontario. August end the 2014 season by competing at the Royal Agricultural was bittersweet, as those three phenomenal horse show Winter Fair in the Talent Squad Finals. weeks signified the end of summer. While Martenfeld headed www.horse.on.ca | 25
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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! includes a quarterly activity report that highlights current projects and those that have been completed. Articles within this issue of WHOA! will provide more details on these various projects.
ASSOCIATIONS
• The Associations’ Council met Monday, Oct. 6 at 7 p.m. at the OEF office. The council discussed changes and new processes for grants available from the OEF, as well as the Spirit of the Horse ring at the Royal for 2014 and the enhanced member benefits for associations.
FIRST SAFE STRIDES
• The three-year term of the First Safe Strides program is coming to a close. In this term we have: • Supported 22 equestrian organizations and events with on-site presence and/or event kits • Drafted organizational resources for equine shows and events to be available in the spring of 2015 • Distributed 1,000 copies of A Guide for New Equine Exhibitors
COACHING AND EDUCATION
• Over the last quarter, the OEF education department has administered the following: • 76 English Rider Levels tests • 2 Western Rider Levels tests • 5 new English Instructor of Beginner (4 with Jump) certifications
Coaching Events Held: • July 3 – English Instructor of Beginner Evaluation, Foxcroft Equestrian Centre, Millgrove, ON. • Aug. 7-8 – NCCP/EC Equestrian Theory Workshop, Ontario Equestrian Federation Boardroom, Richmond Hill, ON. • Aug. 16 – English Instructor of Beginner Evaluation, Kuruka Equestrian, New Lowell, ON. Upcoming Coaching Events: • Nov. TBA – English Learn to Ride Program Evaluator Training Workshop, Charleston Lake Riding School, Lansdowne, ON. • Nov. 22-23 – NCCP/EC Equestrian Theory Workshop, Equine Canada Boardroom, Ottawa, ON. • Nov. 29 – NCCP/EC Competition Coach Specialist Dressage Analyzing Performance Training Clinic, Equine Canada Boardroom, Ottawa, ON. • Nov. 29-30 – NCCP/EC Equestrian Theory Workshop, Ontario Equestrian Federation, Richmond Hill, ON.
MEMBER BENEFITS
• MAAAX Equine Feed forage cubes are now exclusively available to OEF members. See page 11 for more information • New health and dental coverage launched on Oct. 1. • Freedman Harness/OEF belts will be available for purchase at the OEF booth at the RAWF. • OEF members will receive a $50 coupon to System Fencing with their 2015 membership card. The coupon will allow
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members to save $50 on purchases of $100 or more. See page 10 for more info
HORSE FACILITIES COUNCIL
• 129 Horse Facilities Advisory Council members to date in 2014. • Facility members are encouraged to incorporate the Learn to Ride program into their riding school activities. This program provides instructional material for riding and horsemanship skills and is a progression for riders working towards their Instructor of Beginner certification, which is a wonderful accreditation for riders who would like to become camp counsellors. • 30 horse facilities are participating in the new Ticket to Ride promotional program, held in partnership with Equine Guelph’s EquiMania! exhibit. Through this event-based program, visitors to the OEF booth and EquiMania! exhibit will receive a “ticket to ride” to their nearest participating OEF recognized equestrian facility. The ticket offers a free assessment ride, a discounted ride or riding package or a guided introduction to horses. The program was piloted at this year’s International Plowing Match & Rural Expo as a soft launch prior to the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. • We are promoting the Equestrian Skills Development (ESD) horse show guidelines and sanctioning program for member facility schooling shows. These guidelines permit the use of trained judges and course designers to improve the show experience for riders who are just beginning their competitive careers, and to promote safe local horse shows. • The Ministry of Education has responded to our request to recognize the achievements in the Learn to Ride and Instructor of Beginner Certification program as external credentials within the Ontario Secondary School system. OEF representatives are scheduled to meet with ministry staff in late October to discuss the process to move this important initiative forward.
COMPETITIONS
• Equine Canada Stewards clinic was run with the support of THJA on Sunday, Sept. 14 at the Trillium Hunter Jumper Association Championships in Palgrave, ON. The clinic saw 23 participants. • Various officials’ clinics will be offered over the winter and spring. • Team Ontario selections have been confirmed and the team is set to travel to the 2014 Canadian Interprovincial Equestrian Championships in Blainville, QC. on Oct. 3-5. Stay tuned for their results!
CLEAN SPORT
• Drug technicians have attended over 110 horse shows from Windsor to Ottawa and up to North Bay, with close to 750
News
horses selected for random testing to date. Thank you to all the show organizers who welcomed the drug technicians and assisted them with their preparations for the day. • The technicians received some great feedback from competitors, trainers and parents. • Watch for a follow-up article in the spring issue of WHOA! as competitive riders prepare for the 2015 show season.
GRANTS/FUNDING
• The Ontario Athlete Assistance Program, Quest for Gold, which is funded by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport, is available to athletes in the disciplines of Show Jumping, Eventing, Dressage and Para-Equestrian who meet the selection criteria established by the OEF. Look for application details on the website in early November. Completed applications will be due mid-December.
In Memoriam:
EVENTS
OEF representatives attended the following events in summer/fall 2014: • July 15-17– North American Junior and Young Riders Championships, Lexington, KY. • Aug. 2 – Emotional Fitness: Develop Your Mental Horsepower Clinic, Thamesford, ON. • Sept. 9-11 – Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show, Woodstock, ON. • Sept. 16-20 – International Plowing Match & Rural Expo, Ivy, ON. • Sept. 30 – OEF Annual General Meeting, Caledon, ON. • October 3-5 – Canadian Interprovincial Equestrian Championships, Blainville, QC. OEF will be present at the following upcoming events: • Nov. 7-16 – Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, Toronto
the national coaching program. A successful EC Level II coach and NCCP Level III Theory Coach, Lessard was a 2013 recipient of the Equine Canada ProChaps National Coaching Award for English Level 2/Competition Coach Specialist.
Marie-Helen Lessard
“Our province has suffered a tremendous loss with the passing of MH Lessard,” says Dianne Graham, executive director of the OEF. “She played an integral role in shaping the NCCP English Coaching Program into what it is today.”
1965-2014
Photo by Jaye Tatone Photography
Lessard was committed to sharing her passion for horses with people of all abilities. She provided her facility for the horsemanship program offered through Community Living Dufferin and hosted programs for special needs students to give them the opportunity to groom and ride.
It is with great sadness that the Ontario Equestrian Federation announces the death of Marie-Helen Lessard, a respected competitor, coach, judge, official, horse show organizer and volunteer. Lessard, 49, and her husband, Steven Ratz, 57, were killed in a car crash on Sunday, Sept. 28, 2014 on Dufferin County Road 10 near their home in Amaranth Township. Known to friends as MH, Lessard operated Equus 3D Equestrian Centre and is remembered for her unwavering commitment to furthering equestrian sport. An Equine Canada mentor, learning facilitator and master evaluator, she provided tremendous leadership and support and was instrumental in the success of
Lessard also gave back to the equestrian community as an official. She was an Equine Canada “B” Dressage & Para-Dressage Judge and “B” Dressage & Para-Dressage Steward. She also recently obtained her FEI Eventing Level 1 Steward accreditation. As a competitor, Lessard successfully competed in numerous Horse Trials and Three-Day Events and continued to compete in Dressage. Her students were equally successful in the show ring, with many having successfully competed up to the Preliminary level in both Eventing and Dressage. “Her passion and dedication to equestrian sport was infectious and she inspired all who crossed her path,” says Graham. “We send our deepest condolences to her family during this tragic time. Please know that the equine world is mourning with you.” A fund has been set up at RBC Royal Bank called the “Ratz/Lessard Fund” in support of the couple’s sons, Derek and Sebastien. Donations can be made at any RBC branch or by calling 1-800769-2511 and citing the fund’s name and transit #04142, account #1002427. Donations can also be made to the Upper Grand Learning Foundation at http://www.uppergrandlearningfoundation.com/
www.horse.on.ca | 27
Member Spotlight
Photo by Howard Schatzberg Photography
Hackney Trainer Has Show Of A Lifetime
Larry Ella drives Giselle to her fourth consecutive World Grand Champion Harness Pony title at the World's Championship Horse Show.
Schomberg resident Larry Ella is still on cloud nine after trotting his way to a fourth consecutive World Grand Champion Harness Pony title and being inducted into the American Hackney Horse Society Hall of Fame – all in the same weekend.
trying to be better than the previous year, but there are limits to everything . . . With any animal there are limits of where you can go without going beyond their limits. That’s what makes it tough.”
Ella masterfully drove Giselle to the Hackney mare’s fourth consecutive win at the World’s Championship Horse Show, which took place in Louisville, KY from Aug. 17-23.
The win was particularly sweet because Giselle is by Ella’s prized stallion, Mark of Excellence. The talented stallion gave Ella his first major win and went on to produce numerous top show horses.
“A certain part of me was like, ‘I can’t believe we did it!’ And at the same time you’re excited and at the same time there’s a huge amount of relief. You’re trying not to think about it but you’re there for a week and, of course, that class doesn’t go until the last evening,” says Ella. “The big thing was to make sure she went there and put on a good show and beyond that, it’s kind out of your hands.”
Unbeknownst to Ella, arrangements had also been made to induct him into the American Hackney Horse Society Hall of Fame at the show.
A seasoned veteran who has been in the horse industry for over 40 years, Ella admits he felt the pressure to try to continue their world-title winning streak. “It’s pretty tough. Full credit to her,” says Ella. “Each year, you’re 28 | WHOA! Fall 2014
“It was unbelievable. I still find it kind of hard to believe. I have done this my whole life and you never really think about that,” says Ella, who admits he can’t stop looking at the plaque he was presented with. “I guess when you’re doing this, you just show year after year and things go along and things go by and you don’t really look back at what you’ve done so you really don’t realize. It was a huge honour, especially for me being a Canadian. To receive that award was kind of beyond belief.” ❧
Own A Piece Of Canadian Harness Heritage Freedman Harness has been making harness and leather goods for equestrians for over 200 years. The Freedman logo can be found on premium handbags, saddles, bridles and other fine leather goods for discerning equestrians. Their handcrafted tack and harness is the choice of world champions and other noteworthy equestrians, including the iconic Budweiser and Carlsberg teams, Martha Stewart and royal families.
In partnership with the OEF, Freedman Harness is now offering OEF members a unique belt. Made from medium brown English bridle leather, the belt features a gold embossed OEF logo on the belt keeper. Hand cut and hand finished with a solid brass roller buckle, this 1 Ÿ� wide belt is a must-have for every equestrian.
Visit the OEF booth to purchase yours at the
www.freedmanharness.com A portion of the proceeds from each belt sold will support OEF programming.
www.horse.on.ca | 29
Member Spotlight
Ontario Rider Makes History At National Show Long-time Arabian sport horse exhibitor Allan Ehrlick made history at the Canadian National Arabian and Half-Arabian Championship Horse Show in August when he took home two reserve championships, bringing his total national titles to more than any other amateur rider in Canada or the United States. “It’s about the journey and the privilege of riding not good, but great horses,” says Ehrlick, who brought his lifetime combined total of championship and reserve championship wins to 101 at the show, which took place from Aug. 11-16 in Brandon, MB. “Winning is about attitude and the science of preparation.”
Photo by Jeff Jansen Photography
Since his first victory at a national Arabian event in 1983, he has been amassing wins at the Canadian Nationals, U.S. Nationals and Arabian Sport Horse Nationals. But it wasn’t until recently that he realized how many titles he held.
Allan Ehrlick rode EVG Ellie Mae to his 101st win at the Canadian National Arabian and Half-Arabian Championships.
“To be perfectly honest, I was well into the 90s before I even thought of 100. Somebody said to me, ‘Have you ever totalled how many you have won?’ Not really. That’s the truth,” says Ehrlick. “I had never counted anything. And then all of a sudden, after last year, I was at 99, which is unfortunate because I stressed myself the whole year; do you think you can, do you think you can?” So, what’s next? No doubt more of the same! “Now there’s no pressure,” he says. “The journey is complete, but not over.” ❧
Member Urges Others To Be Organ Donors Peterborough resident Sarah Edge is making it her mission to raise awareness about the importance of organ donation so that others, like her, can get a second chance at life. Now a healthy 12-year-old with a passion for horses, her future wasn’t as bright when she was a baby. At only six weeks of age she was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy, a disease of the heart muscle. She received a life-saving heart transplant when she was 18 months old.
strongly recommend it to any other transplant parents or any parents in general. It’s a really good sport.” To visit Sarah’s Be a Donor page to register or to confirm that you are already registered as a donor, visit www.beadonor.ca/ sarah-edge-1. ❧
“I was in the hospital for 31 and a half months and then I got my life back,” says the OEF member. Growing stronger with each passing year, Sarah now competes in the Transplant Games. She brought home two gold medals in swimming this past summer and a silver on the track. She’s also an avid rider and has been showing for the past two years. “I never dreamed that she’d be this healthy and riding and so strong,” says her mother, Diane Theberge. “It was really just day-to-day for a really long time and even after her transplant it’s always kind of a worry.” Theberge credits riding for boosting her daughter’s confidence to tackle issues like organ donation. Last year Edge made it her mission to encourage people to donate blood. “The riding has been a big part of building her confidence – just being able to work away at her own pace and to have those accomplishments with the ribbons,” says Theberge. “I would 30 | WHOA! Fall 2014
OEF member Sarah Edge is raising awareness about organ donation.
Photo: ©iStock.com/Maria Itina
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Member Spotlight
The Merrills
From Racetrack Records To Show Ring Success by Melissa Kosowan
T
Frank, Christine, Emily and Jacqueline Merrill at the opening meet of the Eglington and Caledon Hunt. Frank was Master of the Hunt at that time.
here are those who are born into greatness and those who climb their way to the top through hard work, determination, shrewd decisions and maybe even a little luck. Frank Merrill Jr. was the latter type of man. A legend in Thoroughbred racing, the Merrill name lives on as the next generation of horse lovers in the family saddle up. A colourful character always dressed to the nines in fine Italian silk suits and fedoras on race day, Merrill’s accomplishments may never be equaled. His biography in the Canadian Racing Hall of Fame, where he was inducted in 1981, reads like a Hollywood script about an underdog who took on the big guns of the racing world. By the time he died in 1990, Merrill had saddled 3,968 winners who earned more than $17 million between the late 1940s and mid 1980s. He had a record 19 Canadian training titles to his credit and, in Ontario, had more winners than any other trainer a total of 21 times. Merrill also led all North American trainers with the most wins in 1955 with 154 winners, in 1958 when he had 171 and in 1960 when he added 143 wins to his resume. He was the leading trainer in Florida four times at Gulfstream and Hialeah and at Arlington Park in Chicago twice. Born in 1919 in Brantford, ON. as the son of an Italian immigrant who made a living as a fruit dealer, Merrill got his start in horse racing as a teenager. He quit school during the Depression to work with his uncle Fred, who had racehorses. “Our involvement with horses started with my dad,” says Merrill’s son, Frank Merrill III, or Frankie III as he is known at the track. “He went to the racetrack and never left. It was one of those things. 32 | WHOA! Fall 2014
Everybody was dirt poor; it was the ‘30s. He was 15 or 16 years old and went to the track and never came back.” Before long, the ambitious Merrill set out on his own. As the old saying goes, necessity is the mother of invention, and Merrill developed a knack for rehabilitating broken down horses that others had given up on. “He was know for taking well-bred horses that the big outfits would give up on,” Frank says. “Because when he was young and starting out, he didn’t have any money, so he said, ‘I’ll take them,’” Frank says. With the help of various Old World herbal concoctions cooked up by his mother, he turned bad-legged rejects back into champions. Maybe the home remedies were nothing more than old wives tales, but they seemed to work. So well, in fact, that Merrill earned the name the “Prince of Patch” and sold his patented products through Merrill’s Turf Supplies, bringing the Merrill name into tack rooms across the continent. Whatever his trick was, it worked. He conditioned stakes horses for some of the most influential owners in horse racing, including cosmetic mogul Elizabeth Arden Graham, E.P. Taylor, who bred the legendary Northern Dancer, and many other notable names. Some of the industry’s top jockeys also built their careers while wearing the Merrill silks. Ron Turcotte, the jockey famous for piloting the legendary Secretariat, got his start with Merrill and Canadian Racing Hall of Famer Sandy Hawley also rode for Merrill when he was just starting out. “He was very, very good to me and taught me some things about
Member Spotlight
Frank H. Merrill Jr. poses with Capeador, one of his favourite racehorses, in 1955, the first year he was leading trainer of North America.
Sally Merrill breezes a racehorse at Woodbine in 1958.
riding, like coming down the stretch and knowing if there was another horse coming and when to make your move and all that stuff,” says Hawley, who started riding for Merrill in 1968 and became the leading jockey at Hialeah Park in Florida in 1969 when he raced for Merrill that winter. “He was very instrumental in helping me with my riding tactics, as well.”
wife, Christine, who met her husband while working for the elder Merrill.
Some of the best of Merrill’s more than 70 stakes winners included Hoso, who was the first to win the Triple Crown for fillies in Florida, Gun Shot, Sunny South, Aim N Fire, Krensa, Dance in Time, Lord Vancouver, Cool Moon, Greek Answer, Hickory Hill, Moony and Square Angel. “We ran against Secretariat with a horse called Sunny South,” recalls Frank. “It was Secretariat’s breakout year and I was at Saratoga that summer. I was a little kid, one of knothole gang. We finished fifth; Secretariat won the race and went on from there.” The horse Merrill is best known for, however, is Puss n Boots, who gained notoriety when he jumped an opening in the hedge and slipped into the lake on the infield of the Fort Erie racetrack. With countless track personnel and grooms stripped down to their underwear in the water trying to catch him, the panicked horse shied away every time he tried to go ashore. After what seemed like an eternity, the exhausted horse was led to safety. “For months and months after, mom and dad would get this stuff in the mail,” Frank laughs, pulling out an illustration reminiscent of a Looney Tunes cartoon that depicted of Puss n Boots falling off a cliff into a lake. “Some kid would do this in art class.” In honour of his impromptu swim, Fort Erie Race Track holds the Puss n Boots Stakes on the turf every summer. The tradition took on a new twist in 1996 when an owner boasted that he, too, would jump in the lake if his horse won the lake. The horse came from last to first, resulting in a swim being added to the end of every race for those willing to make a leap of faith. “It’s tradition now that the winning jockey and trainer jump in the lake – and anyone else who wants to jump in!” says Frank’s
While Merrill was building his racing dynasty, a young woman 12 years his junior was making a name for herself south of the border. Sally Brown began riding at a local horse farm when she was a little girl and developed into an accomplished rider. A fierce competitor, she held her own at major horse shows like the prestigious Madison Square Gardens in New York. “As a 10-year-old they were writing articles about her because she was doing so well at the horse shows. She was a little bit of a child prodigy rider,” says Frank, who is reminded of his own horse-crazy daughters. “She was one of those kids who lived at the barn. She was there seven days a week.” Her father, who was a medical doctor, insisted she attend university, but as soon as she graduated she gravitated to Monmouth Park Racetrack in New Jersey where she got a job exercising racehorses. “She’s struggling to pay her bills. She’s got three horses – three nags. This was before she met my dad, who had like 50 horses,” says Frank, who still has the letter she wrote home to her parents excitedly telling them about her first win. “She’s struggling and every once in awhile she would call home and they would have to send her some money to pay the bills. So she finally wins a race and this filly, Beautiful Vine, was 80-1. She paid all her bills.” In an era when horse racing was considered an unsavory pursuit for women, Sally showed her male counterparts what a woman was capable of. She was one of the earliest licensed female trainers in several U.S. states, including Kentucky, Ohio, New Jersey and Florida. “For a woman to be doing that in the 1950s was just like, 'Oh my god.' She was just fearless. She could ride,” says Frank, looking at a photo of his mother flying along the track on the back of a Thoroughbred.
www.horse.on.ca | 33
Member Spotlight “Dad finds out through the grape vine on the backstretch that mom is very pretty. You’ve got this very pretty exercise rider who works for Moe Shapoff and you just claimed her very favourite horse in the barn. She’s very upset,” Frank recalls. “Long story short, he used the opportunity to go over and apologize and I guess that was it. I think they were married six months later.” The newlyweds bought a farm in Brampton and divided their time between Ontario and Florida, where they had a barn during the winter months. “We were very lucky. We had a farm here in Brampton – the main Canadian farm – so we would be here from April to November and then from November to April we would be in Florida,” says Frank. “We had a home in Hollywood, Florida, six blocks from Gulfstream Park. So we had a very fortunate upbringing as kids.” By that time, Sally was on to other pursuits, namely raising a family. But horses were always a priority and the family could usually be found in the stable.
A young Emily and Jacqueline return from a long day of hunting with their father.
But you had to have thick skin as a woman in a male-dominated industry like racing. “Pretty Woman Trainer Has 1st Winner at Rockingham,” reads the headline from a faded newspaper clipping about Sally. “Sally, a Pretty Filly, Stabilized at Last,” reads another. While some women might have been satisfied to collect their mink stole prize in the “powder puff” races for women, Sally fought for women to have the right to race against men. Sadly, her dream of being a jockey was never realized. By the time women were given the right to race, Sally had turned her attention from the track to her family. “Sally was always a real sweetheart. She was a character, as well. I went to their house a couple of times for dinner. They’d invite me over and she was just fantastic to me,” says Hawley. “Of course, I was just young back then. I was 19 or 20 years old, so they really made a big impression on me. Sally, every once in awhile, would come by the barn and she was funny. I loved Sally.” Make no mistake about it, though. She was no “powder puff.” Sally was as tough as they came. Even the rough backstretch of Oriental Park in Havana, Cuba didn’t intimidate Sally, who ran a string of horses there during the winter months. “She was 23 years old, right out of university,” says Frank. “She goes to Havana, Cuba into the racing world, which is a man’s world, with a whole string of Thoroughbreds and trains them. She was a pretty tough bird.” He adds, “She probably would have been the only female on the backstretch.” According to Frank, his parents met in the mid-1950s when his dad claimed Sally’s favourite horse during a race in Florida one winter. 34 | WHOA! Fall 2014
“I didn’t see a lot of Dad because he worked seven days a week,” daughter Kim recalls. “His saying was every day is like Christmas because he loved his work so much. He just loved going into the barn and I remember going into the barn with him when I was old enough and just following him around, hanging onto his coat. Those were the fun times, spending time with him and the horses. I learned a lot from him.” The Merrill kids were put to work wrapping legs when they were too small to reach anything else. As they got older, they graduated to hot walking horses and, eventually, exercising them. “We learned to pick their feet and how to put a bandage on,” says Kim. “We would do all the leg work and eventually we’d do more and more and more and before long we were doing just about everything.” Sally taught her three kids to ride and also cared for her husband’s many rehabilitation projects. She also started teaching the retired racehorses to jump, giving them second careers as Jumpers, Hunters and Steeplechasers. Steeplechasing was so popular in the late 1960s that races around the province drew thousands of spectators. “We used to win most of those races because mom would get ex-racehorses that could run,” says Frank. “By this time she’s completely off the racetrack, so she was on the farm where the layup and show horses were.” Soon, the Merrill name became known not only on the racetrack, but also on the horse show circuit in Ontario and in the U.S. Kim, in particular, inherited her mother’s natural abilities and proved to be a talented young rider. “I rode and rode and rode and then, as I got older, started to make money at it,” says Kim, who began galloping Steeplechase horses for her dad when she was only 12 years old, riding seven or eight horses in the morning alone. “I loved it! My feet never touched the ground. I just wanted to ride, ride, ride.” When she was around 18 years old, Kim began working for SamSon Farm where she galloped racehorses in the morning before exercising their show horses in the afternoon. During her time there, she perfected her jumping skills on legends like the great Steelmaster, who carried Canadian Show Jumper Jim Day to a
Member Spotlight
Kim Merrill inherited her parents' love for horses and enjoyed a successful show career. She worked with some of the best horses at Sam-Son Farm.
fourth-place finish at the 1972 Olympics in Munich. She also had the opportunity to work with racehorses like the great Dance Smartly, the only Canadian Bred Breeder’s Cup Winner. “When I was young, Kim Merrill was one of the riders you idolized,” recalls OEF executive director Dianne Graham, who remembers showing with Kim on the A circuit. “She was a really good rider and she was a nice girl. She was one of those people you wanted to be.” While Frank and Sally are now gone, the Merrill name is still a familiar one in the horse world. The family is a familiar one at horse shows and is a fixture at the Eglington and Caledon Hunt where Frank served as Master of the Hunt from 1995-2005. “It was an honour. There is a lot of responsibility,” Frank says of his time as Master of the Hunt. While “hunt night” is no longer a fixture at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, Frank can still be seen wearing his “pinks” around the show when he assists with awards presentations. Like her mother, who passed away in 2010 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s, Kim is particularly passionate about hunting. Her love for the sport is not surprising since her mother had her out hunting on her pony at the tender age of seven. “Now I just enjoy my foxhunting and just being on a horse,” says Kim, who rides with the Eglington and Caledon Hunt twice a week. “I love it. It’s an opportunity to ride a horse and be in the country and I love dogs and horses.” The passion for horses that courses through the veins of the Merrills can be found in the next generation of riders. Frank and Christine’s daughters are now making their family proud on the A circuit. Seventeen-year-old Emily shows 1.0m Jumpers and Equitation and recently won the CET Mini-Medal Finals at Angelstone Tournaments and the Junior Amateur Derby to close out the
season there. Her younger sister, 15-year-old Jacqueline, competes in the Children’s Hunter division, Equitation and Medal classes. In September, she won the $5,000 Jump Canada threefoot Junior/Amateur Hunter Classic to close out the Autumn Classic at the Caledon Pan Am Equestrian Park. “When they grew up they didn’t want to talk about or hear about anything else,” says Kim, who is Jacqueline and Emily’s biggest fan. “They would come over and visit and they would tear my house apart to make jump courses. They would have a course throughout the whole house made of mops and brooms and pillows and chairs and that’s all they wanted to do. So if they couldn’t ride, they’d play it.” She adds, “Mom instilled in us the sheer love of it. Live it every day, breathe it every day. I inherited that and my nieces have it.” And, of course, racing is still a big part of life for the Merrills. They are part of a syndicate called Tallyho Racing Ltd., which was formed when local Caledon equine friends approached them about getting into horse racing. The syndicate currently has two horses – Pugsley and Imagine Lennon – and has won three races to date at Woodbine this year. But it’s not race wins, trophies, ribbons or titles that define the Merrill family. The sheer love of horses is their legacy and is what keeps them in the game. “How blessed we all are in Ontario to have such a rich and deep equine heritage. Ontario is arguably the number one equestrian culture in the world. Look at what we have!” concludes Frank. “We have world-class Thoroughbred and Standardbred racing, one of the best Hunter/Jumper circuits on the continent and we are well represented in Dressage, Eventing, Reining, Endurance and in the gaited horse breeds. Our breeding operations are also second to none. Name me one other place on Earth that has all those pursuits and on a world-class level. Aren’t we fortunate? You bet we are!” ❧ www.horse.on.ca | 35
Ask BFL
obtain quotes. The minute I saw the policy though, I knew I was going to have a problem with providing a “competitive” quotation. The current policy rated the vehicles as Class 03, which means they are used to commute to work, and occasionally for “business” purposes. Based on the information I had, these vehicles, while used primarily for commuting back and forth to work, were also used for “commercial” purposes, which meant a Class 03 would not be acceptable to the insurance company. Rating a vehicle as “commercial use” can sometimes be more expensive than “occasional business use” (unless the vehicle is farm plated, where rating the vehicle for “commercial use” may in fact be cheaper!). The client asked, “So what is the difference between ‘business’ and ‘commercial’ use?” “Business use” means using the vehicle to transport oneself in order to conduct one’s own business, outside of commuting from home to work and back again. Examples of “business use” for an equestrian coach might include: driving to other locations for freelance coaching, clinics, judging horse shows, trying out potential horses for purchase, etc. “Commercial use” means using the vehicle to perform a service for others. The most common example of “commercial use” for an equestrian coach would be transporting horses owned by others, including students and boarders. It is extremely important that your insurance company understands what you do with your vehicle so it can be rated properly and there will be no issues in the event of a claim. In the case of my client above, her broker did not understand the difference between “business” and “commercial” use and advised the client incorrectly that transporting horses owned by others would automatically be covered in the event of a claim.
“Business Use” vs. “Commercial Use” Aren’t they the same thing? Not when it comes to your vehicles. by Sara Runnalls I recently had a client call me for an insurance quotation on her truck and three-horse trailer. This person is an Equine Canada coach with her own facility, where she keeps her own horses and a few boarders. She drives from her home to the barn every day. When she transports her own horses to shows, she will sometimes put one of her boarders on the trailer as well. The client sent me a copy of her current policy as a way of providing all the vehicle and driver details I needed in order to 36 | WHOA! Fall 2014
In order to be certain that you are fully protected: 1. Confirm with your broker in writing all the activities you perform with your vehicles; 2. Request your broker to confirm in writing that your policy protects you for all activities you declare; 3. If you are not sure you have the right protection, or if your rates go up as a result of your due diligence, go shopping. Make sure the broker you choose understands your needs. Finally, if you use your horse trailer to ship other people’s horses for compensation, either as a common carrier or to ship your boarders/students, be sure to purchase Stableman’s Liability insurance that protects you for your legal liability for the care, custody and control of non-owned horses. Be sure that the limit you purchase is sufficient for your exposure. If, for example, you have a six-horse trailer, and the horses you ship are worth $25,000 each, your limit should be at least $25,000 per horse with an aggregate per incident of at least $150,000. While your OEF membership does provide a small limit for “incidental” Stableman’s liability, it will protect you only for non-commercial shipping of other people’s horses. Sara Runnalls is Vice President and Associate at BFL CANADA Risk and Insurance Services Inc. in Toronto, the official insurance provider to the OEF and its members.
Success After The Track presented by Henry Equestrian Insurance
Photo by Lynn Johnson
Off-The-Track Quarter Horse Enjoys New Career On The Trillium Circuit By Melissa Kosowan
When 22-year-old Maddie Nelson first started taking Bare Necessities to Trillium shows, no one believed her that the five-year-old gelding was an off-the-track Quarter Horse with less than a year of jumping under his belt. “Nobody believes he’s a Quarter Horse. Nobody believes he’s fresh off the track,” says Nelson. “But Quarter Horses, they just learn so much faster, I find. They are just so willing to learn and do their job that it’s easy. It’s easy to teach them what to do.” An unassuming gray with a laid-back attitude, “Baloo” quickly rose to the top, astounding those who thought Quarter Horses only excelled in Western disciplines. “A lot of the people around the shows say, ‘I need one!’” Nelson laughs, imitating the common refrain she hears when people discover Baloo is an off-the-track Quarter Horse. “It’s almost like we’re starting a trend.” The pair is currently showing the 0.90m Training Jumper Division on the Trillium circuit and finished fourth overall in their zone, despite having only done the minimum number of shows. “He’s just so sweet and kind,” she says. “He’s only five and he’s just jumping around like, ‘Okay, let’s go!' He knows his job.” Nelson first met Baloo two years ago while working as a groom for Don Salzsauler of Ivy Lane Racing in Milton, ON. She loved the gelding’s easy-going attitude and was offered the chance 38 | WHOA! Fall 2014
to buy him when he retired from a successful racing career. “He’s super quiet. My sister, she’s autistic and he loves her. She comes over and he’s got his ears perked. She gives him treats all the time and she grooms for him at the horse shows. He’s just the best behaved little horse ever.” Nelson describes the transition from racetrack to show ring as “easy” when she taught Baloo to jump. “He already knew how to walk, trot, canter and turn, and we just taught him how to jump,” she says. “He doesn’t seem to mind anything. He’s awesome at the horse shows. He’s so calm.” Baloo’s trainability didn’t go unnoticed. It didn’t take long for Nelson’s competitors to realize how quickly the gelding was progressing. “At the first shows he was still learning to turn and jump and whatever and then he got it – something just clicked,” Nelson recalls. “A coach came up to me and said, ‘In two months this horse has surpassed horses that have been going for two years.’” Nelson’s goal is move Baloo up to 1.10m next year and has no doubt her agile gray racehorse turned jumper is up for the challenge. “I am very excited to see what our future holds as he just keeps surprising me with his talent and huge heart,” Nelson says. “He loves to compete and would excel in any discipline because of his athleticism, level head, and kind nature.” ❧
HENRY EQUESTRIAN INSURANCE BROKERS LTD. BUYERS ADVANTAGE Exclusively for Members of the OEF
In addition to providing our well known Equine Insurance products such as HEP Horse Mortality, Farm Packages and Equine Liability, we are pleased to now offer:
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You don’t need deep pockets to afford quality Home and Auto insurance. OEF has negotiated discounted rates through Henry Equestrian Insurance Brokers and several Insurance Companies to help you find the right option at the right price.
Truck and Trailer insurance that’s right for you, at the right price!
We can properly insure your truck and trailer and perhaps even save you some money. Whatever the use, we have a policy that will provide you with the best coverage at OEF Group discounted rates. Great peace of mind at home and on the road with coverage from Henry Equestrian Insurance. Benefits include:
No-obligation quotes
Convenient payment options
Competitive rates that save you money
Emergency claims service 24 hours per day, seven days a week
Bundle and Pocket your savings
With Henry Equestrian Insurance Brokers, you’ll enjoy reduced rates on coverage for your farm, truck and trailer, personal vehicles, residence, seasonal home and other valuables. But the savings don’t stop there. You can also take advantage of additional discounts which can save you even more when you combine your Farm, Horse or Equine Liability with our multi policy discounts. You could enjoy discounts up to 40% on top of your group rate and enjoy convenient monthly payment options.
Call 1-800-565-4321 or visit us at www.hep.ca to receive a NO-OBLIGATION quote today. Henry Equestrian Insurance Brokers, 28 Victoria Street, Aurora, ON L4G 1P9 Proudly supporting the OEF and “Success After The Track”
www.horse.on.ca | 39
Safety First
Stay Safe When Riding On The Roads By Melissa Kosowan
As the forests turn stunning shades of crimson red, fiery orange and golden yellow, many riders head out for a leisurely hack to unwind and take in the autumn scenery. For some, this means riding on country roads. While these routes might be scenic, even the quietest of routes can be dangerous. Before you saddle up, here’s what you need to know to minimize your risk! The most obvious way to stay safe is to avoid riding on roads altogether, but for some people this simply isn’t possible. Sometimes riders must cross roadways that intersect trail systems or they have to ride along a roadway to access an adjoining property. “I would avoid roadways as much as possible,” recommends Sgt. Kris McCarthy of Toronto Police Services Mounted Unit, who is also a certified Instructor of Beginner. But if you do have to ride on a roadway, as the Mounted Unit does, he stresses the importance of being seen. “As visual as you can make yourself, the better, and as safety conscious you can make yourself, the better.” Despite the integral role horses played in settling Canada, and the continued popularity of horses for recreation and sport, Ontario’s roads are like the Wild West when it comes to horses. “Under the Highway Traffic Act, there is actually no law at all that regards horses, unless they are pulling a wagon,” says McCarthy. That being said, horses are a type of muscular power, and therefore are subject to the same rules of the road as a cyclist or pedestrian. “A cyclist is equally responsible for stopping at stop signs and stopping at street lights, giving the right away to faster traffic by pulling over to the shoulder of the road,” he explains. “It would be all the same things you would expect if you were on a bicycle or on foot.” McCarthy stresses the importance of riding on the shoulder of the road and suggests riding in the direction of traffic to reduce the risk of your horse spooking at oncoming vehicles. When crossing a roadway, head straight across and make sure you are in an area where it’s possible to see any potential oncoming vehicles. “It’s your typical road safety – look both ways before you cross the road,” he says. “I wouldn’t be crossing the road around a bend. I would be on a very large shoulder on a straightaway where you can see traffic coming in all directions. I would cross at a 90-degree angle." Horses pulling buggies are a different story. They’re classified as a slow-moving vehicle and, as such, would need a slow-moving vehicle sign affixed to the rear of the cart.
40 | WHOA! Fall 2014
Safety First
“It’s a whole different entity on its own because they definitely follow the Highway Traffic Act,” McCarthy says. While he doesn’t recommend riding or driving horses along roadways when it’s dark, Toronto’s Mounted Unit has no choice. To keep them safe, McCarthy says they are outfitted with a red bicycle light on the back of their saddles, reflective saddle pads and reflective “gaiters” that go around the horse’s legs. The officers also wear reflective vests. “I wouldn’t recommend a horse walking in the dark at any time, especially on country roads. You are a large object and you aren’t sure how they are going to react to oncoming lights and so on,” he says. “I would refrain from it, but in my line of work we have no choice and we protect ourselves as much as we possibly can. All officers have to wear a safety vest that glows in the dark and we have saddle blankets that glow in the dark, we have flashing lights, we have the gaiters.” So what responsibilities do motorists have? According to the Highway Traffic Act, “Every person having the control or charge of a motor vehicle or motor assisted bicycle on a highway, when approaching a horse or other animal that is drawing a vehicle or being driven, led or ridden, shall operate, manage and control the motor vehicle or motor assisted bicycle so as to exercise every reasonable precaution to prevent the frightening of the horse or other animal and to ensure the safety and protection of any person driving, leading or riding upon the horse or other animal or being in any vehicle drawn by the horse or other animal. R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8, s. 167.” “As a motorist, the best thing to do is to err on the side of caution and give the right away the best as you possibly can,” McCarthy says. “A motorist should appreciate the fact it’s an animal and, unlike a bicycle or a vehicle where you have 100 per cent control because it doesn’t have a mind of its own, this is an animal that does have a mind of its own. Sometimes there is no pre-warning that something is about to happen.” But that doesn’t mean riders should let their guard down and assume motorists will see them and act in a safe, responsible manner. “The liability is also on the rider. If they can move truly over to the shoulder . . . it definitely works to their benefit,” says McCarthy. Ironically, many riders overlook the most obvious way to stay safe while out riding. Proper footwear and a certified helmet are critical pieces of the safety puzzle, yet many riders don’t wear them and aren’t getting the message that accidents can happen at any time to anyone, regardless of age, discipline or riding experience. Not only is it a good idea, it’s also the law! Under the Highway Safety Act, no person under the age of 18 can be mounted on a horse on a highway unless they are wearing a certified helmet and hard-soled footwear with a heel of no less than 1.5 centimeters. In addition, no parent or guardian of a person under the age of 16 years of age can knowingly permit that child to ride a horse on a highway without meeting those requirements. Even if you are old enough to be exempt from the law, keep in mind that something as simple as your horse stumbling could result in you falling off and sustaining a traumatic brain injury. The take home message is to enjoy your horse this fall, but to take every possible safety precaution to minimize your risk, particularly when hacking along roadways. Stay safe and happy riding! ❧
BOOK HIGHLIGHTS SAFETY AROUND HORSES Safety precautions might be second nature to experienced horse people, but for new riders still developing their horse sense, a few pointers along the way can help them avoid dangerous mistakes. That’s why internationally renowned judge and course designer Randy Roy wrote Heads Up! It offers practical stable management and horse care advice for new riders. Featuring illustrations, Heads Up! is a fun read for kids, but its etiquette guidelines and health and safety tips are beneficial to horse lovers of all ages. Endorsed by the Ontario Equestrian Federation, this easy-reading book is categorized into chapters that reflect different aspects of horse ownership and scenarios you may encounter with your horse. From general barn tips, trailering safety and how to make the most of your show experience, to working with the farrier and veterinarian, Roy has covered all the bases. He has also included various helpful charts and lists of rules that can be cut out and posted in your barn.
EXCLUSIVE PRICE FOR OEF MEMBERS:
$15.00
lus HST) HST) (plus
OEF MEMBERS SAVE $10.00
To purchase a copy please contact the Ontario Equestrian Federation 1 West Pearce St, Suite 201, Richmond Hill, ON L4B 3K3 p: 905-709-65455 or 1-877-441-7112 e: horse@horse.on.ca www.horse.on.ca | 41
Mane Events
ANIMAL THEATRE OEF Returns To Spirit Of The Horse As part of the
The OEF is pleased to announce that we will once again be working with the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair and the Spirit of the Horse™ exhibit as part of the President’s Choice Animal Theatre. The President’s Choice Animal Theatre is located in Hall D of the Direct Energy Centre at the opposite end of where the Spirit of the Horse™ exhibit used to be, prior to 2013. It boasts ample stadium seating for up to 2,500 spectators and has a large, fenced ring for demonstrations. Stalls will be situated in the corner, just outside of the theatre. The OEF will also have a booth there, in addition
to our full booth in Hall A. The Spirit of the Horse™ has been tentatively allotted approximately 2.5 hours of demonstration time per day, in half-hour increments throughout the day. We anticipate having various breed demonstrations, as well as clinics on various equine disciplines. Watch the OEF website (www.horse.on.ca), Facebook (www.facebook.com/OEF.Horse) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/OEF_Horse) for updates on what will be taking place. Be sure to stop by and visit us when you are the Royal! ❧
Take Advantage Of OEF Member Benefits At The Royal Winter Fair The Ontario Equestrian Federation will be back at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair again this year, with even more products, services and exclusive offers we’re excited to share with our members.
Save the date for the OEF Member Appreciation Party, which takes place from 5-6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 11 in the Royal Ballroom. The OEF is having a pizza party that evening as a way of saying thank you to our loyal members. The OEF Awards will also be presented at the party. See page 48 for the 2014 recipients. Please note that attire is casual. Watch for an e-mail from the OEF to RSVP for this event. Back by popular demand to the even bigger and better OEF booth will be the Fan Zone where horse lovers can meet their favourite riders. Watch the OEF website, Facebook page and Twitter account for an autograph signing schedule closer to the date. If you like free goodies, make sure to stop by the booth to participate in our member draws. There will also be incentives for new members and existing members who renew at the show. With the holidays just around the corner, we will also be selling the premium leather OEF belts made by Freedman Harness of Toronto. A stylish, and quality, accessory, these belts make the perfect gift for any horse lover. You can also browse through the JustRewards catalogue, which offers sports, vacation and experiential packages exclusively to OEF members. Simply pick the “what,” “where” and “when” for each certificate and they’ll send you your certificate. Because they are fully transferable, they make great gifts for trainers, 42 | WHOA! Fall 2014
Ontario Equestrian Federation
MEMBER APPRECIATION
party 2014 Tuesday, November 11 5PM - 6:30PM coaches, veterinarians, farriers and anyone else who has gone the extra mile for you this year! The OEF booth will also be the place to learn more about the MAAAX Equine Feed™ long-fiber forage cubes, a new product available exclusively to OEF members. For each bag sold, $1 is donated to OEF programming. Stop by to find out more about this Ontario-grown and processed forage cube and take home a free sample. The booth will be located in Hall A next to System Fencing. We hope to see you there! ❧
THE ROYAL HORSE SHOW
SE WHISPERER HOR
MCLEAN GUY
From watching Olympic calibre and international riders compete for over $750,000 to Horse Whisperer Guy McLean. There’s a lot to love at The Royal this year.
TEAD FEI HICKS
OR
LD CUP™ WOR
Horse Show Tickets On Sale NOW
Includes admission to the Fair
November 7 – 16
Buy Tickets Online at ROYALFAIR.ORG
OEF Members Please Visit www.horse.on.ca for Special Ticket Offers from The Royal. Tickets On Sale Now At ROYALFAIR.ORG
groupby www.horse.on.ca | 43
Mane Events
ATTEND THE #1 RANKED INDOOR HORSE SHOW IN NORTH AMERICA* FEATURED
COMPETITIONS
HAWK® CANADIA EEN N GR MPIONSHIPS CHA
W JUMPING SHO
GREENHAWK® CANADIAN SHOW JUMPING CHAMPIONSHIP
Talented riders from across Canada will compete for their share of the $100,000 prize and title of “Canada’s National Show Jumping Champion.” Friday November 7, Round 1; Saturday, November 8, Finals
HORSEWARE® INDOOR EVENTING
Join us opening weekend as top Canadian and International Three Day Eventers compete for a share of the $20,000 prize. Friday November 7, Round 1; Saturday, November 8, Finals
HICKSTEAD FEI WORLD CUP™
Join us for the crown jewel of equestrian competition with talented riders from more than 5 nations competing for a share of the $100,000 prize. Wednesday, November 12
GROUPBY
BEN CHALLENGE® BIG
ROYAL INVITATIONAL DRESSAGE CUP
See the Olympic sport of Dressage as the top four ranked Canadian riders and their elegant equine partners perform to the music of their choice. Thursday, November 13
WESTON® CANADIAN OPEN
Olympic Calibre riders from invited nations put the pedal to the medal in this single round speed competition. Friday, November 14
GROUPBY BIG BEN CHALLENGE
An electric atmosphere sets the tone for the last international competition of the 2014 season. Book early as this is a sell out show. Saturday, November 15
groupby 44 | WHOA! Fall 2014
INVITATION AL YAL O R SSAGE C
DRE
UP
IO TOYOTA DEALE TAR RS ON
FEATURED
RODEO
ENTERTAINMENT GUY MCLEAN
Back by popular demand, Australian entertainer Guy McLean will delight audiences of all ages with his amazing horsemanship and sense of humour. November 11-15 SHETLAND
RACING PONY
CANINE EQUINE CHALLENGE
Fan favourite PC Superdogs™ team up with international show jumpers competing for the top prize of $15,000. Saturday, November 15, Matinée
SHETLAND PONY RACING (NEW!)
Cheer on your favourite team as these young riders and their ponies negotiate a course of obstacles at top speed. November 7, 8
THE ONTARIO TOYOTA DEALERS RODEO
The fan favourite is back, bringing together some of the best bull, saddle bronc and bareback riders as well as barrel racers from across the country. Sunday, November 9, Matinee
Y HORSE HEAV
HITCHES
DON’T MISS
GREAT COMPETITIONS SIX HORSE HITCH CLASSIC SERIES
Various heavy breed horses will compete for the All-Breed Royal Championships. November 8, 12, 13, 14 and 15
CANADIAN HUNTER DERBY SERIES NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
Top horse and rider combinations from across the country compete for their share of the $25,000 prize. Tuesday, November 11
Horse Show Tickets ON SALE NOW Includes admission to the Fair
ROYALFAIR.ORG
November 7 – 16 *North American Riders Group (NARG) 2013. †HST included, seats subject to availability.
www.horse.on.ca | 45
ENHANCE YOUR ROYAL EXPERIENCE introducing the new royal club box seat subscription!
BARK CLUB TAN
Buy Box Seats for ANY 3 Performances for $300.00 (HST incl.). Includes final Saturday. Includes access to The Tanbark Club. Not available to past Box Seat Subscribers. Dress code in effect. While quantities last – OEF members have preferred status. RESERVE Your seats today at: www.royalfair.org/sites/default/files/ RoyalClubReservationForm_O.pdf FOR FURTHER INFORMATION please contact Christine Reupke
at creupke@royalfair.org Enjoy a panoramic view of The Royal Horse Show from the comfort of your own private suite. Customize your experience with food and beverage offerings that will satisfy the tastes of you and your guests. Suites accomodate 12 - 30 guests and guarantee a unique evening of the very best equestrian competition and entertainment. for further information, please contact Christine Kuzyk at 416-263-3424 or ckuzyk@royalfair.org
November 7 – 16 royalfair.org
Horse Show Tickets ON SALE NOW Includes admission to the Fair
ROYALFAIR.ORG 46 | WHOA! Fall 2014
ROYAL
SKY SUITES
Mane Events
2014 SANCTIONED COMPETITIONS BRONZE DRESSAGE Competition Name RCRA Snowflake 1
GOLD DRESSAGE
Competition Name 2014 Royal Agricultural Winter Fair - Dressage
GOLD HUNTER/JUMPER
Competition Name Royal Agricultural Winter Fair CSI4*
PLATINUM HUNTER/JUMPER Competition Name Royal Agricultural Winter Fair CSI4*
Start Date End Date Location 2014-11-30 2014-12-01 Royal Canadian Riding Academy (RCRA)
Contact Email or Website www.rcra.ca
Start Date
Contact Email or Website
End Date
Location
2014-11-07 2014-11-16 Exhibition Place, Ricoh Coliseum
www.royalfair.org
Start Date End Date Location 2014-11-07 2014-11-16 Exhibition Place, Ricoh Coliseum
Contact Email or Website www.royalfair.org
Start Date End Date Location 2014-11-07 2014-11-16 Exhibition Place, Ricoh Coliseum
Contact Email or Website www.royalfair.org
www.horse.on.ca | 47
The Ontario Equestrian Federation would like to congratulate the following award recipients on their achievements.
2014 OEF AWARD RECIPIENTS ROSE COOK ~ Yvonne Collard Award MARGIE GAYFORD ~ MH Lessard Coach Of The Year Award BARB KING ~ Sponsor Of The Year LIZ BROWN ~ Media Of The Year
2014 PEOPLE MAKE A DIFFERENCE AWARD RECIPIENTS NANCY MACDONALD ~ American Saddle Horse Association Of Ontario, CHRISTINE MOORE ~ Arabian Horse Association Of Eastern Canada, CRYSTAL RIPA ~ Canadian Dressage Owners and Riders Association - Ontario, DEBBIE BAKER ~ Canadian Pony Club - Central Ontario Region, SUSAN LORDEN ~ Canadian Pony Club - St. Lawrence/Ottawa Valley, DON HEATH ~ Canadian Road Horse Association, DIANE VOLLICK ~ Central Canada Paso Fino Horse Association, JUNE PELOT ~ Eastern Ontario Pleasure Driving Society, MARY MCKIBBON ~ Miniature Horse Club of Ontario, COLIN SMITH ~ Mounted Games Across Canada Inc., LYNN DEGRANDIS ~ Ontario Carriage Driving Association, ROSE DANKO ~ Ontario Competitive Trial Riding Association, CHRIS SOEFFNER ~ Ontario Icelandic Horse Association, DEANA WILSON ~ Ontario Morgan Horse Club, TAYLOR LIPSETT ~ Ontario Percheron Horse Association Inc., SHERRY NEWBIGGING ~ Ontario Quarter Horse Association, JEAN MCLEAN ~ Tri-County Carriage Association, MAISIE DURWARD ~ Welsh Pony & Cob Association Ontario Equestrian Federation ~ 1 West Pearce St, Suite 201, Richmond Hill, ON L4B 3K3 905-709-6545 (phone) 1-877-441-7112 (tollfree) 905-709-1867 (fax) horse@horse.on.ca (email) www.horse.on.ca (web)
Coaches Corner It has been a busy summer for the coaching program. We have started working on our guide to becoming a certified coach. It will include a step-by-step explanation of what is required, the additional steps we recommend you take to ensure you’re prepared for your final evaluation, and references to resource material. If there is specific information that you would like to see included in this guide, please let us know. In August, we asked OEF members to contact us if they were interested in becoming a certified coach, and we heard from 43 new coach candidates, which bring us to 145 coach candidates (in addition to the over 1,240 coaches who have been certified in Ontario). To date this year, we have processed 271 Rider Level tests, 127 aspiring coaches attended our clinics and workshops and 19 people completed their instructor or coaching certification. Congratulations to all of you who are on the path and/or have become certified this year! For those of you who are new to the coaching program, note that the Coaches Association of Ontario provides Quest 4 Gold funding support for coaches taking NCCP courses, working toward their coaching certification. The candidate must pay for the course directly and then request reimbursement after the course is completed. The Quest 4 Gold Coach Bursary Program can cover up to 70 per cent of course registration fees for eligible individuals to a maximum of $400 per registration and $800 per year. To confirm your eligibility, visit www.coachesontario.ca/q4g/ In order to make the coaching program more accessible to riders and coaches across Ontario, one of our priorities is to identify facilities that are willing and able to host workshops and evaluations. Through our outreach, we have identified a number of new facilities that we are currently reviewing, including Stellar Mount Stables in southwest Ontario. We are particularly in need of Western and English facilities in southwest Ontario, and Western facilities in northern and eastern Ontario. We are also in discussion with Equine Canada to fast track applications for Learning Facilitators (being renamed Coach Developers) and Evaluators. Experienced coaches with these credentials bring a depth of experience and an additional resource to local equestrian communities.
Making The Coaching Program More Accessible For Members By Pam Coburn, Program Administrator Horse Facilities/Coaching
If you are interested in hosting an OEF event, our requirements include: • You must be able to provide qualified demonstration riders and horses that are appropriate for the program or evaluation • Access to the facility for a full day (typically a weekday) with a staff person available to assist the demonstration riders, as necessary • An indoor arena • A heated room with tables and chairs that can serve as a classroom for up to four candidates for evaluations, or from eight to 20 workshop participants Some of the benefits of hosting an OEF event include: • You will receive a free OEF Horse Facilities Advisory Council membership for the year, and all of the other OEF benefits • Increased visibility of your facility • Promotion of OEF clinics and workshops at your facility • Plus many other great benefits we’d love to tell you about! For more information, contact Pam Coburn, program administrator of Horse Facilities/Coaching, at 1-877-441-7112 ext. 26 or p.coburn@horse.on.ca. ❧ www.horse.on.ca | 49
On The Trail
Stay Safe And Make Friends On The Trail by Melissa Kosowan
Autumn is the perfect time to hit the trail for a relaxing ride, but keep in mind that cyclists, hikers and dog walkers are also out enjoying the fall colours and may not be familiar with horses. “I mentor a lot of beginners and there is a lot of stuff I tell them when we’re out there, but the biggest thing I tell them is to talk to everybody you see on the trail,” says Deanna Ramsay, a longtime competitive trail and endurance rider. “Be really nice to people because they can really, really do damage to us as riders on trails, politically.” According to Doug Price, president of the Ontario Competitive Trail Riding Association (OCTRA), this approach is not only good public relations for the equine community, but it also helps reassure your horse. “What I have found is they appreciate you taking the time to say, ‘Hi.’ You have to tell them what to do. You have to tell them to speak and you have to tell them why they need to speak,” he says. He says that often trail users will freeze when a horse approaches, which can spook inexperienced horses who have difficulty recognizing the “object” on the trail. “If you can get them to speak up and explain to them that my horse just needs to understand that you’re a person, then the horse typically calms down and then you have a nice little chat,” says Price. “Someone yields the trail and everyone goes on their way.” Ramsay remembers a bad fall she had when hikers who went exploring off-trail stepped suddenly – and silently – back out on the trail in front of her horse, spooking the mare. “I’m sitting in the middle of the trail and I’m still hanging onto my mare’s reins and I’m like, ‘Um hello,’ and they still wouldn’t talk,” she recalls. “I was like, ‘Could you please talk? Please talk!’ And they said, ‘What?’ And I said, ‘When you’re silent, you scare the horses.
50 | WHOA! Fall 2014
On The Trail
Meeting A Horse On The Trail USE THE THREE C'S 1. courtesy 2. communication 3. common sense
You have to speak up and say hello.’” Speaking to people also lets other trail users know you’re approaching them so you don’t startle them. “You have to call to people when you’re behind them – ‘Hello, I’m just going to pass on your left’ – to let them know that you’re coming and that you’re passing,” says Ramsay, adding that many people walk with headphones, which aren’t always visible. “Make sure they turn around and look. Don’t just assume they heard you.”
• M ake 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. Courtesy of the Ontario Trail Riders Association, www.otra.ca
She adds, “I never move at speed when there are hikers and dogs around. I walk – always.” Loose dogs are common on the trails and can pose safety issues for riders. Ramsay encourages riders to remain friendly and remind dog owners that catching their dog is for its own safety. “You have to stop and talk to people and be as nice as you can, like, ‘Oh, please grab your dog. I really don’t want my horse to hurt him,’” she says. “Don’t yell at people.” But if an owner can’t gain control of their dog, Ramsay recommends getting off your horse. “If you can take a different trail and go a different way, do that, but if you’re trapped and that dog is not behaving, get off your horse,” she says. “If that dog goes under your horse or bites your horse’s heels, and your horses starts to kick or whatever, you’re going to come off.” In fact, dismounting is her fail safe for any situation that looks potentially dangerous. “If you can see a situation coming up and you do not think your horse is prepared to deal with that, get off. Get off now. Do not wait. Don’t think about it. Get off,” she emphasizes. “Even if you have to hike a quarter mile and get back on, it’s a whole lot better than coming off unplanned.” ❧
Best Practices for Horses on the Trails 1. 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. 2. Ride with a suitable horse – size, conditioning and training matter. 3. Carry a first aid kit, cell phone, GPS/compass and map on you NOT the horse. 4. Never lead off until all riders are mounted. 5. Stay on the marked trails and obey the signs. Know where you are on the trail in case of an emergency. 6. Walk on the right of the trail or road. Never canter or gallop. 7. Leave two horse lengths between you and the other horses even when you have stopped. 8. When crossing a road do so all together. 9. Use the buddy system; be responsible for the rider in front and behind you. 10. If riding alone, tell someone where you have gone and when you will return. 11. Use the three C's – Courtesy, Communication and Common Sense. 12. Do not litter on the trail or campsite. Put manure and hay in designated areas. Leave only hoof prints behind. 13. No dogs on the trail or alone in the campsite. 14. No alcohol or smoking on the trail. 15. Water your horse into the shore, and do not cross or wade unknown waters.
www.horse.on.ca | 51
Around The Barn
Expanding The Reach Of The HFAC Program By Pam Coburn, Program Administrator – Horse Facilities/Coaching
With the show season winding down, summer vacations now behind us and kids and teachers back to school, we know that many facilities start to look inward to assess their business plans and develop their programs for the coming year. Looking ahead, we would like to share some ideas from our team and a few of our industry partners who offer programming and services specifically meant for riders and horse businesses. We hope to plan a lunch and learn session with our Horse Facilities Advisory Council (HFAC) members to introduce some of these industry partners. In the meantime, let’s get you up to speed on our ongoing projects. We have written to Premier Kathleen Wynn asking for a meeting to consider our proposal to have the Learn to Ride program and Instructor of Beginner certification applied toward secondary school external credentials. They have expressed interest in our proposal and our first meeting is scheduled for the end of October. Stay tuned for program updates. It’s also time to schedule our calendar of coaching training programs in partnership with member host sites. A couple of months ago we reached out to all OEF members to gauge the number of riders who are interested in becoming certified instructors and coaches. At the same time, we asked facilities to let us know if they were interested in hosting our educational programming. Thank you to everyone who responded. We are now working with a couple of new facility members in addition to those who have supported us in the past. To become a host facility, you must hold a Horse Facilities Advisory Council membership and be able to provide horses and riders to participate in demonstration lessons. Depending on the event being hosted, the riders required could range from beginners to competitive riders who are able to ride a Level 2 Dressage Test or jump a 0.9m course. Supporting the education program in this way will increase traffic to your barn, and give you an opportunity to network with other coaches and riders in your community. Furthermore, our industry will thrive when we create opportunities and incentives to encourage more people to ride and seek out safe and well52 | WHOA! Fall 2014
managed equestrian facilities. Our latest partnership to get more people riding is our Ticket To Ride Program, developed in partnership with Equine Guelph’s EquiMania! The program is designed to bring young people from the interactive EquiMania! exhibit to the OEF booth where they will receive their final Ticket to Ride “stamp” on their EquiMania! passport. During their visit to our booth we promote the benefits of riding, as well as specific opportunities to ride – lesson programs, camps, etc. We also direct them to one of 30 Horse Facilities Advisory Council members who are offering a free assessment ride, discounted lesson or barn tour/introduction to horses as part of the Ticket to Ride program. All tickets issued are being tracked to allow us to determine who received a ticket, the barn they were directed to, whether they visited that barn and, if so, whether they continued with a camp or lesson program. We are also developing a simple data system so we can collect and analyze basic demographic information around who has participated in the program to better understand the needs and interests of these potential clients. To expand the reach of the program, we are providing tickets during our various outreach initiatives to anyone who expresses an interest in learning to ride. This includes adults who are new to the sport or who want to get back in the saddle, as is the case with many of the adults we meet. The goal of the program is to increase participation in the sport, and to help us understand how new clients make decisions around whether and where to ride. This will be important information for the industry and, more specifically, for our facility members to identify how and where we reach out to potential new riders. At this point, we have almost doubled our Horse Facilities Advisory Council membership in the past two years. Thank you for your confidence in us and we will strive to maintain and improve the value you receive from this membership. As always, your feedback is appreciated. ❧
Finding The Right Stable Shouldn’t Be Like Looking For A Needle In A Haystack!
Riding stables affiliated with the Ontario Equestrian Federation have committed to safety standards and best business practices. Browse the Ontario Equestrian Federation website to find one near you.
www.horse.on.ca Ontario Equestrian Federation 1 West Pearce St, Suite 201, Richmond Hill, ON L4B 3K3 905-709-6545 ext 26 1-877-441-7112 p.coburn@horse.on.ca
www.horse.on.ca | 53
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Breed & Discipline Updates Ontario Riders Win Big At Canadian Arabian National Horse Show Submitted by the Arabian Horse Association of Eastern Canada
Ontario riders left their mark at the Canadian National Arabian and Half-Arabian Championship Horse Show, which was held in Brandon, MB. from Aug. 11-16. The Arabian Horse Association of Eastern Canada would like to congratulate its members from Region 18 on a successful show and for being great ambassadors. Ontario wins included: • David Carr & He Be A Badazz - Top Ten Half-Arabian Hunter Pleasure Junior Horse • John Code & Marwan’s Silhouette – Reserve National Champion Arabian Mare Breeding • John Code & GIA Versace – Top Ten Arabian Two-Year-Old Fillies Jackpot • Amanda de Boer & JJ Dream Maker – Top Ten Arabian Sport Horse Geldings In-Hand Hunter Type • Allan Ehrlick & EVG Ellie Mae – Reserve National Champion HalfArabian Regular Working Hunter; Reserve National Champion Half-Arabian Working Hunter AAOTR; Top Ten Half-Arabian Working Hunter ATR; Top Ten Half-Arabian Hunter Hack • Austin Hall & TS Klassic Expression –Top Ten Arabian Western Pleasure 13 & Under JOTR; Top Ten Arabian Western Pleasure 13 & Under JTR • Brian Hall & KS Klassic Expression – Top Ten Arabian Western Pleasure AATR • Brian Hall & Bill the Kid BR -- Top Ten Half-Arabian Western Pleasure Select AATR • Benjamin Harbridge & Shake it Up – Top Ten Showmanship 13 & Under JTR • Michelle Harbridge & Slam Dunk KS – Top Ten Half-Arabian Hunter Pleasure; Top Ten Half-Arabian Hunter Pleasure 40 & Over AAOTR; Top Ten Half-Arabian Hunter Pleasure 40 & Over AATR • Derek Jones & DJ Hilfiger – Top Ten Arabian Western Pleasure • Nicole Peloquin & NG Gazanova – Top Ten Arabian Stallion Breeding; Top Ten Arabian Stallion Breeding AAOTH • Tara Porter & Shake it Up – Top Ten Half-Arabian Native Costume; Top Ten Half-Arabian Native Costume AOTR • Josh Schildroth & Horattio – Top Ten Arabian Hunter Pleasure Junior Horse • Kevin Simmons & Oasis Zee Zee Top – Reserve National Champion Arabian Reining AAOTR • Emily Turner & Prince Star of Lilly – National Champion Arabian Hunter Pleasure 13 & Under JOTR; Top Ten Arabian Hunter Pleasure 13 & Under JTR Good luck to all those competing at the upcoming U.S. National Championships! ❧
Emily Turner won the Hunter Pleasure 13 & Under JOTR with Prince Star of Lilly.
Emma Johnston Receives Heather Wellman Youth Bursary
Submitted by the Ontario Horse Trials Association
Emma Johnston of Uxbridge is this year’s recipient of the Heather Wellman Youth Bursary, which is presented by the Ontario Horse Trials Association in partnership with Eventing Canada (!), to an exceptional Young Rider in Ontario who has exhibited the enthusiasm for the sport which sets them apart from their peers.
Photo by Andrew Bailini
“I am so appreciative of this incredible opportunity,” says 16-yearold Johnson. “I am very honoured and thankful to have received this bursary.” The Ontario Horse Trials Association provides two complimentary entries for any non-championship horse trials in the province, as well as a 2014 membership in its Young Rider Program. In addition, Johnston will have an opportunity to ride in two Eventing Canada (!) 2014 clinics at Pommelé Acres near Tottenham. The bursary is in honour of Heather Wellman, a much loved and devoted individual who gave selflessly to horse trials and Eventing during her life. Johnson is currently competing at the Preliminary level aboard her Thoroughbred gelding, Prized Charis, and trains with Ontario Young Rider Coach, Jessica Phoenix. ❧
Emma Johnston was the recipient of the Heather Wellman Youth Bursary.
www.horse.on.ca | 55
Breed & Discipline Updates A Long Tradition Of Road Horses Continues At Orono Fair
Photo courtesy of Glen Wood
Submitted by the Canadian Road Horse Association
This photo from the Orono Fair Road Race in 1965 shows David Frisco, driven by Keith Wood, leading; in second at the rail, Jeff Direct driven by Lorne Hoskin; and on the outside, Capital R with Gerald Rainey.
Located near the 401 on Hwy 115/35, Orono Fair boasts one of the largest road horse shows in the province each September, drawing exhibitors from as far away as Hamilton to the West and Kingston to the East. Like many Ontario fairs offering classes for Standardbred road horses, Orono has a long history of community and family ties with the division. The photo accompanying this article, taken in 1965, features a harness race at Orono Fair. The drivers in the race include Keith Wood, father of committee member Glen Wood; Lorne Hoskin, grandfather of Patti Hoskin, who expertly managed the show ring on fair day; and Gerald Rainey, whose daughter Linda showed a road horse at the 2014 edition of the fair. When asked about the connection between road horses and the fair, committee member Glen Wood explains, “Orono has always had great representation from road horse exhibitors dating back to
56 | WHOA! Fall 2014
the 1930s with the Reid family showing and promoting well into the 1960s. After the Reid family, Gerald Rainey was a strong supporter and leader to help Gord, Robert and David Robinson build the show in the 1980s. Today the committee, Tim Tufts, Robert Robinson, Chris Dunlop, David Robinson, Doug and Mary Ruth Moore, Bert Reid, and I work hard to improve the show each year.” Wood continues, “In 2014, special efforts were made to acknowledge those earlier supporters. In addition to corporate sponsor Couger Global Investments, Elva Reid sponsored the Wagon Stake in honour of her father Bill Reid, a long-time exhibitor and committee member. Gerald Rainey and family sponsored the Bike Stake in celebration of their long-time connection with the fair.” The love of horses, passed from one generation to the next, is such an important part of showing. We honour that heritage and hope to see it continue for many years to come. ❧
Breed & Discipline Updates Le Trec Challenges Pony Clubbers Over Three Phases Submitted by the Central Ontario Region of the Canadian Pony Club
This past August, riders from several branches of the Canadian Pony Club gathered near Burketon for Le Trec, an event that is as much of a festival as it is a competition. Originating in France, Le Trec is short for Techniques de Randonnée Équestre de Compétition. The horse and rider are challenged over three phases: mounted orienteering, control of paces and obstacles. In orienteering, also known as Parcours d'Orientation et de Régularité, the rider must navigate over a course at a set speed using a map. While this phase can range in length from 12 to 45 kilometres depending on the competition, Pony Clubbers travel over a course of up to 2.5 kilometres. The second phase is a control of pace, or Maîtrise des Allures. Riders are asked to canter slowly (or trot slowly for less experienced riders) along a corridor from 50 to 150 metres and then return at a quick walk. Points are awarded based on how slowly the horse can canter (trot) and how fast the horse can walk. If the horse steps out of the marked corridor or breaks gait, the rider scores a zero in that phase.
dressed in theme. Superheroes, a wedding party, and a synchronized swim team are some of the favourites from the past few years. This year, riders from Wake Robin Pony Club took the spirit award for the D Division as “Best Dressed Team.” Toronto North York Pony Club showed their team spirit, taking spirit awards in the four remaining categories: “The Scotsman” complete with red hair and kilts for the D1 Division; “Winter, Spring and Fall” for the D2 Division; “Pocahontas” for C/C1 Division and “The Canadians” rounded out the Open Division. Durham Pony Club has hosted this wonderful event for the past several years and work is well underway to plan fun new obstacles and challenging orientation courses for next year’s Le Trec event. For more information, visit www.canadianponyclub.org. ❧
In the third phase, Parcours en Terrain Varie, the horse and rider navigate a series of obstacles to test the horse’s courage and obedience. Some of the fun props used include “Pony Wash” with streamers to mimic a car wash; “Tickle Me Alley” with pool noodles set up to form a narrow corridors; “Rubber Ducky,” which requires the mounted rider to move a rubber duck from one bucket of water to the next; and “Canadian Eh!” which requires horse and rider to pass through a narrow corridor of waving Canadian flags. Photo courtesy of Kelly Wright
Scoring is based on points and penalties. In the orienteering phase, horse and rider are expected to copy a course map and then successfully orienteer their way through a series of checkpoints within the optimum time. In the pacing phase, optimum times are assigned for each pacing challenge. In the obstacles phase, scores are accumulated for proficiency and style at completing each task. This year, the overall points champion from Toronto North York (TNY) Pony Club was Amanda Bach. Reserve champion was Ashleigh Shearstone from TNY. Teams are encouraged to show their spirit with riders and horses
A costumed Marc Anthony Miller of Toronto North York Pony Club takes his pony, Farco Charlotte, through the Pony Wash challenge at the Le Trec event.
Another Busy Season For The Eastern Ontario Miniature Horse Club
Photo courtesy of Brian McGowan
Submitted by Brian McGowan, Eastern Ontario Miniature Horse Club
Eastern Ontario Miniature Horse Club members take part in the 2014 Driving in Style Days at Upper Canada Village.
Members of the Eastern Ontario Miniature Horse Club (EOMHC) spent another busy summer attending numerous events to socialize as a club and promote the breed. The season started with the ever-popular horse-drawn wagon ride in Ottawa’s historic Byward Market, which was sponsored by the Cundell Family. Numerous members brought their horses out on July 20 to celebrate the Riding in Style carriage day at Upper Canada Village. Events included a “mock” fair where the audience was asked to be the judges while members, many dressed in period costumes, exhibited their horses. The EOMHC attended the Wild West Rodeo at the Spencerville Stampede as invited guests, displaying their horses and answering numerous questions from the public. During the Labour Day weekend,
members could be found driving wagons and carts for the delight of the public at the Horse Lovers Weekend in Upper Canada Village. Members also exhibited their horses at the numerous fairs held throughout the Ottawa Valley during the late summer and fall months. One member even set a track record for Miniature Horses at the Rideau Carleton Raceway while racing at the track! The precision driving team gathered each Tuesday evening, weather permitting, during July and August to perfect their driving skills. Coming up, members are looking forward to going to the Pumpkin Inferno at Upper Canada Village, which runs from Oct. 3 to Nov. 1, as well as the annual general meeting in late October, which will conclude another season. ❧ www.horse.on.ca | 57
Breed & Discipline Updates Canadian Rider Tackles The Mongol Derby Submitted by the Ontario Competitive Trail Riding Association
The Ontario Competitive Trail Riding Association (OCTRA) is proud of Sarah Cuthbertson for representing Canada this past August in the Mongol Derby, the world’s longest and toughest horse race. For about eight months, she has been training by riding, running, weight lifting and preparing mentally. She bravely rode semi-wild horses across the steppe, competing alongside 47 other seasoned riders, including a team from Britain’s Queen’s Cavalry, professional jockeys, trainers and a wide array of other professional and amateur riders. Sadly she and eight others didn’t complete the epic journey, but Cuthbertson got a chance to show Canadian generosity and offer her scarce belongings to other competitors and her assistance to everyone.
Photo by Richard Dunwoody Photography
“It was heartbreaking to pull so early for a tack malfunction,” she says. “It was a hard choice to make, but it was better to be proactive and pull for my safety, knowing that many riders would be airlifted out with injuries. My adventure merely changed course, and I got to experience other parts of Mongolia I would not have if I were racing.” She adds, “And, hey, I still did get to ride several fantastic horses across open country with no fences as far as you could see . . . and then more!” Her efforts raised funds for the LongRun Thoroughbred Retirement Society, as well as the Cool Earth charity. She also has some new skills now – like how to fluff a saddle to be a pillow, minimalist packing, working a herd of wild horses and, of course, how to smile and pretend to tolerate the pungent taste of mutton Airag (fermented horse milk). Unfortunately Mongolian laws prohibit Cuthbertson from exporting their outstanding horses, so to get the real Mongolian experience one has to travel there, but from all reports, the horses are sure-footed, fast and strong. “These are the best horses in the world,” she says.❧
Ontario's Sarah Cuthbertson competed in the Mongol Derby.
Icelandic Association Launches Youth Sponsorship Submitted by Jane Hamilton, Ontario Icelandic Horse Association
Members of the Ontario Icelandic Horse Association (OIHA) were very busy this past summer, participating in riding and training clinics, the annual picnic and events around the province. The board of directors meets about every six weeks, year-round, to discuss planning and new ideas to benefit the club membership. In August, the board decided to launch a youth sponsorship initiative, whereby OIHA members under the age of 18 will be offered an association grant of 50 per cent of educational activity fees related to the Icelandic horse breed, up to a maximum of $300 per year.
the Icelandic horse breed and the Ontario club is welcome to attend. A light supper will be served after the meeting. For more information, please contact Sydney Horas at s.horas@xplornet.ca. Finally, don’t forget to visit the OIHA on Facebook! ❧
This initiative is meaningful on many levels. Firstly, it encourages young riders to join the club and experience the many advantages of riding Icelandic horses, a versatile breed that is suitable for all age groups (youth membership fees are $15 per calendar year). Secondly, supporting youth participation in such educational events as riding clinics and horse health and safety management seminars fosters better skills and education. Thirdly, young people who want to ride and become stronger riders will be offered the opportunity to learn in a safe and natural way, from experts and professionals.
The OIHA annual general meeting will be held on Saturday, Oct. 4 at 3 p.m. at OnIce Farm, 16218 Albion Trail Caledon, Ontario L7E 3P7. Anyone who is interested in learning more about 58 | WHOA! Fall 2014
Photo by Wendy Horas
For more information about our latest initiative and the OIHA, please contact Jay Whittington at bonaventurefarms@gmail.com, Jane Hamilton at janehamilton@rogers.com, Peter McLachlan at peter@mclachlans.ca or Sydney Horas at s.horas@xplornet.ca.
Annette Straver riders her icelandic horse, Luf, in a clinic.
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Breed & Discipline Updates Peruvian Riders Tour Wine Country On Horseback Submitted by the Ontario Peruvian Horse Association
unloaded and getting tacked up for an exciting adventure in the county. Shortly after 10 a.m. the group was off on the Millennium Trail heading to the first stop at Hinterland, the only winery in the county producing sparkling wines! The staff at the winery quickly arrived to start filling glasses in preparation for the OPHA’s signature Champagne Ride. Valerie Henderson, an active OPHA member, put the participants through their paces. When it was narrowed down to three competitors, the pace was quickened and, in the end, when the levels of champagne in the glasses were examined, the winner was declared to be Belinda Betz. More delightful “bubbly” was sampled and purchased by the riders and then they were off to the Grange of Prince Edward Vineyards and Winery where picnic lunches had been ordered.
Photo by Luis Fiallos
After securing the horses, the riders enjoyed delicious sandwiches, salads and dreamy desserts, as well as some of the wines produced by the Grange. When the horses started getting a little restless it was off again, this time along roads lined with sumac, fall flowers and vineyards.
Members of the Ontario Peruvian Horse Association listen to a wine talk at Karlo Estates winery.
The third annual Ontario Peruvian Horse Association Wine Tour on Horseback took place in Prince Edward County on a sunny, crisp day in September. On Sept. 14, the trailers started rolling in as 45 participants began arriving at the west gate of Healing with Horses Therapeutic Centre, which is owned by OPHA board member Suzanne Latchford. After checking in with president Luis Fiallos to sign waivers and get parking instructions, the beautiful array of horses began being
Valerie and Norman Henderson followed behind the riders with their new wagon drawn by Penny and Clyde, their beloved Belgians. Six non-riders enjoyed the comforts of the wagon along the route. Arriving at Lacey Estates and Lift Haus, the two wineries across from each other on Clossen Road, the group was treated once again to some of their unique wines and a chance to visit. The final and longest lap of the journey brought the riders to Karlo Estates where they were entertained and educated on the art of food and wine pairing. In the rustic, renovated hayloft of the 1880 post and beam barn, the group learned many new facts about tasting wine. To complete the experience, the riders enjoyed a sampling of the port-style VanAlstine red named for Peter VanAlstine, the first Loyalist to settle in Prince Edward County and the original owner of the acreage in 1799, where Karlo Estates now does business. It was another wonderful day for horses and humans! ❧
OQHA Reaches Out To Grassroots Competitors Submitted by the Ontario Quarter Horse Association
The Ontario Quarter Horse Association (OQHA) has had a very busy summer with not only the regular show season, but also the annual trail ride and a very successful weekend designed to reach out to the grassroots horse enthusiast. The OQHA All Novice show weekend was held at the Ancaster Fairgrounds in July. AQHA and OQHA continue to look for ways to reach out to grassroots horse owners and offer events that will encourage novice exhibitors to come out and learn more about the associations and compete at an affordable event with others of similar experience. The weekend started off on Saturday with a day of demonstrations and clinics, which were well attended with almost 50 participants and over 15 horses. Seasoned amateurs hosted a number of demonstrations to help participants become more prepared for upcoming shows. Attendees learned techniques on everything from banding and braiding, to clipping, and the proper way to hang tails. Generous clinicians offered a number of clinics on Saturday afternoon, and those who brought horses were put through their paces with mock classes after each demo, helping them polish their skills and practice the patterns so they would be more prepared for the Novice show on Sunday. The weather on Saturday was perfect, and ice cream and ice cold water was very popular and enjoyed by all in attendance. The day came to a close about 6 p.m. and allowed anyone staying on the grounds to mingle and meet new friends. 60 | WHOA! Fall 2014
Sunday offered an AQHA/OQHA All Novice Youth and Amateur show judged by Lindsay Grice. The morning started out with Halter and Showmanship classes for Rookie and Level 1 Youth and Amateur. The classes were well attended with between 10 and 15 in the classes. The afternoon started with the English classes, followed by Western and the speed events. The riding classes, which included walk/jog classes, were also well attended. There were a total of 38 horses and 247 entries attending the show. OQHA continues to look for ways to promote the American Quarter horse breed and develop events that will encourage novice/grassroots Quarter Horse owners to come out and participate. With such a successful event, the OQHA looks forward to offering this again in 2015 and hope to reach out to even more horse enthusiasts. The OQHA also held its annual trail ride in September at Storey Hill Farms in Omemee, ON. Once again, Karen Cook and Jan Ropp hosted this great event, which saw over 15 horses participating in the trail ride. Unfortunately the weather was threatening on Saturday morning, so some folks who had planned on attending were scared away, but there were many who dropped in to enjoy the delicious meal and entertainment. The annual trail ride is open to all breeds and to all horse enthusiasts. This is a fun weekend to enjoy so be sure to mark your calendars for next September and come out and join fellow Quarter Horse enthusiasts. ❧
Breed & Discipline Updates Igniting A Passion For Horses At The Erin Fair
Photo by Tristan Clark
Submitted by the Erin Agricultural Society
Comedian Rick Mercer drives Miniature Horses at the Erin Fall Fair.
The Erin Fall Fair helped ignite the spirit of the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Games by giving the public a chance to connect with horses and learn about a variety of equine breeds through its Breeds Exhibit and Equine Tent.
and bring joy, physical and mental well being, exercise and interaction to horse enthusiasts of all ages.
The Erin Fall Fair was selected to participate in the IGNITE program, a new community partnership program that enables individuals, organizations and communities to create their own special Gamesthemed initiatives.
Across Ontario, horses are increasingly being recognized for their contribution to the development of Canadian sport and competition, therapeutic riding and recreational riding. The popular appeal of the horse reflects an appreciation of this animal as cultural icon. The Erin Fall Fair shared that rich heritage with visitors who came through the Equine Tent over the Thanksgiving weekend.
Horses represent Canada’s agricultural heritage and the mobilization of civilizations around the world. They are revered in many cultures
If you missed it this year, discover the Erin Fall Fair at www.erinfair. ca. ❧
What’s Coming Up In NOVEMBER:
Spruce Meadows Masters: Canada Wins Nations Cup • Royal Winter Fair Preview • World Equestrian Games Report • Creating a Happy Young Dressage Horse • Exclusive Interview with Charlotte Dujardin • Feeding Horses with COPD • Rising Star Gareth Graves • Developing the Young Event Horse, Part 3 • Creating Good First and Last Impressions in the Hunter Ring • What is a Chimera?
DECEMBER:
2014 in Review Photo Gallery • Interview with Eva Havaris, Equine Canada's new CEO • Giving Back: Rider's Favourite Charities & Step-By-Step, Juniors Helping Underprivileged Kids • Profile of World Champion Jeroen Dubbeldam • Solutions for Icy Arena Roofs • How Genetic Diseases Are Inherited • Stable Tour: Lothlorien South • Furusiyya Nations Cup Final • How Much Hay Do I Need to Get Through the Winter? • Hunter/Jumper: Developing Sympathetic Hands • Eventing: What to Expect at Your First Event. Pick-up a copy at your favourite tack shop or subscribe online at Subscribe.Horse-Canada.com to subscribe today.
What’s Coming Up In
November/December Issue How smart is your horse? Equine psychologist, Antonia Henderson, reviews studies in equine cognition that will help with training. Shock Treatment - Learn how to recognize and deal with shock, a life-threatening condition in which the body begins to shut down in response to trauma or illness. Common Dental Problems - Dr. Melissa McKee describes seven common dental problems and how to tell if your horse needs a check-up. Winter Storms - Prepare for this winter with tips from farm owners who made it through last year’s widespread ice storm and power outages. Feeding Salt & Minerals - Get advice on feeding salt and minerals, as well as hints on maintaining your horse’s well-balanced diet this winter. Holiday Gift Guide: Give the gift of warmth – check out a holiday gift guide featuring hot new winter gear for riders.
There’s much more, so make sure to pick up a copy or subscribe today at Subscribe.Horse-Canada.com, so you don’t miss a thing! www.horse.on.ca | 61
OEF members now have access to a new health and dental program, in association with the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, which will offer affordable insurance protection for members, their family and their employees. Through this new benefits program, OEF members are eligible for a wide range of flexible benefit programs to provide health and dental insurance plans to protect members, their families and their employees if they own a business. OEF member plans include: • Semi-private hospital and prescription drug coverage • Chiropractic/massage/ naturopath • Long-term disability (optional) • Vision care • Dental • Travel
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Breed & Discipline Updates Forge New Friendships Through Fun Times At Mounted Games
Submitted by Mounted Games Across Canada
What happens when you put a whole group of mounted games enthusiasts on one farm for a day? A whole lot of opportunities to learn from each other and, of course, lots of fun! In late August, Mounted Games Across Canada held a unique and friendly competition at a member’s property and invited fellow Mounted Games riders from Mounted Games Canada-Ontario to participate in a team event with a twist.
Photo by Bronwynne Wilton
In a typical Mounted Games competition, teams would form weeks or even months in advance, practice together regularly and compete to win their division. While this is all very fun, for something new and different, it was decided that for this event teams would be created the night before instead. The hope was that by mixing up experienced riders with novice riders that this would help the novice riders learn some new skills and boost their confidence for riding in competitive settings. This added a whole new element to the day as new friendships were made, tips for running the races were shared, and lots of moments of talented horsemanship and sportsmanship were on display. This event was a great example of why Mounted Games is such a wonderful example of an equestrian sport that teaches riders and ponies balance, accuracy, speed and, most importantly, team cooperation and spirit. For more information, visit www.www.mgac.ca. ❧
An experienced games rider walks a young beginner through the Pony Pairs race.
Toronto And North York Hunt Is New OEF Affiliate Member
Photo by Catherine Davey
Submitted by the Toronto and North York Hunt
Professional Huntsman, John Harrision, accompanied by Professional Whipper-In Rosslyn Balding, directs the hounds, followed by one of the TNYH Joint Masters and members of the field.
The Toronto and North York Hunt (TNYH) is thrilled to be one of the Ontario Equestrian Federation’s newest Affiliate members. “The OEF is committed to horse welfare and providing leadership and support to the individuals, associations and industries in Ontario’s horse community, and we are proud to be affiliated with such an influential association,” says Michael Byrne, president of the Toronto and North York Hunt and owner of Park Stud. In subsequent issues of WHOA!, the TNYH is looking forward to sharing useful information about “riding to hounds” – the practice, management, tradition, history and issues affecting the sport. Watch for articles on how meets are organized, terminology, what happens during a hunt, how the huntsman breeds and trains the pack of hounds, and what characteristics a horse needs to be suitable for riding to hounds, to name a few. The TNYH is one of the oldest clubs in Canada, founded in 1843 as the Toronto Hunt. It began in the City of Toronto and moved first to the Scarborough Bluffs and later to Aurora and Newmarket. Today,
the club’s kennels, stable and huntsman’s house are located in the rolling hills south of Creemore. Members of the club are equestrians of varying skill levels who enjoy a day out together, following a pack of hounds on horseback. Many riders come purely for the close camaraderie and pleasure of riding across beautiful countryside, so the sport may more accurately be called “riding to hounds.” Members of “the field” enjoy the thrill of following the hounds across farmland and through forests on the heels of the Field Master, who is following the Huntsman, the person actually managing the hounds. The more sedate or inexperienced horse or rider may ride with the “hilltoppers.” This group rides across the countryside, too, but uses gates and roads to bypass the jumps as it makes its way to hilltops to view and follow the field and hounds. Consequently, there is a place for virtually every rider to enjoy the day. The TNYH welcomes new members and guests! For more information, visit www.tnyh.ca, follow the club on Facebook, or contact Carolyn Lane at tnyhoffice@yahoo.ca or 416-998-6078. ❧ www.horse.on.ca | 63
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Breed & Discipline Updates Vector Equestrian ‘Family’ Raises The Bar On Community Sharing Submitted by Wind Dancer Pony Rescue Foundation
Like the enthusiastic young riders who rode into the show ring on Aug. 16 to a song and a cheer, Vector Equestrian rode into Flamborough, ON. almost two years ago and brought their special brand of community. It was important for co-owners Jenny Lineker and Ann Pryde to reach out to their community, so they found a fresh and fun way to welcome the community to the farm while giving back to a great local cause at the same time. Demonstrating what a little creativity and community can do – and exceeding all expectations – they raised over $6,000 for Wind Dancer Pony Rescue Foundation, a registered charity based in Sheffield, ON. that rescues, rehabilitates and re-homes unwanted and neglected ponies.
Photo by Nathan Siegel
“We are so grateful to Vector for supporting the ponies,” says Dr. Paula Dupuy, the foundation’s president. “Wind Dancer’s work in educating and involving young people fits so well with Vector’s own purpose to raise equestrians from beginners to high-level performers.”
Wind Dancer volunteer Quinn Moyer rides Cherry, owned by Wind Dancer president Dr. Paula Dupuy, in the First Annual Vector Equestrian Charity Jumper Show.
Like the Vector riding facility itself, the First Annual Charity Jumper Show and Dinner on Aug. 16 was first-class. It saw 100 guests enjoying an elegant catered dinner while watching an evening of show jumping on a professionally designed course. Each rider entered the ring to a song of their choosing. Riding to everything from country to rap, the music rallied the riders and had the audience cheering. “The success of the event had to do with how it was run,” says Dupuy. “They were very professional, while staying true to their grassroots. It’s such a positive atmosphere.” For more information, visit Wind Dancer Pony Rescue Foundation at www.winddancerponies.org. ❧
EquiFest Helps Riders Broaden Their Horse Experience Submitted by the Women Horse Owners Association
Dozens of riders from across Ontario came out to the Orangeville Fairgrounds on June 14 to experience EquiFest, an annual event hosted by the Women Horse Owners Association (WHOA) to give riders and horses of all disciplines a chance to experience new activities and to fine-tune existing skills for one, low fee. “The purpose of EquiFest is to give riders a chance to learn in a noncompetitive environment,” says Elaine Capes, founder and chair of WHOA. “A competition day involves a lot of work prepping and polishing your horse, your tack and yourself. Then there’s the stress of competing on top of that, while traditional “clinics” are major investments in a single discipline. EquiFest is an opportunity to have fun and broaden your horse experience!”
for the past eight years, is a not-for-profit, volunteer-run organization created so that women (and men) with horses could meet and connect with their riding communities. WHOA has grown its membership year over year since its creation in 2006, allowing this increasing network to help horses in need, educate its membership on the latest trends in horse husbandry, trends and just generally have a good time. For more information on WHOA and EquiFest, visit www. whoamembers.wix.com/whoa. ❧
This past year saw the most enthusiastic, well-attended day yet, with nine clinicians offering 18 clinics in eight individual rings. Riders were permitted to move between clinics as they wished. Applause and laughter could be heard throughout the fairgrounds.
EquiFest would not be possible without the wonderful professionals who donated their time to share their expertise. A huge thank you goes to clinicians Lawrence “Chuck” Cannon (CACTHA), Melanie Chin (Hockley Hills School of Horsemanship), Heather Collinge (Phillippe Karl Method), Jessica Fobert (Free Rein Horsemanship), Jay Hayes (North Ridge Farm & Hayes Co.), Sidney Horas (OnIce Horse Farms), Ann Morgan (Will O’ Wind Farm), Tamara Williamson (KurBoom), and the crew from Rawhide Adventures. The Women Horse Owners Association, which has hosted EquiFest
Photo by John Lintherland
One of the highlights of the day was the fabulous demonstration of gaited horses, organized by OnIce Horse Farms. Icelandic, Rocky Mountain, and the Paso Fino horse breeds all took centre stage and strutted their stuff. Many riders who had never experienced the joy of these gaited horses were given the opportunity to ride and feel the magic of these special gaits for themselves.
Tamara Williamson, who specializes in creating original arrangements for Dressage Kurs, teaches the Equifest riders about riding to music.
www.horse.on.ca | 65
Breed & Discipline Updates Welsh Champion Of Champions To Be Named At Royal Winter Fair Submitted by the Welsh Pony and Cob Association of Ontario
The Welsh Pony and Cob Association of Ontario would like to thank The presentation of the Champion of Champions award will be made Amanda Mills and Holly Rock Stables for their sponsorship of the during the evening performance in the Coliseum on the last Friday 2014 Welsh Champion of Champions classes. evening of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. Annually, purebred Welsh ponies and cobs compete for one of 18 We hope to see you ringside at the fair! ❧ qualifying places that allow them a chance to compete at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair for the ultimate title of “Welsh Champion of Champions.” At press time, the ponies that had qualified include: Caledon Fair Youngstock: Crownridge Madoc, owned by Jenna Ponzo Mare: Crownridge Satina, owned by Felicia Guldner Stallion: Northern-Cross Achilles, owned by Medea Tumanidis The Summer Classic Youngstock: RH Cotillion, owned by Janet Pegg Mare: Bidwell Rhapsody, owned by Rose Reid Stallion/Gelding: Northern-Cross Man O War, owned by Howie Black. The Canadian All Welsh Show Youngstock: Wray Acres Titan, owned by Wray Acres Mare: Farnley Roxanna, owned by Jessica Figas Stallion: Menai Aspire, owned by Iris and Fred King Sutton Fair Youngstock: N.E.A Star Struck, owned by Kenzie Black Mare: Sommertime Rain, owed by Medea Tumanidis Stalion/Gelding: Shell-Crest Dusty Gold, owned by Amanda Mills
The Welsh Champion of Champions winner at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair is presented with the Perpetual Challenge Trophy from Blackwood Acres (to remain with the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair), and engraved Champion Of Champion plaque, a special Champion Of Champion ribbon and a cooler sponsored by Hollyrock Welsh. The remaining qualifiers each receive an engraved plaque. The owner and the breeder of the Welsh Champion Of Champions also receive a commemorative plaque.
Photo by Alice McKeen
Lindsay Fair Youngstock: High Forest Matilda, owned by Brianna Simpson Mare: Kaiser's Miss Smudge, owned by Jennifer McKeen Stallion/Gelding: Glanvyrnwy Casper, owned by Rose Reid
Menai Aspire is owned by Iris and Fred King and is vying for the title of Welsh Champion of Champions.
Tri-County Carriage Association Offers Fun Events For All Skill Levels Submitted by Valerie Williams, Tri-County Carriage Association
For anyone that might dream of driving an equine friend in harness with carriage, Tri-County Carriage Association is where driving begins. Thirty-one years ago, a small group of devoted carriage drivers set the groundwork for this traditional sport to be accessible and affordable for first-time participants through to more experienced drivers. Fellowship, a generous sharing of information, equipment and moral support prevails at all events. With reasonable membership, clinic and show fees, everyone is able to enjoy participating.
accompany a TCCA member in a carriage and experience the thrill of taking part. Through TCCA, the Ken Armstrong Youth Fund has been established to encourage and assist youth entering the sport. Visit the Drive Ontario website for additional details, or come out to see a TCCA event for yourself. ❧
Shows are held at various locations, ensuring accessibility and a variety of landscapes. Safety checks on harness and carriage are the first order of each show. The types of classes vary so that individuals are able to enter and perform at their own comfort level. Many solo classes are available at each show. Tenderfoot and junior classes are less complicated and greater instruction is offered. A wide variety of clothing, carriages and equipment are acceptable. It need not be expensive, but it must be safe. Judges at TCCA shows tend to be less strict and often offer suggestions for improvement. The Red Light – Green Light class gives youth an opportunity to 66 | WHOA! Fall 2014
Photo by Valerie Williams
Each year begins with a clinic focused on education and safety instruction for anyone who wishes to learn about the sport. Clinics and social drives are planned and held from spring through fall at various locations and provide an opportunity to meet with fellow drivers, gain experience and knowledge and often enjoy a potluck meal.
Jean McLean, an accomplished competitor and TCCA's show and event manager, poses with two successful Red Light Green Light candidates at the spring show.
Equine Guelph Research Update
Fall 2014
helping horses for life
ETA for EAG?
FINDINGS COULD PROVE HELPFUL IN DIAGNOSING FETLOCK INJURIES One cannot help but get excited about the possibilities for electroarthrography (EAG) as a diagnostic tool after speaking with Ontario Veterinary College researcher, Dr. Mark Hurtig. He is developing a noninvasive way to assess joint cartilage health in fetlocks (the most commonly injured joint in horses). Current technologies to assess fetlock health have their limitations. Veterinarians mainly use physical exams, diagnostic injections, x-ray images and ultrasound – yet these methods provide no information about the quantity or health of the articular cartilage that is critical for pain-free joint function. Electroarthrography (EAG) is a novel method for easily assessing cartilage quality. Dime-sized electrodes are placed on the skin to record electrical signals produced by joint cartilage when loaded and unloaded. Researchers from the Université de Montréal and École Polytechnique reasoned that electrical signals might be measured on the skin surface similar to electrocardiography (ECG) for the heart. They found that people with knee arthritis had lower electrical potentials than normal people. So the concept of electroarthrography (EAG) was born. Hurtig’s contribution—with his team of postdoctoral fellows and graduate students—is applying the technique to
INSIDE
simulated weight bearing have shown that EAG signals can be easily recorded from the fetlock and are altered by damaged or osteoarthritic cartilage. When the cartilage is deliberately damaged with an enzyme like those found in osteoarthritic cartilage, it produces lower EAG signals. Once this validation study is complete, the next phase is to apply EAG to normal and lame horses.
Photo by: Dr. Mark Hurtig
Electroarthrography (EAG) is a novel method for easily assessing cartilage quality. horses by performing validation studies in cadaveric limbs, in which electrical signals can be directly correlated to cartilage quality. Hurtig explains, “We thought that the fetlock might be a good place to start in the horse since the cartilage surface is close to the skin without any bulky muscles overlying the joint.” Preliminary data from cadaveric forelimbs of horses under
Volume 11, Number 2
Investigating Arterial Calcification .............................2 Tracking Map Aids Disease Prevention........................3 Rhodococcus Retrospective. .....................................4 The Impact of Impact on Bone Health........................6 Cracking Down on EPO ...........................................7
In a preliminary live-animal test, electrical signals were recorded from fetlock joint cartilage while the horse was being pushed side to side while standing on a steel force platform. Human researchers have adopted the same technique using a Wii (game) platform. Software correlates the electrical signal on the skin surface of the knee to the timing of weight shift sensed by the platform. The strength of the EAG signal under the same weight indicates the status of cartilage health. In an eroded or damaged cartilage surface, the water and protein content changes resulting in a decline of electrical signals. continued on page 2...
Welcome to the annual newsletter reporting on equine research activities. If you have read previous research newsletters, you will be familiar with the names of many of the world-class investigators at the University of Guelph. In this issue we will start introducing you to the supporting casts — the students, post-doctoral fellows and assistants who do much of the hands-on work. Cristin McCarty is the first of many. Dr. Jeff Thomason, Co-Chair Equine Guelph Research Committee
Equine Guelph Education .........................................8 www.horse.on.ca | 67
EQUINE RESEARCH UPDATE
ETA for EAG?
continued from page 1
Since a horse is too heavy for Wii and a platform will not be portable for on-farm assessment, an instrumented horse boot (capable of recording weight bearing while the EAG signal is recorded) is being developed by other collaborators in the University of Guelph, School of Engineering. Future research will include localizing cartilage damage by loading different parts of the fetlock joint using wedge pads. Hurtig explains, “If we are successful it could mean that we can diagnose cartilage damage years before conventional methods.”
Electroarthrography could prove clinically useful in diagnosing hard to pinpoint lameness such as early osteoarthritis. Dr. Hurtig also points out EAG could be used in similar contexts as diagnostic ultrasound in tendon injuries, which has been useful in establishing when it is safe to step up rehabilitation or return a horse to work. Funding for this research has been provided by Biomomentum Inc., Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and Equine Guelph. Story By – Jackie Bellamy-Zions
Investigating Arterial Calcification In humans, the findings of arterial calcification in high pressure artery vessels and the links to cardiovascular mortality, coronary morbidity and fatal stroke are known. Why arterial calcification has been found in 80 percent of racehorses studied, is still under investigation. Diet and lack of exercise are culprits in humans. Dr. Luis Arroyo, Ontario Veterinary College researcher, can attest this is not the case in young, fit race horses (Thoroughbred, Standardbred and Quarter horses) he has examined post-mortem. Finding out what causes arterial calcification in horses in order to be able to screen for it in the future is one of the challenges. Interestingly, other breeds Arroyo has studied, such as Warmbloods and Arabs do not seem to be as affected. Arroyo says, “Recently funded intravascular ultrasound equipment is expected to bring about significant advancement in the research.” Researchers will soon be able to use a specially designed catheter and miniaturized ultrasound probe to provide imaging of blood vessels from the inside out. Perfecting catheter design is currently under development. Ensuring correct sizing is imperative as the frequency of the ultrasound will determine how deeply the catheter penetrates while maintaining a good visual. Arroyo explains there are currently three branches of the study: 1) a histological assessment of damaged vessels using staining to determine the degree of the arterial wall damage, 2) ex vivo studies (using a model) looking at the effect calcification has on the physiology of the vessel and 3) measuring biomechanical changes and looking at the effect calcification has on vessels.
One branch of Arroyo’s studies uses this ex-vivo model to study the effect calcification has on the physiology of muscle. Before moving on to treatment and prevention, Arroyo and his team must establish how arterial calcification alters normal function of the arteries in horses. Funding for this research has been provided by Canada Foundation for Innovation and Equine Guelph. Story By – Jackie Bellamy-Zions
Join the Circle and ‘Help Horses for Life’ Join the circle supporting Equine Guelph as we work together with the horse industry, to improve equine welfare with our Full-Circle-Responsibility program. Equine Guelph is teaching vital skills in horse care in order to 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 2 Equine Guelph
horses. Your support is truly appreciated,” Gayle Ecker, director, Equine Guelph. All donations are eligible for a tax receipt, and every amount makes a difference. Phone: 519-824-4120 ext 54431 Online: www.EquineGuelph.ca (online gifts receive an e-receipt) Mail: Equine Guelph, c/o Alumni House, University of Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1 (cheques payable to University of Guelph/ Equine Guelph)
EQUINE RESEARCH UPDATE
Tracking Map Aids Disease Prevention A disease-tracking map created by Guelph veterinary experts might be the first step to preventing domestic animal diseases from spreading. The interactive, online “Worms and Germs” map created by University of Guelph professor Scott Weese, Pathobiology, and former grad student Maureen Anderson, now at the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food, is designed to track the spread of infectious diseases in dogs, cats and horses.
“Knowing where pets are getting sick can help indicate where the same risks are present for people,” said Weese.
Until now, disease monitoring has occurred informally and researchers often have had to catch up to the spread of new diseases.
“Since human diseases aren’t being mapped like we are doing for animal diseases, we might have better data on animal aspects than human aspects for some conditions. Knowing where an infectious outbreak occurs in animals lets
“Often, questions come up about the distribution of diseases and knowing where and when diseases occur is an important aspect of figuring them out,” Weese said. “For
Veterinarians from around the world will be invited to provide animal data, allowing researchers and veterinarians to determine where important diseases are occurring and to help identify outbreaks. Weese said the map could also help prevent zoonotic diseases that hop from animals to humans. Viruses and bacteria tend to travel along with their domestic hosts. Canada’s east coast has seen a recent increase in Lyme disease, a bacterial infection carried by ticks that bite domestic animals and then humans. The disease can lead to rashes and occasionally fatigue, joint and muscle pain. Until now, the extent of the problem in animals has been unknown, as experts have lacked a way to track these cases and make information publicly available.
zoonotic diseases, providing information about where animals are getting sick could be useful for public health and medical personnel. Another aspect is just increasing general understanding of infectious diseases by vets and the general public.” Weese said preventing spread of zoonotic diseases can be simple.
us know where it should also occur in people. If doctors and public health officials realize animal cases are occurring in the area, it increases the need for them to consider it in people.” Weese handled overall planning and content for the map and employed a website design company run by a veterinarian. He paid for the site through his Canada Research Chair in zoonotic diseases. Only veterinary technicians and veterinarians who register for the site will be able to enter clinical and test data.
“Many zoonotic diseases aren’t difficult to control and basic practices can reduce the risk. We can never eliminate the risk though and failure to use good practices is not uncommon. This map gives us one more tool to fight against the spread of these diseases.” For media questions regarding this article contact Communications and Public Affairs: Lori Bona Hunt, 519-824-4120, Ext. 53338, lhunt@uoguelph.ca; or Kevin Gonsalves, Ext. 56982, kgonsalves@uoguelph.ca
The Value of Research to the Health and Welfare of Your Horse This summer we began a new initiative – tracking down the many places that research funded by Equine Guelph (EG) is used in the equine industry. Preliminary results surprised us pleasantly with the number and variety of places that our work appears – and we will be sending out short, targeted surveys to gather more information in
the near future. Check the EG website in September to find them (and other equine organizations will also feature). Even at this early stage it is clear that EG-funded research and EG's education activities are bringing about positive changes in many sectors of the horse industry. From big companies and large stables to vets and farriers and one-horse
owners, o u r research is benefiting the health and welfare of horses. We look forward to bringing you specific examples in a future newsletter. Story By – Dr. Jeff Thomason, Co-chair, Equine Guelph Research Committee Equine Guelph 3
Rhodococcus Retrospective This research is not quite as “old as dirt” but Rhodococcus equi is an insidious soil bacterium that has kept Ontario Veterinary College researcher, Dr. John Prescott (along with many collaborators), busy for almost half his career. When a journal article suggests renaming the bacterium after you, an impact has definitely been made. Although Prescott modestly thinks that the official R.equi name may not change to Prescotella equi, his unwavering determination and contributions to the research for combating this nasty respiratory disease are admirable. Officially retired as of May 2014 but still weaning himself away from the laboratory, Prescott is a walking library of information on R. equi.
heels of much study into the pathology of the bacterium and the development of a capsular serotyping scheme to find out more about the make-up of the cells and how to get the antibiotics into the affected foal’s macrophages. This six-week, fairly expensive treatment, remains the standard today as researchers continue to strive towards a vaccine. A vaccine that would need to be capable of fully protecting foals within the first three weeks after birth is a challenge since the foals’ immune system is still maturing. Vaccinating the mare for R. equi has proven unsuccessful since the antibody passed on in colostrum will only last three to four weeks and foals can contract the disease up to eight weeks or more.
He can recall the bleak diagnosis 35 years ago for foals inhaling the horrible bacterium which would end in pneumonia and suffocation. Not much was known about the causes of this pneumonic disease back then but Prescott was resolute in his quest for understanding the bacterium to bring about a cure.
Researcher interest began to grow and a small group of scientists met for the first Havemeyer workshop to discuss their thoughts on the disease in 1986. Prescott credits the Havemeyer Workshops as being tremendous for focusing the ever-growing international community of researchers on R. equi and for cementing relationships, exchanging ideas and encouraging collaboration.
Fearlessly climbing aboard work horses on the farm as a toddler, horses Horses were in Prescott’s genes long were in Prescott’s genes long before Prescott regards one of the greatest before genomic discoveries furthered his genomic discoveries furthered his innovations of the research as being extensive research on Rhodococcus. research. Armed with a background in the discovery of the virulence plasmid diagnostic bacteriology, Prescott came to Guelph in the late 70’s. (small piece of DNA) of R. equi in the early 1990’s. This led to Back then foals with R. equi (named Corynebacterium equi at that discoveries on how this soil organism becomes a pathogen capable time) symptoms were treated unsuccessfully with antibiotics. of causing disease within the foal. The plasmid is thermoFinding a more effective combination of drugs followed on the regulated so that when it enters the foal from the soil, the
R. equi emerges in the 1990s as a major infection of human patients with AIDS; a 1991 review article on R. equi as a pathogen of animals and humans is Dr. Prescott’s most widely cited paper
First paper on Corynebacterium equi published at Guelph, on immune response to infection
Description of detailed Development of pathology of intestinal and pneumonic disease a capsular serotyping scheme Corynebacterium equi
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Development of first effective “standard” combination drug treatment for foals
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First demonstration of immunizing effect of oral infection with R. equi
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Association of a large plasmid with virulence in R. equi, a critical codiscovery with Japanese workers
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1st Havemeyer Workshop on Corynebacterium equi, Guelph; Broad acceptance of change of name to Rhodococcus equi
Cloning and sequencing of the major plasmidencoded virulenceassociated protein of R. equi, VapA
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Demonstration of resistance to the two “combination” drugs used to treat R. equi
increased temperature it encounters in the foal allows rapid adaptation and turns on the virulence genes. A well-known thermo-regulated virulence plasmid is also found in the “Black Death” plague pathogen of humans. Another great advance in the mid 2000’s was the assessment of oral immunization using a virulent R. equi which proved foals could be fully protected by three weeks of age. Realizing that the organism could be crippled by mutating some of its pathways established real possibilities for vaccine development using a vaccine that could be given orally to young foals. “The advances in genome sequencing were revolutionary in putting together the puzzle pieces,” Prescott explains. “We gained understanding about the virulence’s metabolism, what it needed to survive, its weak spots and how we could go after it.” The much needed vaccines currently in development are progressing ahead based on this illuminating insight. One of Prescott’s Ph.D. students, now working in Edinburgh, Scotland, continues to work on an injectable vaccination based on using an antigen to interfere with the bacterium’s ability to get inside of macrophages. Yet another study in Europe has been developing a live attenuated vaccine to be administered rectally. When asked how research into R. equi has progressed over his career Prescott says, “The field is immeasurably advanced compared to 35 years ago. Back in the 70’s you would be lucky to find one page of literature on the topic and now the understanding has yielded a great many chapters. The end of the story has got to be vaccines.”
Ministry of Agriculture and Food (OMAF), the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and Equine Guelph. The T. Havemeyer Foundation has provided many invaluable opportunities for collaboration with its workshops.
R. equi is able to hide in the very macrophages which normally destroy invading bacteria. R. equi loves hot dusty environments and lurks in soil and manure. It is “coprophilic” (manure loving), easily extracting nutrients from manure. Foals should be closely monitored for signs, especially in those under six weeks of age. Early warning signs for Rhodococcus include: • Coughing or panting (monitor respiratory rates diligently) • The young foal may go off its feed or stop suckling Preventative Measures include: • Avoiding turn-out in sandy environments • Not overcrowding paddocks and removal of manure • Taking temperatures (as foals may look fine and first signs can be subtle) Diagnostic techniques include: • Ultrasound • Lung washes • Cultures
Funding for this research has been provided by the Ontario
Demonstration of immunizing potential of VapA in mice; demonstration of potential harmful effects of VapA immunization in foals if it drives the wrong type of immune response; Development of first Rhodococcus-E. coli plasmid shuttle vector so that DNA can be moved from E. coli into R. equi; Demonstration that virulent R. equi modulate the immune response of foals
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3rd Havemeyer Workshop on Rhodococcus equi, Edinburgh
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2nd Havemeyer Workshop on Rhodococcus equi, Guelph; Serological studies at Guelph show that antibody to VapA is widespread in horses.
Demonstration that foals that develop R. equi pneumonia have a misdirected immune response; Demonstration of plasmid gene expression by R. equi growing inside phagocytes; Improved understanding of virulence plasmid gene function; Demonstration of importance of nutrient pathways for survival of R. equi in phagocytes Proposal to rename R. equi as Prescotella equi
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Story by: Jackie Bellamy-Zions
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4th Havemeyer Workshop on Rhodococcus equi, Edinburgh Complete DNA sequencing of two R. equi virulence plasmids by a Japanese-USCanadian researcher consortium
Assessment of virulence of numerous targeted mutants to try to develop a live oral vaccine
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Complete 5th genome Havemeyer sequence of an Workshop on equine R. equi Rhodococcus strain originally equi, isolated in Normandy Guelph by an international consortium of researchers www.horse.on.ca | 71
EQUINE RESEARCH UPDATE
The Impact of Impact on Bone Health Ontario Veterinary College graduate student, Cristin McCarty, is no stranger to joint health issues having to work through her own athletic injuries from rowing. As an avid rider since age five, McCarty bought an ex-racehorse in her early teens for repurposing into a hunter/jumper and immediately began an education in joint problems and maintenance options aimed towards keeping her newly purchased horse sound. McCarty’s interest in how osteoarthritis begins was born from experience. After pursuing an education in biology, McCarty was very excited to be given the opportunity to work with Dr. Jeff Thomason and Dr. Mark Hurtig at the University of Guelph, where groundbreaking research is looking at joint loading of horses travelling at high speed. Thomason specializes in biomechanics, studying mechanics of locomotion in horses, in-vivo bone strain and finiteelement (FE) modelling of skeletal mechanics. Hurtig is an expert on the mechanical causes of osteoarthritis. McCarty has been working with FE, gathering and analyzing data on loads acting at the fetlock joint and stresses in the cannon bone. By creating a computer generated model using computed tomographic (CT) or MRI images of an equine fetlock joint, they are working on determining the internal bone stress under varying loading conditions (rates, directions and magnitudes) using FE software. This method of analysis could provide further insight into the biomechanical role that impact has on stress distribution in areas of high remodeling, which is associated with osteoarthritis in racehorses. FE has been used for quite some time in the automotive industry in crash test simulations to assess material failure but it is a relatively new technology for applications in biology. McCarty, who has been working under Thomason for three years now, says, “it was a steep learning curve to become familiar with the software to build complex models. That alone took almost two years.” FE, through complicated mathematical calculations, 6 Equine Guelph
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can test where stress points will occur under particular loading conditions. In a more dense bone (which occurs in osteoarthritis) these calculations can show how stress points may be transferred and put onto the cartilage of the joint. Using FE, researchers can also study how distribution of stress in a healthy, spongy, less dense bone differs from that of an osteoarthritic joint.
result in upwards of 2.5 times their body weight on one limb. Footing plays a role with harder surfaces resulting in higher strains on the hoof. A blunt force trauma could also predispose a horse to joint injury and make it more susceptible to the onset of OA. Intense continuous training can set a horse up for OA and joint disease. McCarty goes on to talk about training programs and compares the training of human athletics to how we train race horses, “If you wanted to run a 200 metre sprint, you would not sit on a couch all day; get up to sprint 50 meters then return directly to the couch. With no preconditioning of joints, this is asking for injury. So why would we ask a horse to stand in a stall all day and then take them out for a gallop?” Chronic overloading of joints leads to problems over time.
Healthy and Osteoarthritic Bone Density Green = higher density bone Mapped material stiffness on third metacarpal from micro-computed tomography images. Bottom images show the internal stiffness distribution through the medial/lateral plane of the distal end of MC3. Contributing factors to osteoarthritis(OA) in the fetlock joint of a horse lies partly in conformation. A horse’s large body mass is held up by four fairly small limbs and the fetlock joint is a small area to distribute the force and loading that occurs during high speed movement. Long pasterns and steep joint angles increase stresses on the back of the leg and can predispose a horse to issues. McCarty explains the incredible forces calculated from the horse’s mass x acceleration (F=M x A) during the high speed work a racehorse performs. This can
One of the potential uses McCarty cites for FE modeling could be assessing the chronically lame horse. This technology may allow predications of where the bone may fracture and under what conditions. Also, with greater understanding of high stress point areas and what is creating them, mitigation may be possible; such as suggesting a change in the footing surface the horse trains on.
This research will be continuing in collaboration with the Robarts Research Institute, Western University and has been funded by the Ontario Veterinary College department of Biomedical Science, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC). Story By – Jackie Bellamy-Zions
EQUINE RESEARCH UPDATE
Cracking Down on EPO Drug Use Dr. Dorothee Bienzle has been working with the Ontario Racing Commission (ORC) developing further methods to regulate illegal erythropoietin (EPO) use in the racing industry. EPO triggers the production of more red blood cells in the bone marrow and is thought to improve a horse’s performance by increasing the blood’s oxygen carrying capacity. Due to the negative health and welfare effects there is a crackdown to eliminate its use.
Interestingly, the finish position of the race horses studied did not correlate with hemoglobin concentration. Bienzle says, “A regular regime of aerobic exercise is enough to stimulate red blood cell production in a healthy athlete.” Red blood cell production is easy to check in a test called complete blood count (CBC). It is simple to ascertain if a horse is at a safe level. In developing a healthy athletic horse, trainers should not be looking for shortcuts but focusing on progressive training, lameness prevention, respiratory health and good stable management practices. "The ORC is committed to eliminating the abuse of performance enhancing drugs in racehorses,” said ORC Manager of Veterinary services Dr. Adam Chambers. “Dr. Bienzle's work on equine hemoglobin has moved us one step closer to that goal."
Photo: Dave Landry
In an effort to protect the safety of racehorses and maintain the integrity of racing, the ORC has imposed severe penalties if EPO is found in a horse. According to the ORC Directive on Penalty Guidelines for Equine Drug, TCO2 and Non-Therapeutic Drug Offences, a first Offence for EPO can result in a suspension of 10 years plus a $40,000 fine. Bienzle has been looking at the “blood picture” as a method to identify which horses have been treated with EPO by measuring how much hemoglobin they have in their blood. Bienzle outlines the health risks, “Horses with exceedingly high amounts of hemoglobin in the blood are not fit to race, as they will be at risk for sudden death due to brain hemorrhage or a blockage of blood supply to the heart.” EPO affects the viscosity of the blood, making it sludge-like and difficult to push through smaller capillaries. Irreversible anemia can also result from repeated EPO use as the horse’s own natural EPO production is suppressed. In the research that has concluded this past winter, Bienzle has found that within a breed, horses are relatively consistent regarding their blood hemoglobin concentration prior to and following race, making the idea of a “blood passport” for racehorses a viable future possibility. Blood samples were taken from 202 Thoroughbreds, 304 Standardbreds and 197 Quarter horses. There were significant differences in hemoglobin concentrations between the different breeds with thoroughbreds having the highest hemoglobin levels. If a “blood passport” was developed, allowable levels of hemoglobin in the blood would be unique to each of the three breeds. Changes in hemoglobin levels were consistent for samples taken before or after the race. Gender was not a factor for hemoglobin concentration.
Research funding has been provided by Equine Guelph, the Ontario Racing Commission and the Canada Research Chairs program. Story By – Jackie Bellamy-Zions
Research Radio
Equine Guelph is proud to announce the launch of a new audio podcast on their popular web site. Equine Guelph has teamed up with Trot Radio's Norm Borg and SSG Gloves to produce Research Radio, an online podcast updating you on the latest equine research by scientists at the Ontario Veterinary College and University of Guelph. It will highlight the cutting edge discoveries being made, and explain what they mean for the health and welfare of your horse. Equine Guelph director, Gayle Ecker says, “Our partners at Ontario Veterinary College are producing ground breaking research designed to improve the health, welfare and safety of the equine athlete. The more widely we can publicize their findings the more likely their work will be put to use to find concrete solutions as a means to that end.” Listen to podcasts: EquineGuelph.ca/research/radio.php
Equine Guelph 7
www.horse.on.ca | 73
UPDATE ON EQUINE GUELPH’S WORK
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From its online and travelling youth education program, EquiMania!, right up to 12-week intensive online courses, Equine Guelph serves the needs of both the equine hobbyist and the industry professional. Lack of knowledge can be very costly and can easily result in tragic loss where horse care is concerned. “Horse owners with basic knowledge that’s evidence-based can make educated decisions on how to best manage and support the welfare of the horse,” says Equine Guelph director, Gayle Ecker. With flexible online programs from one of Canada’s top universities, students from around the world are eager to participate in Equine Guelph’s courses.
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(Next offering January 2015) Anyone wishing to excerpt Equine Guelph should contact: Jackie Bellamy-Zions ext 54756 jbellamy@uoguelph.ca
Visit EquineGuelph.ca and click on the education tab to learn more about programs ranging from 2-week online workshops to Equine Studies Certificates and Diploma.
Visit EquineGuelph.ca education page to select award-winning online programs – over 20 to choose from!
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rewards program ride/drive for prizes!
Easy as 1, 2, 3! The RIDE ONtario program rewards riders and drivers for the hours they spend in the saddle or driving a carriage! it is open riders/drivers of all disciplines, including therapeutic, whether competing, schooling or simply having fun with a horse! Even those who rent or lease a horse are eligible to participate. There is no age restriction...it’s for the young and young-at-heart! All that is required is to maintain your yearly membership with the OEF along with a one time registration fee of $25. That’s it, it really is that simple! Upon joining you will receive: • a RIDE ONtario folder to keep track of your hours
• a RIDE ONtario window decal to display your enrolment in this fabulous program! • a RIDE ONtario program badge
ride more. get more. Ontario Equestrian Federation - 1 West Pearce St, Suite 201, Richmond Hill, ON L4B 3J9 905-709-6545 or 1-877-441-7112 horse@horse.on.ca
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Business & Stable Listings The Ontario Equestrian Federation is pleased to have the following associations, clubs, businesses and facilities as members of our Association, Recreation, Industry and Horse Facilities Councils. Please visit the OEF website, www.horse.on.ca, for complete details on each association, club, business or facility listed below, or for more information on joining either council.
Is your association, club, business or facility not listed? Have you renewed for 2014?
Contact the OEF office today to verify your membership information. Please note that if you renewed after September 5, 2014 then your listing will be in the winter issue of WHOA!
ACCOMMODATIONS JLS Global 416-885-8628
www.JLSGlobal.ca
ADOPTION, RESCUE & SANCTUARIES
Arabian Horse Association of Eastern Canada www.ahaec.on.ca Canadian Dressage Owners and Riders Association - Ontario www.cadora.ca/cadora-ontario
Longrun Thoroughbred Retirement Society www.longrunretirement.com
Canadian Pony Club - Central Ontario Region www.canadianponyclub.org/CentralOntario
The Donkey Sanctuary of Canada www.thedonkeysanctuary.ca
Canadian Pony Club - St. Lawrence/ Ottawa Valley Region www.canadianponyclub.org/slov
Wind Dancer Pony Rescue Foundation www.winddancerponies.org
Canadian Pony Club -Western Ontario Region www.canadianponyclub.org/WesternOntario
Whispering Hearts Horse Rescue www.whhrescue.com
Canadian Road Horse Association www.roadhorse.ca
ALTERNATIVE THERAPY
Anahata Horse Centre 613-332-6567 www.anahatahorsecentre.com Healthy Happy Horse 416-737-6691 www.healthyhappyhorse.com JLS Global 416-885-8628
www.JLSGlobal.ca
Northuist Perm Reg'd 613-498-3327 www.drelizabethjames.com McMaster Massage Equine Rehabilitation Services 519-658-4464 www.mcmastermassage.com
APPAREL
Canadian Sport Horse Association - Ontario www.c-s-h-a.org Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society – Ontario Division www.cthsont.com Central Canada Paso Fino Horse Association www.centralcanadapfha.com Eastern Ontario Pleasure Driving Society www.eopds.ca Miniature Horse Club of Ontario www.mhco.ca Mounted Games Across Canada Inc. www.mgac.ca
Equestrian Factory Outlet 905-830-1588 www.equestrianfactoryoutlet.com
Newfoundland Pony Breed Association www.npba.ca
Hockley Highlands International Distributing Inc. 705-435-9229 marcnicols@mac.com
Ontario Carriage Driving Association www.driveontario.ca
Sew Horsey 905-686-4495
www.sewhorsey.ca
Ontario Competitive Trail Riding Association www.octra.on.ca
SSG Gloves 905-727-9203
www.ssgridinggloves.com
Ontario Friesian Horse Association www.ontariofriesianhorse.com
Struck Apparel 416-727-0192
www.struckapparel.com
Ontario Hackney Association www.hackney.ca Ontario Horse Trials Association www.horsetrials.on.ca
ARTISTRY
Debbie Goldring 519-738-0851
www.debbiegoldring.com
Laura Wilson Artist 705-728-8417 www.laurawilsonartist.com
ASSOCIATIONS
American Saddle Horse Association of Ontario www.ashaontario.com
76 | Business & Stable Listings
Ontario Hunter Jumper Association www.ohja.ca Ontario Icelandic Horse Association www.oiha.ca Ontario Morgan Horse Club www.ontariomorgan.com
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Business & Stable Listings Ontario Percheron Horse Association Inc. www.ontariopercherons.ca Ontario Peruvian Horse Association www.peruvianpaso.ca Ontario Quarter Horse Association www.oqha.on.ca Ontario Reining Horse Association www.orha.on.ca Ontario Sidesaddle Association www.onsidesaddle.blogspot.com Ontario Trail Riders Association www.otra.ca Tri-County Carriage Association www.driveontario.ca Trillium Hunter Jumper Association www.trilliumhunterjumperassociation.ca Upper Canada District (Ontario) Canadian Horse Breeders www.ucdcanadianhorse.ca Upper Canada Equestrian Association www.uppercanadaequestrian.com Welsh Pony and Cob Association of Ontario www.welshpony.on.ca
AUTOMOTIVE
Nisco National Leasing 905-634-9559 www.niscocanada.com
BREEDERS
Bloomington Farms 613-527-3158 www.bloomingtonfarm.com Bonnie View Farms 905-727-6812 www.bonnieviewfarms.ca Century Hill Connemaras 705-426-4451 www.centuryhillfarm.com KingRidge Stables 905-859-8900
www.kingridge.com
Sonview Gypsy Ranch 519-746-5638 www.SonviewGypsyRanch.com Stone Ridge Farm 905-655-8097
www.stoneridgefarm.ca
BUILDERS & STRUCTURES
Broadbent Building Kelly: 905-510-7614 kellymclaughlin51@hotmail.com Dutch Masters Construction Services Ltd. 705-737-3392 www.dutchmasters.on.ca LD Cairns Design/Build Inc. 705-434-1416 www.ldcairns.com Sarkis Equine 519-830-1859
www.sarkisequine.com
System Fencing Limited 1-800-461-3362 www.systemfence.com 78 | Business & Stable Listings
Tasco Dome 905-562-7341
http://tascodome.com
CAMP
Horse Country Campground 613-867-0585 www.horsecountrycampground.com
CHIROPRACTOR
Sutton West Chiropractic 905-722-6704 www.suttonwestchiropractic.ca/ animal-chiropractic/ Whitby Chiropractic Centre 905-430-9431 www.pawsandpeoplechiro.com
CLEANING & REPAIR
Sho-Clean Horse Blanket Specialists 905-953-9333 www.shoclean.com Top Horse 905-838-0963
www.tophorse.ca
CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS Ancaster Agricultural Society www.ancasteragriculturalsociety.ca Caledon Agricultural Society www.caledonfairgrounds.ca Canadian Cowgirls Rodeo Drill Team www.canadiancowgirls.com Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame www.canadianhorseracinghalloffame.com Chesley Saddle Club www.chesleysaddleclub.ca CEREC (Club Equestre Ramsayville Equestrian Club) www.cerec.ca Collingwood Agricultural Society www.greatnorthernex.com Eastern Ontario Miniature Horse Club humen1@live.com Encore Presentation Trick Riders www.encoretrickrider.com Erin Agricultural Society www.erinfair.ca Fenelon Agricultural Society www.fenelonfair.ca Ganaraska Forest Horse Club www.gfhc.ca Helping Homeless Pets www.helpinghomelesspets.com NETRA – Norfolk Equestrian Trail Riders Association Northern Lights Therapeutic Riding Association www.equinetherapynorth.com Orillia and District Agricultural Society www.odaspark.com Pentathalon Ontario www.pentathloncanada.ca/provinces/ontario.html
Business & Stable Listings Petrolia & Enniskillen Agricultural Society www.petrolia-enniskillenfallfair.org Rising Star Pony Club http://canadianponyclub.org/CentralOntario/RisingStar Silver Stars Precision Drill Riding Club www.lazeegranch.ca South Algonquin Trail Riders Club www.satrc.ca Southern Ontario Trailriders Club www.southernontariotrailriders.com Standardbred Showcase Riding Club www.standardbredshowcase.com Tom Thomson Trail Group www.tomthompsontrail.com Toronto and North York Hunt www.tnyh.ca Toronto and Region Conservation Authority www.trca.on.ca
EQUINE PRODUCT DISTRIBUTOR Comfort Equestrian Ltd. 519-941-3287 www.comfortequestrian.com Novacryo Inc. 450-252-6772
www.novacryo.com
Visualise Canada 905-939-1095
www.visualisecanada.ca
EQUINE SERVICES
Dream Clean Barn Queen 289-821-2242 www.dreamcleanbarnqueen.ca
EVENTS
Canada’s Outdoor Shows Limited Partnership 1-800-563-5441 www.canadasoutdoorshows.com Petlyn Farm 905-584-0039
www.petlynfarm.com
FARM EQUIPMENT CASE IH 519-750-1179
www.caseih.com
Wellington-Waterloo Hunt Club www.wwhunt.ca
Green Tractors Inc 905-859-0581
www.greentractors.ca
Wind Dancer Pony Rescue Foundation www.winddancerponies.org
Kubota Canada Ltd. 905-294-7477 www.kubota.ca
Women Horse Owners Association - WHOA www.womenhorseownersassoc.com
System Fencing Limited 1-800-461-3362 www.systemfence.com
COMPETITION MANAGEMENT Ottawa Valley Primary Show Circuit stighe@storm.ca http://eotc.ca
CONSULTING SERVICES
PBC Development and Construction Management Group Inc. 613-739-1327 www.pbcgroup.ca
CREMATION
Ontario Equine Cremation Services 1-888-668-2982 www.ontarioequinecremationservices.ca
EDUCATION
Above And Beyond Learning Experiences 705-796-2253 www.ablearning.org Equanimity Edge Equine Massage Therapy Courses 1-888-378-4632 www.equinerehab.ca King's College School 905-880-7645 www.kingscollegeschool.ca Open Learning and Educational Support, University of Guelph 519-824-4120 x53862 www.equinestudiesonline.ca Regional Equine & Agricultural Centre of Huron Inc. 519-482-3998 www.reachhuron.ca
EQUINE APPRAISAL
Daventry Equine Appraisers 780-892-7930 www.equineappraisers.com
FARRIER
Arthur Strahl Farrier Services 905-809-9079 arthur_strahl@hotmail.com McCracken's Equine Podiatry 613-398-1295 shannon.mccracken1@gmail.com Nooren Equine Services 519-330--3010 www.noorenequineservices.com
FEEDS & HEALTH A. L. Distributing 1-888-345-2351
www.aldistributing.com
Agribrands Purina Canada Inc. 1-800-567-2469 www.agripurina.ca Bioniche Animal Health Canada Inc. 613-966-8058 www.bionicheanimalhealth.com Bruce Agra Dehy Inc. ~ The Ontario Forage Processor~ 519-368-4314 www.bruceagradehy.com Herbs for Horses Ltd. (A Division of Selected Bioproducts Inc.) 1-888-423-7777 www.horseherbs.com Martin Mills Inc. 1-888-569-8843
www.martinmills.com
Omega Alpha Pharmaceuticals Inc. 416-995-7940 www.omegaalpha.ca PHARM-VET 204-589-7361
www.domvet.com www.horse.on.ca | 79
Business & Stable Listings Shur Gain 519-803-1817
www.shurgain.com
Equanimity Edge Equine Massage Therapy Courses 1-888-378-4632 www.equinerehab.ca
ULTRALINE 519-624-8571
www.ultraline.ca
EQmassage.ca 705-872-2526
Vetoquinol Canada 450-586-2252
www.vetoquinol.ca
Equine Edge Massage Therapy 416-859-8096 www.equineedge.ca
FENCING & STALLS Langille Welding 519-446-2221
www.langillewelding.com
System Fencing Limited 1-800-461-3362 www.systemfence.com
FOOD & BEVERAGE
Eurovintage Wines & Spirits 1-888-700-WINE www.eurovintage.com
HARDWARE STORE TSC Stores 519-453-9962
www.tscstores.com
HAY/PASTURE
Bruce Agra Dehy Inc. ~ The Ontario Forage Processor~ 519-368-4314 www.bruceagradehy.com
HORSE TREATS
Bruce Agra Dehy Inc. ~ The Ontario Forage Processor~ 519-368-4314 www.bruceagradehy.com
INCENTIVE REWARDS
Strategic Incentive Solutions 519-849-5687 www.strategicincentivesolutions.com
INSURANCE
BFL CANADA Risk and Insurance Services Inc. 416-849-3067 www.bflcanada.ca Brokerlink Insurance 905-548-6886 www.brokerlink.ca Cornerstone Insurance Brokers Ltd. 1-888-768-8001 www.csib.org Henry Equestrian Insurance Brokers Ltd. 905-727-1144 www.hep.ca Intercity Insurance Services 1-888-394-3330 www.intercityinsurance.com The Hartford 1-888-215-1111
www.hartfordlivestock.com
JUMPS
Jumps at Old Orchard Farm 226-820-2784 www.oldorchardfarm.ca/jumps
LEGAL
Bruce Brown - Expert Witness 905-995-0275 broncoxprs@sympatico.ca
MASSAGE THERAPY
BLC Equine Massage 705-309-9438 www.blcequinemassage.com
80 | Business & Stable Listings
www.eqmassage.ca
Equine Massage Therapy By Diane 905-884-8799 www.yorkregionhorsemassage.com Finding Quiet Equine 705-888-5290 www.findingquietequine.ca Hands On Equissage 613-292-4849 www.handsonequissage.com International Federation of Registered Equine Massage Therapists 519-660-8988 www.ifremt.org Julia Penistan, EEBW, ESMT, MT 519-475-9056 jkpennistan@hotmail.com KIDEUP- Certified Equine Massage 289-380-0446 www.kideup.com McMaster Massage Equine Rehabilitation Services 519-658-4464 www.mcmastermassage.com Professional Edge Equine 519-652-2789 www.professionaledgeequine.com Tremblay Equine Massage Therapy 905-809-5889 www.tremblaymassage.ca
ORGANIC PRODUCTS
Bruce Agra Dehy Inc. ~ The Ontario Forage Processor~ 519-368-4314 www.bruceagradehy.com
PHOTOGRAPHY
Angela Saieva Equine Photography 905-246-7513 www.angelasaieva.com Gordon McLean Photography 905-398-6276 www.gordonmcleanphotography.com Liberty Shots 613-258-0208
www.libertyshots.com
Marshall Davidson Fotoworks 905-655-1086 www.fotoworks.ca
PUBLICATIONS
Canadian Horse Journal 1-800-299-3799 www.horsejournals.com Canadian Thoroughbred 1-800-505-7428 www.horse-canada.com/canadianthoroughbred Equine Wellness Magazine 1-866-764-1212 www.equinewellnessmagazine.com Horse And Saddle/London Publishing 519-941-2230 mail@citizen.on.ca Horse Sport 1-800-505-7428
www.horse-canada.com/horse-sport
Thank You To Our Partners PLATINUM
GOLD
SILVER BRONZE
Brokerlink ~ Cornerstone Insurance Brokers ~ KIDEUP Equine Massage
COPPER
LD Cairns Design/Build Inc.
Ontario Equestrian Federation 1 West Pearce, Suite 201, Richmond Hill, ON L4B 3K3 p: 905-709-6545 tf: 1-877-441-7112 f: 905-709-1867 e: horse@horse.on.ca w: www.horse.on.ca
www.horse.on.ca | 81
Business & Stable Listings Horse Canada 1-800-505-7428
www.horse-canada.com
The Canadian Horsetrader Magazine 519-872-1424 www.horsetradermagazine.com The Rider 1-877-743-3715
www.therider.com
REALTY SERVICES
Century 21 New Concept Inc. 416-737-7446 www.c21toronto.com Horse Farms Ontario 519-823-8295 www.HorseFarmsOntario.com
Sotheby's International Realty 416-690-7771 jchisholm@sothebysrealty.ca Sutton Incentive Realty Inc., Brokerage 705-739-1300 www.michaelstuartwebb.com
REHABILITATION
Stacy Murray's Rehabilitation Therapy 905-904-1824 stacymurrayemt@yahoo.ca
RIBBONS/AWARDS Ribbon Works 905-655-8873
www.ribbonworks.ca
RIDER FITNESS Equistrong 416-951-6470
www.facebook.com/equistrong
The Rider's Edge 613-399-5205
www.joanadler.ca
SADDLERY
STABLES CENTRAL EAST ZONE
Audley Road Stables 905-686-4641 www.audleyroadstables.com Belle Wood Equestrian Center 905-426-6535 www.bellewoodequestrian.com Brookhaven Dressage 905-473-5220 www.brookhavendressage.com CARD - Community Association for Riding for the Disabled 416-667-8600 x82 www.card.ca Churchill Chimes Equestrian Centre Ltd. 905-642-6271 www.churchillchimes.ca Country Hill Equestrian Centre 905-642-2642 www.countryhillfarm.ca Deerfield Farm 905-888-1226
www.deerfield-farm.ca
Deerfields Stables Country Inn 905-880-5585 x 206 www.deerfieldsstables.ca Destiny Equestrian Complex 416-566-3741 www.destinyequestrian.wix.com/ destinyequestrian Dreamcrest Farm 905-985-1599 www.dreamcrest.com Dreamwinds Stable/Dreamwinds Equine Assisted Learning Centre 289-231-6775 www.dreamwinds.ca Dunbordin Farms 905-478-4069
www.dunbordin.com
Canterbury Outpost Saddlery 416-529-4113 www.facebook.com/canterburyoutpost
Edenview Equestrian Center 705-374-4010 www.edenviewequestriancentre.com
EquineLUX 514-937-1273
Foxwood Farm 416-779-3916
www.foxwood.ca
Glenaura Farm 519-925-8565
www.glenaurafarm.com
www.EquineLux.com
Sandridge Saddlery 450-458-5502 www.sandridge.ca
SAFETY EQUIPMENT
Phoenix Performance Products 905-539-2370 www.phoenixperformance.com
SIMULATORS
Goudlin Equestrian 647-261-6704 www.goudlinequestrian.com Grass Stables 905-830-1333
www.grassstables.com
Equine Simulators Ltd. 1-800-758-4801 www.southalgonquintrails.com
Hangar Haven Farm Inc. 905-986-5768 www.hangarhavenfarm.com
Interactive Horse Simulator 705-953-9189 www.interactivehorsesimulator.com
Heartland Equestrian.ca 905-655-8968 www.heartlandequestrian.ca
SLOW FEEDERS
Drury Healthy Horse Feeders Corp. 705-623-9355 www.healthyhorsefeeders.com
SPECIALTY ITEMS & TACK
Red Scarf Equestrian 905-473-5372 www.redscarfequestrian.ca
Hilltop Equestrian 905-862-0716
www.hilltopequestrian.com
Hop Hill Stables 905-852-9457
manager@hophill.ca
Hoskins Stables 905-986-5558
add4you@sympatico.ca
Kings Meadow Equestrian Centre 905-520-9040 www.kingsmeadow.ca 82 | Business & Stable Listings
Business & Stable Listings Magik Morn 705-277-2988
www.magikmorn.com
Carter's Training Centre carterstc@execulink.com
Nighswander Equestrian Centre 905-841-4092 nighswanderequestrian@gmail.com
Cherrylane Equestrian Centre Inc. 519-767-6067 www.cherrylaneequestriancentre.ca
Partridge Horse Hill 416-571-5914 www.partridgehorsehill.com
Circle Square Ranch-Brantford 519-754-0171 www.brantfordcirclesquare.ca
Pause Awhile Equestrian Centre 905-640-7232 www.pauseawhilehorseriding.com
Conestogo River Horseback Adventures 519-888-6503 www.horsebackadventures.ca
Reidell Farms 905-260-2848
a.reid169@gmail.com
Coopers Ridge 519-927-9821
Ridgewood Farm 905-727-8231
www.ridgewoodfarm.ca
Equus 3D Equestrian Centre 519-940-0048 www.equus3Dfarm.com
www.coopersridge.ca
Riding Academy at The Horse Palace 416-599-4044 www.horsepalace.ca
Forest Hill Training Centre 647-467-RIDE (7433) www.foresthillfarm.ca
Royal Canadian Riding Academy 905-898-7743 www.rcra.ca
Foxcroft Equestrian Centre 905-689-0683 www.foxcroftequestrian.com
Silverfox Farm 905-925-5236
Glenwood Farm and Stables Inc. 905-334-1185 www.glenwoodstables.com
www.silverfox.ca
Stonewood Equestrian 905-619-1599 www.stonewoodequestrian.com
Graduate Riding School 905-510-0126 www.graduateridingschool.com
Sunnybrook Stables 416-444-4044 www.sunnybrookstables.ca
Havencrest Riding Academy 905-257-3040 www.havencrest.ca
The Ajax Riding Academy (TARA) 905-683-5050 www.taraonline.ca
Highland Horse Farm 519-942-4321 susan.francisco@sympatico.ca
The Meadows 905-841-9879
Hockley Hills School of Horsemanship 519-940-8197 coach@melaniechin.com
www.meadowsequine.ca
The Pickering Horse Centre 905-649-1342 www.pickeringhorsecentre.ca
Horse Cottage Stables 905-892-4533 www.horsecottagestables.com
Vivian Ridge Farm 905-853-1150
www.vivianridge.com
Jaybird Ranch 519-856-9595
Wake Robin Farm 416-526-1298
www.wakerobin.ca
JL Equestrian Centre 226-808-3518 www.JLEquestrianCentre.com
www.jaybirdranch.com
Waterstone Estate & Farms 905-898-1530 www.waterstonefarms.com
Leathersone Equestrian Centre 519-822-0202 www.rideinguelph.com
Westmount Training Centre 226-886-0381 lauriecampbell30@gmail.com
Meadowlarke Stables 905-821-0419 www.meadowlarkestables.com
WindReach Farm 905-655-5827
www.windreachfarm.org
Milestone Stable Inc. 905-854-0762 aoc@milestoneac.ca
Windy Hill Farm 905-982-1198
www.windyhill.ca
Myrddin Farm 905-877-6698
www.myrddin.info
Old Orchard Farm 519-763-1134
www.oldorchardfarm.ca
Parkwood Stables 519-856-4319
www.parkwoodstables.com
Shellcrest Farms 519-940-1079
www.shellcrestfarms.com
Silver Spring Farm 905-257-1819
ssfarmclaudia@bell.net
York Equestrian Riding School 905-888-1730 www.yorkequestrianridingschool.com
CENTRAL WEST ZONE
Awesome Acres Therapeutic Riding Centre and Club 905-936-1197 cjmartinca@bell.net Bronte Creek Equestrian Sport Ltd. 905-659-8819 www.brontecreekfarm.com Cadogan Farm Adventures 905-584-0955 www.cadoganfarm.com
www.horse.on.ca | 83
Business & Stable Listings Story Book Meadows 705-435-5388 www.storybookmeadows.com
Copeland Hills Stables 705-734-3433 www.copelandhillsstables.ca
Sunrise Therapeutic Riding & Learning Centre 519-837-0558 x25 www.sunrise-therapeutic.ca
Crosswinds Stables 519-986-4702
The Hollows Camp 905-775-2694
Glen Bernard Camp 705-384-7062 www.gbcamp.com
www.hollowscamp.com
The Mansfield Outdoor Centre 705-435-4479 www.mansfieldoutdoorcentre.ca
EASTERN ZONE
Buckhorn Riding Academy 705-772-9332 www.buckhornridingacademy.com Byden Farm Equestrian Services 613–774-6493 www.bydenfarm.com C & K Stables 613-717-2653
www.ckstables.ca
Centaur Riding School 613-835-2237 www.centaurridingschool.com Fawg Forest Therapeutic Farm 613–989-5678 www.fawgforest.com Greystone Equestrian Centre 613-222-7887 kblaeske@sympatico.ca Heavenly Acres 613-342-7241
www.heavenlyacres1.com
Northern Lights Equine 613-284-0213 trishg@sympatico.ca Oakhurst Farm 613–227-9784
www.oakhurstfarm.com
Glen Oro Farm 705-326-7244
www.crosswindsstables.com
www.glenoro.com
Highview Farms Inc. 705-538-0052 www.highviewfarms.ca Hollow Hills Equestrian Centre 226-668-6764 info@hollowhillsequestrian.ca Kuruka Equestrian 705-796-3308
wwww.kurukaequestrian.com
Meadow Wood Stables 705-322-4377 www.meadowwoodstables.ca Melody Acres 519-372-2527
www.partnersinprocess.ca
Rushmount Equine Sports Ltd. 705-329-4300 www.rushmount.com Seven Summits Equestrian Center 705-322-8181 www.sevensummits.ca Stonetree Farms 705-444-5070
www.stonetreefarms.ca
NORTH EAST ZONE
Back of Beyond Equine Centre 705-789-1605 www.BackofBeyondEquineCentre.com
Pine Haven Quarter Horses 613–677-0105 www.pinehavenqh.com
Camp Crossroads 705-762-3111
www.campcrossroads.com
Seven Pines Stables 705-953-9602 www.sevenpinesstables.com
Camp Kodiak 705-389-1910
www.campkodiak.com
Silver Lake Stables 905–922-6892
www.silverlakestables.com
SkyLine Farm 613-832-8071
PRANCE Therapeutic Equestrian Centre (Miramichi Farm) 519-832-2522 www.prance.ca
www.skylinefarm.ca
Spruce Ridge Equestrian Centre 613-638-0327 www.spruceridge.biz Tanglewood Farm and Equestrian Centre 613-392-8239 www.freewebs.com/tanglewoodhorses Willaway Farm 613-257-7707
www.willawayfarm.com
GEORGIAN BAY ZONE Camp Muskoka 705-645-6000
www.campmuskoka.com
Cedar Run Horse Park 519-599-3196 www.cedarrun.ca Come By Chance Farms Host Of LegUp Equestrian Riding School 705-445-3636 www.comebychancefarms.com 84 | Business & Stable Listings
South Algonquin Summer Camp 1-866-237-8386 www.southalgonquincamp.com South Algonquin Trails Inc. 1-800-758-4801 www.southalgonquintrails.com
NORTH WEST ZONE Foothills Farm 705–855-2086
www.foothillsfarm.on.ca
Hillsview Stables 705-692-1250
artdiane.gardner@hotmail.ca
Honora Bay Riding Stable 705-368-6032 www.hbrstable.com North Winds Farm 807-854-2496
www.northwindsfarm.net
Reiss's Stables 705-724-6018
www.knowltonridgeequestrian.com
a
n Photography
Barbara Sherid
8
CAPTION CONTEST
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Answers in the November/December 2014 issue of HorsePower
There are tons of fun and exciting things to read, learn and do in every issue of Horsepower. Great Articles • Caption Contest • Crossword puzzle • Wordoku • Breed poster • Training and how-to tips • Contests, quizzes, profiles and more!
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Business & Stable Listings SOUTH EAST ZONE
Black Stallion Ranch 705-292-8490 www.blackstallion.ca
TRAILERS
Fletcher's Horse World 519-443-7333 www.fletchershorseworld.com
Camp Kennebec 613-335-2114
www.campkennebec.com
Granton Trailers Limited 519-268-2050 www.grantontrailers.com
Camp Oconto 613-375-6678
www.campoconto.com
Jensen Trailer Sales & Service 905-571-2525 www.jensentrailers.com
Camp Ponacka 705-748-9470
www.campkennebec.com
Maple Lane Equestrian Trailers 613-284-0419 www.maplelanetrailers.com
Charleston Lake Riding School 613-659-2039 www.charlestonlakeridingschool.com Stillbrook Riding Stables 705-295-4538 www.stillbrookridingstables.com
SOUTH WEST ZONE CW Highpoint 519–574-2230
www.coolwaterquarterhorses.com
H.A.T.S. (Horse Alternative Therapy Services) 905-892-9515 www.hatsniagara.org Lazee G Ranch 519-735-4541
www.lazeegranch.ca
Stellar Mount Stables Inc. 519-677-1329 www.stellarmountstables.com
STALL FLOORING
System Fencing Limited 1-800-461-3362 www.systemfence.com
www.allaboutequine.ca
Brubachers Harness Supplies Inc. 519-669-2064 www.brubachersharness.ca Bucas +353 21 431 2200
www.bucas.com
Greenhawk Harness & Equestrian Supplies 1-800-268-0484 www.greenhawk.com Horsesmart International Tack & Apparel Ltd. 905-738-0646 www.horsesmart.ca Keralot Equestrian Supplies and Gifts Inc. 705-292-8883 www.keralot.com Picov's 905-686-0948
www.picovs.ca
Pony Up Equestrian 905-727-3862 www.ponyupequestrian.com Stick and Stone Tack Shop 705-492-0174 www.stickandstonetack.com Tannery Lane Tack 905-797-2741
Brenda Robson 905-899-3780
www.brendarobson.ca
Kellie Sybersma Parelli Professional 705-888-7669 www.kelliepnh.com Todd Owens Licensed Parelli Professional ~ 3 Star Instructor 416-722-0843 www.toddowens.com
VENUES
Essa Agriplex 705-726-1200
www.barriefair.ca
VET/DIAGNOSTIC SERVICES
Aberfoyle Veterinary Services 519-836-0354 co.annepeace@aol.com McKee-Pownall Equine Services 519-856-8225 www.mpequine.com Medbiz Health Canada 416-298-5800 www.medbizhealth.com
TACK SHOPS All About Equine 905-852-5558
TRAINING
www.tannerylane.ca
System Fencing Limited 1-800-461-3362 www.systemfence.com
86 | Business & Stable Listings
WASTE MANAGEMENT Safe Surroundings 705-241-6554
www.safesurroundings.ca
WEALTH MANAGEMENT FINANCIAL SERVICES
Mackie Research Capital Corp. 416-860-7781 www.janicehoneyman.com
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