Whoa! summer2012

The Official Newsletter of the Ontario Equestrian Federation

Summer 2012 www.horse.on.ca

My Ontario Includes Horse Racing...Does Yours?

Jessica Phoenix’s Road to the Olympics Coping with the Heat 2012 OEF Conference Program

Canada Post Publications Mail Agreement #40946006

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

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IISI

INTERCITY INSURANCE SERVICES

2 | WHOA! Summer 2012

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Photo Credit: Leslie Town

Summer 2012

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

Susan Bell Sr. Member Services Rep membership@horse.on.ca Ext. 14

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

Lesley McCoy Membership Services Rep member2@horse.on.ca Ext. 13

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

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

Melissa Kosowan Communications Coordinator communications@horse.on.ca Ext. 27

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

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 Fall 2012 / deadline September 7 Winter 2013 / deadline December 7 Spring 2013 / deadline February 8 Summer 2013 / deadline May 31

Photo Credit: Michelle C. Dunn

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

Photo Credit: Epona Photography by Laurie Haughton

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

Contents NEWS 4 President’s Message 4 Executive Director’s Message 6 New OEF Council Members 6 OEF Associations Council Update 6 Ontario Equestrian Federation Unveils Revamped Website 8 Ontario Equestrian Federation Quarterly Report 10 Introducing Our New Staff 10 System Fencing Honoured At Ontario Sport Awards 12 Concussion Prevention 12 Canada Bids To Host 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games 13 2013 OEF Youth Bursary Program Application 15 Ontario Equestrian Federation Model Member Award Nomination Form 17 Horse Enthusiasts Celebrate All Things Equine At 4th Annual Toronto Horse Day 20 Equine Canada English Competition Coach Specialist

Certification Program Launches 20 New Equine Sports and Reproduction Centre Opens At The University of Guelph 20 Ontario Trillium Foundation Supports OEF First Safe Strides Program 22 My Ontario Includes Horse Racing...Does Yours?

23 OEF’s Impact Statement on Horse Racing EQUESTRIAN ICONS 24 Celebrating Ontario’s World Class Racing Icons MEMBER SPOTLIGHT 26 Ontario Eventer On Verge Of Olympic Dream 28 Jessica Phoenix: Her Road To The Olympics THERAPEUTIC SPOTLIGHT 31 Changing Lives One Ride At A Time At Awesome Acres AROUND THE BARN 33 Promoting Your Stable MANE EVENTS 35 Mark Your Calendar For The 2012 Spirit of the Horse 36 2012 Competitions 38 2012 Summer Olympic & Paralympic Games Go Canada!

41 Notice of Annual General Meeting 42 OEF Awards Nomination Form 43 OEF People Make A Difference Awards 44 2012 OEF Conference Preliminary Program 45 2012 OEF Conference Registration Form 48 Exclusive Royal Winter Fair Ticket Offer For OEF Members: Tuesday Plus Two! COACHES CORNER 50 Changes On The Way For Coaching And Education Programs 51 Ontario Athlete Assistance Program Update

ASK DR. BOB 52 Leg Mites ASK MIKE 55 Use Your Horse Sense For A Safe And Enjoyable Summer ON THE TRAIL 56 Beat Heat Stress Before It Begins 57 Meeting A Horse On the Trail 57 Best Practices for Horses on the Trails NUTRITION 58 What Is Your Horse’s Body Condition?

LEGAL LOWDOWN 61 Hitching A Ride...To Court: Trailering Your Horse And

The Law Of Negligence SAFETY 64 Minimizing Your Risk On The Road SPECIAL FEATURE 66 Balancing Education With Riding Dreams BREED & DISCIPLINE UPDATES 69 Tetrathletes Kick Off Pony Club Show Season 69 Mark Your Calendar For The Canadian Paso Classic 70 Driving Clinic With Kirsten Brunner Kicks Off 2012 Season 70 Icelandic Enthusiasts Gather For Tune Up Clinic 71 Aspiring Drivers Test Their Skills At Carriage Driving Clinic 71 Canadians Make Their Mark At Biltmore Challenge Endurance Ride 72 Ontario Shows Offer AQHA Novice And Rookie Classes 72 Over 50 Drafts Show At Spring Fair 74 The Best $5 Deal In Reining 74 Welsh Ponies Warm Hearts At Annual All About Horses Weekend 75 Western Dressage To Be Introduced At Morgan Championship Classic 75 Club Members Enjoy Tour Of Ontario Farms 75 Clinic Teaches Driving And Harnessing Skills OBITUARIES 76 VDL Ulando H 76 Winnifred Daykin EQUINE GUELPH 77 Summer 2012

Cover photo of an Ontario Standardbred

by Linnéa Burgess

www.horse.on.ca | 3

President’s Message With the advent of summer and great weather, it’s tempting to spend every waking moment with our horses. The provincial government’s pursuit of the racing industry through the elimination of OLG slots has and will affect us all. We at the OEF have been front and centre in our support of the racing industry and are doing everything we can to help the resolution of this situation.

On May 18, the Caledon Equestrian Park was announced as the official site of the equestrian events for the 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games.

The news was well received and I, like many others, can’t wait for the Games to begin!

Both Toronto Horse Day and Canada’s Equine Outdoor Expo were highly successful and well attended. We look forward to being present at several events this summer as we gear up for the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in November. The OEF staff is working tirelessly to facilitate all of your needs.

Enjoy your summer with your horses!|

The London Olympics are almost upon us. Best of luck to all our athletes, especially our equines and their riders, coaches and caretakers.

Allan H.L. Ehrlick, President

Executive Director’s Message The world is a much different place today then it was when I was a child. Some people lament the passing of the “good old days” while others are excited about what the future holds. While we can agree to disagree on whether life’s various twists and turns are for the better, we can all agree on one thing – we can’t relive the past and must adapt to what’s ahead.

Ontario’s horse industry is not immune to the changing world in which we live and it, too, must adapt if it wants to grow and prosper. While in the past many sectors of the equine industry were disjointed and worked in silos, they have started coming together to form a unified voice working towards a common goal – keeping Ontario’s horse industry vibrant.

One of the first major steps in that direction was the formation of an industry roundtable that held its first meeting this past spring.

With representatives from various different sectors of the horse industry, it brings a common voice to issues that affect all

4 | WHOA! Summer 2012

horse owners and riders, regardless of their breed, discipline or association. It’s a great first step we should all be proud of, but it’s only the tip of the iceberg.

Unfortunately it often takes a crisis, like the removal of the slots at the tracks program, to get people and groups to work together. It’s difficult to find anything good in a situation that has been as detrimental to the horse industry as a whole, but the one ray of light from the slots crisis is how the racing world has come together. Even more inspiring is how the sport and recreational side of the horse industry has rallied behind the racing sector.

It’s time we all reexamine our goals and the way we go about achieving them. Perhaps we’ve been trudging along the same road for years, simply because it’s what we have done every day and it’s what those who came before us did. But if we pause to reflect, we may see there are better ways of doing what we do. We must not be afraid of change. Without it, a system becomes outdated, vulnerable and ultimately, obsolete.

I challenge everyone involved in the equine industry in this province to take a hard look at the status quo – whatever that is for you. Does your current strategy still allow your club, association, organization or business to meet its objectives? Are the individuals involved receptive to new ideas and, yes, change? We must be ready for the future, whatever it looks like. It takes courage to set a new course, but sometimes it’s what is needed to evolve and grow.|

Dianne Graham, Executive Director

www.horse.on.ca | 5

News

New OEF Council Members The OEF is pleased to introduce NEW 2012 Council members: INDUSTRY Century 21 - Marie (Lu) Fulcher Dominion Regalia Limited Equi-Health Canada - Denise Pisarksi Hit Air Equestrian Canada Ltd. Horse Fly Net Humes Horse & Carriage Rides L&D Equine First Aid Michele Cimino Equine Acupuncture and Massage PE Equine The Hartford University of Guelph - Ridgetown Campus Wild Oats HORSE FACILITIES Beaverwood Farm C&K Stables Lindsey Forkun Equestrian Tranquil Acres AFFILIATES Bright Water Pony Club Encore Presentation Trick Riders 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!

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

OEF Associations Council Update Thank you to everyone who attended the meetings of the Associations' Advisory Council this past spring at the new Ontario Equestrian Federation (OEF) office. Both meetings were well attended, informative and provided an excellent opportunity to share information and discuss potential new ventures. The OEF would like to thank Dr. Robin Reid-Burke for coming to speak on equine infectious anaemia at the May 28 meeting.

A special thanks to the member associations who participated in the 4th Annual Toronto Horse Day on June 2 at the Horse Palace at Exhibition Place. The event was a big success with hundreds of participants who learned about horses, ponies, equestrian sport and the enjoyment of spending time with these wonderful animals. Further to the conversation at the last meeting, the OEF will be moving forward with our plans to expand Toronto Horse Day to Horse Day in Ontario and we encourage everyone to host an event on the first Saturday of June in 2013 to celebrate equestrian sport and all equines!

In other news, the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport base funding application has been submitted for ministry review and we should know by early August how much funding the OEF will be eligible for in 2012-2013. This was the first year of the next three-year cycle of funding, and will establish the benchmark for the next three years of funding available to the OEF. Thank you to all associations for their efforts to submit all required documentation on time.

The OEF boardroom is available for meetings, clinics and workshops; if your group is looking for a venue, please contact the OEF office for cost information and availability.

The next meeting for the Associations Advisory Council will be Monday, Sept. 24, 2012 at 7 p.m. at the OEF office in Richmond Hill.

Have an enjoyable summer, and we look forward to seeing you in September!|

Ontario Equestrian Federation Unveils Revamped Website The Ontario Equestrian Federation (OEF) recently launched a new website featuring a clean, attractive design, more features and easy navigation.

Among the many improvements that the new site offers is the ability to perform a keyword search of the OEF directory of products and services. Site users can also browse various categories by geographic location. At the click of a mouse, users can search lesson and boarding stables, associations, organizations and clubs, horse/rider services and products, coaches and instructors and much more.

The new website also allows OEF members to post free monthly classified ads. Up-to-date event listings keep horse owners informed about upcoming shows, clinics and equine events and discipline-specific quick links allow users to access information tailored to their unique needs and interests.

Connecting with the OEF on social media has also never been easier now that the Facebook, Twitter and Barnmice icons are located on the organization’s home page.

Visit www.horse.on.ca to see what the new OEF website has to offer.|

6 | WHOA! Summer 2012

www.horse.on.ca | 7

News

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

ADVOCACY

INDUSTRY ROUNDTABLE • The OEF facilitated two Industry Roundtable meetings that included representatives from the various sectors of the horse industry including sport, recreation, racing, industry, health & welfare and education. The Industry Roundtable provides a platform for the industry to work collectively to address issues and concerns that affect the horse industry as a whole.

• Horse Racing in Ontario (see page 16). OEF supports horse racing in Ontario and is opposed to the Liberal government’s decision to end the Slots at Racetracks Program. The OEF has been an active participant in the fight to reverse this detrimental decision.

COMPETITIONS

OEF EQUESTRIAN SKILLS DEVELOPMENT (ESD) COMPETITIONS • A new ESD logo has been designed and is available for accredited officials and competitions organizers to use.

• Two provincial Hunter/Jumper officials clinics were hosted in Cedar Valley, ON this past March. These clinics produced two new course designers and seven judges.

• The OEF competitions department is planning to host a series of clinics this fall and is working on designing similar ESD programs for other disciplines.

CANADIAN INTERPROVINCIAL EQUESTRIAN CHAMPIONSHIPS • The OEF supports the Canadian Interprovincial Equestrian Championships, but cannot send an Ontario team until the competition receives proper EC sanctioning. The OEF is taking this time to work with the provincial equestrian organizations and discipline representatives to properly create team selection criteria to send an Ontario team to next year’s competition.

EQUINE MEDICATION PROGRAM & CLEAN SPORT TESTING • Technicians are actively testing at EC sanctioned competitions in Ontario every weekend. A new technician is now working in the Ottawa area.

• An Equine Medications brochure has been circulated to all EC sport license holders that outlines all prohibited substances.

This free brochure is available to anyone who would like a copy.

RECREATION FUNDING

• Applications have been received by a variety of groups for the Recreation Funding program that provides $30,000 in support of trail development, improvement and education.

COACHING/EDUCATION

COACHING • The OEF organized an Eventing training pilot and an Eventing/ Dressage evaluation pilot for Competition Coach Specialists.

These pilots were instrumental in the Canadian Coaches Association (CAC) conditional approval of the program.

• Organized a two-day intensive CAC Learning Facilitator training workshop.

8 | WHOA! Summer 2012

• Held two NCCP/EC Equestrian Theory and Equestrian Specific training workshops.

• Organized a Western Coaching update workshop.

• Organized Instructor of Beginner evaluations in Ottawa, Sudbury and Hamilton that resulted in nine successful candidates.

• Western Master Evaluators participated in various pilots for CC and CCS. EDUCATION • Presented two sessions at the Canadian Outdoor Equine Expo introducing parents, riders and coaches to the EC National Learn to Ride and Coaching programs.

• The Conference committee has created an educational program and is working to confirm speakers for this year's Annual OEF Conference (see page 44).

MARKETING

OEF MEMBER BENEFITS • OEF has collaborated with the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair to develop an exclusive OEF member discount on horse show tickets (see page 48) • The OEF marketing department is working with the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) to develop benefit programs for members.

NEW OEF WEBSITE • The OEF proudly launched a new website on May 24, 2012 (see page 6).

EVENTS

• Spirit of the Horse plans are underway for the upcoming Royal Agricultural Winter Fair • OEF representatives attended the following events: • Ontario Sport Awards, Toronto, April 19, 2012 • Runway for Racehorses, Toronto, May 26, 2012 • Rock n’ Rodeo, Essex County, May 18-20, 2012 • Toronto Horse Day, Toronto, June 2, 2012 (hosted by OEF) • Caledon/Eglinton Hunt Club Spring Fling, Caledon, June 2, 2012 • Sunrise Therapeutic Riding Centre (tour), Puslinch, June 3, 2012 • Canada’s Outdoor Equine Expo, Burlington, June 8-10, 2012 • Windrush Stables Therapeutic Riding Centre Fund raiser, Moffat, June 9, 2012 • Uxbridge Everything Equine Expo, Uxbridge, June 16, 2012

GRANTS AND FUNDING

MINISTRY OF TOURISM, CULTURE & SPORT • A Sport Priority Funding application was submitted on May 21, 2012 to help fund a governance/strategic planning project.

• The Base Funding application was submitted on June 15, 2012 for the upcoming three-year term. The Base Funding provided by the Ministry also provides financial support to the various breed and discipline organizations belonging to the OEF Associations' Council (see page 6).

30

OEF MEMBERS SAVE UP TO

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ON YOUR AUTO

INSURANCE

As a member of the Ontario Equestrian Federation, you could save up to 15% on both your home and auto policies and an additional 15% by bundling. To learn more, or to see if you qualify for preferred discounts, call, meet us in person or visit BrokerLink.ca/OEF. BrokerLink is a proud sponsor and supporter of the 2012 Canada Outdoor Equine Expo.

To learn more about the OEF Group Insurance program, or to get a no obligation quote, call any one of our 37 local offices today.

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Subject to policy conditions and exclusions. Insurance products provided by Novex Group Insurance. Services available in Ontario through Canada Brokerlink (Ontario) Inc. ™ BrokerLink & Design is a trademark of Canada Brokerlink Inc. Used under license. © Copyright 2012 Canada Brokerlink Inc. All rights reserved. Certain conditions apply to all discounts. www.horse.on.ca | 9

News

Introducing Our New Staff...

Lesley McCoy Membership Services Representative After a one-year absence, Lesley is excited to return to the OEF in her new role in membership services where she can draw upon her administrative and equestrian experience. Lesley has had a love of horses since she was 12 years old and is looking forward to once again assisting others who share her love of horses. In addition to her own riding, Lesley has been active in supporting her daughter’s equestrian activities as a member of the Toronto North York Pony Club. |

Melissa Kosowan Communications Coordinator Melissa holds a degree in journalism from Carleton University and worked as a journalist and editor for five years before pursuing a post-graduate certificate in corporate communications. Specializing in Saddle Seat, Melissa is a former competitive rider on the Arabian show circuit. She has since retired her 28-year-old gelding but looks forward to returning to the show ring in the future. When she’s not at the barn, Melissa enjoys running and recently completed her second half-marathon.|

System Fencing Honoured At Ontario Sport Awards The best in Ontario amateur sport were recognized at the 2011 Ontario Sport Awards, presented by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport. The April 19 event celebrated 57 athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers and sponsors at the Atlantis Pavilion at Ontario Place in Toronto. The Ontario Sport Awards are the highest honours the province provides to recognize excellence in sport.

System Fencing Ltd. is a leading equine retailer specializing in a variety of equine products ranging from complete stall systems to horse fencing. System Fencing continues to support all facets of Ontario’s horse industry and works closely with the Ontario Equestrian Federation, Equine Guelph, the Regional Equine Agricultural Centre of Huron and the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair.

Three finalists contended for the Female Coach of the Year award, including OEF Coach of the Year, Ute Busse. Busse is an accomplished Dressage competitor and has coached both junior and adult riders to national and international wins. In 2011, Busse coached Tina Irwin to a fifth place finish individually that resulted in a team silver medal at the 2011 Pan-Am Games in Guadalajara, Mexico. The Female Coach of the Year award is presented annually to Ontario’s premiere female coach. This individual possesses the qualities associated with performance excellence and sport achievement. The 2011 Female Coach of the Year was awarded to gymnastics coach, Elena Davydova.

Eric Lamaze was named as one of three Male Athlete of the Year finalists, but the honour went to champion figure skater, Patrick Chan. Lamaze and Hickstead were at the top of the international show jumping rankings for three consecutive years. To maintain this status with one horse is an unbelievable accomplishment for any rider. This award is presented to Ontario’s premiere amateur male athlete who has achieved extraordinary success competing provincially, nationally or internationally, as part of a team or individually.

“It is an honour to recognize the hard work and outstanding talents 10 | WHOA! Summer 2012

Photo Credit: Jon Sims

The Province of Ontario presents Corporate Citations annually to corporations that have been a leader in supporting sport through sustained corporate involvement over several years. Dwayne Job of System Fencing Ltd. was presented with a Corporate Citation in recognition of System Fencing’s contribution to equestrian sport.

Michael Chan, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport presents Dwayne Job of System Fencing Ltd. with a Corporate Citation.

of our athletes,” said the honourable Michael Chan, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport, who proudly presented the awards to recipients during the ceremony. “The Ontario Sport Awards are a tribute to the dedication and hard work of Ontario’s amateur athletes and all the coaches, volunteers and corporate sponsors who support them.”

The Ontario Sport Awards have been honouring outstanding achievement in Ontario amateur sport since 1965 and are the highest form of recognition for sport excellence in the province. Award recipients are chosen by the Sport Awards selection committee, a group of former athletes and sport administrators from Ontario.

Previous recipients include Elvis Stojko, Donovan Bailey, Silken Laumann, Lennox Lewis and Eric Lamaze.

Congratulations to System Fencing, Ute Busse and Eric Lamaze for their outstanding achievements!|

www.horse.on.ca | 11

News

Concussion Prevention Lately, everyone seems more aware, and rightly so, of the significance of concussions. On March 6, 2012, the provincial government announced the Ontario Concussion Strategy, aimed at improving awareness and understanding of what concussions actually are and how they occur. It will also facilitate the development of strategies within school and sport organizations to prevent concussions and to help advise people about how to deal with concussions in terms of seeking medical help, medical follow-up and knowing when it's safe to return to sporting activities.

Recently, staff of the province invited sport organizations to a meeting to explain the objectives of their strategy and seek input. The Ontario Equestrian Federation will continue to work with the province and the Ontario Coaching Association in regard to this very important issue. Ultimately, they will produce a Concussion Resource Guide.

Current medical statistics indicate concussion related hospital visits increased by 58 per cent between 2003 and 2011 and 38 per cent of those treated were children.

Furthermore, very few of those people ever sought follow-up medial treatment or assessment before returning to sporting activities.

The OEF and its members were instrumental in lobbying for the passage of Bill 12, which requires the use of helmets while horseback riding. Helmets help prevent what are called "focal head injuries," which are injuries to the skull and its covering.

While helmets will prevent most of these types of injuries, they will not prevent concussion, but may lessen the degree.

A concussion is called a "diffuse brain injury" and occurs when the brain suffers a direct blunt trauma within the skull - usually occurring when the head is struck or by a fall. Concussions can occur without an injury to the skull, such as whiplash type occurrence, but can be equally or more serious.

There is a great webinar called Learn to Play: Brain Injury 101, featuring concussion and brain injury experts from Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. It is particularly valuable for coaches, and it will be considered as a ½ hour of professional development upgrading time toward maintaining your coaching certification.

You can find a link to this webinar, as well as a Sport Concussion Assessment Tool (SCAT) and other useful information about concussions, on the OEF website under Safety. Visit http://horse.on.ca/programs/safety/ The OEF will continue to work with the province and sport, medical and educational experts across the province and look for ways to integrate this information into our education and training programs. |

Canada Bids To Host 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games The FEI announced in early June that Canada is in the running to host the FEI World Equestrian Games in 2018.

Under the new bidding process put in place last year by the FEI for the FEI World Equestrian Games, eight signed expression of interest documents were received from the national federations of Australia, Austria, Canada, Hungary, Morocco, Sweden, Russia and the United States in November 2011.

The Australian, Russian and Swedish applications were withdrawn prior to the start of the official candidate phase earlier this year, but the five remaining applicants moved ahead with their bids.

12 | WHOA! Summer 2012

The Hungarian capital Budapest had been named as one of the five 2018 bid cities, but withdrew from the bidding process in late June.

As the final stage in the bidding process, the candidates will formally present their bids to the FEI Bureau at its spring 2013 meeting, after which the official announcement of the host organizers of the FEI World Equestrian Games 2018 will be made.

The FEI World Equestrian Games are held every four years, in the middle of the Olympic cycle. The seven FEI disciplines – Jumping, Dressage and Para-Equestrian Dressage, Eventing, Driving, Endurance, Vaulting and Reining – are all included on the competition schedule. |

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

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

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

CRITERIA FOR APPLYING:

st

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

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

OEF Membership #:

Date of Birth:

Province:

Postal Code:

Address: City: Phone:

Fax:

mm / dd / yy

Email: TOTAL Gross Household Income/Support:

Parent/Guardian:

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

Total # of Adults In Household:

$

Total # of Children/Youth In Household:

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

How are most of your equestrian endeavours paid for?

What challenges do you face in pursuing your hobby?

Are you a member of or pursuing:

Yes Money Money 4H Club

No Transportation Transportation Pony Club

Other: Other: Other: Rider Levels

APPLICANT’S COACH:

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

Coach Name:

Phone:

RIDING EXPERIENCE: None Lessons with a coach?

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

Member of a school team?

Yes

Moderate No

Experienced If yes, how long

Yes

No

If yes, what sport(s)

SCHOOL INFORMATION: High School Name: 1.

Address:

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

ESSAYS REQUIRED: 1.

2.

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

PICTURE:

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

LOCAL MEDIA:

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

1.

3.

2.

4.

RELEASE FORM: I,

(parent/guardian)

, acknowledge that

(applicant)

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

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

Signature: Signature: Please send completed application to:

(applicant)

Date: Date:

(parent/guardian) Ontario Equestrian Federation, 1 West Pearce St, Suite 201, Richmond Hill, ON L4B 3K3 p: 905-709-6545 f: 905-709-1867 tf: 1-877-441-7112 e: horse@horse.on.ca w: www.horse.on.ca www.horse.on.ca | 13

For more information please call 1-888-345-2351 or visit www.aldistributing.com 14 | WHOA! Summer 2012

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

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

In an effort to acknowledge Model Members, the OEF will present all recipients with black wool coolers that include the OEF logo. Supplied by Brubacher’s Harness and Saddlery, the coolers will be presented to the recipients during a special presentation arranged by the OEF. Please note that the OEF Model Member Award is a separate award from the OEF Annual Awards and can be presented at any time throughout the year. The OEF Model Member Award will only be presented to those who are most deserving. For more information please contact Catherine Barker at 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 • tollfree 1-877-441-7112 • email opmgr@horse.on.ca • website www.horse.on.ca www.horse.on.ca | 15

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Photo Credit: Epona Photography by Laurie Haughton

News

Horse Enthusiasts Celebrate All Things Equine At 4th Annual Horse enthusiasts kicked up their heels on Saturday, June 2 at the 4th Annual Toronto Horse Day, a free public event designed to educate people of all ages about riding and give them the opportunity to meet horses up close and personal.

“Toronto Horse Day was bigger and better than ever this year,” says Allan Ehrlick, the president of the Ontario Equestrian Federation (OEF), which hosts the event in partnership with the Riding Academy at the Horse Palace, Toronto Police Service’s Mounted Unit and Greenhawk Harness and Equestrian Supplies.

“It’s a welcoming environment to experience the horse industry and many of the visitors who came out will no doubt be inspired to take up riding at some point in their lives.”

Avid equestrian and actor Daniel Fathers, host of Canada’s Greatest Know It All who played Uncle Brown in Disney’s Camp Rock and Stewart Forrest on CBC’s Heartland, was the official ring emcee at Toronto Horse Day. He entertained and informed the crowd during live demonstrations showcasing various breeds and riding disciplines, including jumping, mounted games, roping and endurance, to name a few.

Visitors toured the Horse Palace at Exhibition Place where various interactive displays were set up, including an Olympic Avenue that included a special guest appearance by Jim Elder, who represented Canada at seven Olympic Games, taking home team gold in show jumping at the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico. The Toronto Police Service’s Mounted Unit provided guided tours of their stables and Woodbine Entertainment Group brought the coveted Queen’s Plate trophy. Greenhawk Harness

Horse Day Toronto

and Equestrian Supplies was on hand for free helmet fittings and acclaimed equine artist Debbie Goldring taught aspiring artists tips and tricks on illustrating horses.

“Toronto Horse Day is a great opportunity to introduce the public to horses in a safe and fun environment,” says Ehrlick. “It gives the public a chance to learn about different horse breeds and riding styles and how they can get involved in the sport. The OEF is looking forward to the fifth annual event.”

Participants at Toronto Horse Day 2012 included: Daniel Fathers, Riding Academy at the Horse Palace, EquiMania!

Greenhawk, Woodbine Entertainment Group, Toronto Police Services Mounted Unit, Canadian Sport Horse Association, Canadian Pony Club – Central Ontario Region, Canadian Pony Club – Western Ontario Region, Arabian Horse Association of Eastern Canada, Ontario Quarter Horse Association, Ontario Rodeo Association, Canadian Road Horse Association, Ontario University Equestrian Association, University of Toronto Equestrian Club, Canada’s Outdoor Equine Expo, Cavalia’s Odysseo, Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, Kevin Alcock, Symon Pidhainy, Debbie Goldring, RCMP Officer Terry Russel, Mark Dobrindt, Jimmy Elder, Quest for Gold Athletes Bronwyn Barlow Cash, Alana Aird, Brook Pickering, Zoe Beckerman.

For more information about Toronto Horse Day visit www.horse. on.ca |

www.horse.on.ca | 17

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Horse Day Toronto

1. Parents and kids learn about horse safety with EquiMania!

2. Actor Daniel Fathers, Olympic gold medalist Jimmy Elder and RCMP Const. Terry Russel.

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3. Olympic gold medalist Jimmy Elder holds the coveted Queen’s Plate trophy.

4. Const. Terry Russel and Jimmy Elder pose for a photograph with Quest for Gold athletes Brook Pickering, Zoe Beckerman, Bronwyn Barlow Cash and Alana Aird.

5. Visitors lean about different riding disciplines and horse breeds.

6. Urban families meet real cowboys.

7. “Dream Horses” adorn the stalls of the Horse Palace.

8. Participants of all ages declare their love of horses with t-shirts.

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9. Daniel Fathers with Sgt Al Jenkins, PC Pat Penney and police mount Timmis.

10. The Ontario Rodeo Association show off their roping skills with a mechanical calf.

11. Pony Club members from Central Ontario and Western Ontario regions have fun with Mounted Games.

12. Students of the Riding Academy at the Horse Palace give a Dressage demonstration.

13. Toronto Horse Day provides a hands-on introduction to horses.

14. Ocala, Tiana Domingos and Janine Domingos represent the Ontario Quarter Horse Association.

Toronto Horse Day photos provided by Epona Photography by Laurie Haughton

www.horse.on.ca | 19

News English Competition Coach Specialist Certification Program Launches An exciting new coaching certification program is now available for English coaches in Canada. The Competition Coach Specialist is a highly accessible certification program designed for those working with intermediate or more advanced riders in furthering their students’ basic riding, horsemanship and safety skills, as well as advancing competition experience from provincial to national level competitions.

“The specialist program is really important because it fills the gap between the Competition Coach and High Performance Coach,” explains Grant Field, chair of the National Coaching Committee and a Master Evaluator. “It’s perfect for coaches who might have been at the old Level 2, but were specialists, not generalists, and therefore never became certified. It’s a totally new program that will serve the community needs better.

“It’s the starting point for becoming a specialized coach in your discipline at a very attainable level – now coaches can just apply directly to this program if it meets their experience. They don’t have to go through a previous coaching level,” he adds.

“I feel really proud of the English Coaching Committee for having finalized this last step in the competition coaching stream. We have created a great opportunity for the athletes and the coaches that coach them.”

Additionally, the Competition Coach Specialist will be certified to evaluate a horse and its suitability for a student, to supervise stable operations and routines and to have demonstratable experience training and preparing horses for competition. Though candidates will specialize in one discipline, they are expected to be conversant in all English disciplines.

To be eligible for certification candidates must: • Have competition experience • Be at least 20 years of age as of Jan. 1 of the current year • Hold an Equine Canada Sport License (membership) and provincial membership, in good standing Acquiring certification requires the following steps: • Submission of sample lesson and seasonal training plans • Participating in a single evaluation day with two evaluators where you are evaluated on coaching skills while giving lessons • Evaluation of your coaching skills during competition “The Competition Coach Specialist program ensures that coaching professionals value national teaching standards, safety and quality horsemanship,” states Gillian Ross Erasmi, education coordinator with the Ontario Equestrian Federation (OEF). “We proudly worked alongside Equine Canada to develop the training that was necessary to launch the Competition Coach Specialist program, including managing various training pilots instrumental in attaining Coaching Association of Canada program approval. Thanks must be extended to the many dedicated individuals who provided their time and expertise during this process.”

She adds, “Quality coaching is vital to equestrian sport and the Equine Canada coaching program. This new format increases accessibility for those who coach riders from the beginner level up to the elite competitor.”

Complete details on the English Competition Coach Specialist Certification program can be found on the Equine Canada web site under Coaching – How to Become Certified.|

New Equine Sports and Reproduction Centre Opens At The University of Guelph The University of Guelph celebrated the grand opening of a new health-care facility for equine athletes in early June that aims improve the quality of life and performance of horses through health care, education and research.

Located at the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) but separate from the main hospital, the Equine Sports Medicine and Reproduction Centre (ESMRC) offers expert care in equine sports medicine, lameness evaluation and treatment, reproduction services and diagnostic imaging.

“The OVC has been Canada’s leader in equine health care and research since the college was founded in Toronto in 1862,” says University of Guelph president Alastair Summerlee. “As we celebrate the OVC’s 150th anniversary year, I am delighted to announce the opening of the ESMRC. The new facilities and the work that goes on here will help ensure that Ontario’s equine industry continues to grow and prosper.”

Construction of the Equine Sports Medicine and Reproduction Centre is supported by private donations and bequests, and builds on earlier industry and government research investments. The centre includes a new 70 by 140-foot exercise arena for evaluation of horses with lameness or other performance issues. Existing barn and stable areas have been upgraded and four new examination rooms have been added, including a radiology exam room and ultrasound treatment/exam room.

Through the Equine Sports Medicine and Reproduction Centre, top specialists will offer advanced lameness evaluation and therapies; stateof-the-art diagnostic equipment for cardiopulmonary, orthopedic and other performance-limiting conditions and sophisticated reproductive services such as fertility evaluation, artificial insemination and embryo transfer.

“The ESMRC will serve the needs of referring veterinarians, horse owners and trainers involved in Ontario’s world-class horse racing and equestrian sectors,” says Elizabeth Stone, Ontario Veterinary College dean. “It expands the scope of OVC’s programs in equine health care and research, and builds upon the University’s proud legacy of improving the lives of horses through partnerships with stakeholders within the equine industry and through Equine Guelph.” |

Ontario Trillium Foundation Supports OEF First Safe Strides Program

learning to ride.

The OEF wishes to extend our sincere appreciation to the Ontario Trillium Foundation and its board of directors for selecting our project, First Safe Strides, in support of equine events and projects at the over 230 agricultural fairs in Ontario.

also be unique to their particular needs. The OEF recognizes that while it has been successful to date in servicing its 21,000 members, we need to address grassroots areas of sport and competition. We want – and need – to reach out to people at the entry recreational and community level.

The OEF’s First Safe Strides program will provide the ability for the development of safe “grassroots” level horse shows at Ontario fairs.

The intent is to improve the safety of all Ontarians

The OEF will have a program administrator in place by early July who will spearhead the development and implementation of this initiative and we look forward to working with the fairs directly to ensure their needs and expectations are met.

The program will have a dedicated staff person who will liase with their fair boards across Ontario to offer horse shows that would adhere to national safety and procedural requirements, but that would 20 | WHOA! Summer 2012

If you are interested in finding out more information about this program, please contact the OEF office by phone at 905-709-6545 or toll free at 1-877-441-7112 or by email horse@horse.on.ca |

Leaping to higher heights!

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family events. Be there to cheer on your friends! ** Please ensure this form is fully completed & legi

Competitors in seven zones Check all that apply: across Ontario strive to qualify to compete at the Annual Competitor Championship Show held at the Caledon Equestrian Park.

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ZONE in which points are to be accumulated (c Central West Central East North East Georgian Bay Be part of the first annual Trillium Championship Show Show Guide with an ad promoting your business

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Photo Credit: Linnéa Burgess

News

My Ontario Includes Horse Racing…Does Yours?

by Dianne Graham

T

here has been much written regarding the plight of the horse racing industry in Ontario since the Drummond report announcement, including the OEF response “Silence is Not an Option.” Every affected professional group, association and municipality has voiced its concern regarding the far reaching ramifications from the loss of slot machine revenue and its effects on the continued viability for racing in this province.

What about all the people who will lose their way of life or the thousands of horses that will most certainly be destined for slaughter? One veterinarian asked me “Do we have to show this government a pit filled with euthanized horses before they will listen? Do we have to relegate decent hard working people who have been tax paying citizens all their lives to becoming welfare recipients? Does any of this bother you?“

The OEF was forced to shelve a horse welfare program that took a great deal of time and effort to develop because the racing industry was no longer in a financial position to fund it. This program could have had an impact on hundreds and, over time, thousands of horses. What does the future hold for these horses now? Tragically, this is just the beginning.

Hundreds of breedings have been cancelled, tractor orders halted, new barn buildings ceased. I have reports of abattoirs doubling the size of their holding pens in Quebec. Over 20,000 The horse racing industry has provided equestrian sport with horses in this province are now vulnerable and in excess of a great many of the benefits and services to which it has 60,000 people stand to lose their jobs. become accustomed. If the racing sector was to disappear, the world-class standards that the sport horse community Our ability to mobilize will determine the legacy we leave for now enjoys will over time cease to exist. The quality and the next generation. Ontario has a breeding and racing program availability of feed suppliers, farriers, veterinary services, that has become one of the most successful and envied in the equine education, including extensive horse welfare research world. This has not been a subsidy program but a payment would not continue to be offered in Ontario. Independent for services rendered and has resulted in the stimulation and product development and innovation are strong and available successful rebirth of many of Ontario’s rural communities. at an affordable cost and we have access to some of the What has taken lifetimes to develop and cultivate will be best equine knowledge and facilities in the world because decimated. Your actions regarding this issue could impact the of racing. Benevolent programs, such as therapeutic riding, future of the horse industry in Ontario. will suffer deeply without the large monetary donations racing has provided. Additionally, it is racing that is responsible We could place blame here on how and why the industry got for funding the multi-million dollar facility expansions at the to this place and who allowed it to happen. The time to answer University of Guelph and the multitude of private veterinarian those questions will come, but now the industry is in survival clinics throughout the province. Sport and recreation are mode and it needs our support. If sport and recreational benefactors of both the racing industry’s desire for excellence horse owners as a group do nothing, we play right into this government’s hands because that’s what they are expecting. and education. Are we not all better because of it?

Let’s change the play! I challenge each and every one of you What will happen to your hay bills if farmers lose a significant to create some noise and “be the difference”! portion of their market? Farmers have reported to me of losing individual hay orders of over $10,000. What about Contact your local MPP and let them know what you think your veterinarian who cannot make ends meet in Ontario? A about this issue and the long-term impact it will have on the veterinarian specialist told me last week that their business future of our sport and the livelihoods of those involved. You is already down over 25 per cent. What about the farrier, the could also unite fellow horse owners in your area to organize commercial shipping company, the local car dealership and a rally and have your voice heard. the barn builder to name just a few? What will happen when My Ontario Includes Horse Racing…Does Yours? your horse is sick and there is no help for him because there was no funding for the research that could have helped him? Visit www.value4money.ca for more details.

You may be asking, “How does this possibly affect me? I have nothing to do with racing. I have never even been to a racetrack. I have other things to do and I am busy.” Perhaps even, “Stop bugging me about this, I have heard enough already” or “Doesn’t the OEF have better things to do with its time?” It is critical we take notice of this issue; there will be no second chances. Put very simply, we are an industry on the verge of crisis.

22 | WHOA! Summer 2012

News OEF’S IMPACT STATEMENT This document was submitted to the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs regarding Budget Bill 55 – the Horse Racing and Breeding Industry June 6, 2012 The OLG Slots at the Racetrack Program has not been a subsidy program – a common misconception that needs to be set straight. It is a payment for services rendered and has resulted in the stimulation and successful rebirth of many of Ontario’s rural communities. Until now, that revenue sharing partnership has ted the province of Ontario.

Ontario racing supports 60,000 jobs, with many of these positions situated in rural settings where the possibility of obtaining similar employment would be unlikely. To put that employment number in perspective, this represents more than three times the seating capacity of the Air Canada Centre. If racing and its revenue sharing programs cease to exist, where will these tax-contributing families and the vibrant rural communities they support be once the dust has settled?

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, bedding suppliers, feed bills, equine shipping companies, tack and stable supply companies – the list goes on. However, there are many whose income is not attributed to this estimate. Local businesses such as restaurants, gas bars, barn builders and trailer manufacturers will also experience an immense nancial shock, not to mention the hit that the automotive sector will experience. The trickle down effect as a result of this negative impact on the racing community is potentially incalculable.

Investment in the racing industry rarely stops at the track. Horse racing has provided equestrian sport with ts and services. These include, but are not limited to, benevolent programs such as therapeutic funding riding and equine welfare initiatives. Educational initiatives such as Equine Guelph and EquiMania! a worldclass children’s program, have been recipients of over $100,000 a year and depend on this support to continue their work. In 2011, the Equine Guelph research program received $345,000 from the racing industry. Additionally, it is racing that is responsible for funding the multi-million dollar facility expansions at the University of Guelph’s veterinary college and the multitude of private veterinarian clinics throughout the province. All of these programs will suffer deeply without the large monetary donations racing has provided.

Ontario has a breeding and racing program that has become one of the most successful and envied in the world, but it’s an industry on the verge of a crisis. It would be a fallacy to consider this an issue relegated solely to the backstretch of Ontario’s racetracks. Put very simply, this is an issue that affects every person who calls Ontario home.

What has taken lifetimes to develop and cultivate will be decimated by this government’s lack of knowledge regarding the issue at hand and the impact it will have. The time to act is now.

Sincerely,

Allan Ehrlick, President Ontario Equestrian Federation

Ontario Equestrian Federation

1 West Pearce St, Suite 201, Richmond Hill, ON L4B 3K3 p: 905-709-6545 tf: 1-877-441-7112 e: horse@horse.on.ca w: www.horse.on.ca www.horse.on.ca | 23

Sandy Hawley

The Burgess Family

ICONS

Celebrating Ontario’s W

By Julie Fitz-Gerald

For over a century, the sounds of hooves pounding the dirt and

excited fans shouting from the stands have filled the air at Ontario’s racetracks. Many talented racers got their start here, learning the ropes, testing their talents and going on to race against the best in the world.

Perhaps the most recognized name in Thoroughbred racing is Sandy Hawley, a jockey born in Oshawa, ON, who had a meteoric rise to stardom in the racing world. In 1966, 17-year-old Hawley began hot walking horses at a Toronto racetrack and within two years he became a regular jockey on the Ontario circuit. By 1969, Hawley was the leading apprentice jockey in North America, a huge accomplishment for any rider, particularly a relatively inexperienced one. In 1973, Hawley became the first jockey in history to win 500 races in one year, breaking the previous record set by Bill Shoemaker.

During the winter of 1972-1973, Hawley set his sights on the competitive Southern California circuit. His talent held up against stiff American competition and he went on to win thousands of races stateside.

“He’s the face of Woodbine in a lot of ways, but beyond all that, when he was riding he was very competitive and had a gigantic heart to try to win. He hated to lose with an indelible passion,” says Tom Cosgrove, past director of Woodbine Entertainment Group.

Hawley was awarded the Lou Marsh Trophy on two occasions, an honour reserved for Canada’s top athletes. He was also given the prestigious Order of Canada, the highest civilian honour for outstanding achievements by a Canadian citizen. Hawley won the Queen’s Plate, Canada’s famed Thoroughbred race, four times and in 1986 he became the youngest jockey in history to achieve 5,000 career wins.

Group and remains a true ambassador of the sport he loves.

From jockey greats to iconic trainers, the two rely on one another to produce winning results and champion horses. Ontario’s Thoroughbred racing circuit won big when British-born trainer Roger Attfield immigrated to Canada and took out his trainer’s license in 1971. This hall-of-famer has won an unprecedented six Sovereign Awards as Canada’s leading trainer and has won Canada’s Triple Crown an astonishing three of the six times it has been accomplished. Attfield’s accolades are impressive, winning the Queen’s Plate eight times and training six horses that were named Canadian Horse of the Year.

In recognition of his achievements that span three decades, Attfield was inducted into the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame in 1999, his first year of eligibility. This training titan earned 1,467 wins with earnings of $67,954,827 from 1976 to June 1, 2008.

Attfield remains a fixture at Woodbine Racetrack where he currently has a stable of 45 horses in training. Despite his huge success on the track, he remains grounded and is a great ambassador of the sport. “He represents himself and racing extremely well. He’s a credit to the sport,” says Cosgrove.

The traits that characterize Hawley and Attfield were also present in Thoroughbred owner Tammy Samuel-Balaz. Ontario’s racing community lost a true horsewoman and accomplished owner in 2008 when Samuel-Balaz lost her battle with cancer at the young age of 47.

By the end of his career, Hawley had ridden 31,455 mounts and garnered 6,449 wins. In recognition of his tremendous achievements he was inducted into the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame, the U.S. National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame and Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame.

In 2011, Samuel-Balaz was inducted into the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame as a builder of the sport, in recognition of her achievements as president and general manager of her family’s Sam-Son Farm breeding and racing operation. She took the farm over when her father, Ernie Samuel, passed away in May 2000. Her father built Sam-Son Farm into one of North America’s foremost operations in racing and was named Canadian racing’s Man of the Year in 1991 after his unbeaten filly, Dance Smartly, was the first Canadian-owned and bred horse to win a Breeders Cup race. Dance Smartly went on to win the Canadian Triple Crown and is the only mare to foal back-to-back Plate winners.

“His impact in Ontario and Canadian racing was huge because he was able to not only be dominant here, but to establish himself in the U.S. as well. He became a North American icon in racing, so his impact spread far beyond Ontario,” says Cosgrove, who had the fortune of watching the Canadian icon’s career unfold. Today, Hawley works in media relations for Woodbine Entertainment

Samuel-Balaz had some big shoes to fill, but she quickly proved that she was more than up for the job. She won Sovereign Awards for Horse of the Year with Quiet Resolve and Soaring Free and was named Outstanding Owner four times and Outstanding Breeder five years in a row. In 2000 and 2001, Samuel-Balaz was in the winner’s circle at the Queen’s Plate and under her astute leadership

24 | WHOA! Summer 2012

Roger Attfield

Tammy Samuel-Balaz

Photo Credit: Michael Burns

World Class Racing Icons at Sam-Son Farm, 2009 Queen’s Plate winner Eye of the Leopard was bred.

the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame and the Harness Racing Museum and Hall of Fame.

Beyond her accolades, Samuel-Balaz was a horse-lover at heart, retiring many Thoroughbreds to her farm. She was entrenched in the racing community, acting as a director of Woodbine Entertainment Group. She was also a member of The Jockey Club of Canada and the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association. Her kind nature and enthusiasm for racing was a credit to the industry as a whole.

Today, the family dynasty continues with Ron’s son, Randy Waples, racking up the wins as one of the top drivers on the Woodbine and Mohawk circuits. Randy won O’Brien Awards as Canada’s Driver of the Year in 1998 and 2001, and continues to build upon the legacy of the Waples family.

Standardbred racing in Ontario has also spawned several industry giants, giving rise to some impressive family dynasties. The Waples family is undoubtedly the best known family in harness racing, dating back to the 1960s when Keith Waples turned heads as a trainer/driver. Waples became the first driver to break the twominute mile barrier in Canada with Mighty Dudley in 1959 and he won harness racing’s biggest prize, the Little Brown Jug in 1972, marking the first time a Canadian-owned horse claimed the coveted prize.

Waples was inducted into the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame and is also in the Harness Racing Museum and Hall of Fame in Goshen, New York.

“He’s close to 90 years old now and he still keeps a couple of horses around to keep himself busy. He’s really been a marquee influence on the game. If you talk to any of the notable people in today’s era, they would likely point to Keith as a real pioneer, one that set the standard for the modern day trainer/driver,” says Bruce Murray, vice president of Standardbred Racing at Woodbine Entertainment Group.

Keith’s cousin, Ron Waples, began his racing career under Keith’s tutelage and then branched out on his own in 1971. He quickly proved that racing ran in the family, winning the Little Brown Jug, the Hambletonian, nine Breeders Crown victories, the Canadian Pacing Derby and the North American Cup, just to name a few.

One of the famous horses that he guided and co-owned was Ralph Hanover, a horse that won the 1983 Pacing Triple Crown and set a single season earnings record of $1.7 million.

Another horse that excelled under his driving was No Sex Please, a horse owned and trained by his son, Ron Waples Jr. No Sex Please won the Maple Leaf Trot three times and won the Breeders Crown twice, setting two world records in 1990. In recognition of Ron’s unparalleled achievements in harness racing, he was inducted into

“They have been great PR ambassadors for the sport. Their name resonates beyond the borders here and by reputation alone, they have done Canada proud in racing,” says Murray.

The Burgess family has also left a lasting legacy in harness racing.

Robert Burgess, a lawyer specializing in equine law, has been involved in everything from breeding and owning champion pacers to working tirelessly behind the scenes. Robert has said his most important contribution to the industry was incorporating and acting as council for the Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association, which paved the way for the formation of the Ontario Sires Stakes Program.

Burgess and his business partner, John Macdonald, founded Cantario Farms in Campbellville, ON, in the 1970's and within 10 years had established themselves as one of Canada’s leading breeders of Standardbred horses.

Robert’s son, Blair Burgess, has been an integral part of the family’s success, turning horse after horse into a champion harness racer. In 2003, the family won its first Hambletonian award with Amigo Hall.

Three years later their horse, Glidemaster, won a Hambletonian award, Trotting Triple Crown and U.S. Horse of the Year. In 2007, the Burgess clan won its first North American Cup with a horse named Tell All. Robert earned another O’Brien Award in 2010 with his two-year-old trotter, Blue Porsche, a homebred colt sired by Glidemaster. Last year, Robert was inducted into the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame as a builder for the sport.

“You would be hard pressed to find a more passionate individual about harness racing than Bob,” says Murray. He adds, “Blair is also an exceptionally talented trainer and is one of the hardest working horsemen you’ll find in any breed.”

Ontario’s horse racing industry has produced some of the greatest racing icons in history and continues to breed world-class competitors. Racing fans need only look at the sport’s fabled past to predict what’s in store for the future. | www.horse.on.ca | 25

Photo Credit: www.eventingphoto.com

Member Spotlight

Ontario Eventer On Verge Of Olympic Dream

By Julie Fitz-Gerald

Hot off an individual gold medal win at the 2011 Pan American

Games, 28-year-old Cannington, ON, resident Jessica Phoenix is directing her focus to this summer’s Olympic Games in London, England. Her determination is clear and the mounting pressure is palpable; a culmination of over 15 years of hard work, much success and some unavoidable heartbreak that has led her to this point.

Since she was a little girl, Phoenix had an innate connection with horses. On her first birthday she received a buckskin pony from her parents, Dawn and Bob Ferguson, sparking her lifelong love affair with horses.

Growing up on a small farm in the rolling hills of Uxbridge, ON, Phoenix spent her spare time in the barn, mucking out stalls, brushing horses and riding in the fields behind her family’s house.

Along with her parents and sister, Phoenix spent weekends trail riding with the Uxbridge Horseman’s Association and had countless adventures camping alongside their horses in the Ganaraska Forest.

Phoenix’s deep connection with her equine friends paired with her steely competitive nature led her to the sport of Eventing at the age of 11. The equestrian sport involves three disciplines including Dressage, Cross-Country and Stadium Jumping, with the scores from each phase combined to determine the final standings.

Phoenix quickly fell in love with a 14.3-hand pony named Let’s Boogie, and boy could he boogie! With plenty of attitude and the same thrill-seeking nature as his rider, the two formed an unbreakable bond, leading to Phoenix’s first success in Eventing.

The duo proved that size is no match for a pair brimming with talent and determination, winning several consecutive Ontario Young Rider Championships and earning a second place finish at the North American Young Rider Championships in 1997. Today, Let’s Boogie is enjoying retirement at the farm of Phoenix’s parents, greying from age and full of that same attitude and spunk

26 | WHOA! Summer 2012

that Phoenix fell in love with so many years ago.

After campaigning several more horses through the various levels of the sport, Phoenix once again found a unique bond with an offthe-track thoroughbred named Exploring. Exploring and Phoenix leapt onto the world stage, representing Canada at the 2007 Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and earning a spot on the Canadian Eventing Team in the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

What was gearing up to be the highlight of her career instead turned to devastation when Exploring suffered an injury just prior to boarding the plane for Beijing. Instead of joining the rest of Team Canada, the pair returned home in disbelief.

“That experience was the most devastating thing I’ve had to deal with, but it made me stronger as a person and as an athlete.

I understand the competitive side of riding at this level. When things go right you celebrate and when they don’t, you deal with it,” Phoenix says.

And that is exactly what she did. Exploring underwent a cuttingedge stem cell replacement procedure to repair the injury and, after plenty of rest and a slow exercise regimen to rebuild his strength, he returned to Eventing at the three-star level.

In 2009, Phoenix and her husband, Joel, were blessed with the news that a baby was on the way. As her due date approached, Phoenix took two months off from competitive riding while she prepared for her biggest joy in life, her son, to make his arrival. On March 30, 2010, Jacob Phoenix was born.

Six weeks after giving birth, with Jacob and her mom in tow, Phoenix returned to competition in hopes of securing a spot on the Canadian Eventing Team for the quickly approaching 2010 World Equestrian Games.

In between feedings and diaper changes, Phoenix and her new off-the-track thoroughbred gelding, Exponential, rocked around the advanced division at Chattahoochee Hills in Georgia, snatching

Member Spotlight

a first place finish. At a time when most new moms are easing into motherhood, Phoenix was also proving that she was still a serious contender in her sport. With the only clear Cross-Country and Stadium Jumping rounds in her division, Phoenix’s message was clear; she was back!

Two weeks later, Phoenix and Exponential took the Bromont International Three-Day Event by storm, finishing third and earning a spot on the National Eventing Team representing Canada at the World Equestrian Games.

Her quest to the London Olympics continued in April 2011, when Phoenix made her debut showing at the renowned CCI 4* Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event. Phoenix and Exponential had a sound Dressage test leaving them in 30th place, but the Cross-Country phase was still to come. On Cross-Country day the pair looked magnificent, eating up the treacherous course and being one of only three combinations to ride a clear round, without time faults or jumping penalties. They catapulted to eighth place and awaited the final phase of the event: Stadium Jumping.

On Stadium Jumping day, the stands were packed with cheering fans and as the top 10 riders jumped to the finish, the excitement swelled. Phoenix and Exponential knew what they had to do and with focus and skill, they jumped another clean round to claim seventh spot overall and the highest-placed owner/rider award.

Phoenix was thrilled with her top-10 finish on Exponential, marking her inaugural showing at Rolex.

Up next was the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials in England. It was perhaps the most difficult Cross-Country course that Phoenix and Exponential had ever ridden and they could barely contain their excitement. The pair completed the event in good form, proving yet again that they were one of Canada’s top Eventing duos.

In October 2011, Phoenix embarked on one of her greatest achievements to date, the Pan American Games. Riding Pavarotti, a nine-year-old Westphalian gelding owned by Don Good, Phoenix scored top marks in the Dressage phase putting her in first place. On day two, with two American riders mere points behind, Phoenix rode a clear Cross-Country round to hold onto the lead. The final day of competition saw the pair soar around the stadium course flawlessly not once, but twice, first leading Canada to a team silver medal and then clinching the individual

gold medal. Phoenix’s win marked only the second time in Pan American history that a Canadian Eventer brought home the gold.

Last year was a year of intense training, high-performance shows and great accomplishments for Phoenix, paving the road to the London Olympics. The icing on the cake came when Phoenix was named Canada’s 2011 Equestrian of the Year, an honour that she holds dear to heart.

In recognition of their lengthy list of accomplishments, the Canadian Eventing High Performance Committee named Phoenix and Exponential to the 2012 Canadian Eventing Team “short list,” providing Phoenix with a second chance at Olympic glory.

As London draws near, Phoenix and Exponential are taking an extremely controlled approach to competition in an effort to minimize risk of injury, competing at only three full three-day events. With Canadian selectors watching her every move and news reporters lining up for interviews, the excitement and pressure is mounting, making it crucial for Phoenix to stay focused and grounded.

“Life is a day-by-day process, not just for the Olympics, but life in general. If you get too far ahead of yourself, things can change.

You have to focus on the steps that get you to where you want to be,” she says.

This Ontario daughter who first made waves on a pony that everyone underestimated is now poised to realize her childhood dream of representing her province and country at the Olympic Games!

For more information on Jessica Phoenix, including sponsorship info, please visit her website at www.jessicaphoenix.ca or on Facebook at Phoenix Equestrian Team. | Julie Fitz-Gerald is Jessica Phoenix’s sister, publicist and one of her biggest fans. Julie earned a Bachelor of Journalism degree from Ryerson University and works as a freelance writer and editor based in Uxbridge, ON, where she resides with her husband and two young sons. www.horse.on.ca | 27

Member Spotlight

As Ontario Eventer Jessica Phoenix and her off-the-track

thoroughbred, Exponential, make their way through this highly anticipated Olympic year, every outing is thoroughly planned and the benefits verses risks are heavily weighed.

The goal is simple: to minimize risk of injury to the horse while maintaining his strength and confidence. As determined

by Phoenix and David O’Connor, coach of the Canadian Eventing Team, Exponential was slated to complete at only three full Three-Day Events, with Dressage and Stadium Jumping competitions interspersed, to continue honing his capabilities while preserving his health.

The three events included The Fork’s CIC 3* event in North Carolina, Jersey Fresh International Three-Day Event in New Jersey and Bromont International Three-Day Event in Quebec. In an exclusive interview with the Ontario Equestrian Federation, Phoenix explains why each event was chosen, what her goals were for the outings, as well as providing a recap for each competition and what she learned to fine-tune her Olympic quest.

The Fork’s CIC 3* Event, North Carolina, April 5-8, 2012

Photo Credit: Michelle C. Dunn

Reason For Choosing This Event: “We choose this event because it’s the best Cross-Country footing that we see all year. It’s the perfect event to make the optimum time on Cross-Country because of the footing,“ says Phoenix, who explains the Dressage and Stadium Jumping rings have a big atmosphere, which is great practise for the horses considering how tense and populated the rings in London will be.

28 | WHOA! Summer 2012

Goal For This Event: “My goal was to finish on our Dressage score, without incurring any penalties during the Cross-Country and Stadium phases. Dressage is Exponential’s most challenging phase so my goal is to keep him relaxed and build upon each Dressage test leading up to the Olympics. I’m critiquing our test from the rideability perspective, not necessarily from the score that we receive. Is he staying relaxed and listening in the ring? That’s what I’m looking for.”

Performance Recap And Lessons Learned: “I was thrilled with Exponential’s Dressage test; it was a great building block for him!” Phoenix says. “He was extremely rideable during Dressage and his Cross-Country and Stadium rounds were effortless. Jumping in general is

Member Spotlight

Jessica Phoenix Her Road To The Olympics

By Julie Fitz-Gerald

his forte”.

The pair achieved their goal of finishing on their Dressage score of 61.20, with a clear Cross-Country round on day two and a flawless Stadium Jumping round on day three, ending the weekend in ninth place.

“After The Fork and leading up to Jersey Fresh, my next step is to bring Exponential’s poll up higher in Dressage, to have his head and entire frame up higher.”

Jersey Fresh International Three-Day Event, New Jersey, May 10-13, 2012 Reason For Choosing This Event: This event was a mandatory selection trial for any horse not competing at the 2012 Rolex Three-Day Event in Kentucky.

Canadian selectors were on hand to watch the weekend unfold.

Goal For This Event: “Our goal was to bring Exponential’s poll up higher during Dressage. For Cross-Country, the footing is not as ideal as The Fork, so my goal was to run the course at speed but not to go for time, to be more conservative.”

Performance Recap and Lesson Learned: Phoenix achieved her goal for the Dressage phase of the competition. Exponential’s poll was higher and he maintained his relaxation and rideability throughout the test, lowering his score by three points to 57.20.

During the Cross-Country phase on day two, Phoenix picked a more relaxed pace as planned, due to the footing, crossing the finish line just over the optimum time allowed, incurring 2.4 time penalties. Exponential had a smooth ride on course and Phoenix was pleased. Stadium day was rife with excitement, mounting pressure and tension, which almost all the horses picked up on.

All but one pair had either jumping faults or time faults, including Exponential, landing the duo in sixth place. “He was excitable in the ring and knocked one rail” Phoenix says.

To prevent any rails from falling at Bromont, Phoenix planned to take Exponential on a relaxed trot-hack exercise prior to the stadium warm-up and away from the hustle and bustle. The aim is to stretch him out and focus his mind in preparation for the stadium round.

Bromont International Three-Day Event, Quebec, June 7-10, 2012 Reason For Choosing This Event: This was the final mandatory outing for all U.S. and Canadian riders vying for spots on their respective Olympic teams. Selectors for both countries were on hand, quietly evaluating riders and horses throughout the competition.

Goal For This Event: “My goal is to have a similar Dressage test to the one we had at Jersey Fresh, while improving a few areas to lower our score by another three points,” says Phoenix. “I wanted to have Exponential’s poll at exactly the same height, while adding a bit more cadence in the canter work. My aim was to score a 54 in Dressage.”

Performance Recap And Lessons Learned: A jump school for Team Canada held in Bromont on Wednesday, June 6 resulted in utter disbelief for Phoenix and Exponential after a freak jumping accident. As the pair jumped obstacles set up by O’Connor, they looked relaxed and were on their game. Then, as they cantered up to an oxer, the duo took off long and the jump became caught up in Exponential’s back legs, preventing him from landing on all fours. He slid onto his side and Phoenix came down hard. The two quickly got to their feet, but it was clear that Phoenix had broken her collarbone.

Fortunately, Exponential only pulled a muscle and within two days he was given the thumbs up by Canada’s team veterinarian.

Phoenix was immediately scheduled for surgery on her collarbone, allowing her to be back in the saddle within two weeks and leaving plenty of time for the pair to make their final preparations before the London Games.

Despite how the weekend unfolded, Phoenix and Exponential’s huge talent and proven track record secured their spot on Canada’s Eventing Team. On Sunday, June 10, the Canadian Eventing Committee officially named the duo to the team that will represent Canada at the London Olympic Games.

Following a well-deserved one-week rest, Exponential and Phoenix will head to Virginia for training before jet-setting to England with a nation’s hopes and expectations resting on their shoulders.

Stay tuned for a first-hand account of Phoenix’s Olympic adventures in our fall newsletter! | www.horse.on.ca | 29

Member Spotlight

Canadian National Exhibition Association

horse show ADMISSION IS FREE

With the price of admission during the CNE (Aug 17-Sept 3)

July 30-August 26, 2012

HORSE PALACE & RICOH COLISEUM EXHIBITION PLACE | TORONTO, ONTARIO

The CNEA Horse Show offers excellent ring & stabling facilities. Competitions held between July 30-August 9 are held in our indoor air-conditioned ring.

Catch the Competitions!

C • Ontario Hackney Show (July 30) (Please contact the Ontario Hackney Association) • Light Horse Competition (July 31- August 1) Entry Closing July 3 • Heavy Horse Competition (August 3-5) Entry Closing July 11 • Jumper Competition (August 7-9) Entry Closing July 18 • Miniature Horses (August 25) Entry Closing August 10 • Miniature 4 H Clubs & Youth Clubs (August 26) Entries must be postmarked by the dates specified. No facsimile entries accepted (exception is Jumpers with payment information)

For more information contact Barb Meyers at 416.263.3837 or BMeyers@TheEx.com

THEEX.COM

The Canadian National Exhibition with attractions, rides and games is open August 17 to September 3, 2012. The CNE Casino is open July 30 to September 3, 2012. All programming is subject to change.

30 | WHOA! Summer 2012

Therapeutic Spotlight

Changing Lives One Ride At A Time At Awesome Acres T

he white Community Living vans start rolling into Awesome Acres Therapeutic Riding Centre and Club at about 9:30 a.m. Lesley, a 42-yearold man descends from one of the vans and heads for the barn.

“Ride Hylke? Hylke’s a good horse,” he says. “Ride Hylke?” Lesley has been waiting for this time all week. He keeps in his room a picture of himself on the horse and tells everyone that he will be riding again soon. Each day he asks if it is his riding day.

The other club members unload from the vans. They are a group of adults with developmental disabilities from various group homes and day programs in Bradford, Alliston and Tottenham. Ages range from early 20s to early 60s and their abilities have an even broader range.

They are all happy to be members of the club and to be there for their weekly visit.

Everyone files in and the activities get underway. A few of the members grab a wheelbarrow and a pitch fork and, with the assistance and direction of their support workers, head into the indoor arena to clean up any manure before the riding starts. Lesley and Bill, another program participant, work with Catherine Martin, co-founder of the therapeutic centre, to groom and tack the horses. Some of the members, who also have physical limitations, groom the Miniature Horse and help harness him. Another group head over to work on the vegetable garden. Planting is almost complete and weeding is now the big challenge.

The riding gets underway after about 15 minutes. Riding skills of the participants vary widely. A number of riders are quite proficient at directing the horse independently, while others need considerable assistance. Regardless of ability, all club members get enjoyment from their riding activities. They take great pride in their accomplishments.

Sometimes the achievement is as small as getting up the courage to pat the horse or to stand on the mounting block and put their foot in the stirrup for the first time.

For new riders and those just starting to develop their skills, it takes a number of volunteers to make it safe for them to ride. In addition to the instructor, the horses must have a leader and the riders require two side walkers each to provide stability and support. The support staff that accompany the members have been trained to be competent horse leaders and side walkers, although many of them had never been near a horse before participating in this program.

In addition to needing motivated and trained volunteers, appropriate horses for the riders and drivers are key to the success of the program.

The star equine participant in the riding program is Hylke, a 10-year-

old, 1,300-pound Friesian gelding with unlimited patience and an unflappable nature. The cart driving experiences for the participants are the responsibility of Muskoka’s Gorgeous Gilligan, a slightly oversized pinto Miniature Horse gelding who loves this work (and the carrots that come with it). Burt and Lorne, the two barn cats, add to the Awesome Acres experience too. “Burt loves me,” says Bill, holding Burt on his lap while waiting for his turn to ride.

The program is in its second year. It could not run without the enthusiasm and work done by the Community Living support workers, local high school students and other volunteers from the Tottenham area. They assist the club members with their riding and they help the members set and achieve their personal goals, whether it’s Earl learning to clean a stall, Letitia riding the cart behind Gilligan or Bill directing Hylke by himself.

Awesome Acres, located just east of Tottenham, is the home of Catherine and Michael Martin. The farm is 33 acres and includes riding facilities, a herd of Friesian horses ranging from foals to adults, a large vegetable garden, apple and pear trees and many walking and riding trails through the woods. It’s a wonderful place to visit on a summer morning.

Catherine Martin and Peggy Stevens started the charitable organization and run its activities together with two other administrative committee members, Jennifer Coxworthy of Richvale Saddlery and Dianne Bracken. Both Martin and Stevens have been involved with special needs young adults for some time. Stevens is a special needs high school teacher and Martin has a son who has Down syndrome. They recognized the great need for meaningful activities for adults with developmental disabilities and have designed this program accordingly.

Weekly, the club also gives riding lessons to children and adults with Down syndrome.

The riding and gardening activities are free for all participants, thanks to the monetary support provided by friends and family of Martin and Stevens. If you would like to support the program by making a cash donation, a charitable donation tax receipt will be provided.

Awesome Acres Therapeutic Riding Centre and Club is a member in good standing of the Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association and the Ontario Therapeutic Riding Association.

Donations can be directed to Awesome Acres Therapeutic Riding Centre and Club, 5526 4th Line, Tottenham, ON, LOG 1W0 |

www.horse.on.ca | 31

Thank You To Our Partners PLATINUM

E Q U E S T R I A N

GOLD River Bend Designs

photography - video - design solutions

SILVER

ADM Alliance Nutrition ~ Can-Am Marketing ~ Equine Massage Therapy by Diane ~ Granton Trailers ~ Greenhawk Harness & Equestrian Supplies ~ Willson Lewis LLP

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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 32 | WHOA! Summer 2012

Photo Credit: Linnéa Burgess

Around The Barn

Promoting Your Stable T

here are usually three ways people hear about and remember a business – they see advertisements or promotions; the business looks clean, safe and well run; and interactions with clients are polite and professional.

When it comes to promotion, now that everyone seems to have some kind of internet technology close at hand, a professional web presence is important. And it doesn’t need to be expensive. There is inexpensive software available that can help you create a web page. Remember to make your important information prominent, and be shameless! If you have been in business for 20 years, let them know. If your coaches are certified and/or your barn is a member of the Ontario Equestrian Federation’s Horse Facilities Council, let them know. If your facility is “off the beaten path,” a web presence is that much more important. In the past, the OEF has offered free learning sessions to help members build their own website. Please contact the OEF if you would be interested in attending future events on this subject.

When it comes to presenting your business, a clean and neat facility speaks volumes about the quality of care you offer to both your horses and your clients. Clients looking for facilities that offer services to young people are particularly sensitive to safety, so posting your emergency action plan (you can find a copy of a draft plan and signage on the OEF website) and promoting the knowledge and experience of your coaching staff will go a long way to bringing clients to your door. And never underestimate the value of word-ofmouth referrals. Offer your clients opportunities to share information about your barn to friends and family who may be looking for a barn. Also, make business cards and/or fliers available for your clients to take and spread the word about their experience with you.

Finally, your business practices are important to new riders and owners. While they’ve found you, and things look and feel great in your barn, they want to know that you run the business side of the barn just as professionally. Be up-front about your services and your fees, hours, extra costs, provision of farrier and coaching services (restrictions or not), billing and opportunities to resolve conflicts, should they arise.

Lots of horse owners and riders move from barns for a variety of reasons, so avoid burning bridges with clients. After all, they came and stayed with you when things were fine and there’s no reason they shouldn’t still speak well of you, even if they find that your services or location no longer meets their needs.

Membership in the OEF Horse Facilities Council will give you the opportunity to meet other Facilities Council Members who have a wealth of individual experience and success in their business. There is a networking opportunity among horse facilities members at our annual general meeting. This is just one of the many benefits of our facilities program.

Visit the Membership section of the OEF website for more information on the program and give us an opportunity to persuade you of the value of membership. | The Horse Facilities Council provides support and marketing opportunities to commercial horse facilities that provide services such as riding lessons, boarding, sales etc. If your facility provides any one of these services, you are eligible to take advantage of the benefits the Horse Facilities Council offers.

The OEF will only promote facilities that have demonstrated a commitment to safety, education and animal welfare. To ensure that your facility values safe procedures, you must complete the site accreditation process that includes completing an accreditation and safety standards checklist. Once your facility has completed the accreditation requirements, you will receive OEF Horse Facilities Council signage to post on your property that will signify to the community that the facility meets OEF standards. www.horse.on.ca | 33

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34 | WHOA! Summer 2012

Mane Events

Mark Your Calendar For The 2012 Spirit of the Horse T

he Spirit of the Horse exhibit is back at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair to entertain and educate horse lovers by giving them the opportunity to meet different horse breeds up close and personal.

The Ontario Equestrian Federation (OEF) is pleased to continue the partnership with the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair and will once again be managing the Spirit of the Horse exhibit for 2012. The full-size exhibitor ring hosts breed and discipline demonstrations, along with entertainment features, during the 10-day duration of the Fair.

The OEF will continue to build upon the success of the discipline clinics held in 2011, and will offer clinics highlighting Eventing, Dressage, Hunter and Jumper, Reining and, new for 2012, Saddle Seat. Stay tuned for details in the fall issue of WHOA!

We also invite all members to the 2nd Annual Member Appreciation Day on Tuesday, Nov, 6, 2012 – an all-day event culminating in our member appreciation party held in the Spirit of the Horse ring!

There will be food, draws, prizes and cake! Come out and meet fellow members, competitors and coaches, along with the board and staff of the OEF. We look forward to seeing you there!

Plans are underway for this year’s Spirit of the Horse and the exhibitor prospectus package is now available. If your association is interested in participating as an exhibitor, or if you would like information on being an exhibitor, please contact Catherine Barker at opmgr@horse.on.ca, 1-877-441-7112 or 905-709-6545 ext. 23.

Be sure to join us for the Spirit of the Horse at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair from Nov. 2-11, 2012. For further information on the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair please visit www.royalfair.org.|

Photo Credit: Jaclyn Appleby

www.horse.on.ca | 35

Mane Events

2012 COMPETITIONS EQUINE SKILLS DEVELOPMENT DRESSAGE

Competition Name Forest Lane Dressage Funfest #2 Heron Crest Dressage Show North Gower Dressage Days #3

Start Date 07/08/2012 07/15/2012 09/02/2012

End Date 07/08/2012 07/15/2012 09/02/2012

EQUINE SKILLS DEVELOPMENT HUNTER JUMPER

Canada Day Dewmont Skills Development Series #1 NNEP Sunshine Show Series II NNEP Sunshine Show Series III Dewmont Skills Development Series #2 Summer Special Season Finale

BRONZE BREED

Region 18 Specialties Region 18 Championship Lindsay Ex Light Horse Show

BRONZE DRESSAGE

FGS AERSO #2 Glanbrook CADORA Bronze Competition 3 Conestoga CADORA Cornerstone Equestrian Center KLDA #3 - Dressage at Lane’s End Blue Star Bronze Dressage #3 Glanbrook CADORA Bronze Competition 4 KLDA Bronze #4 Cornerstone Bronze Festival Conestoga CADORA Travis Hall Equestrian Center Glanbrook CADORA Bronze Competition 5 Blue Star Bronze Dressage #4 Glanbrook CADORA Bronze Competition 6 RCRA Autumn II RCRA Snowflake I

BRONZE EVENTING

Glenarden Farms Horse Trials 1 Glenarden Farms Horse Trials 2

BRONZE HUNTER JUMPER

THJA South East Zone Show #2 Cedar Run Tournament Bronze Dewmont Bronze Shows #1 Summerfest Trillium THJA South East Zone Show #3 Blue Star Trillium #2 Cedar Blue Mountains Celebration Bronze RCRA Summerfest I Trillium Knowlton Ridge Annual Classic Trillium THJA South East Zone Show #4 Dewmont Bronze Shows #2 RCRA Summerfest II Trillium THJA South East Zone Show #5 Blue Star Bronze H/J #2

BRONZE REINING OBBO Futurity

BRONZE/GOLD DRESSAGE

QSLB Doornekamp Gold/Silver/Bronze #2 Cornerstone Summer Festival QSLB Doornekamp Show Gold/Silver/Bronze #3 QSLB Evergreen Show Gold/Silver/Bronze #4

BRONZE/SILVER DRESSAGE

Dressage Niagara Bronze/Silver #3 London Dressage Association #4 Dressage Niagara Bronze/Silver #4 London Dressage Association #5

SILVER BREED

Ontario Morgan Horse Championship Classic

SILVER DRESSAGE

Caledon Dressage Silver Show #2 London Dressage Association #3 Glanbrook CADORA Silver Competition C Spiritwood Farm Silver Dressage Vanbrook Equestrian Trillium Competition Caledon Dressage Silver Show #3 Silver Dressage Championships - Western Div. Silver Dressage Championships - Eastern Div.

36 | WHOA! Summer 2012

Contact Email or Website ch123ca@yahoo.ca www.heroncreststables.com judy.fournier@xplornet.ca

07/08/2012 07/14/2012 07/15/2012 08/05/2012 08/11/2012 08/12/2012 09/23/2012

07/08/2012 07/14/2012 07/15/2012 08/05/2012 08/11/2012 08/12/2012 09/23/2012

Pickering Horse Centre Dewmont Equestrian Center Nepean National Equestrian Park Nepean National Equestrian Park Dewmont Equestrian Center Pickering Horse Centre Pickering Horse Centre

rhainschwang@gmail.com heather@snipper.ca nancymitchell@sympatico.ca nancymitchell@sympatico.ca heather@snipper.ca rhainschwang@gmail.com rhainschwang@gmail.com

07/16/2012 07/19/2012 09/21/2012

07/18/2012 07/21/2012 09/21/2012

Western Fair Agriplex Western Fair Agriplex Lindsay Fairgrounds

ahaec@yahoo.ca ahaec@yahoo.ca brenda@lindsayex.com

07/07/2012 07/08/2012

07/07/2012 07/08/2012

Forever Green Stables Reschburl Equestrian Centre

www.forevergreenstables.com susan114@sympatico.ca

07/22/2012 07/22/2012 07/29/2012 07/29/2012 08/19/2012 08/10/2012

07/22/2012 07/22/2012 07/29/2012 07/29/2012 08/19/2012 08/12/2012

Cornerstone Equestrian Center Lane’s End Farm Blue Star Farm Fox Run Stables Killarney Hill Caledon Equestrian Park

abertrans@on.aibn.com lanes.end@sympatico.ca bluestarfarm@sympatico.ca susan114@sympatico.ca www.klda.ca csfhorses@aol.com

08/19/2012 08/19/2012 09/23/2012 09/30/2012 10/27/2012 12/01/2012

08/19/2012 08/19/2012 09/23/2012 09/30/2012 10/28/2012 12/02/2012

Travis Hall Equestrian Center Irish Creek Stables Blue Star Farm Centre Line Stables Royal Canadian Riding Academy (RCRA) Royal Canadian Riding Academy (RCRA)

abertrans@on.aibn.com susan114@sympatico.ca bluestarfarm@sympatico.ca susan114@sympatico.ca amanda@rcra.ca amanda@rcra.ca

07/07/2012 10/06/2012

07/07/2012 10/06/2012

Glenarden Farms Glenarden Farms

peggy@glenardenfarms.com peggy@glenardenfarms.com

07/07/2012 07/11/2012 07/15/2012 07/20/2012 07/28/2012 08/03/2012 08/08/2012 08/10/2012 08/11/2012 08/11/2012 08/12/2012 08/17/2012 08/25/2012 09/02/2012

07/08/2012 07/15/2012 07/15/2012 07/22/2012 07/29/2012 08/05/2012 08/12/2012 10/12/2012 08/12/2012 08/12/2012 08/12/2012 08/19/2012 08/26/2012 09/02/2012

Gladstone Farm Cedar Run Horse Park Dewmont Equestrian Center Pickering Horse Centre Gladstone Farm Blue Star Farm Cedar Run Horse Park Royal Canadian Riding Academy (RCRA) Knowlton Ridge Gladstone Farm Dewmont Equestrian Center Royal Canadian Riding Academy (RCRA) Dreamcatcher Farm Blue Star Farm

laurie.johnson@sympatico.ca twinholm@aol.com heather@snipper.ca thepickeringhorsecentre@gmail.com laurie.johnson@sympatico.ca bluestarfarm@sympatico.ca twinholm@aol.com ray@bgshomes.com ccprop@efni.com laurie.johnson@sympatico.ca heather@snipper.ca ray@bgshomes.com laurie.johnson2@sympatico.ca bluestarfarm@sympatico.ca

09/11/2012

09/13/2012

Western Fair Agriplex

obbo_futurityreiners@yahoo.ca

07/07/2012 07/13/2012 08/18/2012 09/08/2012

07/08/2012 07/15/2012 08/19/2012 09/09/2012

Doornekamp Farm Caledon Equestrian Park Doornekamp Farm Evergreen Farm

sheri@doornekamp.ca csfhorses@aol.com sheri@doornekamp.ca kacullum@hotmail.com

07/29/2012 08/19/2012 08/26/2012 09/09/2012

07/29/2012 08/19/2012 08/26/2012 09/09/2012

Niagara Regional Ex Fairgrounds Eastwood Niagara Regional Ex Fairgrounds Eastwood

eileenquigley@live.ca jackie.book@sympatico.ca eileenquigley@live.ca jackie.book@sympatico.ca

07/13/2012 07/20/2012 07/21/2012 07/28/2012 08/24/2012 08/25/2012

07/15/2012 07/22/2012 07/22/2012 07/29/2012 08/26/2012 08/26/2012

Royal Canadian Riding Academy (RCRA) Foothills Farm Westar Farms Huntingford Farm Eastwood Fiddler's Green Stables

www.jokershillhorseshows.com chawson@sympatico.ca www.westarfarms.ca www.huntingfordfarm.com eastwood4@sympatico.ca fgsrjn@aol.com

07/14/2012

07/15/2012

Orangeville Fairgrounds

mcmuffinmccoy@yahoo.ca

07/07/2012 07/08/2012 07/26/2012 08/12/2012 08/17/2012 08/25/2012 09/22/2012 09/09/2012

07/08/2012 07/08/2012 07/29/2012 08/12/2012 08/19/2012 08/26/2012 09/22/2012 09/09/2012

Orangeville Argicultural Centre Eastwood Fox Run Stables Spiritwood Farm Iron Horse Equestrian Complex Orangeville Agricultural Centre Blue Star Farm Rainbow Ridge Ranch

a_woodley@yahoo.com jackie.book@sympatico.ca susan114@sympatico.ca judy.fournier@xplornet.ca www.centralwestzone.com a_woodley@yahoo.com bluestarfarm@sympatico.ca lynda.steven@gmail.com

BRONZE/SILVER HUNTER JUMPER

Joker's Hill Summer Trillium 2 Rick Smith Memorial Westar Farms Horse Lovers' Weekend Huntingford Bronze/Silver Trillium Eastwood Trillium Horse Show Fiddler's Green Stables #3

Location Forest Lane Horse Farm Heron Crest Stables Spiritwood Farm

Mane Events

SILVER EVENTING

Competition Name Grandview Summer Horse Trials Oakhurst Long Format 3 Day Event Touch A Rainbow Horse Trials 2 Ottawa Fall Horse Trials

Start Date 08/05/2012 08/16/2012 08/26/2012 09/16/2012

End Date 08/05/2012 08/19/2012 08/26/2012 09/16/2012

Location Grandview Farms Oakhurst Farm Terelisa Farm Nepean National Equestrian Park

Contact Email or Website holman@grandviewfarm.com ruth@oakhurstfarm.com tess@terelisafarm.com beth@peakperformance.ca

07/06/2012 07/07/2012 07/07/2012 07/14/2012 07/20/2012 07/20/2012 07/21/2012 07/27/2012 07/28/2012 07/28/2012 07/28/2012 08/03/2012 08/10/2012 08/11/2012 08/11/2012 08/11/2012 08/17/2012 08/18/2012 08/18/2012 08/24/2012 08/25/2012 08/25/2012 10/03/2012

07/09/2012 07/08/2012 07/08/2012 07/14/2012 07/22/2012 07/22/2012 07/22/2012 07/29/2012 07/29/2012 07/29/2012 07/29/2012 08/05/2012 08/12/2012 08/12/2012 08/12/2012 08/12/2012 08/19/2012 08/19/2012 08/19/2012 08/26/2012 08/26/2012 08/26/2012 10/04/2012

Camberwell Stables London Hunt & Country Club Gladstone Farm Warwick Equestrian Pickering Horse Centre Red Ribbon Stables Crystalbrooke Farm Parish Ridge Stables Gladstone Farm Warwick Equestrian Butler Show Horses Blue Star Farm Royal Canadian Riding Academy (RCRA) RailsideView Equestrian Centre Knowlton Ridge Gladstone Farm Royal Canadian Riding Academy (RCRA) RailsideView Equestrian Centre Cedar Run Horse Park Iron Horse Equestrian Complex Jack Pine Equestrian Centre Dreamcatcher Farm Norfolk Country Fairgrounds

camberwell@rogers.com ehowlett@bell.net laurie.johnson@sympatico.ca www.swtrillium.org thepickeringhorsecentre@gmail.com redribbonstables@netzero.net sonjahellqvist@rogers.com office@parishridgestables.com laurie.johnson@sympatico.ca www.swtrillium.org http://butlershowhorses.com bluestarfarm@sympatico.ca ray@bgshomes.com www.railsideview.com ccprop@efni.com laurie.johnson@sympatico.ca ray@bgshomes.com www.railsideview.com jcasselman@touchngofarms.com www.centralwestzone.com jackpine_farm@hotmail.com laurie.johnson2@sympatico.ca www.norfolkcountyfair.com

07/07/2012

07/08/2012

Huntingford Farm

pia@huntingfordfarm.com

07/21/2012 08/03/2012 08/10/2012 08/25/2012 08/31/2012 09/01/2012

07/22/2012 08/05/2012 08/12/2012 08/26/2012 09/02/2012 09/09/2012

Y Not Farms and Equestrian Center Royal Canadian Riding Academy (RCRA) Essa Agriplex Queenswood Stables Cedarlane Equestrian Centre Royal Canadian Riding Academy (RCRA)

cedarlane_ec@yahoo.ca amanda@rcra.ca csfhorses@aol.com qws@queenswoodstables.com cedarlane_ec@yahoo.ca amanda@rcra.ca

09/02/2012

09/02/2012

SVAHA

svaha@hotmail.ca

07/14/2012 07/22/2012 07/26/2012 08/05/2012 08/05/2012 08/11/2012 08/19/2012 08/25/2012 09/01/2012 09/08/2012 09/22/2012 09/23/2012 09/30/2012 10/07/2012 10/13/2012

07/15/2012 07/22/2012 07/29/2012 08/05/2012 08/05/2012 08/12/2012 08/19/2012 08/26/2012 09/01/2012 09/09/2012 09/23/2012 09/23/2012 09/30/2012 10/07/2012 10/14/2012

Will O’ Wind Equus 3D Cedar Run Horse Park Oakhurst Farm Centaur Riding School Wit’s End Farm Lane’s End Farm Woodwind Farm Cedar Run Horse Park Grandview Farms Glen Oro Oakhurst Farm Equus 3D Woodwind Farm Will O’ Wind

gmorgan@showcom.com equus3d@bell.net jenthompson73@hotmail.com mark@oakhurstfarm.com info@centaurridingschool.com allen005@rogers.com lanes.end@sympatico.ca woodwindfarm@rocketmail.com donna.vanbeek@bellnet.ca holman@grandviewfarm.com leslie@glenoro.com joan@oakhurstfarm.com equus3d@bell.net woodwindfarm@rocketmail.com gmorgan@show.com

Cedar Run Hunter Jumper Classic - Phase 2 07/11/2012 Equestrian Festival 07/24/2012 Summer Festival 07/31/2012 Canadian National Exhibition Jumper Competition 08/07/2012 Orangeville International 08/15/2012 Cornerstone Summer Encore 1 08/22/2012 Angelstone National Phase 2 08/29/2012 Cornerstone Summer Encore 2 08/29/2012 Angelstone National Phase 3 09/05/2012 Autumn Classic 09/13/2012 Toronto Invitational 09/14/2012 RCRA 10/12/2012

07/15/2012 07/29/2012 08/05/2012 08/09/2012 08/19/2012 08/26/2012 09/02/2012 09/02/2012 09/05/2012 09/16/2012 09/15/2012 10/14/2012

Cedar Run Horse Park Caledon Equestrian Park Caledon Equestrian Park Exhibition Place, Ricoh Coliseum Orangeville Agricultural Centre Essa Agriplex Angelstone Essa Agriplex Angelstone Caledon Equestrian Park (Palgrave) Iron Horse Equestrian Complex RCRA

classic@cedarrun.ca emg@equiman.com emg@equiman.com bmeyers@theex.com ainsley@hayesco.ca csfhorses@aol.com keean@angelstone.com csfhorses@aol.com keean@angelstone.com emg@equiman.com rob@equestriansport.com www.rcra.ca

08/26/2012

08/26/2012

KR Equestrian Therapeutic Riding

kr@krequestrian.com

11/02/2012

11/11/2012

Exhibition Place, Ricoh Coliseum

jblakeney@royalfair.org

07/28/2012

07/29/2012

Dreamcrest

janette.leask@sympatico.ca

08/22/2012 09/19/2012

08/26/2012 09/23/2012

Angelstone Caledon Equestrian Park

keean@angelstone.co emg@equiman.com

09/26/2012 11/02/2012

09/30/2012 11/11/2012

Angelstone Exhibition Place, Ricoh Coliseum

morgan@angelstone.co jblakeney@royalfair.org

SILVER HUNTER JUMPER

Camberwell Stables Trillium London Hunt Trillium THJA South East Zone Show #2 Warwick Trillium Show 1 Summerfest Trillium Red Ribbon Trillium Competition Crystalbrooke Farm Trillium Show Parish Ridge Stables Trillium THJA South East Zone Show #3 Warwick Trillium Show 2 Butler Show Horses Trillium Blue Star Trillium #2 RCRA Summerfest I Trillium RailsideView Equestrian Centre I Knowlton Ridge Annual Classic Trillium THJA South East Zone Show #4 RCRA Summerfest II Trillium RailsideView Equestrian Centre II Cedar Run Trillium 2 Iron Horse Trillium Competition Jack Pine Trillium Silver #2 THJA South East Zone Show #5 Norfolk County Fair & Horse Show

SILVER/GOLD DRESSAGE

Huntingford Farm

GOLD DRESSAGE

Spirit of Excellence RCRA Summerfest Cornerstone Summer Classic Queenswood Dressage Festival Ontario Dressage Championships Eastern Regional Championships

GOLD ENDURANCE

SVAHA Stormont Endurance Ride

GOLD EVENTING

Will O’Wind Equus 3D Horse Trials 1 Cedar Run Horse Trials Oakhurst Horse Trials 1 Centaur Summer Gold Show Wits End Horse Trials Lane’s End Horse Trials 2012 Woodwind Horse Trials 2 Cedar Run Horse Trials II OHTA Championships at Grandview Glen Oro Horse Trials 2 Oakhurst Horse Trials 2 Equus 3D Horse Trials 2 Woodwind Horse Trials 3 Will O’ Wind Horse Trials 2

GOLD HUNTER JUMPER

GOLD PARA DRESSAGE KR Equestrian Para-Dressage

PLATINUM DRESSAGE CDI3* Royal Horse Show

PLATINUM EVENTING Dreamcrest Horse Trials

PLATINUM HUNTER JUMPER

Angelstone National Phase 1 CSI2* Canadian Show Jumping Tournament CSI2* Angelstone National Show Jumping Tournament CSI2* Royal Agricultural Winter Fair CSI4* W

www.horse.on.ca | 37

2012 Summer Olympic & Paralympic Games

GO CANADA! Let’s all cheer on our fellow Canadian equestrians as they strive to achieve their Olympic dreams.

GREENWICH PARK Greenwich Park is London’s oldest Royal Park, dating back to 1433, and is part of the Greenwich World Heritage site and home to the Prime Meridian Line.

Covering 74 hectares (183 acres) and located just 20 minutes from central London, the park offers sweeping views across the River Thames to St. Paul’s Cathedral and beyond.

The Design and Build A temporary course has been designed for the Cross-Country element of the Eventing competition, while a temporary main arena is also being built in front of the Queen’s House within the grounds of the National Maritime Museum.

Work began on the temporary main arena in April 2012. The arena features an innovative purpose-made platform made from plywood, aluminum and steel which is held above ground by over 2,000 pillars.

The 5.7 kilometer Cross-Country course will feature over forty-two jumps and see riders and horses tackle water obstacles, slopes and hills.

After The Games All structures installed within the park, including the arena and the CrossCountry jumps, are temporary and will be removed after the London 2012 Games. The park will continue to be used for a wide range of recreation and leisure activities.

EVENTING The Basics The Eventing competition takes place over four days. As with all three equestrian disciplines on the Olympic program, the competition features both individual and team events, and men and women compete against each other on equal terms.

Dressage fills the first two days of the Eventing competition. Each horse and rider performs a dressage test in front of a panel of judges. The total score is converted into penalty points, which are carried forward to the next stage of the competition.

Day three is the Cross-Country test, held over a beautiful but tough course in Greenwich Park containing up to forty-four jumps. Every horse/rider combination is given penalty points for jumping errors and time penalties, which are added to any penalty points awarded during the Dressage test to give a total score.

The Eventing competition gets a grandstand finish on day four with the Jumping tests (widely known in the UK as Show Jumping). Once again, riders and horses are given penalty points for Jumping errors and time penalties, which are added to their previous Dressage and Cross-Country scores to determine the overall rankings.

The first Jumping test decides the placings in the team event; after this has been completed, a second Jumping test determines the winners of the individual competition.

Competition Format Scores are cumulative across all three phases, with the best total determining the winner. Teams can consist of up to five athlete/horse 38 | WHOA! Summer 2012

combinations, but only the best three results will count towards the team’s score.

After the first Jumping test, the best 25 riders (as well as any who are tied for 25th place) go through to the second Jumping test. Placing for the individual event are determined by the sum of the Dressage, CrossCountry, first Jumping test and second Jumping test scores.

Timetable: July 28, 2012

5:00 a.m. (EST)

July 29, 2012

5:00 a.m. (EST)

July 30, 2012

5:30 a.m. (EST)

July 31, 2012 5:30 a.m. (EST) 9:30 a.m. (EST)

Individual Eventing Dressage Team Eventing Dressage Individual Eventing Dressage Team Eventing Dressage Individual Eventing Cross Country Team Eventing Cross Country Individual Eventing Jumping Qualifier Team Eventing Jumping Individual Eventing Jumping

Eventing Team Canada Members: • Hawley Bennett-Awad of Langley, BC riding Gin N Juice, owned by Hawley Bennett-Awad and Linda Paine • Rebecca Howard of Salmon Arms, BC riding Riddle Master, owned by Blithe Hill Farm • Jessica Phoenix of Uxbridge, ON riding her horse Exponential • Michele Mueller of Port Perry, ON riding Amistad, owned by Julia Anna Pring • Peter Barry of Dunham, QC riding Kilrodan Abbott, owned by Peter Barry, Susan and Dylan Barry • Alternate: Shandiss Wewiora of Oakville, ON riding Rockfield Grant Juan, owned by Amanda and Jorge Bernhard

DRESSAGE The Basics In modern Dressage competitions, the horse and rider perform a series of movements known as a Dressage test. The tests are performed before a panel of seven judges, who award scores for individual movements and for the overall routine.

The Dressage competition consists of a team event (made up of three athletes/horses), which includes the Grand Prix and Grand Prix Special rounds; and an individual event, which includes the Grand Prix and the Grand Prix Special as qualifiers for the Grand Prix Freestyle (the competition that decides the final individual classification). The team and individual events are conducted simultaneously; a rider’s score in a test will be relevant for both events.

Competition Format After the first phase, the Grand Prix, the best seven teams (including any teams tied for seventh place) and the best 11 individuals (including any tied 11th place) who are not already qualified as team members, progress to the next phase, the Grand Prix Special.

The team event medals are decided by the total of the scores in the Grand Prix and the Grand Prix Special. After the Grand Prix Special, the best 18 individuals (including any tied for 18th place) go through to the Grand Prix Freestyle. Riders are selected to go through on the basis of their performance in the Grand Prix Special only.

Performance in the Grand Prix Freestyle determines the medals in the individual event.

Timetable: Aug. 2, 2012

6:00 a.m. (EST)

Individual Dressage Grand Prix Team Dressage Grand Prix

www.horse.on.ca | 39

Aug. 3, 2012

6:00 a.m. (EST)

Aug. 7, 2012

5:00 a.m. (EST)

Aug. 9, 2012

7:30 a.m. (EST)

Individual Dressage Grand Prix Team Dressage Grand Prix Individual Dressage Grand Prix Special Team Dressage Grand Prix Special Individual Dressage Grand Prix Freestyle

Dressage Team Canada Members: • Ashley Holzer of Toronto, ON riding Breaking Dawn, owned by Ashley Holzer and P.J. Rivzi • Jacqueline Brooks of Cedar Valley, ON riding D Niro, owned by Brookhaven Dressage Inc. • David Marcus of Campbellville, ON riding Chrevi’s Capital, owned by Deborah Miculinic • First Reserve: Diane Creech of Caistor Centre, ON riding Devon L, owned by Douglas and Louise Leatherdale • Second Reserve: Pia Fortmuller of DeWinton, AB riding Orion, owned by Pia Fortmuller and Dagmar Fortmuller

JUMPING The Basics The Jumping competition is a tense, exciting test of skill, speed and power. Riders are timed on the course as they jump over obstacles that may include parallel rails, triple bars, water jumps and simulated stone walls.

Penalties are awarded for jumps not cleared correctly. The winner is the rider and horse that finishes with the fewest penalties in the fastest time.

As with all three equestrian disciplines on the Olympic program, the competition features both individual and team events, and men and women compete against each other on equal terms.

Competition Format There are a total of five rounds in the Jumping competition, with all five playing a part in the individual event. Two of these rounds are used to determine the placings in the team event.

First Round: First Individual Competition All riders compete in the first qualifier. The best 60 individual riders (including those tied for 60th place) and all team riders ranked lower than 60 progress to the second round.

Second Round: First Round of Team Competition and Second Individual Qualifying Competition The best 45 individual riders (including those tied for 45th place), based on combined scores from both rounds, and the best eight teams (including those teams tied for eighth place), based on scores from this round only, progress to the third round.

Jumping Team Canada Members: • Yann Candele of Caledon, ON riding Carlotta Singular La Magnifica, owned by Susan Grange • Tiffany Foster of Schomberg, ON riding Victor, owned by Torrey Pines Stable and Artisan Farms • Jill Henselwood of Oxford Mills, ON riding George, owned

by Brian Gingras • Eric Lamaze of Schomberg, ON riding either Derly Chin de Muze, owned by Ashland Stables and Torrey Pines Stable or Verdi, owned by Artisan Farm and Torrey Pines Stable • Ian Millar of Perth, ON riding Star Power, owned by Team Works • Reserve: Jonathan Asselin of Calgary, AB riding Showgirl, owned by Attache Stables • Reserve: Jenna Thompson of Calgary, AB riding Zeke, owned by Jenna Thompson • Reserve: Lisa Carlsen of Spruce Grove, AB riding La Boom, owned by La Boom Syndicate

PARA-EQUESTRIAN The Basics Riders compete only in individual and team Dressage. They perform individually and must ride a pattern which includes various changes in pace and direction. All riders are grouped according to their functional profiles and they are judged on their ability to control and maneuver the horses. Riders unable to give signals to the horse with their legs are required to develop creative ways to communicate with the horse such as utilizing a Dressage whip or other aid.

Competition Format Riders compete in two Dressage events: a championship test of set movements and a freestyle test to music. There is also a team test for three to four riders per team. Competitors are judged on their display of horsemanship skills as they ride their horses using a series of commands for walk, trot and canter. Riders may use permitted assistive devices such as dressage crops, a connecting rein bar, and rubber bands.

The Paralympic Equestrian competition is open to athletes with visual impairment, cerebral palsy, amputation or les autres, as outlined below: Grade I: Wheelchair users with poor trunk balance and/or impairment of function in all four limbs or no trunk balance and good upper limb function.

Grade II: Wheelchair users, or those with severe locomotive impairment involving the trunk, and with mild to good upper limb function, or severe unilateral impairment.

Third Round: Second Round of Team Competition and Third Individual Qualifying Competition The final placings for the team event are determined by the sum of the scores in the first and second round of the team competition.

Grade III: Blind athletes able to walk without support, with moderate unilateral impairment, moderate impairment in four limbs or severe arm impairment. These riders may require a wheelchair for longer distances or due to lack of stamina.

Fourth Round: Individual Final Round A The best 20 riders (including those tied for 20th place), based on scores from this round only, progress to the fifth round.

Grade IV: Impairment in one or two limbs or some degree of visual impairment.

Fifth Round: Individual Final Round B The final placings for the individual event are determined by the sum of the scores in the individual final rounds A and B. If two or more rider/horse combinations are tied for medal places after the fifth round of the individual event, there is a jump-off to break the tie.

Timetable: Aug. 4, 2012 5:30 a.m. (EST)

Aug. 5, 2012 6:00 a.m. (EST) Aug. 6, 2012 9:00 a.m. (EST)

40 | WHOA! Summer 2012

Individual Jumping 1st Qualifier Team Jumping 1st Qualifier Individual Jumping 2nd Qualifier Team Jumping Finals Round 1 Individual Jumping 3rd Qualifier Team Jumping Finals Round 2 Individual Jumping Final Round A Individual Jumping Final Round B

The classification also takes account of a weighting system for the body areas most important for riding.

Canadian Para-Equestrian Team Members: • Lauren Barwick of Aldergrove, BC riding Off to Paris, owned

by Equine Canada and Ferdonia 2, owned by Lauren Barwick • Eleonore Elstone of Langley, BC riding Zareno, owned by Elisabeth Posmus-Penterman and Why Not G, owned by Kelligh Kulcsar/Eleonore Elstone • Ashley Gowanlock of Surrey, NC riding Ferdonia 2, owned

by Lauren Barwick and Maile, owned by Lauren Barwick • Jody Schloss of Toronto, ON riding Inspector Rebus, owned

by Jody Schloss

Mane Events

ONTARIO EQUESTRIAN FEDERATION NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Notice is hereby given to the membership of the Ontario Equestrian Federation that the 2012 Annual General Meeting will take place during the OEF Annual Conference on Saturday, Nov. 24, 2012 commencing at 12:00 noon in the Pavilion Auditorium at the Delta Meadowvale Resort & Conference Centre in Mississauga.

The meeting agenda is as follows: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

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

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

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

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

We, ________________________________________________________ Name and OEF # of Nominator 1

______________________________________________________ Signature of Nominator 1

________________________________________________________ Name and OEF # of Nominator 2

______________________________________________________ Signature of Nominator 2

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

______________________________________________________ (OEF #)

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

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

_________________________________________________________ Signature of Nominee

__________________________________ Date

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

www.horse.on.ca | 41

OEF AWARDS

2012

DOES SOMEONE YOU KNOW DESERVE SPECIAL RECOGNITION? Ontario Equestrian Federation Annual Awards

Nominations are being sought for each of these prestigious awards.

Yvonne Collard Award … awarded to an adult member of the OEF who has made an outstanding contribution of time and effort to Ontario equestrian sport, recreation, industry and/or equine welfare, in memory of Yvonne Collard who devoted a great deal of energy as an OEF director and Equine Canada official to further the sport.

Cassie Bonnar Award … presented to a junior member of the OEF who has made an outstanding contribution of time and effort to Ontario equestrian sport, recreation, industry and/or equine welfare, in memory of Cassie Bonnar who, despite a courageous battle with cancer to which she succumbed at a young age, exemplified the qualities of a great young humanitarian by always being willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need OEF Sponsor of the Year Award … presented to an individual or corporation making a very special sponsorship gift to support equestrian activity. The gift may be cash, product or service of any kind. To be considered, the gift must make possible some form of equestrian activity which otherwise might not take place Sandra Sillcox Award … awarded to an Equine Canada official who is deemed to have enhanced or improved competition activity through their judgment, tact and effectiveness

OEF Media of the Year Award … awarded to the media outlet, which provides the best piece (print or electronic) about an equestrian activity in the period from Sept. 1 of the previous year to Aug. 31 of the current year OEF Coach of the Year Award … awarded to the Equine Canada certified active coach whose dedication and skill has touched both human and equine athletes; who demonstrates appreciation for a positive influence toward the discipline’s participants, shares knowledge and insight about the discipline with his/her students; believes in and practices ethical conduct in the barn, the arena and at a competition; has positive enthusiasm and dedication for the discipline; demonstrates coaching ability through the success of his/her students in the discipline; and promotes all equine matters in which he/she believes OEF/”Just Add Horses” Environmental Award … awarded to an OEF Horse Facilities Council member who demonstrates and promotes environmentallyfriendly practices towards conserving the environment at their facility. The “Just Add Horses” line of products was created by Alex Milne and Associates and was developed specifically by equine professionals and enthusiasts to improve the health and environment of horses, riders, trainers and staff.

Award Being Nominated For: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Nominee’s Name: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address:___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ City: ____________________________________________________________________________

Postal Code: ______________________________________

Telephone: ______________________________________________________________________Email: _______________________________________________ Nominated by: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address: City: ____________________________________________________________________________Postal Code: _________________________________________ Telephone: ______________________________________________ Email: ______________________________________________________________________ Please outline the nominee’s accomplishments and involvement in the sport that would identify the candidate as a worthy recipient of this award (please add other pages if necessary) Mail/email completed form by Friday, September 28, 2012 _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ONTARIO EQUESTRIAN FEDERATION 1 West Pearce St, Suite 201, Richmond Hill, ON L4B 3K3 • phone 905-709-6545 • fax 905-709-1867 tollfree 1-877-441-7112 • email horse@horse.on.ca • website www.horse.on.ca

42 | WHOA! Summer 2012

Mane Events OEF People Make A Difference Awards In recognition of the behind the scenes efforts of many equine enthusiasts, the OEF bestows “People Make A Difference Awards� upon recipients identified by each of our members associations.

If you know of a deserving individual within your discipline, sport or breed association, please be sure to contact the appropriate OEF rep to ensure their name is put forth for consideration. Member Associations must submit their chosen candidate to the OEF office no later than 4 p.m. Sept. 28, 2012.

American Saddle Horse Association of Ontario Kimberley Blease asbgirl2010@hotmail.com

Eastern Ontario Pleasure Driving Society Sally Jorgenson sjorgensen@netpublishing.ca

Arabian Horse Association of Eastern Canada Allan Ehrlick aoc@milestoneac.ca

Gaited Horse Group of Ontario Jessica Puccia jessica_puccia@hotmail.com

Ontario Percheron Horse Association Inc. Hedy Edwards hedyedwards@idirect.com

Miniature Horse Club of Ontario Laurie Green laurie.green@mhco.ca

Ontario Quarter Horse Association Jamie Simpson richlandshowhorses@sympatico.ca

Mounted Games Across Canada Inc. Bev Pascoe bpascoe98@hotmail.com

Ontario Reining Horse Association Tom Cudahy thomas.cudahy@york.ca

Ontario Belgian Horse Association Barb Meyers cbha@csolve.net

Ontario Rodeo Association Toni German oef@orarodeo.com

Canadian Pony Club St. Lawrence/Ottawa Valley Liz Tucker tuckere@bell.net

Ontario Combined Driving Association Mary Cork tyandaga@zing-net.ca

Ontario Therapeutic Riding Association Pat DiMambro horse4ever2001@yahoo.ca

Canadian Pony Club - Western Ontario Region James Rudolph jprudolph@rogers.com

Ontario Competitive Trail Riding Association Fred Buchanan fredbuchanan@earthlink.net

Ontario Trail Riders Association Bonnie Simpson equestriantrails@hotmail.com

Canadian Road Horse Association Helen Thomas remlap49@hotmail.com

Ontario Cutting Horse Association Jason Gorringe jason.gorringe@hsfx.ca

Tri-County Carriage Association Jackie Shute jsshute@hotmail.com

Canadian Sport Horse Association - Ontario Jennifer Scott jenscott23@msn.com

Ontario Friesian Horse Association president@ontariofriesianhorse.com

Trillium Hunter Jumper Association Ken Denouden kendenouden@hotmail.com

Canadian Dressage Owners and Riders Association - Ontario Elizabeth Robinson erobinson@jravideo.com Canadian Pony Club - Central Ontario Region Karol Shipley shipley@sympatico.ca

Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society (Ont Division) Gord Cardwell ccprop@efni.com Central Canada Paso Fino Horse Association Anne Hull 3dogsanne@gmail.com Central Ontario Pleasure Driving Association Jeff Kohler jeff@relhok.ca

Ontario Hackney Association Dennis Alderman 519-848-2464 Ontario Horse Trials Association Lori MacDonald l_macdonald_61@hotmail.com Ontario Hunter Jumper Association Deborah Weir debweir@routcom.com; info@ohja.ca

Ontario Morgan Horse Club Sherri Wilson morgans@lauraleemorgans.com

Upper Canada District (Ontario) Canadian Horse Breeders Richard Asbury measbury@hotmail.com Welsh Pony & Cob Association Marie Howran howrans@sympatico.ca

Ontario Icelandic Horse Association Peter McLachlan peter@mclachlans.ca www.horse.on.ca | 43

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

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

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

FREE for OEF Members to Attend

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

Yoga/Rider Fitness

FREE for OEF Members to Attend

8:30am 9:00am

Equine First Aid

The Future Of Race Horses Panel Discussion

12:00pm

Industry Advisory Council Meeting FREE for OEF Members to Attend

1:00pm

10:30am 11:00am

Horse Facilities Council Meeting FREE for OEF Members to Attend

2:00pm

Competitions Advisory Council Meeting

12:30pm

Recreation Advisory Council Meeting

1:30pm

4:00pm

FREE for OEF Members to Attend

5:00pm

FREE for OEF Members to Attend

Associations’ Advisory Council Meeting Ontario Equestrian Federation Annual General Meeting

FREE Awards Party Opening Ceremony

11:00pm

Selecting The Right Competition Horse Panel Discussion

Equine Nutrition

Natural Horsemanship

3:00pm 3:30pm

FREE for OEF Members to Attend

6:30pm

Equine Alternative Therapy

LUNCH BREAK

FREE for OEF Members to Attend

3:00pm

BREAK

BREAK Concussions/ Everything You Need To Know Spinal Injury About Trailering Panel Discussion

5:00pm

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For more details visit 44 | WHOA! Summer 2012

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

STEP 1: CONTACT INFORMATION ______________________________________________________________________________________________ First Name

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STEP 2: CONFERENCE REGISTRATION CONFERENCE REGISTRATION TYPE

Lunch included ** please make education session selections in Step 3 below

EARLY BIRD Up To November 6th Member Non-Member $125.00 $150.00

STEP 3: EDUCATION SESSION SELECTION Equine First Aid Equine Alternative Therapy Equine Nutrition Concussions/Spinal Cord

STEP 4: PAYMENT INFORMATION

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OR OR OR OR

GENERAL November 7th and Later Member Non-Member $150.00 $175.00

The Future Of Racehorses Selecting The Right Competition Horse Natural Horsemanship Everything You Need To Know About Trailering

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CANCELLATIONS: Full registration refunds will be provided for written cancellations received prior to Nov. 6th, 2012, a 25% administration fee will be applied to refunds requested after that date; NO REFUNDS will be granted after Nov. 13th , 2012 or for no-shows (including weather delays). The OEF reserves the right to cancel session(s) due to unforeseen circumstances or insufficient advance registration. The OEF cannot accept responsibility for expenses incurred as a result of the cancellation of the Conference or any session(s). www.horse.on.ca | 45

Ontario Equestrian Federation Conference

FREE Awards Party & Opening Ceremony Friday November 23, 2012 at 6:30pm FREE for all OEF Members to attend!

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

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

All proceeds raised will go towards the OEF Youth Bursary Program

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Mane Events

EXCLUSIVE

Royal Winter Fair Ticket Offer For OEF Members: Tuesday Plus Two! Members of the Ontario Equestrian Federation (OEF) will receive an exclusive offer at the 2012 Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, taking place from Nov. 2 - 11, Exhibition Place, Toronto.

As a thank you to its members, the OEF will be hosting a complimentary Member Appreciation Day at The Royal on Tuesday, Nov. 6. Refreshments will be provided at this social event, which will be held again this year at the Spirit of the Horse Ring.

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

Tickets for the 2012 Royal Agricultural Winter Fair go on sale on Wednesday, Aug. 1 and can be purchased online at www.royalfair.org or by contacting Ticketmaster at 1-855-872-7777. To access the ticket deal please use the promotional code OEF.

The free ticket can be used for the performance of your choice (see additional details below) and as an added bonus, those who purchase tickets before Monday, Oct. 15 will be automatically entered in a draw to win Box Seats! Tickets can still be purchased beyond this date but will not qualify for the draw.

Additional Details: To qualify for this offer, one ticket must be for the Tuesday evening show, Nov. 6. Free tickets cannot be redeemed for the sold-out evening show, Saturday, Nov. 10. |

MONTHLY FROM $231.27

MONTHLY FROM $179.65

2012 4-Star 2 Hrs Slant XLDR 53”SW 15x7x7’ Walkthru - LQ Pkg Available

4-Star 2 Hrs Slant DR 5” SW 11x7x7’ Collapsible Rear Tack

48 | WHOA! Summer 2012

www.royalfair.org

Tickets Tick ickets go on sale Wednesday, Aug�st 1, 2012 ick

Additional Details: Use promo code OEF for this offer. To qualif�, one ticket must be for the Tuesday evening show, November 6.

Free tickets cannot be redeemed for the sold-out evening show, Sat�rday November 10.

Those who purchase tickets before Monday, October 15 will be automatically entered in a draw to win Box Seats!

www.horse.on.ca | 49

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Coaches Corner

Changes On The Way For Coaching And Education Programs

By Gillian Ross Erasmi, OEF Education Coordinator

Photo Credit: Wendy Webb Photography

an Eventing Long-Term Equestrian Development handbook, which is available for free from the OEF and Equine Canada. This excellent resource is recommended for all athletes, parents and coaches. This is specifically detailed for the Eventing discipline and contains a wealth of information. Endurance and other discipline committees will be working on developing discipline specific Long-Term Equestrian Development handbooks over the next couple of years. The Equestrian Sport in Canada handbook for Long-Term Equestrian Development is also available from the OEF and Equine Canada.

“The best thing for the inside of a man is the outside of a horse.”

– Lord Palmerston.

T

ruer words have never been spoken. Although I am not riding at the moment, there is nothing that brings things into perspective like just being at the barn, watching the horses in the fields or my daughter in her riding lesson.

I am amazed with the amount of work that goes on here at the Ontario Equestrian Federation on a daily basis, both in the office and out and about around the province. I learn more each day.

There are so many dedicated coaches, riders and others providing support behind the scenes, putting in many extra hours, volunteering their time, offering the use of their facilities and their horses, all to reach the common goal of a working standard for riders, instructors and coaches across this great country of ours.

In 2012 and 2013, we will see great things happening with the coaching and education programs: an improved English Learn to Ride Program, English Competition Coach Specialist certification program approval, submission of the Western Competition Coach and Competition Coach Specialist certification programs, submission of Driving Instructor of Beginner program and development of a certification for Endurance and Saddle Seat Competition Coaches. There are many documents that need to be created to ensure the quality and clear expectations of each of the above programs. The creation of these documents comes with a great time commitment and many practical sessions to ensure the whole process works.

The coaches and professionals who are on these committees are dedicated to building a working program that will ensure quality training for all horse people, thereby ensuring quality care for horses in Canada.

A big thank you goes out to those who worked hard to create 50 | WHOA! Summer 2012

Many thanks also go to our clinicians Pat Carter, Barbara Newlands and Andrea Veldhuyzen, as well as the riders and participants, for an informative and interactive Western Coaching Update Clinic this past April at WindReach Farm in Brooklin. Newlands and Veldhuyzen, our Western Master Evaluators, were able to participate in pilots for the Western Competition Coach and Competition Coach Specialist in Alberta and Quebec. The pilots were prerequisites for approval of the new coaching contexts by the Coaching Association of Canada. They included a Competition Coach Specialist Reining Training Clinic and evaluations for Competition Coach, Competition Coach Specialist Reining, General Performance and Speed Events.

There are many workshops in the planning stages for the late summer, fall and into next year, so keep checking the OEF website at www.horse.on.ca for dates and registration forms as they become available.

Have an enjoyable summer, stay cool and have fun!

For more information about the coaching committees and/ or coaching programs, please contact Gillian Ross Erasmi at education@horse.on.ca. |

MARK YOUR CALENDARS: Aug. 8-9, 2012 & Aug. 11-12, 2012: Aug. 16, 2012:

NCCP/EC Equestrian Theory Richmond Hill (depending on registration) Rider Level Workshop – English and Western Equi Stay, Val Rita Aug.17, 2012: Rider Level Testing – English and Western Equi Stay, Val Rita Aug. 18-19, 2012: NCCP/EC Equestrian Theory – Equi Stay, Val Rita Aug. 20, 2012: Instructor Workshop – English and Western Equi Stay, Val Rita Sept. 16, 2012: English Instructor of Beginner Workshop – Pickering Horse Centre Sept. 29, 2012: NCCP/EC One Day -Competition Coach Analyzing Performance Workshop – Oakhurst Farms, Ottawa area Sept. 30, 2012: NCCP/EC One Day – Competition Coach Specialist – Eventing Training Workshop – Oakhurst Farms, Ottawa area Oct. 14, 2012: Evaluation – English Instructor of Beginner – Pickering Horse Centre Oct.15, 2012: Evaluation – English Instructor of Beginner – Pickering Horse Centre Oct. 27-28, 2012: NCCP/EC – Equestrian Specific Training Workshop Nov. 18, 2012: CCS Dressage – One-day Training Workshop Fall 2012: Carriage Driving Instructor and Coach Workshop – Hillsburgh Fall 2012: Endurance Instructor and Coach Workshop – Ottawa Fall 2012: NCCP/EC Dressage – Competition Coach Specialist Training Workshop – Richmond Hill Fall 2012: Western Instructor and Learn To Ride Program Workshop - Ottawa

Ontario Athlete e Assistance ance Pro Progra Program am

UPDATE

The Ontario Equestrian Federation would like to thank the Quest for Gold riders who were able to join the OEF at Exhibition Place on Saturday, June 2 for Toronto Horse Day 2012.

Photo Credit: Laurie Haughton

Photo Credit: Shoot Photography

Bronwyn Barlow Cash brought her horse Rubirondo for a Dressage demonstration and Brook Pickering tried her hand at roping on Snowflake, the stationary training horse. Alana Aird and Zoe Beckerman were also on hand to answer questions about their respective disciplines and talk about their equestrian adventures in their Quest for Gold. Lynne Poole, Jordan Macpherson and Sable Giesler, who round out the riders in the Quest for Gold program, were unable to attend due to their competition schedule.

ALANA AIRD The start of the 2012 show season is going well for Alana Aird and Vladimir Weering. Their first show was in April in Culpeper, Virginia, where they had many good placings, including a first and a second in the High Junior/Amateur division.

In May, Aird and Vladimir Weering successfully competed in the Junior/Amateur 1.40m at the Caledon Equestrian Park in Palgrave. The first week they were reserve champion when they placed first, fourth, and seventh. The second week they finished fifth in the $3,500 Classic. Aird is looking forward to competing at the upcoming Ontario shows this summer.

BRONWYN BARLOW CASH This spring has been filled with rich learning experiences for Bronwyn Barlow Cash. Having graduated from McMaster University in May, she has been able to refocus her efforts on her riding. She has had the opportunity to continue training with Joe Thauer, as well as coach Diane Creech. Barlow Cash was also able to train with Lars Petersen during his short visit to Canada.

However, perhaps the most exciting part of the season, according to Barlow Cash, was the opportunity to go to Germany to ride at several different stables, including the Hanoverian Verband, Ingo Pape’s stable and Heike Kemmer’s stable. Over the course of two weeks, she worked with horses of all different levels, from those just started under saddle to those training the movements of the Grand Prix.

“It was a vivid snapshot of what it means to train and develop a horse to the top levels in Dressage and the importance of dedicating oneself to correct basic training, an essential ingredient to development in Dressage – or any equestrian discipline,” she says.

Photo Credit: Janis Byer

Over the summer, Barlow Cash looks forward to having the opportunity to return to Germany to continue to train and develop as a Dressage rider.

ZOE BECKERMAN Zoe Beckerman and her horses are off to a great start this season. To date, Beckerman and Sir Sydney won the 1.20m Classic at their first 2012 competition, and also did well in the 1.30m division the following week. Beckerman and Shakira recently moved up to the 1.40m division in hopes of competing at the North American Junior Young Riders Championship this summer.

They have posted several clear rounds, placing fourth and third in the Classic. In addition to looking forward to a busy show schedule ahead, Beckerman is also gearing up to head off to Queen’s University in the fall where she will be studying engineering.

SABLE GIESLER 2012 is shaping up to be a great year for Sable Giesler and her horse Evil Munchkin. From January to April they competed in Florida at the Intermediate level and managed to bring home a 5th place finish and two 6th place finishes. In April, they ended the Florida season on a good note with a fourth place finish at their first two star competition at the Ocala Horse Properties International Three Day Event. Sable is still trying to qualify for the NAJYRC’s at the Young Rider level on Evil Munchkin. She needs one more qualifying Intermediate level result.

Sable is continuing to compete Gord Cardwell’s mare “Hietorie Tango”.

“We are currently at the pre-training level with very consistent jumping rounds. She is still a little unsteady at the dressage but it is coming. I have a great feeling about his mare,” stated Sable.

This year has also been a great year in terms of sponsorship for Sable. In addition to Knolwton Ridge sponsoring her, Henry Equestrian Insurance Brokers, Albion Golf Cars and KINeSYS Performance Sunscreen have all joined in on her long term goal to ride in the 2016 Olympics.

Sable has started teaching lessons at Gord Cardwell’s facility at Knowlton Ridge, Powassan, Ontario. She is having fun getting to share her knowledge from her coaches. She trains with Kyle Carter while in Florida from January to April and with Ian Roberts while in Ontario for the remainder of the year.

JORDAN MACPHERSON This winter Jordan Macpherson competed at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, FL where she placed fifth overall in the Young Riders series riding Piccobello du val de Geer. The pair won the first of the four event series. Macpherson was named the Cavalor Athlete of the Month for February 2012 by Jump Canada. This summer, Macpherson plans to compete at the Lake Placid Horse Show, Bromont, Haysco and Angelstone horse shows in Ontario.

BROOK PICKERING Brook Pickering has had the good fortune of several riding opportunities since receiving the Quest for Gold funding. One of the most exciting opportunities to date, according to Pickering, is riding with Ruth Armstrong of Armstrong Farm. There Pickering will be riding young horses and taking them out to some of their first events. Pickering is especially excited about this opportunity as Armstrong is the producer of her North American Junior/Young Rider Championships mount, Abbey Rhode.

Pickering is also excited about the opportunity to form a partnership with Jan Bigelow and her American Warmblood, Dexterity. This horse will be competing in the summer months around southern Ontario on the Eventing circuit. Pickering is looking forward to an exciting and successful 2012 season.

LYNNE POOLE It’s been a busy year so far for Lynne Poole.

Accompanied by coach Karin Davis, she took her two horses, Frisbee and Vasco E, to Florida in January to do the two back-to-back CPEDI3* competitions.

“We were pleased with our showing and I made the Canadian team with Vasco for the second show,” says Poole, who shipped back to Schomberg, ON to regroup before hitting the road again in March to Del Mar California for the CPEDI3* there.

Vasco won both the team and individual tests and Frisbee won the Freestyle. Poole was named leading rider of the show and won a new saddle from Custom Saddlery.

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. www.horse.on.ca | 51

Ask Dr. Bob

Photo 1 - The left hind leg of the Percheron is severely swollen from the stifle down to the pastern.

Dear Dr. Bob, I have a Percheron gelding that has had a swollen leg for more than six months. Can you tell me what you think the problem is and is it curable?

Dr. Bob’s note: I actually was at a stable looking at my friend’s new mare when this question came up and the horse was presented to me.

A 10-year-old

black Percheron was brought out from the barn with a severely swollen left hind leg. The leg was swollen from just below the stifle down to the pastern. The leg was hard as a rock and did not “pit” (leave an impression) as seen with transient edema when horse legs “stock up.” Above the back of the fetlock, there was a thick layer of dry crusty material. The horse was very stiff legged but worked in harness pulling a packer over the top of freshly seeded spring grain. He was normally housed in a standing stall and had difficulty getting his leg outstretched when he wanted to sleep in a sternal position. Since I was already at the farm I took skin scrapings from the horse’s leg and indicated that I would call the owner and his veterinarian with the results.

Photo 1 was taken after the legs were clipped of hair. Photo 2 shows the findings as seen under the microscope. A video of the mites can be viewed on my website www.horsenewsandviews. com. Under each microscope field, numerous very busy mites were feeding on skin debris. These are probably leg mange mites of the species Chorioptes bovis. This species of mite is a nonburrowing mite which parasitizes a wide range of domesticated and wild ungulates (hooved animals). They have a predilection for draft horses and other horses with thick hair “feathers” on the distal limbs. Often, there is considerable greasy exudate at the point of infestation with a secondary bacterial dermatitis.

Horses with leg mange can be irritable and self-mutilate, stomp their feet and have scabby legs. Be careful. They can be testy to examine. There are a number of conditions including mud fever, dermatophilus, grease heel, pastern dermatitis, or scratches that cause pruritic (severely itchy), scaly to scurvy and oozing lesions in the legs of horses. The terms are commonly used interchangeably for these conditions. Regardless, one must always rule out ectoparasites and specifically chorioptes mites as the primary cause of the problem with secondary bacterial and/ or fungal infections acerbating the condition. There is often a lot

52 | WHOA! Summer 2012

of confusion related to skin ailments of the lower leg. Leg mange infestation needs to be ruled out from other conditions including sunburn, photosensitivity and contact dermatitis. You can refer to the fact sheet, Sunburn, Photosensitivity or Contact Dermatitis in Horses on my website for further details.

The second question was can he be cured?

In a research paper by De Cock et al. entitled Progressive swelling, hyperkeratosis, and fibrosis of distal limbs in Clydesdales, Shires, and Belgian draft horses researchers describe the changes in the lower legs of affected draft horses with pastern dermatitis (grease heel, or scratches). The changes are characterized by the progressive development of thick-walled lymphatics, which were associated with chronic dermal edema, inflammation, fibrosis, the formation of numerous small blood vessels and degeneration of connective tissue elastin. Observations were that; 1.

2.

3.

The lower legs in the end stages of the disease are also characterized by arteriosclerosis and fibrosed veins The clinical signs and pathalogical changes in this disease of draft horses closely resemble the human condition known as elephantiasis nostras verrucoas, a disease state in which lymph edema plays a pivotal pathogenic role and This invesitation dispelled many long-held beliefs that pastern dermatitis in draft horses was simply the result of chronic baterial infections or parasitic infestation of the skin.

This is an interesting paper since it would explain the rock-like thickening of the leg that we are observing in this gelding. It also would confirm my suspicions that the mites may be eliminated but the lesions observed are probably irreversible. Regardless, we need to kill the mange mites, treat any secondary bacterial infection and try to get the inflammation to settle down.

www.horse.on.ca | 53

Ask Dr. Bob It is much easier to treat the excoriated infected/infested areas if the feathers and long hair are clipped. Some horse owners will find this offensive but it will grow back and will make treating the infestation easier. It is also easier to break down the greasy exudates and eliminate the secondary bacterial infection if the areas are cleaned. Cleaning up the area will also discourage flies from laying their eggs in the excoriated debris. There is nothing worse than trying to treat fetlocks that are crawling and moving with thousands of maggots.

Once the legs have been clipped then your veterinarian may suggest a two to three-week treatment regime. Treatments will be dependent on medication/drug availability and your veterinarian’s success with various treatment regimes. Regimes may include: • •

washing the legs with phoxim solution (organophosphate insecticide by Bayer available in Europe) every four to five days for 14 days to three weeks or a bacterialcidal wash/shampoo such as chlorhexidine, Malaseb or Pyoben.

Once clean the legs can be coated with: • a five per cent lime-sulfur dip every other day for two weeks or • topical application of a corticosteroid/antibiotic combination ointment e.g., Panalog, Silvadene (silver sulfadiazine) ointment.

The shampooing is repeated either daily or every four to five days depending on severity of the skin infection. Once clipped and washed for the first time, be gentle so as to not cause bleeding.

After rinsing and drying, the topical treatment of choice can be applied.

Photo 2 - Mange mites as seen under a microscope.

Treatment: There are no approved licensed products for the treatment of mange in horses. Licensed products are available for the control of ectoparasites in other species. Therefore, all treatment options for horses are “off-label” or “extra-label” drug use, which necessitates a veterinary prescription and a valid veterinary-clientpatient relationship. Treatment options include both injectable and/or topical. Whichever is chosen the product should be used at least twice at 14-day intervals.

Injectables The most commonly used injectable products belong to the avermectin family of medications including ivermectin (Ivomec), doramectin (Dectomax), eprinomectin (Eprinex) or moxidectin (Cydectin). Oral and pour-on preparations of these products may be available but anecdotal observations would indicate they are less effective than injectable forms. Treating a large mature Percheron horse can be problematic because of the large volumes required and the need to distribute the medication in several sites. Injectable avermectins need to be used with some caution.

In the early 1980's when ivermectin injectable was introduced for horses as a wormer, horses died of Blackleg disease (Clostridia chauvoei). It was postulated that the large volume of the injectable caused a local necrosis of muscle and the ideal environment for Clostridia to grow. My recommendations would be to use injectable penicillin concurrently. Having made that recommendation, I polled my veterinary colleagues through the listserv, Equine Clinician’s Network. None of those replying (n=4) used penicillin concurrently when administering the avermectin products by injection.

Topicals: Topical treatments include pour-on avermectins, insecticides fipronil (Frontline available in USA) and lime sulphur. Pouron avermectins can cause hair loss at the area of application therefore some veterinarians will apply the product locally on the legs rather on the back.

54 | WHOA! Summer 2012

Any time there are numerous potential ways of treating a common condition like mange, it makes me suspicious that the success rate of curing the condition is less than 100 per cent. Therefore, owners must be vigilant and persistent otherwise it will plague their stable continuously.

The one aspect that is often over looked is the importance of treating all in-contact animals and the environment to prevent reinfestation. The owner of the stable will have to ensure that all equipment (brushes, harness, saddle pads etc.) are cleaned of all debris and wherever possible are disinfected. If it is possible, put items through the heat cycle of the clothes drier as this will kill any mites.

Leg mange has been around the horse industry for eons and unfortunately continues to plague the draft horse industry with no approved treatments to cure the problem. | References: 1.

2.

3.

4.

De Cock HE, Affolter VK, Wisner ER, Ferraro GL, MacLachlan NJ. Progressive swelling, hyperkeratosis, and fibrosis of distal limbs in Clydesdales, Shires, and Belgian draft horses, suggestive of primary lymphedema. Lymphat Res Biol. 2003; 1(3):191-9.

Paterson S, Coumbe K. An open study to evaluate topical treatment of equine chorioptic mange with shampooing and lime sulphur solution Vet Dermatol. 2009 Oct; 20(5-6):623-9.

Rendle DI, Cottle HJ, Love S, Hughes KJ. Comparative study of doramectin and fipronil in the treatment of equine chorioptic mange. Vet Rec. 2007 Sep 8; 161(10):335-8.

Ural K. Ulutas B, Kar S. Eprinomectin treatment of psoroptic mange in hunter/jumper and dressage horses: a prospective randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Vet Parasitol. 2008 Oct 1; 156(3-4):353-7. Epub 2008 Jun 25.

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

Photo Credit: Laurie Haughton

Ask Mike

Use Horse Sense For A Safe And Enjoyable Summer S

ummer is upon us, which means horse shows, summer camps, riding clinics, trail rides and general hustle and bustle in stables across the province. But as riding activity increases, so too does the chance of accidents and injury. Below is a list of just a few of the situations you might encounter in the coming months with your equine friends.

1)

Summer means riding outdoors, going on hacks and trail rides with our horses away from home, perhaps competing at horses shows and generally being much more active in our equine lifestyle.

2)

Summer means kids of all ages are attending horse camps that need the scrutiny of parents to be sure that the operator is running a great program and providing a safe environment for the kids to enjoy.

3)

Summer means we all have to be diligent to keep an eye out for trouble in our own herds as new pasture and hay is introduced to the diets of our equine friends so that colic and other issues can be avoided.

4)

Summer means taking vacations with family and friends and remembering that if we leave the horse behind, we must make sure that it is being taken care of by a knowledgeable and responsible person in our absence.

5)

Summer means that seasonal businesses will appear (trail riding facilities in cottage country etc.). Before you spend your money, make sure the operator is experienced in offering the service you are paying for and is insured!

6)

Summer 2012 means looking forward to the Olympics and successes for our Canadian team and remembering that when we school our horses, we are not competing in London. We have our limitations and so do our horses.

7)

Summer means that Bill 12, the Rider Safety Act will be tested again and again. Please wear your helmet – always!

8)

Summer means the OEF and Intercity, as its partner, will be out and about all over the province to meet with and speak to current and potential members.

9)

Summer means letting other people ride our horse and, if we do, making sure that they too are members of the OEF.

Summer means that we will be busy with new claims because of all the items noted above – more falls from horses, more horses escaping onto roadways and meeting with cars, more horses being injured due to overuse and the list goes on. As a member of the OEF, the insurance benefits we provide will help protect you and your horse from most “risks of an equine summer.”

If you have any questions regarding our program or coverage, please give us a call. We are here to help.

Ride Safe – Wear a Helmet. | Intercity Insurance Services Inc. / Michael King of Aurora ON is the official insurance program administrator for the OEF and all of its members. www.horse.on.ca | 55

On The Trail

Beat Heat Stress Before It Begins

By Melissa Kosowan

A

s temperatures soar during the summer months, extra precautions need to be taken before heading out on a ride to ensure both horse and rider return in good health and good spirits.

“A lot of people aren’t aware enough or don’t have enough awareness to monitor the heat load on the horse so sometimes they don’t notice until it’s too,” says Gayle Ecker, director of Equine Guelph.

Ecker, a former researcher in the areas of exercise physiology, heat stress and hydration/electrolyte balance, reminds horse owners that heat and humidity are much harder on the horse than they are on the rider.

“If you are out there feeling it’s hot and humid, it’s worse on your horse,” she says, citing three main factors that account for that difference.

The first factor is the horse’s hair, which is designed to keep heat in, not dissipate it. The barrel shape of the horse also plays a role since it has less surface area than a human, relative to its body weight, to dissipate heat.

“It’s a very important concept because it’s surface area that dissipates heat,” she explains, noting this problem is compounded by the saddle, which prevent air from reaching the horse’s back, home to the largest area of sweat glands on the animal. “Air flow is very important. Tight girths restrict blood flow from the skin and that doesn’t help to distribute the heat,” she says.

And while only about 60 per cent of a human’s muscles generate heat while they are running, nearly 100 per cent of the muscles in a horse generate heat.

“Whether they are walking or trotting, virtually every muscle is working and a working muscle generates heat,” explains Ecker, who has been the assistant chef d’equipe for the Canadian Endurance Team, traveling around the globe with the team to international events like the Pan-Am and World Endurance Championships.

While it may seem tempting to just avoid the heat altogether, Ecker says you may actually be doing your horse more harm than good.

“If you know you are going to be competing in heat or humidity, you 56 | WHOA! Summer 2012

should be exposing your horse to working in the heat and humidity.

So many of us get up early in the morning and do our training because it’s cool for us and we don’t like the heat, but what we’re doing is actually predisposing our horses to a greater risk of heat stress,” she says. “It doesn’t have to be long periods of exposure, but it has to be part of the training program because it takes anywhere from 14-21 days for horses to build up to good heat acclimation.”

Hydration and electrolyte levels are critical before, during and after riding in the heat, including trailering, which is often overlooked.

“You keep your horse in a state of balance,” says Doug Price, an experienced competitive trail rider and president of the Ontario Competitive Trail Riding Association. “It’s always easier to keep your hydration balanced than to recover from it.”

Ecker recommends horse owners put two to four tablespoons of loose table salt out daily for their horses in a small bucket. Many horses simply aren’t able to meet their needs from a salt block alone, she says, which is why some horses can be seen running their teeth down the block.

“For the majority of horses on a good diet, and that means quality forage and they have the appropriate concentrate-vitamin-mineral mix for that horse, most of their electrolyte needs will be taken care of, along with the loose salt,” she says. “But when the horse starts getting into a position when they are training for one to two hours a day or they are out on trail rides for two and three hours, then they have to start taking a look at using electrolytes.”

She recommends horse owners consult with their veterinarian before introducing electrolytes into their training program.

Price stresses the importance of constantly monitoring your horse’s hydration levels, a process that needs to begin long before the ride and continue out on the trail. He recommends checking not only the horse’s vitals, but also the moisture content of its manure and the colour of its urine, which will appear dark if the horse is dehydrated.

“Those are the practical things everyone can look at,” says Price.

Equine Guelph offers an interactive Horse Health Check tool on its website and also teaches horse owners how to evaluate the health of their horses in several educational courses, including

On The Trail Equine Exercise Physiology, Horse Health and Prevention course and the Groom One course.

It’s critical to ensure your horse has adequate water intake while out on the trail, which means scouting out sources of water in advance or arranging to have a “pit crew” provide some along the route. Feeding soaked hay, wetting feed or adding soaked beet pulp to the diet are also ways to help maintain hydration levels, particularly if pasture isn’t available. Even carrots can aid in boosting hydration levels.

While many horse owners are aware of the dangers of hot, humid weather, Price reminds riders that dry summer days can also dehydrate their horse.

“You don’t see the horse sweat,” he says. “It evaporates so fast that you say, ‘Oh, my horse is just cool and dry.’ But he’s dehydrating.”

Horses suffering from heat stress may appear listless, slow down and show a lack of interest in food. They will often also sweat profusely.

“The sweat is actually running off and not evaporating,” says Ecker. “On days when it’s really humid and the sweat is running off, the sweat is wasted sweat, if you will, because it’s just losing water and electrolytes and it’s not taking much heat away. So sweat is only effective in taking away the heat when it evaporates.”

She tells riders to monitor sweating and check how hot the horse is, but not on the front of the chest, which is where most riders reach first.

“The chest and neck are often the coolest part of the body,” she says, explaining that air flow tends to keep those areas coolest. “So we get people thinking about checking under saddles and lower abdomen and – carefully – between the hind legs.”

Effectively cooling a horse out in hot weather is critical to their recovery. According to Ecker, there are many myths and misconceptions.

“You let them catch their breath, let them drink and keep them moving. A lot of people are afraid to let their horses drink, but they need that water to help them recover and cool,” says Ecker, citing research conducted prior to the Atlantic Olympics. “You have to walk them out, keep them in the shade, let them drink the water and keep them moving again.”

If the horse is hotter than “bath tub warmth,” repeated applications of water on areas where the large veins are prominent – the neck, chest, back, legs and belly – will cool the horse quickly.

“The rule of thumb is to be aware of how hot the water is when it comes off so when the water is not gaining heat then you can slow down your cooling and just keep the horse walking and in shade,” she says. “But then check them again later because sometimes there is heat that stays deep inside the body.

So, you cool them down, they look like they are

cooled out, but then 20 minutes later they are breaking out into a sweat again.”

An alert rider will be better able to spot the signs of heat distress before it reaches a critical stage. Price stresses the importance of riders planning to ensure their own wellbeing while out on the trail and urges people to pack both water and a small snack.

“A term we use is DIMR – distance induced mental retardation. The rider gets hot and tired and they stop thinking,” he says. “If the rider is not thinking, the horse doesn’t stand half a chance…You take care of yourself so you can take care of your horse.” |

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 | 57

Photo Credit: Linnéa Burgess

Nutrition

What Is Your Horse’s Body Condition?

By Josée Lalonde, B.Sc. A. Equine Nutritional Technical Services & Marketing, Agribrands Purina

We all want healthy horses, with beautiful muscle tone, that are

neither too fat, nor too thin. In short, we want our horse to have the ideal body condition!

But what is an ideal body condition and how does one evaluate it effectively? Adequate evaluation of your horse’s body condition is extremely important as it allows you to provide your horse with a diet designed specifically for its needs.

For most horse owners, assessing body condition often comes down to a subjective description, such as good, not bad or bad, which leaves a lot of room for error. To avoid these approximations, a reliable and precise method exists for assessing your horse’s body condition: the body condition scoring system.

Developed in the early 1980s by Dr. Don Henneke, of Texas A&M University, this system is used internationally, by both veterinarians and nutritionists, as well as by horse owners. The body condition scoring system is based on an evaluation of the subcutaneous fat deposited in very specific locations on the horse’s body. Using the body condition scoring system allows you to determine whether your horse is too fat, too thin or just right and to make the necessary adjustments to its diet or amount of exercise to attain the desired body condition.

Calorie Intake vs. Calorie Expenditure The horse’s body condition tells us whether or not the calorie intake from its feed ration is adequate. If the horse is ingesting fewer calories than it is expending, it will lose weight. This weight loss will result in a lower body condition and, more precisely, in a loss of fat. Conversely, if the horse is ingesting more calories 58 | WHOA! Summer 2012

than it is expending, it will gain weight and its body condition or, more precisely, its fat level will increase. Determining the horse’s subcutaneous fat deposits thus provides a good measurement of the calories that the horse is getting from its feed ration.

Several factors can influence the horse’s body condition, the most obvious of course being diet. However, physical activity, the young horse’s growth, the pregnant mare’s various stages of gestation, as well as weather conditions can also play an important role in this regard.

Also, watch out for chronic health problems, parasites and poor dentition which can negatively impact the horse’s body condition.

Finally, the pecking order that reigns among horses at pasture can also influence it, since horses at the bottom of the social scale possibly do not have the same access to the food that is available.

When loss of weight and body condition occurs without any concomitant changes in weather, diet or physical activity, consider consulting a veterinarian.

Metabolic Efficiency and Temperament Why do two horses the same size, being fed the same diet and performing the same amount of work, not have the same body condition? This is likely a matter of differences in temperament and in metabolic and digestive efficiency. Indeed, nervous horses, such as Thoroughbreds, tend to burn a fair amount of energy.

This is why their caloric needs are generally higher than Quarter Horses or draft horses, which often maintain good body condition in spite of a low calorie intake.

Nutrition

Certain breeds/genetics are considered hard keepers; hotblooded horses are generally in this category. Their metabolism functions a little like a high-revving car engine; it will burn more fuel, even when idling, than a low-revving one. Similarly, horses with a high metabolism will burn more calories, even if they are standing still, than horses with a slow metabolism. The latter are considered easy keepers, and cold-blooded horses are generally in this category.

Hot-blooded or cold-blooded? Slow or fast metabolism? Hard keeper vs. easy keeper? These aspects must be taken into account when developing your horse’s feeding program.

Observation Is Not Enough The body condition scoring system uses your hands and your eyes to evaluate specific spots on the horse’s body. Evaluating a horse’s body condition by observation alone is not enough and can lead to mistakes, especially in the winter, when the horse’s coat is long, making it look round and full. Keep in mind that a mare’s repeated pregnancies and hay bellies have no bearing on body condition. Even though they can, at first glance, give the appearance of a plump and healthy horse, they should not be confused with subcutaneous fat deposits. In fact, horses with hay belly are generally rather thin. Also be careful not to confuse a horse with well-developed muscles with a fat horse. Muscles have nothing to do with body condition; only exercise and training, combined with proper nutrition, allow for the muscular development that many horse owners seek.

There are six different spots to assess carefully on a horse: along the neck; along the withers; behind the shoulder; the ribs; the crease down the loin; and the tailhead. The horse is assigned a score of between one (poor or extremely emaciated) and nine (extremely fat or obese) based on the visual and manual evaluation.

The Ideal Body Condition Score For Every Life Stage A body condition score of five to six is usually the score sought after for most adult horses, for both exercising and maintenance or senior horses. In anticipation of a season of competition or intense work, a score of six may be preferable at the beginning the season to ensure the horse has the necessary energy throughout the summer without dropping below a score of five.

For the broodmare, an optimal score of six is recommended at conception, whereas a score of 6.5 to seven at foaling and during lactation is usually necessary for the mare to remain in good condition.

For the growing foal, the ideal body condition score should be between 4.5 and five to avoid problems related to growth spurts often caused by too-high a calorie intake.

In conclusion, a body score that is higher than seven is not recommended for any horse. Horses that are too fat, particularly ponies, are more susceptible to founder and metabolic problems.

Excess weight also places unnecessary stress on their limbs, and especially their joints. | 3.

Thin - Fat buildup about halfway on spinous processes; transverse processes cannot be felt; slight fat cover over ribs; spinous processes and ribs easily discernible; tailhead prominent, but individual vertebrae cannot be identified visually; tuber coxae appear rounded but easily discernible; tuber ischii not distinguishable; withers, shoulders and neck accentuated.

4.

Moderately Thin - Slight ridge along back, faint outline of ribs discernible; tailhead prominence depends on conformation, fat can be felt around it; tuber coxae not discernible; withers, shoulders and neck not obviously thin.

5.

Moderate Back - is flat (no crease or ridge); ribs not visually distinguishable but easily felt; fat around tailhead beginning to feel spongy; withers appear rounded over spinous processes; shoulders and neck blend smoothly into body.

6.

Moderately Fleshy - May have slight crease down back; fat over ribs spongy; fat around tailhead soft; fat beginning to be deposited along the side of withers, behind shoulders and along the sides of neck.

7.

Poor - Animal extremely emaciated; spinous processes, ribs, tailhead, tuber coxae, and ischii projecting prominently; bone structure of withers, shoulders, and neck easily noticeable; no fatty tissue can be felt.

Fleshy - May have crease down back; individual ribs can be felt, but noticeable filling between ribs with fat; fat around tailhead soft; fat deposited along withers, behind shoulders and along neck.

8.

Very Thin - Animal emaciated; slight fat covering over base of spinous processes; transverse processes of lumbar vertebrae feel rounded; spinous processes, ribs, tailhead, tuber coxae, and ischii prominent; withers, shoulders and neck structure faintly discernible.

Fat - Crease down back; difficult to feel ribs; fat around tailhead very soft; area along withers filled with fat; area behind shoulder filled with fat; noticeable thickening of neck; fat deposited along inner thighs.

9.

Extremely Fat - Obvious crease down back; patchy fat appearing over ribs; bulging fat around tailhead, along withers, behind shoulders, and along neck; fat along inner thighs may rub together; flank filled with fat.

DESCRIPTION OF INDIVIDUAL BODY SCORES 1.

2.

www.horse.on.ca | 59

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Photo Credit: Jensen Trailers

Legal Lowdown

Hitching A Ride...To Court: Trailering Your Horse And The Law Of Negligence

By Catherine Willson and Bhavin Bilimoria

I

t is show season and even the most novice rider is tempted to load her horse up in the closest horse trailer and take it to the show. This is when friends with trailers become especially handy and you jump at the chance of a free lift.

road worthiness and make sure all the lights are working, hinges are not rusting away and floor boards are solid. Throughout the show season, the trailer, just like a car or truck, should be regularly checked and maintained.

If you do plan to trailer your horse somewhere, take precautions and remember a horse can be injured during transit. Everyone knows the sense of proper bandaging for the horse, proper tethering, and care and skill when loading and unloading.

The standard of care that the owner/operator must maintain is that of a reasonable person in the same situation as the owner/ operator. This standard of care is influenced by a number of factors.

How many people, other than commercial carriers, think about things like insurance and liability if an accident occurred on the way to the show? A friendship could quickly end over an injured horse and, if the horse is expensive, the owner may have no choice but to start a lawsuit to recover the costs of the horse.

Does your insurance cover you for this type of claim?

Foresight of harm is an important element. If something happened to the trailer that could be considered the natural and probable result of what the operator did or omitted to do, the operator will be regarded as guilty of negligence. If one of the tires on the trailer blew up during transport and the owner of the trailer knew the tires were old and needed replacement, the blowing up of the tire is a natural and probable result of the owner’s failure to replace the tires and the owner is negligent and liable for any damages that occur. Similarly, if a horse is not tied properly in the trailer and somehow escapes onto the road where it causes an accident, a suit in negligence may be the result.

Most claims that arise from an accident during the transport of a horse are founded in negligence. In the absence of a written contract between the owner/operator of the trailer and the owner of the horse guaranteeing the safety of the horse, a claim in negligence may be the only remedy available to a horse owner if the horse is injured.

Negligence does not arise in all situations. A distinct duty of care must be owed by one party to the other. It is the failure to exercise that care that results in damages and liability for those damages.

In the simplest sense, negligence is the failure to exercise that care which the circumstances demand. A person will be held accountable for any damages that result from the failure of care.

In the case of the owner/operator of a horse trailer, that level of care translates down into common sense rules of operation.

When pulling your trailer out of winter storage have it checked for

The failure to take precautions is a factor of the level of care required. If the operator or the owner of the horse, for that matter, fails to take precautions when loading the horse, such as ensuring spectators are at a safe distance, proper restraints on the horse, a safe loading area, they can be held responsible in negligence for anything that goes wrong and where injury or property damage are the result.

Other things to consider are age of the parties involved, illness and the customary practices of the industry. Obviously, if the rider waiting with the horse to be loaded is a child, the operator of the trailer will have to assume more responsibility for the safe loading www.horse.on.ca | 61

Legal Lowdown

and unloading of the animal than if the rider was an adult. If the driver of the trailer has a stroke or passes out while driving, a court would look at whether the sudden illness of the driver was foreseeable (i.e. does he have a history of these attacks) when deciding whether there was negligence. If an operator of a trailer is accused of falling short of the appropriate standard of care, she may be able to plead that the conduct complained of was in accordance with customary, general and approved practices in the business.

The burden of proving negligence is on the person who alleges it. If your horse was injured during trailering, you would have to establish that the owner/operator of the trailer owed you a duty to take care in the transport of your horse and that that duty was breached by some act or omission that constitutes negligence.

If you can’t prove negligence and you don’t have a contract with the operator that holds them responsible for the injuries to your horse, then you may not have a remedy against them.

One of the difficulties a horse owner would have in proving negligence is that he does not have access to the information that may enable him to prove negligence. Those facts are most likely in the knowledge of the operator who will be naturally reluctant to release them.

The owner/operator of the trailer is not the only person who can be negligent in the carriage of horses. The owner of the horse can be negligent in a number of situations and responsible for any damages that flow as a result of the negligence. Third parties can also contribute to the problem and may be partially or entirely responsible for any ensuing damages.

Sharing the blame when negligence is an issue is really alleging contributory negligence. The negligence that caused the damage complained of is not the isolated negligence of one party but stems from a series of errors on the part of two or more people that resulted in the harm done. In this type of case, a court will be asked to determine the amount of blame to be attributed to each party and will apportion the damages accordingly.

There are defences to an allegation of negligence. The person whose fault arguably caused the damage complained of may say that it was an inevitable accident, something over which he or she had no control and which could not have been avoided by the exercise of reasonable care and skill.

Another defence that may be put up is that the person suffering the damages consented to the risks involved. If a person joins a hockey team, he is deemed to consent to a certain amount of violence during the game and the injuries that could naturally flow from the game. Further, whenever you get on a horse, you are consenting to a certain amount of risk that is inherent in the sport of horseback riding.

62 | WHOA! Summer 2012

In the case of a trailer, if the owner of the horse knows the trailer is in bad condition or the horse acts up when transported or some other situation that makes it more risky to transport the horse and yet agrees to transport the horse, then the owner will find it difficult to hold the operator liable where the owner has assumed the risk of injury.

The legal information provided in this article is based on the laws of Ontario. If you find yourself in a situation to which this article may apply, please consult a lawyer before acting or relying on any of the statements made herein. www.willsonlewis.com. | Willson Lewis LLP is a litigation law firm practising in civil litigation, employment law, construction, commercial disputes, family law, tax disputes, and equine law. Catherine Willson is a partner at Willson Lewis LLP with expertise in Equine Law. www. willsonlewis.com, (416) 534-9504 or toll free (866) 258-2848

www.horse.on.ca | 63

Safety

Minimizing Your Risk On The Road

By Melissa Kosowan

Horse trailers hauling everything from backyard ponies to top

champions take to Ontario’s roads this time of year. But before you load up your equine partner for your next adventure, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure a safe and stress-free journey.

If you are going to ship your horse yourself, the most important thing is to ensure your vehicle is up to the task, says Dave Dawson, co-owner of BWD Equine Services, a transportation company in Uxbridge that hauls horses across North America.

characteristics of a truck and trailer as well as the delicate cargo you are carrying is the other part of the equation – and some horse owners fall short.

“Cornering, starting and stopping too fast – that’s the biggest mistake,” says Dawson, who has seen horses stressed from this type of driving bend shoes from kicking the trailer. “You just have to allow more time. You have to allow more time to take off; you have to allow more time to stop.”

“Even though the manufacturer says your vehicle is rated to pull it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s safe to do so,” he says.

Frequent breaks need to be factored into every trip, which will not only keep the driver alert, but will also give their horses time to rest as well.

As a volunteer firefighter, Dawson has seen first hand what can happen. He once had to extricate horses from a trailer using the Jaws of Life when the rig lost control because it was being pulled by a truck that was too small to handle the load.

“People don’t afford enough time,” Dawson stresses. “They don’t always think about how long it’s going to take and then sometimes they get in a hurry and then you end up with driver fatigue.”

“When you step up to a three-quarter ton pickup or a one-ton pickup pulling these trailers you have increased the bearing size of your axles, you’ve increased your brake size and brake capacity and your load capacity and what that vehicle can carry,” he says.

“The biggest thing you’ve done is increased the weight of the tow vehicle towing the trailer."

He says he regularly hears of horse owners hauling their animals for 18-20 hours non-stop. “You might be able to do it, but is it the safest tactic?” he asks, noting that his drivers work in teams of two with shifts of 10 hours on and 10 hours off to allow them to sleep.

In addition to having the right truck for the job, it’s also critical to have a trailer that is the right size for your horse. Both truck and trailer need to be regularly inspected and maintained. Horse trailers should be cleaned after each use to prevent corrosion and rot and the floors carefully inspected for signs of damage or decay.

Adjusting your driving to take into account the handling 64 | WHOA! Summer 2012

“People will drive all the way from Florida and not have the proper rest,” adds Martha Worts, office manager at BWD. “It cuts down on your reaction time and, if your trail isn’t an air ride, it’s hard on the horses as well.”

Another potential hazard she says is all to common is extra equipment, such as tack trunks, being transported in the trailer with a horse

Photo Credit: BWD Equine Services

Safety

“It’s hard enough transporting them when there are no extra hazards,” says Worts. “If you have to hit the brakes hard and the boxes shift into the horses, it makes it difficult for them to balance or if they are pawing they can get a leg through it.”

Even the best drivers who have taken all the necessary safety precautions can run into problems out on the road. While they can’t control every situation they encounter, they can control how prepared they are.

“Having an emergency preparedness plan is always prudent,” says Worts.

On the most basic level, drivers should make their travel itinerary known to someone, including estimated time of arrival, and should also carry a list of emergency telephone numbers with them in case of a medical emergency, accident or breakdown. An emergency isn’t the time to be looking up numbers on Google on your smart phone.

Extra leads and halters should be available for every horse and should be close at hand. If they are stored at the bottom of a tack trunk inside the dressing room of a trailer, they may not be accessible in the event of a traffic accident.

“If you do get the horses off the trailer, you need someone to hold onto them, right?” says Worts, who notes that if horses are tied, a quick release snap is a must. “You always want to be thinking. In case the horses aren’t the way they were when I left them in the trailer, how do I get them out?”

BWD recently held an equine transportation course that taught horse owners how to handle stressed horses and respond to accidents involving horses. They also learned about extrication

tools and techniques.

While, tragically, serious traffic accidents do occur from time to time, many of the emergencies horse owners encounter are caused by the horse injuring itself, another horse of a handler or helper.

“You always want your horse trailer to be as collapsible as possible inside,” says Worts, who says it’s not uncommon for horses to get over the partition or chest bar. “You always want to be able to move the partitions if you had to.”

Loading can be particularly dangerous if a horse doesn’t load well, which is why Worts advises horse owners to do their homework and spend the time to teach their horses to load quietly.

In addition to having a first aid kit for both humans and horses, as well as a roadside kit containing a fire extinguisher, jumper cables and emergency flares or triangles, it’s also a good idea to carry tools as well. Dawson says his shipping vehicles are equipped with a sledge hammer and grinder, as well as an assortment of tools, such as screwdrivers and a socket set. “You just never know what you might need to do,” he says.

Trailering horses isn’t a task to be taken lightly and it’s not for everyone. If you don’t have the appropriate equipment or the knowledge to safely transport your horse yourself, consider hiring a professional shipper you trust and build a relationship with them.

“The more relaxed the situation,” says Dawson, “the better it is for the horses.” |

www.horse.on.ca | 65

Special Feature

Balancing Education With Riding Dreams

By Laurel Graham

I battled with the riding and college dilemma for some

time. I studied at Guelph for one year, but found no answers there. I quit and moved to Holland in 2007 to pursue Show Jumping. I had no intention of going back to school. I was in Europe, independent from my parents, and free to do whatever I wanted. After eight months I came to a crossroad. Would I stay in Holland and make a career out of horses? I couldn’t decide. I felt uneasy about it. I had been writing articles about my experiences and contemplated becoming an equine journalist, but in all honesty, I was completely lost!

I left Holland and went to compete with my dad, Hugh Graham, in Ocala, Florida, for the winter circuit. I was unhappy and I had a nagging feeling that I wanted Ireland to be my next destination. As the saying goes, be careful what you wish for! I soon met Paddy, an up-and-coming Irish Show Jumper who changed my life. I fell for this guy, but more importantly he led me to Ireland. The following months were spent lovesick and lost.

That summer I rode with Kevin Babington in Pennsylvania.

His wife Diana convinced me to go back to college. She forced me to think long-term and to consider all the options out there.

I visited Ireland later that summer and realized this was where I belonged. I don’t know if it was my Irish roots or the guy, but I only returned to Toronto for three weeks. In that time I applied to the journalism program at Griffith College Cork, got accepted and packed my bags.

Over the last four years I have studied in Cork and Dublin and ridden with three Irish riders. I began riding with Paddy who taught me many things. His farm is very basic. He used to train his horses over oils barrels and old tires in a grass field while horses grazed in it. I remember once jumping a stone wall with a low drop down a hill; and hacking down to the Kilfarrasy Beach.

Photo Credit: Emma Loughran

Paddy was always pushing me out of my comfort zone. He gave me the best riding lesson I’ve ever had. It was on a difficult and very grumpy mare called Honey. Paddy had me jumping over a huge course, and it turned out Honey had a stop in her. Inevitably, I misjudged a distance to a big vertical and Honey stopped. Paddy kept me in that ring until I worked through my “I-can’t-do-it” demons. His message was simple; just get over the fence. Paddy helped me believe that I could make it happen. Two hours and a few tears later, I successfully jumped around this big course.

To this day that lesson reminds me that riding is mostly mental.

66 | WHOA! Summer 2012

Spending time learning from Paddy made me appreciate my situation. I had the choice to go to college, but he didn’t. It was horses or horses. Rain or shine, and in Ireland it’s mostly raining, he must tough it out teaching lessons, breaking horses, riding all day and competing most weekends to make ends meet. This was the background of all my trainers in Ireland. They all fought tooth and nail to make a living out of horses and I have a lot of respect for

Photo Credit: Emma Loughran

Special Feature

Laurel Graham waves the Irish flag. them because of it.

During my second and third year, I rode with Ireland’s Chef D’Equipe, Robert Splaine. I competed on his horses and learned a great deal from him. He is the ultimate perfectionist; a self taught man who teaches best by showing rather than telling. I did my first 1.30m class with him on a little homebred gelding named Chance.

On another occasion, Splaine invited me on a charity ride. I had no idea what this was, but I soon found out that it was like a hunt. Ditches, banks and wire, oh my! I will always remember coming up to my first ditch with his words, “Sit back and look up or you’ll end up in the ditch,” echoing in my ears. Splaine taught me to trust horses indefinitely, no matter the height of the jumps or the obstacle. I still apply his words of wisdom to my riding today.

I want to have a non-horsey career so I never have to become one of those people who turn sour after years of struggling in the horse business. If you want to keep the passion alive, you need to keep the foundations strong.

By this I mean cash flow. My ambition is to be successful so I can afford nice horses and to show in Europe. My dream is to one day compete on the Global Champions Tour. That’s just one of my dreams. After four years of college, I’ve gone from wanting to be a BBC broadcaster, to a novelist, to a screenwriter/director. The latter is the one that stuck. I recently did a short film on Doyle and his top horse Samgemgee and in doing so discovered a passion equal to horses. I would have never discovered it if I had of stayed in Holland all those years ago.

So what advice can I give about school and riding? Let’s be honest.

Riding at any level is expensive. In most disciplines you have to either have exceptional talent or financial backing to succeed. You need to have luck as well. I’ve watched my Dad work overtime my whole life and he’s a success story. He’s competed all over the world and gone to the Olympics. He’s had great horses, but he’s also broken bones, seen his top horses get injured and faced financial ups and downs. That is the reality of the sport and life in general. It’s like betting on a race; the odds always change and there are no safe bets. However, education is a safe bet. It is something that no one can take away from you. I know many horse people who got a degree and then went back to building up their horse business. No matter what you’re ambitions are with horses, you can never go wrong with a “plan B.” I have finished my honours degree in journalism and visual media and now I am setting my sights on building two careers; one in film and the other in horses. I don’t know how I’ll do it, or how long it will take, but I’m willing to do anything to achieve my goals. We can all do it, but it’s easier to reach your dreams with a diploma in hand. |

These days I train with Edward Doyle. He is like the Ian Millar of Ireland.

Even my yoga teacher in Dublin knows of him. I plan on training with Doyle as long as possible. His teaching style is very relaxed and he keeps things simple. Riding is simple, after all. No matter the discipline, riding is about trusting your horse and communicating with them in a straightforward manner.

Managing riding and school took me four years to figure out. It wasn’t easy. School took priority, then riding and then a social life. My ambition during college was to stay in the saddle as much as possible. I wouldn’t be able to function without horses. Typically, I’d ride between three and five days a week. To keep fit, I’d also do Bikram yoga and go to the gym.

I rarely missed a class in college and found it easiest to balance riding and school by constantly staying on top of my studies. I learned this the hard way at the International Show in Cavan. I could have finished this particular essay before the show, but I didn’t. In between competing and socializing, I was glued to a cafeteria table reading and writing. To this day, people remember me as the geek or “swat” at Cavan. The fact that I didn’t finish the assignment ahead of time tainted the weekend. I got the essay written, but the experience taught me to work hard, ahead of time, so I can enjoy my riding.

Photo Credit: Emma Loughran

While studying in Dublin, I competed on Doyle’s horses. He was very accommodating with my studies. Whenever I was swamped with assignments, he would tell me to come ride whenever I needed some fresh air. His favorite words are “Don’t stress” or “No panic,” which always calmed me down whenever I got frazzled. The Irish way is relaxed by nature, and no matter the situation people say, “It’ll all be grand!”

Laurel Graham found her calling in film, a career she will pursue alongside riding. www.horse.on.ca | 67

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Breed & Discipline Updates Tetrathletes Kick Off Pony Club Show Season Submitted by the Canadian Pony Club - Western Ontario Region

While it sounds like a new sport to many, pony clubbers around the world have been competing in tetrathlon since its creation in Britain in 1969. Tetrathlon is a modified version of pentathlon, including running, swimming, shooting and riding phases.

Athletes in the Western Ontario Region of Canadian Pony Club have already kicked off their 2012 competition season with this discipline unique to Pony Club.

Competitions began as early as April in preparation for the regional Abby Billings and Simon after the riding phase of the Guelph tetrathlon competition in late June. competition, held at Old Orchard Not only does the sport encourage Farms in April. loyalty, character and sportsmanship, it also produces world-class athletes.

Many of the Canadian pentathletes to compete in the 2012 London

Olympics are former tetrathletes and pony clubbers.

The 2012 Pony Club show season will be packed with other events and competitions, including Dressage and Show Jumping, weekend-long rallies and numerous branch competitions, clinics and events. Members from each region will have the chance to compete nationally in the following upcoming competitions: • National Quiz, Western Ontario • National Show Jumping, St. Lawrence Ottawa Valley • National Dressage, British Columbia Lower Mainland • National Rally, Western Ontario • National PPG Masters, Alberta 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 countrywide in our own backyards. In 2010, Canadian Pony Club was officially inducted into the Jump Canada Hall of Fame as a builder organization. This award recognizes an organization that has demonstrated excellence in leadership and commitment to equestrian sport. The Jump Canada Hall of Fame was created in 2006 to recognize outstanding contributions to Hunter/Jumper sport. To date, 31 champions have been welcomed into the hall of fame.

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. |

Mark Your Calendar For The Canadian Paso Classic Submitted by the Central Canada Paso Fino Horse Association

This year the Central Canadian Paso Fino Horse Association (PFHA) is going bigger and better and has the first Canadian Paso Classic slated for Sunday, Aug. 5, 2012. The club has had pointed shows in the past, but not for many years.

This event will be a little different in that it will be held in the beautiful new Ancaster Fairgrounds facility. Also, it will be a combination of pointed PFHA classes (allowing entrants to qualify for the 2012 PFHA Nationals in Kentucky in October) and non-pointed “fun” classes, similar to previous fun show classes.

•

Sunday, Aug. 5 for the Canadian Paso Classic

For more information visit our events page at www.centralcanadapfha. com or contact Marijean Harris at 519-787-2909 or forestgaitfarm@gmail. com. |

The pointed classes are open to registered Paso Fino horses only, exhibited by PFHA members. The non-pointed classes (just as before) are open to any gaited breeds (registration not required) by any exhibitors (membership not required). Registration is due by July 25 to avoid late entry fees.

Please mark your calendars for: • Saturday, Aug. 4 evening for the exhibitors’ dinner and party

Photo credit: Leslie Town

Photo credit: Glen Billings

Have you ever heard of tetrathlon?

Chances are you haven’t and you aren’t alone.

Nate Meakins, riding Pianola, holds up a red ribbon as Emma Peirson looks on.

facebook.com/EponaPR @EponaPR flickr.com/photos/eponapr pinterest.com/EponaPR

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

Epona .....................................................

Laurie Haughton eponapr@gmail.com 613 301 6979 eponapr.com

www.horse.on.ca | 69

Breed & Discipline Updates Driving Clinic With Kirstin Brunner Kicks Off 2012 Season Submitted by the Eastern Ontario Pleasure Driving Society

“I soon will be taking a preliminary arena driving trial test, so Kirstin had me work on the one-handed half circle and gave me tips on how to exude a smooth and confident presence,” says another.

Other participants had come to increase their knowledge of basic driving. Auditors watched as Brunner made some harness adjustments and showed the proper tension on the bridle, correct placement of the britchen and proper attachment of the holdback straps.

“Kirsten showed me how to maintain better contact with my horse when I wanted to increase speed, instead of throwing him away by releasing the reins too much,” one individual comments.

Photo credit: Kim Martel

“I learned how to use the whip as an aid to move my horse over and get her to bend in the corners,” says a participant. “Kirsten made suggestions about my harness to ensure a better and more comfortable fit,” another adds.

Brunner used the Achenbach method of holding and manipulating the reins. Participants and auditors practiced on a rein board. Brunner also showed an alternative method of holding the reins for those with arthritic fingers.

Kirsten Brunner offers tips to clinic participant Phyllis Begg.

The Eastern Ontario Pleasure Driving Society (EOPDS) inaugurated its 2012 driving season with a clinic by Kirsten Brunner at the Manotick Polo Cub in Manotick on May 28-29, 2012. This is a new venue for EOPDS and the large indoor arena ensured that the clinic could proceed, regardless of the weather.

The two-day clinic featured a day of private sessions and a day of semiprivate ones as well as a demonstration of long-lining and an impromptu demo of mane-thinning. Auditors were welcomed and they learned a lot as Brunner put horses and whips through their paces. This year the entrants were all single hitches, and included Morgans, Canadians, Welsh cob, Haflinger, Standardbred and Shetland.

Some of the participants were seasoned show people looking to fine-tune their technique and horses before the start of the show season: “We worked on precision in halts, and on extending the trot by increasing the power, not the speed,” says one participant.

“I also realized I needed to nag less with the whip and make my cues less frequent but crisper.”

A few times Brunner took over a horse to demonstrate a point. It was very enlightening (and amusing!) to see how the horses reacted. Brunner didn’t raise her voice and there were no theatrics, but the eyes widened and there was the equine equivalent of snapping to attention and saluting smartly!

It was a gruelling schedule and a credit to Kirsten Brunner that her enthusiasm and ability to motivate were as high at the end of the second day as they were at the beginning of the first. She tailored each session to the capability of the participant. Brunner was very positive, approachable and generous with her time. She gave valuable insights for improvement, and plenty of ideas to work on at home.

What makes a good clinic? Good organization, a good facility, and a good clinician. What makes a good clinician? Knowledge, experience, communications skills, and, most important, the ability to motivate – Brunner’s pleasant personality was a bonus. The Eastern Ontario Pleasure Driving Society was very fortunate to have such a talented and accomplished clinician, and attendees left the clinic informed and motivated.

As with any EOPDS gathering, there was plenty of socializing and “oohing” and “ahhhing” over new ponies, harness and rigs. It was a satisfying two days. |

Icelandic Enthusiasts Gather For Tune Up Clinic Submitted by Jane Hamilton

Riders don’t have to go all the way to Iceland to experience the thrill of fast tölting on steep and sometimes rocky trails! A small group of Icelandic horse owners and riders gathered from May 11-13 at Clear Lake Farm in beautiful Magnetawan, Ont., for a riding season kick-off clinic/ spring tune-up with Kordula Reinhartz, an outstanding equine professional and instructor.

Icelandic horses are unique in their strength and agility. They tend to be forward going, sure-footed and confident. With good instruction and a lot of practice, people who are lucky enough to ride these horses learn to trust their smooth gaits on all surfaces: in forests, on trails, tracks and even on paved roads.

One might ask what clinic participants gained from this experience in beautiful near-northern Ontario. The answer is easy: improved riding skills, a higher level of confidence and the sheer pleasure of riding with fellow Icelandic horse enthusiasts.

Thank you again to Kordula Reinhartz from all of us who took part in the clinic. |

Participants were invited to send Reinhartz a list of personal riding goals in advance of the clinic. She observed and evaluated individual riders, noting their strengths and weaknesses in their use of riding aids, positioning, etc. Discussions with her were free-flowing and very productive for all.

Group rides were exhilarating, with constantly-changing scenery, speeds and transitions amongst walk, trot, tölt and canter. Evenings were spent enjoying good food, conversation and reviewing the day’s activities with feedback from Reinhartz.

70 | WHOA! Summer 2012

Photo credit: Alex Palfrey

This clinic was particularly valuable for two reasons: each participant experienced one-on-one riding time and instruction; and the clinic classroom was the stunning trails, paths, rocky slopes and roads around Clear Lake Farm.

Kordula Reinhartz, shown here riding Einar at the Burk’s Falls fair in 2011, held a kick-off clinic/spring tune-up at Clear Lake Farm in May.

Breed & Discipline Updates Aspiring Drivers Test Their Skills At Carriage Driving Clinic Submitted by the Central Ontario Pleasure Driving Association

On May 5, 2011, the Central Ontario Pleasure Driving Association’s learn to drive clinic was held at Relhok Farm in Barrie. Clinicians Eve Dexter and Jeff Kohler, along with the help of Mary Baillie, led a very keen group of aspiring drivers through all the stages of starting out in Carriage Driving.

The icebreaker “wheelbarrow cones” had a skeptical start, as always, but resulted in a resounding “light bulb” effect by the end. It is a wonderful way to make people realize the necessity of the connection needed between a driving horse/pony and its driver.

Discussions, lectures and hands-on practical work on everything from harnessing to show turnout were on the list of the day’s topics. Safety, animal/human bond and the transitioning from “rider” to “driver” were stressed throughout the day. Carriage Driving is a wonderful equine discipline for those people who have had a great riding career, but for one reason or another find themselves unable to ride any longer. As a result, a lot of talk revolves around how to use prior horsemanship in your new driving endeavors.

A special thank you to Eve Dexter and her Miniature Horse, Dezi, as well as Mary Ballie and her very small equine, Archie, and Jeff Kohler and Synod Lord Percival (owned by Kim & Richard Sargent of Zurich) for their demonstrations and patience throughout the day. Our equine counterparts in this clinic are brilliantly patient in allowing the students to methodically learn their lessons!

With Carriage Driving having a strong traditional knowledge base in the senior members, it is a strong interest for COPDA to encourage junior drivers to the sport to carry on the legacy. At this clinic we were very pleased to welcome five juniors! And with that, our hope of a junior driving camp in the future is close. If there are any juniors interested in a junior driving camp, please contact Jeff Kohler at Jeff@relhok.ca, to be notified of the progress of this event. |

Canadians Make Their Mark At Biltmore Challenge Endurance Ride Submitted by Dianne Willis

It was a very exciting weekend for Canadian Endurance riders at the prestigious 18th Biltmore Challenge Endurance Ride held May 5 at the grounds of George Vanderbilt’s historic Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina.

In the 100 mile FEI 3* ride, Wendy MacCoubrey made a valiant try on Destiny’s Gold (owned by Valerie Kanavy) but at 90 miles was unable to help the mare through. MacCoubrey is excited to learn the challenges of the mare and hopes to qualify her at the next FEI competition in Maine.

Thanks to our many helpers for their commitment and support! A shout out goes to the crews which included Dessia Miller, Dr. Scott Hie, Julie Green, Ruth Benns, Dr. Bri Henderson D.V.M., Teresa Finnerty, Conrad Moir, Colette Hutten, Ken Sturley, Valerie Kanavy, Mike Bostic and Bobbie Martin.

Apologies to anyone missed.

Congratulations to all! Your performances certainly exceeded your goals. Canada kicked butt, and we are so proud of all of you. | Riders and Results: 50 Mile with 89 starters, 72 finishers (Canadian Connections Team) • Misha Green & Vagas – 17th overall (team silver), 1st FEI & FEI Best Condition • Bob Gielen & R Mercedes – 18th(team silver) • Jaye Yavis – 38th overall

75 Mile with 47 starters, 37 finishers - Young Riders (the “Eh Team”) • Lee Hutten & Parker AES – 3rd overall, 1st FEI YR, FEI Best Condition • Emma Webb & Cwm Fellen Zillary – 8th Overall, 3rd FEI YR • Jessica Yavis on a leased horse –19th Overall, 4th FEI YR Senior Riders (Omega Alpha Team) • Wendy Benns & My Silver Night – 9th (team silver), 3rd FEI • Ruth Sturley & Futuristic – 13th (team silver), 7th FEI

Photo credit: Wendy Webb Photography

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Breed & Dscipline Updates Ontario Shows Offer AQHA Novice And Rookie Classes Sumbited by the Ontario Quarter Horse Association

with the owner and his or her immediate family still retaining the ability to show the horse in any class except the same class as the Novice exhibitor. Novice Youth and Novice Amateur exhibitors can also show a leased horse in a Novice class.

New for 2012! The Ontario Quarter Horse Association and Eastern Ontario Quarter Horse Association Novice Shows will also offer a full list of Rookie classes. All the OQHA approved shows in 2012 offer Novice classes, and many of them also offer a full class list of Rookie classes as well.

2012 All-Novice Shows There are now a total of three All-Novice Shows held in Ontario each year. This is a great opportunity for new and/or Novice competitors to come out and show with other competitors with similar experience. It is a great opportunity to take advantage of clinics and fun events in a fun, welcoming show environment.

The Ontario Quarter Horse Association (OQHA) invites you to try something new this summer – take your horse and show in an American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) Novice or Rookie class!

The purpose of the Rookie-level class is to offer an entry-level showing experience for AQHA members of all ages and riding levels. Rookielevel classes are offered at a number of OQHA approved shows in 2012, offering classes for both amateur and youth.

Eligibility for a Rookie-level class depends on both your show record and your horse’s record: • For a horse to be eligible to compete in a Rookie-level class, that horse must have earned fewer than 10 lifetime points in that class in any division.

• For an exhibitor to be eligible to compete in a Rookie-level class, that exhibitor must have earned fewer than 10 lifetime points in that class in any division.

• Thus, to compete in a Rookie level class, the horse and rider must each have earned fewer than 10 points in that particular class.

These All-Novice Shows offer classes for Novice competitors only and include a slate of clinics and demonstrations conducted by members of AQHA’s Professional Horsemen Association. These events are specifically geared toward the Novice horseman, providing you with the guidance and encouragement to either step into the show pen for the very first time, or to simply take on the challenge of a new event. Novice shows aim to broaden your horizons, give you some increased confidence, and set you on the path to achieving the goals that you set out for yourself. And guess what? You don’t even have to own your own horse!

O.Q.H.A. All-Novice Youth & Amateur Show Friday, July 20, 2012 in Ilderton, Ontario. www.oqha.on.ca/shows/all-novice-show.html EOQHA All-Novice and Rookie Show Wednesday, Aug, 1, 2012 in Carp, Ontario. www.eoqha.com Area 3 All-Novice Show Friday, Aug. 10, 2012. www.area3.ca/all-novice-show-2012/

Novice-level classes are offered for the competitor who may have competed at AQHA approved shows, but have not earned 25 Novice Youth, Youth, Novice Amateur, Amateur or Open combined lifetime points in that Novice class.

The Ontario Quarter Horse Association realizes everyone needs to start somewhere. You’ll find many OQHA approved shows throughout the province offer a great environment for both learning and developing new friendships within the sport. Camaraderie amongst competitors is high and normally you’ll meet many others who, like you, are just starting out.

Many of these shows offer a full list of Novice and Rookie classes. So don’t just plan on attending the All-Novice Shows. Practice makes perfect, and we want to give you every opportunity to become your very best!

The Novice program also allows you to try out a horse you are thinking about buying. AQHA rules allow a Novice Youth or Novice Amateur competitor to show a horse in a Novice Youth or Novice Amateur class

If you have any questions pertaining to any of the Novice shows or any OQHA event, please contact Shawna Crawford at (613) 913-7262 or by email at crawfordqh@gmail.com. |

Over 50 Drafts Show At Spring Fair Submitted by the Ontario Belgian Horse Association

The Six-Horse Hitch class was won by Glencal Percherons of Schomberg with their Percherons. Taking second place was Carson Farms of Listowel with their Clydesdales. In third place was Dave Zister Peak and Valley Belgians from Chepstow and fourth was Keith Garner, Highland View Belgians from Embryo.

The Six-Horse Hitch class at the Schomberg Fair is a qualifier show for the prestigious North American Classic Six-Horse Hitch. |

Photo credit: John Northcote

The 165th Schomberg Spring Fair was held on Saturday, May 26 on a wonderful sunny warm day. The heavy horse show of Belgians, Percherons and Clydesdales was an excellent competition with over 50 draft horses competing.

Junior Showmanship exhibitor Cody Arsenault with his Belgian yearling listens to judge Ryan Thomas.

72 | WHOA! Summer 2012

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

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www.horse.on.ca www.horse.on.ca | 73

Breed & Discipline Updates Welsh Ponies Warm Hearts At Annual All About Horses Weekend

The Best $5 Deal In Reining

Submitted by Anne Lorimer, Ontario Reining Horse Association The annual Reiny Season Clinic at Rustic Meadows in Hillsburgh, ON is always a unique combination of weather and clinician. I am still new to this, but the 2012 clinic has to rank with one of the best combinations in recent years. Seven riders tacked up and spent two incredibly valuable days with this year’s clinician, Heather Vaughn from Fletchers’ Horse World, under blue skies and warm sunshine.

I have spent the last few years as a “show mom” and beginner rider watching shows, listening to feedback, benefitting directly and indirectly from the help of experienced coaches and trainers. I went to the clinic expecting to come and go and help out with anything our host Joanne Milton needed. By the end of Saturday, I slapped my $5 on the table and said I was an official spectator having already benefitted from listening and watching Vaughn. What a bargain! I couldn’t tear myself away from the arena in case I missed something.

On Saturday, Vaughn brought along Dan Fletcher and together they got to know the students, assessing rider levels and giving feedback and assistance during manoeuvres. The riders ranged from novice pleasure riders to faces that would be familiar to Ontario Reining Horse Association (ORHA) participants. Vaughn assessed everyone’s level and encouraged them to start and build from wherever was comfortable. Participants and spectators all commented on her keen eye and clear directions.

On Sunday, the sun was up and the sky was clear again. The attendees of the scribe clinic arrived to be guided through the process by Mike Munroe. There was a steady stream of cars all day with people dropping in to chat and watch.

Vaughn built on the learnings from Saturday, and it was rewarding for the riders to apply the techniques they had learned and see the transformation in their horses in just one day. In many cases, Vaughn would demonstrate on each horse the best correction technique and talk through what she was doing, so the rider could watch their own horse and see exactly what Vaughn was suggesting.

After a great lunch with many delicious donations from Milton’s students, the scribes and judge took their positions and the riders strutted their stuff. For several students it was their first time riding a pattern and they had really good rides! If laughter and enthusiasm are ever scored, Liz Turnbull and Sabres Roan Gal were the class favourites!

Photo credit: Marie Howran

Submitted by the Welsh Pony and Cob Association of Ontario

A child pets C Ponderosa Lady Nell Sec. A Welsh Mountain Pony (Dandardel Flit x Telgay Jeweler My Lady) owned by Howran Hills Farm.

On May 26 and 27, the Lindsay Fairgrounds became home to the 4th Annual All About Horses Equine weekend. This year’s festival combined breed displays and demonstrations. A wide variety of riding, driving, heavy and light breed displays were present, including a wonderful display of Welsh ponies.

Rosehill Welsh Ponies of Cannington and Howran Hills Farm of Peterborough were on hand to represent the Welsh Pony and Cob Association of Ontario. Visitors to the equine weekend were encouraged to meet and mingle with the ponies and their handlers at the stalls for a real hands-on experience.

Rosehill Welsh Ponies, owned by Janet Pegg, presented Welsh Section B ponies on Saturday, May 26. The mare Winddancer Glitter 4 Gold (Las Brisas Fandango x Sianwood Golddust) was present with her colt, which was born March 22, 2012. GG, as she is affectionately known, is a sevenyear-old Section B Welsh pony mare, standing 13.2 hands. She is trained to ride and drive and is also an excellent broodmare.

Also on display was JMR Crown Jewel (Telynau Tarantara x Winddancer Glitter 4 Gold). Jewel is a two-year-old palomino who, at a young age, is already a seasoned show pony.

Rosehill Welsh, with the assistance of Suellen Copeland, as well as Claire and Elisha Sanderson, used this opportunity to educate visitors at the Welsh booth about the breed and their care. They used Welsh pony trivia questions that earned participants prizes.

On Sunday, Howran Hills Farm presented the eight-year-old Section B mare, Howran’s Sweet as Sugar (Las Brisas Fandango x Caygeon’s Miss Tee). Sugar stands 13.1 ½ hands and is trained to ride. She was ridden in the breed demonstration and the parade of champions by Janene Howran.

In addition, the Welsh Mountain Pony, Section A mare, C Ponderosa Lady Nell (Dandardel Flit x Telgay Jewler My Lady), standing 11.3 hands, was more than willing to provide some love to children. Nell is trained to ride and drive and was presented in-hand by Marie Howran of Howran Hills Farm.

At the end of the day on Sunday, Vaughn took her obligatory side-saddle lesson and made her way around the arena on Rustic Matador. She had a great cheering section of students reminding her to sit back, look ahead, and keep her hands down. Munroe even jumped up and loped around aside. The day ended with sunburned faces that made the big smiles stand out even more.

Over the two days, many in attendance remarked about the wonderful personality of the ponies, as they were truly “children’s ponies.” The ponies graciously looked for “pets” and were happy to stand in the aisle and to be groomed by those present. These Welsh ponies are handled and used by children at home and at shows and this was evident to the visitors who found the Welsh ponies to be extremely “child and family friendly.” It wasn’t surprising to hear a young voice say, “Grandma, will you buy me a Welsh?” After all, you never outgrow a Welsh pony.

Thanks again to Heather Vaughn and Mike Munroe for donating your time and expertise to the clinic, and Joanne Milton for coordinating and donating the proceeds from the weekend to the ORHA. I think Vaughn is going to be in demand for follow-up coaching! |

The Welsh Pony and Cob Association of Ontario would like to extend a warm thank you to the Lindsay All About Horses organizing committee for this opportunity for the public to meet and learn about Welsh ponies. The association would also like to thank Rosehill Welsh Ponies and Howran Hills Farm for providing ponies and volunteers for this worthwhile event.|

74 | WHOA! Summer 2012

Breed & Discipline Updates Western Dressage To Be Introduced At Morgan Championship Classic Submitted by the Ontario Morgan Horse Club

The 45th Annual Ontario Morgan Horse Championship Classic will take place at the Orangeville Fairgrounds on July 14-15 starting at 9 a.m. The show offers a huge diversity of classes and will reintroduce Dressage as well as introduce Western Dressage classes.

The founder of Western Dressage, Eitan Beth-Halchemy, made the discipline famous on a Morgan, so it is fitting that a couple of classes are offered at the show.

Photo credit: RiverBend Designs

There will also be a youth challenge where youth under the age of 21 are tested on their speaking ability, horse judging and equitation.

A hot dog party will be on Friday night to get everyone together for a quick bite before the competition begins.

A Saturday night dinner is also planned after the show’s last performance. Participants will have some fun and raise a few dollars with a ball toss game!

The show offers classes ranging from In Hand to Carriage Driving, English, Western and Hunt, as well as plenty of classes for the junior riders and novice riders/drivers.

Stand Up And Cheer, Champion gelding at the 2011 Classic, shown by David and Nancy Kavanagh, owned by Gord and Mary Freeman.

Spectators are welcome and there is no admission charge. It is a great way to spend some or all your weekend, either as a competitor or a spectator.

Prize lists are available online at www.ontariomorgan.on.ca or contact show secretary Gloria Cote at (905)263-8301. |

Club Members Enjoy Tour Of Ontario Farms Sumbitted by the St. Lawrence Ottawa Valley Pony Club

The 2012 season got off with a boom for the St. Lawrence Ottawa Valley Region of the Canadian Pony Club. The St. Lawrence Ottawa Valley club (SLOV) has been making huge strides to offer up many opportunities to its members – from stable management clinics to bus trips and testing.

On March 9, a group of approximately 50 members and their chaperones departed from various locations across the St. Lawrence Ottawa Valley region on a bus trip to the Toronto/Uxbridge area. The participants spent two great days touring various equine facilities.

breeding facility was of great interest to the members. Everyone was given a tour and lots of information from the very hospitable staff.

A great time was had by all! We are already looking ahead to spring 2013. SLOV has already filled one bus for a trip to Kentucky to see Rolex Three-Day Event! |

On the Friday, the group had a very informative tour of FoxFire Equestrian Center in Uxbridge. The group enjoyed learning about this exceptional facility. Staffed with registered veterinary technicians, FoxFire specializes in post-surgical care and rehabilitation programs.

Saturday brought a great trip to Picov’s Horsemen Center where the shopping was great! The last stop on the trip was Colebrook Farms.

Located on 300 acres in beautiful Uxbridge, this Thoroughbred

Clinic Teaches Driving And Harnessing Skills Submitted by the Ontario Percheron Association

Once again the Ontario Percheron Association had another successful learn to harness and drive clinic. The clinic was held at Windy Hill Farms in the Kettelby/Newmarket area and was well attended. Participants learned all about various types of harness and their uses, as well as how to fit the harness to the horse.

Later, participants fit the harness and horses to the carts and wagons and, after a summer lunch, began to drive. The first was a tow team of Percherons, followed by a cart and some Belgian horses. The horses worked up quite a sweat in the warm weather and were later given a cool sponge off.

All participants left with good knowledge of what it feels like to be a teamster. A big thank you goes to the Baron family for hosting the event and to the Northcoates and Hogkins for supplying horses and wagons.

If anyone is interested in signing up for the next clinic, please contact the Ontario Percheron Horse Association. Visit www.ontariopercherons.ca. | www.horse.on.ca | 75

Obituaries

VDL Ulando H

On May 25, 2012, VDL Ulando H tragically passed away following a trailering accident in Georgia that also claimed the lives of two other horses that were part of Michael Pollard’s team of international Event horses.

Ulando’s owner, Ruth Armstrong of Armstrong Farm in Orangeville, shares her memories of the late stallion.

on, would tip over his buckets, poop in his water, pull my hair elastics out and steal your drinks. He could also drink out of a pop can or a beer can, although I think he preferred beer. My 12-year-old daughter, Tiffany, could lead him around like a puppy. Yet, with me, he could have a day where he would be a fire breathing, piaffing dragon to his paddock and you would shout at him and he would say, “But I was only playing” and give you his tongue. On more than one occasion I turned him loose in his paddock, closed the gate and I was almost at the house gate only to find him behind me, laughing as only he could do. Ulando was all about knowing him and gaining his trust and love. That was his key. All the talent was there naturally and he never forgot anything, good or bad.

VDL Ulando H was my special boy, coming to me with some confidence issues. I spent a few years re-starting him and teaching him to believe in himself and to trust me. At first I often wanted to take him in my arms and say, “Let’s have a watch TV and chill day.” My daughter Tiffany would have had no problem, but my husband Morley would not have been so keen having Ulando parked next to us on the sofa!

The last event he won with me I lost my stirrups coming to a coffin and he put in a trot step to a brush and an invisible ditch and picked his own way all the way through, and for the very first time was flag hunting. Then he started to drag me around the courses. That brought tears to my eyes knowing he was now a true and very real competitor.

Last year, on June 2, 2011, I made the decision that he was indeed ready to be an international horse and gave Karl Slezak the ride. I was stressed because Ulando was picking at his food and when I went to see him he just put his head in my arms and breathed a big sigh as if to say, “Okay Mom. You still have me and love me. All is cool.” His voracious appetite returned and Karl and I were happy. Karl loved riding Ulando and we had a dream to try for the team. Karl did a fantastic job in the eight months that he rode him with many accolades to their names, including winning their first Advanced in a very strong field, and thus proving my belief in Ulando.

But the gods were against us and he sustained a minor injury.

From the white-eyed, sweaty creature that did not want to play, you and I, my boy, came a long way in these last six years. It took a few years of patience and lots of in-hand work for Ulando to go to a fence without a stop or a wriggle, and then he suddenly started to blossom and the ribbons mounted. He had the most enormous jump! It was like being launched; you never felt lift off but you always knew you were in flight Ulando’s legacy is his offspring, who have proven to be winners in Free and then boom, the back end bascules. He would do Dressage all day as Jumping and cup classes and are just making their debut successfully in the Event, Jumper and Dressage rings. I have two particularly spectacular he loved it and he owned the Dressage ring. ones with a Burggraaf dam line which I hope to see Michael Pollard on.

I have so many wonderful and hilarious memories to draw on. I recall a Luckily, I have a solid bank of frozen semen, which is of excellent quality, Dressage lesson with John Holling asking me for more, more, more until so business will be as usual for breeding.

I could barley breathe with exhaustion. He would be sipping his drink, cool as cucumber. I, on the other hand, was a soaking wet chewed string. Michael had always admired Ulando and an exciting business partnership John would say, “Not bad, he’s straight now”! I also think back to Garry was struck. He loved Ulando and he was the one horse in the barn that Roque jump schooling me while he pinged me to the top of the standards. he personally did up from start to finish. He knew and understood the With a huge grin and in his slow drawl Garry would say, “Well honey, key to Ulando was to have him love you back, to be his security blanket.

Once you had that he would give you his all and more. That meant a lot you’re still on and he’s happy. Come around again.” to me. It is particularly devastating that we did not get the opportunity to I fractured my back a few years ago for the second time and Ulando’s see them develop together. With all my heart I believe they would have athletic jump was a bit hard on the painkillers. So when the jumps got been a dominating force. higher, I asked my friend and horseman Robin Walker to take him for a spin around HITS. I had complete faith that Robin would listen to me in Thank you to everyone who knew and loved Ulando and had him in their how Ulando needed to be ridden and still remain in the tack! Fingers and lives. Another huge thank you goes to the Eventing community. Your legs crossed! As I pulled Ulando off my trailer, I told Robin that he is a support has helped me through this black time and it truly means much. bit explosive over the fences. I laughed until it hurt watching him clear Ulando will rest forever at Michael’s but we will remember him here with everything in the ring by an extra three feet. The look I got when he came love and pleasure. We must all look to the horizon and pray for fairer out of the ring said several thousand words in the way only Robin can say weather in the future. them. I almost died laughing! I still see that face to this day.

R.I.P. VDL Ulando H. I was proud to be your person. | Ulando was both loving and mischievous. He would not keep his blankets

Winnifred Heather Daykin May 5, 1929 - March 3, 2012

Loved wife of Stephen Daykin for 59 years. Predeceased by her sister Arlene. Survived and fondly remembered by many close long-time friends. A celebration of life reception was held on June 16, 2012 to honour Winnifred.

A lifelong rider, Winnifred got her start at the Eglington Hunt Club in Toronto. A mentor to countless youth riders over the years, Winnifred is remembered for her contributions to various branches of the Canadian Pony Club, particularly the Durham Pony Club.

Winnifred and her husband Stephen welcomed aspiring riders to their property in Whitby where they had created Jumping and Cross-Country courses and Dressage rings for Pony Club members to practice their skills.

Winnifred will be missed by friends, family and the equine community. | 76 | WHOA! Summer 2012

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Equine Guelph delivers life-long learning - from youth education and hands-on workshops to online certificate and diploma programs for horse owners| 77 www.horse.on.ca

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Comprised of six online courses, this program will examine the biological and emotional factors that affect a horse’s quality of life. Course content will include housing, management practices and procedures that can affect the well-being of horses.

Valuable knowledge and perspective will be gained and will prove to be an asset, particularly for those with roles involving policy making. Every horse industry association would benefit from having at least one person on staff with this certificate.

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Equine Welfare is a core (required) course in the new Equine Welfare Certificate program offered by Equine Guelph and Campbell Centre for the Study of Animal Welfare.

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eWorkshops - Coming Soon From Equine Guelph Equine Guelph's latest educational opportunity allows busy horse owners and care givers to take an intensive two-week eWorkshop on hot topics; a 15-20 hour time commitment is required.

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Visit www.EquineGuelph.ca/education 78 | WHOA! Summer 2012

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