Whoa! spring2012

The Official Newsletter of the Ontario Equestrian Federation

Spring 2012 www.horse.on.ca

2012 Youth Bursary Recipients Harassment in Coaching OEF Supports Racing Industry Ontario Wins Big at EC Gala

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

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Spring 2012

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is published quarterly by ONTARIO EQUESTRIAN FEDERATION Ontario is the 4th largest equine industry in North America

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

Mark Dobrindt Director 905-892-9769

Al Patterson 1st Vice President 905-659-1132

Susan Legge Director 289-221-2279

Grant Field 2nd Vice President 905-888-1226

Marc Nicols Director 705-435-9229

Martha Worts Treasurer 905-751-4625

Sarah Pratt Director 905-751-4623

Jack de Wit Secretary 905-655-4666

Lindsey Reeve Director 905-424-1151

Jeremy Denouden Director 905-669-7196

Paul Richardson Director 905-838-1809

Ken Denouden Director 416-409-8614

Bonnie Simpson Director 705-438-5752

STAFF Dianne Graham Executive Director execdir@horse.on.ca Ext. 19

Andrea Grieve Membership Services Rep member2@horse.on.ca Ext. 13

Catherine Barker Operations Manager opmgr@horse.on.ca Ext. 23

Gillian Ross Erasmi Coaching Coordinator education@horse.on.ca Ext.11

Melissa Monardo Marketing Manager marketing@horse.on.ca Ext. 17

Angelique Homan Competition Administrator competition@horse.on.ca Ext. 15

Kim Banks Marketing Coordinator market2@horse.on.ca Ext. 22

Pam Coburn Executive Assistant horse@horse.on.ca Ext. 30

Susan Bell Sr. Member Services Rep membership@horse.on.ca Ext. 14 Copyright, including electronic, belongs to the OEF. All rights reserved.

Articles and letters are welcome from all members but must be signed and include a phone number. The publisher reserves the right to edit articles and letters due to space restrictions.

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

Publication Dates Summer 2012 / deadline June 1 Fall 2012 / deadline September 7 Winter 2013 / deadline December 7 Spring 2013 / deadline February 8

Photo Credit: Photo on Site

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

Contents NEWS 4 President’s Message 4 Executive Director’s Message 6 Brand New OEF Council Members 6 Association Advisory Council Update 6 New OEF Office 8 Meet The OEF’s Newest Directors 10 Ontario Wins Big at Equine Canada Gala 14 Membership Requirements for Competition 14 Signed Hickstead Portrait Raises Money for Therapeutic Riding - Get Yours Today!

15 Ontario Equestrian Federation Model Member Award 16 2012 OEF Youth Bursary Recipients 18 Silence is Not An Option 18 Ontario Equestrian Federation Supports Horse Racing Industry 19 Make Your Voice Heard - Write your Member of Parliament Today 20 Ontario Athlete Assistance Program MEMBER SPOTLIGHT 22 Canadian Ashley Keary Wins Team Bronze at FEI International Jumping Children’s Final 24 Sidesaddle: Yesterday’s Tradition for Today 24 Members Shine at OEF Provincial Saddle Seat Equitation Championships 26 Wind Dancer Pony Rescue Foundation THERAPEUTIC SPOTLIGHT 27 Hooves, Hearts and Helping Hands AROUND THE BARN 28 Is Your Business Prepared For an Unexpected Ownership Change?

MANE EVENTS 31 2012 Competitions 32 Exciting News! Ontario Trillium Grant Secured 34 Biosecurity Workshop & e-Session Dates Announced by Equine Guelph 34 OEF and Partners Begin Plans for Fourth Annual Toronto Horse Day COACHES CORNER 36 National Coaching Committee Updates 37 Upcoming Dates

ASK DR. BOB 39 Rabies Vaccinations ON THE TRAIL 42 Become A Trail Specialist 43 Meeting A Horse On the Trail 43 Best Practices for Horses on the Trails LEGAL LOWDOWN 44 Harassment In Coaching ASK MIKE 46 Did You Know...

NUTRITION 48 Quality and Safety Taste So Much Better!

BREED & DISCIPLINE UPDATES 50 Eastern Ontario Pleasure Driving Society 50 Crossing the Starting Line 52 KingRidge Stables Wins Breeder of the Year 52 Reining - the Perfect Blend of Ability, Heart and Mind 54 Ontario Morgan Horse Club Awards Banquet 54 Ontario Icelandic Horse Association 56 Grand River Pony Clubber To Travel Down Under 56 Welsh Pony and Cob Association of Ontario 57 30 Years - Trail Riding: The Upper Canada Equestrian Association Celebrate 30 Years 58 Free Beginner Driving Clinic 58 Ontario Combine Driving Association 58 Standardbred Showcase Welcomes Judge/ Clinician Robyn Cuffey 59 Ontario Cutting Horse Association EQUINE GUELPH 61 Spring 2012

Cover Photo Submitted by Shannon Smith www.horse.on.ca | 3

President’s Message Welcome to spring (I think!) It has indeed been a strange winter as far as weather went, but hopefully you, your horses and your pets survived it. The last few months have been very busy at the OEF. Since The Royal we have been hard at work to enhance and increase the services and benefits available to all OEF members The OEF Board of Directors participated in a two-day governance this past January. The session was very enlightening and provided the Board with tips and tools to help shape and focus our directive moving into the future.

Immediately after the governance session, several members of the Board and staff travelled to St. John’s, Newfoundland for the Equine Canada Convention and AGM. As it turned out, it was a very informative and beneficial few days. All ten provinces and the Yukon

have signed an EC agreement – we are all the same team once again!

The EC Awards Gala was a triumph for Ontario equestrians. Almost all of the awards were presented to OEF members. It was a very proud evening for me as president and I encourage you to read the list of award recipients in this issue.

The OEF Office is now located in it’s in new office space and we invite you to come visit the new space! Change, of any kind, is never easy but we are doing everything we can to serve you better.

Enjoy your horses!

Allan Ehrlick, President

Executive Director’s Message With spring just around the corner, I am inspired by the many beginnings and the renewed sense of purpose that this season brings. The OEF has so many new and exciting things in store for you this year. Many of these initiatives have been in development for some time and you will soon begin to see substantial changes. These projects have been massive in scope and will position the OEF to better serve its members and I am confident that you will like what you see!

Recently, the OEF Board of Directors underwent a twoday governance session and both the Board and Staff will continue to work with the facilitator to implement new policies, adapt what was working and position the organization for the future. This will be difficult and time consuming work but we recognize that it is critical if we are to continue on our quest for improvement as an organization.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the OEF staff who have worked tirelessly to help with the design and implementation of the new database and website.

As many of you are aware, there has been a lag time in receiving membership cards. The reason for this was that in the past all applications were processed manually, so you can understand why there was a processing backlog. Our new system will be automated and will allow us to serve you in a more timely fashion.

The new website, which had its soft launch at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair will be live March. Any of you who visited us at the new booth this past November would have seen our new look. The website will be a reflection of the new direction we are taking and it will be constantly evolving and changing. The goal is that the new OEF website will be your first and favorite spot to connect with everything “horses” in Ontario and beyond.

You will now find the OEF Office at its new location, just two blocks south of the old building. The new space includes a meeting facility that will help us offer programs and clinics to better meet the needs of our 4 | WHOA! Spring 2012

members. This new meeting room is a wonderful space and is available for bookings; please contact us if you are interested in using the space.

Once again, the OEF is attending the Can Am Equine Emporium in London, ON in March. We will also be at Canada’s Outdoor Equine Expo in June. As always, if you are at these events, please come and see us. We love meeting our members, hearing your ideas and learning about your horses!

The OEF will continue to make safety programs a priority this coming year. The OEF will be at the forefront, working at the grassroots levels to continually improve education and offer programs specifically aimed at children and those new to the horse industry. It is our goal that all equestrian events in the province of Ontario will share our value of safety and provide safe riding/ driving environments.

Autographed copies of the Hickstead portrait continue to be available, with all monies going to therapeutic riding. It is an opportunity to celebrate an iconic horse for a wonderful cause. These prints are truly beautiful.

When we sent the masters to Eric to sign, he was so pleased with them that he kept one for himself (not to mention he has the original portrait!)

Spring is a time for new beginnings at the OEF and we are exited to move into the next phase. As always, we want to hear from you! All ideas and feedback are always appreciated. Many of the concepts for initiatives and changes have come from members, so please do not hesitate to share with us. If you have an idea or you are aware of a program that would be a good fit with what we do, we are just a call or an email away!

Dianne Graham, Executive Director

News Brand New OEF Council Members

Association Advisory Council Update

by Bonnie Simpson, Chair

The OEF is pleased to introduce BRAND NEW 2012 Council members:

As the OEF continues to grow so should all those affiliated with it. This year, the OEF Associations Advisory Council will be looking at presenting several different topics to help grow your organization:

INDUSTRY

Horse Pros Management Group Equi-Health Canada Manuela Stefan Photography Omniwatt Group Please visit www.horse.on.ca to view a current listing of all OEF Council members and learn about the products and services they provide.

The OEF appreciates the support that OEF Industry members provide, and encourages WHOA! readers to support OEF Industry and Horse Facilities members!

F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n o n how you can promote your business please contact Melissa Monardo marketing@horse.on.ca, 1-887-4417112 or 905-709-6545.

• Membership growth • Updating communications, newsletters and funding • Policy and procedures to reduce risk and liability • Ways to attract new directors to the organization with fresh thoughts, ideas and enthusiasm Each Association has a wealth of information and if we work collectively to pool our ideas we should be able to help one another out.

Don’t be shy bring your ideas to the following meetings.

• Monday, March 26, 2012 at 7:00 pm (at the new OEF office) • March 26, 2012 • May 28, 2012 • September 24, 2012 • AGM (TBA)

New OEF Office The boxes are unpacked, the workstations are up and the computers are running – the OEF is officially moved into its new office space! All fax numbers, phone numbers, extensions and email addresses are still the same, but you will now find the OEF at its new location: 1 West Pearce St. (building is on the south west corner of Leslie and West Pearce) Suite 201 Richmond Hill, ON L4B 3K3 The new office provides a fresh and professional working atmosphere that will allow staff to better serve members. In addition, the new boardroom is a bright, modern and inviting space that will permit the OEF to host more workshops and educational opportunities for its members. Please be advised that the new boardroom is available for bookings at affordable rates.

Please contact Catherine Barker at opmgr@horse.on.ca for more information.

Everyone is encouraged to drop by if they are in the neighbourhood – a member of staff will happily give you a tour!

6 | WHOA! Spring 2012

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News Meet The OEF’s Newest Directors Marc Nicols and Paul Richardson bring a wealth of professional expertise and have comprehensive equine backgrounds in their respected disciplines. Please join us in welcoming Marc and Paul to the OEF Board of Directors.

Marc Nicols

Paul Richardson

Born and raised in Guelph, ON, Marc has an extensive professional background in the information technology field and was a senior executive with IBM Canada. During his time at IBM, Marc developed many key consulting practices and global consulting initiatives. Today, he provides business mentorship for IBM executives and private clients. In addition to his work with IBM, Marc is the cofounder of Equestrian Factory Outlet Inc. and Equestrian Factory Outlet Franchising Inc., Canada’s second largest equestrian apparel retail store franchise group.

With over twenty-years of experience working in the financial and telecommunications sectors, Paul has served in a variety of executive roles including Director of Customer Service at AT&T Canada and as Vice President of Customer Service and Customer Delivery at American Express. He has a proven track record of improving customer experience and organizational efficiency.

Marc has assumed the position of Industry Council Chair for the remainder of the current term.

Marc’s love affair with horses began at the age of 16 when he moved to Florida to live at a friend’s family horse farm. During the 1990’s, Marc and his wife Victoria moved to their first farm in Alliston where they bred Canadian Sport Horses focusing on dressage.

Marc has contributed his time to other equine organizations. He is a past board member of the Canadian Sport Horse Association - Ontario Chapter and he currently sits on the Advisory Board for Cedar Run Equestrian Facility, providing business council and guidance to this emerging facility.

Paul is serving the remainder of the term on the Board as a Director at Large.

Paul has been involved with horses throughout his life, raising and showing a variety of horse and pony breeds. He grew up showing Hackney and Shetland ponies with his family from the grassroots level up to the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair and was the proud owner of a seven-time Canadian champion Shetland pony. He was also involved in showing welsh ponies and road horses.

Today, Paul breeds and shows Hackney horses and ponies in Canada and the US. He proudly owns three World Champion Hackneys, two that are still currently competing and one that is now retired. In addition to the time he spends in Hackney showing, Paul also shows American Saddlebreds in the US. Paul is an Equine Canada senior status judge specializing in Hackneys, Road Horses and Shetlands.

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News Ontario Wins Big at Equine Canada Gala

Photo credit: Robert Young

Ontario Equestrians came out on top at the Equine Canada Annual Awards Gala held on Friday February 3, 2012 in St. John’s, NL. The national awards are inteded to recognize individuals and horses that have made a significant impact in the Canadian equestrian industry and Ontario athletes took home the majority of awards. Congratulations to all recipients!

1. Jessica Phoenix and Equine Canada President, Michael Gallagher

2. Michael Gallagher, President of Equine Canada;

Allan Ehrlick; Sarah Runnalls of BFL Canada and Jack de Wit, member Equine Canada Awards Committee

Equestrian of the Year – Jessica Phoenix

Jessica Phoenix of Cannington, ON has been named Equine Canada Equestrian of the Year. Phoenix won her first Ontario Horse Trials Training Championship at the age of 13 and has won a championship every year since. In 2011, Phoenix and Pavarotti, owned by Don J. Good, won her most important championships to date - individual gold and team silver at the Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico. Her win was only the second individual gold medal in eventing for Canada at the Pan American Games.

Phoenix was named to the Canadian Eventing Talent Squad until she was long listed in 2006. Riding Exploring, Phoenix was a member of the Canadian Eventing Team at the 2007 Pan American Games in Brazil.

At the 2010 World Equestrian Games, Phoenix and Exponential were members of the Canadian eventing squad that claimed team silver.

“It was an honor to receive the Equine Canada Equestrian of the Year award” said Phoenix. “I feel it is a reflection of the team of people that have helped me to this point—from our coaching to our entire support staff, vet, farrier, owners, sponsors, teammates and families. It would not have been possible without all of these people. We are all looking forward to 2012.”

In 1995 Equine Canada announced the creation of the Equine Canada Equestrian of the Year Award, in honour of Doctor George Jacobson.

Dr. Jacobsen was a strong supporter of equestrian sport in Canada and internationally, with a particular interest in the young equestrians as he felt they were future team members. This award is given annually to the equestrian who has demonstrated superior sportsmanship, dedication and the pursuit of excellence in equestrian competition for the current year.

Volunteer of the Year – Allan Ehrlick

Equine Canada has named Allan Ehrlick as the 2011 Volunteer of the Year. Ehrlick, of Campbellville, ON has worked tirelessly throughout the years, contributing thousands of volunteer hours, to improve equestrian sport in Canada. In 2010, at the behest of Ehrlick, the Ontario Equestrian Federation (OEF) volunteered to administer the equine drug testing program on behalf of Equine Canada. At the time, the program was not centralized and because of Ehrlick and the OEF, Equine Canada was able to build the infrastructure necessary to assume the administration of the program in 2011. Ehrlick volunteered countless hours in order to make this transition possible.

“Equine Canada is grateful for the assistance of the OEF and particularly Allan during this transition,” said Equine Canada Chief Operating Officer, Craig Andreas. “Allan is a tremendous contributor to equestrianism, and 10 | WHOA! Spring 2012

3. The Equine Canada Hickstead Trophy

I am proud to have him as a member of our very strong volunteer team.”

The Equine Canada Equine Medication Control Committee, of which Ehrlick is a member, created the new national program, which resulted in a single, comprehensive testing standard for equestrian sport in Canada, alleviating the confusion that may arise when athletes travel and compete between provinces, creating a unified equestrian sport community in Canada.

“In light of the high standard of previous recipients who have won this prestigious award in the past, it is extremely humbling to receive this honour,” said Ehrlick. “I would like to thank the OEF staff for indulging my direction and making the national drug testing program possible.”

Ehrlick’s volunteer efforts were also honoured by the Arabian Horse Association this past November when he was awarded the Earl E. Hurlbutt President’s Award for the second time. Ehrlick and the Canadian National Show Commission were presented the award for their efforts to save the Canadian Nationals.

The Volunteer of the Year award, sponsored by BFL Canada, is presented every year to an exceptional volunteer who has contributed to equestrian sport and to Equine Canada. It is presented to someone who has dedicated their time to Equine Canada and its ideals, who have worked tirelessly for the improvement of the organization, and who have had a noticeable impact on the sport.

Inaugural Horse of the Year – Hickstead

A very special presentation was held during the Awards Gala—the unveiling of the inaugural Equine Canada Horse of the Year award.

Equine artist Mary Sand was commissioned to create a bronze sculpture in the likeness of Hickstead in recognition of his significant contribution to equestrian sport in Canada. As part of Hickstead’s legacy, this trophy will serve to recognize Canadian horses who have made an outstanding achievement in sport, and as such Equine Canada is honoured to present the inaugural Horse of the Year award to Hickstead.

John Taylor, the Chair of Jump Canada, accepted the award on behalf of Eric Lamaze and Ashland Stables Inc. In addition to the unveiling, CBC Sports provided a very moving video tribute of Hickstead with a voiceover by Scott Russell, CBC sports broadcaster.

“It was an honour to introduce the inaugural Equine Canada Horse of the Year award, and a great pleasure to accept the award on behalf of Hickstead,” said the Chair of Jump Canada, John Taylor. “Hickstead has become an icon in the equestrian world. He was our hero and we are thrilled to be able to honour him and his owners with this award. The beautiful bronze will be a reminder for years to come of how lucky we were to have known this great horse.”

News

4. Equine Canada presents the Sponsor of Year award to Tina Bodfield

5. Michael Gallagher and Darryl Kaplan

Riding Hickstead, Lamaze won individual gold and team silver medals at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, individual bronze at the 2010 World Equestrian Games and team silver and individual bronze at the 2007 Pan American Games. Together, they won several major grand prix show jumping titles including Calgary (2007 and 2011), Geneva (2008), Aachen (2010), La Baule (2011) and Rome (2011). Tragically, Hickstead passed away on November 6, 2011.

Henceforth, the award will be called the Equine Canada Horse of the Year, the Hickstead Trophy. Now considered one of Equine Canada’s most prestigious awards, it will honour Hickstead’s legacy and serve to set the standard to which all future recipients should strive.

Sponsor of the Year – Omega Alpha Pharmaceuticals

Omega Alpha Pharmaceuticals has been awarded the Equine Canada Sponsor of the Year award. A Canadian owned company established in 1992, Omega Alpha Pharmaceuticals Inc. has been a longtime supporter of Canada’s equestrian athletes through individual sponsorships and a partnership with the Canadian Eventing Team.

Early in 2011, Omega Alpha Pharmaceuticals Inc. expanded partnership with Equine Canada and extended its financial and supply sponsorship support to include the disciplines of dressage and show jumping.

Each month, horses from these three disciplines are considered for the ‘Omega Alpha Horse of the Month’ award, which recognizes a performance of exceptional merit, and provides the selected horse/rider combination with Omega Alpha product of their choice, up to a value of $1,000.

Omega Alpha Pharmaceuticals Inc. continued to be the “Official Supplement Supplier to the Canadian Eventing Team,” but also became the official supplement supplier of Equine Canada and to the Canadian Equestrian Team. Equine Canada is very pleased to have Omega Alpha Pharmaceuticals’ generous support of the horse recognition program and is thrilled to have an expanded partnership with Omega Alpha.

“Omega Alpha Pharmaceuticals is proud to be recognized as the Sponsor of the Year by Equine Canada,” said Omega Alpha Pharmaceuticals Inc. president, Dr. Gordon Chang. “We are proud to have played a part in the successes both at home and internationally of the Canadian equestrian athletes, both the riders and their equine partners. We look forward in the coming years are being a part of all future successes.”

6. Hugh Graham rides Fifth Estate 3E to a fifth place

finish during 2011 Canadian Show Jumping Championship at the Royal Horse Show in Toronto, ON

Media of the Year – Darryl Kaplan

Darryl Kaplan of Toronto, ON, has been named as the recipient of the 2011 Equine Canada Media Award.

In memory of Susan Jane Anstey, and in recognition of her invaluable contributions to Canadian equine interests, the Equine Canada Media Award is presented to an exceptional individual who has delivered outstanding media coverage that served to enhance the image of Canadian equine interests to the Canadian public.

Darryl Kaplan has been working for Trot, the official magazine of Standardbred Canada for eight years, five of which in the position of editor-in-chief. With Kaplan at the helm, Trot became the first Canadian magazine to be named North America’s Best Overall Publication by American Horse Publications in 2011, beating out 117 other magazines to receive this honour.

Kaplan has won a Sovereign Award for Best Thoroughbred Racing Feature Story, a World Trotting Conference Award for Best International Horse Racing Feature, and an American Horse Publications “Service to the Reader Award.” While the merit of his previous industry recognition of his outstanding media coverage is reason enough to honour him with the Equine Canada Media Award, Kaplan had more to prove when it comes to expanding the audience of his sport.

Early in 2011, Kaplan saw a new opportunity to introduce the Standardbred racing to the mainstream public. Rogers Communications chose to broaden the brand of its specialty channel Sportsnet and created Canada’s first national sports magazine, Sportsnet Magazine.

Kaplan approached the editors with the story of Roger Hamm, a life-long horseman whose heart stopped beating during a race, and the story around it. Impressed with the pitch and subsequent writing, Kaplan wrote a feature in Sportsnet Magazine’s October 31st issue, “Win or Die Trying.”

“It is an honour to receive the Equine Canada Media Award,” said Kaplan. “The opportunity to tell the stories of Canada’s horses, and the horse people who dedicate their lives to them, is something I am very thankful for. Seeing San Pail and Hickstead, two of the greatest horses ever to compete for Canada, honoured on the same night I received the award, was really quite special. Added Kaplan, “I am thankful to Equine Canada, Standardbred Canada, and to our excellent team at Trot Magazine for their continued commitment to producing a superior product that the standardbred horse industry can be proud of.”

www.horse.on.ca | 11

News

7. Equine Canada President, Michael Gallagher; Donna and Glenn Van Camp

8. CCF INTEGRITI+// (Infiniti Z x Luz Zagal), owned by Alice Draper

9. Ian Roberts riding Napalm at Rolex in 2010

Inaugural Breeder of the Year – KingRidge Stables

Inaugural Canadian Bred Horse of the Year – San Pail

The immense success of the KingRidge Stables breeding program did not just happen by accident. Owned by Seymour and Gloria Epstein, KingRidge Stables welcomed its first crop of foals in 1994. Using embryo transfer with their top breeding stock, which was founded using a select number of topperforming mares bred to KingRidge’s proven performance stallions, the results of this very discriminating breeding program have been top quality horses that win in all disciplines at all levels.

It is pretty hard to believe that a horse that has won over $2,900,000 in lifetime earnings, posted a winning time of 1:50.4 and won 49 of his 107 starts, started out as a youngster that nobody really wanted.

Equine Canada has named KingRidge Stables, located in King, ON, as the winner of the inaugural Equine Canada Canadian Breeder of the Year award.

With close to 100 foals born through this exclusive breeding program, KingRidge horses have successfully competed in hunter, equitation, jumper and eventing in North America up to national level with great results.

2011 marked a leap to international success for KingRidge bred horses, with Foxwood High (formerly High Society 3E) representing Canada as a member of the silver medal winning Canadian Eventing Team at the Pan American Games. Just south of the boarder, Good Night 3E was named as an alternate for the United States Eventing Team Pan American Games Team.

Choosing to register all their offspring in Canada with the Canadian Sport Horse Association, all KingRidge homebreds carry the 3E suffix to represent Epstein Equestrian Enterprises Inc. Boasting pedigrees with a who’s who list of international breeding stallions such as Nimmerdor, Cor de la Bryere, Voltaire, Furioso II and Jalisco B, just to name a few, KingRidge foals are professionally trained and enter the show ring to prove themselves. The success of their young horse program is supported by the number of 3E horses that are found in the final standing of the young horse classes across Canada.

These young horses are now entering the ranks of grand prix. Under the experienced guidance of Canadian Olympian Hugh Graham, two 3E horses, Distant Star 3E and Fifth Estate 3E, have been declared for the 2012 Canadian Olympic Show Jumping Team for London. As a result of these incredible accomplishments, KingRidge Stables has been named inaugural recipient of the Equine Canada Breeder of the Year award.

The Breeder of the Year Award was created to recognize a Canadian breeder for a lifetime contribution to a horse breed, who by his or her efforts has improved the quality of Canadian bred horses and/or enhanced the reputation of Canadian bred horses.

12 | WHOA! Spring 2012

San Pail is the winner of the inaugural Equine Canada Canadian Bred Horse of the Year award.

Foaled in 2004, San Pail was bred by veteran Standardbred owner and breeder Glenn Van Camp of Port Perry, Ontario. With some behavioural issues and a blemish that was the result of a kick he received as a youngster, San Pail was not such a hot commodity as a two-year-old.

Ron Hughes of Dunsford, Ontario, heard that the gelding needed a home and a trainer and Van Camp offered him three-quarters ownership if Hughes paid all of San Pails expenses. The rest, as they say, is history.

After a year of growing, Hughes put the young gelding to work and thought that he would be a good horse, but never could Hughes or Van Camp imagine that the gelding would turn out to be the best trotter in the world in 2011.

In 2011, San Pail dominated Canadian harness racing by winning every stakes event he entered. At Woodbine, his victories include the Glorys Comet Stake and a third consecutive win in the Maple Leaf Trot Championship. A trip to the United States saw San Pail claim top spot in the Nat Ray Invitational, the Credit Winner Stake and the Allerage Farm Trot. He returned home to win the Breeders’ Crown Open Trot at Woodbine, which included two of Europe’s best trotters brought to Canada to challenge his reign.

Throughout his busy 2011 season of breaking track records and winning the hearts of racing fans across Canada, San Pail’s team hopes that 2012 will be the gelding’s best yet.

“We would like to thank Equine Canada for this award honouring San Pail,” said breeder Glenn Van Camp. “He has won so many important awards, and they are all very special to us.”

“We just love San Pail and Canadian harness racing,” added Donna Van Camp.

The Canadian Bred Horse of the Year Award is awarded to a Canadian bred horse, which by virtue of an outstanding national or international performance or competition record has enhanced the reputation and visibility of Canadian bred horses. Recipients must be foaled in Canada and be registered with one of the breed associations that are a member of Equine Canada, including those whose registry is not maintained in Canada.

News

10. Heather Sansom, Mary Ruth Moore and Grant Field

11. Heather Sansom, Victoria Andrew and Grant Field

Equine Canada Breed Sport Awards

CCF INTEGRITI+// (Infiniti Z x Luz Zagal), owned by Alice Draper of Erin, ON was named 2011 Arabian Horse of the Year. Draper and the sevenyear-old gelding had an incredible show season in 2011. In addition to being named Equine Canada’s Arabian Horse of the Year, Integriti also tied for the Arabian Horse Association (AHA) High Point Horse (a first in AHA history).

An all-around sport horse, Integriti jumps, does dressage and excels in flat classes as well. Draper entered nine classes at her very first Sport Horse Nationals in 2011, hoping to take home just one championship. Instead, Draper and Integriti earned themselves seven national championship titles and two reserve championships. The gelding’s 2011 Sport Horse Nationals championships included Arabian Dressage Training Level AAOTR, ATR, First Level AAOTR, ATR, open, Arabian Sport Horse Under Saddle, and Arabian Hunter Hack AAO. The pair earned two reserves in Arabian Sport Horse Under Saddle AT and Arabian Hunter Hack AT.

Equine Canada Coach Awards

Equine Canada honoured certified coaches with the first annual coaching awards.

The first category was the Equine Canada/National Coaching Certification Program Coach Awards. These awards were for the coach or instructor that exemplifies the National Coaching Certification Program through coaching/teaching skills, concern for safety and equine welfare, business practice and support of the national rider and coaching programs. Over 50 nominations came in from all over the country from youth, adult amateurs, peers, employers and barn staff telling Equine Canada why each coach was doing a great job and deserved to be awarded.

Ontario Coach Award recipients included: Coach 1 Para-Equestrian — Lynn Marshall, Milton, ON Coach 3 /High Performance Dressage — Ute Busse, Breslau, ON Coach 3 / High Performance Western — Pat Carter, St. George, ON High Performance Candidate — Ruth Allum, Ashton, ON Instructor / Coach Therapeutic — Pat Bullock, Burlington, ON Level 1 English Ontario — Regina Schmitter, Burlington, ON Level 1 Western Ontario — Chanda Burke, Thorndale, ON The Equine Canada Coaching Excellence Awards were also presented for the first time this year at the Gala. The Excellence Awards recognize those who have made significant contributions to the development of Equine Canada coaching and/or rider programs. Equine Canada programs like these are usually developed over several years and with the involvement of several dozen committee members and program leaders from across the country. Contribution is largely on a volunteer basis and volunteers are usually practicing coaches with already full

12. MC Ruby Brace, Grant Field and Craig Andreas

schedules and other commitments. With so many coaches involved in the creation of each new program or program revision, it would be easy for programs to get hung up in discussion loops, or for progress to be interrupted by the understandable need for contributors to attend to their training and competitive season.

“The milestones achieved in 2011 would not have been possible without the will and commitment of project leaders to make it happen,” said Heather Sansom, Equine Canada Manager of Coaching. “Coaching Excellence recipients contributed hours of their personal time, going above and beyond to support their peers and invest in programs that impact coaches and athletes across the country.”

The Coaching Department would like to extend special thanks to the Ontario Equestrian Federation for their leadership in facilitating program pilots in several disciplines in 2011. Also, special recognition goes to the following people for their outstanding commitment to the coaching and athlete development programs in 2011.

Coaching Excellence Award recipients: Eventing High Performance – Ian Roberts, Port Perry ON Ian has provided a great deal of his time developing the Competition Coach Specialist Eventing Training Clinic pilot and High Performance 1 Eventing program.

Saddle Seat Coaching – Mary Ruth Moore, Bowmanville ON Mary Ruth has championed and developed the Saddle Seat Competition Coach program, the mentorship of Evaluators and Learning Facilitators, and has provided significant contributions assisting her peers with other programs.

Program Leadership – Victoria Andrew, Ottawa ON Victoria’s significant personal investment and leadership in team building and extensive program documentation resulted in achievement of approvals and significant milestones in all competitive coaching contexts in 2011. Particular mention goes to her work drafting the Coach Specialist and High Performance programs in Dressage.

English Coaching – Grant Field, Stouffville ON Grant was recognized for the extensive personal investment of time as a Committee Chair and Master Evaluator, serving the sport community and peers in all three competitive coaching contexts, and in several disciplines; along with his leadership in team building nationally resulting in milestone achievements in all coaching contexts.

www.horse.on.ca | 13

News Membership Requirements for Competition The OEF is pleased to welcome back all those who renewed their membership this year and welcome to all those who are new members!

We truly appreciate your support and hope that you take advantage of all the great benefits your membership has to offer.

As the snow begins to melt (if you got any at all!) and the smell of springtime fills the air, many of us are getting ready for competition season. Here are some important reminders for competitors: •

• •

If you have already purchased your OEF membership, but have yet to purchase your OHJA, THJA and/or OHTA membership please keep in mind that you can no longer do so online. You must submit an application to the OEF Office for processing.

The OHJA, THJA and OHTA membership forms can be found online in the membership section under optional association memberships.

March 1st – OHTA late fee of $20.00 begins for all renewing members (new memberships are exempt)

•

•

March 31st - OHJA late fee of $20.00 begins for all renewing members (new memberships are exempt) April 30th - THJA late fee of $5.00 begins for all renewing members (new memberships are exempt)

Please don’t hesitate to contact the OEF membership department if you have any questions about the memberships required for competition. Susan and Andrea are more than happy to guide you through the membership process. The following competition chart is also a great reference.

Please note that the OEF staff cannot accept memberships over the telephone. Please allow sufficient time for processing.

The OEF Membership Team wishes everyone a fun and safe show season!

Bronze Sport License Bronze Sport License Bronze Sport License Bronze Sport License Bronze Sport License

* Please remember to purchase your Canadian Eventing membership with your Equine Canada Sport License ** THJA is only required for Bronze competitions held at Trillium shows Other discipline/breed association memberships may be required.

Signed Hickstead Portrait Raises Money for Therapeutic Riding – Get Yours Today!

Saddened by the heart-breaking news of Hickstead’s passing, the OEF wished to create an initiative that would honour his memory in support of a worthy cause.

In 2008, following the Summer Olympic Games, the OEF commissioned equine artist Debbie Goldring to create original pastel head studies of each of the horses on the silver medal winning team. Debbie did an exquisite job and the original portraits were proudly presented to the horses’ riders in recognition of their incredible results at The Games. Among the portraits was a beautiful study done of Hickstead, a copy which graced the cover of the Winter issue of WHOA!

Eric has kindly signed his copy and copies will be available for sale exclusively through the OEF Office. All proceeds raised from these sales will support therapeutic riding in Ontario. To purchase your copy please complete the purchase order form which is printed in this issue of WHOA! or is located for download on the OEF website. The 8.5” x 11” copies will be high quality prints appropriate for framing and retail for $30 each plus HST (includes shipping).

The OEF sends its deepest condolences to Eric and his team on their loss. Hickstead was, and always will be, a remarkable athlete, national icon and legendary horse.

14 | WHOA! Spring 2012

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

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

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

Nominee’s Name:____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address:______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ City:_ __________________________________________________________________ Postal Code: __________________________________________ Telephone: _______________________________________________________ Email:______________________________________________________ Nominated by: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address: _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ City: ___________________________________________________________________ Postal Code: _ ________________________________________ Telephone: ___________________________________________________________________ Email: _ ________________________________________ Please outline why you feel this person is deserving of the OEF Model Member Award. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

ONTARIO EQUESTRIAN FEDERATION 1 West Pearce Street, Suite 201, Richmond Hill, Ontario, L4B 3K3 phone 905-709-6545 • fax 905-709-1867 • tollfree1-877-441-7112 • email opmgr@horse.on.ca • website www.horse.on.ca www.horse.on.ca | 15

News 2012 OEF Youth Bursary Recipients The Ontario Equestrian Federation (OEF) is proud to offer a minimum of five bursaries of $1,000 to junior members annually to help them achieve their equestrian goals. The recipients are awarded the bursaries based on their current involvement with horses and their future goals, as well as letters of recommendation from their respective coaches. Family resources and academic achievements are also considered. The bursaries can be used towards riding lessons, clinics, competition fees, continuing education or other activities that will assist the recipients in reaching their equestrian objectives in 2012. The OEF Youth Committee would like to commend all of the bursary applicants on their exceptional applications and announce that eight bursaries have been awarded. Congratulations to the 2012 bursary recipients!

AMY ARNDT Fifteen-year-old Amy Arndt from Guelph, ON started her riding career five years ago at Jaybird Ranch, located just outside of Rockwood. Amy rides English and has been showing for the past four years, first starting in hunter classes and then migrated to the jumper ring last year. She is currently in the tenth grade at John F. Ross CVI. Amy plans on using her youth bursary funds to complete her EC Rider Level 6 and to train to compete in a higher jumper division this coming show season.

EMILY LINDSAY Emily Lindsay is seventeen-years-old and resides in Gilford, ON. Riding has been Emily’s passion for the past fifteen years and five years ago she started training horses.

She has been a proud Pony Club member for eleven years and has tested to the C level.

Three years ago, Emily got an unbroke fiveyear old Egyptian Arabian gelding, a horse she rides today. Emily plans on using the youth bursary funds to gain more education by attending clinics to help expand her knowledge.

JACLINE GNIDEC Jacline Gnidec is fifteen-years-old and resides in Belleville, ON. Riding has been a part of her life for as long as she can remember. She aspires to one day make it to the Olympics representing Canada on the Eventing team.

Jacline plans on using the bursary funds to offset the cost of horse show and horse trial entry fees along with paying for additional lessons so she can achieve her goals.

CORRINA THOMSEN Seventeen-year-old Corrina Thomsen lives in Dorchester, ON. Corrina started riding nine years ago and has been riding at a competitive English barn for the past four years. Her current barn has allowed her to learn from fabulous coaches, ride challenging horses and be exposed to A circuit riders.

Corrina plans to use the youth bursary funds to help off-set the cost of lessons so she can start saving the money that she earns at her part-time jobs to help pay for her university tuition next September.

CRYSTAL JOHNSON Fifteen-year-old Crystal Johnson from Denfield, ON has been riding since she was seven years old, after her uncle purchased a two year old gelding. Crystal competes in local club shows and has achieved the following titles: Over All Junior A Speed, High-Point Jr A Keyhole, High-Point Jr A Hunt Seat, High-Point Jr A Dash, High-Point Jr A Horsemanship, High-Point Jr A Texas Speed, Reserved Jr A Trail, Reserved Jr A Poles and Reserved Jr A Barrels. She plans on using the youth bursary funds to purchase new suitable tack and apparel so that she can compete in higher levels of competition, along with offsetting the cost of additional lessons.

Crystal aspires to compete at OBRA, OHRA and AQHA competitions.

She would love to show at the All American Quarter Horse Congress one day.

MEAGHAN DESROCHES-DUFOUR Seventeen-year-old Meaghan DesrochesDufour from Harty ON has competed in eventing and western performance shows.

She has obtained her EC English Rider levels 1 and 2, EC Western Rider level 1 and is an OEF Certified Trail Guide. Meaghan plans to use the youth bursary funds to increase her level of jumping in order to compete more often and hopefully achieve her dream of becoming a member of the provincial youth team. She would also like to gain more horsemanship theory knowledge so she can achieve her goal of one day becoming a member of the RCMP. 16 | WHOA! Spring 2012

NATHANIEL TUCKER Nathaniel Tucker is sixteen-years-old and lives in Courtice, ON. Nathaniel started riding seven and a half years and has tried many different disciplines. He soon realized that he enjoyed Dressage most. Nathaniel will be using the youth bursary funds to continue taking regular lessons and attend clinics. He would also like to complete the EC English Learn To Ride program as one of the prerequisites to achieving his goal of becoming an EC certified coach.

KATHLEEN WOOD Kathleen Wood is seventeen-years-old and lives in Fenelon Falls, ON. Kathleen has been raised on her family’s farm where they breed and trail ride Rocky Mountain Horses. She helps her family train their horses but her real passion is eventing. Kathleen plans on using the youth bursary funds to help finance the lease of a horse that will allow her to continue her growth as a rider and broaden her competitive eventing career.

Keep Your Horses Healthy by Reducing Your Biosecurity Risk For more info visit: www.EquineGuelph.ca in February, 2012 or sign-up for enews and details will be sent to you.

Industry Partners: Coming March 2012:

1. EQUINE BIOSECURITY WORKSHOPS Four FREE evening workshops, conducted by biosecurity specialists, will be offered in: London, Northern Ontario, Kemptville and at Woodbine or Mohawk Racetrack

2. EQUINE BIOSECURITY e-SESSIONS 2-week online e-Session ($75 plus HST)

3. EQUINE BIOSECURITY RISK CALCULATOR Now LIVE at www.EquineGuelph.ca Online interactive tool that allows you to assess the biosecurity risk on your horse farm

American Association of Equine Practitioners Foundation | Central Ontario Standardbred Association | Colorado State University | Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association | Ontario Association of Equine Practitioners | Ontario Veterinary College | Ontario Equestrian Federation | Ontario Harness Horse Association| Ontario Horse Racing Industry Association | Standardbred Canada | Vétoquinol Canada Inc | Woodbine Entertainment Group

Presented by:

EQUINE GUELPH helping horses for life™

g

A federal-provincial-territorial initiative

www.horse.on.ca | 17

News Silence is Not An Option

If silence is an opinion it is one that Ontario’s horse industry cannot afford to have. The OEF tackles issues daily regarding the welfare of the horse, the industry, program development and taxation. All are imperative to the continued success of the horse industry in this province. Racing is a pillar of that success. The horse industry is not unlike other industries; it is reliant on a multitude of conditions and elements that contribute to each faction; therefore, creating a strong overall future.

The horse industry is all connected. At times the connection is difficult to see and not always obvious, but it is unmistakable. There is the Standardbred trainer who has children in the show ring, or the Thoroughbred breeder who shows Hackneys, the staff at the racetrack who are avid barrel racers and weekend trail riders. Then there are professionals who supply products and services to the industry as a whole, and the list goes on…

As I drove through my community the other night I looked at all the small businesses that would be crippled if the current proposed government recommendations were adopted. This included the independent grocery store, the lunch café, the hair salon and the local gas bar. This does not even take into consideration the more direct economic beneficiaries such as feed mills, hay providers, blacksmiths, veterinarians, universities, equine research and the children’s equine programs that are funded by the racing industry. Many will be greatly penalized by this proposed action.

The horse racing industry has perhaps failed in educating the public about its real contribution to the economic welfare of our communities and the importance of its success to the financial well-being of the province of Ontario. There is also little understanding by the public as to what goes on behind the scenes to create a performance animal. There is a tremendous amount of work that is involved to actually getting a horse to the races; winning teams do not just materialize.

Horsemen have for too long positioned themselves in silos citing and respecting only certain breeds, disciplines and industry. This action has not been one of our strengths.

We have, and may continue to blame each other for what ails us. What is relevant is that good hardworking people participate in every equine component, and that people in each group take exceptional care of their animals. A good horseman is a good horseman. There are bad actors in each discipline and these people are not respected amongst their own peers. Our discipline prejudice has been perhaps our greatest failing as an industry and in the end has been detrimental to us all.

Ontario horses and professionals are some of the most successful in the world. Now is the time to recognize and celebrate our similarities and accomplishments as a group. We have so much together and much less divided. The goal of the OEF is to ensure that we have quality horsemanship in this province and a strong equine industry, regardless of discipline.

Is changing this culture a possibility? Most things that we accept as standard today were at one point considered impossible. It would be somewhat naive to expect that we could solve all our challenges in the immediate future, but to quote Walt Disney, “you must think beyond your lifetime if you want to accomplish something truly great”. Perhaps the current political dispute will serve to unite the horse community enabling real political impact. Together, we can all endeavor to leave our industry healthier than we found it.

Ontario Equestrian Federation Supports Horse Racing Industry The Ontario Equestrian Federation (OEF) is in complete support of horse racing in the Province of Ontario. Its continued stability is critical to the economic health of Ontario’s entire horse industry.

Ontario racing supports 60,000 jobs, many of these positions being situated in rural settings where the possibility of obtaining similar employment would be unlikely. As with other sectors of the horse industry, these jobs provide a healthy living for thousands of tax contributing families, helping to create and support vibrant rural communities. These communities represent the historic “grass roots” foundations of this province.

The trickle down effect of any negative impact to the racing community is potentially incalculable.

The racing industry cites a contribution of over $2 billion to Ontario’s economy each year through wages and salaries including those of veterinarians, farriers, farmers, bedding suppliers, feed mills, stable suppliers and tack suppliers. However, there are many whose income is not attributed to this estimate. Local businesses such as local restaurants, gas bars, barn builders, and trailer manufacturers will also experience an immense financial shock, not to mention the hit that the automotive sector will experience. Numerous university programs, including extensive and expensive equine research, benefiting and improving the health of horses throughout the world, are conducted using funds provided by racing organizations.

Submitted By: Woodbine Entertainment Group

Many of the 21,000 OEF members are active participants in the racing community. There is tremendous crossover between traditional racing and equestrian sport. Increasingly, those who are involved in racing also own sport and recreational horses. The passion for the horse rarely stops at the racetrack. It is therefore a simplistic assumption that economic fall out from weakened racing would not become problematic to other industry sectors.

The horse breeding industry in Ontario for all disciplines, including racing, is the strongest in Canada, providing tremendous opportunities for education and employment. The continued stability and strength of Ontario’s Thoroughbred, Standardbred and Quarter Horse breeding operations is reliant on a strong racing program. Of serious concern to the OEF is the welfare of many of these animals if racing was no longer viable. This could potentially create a delicate and critical horse welfare situation, which would be greatly alarming for everyone.

18 | WHOA! Spring 2012

Submitted By: Woodbine Entertainment Group

By Dianne Graham

A healthy racing industry creates an environment of information, economic and professional crosspollination, where expertise benefits all areas of the horse community. It would be extremely detrimental at all levels, if this were no longer the case.

News Make Your Voices Heard –

Write your Member of Parliament Today

Photo Credit: Glenda Travis Photography

The Ontario Horse Racing Industry (OHRIA) has engaged the services of a public relations firm, Broadview Strategy Group and will be calling on industry stakeholders and ally organizations to help with an intensive six week grass roots campaign which commenced the week of February 20th, 2012. The purpose of the campaign is to inform both the public and the Ontario Government of the economic impact of the horse racing industry in the province.

The campaign will include four Town Hall meetings scheduled to take place across the province in March commencing on March 8th at Flamboro, March 13th at Rideau Carlton, March 20th in London and March 27th at Woodbine Race Track.

“Our goal is to have as many fans and industry participants take part in these meetings.” says Sue Leslie, President and Chair of OHRIA. “The aim is to maintain our mutually beneficial partnership with the Ontario Government in the Slots at Racetracks Program.”

In speaking with Sue Leslie, President and Chair of the Ontario Horse Racing Industry Association (OHRIA) reminds all those who support the industry to write their local MPP’s, Premier Dalton McGuinty, Finance Minister Dwight Duncan, Paul Godfrey – Chair of the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) as well as the leaders of the NDP Party of Ontario Andrea Horwath and Tim Hudak with their personal stories on how their lives and livelihood would be negatively impacted should the Ontario Government change the highly successful Slots at Racetrack Program agreement currently in place whereby the horse racing industry receives 20% of the revenue on slot machine.

The following is the most recent Fact Sheet published by OHRIA titled - A Partnership That Works.

In the late 1990’s and throughout the past decade, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) entered into a revenue sharing agreement with the horse racing industry and host municipalities in Ontario to allow the placement of slot machines at racetracks.

The racetracks provided the OLG with access to their existing facilities, saving the government the massive expense of building their own facilities and having to gain the approval of municipalities and the public to build gambling venues in their back yards. This agreement was not entered into lightly by the horse racing industry. After more than two years of economic review and negotiation, both the horse racing industry and the Ontario government’s Management Board of Cabinet agreed that a 20% share of the slots revenue could offset the loss of horse racing’s wagering dollar and customer base to sustain the horse racing industry. This revenue share would also help to offset the cost of operating and maintaining the buildings and properties in which the OLG’s government operated slots are housed.

• •

$1.5 billion dollars in wages and salaries are sustained annually by the total expenditures of the horse racing industry.

Where the OLG’s resort casinos have lost millions of dollars, the Slots at Racetracks Program has returned billions of dollars in revenue. “Talk about value for money!”

The OLG revenue sharing program has offset the negative financial impact slots at racetracks would otherwise have on the racing industry’s bottom line. The ever increasing competition imposed by the slots and other expanded gaming would further erode the wagering dollar to the point that the industry’s survival would be at serious risk. The government is looking to reduce the horse racing industry’s revenue share at a time when they are looking to expand their own gaming operations in direct competition with horse racing. In addition, if the proposed changes to the Criminal Code are implemented, the provinces will be allowed to operate sports betting, once again in direct competition with the horse racing industry.

Out of the more than 60,000 jobs that would be at risk, many of those employed have worked in the industry all their lives, some are even second and third generation racetrack workers who would be unlikely to find jobs in other industries.

By preserving the existing program, the government would continue to collect $1.3 billion dollars annually from the race horse industry while ensuring Ontario’s horse racing industry remains economically sound for those rural communities and the 60,000 families that rely on the race horse industry for employment.

Look for OHRIA’s next Fact Sheet “Talk about value for money!”

For a list of MPP’s and more information contact OHRIA by phone at 416-679-0741 or by email at ohria@ohria.com.

For more than 10 years, the Slots at Racetracks Program has been a highly successful partnership which has allowed the horse racing industry to sustain itself and continue providing many economic benefits to the rural and municipal economies, while earning the provincial government more than $1.3 billion dollars in revenue every year.

Impact of the Horse Racing Industry by the numbers: • $261 million dollars in revenue for the province of Ontario exclusive of slot revenue • Horse Racing Industry spends more than $2 billion dollars per year in Ontario, with more than 80% of that money being spent in rural Ontario.

• Estimated 60,000 jobs are attributed to the horse racing and breeding industry. www.horse.on.ca | 19

News

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

The OEF would like to congratulate all Quest for Gold recipients and thanks the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport for their continued support of this instrumental training program.

Alana Aird Alana Aird is a third year political science student at the University of Guelph. She started riding when she was six years old, and began competing in the short stirrup division when she was nine. Alana rode medium and large ponies and continued to compete on horses in various hunter divisions as a junior.

Four years ago, she began training with Michael Grinyer and moved into the jumper ring. In 2009 she acquired her current horse, Vladimir Weering better known as Vincent around the barn. In their first year together, they finished 6th overall in Ontario in the Junior/Amateur 1.20m. They began competing in the Junior/Amateur 1.40m division in July 2011. Alana and Vincent had a great season, winning a class at the Canadian Show Jumping Tournament in September and qualifying for the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair where they had three clear rounds, received an 8th and a 4th and ultimately finished 3rd overall in the Junior/Amateur 1.40m. Provincially, Alana and Vincent ended up 6th overall in the Junior/Amateur 1.40m division. Alana is looking forward to the 2012 show season as she continues to show at the 1.40m level with hopes of gaining experience at the 1.45m level.

Bronwyn Barlow Cash Since she began weekly riding lessons at the age of six – a Christmas present from Santa – Bronwyn’s passion for dressage has grown steadily. In 2011, she was named to Team Ontario at the North American Junior and Young Rider Championships (NAJYRC) aboard two horses, Nashua and Rubirondo.

Bronwyn and Rubirondo, a horse she had only been riding for two months prior, helped Team Ontario finish in 5th place at the 2011 North American Junior Young Rider Championships.

Bronwyn is a full-time student at McMaster University and plans to graduate in May 2012 with a Bachelor of Health Sciences (Honours) and a minor in philosophy. She is the co-president of the McMaster Equestrian Club, and has helped forge a partnership with The Equestrian Association for the Disabled (TEAD), where several members of the club now volunteer. Bronwyn works part-time as an Academic Mentor with McMaster’s varsity athletes and as a clinical research assistant in the Intensive Care Unit at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton. Following her graduation, Bronwyn plans to pursue her dressage training full-time and is looking forward to continuing her training with Diane Creech at Ferdinand Haupt’s Stable, Bennville Farm in Hagersville, ON as well as seeking further learning opportunities through Germany’s Bereiter apprenticeship program.

20 | WHOA! Spring 2012

Zoe Beckerman Zoe Beckerman is a grade twelve student at the Bishop Strachan School in Toronto. She began her riding career with Randy Roy at the age of seven. After her pony days, she trained with other coaches including Eric Lamaze and Courtney Vince, and Belgian rider, Eric Flameng. This past summer, Zoe began training with current coach, Hyde Moffatt and showed in the jumper and equitation divisions with her three horses. Zoe and Barrichello DDH had a very successful season in the equitation divisions winning the CET Jumping Phase for a 4th place overall finish, were 2nd in the Jump Canada Medal at the Royal Winter Fair and claimed the overall OHJA Medal Championship title. Zoe and her mare, Shakira competed in the 1.30m finishing 4th overall in the division and won their first Modified Grand Prix. Zoe and Sir Sydney also competed in the 1.30m division finishing 9th overall and placed in several 1.40m classes. When Zoe is not at the barn, she spends her time studying – she hopes to study Engineering at University next year – and attending rehearsals for the four choirs she performs with at school. Zoe will be travelling to the Winter Equestrian Festival to train with her horses, as she hopes to make the Ontario Junior Young Rider team this summer.

Sable Giesler Sable is just coming off the most exciting year of her riding career to date. In 2011, she represented Ontario at the NAJYRC and won the Individual Eventing Junior Silver Medal aboard Evil Munchkin. She also won her debut at the Intermediate Level at the Dreamcrest Horse Trials in July.

She went on to complete at four more Intermediate Level events in Ontario and Florida and has had a ribbon finish at all.

Gord Cardwell, the owner of Knowlton Ridge Equestrian Centre in Powassan, ON, has recently entered into a sponsorship arrangement with Sable. She will be training and eventing one of his thoroughbred mares “Hietorie Tango”. “I am really excited about this mare, she is really athletic and is really cooperative,” stated Sable.

Sable is set to graduate from high school in spring 2012 and plans to work for one year before beginning her Bachelor of Science at Nipissing University in North Bay. Her 2012 riding goals include competing at the NAJYRC in the Young Rider division on Evil Munchkin. She trains with Kyle Carter from January to April in Florida and with Ian Roberts in Ontario for the remainder of the year.

News Lynne Poole Lynne Poole continues to “live her dream” and she would like to thank the Quest for Gold funding program for its support. A rider all her life and a competitor for over half a century, Lynne was classified as a Para Equestrian in 2010 due to a horse related injury.

She competed as a Para in 2010 and, with funding from Quest for Gold in 2011, stepped into international competition in September 2011 at Saugerties, New York with Frisbee. Good results (2nd and 3rd in the technical tests) led to Lynne packing her bags with Frisbee and Vasco E and her coach Karin Davis and heading to West Palm Beach Florida in January 2012. At the two CPEDI3* competitions, Vasco E earned two 2nd place ribbons with Frisbee hot on his heels. Vasco E also earned a place on the Canadian Team for the second Florida show; this was a “first” for both Vasco and Lynne. Lynne’s overall results moved her on to the short list of riders on the Canadian Para ranking and she broke the top hundred barrier on the FEI world rankings.

Trakehner x TB that was ready to take Brook to the Young Rider level. The pair spent two months in Florida training and qualifying for NAJYRC. In July of 2011, Brook’s biggest dream came true when she was selected to ride at the NAJYRC for Canada, bringing home both team and individual bronze medals. She now looks forward to a promising future in international competition. Brook is currently attending Ryerson University working towards completing her business management bachelors degree.

With Quest for Gold funding, Lynne, Karin, Frisbee and Vasco shipped to Del Mar California in March 2012 to do the CPEDI3*. This rider definitely has her eye on London 2012.

When not competing, Lynne can still be found at most of the local horses shows either as a Coach (Level 2 Dressage), a Steward (EC Basic) or as a Dressage Judge (EC Basic). Her home base is Schomberg, ON where she lives on a lovely farm with a Rottweiler named Sasha and six Siamese cats.

Jordan Macpherson Jordan is twenty-two years old and lives in Toronto, ON. She has been training with Ian Millar for the past three years, based out of Millar Brooke Farm in Perth, ON. She is a third year psychology major at the University of Western Ontario.

In 2011, Jordan won the Open Welcome during both weeks of the National Capital Show Jumping Tournament with Piccobello du Val de Geer. The 2012 season has started off very well for the pair in the High Amateurs and the Young Riders Grand Prix series at the Winter Equestrian Festival winning the first Grand Prix in the Young Riders series during week five. We wish her luck on her continued success throughout the season.

Brook Pickering Brook began riding at the age of six after a horse-loving neighbor introduced her to the world of equestrian sport. Her first horse was a thoroughbred schoolmaster that showed her the ropes in the “A” circuit hunter rings. Brook then took two green broke horses to training level eventing and completed her first T3D in the fall of 2009.

In the following year, she purchased Abbey Rhode, a thirteen year old www.horse.on.ca | 21

Member Spotlight Canadian Ashley Keary Wins Team Bronze at FEI International Jumping Children’s Final Ashley Keary, 14, of Brockville, ON, was a member of the bronze medal winning team at the FEI Children’s International Classics Final 2011 held in Hong Kong January 11–14, 2012.

Riding a borrowed horse for the entire competition, Hot Pot, a 15-year-old bay gelding, Keary started the event with a clear round during the warm-up competition on January 11. The following day, the pair incurred four faults in the first round to finish in 16th place. In the second round, Keary and Hot Pot once again had four faults for 15th spot.

Riding for Team Chopardissimo with Lily Tootill from New Zealand, Taryn Rault from Russia and Simon Fernandez-Salvador Fallet from Ecuador, Keary’s two round total was combined with those of the other members of her team. With only the top three scores of each round to count, Keary’s team had a two round total of four faults with a combined time of 232.25. Team Happy Diamonds won gold with four faults in a time of 212.52. The silver medal went to Team Happy Sport with a four Keary, of Brockville, ON, was a member of the bronze medal winning team at the FEI Children’s International fault time of 214.80.

Classics Final 2011 held in Hong Kong January 11–14, 2012.

“Attending the Final was an experience of a lifetime that I will never forget,” said Keary, who attended the competition with her long-time coach, Linda Amell of North Stone Farm. “I have so many great memories and friends. It was a pleasure to represent Canada and receive a bronze medal.

“This was a learning experience and I think it has improved my riding. I’m hoping to do more international shows this upcoming year. I feel very blessed to be able to compete at that level,” added Keary.

On the final day of competition on January 14, Brazil’s Sarah Vasconcellos won the individual title riding Cornwall Chiefs. Arianna Ladd of Hong Kong finished with the silver medal riding Mountain Treasure, while South Africa’s Cameron Dawson won the bronze medal riding Golden Goblet.

Keary earned the right to represent Canada through her placing at the FEI Children’s Final Qualifier held at the La Classique International de Blainville Week 2, held in Blainville, PQ, which was one of two qualifying competitions held in Canada in 2011.

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Member Spotlight Sidesaddle: Yesterday’s Tradition For Today

by Debbie Smith

The Sidesaddle Connection is a proud member of the OEF Industry Council. It provides expert advice to individuals and/or groups interested in learning about all aspects of sidesaddle riding. The Sidesaddle Connection offers clinics, sidesaddle sales/fitting and demos.

Sidesaddle riding was revived in Britain in the mid 70’s when two ladies, Janet MacDonald and Valerie Francis, felt they would not let this unique style of riding fade into the history books. They started the Sidesaddle Association and within a few short years sidesaddles were seeing a comeback both in the UK and the United States.

Today, ladies all over the world are finding this elegant way of riding can fit into most of their equestrian activities. Some try it out of curiosity, some turn to the sidesaddle finding it more comfortable when knee,

But what type of horse do you need to ride sidesaddle?

Most horses have no problems adapting to the sidesaddle, some even perform better aside than astride. If the horse has basic training and solid temperament, it should have no problem adapting to the sidesaddle.

Are sidesaddles still available?

This is where our challenges come in. Most of the saddles we are using today where produced in England between1900-1957. They were usually custom- made for a specific horse/rider combination.

Fortunately, they were also of a high quality in both materials and workmanship, which has helped to keep them in good working condition; however, before being ridden these saddles should always be checked by a reputable saddler for safety. The correct fit of a sidesaddle is absolutely crucial for a comfortable and safe ride for both horse and rider.

Once the saddle is fitted correctly, the aside rider can do virtually anything an astride rider can attain.

For more information on the sidesaddle you can contact: The Sidesaddle Connection at rydaside@connection.com

Members Shine at OEF Provincial Saddle Seat Equitation Championships

by Mary Ruth Moore

A beautiful fall day provided the perfect backdrop for the first annual Stonecroft Fall Classic held in Mount Albert, ON on October 22, 2011. Exhibitors and spectators were treated to a fabulous competition complete with complimentary coffee, BBQ hamburgers, homemade chili and sides all provided by the Stonecroft Fall Classic committee.

The sound of the hunting horn marked the beginning of competition as ringmaster Cliff Haines, complete with top hate, red coat, breeches and boots, escorted Morgans and Saddlebreds into the ring. Judge, David Brent from London, ON put the exhibitors through the paces and Paul Hillier was an excellent announcer ensuring that the classes and presentations remained on schedule. The elegant awards and prizes included signature Stonecroft trophies and ribbons and championship coolers, all beautifully organized at the centre of the ring by Lauren Boultbee. Nancy Dickerman and her ASB park horse, Stonecroft Prophecy was the top money earner of the day winning the $500 jackpot.

The beautiful style and elegance of the Saddle Seat Equitation riders was the highlight of the formal evening performance. Classes included WalkTrot Equitation and the OEF Provincial Saddle Seat Equitation Championship Classes. Competitors had to qualify throughout the year in order to compete and a total of thirteen riders competed in three divisions.

Congratulations to the winners!

24 | WHOA! Spring 2012

Adult Saddle Seat Equitation: • Gold – Ali Bianchi • Silver – Natalie Martens • Bronze – Emily Rice Junior Saddle Seat Equitation 1418 Years: • Gold – Ashlyn Moore • Silver – Lexi Benson • Bronze – Hilary Buller Junior Saddle Seat Equitation 13 Years and Under: • Champion – Ashley Inacio • Silver – Rachel Breen The winners were showered with an abundance of gifts provided by the generous Provincial Saddle Seat Championship sponsors. All participants received beautiful ribbons and were treated to chocolate-coated candied apples to share (or not share) with their mounts.

Afterwards exhibitors and spectators were invited to enjoy a hot mug of apple cider or hot chocolate and a wine and cheese social hosted by the Provincial Saddle Seat Coaching Committee.

Hats off to the show organizers, volunteers and exhibitors for a job well done!! Many thanks to the kind sponsors for all their support! Stonecroft Equestrian & Nancy Dickerman, AJD Data Services Inc. & Peter Darbyson, Evergreen Lawn Sprinklers Inc., North York Farmers, Nighswander Equestrian Centre & Gerry and Susan Hawkshaw, Kyle Ecclestone and Natalie Martens, Donna Martens, The Bianchi Family, Rick and Chris Monteith, Mary Ruth and Doug Moore, Cyan Star Morgans & The Kavanagh Family, Mark and Gloria Moore, Rachael Breen, B.U.T. Boutique, Willow Springs Winery, Well Suited Apparel, Southlake Wealth & Estate Group Inc., Greenhawk Harness and Equestrian Supplies

PhotoCredit: SHOOT Photographic

Ladies have been riding sidesaddle since the late 1600’s. It was termed “The Saddle of Queens” as most ladies riding aside belonged to either Royalty or the privileged. It was thought unladylike to straddle a horse to ride. The saddle started out as merely a regular saddle with a “u” shaped horn attached to the pommel of the saddle, which the lady fitted her right leg into. The saddle realized several changes through the years. The top pommel became the pommel that the lady fitted her right leg around. The most prominent change came with the “leaping head”, a pommel that positioned over the ladies left leg. This gave the rider a very safe and secure seat when out riding.

back or hip pain in an astride saddle is causing them problems. Once on a sidesaddle most riders find the different riding position and balance a pleasant challenge.

Photo Credit: Kit Roszko

Did you know that ladies still ride sidesaddle? Your next question may be, but why would you want to ride aside? Good question, I’m glad you asked!

SEE WAR HORSE AND SUPPORT HORSE WELFARE AND EDUCATION

Make k a Donation In celebration of War Horse, a special fund has been created in the name of equine welfare education - the Equine Guelph-OEF 'War Horse' Welfare Education Fund Funds will be directed to the development of new welfare education programs by Equine Guelph for the horse industry.

Donation information at: www.EquineGuelph.ca or call 519-824-4120 ext. 54431

EQUINE GUELPH helping horses for life™

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To order tickets, call 416-872-1212/1-800-461-3333 or go to www.mirvish.com and indicate this special benefit code - WHFUND.

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with your tickets.)

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War Horse will donate $10 to the Equine Guelph-OEF ‘War Horse’ Welfare Education Fund for each War Horse ticket purchased by OEF members for performances between February 10 & May 6, 2012. OEF members will receive a complimentary CD of the music of War Horse. (Limit one CD per order. A voucher for the CD will be mailed

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Special Promotion for OEF Members

E S TRIA N

Attend the Equine Guelph Gala l Fundraiser Equine Guelph and Mirvish productions are pleased to offer a special Gala evening for avid equine enthusiasts. A limited number of seats are now available on a first come first serve basis for a magical evening that will take you behind the scenes for a once in a lifetime opportunity!

On March 8th, 6:30 pm – 10pm, Gala attendees will enjoy a catered pre-show reception, premium seats in the orchestra section and then after the show you will meet one of the featured puppets in a backstage tour! Tickets $200. Call to order tickets 1-888-266-3108 or order online by following the prompts at www.EquineGuelph.ca

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EQUINE GUELPH helping horses for life™

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Isabel and Dancer at a PPG event in 2010

Wind Dancer Pony Rescue Foundation

By Dr. Paula Dupuy

Great tragedy can defeat or it can inspire. Although defeat nipped at my heels, I chose to be inspired when last March; I lost my only child Isabel in a tragic automobile accident. Isabel had been raised with horses and animals of all kinds. We lived on a farm and had a veterinary hospital in our home. Providing care and shelter for animals was part of our daily life.

Isabel was exceptional in her innate ability to understand animals. She had a passion for ponies and horses that developed into great talent as a rider, and great dedication as an advocate to the sick, the orphaned and in the case of ponies, the misunderstood.

Clients would often ask her, as they saw her natural ability with animals “Do you want to be a veterinarian like your mother?” Her response was always the same. “No, I am going to have a rescue.”

So in those moments after her death, when even breathing was painful, I knew that the only way I could adequately honour her compassion for animals in need and her complete obsession with ponies was to make her dream a reality, just as she would have done herself. Creating Wind Dancer Pony Rescue Foundation would be long lasting, meaningful and unique.

And it has become just that. Since our inception in April of 2011 we have helped eight ponies and have over forty volunteers. Wind Dancer has become a place for ponies and it has quickly become a place that celebrates the great love that can exist between a child and a pony, continuing on in Isabel’s true spirit every day.

I named the Foundation after Isabel’s pony “Wind Dancer”. Two years before, we had attended a veterinary emergency on a farm where there were many ponies running wild amongst a herd of cattle. Isabel was determined to take one home. We agreed on terms, which included nineyear-old Isabel doing barn chores three times weekly to pay “board” for her new pony (she already had two ponies, one of which had temperament issues that only she could love!) She was to do this for one month before the pony could come home. She did the chores that month and then continued to do them every week until her death. The new pony, Dancer, was a three year old leopard appaloosa filly and had never been handled.

We put her in a small paddock where Isabel sat for hours. By the end of her first day she was riding her around without a saddle or a bridle. Eventually she went on to compete with Dancer in Pony Club events and at fall fairs.

They were also a regular fixture on the hunt field. Isabel believed in a pony that no one else wanted, and loved her fiercely. Together they achieved great things.

26 | WHOA! Spring 2012

Photo Credit: Photo on Site

Member Spotlight

Dancer has become the mascot of our foundation and parades herself at events in her famous pink and blue spots, just as Isabel decorated her for the Pony Club’s Prince Phillip Games. She represents what was and what can be, that indescribable connection between a child and a pony.

The Wind Dancer Pony Rescue Foundation is located in Sheffield, Ontario. It is a provincial not-for-profit corporation and late in 2011 obtained registered charitable status. We participated at the Rockton World’s Fair and were honoured to be a part of the Spirit of the Horse Exhibit at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. It has been quite an inaugural year!

At the time of this writing we have two ponies in residence. Thanks to our generous donors we have a large run-in and two paddocks set up for them. We also have a utility shed for hay and equipment. “Frosty” is a blind pony who was brought to us through an SPCA seizure. Very nervous and thin at first, she circled constantly, a compulsive behavior that she had developed during her years of stall confinement. In her own paddock, Frosty has become calm, loving and even a little chubby. She is visited daily by volunteers who feed her and love her. I am gratified in knowing that Wind Dancer has been able to offer Frosty a quality of life, and many young people have a new equine friend.

Wind Dancer Pony Rescue is developing a foster program. At this time we have placed four ponies in loving foster homes. We do not sell ponies and thus hope to end the cycle of resale and abandonment that they often face.

Ponies are not small horses and they have unique needs. Evolving in harsh environments, they were not meant to live on our lush pastures and often are given up because of the difficulties faced in limiting their diet. They can suffer from obesity and laminitis as a result. Being temperamental, they are often forgotten, ignored and as they are small they are inevitably outgrown.

In 2012 WDPRF will be expanding its facility so that we can take on more ponies in need. We are hosting our first annual “Wind Dancer Pony Palooza” on April 28th in Rockton, a banquet that will honour our wonderful volunteers. We will also be hosting an annual event called “Isabel’s Ride”, where you can bring your own mount and follow Isabel and Dancer’s trail to ride for the ponies. Please see our website www.winddancerponies. org for more details. You can also follow our progress on Facebook www.facebook.com/WindDancerPonies Dr. Paula Dupuy lives in Sheffield, Ontario with her partner John Bartlett. She is a practicing veterinarian, a bereaved mother, and a believer in ponies.

Therapeutic Spotlight Hooves, Hearts and Helping Hands

By Penny Smith, CARD Executive Director

CARD, the Community Association for Riding for the Disabled, was founded in 1969 by Dr. Reginald Renaud and Mr. Joseph Bauer.

At that time CARD was incorporated as the first therapeutic riding centre in Canada operating out of several stables north of the City of Toronto using borrowed horses, and with the help of volunteers.

As the demand for CARD’s services has increased over the years, CARD has continued to grow and improve, moving to its current location in G. Ross Lord Park, and offering a wider range of classes and services to its riders. CARD’s therapeutic riding programs continue to have a direct and positive impact on the lives of children and adults with disabilities. Today, CARD works with specially trained physiotherapists, equine experts, 18 therapy horses and more than 300 volunteers to help more than 500 clients a year gain greater physical, cognitive, psychological and social abilities and skills.

Therapeutic riding is medically recognized, and prove to benefit children and adults with almost any cognitive, physical and/or emotional disability. CARD facilitates this through the use of games and various equestrian activities which promote self-esteem, coping skills, socialization and independence. Riders are able to practice skills on horseback, which transfer into everyday life skills, such as number and letter recognition, cause and effect, handeye coordination, motor sequencing, multi-step planning, left and right discernment and spatial orientation. Opportunities are also available for riders to pursue riding as a sport, with the chance to participate in regional, provincial, national and international ParaEquestrian competitions.

Through the magical connection these riders have with their horses, CARD’s youngest riders have found the motivation to say their first words; to form friendships amongst their fellow riders; to achieve the motor coordination to use their reins to control their horse; and to practice the steps to properly groom their horse for class.

Adult riders have relearned speech, motor control and social skills after a Stroke or ABI. Adults with Autism or Developmental Delays have worked on skills which allowed them to hold down jobs in the community and to lead independent lives.

any health supplements and equipment needs they may have.

Sustaining A Magical Connection How does all this happen? CARD is able to achieve a phenomenal amount through the generosity of volunteers giving their time, the steadfast empathy of the therapy horses and the enthusiasm of the dedicated instructors, but money does make the world go round, and CARD is no different. CARD is 100% privately funded- it receives no tax payer support, though 10% of its annual revenue comes from government sources in the forms of grants and proposals related to community and special services. The riders’ fees account for another 30% of the budget, and the remaining 60% of the annual budget is secured through donations.

CARD aggressively fundraises in order to supplement the remaining costs through applying to foundations for grants, securing gifts in kind and hosting special events. Class participation is never denied to riders experiencing financial strain. An average of 5% of the CARD riders cannot afford the initial cost of $540/term. For this reason we have created a scholarship program. Riders in need can apply for scholarship assistance for one term or an entire year’s worth of riding therapy.

You can help us continue helping others; please consider making a donation to CARD to commemorate a significant life event or achievement for someone in your life you wish to honour, or when planning your annual charitable contributions.

It’s also easy to arrange an automatic monthly contribution to CARD using your credit card and all donations are fully eligible for a tax credit. It’s surprising how, for as little as the cost of a cup of coffee each week, small amount may add up to a significant donation to CARD. CARD is located at 4777 Dufferin St., between Finch and Steeles, inside G. Ross Lord Park. Visit us online at www.card.ca or phone 416.667.8600 to speak to a staff member.

Successes extend well beyond the stable with the CARD riders, out into the community at large, establishing the foundation for contributing society members.

The founding principles upon which our services are built are respect, empathy and caring. We believe in a world free of limitations, and where everyone is valued and has a place. We believe in a global family unit, with many contributors.

More Magical Connections Some of CARD’s biggest contributors are the Volunteers!! The therapeutic offerings at CARD would not be possible if it weren’t for our dedicated volunteers, who give over 420 hours collectively each term to help the CARD classes run. With over three hundred volunteers assisting with the program and helping with our eighteen special horses, our programs are able to run smoothly and benefit the children and adults who are in need of the unique therapy CARD provides. Our Volunteers are the Heart and Soul of CARD! Horses may have hooves, but the CARD horses may as well have wings, for surely they are angels to the riders they help. Each horse puts in over 248 hours a year helping children and adults with disabilities. That means the herd as a whole puts in over 4700 hours a year.

Not just any horse can do this job; they need to be safe, sane and sound; they need empathy and a willingness to look to their handlers when presented with unique and potentially worrisome situations.

Basic care for each of these equestrian angels is $6000 a year. That covers their hay and grain, bedding, vet and farrier care, as well as www.horse.on.ca | 27

Around The Barn

Is Your Business Prepared for an Unexpected Ownership Change?

A buy-sell agreement can help avoid future turmoil

By Christopher Odugbemi

Y

our business couldn’t be better – and then it happens: a co-owner suddenly becomes disabled or dies from illness or accident. That could mean the disruption of your business, your income and possibly even a comfortable retirement.

Good Business

That is why business succession planning – including a well-constructed buy-sell agreement – makes good business sense, for both co-owners of a partnership or a corporation. Using a sports analogy – in any sporting event, if there’s a conflict, it’s resolved by going to the rulebook. Think of a buy-sell agreement as a rulebook for resolving conflicts and other issues in your business. The difference is that, in business, co-owners themselves mutually agree on how the game will be played by writing the rules in advance and in anticipation of certain events, particular needs and desires.

In Agreement

Buy-sell agreements – sometimes included as part of shareholder agreements – can provide clear ‘rules’ for succession upon death or some other triggering events, and benefit the interests of all shareholders. Such an agreement can play an important role in the preservation of a business and in providing financial security for the business owners and their families. You and your co-owner(s) establish the rules by creating and entering into a buy-sell agreement that sets out firm commitments and obligations for buyer and seller and their respective heirs.

A properly drafted agreement will set out provisions for triggering events, such as: • • • • • • • • •

the death of a co-owner the disability of a co-owner the desired sale of shares to a third party retirement divorce loss of a professional credentials termination of employment of a co-owner bankruptcy of a co-owner a falling out between co-owners

A properly funded buy-sell agreement can help to avoid finding yourself in business with someone not of your choosing or being forced to post a ‘For Sale’ sign.

28 | WHOA! Spring 2012

Around The Barn

For the Fund Of It

No doubt, you plan for the value of your business to increase over time, making a potential future buy-out even more costly. If one party dies or becomes disabled, where does the surviving/healthy co-owner(s) get the money to acquire that party’s share of the business?

You can use your own money if you have the liquidity. Or, you can sell off other assets, but in most cases these assets will not bring full value in a forced sale situation, so these are usually not attractive options.

You can borrow the money, but given that the principal must be paid back with after tax dollars and is not deductible, that’s not usually considered an optimal solution either. The most attractive option is usually an insurance policy, a relatively inexpensive way to help fund the buy-sell agreement. This option guarantees cash in a lump sum at exactly the time when it is needed to be used by the surviving or healthy co-owner(s) to purchase the business interest from the disabled co-owner or the deceased co-owner’s estate.

Insuring Protection

A buy-sell agreement, paid for by insurance, creates liquidity for the business interest, and reduces or eliminates loss of business value that can occur as a result of a forced liquidation or failure in the aftermath of an owner’s death or long-term disability.

Comprehensive

Businesses must plan ahead to avoid disaster. Talk with us today concerning effective insurance coverage in order to reduce or eliminate financial risk and confusion about a change of business ownership.

Working together, we can customize a plan to fit your needs.

Do you own or rent a farm with horses?

It can also remove the risk of friction between the surviving owner(s) and the deceased owner’s heirs, and stabilize the ongoing operation of the business – the buyer is free to operate the business without the need to share decision-making or profits with inexperienced heirs. The buy-sell agreement may also be structured to provide life insurance proceeds to reduce business debt and offset expected reductions in sales revenue due to the death of a co-owner who is a key person in the business operation.

BFL’s Equine Farm Insurance protects your:

Christopher is a financial consultant that provides financial services to individuals and corporate organizations with expertise in farm businesses by developing strategies that meets the goals of clients.

Range of services includes business continuity planning, debt management and elimination, investment planning, risk planning, cash management, retirement and estate planning. Christopher is a proud member of the OEF Industry Council and can be reached at christopher.odugbemi@investorsgroup. com.

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Mane Events

2012 COMPETITIONS EQUINE SKILLS DEVELOPMENT - DRESSAGE Competition Name North Gower Dressage Days #1 North Gower Dressage Days #1 North Gower Dressage Days #1

Start Date 05/06/2012 06/03/2012 09/02/2012

End Date 05/06/2012 06/03/2012 09/02/2012

Location Spiritwood Farm, North Gower, ON Spiritwood Farm, North Gower, ON Spiritwood Farm, North Gower, ON

Contact Email or Website judy.fournier@xplornet.ca judy.fournier@xplornet.ca judy.fournier@xplornet.ca

06/01/2012 07/13/2012 08/10/2012

06/03/2012 07/15/2012 08/12/2012

Caledon Equestrian Park, Palgrave, ON Caledon Equestrian Park, Palgrave, ON Caledon Equestrian Park, Palgrave, ON

www.cornerstonefarms.com www.cornerstonefarms.com www.cornerstonefarms.com

06/09/2012 07/08/2012 07/08/2012 07/21/2012 08/18/2012 09/08/2012

06/09/2012 07/08/2012 07/08/2012 07/21/2012 08/18/2012 09/08/2012

Evergreen Farm Upper Dwyer Hill Rd, Almonte, ON Doornekamp Farm, Odessa, ON Nepean Equestrian Park, Corkstown Rd, Nepean, ON Doornekamp Farm, Odessa, ON Evergreen Farm

kacullum@hotmail.com www.huntingfordfarm.com sheri@doornekamp.ca kris.sherry@rogers.com sheri@doornekamp.ca kacullum@hotmail.com

09/09/2012

09/09/2012

Rainbow Ridge Ranch, Greely, ON

www.rainbowbridgeranch.ca

09/22/2012

09/22/2012

Blue Star Farm, Mount Albert, ON

www.bluestarfarm.com

04/06/2012 04/13/2012 04/21/2012 04/27/2012 05/04/2012 05/11/2012 05/25/2012 06/08/2012 06/22/2012 07/06/2012 07/20/2012 07/27/2012 08/17/2012 08/24/2012

04/06/2012 04/15/2012 04/21/2012 04/27/2012 05/06/2012 05/13/2012 05/27/2012 06/10/2012 06/24/2012 07/08/2012 07/22/2012 07/29/2012 08/19/2012 08/24/2012

Twinholm Stables, Burlington, ON Twinholm Stables, Burlington, ON Twinholm Stables, Burlington, ON Twinholm Stables, Burlington, ON Highland Green Stable, Arva, ON Fox Run Stables, Troy, ON Meadowlarke Stables, Acton, ON Waymark Farms, Kitchener, ON Twinholm Stables, Burlington, ON Camberwell Stables, St. Catherines, ON Red Ribbon Stables, Niagara-On-The-Lake, ON Parish Ridge Stables, Hamilton, ON Vanbrook Equestrian Centre, Cambridge, ON Iron Horse Equestrian Complex, Burlington, ON

dorothy1@wellington.ca dorothy1@wellington.ca w.somerville@rocketmail.com w.somerville@rocketmail.com www.swtrillium.org or 519-666-1272 foxrun@xplornet.com stacey@meadowlarkestables.com mmjtmjt@aol.com twinholm@aol.com

05/04/2012 05/13/2012 05/17/2012 05/17/2012 05/25/2012 06/01/2012 06/09/2012 06/29/2012 07/08/2012 07/13/2012 07/21/2012 07/28//2012 08/03/2012 08/05/2012 08/10/2012 08/18/2012 08/25/2012 08/31/2012 09/07/2012 09/08/2012

05/06/2012 05/13/2012 05/20/2012 05/20/2012 05/27/2012 06/03/2012 06/09/2012 07/01/2012 07/08/2012 07/15/2012 07/22/2012 07/29/2012 08/05/2012 08/05/2012 08/12/2012 08/18/2012 08/26/2012 09/02/2012 09/09/2012 09/08/2012

Iron Horse Equestrian Complex, Burlington, ON Centaur Riding School, Navan, ON Iron Horse Equestrian Complex, Burlington, ON 27 Manor Drive, Stoney Creek Nepean National Equestrian Park, Ottawa, ON Caledon Equestrian Park Evergreen Farm RCRA, Cedar Valley, ON Doornekamp Farm, Odessa, ON Caledon Equestrian Park Nepean National Equestrian Park, Ottawa, ON 2531 5th Line Rd, Greely ON RCRA, Cedar Valley, ON Centaur Riding School, Navan, ON Caledon Equestrian Park Doornekamp Farm, Odessa, ON Queenswood Stables, Navan, ON 2833 Hwy 28N RR1, Douro,ON RCRA, Cedar Valley, ON Evergreen Farm

rjrhorseshows@aol.com info@centaurridingschool.com caraw@allstream.net caraw@allstream.net pateeple@gmail.com csfhorses@aol.com kacullum@hotmail.com amanda@rcra.ca sheri@doornekamp.ca csfhorses@aol.com kris.sherry@rogers.com Lynda.Steven@gmail.com amanda@rcra.ca info@centaurridingschool.com csfhorses@aol.com sheri@doornekamp.ca qws@queenswoodstables.com cedarlane_ec@yahoo.ca amanda@rcra.ca kacullum@hotmail.com

RCRA Jump Into Spring 04/27/2012 Classic @ Palgrave Phase 1 05/08/212 Caledon National 05/15/2012 Springfest 05/24/2012 Summerfest 05/31/2012 Classic @ Palgrave Phase 2 06/05/2012 Summer Classic 06/12/2012 Cornerstone Summer Premiere 1 06/20/2012 Cornerstone Summer Premiere 2 06/27/2012 Cornerstone Summer Premiere 3 07/04/2012 Cedar Run Classic 07/04/2012 Cedar Run Tournament 07/11/2012 Equestrian Festival 07/24/2012 Summer Festival 07/31/2012 Canadian National Exhibition Jumper Competition 08/06/2012 Orangeville Classic 08/08/2012 Cedar Run - Blue Mountains Celebration 08/08/2012 Orangeville International 08/15/2012 Angelstone National Phase 1 08/22/2012

04/29/2012 05/13/2012 05/20/2012 05/27/2012 06/03/2012 06/10/2012 06/17/2012 06/24/2012 07/01/2012 07/08/2012 07/08/2012 07/15/2012 07/29/2012 08/05/2012 08/08/2012 08/12/2012 08/12/2012 08/19/2012 08/26/2012

RCRA, Cedar Valley, ON Caledon Equestrian Park Caledon Equestrian Park Iron Horse Equestrian Complex, Burlington, ON Iron Horse Equestrian Complex, Burlington, ON Caledon Equestrian Park Caledon Equestrian Park Barrie Agricultural Society, Innisfil, ON Barrie Agricultural Society, Innisfil, ON Barrie Agricultural Society, Innisfil, ON Cedar Run Horse Park, Clarksburg, ON Cedar Run Horse Park, Clarksburg, ON Caledon Equestrian Park Caledon Equestrian Park CNE Horse Show Exhibition Place Orangeville Ag Society, Orangeville, ON Cedar Run Horse Park, Clarksburg, ON Orangeville Ag Society, Orangeville, ON Angelstone, Rockwood, ON

info@rcra.ca emg@equineman.com emg@equineman.com rjrhorseshows@aol.com rjrhorseshows@aol.com emg@equineman.com emg@equineman.com csfhorses@aol.com csfhorses@aol.com csfhorses@aol.com Classic@cedarrun.ca Classic@cedarrun.ca emg@equineman.com emg@equineman.com bmeyers@theex.com ainsley@hayesco.ca Classic@cedarrun.ca ainsley@hayesco.ca keean@angelstone.co

BRONZE DRESSAGE Spring Into Dressage Summer Festival Summer Classic

SILVER DRESSAGE

QSLB Evergreen Show Silver #1 Huntingford Farm QSLB Doorenkamp Show Silver #2 Dressage at the Park - Silver QSLB Doornekamp Show Silver #3 QSLB Evergreen Show Silver #4 2012 Silver Dressage Championships Eastern Division Silver Dressage Championships Western Division

SILVER HUNTER/JUMPER

JD Leap Into Spring A JD Leap Into Spring B Hamilton Hunt Trillium Jumper Hamilton Hunter Trillium Hunter Highland Green Stable The Horseman’s Shop Trillium Competition Meadowlarke Stables Trillium Competition Waymark Stables Trillium Competition Twinholm Stables Trillium Competition Camberwell Stables Trillium Competition Red Ribbon Trillium Competition Parish Ridge Trillium Competition Vanbrook Equestrian Trillium Competition Iron Horse Trillium Competition

GOLD DRESSAGE

Springfest Dressage Centaur Spring Gold Show CDI-W/Y/J Canada Classic Spring Canadian Classic Ottawa Dressage Festival Cornerstone Spring Into Dressage QSLB Evergreen Show Gold #1 RCRA Canada Day Dressage Festival QSLB Doornekamp Show Gold #2 Cornerstone Summer Festival Dressage at the Park Rainbow Ridge Ranch Gold Dressage Show RCRA Summerfest Centaur Summer Gold Show Cornerstone Summer Classic QSLB Doornekamp Show Gold #3 Queenswood Dressage Festival Ontario Dressage Championships Eastern Regional Championships QSLB Evergreen Show Gold #4

GOLD HUNTER/JUMPER

redribbonstables@netzero.net vanbrooktrilliumshow@live.ca

www.horse.on.ca | 31

Mane Events

GOLD HUNTER/JUMPER

Competition Name Cornerstone Summer Encore 1 Angelstone National Phase 2 Cornerstone Summer Encore 2 Angelstone National Phase 3 Autumn Classic Canadian Show Jumping Tournament Angelstone National Show Jumping Tournament RCRA The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair

PLATINUM DRESSAGE

CDI1* Ottawa Dressage Festival CDI-W Milton International Classic CDI3* Royal Horse Show

PLATINUM ENDURANCE SVAHA Stormont Endurance Ride

Start Date 08/22/2012 08/29/2012 08/29/2012 09/05/2012 09/13/2012 09/19/2012 09/26/2012 10/12/2012 11/02/2012

End Date 08/26/2012 09/02/2012 09/02/2012 09/09/2012 09/16/2012 09/23/2012 09/30/2012 10/14/2012 11/11/2012

Location Barrie Agricultural Society, Innisfil, ON Angelstone, Rockwood, ON Barrie Agricultural Society, Innisfil, ON Angelstone, Rockwood, ON Caldeon Equestrian Park Caledon Equestrian Park Angelstone, Rockwood, ON RCRA, Cedar Valley, ON CNE Horse Show Exhibition Place

Contact Email or Website csfhorses@aol.com keean@angelstone.co csfhorses@aol.com keean@angelstone.co emg@equineman.com emg@equineman.com keean@angelstone.co info@rcra.ca

05/24/2012 06/22/2012 11/02/2012

05/27/2012 06/24/2012 11/11/2012

Nepean National Equestrian Park Iron Horse Equestrian Complex, Burlington, ON CNE Horse Show Exhibition Place

pateeple@gmail.com caraw@allstream.net

09/02/2012

09/02/2012

North Stormont Township, ON

lsalkeid@xplornet.ca

Exciting News! As this issue was going to press, the OEF received exciting news from the Ontario Trillium Foundation. The OEF has been officially approved for funding that will enable the OEF to create a horse show safety program for local fairs across the province. More information will follow, stay tuned!

32 | WHOA! Spring 2012

E Q U E S T R I A N

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 | 33

Mane Events Biosecurity Workshop & e-Session Dates Announced by Equine Guelph

By Jackie Bellamy

Find out what steps you can take to protect your barn from sporadic disease, outbreaks and infectious diseases.

“The recent devastating outbreak of EHV-1 in North America has highlighted the importance of infection control and biosecurity, as well as the deficiencies in knowledge and application that are present across the industry,” says Scott Weese, associate professor and Canada Research Chair at the University of Guelph. Proof-positive that the time for prevention has now arrived is the January 2012 biosecurity update from Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs confirming cases of Equine Herpes in Southern Ontario.

Equine Guelph’s “Beat the Bugs with Biosecurity,” program promotes biosecurity throughout all sectors of the horse industry. The program is funded through the Agricultural Biosecurity Program (ABP), part of the Best Practices Suite of programs under Growing Forward, a federal-provincialterritorial initiative. The Agricultural Adaptation Council assists in the delivery of several Growing Forward programs in Ontario.

“Increasing knowledge of best biosecurity practices stands to benefit the horse industry by reducing the risk of disease transmission and, in turn, could create a huge positive economic impact and prevent a potential catastrophic outbreak,” says Equine Guelph director, Gayle Ecker.

The “Beat the Bugs” program includes four workshops, conducted by biosecurity specialists, offered free of charge on a first come, first served basis. The workshops are scheduled as follows: Mohawk Racetrack, Campbellville, March 7, 1 – 3pm; Western Fair, London (during Can-Am), March 16, 10am – noon; Kemptville Campus, Kemptville, March 24, 2 – 4pm; and Georgian Downs, Barrie, March 27, 1:30 – 3:30pm. Contact Susan Raymond at Equine Guelph, slraymon@uoguelph.ca, to register and for more information.

For those who are looking to take their biosecurity knowledge to the next level, a two-week Equine Biosecurity e-Session is available April 16 – 29 for $75 (plus HST) per person. Contact Susan Raymond at Equine Guelph, slraymon@uoguelph.ca, to register and for more information.

“Beat the Bugs” has been developed by Equine Guelph with the assistance of its 11 industry partners: American Association of Equine Practitioners Foundation, Central Ontario Standardbred Association, Colorado State University, Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, Ontario Association of Equine Practitioners, Ontario Equestrian Federation, Ontario Harness Horse Association, Ontario Horse Racing Industry Association, Ontario Veterinary College, Standardbred Canada, Vétoquinol Canada Inc. and Woodbine Entertainment Group.

For more information on the “Beat the Bugs with Biosecurity” initiative, and to view the Biosecurity Risk Calculator, visit www.

EquineGuelph.ca/biosecurity.php.

OEF and Partners Begin Plans for Fourth Annual Toronto Horse Day The Ontario Equestrian Federation (OEF), Greenhawk, Riding Academy at the Horse Palace and Exhibition Place are gearing up for the fourth annual Toronto Horse Day. Toronto Horse Day 2012 will take place at the Horse Palace, Exhibition Place in June. The purpose of this event is to educate the public about horses and give urban residents the opportunity to experience horses up close and personal, in hopes that we can attract new participants to the sport.

Photo Credit: Jaclyn Appleby

Toronto Horse Day is completely free for people to attend and will run from 11am to 4pm. The program will include education stations, riding and driving demonstrations and information displays. Participants will have the opportunity to visit interactive stations that will provide information on different riding styles, various breeds, basic stable management, safety, possible careers and much more!

If you are interested in participating in Toronto Horse Day as an exhibitor/demonstrator or would like more information about attending please contact marketing@horse.on.ca or visit www.horse.on.ca for details as they become available.

34 | WHOA! Spring 2012

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Coaches Corner

National Coaching Committee Updates Equine Canada’s coaching program is comprised of representatives from each discipline that offers certification including Western, Driving, Saddle Seat, Endurance and English. The various discipline committees are made up of professional coaches from each province that volunteer their time to create, improve and promote the Equine Canada Coaching program. A chairperson from each discipline committee represents his or hers respected discipline to the National Coaching committee.

The dedicated coaching volunteers tirelessly work to build and promote credible coaching and quality equestrian sport in Canada. This “Coaches Corner” submission is devoted to the coaching committees and is pleased to provide readers an update on the great work that the committees have accomplished and the exciting programs that are in development.

WESTERN

The EC National Coaching Committee was hard at work in 2011 and we are proud to report that the following projects have been accomplished and are ready for 2012: 1. Competition Coach Rubric, Evaluation Tool and Worksheets 2. Established pre-requisites for Competition Coach Specialist Reining and General PerformanceIntermediate Rider General Component replaced with Basic Training Component 3. Intermediate Rider General Component has been replaced with the Basic Training ComponentLearn to Ride tests revised 4. Learn to Ride 1-4 Manual revised and split into four manuals 5. Learn to Ride tests revised 6. Training Clinics for Competition Coach piloted and formats accepted 7. High Performance Reining received conditional approval from the Coaching Association of Canada (CAC) The Committee is currently working on the following projects with hopes that they will be ready to roll out in early 2013: 1. Finalize the Competition Coach Policies and Procedures Manual and Evaluator reference documents 2. Submit Competition Coach to CAC for conditional approvala 3. Set the pre-requisites for Competition Coach Specialist Speed Events 4. Produce documents to support Competition Coach Specialist 5. Run pilot evaluations for Competition Coach Specialist 6. Revise the Intermediate Rider Manual to include new pictures, patterns, formatting and insert new Basic Training Component Everyone on the Committee is very excited with the direction that the group is taking and we look forward to all the educational events planned for the coming years.

Barbara Newlands Chair Ontario Western Coaching Committee 36 | WHOA! Spring 2012

DRIVING

Driving is one of the fastest growing equestrian sports in North America, partially because all horse breeds can be used and it appeals to people of all ages. Driving includes recreational and competitive components with different levels intensity and commitment making it a fun family affair. It is common to see parents and their children working together and sharing the driving experience.

Drive Canada represents all non-competitive and competitive driving from grassroots through to the Canadian Equestrian Team allowing for participation in international competition and at FEI World Championships.

Drive Canada is also involved in developing rules and guidelines, providing for the development of licensed officials and coaches and providing education workshops and seminars for organizers, competitors and the general public.

In the last few years, Drive Canada has supported sending a team to compete at the World Equestrian Games in Kentucky as well as promoted driving competitions across Canada. A few years ago the organization transitioned from an independent group to an Equine Canada Committee. A large part of this transition involved fitting the existing Drive programs into the structure required by Equine Canada.

The “Instructor of Beginner” program has now been completed and is being prepared for submission and approval by the Sports Council.

Once approved, Drive can resume the coaching program and once again produce certified driving instructors. The very successful “Learn to Drive” program produced by the original Drive Canada organization is still actively used and available for coaches and instructors to use with their students.

For more information about Drive Canada, please visit our website at www.drivecanada.org. Drive Canada and the provincial organizations – Ontario Equestrian Federation will be working together to implement the new Drive Instructor program

.

Kathleen Winfield Chairperson of the Drive Coaching Committee

Coaches Corner ENDURANCE

SADDLE SEAT RIDING PROGRAM

Since providing its coaching program proposal to Equine Canada three years ago, the Endurance Canada Education, Coaching and Athlete Development Subcommittee has been working on completing an Endurance Instructor of Beginners coaching context that includes specialized knowledge unique to endurance riders, such as safety of riders and horses on trail, fundamentals of horse care while at an event, and other components of teaching riding students outside the bounds of an arena.

Current programs: • EC Instructor of Beginners

Endurance can be loosely defined as “a cross country horse race of at least 80 km (50 miles).” Perhaps unique to the discipline of Endurance, the entry level to our sport is potentially the most dangerous level to the horses since it is made up of less experienced riders. For this reason, Endurance throughout the world has developed policies to minimize this risk. Endurance Canada is also developing an Equine Canada coaching certification program that is specific to Endurance to help beginners of all ages to learn about the sport in a safe manner.

Saddle seat is a style of riding that has its origins in classical European dressage and has been developed to enhance the performance of the high stepping breeds such as the American Saddlebred, Morgan, Arabian, Half-Arabian, National Show Horse and Palomino.

The individual breeds have a variety of show classes where the saddle seat style is used and there is opportunity for all experience levels and classifications to show. The following programs will help standardize saddle seat riding across Canada, and contribute to the development of riders for the Canadian World Cup teams

Programs In Development: • Rider Level Program

- six levels from entry to World Cup level

- pre-requisites for Instructor and Coach Evaluations

- program is to determine and reward skill level to motivate The subcommittee is currently developing a pilot evaluation and riders Saddle seat Competition Coach Program (pilots to run in finalizing training and evaluation material for the Endurance Instructor •

2012) of Beginner certificate. We are hopeful that we will be able to have these in place and presented to the Coaching Association of Canada for approval by the end of 2012. For more information, The Ontario Saddle Seat Committee is dedicated to the promotion please visit the Endurance Canada website http://endurancecanada. and development of the art of Saddle Seat riding in Ontario. This ca/ or contact the Chair of the subcommittee, Kim Woolley kim@ committee wrote the original program that is now knows as the EC Instructor of Beginner program and is currently working on the elementalstrategies.com.

Kim Woolley Rider Level program. The committee hosts a Provincial Equitation Chair of Subcommittee Championship every year to promote and encourage saddle seat riding. It endeavors to host educational clinics and workshops on various aspects of saddle seat. Anyone interested is welcome to ENGLISH participate.

After many years of hard work and development, especially over the last five years, I am pleased to announce that the Equine Canada Mary Ruth Moore Coaching program has full NCCP/CAC approval for its Instruction of Chair Ontario Saddle Seat Coaching Committee Beginners and Competition Coach contexts. The High Performance Coach context has conditional approval and the Competition Coach Specialist context has been submitted for approval. There are For more information about the Coaching Committees nineteen training modules currently being offered. and/or coaching programs please contact Gillian Ross Erasmi at education@horse.on.ca.

The Committee anticipates that Competition Coach Specialist context approval will be in place by the end of March 2012 and there should be full approval for all English Coaching contexts by the end of 2012.

Grant Field Chair Ontario English Coaching Committee and National Coaching Committee

Upcoming Coaching Events

March 31-April 1 April 14 April 15 April 15 April (TBC) April 16 April 20 April 22 May (TBC) May (TBC) May (TBC) May (TBC) May 19-20 May 21 May (TBC) May (TBC) June 24

NCCP/EC Equestrian Specific Training Workshop, Kemptville College English Instructor Evaluation, Kemptville College English Instructor Evaluation, Kemptville College English Instructor Evaluation, Foxcroft Equestrian Center, Millgrove Western Instructor Evaluation, Kemptville College English Competition Coach Evaluation, Pickering Horse Centre, Pickering English Competition Coach Evaluation, Pickering Horse Centre, Pickering Western Coaching Update, WindReach Farms, Ashburn NCCP/EC Equestrian Theory NCCP/EC Equestrian Specific Training Workshop NCCP/EC Analyze Performance Workshop for Competition and Specialist Coaches Instructor Evaluation, Foothills Farm, Sudbury NCCP/EC Equestrian Theory, Val Rita Western and English Instructor Practical Training Workshop, Val Rita Western Learn to Ride program workshop, Reach Huron, Clinton Western Instructor Evaluation, Goderich Western Learn to Ride and Instructor Program Workshop, Hastings www.horse.on.ca | 37

Ask Dr. Bob

Rabies Vaccinations Dear Dr. Bob I run a boarding and training facility and I am currently reviewing our vaccine protocols.

There hasn’t been a case of rabies in our area in over five years. Do I need to vaccinate the horses against rabies? If so, why?

Sincerely, Ann

Dear Ann; For me this is a no brainer, but being a veterinarian I am biased. In addition, I have also had at least four close encounters with rabid animals over my lifetime and see rabies posing a significant risk to humans, horses and to other animals. When a geographic location has rabies present in the wildlife population then rabies is endemic in the location and vaccination is a must in all livestock and pets.

Places that are physically separated from endemic areas, for example England separated by the English Channel from the rest of Europe have to maintain strict importation regulations to maintain their freedom from rabies. Provinces such as Prince Edward Island and NewfoundlandLabrador might at first glance qualify but both have had rabies cases reported in the past ten years. The only region in Canada that has not had rabies reported in the past ten years is the Yukon. Canada as a whole would be considered endemic for rabies with the exception of the Yukon. The risk of contacting rabies in the majority of Canada is real. (See the Equine Rabies Cases in Canada by Province and Ontario by County) Human Health Risk Rabies affects both animals and humans. In the past ten years, deaths in humans in Canada included a man from central Alberta in 2006, a fifty-two-year-old man from Port Coquitlam, British Columbia in 2003 and a nine-year-old Quebec boy in 2000. All were associated with or suspected of being bitten by bats. In addition, a man in Ontario was killed by a rabid horse in 2002. Rabid horses pose a serious threat to humans. Therefore, whenever a human is bitten by an animal, the local health unit must be notified.

Horse Health Risk Horses of all ages are susceptible to rabies. Horses are often exposed because they are curious creatures. They are apt to investigate a wild animal that is acting strangely and may be bit on the muzzle, face and/or lower legs. The clinical signs are highly variable in the horse and may be very non-specific, particularly early in the disease. The disease usually progresses to death in four to five days, although some horses will survive up to fifteen days. In one study, the “furious form” was noted in 43% of rabid horses and clinical signs in some of these animals initially appeared as the “dumb form.” The paralytic form was not observed. Horses that develop the “furious form” show excitement, become vicious, bite, kick, exhibit blind staggers, suddenly fall and may chew themselves or foreign objects.

If an animal is suspected of being rabid or a person thinks that their animal(s) has been exposed to rabies, he/she is required by law to report it. Call your nearest Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) office, which is listed in the blue pages of the phone book. An inspector from the agency will investigate all calls. There is no effective treatment for rabies. Once clinical signs appear, rabies is almost always fatal. Therefore, it is best to prevent exposure to the virus and ensure that all horses and domestic animals are vaccinated for rabies.

If a member of the public can come in contact with your animals (horses, dogs, and cats including www.horse.on.ca | 39

Ask Dr. Bob barn cats) then you should ensure that your animals are fully protected from rabies. Stray animals, with unknown vaccination histories, should either be vaccinated or be removed from the premises. From an insurance point of view, there are two considerations; firstly does my mortality insurance (for the horse) require or expect that rabies vaccination be kept up-to-date and secondly from a liability aspect does the insurance company expect or require that all animals on the premise be protected against rabies. Check with your insurance agent. Rabies vaccination is considered a core vaccine for horses and is recommended unless there is a documented underlying health problem. In pets, rabies vaccination is required by law.

The need to maintain rabies vaccination was emphasized to me a few years ago when a member of the public attending a horse event was severely bitten by a horse through the bars of the stall. Proof of rabies vaccination for the horse was not readily available and caused a serious concern. The horse could have been ordered to be euthanized by the Public Health Department.

Therefore, I recommend that you: • Ensure that all horses are vaccinated for rabies annually as part of the core vaccines unless advised (and written) differently by their veterinarian • Maintain proof of vaccination for all horses e.g., rabies vaccination certificate • Carry copies of rabies vaccination certificate to all public events along with the negative Coggins test (negative ELISA test for equine infectious anaemia) • Report all animals suspected of being rabid to CFIA immediately • Report all cases where a human has been bitten by a horse or other animal to the local health unit.

Equine Rabies Cases in Canada by Province and Ontario by County, 2000 – December 31, 2011.

(Compiled from Canadian Food Inspection Agency website http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/anima/disemala/rabrag/statse.shtml#a2004.

Accessed Feb 2, 2012) Equine Rabies Cases In Ontario/County and Total cases indicated in italics

Year

Equine Rabies Cases In the Rest of Canada and Total cases indicated in italics

2000

3 horses 1 horse in Saskatchewan, 4 horses in Manitoba 217 total cases (8 dogs, 17 bovine, 58 skunks, 34 bats, 32 foxes, 40 (670 total cases in all species) A 9-year-old boy died of rabies in Quebec raccoons, 1 wolf, 1 groundhog)

2001

5 horses 217 total cases (4 dogs, 2, casts, 15 bovine, 2 sheep, 26 foxes, 58 skunks, 58 bats, 43 raccoons, 2 wolves, 1 coyote, 1 bison)

3 horses in Saskatchewan, 2 horses in Manitoba

2002

1 horse 208 total cases (4 dogs, 6 cats, 11 bovine, 1 sheep, 1 pig, 46 skunks, 73 bats, 41 foxes, 22 raccoons, 2 coyotes)

1 horse in Saskatchewan, 2 horses in Manitoba (349 total cases in all species)

2003

2 horses 127 total cases (6 bovine, 1 sheep, 22 skunks, 74 bats, 6 foxes, 16 raccoons, 1 wolf)

1 horse in Manitoba (265 total cases in all species) A man from British Columbia dies of the vat variant of rabies virus

2004

2 horses 114 total cases (1 dog, 1 cat, 20 bovine, 1 sheep, 25 skunk, 56 bats, 3 foxes, 5 raccoons)

2 horses in Saskatchewan, 1 horse in Manitoba (261 total cases in all species)

2005

0 horses 96 total cases (1 dog, 1 cat, 11 bovine, 17 skunks, 61 bats, 3 foxes, 2 raccoons)

2 horses in Saskatchewan (248 total cases in all species)

2006

0 horses 82 total cases (2 cats, 11 bovine, 1 sheep, 23 skunks, 42 bats, 2 foxes, 1 raccoon)

3 horses in Saskatchewan, 4 horses in Manitoba (229 total cases in all species) A man from central Alberta died as a result of a bat bite in August 2006

2007

1 horse, 1 donkey 106 total cases (2 dogs, 9 bovine, 1 sheep, 30 skunks, 62 bats)

1 horse in Saskatchewan (273 total cases in all species)

2008

2 horses 79 total cases (3 dogs, 2 cats, 7 bovine, 6 skunks, 5 bats, 1 fox, 27 raccoons, 1 wolf)

2 horses in Saskatchewan (235 total cases in all species)

2009

0 horses 39 total cases (6 bovine, 3 sheep, 8 skunks, 29 bats, 3 foxes)

0 horses (145 total cases in all species)

2010

0 horses 39 total cases (29 10 skunks)

1 horse in Manitoba (123 total cases in all species)

2011

0 horses 24 total cases (23 bats, 1 bovine)

1 horse in Saskatchewan, 1 horse in Manitoba (89 total cases in all species)

In the period, 1998-2011 there were no rabies cases in the Yukon. Rabies was present at a low prevalence rate in the Atlantic Provinces.

Everywhere else in Canada rabies is present endemically in the environment.

Information on this and other topics can be accessed at Dr. Bob’s website: www.horsenewsandviews.com or by emailing him at dr.bob@horsenewsandviews.com 40 | WHOA! Spring 2012

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On The Trail

Become A Trail Specialist

by Bonnie Simpson, Equestrian Trail Advisor

In any group, there are always those who standout amongst others – the superstars. Woody Keen and Bill Goulding are superstars of

the trail development industry. Both men are adept in trail building and development. Woody is the President of Trail Dynamics LLC and serves as President of the American Professional Trailbuilders Association. Bill Goulding lives in Uxbridge, ON and owns Sustainable Trails Limited, a professional trail building company that has been planning, designing constructing and maintaining recreational trails since 2005.

Three years ago we all met at Trail Head Ontario, a provincial trail conference, to devise a plan to increase the number of sustainable trails and campgrounds throughout the province of Ontario. It was during this meeting that that Chris LaForest from Bruce County approached me to develop equestrian trails in his area. It was also during this meeting that a plan was developed to create training courses to educate those interested in learning more about trail building.

After three years of endless meetings and a grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, the Ontario Trails Council (OTC) is proudly launching thirteen courses that will focus on developing professional Trail Specialists. This is a very exciting initiative that is going to provide new employment opportunities within the horse industry, both provincially and nationally.

Last year, Bill spent six weeks building trails in Saskatchewan and six weeks working with locals on Manitoulin Island to develop a trail network. After meetings with Bill and discussions with municipalities it is evident that there is a very limited number of people that are qualified to evaluate, repair and build trails. With a social push to “get active” and green space being built into new subdivisions and condo buildings (if you can believe it!) trail use is becoming widely popular and trail specialists are in great demand.

Course topics will include emergency first aid, wilderness survival, health/nutrition while working or camping in the wild, volunteerism, trail construction and maintenance, trail design, ecosystem and natural heritage, safety and training, law and risk management, trail marketing and promotion, trail system and user management and trail technology.

The majority of Trail Specialist courses will be offered online by Algonquin College. In addition, the Ontario Parks Association will be offering a course that includes a hands-on component. Courses start in March and there is more information available online at www.ontariotrails. on.ca.

In addition to the development of trail professionals, there is good work being done by the OEF and Equine Canada to improve equestrian recreation in the country. The Equine Canada Recreation division has agreed to provide funding to each province to develop provincial recreational programs. The EC coaching committees are working to create a National Learn to Trail Ride program and Trail Ride Instructor and Trail Rider Leader certification. Québec A Cheval has already created the programs and they just await English translation before they can be launched across the country. Stay tuned for more information!

Don’t forget to mark your calendars and plan to attend Trailhead Ontario. The conference is taking place June 17-19, 2012 at the Elm Hurst Inn & Spa in Oxford County. Trailhead Ontario is a great learning and networking opportunity for all trail enthusiasts! For more information please visit www.trailheadontario.com.

42 | WHOA! Spring 2012

On The Trail Are You Ready to Hit The Trails This Spring?

Envision peace and tranquility while riding your horse for hours through beautiful scenery and wildlife. Now picture yourself gathered around a warm camp fire under the stars with your friends. Doesn’t this sound great? You and your horse can make this a reality this season, but are you prepared?

Do you have the correct horse for trail riding? Are you well suited to your horse? For example, are you four feet tall while your horse stands 17hh? If so, this could cause a problem out on the trail. It is important to ensure that you are able to easily mount your horse without the help from a mounting block. In addition to height, it is equally important that your horse is quiet during mounting. Make sure you and your horse are well suited for one another to ensure a positive trail riding experience.

Is your horse prepared to be out at night?

Overnight trail rides are a great way to spend the weekend riding; however, there are some elements overnight rides that are stressful for our horses. Once you are settled for the evening be sure that your horse can be tied to a picket line safely for the night and that he or she is used to bug repellent and wearing blankets. To avoid any undue stress it is best to practice at home before you go out for a ride.

Is your horse social, or does it want to kick when another horse enters its space?

If your horse is not a social butterfly then be sure to tie a red ribbon on its tail to indicate that it kicks. When out on the trail, always keep a horse length between you and the other horses.

Bridge Crossings Crossing through water can pose potential dangers if the water is moving too fast or the bottom is soft and unstable. It you happen upon a water crossing it is best to cross via a bridge if one is available. Bridge crossings can be scary for people, let alone your horse if he or she has not had experience, so it is safest to dismount and lead your horse across.

Watering your horse Green and stagnant water can be dangerous for drinking because it provides a breeding ground for harmful bacteria and other organisms. Instead allow your horse to drink from moving water; however, be sure to keep your horse from entering the water because the bottom could be unstable.

Dogs on a trail ride No dogs on the trail ride - all municipalities have a leash law and not all horses are comfortable with dogs. Never leave a dog unattended at a campsite.

Also remember - no smoking on the trails, no alcohol on the trails, avoid showing off and keep control of your horse at all times, keep the trails and your campsite clean, do not litter and spread manure, stay on the marked trail, carry your cell phone and GPS/compass and map on you NOT on the horse, always know where you are on the trail so you can give directions in case of an emergency.

Meeting A Horse On the Trail USE THE THREE C’s 1. courtesy 2. communication 3. common sense • Make your presence known from a distance by calmly addressing the rider.

• Please pass slowly on the left after the rider has 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 let’s work together in harmony to ensure safe and enjoyable trails.

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

Best Practices for Horses on the Trails 1. You and your 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 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 thre e C ’s – C o ur te sy, 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 | 43

Legal Lowdown

Harassment In Coaching

By Bhavin Bilimoria, Articling Student, with the assistance of Krista Bulmer, Willson Lewis LLP

The Canadian Human Rights Commission defines harassment as any unwanted physical

or verbal conduct that causes offence or humiliation and that a reasonable person knew or ought to have known would be unwelcome. Harassment is not unique to individuals working in coaching positions. However, the role that coaches play in the lives of children and athletes may leave them more vulnerable to experience harassment or be accused of engaging in harassing behaviour. As such, it is important that coaches are able to identify when the behaviour of a co-worker, parent, or athlete crosses the line and what to do if an allegation of harassment is made against them.

Behaviour that will be considered harassment is incredibly broad and comprises comments and conduct that can range in type and frequency. For example, such behaviours as uttering threats, physical assault, sexual assault, unwelcome remarks and the displaying of racist or offensive posters can all fall into the category of harassment. Additionally, it is a misconception that the behaviour must be repetitious. Although repetitious behaviour may in fact be harassment, so too will offensive or humiliating behaviour that has occurred only once.

In order to aid in the prevention of harassment, the federal government has enacted the Canadian Human Rights Act . The Act gives each individual working in a federal institution the right to work and live without discrimination and provides helpful guidance as to what is harassment and what to do if you are involved in a complaint. All provinces and territories have also enacted some form of legislation that prohibits discrimination within their jurisdiction. The legislation makes it clear that all employers have a duty to establish a formal harassment policy and inform all employees that harassment will not be tolerated.

Moreover, employers have a positive duty to review the policy annually, or more often if necessary, and must inform the management that it is their responsibility to provide a harassment free workplace.

In addition to conforming to the existing legislation, a number of Canadian sports associations have implemented their own harassment policies, including Equine Canada (“EC”). Approved on June 22, 2010, EC’s Harassment Policy (“Policy”) seeks to create a sport environment that is tolerant and accepting of differences, and that protects individuals from harassment at all times while engaged in activities on behalf of EC. To this end, the Policy requires EC’s Board of Directors, Committees, coaches, team leaders, athletes, competition organizers, and officials to satisfy the following duties: • know what harassment is and be able to recognize inappropriate behaviour; 44 | WHOA! Spring 2012

Legal Lowdown • act as a role model by treating all members fairly and equitably; • not engage in, allow, condone or ignore inappropriate behaviour; • communicate EC’s commitment to a harassment-free sport and work environment; and • respond appropriately to complaints of harassment.

or abstain from doing something that he or she has a lawful right to do. Although criminal proceedings should be an option of last resort, coaches should not hesitate to take whatever actions may be necessary to ensure their own safety and the safety of the participants.

According to EC, creating and maintaining a harassment-free sport environment is a responsibility shared by all of its members.

Unfortunately, even the best policies and legislation cannot prevent all instances of harassment. It is therefore important for coaches to know what steps to take if they are experiencing unwelcome behaviour. Firstly, coaches should tell the individual directly that their actions or comments are unwelcome. It is advisable that notes are taken about the incident and subsequent interactions, including the details of the conduct, date, time and any witnesses. If the individual continues to engage in the prohibited behaviour even after being informed that it is unwelcome the coach should then report the conduct to an appropriate member of their organization.

Conversely, if you are a coach and have been accused of harassment there are a number of steps that you can take to protect yourself.

Firstly, you should take the time to examine your own behaviour as you may have inadvertently offended a parent or athlete. If so, apologize. You are accountable for your own behaviour and sometimes a simple apology will resolve a difficult situation. If you don’t believe the complaint has any merit, speak to one of your organization’s designated officials and inform them of the situation.

This may increase the chances the situation will be resolved informally. However, if the situation cannot be resolved and a formal complaint is made you will have an obligation to participate in the investigation. It is in your best interest to cooperate fully to determine the facts.

Many organizations will have a designated official who will receive the complaint and, where appropriate, assist in achieving a resolution either informally or through the formal processes of the organization.

Pursuant to EC’s Policy, complaints should be reported immediately to EC’s Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, the President (or designate) or the Chair of the Risk Management and Ethics Committee, but only if confronting the alleged harasser(s) is not possible or after doing so, the harassment continues.

As noted above, be sure to keep written notes about the alleged harassment, including the date, witnesses and your version of the events. Remember, the best defense is a good offence: if you think you might be the subject of a complaint, act early to remedy the situation before it develops into a formal complaint.

Krista Bulmer is an associate in the law firm Willson Lewis LLP, Ultimately, if a coach is left with no other avenue of redress, he (www.willsonlewis.com) in Toronto, Ontario with experienced or she may file a criminal complaint against the individual for such counsel practising in civil litigation, employment, construction, behaviour as uttering threats or intimidation. Intimidation includes family, tax, and equine law. violence or threats of violence that may compel a person to do

Ask Mike

Did You Know…

By Mike King

Many

articles have been published over the years explaining the insurance programs that are available to OEF members and outlining the great benefits members receive. Although we have discussed the program to great lengths, it struck me while preparing this article that many members may not be aware of the following:

1.

The OEF was one of the first provincial equine associations to adopt an insurance program so that its members could benefit from low cost and comprehensive “group” liability insurance coverage.

2.

Intercity Insurance Services has been working with the OEF since 2000 and the insurance program has grown along with the membership – exponentially!

3.

The OEF Board and Staff work with Intercity Insurance Services on an ongoing basis. Together, we develop risk management strategies for the horse industry so that the whole equine community in Ontario can benefit from a consistent approach to insurance.

4.

The OEF program has been a success for a number of reasons.

Its programs benefit all horse people regardless of interest level, discipline or use of horse. All horses have the same natural behaviors and respond similarly in most environments and therefore, create the same general risk to people and property.

46 | WHOA! Spring 2012

5.

The insurance program continues to be a success because of a growing culture that values “safety first” (sometimes at the expense of “tradition”).

Safety is avidly promoted and fostered by the OEF.

6.

The OEF is the center of the equine industry in Ontario. It alone looks after YOU, THE MEMBER in ways that give you a very strong voice – provincially, nationally, and indeed, on a world level.

Anyone who is involved with horses should be an OEF member. Coaches and facility operators have a responsibility to educate their clients about the importance of risk management and the value of membership.

Intercity is extremely proud to be associated with the OEF and feels that we have earned a place in the minds of the Ontario equine community. Our mandate is simple – SERVE – and we intend to serve YOU for many years to come.

We welcome any insurance comments or questions you may have.

Intercity Insurance Services Inc. / Michael King of Aurora ON is the official insurance program administrator for the OEF and all of it’s members.

www.horse.on.ca | 47

Nutrition

Quality and Safety Taste So Much Better!

By Josée Lalonde, B.Sc. Equine Technical Services and Marketing, Agribrands Purina

Looking through the feed bag, there is barley, corn, molasses. Even the protein content on the tag seems adequate. This feed may have been developed for milk production in cows but, regardless, it seems to have all of the ingredients of a horse feed, and at a much better price! Let’s buy it. My horse certainly won’t be any worse off…Wrong! In the short or long term, the money saved by buying livestock feed or a low-end horse feed will have been a false economy. Here are the main reasons why.

Far too many horse breeders and owners still give their horses livestock feed, either as a matter of convenience or to save money, livestock products being generally less expensive and, also, non-taxable. Nutritionally, this practice is far from recommended, since livestock and horses are not comparable from a metabolic and digestive standpoint, and their dietary requirements differ greatly.

VERY DIFFERENT NUTRITIONAL REQUIREMENTS It is true that, at first glance, livestock and horse feeds may appear similar; in reality, the only similarity between the two bags is the common grain they contain which, on closer examination, are not necessarily of the same value. The ingredients that are used, the balance of nutrients, and the concentration of these nutrients, differ significantly from one bag to the other, just as the nutritional content of a bag of cat food differs from that of a bag of dog food.

Other than the fact that, physiologically, the horse’s digestive tract is very different from that of a cow or a steer, and that each works quite differently, the dietary needs of horses are unique and driven by the use we make of the horse.

Unlike livestock, which often are only expected to gain weight or produce milk, we ask the horse to perform as an athlete, which notably increases its need for the vitamin B complex and vitamin E, nutrients that are generally missing from livestock feed. Also, it should be noted that horse feeds contain higher concentrations of certain minerals than livestock feeds do, which means that the latter will not meet the needs of horses.

Regarding fats, even if the percentage is similar between horse feeds and livestock feeds, the source of the fats used is not necessarily the same. Without going into detail, it is important to know that certain fat sources, for instance, animal fat, are not assimilated as well by horses, and are also less palatable to them.

At first glance, the percentage of proteins in dairy cattle feed may also seem adequate for horses. Yet, much of this protein is derived from urea, a substance that is poorly absorbed by horses and can even become toxic to them. Consequently, the proteins and amino acids supplied by livestock feed are not balanced for the needs of a horse.

48 | WHOA! Spring 2012

Nutrition

POISONED RATION Feeding one’s horses livestock feed is not ideal nutritionally, but the most alarming remains the risk of poisoning from the different antibiotics that are sometimes used in feed made for other farm animals. The best-known are monensin sodium and lasalocid sodium, two drugs frequently used in dairy and beef cattle feed to stimulate their growth. Ingestion of even the tiniest amount of these extremely toxic drugs can be fatal to a horse in the space of 12 hours.

rejected. Obviously, such quality control has a price that most often is passed on at the checkout counter when you purchase the bag of feed. On the other hand, the horse will consume a well-balanced nutritional product with gusto, and you will sleep well at night.

When you buy your feed, make sure you choose a reliable supplier with an impeccable reputation from every standpoint: nutritional value, quality of ingredients, reliability, biosecurity, equipment, storage, delivery, and quality control.

If you use a feed formulated especially for horses and therefore believe yourself to be safe from these drugs, think again! Ask yourself whether your feed miller makes the horse feed immediately after making the cattle, poultry or swine products. If the cleaning conditions are not optimal before the horse feed is mixed, the equipment can contain residual drug amounts, and thus contaminate the feed.

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Beware also of livestock and other farm animal feed bags recycled as horse feed bags; here again, any residual drugs remaining in the bag could have grave consequences for the horse fed from that bag.

Finally, when you buy bulk feed, make sure that your supplier has taken every precaution to avoid any contamination during transport of these different products.

Most feed mills or feed manufacturers are aware of the risks associated with antibiotic drugs, but some are more vigilant than others. The key is knowing how to tell them apart. Don’t hesitate to ask your supplier what biosecurity measures he takes to guarantee the quality and safety of his products.

Stacey Cronyn 613-231-8272

The importance that the manufacturer assigns to the quality of his product, and to the ingredients that go into it, is an important criterion to consider if you want to give your horse what’s best.

Manufacturers who are committed to product quality analyze all incoming grain that will go into making feed. If the incoming grain does not meet established quality standards, it is very simply

John Lundrigan June Rudderham 613-231-8325 613-231-8246

www.nelligan.ca 

MYSTERY BAGS! Most horses will turn their noses up at poor-quality feeds – at least one would hope – which can sometimes contain, other than the ingredients, all kinds of random objects (twigs, stones, clods of dirt, coins, rodent bodies, tools, etc.), not to mention excessive amounts of dust and fine particles. These nasty surprises are generally a sign of low-end – and low-nutrition – products for the horse.

David Stout 613-231-8344

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Injuries to horse & rider Lease and boarding agreements Co-ownership Business disputes Employment contracts

[ Ottawa ]

[ Kingston ]

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   

Cross border and transportation issues Occupiers liability Purchase disputes Insurance Estate planning & family law

[ Vankleek Hill ]

[ Alexandria ]

www.horse.on.ca | 49

Breed & Discipline Updates Eastern Ontario Pleasure Driving Society Submitted by Sally Jorgensen

Organizations constantly evolve as time goes by. The Eastern Ontario Pleasure Driving Society (EOPDS) is no exception. Looking back on the past twenty-five years, the EOPDS is in fact quite different today than what it once was.

Twenty-five years ago the drivers, or more correctly the whips, were predominantly male and predominantly middle aged or older. The club’s focus was on social drives and on heritage vehicles. Among the members were some serious collectors of antique vehicles, and any major country auction was apt to find several members eyeing horse equipment (and each other if more than one lusted after a particularly fine vehicle!)

Heavy horses and more “commercial” light horse pairs were more popular at social drives compared to the horses used now. Most of the drives were on public country roads and were usually 15 kilometres or longer. Although it was before my time, there are even photos in the EOPDS archives of sleigh rides on the Rideau Canal during Winterlude. Clearly liability was not a major concern!

Fast forward to the present. The membership demographics have shifted - we have more women drivers. The equine population has changed too. Minis are a significant component of the club drives now and they would have been unheard of years ago. Meanwhile, heavy horses have all but disappeared from the present day social drives.

Today, EOPDS drives are no longer held on public roads due to increasing safety concerns. At the same time, cones courses are a popular component of many of the EOPDS activities. Cross-country pleasure driving and combined driving are becoming more popular, and you are more apt to see marathon carriages than antique vehicles at the pleasure drives.

EOPDS values education and sponsors one to two clincs per yar. More club members are now showing and the clinic emphasis is shifting from beginning driving to competitive driving. EOPDS also sponsors a young drivers program to financially assist the next generation of drivers to have access to fine training.

There are two components that have remained unchanged over the years: the emphasis EOPDS places on having fun with horses and vehicles outside of a competitive situation; and the generosity of the membership in sharing expertise and in helping others get the most out of their horse outings.

It will be interesting to see what the future brings for the club! If you are interested in learning more about the EOPDS please visit www.driveontario.ca/eopds.

Crossing the Starting Line Submitted by Sarah Cuthbertson

A year ago, if you had asked me about long distance riding, you may have gotten a blank stare. Little did I know there was a whole sport dedicated to breaking out of the ring and testing your determination, athleticism and…math?

Photo credit: Sarah Cuthbertson

With the help of a friend, I was ready to ride with the Ontario Competitive Trail Riding Association (OCTRA) in under four months. It was the hottest day of the year and the excitement of the day’s activity had left me sleepless the night before!

Not only was this my first ride, it was my mount’s first ride too, who trotted circles around me in anticipation as we prepared to start. The ten-mile ride seemed like a marathon to me, even though other competitors were riding fifty miles!

My riding partner and I headed out at a brisk walk/trot pace as soon as the trail opened, within minutes from the base camp it felt like we were out on a wonderful trail ride through scenic forests. Often riders state that “to finish is to win” and I can truly appreciate this now. We had a great time riding and earned our completion in 2.25 hours – it certainly felt like we had won that day. I will definitely be back again! Sarah Cuthbertson and Almost Perfect (Owned by Carol Lewin) partaking in some down-time.

This particular ride was called a Set Speed and is relatively new for OCTRA. The goal is to complete the trail within a certain time frame and pulse parameters; a grade is calculated based on how well you pace yourself within your abilities. I warned you some math was involved! Some of these rides offer placing, but generally Set Speed is a test against the trail, not other riders. This makes it the perfect start for someone who wants to try his or her hand at distance.

OCTRA also offers training rides for most disciplines as well as mileage options, where no scores are awarded, you just ride for fun and training!

You can find all the upcoming event dates listed online at www.octra.on.ca.

50 | WHOA! Spring 2012

Breed & Discipline Updates KingRidge Stables Wins Breeder of the Year

Reining – the Perfect Blend of Ability, Heart and Mind

Equine Canada has named KingRidge Stable of King, ON, as the winner of the inaugural Equine Canada Canadian Breeder of the Year award.

There’s a moment, when I walk my horse through the gates to start my pattern, that feels like the world is standing still. There’s no other sound than the footfall of my horse and the steady breathing from her nostrils. Everything is in slow motion and I feel totally connected to my horse and my surroundings all at once. It’s a moment of calm. And it really is… a moment.

Submitted by Tracy Hanes

Choosing to register all their offspring in Canada with the Canadian Sport Horse Association, all KingRidge homebreds carry the 3E suffix to represent Epstein Equestrian Enterprises Inc. Boasting pedigrees with a who’s who list of international breeding stallions such as Nimmerdor, Cor de la Bryere, Voltaire, Furioso II and Jalisco B, just to name a few, KingRidge foals are professionally trained and enter the show ring to prove themselves. The success of their young horse program is supported by the number of 3E horses that are found in the final standings of the young horse classes across Canada.

These young horses are now entering the ranks of Grand Prix.

Under the experienced guidance of Canadian Olympian Hugh Graham, two 3E horses, Distant Star 3E and Fifth Estate 3E, have also been declared for the 2012 Canadian Olympic Show Jumping Team for London. As a result of these incredible accomplishments KingRidge Stables has been named inaugural recipient of the Equine Canada Breeder of the Year award.

The Breeder of the Year Award was created to recognize a Canadian breeder for a lifetime contribution to a horse breed, who by his or her efforts has improved the quality of Canadian bred horses and/or enhanced the reputation of Canadian bred horses. At the 2012 Equine Canada Annual Awards Gala, on Friday, 3, 2012, in St. John’s, Newfoundland, KingRidge Stables was honoured with the 2011 Equine Canada Canadian Breeder of the Year award.

A well-tuned reining horse is highly in-synch with its rider and the smallest movement of your hand or leg can cue the horse to move sideways, to spin, to lope off, to back up, or simply to drop its head.

Watching the open level caliber horse and riders is something else altogether.

My moment of calm gives away to one of exhilaration as I walk my horse to the centre of the arena. I stand still, collect my thoughts; check my horse is ready to go. I nod to the judge and start my pattern, and go for the ride of my life.

To find out more about reining in Ontario and see our show schedule visit www.orha.on.ca.

Photo credit: Dieter Wahr Equine Photography

With close to one hundred foals born through this exclusive breeding program, KingRidge horses have successfully competed in hunter, equitation, jumper and eventing in North America up to national level with great results. 2011 marked a leap to international success for KingRidge bred horses, with Foxwood High (formerly High Society 3E) representing Canada as a member of the silver medal winning Canadian Eventing Team at the Pan American Games. Just south of the boarder, Good Night 3E was named as an alternate for the United States Eventing Team Pan American Games Team.

I’m an ex-pat Brit who rode English, tried jumping (couldn’t remember the course) and did barrel racing (even I could remember the course) but I wanted the control of dressage and the thrill of speed. In 2009, I discovered Reining. It’s the perfect equine sport for people like me who want a partnership with a horse who has the perfect blend of ability, heart, and mind. I’ve heard from different sources that reining is the fastest growing equine sport (it’s hugely popular in Italy, Germany, the UK, Australia as well of course as the US and here in Canada). And I can understand why: once you’ve ridden a finished reining horse there’s no going back.

Sharon Jones riding Aint No Pic 2011 completing a sliding stop

Photo credit: Anne Lorimer

Hugh Graham rides Fifth Estate 3E to a fifth place finish during 2011 Canadian Show Jumping Championship at the Royal Horse Show in Toronto, ON

Photo credit: Ben Radvanyi Photography

The immense success of the KingRidge Stables breeding program did not just happen by accident. Owned by Seymour and Gloria Epstein, KingRidge Stables welcomed its first crop of foals in 1994. Using embryo transfer with their top breeding stock, which was founded using a select number of top-performing mares bred to KingRidge’s proven performance stallions, the results of this very discriminating breeding program have been top quality horses that win in all disciplines at all levels.

Submitted by Sharon Jones

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The Ontario Morgan Horse Club (OMHC) hosted a fun night of food and dancing while awarding its 2011 high point winners on February 11, 2012. In addition, the guests took time to honour some very important people who have made the OMHC the success that it is.

Last year, a committee was formed to create a Hall Of Fame to pay homage to past and present members who have significantly contributed to the club and to the Morgan breed. The committee chose to induct the twelve OMHC founders as the inaugural inductees during a presentation at the 2012 banquet. The committee chair, Christine Monteith, did a wonderful job of preparing the criteria, organizing meetings and selecting the awards.

The twelve OMHC founders inducted into the Hall of Fame included: Jack & Kay Reeves, Deana Wilson, Nancy Beacon, Bruce & Betty Brown, Fred & Jean Smith, Roy & Bea Boyt and Mr. & Mrs. Herb Philpott.

Congratulations to all!

A special tribute was made to recognize two of the founding members, Jack Reeves and Deana Wilson, who were in attendance that evening. Christine proudly highlighted the tremendous contributions that Jack and Deana have made to the Morgan in Ontario and the audience showed their appreciation with a standing ovation. Unfortunately, Nancy Beacon and Cheryl Brown, daughter of Bruce & Betty Brown, were not able to attend but their awards will be presented at the next available event.

The OMHC also recognized two other very special individuals during the banquet. Laurie Willert was awarded the Volunteer of the Year award. Laurie owns Whistler’s Morgans in Appin, ON and has hosted a trail ride/ drive at her farm for many years. She always provides a welcoming atmosphere and her hospitality is top notch. In addition, Laurie spends countless days at the OMHC booth at Can Am and bring in a Morgan for the breed demonstrations. Her smile lights up a room and she positively beams when talking about the Morgan Horse. Congratulations Laurie!

The final honouree of the evening was Richard MacKenzie of Nestleton, ON. Richard has been the Morgan Horse Championship Classic farrier for the last thirty years. In 2011, he decided to go into semi-retirement and slow down his rigorous schedule. The OMHC has valued Richard’s expertise and dedication to the show and was proud to honour him and wish him well in the future.

For more on this story and photos from this grand night please visit www.ontariomorgan.on.ca.

Deana Wilson receives her Founders Hall Of Fame award from Christine Monteith at the 2012 OMHC Banquet.

Photo credit: Lisa Kavanagh

Sumitted by Nancy Kavanagh

Jack Reeves receives his Founders Hall Of Fame award from Christine Monteith at the 2012 OMHC Banquet Photo credit: Lisa Kavanagh

Ontario Morgan Horse Club Awards Banquet

Photo credit: Lisa Kavanagh

Breed & Discipline Updates

Richard MacKenzie receives his award from Greg Reeves

Ontario Icelandic Horse Association The members of the Ontario Icelandic Horse Association (O.I.H.A.) are planning to showcase their remarkable horses at the 162nd Erin Fall Fair on Saturday, October 6, 2012.

The Icelandic horse is an ancient breed, dating back to at least 900 A.D., when Vikings brought their equine ancestors to the isolated and volcanic island, and created a nation.

These hardy horses were highly valued by the settlers in Iceland, for their strength, stamina, reliability, and for their swift and even gaits (tölt, flying pace). The breed has changed very little during the 1000+ years since they crossed the sea from Scandinavia. They are considered a national treasure, even today; in fact, no other breed of horse exists in Iceland.

Photo credit: Kordula Reinhartz

Submitted by Jane Hamilton

Today, in North America and in Europe, many older people find they can enjoy riding into their seventies and eighties on Icelandic horses, because their gaits are so smooth and the horses have intelligent, reliable temperaments. The current O.I.H.A. membership includes owners and riders aged five years to seventy plus years.

Our group looks forward to demonstrating the unique characteristics of the Icelandic Horse breed – and even Gæ∂inger – to visitors and equine enthusiasts at the Erin Fall Fair, beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday October 6, 2012. We also look forward to competing in our own classes and with other gaited horses. See you at the Fair!

54 | WHOA! Spring 2012

Photo credit: Wendy Horas

The Icelandic people have a word for their best horses: “Gæ∂inger”, which means “dream horse”, a “horse that shows all gaits in harmony”. Icelandic horses are small (average 13.5 hh); they are confident, agile, sure-footed and great for long-distance riding. There is simply nothing more comfortable in the equine world than hacking out on an Icelandic Horse!

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Breed & Discipline Updates Grand River Pony Clubber To Travel Down Under Photo credit: Dave Kelton

Submitted by Heather Agnew

This April, Kirsten Radcliffe, a member of Grand River Pony Club in Western Ontario Region, will represent Team Canada at the International Mounted Games Exchange (IMGE) in Australia. The exchange is held every year and rotates between Canada, Australia, Great Britain and the U.S. Kirsten is fifteen-years-old and has been riding for ten years. She competes in show jumping, eventing and mounted games and has been a member of Grand River Pony Club for the past eight years. Other Team Canada members include Megan Dick and Kearstyn Sabourin from Alberta North, Taylor Vick from Alberta Central and Emma Wiebe from BC Lower Mainland. Margot Vilvang from Vancouver will be coaching this year’s team and Barb Robinson from Guelph will attend as chaperone.

To qualify for the team, Pony Club members from across Canada attended tryouts in Guelph last September. Athletes participated in three days of tryouts and had to demonstrate their vaulting skills and ability to ride all the different games on ponies of different heights and temperaments.

“It was really fun to meet Pony Club members from across the country, I’m so excited to be on the IMGE team travelling to Australia in April,” Kirsten said. “Pony Club is full of wonderful opportunities for members to travel all over the world and compete with other riders from various backgrounds.”

Kirsten Radcliffe participates in a mounted games competition, playing the Stick Pegging Race on Matrix.

International competitions typically last one to two weeks to give participants a chance to do more than just compete. These exchanges offer opportunities to experience different cultures and riding styles from around the world, forging friendships and experiences that last a lifetime.

The Canadian Pony Club is proud to be part of an international organization promoting equestrian knowledge, skill and youth ambassadorship throughout the world as well as country wide in our own backyards. Currently Canada is home to 150 branches with a membership of 3,500. For more information and to find your closest branch, visit www.canadianponyclub.org.

Welsh Pony and Cob Association of Ontario

By Marie Howran, Secretary

three ponies (young stock, mare and gelding/stallion) to compete in the Champion of Champions class at the RAWF. This qualifier will be awarded for the first time in 2013. Criteria for hosting this class will be outlined in the application, but will insist that the show offers this class be a show with a history of good attendance.

As I write this, I feel like singing “Spring is in the Air!” Although the winter here in Ontario has been a strangely mild one, it is still lovely to feel the warmth of the sun as it begins its climb earlier each day.

Spring is an exciting season for breeders and hopefully those of you who are waiting on new babies have easy foalings and that the mares all decide to foal during the waking hours.

On a separate note, the production of the annual Stallion Directory is now underway. This year’s edition will also include an Ontario member directory. Copies will be available at tradeshows, Welsh shows, Can Am and at the OEF booth. If you are interested in obtaining a copy of the directory electronically, please forward a request via e-mail to the newsletter editor, Jessica Figas at jessicafigas@gmail.com .

The Ontario Welsh Pony & Cob Association is off to an eager start once again. We will be hosting the Canadian AGM from April 2122nd and we have some interesting activities planned for those of you who choose to join us. In keeping with recent trends, it seems that Ontario will be hosting a full event list in 2012 that includes a roster of eight Welsh shows that will culminate with the Royal Agriculture Winter Fair in November.

Wishing you a wonderful foaling season and healthy foals!

In recent years, there has been a lot of interest in the Champion of Champions class that is offered at the Royal Agriculture Winter Fair (RAWF). In the past, this class attracted participants from other provinces and even the United States. Since the RAWF is a national show, Ontario would like to continue to foster the ability for the very best of the best ponies to have an opportunity to compete in this class. To this end, Ontario will introduce an application form in 2012 that will allow one of our six Champion of Champions qualifying shows to be rotated on an annual basis to any Canadian Province that has an interest in hosting such a class and qualifying 56 | WHOA! Spring 2012

EQUINE MASSAGE THERAPY

BY DIANE DIANE BARROW, C.E.M.T. 406 - 249 MAJOR MACKENZIE DR. E. RICHMOND HILL, ON L4C 9M8

905 884 8799

DIANE@YORKREGIONHORSEMASSAGE.COM

CERTIFIED EQUINE MASSAGE THERAPIST SERVING YORK REGION SPORTS MASSAGE FOR A HAPPIER HORSE

Breed & Discipline Updates 30 Years of Fun - Trail Riding The Upper Canada Equestrian Association Celebrates 30 Years

By Debi Katsmar

There is a lot of fun to be had riding in Ontario’s Niagara Region, just ask the members of the Upper Canada Equestrian Association (UCEA)! With monthly rides through the trails of St. Catharines, Niagaraon-the-Lake, Welland, Stevensville and Wainfleet members of the UCEA enjoy great fun, potluck meals or visits to local restaurants after the ride all the while learning good horsemanship practices.

The rides are anticipated each month with members coming together to ensure those without trailers can enjoy the day as well.

The UCEA includes a close-knit group of horse people that enjoy helping each other and new members are always welcome to join to keep the horse community strong and the trails well used.

Over and above the UCEA’s monthly rides, the club hosts an annual spring dance, this year on April 14th, and offers a two-day trail riding clinic and judged trail ride (May 26th-27th). Members regularly ride in local parades and set up displays at local fall fairs and other events throughout the year to promote the trail riding organization.

The UCEA’s largest event by far is the Annual Nicky Aitken Memorial Trail Ride for Breast Cancer. This year’s ride will again take place in June and brags in excess of sixty horses travelling through the Short Hills Provincial Park from the scenic Henry of Pelham Family Estate Winery. With prizes, food and entertainment, everyone has a great time. The UCEA has raised over $60,000 for cancer research over the past twenty years. The Ride’s Annual “How Pink Can You Get” contest is always a great hit. The club also enjoys group excursions to Ganaraska Forest and Otter Creek in Western New York. These excursions are generally organized by individual members and are not deemed club rides, but many of the members enjoy the horseback vacations.

5. To call the attention of local, regional and provincial governments to the need for the preservation, improvement and expansion of public trails.

6. To do all such acts that are incidental or conducive to the attainment of the above objects with the philosophy that public recreational trails should be multi-purpose with equestrian privileges.

With the pressure of population expansion, there is an increasing need for inexpensive recreational outlets in the peninsula; therefore, it is important to preserve public lands, which can provide trails for future generations while the land is still publicly owned.

The history of the club dates back to 1982 when Joan Gay, Jackie Sentineal, Nicky Aitkens, and Ellen Campbell formed the Upper Canada Trail Riders Club, which in 1990 became incorporated as UPPER CANADA EQUESTRIAN ASSOCIATION. We owe a great debt to their initiative and foresight that formed the Upper Canada Heritage Trail and for the well managed organization we have today.

As part of their mandate, members of the club participate in annual clean up days on the trails, painting signs and ensuring the trails are safe and passable - not just for the horses, but for all that enjoy the beautiful trails in Niagara.

New members young and old are encouraged. The UCEA has active riders that are in their eighties to the youngest rider being under ten. The rides are always colourful with a variety of breeds of horses trekking through the trails. It is a great way to enjoy your horse, trail riding and the friendship of fellow horse lovers. All are welcome. For insurance purposes all riding members are required to be an Ontario Equestrian Federation (OEF) member in good standing.

For more information visit www.uppercanadaequestrian.com, email president@ uppercanadaequestrian.com or call 905-684-6030.

The Upper Canada Equestrian Association is a not-for-profit organization that encompasses the following points in its mandate: 1. To establish safe horseback riding trails throughout the Niagara Peninsula.

2. To develop, expand, improve and preserve existing public trails.

3. To promote the proper and responsible use of public trails.

4. To give trail riders a safe place to ride in harmony with other users. www.horse.on.ca | 57

Breed & Discipline Updates Free Beginner Driving Clinic With spring just around the corner, many have their thoughts on the 2012 show season ahead. A free clinic is being hosted

by Barb Bowen at Orchard Park Stables in Carlisle, Ontario.

This clinic, generously supported by the Tri-County Carriage Association, is specifically geared towards those who are just starting out in the sport of driving. Anyone who is interested in learning about the sport is also encouraged to attend this event.

Photo credit: Judi Morris

Submitted by Carol McNicoll

A wide variety of important topics will be discussed such as harness and carriage fitting and safety. Other topics will be include what type of vehicle would best suit your equine, the benefits of each type and how to decide if a horse or pony is suitable for driving. Anyone who is interested is welcome to attend this event and is encouraged to bring lots of questions.

The clinic will be held on May 21st, 2012 (a holiday Monday) and it will begin at 1 o clock in the afternoon.

If you are interested in attending please contact Jackie Shute at 905-659-1929 or you can email jsshute@hotmail.com. For Long time driver Mike Gibbs giving some pointers to driver Alicja Piotrowski. more information about Tri-County Carriage Association have a look at our website at http://66.49.173.199/Drive%20Ontario/TCCAHome.htm. A map to get to Orchard Park Stables will also be provided on the website. We look forward to seeing everyone there!!!

Ontario Combined Driving Association Submitted by Mary Cork

The Ontario Combined Driving Association (OCDA) Board of Directors is most appreciative of the grant that was awarded at the OEF AGM at the end of last November. The OEF’s one-day meeting format was informative and entertaining and our recipient of the “People Make a Difference” award had a most enjoyable evening at the gala banquet.

As we start to get our driving horses conditioned for the upcoming season, the OCDA Board of Directors is determined to offer an information session on the “Do’s and Don’ts of Combined Driving” for the newer members to the sport. Relhok Farm, just outside of Barrie, will be hosting this session on Sunday May 6th. Everyone is invited, including seasoned drivers who may need a refresher.

We are very pleased to announce that the Dressage & Cones show on June 10th will be adjudicated by Marsoe LaRose of BC and Simon Rosenman will be TD. This competition will be an EC Bronze level show held at Glencameron Farm in Limehouse. As usual, in preparation for the Metamora and Bromont CDE’s, the Training & Preliminary dressage tests for those events will be used.

The OCDA website is being updated and refreshed and will have complete information about the 2012 activities. All spectators are welcome and we are always in need of volunteers. We invite you to come out and see what Combined Driving is all about!

Standardbred Showcase Welcomes Judge/Clinician Robyn Cuffey The Standardbred Showcase Horse Show Committee is pleased to announce that Robyn Cuffey of Buxton, Maine will be judging the fifth annual horse show on August 5, 2012 at Grand River Raceway in Elora. Ms. Cuffey will also be conducting a two-day clinic for Standardbreds on August 6-7 at Oxer Stables in Milton, Ontario.

Robyn Cuffey trains horses and their people in riding and driving at her Photo Finish Farm. She is the co-author of two books: Retraining the Harness Racehorse and The Essential Guide to Carriage Driving. Ms. Cuffey is a past president of the National Standardbred Pleasure Horse Organization and founder and past president of the Standardbred Pleasure Horse Organization of Maine.

We look forward to another successful year of promoting Standardbreds as a viable riding or pleasure-driving mount. The Standardbred Showcase is a registered non-profit organization operated solely by volunteers. More information can be found at www.standardbredshowcase.com.

58 | WHOA! Spring 2012

Breed & Discipline Updates Ontario Cutting Horse Association The 2012 Ontario Cutting Horse Association season is here. With twelve shows scheduled over six weekends, we invite horse enthusiasts from all disciplines out to our events to see what cutting in Ontario is all about!

This year we have added money in the Open and Non-pro classes. Made possible by our generous sponsors we will be awarding Circuit Champion (2 day aggregate score) awards in multiple classes at every weekend show.

The OCHA draws participants from Ontario, Quebec, New York State and Michigan – and we look forward to seeing our friends, old and new, at the following shows: 2012 Schedule: • April 28 & 29 Minshall Farm. Hillsburgh, ON. $499 added Open & Non-Pro both days • May 19 - 20 Walkers Farm. Richmond, ON. (Rain location Ron Stelzl’s approx. 10 min. away) • June 2 - 3 NCHA Days. McCann Farm. Campbellford, ON. • Aug. 18-19 Stelzl’s Farm. Richmond, ON. $499 added Open & Non-Pro both days • Aug.31-Sept.1 Paris Fair. Paris, ON. • Sept. 29-30 VanBoekel Farm. Norwich, ON. $499 added Open & Non-Pro both days

Photo credit: Don Crawford/dc2photography.com

Submitted by Jason Gorringe, President

The Ontario Cutting Horse Association is now on Facebook. Join our page at Ontario Cutting Horse Association or visit www.ontariocuttinghorseassocation.com Feel the excitement, power and grace…ride a cutting horse!

www.horse.on.ca | 59

Some Treasure Chests Are Just A Little More Valuable Than Others Tired of reading superficial, recycled articles that offer nothing new? Looking for actual editorial that makes you think? HorseCare Magazine offers that and much more.

Six years ago HorseCare Magazine burst on to the Canadian landscape and has never looked back. With an unwavering focus on equine health it stands head and shoulders above all the rest. It challenges conventional thinking but always offers practical advice and insight into the real problems that horse owners face every day.

If you’re not already a subscriber or know someone who should be, serve up a healthy portion of knowledge and subscribe today. The appetite you satisfy will be your own.

HorseCare Magazine is a Platinum Partner with the Ontario Equestrian Federation and joins in providing education and support to individuals, associations and companies in Ontario’s horse community.

To subscribe, see your 2012 Ontario Equestrian Federation renewal application or visit the OEF website

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08/02/12 11:25 AM

Equine Guelph Research Update

Spring 2012

Biosecurity:

See War Horse and Support Equine Welfare Education

Spread the Word Not the Germs To help keep your horses healthy, Equine Guelph has developed “Beat the Bugs”, an equine biosecurity education program.

Biosecurity protects our horses and ourselves against disease-causing agents. It includes practical tips and good habits that will help prevent disease introduction and spread, as well as, reduce the associated detrimental impact. “Beat the Bugs” includes workshops and an e-Session focusing on the development of a disease prevention plan unique to your individual situation.

The program is funded through the Agricultural Biosecurity Program (ABP), part of the Best Practices Suite of programs under Growing Forward, a federalprovincial-territorial initiative.

The Agricultural Adaptation Council assists in the delivery of several Growing Forward programs in Ontario.

helping horses for life

Equine Guelph thanks the industry partners: American Association of Equine Practitioners Foundation, Central Ontario Standardbred Association, Colorado State University, Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, Ontario Association of Equine Practitioners, Ontario Equestrian Federation, Ontario Harness Horse Association, Ontario Horse Racing Industry Association, Ontario Veterinary College, Standardbred Canada, Vétoquinol Canada Inc. and Woodbine Entertainment Group.

More good news was received regarding Equine Guelph’s fight to keep horses healthy by improving biosecurity. Funding has been approved by the Grand River Agricultural Society to develop and distribute educational resources including additional workshops scheduled for Fall 2012. Visit www.EquineGuelph.ca/biosecurity.php for more information.

continued on page 2

Volume 9, Number 1

INSIDE

The Beat Goes On .....................2 You Spoke we Listened! .............3 Survey Says! ............................3 Danger Detective Initiative to Launch Online.......................4 Equimania! Explorer Passport Stamped with Approval..............4

Protect Your Horse From Infectious Disease

ATTEND AN EQUINE BIOSECURITY WORKSHOP NEAR YOU

Mohawk Racetrack, Campbellville March 7, 1 - 3pm Western Fair, London (during Can-Am) March 16, 10am - Noon Kemptville Campus, Kemptville March 24, 2 - 4pm

Arterial Calcification in Horses ....5

Free!

Register early as space is limited.

Georgian Downs, Barrie March 27, 1:30 - 3:30pm

SIGN UP FOR THE NEW EQUINE BIOSECURITY e-SESSION

■ 2-week online e-Session from April 16 - April 29, 2012 ■ $75 per person

Register at www.EquineGuelph.ca/biosecurity.php for workshops and e-Session.

For more info, contact Susan Raymond at slraymon@uoguelph.ca

Equine Guelph’s Toolbox is Always in Season ......................5

EquINE RESEaRcH uPDatE

War Horse Promotes Horse Welfare Fund

The Beat Goes On:

Report on Research Studies Heart Disturbances in Horses

The spectacular National Theatre of Great Britain production of War Horse will warm your heart in two ways – once when you watch the performance and again when your ticket purchase contributes to the new Equine Guelph-Ontario Equestrian Federation ‘War Horse’ Welfare Education Fund (the Fund).

Equine Guelph is pleased to announce a partnership with War Horse that will raise contributions for this new Fund.

"The War Horse Toronto production brings back into the spotlight the welfare issues that faced millions of horses in the First World War," says David Mirvish, producer, Mirvish Productions. "Recognizing the ongoing need for equine welfare awareness and education, we are pleased to partner with Equine Guelph and the Ontario Equestrian Federation to create the 'Equine Guelph-OEF War Horse Welfare Education Fund' in honour of these brave horses and to develop courses that teach horse care and welfare to future champions of the horse. Through education, we hope to help Equine Guelph in their admirable quest of ‘helping horses for life.’"

War Horse will generously donate $10 to the Fund for each ticket purchased by OEF members for performances between February 10 – May 6, 2012. And, as a special thank you, at the performance, OEF members will receive a complimentary CD (one per order) of the music of War Horse. Call 416-872-1212 or 1-800-461-3333 to order tickets and provide this special benefit code – WHFUND. Equine Guelph offers 16 intensive online equine courses dedicated to horse owners and caregivers and is focusing their efforts to expand horse welfare education. In an industry where well-intentioned old wives tales are often passed down, rather than scientific knowledge, the horse is often the victim of mistreatment. Education in horse welfare will result in the following benefits: wellinformed caregivers, healthier horses, lower vet bills and fewer unwanted horses.

Support Equine Welfare through Education and enjoy the show at the Princess of Wales Theatre! Donations can also be made to the Fund using the donation form enclosed.

Visit www.EquineGuelph.ca for more information.

Equine Guelph launches ‘Report on Research’ video series on You Tube! www.youtube.com/equineguelphuofg

Normal heart rhythm and sounds in a horse are difficult to define because of the fascinating array of strange sounds and rhythms which can be found in apparently healthy animals and which change with exercise. Also, even when sounds or rhythms do reflect heart problems, most horse owners will not notice signs, until there is an inability to perform work at a level previously achieved successfully, when the horse shows an unusual tendency to tire.

Owners of performance horses understand the economic impact of a horse that can no longer work, or in the worst-case scenario, where sudden loss becomes a serious issue. University of Guelph researcher Dr. Physick-Sheard states, “After safety issues and welfare issues are discussed there is still a need to put an economic value on the horse, which is decided by the client.” One aspect of research Dr. Physick-Sheard and Dr. Kim McGurrin look at is atrial fibrillation, the most common clinically significant rhythm disturbance horses can have. An arrhythmia is technically defined as an abnormal heart rhythm, however, irregular heart rhythm is commonplace in horses and the endeavor to define normal, continues to be a complex and fascinating journey. A completely steady rhythm can be considered abnormal.

Before a diagnosis of heart problems can be made, Dr. Physick-Sheard explains, a logical process where the client is asked the history of the horse (breed, use, how long it has been in training) is followed before conducting a general physical examination. Future use would also be discussed before deciding on diagnostics.

An Electrocardiogram may be the next step to determine the heart’s rhythm and possibly an ultrasound to look at how efficiently the muscle and valves work.

They look for enlargement or abnormal structure in the heart and check for normal blood flow around the valves.

Dr. Physick-Sheard describes two types of rhythm disturbance that can be found: 1. Benign variations on normal (mostly involving the top part of the heart).

DONATE TODAY AND SUPPORT EQUINE WELFARE EDUCATION 2 Equine Guelph

2. Ventricular rhythm disturbances, which can be serious and even life continued on page 3

EquINE RESEaRcH uPDatE/uPDatE ON EquINE GuELPH’S WORK The Beat Goes On continued...

threatening. When found, they look first for problems outside the heart, disturbances in homoeostasis, which involves keeping the environment around cells constant: dehydration, electrolyte and acid base imbalance.

Under these circumstances secondary arrhythmias are often detected.

Situations where the cardiac problem is primary are rare but sometimes serious.

McGurrin and Physick-Sheard have had enormous success treating arrhythmia with

transvenous electrical cardioversion. The response rate has been 100%! Electrodes are placed into the heart to deliver an electric shock, while the horse is under anesthesia, to convert the rhythm to normal.

Dr. McGurrin and Dr. PhysickSheard developed this technique before their first Standardbred track study, where they collected heart rhythm data during racing using an electrocardiogram. Dr. Physick-Sheard explains how the technology works, “The heart is a bag of muscle, a slave pump which

You spoke.

We listened!

New Colic program to launch this year

In last year’s Equine Guelph industry survey, you ranked colic as a priority and we listened! Equine Guelph is developing a comprehensive colic outreach program that will begin this spring. The program will be launched in April with an industry-wide survey on management practices within the industry and the incidence of colic.

Other components of the program will include: the development of an online colic risk assessment tool and a two-week colic ‘e-Session’ (to be offered in 2013). A high impact exhibit on colic, including an 85 foot long horse gut, will travel with EquiMania! demonstrating why a horse’s digestive tract is so vulnerable to colic. So stay tuned to EquineGuelph.ca for upcoming announcements!

Funding for this project has been provided by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada through the Canadian Agricultural Adaptation Program (CAAP). In Ontario, this program is delivered by the Agricultural Adaptation Council.

Standardbred Canada has also contributed funds to this important program.

does what the system tells it, contracting at a rate that reflects the body’s needs. The heart gives off an electrical signal when it contracts which reaches the skin and can be detected by the electrocardiogram (ECG). This is then used to monitor heart rhythm.”

Dr. Physick-Sheard has developed specialized equipment and software for the current intensive Thoroughbred study, which he is hoping will give more insights into causes of sudden death.

Research

funding

has

been

provided by Equine Guelph, Grayson Jockey Club Foundation and Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

By: Jackie Bellamy

Scan here to see the 1st Report on Research Video - Heart Disturbances

Survey Says!

Thanks to everyone who took time to complete the 2011 Equine Guelph Industry Survey! With results from over 2,000 participants, Equine Guelph is now responding by developing programs that address the needs and priorities voiced by the horse industry!

Results Preview: ■ The industry believes that Equine Guelph’s #1 mandate is to

provide education and training material for the horse industry ■ 99% of respondents

believe equine education is important for the horse industry ■ Colic & Biosecurity rank

in the top 5 topics that respondents wanted to learn more about ■ Research Updates rank as the

#1 topic to be included in Equine Guelph’s e‐News to read survey report, please visit www.EquineGuelph.ca/about_us/survey.php

Equine Guelph 3

UPDATE ON EQUINE GUELPH’S WORK

Danger Detective Initiative to Launch Online Coming soon to a computer near kids, the hugely popular ‘Danger Detective’ workbook comes to life online March, 2012 at www.EquiMania.ca.

Interactive flash activities and videos will make learning about safety fun! Participants will click their way to a printable certificate after completing online games in five categories: rider safety, safety around the horse, safety around equipment, safety in the barn and safety outside.

‘Danger Detective on the Horse Farm’ aims to take a byte out of the #1 causes of horse and equipment-related injuries and fatalities to kids. The way to keep our children safe is through education, and Equine Guelph has rallied with the industry to present this significant project.

Major partners include: Canadian Agricultural Safety Association (CASA) which receives funding from Growing Forward – a federal-provincial-territorial initiative; Equine Guelph; Equine Canada; Kubota Canada; SSG Gloves; Saddle Up SAFELY; System Fencing and Tack; University of Kentucky College of Agriculture (The Equine Initiative); University of Kentucky HealthCare; and Workplace Safety & Prevention Services. All equine federations are on-board, including: Alberta Equestrian Federation, Alberta Farm Safety Centre, Equine Association of Yukon, Fédération équestre du Québec, Horse Council British Columbia, Island Horse Council, Manitoba Horse Council, New Brunswick Equestrian Federation, Newfoundland Equestrian Association, Nova Scotia Equestrian Federation, Ontario Equestrian Federation and Saskatchewan Horse Federation.

Visit www.EquiMania.ca and use your cyber-savvy to become a Danger Detective on the horse farm!

EquiMania! Explorer Passport Stamped With Approval!

Bring EquiMania! to your Event - Contact horses@uoguelph.ca

Thanks to generous continued support from Kubota Canada, Ontario Equestrian Federation, SSG Gloves, System Fencing and Workplace Safety and Prevention Services, Equine Guelph launched a new interactive safety game, which has proved to be a passport to fun!

The young and young at heart were engaged right from the start, receiving a passport booklet to launch an adventure through EquiMania!. Each page of the passport book asked important questions about safety on the horse farm and mapped out a route to the next helpful EquiMania! ambassador for important safety tips.

Stamps were earned and smiles were delivered in this new game of guided discovery, launched at the 2011 Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. The outcome was another hugely successful year at the Royal for Equine Guelph’s EquiMania! exhibit where visitors always learn something new about the wonderful world of horses and their care.

The hardworking EquiMania! volunteer team will be packing their passports and heading down to Omaha, Nebraska for the International horse show April 20 – 21, 2012. Organizer, Susan Runnels first set eyes on EquiMania! at the 2010 AlltechWorld Equestrian Games in Kentucky and knew instantly this was a “must have” attraction for her premier event!

EquiMania! is looking forward to another busy year in 2012 kicking the year off with the Can-Am All Breeds Equine Emporium, March 16 – 18.

4 Equine Guelph

Photo by Sharon Grose EquiMania! ambassadors give out stamps and safety tips

EQUINE RESEARcH UPDATE

Arterial Calcification in Horses The tragic death of the Olympic show jumping horse Hickstead sent shockwaves throughout the equestrian community last year when the 15-year-old Dutch Warmblood stallion collapsed and died in front of thousands of viewers at the World Cup event in Italy. A post-mortem revealed a ruptured aorta, which brings to light the risks of sudden cardiovascular-related deaths in performance horses.

Dr. Luis Arroyo, an Assistant Professor at the University of Guelph, is currently studying equine cardiovascular disease, specifically arterial calcification in horses. In recent years, Dr. Arroyo has been exploring the causes of sudden death in racing horses at Ontario racetracks, of which about onequarter of their deaths were left unexplained. During this study, he observed the presence of calcification and fibrosis of the pulmonary artery wall in a large number of these horses.

According to Dr. Arroyo, equine cardiovascular disease continues to be a very under-developed branch of veterinary science. The goal of his research is to understand the clinical significance of calcification, its causes, and ideally, it’s possible treatment and prevention.

“Where previously we looked at the cause of racehorse mortalities, I’ve since put more emphasis on the cause of calcification,” he explains. “We found this condition to be extremely prevalent in racehorses; 80 percent of the horses studied were found to have these lesions in their pulmonary arteries. And we really don’t know anything about it.”

While it’s known that diet, age and lack of exercise can affect cardiovascular health in humans, he notes that when it comes to horses, this is certainly not the case.

“The pulmonary artery is normally very large, and accommodates a lot of de-oxygenated blood rushing from heart to lung, especially for an animal that is running at a very high rate of speed,” he says. “That rush of blood could be impacted by the stiff and calcified vessels similar to that of a blocked garden hose. The arteries have been weakened, lacking flexibility and strength. The result can be fatal.”

Having seen fit horses as young as two years of age with

Photo by Martin Schwalbe Calcified plaques (indicated with arrowheads) resembling scar tissue, can be seen protruding into the lumen of the right main branch of the artery

arterial calcification, Dr. Arroyo and his team of researchers plan to perform the same form of measurement on a group of horses that is currently being done in humans through the use of pulse wave velocity. By inserting long catheters into the lung arteries, they will be able to measure arterial stiffness.

Through a grant from the Canada Foundation for Innovation, the funding will allow for the purchase of new intravascular ultrasound equipment, which will assist in furthering his research.

Arroyo suspects that arterial calcification is a possible risk factor associated with sudden equine mortality, and he hopes his research will lead to a screening procedure for this disease.

“The first thing I’d like to determine is: does this lesion change or alter the normal function of the artery?” he says. “My belief and logic says that it does, but one has to prove it first before we can move on to treatment and prevention.

It’s not only a medical problem. The shock from the public when watching a horse drop dead mid-performance is tragic – racing or otherwise; that’s not good for anyone’s eyes.”

By: Barbara Sheridan

Congratulations to EquiMania’s Facebook Contest Winners!

Video submission: Aletia Townsend, Guelph, ON Photo submission: Natalie Elliott, Clinton, ON Drawing submission: Christina Backhouse, Kingston, NS Story submission: Teigen Bond, Shubenacadie, NS Photo by Natalie Elliott

Equine Guelph 5

uPDatE ON EquINE GuELPH’S WORK

Equine Guelph’s Toolbox Is Always in Season!

Helping Horse Owners Maintain Healthy Horses Who doesn’t want a horse shining with good health?

Let Equine Guelph help you get organized this spring and give the best possible care to your horse!

Photo by Barbara Sheridan

EvENTS

Mark your calendar!

War Horse – Special Promotion for OEF Members Feb 10 – May 6 War Horse – Equine Guelph Gala Fundraiser Mar 8 Biosecurity Workshops March 7, 16, 24 & 27 EquiMania! at Can-Am Equine All Breeds Emporium Mar 16 – 18

Stay up to date and review your current healthcare regime with our FREE interactive checklists, videos, calculators, quiz’s and games.

Biosecurity e-Session Apr 16 – 29

Here are just a few ways to test your knowledge:

Equine Anatomy Wet labs Apr 21 & 22

Horse Health Check = 17 ways to assess general health in under two minutes. ✓ Vaccination Equi-Planner = Learn how geography, age, intended use and travel plans affect you. ✓ Biosecurity Risk Calculator = Infectious disease control involves more than just an annual vet visit.

Learn what steps your barn can take with this customized questionnaire. ✓ Journey Through The Joints = Look inside an inflamed joint and learn the causes and early warning signs for equine arthritis. ✓ Lameness Lab = Video series will sharpen your eye for early detection. ✓ Worms & Germs = Follow everything from the flu to the latest superbugs. Knowing where these outbreaks are occurring can help you make sound decisions for vaccination plans and travel arrangements. ✓ Equine Guelph makes healthcare easy with it’s FREE online tools. Go to www.EquineGuelph.ca and check out our interactive, educational tools created for horse owners.

Equine Guelph thanks the following animal health companies for sponsoring our tools:

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Equine Guelph, University of Guelph 50 McGilvray St., Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1

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Groom One Orientation Mar 25 – 26 EquiMania! at Nebraska’s International Mar 25 – 26 Equine Guelph’s Online Courses (Summer Offerings) May 7 – July 29 EquiMania! at Canada’s Outdoor Equine Expo June 8 – 10 Anyone wishing to excerpt Equine Guelph should contact: Jackie Bellamy, ext 54205 jbellamy@uoguelph.ca

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tel: 519.824.4120 ext. 54205, fax: 519.767.1081 horses@uoguelph.ca • www.EquineGuelph.ca

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