Whoa! winter2013

The Official Newsletter of the Ontario Equestrian Federation

Winter 2013 www.horse.on.ca

Understanding Brain Injury Meet Your New Directors Why Choose A Certified Coach?

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

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Winter 2013 is published quarterly by ONTARIO EQUESTRIAN FEDERATION 1 West Pearce Street, Suite 201, Richmond Hill, ON L4B 3K3 Tel: 905-709-6545 • Fax: 905-709-1867 Toll-free: 1-877-441-7112 • Email: horse@horse.on.ca www.horse.on.ca

Ontario Equestrian Federation BOARD OF DIRECTORS Grant Field President 905-888-1226

Isabel Dopta Director 519-993-1192

Allan Ehrlick 1st Vice President 905-854-0762

Susan Legge Director 289-221-2279

Ken Denouden 2nd Vice President 416-409-8614

Marc Nicols Director 705-435-9229

Paul Richardson Treasurer 905-838-1809

Lindsey Reeve Director 905-424-1151

Al Patterson Secretary 905-659-1132

Bonnie Simpson Director 705-438-5752

Kimberley Blease Director 416-566-1801

Claudia Wagner-Wilson Director 905-466-1901

Andrea Clarke Director 519-763-3999

Jack de Wit Honorary Director 905-655-4666

Mark Dobrindt Director 905-892-9769

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

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

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

Charlayne Szafranski Administrative Assistant c.szafranski@horse.on.ca ext. 32

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

Angelique Homan Competition Administrator a.homan@horse.on.ca ext. 15

Brandon Hall Executive Assistant b.hall@horse.on.ca ext. 30

Stephanie Rutherford Program AdministratorFirst Safe Strides s.rutherford@horse.on.ca ext. 12

Melissa Kosowan Communications Coordinator m.kosowan@horse.on.ca ext. 27 Kim Banks Marketing Coordinator k.banks@horse.on.ca ext. 22 Lesley McCoy Membership Services Rep l.mccoy@horse.on.ca ext. 13

Pam Coburn Program Administrator Horse Facilities p.coburn@horse.on.ca ext. 26 Neil Evans Finance Administrator n.evans@horse.on.ca ext. 16

Copyright, including electronic, belongs to the OEF. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Articles and letters are welcome from members, but must be signed and include a phone number. The publisher reserves the right to revise all material accepted for publication, including articles, columns, photographs, images and advertisements.

Publication Dates Spring 2013 / deadline February 8 Summer 2013 / deadline May 31 Fall 2013 / deadline September 6 Winter 2014 / December 6

Contents NEWS 4 President’s Message 4 Executive Director’s Message 4 New OEF Council Members 6 Ontario Equestrian Federation Quarterly Report 8 OEF Associations Council Update 8 OEF Congratulates Top RIDE ONtario Participants 8 OEF Honorary Director Awarded Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal 10 OEF Members Gather To Reflect, Learn And Celebrate 12 Meet The OEF's Newest Directors 14 Spirit of the Horse Re-Cap 16 Member Appreciation Party Gets Bigger And Bigger 16 Paralympian Reaches The Top In Ribbons For Rides Program 17 Top Riders Meet Fans At OEF T-Series VIP Corner 18 Ontario Equestrian Federation Model Member Award Nomination Form

ASK DR. BOB 38 Hay Mysteries ASK BFL 42 Who Is The New Provider and How Does This Affect Me & My Coverage?

NUTRITION 44 Healthy Hooves Need Good Nutrition LEGAL LOWDOWN 48 Be Prepared: Legal Liability And The Horse Business SPECIAL FEATURE 50 Head Injury Part 1: Understanding Traumatic Brain Injury ON THE TRAIL 52 Celebrating The Joy Of Trail Riding 52 Meeting A Horse On the Trail 52 Best Practices for Horses on the Trails

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT 19 Passion Knows No Age Limits 20 Equestrian Icon: Peter Cameron - Changing History From Centre Ring THERAPEUTIC SPOTLIGHT 24 Equine Therapy Forges Unbreakable Bonds AROUND THE BARN 27 Revisiting The Horse Facilities Program SAFETY FIRST 28 Vests Offer Protection For All Riders MANE EVENTS 31 Can-Am To Open Its Doors In A New, Expanded Location 31 Farm Show Adds Horse Depot 31 All About Pets Show Welcomes Equestrians To First Mane Event 32 OEF To Ride Into The Capital For National Women's Show

BREED & DISCIPLINE UPDATE 53 Long-Time Arabian Supporters Honoured With Prestigious Awards 53 Sidesaddle at the Spirit of the Horse 55 Competitive Trail Riding Showcased At Royal's Spirit of the Horse 55 Stephen Clarke Shares His Dressage Skills With Ontario Riders 56 Top Saddle Seat Riders Go Head-To-Head At Provincial Championships 56 Percherons Demonstrate Dressage Skills At The Royal 57 Road Horse Classes At The Royal Highlight Standardbreds In The Show Ring 57 Ontario Reining Horse Association Concludes Another Successful Year 58 Icelandic Horses Strut Their Stuff In Gaited Classes At The Erin Fair 58 Big Wins For Ontario Belgians EQUINE GUELPH 60 Winter 2013

COACHES CORNER 34 Making The Leap To The Next Level 36 Finding A Certified Coach Who Is Right For You Front Cover Photo Credit: Clix Photography Shawn Hamilton

www.horse.on.ca | 3

President’s Message

As 2012 comes to an end, I reflect on some of the challenges and successes we as horse people have encountered this year. The race horse industry crisis, as well as the terrible hay season, has caused many of us much grief.

New OEF Council Members

But on a more positive note, the Olympic/ Paralympic excitement and the success of the inaugural Ontario team at the Canadian Interprovincial Equestrian Championships were a joy to behold.

INDUSTRY Jennifer Scott McGinn, CEMT Marshall Davidson Fotoworks Medbiz Health Canada Sutton Incentive Realty, Michael Stuart Webb Sales Rep Spectrum Feed Services Ltd. The Edge The Functional Horse Wellspring Equine Consulting

The OEF is pleased to introduce NEW 2013 Council members:

In 2013, I will be taking on a new role with the OEF as president and chair of the board of directors. I am committed to working for the membership and all horse people in Ontario. I will work hard to create transparency and accountability and look forward to working with the volunteers and staff at the OEF. Please feel free to contact me with thoughts or concerns, questions or suggestions as my ears are open.

Please visit www.horse.on.ca to view a current listing of all OEF Council members and learn about the products and services they provide. The OEF appreciates the support that OEF Industry members provide, and encourages WHOA! readers to support OEF Industry, Horse Facilities and Affiliate members!

As the cold season approaches in Ontario, we all plan to enjoy it in different ways. Whether you travel south to ride your horses and have a great time at the beach or stay here to brave those cold winter rides and have adventures in the snow, I wish you all a safe and fun winter season.

All the best in 2013! T

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

Grant Field, President

Executive Director’s Message This issue is packed with all kinds of exciting horse related items. We feature an outstanding equestrian icon, provide coverage of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, highlight the OEF Member Appreciation event and report on the OEF AGM and Conference that includes an outstanding and deserving list of award recipients. All of this is so important, and I struggled on what to write about in this address, until I read the article on Understanding Traumatic Brain Injury.

This is the first installment of a four-part series that we will be bringing to you over the course of the year. As it happens, this subject has recently hit home within my family. I want to share this experience with all of you in the hope that it will inspire you take the time to read this piece.

I am, and always have been, adamant on the use of helmets and make no excuses for this. Neither I, nor anyone else in my family, has ever, or will ever, get on a horse without a properly fitting helmet with a securely fastened chinstrap. This being said, helmets do a great deal of good and save lives but they do not prevent concussions. This was an eye opener for me, as I was, until a few years ago unaware of this fact.

Recently, while away with friends, I received a call that my daughter had fallen off her horse, had hit the jump and that my husband had taken her to the hospital. It was the type of phone call that every parent dreads. Your child is hurt and you are not there. After a discussion with her coach, I was told that she did not hit her head, and that she had been alert, but they wanted to have her checked out just to make sure she was all right.

My husband then called me from the hospital and let me speak to the attending physician who said that my daughter was fine, just sore. I asked him to check her for a concussion; he said that 4 | WHOA! Winter 2013

he did not think this was necessary, as she had not hit her head.

I shared with him that this was not always a requirement and he did agree to test her and she passed.

A few days later, I got a call from the nurse at my daughter’s school saying that the light was bothering her, she was nauseous and her head was aching. All are clear signs of a mild concussion.

We were instructed to keep her in a dim room with no stimulation of any kind (including the phone or electronics) until she was symptom free for 24 hours. A more difficult sentence for a teenage girl is hard to imagine, but she got through it without complaints and is now symptom free and back at school. In another few weeks she will be back to riding.

I try to not bore you all with stories of my children, never mind that they make me sign a release giving me permission to even speak about them, but in this particular instance I wanted to share this story. My daughter’s concussion might have been easily missed and just thought of as a headache or the flu without astute professional diagnosis. She would not have had the opportunity to allow for her brain to heal properly. Concussions are something that can affect any of us and with education we can do a better job at prevention and the aftermath when one occurs.

My daughter and our family are grateful for such a welltrained school nurse who realized the signs of her concussion immediately. I hope that everyone reads the complete series of articles on this subject. The articles will also be posted on our website on the safety page.

My family has owned and rode horses for many years and this is the first time that someone within our family has suffered from a concussion. I hope it is the last. T

Dianne Graham, Executive Director

Photo Credit: www.capphotographic.com

2013 Ontario Equestrian Federation memberships are now available!

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News

Ontario Equestrian Federation Quarterly Report

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

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

2012 ELECTIONS • 2012 saw a record number of votes during the OEF board of directors election that resulted in Andrea Clarke, Isabel Dopta, Paul Richardson and Claudia Wagner-Wilson being elected to the board.

• Members of the 2012 executive committee are Grant Field (president), Allan Ehrlick (1st vice president), Ken Denouden (2nd vice president), Paul Richardson (treasurer) and Al Patterson (secretary).

GRANTS/FUNDING

MINISTRY OF TOURISM, CULTURE & SPORT BASE FUNDING • Breed & Discipline Association grant allocations were distributed at the 2012 AGM. RECREATION FUNDING • Applications for the second round of funding were due on Nov. 30.

The following clubs will be receiving funding: Bright Water Pony Club, South Algonquin Trail Riders Club, Ontario Trails Council.

OEF YOUTH BURSARY • 2013 bursary applications were due on Dec. 7. Recipients will be announced in the next few weeks.

QUEST FOR GOLD • 2013 applications closed on Dec. 10 and the list of nominees will be submitted to the Ministry of Tourism, Culture & Sport in early January. Selected athletes will be announced by early spring.

PARTNERSHIPS & COLLABORATIONS

NEW PARTNERS • The OEF is proud to announce the following new partners: Henry Equestrian Insurance Brokers (platinum), Mackie Research (silver), Cornerstone Insurance Brokers Ltd. (bronze) and Windy Hill Farm (bronze).

OEF T-SERIES VIP CORNER • The OEF and Tipperary Equestrian collaborated together to host the OEF/T-Series VIP Corner, a feature at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair that allowed equestrian fans to meet an assortment of Canadian and international riders.

OEF and TSC • The “OFA Member Days at TSC” was a great success and the OEF is pleased to announce that OEF members will receive incredible savings again during the spring shopping event. More details to follow online and in the spring issue of WHOA! LISA MACLEOD, MPP NEPEAN-CARLETON • Lisa Macleod, MPP is a strong supporter of Ontario's horse racing industry and is the author of the Private Member's Bill requesting that the Auditor General investigate the new gaming plans of the OLG. Dianne Graham hosted Lisa and her family during the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. Dianne took the time to discuss the negative impacts the horse industry is experiencing, ways to help strengthen the industry and introduced her to a variety of industry stakeholders.

NEW PROGRAMS

HORSE FACILITIES COUNCIL • An electronic survey was circulated to all OEF members on Nov.16, 2012 to measure awareness of the Horse Facilities Council and the program’s value within the industry. To date more than 2,000 participants have responded to the survey.

• In December 2012, the town of Whitchurch Stouffville proposed to repeal the current Horse Riding Establishment Licensing by-law and enforce a regulatory by-law that would be based on complaints only. The proposed by-law would mimic Bill 12 and would exclude

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the requirement for insurance, proper care of horses, training for coaches, first aid training, etc. Pam Coburn (program administrator – Horse Facilities Council), Grant Field (president) and Sara Runnalls (BFL Canada) made deputations at the town council meeting to reconsider the repeal and the council voted unanimously against the staff recommendation to repeal the by-law, and instructed staff to consult with us before bringing the matter forward again.

COMPETITIONS

CANADIAN INTERPROVINCIAL EQUESTRIAN CHAMPIONSHIPS (CIEC) • The 2013 CIEC will be held at Rocky Mountain Show Jumping in Calgary, AB and will include the disciplines of Dressage, Jumping and Reining • Athlete applications and qualification requirements will be available in the spring issue of WHOA! and on the OEF website.

EQUESTRIAN COMPETITIONS IN ONTARIO • 2013 sanctioning applications will be available in January 2013

EQUINE MEDICATION CONTROL PROGRAM

DRUG TESTING • In 2012, 115 competitions were tested, with 679 horses pulled and 492 samples tested CLEAN SPORT • FEI Veterinarian Dr. Mary Bell and Ontario Master Learning Facilitator Danielle Yaghdjian presented a free NCCP workshop on Nov. 23 at the Delta Meadowvale Hotel & Conference Centre.

The workshop discussed the current competition medication rules, acceptable treatments within the parameters set out by the various national and international competition guidelines and the best course of action for equestrians to maintain clean sport.

COACHING/EDUCATION

2012 COACHING RESULTS • 31 English Instructors became certified • 1 Competition Coach became certified • 3 Competition Coach Dressage Specialists became certified • 1 Competition Coach Hunter/Jumper Specialist became certified • 2 Competition Coach Eventing Specialists became certified • Several Competition Coach Specialist at various stages in the Certification Program looking to complete in 2013 • New Western Learn to Ride and Instructor workshop a great success run in Spring and Fall 2012 • 3 English Instructor and 1 Competition Coach Mentoring Workshops were held • 2 NCCP/EC Eventing Specialist Training workshops for Competition Coach were held • Learning Facilitator training workshop held with six new Learning Facilitators in training in 2012 • Close to 700 English and Western Rider Level Certificates processed

EVENTS

OEF REPRESENTATIVES ATTENDED THE FOLLOWING EVENTS IN THE FALL 2012: • Trillium Hunter/Jumper Association Championships • Jumping for Dreams Celebration • Erin Fair Equine Tent • Agribrands Purina/Ian Millar presentation • Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies District 4 meeting • Royal Agricultural Winter Fair • Jump Canada Hall of Fame Gala • A Day Of Caring For CARD • Dressage Canada Royal Reception • Joker’s Hill Horse Sale • Ontario Has Talent Inaugural Fashion Show and High Tea • Donkey Sanctuary of Canada Open House

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News

OEF Associations Council Update The Associations’ Advisory Council was pleased to welcome Catherine Raso of CMR Consulting to the most recent meeting held on Friday, Nov. 23, 2012 at the Delta Meadowvale Hotel and Conference Centre in Mississauga.

Raso is a governance consultant who works with various boards, including not-for-profit organizations. She spoke on the four fundamentals of best practices in governance: 1) Represent the ownership/membership of the organization 2) Lead 3) Evaluate and 4) Use a sound governance system.

Raso provided an excellent overview of the importance of good governance for all boards, regardless of the size and scope of the organization. She will be working with the board of the OEF as we move forward in governance restructuring in compliance with the new Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act proclaimed July 1, 2013. Raso will return to continue on with the discussion at future meetings, more details to follow.

The 2012 grant allocation cheques for eligible associations were distributed at the OEF AGM, which was also held on Friday,

Nov. 23. There were some noticeable changes for groups in the amount of money they received compared to previous years.

Moving forward, there will be greater expectation and reward for associations working with the OEF for mutual promotion and participation. Money will continue to be allocated based on the size of an association’s membership, with greater rewards for associations with a minimum of 60 per cent of their membership who are OEF members. New in 2012 was funding allocated for projects and activities that associations will undertake with the grant money with a focus on safety, education and legacy.

Renewal notices for 2013 were emailed in December. If your association has any changes in your listed contacts, be sure to let the OEF office know so we can make changes to our records.

If anyone has any suggestions for future speakers and topics for discussion, please let us know. Please note a change in date for the next meeting – Tuesday, Feb. 26 at 7 p.m. at the OEF office in Richmond Hill. T

OEF Congratulates Top RIDE ONtario Participants The Ontario Equestrian Federation is pleased to announce its top RIDE ONtario participants for 2012, all of whom have logged hundreds of hours doing what they love most.

The RIDE ONtario adult and junior participants who have logged the most hours include: • Jocelyn Donaldson of Harcourt, ON. has the most hours logged overall out of all current program participants with 5,163 hours.

• Joanne Chu-Fook of Scarborough, ON. logged the most hours in 2012 in the adult category, with 484 hours • Emily Lindsay of Gilford, ON. logged the most hours in 2012

and overall in the program in the junior category with 464 hours in 2012 and 4252.5 total hours to date The RIDE ONtario program is open to all OEF members.

Participation requires a one-time payment of $25 and your OEF membership must be renewed every year.

Every hour you spend riding or driving brings you closer to a reward level (think air miles for horses!) And as you rack up hours, you will win amazing awards sponsored by the OEF and some of its generous industry members, including AL Distributing, SSG Gloves and Picov’s Horseman Centre. T

OEF Honorary Director Awarded Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal de Wit. “I feel honoured, but I think there are a lot of people out there that are just as deserving.”

Photo Credit: River Bend Designs

De Wit, who is president of the Ontario Trails Council, was chair of a committee formed in 2009-2010 that was responsible for distributing $8.3 million in federal stimulus funding earmarked for trail development in Ontario. With contributions from the private sector, close to 100 projects totaling about $25 million were approved across the province.

OEF Past President, Allan Ehrlick (on the right), presenting Jack de Wit with his Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal.

OEF honorary director Jack de Wit has been awarded the prestigious Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal for his contributions to trail development in Ontario.

“I was very surprised. It’s quite an honour and to get it from your peers to say that you have done a good job means a lot,” says 8 | WHOA! Winter 2013

“It helped create jobs, it left a trail legacy, built trail capacity and it involved hundreds and hundreds of hours of volunteer time,” says Patrick Connor, executive director of the Ontario Trails Council and one of de Wit’s nominators. “The guy makes a difference.

He’s a leader and he makes a difference. These medals are really a small recognition – a really nice recognition – of his volunteer and leadership. It has made a difference in my life and in so many other lives.”

The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal serves to honour significant contributions and achievements by Canadians. During the year of celebrations, 60,000 deserving Canadians will be recognized. T

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News

OEF Members Gather To Reflect, Learn and Celebrate Members and directors of the Ontario Equestrian Federation came together in Mississauga at the Delta Meadowvale Hotel & Conference Centre on Friday, Nov. 23 for the OEF Annual General Meeting and Awards Party.

The day began with an NCCP/EC High Performance Clean Sport workshop, led by FEI veterinarian Dr. Mary Bell, which focused on equine medications and drug testing requirements.

The OEF Horse Facilities Council met after lunch to review changes being made to the program. While the OEF reported a gain in individual memberships in 2012, it saw Horse Facilities memberships decrease by over 25 per cent. As a result of the ongoing downward membership trend with this program, a facilities committee was struck and a staff member was hired to oversee the program. The committee concluded that a redesign of the program is necessary and a survey was distributed to all OEF members to gather feedback to assist with a redesign of the program.

The Competitions Advisory Council meeting reviewed competition figures for 2012. There were 226 sanctioned shows, including 42 Equestrian Skills Development (ESD) competitions, marking a 75 per cent increase last year for ESD shows.

A presentation about the OEF’s new First Safe Strides program was also made during the meeting by program coordinator Stephanie Rutherford. Thanks to a $126,000 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, the OEF launched the First Safe Strides program last year to assist agricultural fair boards with developing and offering fun, safe “grass roots” horse shows.

At the Recreation Council meeting, Sara Runnalls, vice-president and associate of BFL Canada, the new insurance provider of the OEF, spoke about risk management and insurance for small clubs and groups.

Bonnie Simpson was introduced at the meeting as the new chair of the council for the completion of the two-year term.

An advocate for trail safety, she handed out samples of orange scarves/bandanas that the Ontario Trails Council has designed to keep riders visible during hunting season.

The Associations’ Advisory Council meeting featured a special presentation by Catherine Raso, president of CMR & Associates Governance Consulting, who discussed governance best practices for boards. She highlighted the roles and responsibilities of a board and the goals of governance development.

Following the council meetings, the annual general meeting convened with opening remarks and an address from OEF president Allan Ehrlick, as well as an introduction of candidates running for the 2013 OEF board of directors. While results from the vote were being tallied, executive director Dianne Graham presented her 2012 activity report, highlighting a year of transition and new beginnings for the organization.

The 2013 executive members of the OEF board consists of Grant Field as president, Allan Ehrlick as 1st vice president, Ken Denouden as 2nd vice president, Paul Richardson as treasurer and Al Patterson as secretary. Individual directors include 10 | WHOA! Winter 2013

Kimberley Blease, Andrea Clarke, Mark Dobrindt, Isabel Dopta, Susan Legge, Marc Nicols, Lindsey Reeve, Bonnie Simpson and Claudia Wagner-Wilson, with Jack de Wit as an honorary director.

The OEF would like to thank the outgoing directors: Jeremey Denouden, Sarah Pratt and Martha Worts. The OEF would also like to thank Hilary Croft, Cliff Hanes and Heather Young for running in the board of directors election.

The day wrapped up with a free party, during which the Ontario Equestrian Federation Awards and the People Make a Difference Awards, were presented.

Partygoers did their part to assist up-and-coming young riders by purchasing balloons in support of the OEF Youth Bursary Program.

At the end of the night the balloons were popped, revealing a number inside that corresponded with a prize. Among the prizes up for grabs was an iPod touch, tickets to a Toronto Rock lacrosse game, a Hickstead portrait by artist Debbie Goldring that was signed by Eric Lamaze and a night in a luxury room at the Delta Chelsea. More than $1,600 was raised for the OEF Youth Bursary program.

The following day, the OEF was pleased to welcome conformation and biomechanics expert Dr. Deb Bennett to the 2012 OEF Conference. Bennett is a vertebrate paleontologist who specializes in horses. She is the author of Principles of Conformation Analysis and a long-time consulting editor for Equus Magazine. She has also been published in many other horse magazines worldwide.

Bennett has an extensive scientific publication list and has written over a dozen books or book-length publications for the benefit of horse owners.

Bennett presented four Principles of Conformation Analysis workshops, including All-Important Loin Coupling and Overall Body Balance, Solving the Great Mystery – Raising the Base of the Neck, Penalties You Pay for Failing to Make Straight and The “Plane of Analysis” Method for Accurate Limb Assessment.

A one-day practical workshop on conformation and biomechanics with Bennett was added for the Sunday and provided participants with an opportunity for hands-on learning with live demonstration horses. This workshop was held in the heated arena at DeerFields Stables in Caledon.

The OEF would like to thank its members who came to the meetings, party and conference workshops, including James Youells of River Bend Designs, who was the official photographer for the event.

Thank you, also, to the following donors who generously provided prizes for the balloon pop fundraiser: A.L. Distributing, All About Pets Show, Baker’s Saddlery and Amanda Macfarlane, Barbara Ross, BFL Canada, Bioniche Animal Health Canada, Brandon Hall, Brokerlink, Canadian International Farm Show, David Pong, Delta London Armouries, Delta Chelsea, EQmassage, Gail Muirhead, Gillian Ross Erasmi, Greenhawk, Horse Quencher, John Northcote, Julia Penistan, Kim Banks, Medieval Times, Melissa Kosowan, Muckboots Canada, Phoenix Equestrian Team, Pinedale Properties Ltd., River Bend Designs, Sandra Hendrickson, SCHLEESE – The Female Saddle Specialist, Signage Source, Tipperary Equestrian and USG North America. T

News

OEF Awards

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OEF president Grant Field presents the 2012 OEF Awards: 1. Yvonne Collard Award Recipient: Joan Clark. 2. Sponsor of the Year Award Recipient: George Bezak, award accepted by Anne-Marie Hamilton. 3. Media of the Year Award Recipient: Canadian Sportsman – Dave Briggs. 4. Coach of the Year Award Recipient: Gloria Nighswander.

Photo Credit: River Bend Designs

People Make A Difference Awards

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OEF president Grant Field presents the 2012 People Make A Difference Awards: 5: American Saddle Horse Association: Richard MacKenzie. 6: Arabian Horse Association of Eastern Canada: Jean Dinsmore. 7: Canadian Pony Club - Central Ontario Region: Marg O’Neill. 8: Canadian Pony Club - St. Lawrence/Ottawa Valley: Lesley Cruickshank.

9: Canadian Pony Club - Western Ontario Region: Sherry Jackson. 10: Canadian Road Horse Association: Moree Thomas. 11: Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society (Ont Division): Carol & Paul Mott. 12: Central Ontario Pleasure Driving Association: Dr. Mike Corradini. 13: Eastern Ontario Pleasure Driving Association: Lynda Rivington. 14: Gaited Horse Group of Ontario: Jessica Puccia. 15: Miniature Horse Club of Ontario: Doug Savage. 16. Mounted Games Across Canada Inc.: Joan McCulligh. 17: Ontario Competitive Trail Riding Association: Sheila Buchanan. 18: Ontario Friesian Horse Association: Gerben Steenbeek. 19: Ontario Morgan Horse Club: Greg Reeves. 20: Ontario Percheron Horse Association Inc.: John & Ellen Holmes. 21: Ontario Quarter Horse Association: Sharon Hammer. 22: Trillium Hunter Jumper Association: Martha Worts. 23: Welsh Pony & Cob Association: Shirley Cane Recipients Unable to Attend: Canadian Dressage Owners and Riders Association: Mary Chamberlain, Canadian Sport Horse Association - Ontario: Margarete Parker, Ontario Combined Driving Association: Dr. Rae Fischer, Ontario Reining Horse Association: John & Sharon Fletcher and Upper Canada District (Ontario) Canadian Horse Breeders: Brenda & Geoff Pantling.

www.horse.on.ca | 11

News

Meet The OEF's Newest Directors Kimberley Blease

Kimberley has been riding and showing saddle horses for almost 40 years. She grew up with Morgan horses and was active in the Ontario Morgan Club.

Ten years ago, she started riding American Saddlebreds and now owns several show horses. Kimberley shows throughout Ontario and the United States and is currently the president of the American Saddle Horse Association of Ontario. She is actively involved in fundraising and marketing for the club and has worked in numerous volunteer positions with horse clubs throughout her life. With her show horse, Steel, she has ridden in demonstrations at the Spirit of the Horse exhibit at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair for the past five years.

Kimberley has worked for 30 years in corporate marketing and fundraising. She is currently vice-president of marketing and client relationships with Blakely & Associates, a direct marketing agency in Aurora, ON. that exclusively services the not-for-profit sector. Within her hectic travel schedule, she also manages a small video production company which delivers visual solutions for her clients.

Kimberley has two wonderful teenage sons, Zachary and Nicholas, a supportive partner Rick and two black labs – Mary & Freddie.

She shares her time between Newmarket, ON. and Caledon, ON.

Andrea Clarke

Guelph resident Andrea Clarke has been a lawyer in the community of Guelph for 18 years. For 15 years she was a partner at the Moon Heath Law Firm, the oldest law firm in the City of Guelph, where she specialized in matrimonial, immigration and criminal law. In 2012, Andrea established her own firm.

Andrea has an undergraduate degree in fine arts and political science and has a masters degree in public administration from the University of Guelph. She also holds a bachelor of law from the University of Windsor and was a founding member of a legal aid clinic providing free legal assistance to the Windsor community.

Andrea also has served on various different boards. She was a director of the Guelph Arts Council for three years, serving as the chairperson of Fete Romantic, the annual major fundraising campaign. She has also been a director of YMCA/YWCA Guelph for six years and was chairperson of that organization’s major fundraising event, the Women of Distinction Awards, as well as chairperson of the board member recruitment committee and the land/acquisition committee for children’s camps. As a director for the Guelph Women in Crisis for five years, Andrea drafted and implemented the board bylaws.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Andrea is an avid equestrian. She was affiliated with the Caledon Riding & Hunt Club through her mother and was a member of the Credit Valley Pony Club for 15 years. She has long been a long-time competitor on the A circuit and currently competes in the Adult Amateur Division.

12 | WHOA! Winter 2013

Isabel Dopta

Isabel has been a Dressage enthusiast and rider for many years. She has competed in Canada and the United States at the advanced level and currently has four young horses in training under the guidance of Tom Dvorak. Isabel and her husband own a private facility in Rockwood, ON. where they import dressage prospects from Europe and develop young horses.

Isabel has been employed for several years as director of communications and stakeholder relations at Vineland Research and Innovation Centre, a national horticulture research institute. Since graduating from University of Guelph with an Honours degree in Microbiology, Isabel has worked exclusively in the agriculture and agri-food sector. She brings expertise in federal and provincial government relations and policy issues, rural economic development and corporate communications.

Claudia Wagner Wilson

Claudia Wagner Wilson has been an active member of the Ontario Equestrian Federation since 1975, as a competitor, trainer and operator of Silver Spring Farm in Oakville, ON. Claudia started showing in 1976 under the tutelage of Susan Pritchard Laing, winning Champion and Reserve Champion at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in the years that followed. From showing ponies, she successfully continued her show career in the Junior and Amateur Hunter and Jumper Ring, showing under trainers Jay Hayes and Peter Stoeckl.

Interested in the breeding and training of young horses, Claudia opened Silver Spring Farm in 1986, a family run business with three generations involved in various aspects of the operation.

She has been the owner, manager and trainer for 26 years, actively showing and training horses and riders for the show ring.

Over the years, Claudia has produced many winning horses and riders, including numerous zone champions, such as Martina Ziepa and her large pony, All of Me, and homebred Silver Stockings, a winner of the Green Jumper Development Series. One of her top students was Alana Aird, a 2012 Quest for Gold rider. She started her show career Reserve Zone in Short Stirrup, Medium Pony at the Royal in 2002 on Beaverwoods Starling and has continued to move up the ranks over the years.

Outside of the equine industry, Claudia spent four years working in accounting for the Bank of Nova Scotia in downtown Toronto, servicing business and personal accounts. In 1987, she became an insurance broker and began working for her family’s insurance business in Oakville, which has been in operation for over 40 years and is now associated with Spriggs Insurance Brokers.

During her time with the company, Claudia sold general home and auto insurance, as well as equine insurance sub-brokered through Henry Equestrian Insurance.

While she eventually retired her license to concentrate on her equine interests, being part of a successful insurance business also developed her business acumen – a valuable skill she has carried through to her equine endeavours.

News

The Ontario Equestrian Federation once again partnered with the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair to manage the Spirit of the Horse exhibit, a full-size ring sponsored by Mamma’s Pizza that hosted demonstrations and clinics throughout the 10-day fair.

The Spirit of the Horse exhibit featured a variety of breeds represented by the American Saddle Horse Association of Ontario, Arabian Horse Association of Eastern Canada, Black Forest Horses from Springtime Farm, sport horses of colour from Blazing Colours Farm, Canadian Gypsy Vanner Horse Club, Canadian Haflinger Association, Canadian Sport Horse Association, Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society – Ontario Division, Central Canada Paso Fino Horse Association, the Donkey Sanctuary of Canada, Gaited Horse Group of Ontario, Miniature Horse Club of Ontario, Newfoundland Pony Breed Association, Ontario Friesian Horse Association, Ontario Hackney Association, Ontario Percheron Horse Association, Ontario Peruvian Horse Association and the Ontario Quarter Horse Association.

In addition to breeds, visitors had the opportunity to meet horses from the Toronto Police Services Mounted Unit, learn about the Wind Dancer Pony Rescue Foundation, brush up on trail riding knowledge, see the benefits of therapeutic riding through WindReach Farm, witness the unique riding style of Sidesaddle and watch the Ontario Horse Trials Association demonstrate Eventing. The Canadian Cowgirls, an elite rodeo-style precision drill team known for their patriotic costumes, were also on hand to show off their precision riding skills.

Photo Credit: Jaclyn Appleby

The OEF also welcomed to the Spirit ring well-known clinicians who showcased a variety of disciplines, including Eventing, Hunter/Jumper, Saddle Seat and Dressage. Thank you to Waylon

Young Fair attendees get up close to Frank from Wind Dancer Pony Rescue.

14 | WHOA! Winter 2013

Roberts, Mary Ruth Moore, Nancy Kavanagh, Karin Davis, and Hyde Moffatt. Special thanks also go to the riders and horse owners who helped to make these clinics a success.

The round pen next to the Sprit of the Horse ring was busy with a full slate of educational sessions demonstrating such topics as equine nutrition with Marc-Andre Blouin, Kalina Rutledge, Barb Booth and Katy Gemmell of Agribrands Purina; equine massage therapy with Sharon McMaster, Jennifer Scott-McGinn and the International Federation of Registered Equine Massage Therapists; equine craniosacral therapy with Liw Bringleson; chiropractic medicine with Dr. Laura Trotter; Sidesaddle fitting with Debbie Smith of the Sidesaddle Connection; safe stretching with Julia Penistan; equine reiki with Homeira Rabbani; and equine core strengthening with Kathy Goucher of the Functional Horse. Thank you to all of the education demonstrators along with the equine owners who provided animals for the demonstrations.

The OEF also extends its thanks to day manager Mark Dobrindt, night manager Russell VamPlew, announcer Doug Moore and volunteers Sandra Hendrickson, Wendy Davidson-Stewart and N’nnioh (Neo) Dombkowski. Thank you also to Bucas of Ireland for the generous donation of blankets for exhibitor horses, System Fencing for providing the stalls, round pen and demonstration ring and Footing First LLC, which provided the footing for the ring.

Congratulations to the Gaited Horse Group of Ontario, which was the winner of the 2012 Best Exhibit Award!

Be sure to mark your calendar and join us for the Spirit of the Horse at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in 2013! T

Peter Jilesen rides Mattis, representing the Canadian Halflinger Association in the Spirit of the Horse ring.

Frank the pony from Wind Dancer Pony Rescue struts his stuff making his rider one happy little boy.

Saddle Seat clinic participant Alexandra Dickerman.

Everyone loves horses! A young fan shows her OEF pride by donning the new OEF sticker.

News

Jockeys Skye Chernetz, Michelle Rainford and Emma-Jayne Wilson show off the cuvetted Queens Plate Trophy.

Gypsy’s Dream of Rosie, ridden by Shyla Cardy and Sasha, ridden by Kendra Taylor, display the Gypsy Vanner breed.

Proud members enjoy themselves at the OEF's second annual OEF Member Appreciation event at the Royal.

Hyde Moffatt educates the crowd during his clinic, which took place in the Spirit of the Horse ring.

Some of the OEF Board of Directors were on hand to mix and mingle with members at the Member Appreciation event.

Janet Wojcik on REA Hey Look Me Over represent the Arabian Horse Association of Eastern Canada in the Spirit of the Horse ring.

The Ontario Association of Food Banks was in attendance to accept donations at the OEF Member Appreciation event.

Attendees dined on Mamma's Pizza during the OEF Member Appreciation event.

OEF staff members Stephanie Rutherford and Brandon Hall were on hand to serve cake.

Allard, a Friesian gelding, enjoys a massage!

April Wayenberg rides Mocha Twist, one of the sport horses from Blazing Colours Farm.

Photo Credit: Jaclyn Appleby

An officer with the Toronto Police Mounted Unit discusses with a young fan the important role police horses play.

www.horse.on.ca | 15

News

Member Appreciation Party Gets Bigger And Better The Ontario Equestrian Federation welcomed about 500 equine enthusiasts to its 2nd annual OEF Member Appreciation Party at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair as a way of thanking members for their support.

On Tuesday, Nov. 6, members filled the Spirit of the Horse ring, which was transformed from its use for riding demonstrations into a party venue where pizza from Mamma’s Pizza, cheese from Mariposa Dairy Ltd. and Thornloe Cheese, snacks, cake and beverages were served.

Draw prizes took place throughout the evening, with lucky winners taking home saddle pads, grooming tote bags, a cooler and much more, thanks to Greenhawk Harness & Equestrian Supplies.

Photo Credit: Jaclyn Appleby

Those who donated to the Ontario Association of Food Banks had their name entered in a draw to win a T-Series helmet, provided

by Tipperary Equestrian. Close to $500 was raised to put food on the table of those in need – enough money to distribute over 1,400 meals across the province.

Special thanks to everyone who helped make this event a success, including Jake Coburn, Katrina Jankowski and Alicia VanDrunen, who volunteered their time as Smart Servers for the evening, as well as Sandra Rosano, who helped with set up. T

Paralympian Reaches The Top In Ribbons For Rides Program riding centres and inspires all Para-Equestrians to prepare for upcoming competitions.”

Photo Credit: Jaclyn Appleby

Island was an avid Dressage rider whose life was forever changed in January 1993 when she sustained a C-3 spinal cord injury – incomplete quadriplegia – in a car accident. Totally paralyzed below the neck, she entered into an intensive rehab therapy program. She never thought she would ride again and asked her mother to sell her beloved Lippizan, Gitano. But a year and a half after the accident she began riding in a therapeutic riding program at Sunrise Equestrian Centre for the Disabled in Guelph, ON. After nine years of hard work, she got back on Gitano, which her mother had cared for since the accident. Island went on to win bronze in both the Grade 1a Individual Championships and Freestyle at the 2003 World Championships. She also represented Canada at the 2004 Paralympic Games in Athens.

Canadian Paralympic Dressage rider Judi Island has been awarded the highest honour in the Ribbons for Rides Program, an initiative by the Ontario Equestrian Federation and Ontario Therapeutic Riding Association that awards therapeutic riders with a ribbon for each FEI Para Dressage test completed.

“Achieving the champion rosette in the OEF Ribbons for Rides program was a fun challenge,” says 59-year-old Island, who was presented with the award during the OEF Member Appreciation Party at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. “I think the OEF Ribbons for Rides program encourages Para-Equestrian riders to push to reach new heights. This program, which is generously offered by OEF at no cost, gives Para-Equestrian riders a goal to work towards at their own pace and at their own barn. It also provides a starting format for up-and-coming riders at therapeutic 16 | WHOA! Winter 2013

“The Ontario Equestrian Federation congratulates Judi Island on reaching yet another career milestone,” says Dianne Graham, the executive director of the OEF. “Judi is an inspiration to riders of all ages, disciplines and riding abilities and we are honoured to present her with the champion rosette in the OEF Ribbons for Rides program.”

In appreciation of the time and effort that riders put into completing the 10 tests required to obtain the Champion rosette in the Ribbons for Ride program, the OEF has the champion rosettes signed by the rider of the recipient’s choosing. Island chose Canadian Olympic Dressage rider Christilot Boylen. Island says Boylen’s performance in Freestyle at the 1986 World Championships was an inspiration as she developed her own riding skills.

“I am just really touched that riders donate their ribbons to the program and top equestrians like Christilot are willing to participate to make it happen,” says Island. “It was really nice that she had written something personal on the ribbon to me. That was really special.” T

News

Top Riders Meet Fans At OEF T-Series VIP Corner Equestrian celebrities from around the world came together at the OEF T-Series VIP Corner at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, a new interactive exhibit and autograph signing area designed to allow fans to meet their favourite riders and celebrate the sport.

A partnership between the Ontario Equestrian Federation and Tipperary Equestrian’s T-Series Helmets, the VIP Corner saw established and up-and-coming riders from across the globe meet with fans to pose for photographs and sign autographs.

Guests included: • Canadian Show Jumpers Mac Cone, Beth Underhill, Angela Covert-Lawrence, Amy Millar, Ainsley Vince, Hyde Moffatt • Canadian Hunter Derby riders Darcy Hayes, Ryan Roy and Peter Gisborn • Canadian Eventers Michele Mueller, Jessica Phoenix, Diana Burnett and Waylon Roberts • Irish Show Jumping Team members Shane Sweetnam, Conor Swail, Dermott Lennon and Richie Moloney • American Show Jumpers Laura Kraut, Reed Kessler, Kent Farrington, Jessica Springsteen and Brianne Goutal • Belgian Show Jumping twins Nicola and Olivier Philippaerts • Columbian Show Jumper Daniel Bluman • Heartland stars Daniel Fathers and Chris Potter • Canadian Dressage riders Leah Wilson, Lindsay Kellock, Alexandra Reid and Brittany Fraser • Canadian Reiner Lindsay Hayes • Canadian jockeys Emma-Jayne Wilson, Michelle Rainford and Skye Chernetz • Charlotte Evans, Sable Giesler, Dasha Ivandaeva, Haley Armstrong-Laframboise and Kylie Figueira, who represented Canada in Eventing at the North America Junior & Young Rider Championships.

• Endurance rider Emma Webb, who was on the Canadian gold medal winning team at the North America Junior & Young Rider Championships

In addition to autograph signing sessions, the OEF T-Series VIP Corner included a Grand Prix fence set up to give people an idea of the size of fences at that level and life-size posters of famous riders for photo opportunities. Becoming Ian Millar was as simple as standing behind the cut out and putting your smiling face in the hole where Millar’s face would have been!

The Ontario Equestrian Federation would like to thank Rob Gray for arranging and scheduling riders for the autograph sessions and the loyal fans of the sport that came by to meet their equestrian idols. Thank you, also, to Katie Carvalho and Brad Hodgkinnson for promoting the OEF T-Series VIP Corner on Twitter. T

Canadian Hunter Derby riders Peter Gisborn, Darcy Hayes and Ryan Roy meet with fans.

Waiting patiently in line at several of the autograph signing sessions was life-long Show Jumping fan Marjorie Hobson of Magnetawan, ON. For close to 60 years she has been attending the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair to watch the horse shows. In fact, she missed only one year when there was a death in her family. She even has most of her admission ticket stubs.

“Oh, the jumping! We go for the jumping,” says Hobson, who goes to the Royal with her sister, Betty Douglas, a 30-year veteran spectator of the Royal horse show. “It’s all beautiful, but the jumping – we love it.”

Although the sisters aren’t riders, they are huge fans of the sport and have been collecting autographs throughout their lives. Their favourite rider, gushes Hobson, is Ian Millar.

“I like the jumping, especially Ian Millar,” Hobson says. “We cheer for them all, but Ian Millar is our favourite.”

Reed Kessler and Jessica Springsteen don their OEF hats in the OEF T-Series VIP Corner.

Canadian Show Jumper Hyde Moffatt poses with fan Marjorie Hobson.

Hobson’s greatest memory of nearly six decades of the Royal is seeing Captain Canada ride Big Ben in the hallowed coliseum.

Hobson lists off scores of autographs in her collection. Tucked away for safe keeping are signatures from the likes of Canadian Show Jumpers Ian Millar and Jill Henselwood, American Show Jumpers Mclain Ward and Beezie Madden as well as countless international riders. And, thanks to the OEF T-Series VIP Corner, she was able to add Hyde Moffat and Reed Kessler to her list of autographs.

“I keep all my stuff – I’m telling you,” Hobson says. “I have got quite a few autographs through the years.”

American Show Jumper Kent Farrington poses for a photograph with a group of fans.

Photo Credit: Jaclyn Appleby

“When Big Ben was there, that was special! That was a standout for us! We loved Big Ben,” says Hobson, who adds that Hickstead also holds a place in her heart. “In our generation, Ian and Big Ben, that was a standout for me. When he was jumping and winning . . . that was really perfect.”

www.horse.on.ca | 17

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

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

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

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

ONTARIO EQUESTRIAN FEDERATION 1 West Pearce Street, Suite 201, Richmond Hill, Ontario, L4B 3K3 phone 905-709-6545 • fax 905-709-1867 • tollfree 1-877-441-7112 • email c.barker@horse.on.ca • website www.horse.on.ca 18 | WHOA! Winter 2013

Member Spotlight

“I want to get my first trophy,” says Rounding, who successfully navigated her tests independently. “I’m willing to try trot poles, and maybe even a small amount of jumping, but I’ll work that through this winter and see what happens.”

More than just an outlet for her competitive side, though, Rounding enjoys the relaxation that riding offers.

“Riding is so relaxing once you get comfortable,” says Rounding, who is the secretary for Windsor Essex Equestrian Parents Club.

“It’s very, very satisfying.”

While Rounding says her hearing impairment proves challenging at times, she isn’t about to let the date on her birth certificate define what she is capable of.

Photo Credit: Paul McCarthy

“If you don’t try, you don’t know that you can’t do it,” she says. “I won’t know whether I’m going to fail if I don’t try.”

Lang isn’t quite as serious with her riding goals at this point. She’s just excited to go to shows and have her mom braid her hair to match Tinker Bell’s mane.

“She likes going to the horse shows,” says Angie Lang, Pixie’s mother. “She’s always very excited to go and wear her show clothes and get her pony dressed up.”

That doesn’t mean she’s not dedicated to her sport though.

She practices at home with her mom leading her and her dad “judging” from centre ring.

Passion Knows No Age Limits

“Her favourite part is when we practice at home. Her dad comes in the arena and she gets to smile at her daddy, because we say her dad is the judge,” says Lang. “At the last horse show she was being a little bit of a brat. She wouldn’t smile at the real judge; she would only smile at her daddy.”

By Melissa Kosowan

Although a span of 74 years separates these two riders, they are united by a passion for horses. Watch for them next year at the Windsor Essex Cadora Club shows.

Pat Rounding and Pixie Lang share a love of riding, but they also share a special distinction – at 76 years of age and two years of age, respectively, they are the oldest and youngest members of the Windsor Essex Cadora Club.

“It is very exciting to have such a wide spectrum of riders in our area,” says Burgess. “It definitely sends out the message that Dressage can be for everyone.” T

“They are wonderful ambassadors of the club,” says Samantha Burgess, president of Windsor Essex Cadora. “They are sending messages to people of all ages and abilities that there is a sport for them.”

The pair competed in their first horse show this past June in the new leadline division, known as the Leadline Exhibition Class, with Rounding on her 15-year-old Arabian and Lang on her rescue pony, Tinker Bell.

“It’s just exciting,” says Rounding. “And I have so much encouragement from the equestrian clubs around here and the Cadora clubs. Everyone says, ‘Just keep going for it.’”

While she admits to being “scared to death” at her first horse show, one show soon turned into four this year alone, with her scores improving at each event. Rounding already has her sights set on loftier goals.

Photo Credit: Paul McCarthy

Rounding grew up around her grandparents’ Percherons and her own children had ponies, but she never took up the sport. Often a fixture on the rail during her great-granddaughter Alyssa’s riding lessons on the Arabian they share, she eventually got the courage to start riding lessons this past spring with the urging of Alyssa’s coach.

www.horse.on.ca | 19

Member Spotlight

ICON Changing History From Centre Ring

By Melissa Kosowan

Whether you agree with his perspectives on horses, or agree to disagree, Peter Cameron has left his mark on the equine world. With 885 horse shows to his credit over a judging career spanning close to 50 years, he knows horses.

Cameron keeps a list of the different breeds and disciplines he has judged over the years so he doesn’t forget any when listing off the 25 different judging cards he once held before retiring from judging in 1996. But forgetting things isn’t in Cameron’s nature.

Although, at the age of 84, he jokes that he can’t remember what he had for breakfast.

His memory, however, is probably what he is best known for. Cameron never took notes when judging, not even shorthand scribbles, even when he judged the Junior Western Pleasure class with 350 riders at the All American Quarter Horse Congress.

“It was just something I could do,” explains Cameron. “That way I kept my eye on the horses at all times so nobody cheated on me. Judges write half the time and they’re not looking at the horses and I tried to develop that so I never took my eyes off the horse at any time.”

With his hands free of clipboard and paperwork, it also allowed him to do something many other judges didn’t do and still don’t – reach out and touch the horses. He liked to move tails aside to better see a horse’s legs, touch necks and move manes to get a better look at withers hidden beneath.

While he has difficulty pinning down specific years, he can still remember how he placed horses at particularly noteworthy events. One of the highlights of his judging career was judging the 1979 Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show the year that several horses that would go on to become legends gathered under the Arizona sun. Names like Aladdinn, Bey Shah and Padron came before him that day.

Cameron judged 443 Arabian shows over the years, including the U.S. Arabian and Half-Arabian National Championships and the Canadian Arabian and Half-Arabian National Championships five times, but his interest and knowledge wasn’t limited to that breed. He also judged Quarter Horses, Paints, Appaloosas, Pintos, Morgans, Welsh ponies, drafts, Shetlands, Hackneys, National Show Horses, Palominos, Saddlebreds, Tennessee 20 | WHOA! Winter 2013

Walking Horses, Rocky Mountain Horses, Paso Finos, Andalusions, Connemaras, Fjords and many more, as well as disciplines such as Hunter/Jumper, Cutting, Driving and Working Cow Horse.

“I learned something from every breed,” says Cameron. “A lot of times when I was getting started, I didn’t go after cards; they came after me, which was nice. They came and asked me, ‘Why don’t you get a card for our division?’”

Cameron enjoyed a successful judging career that included being inducted into the Arabian Horse Association Hall of Fame, the Ontario Quarter Horse Hall of Fame and the Western Horse Association Hall of Fame. His resume includes such noteworthy accomplishments as being the first Canadian judge to judge both the Quarter Horse World Championship Show and the All American Quarter Horse Congress.

Despite the success he has enjoyed, Cameron’s foray into judging was an accident – quite literally. At the age of 22, he was riding for a client at a show in Hamilton when the judge got in a car accident on his way to the event. All the trainers in attendance threw their names into a hat to see who would take over judging duties for the day. Cameron’s name was selected and the rest, as they say, is history.

“I thought, well I could do this, and I got paid for it, so I thought that was alright,” he says. “I still rode and trained for a year after but started getting more shows to judge so then I decided I’ve got to quit this training and have no conflict of interest whatsoever.”

But his story began years before when, as a youngster growing up in St. Catharines, ON., he tagged along to the stable with his mother, who was an avid rider. He bought his first pony, Sally, when he was about 13 years old.

“I paid $47.50 for Sally,” he says with a chuckle. “I showed in one horse show and won one class at one of the local fairs.”

In those days, he didn’t have enough money to buy his own saddle and rode in an English saddle given to him by a friend.

He remembers gazing longingly at a saddle in a store window.

The price was $90 and he swore that someday he would have a saddle like that. As a boy, he could never have imagined the intricate custom made western saddles that he would one day collect, each with matching bridles and custom silver bits.

From Sally, he graduated to another horse named Monty, a Thoroughbred-Clydesdale cross. The pair developed a reputation locally for their travels far and wide. Cameron rode Monty all the way from St. Catharines to a show at the race

Photo Credit: Don Sinclair

Member Spotlight

A young Cameron shares a moment with his second horse, Monty (left). Cameron won the first 50-Mile Endurance Ride held in Ontario in 1967 on a Morgan named Pill Peddler's Henry (centre). Cameron judges a Saddlebred class at the St. Catharines race track (right).

track in Hamilton. They set out on a Friday, showed in one class on Saturday, which he points out they didn’t place in, and returned home on Sunday.

“He was a nice horse. He wasn’t a show horse by any stretch of the imagination, but I rode him on a 250-mile round trip,” Cameron says of an excursion to a ranch in Kleinburg, ON. where he and Monty worked for several weeks.

Like a sponge, Cameron soaked up all things horses, watching countless shows to learn the tricks of the trade.

“I was a great watcher,” he says. “I would go to a horse show and sit and watch and I watched what the judge liked… just to have a little knowledge about what was going on. I went to everything. I loved everything.”

Cameron also tagged along with experienced horsemen when they went to buy horses and, in the process, learned about conformation and common ailments.

“When I was young I hung around two riding stables,” he recalls. “I went with them when they bought horses and had a great learning experience by these old crooked horse traders – the things they did when they sold horses…all different things and the faults that I would have had a hard time learning.”

As a young Western trainer, he rode to victory for his clients on many occasions, including riding into the history books on a palomino Quarter Horse named Deymar. In 1961, Cameron set a new record for first place wins at the Erie County Fair in Hamburg, N.Y., winning five performance classes and placing fourth in another to secure the Sattler Challenge Trophy.

eyes, to see their reaction.

To illustrate his point, he opens a closet in what can only be described as a Wild West museum meets awards room that occupies the entire basement of his tidy home. Trophies, plaques and commemorative rings and belt buckles jockey for space with miniature Remington statues, 1800s-era replica firearms, leather bound Western books and limited edition Western prints on every wall. He pulls out a lettermanstyle jacket bearing the name Khemosabi – Cameron’s favourite Arabian. Cameron made the legendary horse U.S. National Champion Stallion in 1973 and years later the jacket arrived on Cameron’s doorstep – a gift for an admirer.

Bronze statues of Arabian horses stand proudly in his collection of memorabilia, awarded to him in 1991 and 1992 when he won the Arabian Horseman’s Award as Judge of the Year. Although he never owned or showed an Arabian, Cameron made the number 34 spot on the Arabian Horse Association Centennial 100 list when 40,000 members from that association voted on the most influential and significant people, horses, events or innovations in the past century.

Cameron’s goal throughout his career was to be a fair judge who treated rule books like the Bible of horses.

“There were lots of times that I excused people – big guns – and I never felt any qualms about doing it. That’s why people would come to my shows because they knew I was going to look at the horses,” says Cameron. “And I always looked at a bad horse longer than a good horse to let people know. How many times have you heard, ‘The judge never even looked at me?'”

He also wanted exhibitors to have a positive experience in the ring, so he could often be seen speaking to exhibitors.

“I got up at five in the morning and ran him around the track 20 times and brought him back in and washed him and fed him,” Cameron says. “He was a good horse, but he was a hyper horse.”

“He was so honest with people,” Carter says of Cameron. “I really appreciated that – his contribution is his courage under all circumstances.”

While anyone in the horse industry will talk of making sacrifices for their sport, no one knows this better than Cameron. He never wanted there to be a perception of conflict of interest or bribery, so he gave up training horses to pursue judging. One of the qualities of a good judge, he notes, is to stand on your convictions and judgment beyond the influence of anyone. And that’s exactly what he did.

Cameron wanted exhibitors to leave the ring with encouragement and ways to improve, not frustration and confusion over how they were judged.

“He is an example, a role model for integrity,” says Pat Carter, a respected coach from St. George, ON. who first showed under Cameron in the mid 1960s. “There are very few people in the horse industry who have that much integrity.”

Cameron did take one bribe once though. At least that’s what he likes to tell people, waiting with his characteristic smirk and a twinkle in his

“I always stood right by the gate so when they came in,” he says, noting that in addition to looking at the horse and getting a first impression, he wanted to make sure they were turned out properly.

“I wanted to encourage, not discourage. They may have a dropped noseband on when they were warming up that they forgot to take off.

I’d stop them and take that off. That could be my best horse.”

He recalls judging an Arabian exhibitor once who didn’t have a throatlatch on their halter – a requirement for the class. Rather than turn his back on them and relegate them to last place, he told the www.horse.on.ca | 21

Photo Credit: Peter West Photography

Photo Credit: Dodo Knight

Member Spotlight

Cameron rode into history on Deymar at North America's largest county fair (left). Cameron speaks to a lead line exhibitor in Maine in 1986 (centre). One of Cameron's trademarks was speaking to exhibitors. While he took judging seriously, Cameron liked to have fun and had a soft spot for judging stick horse classes (right).

exhibitor what they had done incorrectly and then proceeded to take out his shoelace, tie it to the halter and continue to judge the class.

“That person will come back and show again,” he says with conviction. “Some judges will just say, ‘Eliminate them.’ And they will say, ‘Well I’m not coming back. They didn’t tell me anything.’

Again, encourage, don’t discourage. I hobbled around with a loose shoe on my foot.”

Cameron was also known for constantly moving around the ring, often standing in corners and other locales that allowed him to see the big picture. But it was what he didn’t see that many remember.

“I could hear a guy behind me on his wrong lead,” Cameron recalls.

“I could just hear a different noise and I would know that horse was on the wrong lead. And they would say after, ‘He was right. I was on my wrong lead.’”

He laughs, recalling the time a group of youth exhibitors presented him with a hat at the end of a show that had eyes glued all the way around it.

“The expression ‘to have eyes in the back of your head’ comes to mind when Pete was judging,” says long-time steward and judge Jill Barton of Odessa, ON. “He was alert to all of the signs that competitors had broken gait or horses were being corrected by their riders behind his back, many times by the rhythm of the footfalls. As he walked the line he would often comment on why you had placed where you did!”

“The only thing I wish I could have changed is how they show some of the horses, but that’s not up to me,” he says. “We just have to enforce the rules; we didn’t make them. We might not like them, but we have to enforce them the way they are.”

He still goes to shows from time to time as a spectator, but finds himself spending more time chatting to people who know him, or offering his opinion on horses at their owner’s request, than he does watching classes.

“People will come up to me and say, ‘Are you Peter Cameron?’ and I’ll say, ‘It depends on whether your horse won or not,” Cameron jokes. “One guy said, ‘I would rather have a third by you than a first by another judge because I knew that’s where I belonged."

It has been a long, rewarding career for Cameron who, despite retiring from judging, still manages to have his finger on the pulse of the horse world.

“I’d like to be remembered as an honest judge – a judge who gave everyone a fair look and for the fact that I judged all those years without a hint or suggestion of conflict of interest,” says Cameron.

“My whole mission has been to encourage, not discourage.” T

Perhaps his judging style will live on through the 200 learner judges who he has mentored over the years.

"A lot of them just wanted to be a judge for the power and they will never make it." Cameron says. "But I did have some great judges. And I have judges who still call me and we talk about a show they have just been to and they say, ‘What would you do in this situation that just happened at that horse show?’”

Just as horse shows have changed over the years, so too has life.

From his dining room table, where Velma, his wife of 60 years, serves sandwiches for lunch, Cameron looks out the window to his back yard – his pride and joy, always manicured to perfection with no detail overlooked. Years ago, there were no houses around their St. Catharines home, only fields where Peter would take his dogs for walks.

But those days are gone. The years of presiding over shows across North America from centre ring are behind him. As he flips through album after album of old photographs, pausing to tell the story behind each one, he steps back into the past.

22 | WHOA! Winter 2013

Peter Cameron won the Arabian Horseman's Award as Judge of the Year in 1991 and 1992.

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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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Therapeutic Spotlight

Equine Therapy Forges Unbreakable Bonds

24 | WHOA! Winter 2013

New Awakenings Wellness Centre in Port Perry, ON. helps people realize the joy of living without drugs or alcohol through the assistance of some special four-legged therapists with a knack for connecting with those on the road to recovery.

An all-inclusive treatment program for men suffering from alcohol and drug and substance abuse issues, New Awakenings provides a highly individualized, holistic approach to treatment where social, psychological, physical and spiritual needs are assessed and reviewed throughout the treatment process. The wellness centre’s alcohol, drug and substance abuse treatment programs involve a preliminary assessment to determine how to address a client’s specific needs. Together, they then create a customized recovery plan.

One of the programs New Awakenings utilizes is its equine therapy program. Equine therapy serves as a natural way to work with people who are struggling with addiction issues, mental health concerns or concurrent disorders. The use of horses helps the client to create a bond of trust and companionship with an animal who is very gentle, compassionate and non-judgemental.

Equine therapy can decrease hostility and feelings of anger, lower stress levels, increase trust, improve self-esteem and provide a greater sense of patience. When a horse is paired with a troubled person, a bond gradually develops between them. Throughout the process, clients will work with the horses to establish a bond by taking part in a variety of horse care and “join up” techniques.

Some of the steps taken include:

Therapeutic Spotlight

Brushing the horses: By doing what seems like a simple task, humans begin to understand the power and size of a horse. It is also the initial stage of caring for something else that is reliant on human interaction.

Lunging the horse: Since horses are naturally herd animals they can be treated as such, even with human interaction. By lunging a horse, humans are essentially speaking the same language as horses and acting as the herd leader. As a horse is moving around the human, it will often begin to chew and move its mouth to show the leader (human) that it would like to be accepted into the herd. This is the beginning of a very special bond between human and equine. If the horse is very trusting of this bond, the human can crouch down in the middle of the arena or field and the horse should “join up” with its human companion by walking up and making either close eye contact or physical connection.

Free lunging: The ideal way to join up with a horse and establish an unbreakable bond is to allow the horse to be without a halter and let it be free to wander around the human, who will encourage the horse to move. As the human stops and crouches down, or even stands still, the horse will come forward and make contact with the leader to express that commitment and allow the human to replace a whole herd.

Riding: If the client feels comfortable, the option to ride a horse is available as well. This is a great way to understand the dynamics and power of an animal of this size. Working at their own comfort level, clients will learn how to control the horse – not through physical strength, but instead using all the horse language that leads up to the riding, such as verbal commands, body language and the ability to feel their movement through our body to effectively work as a team.

through. By continually working on the same issue (i.e. walking over water without spooking) the rider will learn that consistency helps reassure the horse that the rider can be trusted. It also demonstrates – just like working on their steps and continually reminding oneself that at one time they struggled with addiction or mental health – that they can overcome obstacles.

The key to joining up is the voluntary action of the horse to allow itself to become connected on a deeper level towards its human partner and, in turn, create a partnership that carries on through a variety of other interactions, such as riding, driving, or ground work with the horse. This can be closely linked to the process of ending addiction and voluntarily turning to a higher power to seek that strength and unity to move forward with a healthy and balanced life style.

People who struggle with addiction and mental health are sometimes reluctant to reach out to something so large and powerful. They often find they are overcome with a sense of understanding and empathy that is not voiced, but rather felt through the simple interactions with a horse. Because of this, equine therapy allows clients to open up to reflect both positive and negative thoughts to the horse, or to their counsellor, who is trained in addiction counselling and mental health support.

Overall, the most empowering part of equine therapy is the hope that the client will find trust, power, strength, understanding and, most importantly, a unique unspoken bond and friendship between human and animal that continually grows throughout their stay at New Awakenings Wellness Centre. T

EQUINE MASSAGE THERAPY

BY DIANE

Teamwork is a great skill that clients need to work on as part of their therapeutic approach to wellness. Many times addicts forget that, in order to be healthy, one must realize that everything isn’t an “I” or “Me” statement and that it is considered a strength to ask for help in times of trouble. This teamwork between horse and human will help solidify this mind-set, which is an important part of sobriety.

There are too many positives to mention when speaking about riding and the connection that is established between horse and rider, but another pivotal piece of healthy sobriety is the client’s ability to move forward and live in the “here and now.”

For instance, the horse may have an issue it needs to work

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

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

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Around The Barn

Revisiting The Horse Facilities Program

by Pam Coburn

The OEF would like to thank everyone who completed the Horse Facilities Program survey, which was e-mailed to members in late November.

Some respondents were frustrated because we asked questions about the program without providing a lot of explanation up front.

This was not meant to be an exercise in futility. The survey was designed this way because we wanted to test respondents’ awareness and understanding of the Horse Facilities Program.

We wanted honest answers and opinions and we’re paying close attention to the feedback we have received. We are currently conducting a careful analysis of the results of the survey. Early indications are that there has been a gap in our promotion of this program, so we’re taking this opportunity to explain some of the basics.

Horse Facilities Advisory Council History In the year 2000, the Association of Riding Establishments of Ontario (ARE-ONT) was established to represent the interests of riding establishments. One of their early and important accomplishments was the successful lobby of government to overturn a decision to tax riding establishments at the commercial rate rather than the agricultural rate.

In 2005, ARE-ONT joined the Ontario Equestrian Federation as the Horse Facilities Advisory Council. This also represented the high point in the organization’s membership participation.

Important benefits were made available to members through this change, principally access to marketing and education programs and administrative support.

Since that time, little has changed with the program, membership has waned and, in 2011, the OEF board of directors struck a sub-committee to identify ways to kick-start this program. Many new ideas were discussed, some of which have already been implemented, such as a searchable map on the web directory of stables. Other ideas require setting objectives and reviewing interest levels, tactics and programming with the membership.

Horse Facilities Membership Program – Going Forward A survey was launched on Nov. 16 to begin a consultation with OEF members on this program. Although the analysis is not yet complete, early indicators are that we need to improve familiarity

with the program by both riders and facility owners/operators.

The fundamental purpose of the program is to professionalize the operation of riding establishments. Membership requires that operators meet a set of minimum standards ensuring best practices relating to equine care, facility management and maintenance and business practices. We also strongly encourage the use of certified coaches.

One of our most recent projects, which has met with great success and approval, is a Guide for New Riders, launched at the 2012 Royal Agricultural Winter Fair.

A Guide For New Riders Tips for first-time horseback riders and parents

While this guide is a unique information and educational tool for people who are interested in equestrian sports, it will also establish early relationships between new riders and the Ontario Ontario Equestrian Federation Equestrian Federation. This organization will function as an information source when those riders begin looking for facilities, coaches and other equine related products and services.

The next step is to increase participation in equestrian sports through the active promotion and distribution of this guide to school, recreation, sport and tourism groups.

Since fall 2012, the OEF has had a staff person dedicated to the Horse Facilities program. As a result, we will be able to provide an improved level of support to our Horse Facility members.

A detailed presentation of the Horse Facilities Council Program overview and objectives was shared at the 2011 Annual General Meeting, and is currently available on our website for those of you who were unable to attend. Please have a look and send us any comments, questions or ideas you have.

We hope to establish focus groups early in 2013 to look more deeply into the options and priorities for improving the value of this program for our members.

Please stay tuned to WHOA! and our website for announcements as new initiatives are implemented. T www.horse.on.ca | 27

Safety First

Photo Courtesty Of: Karl Slezak

Vests Offer Protection For All Riders

By Melissa Kosowan

Protective riding vests were once sported only by Jockeys and Eventers, but more and more equestrians from other disciplines are discovering the benefits of wearing a vest when riding, driving and working around horses.

“It’s definitely a benefit to anybody. It’s added protection,” he says of protective riding vests. “There’s no down side to it, really.

I would definitely encourage anyone who wanted to use one to use it all the time.”

“You can never predict what’s going to happen,” says Leslie Newton, sales and marketing manager of Tipperary Equestrian, the largest manufacturer of protective riding vests in the world.

“You think you might be on a bomb-proof horse and they spook.

You could be working around your horse in the stall and something goes wrong. A friend of mine was kicked in the stomach by a horse she had for years. Things happen and if you are around horses you know that to be true. Everybody’s got a story.”

Newton is quick to point out the most common misconception about protective vests though. Despite what you might think, there is still a risk of being injured, even if you wear a vest.

Waterloo resident April Wurr credits her protective riding vest with saving her life. She was tacking up her Quarter Horse, who was tied to a hitching post, when a cat spooked the mare, causing her to pull back. Although the horse was tied with a quick release, Wurr struggled to free the panicked horse.

“Vests are designed to protect your most important internal organs, but you can’t protect against everything and there is some impact,” says Newton. “Riding is a dangerous sport. We don’t want to scare people, but at the end of the day the potential for injury is there.”

In a matter of seconds she suffered a broken jaw and broken facial bones, as well as cuts to her mouth, face and parts of her chest that weren’t protected by her vest. It took 30 stitches to close up her wounds, her jaw was wired shut for a month and she had to take six months off riding. But she lived to tell the tale and encourage others to wear a vest.

That being said, wearing protective equipment such as a riding helmet and vest can reduce the risk of serious injury when riding and working around horses. Made from a variety of different materials, primarily high density foams, protective vests are designed to reduce trauma to the body caused by impact with the ground or an object.

“The whole idea is you are trying to dissipate that energy level,” Newton says. “You are trying to spread out that energy instead of putting it one spot and that’s what the foam is designed to do.”

Karl Slezak, a short-listed member of the Canadian Eventing Team who rides out of Wolf Run Farm in Caledon East, has seen firsthand the protection vests offer.

28 | WHOA! Winter 2013

“It took me about a minute to get her loose and when I did she jumped straight up in the air and then back. Her head and hoof caught me,” says Wurr, who was wearing a helmet, but only had her vest partially zipped up. “I went flying backwards. I remember waking up and I was spitting up blood.”

“The vest being only half done up was the reason I was cut open on my chest. If it was done up I wouldn’t have sustained any injuries below my jaw. The doctor had said without the vest who knows what would have happened,” Wurr says. “I know that without it, on that September evening I very easily could have died.”

But in order to do their job, vests must fit correctly, which is why they must be fitted by someone knowledgeable about protective vests.

“You need to be fit by someone who knows what they are doing,” says Newton. “I see a lot of women trying to fit into a smaller size and they can’t breathe and obviously you can’t ride then. Every

Safety First

vest fits differently and requires somebody to actually outfit you.”

She says parents are often guilty of buying a vest that they think their child will “grow into.”

“We see that all the time,” says Newton, who recommends young riders starting out look for a vest that can be adjusted to allow them to ride in it longer before they outgrow it.

For people with special size requirements, custom fitting is also an option when trying to find a vest.

“I had a woman with a spine issue,” says Newton. “She had been in an accident and had a degenerative spine disease. She was shrinking and she had a very small torso. I didn’t have a vest to fit her, so we designed a vest for her.”

In addition to properly fitting the rider, the protective vest chosen must also be suitable for the discipline it will be used for.

standard, so it’s difficult for SEI to find the value in certifying that product.”

In the case of Tipperary’s best-selling Eventer model, it was made before there were ASTM standards.

“The Eventer was created to an old BETA standard,” says Newton.

“We didn’t have ASTM standards at the time. That certification didn’t mean anything in North America way back when and, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!”

No matter what type of protective vest you end up choosing, the experts are quick to remind riders to make sure it’s something that they will wear!

“Don’t buy something because someone else said it’s comfortable,” Newton says. “You need to feel comfortable in it and find the right model that’s designed for your discipline.” T

“There are so many times people buy the wrong thing. They will buy an Eventing vest and they will ride in it all the time and try to do their flat work and they don’t understand why it’s hitting the back of their saddle,” Newton says, explaining that Eventing vests come down further on the back than other models. “First of all it doesn’t fit properly and second of all, it’s designed for Cross-Country.”

While most riders now understand the importance or wearing a riding helmet, protective vests have been slower to catch on, particularly in North America. In Europe and the UK, they are commonly worn by riders of all disciplines and levels.

“Not as many people wear a vest. It really started with Eventing and then the rodeo stuff and now it’s trickling down. In the past few years people are becoming more aware that it’s probably a good idea,” says Newton. “It’s realistic to expect that it’s going to take a long time for people to change their minds about that.”

While most riders know to look for the ASTM/SEI certification logo when purchasing a riding helmet, it’s not as clear cut when it comes to vests. Because the demand for protective vests is higher overseas, particularly the UK and Europe, some vests are certified with the British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA). There are few on the market, however, that are ASTM/SEI certified.

“It’s a very confusing conversation for a lot of people,” says Newton. “Remember that ASTM is the group that writes the standard. As a manufacturer we take those requirements and go make the product to their specifications. SEI adopts certain standards and then can certify them through an independent test lab.”

She explains that the SEI doesn’t automatically go through the process to certify a product made to a particular ASTM standard.

First there needs to be enough products made to the same standard to warrant the certification process.

“It has to be viable that there is more than one product on the market. For example, the ASTM standard on our Competitor – we’re the only one in North America making a vest to that

Photo Courtesty Of: Tipperary Equestrian

But just because a vest isn’t SEI certified doesn’t necessarily mean it’s inferior.

www.horse.on.ca | 29

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Mane Events

Can-Am To Open Its Doors In A New, Expanded Location Watch for the Ontario Equestrian Federation at the all new Can-Am All Breeds Equine Emporium, taking place in a new location at the Orangeville Event Centre from March 28-31, 2013.

Can-Am has established itself as a leading equine show in North America and is pleased to move to an expanded facility with world-class entertainers and clinicians, offering four days of excitement. With over 30 free clinicians, the Home Hardware Arena will feature Guy McLean and Stacey Westfall (Road to the Horse Champions) along with Amber Marshall (CBC Heartland) and many other high profile equestrian athletes.

The Great Canadian Tack and Trailer Sale will offer over 90,000 sq. ft. of equine shopping with vendors from across Canada offering special Can-Am discounts to start the year. The New Canadian Lifestyle area will show country lifestyle furniture and Canadian artists.

The University of Guelph will feature EquiMania! its interactive youth education program, while the RAM Trucks Breeder's Showcase and Parade of the Breeds to highlight many breeds of the equine world.

The Can-Am Expo promises to delight and entertain audiences with magnificent horse performances, music, interactive exhibitions, and food and lifestyle that reflect our country roots!

Visit www.canamequine.ca for the latest updates, schedules, hotel savings and OEF discounts.

Farm Show Adds Horse Depot

Mark your calendars for the Canadian International Farm Show, which takes place from Feb. 5-7 at the International Centre in Mississauga and features the newly created Horse Depot, an exhibit presented by the Ontario Equestrian Federation to showcase products and services for horse owners.

“We are looking forward to welcoming horse owners to the Canadian International Farm Show,” says Dianne Graham, executive director of the OEF. “If you are in the business of horses, or operate your own stable, this is a show you won’t want to miss.”

The new equestrian exhibit will include equipment, feed, tack, clothing, grooming supplies, fencing, trailers, riding groups, farriers, veterinarians, breeders, associations and more. Educational seminars will touch on topics relevant to small farm and horse owners.

Billed as Canada’s largest indoor farm show, the show welcomed over 20,000 visitors in 2012 and that number is sure to grow with the addition of the Horse Depot.

For more information about the Canadian International Farm Show visit www.canadianfarmshow.ca. T

All About Pets Show Welcomes Equestrians To First Mane Event Visitors to Ontario’s Mane Event, an inaugural showcase featured at the 20th annual All About Pets Show, will be treated to world renowned clinicians and celebrities at the “two-for-one” show, held March 29-31 at the International Centre in Mississauga.

Award-winning country music artist and TV host, Beverly Mahood and Terry Grant, star of six seasons on the hit TV series Mantracker will join renowned clinicians including AQHA Horse Woman of the Year, coach, judge and author Lynn Palm; world respected trainer and clinician Josh Lyons; best-selling author, Chris Irwin; and world and national championship competitor, coach and judge Harvey Stevens.

key feature area within the almost 200,000 sq. ft. of All About Pets Show floor space, including a large demonstration ring for clinicians and entertainment, a lively speakers stage, plus the equine trade fair filled with leading suppliers and retailers.

Admission to Ontario’s Mane Event includes entrance to the All About Pets Show, featuring the “who’s who” of the pet world, with hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of products.

For information, schedules, online contests and ticket discounts visit www.allaboutpetsshow.com. T

Horse care, regardless of breed or discipline, will be a key component of the show. Speakers will include Dr. Roxane Pardiac DVM, who will address the benefits of chiropractic and acupuncture treatment for horses, while trusted animal communicator, Lauren Bode, will provide the intangible link for horses and their human partners.

“We’re delighted to have the Ontario Equestrian Federation as a partner on this inaugural showcase,” says show owner Alan Barnes. “Building on the strength of the All About Pets Show, Canada’s largest consumer pet event, provides a natural synergy for an equine showcase.”

The dedicated exhibition hall for Ontario’s Mane Event will be a www.horse.on.ca | 31

Mane Events

OEF To Ride Into The Capital For National Women’s Show The Ontario Equestrian Federation is heading to Ottawa this spring to attend the National Women’s Show in Ottawa where it will showcase the benefits of riding to more than 20,000 women.

“We are very excited to be taking part in the National Women’s Show,” says Dianne Graham, the executive director of the OEF. “Many women have always dreamed of riding or are looking for an activity that keeps them healthy – physically, mentally and emotionally. This is a great opportunity to introduce them to the sport.”

The show, which takes place April 13-14, 2013 at the Ottawa Convention Centre, will feature over 250 exhibits with everything from food and wine sampling, fashion shows, celebrity guests, free makeovers, health, wellness and beauty secrets, cooking demos, home renovation advice and travel ideas.

“The National Women's Show is the perfect place for groups and associations, such as the Ontario Equestrian Federation, to boost memberships, promote healthy sports to women and gain valuable branding,” says Lindsay Lessor, account manager with the National Women’s Show. “This is the premiere event for women in Ottawa to have a good time, relax, shop and learn about products and services that are available to them.” T

32 | WHOA! Winter 2013

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Coaches Corner

Making The Leap To The Next Level

By Kelly Plitz

Kelly Plitz is a level 3 Eventing coach who represented Canada at the 1982 World Championships in Germany with Canadian Eventing Hall of Fame inducted horse Dialadream, and at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics where the pair finished in 25th as the top Canadians.

This past October, Plitz was the Eventing expert at a Coaching Analyze Performance Clinic, organized by the Ontario Equestrian Federation and held at Hop Hill Stables in Uxbridge and Dreamcrest Equestrian in Port Perry. She graciously agreed to share her notes for OEF members interested in taking their Eventing horses from Training level to Preliminary.

When my husband, Ian, told me I was the Cross-Country expert for this clinic, I panicked! I used to be an expert back when I first started Eventing, competing at Rolex, the Worlds and the Olympics. I was an expert – then. I was confident, brave. I knew it all. Now, 30 years later, I realize you never know it all and a lot of very good riders never make it to the Olympics.

The more I learn about horses the more I realize how much I do not know.

Working with horses is a never-ending journey of an accumulation of knowledge. And just when you think you know the answer, another problem arises that does not respond to your solution.

However, that brash confidence that one has with youth is a positive component to compete successfully. As a rider ages they gain more knowledge and develop a higher skill level, which counters that loss of youthful bravado.

To be a good coach, riding at a high level is not necessary.

However, a complete understanding of what it takes mentally and physically is required by coaches.

The topic I want to present to you is moving up from Training level to Preliminary.

Preliminary is just that, it is where the sport begins. Once upon a time there was Preliminary, Intermediate and Advanced. No PreTraining, no Training and certainly no Entry or Pre-Entry. Riders in days gone by rode inter-disciplinary but now we are very specialized and our sport of Eventing has grown to accommodate riders and horses of all levels, ambitions and abilities.

Moving up from Training to Preliminary requires an understanding of the sport, an accomplished, confident rider, a good jumping horse with a solid base jumping all types of Cross-Country fences separately and in combination. The horse must be trained well enough on the flat to do a test at the level and score well above 50% and Show Jump competently at the 1.10m to 1.15m level.

For riders to progress up the levels without a good foundation in the basics harms our sport and makes it appear dangerous through unpreparedness. So, a coach’s job is to instill confidence, impart the proper basics and develop capable riders and horses through proper training, concentration on the basics and attention to detail. A coach should not facilitate a rider competing beyond the level of preparedness and skill level of horse or rider.

There will always be the top riders who can develop horses up the levels quickly, but these riders instill confidence through their 34 | WHOA! Winter 2013

natural feel and confidence. Their ability is carried through to their horses.

Just because you are qualified to move up does not necessarily mean you should.

Preliminary is where the horses are first introduced to the sport and a lot will go no further due to lack of training or just because they do not possess the athleticism to progress up the levels.

This can be lack of heart (confidence/desire) or lack of ability. Not all horses are created equal and not all are suited to this sport.

Just because your student owns it, if it is not suitable it is your responsibility to let them know. If the rider chooses to continue with an unsuitable horse, make them as safe as possible and keep them at the level they can handle safely.

A rider is better off spending too much time at the lower levels rather then moving up too quickly. The lower levels will instill confidence in the horse and rider and when a level seems too easy, it is then time to move up.

Sometimes a move up at a soft Preliminary is recommended then a move back down to Training at the next event and then up again to another suitable Prelim. You must, as a coach, have knowledge about certain courses to know what is right for your horse and rider in order to create success and avoid failure.

Speaking of failure, riders must be able to deal with this. If one never tries, one will never fail. However, failing is a byproduct of learning and must be included in every plan towards success.

Dealing with failure is a big deal in Eventing because a rider will fail at some, if not several, points in their career. How they deal with it will determine how they proceed and succeed.

In regards to types of obstacles, riders should expect banks up and down, ditches, jumping into water and out, undulating land, skinnies, corners, coffins and angled jumps – all this at a higher speed (520m/m) and in closer proximity when in combinations.

Riders must learn to ride with and behind the motion, extend (gallop) and collect (coffin canter) the canter. Riders must learn to release and gather reins when going down a bank drop. They must learn to spread their arms and hands to take up the contact when riding at the buckle. Riders must start to be more athletic, ride shorter in the stirrups and have superior balance.

The horses do notice the difference from Training-sized fences to Preliminary-sized fences; the speed, width, height, distance and complexity are all “ramped up” at this level and generally

Coaches Corner

horses require more leg to the jumps. At Preliminary, the jumps in combinations are closer together and require more accuracy and athleticism.

Riders have to be fit to succeed. Their core strength needs to be developed. Riders with weak, flabby middles are weak riders. This needs to be addressed if they plan to move up to “prelim”. Lack of rider strength has a lot to do with falls of riders and horses, as the riders are not strong enough to become that fifth leg when required.

Coaches must be ready to finish what is started. Do not attempt to school anything you feel cannot be accomplished within the lesson. You have to be prepared to get on and ride the horse through it or you have to think on your feet and get it done on the ground. You must always finish what you start. Be very careful not to “over face” a rider or a horse. If a problem is beyond your ability as a coach, step back and ask for help. Do not undermine the confidence of horse or rider for the sake of your pride. Know when to stop and stop on a positive note. There are times when you must push beyond a certain level of comfort to move forward, but that degree of difficulty must be calculated so the outcome is successful.

It’s also essential to know your jump dimensions – 3’7” is a big jump and a lot of courses are on the soft side, so riders can get lulled into thinking they are jumping the size only to be shocked when they go to a “real” course and then they find they are lacking skills.

Use a tape measure or a metre/yard stick to give you a sense of height and width.

There is no magical formula when developing horses and riders to go Preliminary and beyond. Individual coaches will have their own programs. However, hard work, dedication, attention to detail and safety, while instilling confidence and maintaining horse and rider soundness – both mental and physical – must be consistent components in all successful training programs. Unfortunately, money is a big factor in success, but nothing replaces hard work, dedication and talent. Money cannot buy that! T

Photo Credit: Bailini Photography

We have all seen the 15.2h horse that the owner thinks is 16h and the 16.2h horse that is “17h” so train your eye to measure so you are not cheaping out on height. A fence that is 3’7” is small on paper, but build it in a course and it is quite big. I’m not saying you need to school this in all your preps and combinations, but that is the target height and your horse and rider must be confident and competent at this height.

www.horse.on.ca | 35

Coaches Corner

Photo Credit: Clix Photography - Shawn Hamilton

Finding A Certified Coach Who Is Right For You

By Courtney Mckenna

Are you a beginner rider new to the world of horses, or an experienced rider who has hit a plateau with your skills?

Whatever your riding background, working with a certified instructor or coach can be a very rewarding experience.

If you have made the decision to enrol yourself or your child in horseback riding lessons, there are a few things you should consider before you choose your coach.

According to Gillian Ross Erasmi, the education coordinator for the Ontario Equestrian Federation and an Equine Canada certified coach, one of the biggest mistakes made by aspiring riders – or their parents – is not taking adequate time to research a coach or their facility.

“It is important to visit a coach and their facility, watch some lessons, ask questions and see if they are the right fit for you or your child,” says Ross Erasmi.

Jennifer McIlwraith, a certified western coach with Equine Canada, agrees. McIlwraith states that many people don’t do enough research. She says they need to check the coach’s credentials, look at the achievements of their past and present students and also watch the coach actually teach a lesson.

There are some key questions that you should be asking prior to taking that first lesson. Ross Erasmi stresses the importance of having a conversation with the coach about what your expectations are and what you hope to accomplish. If you are a beginner, perhaps your goal is to simply feel more confident in the saddle. If you are a more accomplished rider, you may want to work with a coach who specializes in your area of interest.

Stephanie St. Pierre is an Equine Canada certified english coach and has some sound advice when it comes to questions that should be asked of potential coaches. St. Pierre suggests finding out some key facts, such as how long the lessons are, how many students are in each lesson and what the cancellation policy is.

She, too, suggests going to see the facility and watching a lesson.

All three coaches agree the most important question to ask is if they are certified.

36 | WHOA! Winter 2013

Working with a certified coach ensures that the individual has invested time and money into meeting an industry standard; they are adhering to a standard of ethics as well as the Equine Canada Code of Conduct. When working with a certified coach, you can feel confident knowing that they have extensive safety training and also hold current first aid certification.

While it might seem overwhelming when you first start searching for a riding coach, a great place to start is the Ontario Equestrian Federation website, www.horse.on.ca. There you can search under Coaching in the “Find a Coach/Instructor” link, making it easier to track down certified coaches in your area. The site also provides information on what it means to be certified, why it is important to work with certified coaches and also how you can become a certified coach. T

Upcoming Events

• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Equine Canada Conference: Feb 6-10, Ottawa Coaching Association of Ontario Conference: Feb 22-24, Hamilton Design an Equestrian Sport Program: Feb 24, Hamilton St. John Ambulance Standard First Aid Course: March 2 & 3, Richmond Hill Western Coaching Update, Featuring Speed Events: March 2, Reach Huron, Clinton NCCP/EC Equestrian Theory: April 12-14, Reach Huron, Clinton Driving Instructor Workshop: Spring, TBA Ontario Coaches Week April 12-21: Look for great NCCP course offerings all over Ontario NCCP/EC Equestrian Theory Course: April 20 & 21, Kenora Western Instructor Mentoring Workshop: April 21, Brockville St. John Ambulance Emergency First Aid: April 22, Richmond Hill NCCP/EC Dressage Workshop with Cara Whitham: April 28, Richmond Hill St. John Ambulance Standard First Aid Course: June 26 & 27, Richmond Hill Summer 2013 the OEF is planning events for North Western Ontario, Thunder Bay/Dryden area -TBA

Coach and Instructor Evaluations • English Competition Coach – Winter/Spring: Powassan, GTA, and Ottawa • English Instructor of Beginner - Winter/Spring: Powassan, GTA, London and Ottawa • Western Instructor of Beginner Spring: GTA • Western Competition Coach (Fall 2013)

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Ask Dr. Bob

This photograph shows a newly seeded hay field. Two main plants are dominant: fall panicum (whisk broom like) and bristly foxtail (seed heads in the right foreground).

Dr. Bob, We had some hay delivered to us and it has some plants that we don’t recognize. Can you help us identify them?

With the drought this summer and hay in short supply, there has been hay taken from fields that previously were not used for hay production. Some of this hay contains some unusual plants that may be problematic for horses. One of the most important skills a horse owner needs to acquire is the ability to identify the normal mixture of plants that appear in hay and pasture. The others can be collected and submitted to an expert for identification. Hay can be a composition of one or more legumes or grasses in various proportions. Both common and Latin names are used because some plants will have different names from region to region.

LEGUMES

The common legumes found in hay include alfalfa, clover, bird’sfoot trefoil and vetch. They are higher in protein than the grasses because the major limiting component of protein synthesis is nitrogen. Legumes fix nitrogen from the air and therefore their crude protein content in hay can be 15-30% on a dry matter basis and therefore desirable as an excellent protein source.

Alfalfa hay (Medicago sativa) also called lucerne is well accepted by horses. Alfalfa has an abundance of leaves and horses will be observed readily consuming the leaves and pushing the coarser stems aside. Horses are commonly seen “vacuuming” the bottom of the hay manger for the leaves.

Horses like clover (Trifolium spp.). White Dutch (T. repens) or common white clover is a low horizontally growing plant (less than five inches). In hay, only a leaf or a flower will be seen on a small secondary stem. Red clover (Trifolium pratense) grows upright with a hairy stem. It is a biennial which means it will live for about two years and then will die off unless it is allowed to re-seed itself. As a hay crop, red clover is hard to dry and becomes moldy easily. These moulds can contain estrogenic properties which can interfere with the reproductive cycles of mares. The clovers can also produce slaframine, which is known as the “slobber factor.”

Slaframine will make horses salivate profusely. Red clover has also been associated with red urine in some horses. Porphyrins are excreted into the urine and will oxidize and turn red. This is usually seen during the winter when horses urinate on the snow.

38 | WHOA! Winter 2013

Alsike clover (Trifolium hybridum) grows upright with flowers along the entire length of the stem. It must be differentiated from the other clovers because it can contain a fungus that causes photosensitivity and hepatic failure in horses. Horse pastures and hay fields should not contain alsike clover!

Bird’s-foot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus) is a low growing perennial with a yellow flower. It is common in cattle and sheep pastures and hay fields. It increases each year and does well on poorly drained soils. However, it contains bitter tannins which many horses dislike and refuse to eat.

The vetches for the most part are considered weeds in Ontario because they invade pastures and cultivated fields. However, in some countries, vetches are grown as livestock feed. Vetches are perennial and grow from seed as well as underground rootstock. Tufted vetch (Vicia cracca) is a common invader of Ontario fields. Crown vetch (Coronilla varia) is used in erosion control along roadways and is toxic to horses. Hairy vetch (Vicia villosa) can cause granulomatous inflammation.

A gingival ulcer associated with grazing plants such as bristly foxtail or, in this case, raspberry canes.

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Ask Dr. Bob

GRASS HAY

Grass hay commonly consists of one or more of the following grasses; timothy, brome grass, orchard grass, reed canary, perennial rye, Canada or Kentucky bluegrass and fescue. The grasses produce seed heads in late May to early June in Ontario before the weather is reliable enough to cure hay. Therefore, by haying time, their nutrient content will have decreased below 10% crude protein (on a 100% dry matter basis).

Timothy (Phleum pratense) is the traditional grass of horses and is recognized by its spike-like panicle. Timothy is easy to establish and dries quickly when making hay. Smooth brome grass (Bromus inermis) is a tall grass that grows readily on well-drained soils. It is difficult to plant because of its large, light, fluffy seed, which causes difficulties with many seed drills. Orchard grass (Dactylis glomerata) is an early maturing perennial bunchgrass with a distinctive “cocks-comb” like seed head. Reed canary (Phalaris arundinacea) grows to two metres and has good tolerance to both poor drainage and drought conditions. Older varieties, however, contain unpalatable alkaloids. Canada bluegrass (Poa compressa) and Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis) are low growing perennials with fine seed heads. It has shallow root development and therefore has poor growth in the hotter parts of the summer.

However, bluegrass creates a good sod that will withstand heavy traffic. Tall fescue (Festuca arundinaceum or Lolium arundinaceum) has a fibrous root system, which is good for high traffic areas. Perennial rye (Lolium perenne) can withstand high soil moisture and high temperatures. Both perennial rye and tall fescue can contain ergot alkaloids which can extend the gestation length of pregnant mares. This will result in delayed births and dead, weak or dying foals.

common pasture plants and weeds. You can find fact sheets on poison plants or be linked to excellent resources from my website horsenewsandviews.com or drop me an e-mail at dr.bob@ horsenewsandviews.com. T

RESOURCES

Pasture Grasses Identified - http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/ english/livestock/beef/facts/06-095.htm Pasture Legumes Identified - http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/ english/crops/facts/04-057.htm Ontario Weeds Gallery - http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/ crops/facts/ontweeds/weedgal.htm

COMMON WEEDS IN HAY

In the first year a hay field is seeded, annual weeds will be present in the hay unless the farmer has used plant specific herbicides to eliminate them. In subsequent years, the annual weeds will not be present but perennial weeds will increase unless they are controlled.

The annual weeds that can occur in large numbers in hay include bristly foxtail, fall panicum, hoary alyssum and mustard. When bristly foxtail (Setaria verticillata) is mature it contains forwardpointing barbs, which can penetrate the gingiva of horses and cause oral ulcers. Fall panicum (Panicum dichotomiflorum) is toxic to the liver of horses. Hoary alyssum (Berteroa incana) can cause laminitis and limb edema. Wild or common mustard (Sinapis arvensis) can cause digestive disturbances.

Horsetail (Equisetum) is one of the first plants to grow in the spring. Horse owners are concerned when they see the fertile spike stem and the sterile green pine treelike stem.

Perennial weeds commonly occur in low numbers in hay unless under special circumstances, such as cutting hay along the border of a woodlot or damp area. In this case, large amounts of horsetail (Equisetum spp.) or bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum) can be incorporated into the hay in sufficient quantities to cause harm if fed over long periods. Buttercups (Ranunculaceae spp.) are common in hay, but the toxic chemical that causes oral lesions when grazed fresh dissipates in the hay curing period. Other perennial weeds may be present in low numbers but are too numerous to include in this article.

Resources such as the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs website can be referred to for identification of the

Common Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare) is a perennial that may be associated with abortions.

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/ 40 | WHOA! Winter 2013

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Ask BFL

ensure continuous coverage. We are very excited to offer some new and improved optional insurance coverages, so please read your renewal package carefully and take advantage of the bulk buying power of the OEF to get good protection at a great price.

If you have a potential claim, please contact BFL immediately at OEF@BFLCANADA.ca or 1-800-668-5901.

Now, back to our introduction. BFL CANADA has been in the business of insuring horses and everything that goes with them for over 20 years. Our team is made up of lifetime horse people from a variety of backgrounds who have decided to make insurance their career. As a result, all OEF members, whether recreational or competitive and regardless of discipline, have access to a team of insurance specialists with valuable horse experience to help them make decisions about risk and insurance.

I am pleased to introduce the insurance professionals dedicated to working with the OEF membership: Andrea Bartels: Membership Insurance Program Andrea grew up at her family’s Hunter/ Jumper show facility and has been an active competitor for over 15 years. Before joining BFL, Andrea worked with a top Thoroughbred trainer and assisted in training many racetrack winners. Her broad experience in various equine disciplines makes her an excellent choice to answer front-line questions for OEF members. Along with her honours diploma from Sheridan College and her degree in psychology from the University of Waterloo, she is a Registered Insurance Broker and is working toward completing her Chartered Insurance Professional designation.

I hear the Ontario Equestrian Federation has changed insurance providers. Who is the new provider, and how does this change affect me and my coverage?

You heard right. Effective Jan.1, 2013 (Sept. 1, 2012 for extended members), the insurance provider for the OEF has changed to BFL CANADA Risk and Insurance Services Inc. Please allow me to introduce myself – my name is Sara Runnalls and I lead the equine team here at BFL. I’d like to tell you a little bit about our company and our energetic team that is ready to serve the OEF membership. But first, and most importantly, let me assure you that current members in good standing continue to enjoy automatic $5,000,000 personal liability insurance and $30,000 accidental death and dismemberment insurance, both of which will respond as a result of a horse-related incident, subject to the policy terms and conditions. Remember, you must renew your membership before Jan. 1 each year to 42 | WHOA! Winter 2013

Kara Edwards: Farms in Eastern Ontario; Coaches, Clubs, Horse Shows, Farriers and Grooms Across Ontario Kara brings over 15 years of equine experience and education to our team. She is an Equine Canada certified instructor, has completed an equine management certificate through the University of Guelph, Kemptville Campus, and is a graduate of the University of Guelph, with an honours bachelor degree in bio-resource management (specializing in equine management). Kara has experience competing in the Dressage and Hunter/Jumper rings and now specializes in Eventing. A firm believer in continuing education, Kara is a Registered Insurance Broker, is working on a master’s degree in education through the University of Western Ontario, and has started completing her Chartered Insurance Professional designation.

Sarah Hansen: Broker-In-Training Sarah attended Brock University to complete a bachelor of recreation and leisure studies, with an honours in inclusive and therapeutic recreation, giving her in-depth knowledge of certifications and designations relating to therapeutic horseback riding. During her university years she actively participated in the Ontario University Equestrian Federation as a Hunter/Equitation rider. Sarah also brings tremendous business savvy to our team as she has managed her own manufacturing/ equine product development company for the past three years.

Sarah has yet to complete her RIBO licence; however, she is on track to complete it by January 2013.

Ask BFL

Stephanie Kirton: Horses and Travel Stephanie has over 20 years experience in the insurance business, specializing in equine-related products. Coming from a long history of equestrian professionals, Stephanie has extensive knowledge of this field. She is familiar with all disciplines of equestrian sport and takes pride in providing knowledgeable and efficient service. Stephanie has a very high client retention rate, largely due to her unwavering dedication to our clients. She stays abreast of current developments in veterinary medicine, allowing her to provide exceptional service to our horse insurance clients during the claims process.

Cindy Sabourin: Farms (except Eastern Ontario) Cindy has been the BFL representative at Woodbine Racetrack since 2006 and has expanded her role to include sales and service for all aspects of our equine clientele.

Cindy’s lifelong background involving both race and show horses, combined with her commitment to completing her Chartered Insurance Professional designation, make her a great fit for our equine clients. Cindy excels at customer service because she is energetic, positive, knowledgeable and thorough.

Sara Runnalls: Risk Management, Seminars, Workshops, and anything you don’t see here!

Sara grew up in the horse business. Her parents purchased their first commercial horseback riding establishment in 1977 and retired in 2008. Sara ran the riding school aspect of this family business and competed professionally from 1991 to 1996, including two years named to the National Talent Squad for Show Jumping.

She has experience in various other riding disciplines, including Hunter, Three-day Eventing, Dressage, Western, and most recently, Reining. Sara is an Equine Canada certified coach and a national examiner with Canadian Pony Club.

She also holds the Fellow Chartered Insurance Professional and Canadian Risk Manager Designations. Her lengthy and varied equestrian background, combined with her more than 16 years of experience in the insurance industry and commitment to continuing her insurance education, make Sara a valuable resource to OEF members.

Our goal is to answer any insurance or risk management questions you may have, so please do not hesitate to send your questions to OEF@BFLCANADA.ca. If your question is chosen for publication in Ask BFL, we will send you a BFL bootjack! T Sara Runnalls is Vice President and Associate at BFL CANADA Risk and Insurance Services Inc. in Toronto, the official insurance provider to the OEF and its members.

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www.horse.on.ca | 43

Nutrition

Healthy Hooves Need Good Nutrition

By Josée Lalonde, B. Sc. A.

No hoof, no horse! Horse people understand perfectly well this old adage! But what are a horse’s real nutritional needs for healthy feet, and when should adding a hoof supplement be considered?

A horse’s foot is quite a complex system, with internal and external structures working in unison. The foot supports the horse’s weight, while enabling the animal to be mobile; its strength and integrity begin at the cellular level thanks to the proper synthesis and organization of various nutrients.

Let’s take a look at the hoof and the tissues that compose it.

The hoof forms a capsule around the foot. Its structure is quite hard and strong while remaining flexible. It is therefore able to change shape under the horse’s weight, while withstanding the various impacts to which it is subjected. The dermis, the part that attaches the hoof to the third phalanx (coffin bone), consists mainly of collagen, a tissue whose role is to fill, support and protect. The dermis needs to be flexible to allow the hoof and bone of the foot to move in every direction under the effect of the horse’s weight. The dermis consists of nerves that control the blood flow and of numerous blood vessels that nourish the foot.

The catch phrase for healthy hooves is nutritional balance. It is important to ensure that the horse’s daily diet is providing it with sufficient nutrients to prevent occurrence of the various footrelated ailments. The nutrients needed for the development and maintenance of strong healthy hooves are succinctly described here.

Amino acids and energy The amino acids that form the various proteins are mostly used to synthesize collagen. More specifically, certain sulfured amino acids, such as methionine, allow the synthesis of intracellular substances that help “cement” the cells together and also allow the synthesis of structural proteins such as keratin. Keratin is particularly important, since it is the main protein of the tissue forming the wall of the hoof. Also, the fact that the amino acid methionine contains sulfur is beneficial, as sulfur is responsible for the bonds that provide stiffness and resilience to the hooves.

A methionine deficiency, in addition to affecting the integrity of the hoof, can interfere with growth and lead to poor stress tolerance as well as skin problems.

Like protein, energy is also an essential element, since, without energy, no metabolic functions are possible. In fact, apart from water, of course, energy and protein are the main so-called “limiting” nutrients. If they are not provided to the horse in sufficient quantities, the quality of the hoof will be deficient no 44 | WHOA! Winter 2013

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Nutrition matter how many vitamins and minerals the animal receives in its feed ration. The horse’s primary sources of energy are fibre (hay, pasture, soy hulls, beet pulp), starch (grains) and fat (plant source).

Minerals One mineral that is especially involved in the development and maintenance of the hoof is zinc. Zinc plays a role in the health and integrity of hooves by promoting the division and protection of the cells of the dermis and the synthesis of the proteins. A clinical study has shown that the quality of the hoof is directly related to its zinc content. Furthermore, zinc stimulates the synthesis of collagen present in significant quantity in the dermis.

Other minerals that are of specific account in regard to the quality of the hoof are copper, manganese and selenium. Their action is especially beneficial to hoof health because of their antioxidant properties, which protect the cell membrane. Copper, in addition to contributing to the formation of collagen and elastin (blood vessel membrane), contributes to the formation of disulfide bonds in the keratin, which improves hoof quality.

Clearly, if there is not a sufficient quantity of these minerals in the ration, or if their interactions are not balanced, hoof problems may arise down the road. These mineral deficiencies can also affect the horse’s coat, lead to joint disorders and impair wound healing.

Vitamins The topic of hooves cannot be addressed without talking about biotin. Clinical studies have shown the beneficial effects of biotin in the restructuring of the hoof horn, more specifically the hoof wall. Used over a long period of time, it contributes to repairing horn deficiencies. Served alone, biotin has shown to be somewhat effective, but served together with methionine, the results are

46 | WHOA! Winter 2013

even more conclusive. Having said this, since biotin is difficult for the horse to absorb, it is important that the horse consume enough to obtain the desired effect.

Other vitamins also contribute to maintaining hoof quality, notably vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant which, like selenium, manganese and copper, protects the cell membrane. Vitamin C, which is involved in the production of collagen and the maintenance of the integrity of the blood vessels, and vitamin A, active in the maintenance of the integrity of the epithelial tissue (tissue formed of one or more layers of cells), are also essential to maintaining healthy hooves.

For badly damaged hooves, adding a biotin, methionine and zincbased curative supplement is recommended until the condition is resolved. Besides adding an efficient hoof supplement, it is important that the horse’s current feed ration be analyzed to ensure that it is indeed meeting all of its nutritional requirements, especially with respect to vitamins and minerals. If the horse has serious hoof problems, it is unlikely that its nutritional needs are being met.

A complete supplement such as vitamin and mineral balancer will need to be added to their daily diet. Do not hesitate to contact professional equine specialists in your area. They will be pleased to work with you and your farrier to ensure optimal hoof health.

Once the horse’s daily ration is complete and balanced according to its needs, major health problems will be past history, provided, of course, that farrier care remains regular and constant and is done by professionals. T Josée Lalonde is Equine Marketing & Product Manager at Agribrands Purina Canada. Visit Purina’s new website at www. agripurina.ca

www.horse.on.ca | 47

Legal Lowdown

Be Prepared: Legal Liability And The Horse Business

By Catherine Willson, B.A. LL.B., and Adrian Roomes, B.A., J.D.

Accidents can happen anywhere and equine facilities are no exception. Know the law and be prepared.

Canadian court cases involving horseback riding and other accidents related to the business tend to focus on breach of contract and negligence. For breach of contract, the cases focus on what was promised, versus what was actually delivered.

For negligence, the cases focus on whether some entity, be it a person or a riding establishment, owes a “duty of care” and whether that duty of care was breached. A far less common legal doctrine that may also give rise to liability in horse riding accidents is that of scienter.

Liability established by contract means that there is a contract, written or oral, between the rider and the barn or stable operator.

The stable operator has promised something, has not followed 48 | WHOA! Winter 2013

through with that promise and damages have resulted either to the horse, rider, other persons, or property. As an example, a stable operator may provide horses for trail rides. The stable operator assures his or her customers that the horses are welltrained and suitable for the skills of the riders. If the horses were in fact poorly trained or ill-suited to the riders, the stable operator would be liable based on a breach of contract if a rider fell off and was hurt.

Negligence is the failure to take proper care. If the stable owner/ operator or their staff is negligent, the stable will be responsible for the damages. What constitutes a reasonable standard of care will depend on the particular facts of the situation. The stable operator is not a guarantor or an insurer of health or safety. In the case of a mishap causing injury or death, the operator will not be held responsible if the mishap was not caused by a failure on his or her part, or on the part of his or her staff, to take reasonable or proper care.

As an example, a boarder of the stable is inside the stable and slips on some ice that has formed on the floor of the stable. She breaks her leg. If this was a random occurrence based on an unforeseen event (e.g. a bucket kicked over by a horse) this would not be the fault of the stable operator. Where, however, the stable operator had knowledge of a leak in the roof and ice gathering on that spot for some time, and took no steps to remove this danger, it could be argued that the stable operator did not take reasonable care to ensure that the stable was safe for boarders. In this situation, the stable operator could be liable for all or part of the boarder’s damages including medical bills, lost salary, etc.

The courts use an objective standard when determining what constitutes a “reasonable standard of care” in a particular

Legal Lowdown

case. The case will therefore not turn on the defendant’s own assessment of what he or she was doing (a subjective standard), but rather what the court thinks the defendant ought to have done.

The court will look to indicators of what constitutes reasonable behaviour, such as applicable laws (like the Ontario Horse Riding Safety Act S.O. 2001, c.4), as well as industry guidelines and industry practices.

In Ontario, the Occupiers’ Liability Act states that the occupier of the premises owes a duty to take all such reasonable care as is necessary in the circumstances to ensure that persons coming onto the premises will be kept reasonably safe. This duty, of course, does not apply to risks that are willingly assumed by the person entering the premises. A horse rider taking a fall on a trail will probably fall within this category of perceived risk willingly assumed. That is unless the tumble was caused because of some danger that the stable owner knew or should have known about and did not take reasonable steps to rectify; consider dead tree limbs over well-used trails, gopher holes, barbwire, etc. Other jurisdictions have similar legislation.

In instances where the accident was caused because of the intervention of another horse, dog or other domesticated animal, then the doctrine of scienter may apply. The law of scienter states that where a person is in control of a domestic animal (horse, dog, cat, etc.) and has knowledge of a dangerous or problematic trait, characteristic, or habit possessed by that animal, that person will be held liable for any injury caused by the animal as a result of the dangerous or problematic trait, characteristic, or habit.

In such cases, it must be established that, firstly, the animal concerned has a nasty streak and, secondly, that the animal’s owner was aware of this. For example, if a dog owner knew his dog would aggressively chase horses and subsequently let his dog roam free on a trail frequented by horse enthusiasts this could give rise to liability, under the scienter doctrine, for damages that may result. It is important to note that scienter is not equally applicable in every province in Canada. Always consult a lawyer before taking any legal steps or relying on any of these tips.

Waivers and Releases A written waiver form, also called a release, is an attempt by a riding establishment to limit its liability for accidents and injuries caused to its patrons (or the horses of its patrons, in the case of a stable). By signing a waiver or release form, a person voluntarily gives up his right to recover against the riding establishment for an injury even where the accident or injury was caused by the careless conduct of the stable owner or operator. So before you sign anything, read it; if you aren’t comfortable with what you are being asked to sign, don’t sign it. On the other hand, if you are the proprietor of a horse riding establishment, a waiver signed by the prospective guest should be an essential condition for the use of your horses or boarding facility.

Insurance If you are the owner of a horse, or a facility dedicated to horses, you should at a minimum review your insurance needs with your broker. You need to have insurance.

Doing so can provide you with a safety net in the event of an accident. Without insurance, payment of a claim by a person injured by your horse or for property damage

caused by the horse will come out of your pocket. Injury claims can reach well into the millions of dollars.

Horse owners can purchase liability insurance, mortality insurance, veterinary insurance and a host of other tailor-made policies for the horse industry. The most important type of insurance coverage to obtain is a general liability policy that will protect you from claims resulting from injury or damage to people or property caused by your horse. The usual level of coverage provided is $1 million but you can ask for more.

Taking Precautions Do an annual or semi-annual inspection of the stable property; perhaps once in the summer and once in the winter. Role play when you do the inspection. Look at the barn as a child would see it, as a guest without any horse experience, as a lawyer, as a dog, etc. Where are the trouble areas? Look at loose hardware, traffic areas, feed rooms, storage, fire safety, barn rules – in short, troubleshoot and fix all problems that you can find. Try to make the barn, arena, paddocks and the grounds as safe as you can.

Write down your inspection date, what you did, your findings and your fixes, and file this document. If you do get sued, a court will be impressed by the care and attention you do take to your operation and will consider it in your favour.

Conclusion Accidents happen in the horse world. Understanding the sources of liability, as explored above, should help you to prevent accidents.

When they do occur, proper insurance and a good waiver can help you to avoid catastrophic claims. T 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.

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

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

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

Quality Work + Excellent Service

E-mail: cwillson@willsonlewis.com

Specializing in

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

www.horse.on.ca | 49

Special Feature

Head Injury Part 1: Understanding Traumatic Brain Injury

By Nora Cullen, MD, MSc, FRCPC and Gregory O’Shanick, MD

Equestrian activities entail some degree of risk for injury to the rider. However, the issue of injuries to the head and the consequences of concussion have only recently been highlighted. General awareness of injury to the brain has increased due to extensive publicity regarding combat-related casualties and professional athletes where the effects of multiple concussions can evolve into a dementing disorder known as chronic traumatic encephalopathy.

This period of short term memory loss represents the length of time during which the brain is unable to store new information after the injury. If we consider the brain as having components similar to a computer, post-traumatic amnesia occurs when the information on the screen (RAM memory) is not being saved to the hard drive as when the power goes off before the save button can be pressed. With a brain injury, events that have not yet been stored in long-term files are lost in the post-traumatic amnesia period. A common mistake This article is the first in a series of four to be published in in initial assessment of the concussed person is believing 2013 that aims to improve awareness of equestrian related that no injury exists because the person is awake and talking head injury with the hopes of reducing the frequency of this coherently when they actually have no recollection of any potentially disabling injury and its long-term impact. such conversations when asked later. Giving the person a list of words to remember and asking them to repeat those words The term concussion is commonly employed to describe what 5-10 minutes later will reveal this problem with short-term is technically identified as a traumatic brain injury. It occurs memory functioning. when the brain’s normal functioning is interrupted after the head either sustains a direct impact to the skull or the upper The ability to pay attention and concentrate are also damaged body experiences a vigorous forward movement followed after brain injury, along with an inability to multi-task. A quick by a rapid stop, also known as an acceleration-deceleration way to check for this problem is to ask the individual to repeat event. While the most obvious evidence of a traumatic brain the months of the year backwards or to recite a list of numbers injury is a loss of consciousness (“knocked out”), that event either forwards or in reverse. Normally, adults can repeat only occurs when the specific region of the brain that controls seven digits in the order they were given and six if asked to wakefulness has been damaged. Traumatic brain injury more name them in reverse (hint: that’s why phone numbers have frequently results in an altered level of awareness with the seven digits!) If a person has problems when naming the person appearing dazed, disoriented or confused or in a period digits backward, it may indicate that they also have a problem of forgetfulness for events immediately before or after the with multitasking. injury, referred to as post-traumatic amnesia.

50 | WHOA! Winter 2013

Special Feature

The length of time that a person has post-traumatic amnesia or is unconscious indicates the severity of the injury and the potential for lasting complications. The different degrees of brain injury are described as mild, moderate and severe and reflect the initial severity of the symptoms. Mild brain injury has a loss of consciousness of no more than 30 minutes and/ or a period of post-traumatic amnesia of less than 24 hours.

A moderate brain injury has a loss of consciousness of 30 minutes to 24 hours and/or post-traumatic amnesia of one day to one week. Severe brain injury has a loss of consciousness of over 24 hours and/or post-traumatic amnesia of over one week. The most frequent event falls in the mild brain injury category with over two thirds of all traumatic brain injuries falling in this category.

Following a mild brain injury, a variety of symptoms may occur that may affect thinking skills, behavior and/or physical functioning. Headache is the most common physical complaint and may be accompanied by nausea and vomiting; light, sound or smell sensitivity; dizziness; balance difficulties; and ringing in the ears. Cognitive symptoms include problems with short-term memory, speed of thinking and attention and concentration. Behavioral problems can include irritability, moodiness, agitation, impulsivity, apathy, depression and increased problems with controlling emotions.

by 12 months. Those who have ongoing symptoms beyond 12 months tend to be older people, females, have a previous brain injury or other neurologic disorder, a chronic illness (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, etc), or history of substance abuse.

At the time of injury, emergency medical attention is required if the person is unconscious, bleeding from the ears or nose, suffering a seizure, vomiting, has evidence of a injury to their skull, shows a decline in their level of awareness, is extremely agitated or combative or whenever those in attendance are apprehensive regarding the degree of injury.

When in doubt, seek prompt medical attention!

Nora Cullen, MD, MSc, FRCPC, is a specialist in physical medicine and rehabilitation. She is chief of staff at West Park Healthcare Centre in Toronto and is an associate professor at the University of Toronto.

Gregory O’Shanick, MD, is president and medical director at the Center for Neurorehabilitation Services in Richmond, VA and is medical director emeritus of the Brain Injury Association of America. O’Shanick is also a rider and was named the 2012 U.S. National Champion in HA/AA Western Pleasure Most individuals with a mild brain injury have symptoms that AATR Select at the U.S. National Arabian and Half-Arabian resolve within two weeks. By three months, two out of three Championship Horse Show. people will have recovered and 85-90 per cent have recovered www.horse.on.ca | 51

Photo Credit: V. Bennett

On The Trail

Celebrating The Joy Of Trail Riding

By Vicki Bennett

Fifteen minutes from Parliament Hill, in the heart of the National Capital Commission’s Greenbelt, kilometres of delightfully groomed trails run through 600 acres of fields and forest. But what sets this trail system apart from Ottawa’s many excellent trails is its unique “horse friendly” status.

Maintained by a not-for-profit association of recreational horse enthusiasts, these “exclusively equine” trails have been open to the riding public since 2004, when the Club Equestre Ramsayville Equestrian Club incorporated as CEREC to meet National Capital Commission (NCC) insurance and liability requirements.

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 acknowledged your presence.

The unique purpose of CEREC is to encourage physical fitness through participation in safe, non-competitive trail riding. This framework allows riders from any discipline to enjoy horse time together. To encourage more riders to venture beyond the ring, CEREC hosted a variety of safety clinics that focused specifically on wilderness situations.

•

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

•

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

•

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

In 2005, the Ontario Trails Council recognized CEREC’s contributions by presenting the association with an Outstanding Trail Builders Award.

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

Encouraged by riders, CEREC negotiated a partnership with the United Counties of Prescott-Russell. This new affiliation secured access to an additional 22 kilometres of tremendous riding trails in the nearby Larose Forest.

By 2007, CEREC felt it was time to give something back to the community. In recognition of the large number of women involved in equine activities, CEREC hosted its first Pink Ribbon Ride for a Breast Cancer Cure in the Larose Forest. After six years, participation grew from a few dozen riders and their supporters to over 130 riders in 2012. Participants have raised almost $70,000 and the ride has attracted riders of every level, age and discipline.

When asked about her interest in riding, one spry octogenarian with over seventy years in the saddle noted with conviction, “The joy of riding never diminishes!” It’s hard to argue with that! Ride on. T

52 | WHOA! Winter 2013

Best Practices for Horses on the Trails 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

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

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

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

Never lead off until all riders are mounted.

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

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

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

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

When crossing a road do so all together.

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

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

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

Do not litter on the trail or campsite Put manure and hay in designated areas. Leave only hoof prints behind.

No dogs on the trail or alone in the campsite.

No alcohol or smoking on the trail.

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

Breed & Discipline Updates

Long-Time Arabian Supporters Honoured With Prestigious Awards Submitted by Jane Whitwell, Arabian Horse Association of Eastern Canada

Where would any organization be if their members did not volunteer unselfishly day in and day out? They devote countless hours, they drive thousands of miles, they spend more money than they want to keep track of, all to benefit their club.

Large organizations such as the Ontario Equestrian Federation and the Arabian Horse Association have instituted programs to honour distinguished volunteers. Each year the Arabian Horse Association of Eastern Canada (AHAEC) is able to nominate club members who have gone above and beyond. To have this opportunity to recognize their contributions amongst their peers is a worthwhile achievement.

The Ontario Equestrian Federation’s People Make a Difference Award is one of the most highly regarded awards presented annually.

The AHAEC recipient for 2012 was Jean Dinsmore, long-time owner and breeder of Arabian horses and the epitome of what this award is about.

Photo credit: Don Stine Photography

Many decades ago, Dinsmore developed and launched the Arabian Royal Red Amateur Bonanza (ARRAB) program. Much like a maturity, exhibitors nominate their horses each year to compete in specified classes. Based on nomination fees, sponsorships and donations, the top five winners in each class split the “pot.” In 2012, each top five placement earned one of the highest paybacks ever recorded!

Without Dinsmore’s devotion to manage and promote the ARRAB program, our exhibitors would not have the incredible opportunity to show in program specific classes, to receive merchandise and win a sizeable payback! From all of the winners and competitors since the inception of the ARRAB program, thank you Jean!

The Arabian Horse Association also offers a volunteer recognition program, and these were recently announced at the association’s annual convention. AHAEC members Tara Porter and Jane Whitwell were presented with the Regional Level Volunteer Service Award.

Porter has keen knowledge in IT and handles the website development and maintenance for AHAEC and Region 18. These skills, combined with her flare for fundraising, have had a huge impact on the organization’s success.

Since joining the club in 1974, Jane Whitwell has served on AHAEC’s board of directors multiple times. Recently she has organized AHAEC’s booth at Toronto Horse Day and Spirit of the Horse exhibit at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. She also created the Arabian Horse Activity Book for distribution to teachers, early childhood educators, pony clubs, therapy riding programs and children.

Club Level Volunteer Service Awards were awarded to Cyndi Tryon and Carol Stuart. Tryon has worked tirelessly on fundraising and sponsorships for both AHAEC and Region 18, culminating in a very

Tara Porter on her Half-Arabian gelding, Shake It Up, are shown winning Reserve Champion in Native Costume at the Canadian Nationals Arabian & Half-Arabian Championship Horse Show.

successful raffle for an ATV in 2012. She is currently serving her first term as an AHAEC director and club secretary. Tryon has also been a wonderful mentor to her daughter, Aysha, who served on AHAEC’s youth board and has been an enthusiastic and competent ticket seller for all fundraising projects.

Being involved with AHAEC and Region 18 for many years, Stuart thoroughly enjoys working the in-gate. She arrives early, stays late, is extremely courteous to exhibitors and officials and encourages other members and friends to volunteer at our shows.

An organization doesn’t exist without the commitment and passion of their volunteers. Thank you one and all! T

Sidesaddle at the Spirit of the Horse Submitted by Debbie Smith, The Sidesaddle Connection

Photo credit: Marshall Davidson / fotoworks.ca

The Sidesaddle Connection enjoyed a return to the Royal this year presenting two clinics at the Spirit of the Horse ring.

Debbie Smith, of the Sidesaddle Connection, presented both in the main ring and the education ring, demystifying the sidesaddle to an enthusiastic crowd. While demo rider Myscha Burton and her horse Criolle Blues rode on the rail in English attire, Debbie presented the steps a rider would take when starting to ride aside. Topics included fitting a sidesaddle, positioning a rider and what to look for in a lesson aside, finishing with an FAQ from the audience.

In the educational ring, Debbie explained the structure of the sidesaddle, the differences between a sidesaddle and an astride saddle in fitting to both horse and rider, receiving some very in depth questions from attendants.

The Sidesaddle Connection would like to thank the OEF for the opportunity to present the sidesaddle at the Spirit of the Horse ring at the RAWF for 2012. T www.horse.on.ca | 53

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54 | WHOA! Winter 2013

Breed & Discipline Updates Competitive Trail Riding Showcased At Royal's Spirit of the Horse Exhibit Submitted by Sarah Cuthbertson on behalf of OCTRA

OCTRA was well received for five days of the show. There were many visitors, questions and information packages distributed, which found their way home with many eager people. It was a pleasure meeting so many members of the horse community and watching an endless stream of small hands sneaking through stall bars to pet velvet noses.

Photo credit: Wendy Webb Photography

Thank you to all volunteers: Marg Murray, Phyllis Pecile, Linda Klarner, Wendy Webb, Solstice Pecile, Sarah Cuthbertson, Emma Webb, Michelle Watling, Rick Watling, Marion Shearer, Anastasia Neseverenko, Bob Coleman, Michelle Bignell, Ruth Sturley, Denise Minns, Adrianna Brands, Lily Ferri, Danielle Donald, Jane Whitwell, John Code, Doris Woolner, Janet Henderson, Tara Porter, Cyndi Tyron, Alana Robinson, Lynn Hunt, Elaine Ward, Janet & Eric Wojcik, Greg Lymer, Jill Barton and Fran Williams.

Thank you, also, to Nurtural bridles, who donated bitless bridles to two demonstrators and to Tipperary who loaned a helmet and vest for demonstrations.

The Ride & Tie demonstrations raised a lot of interest from horsemen and runners alike from all different age groups. Ride & Tie is a team sport where two riders share one horse. One person begins running while the other rides and, at some point, riders must switch (runner becomes rider).

Emma Webb answers audience questions during the competitive trail demonstration in the Spirit of the Horse ring.

If you are interested in learning more about Ride & Tie or any of the other four OCTRA sports (Endurance, Competitive Trail, Set Speed and Mileage), please visit the OCTRA website at www.octra.on.ca

The Ontario Competitive Trail Riding Association (OCTRA) would like to thank the Ontario Equestrian Federation for providing the club the opportunity to demonstrate in the Spirit of the Horse ring at the 2012 Royal Agricultural Winter Fair and to the Arabian Horse Association of Eastern Canada for sharing its booth with the club.

There you will find rules, mentors and training ride information. You can also sign up on our message board to ask questions, look for shared trailering, or just talk horses! Look for our ride season calendar for 2013 to be posted at the beginning of March and join us for an unforgettable ride! T

Stephen Clarke Shares His Dressage Skills With Ontario Riders Submitted by Cadora-Ontario

By popular request, Cadora Inc. and Cadora-Ontario arranged for Stephen Clarke to facilitate two symposiums in Canada, one in Ontario and the other in British Columbia on Oct. 13-14 and Oct. 20-21.

“What I love about Stephen is that he consistently reaffirms in his clinics that Dressage is the backbone for developing a horse into an equine athlete – be that a Dressage horse, a Three-Day Eventer or a Barrel Racer,” says participant Beth Mansfield.

Clarke, a 5* FEI Dressage judge, trainer and former competitor was chair of the ground jury at the 2012 London Olympics. Annually, he brings his expertise to Canada for the benefit of riders from basic to Grand Prix.

I can’t wait until next year!”

Clarke has a simple message: make sure the basics are confirmed before moving on to higher levels. He likes horses to go honestly forward from the leg, over the back , rhythmically and happily.

“I always feel that if I learn even one thing in a clinic it is a bonus,” says Liz Steacie, who attended the clinic. “I came away with far more from this clinic than just one thing!”

“Stephen is always such good value, with everything always coming from a good solid foundation,” offers participant Sian Fernandez Thomas. “The transparency in his training, his honesty and simple methodology is why I think he is such a well-respected judge throughout the world.”

“Participating in the Ontario Build a Better Dressage Horse Symposium was truly a once in a lifetime experience I will never forget,” says participant Danielle Myronyk. “In my mid-teens and showing training level, I thought he wouldn’t have any idea how to teach me, but in fact it was the opposite. He surprised himself, my coach and me by what I could accomplish on my schoolmaster, who I had only owned for a year. It really helped my riding come along and

Photo credit: David Rosenweig

The Ontario venue was South Lane Farm in Vankleek Hill, kindly hosted by Louise Palmer. A total of 16 horse /rider combinations were each given a 45-minute lesson with Clarke in front of an enthusiastic group of over 100 auditors during the two days. Many riders brought their coaches to observe, and Clarke, as always, invited the auditors to participate. He always begins by having the rider show their own warm up, which he will then discuss with them.

Stephen Clarke offers advice to a rider during his recent Ontario clinic.

www.horse.on.ca | 55

Breed & Discipline Updates

Top Saddle Seat Riders Go Head-To-Head At Provincial Championships Submitted by the Canadian Morgan Horse Association

Photo credit: Nancy Dickerman

The 13 & Under class was held next and Ashley Inacio was crowned Champion with Jenna Daniels closely behind in Reserve and Ashley Jeppeson in Third. This was an exciting class to watch. The riders did an excellent job with their pattern work!

The 14-17 age group was next to go and it featured four terrific riders who have all had wonderful show seasons this year gathering top ribbons at the shows. Carly Browning topped off an amazing year winning the title with Hilary Buller finishing in Reserve on a borrowed horse! Close behind was Kyla Vendrig and Rachel Breen, who also had stellar rides with their mounts.

The adult division (18 & Over) featured two great riders; Ashlyn Moore claimed top spot in her first year as an adult with Lisa Kavanagh, a veteran rider, coming in second. It is always great to see the adult riders continue to improve their equitation skills and promote Saddle Seat equitation. It’s not just for kids!

Ontario's top Saddle Seat riders competed at the Ontario Provincial Saddle Seat Equitation Championship.

Some of the best Saddle Seat riders in the province came together on Sept. 8, 2012 to compete for top honours at the Ontario Provincial Saddle Seat Equitation Championships.

The championships were hosted by the Arabian Horse Association of Eastern Canada at its Fall Festival, which brought Arabians, HalfArabians, Morgans and Saddlebreds together at the Orangeville Fairgrounds. The judge for the show was Amy Gamble of Michigan.

Dan Cross manages this show. A special thank you to Dan and his committee for providing us a spot on the show’s busy timetable to run these classes.

Riders for the provincial championships must qualify to compete at Equine Canada sanctioned show that offers Saddle Seat classes. This year the schedule also included a championship class for Walk-Trot competitors age 10 and under. It is anticipated that this division will grow and get stronger each year.

The evening began with the Walk-Trot class and two young ladies competed; Alexandra Dickerman took the Championship with Alexandra Inacio in Reserve. Both of these girls did a fabulous job of guiding their Saddlebreds around the ring. Watch for more amazing performances from them in the future!

After the championships were pinned, all the riders were invited back to the presentation area for more awards. Medals and neck ribbons were given out in the ring but we had a table full of lovely gifts as well.

Breyer Horses, horse coolers, belt buckles, garment bags, buckets full of goodies and candied apples were presented to the riders and lots of flashes were going off with proud parents taking photos. It is not only an exciting competition, it also very rewarding and each rider had an armful of stuff to take home too!

This would not be possible without the dedication of a few ladies who gather during the year and plan this event; Liz Bianchi, Donna Martens and Susan Hawkshaw do the bulk of the work and raising sponsorship dollars to pull it all off. They are supported by Mary Ruth Moore and Nancy Kavanagh.

These ladies work all year long meeting and discussing, planning and finding sponsors to make the evening such a grand event. They also hosted a lovely buffet of sweets and apple cider to finish off the night in style.

The Ontario Provincial Saddle Seat Equitation Championships would like to thank all of the sponsors who helped make the event possible.

For a list of sponsors, or for more information about Saddle Seat riding, visit www.saddleseatcanada.com. T

Percherons Demonstrate Dressage Skills At The Royal Submitted by the Ontario Percheron Horse Association

The Ontario Percheron Horse Association had the pleasure of representing the breed at the Spirit of the Horse exhibit at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair this past November.

Photo credit: Ellen Holmes

It was fun to show the public that the Percheron is not only a driving/ work horse but a great riding horse as well. Katie Fleming and Ropp’s May June represented the breed. Ginger, as she is known at home, is an eight-year-old Percheron mare who stands 18 hands and weighs in at 2,100 lbs. She is currently schooling second level Dressage.

Percherons are quick learners so they make excellent Dressage horses. They also have great jumping ability for their size, jumping upwards of 4-foot fences.

The Ontario Percheron Horse Association enjoyed showing off at the Royal and looks forward to doing it again. To find out more about the Percheron, or look up Ontario breeders, visit http://www.ontariopercherons.ca Katie Fleming rides Ropp’s May June, a Percheron mare, in the Spirit of the Horse ring at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair.

56 | WHOA! Winter 2013

Breed & Discipline Updates Road Horse Classes At The Royal Highlight Standardbreds In The Show Ring Submitted by the Sherri Archdekin, Secretary of the Canadian Road Horse Association

The road horses were “going for the doctor” in record numbers during the 2012 Royal Agricultural Winter Fair.

Photo credit: Lynn Cassels-Caldwell

In the Ontario Harness Horse Association (OHHA) Green Roadster Classic, held on Saturday, Nov. 3, Storm Trooper, owned by Lloyd Nugent and driven by daughter Carolyn Nugent of Napanee, ON. received top honours by winning this prestigious class for the second year in a row. Registered as SJs Stormtrooper, this stylish eightyear-old SJs Photo gelding has found a second career. He obtained a mark of 1:56.4 as a six-year-old at Georgian Downs for trainer Robert MacKenzie before becoming a show horse.

The OHHA Green Roadster Classic is open to registered Standardbred trotters under the age of five or in their first or second year of showing.

Since its inception 12 years ago, this class has greatly increased the class sizes and exhibitor participation both at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair and at the fall fairs in Ontario and Quebec as exhibitors work to prepare their horses for the Royal. It has also given many trotters that are either not fast enough to race or that are retired from racing, another career. The Canadian Road Horse Association would like to acknowledge the continued generosity of the Ontario Harness Horse Association for providing sponsorship support for this class since 2001.

Storm Trooper also went on to win two other classes during the Royal against other more experienced horses with a win in the Road Horse to Bike 15.2h and Under class, as well as being awarded the tri-colour for his win in the Speed and Action Road Horse to Bike Canadian Championship Stake, sponsored by James McClocklin and Central Ontario Standardbred Association.

Yet another seasoned and successful former race horse took the top award in three classes during the Royal. Armbro Beau received top

Storm Trooper won the Green Roadster Classic at the Royal. He went on to win two more classes at the show.

honours in the Road Horse to Wagon Over 15.2h, the Road Horse to Bike Over 15.2h, as well as in the Single Road Horse to a Wagon Canadian Championship. Armbro Beau, owned and driven by Steve McLean of Guelph, ON. is an 11-year-old Balanced Image gelding that has a race mark of 1:56. This championship class was generously sponsored by David Hamilton, SCA Tissue North America LLC.

Ontario Reining Horse Association Concludes Another Successful Year

Photo credit: Ann Lorimer

Submitted by the Ontario Reining Horse Association

Funstyle participants at the Ontario Reining Horse Association Grand Finale let their creative side loose, as these creative costumes reveal.

The last weekend in September 2012 saw the Ontario Reining Horse Association host its Grand Finale and the N.R.H.A. Eastern Canada Regional Affiliate Finals.

In the Non Pro, Dave Dorland and Chicoree Charlie were the champions, with Carrie Patterson finishing second on Foxy Gun Gal, owned by Larry and Lynne McDougall.

Riders from Ontario and Quebec converged on the London Western Fairgrounds to enjoy a terrific weekend of competition and fun.

Each class featured a presentation ceremony to recognize the top placings, with O.R.H.A. president Carol Ivey, show manager and first vice president Mike Munroe and Jamie Boller from N.R.H.A., congratulating the individual winners and qualifiers for the Oklahoma Affiliate Finals in late November.

In the three-year-old classes, Tim Stanton won the Level 4 Open on She’s A Great Deal, owned by Lisa Stanton, and Ken Van Alstine won the Level 2 Limited Open on his WB Whizin Kid.

The event included the Sired Stakes Futurity, which showcased some very impressive two and three-year-old horses. The 2 year-old Pleasure Open Class was won by Cee Little Wimp, ridden by Loris Epis, and owned by Dan Fletcher, with Rockstar Wimp, ridden by Heather Vaughn, owned by John Fletcher, taking reserve.

For the Non Pro Level 4 and Limited Non Pro Level 2, Larry McDougall and Guns Don’t Spook Me were the champions.

Saturday evening featured a Funstyle class, won by Sarah Learn, and a pizza party sponsored by O.R.H.A. president Carol Ivey.

The Grand Finale show was a perfect way to conclude another successful year of showing. T www.horse.on.ca | 57

Breed & Discipline Updates

Icelandic Horses Strut Their Stuff In Gaited Classes At The Erin Fair Submitted by the Ontario Icelandic Horse Association

Thanks to the efforts of Jennifer Girvin and the Erin Fall Fair board, Icelandic Horse enthusiasts had an opportunity to ride and/or watch the gaited classes at the 2013 Erin Fair on Oct. 6, 2013.

Nine Icelandic Horses were entered in the six Icelandic classes including the “Beer Tolt.� The latter event was closely contested with negligible spillage from the top riders. In addition, participants had the opportunity to compete in open classes such as bareback, egg and spoon and ribbon rides with the Paso Fino and Rocky Mountain/ Kentucky Mountain horses.

Alex Pregitzer, A German certified Icelandic Horse trainer and Icelandic sports judge scored the Icelandic gaited classes and provided participants with a short analysis of their ride and the key points in their scoring. Her interest and advice were very much appreciated.

Photo credit: Jackie McLachlan

The show provided the setting for all to have fun and meet new horse enthusiasts. It provided an excellent opportunity for Icelandic riders to obtain an independent assessment of their horses and to compare them with other gaited horses. For spectators it was an opportunity to see the Icelandic Horses in action and meet with owners and breeders at ring side and at the Erin Fair Equine tent.

Peter and Joanne McLaughlan wait for the judge's call at the Erin Fair.

The Ontario Icelandic Horse Association worked with the Erin Fair organizers in identifying the judge for the event and promoting Icelandic participation. Thank you and congratulations to the Erin Fall Fair Board for their organization of the event. T

Big Wins For Ontario Belgians Submitted by the Ontario Belgian Horse Association

Members of the Ontario Belgian Horse Association had a successful 2012 season, bringing home some very prestigious titles.

Participants in the futurity must compete under three judges and collect points with their two-year-old Belgian, Percheron or Clydesdale in a halter class, cart class and pattern class. To be eligible for the futurity the horse must be purchased as a foal from Carsons Fall Draft Horse Sale futurity consignments. Southridge Navan Remark was purchased by Dave Zister for $1,700.

Congratulations are also in order for Stoney Lake Belgians, owned by Darrel Drain of Lakefield, ON., on being the owner and breeder of Stoney Lake Esmeralda, the Supreme Champion Belgian at the North American Belgian Championships VII, held July 17-21, 2012.

Photo credit: John Northcote

On Oct. 20, Belgian gelding Southridge Navan Remark, owned by Dave Zister of Chepstow, ON. and bred by James McWilliams of Navan, ON., won the Ontario Draft Horse Futurity at David Carson Farms and Auction Services in Listowel, ON., taking home $8,500.

Dave Zister of Chepstow, Ont. shows Southridge Navan Remark to a first place win in the Ontario Draft Horse Futurity, taking home $8,500.

Stoney Lake Belgians, with professional training and guidance by Randy and Nancy Robertson, compete very successfully with their homebred horses both in Canada and the United States and have approximately 10 foals born annually.

In the mid-1980s, the Belgian Draft Horse Corporation of America and the Canadian Belgian Horse Association made a pact to have a championship show in North America every four years to showcase the best of the best. Since the beginning in 1988, the show has rotated every four years between Canada and the United States.

In 1988, the first NABC was held in conjunction with the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto. As per the agreement, the 1992 show went state side to Lexington, KY. before coming back to MB. in 1996 for NABC III. The show in 2000 was held in Columbus, OH., in 2004 in London, ON. and in 2008 in Indianapolis,IN.

58 | WHOA! Winter 2013

Photo credit: Lynn Cassels-Caldwell

The North American Belgian Championships (NABC) show has been described as being similar to the Olympics. Over 300 Belgians from across Canada and the United States competed this summer in Brandon, MB. for top honours.

Stoney Lake Esmeralda, owned by Stoney Lake Belgians of Lakefield, ON. received the Supreme Champion award at the North American Belgian Championship VII in Brandon, MB.

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