Whoa! spring2011

OEF Hires New Executive Director

Youth Bursary Recipients

Green Spring Cleaning

NEW OEF Video Contest Details

OEF Hires New Executive Director

Youth Bursary Recipients

Green Spring Cleaning

NEW OEF Video Contest Details

Spring 2011www.horse.on.ca

The Official Newsletter of the Ontario Equestrian Federation

Publication DatesSummer 2011 / deadline June 3Fall 2011 / deadline September 2

Winter 2012 / deadline December 2Spring 2012 / deadline February 10

www.horse.on.ca | 3

9120 Leslie Street, Suite 203, Richmond Hill, ON L4B 3J9

Tel: 905-709-6545 • Fax: 905-709-1867

Toll-free: 1-877-441-7112 • Email: [email protected]

"Striding for Equine Excellence!"www.horse.on.ca

Publication DatesSummer 2011 / deadline June 3Fall 2011 / deadline September 2

Winter 2012 / deadline December 2Spring 2012 / deadline February 10

Allan Ehrlick President 905-854-0762

Gary Yaghdjian Past President 905-649-1342

Al Patterson 1st Vice President 905-659-1132

Ken Denouden 2nd Vice President 416-409-8614

Bruce Brown Treasurer 905-995-0275

Susan Legge Secretary 289-221-2279

Jack de Wit Director 905-655-4666

Jeremy Denouden Director 905-669-7196

Mark Dobrindt Director 905-892-9769

Ross Millar Director 519-941-5194

Sarah Pratt Director 905-751-4623

Lindsey Reeve Director 905-424-1151

Bonnie Simpson Director 705-438-5752

Martha Worts Director 519-860-7954

is published quarterly byONTARIO EQUESTRIAN FEDERATION

Ontario is the 4th largest equine industry in North America

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

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

Ontario Equestrian FederationBOARD OF DIRECTORS

Dianne Graham Executive Director [email protected] Ext. 19

Vicki Banks Chief Financial Officer [email protected] Ext. 16

Catherine Barker Operations Manager [email protected] Ext. 23

Melissa Monardo Marketing Manager [email protected] Ext. 17

Kim Banks Marketing Coordinator [email protected] Ext. 22

Susan Bell Sr. Member Services Rep [email protected] Ext. 14

Andrea Nemeth Membership Services Rep [email protected] Ext. 13

Jennifer Irwin Education Manager [email protected] Ext. 11

Lesley McCoy Competition Administrator [email protected] Ext. 15

General [email protected]

STAFF

Spring 2011

ContentsNEWS4 President’s Message4 Executive Director’s Message4 Brand New OEF Council Members4 Submit Your Photos8 Equine Canada Awards8 Associations Advisory Council Meetings10 2011 OEF Youth Bursary Recipients12 Are You Ready for the Upcoming Season?12 OEF/Intercity Insurance Announce Income

Replacement Insurance14 Quest for Gold – Ontario Athlete Assistance

Program 2010-2011 Athlete Nominations Announced

18 BrokerLine Announces Preferred Home & Auto Insurance Rates to OEF members - It's Always Better to be Part of A Group

20 OEF Members to Receive Many Subscriber Benefits with Canadian Horse Journal

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT22 Equestrian Icons – H. Charles Armstrong

AROUND THE BARN24 Rejuvenating Horse Pastures

MANE EVENTS26 Everything Equine Celebrates

Seventh Spectacular Year!28 John Lyons Clinic at Five Star Ranch28 Horse Week 2011 - It's Just Around the Corner30 Junior Reining Division Now Included at North

American Junior and Young Riders Championships30 OEF and Partners Planning Third Annual

Toronto Horse Day32 2011 Competitions

COACHES CORNER34 Professional Coaching Portfolios34 Calling All Western Coaches and Coaching

Candidates

ON THE TRAIL36 Spring Is Here!37 Meeting A Horse On the Trail37 Best Practices for Horses on the Trails

ASK MIKE38 Update on OEF Insurance Programs

OBITUARIES39 Robert (Bob) Morley Anderson39 Sandra Heroux

LEGAL40 New Season, New Construction At The Barn

EQUIFACTS42 Heartfelt Connections: Equine Facilitated Learning

GOING GREEN44 The Do's and Don'ts of Spring Cleaning -

The Green Way

BREED & DISCIPLINE UPDATES45 Arabian Horse Association

of Eastern Canada Update45 Ontario Competitive Trail Riding Association -

Come Ride With Us!46 Ontario Combined Driving Association46 Ontario Trail Riders Association46 The Ontario Morgan Horse Club Futurity47 Tri-County Carriage Association47 Ontario Reining Horse Association48 Welsh Pony and Cob Association

of Ontario Spring Clinic

EQUINE GUELPH49 Spring 2011

Cover photoby Jordon Zinger

from Kitchener, ON

4 | WHOA! Spring 2011

President’s Message

Executive Director’s Message

Hopefully when you read this message, winter will be behind us. I would first like to tell you how pleased I am to announce that we have hired Dianne Graham as our new Executive Director. We had forty-five applicants for the position and we interviewed five candidates. All the candidates were very qualified but when all was said and done Dianne was our unanimous choice. She brings with her a wealth of experiences and knowledge in the horse community and exceptional experiences and acumen in the business community.

The Equine Canada (EC) convention in January was both pleasant and informative. The tone of the meetings and general attitude of all attendees was positive and inspiring. We are solid in our support of EC and we are sharing responsibilities in many areas.

We will have our booth at the Can-Am show again in March. Please drop by and share some thoughts. Good luck to all of you, as the competition season is upon us. To those of you who just plan on enjoying your horses, may your time spent with them be enjoyable and rewarding. We are reminded that it is the horse that bonds us together after all.

Allan Ehrlick, President

Firstly, I want to say that I am both honored and proud to be part of an organization that has been so integral to the Ontario Horse Industry for over 34 years. I would like to thank the Board of Directors for giving me the opportunity to work with such committed staff and tireless volunteers. I am truly astonished and humbled by the passion and dedication of our “volunteer army”.

In this position, I am reminded every day of the special relationship between ourselves and our horses. In my own case, while my family has been in the horse industry for over half a century, there is still that same excitement when at this time of year, the babies start arriving, and the older horses begin to prepare for the season ahead. The thrill is always there, it’s a way of life that seems to never tire.

Seeing what involvement with horses can do for people of all ages and with various challenges, has always inspired me. How many people speak of that horse that “changed their life” or was that “special one”. I have seen children who did not have the ability to sit up in a chair, beam with pride while riding, demonstrating mobility no one thought possible. Whether you are driving, riding or simply looking out your kitchen window at your beloved ancient pony, we are continually reminded of our special and sometimes completely irrational love for these animals.

As a mother, I see what being involved in this industry can mean to the positive development of a child’s self esteem, empathy, responsibility and organizational skills. That life is not only about the joy of winning, but the development of the ability to accept loss, hardship and adversity with grace. Not to mention the value of hard work! Most of my cherished moments with my children have in some way involved the relationship with their horses.

While I am aware that the OEF has had innumerable successes, we are now facing new challenges on how best to meet the needs of our members, ensuring a bright industry future. I promise to work tirelessly, to help address and meet those needs, creating a transparent, inclusive environment that we can all be proud of.

As my daughter says, “mommy we need to shoot for the moon, because even if we miss we will be amongst the stars”. Then she asks, “Do you think my pony will like life on the moon?” The bond continues…..

Dianne Graham, Executive Director

Brand New OEF Council Members

The OEF is pleased to introduce BRAND NEW 2011 Council members:

AFFILIATECaledon Dressage Association

INDUSTRYRoyal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd. - Caroline Feeley, Sales Representative

SGS Pest Management

HORSE FACILITIESHuntingford Farm

CORRECTION

The phone number listed in the 2011 Ontario Horse Directory listing for Broadbent Building was incorrect. The correct listing for Broadbent Building should be:

Broadbent BuildingKelly McLaughlin / Dave BroadbentMilton/Chatham OfficesPhone: Kelly: 905-510-7614 Dave: 519-809-4700Email: [email protected], build, construct affordable horse facilities, implement sheds and agricultural buildings. Over 20 years experience. Proudly Canadian built!

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

For more information on how you can promote your business please contact Melissa Monardo [email protected], 1-887-441-7112 or 905-709-6545.

Submit Your PhotosDo you have any digital photos that you think are front cover material? The OEF is looking for photos to be used in upcoming issues of WHOA! and other promotional materials. If your photos fit the criteria please forward them to the OEF. Remember that safety comes first – if you capture riders/drivers, they must be wearing safety helmets and proper footwear.

All photos must be digital photos in jpeg format minimum 600 dpi. All photos submitted become property of the Ontario Equestrian Federation. Photo credit will be given. Please submit photos to [email protected].

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News

2010 Equine Canada Equestrian of the Year Due to their outstanding accomplishments in 2010, Equine Canada is proud to name all the members of 2010 World Equestrian Games Canadian Eventing Team as the 2010 Equestrian of the Year. The Canadian Eventing Team – comprised of Stephanie Rhodes-Bosch of Summerland, BC; Selena O’Hanlon of Elgin, ON; Hawley Bennett-Awad of Langley, BC; Rebecca Howard of Salmon Arm, BC; Jessica Phoenix of Uxbridge, ON and Kyle Carter of Calgary, AB – began the eventing competition at the World Championships with solid dressage performances and as a result, the team was sitting in ninth place.

With six incredible cross country rides—three perfectly clear and three with minimal time faults—over Mike Etherington-Smith’s difficult course, the Canadian team soared up the leader board to sit in third place. Using the three perfect scores of Rhodes-Bosch, O’Hanlon and Bennett-Awad, the Canadian team was also the only team to ever complete the cross country phase without adding any penalties at the World Championship level.

In medal contention during the jumping phase, each Canadian rider in the ring delivered poised and almost flawless rides. With the best three of the four scores to count, the Canadians added only one rail, for four faults, for a final total of 151.50, finishing in the silver medal position. Th is resu l t was not on ly Canada’s first eventing team medal at a World Championships in 32 years, but also qualified the Canadian Eventing Team for the 2012 London Olympics.

In 1995 Equine Canada announced the creation of the Equine Canada Equestrian of the Year Award, in honour of Doctor George Jacobson. Dr. Jacobsen was a strong supporter of equestrian sport in Canada and internationally, with a particular interest in the young equestrians as he felt they were future team members. This award is given annually to the equestrian who has demonstrated superior sportsmanship, dedication and the pursuit of excellence in equestrian competition for the current year.

2010 Equine Canada Sponsor of the YearEquine Canada proudly announces that the 2010 recipient of the Equine Canada Sponsor of the Year is Masterfeeds. Masterfeeds was founded in Toronto in 1929 and has proudly served Canada for eighty-two years.

In 2009, Masterfeeds was awarded the distinction of Official Gold Feed Partner of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG). Not long after, Masterfeeds partnered with Equine Canada to develop ways of promoting and supporting our Canadian Equestrian Team on their journey to WEG. Masterfeeds believed so strongly

in the value of Canada’s national team and their impact on Canadian equestrians that they invested in the research and development of a new equine treat dubbed “Love Bites,” which would become the official treat of the Canadian Equestrian Team. Masterfeeds also committed $1.00 from every treat sale to assisting the Canadian Equestrian Team at WEG. Sold nationally, these treats were a huge success with Canadians and their horses, which resulted in Masterfeeds’ generous 2010 donation of $20,000 to support the Canadian Equestrian Team.

“Masterfeeds is very honoured to receive the Equine Canada Sponsor of the Year Award,” said Jackie VandenBrink, Masterfeeds nutritionist. “We were also thrilled to be part of the Canadian Equestrian Team’s most successful World Equestrian Games.”

Great care was taken in the selection of this award, which prominently features building blocks, as indeed, sponsor generosity and support offers the opportunity for Equine Canada to build and sustain ongoing programs and initiatives to its membership. _

Equine Canada Awards

Equine Canada honored a variety of equestrians during their Annual Awards Gala on Saturday January 29, 2011 in Ottawa, ON. The OEF would like to congratulate all of the 2010 award recipients and especially to those in Ontario!

2010 Equine Canada Equestrian of the

Year recipients (left to right: Kyle Carter,

Selena O’Hanlon, Stephanie Rhodes-

Bosch and Hawley Bennett-Awad)

Jackie VandenBrink accepts the Equine

Canada Sponsor of the Year Award on

behalf of Masterfeeds

g

This year, the OEF Associations Advisory Council is looking to provide members with information and tools to better promote their associations. One of the topics that we would like to cover is online marketing and how the internet can improve your association. If you, or someone you know, can speak to our group in regards to this topic please contact me at [email protected].

Everyone is welcome to attend meetings. If you belong to a breed or discipline association that is not a member, please feel free to join us to learn about the benefits of joining. In addition, if you belong to a club or group you are also welcome to attend the meetings. If you

are already an OEF Association or Affiliate member, but have not been attending meetings, please come out and learn what has been happening. A variety of topics will be discussed and an array of guest speakers will be addressing the group. Our 2011 meeting schedule is as follows:• Monday May 2, 2011 ~ 7:00pm ~ OEF Office• Monday September 12, 2011 ~ 7:00pm ~ OEF Office• Saturday November 26, 2011 ~ TBA ~ OEF Conference, Delta

Meadowvale Resort & Conference Centre We are looking forward to a great year!! _

Associations Advisory Council Meetingsby Bonnie Simpson

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News

Olivia Armstrong – Olivia is a fifteen year old student at Perth District Collegiate Institute. She is a multi disciplined equestrian and is involved in a variety of english disciplines. Olivia’s plans include attaining her next English Learn to Ride Level and competing in eventing, dressage and jumper shows in 2011.

Emily Bride – Emily has been riding for over seven years and has achieved her English Learn to Ride Level 1 and is currently working towards her Level 2. Emily enjoys working with people with disabilities and would like to work towards becoming an Assistant Instructor. She is in her final year of studies at Sir William Osler High School in Toronto, ON.

Patrick DeHetre – Patrick is fifteen years old and attends Sir George Ross Secondary School in London, ON. Patrick has successfully earned his Equine Canada Western Learn to Ride Level 1 and is currently working towards passing Level 2. Patrick has competed successfully over the past two years at local stable shows and is now focusing on competing in western speed events. Patrick is currently working with his coach to train her filly in preparation of competing this spring.

Jeremy Foisy Marquis – Jeremy is a grade ten student at Parkdale Collegiate in Toronto, ON. Jeremy’s weekly riding lessons have had a direct impact on the improvement of his self esteem and confidence. He willingly gets on any horse he is asked to ride and works hard to improve his riding. In 2011, Jeremy plans to continue his weekly riding lessons to build on his skills and horsemanship.

The Ontario Equestrian Federation (OEF) is proud to offer a minimum of five bursaries of $1,000 to junior members annually to help them achieve their equestrian goals. The recipients are awarded the bursaries based on their current involvement with horses and their future goals, as well as letters of recommendation from their respective coaches. Family resources and academic achievements are also considered. The bursaries can be used towards riding lessons, clinics, competition fees, continuing education or other activities that will assist the recipients in reaching their equestrian objectives in 2011. The OEF Youth Committee would like to commend all of the bursary applicants on their exceptional applications and announce that ten bursaries have been awarded. The OEF would like to extend a special thanks to our newest Platinum Partner, Brokerlink for their kind donation of $1,000 to the OEF Youth Bursary Program.

Congratulations to the 2011 bursary recipients!

News

2011 OEF Youth Bursary Recipients

Danielle Gibson – Danielle has had a passion for horses ever since she took her first riding lesson when she was eight years old. Danielle enjoys all aspects of riding including the “dirty” work such as grooming and stable management. Danielle is involved with her local 4H horse club, volunteers as a jump judge at her stable during competitions and volunteers at Noah’s Ark where she works with various animals. Danielle’s main goal is to complete the English Learn to Ride program so that she can become a certified instructor or coach. Danielle is in grade nine at Port Perry High School and hopes to become a veterinarian one day.

Allison Lalonde – Allison is fifteen years old and attends Glengarry District High School in Alexandria, ON. Allison has successfully competed in the discipline of dressage at the national level. In 2010, Allison won several championships including Reserve Champion, Second Level Junior in Bromont, QC; Champion, Second Level Junior in Blainville, QC; and Reserve Champion, Second Level Junior at the Ontario Dressage Championships. Allison’s goal in 2011 is to be successful at the Canadian Eastern Regional Dressage Championships with her sights set on competing at the FEI Junior Level in 2012.

Brook Pickering – Brook is in her final year at Bear Creek Secondary School in Barrie, ON. Brook has been riding since the tender age of six and has never looked back. Brook enjoys competing in eventing and in 2010 she competed at Bromont’s CCI* in the Open Training division. Brook plans on competing this year in the Preliminary division in hopes of qualifying to compete at the North American Junior Young Rider Championships.

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Abigail Sanderson – Abigail started riding at a young age and her passion has only grown stronger over the years. Abigail is looking forward to competing in some local schooling shows and attending some dressage clinics with her current mount, Mr. Bojangles. Abigail is fifteen years old and is homeschooled in North Gower, ON.

Emily Stoneman – Emily is one of eleven students enrolled in the High Performance Athlete Program at Sir William Mullock Secondary School in

Newmarket, ON. Emily is currently a part of the Ontario Young Riders Development program and she plans on competing on the Young Rider’s eventing team this year. Her 2011 goals include competing in the Preliminary division by the end of the season.

Nathaniel Tucker – For fifteen year old Nathaniel, his interest in horses transpired through his mother’s passion for them. Nathaniel started his actual riding career about four years ago when he began taking regular dressage lessons. Prior to taking lessons, he volunteered and attended various riding clinics and special events held at the therapeutic riding stable where his mother worked. In 2011, Nathaniel plans to compete at some dressage competitions and complete the Learn to Ride program so he can eventually

become an instructor or coach. Nathaniel is in grade ten at Holy Trinity Secondary Catholic School in Courtice, ON.

The OEF grants a minimum of five bursaries annually to junior members attending a high school in Ontario. If you will be between the ages of 14 yrs and 17 yrs (as of January 1, 2012) you are eligible to apply. The 2012 OEF Youth Bursary application will be available beginning July 1, 2011 on the OEF website and in the summer issue of WHOA! _

For more information please visit the OEF website www.horse.on.ca or contact the OEF Office at 1-877-441-7112 or 905-709-6545.

News

Equestrian sport delivered

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OEF Members ReceiveHUGE SAVINGS

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A savings of over 62%off the cover price.

Congratulations to the 2011 bursary recipients!

Please ensure that you have renewed your OEF membership and all other required memberships well in advance of attending a competition or hitting the trails. Please keep the following in mind:• You can renew your OEF membership online, by fax or by mail.

Signatures are required on fax/mail applications (signature of the Adult member or signature of a parent/guardian for a Junior member). Please note -- the OEF Office no longer accepts memberships over the telephone

• The date of birth for the member must also be stated on the application form in order for the membership to be processed

• All members must opt into the OEF’s mailing agreement in order to continue to receive mailings from the OEF, especially WHOA!

• It takes a minimum of 4 business days to process a membership. Same-day memberships are not available _

In response to our recent survey of members and in partnership with our insurance provider Intercity Insurance, the OEF has introduced yet another risk management component which will be of interest to professionals in the industry.

Mike King, Principal Broker of Intercity stated: “This newest addition to our product offering will fill a long standing void in the community. This is an excellent and inexpensive risk management solution to replace income if a member in one of our partner associations is unable to work due to an unexpected injury from any cause – including, but not limited to - horse related incidents.”

Eligibility is simple:• Member in good standing of The Ontario Equestrian Federation• Working full time at the date of application• Reported income to Canadian Revenue Agency last year

Coverage can be placed immediately by way of a one page questionnaire and the cost is only $100/year for a maximum benefit of $500/week for up to 26 weeks.

This offering is all the more reason/evidence to support the good work the OEF does on behalf of their Provincial constituents.

For additional information or to obtain the simple one page application, please contact Intercity Insurance directly at. 1-888-394-3330 or [email protected] _

Are You Ready for the Upcoming Season?

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News

Sarah JohnstoneJumpersEtobicoke, ON

Sarah Johnstone was born on April 14th, 1991 in Toronto Ontario. She started riding at the young age of

three and was in the show ring at the age of five where she began her career showing ponies. She began riding at Country Mile Stables and was taught by Penny and

Samantha Murray. She quickly learnt that horses were a love she was interested in. The years in the pony ring lead her to many catch rides and gave her the confidence to start showing horses. Sarah was in the jumper ring by the time she was eleven years old. At the age of thirteen she began riding with long time coaches Lauren and Jay Hayes at North Point and North Ridge. She has worked and trained in Canada, United States, and Europe. She will be attending university in the fall of 2011 and will continue to compete at National and International competitions to further her career.

Cody SturgessEventingPort Perry, ON

Cody is currently in partnership owning and operating a boarding facility that has a total of twenty

horses, six of which he owns. Along with owning a boarding facility he is also the owner of Dudley’s Tack Shop located in Brooklin, ON. In 2011, Cody plans on competing aboard Imperial Melody at the National level, Intermediate Horse Trials. He will be

aiming for the CCI** at Bromont Quebec this June. His show season begins in Ontario in March competing at jumper and dressage shows and will end in October. If Cody and Imperial Melody have a successful outing at the CCI** their goal is to move up to the advanced level by the end of the season.

Quest for Gold – Ontario Athlete Assistance Program 2010-2011ATHLETE NOMINATIONS ANNOUNCED

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

Specific objectives of the program are:• To help athletes continue their pursuit of athletic excellence at the highest levels of national and international competition; • To encourage athletes to stay in Ontario to live and train; • To compensate athletes for earnings lost while training; • To enable athletes to successfully pursue excellence in sport while fulfilling their educational goals; • To increase athlete access to high performance coaching; and • To enhance training and competitive opportunities available to athletes.

The OEF received a total of nine applications for the Ontario AAP funding program for the 2011 carding cycle. Of those athletes, eight met the criteria set out by the Selection Committee.

OEF was awarded a total of six Full Cards and four Athlete With A Disability (AWAD) Cards for this year, to be split evenly between male and female athlete’s competing at a National and/or International level in the Olympic disciplines of Jumper, Dressage, Eventing and Para-Equestrian.

A point system was used to rank each rider based on their competition results in a specific qualifying period. The nominations from the OEF to the Ministry of Health Promotion for funding are as follows:

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Sable GieslerEventingPowassan, ON

Sable Giesler is sixteen years old and started riding horses when she was eleven. She has evented since

2006 and has competed five different horses during that time, enjoying success with all of them. She currently has two horses, Pamela and Evil Munchkin both competing at the Preliminary level. In 2009, riding Evil Munchkin, she won the OHTA Pre-Training Championship and the OHTA Pre-Training Leader Board. In 2010, riding Evil Munchkin, she was the Reserve

Champion at the OHTA Championships and the winner of the OHTA Preliminary Leader Board. Her goal for 2011 is to try to get on the Canadian Junior Eventing Team and compete at the 2011 NAJYRC’s. She has qualified Evil Munchkin by completing her first CCI* at the Kentucky Mid South Challenge in October 2010. Sable works two evenings a week at the Hawk & Fox Grill and Convenience store in her hometown of Powassan. She homeschools so she has the flexibility to travel to train with her coaches. To receive coaching Sable must travel at least three hours from her home. When Sable is not on one of her horses she enjoys watching hockey in the winter (Montreal Canadian Fan) and swimming in the summer. She is an avid reader and loves movies and music.

Madison Lawson - Para-EquestrianBonfield, ON

Madison has been actively riding since the age of five years old, at which point she doggedly

worked her way from a beginner to intermediate-level rider and began to compete at local shows. In the summer of 2007, Madison suffered a

riding accident and started her journey as an incomplete paraplegic. By February 2008, Madison was back in the saddle, throwing her energy and time into learning all about the Para-Dressage discipline. She began competing again and has emerged as a young Canadian athlete to watch in coming years. Ask Madison yourself, and you will find a confident young rider with a distinct set of goals – first was to compete at the 2010 World Equestrian Games in Kentucky, which she accomplished and finally to compete on the National Team at the 2012 Para Olympic Games in London, England. In order to achieve these feats, Madison was internationally carded as a Grade lV rider. While competitive riding and working under Coach Elaine Potter takes up a considerable amount of Madison’s time, the young rider is also a full-time high school student with an interest in history and geography. A university education is something she plans on pursuing after graduation, and after that Madison has ideas of yet another pursuit – coaching young riders.

Lynne Poole - Para-EquestrianSchomberg, ON Lynne has been riding since she was a small child. Growing up she

competed small and large ponies and then junior hunters and jumpers. As the years progressed, Lynne tried her hand in the amateur hunters, breeding classes, Arabians and finally settling on dressage in the ‘80s. For nearly 30

years she has campaigned many young dressage horses and introduced numerous riders to the sport from her small stable in Schomberg, ON. Due to a riding accident in 1999, Lynne was graded as a Para Equestrian in 2010. With her horse Frisbee, she achieved National ranking and was able to ride as an Individual for Canada at the Windreach International in May 2010. Besides competing Para and able bodied, Lynne is an NCCP Level 2 Dressage Coach, an EC Steward and an EC Dressage judge. Plans for 2011 look bright. Ever reliable Frisbee will be accompanied by a new Dutch Warmblood, Vasco, just purchased by Lynne in Holland. Vasco has been competing successfully in Holland including Para classes in Moorselles, Belgium in the spring of 2010. _

Congratulations to all athletes and we wish you the best of luck in your 2011 endeavors. Please visit our website in the fall for the 2011-2012 Information package and application to be eligible for next years carding cycle. If you have any questions regarding this program contact Jennifer Irwin, Education Manager at [email protected]

Box 248169 Beech Street

Clinton, ON N0M 1L0www.reachhuron.ca

519 482 3998

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News

Want to pay less forauto insurance? Sure.

How about paying less forhome insurance, too?

15%*Bundle & Save You need auto insurance. You also need home insurance. As a member of the Ontario Equestrian Federation, BrokerLink offers you up to

15% off both your home & auto insurance through our group insurance program. We also have bundled solutions that will save you up to

15% when you combine your home and auto insurance into one convenient policy. Call us today for a no obligation quote.

Hamilton Branch78 Queenston [email protected] 1-800-563-3533

* Subject to policy conditions and exclusions. Products provided by Novex Group Insurance.

Services available in Ontario through Canada Brokerlink (Ontario) Inc. ™BrokerLink & Design is a trademark of Canada Brokerlink Inc. used under license. © Copyright 2011 Canada Brokerlink Inc. All rights reserved.

BrokerLink is pleased to be the administrator for the Ontario Equestrian Federation (OEF) home and auto insurance program. The OEF group insurance plan offers superior coverage with outstanding service. In addition to finding you quality home and auto insurance products - OEF members can save up to 15%* on their home and auto insurance through our group insurance program. All benefits of this program can also be extended to include employees and their families.

“Our affiliation with OEF is something BrokerLink is particularly proud of,” said Michael Anderson, BrokerLink’s Regional Sales Manager, Southern Ontario. “When we work with organizations such as OEF, we really make an effort to get to know their membership and make our relationship a true partnership.”

The OEF group insurance plan is underwritten by Novex Group Insurance and every policy is backed by a ‘24/7 Claims Service Guarantee’†. When a claim is reported, OEF members will be able to speak to a Novex representative within 30 minutes, or they will receive a cheque for the annual premium of their policy, up to $1,000.00 limit. Additionally, an OEF property insurance policy underwritten by Novex Group Insurance contains the Novex Assistance suite of protection. This includes legal information assistance, family care assistance, babysitting service, homemaking/nursing service and housecleaning service. These, and more, are included at no additional cost.

At BrokerLink, we’ll work with you to compare your insurance options, get you the best value and the most appropriate coverage possible for your insurance needs.

To learn more and to get a no obligation insurance quote with the OEF Group Insurance program, call us at 1-800-563-3533 or visit www.brokerlink.ca.

BrokerLink Announces Preferred Home & Auto Rates to OEF members - It's Always Better to be Part of a Group

† Not Applicable in a catastrophe. Certain exclusions and restrictions may apply.* Services available in Ontario through Canada Brokerlink (Ontario) Inc. Certain conditions, exclusions and restrictions may apply. Offers may change without notice. Products provided by Novex Group Insurance. ™BrokerLink & Design is a trademark of Canada Brokerlink Inc. used under license. © Copyright 2011 Canada Brokerlink Inc. All rights reserved.

News

20 | WHOA! Winter 2011

204 Main St N. Powassan, On P0H 1Z0 705-724-1313www.knowltonridgeequestrian.com [email protected]

2011 Trillium Show HostKnowlton Ridge Annual Spring Trillium Show - May 14th / 15th

Knowlton Ridge Annual Summer Trillium Show—June 25th / 26th Knowlton Ridge Annual Classic Trillium Show—August 13th & 14th

English Schooling Shows

Saturday, April 9th Saturday, May 7th

Saturday, May 28th Saturday, Sept. 24th Saturday, Oct. 8th

Western Schooling ShowsSaturday, April 16th Saturday, May 21st

Saturday, June 11th & Sunday, June 12th

(2 Day W.H.A.O Points Show) Saturday, October 1st Saturday, Oct. 15th

Danny Foster Hunter/ Jumper Clinic April 2nd & April 3rd

Jennifer KeelerHunter/ Jumper Clinic

Sunday, April 10th

Lindsay GricePreparing for the Show Ring

Sunday, May 8th

Canadian Horse Journal, Canada’s top all-breed, all-discipline horse magazine, is pleased to offer members of the Ontario Equestrian Federation (OEF) reduced rates on subscriptions. Once a subscriber, OEF members can also access new FREE photo ads and classifieds. A Platinum Partner with the OEF, Canadian Horse Journal is

filled with informative, entertaining, and relevant articles along with regular columns by some of Canada’s top horsemen, trainers, and freelance writers. CHJ’s recently introduced Central & Atlantic edition offers local and regional news, a calendar of events, and club corner news for readers based in Ontario, Quebec, and the Maritimes.

FREE FOR SUBSCRIBERS — Canadian Horse Journal offers FREE PHOTO ADS AND CLASSIFIEDS FOR SUBSCRIBERS on our website www.HORSEJournals.com. OEF members who subscribe to the Central & Atlantic edition and are looking to sell horses, used tack, used trailers, and more should visit www.HORSEJournals.com for more information on this great new subscriber service.

TO SUBSCRIBE — Click the “Subscribe Today” link at www.HORSEJournals.com, contact Mark at 1-800-299-3799 ext. 212 or [email protected], or pick up a copy at your local newsstand and return the subscriber form.

Remember — Members of ONTARIO EQUESTRIAN FEDERATION can take advantage of SPECIAL REDUCED SUBSCRIPTION RATES. Association members save 30% on a one year subscription, which includes 11 issues per year plus the BONUS annual Equine Consumers’ Guide. Two and four year subscriptions are also available at reduced rates for even more savings.

HORSE COMMUNITY JOURNALS INC. publishes quality Canadian equine magazines:Canadian Horse Journal — Canada’s favourite magazine for all breeds and disciplines, now offering two regional editions, Pacific & Prairie and Central & Atlantic. Published 11 times per year.Equine Consumers’ Guide — Annual Consumers’ Guide for Canada’s horse industry – Published Annually, Used Daily.

For more information about Horse Community Journals Inc. and the magazines we publish, please contact Kathy Smith, Editor and Publisher, at [email protected], phone 1-800-299-3799, or visit: www.HORSEJournals.com.

Be one of the first to hear about the winners of the 2011 Readers’ Choice Awards. Sign up for our CHJ Newsletter at www.HORSEJournals.com/CHJNewsletter.

Please visit www.horse.on.ca for a complete list of special OEF member subscription rates. _

OEF Members to Receive Many Subscriber-Benefits with Canadian Horse JournalIntroducing free photo ads and classifieds for subscribers

Every issue, Blundstone Footwear gives one lucky reader a new set of boots –

winners choose their style. For more info, visit www.blundstone.ca.

Please visit www.HORSEJournals.com to subscribe and post your ad.Questions? Call Nathan at 1-800-299-3799, ext. 211, or email [email protected]

This is a limited time offer and does not include stallion or real estate photo ads.

PLUS

www.horse.on.ca | 21


Member Spotlight

Charles “Charlie” Armstrong has been a true Icon in the Ontario and North American Horse Industry for over 80 years Throughout this time, he has represented and participated in multiple disciplines and has been integral in the shaping of Ontario’s horse industry.

Whi le his parents were standardbred owners and active in showing hackney ponies, Charlie’s love affair with horses began when he received his first pony Playboy from his uncle Ted in 1930 at the age of 11. The pony

had been obtained as payment for a debt and then loaded into the back seat of the family car and taken to Brampton, Ontario.

Charlie began competing in local fairs and over time, progressed to high level competitions both in Canada and the United States. One of Charlie’s most notable horses was Black Velvet, the winner of numerous honors with such legendary riders as Chap Carter and Lawrence Siegel. Although Charlie’s competitive focus would change in later years, he continued to ride almost daily until his eighty-fifth year.

Acting as Hunt Master for over 20 years with the Eglinton Caledon Hunt Club, Charlie was often seen riding cross country in the Caledon area along with his three daughters, Jennifer, Caroline and Nancy. He

recalls these mornings as some of his most cherished memories. During this time, in the mid 1970’s, Charlie, with other members of the Hunt Club formed a syndication called Hooves. This group raised substantial funds for the purchase and support of horses for the Canadian Event Team to compete in the 1976 Summer Olympic Games in Bromont, QC.

Throughout the 1980’s Charlie was a Director of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair (RAWF). He continued a tradition begun by his mother Victoria, of showing Hackney ponies under A.B.C Farms. For seven consecutive years, A.B.C.’s Crystal Lady won the coveted RAWF Stake Class. This record was held until 1988 when Crystal Lady’s granddaughter, Rag-A-Muffin achieved a new record. In 1987, the RAWF bestowed Charlie with the title of Honorary Life Governor and renamed its Hackney Division the Charles Armstrong Hackney Division.

Charlie’s involvement in the standardbred breeding and racing Industry is legendary. He continued building on the success of his father Elgin, who raced a young filly named Helicopter in the prestigious Hamiltonian in the United States. Helicopter was victorious, becoming the f i rs t Canad ian owned horse to win this coveted title. Helicopter’s daughter, Armbro Fl ight became one of North America’s greatest trotting mares and was the foundation mare for the Armstrong Farms breeding and racing

ICONSEquestrian


dynasty. In 1999, Canada Post issued a commemorative stamp with her likeness to celebrate her contributions.

Chairman of Armstrong Holdings Brampton Limited, Charlie oversaw the growth of Armstrong Farms into the second largest standardbred breeding operation in North America. Over 90% of the most prestigious races in North America have had Armbro horses in the winners circle. The family company was dispersed in 2005 but Charlie continues to enjoy international success, raising and racing standardbreds with his daughters under Village Acres Farms in Brampton, Ontario.

Today, Charlie enjoys watching the achievements of his grandchildren, the fourth generation of active participants in Ontario’s equestrian industry. His grandchildren show Hackney’s, Clydesdales, Percherons and compete in Eventing. He can often be seen ringside, no matter what the weather, with a huge smile saying “isn’t this just great, this is what it’s all about”. Through his tireless efforts, his championing of causes, his innumerable financial contributions and support initiatives, Charles Armstrong has contributed immeasurably to the Ontario Horse industry. The Ontario Equestrian Federation is proud to honor Charles Armstrong as our inaugural Industry Icon. _

Achievements include:Director, Ontario Jockey ClubCanadian Standardbred Horse Society’s General Achievement Award in 1996Wall of Fame Honoree - Little Brown Jug 1999Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association - Van Bussell Award 2003Honorary Life Governor of the Royal Winter FairWinner, three Breeders CrownsCharter Member, Brampton Flying ClubPresident, Rotary Club of BramptonPresident, Canadian Road Builders AssociationBrampton’s Man of the Year


When you look closely at your horse pasture what do you see? If it’s nothing but weeds it may be cheaper to start from scratch, but even with as little as one-third of the good stuff, it may be possible to rejuvenate your fields for good grazing.

Argonomist Jennifer Macdonald, a crop specialist with the Huron Bay Co-op Inc. based in Dundalk, ON. offered some advice on pasture management and outlined the following five-step plan for pasture renovation.

Macdonald says that what you’re looking for is 1.5 to two acres of productive pasture per horse. In an ideal set-up this would involve a rotation among paddocks, using the ‘two inches out, four inches in’ rule: move the horses to the next paddock when they graze their current one down to two inches of growth, into a paddock with four inches of growth. As a general rule you’ll graze a paddock for 4-7 days then you’re looking for a 30-day rest period for each paddock in between grazing.

Having that kind of pasture growth takes some planning, and according to Macdonald it all starts with soil sampling. She strongly suggests a soil sample to provide a wealth of information about your fields - your seed or fertilizer suppliers will be able to help you with this.

Once you’re ready to p lant she suggests developing a plan that includes the following five considerations: species selection, re -seeding, fertility, maintenance, and damage control.

SPECIES SELECTIONEach field, area and management system may need a different strategy. Macdonald suggests using as many species as possible. That can mean up to 4 - 6 species for any one f ie ld , depending on soil type, drainage and hoof traffic.

Brome is her preferred grass since it has a high

by Karen Dallimore

Rejuvenating Horse Pastures

Around the Barn


sugar content, suppresses weeds well and it is excellent for heavy grazing or abuse.

Orchard grass actually needs heavy grazing because horses don’t like it if it is too mature, and it suppresses weeds and re-seeds itself well.

Bluegrass can handle heavy traffic but it is not as heavy a producer, especially in the heat of the summer.

Fescue can contain endophytes that can cause health concerns for horses, but there are fescue species with low endophyte levels that have been bred specifically for pasture grazing. For that reason it is important not to overseed lawn seed into your pastures – lawn seed will still contain endophytes.

Timothy is easy to establish and can handle the most variance in field conditions. It doesn’t

produce a lot in the summer: it’s good for the first grazing then it almost goes dormant.

Perennial ryegrass is good for those who like instant pasture gratification: it germinates in 24 hours and you’ll see green in two days. This vigorous early growth will help compete with weeds but it only lasts one or two years in the field, especially if winter is harsh.

White clover with its fibrous roots doesn’t winter well but it will have decent summer growth and provide a source of nitrogen for the field. The tap roots of red clover, on the other hand, can go up to an astonishing 60 metres deep, making it hardier in dry soils or compacted areas than its white cousin.

One species to avoid is Alsike clover. It grows 15-30” high and the leaf is completely green as opposed to the white V shape on the leaf of red clover. It’s native to southern Ontario, often showing up when you stir up a field. Macdonald says that it’s good cattle feed but it will cause liver toxicity in horses, making them sensitive to the sun and causing bubbling skin on their noses.

Trefoil is also good for cattle but no good for horses. It produces a bitter tannin that horses don’t like and it can cause photosensitivity to the sun, although it is the only broadleaf that will grow in wet areas.

RE-SEEDINGFrost seeding uses the moisture in the ground to pull in the seed. Ideally it needs to be about 10 degrees during the day and just under freezing at night. As a rule, Macdonald says that you shouldn’t be making tracks in the field: if you’re sinking it’s too late.

Legumes favour frost seeding. Clover is really good, but alfalfa will only take if it’s not out there already: existing plants produce a toxin that inhibits the growth of new alfalfa seed within 1 metre of the existing plant. Timothy has a 40-60% success rate with frost seeding.

Clip your pastures in the fall to prepare for frost seeding and keep the animals off the newly seeded pasture until at least mid summer. Macdonald suggests that taking off hay in the first year will give you 90% germination as opposed to 70% germination due to tramping if you graze it.

The larger grass forage species like brome and ryegrass have a better success rate with no-till seeding than with frost seeding. There are companies that will re-seed pastures exclusively for horses using a no-till seeder that has discs to open up the soil, drops in the seed, and closers

on the back to cover it back up again. This is best done in May and the germination rate is good. As far as concerns about slicing up the pasture, alfalfa won’t handle discing very well, but otherwise the discing will split the plants you’ve got to produce more plants, and that is only a problem in a wet summer where molds can take advantage of the sliced up plants.

Discing and overseeding, where seed is broadcast on top, is a little more aggressive and not as successful as no-till but this method will give you more options for species.

FERTILIZING‘N’ (nitrogen) is for forage volume, ‘P’ (phosphorus) is for the roots, and ‘K’ (potassium) is for health and hardiness. If you can see urine spots or manure piles with vigorous growth while the surrounding area doesn’t look so good, chances are you need fertilizer.

Macdonald suggests fertilizing three times a year, in the spring, midsummer and fall, with the fertilizer mix depending on the time of year and the species you have. For example if you’re hay mixture is heavy grass you’ll need a lot more nitrogen than if you have over 50% legumes.

MAINTENANCEClipping your pasture is part of a good maintenance program too. It decreases the weeds by getting rid of the seed set and allows new, more palatable growth for species such as orchard or reed grass. Pastures should be clipped at least once a month, and fallow fields should be clipped at 8” or taken off as hay.

Use the chain harrows only when it’s dry, says Macdonald. Harrowing is good for spreading manure packs and helps to decrease parasites by exposing them to the sun.

Some areas may need to be re-seeded but it is important to address the underlying cause of the poor performance: is there a problem with the soil? Take a soil sample if the cause is not obvious.

DAMAGE CONTROLIt is inevitable that there will be some damage with thundering hooves. Macdonald summed it up as the “TOO’s”: grazing too early or too late, allowing animals on the field when it is too wet, having your stocking rate too high, or grazing a paddock too long. All of these will lead to damage. For bad times she suggests a ‘sacrifice paddock’ – one that can be used for turnout when the pastures are vulnerable to damage. _

Around the Barn

Rejuvenating Horse Pastures


Mane EventsMane Events

Everything Equine Celebrates Seventh Spectacular Year!

The Everything Equine Expo and Trade Show, presented by the Uxbridge Horsemen’s Association, will take place again this year on Saturday, May 14, 2011 at Elgin Park in Uxbridge.

Each year is a new experience at the show. There is always something for everyone – not just the horsey set. Each year we have approximately 70+ Vendors both indoors and out.

This year the Main Ring will be hopping. D em o ns t r a to r s w i l l i n c l u d e R i c h a rd T h o m ps o n

– a Canadian horse t ra iner and teacher of Natura l Horsemanship. Richard has travelled the world teaching his own intuitive way of communicating with our horse friends. His presentations have a reputation for being fun, insightful, and mind-opening. In 2001 Richard, invited by the legendary Ray Hunt, was one of 100 horseman and teachers of Natural Horsemanship, from all over North

America who, for two days in front of over 1000 members of America's horse community, demonstrated their skills in Horsemanship and Colt Starting.

We wil l a lso be featur ing the Hoofbeat Outr iders Precision Drill Team. The Hoof Beat Outriders are a group of western riding performers that have an exciting show of drill team patterns ridden to popular western music on horseback usually at the canter or gallop. They also perform other specialties such as vaulting and trick riding.

Other things you can expect will be Western Reining, free Liberty jumping demonstration, natural horsemanship “mini” style (you have to see this to believe it!), gaiting demonstrations and much, much more.

The show runs from 9:00 am (gates open at 8:30 am) to 6:00 pm. Main Ring starts at 9:30 am. Admission is $10 and provides access to the entire day’s activities with kids under 12 free. _

www.nelligan.ca Ottawa, Kingston, Vankleek Hill & Alexandria

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Mane EventsMane Events

John Lyons Clinic at Five Star Ranch

It has been twelve years since John Lyons has been to Ontario! Don't miss this chance to learn from America's Most Trusted Horseman.

F i ve S t a r Ranch in Campbel lv i l le, ON wil l be hosting a John Lyons Sy m p o s ium ove r t he weekend of April 15 -17, 2011. The clinic is open to all disciplines and will focus on developing a harmonious relationship

between you and your horse. During this three day symposium, John will work with an unbroke horse and his own horses to show attendees everything from roundpen work to under saddle performance and dealing with behavioural issues.

John Lyons is one of the most respected trainers around the world. He is known as “America’s Most Trusted Horseman” and he has earned that title through thirty years of dedication to horses

and horse owners. His ideas and concepts in horse training have influenced every level of performance, every style of riding and every breed of horse throughout the world. His ideas and work have directly changed thousands of lives. John’s sincere regard for people and the horses they love has remained unchanged throughout his career. Thirteen years ago, John developed his certified trainer program that has graduated almost 300 trainers. This program had grown to be one of the top programs in the country for producing great clinicians, trainers and teachers.

Exclusive offer for OEF members• OEF members will receive two complimentary tickets for the

Friday night Symposium (Value is $30 per ticket. Total $60 savings)

• OEF members will receive a $25 discount on weekend packages • OEF members will receive 50% discount to upgrade to VIP

status ($25 value) For more information and registration details please visit

www.5starranch.com. _

Horse Week 2011 - It's Just Around the Corner

Looking to host an open house at your farm? Interested in teaching your community about horses? Want to introduce horses to people interested in the sport? Horse Week 2011 is the perfect time to plan a horsey event. Held annually to promote and celebrate Canada’s thriving horse industry, Horse Week is a national equine event designed to create awareness, educate the public about horses and increase participation in equestrian sport and activity.

If you are interested in creating an event, go for it! If you are new to planning events or want to brush up on your planning skills be sure to visit www.equinecanada.ca beginning in March for helpful tips on event planning and management. Online tools and downloads will be available to ensure your event is a success!

If you are interested in attending an event, be sure to visit www.equinecanada.ca. All registered Horse Week events, whetherbig or small, will be listed on the website and will include a description of the event, location, contact information, etc.

Horse Week 2011 will begin Saturday June 4, 2011 and will run until Sunday June 12, 2011. _

Tired of reading superficial, recycled articles that offer nothing new? Looking for actual editorial that makes you think? HorseCare Magazine offers that and much more.

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

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

To subscribe, see your 2011 Ontario Equestrian Federation renewal application or visit the OEF website

www.horse.on.ca

Special 1 Year Rate$22.60 (includes HST)

Some Treasure Chests Are Just A LittleMore Valuable Than Others

The OEF represents more than 20,000 individual members, more than 40 equine breed and discipline associations and over 275 companies and stables.

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

w w w . h o r s e c a r e m a g a z i n e . c o m

OEF_HC_0110.indd 43 07/12/10 4:24 PM


Mane Events

Junior Reining Division Now Included at North American Junior and Young Riders Championships

OEF and Partners Planning Third Annual Toronto Horse Day

The Canadian Reining Commit tee (CRC) is p leased to announce that the 2011 edition of the Adequan FEI North American Junior and Young Rider Championships, presented by Gotham North, will include a Junior Division in addition to Young Riders for the discipline of reining.

The two reining divisions, Junior (open to riders aged 14 to 18) and Young Rider (for riders ages 16-21), will compete for top team and individual honours on July 27–31, 2011 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY.

“I am totally thrilled by the announcement to include a Junior division at the Championships in Kentucky this summer. Ever since Young Riders Reining was added in 2008 I have been pushing to have the juniors included,” said the reining Chef d’équipe, Wendy Dyer. “This is a great event and I am looking forward to watching Reining participation grow at this event and interest spread further across Canada.”

Riders interested in participating in the FEI North American Junior and Young Rider Championships must earn a qualifying score at an Equine Canada competition prior to May 31, 2011. Complete details and selection criteria for riders interested

in participating at the Championships are available on the Canadian Reining Committee section of the Equine Canada website at www.equinecanada.ca/reining.

For more information on the 2011 Adequan FEI Nor th American Junior and Young Riders Championship, please visit www.youngriders.org.

For additional information on the CRC and its programs, including selection criteria, please visit the Equine Canada websi te at w w w.equinecanada.ca or e - mai l re in [email protected].

About the Canadian Reining CommitteeThe Canadian Reining Committee is the discipline committee of Equine Canada that is responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of reining programs in Canada. The Canadian Reining Committee's objective is to foster the growth of reining and the pursuit of excellence in the sport at the local, national and international levels. For more information about the Canadian Reining Committee, please visit www.equinecanada.ca/reining/index.php. _

T he O nt a r i o Eques t r i an Fe d e ra t i on (O EF ) , Greenhawk, Riding Academy at the Horse Palace, Toronto Police Mounted Unit and Exhibition Place are gearing up for the third annual Toronto Horse Day. Toronto Horse Day 2011 will take place on Saturday June 11 at the Horse Palace, Exhibition Place. The purpose of this event is to educate the public about horses and give urban residents the opportunity to experience horses up close and personal, in hopes that we can attract new participants to the sport.

Toronto Horse Day is completely free for people to attend and will run from 11am to 4pm. The program will include education stations, riding and driving demonstrations and information displays. Par t ic ipants wil l have the oppor tunity to visit interactive stations that will provide information on different riding styles, various breeds, basic stable management, safety, possible careers and much more! This year, there will be an emphasis on fitness and the physical health benefits that horseback riding provides.

If you are interested in participating in Toronto Horse Day as an exhibitor/demonstrator or would l ike more information about at tending please contact [email protected] or visit www.horse.on.ca for details as they become available. _

Toronto’s Only Downtown Riding AcademyFor information, please call (416) 599-4044

or e-mail us at [email protected]

In The Heart Of TorontoFor information, please call (416) 444-4044


2007-01 Ad 6/13/07 9:09 AM Page 1

Toronto’s Only Downtown Riding AcademyFor information, please call (416) 599-4044


In The Heart Of TorontoFor information, please call (416) 444-4044


2007-01 Ad 6/13/07 9:09 AM Page 1


Mane Events

2011 COMPETITIONSCOMPETITION START END LOCATION EMAIL

BRONZE DRESSAGE 2011 RCRA Snowflake Series III 2/27/11 2/28/11 RCRA, 4252 Davis Dr., Cedar Valley [email protected] Springfest Bronze Series Dressage I 3/27/11 3/27/11 Iron Horse EC, 5244 No 1 Sd Rd, Milton [email protected] Springfest Bronze Series Dressage 2 4/17/11 4/17/11 Iron Horse EC, 5244 No 1 Sd Rd, Milton [email protected]

BRONZE HUNTER/JUMPER2011 Woodridge Riding Summer Trillium Competition 7/02/11 7/03/11 Woodridge Riding Centre,1169 Hwy 141, Utterson [email protected]

BRONZE/SILVER HUNTER/JUMPER 2011 Woodridge Riding Spring Trillium Competition 4/30/11 5/01/11 Woodridge Riding Centre, 1169 Hwy 141, Utterson [email protected]

SILVER DRESSAGE 2011 Eastern Ontario Silver Dressage Championships 9/12/11 9/12/11 Rainbow Ridge Ranch, 2569 Fifth Line Rd, Greely [email protected] Silver Dressage Western Division Championships 9/24/11 9/11/24 Blue Star Farm, 19138 McCowan Rd, Mount Albert [email protected]

SILVER HUNTER/JUMPER 2011 Highland Green Stable Trillium Show 4/30/11 5/01/11 Highland Green Stable, 12817 Midway Rd., Arva [email protected] The Horseman's Shop Trillium Competition 5/13/11 5/15/11 Fox Run Stables, 840 Valens Rd, R.R. #1, Troy [email protected] Meadowlarke Stables Trillium Competition 5/27/11 5/29/11 Meadowlarke Stables, 5154 Third Line, Acton [email protected] Waymark Farms Trillium Competition 6/10/11 6/12/11 Waymark Farms, 221 Weber St. E, Kitchener 2011 Twinholm Stables Trillium Competition 6/24/11 6/26/11 Twinholm Stables, 5503 Blind Line, Campbellville 2011 Canada Day Trillium at Bluestar 6/30/11 7/03/11 Blue Star Farm, 19138 McCowan Rd, Mount Albert [email protected] Woodridge Riding Summer Trillium Competition 7/02/11 7/03/11 Woodridge Riding Centre, 1169 Hwy 141, Utterson [email protected] Camberwell Stables Trillium Competition 7/08/11 7/10/11 Camberwell Stables, 2745 Wessel Dr, St Catharines 2011 Red Ribbon Stables Trillium Competition 7/22/11 7/24/11 Red Ribbon Stables, RR 4 Conc #6, Niagara on the Lake [email protected] Parish Ridge Stables Trillium Competition 8/05/11 8/07/11 Parish Ridge Stables, 94 Province St S., Hamilton 2011 Vanbrook Equestrian Centre Trillium Competition 8/20/11 8/21/11 Vanbrook Equestrian Centre [email protected] Iron Horse Trillium Competition 8/26/11 8/28/11 Iron Horse Stables, 5503 Blind Line, Campbellville

SILVER EVENTING2011 Eventing at the Park #1 6/05/11 6/05/11 NNEP, 401 Corkstown Rd, Nepean shelley.o'[email protected] Caledon Horse Trials 6/18/11 6/19/11 Caledon Hunt Club, Caledon [email protected] Touch a Rainbow Horse Trials #1 6/26/11 6/26/11 Touch a Rainbow Farm, North Augusta [email protected] Cedar Run Horse Trials #2 8/07/11 8/07/11 Thornbury Horse Park, Thornbury [email protected] Eventing at the Park #2 9/18/11 9/18/11 NNEP, 401 Corkstown Rd, Nepean shelley.o'[email protected] Touch a Rainbow Horse Trials #2 9/25/11 9/25/11 Touch a Rainbow Farm, North Augusta [email protected]

SILVER/GOLD DRESSAGE 2011 Dressage at the Park 7/23/11 7/24/11 NNEP, 401 Corkstown Rd. Nepean [email protected]

GOLD DRESSAGE 2011 Kawartha Spring Classic #1 4/29/11 4/30/11 Saddlewood Equestrian Centre 749 Bethany Hills Rd, Bethany [email protected] Kawartha Spring Classic #2 5/01/11 5/01/11 Saddlewood Equestrian Centre 749 Bethany Hills Rd, Bethany [email protected] Four Seasons Horse Show Springfest 5/06/11 5/08/11 Iron Horse EC, 5244 No 1 Sd Rd, Milton [email protected] RCRA Spring Into Gold Dressage 5/13/11 5/15/11 RCRA, 4252 Davis Dr., Cedar Valley [email protected] Gold 2011 Centaur Spring Show 5/15/11 5/15/11 Centaur Riding School, 3845 Frank Kenny, Navan [email protected] Equivents Spring Classic 5/20/11 5/22/11 Iron Horse EC, 5244 No 1 Sd Rd, Milton [email protected] Ottawa Dressage Festival 5/27/11 5/29/11 NNEP, 401 Corkstown Rd, Nepean [email protected] Cornerstone Spring into Dressage 6/03/11 6/05/11 Caledon Equestrian Park, 200 Pine Ave, Caledon [email protected] Halton Place Dressage Festival 6/10/11 6/12/11 Halton Place, 9328 15th Sideroad, Milton [email protected] QSLB Evergreen Farm #1 6/11/11 6/11/11 Evergreen Farm, 2157 Cole Hill Rd, Glenburnie [email protected] 2011 Equivents Summer Classic #1 6/17/11 6/19/11 Iron Horse EC, 5244 No 1 Sd Rd, Milton [email protected] Equivents Summer Classic #2 6/23/11 6/26/11 Iron Horse EC, 5244 No 1 Sd Rd, Milton [email protected] QSLB Doornekamp Farm #2 7/09/11 7/09/11 Doornekamp Farm, 588 Scotland Rd, Odessa [email protected] RCRA Gold Dressage #2 7/29/11 7/31/11 RCRA, 4252 Davis Dr., Cedar Valley [email protected] Caledon Dressage Gold 8/06/11 8/07/11 Orangeville Fairgrounds, Orangeville [email protected] Centaur Summer Gold Show 8/07/11 8/07/11 Centaur Riding School, 3845 Frank Kenny, Navan [email protected] QSLB Peveril Farm #3 8/13/11 8/13/11 49 North Rd. East, Yarker [email protected] Cornerstone Summer Classic 8/19/11 8/21/11 Caledon Equestrian Park, 200 Pine Ave, Caledon [email protected] Ontario Dressage Championships 9/02/11 9/04/11 Saddlewood Equestrian Centre 749 Bethany Hills Rd, Bethany [email protected] Halton Place Dressage Classic 9/09/11 9/11/11 Halton Place, 9328 15th Sideroad, Milton [email protected] QSLB Evergreen Farm #4 9/10/11 9/10/11 Evergreen Farm, 2157 Cole Hill Rd, Glenburnie [email protected] Canadian Eastern Regional Dressage Championships 9/16/11 9/18/11 Iron Horse EC, 5244 No 1 Sd Rd, Milton [email protected]


GOLD HUNTER/JUMPER 2011 RCRA Spring Classic Hunter Jumper Show 4/28/11 5/01/11 RCRA, 4252 Davis Dr., Cedar Valley [email protected] Springfest 5/05/11 5/08/11 Iron Horse EC, 5244 No 1 Sd Rd, Milton [email protected] Caledon National 5/18/11 5/22/11 Caledon Equestrian Park, 200 Pine Ave, Caledon [email protected] Horse International Week I 5/25/11 5/29/11 Halton Place, 9328 15th Sideroad, Milton [email protected] Horse International Week II 6/01/11 6/05/11 Halton Place, 9328 15th Sideroad, Milton [email protected] Classic @ Palgrave Phase II 6/08/11 6/12/11 Caledon Equestrian Park, 200 Pine Ave, Caledon [email protected] Summer Classic 6/15/11 6/19/11 Caledon Equestrian Park, 200 Pine Ave, Caledon [email protected] Cornerstone I 6/22/11 6/26/11 [email protected] RCRA Canada Day Hunter Jumper Show 6/30/11 7/03/11 RCRA, 4252 Davis Dr., Cedar Valley [email protected] Summerfest 7/13/11 7/17/11 Iron Horse EC, 5244 No 1 Sd Rd, Milton [email protected] Summer's Here 7/20/11 7/24/11 Halton Place, 9328 15th Sideroad, Milton [email protected] Equestrian Festival 7/27/11 7/31/11 Caledon Equestrian Park, 200 Pine Ave, Caledon [email protected] Canadian Country Classic Week I 8/24/11 8/28/11 Halton Place, 9328 15th Sideroad, Milton [email protected] Canadian Country Classic Week III 9/07/11 9/11/11 Halton Place, 9328 15th Sideroad, Milton [email protected] Autumn Classic 9/15/11 9/18/11 Caledon Equestrian Park, 200 Pine Ave, Caledon [email protected] Angelstone International Show Jumping Tournament 9/27/11 10/03/11 Angelstone Farms, 8720 Wellington Rd,SO, Rockwood [email protected]

GOLD EVENTING2011 Will O'Wind Horse Trials #1 5/07/11 5/08/11 Will O'Wind, Town of Mono [email protected] Grandview Spring Horse Trials 5/21/11 5/22/11 Grandview Farm, Hawkestone [email protected] Glen Oro Horse Trials #1 6/04/11 6/05/11 Glen Oro Farm, Jarratt [email protected] Woodwind Horse Trials #1 6/25/11 6/26/11 Woodwind Farm, Jarratt [email protected] Dreamcrest Horse Trials #1 7/02/11 7/03/11 Dreamcrest, Port Perry [email protected] Will O'Wind Horse Trials #2 7/16/11 7/17/11 Will O'Wind, Town of Mono [email protected] Equus 3D Horse Trials #1 7/24/11 7/24/11 Equus 3D Farm, Orangeville [email protected] Grandview Summer Horse Trials 7/30/11 7/31/11 Grandview Farm, Hawkestone [email protected] Oakhurst Horse Trials #1 7/31/11 7/31/11 Oakhurst Farm, Ashton [email protected] Canterdown Horse Trials: Farewell Competition 8/07/11 8/07/11 Canterdown, Belleville [email protected] Glen Oro Horse Trials #2 8/13/11 8/13/11 Glen Oro Farm, Jarratt [email protected] Lane's End Horse Trials 8/14/11 8/14/11 Lane's End Farm, Bobcaygeon [email protected] Dreamcrest Horse Trials #2 8/20/11 8/21/11 Dreamcrest, Port Perry [email protected] Woodwind Horse Trials #2 8/27/11 8/28/11 Woodwind Farm, Jarratt [email protected] OHTA Championships at Wits End 9/02/11 9/04/11 Wits End Farm, Mansfield [email protected] Oakhurst Horse Trials #2 9/11/11 9/11/11 Oakhurst Farm, Ashton [email protected] Equus 3D Horse Trials #2 9/18/11 9/18/11 Equus 3D Farm, Orangeville [email protected] Glen Oro Horse Trials #3 9/24/11 9/25/11 Glen Oro Farm, Jarratt [email protected] Grandview Fall Horse Trials 10/02/11 10/02/11 Grandview Farm, Hawkestone [email protected] Woodwind Horse Trials #3 10/09/11 10/09/11 Woodwind Farm, Jarratt [email protected]

GOLD PARA-DRESSAGE 2011 Ontario Para Dressage Championships 08/20/11 08/20/11 4993 Durham Creek Line, Petrolia [email protected]

GOLD/PLATINUM DRESSAGE2011 Cornerstone Summer Festival CDI3* 7/15/11 7/17/11 Caledon Equestrian Park, 200 Pine Ave, Caledon [email protected]

PLATINUM DRESSAGE 2011 CDI-W Milton International Classic 6/24/11 6/26/11 Iron Horse EC, 5244 No 1 Sd Rd, Milton [email protected] Royal Horse Show CDI3* 11/09/11 11/10/11 Ricoh Coliseum, Exhibition Place, Toronto

PLATINUM HUNTER/JUMPER 2011 Summer Festival CSI2* 8/03/11 8/07/11 Caledon Equestrian Park,200 Pine Ave, Caledon [email protected] National Open CSI2* 8/10/11 8/14/11 NNEP, 401 Corkstown Rd, Nepean [email protected] National Tournamnent CSI2* 8/17/11 8/21/11 NNEP, 401 Corkstown Rd, Nepean [email protected] Canadian Country Classic Week II CSI2* W 8/31/11 9/04/11 Halton Place, 9328 15th Sideroad, Milton [email protected] Canadian Show Jumping Tournament CSI 2* 9/21/11 9/25/11 Caledon Equestrian Park, 200 Pine Ave, Caledon [email protected]

PLATINUM HUNTER/JUMPER, DRESSAGE, BREEDS 2011 The Royal Horse Show CSI 4* W 11/04/11 11/13/11 Ricoh Coliseum, Exhibition Place, Toronto [email protected]

EQUINE MASSAGE

THERAPY

BY DIANE

CERTIFIED EQUINE MASSAGE THERAPIST SERVING

YORK REGION

SPORTS MASSAGE FOR AHAPPIER HORSE

DIANE BARROW, C.E.M.T.

406 - 249 MAJOR MACKENZIE DR. E.RICHMOND HILL, ON L4C 9M8

905 884 [email protected]


A professional portfolio is a collection of your life's work up until this point. It tells anyone who needs to know anything and everything about your past employment, experience, education etc., giving them insight into your work ethic and past experience. It will be used in the Competition Coach (Advanced) – Specialist evaluation process however a portfolio is useful as promotional material in your coaching business/program as well as other areas of your professional life. Put some time into creating a professional portfolio to ‘sell' yourself. Here are some tips to help you create a professional portfolio.

CALLING ALL WESTERN COACHES AND COACHING CANDIDATES!

Over the past several months you’ve been hearing and seeing information in regards to the Competition Coach Programs and how it is changing and transitioning for English Coaches. Here’s you’re chance to understand, observe and ask questions about the Western Competition Coach Program.

OEF Western Provincial Update ClinicSunday April 17th, 2011Sawn Mar Stables, Ariss (near Guelph)Featuring Victoria Andrew, lead transition coordinator and primary author for the NCCP Competition Coach Programs and facilitated by Ontario Master Evaluator, Barbara Newlands.

A registration form is available on the OEF website or contact Jennifer Irwin, Education Manager at [email protected] or 1-877-441-7112 x 11 to register.

Step 1: Find a great way to display your portfolio. Before you start putting your professional portfolio together,

you should decide how you're going to display it. Some people prefer to purchase a nice binder large enough to hold 3-ring plastic page protectors and that is an appropriate size for the number of documents they want to include in a professional portfolio. You may, of course, present your portfolio electronically or on a CD/DVD.

Step 2: Gather your documents. The professional portfolio you create should include items related to your past coaching/

training experience. You should include documents that illustrate your accomplishments related to coaching, along with your overall work history. Do not include original documents. You may wish to include:• A cover letter and résumé• Training certificates• Official qualification documents• Updating sheets • Letters of recommendation/references• Letters and notes of thanks from boarders or students• A list/description of successful horses you have trained or with

which you have worked• Successful riders that you have coached• Equestrian related committees you have worked on• Equestrian related volunteer work• Anything else you are proud of and want to show off

Step 3: Organize your portfolio. Start by including your approach to coaching/training, or in other words your ‘coaching

philosophy'. It's basically your beliefs about how students and horses can and should be trained/coached, and your approach to helping all horses and riders find success. In addition, include some favorite lesson plans that really present your coaching style. Include pictures or DVD’s of your riders and horses at work, that illustrate your approach to coaching/training, as well as samples of student performance i.e. Dressage tests. Evaluators prefer to see examples of what kind of a coach/trainer you are rather than just hear you talk, so the more you can include in your professional portfolio, the better.

Step 4: Don't be humble. When you create your professional portfolio, it's not a time to be humble. You need to show off! Include details about past experiences that have been quite

successful for you. Describe times that you have outdone yourself. Don't sound arrogant, but be prepared to relay a few of your proudest moments and accomplishments.

Step 5: Remember to continually update your portfolio so that it's always ready. You never know when

that professional portfolio you create will help you provide information not only for an evaluation but also to help you land your dream student or horse!

Professional Coaching Portfolios Coaches Corner

– What every coach should have and know.

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We have been evolving through the

years along with the horse industry that

we support. Thank you

to all of you who have

helped us along the way!

Visit our new website atwww.therider.com

1-877-743-3715 • (905) 387-1900

Now follow us on Twitter and Facebook

We have been evolving through the

years along with the horse industry that

we support. Thank you

to all of you who have

helped us along the way!

Visit our new website atwww.therider.com

1-877-743-3715 • (905) 387-1900

Now follow us on Twitter and Facebook


1. Remember that not all trails are open until later in the season due to the fact they are in damp or soft areas. Riding on a trail before it is dry will leave impressions that will remain for the entire season. Check for signs that tell you when the trail opens.

2. Before you saddle up for your ride, make sure that your tack is in good working condition and doesn’t have any worn or broken pieces. Also make sure that your saddle still fits your horse’s back properly. Horses, like people, are prone to gaining or loosing some weight over the winter months.

3. If your horse was blanketed all winter, start removing the blanket for short periods of time before you go out on a long ride. You might also want to use a quarter sheet if the air is still cool for those first initial rides.

4. Shoes or no shoes? Of course it all depends on your horse’s feet. For most horses the average trail surface doesn’t require shoes, but if you are planning to ride on a lot of gravel roads and rocky trails you will want to consider shoeing your horse. Stone bruises can take a long time to heal and can lead to abscesses, which can require a vet’s attention. You might also consider using a pair of hoof boots that are designed to be used when riding. You can find a variety of different brands and styles online or at your local tack store.

5. Shedding can cause some irritation for your horse so it’s important that you always groom your horse before and after your ride. Excessive hair build up can lead to lumps, which can turn into hot spots. You don’t want to start the season off with a horse that has a tender back. Also be sure to clean your saddle pad of excess hair and dirt after each ride.

6. Have you checked the chart that outlines the tools you should carry with you on a trail?

7. Always remember to tell someone where you are going and how long you plan to be. Stick to your plan and go where you said you were going. Pay attention to mile markers and trail markers so that in the event that you get lost or

by Bonnie SimpsonEquestrian Trail Advisor

On the Trail

he air is warmer, the birds are singing and winter is finally behind us – it’s spring! Before

you shed those winter layers in anticipation of hitting the trails be sure to follow these steps so that your first ride is a safe one.

T is Here!SpringSpring


have a first aid kit, blanket, shovel, dry clothes, a warm coat, gloves and hat in the vehicle at all times. Our weather changes so fast it can be hot when you leave but freezing half way through your journey. It’s also important to always have water (for both horse and rider) and snacks with you.

Once you and your horse are ready to hit the trails, invite a friend and ride with a buddy. Ensuring the safety of you and your horse will lead to a positive and fun trail experience. Ride Smart! Ride Safe! _

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

2. Ride a suitable horse – size, conditioning and training matter.

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

4. Never lead off until all riders are mounted.

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

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

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

8. When crossing a road do so all together.9. Use the buddy system; be responsible

for the rider in front and behind you.10. If riding alone, tell someone where you

have gone and when you will return.11. Use the three C ’s – Cour tesy,

Communication and Common Sense.12. Do not litter on the trail or campsite.

Put manure and hay in designated areas. Leave only hoof prints behind.

13. No dogs on the trail or alone in the campsite.

14. No alcohol or smoking on the trail.15. Water your horse from the shore, and do

not cross or wade unknown waters.

Best Practices for Horses on the Trails

Meeting A Horse On the Trail

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

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

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

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

• We all share the trails, so let’s work together in harmony to ensure safe and enjoyable trails.

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

USE THE THREE C’s1. courtesy 2. communication 3. common sense

On the Trailhurt you can tell the rescue team your exact location. In addition, carry your cell phone on you (not the horse). Many cell phones have GPS and, as long as the phone is on, 911 operators can locate you.

8. Pay close attention to spring wildlife. Remember that bears are just waking from hibernation and will be looking for food, most likely with young in tow. Getting between Mama Bear and her cubs is not a good idea. If you come in contact with a bear, remember that you should NOT run; instead back away slowly. A good way of avoiding a bear encounter is to make noise; they want to see you as much as you want to see them so give them a heads up that you are coming. Try carrying a horn or tying a bell on your horse.

In addition to bears, watch out for other animals such as deer and birds. Deer herds are more active in the spring and will dart in and out of the bush without warning. Nesting birds along the trail can also create interesting situations, as they tend to run along as if they are hurt and even fly up at you to distract you from their nest.

9. If your horse hasn’t been out all season, he is likely to be a bit fresh, a bit spooky and out of shape (same can be said about the rider). Be patient and start with small rides before taking on longer ones. Work on building up muscle and stamina by focusing on coral work. You can also use the coral to work on spookiness by setting up items such as blowing bags, balls, rails and pieces of plywood. Use these items to simulate spooky trail elements in the safety of an enclosed area. The blowing bags hanging on the fence are similar to the birds fluttering around you, the rolling ball will keep your mount’s attention and teach him that not all things are “hunting” him. The rails can be used to mimic potential logs that will need to be crossed and the plywood can echo the sound of crossing a bridge. These exercises can be practiced all year long.

10. If you are planning to trailer your horse to rides, be sure that your trailer has had a thorough check up: check the tires for wear and cracks; check the floor for rot; and clean the floor and walls of bee hives, spider webs, etc. It’s also important to have a mechanic do a safety check that includes brakes, suspension and tire pressure. Remember to stock up on spare halters, leads, pails and blankets for each horse. You will also need to make sure your tow vehicle is in good shape. Be sure that you


The OEF has been working hard with Intercity Insurance to make continued improvements to the insurance member benefits package. As of January 1, 2011 the fol lowing innovations took effect:

The Included and Automatic $30,000 Accident, Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) policy now provides a fracture injury benefit of up to $750. The amount paid is determined by:

a) The bone which is fractured b) If the member is wearing an equine

industry approved helmet at the time of the injury.

Included and Automatic AD&D benefit now provides up to $500 dental benefit if the injury occurs as a result of an equine related accident.

The Optional Enhanced AD&D coverage provides an additional $50,000 (Principal Sum) and now includes higher benefits for Fracture (enhanced if you are wearing an equine industry approved helmet – up to $1,500) & Dental benefits have been increased to a maximum of $5,000.

The AD&D policy is in force 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and covers the member anywhere in the world. The policy will pay regardless of any other insurance policy that may be in place for the member. These types of insurance (AD&D) “stack” so conceivably the injured person could collect from more than one insurer if they have more than one insurance policy that covers the same loss.

*** Very Exciting News***Intercity Insurance has developed another

exclusive insurance policy that provides income replacement in the event you are unable to work due to any accident. Coverage is in force 24 hours a day / 7 days a week and includes (but is not limited to) injuries arising from an equine related incident and is available only to members in good standing of the OEF.

The policy will provide up to $500/week in income replacement if you cannot work due to injury. The benefit will pay up to 26 weeks. (Some restrictions apply)

To qualify for this special program and to be eligible for benefits you must meet all of the following minimum requirements:

1) Be a member in good standing of the OEF2) Be employed Full Time (minimum of 30

hours per week)3) Must have filed an income tax return to

Canadian Revenue Agency in the most recent year.

4) Must complete a simple one page questionnaire & pay the annual premium of only $100.00.

Note: 1) The maximum benefit paid will be 75% of

pre-tax income or $500/week – whichever is the lesser.

2) The injury does not have to be as a result of an equine related accident.

If you have any questions regarding the OEF insurance benefits, you should contact Intercity Insurance directly at (888) 394-3330. You can also send e-mail inquiries to [email protected] _

Ask Mike

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

2

1

3

Spring is a great opportunity to get the barns in tiptop shape and at the same time adding the environmental edge to your operation.

“Just Add Barns” #3844489/1L is a biodegradable equine product,which is colourless, odourless, safe to use and rinses clean

immediately. It will effectively deodorize any surface:

wood, plastic, rubber, metal, etc. Simply added to water, you cannow whistle clean out water buckets, stall walls and floors. It can

be used with cloth, brush, and pressure wash or added to any existing cleaning process.

www.justaddhorses.ca1-800-563-5947

Available at Country Depot

Springtime Cleanup

Ontario EquineCREMATION SERVICES

1.888.668.2989 519.268.2989

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Honouring the life of your horse.

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Update On OEF Insurance Programs


Sandra HerouxSandra Heroux died January 16, 2011 at the Temiskaming Hospital after a short and courageous bat t le with cancer. Born in New Liskeard

on August 22, 1956 to Donald and Bertha McVittie, Mrs. Heroux’s passion was for her family and her horses.

She was the district commissioner of the Temiskaming Pony Club, a member of the Temiskaming Pleasure Horse Club, past president of the New Liskeard Agricultural Society, founder of Catch A Dream Therapeutic Riding Association, and owner of Dreamcatcher Equestrian Centre.

Mrs. Heroux was predeceased by Gabriel (Gaber) Heroux in 2002. She is survived by

her husband Robert Heroux; daughter Aimée Heroux (Ashley Spencer), and son Joel Heroux (Sarah Snedden); grandchildren Allie, Ashtyn and Addyson; parents Don and Bertha McVittie; brothers Dan (Sue), Doug (Tracey), Bob (Darlene) and sister Kathy (Kim) Sauvé; and special friend Barb Tuinema. She also leaves many nieces, nephews and extended family. _

Robert (Bob) Morley AndersonOn Sunday, November 7, 2010 Bob passed away peacefully at age 64, with loved ones at his s ide,

following a sudden cardiac arrest, in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Predeceased by his parents Donald Hume Anderson and Mary Morley Anderson of St. Thomas, Ont. Survived by his beloved children, son David, daughter-in-law Katie, granddaughters Lauren and Sarah of Aurora, Ont., and daughter Jessica Buckley, son- in - law Daniel, grandsons David and Thomas of Maplewood, NJ. Bob will be dearly missed by his partner Joyce Goodhue. Bob will also be greatly missed by his sisters, Katie Valentine, brother-in-law Fred of Calgary, Betsy Clark, and brother-

in-law Andy of Toronto and his nieces and nephews: Liza, George, Charlie and Alicia.

As President of Anderson Farms, Bob had been involved with breeding, racing and selling thoroughbred and standardbred race horses for 41 years in Canada, Europe and the United States. Anderson Farms bred over 1,400 thoroughbreds and raised and raced numerous thoroughbred and standardbred champions.

He was a Director of Woodbine Entertainment Group (formerly the Ontario Jockey Club) since 1984, Chairman of WEG's Thoroughbred Racing Committee and Chairman of the Avelino Gomez Memorial Foundation. In addition, he was past Ontario President of the Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society (CTHS), National President of the CTHS, member of the Board of Directors of the Hambletonian Society (Standardbred);

Board member of the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (USA), Steward of the Jockey Club of Canada, Member of the Ontario Racing Commission Advisory Board, First Chairman of the Guelph Centre for Equine Research and Member of the E.P. Taylor Equine Research Fund.

Bob was an avid supporter of his beloved hometown community of St. Thomas, Ont. He was past Vice-President of the St. Thomas Chamber of Commerce, and co-founder of the downtown St. Thomas Development Board.

"His passion for the sport of horseracing radiated from his soul and he was such a good friend to so many of us. Our thoughts are with David, Jessica and their families as they deal with this loss which has come far too early," offered David S. Willmot, Chair of Woodbine Entertainment Group. _

Obituaries

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by Catherine E. Willson, B.A., Ll.B. You want to know a secret? Every time you hire a

contractor to do some construction or renovation work on your property, you are required to holdback 10% of the contract price from the contractor. This retained sum is called the "holdback". Holdbacks are required by law in Ontario pursuant to the Construction Lien Act, R.S.O.1990, C. C. 30, (the "Act") and in most other provinces, territories, and states with slight variations. The purpose of the holdback is to protect and ensure payment to subcontractors and others working beneath the party contracting with the owner.

The holdback requirement can be considered a secret because contractors will rarely inform their clients of their obligation to withhold from them 10% of the agreed upon contract price. If the owner is unaware and does not holdback 10% of the contract price, as is required by the Act, they become vulnerable to a subcontractor or employee who can lien the property by registering

a document in the Land Registry Office pursuant to the Act. The owner of the property will not be allowed to discharge the lien until he or she pays that 10% portion of the contract price to the lien claimant. Accordingly, if you do not withhold 10% of the contract price from the contractor, you may end up paying it out twice, once to the contractor and once to a lien claimant. It is, therefore, no surprise that unscrupulous contractors are in no rush to divulge the secret of the holdback to their clients.

The holdback obligation applies to all contracts with an owner, contractor, or subcontractor for the supply of services or materials to an improvement on the land of the owner. An improvement is defined broadly in the Act as meaning any alteration, addition or repair to, or any construction, erection or installation on any land, and includes the demolition or removal of any building, structure or works or part thereof. The

Legal

New Season, New Construction at the Stable


building, repair, renovation, or even demolition of a barn or other farm building is an "improvement" under the Act. Any renovation to your home is an "improvement". Even that simple paint job in your livingroom is an "improvement". In each of these cases, the 10% holdback must be retained.

The holdback is a trust fund held for the contractor or subcontractors working on the contract. It cannot be used for purposes other than payment of the contract or the trust would be breached. For example, if an owner was retaining $20,000 as holdback on a $200,000 construction project and these funds were maintained in a bank account with a bank that had concerns about the owner's solvency, the bank may try to scoop money from the account to pay their outstanding indebtedness. If the bank scooped the holdback funds or if the owner gave the bank the holdback funds to reduce the owner's personal indebtedness, this would

be a breach of trust. The contractors and subcontractors would be entitled to take back the holdback funds from the bank.

An owner cannot contract out of the obligation to retain the statutory required holdback. It is fixed in stone (or cement, if you like). The contractor may complain and tell you that the holdback isn't necessary on his job. However, if the job involves construction or more particularly, the supply of services and materials to an "improvement", the owner of the property must retain 10% of the contract price or risk paying the sum out twice where a subcontractor does place a lien on the property for unpaid services or materials.

Holdback monies can only be released to the contractor when all lien rights of the contractor and subcontractors under the Act have expired. The Act provides a set of time limits for the expiration of lien rights. Specifically and with respect to a contractor, lien rights expire after 45 days following the earliest of:(a) the date the contract is completed;(b) the date the contract is abandoned;(c) the date on which a copy of the certificate

of substantial performance is published in a construction newspaper.Paragraphs (a) and (b) are fairly obvious.

Paragraph (c) is usually used on larger projects. In (c), the owner or project manager will certify the contract to be substantially complete when it is roughly 98% completed and ready for use. A special form is filled out indicating the date of substantial performance of the contract, the name of the owner, contractor, and a legal description of the land. This information is published in a construction newspaper to give notice to all subcontractors on the project that the contract is substantially completed.

A subcontractor has 45 days to register a claim for lien against the property from the earliest of the date of publication of the certificate of substantial performance or the subcontractor's last date of supply of services or materials to the project. After this 45 day period, all lien rights of the subcontractor expire. If all lien rights have expired, the owner can release the 10% holdback to his or her contractor.

Accordingly, timing is very important under the Act. If you need more information about the 45 day periods leading to the expiration of lien rights and the release of the 10% holdback, contact a lawyer or your local construction association. This information should be readily available from relevant government agencies and from a number of construction associations.

As discussed above, a contractor or subcontractor has 45 days after certain events to register their lien claim against the property of the owner. A special form called a Claim for Lien is registered in the Land Registry Office against the title of the property. Until this lien is discharged, the owner will be unable to sell or mortgage the property. The Claim for Lien will list the owner of the property, the person claiming the lien, the amount of monies owing, and a description of the services or materials that were supplied to the improvement.

The lien claimant then has another 45 days (for a total of 90 days running from the event that started the clock ticking) to "perfect" the Claim for Lien by issuing an action in the civil court for the monies owed to the lien claimant. A Certificate of Action is registered against the property at the Land Registry Office within this 90 day period to indicate that the lien has been perfected by the commencement of the court action.

The court action then proceeds in the normal course. The owner and the contractor will defend the action and the parties will either reach a settlement or the action will proceed to trial. The property will be tied up with the lien until the action is concluded.

If the owner wants to sell or mortgage the land, he has the option of paying into court the full value of the Claim for Lien plus the lesser of $50,000.00 or 25%, as security for costs. The court will accept these monies as security for payment of the lien and will allow the Claim for Lien to be lifted from the title of the property thereby giving the owner the freedom to deal with the property as he or she sees fit.

When building, renovating, or demolishing a structure or building on a property, be aware of the obligation to retain the 10% holdback. While researching the permits and other building authorizations required, place a call to your local construction association, government office, or your lawyer and ask about holdback obligations that apply in your jurisdiction. Ignorance of the applicable holdback provisions will not protect you from paying out twice in the event of a lien claim by an unpaid worker. Do not expect your contractor to educate you on your obligations to retain a holdback. _

Catherine Willson is a lawyer practising in Toronto, Ontario. 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.

Legal

New Season, New Construction at the Stable


So what is Equine Facilitated Learning? EFL fosters growth, knowledge and personal transformation working in a respectful horse and human partnership. No experience with horses or riding is necessary for most EFL sessions. Horses access people's spirit of freedom and heart and enable self discovery and connection with the environment. They also develop Emotional Intelligence (EQ) competencies in self and relationship management to build self-confidence, cultivate trust, inspire, influence and invoke responsibility.

So who engages in EFL? Personal development for individuals is offered in small group workshop settings or in one-on-one sessions. Organizations engage in EFL for team building, working together with one or more horses to develop leadership styles, decision making processes, problem solving abilities, non-verbal communication, intention and intuition.

Working with different organizations, I am amazed how the horses align staff to articulate and implement change. For example, during an activity with the horses, one organization decided on implementing a weekly communication process that promoted

Let's celebrate the horse and the heartfelt connections they create. I am so excited about the field of Equine Facilitated Learning (EFL), where the horse is teacher, inspiring intuitive knowing, consensual leadership and sustainable change.

Recently I returned from a conference in California, co-founded by Ariana Strozzi, author of 'Horse Sense for the Leader Within'. She encouraged EFL practitioners to take action, and as a result, I have collected some stories that applaud this field. I have been learning about and facilitating EFL for the past twelve years. Slowly, more and more people in Ontario and across Canada are engaging in this transformational experiential learning modality where horses assist people.

On a personal level, I was deeply touched when my mother Teddy, fearful of horses, took a leap and attended the Discover Your Inner Self workshop at Horse Spirit Connections so she could understand what I do. Teddy still refers to her time with the horses:

My horse spirit connection at the farm was in an ambiance that permeated a sense of solace and a perfect comfort zone to explore with facilitators an honest relationship with one's inner self. After instructions concerning horses' body language to convey their reactions, quiet time with them helped build respect and an exchange of confidence. After several opportunities of practicing acceptance, I was able to relax, measure my approach alone in the ring with Lady and Dusty.

Teddy Forman Poe, Guelph, Ontario

Equifacts

by Victoria Poe, Education and Training Consultant

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Heartfelt Connections: Equine Facilitated Learning


constructive feedback. A month later the team reported back how they had improved internal performance. Horses also allow people to feel and observe leadership qualities:

"Unlike any other workshop I have attended before, this one 'cut to the chase' and made you 'feel' how to be a better leader rather than teaching you. This is the most powerful leadership experience I've had!!!"

Eric LeJeune, Toronto, Ontario

“As a motivated, competitive business person, the big ‘aha’ I got from this course is that sometimes leadership means ‘not leading’ - which to me means ‘not pushing’. I was the kind of person who - if things weren’t working - would just lead (push) harder.

Elizabeth Winter, Brighton, Ontario

As prey animals, horses often move to 'flight' mode when they sense fear or uncertainty. When harm or threat is no longer present they let go and return to grazing. Horses are herd animals, surviving and thriving in social hierarchical groupings where each knows his or her place in the social structure. Humans react to internal personal emotions and external emotions of others resulting sometimes in the instinctual need for flight or disassociation. Or people move into a 'freeze zone' under stress and have difficulty making decisions or prioritizing tasks. Horses mirror the human fight, flight or freeze responses. This reflective feedback offered by horses can provide powerful information about how we communicate and engage in relationships.

Five years ago only a few horse centres offered EFL in Ontario and now there are several options. I am an associate with Horse Spirit Connections where we offer a variety of workshops and customized leadership training sessions with horses. Horse Spirit Connections also offers a Facilitated Equine Experiential Learning (FEEL) train-the-trainers program for persons who want to incorporate this field into their work with their horses and add a unique specialization that is innovative to their coaching, healing or educational services. This is of great benefit to the horse industry - most activities for EFL are on the ground and horses of different breeds and ages can participate, if they are physically and emotionally willing and able.

As a co-facilitator and mentor to graduates of the FEEL program, I witness EFL practitioners connect with their horses practicing stewardship with integrity. In addition, I witness the horses establishing boundaries, sharing their presence and unconditional compassion.

Hibou, an Arabian mare, captured Cindy's attention at Anahata Horse Centre in Bancroft, ON where I co-facilitated a workshop. On the first day, Cindy had an 'aha' moment while leading Hibou through an obstacle course she had created. She received the message ‘know when to ask for help'. This carried over to her second day, where she writes about the reflective round pen activity:

“I stopped at the centre (of the round pen) and I didn't know what to do next so decided to do nothing. Hibou is the lead mare of the herd so I was able to let her lead. I began to mirror her actions. If she looked at something in the distance attentively, so did I…if she turned her head away, I followed suit. Our feet didn't move and after a few moments, we raised our heads and I got the idea to do a second spiral so I stepped off and she walked off in unison with me. When I stopped she stopped. When we began again, we took the first step exactly at the same time, off the same foot. It was surreal; I'd never felt anything like it. After finishing the second spiral, I turned slightly towards her, feeling so much joy I thought my heart would burst, but I did not have to touch her, I was complete just the way it was. I'd asked for and received a two-part message of horse wisdom to take with me: it’s extremely beneficial at times to “do nothing” and I can lead by following. Now that I’m back in my hectic life, when I feel overwhelmed (which is often), I easily take myself back to the round pen experience with Hibou. It ’s extremely calming....

Cindy MacDonald, Lindsay, Ontario

Cindy was so inspired by the horses she decided to add EFL as one of the services that the permaculture based farm she lives on can offer. She will be graduating from Horse Spirit Connections' facilitator course in the spring.

“I want to tell as many people as possible about the magic of horses as teachers, and have all who desire it to experience it for themselves.

It’s why I decided to take the FEEL facilitator course to offer this incredible experience to the public here at our farm, Greenshire.”

Last fall, Horse Spirit Connections offered another horse and human EFL experience that included participants riding their own horse. This two day workshop, Connected Riding combines horse-human discovery and intuitive inquiry through working with movement, being centered, attuned with the felt-sense and non-verbal communication. How can a person ride his or her horse and yet also be in the moment, fully aware of the horse and surroundings without judgment or agenda? To apply the principals of breath, softening, focus, and awareness of feelings while riding a horse is a powerful experience. This inner calmness and ability to be grounded with your horse partner creates a true presence of consensual leadership. The workshop participants were able to take the lessons of this deeper connection back to their own barns, where they engage in competition, training or trail riding.

“The connected riding workshop was amazing. It allowed me to be in a space with my horse that was very rewarding. It is the perfect horse/owner get away to spend quality time with your horse and open a deeper connection. ”

Janice Ische, Parkside, Ontario

“This clinic brought me to a new level of understanding. It gave me the ability to freely move with my horse as opposed to force my horse. It also brought back the pure innocence and joy of riding and being with horses.”

Kristin Brophy, L’Amable, Ontario.

Now that you know more about EFL, I urge all horse enthusiasts to promote the EFL field! Encourage organizations to engage in an exciting equine experiential learning event or sign up for a personal development workshop. Fo l low your heart and let the horses lead the way and inspire curiosity. I invite you to visit www.horsespiritconnections.com for upcoming workshops. Working as an EFL practitioner, my heart soars and my passion sings with joy each time I witness the horse-human connection. Let's be part of building positive sustainable hoofprints together. _

Equifacts


Going Green

water uses more energy than it does washing a single larger load in cold water. You can also save energy and money by opting to hang your laundry outside to dry instead of using the dryer. Not only will the sun dry your laundry, its ultra violet (UV) rays also have disinfectant capabilities. Do – When sorting through your horse laundry, salvage any torn blankets and bandages that you come across. Worn out blankets, saddle pads, bandages, etc. can still serve many purposes in the stable. Old fleece blankets can be cut to make new girth and saddle covers. Old bandages can be cut into pieces to be used as stable or cleaning rags, they are especially great for tack cleaning and leather conditioning!

Green cleaning is easy; it just takes some due diligence and commitment on your part. Be aware of the products that you are using and educate yourself on green alternatives. If you have suggestions on ways to be more eco friendly around the barn let us know and we will be sure to share your ideas in future issues of WHOA! Please email your tips to www.justaddhorses.ca. _

(Alex Milne Associates Ltd. is an OEF Industry Member and Silver Partner. Partly owned by the Ontario government, Alex Milne Associates Ltd. is considered an Eco Leader in the global environmental industry and offers an equine l ine of products called “Just Add Horses”, which are distributed through TruServ Canada www.truserv.ca and Canadian Saddlery www.canadiansaddlery.com)

and thyme, are actually more antiseptic than phenol.

Horse LaundryWarm spring days mean that you can finally pull off those pesky winter blankets, dig out those dirty saddle pads and freshen up your dusty polo bandages. Dirty horse laundry can play host to a variety of fungal spores that can cause severe health problems for your horse including respiratory disorders and skin irritations. It’s important to note that you should always clear as much dirt and hair from blankets, bandages, pads, etc. before putting them through a washing machine.Don’t – Refrain from using detergents that include “problem ingredients” such as petroleum, phosphates, surfactants, artificial dyes and synthetic fragrances. These ingredients can cause allergies, irritate the skin and eyes and carry other severe health risks. In addition, these ingredients are pollutants and are harmful to waterways and wildlife when they are washed down drains. Do – Choose a cleaning agent that is biodegradable. You can find biodegradable products by checking the product label. Look for products that have plant and vegetable based ingredients (instead of petroleum), are phosphate free, and have no allergy-inducing scents. You can also use common household products to clean laundry. A combination of vinegar and baking soda is a great alternative to using stain removal products and vinegar will leave your fabrics soft and free of chemical residue. In addition to using safe detergents, you can also employ green laundry practices that will help save energy. Washing multiple small loads of laundry in warm

Surface AreasAfter a long winter of being inside, barn surface areas are burdened with a host of bacteria, which can lead to equine diseases such as strangles and rhinopneumonitis. To maintain a healthy environment, it is important to thoroughly wash and disinfect the entire stable including floors, doors, walls, bars, buckets, etc. Before you begin cleaning, be sure to remove all feed, water and bedding.

Don’t – Avoid using traditional cleaners that are chlorine or hypochlorite (bleach) based. Barn disinfectants must be able to penetrate organic materials such as straw, shavings, and manure. Chlorine based products actually become inactive when they come into contact with organic materials and can create chlorine gas if they are mixed with ammonia, which is very toxic. In addition, chlorine is a corrosive chemical that will corrode metal surfaces and can cause burning of the eyes, nose, and throat as well as constriction and edema of the airways and lungs. Not only are chlorine based products harmful to our health, they are also harmful to the environment. When chlorine is disposed of down water drains organochlorines are released that build up in the fatty tissues of fish and other animals, as well as in water, soils, sediments and organic matter of lakes and rivers. Biologists believe organochlorines may be responsible for mutations, sterility, immune system failures and local extinctions in many wildlife populations. Do – Select a non-toxic, biodegradable cleaning agent that is manufactured by an Eco Leader. You can also, make your own cleaner at home. Many essential oils, such as the oils of lavender

The Do’s and Don’ts of Spring Cleaning – the Green Way!The sun is shining and the snow is melting; it can only mean one thing –spring is here! We can finally open the barn doors, let the fresh air in and start spring cleaning. Whether you live on a farm or in town, here are some great eco friendly spring cleaning tips!


TAS SHAKITA purebred Arabian owned by Tagalong Stables, TAS Cheery Wine

purebred Arabian owned by Tagalong Stables, Ran Out of Paint owned by

Richard DeBoer, Zannie owned by Dr. Paul Rutherford, Rose (Paint) owned by

Richard DeBoer, KORRINA purebred Arabian owned by Carolyn DeBoer.

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It has been quite awhile since we have experienced a winter like the one past. However, rest assured, the sun will radiate warmer temperatures to melt the snow and we will soon see the tiny tufts of green grass. This will be followed by the 2011 crops of foals and ambitious riders will venture outside with their equine companions.

2011 began with a flourish for the Arabian Horse Association of Eastern Canada. The AGM was held January 15th in Milton, which proved to be a good venue for the multiple meetings held throughout the day and the dinner and awards presentations in the evening. As 2010 was reviewed it was quite evident that we are experiencing more enthusiasm in the Arabian Horse, from the spring clinic through to participating in OEF’s “Spirit of the Horse” at the Royal. People are expressing more interest in becoming involved. 2011 should continue this momentum as we observed a marked increase in the numbers for the AGM & Awards Banquet, and the guest speaker, Gary Millar from Alberta, spoke candidly on the many attributes of the Arabian Horse, what the associations offer to members and the Arabian Horse Literacy Project.

Our Youth are encouraged to be a part of the “Youth Retreat” April 9th & 10th which is taking place at the newly refurbished Muskoka Trails Riding Academy off of Hwy 11 in Kilworthy. Youth and their horses will participate in two days of hands-on guidance from noted trainer Lynn Van Dyke of Michigan. Running in conjunction with the clinic will be a number of seminars, notably David Freedman of Freedman Harness, who will speak about proper saddle fitting. The next clinic will be held April 12th & 13th at the Ancaster Fairgrounds where one of the highly talented and respected Arabian horse trainers, Wendy Potts of Texas, will lead the two-day session providing feedback on each horse and rider enrolled, as well as she will lend her expertise on general horsemanship and showing techniques.

Horse shows and distance rides begin in earnest in May and continue through to all the National Championships which will be completed in late October. The Association hosts a number of shows beginning with the Pro-Am Show May 14th and will return to Quardream, and the annual Summer Sizzler returns June 11th & 12th to the Western Fair Agriplex in London where the Arabians will alternate the arena with Morgans and Saddlebreds. The Arabian Sport Horses (Hunters, Jumpers, Dressage, In-hand) will have a number of opportunities for the competitive show ring with classes hosted by the Association, Region 18 and Milestone Stables. New this year will be a fall show scheduled September 17th at the Ancaster Fairgrounds just prior to all of the fall fairs holding open breed and Arabian horse classes. Concluding the year will be our breed promotion and demonstrations throughout the ten days at the RAWF.

The breed is well known for its athleticism, beauty and versatility – from the distance rides where stamina is optimum to family pet, the Arabian has endeared itself to many. Naturally when we speak of the Arabian horse we collectively mean the purebred, Half-Arabian, Anglo-Arabian and Sport Horse. Why not take the initiative and join us! For further information please refer to www.ahaec.on.ca or email [email protected] or phone Jane Whitwell 905-887-9303. _

Ontario Competitive Trail Riding Association - Come Ride With Us!by Emily Wright

Imagine camping in a field, the moon shin ing br ight ly above and the only sound you can hear is that of your horse chewing nearby. The tranquility of your surroundings helps bui ld the anticipation, as you begin to become excited about what tomorrow is about to bring, an opportunity to ride down scenic trai ls with your closest companion.

My name is Emily Wright and I am a 17 year old member of the Onta r io Competitive Trail Riding Association (OCTRA). I have been a long distance rider since the tender age of 10. My first experience in this great sport was with my mom when we completed a 12 mile training ride, I was aboard an 11 hand high pony. One year after that training ride I completed my first 50 mile ride aboard my current mount, Ice Dancer.

One of my most memorable riding experiences was Aquilla’s Run. Many miles were along the beaches of Lake Huron where we cantered along feeling like we were riding our own Black Stallion!

I am not just a rider, I am also a volunteer. I have been fortunate enough to be a member of a number of pit crews that help assist other riders during the competitions where the simple task of holding a horse for a fellow rider is greatly appreciated. I have also volunteered for OCTRA as a scribe where I assisted in documenting pulses and other vital signs which were used by the veterinarians to determine fatigued horses. Volunteers are always welcome and needed. It is a great way to learn more about this sport while spending a day with horses.

Over the last few years I have really enjoyed competing in the Ride ‘N’ Tie division of OCTRA where my team won a bronze medal at the Canadian Championships! A Ride ‘N’ Tie is a race where two people share a horse and take turns running and riding.

Through OCTRA I have been privileged to meet many helpful and informative horse people. For more information on OCTRA and what the association does, please visit their website at www.octra.on.ca. _

by Jane WhitwellArabian Horse Association of Eastern Canada Update

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Breed & Discipline Updates

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A very successful competition year came to a close with the Annual General Meeting which again took place at the Terra Cotta Inn on November 20th 2010. As it proved to be very successful, COPDA (Central Ontario Pleasure Driving Association) joined with us to have their AGM as well. Many drivers in southern Ontario belong to both associations so holding the two AGM’s together allows more participation for both the members and the Board of Directors.

High Point Awards were presented again this year with the recipients being: Joyce Foote – Training Level VSE; Eve Dexter – Reserve – Training Level VSE; Carole Partridge – Training Level Single Pony; Dr. Ken Armstrong – Training Level Single Horse; Sharon McKay – Preliminary Level VSE; Jeff Kohler – Preliminary Level Single Pony; Jane Southgate – Reserve Preliminary Level single Pony; Anne Marie Anderson – Preliminary Level Single Horse; the Steenbeek Family – Preliminary Level Multiple Horse; Donna Johnston – Reserve Preliminary Level Multiple Horse.

Several new Directors have joined the OCDA Board – Donna Johnston, Pam MacGillivray and Carole Partridge. We welcome them and look forward to their participation and input.

With horses and ponies enjoying their well deserved winter break, the OCDA Board has been planning activities for 2011, taking into account the discussions that took place at the AGM.

Our Indoor Driving Trial will be held at the Orangeville Fair Grounds on May 1st and the Dressage & Cones day will be May 22nd at the Orangeville Fair Grounds as well.

June 5 will see an all-phase clinic take place at Glencameron Farm in Limehouse. This format allows our members to practice in the portion of driving where they feel they need the most instruction – be it Dressage, Cones or Obstacles. There will be an instructor at each area to provide assistance for both the driver and horse/pony.

Our competition year will conclude on August 28th at Glencameron Farm with a Section E Marathon and Cones competition.

The AGM will be something new and different – a Halloween Party on October 29th. Details are still being worked out – so stay tuned.

If you are wondering what Combined Driving is all about – why not come out and watch one of our events – or better yet, why not volunteer and get a real sense of the excitement.

Please check the Event Schedule posted on the Drive Ontario website – www.driveontario.ca for a complete listing of OCDA shows and clinics. _

The Ontario Morgan Horse Club (OMHC) Futurity began in 1973, not long after the founding of the club in 1968. The first yearling crowned Champion was Silver Liebling who was bred by Roy & Bea Boyt and owned by Luc & Diane Caron.

The purpose of this Futurity is to encourage, promote and reward good breeding practices among Morgan owners. Breeders become conscious of the need to carefully select both stallions and broodmares for the most successful matings. Mare owners are encouraged to seek out the best stallions for their mares, not merely the closest one, with financial rewards if their choices are good.

Futurities offer an additional opportunity to have your young horses shown before a qualified judge and an interested audience of possible buyers, thus stimulating the market for young stock.

The OMHC also of fers a Sweepstakes Championship to encourage breeders/owners of Futurity nominated horses to keep their horses eligible and to show these horses in their respective division until their 4yr old year. We offer a three year old driving class and a four year old saddle class. All of the futurity classes are offered at the Ontario Morgan Horse Championship Classic which will be held July 9-10th, 2011 at the Ancaster Fairgounds.

The Champion Sweepstakes Morgan in 2010 was Temptation’s Symphony (MLM Mr. Temptation x Northline Songbird.) “Tempe” is owned and shown by Laurel Gould of Pontypool, Ontario and is trained by Laurel Gould and Amanda Gilbank. Congratulations to Laurel and Tempe!

For more information on the Futurity or the Ontario Morgan Horse Club please visit www.ontariomorgan.on.ca _

Ontario Combined Driving Association The Ontario Morgan Horse Club Futurityby Mary Cork by Nancy Kavanagh

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The 2010 Morgan Sire Sweepstake Winner,

Temptation’s Symphony (MLM Mr. Temptation

x Northline Songbird) owned and shown by Laurel Gould.

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T he Onta r io Tra i l R iders A ssoc ia t ion (OT R A ) i s l ook ing fo r individuals who are interested joining the OTRA Board of Directors. If you fit the following criteria please contact Bonnie Simpson at [email protected] or calling 705-438-5752:• Love to trail ride• Love the idea of a group of hard working individuals working together

to develop and protect equestrian trails for you to ride on• Love to sit by an open fire and tell/listen to great stories of trail riding

adventures• Feel you could devote three hours of your time every third Thursday at

the Schomberg Library Become a volunteer, it will change your life! _

Ontario Trail Riders Associationby Bonnie Simpson


Tri-County Carriage Associationby Jackie Shute

A New Year is upon us, and with the days becoming longer the first stirrings to carriage drive are felt. Some of us are lucky enough to own a sleigh or cutter and still enjoy the snowy season. Some of us have access to indoor arenas so that we can work on balancing corners and making perfect transitions. But for most of us we have printed the new calendar of events from the “Drive Ontario” website and are trying to figure out the shows that we will attend either here in Ontario or travelling into the USA.

Those of us from Tri-County Carriage Association are busy finalizing the shows for

this upcoming season. Some of the things we are working on are a clinic to be held at Orchard Park Stables where P.J. Crowley from Pennsylvania will be teaching on May 5th through to May 7th. The day will be from 9am to 6pm. Auditors are welcome at $20 a day or $45 for all three. P.J. is a very well respected clinician who has lots of great information for both the seasoned driver as well as people learning to drive. For more information please contact Barb Bowen at 905 659 1704.

May 23rd Tri-County Carriage will be hosting a free learn to drive clinic at Orchard Park Stables. Start time is at 1pm. Bring lots of questions and enjoy an informative afternoon. Hopefully this will have you completely prepped for the show season.

May 29th Tri-County Pleasure Driving Show will be Rockton Fair Grounds. Start time is 9am. This show will have turnout, reinmanship, working classes as well as a junior class. All spectators are welcome to attend.

August 21st Tri-County is planning to host a fun drive at Westfield Heritage Village. It is a lot of fun to blend into the time period and practice going through the covered bridge, over train

tracks and driving their wonderful trails. This is a free event so come out and join us for a fun day and bring your camera!!!

September 18th we will be hosting our “Traditional Day of Driving” show at Valens Conservation Area. This is a driving show that consists of a dressage test, county drive and cones classes. Start time will be at 10am.

October 2nd we finish off our show season with a fun drive at Witteveen’s in Paris Ontario. This is a free event for club members to come out and enjoy the wonderful farm of the Witteveen family. Explore the trails, meet old friends and swap tales with everyone about what you have planned for next year.

If you are thinking about driving your horse and want to know where to start? Come down and see any of us at Tri-County Carriage Association because we are the foundation of learning how to drive safely and how to enjoy the wonderful sport of carriage driving. For more information about driving and the driving clubs in Ontario, please go to the “Drive Ontario” web site. www.driveontario.ca

We hope to see you out at the shows. _


The Ontario Morgan Horse Club Futurity

Donna Johnston with her pair at the Spring

show 2010 at Rockton Fair Gounds.

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RC Beginner Champion:

Michelle Mahabir on A Skirt Chaser

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Lisa Stanton on Gun Dealer, NRHA

Limited Open World Champion

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Ontario Reining Horse Associationby Carol Ivey

Ontario reiners had a great showing in 2010, with a number of members making the NRHA and Reining Canada Top Standings.

In the NRHA, Jason Richards and Wimpys Tinseltown finished third in the world in Intermediate Open, Gene Munger and Jess Cofell tied for third on I Luva Lena in Novice Horse Open II, and Loris Epis and SV Save Sum Cash came in 5th in the same class.

In total, we had 14 members finish in the NRHA Top 20, but most significantly, one of them – Lisa Stanton on Gun Dealer – made Limited Open WORLD CHAMPION – a very impressive accomplishment.

In the Reining Canada standings, we had 25 top ten placings which included Jason Richards and Wimpeys Tinseltown as Intermediate Open Champion, William Rinzema and Ghost Busterima Rookie Pro Champion, and Loris Epis on SV Save Sum Cash as Novice Horse Open II Champion. Ontario once again had the RC Beginner Champion in Michelle Mahabir and A Skirt Chaser.

Congratulations to all of our members and good luck for 2011. _



The Welsh Pony and Cob Association of Ontario will be holding a spring clinic on April 17th.Proposed clinic topics include saddle fitting, harness fitting and show ring attire. This will be an excellent clinic to get you ready for the upcoming show season. The plans for this clinic and clinicians are being firmed up. Please visit our website for further details and location information at www.welshpony.on.ca.

Welsh Pony and Cob High-Point Award Program for Central Ontario Pony ClubThe Ontario Welsh Association annually sponsors awards for the Central Ontario Region of Canadian Pony Club, to recognize a Purebred and a Half-Welsh animal that has accumulated the most points by participating in pony club events throughout the show year. The pony can be ridden by multiple riders throughout the show season to accumulate these points.

In 2010, the awards were sponsored by Howran Hills Farm of Peterborough Ontario. The successful owners of these fantastic ponies were presented with their awards in November at the Regional Pony Club banquet. The winner of the Purebred High-Point award was PPF Garnet, a 12h Chestnut Sec. A Welsh mountain pony owned by Michelle Treen and ridden by both Michelle Treen and Juliana Treen. Garnet participated in Prince Philip Games, Working Rally and Zone Championships for Prince Philip Games, accumulating 96 points.

The winner of the High-point Half-Welsh award - Wabibrook Tarragon – a 13h chestnut pony owned by Teri Lindsay and ridden by Olivia Gionet. Tarragon participated in Prince Philip Games, Show Jumping, Working Rally and at Regional Show Jumping Finals, accumulating 91 points.

Both ponies exhibited all of the qualities that Welsh owners are so proud of, showing their versatility and usefulness. This year’s recipients of these awards were presented with giant ribbons beautifully created by Nancy Codlin of Ribbon Works in Brooklin Ontario.

We are looking forward to seeing more Welsh ponies out competing in various disciplines in 2011. _

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Welsh Pony and Cob Association of Ontario Spring Clinicby Marie Howran

Purebred recipient

PPF Garnet

Half-Welsh Wabibrook Tarragonh h

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Update Winter 2011

Equine Guelph, with the support of 20 industry partners fromCanada and the United States, is launching a 20-page bilingualinteractive workbook titled Danger Detective on the Horse Farm,which teaches equine safety to youth through fun, engagingactivities.

Horses continue to be the #1 cause of agricultural animal injuriesto our youth; 67% of animal-related injuries to kids (19 and under)are caused by horses. In addition, machine run-overs are the #1cause of fatal injuries to youth on farms (Source: CanadianAgricultural Injury Reporting program). The combination ofhorses and equipment plus kids can add up to a disaster waiting tohappen.

The way to keep our children safe is through education, and EquineGuelph has rallied with the industry to present this significantproject. Major partners include: Canadian Agricultural SafetyAssociation (CASA), Equine Guelph, Kubota Canada, SSGGloves, Saddle Up SAFELY, System Fencing and Tack, Universityof Kentucky College of Agriculture (The Equine Initiative),University of Kentucky HealthCare, Alberta Farm Safety Centreand Workplace Safety Prevention Services. All equine federationsare on-board, including: Alberta Equestrian Federation, EquineAssociation of Yukon, Fédération équestre du Québec, HorseCouncil British Columbia, Island Horse Council, Manitoba HorseCouncil, New Brunswick Equestrian Federation, NewfoundlandEquestrian Association, Nova Scotia Equestrian Federation,Ontario Equestrian Federation and Saskatchewan HorseFederation.

Partners will be distributing 55,000 workbooks to kids aged 10-12years, available through: EquiMania! (Can-Am and The Royal),federation exhibits at shows and events, industry retail locations,classrooms (in Alberta) and federation mailings.

This project was made possible by a significant fundingcontribution from CASA, a national non-profit organizationdedicated to promoting health and safety on Canadian farms andranches. “CASA is pleased to support an initiative within thisunique agricultural industry; one that is uniting to create a strongpartnership to keep its kids safe,” says Marcel Hacault, executivedirector of CASA.

For more information on how to obtain a Danger Detective on theHorse Farm Activity Workbook, please contact yourprovincial/territorial equine federation.

-By: Henrietta Coole

helping horses for life

Equine Guelph

Partners of Equine Guelph’s safety initiative “Play Safe. It’s HorseSense!”gather and have some fun modeling horse hats that bear a safetymessage for kids. Back row (l – r): Jackie Bellamy, Equine Guelph;John Aird, Workplace Safety Prevention Services; Gayle Ecker, EquineGuelph; Catherine Barker, Ontario Equestrian Federation; SusanRaymond, Equine Guelph; Ed James, SSG Gloves; Brenda Snape, SSGGloves. Front row (l – r): Henrietta Coole, Equine Guelph; Dwayne Job,System Fencing and Tack; John Gilliland, Kubota Canada; TammieKarsten, Workplace Safety Prevention Services.

Equine Industry Unites on InternationalSafety InitiativeEquine Guelph + 20 Partners Support Youth Safety Workbook

Photo by Gary Brown

INSIDE Volume 8, Number 1

Gene Genie ..............................................2

Let Food be Thy Medicine...........................3

A Year to Remember for Equine Guelph .......4

Where Research Dollars are Coming From....5

Do Spring Cleaning for YourHorse’s Health ..........................................6


2 Equine Guelph

EQUINE RESEARCH UPDATE

Biological science was forever changedwhen the human genome project mapped outthe sequence of our DNA in 2003. Itremains one of the largest singleinvestigative projects in modern science.This project made parallel studies possibleand the genetic make-up of the horse wascompleted in 2007.

OVC researcher, Dr. Scott Weese is goingboldly forward — looking into what has beenreferred to as the “2nd genome” by studyingthe microbial residents of a horse’s gut.When you consider that ahorse is thought to have100 times more bacterialcells in its intestinal tractthan ‘horse’ cells in itsentire body, the scope ofthis 2nd genome becomesapparent. New andinnovative technologyrecently developed tostudy this area is simplygroundbreaking. Onemajor breakthrough hasbeen the development of‘Next GenerationSequencing’ and this fall,the University of Guelphwas the first laboratory inCanada to obtain a newNext GenerationSequencing system, theRoche JS Junior. With theequipment andtechnology to perform Next GenerationSequencing, and the expertise present at theUniversity in equine infectious diseases, thehorse industry stands to reap the benefits.

Currently, diagnosis for diseases pertainingto gut function is difficult, mainly becauselittle is known about the gut in health ordisease. For example, even with severediarrhoea (colitis), a cause is only identifiedin 30 – 40% of horses. Next GenerationSequencing will allow researchers to explorehuge components of DNA and assess many

bacteria at once (between 70 – 100,000 inone fecal sample). This is a giant leapforward from traditional moleculardiagnostic methods which are very timeconsuming and look at only one sequence ofDNA at a time, an astronomical advancefrom traditional culture-based methods. “Weare looking at faster and better ways todiagnose disease” says Weese. “Little isknown about gut content! If we can figureout what the gut normally looks like, we canfigure out ways to treat and prevent disease.

There are several types of bacteria in the gutwe don’t even have a name for yet.”

Through studying the complex bacterialpopulation of the gut, which is comprised oftrillions of bacteria and up to 1000 differentbacterial species, Dr. Weese will beexamining the components that are critical tohealth. There is more evidence now drawinglinks between gut function and a healthyimmune system or metabolic diseases, andeven potentially obesity and cancer. “Thereis a huge potential impact because thebacterial population is so complex and it is

interacting with the body” says Weese. “Weare trying to sort out what goes on, what bugsare present, how they interact, how theychange and how we can potentially changethem.” Better understanding of gut flora willprovide important information regardingeffective feed conversion and could haveapplications for diagnostics surroundingcolitis, diarrhea, colic and lead to betterprevention methods. Results could lay thefoundations for future applications usingprobiotics to improve gut health. Intestinal

disease is a common problem in the horse,ranging from mild colic to rapidly fatalcolitis (severe diarrhoea). The gut microflorais probably involved in various other morecommon conditions such as gas colic andpasture-associated laminitis, so anunderstanding of what happens in thoseconditions may be useful to help determinebetter ways to prevent them. NextGeneration Sequencing could change howthe next generation uses diagnostics.

-By: Jackie Bellamy

Gene GenieUnbottling Genetic Mysteries

Photo provided by 454 Sequencing© Roche Diagnostics

Next Generation Sequencing allows researchersto explore huge components of DNA and assessmany bacteria at once.

Imagine the costsavings to theindustry if newways to preventcolic (the #2killer rightbehind old age)could beidentified, savingowners fromexpensivetreatment andpotentiallysaving horse’slives.


EQUINE RESEARCH UPDATE

Let Food be Thy MedicineSo Much More Than Just Minty Fresh

Has YourVoice BeenHeard?Equine IndustrySurvey 2011

Thank you to all the participants who visitedwww.EquineGuelph.ca and completed theindustry survey launched on Feb 1st 2011.Equine Guelph marches ahead into their 8thyear of service — continuing to develop award-winning programs and responding to industryneeds. Knowledge gained from the surveyresults will allow Equine Guelph to continue toidentify areas of research that are of highestpriority to the horse industry, improve anddevelop equine education programs, enhancecommunication of horse-related information tothe horse industry and identify trends amongdifferent equine industry groups.

If you have not participated inEquine Guelph’s Survey - Doit before March 31st!You can help us plan ahead tomake our next 10 years acontinued success!

In days of yore an ounce of prevention wasworth a pound of cure and the pharmacywas in the garden.

Pardon the pun, but drugs of today holdtheir roots in plant products. Take aspirinfor example; Hippocrates of ancient Greeceused willow leaves which contain salicylicacid to reduce fever and relieve the aches ofa variety of illnesses long before thesynthesis of acetylsalicylic acid.

"Medicinal plants are the major resourcefor pharmaceutical drugs," says Dr. WendyPearson, (Post-Doctoral Research Fellow;Dept. Plant Agriculture). Pearson has beendocumenting some very exciting findingsusing an extract of Spearmint (High-Rosmarinic Acid Mint or HRAM) to inhibitpain in joint cavities.

With all the herbal products on the markettoday promising magic and miracles, howdoes one separate folklore and myth fromfact? Wendy proudly explains that thebioactivity of HRAM is supported by 3years of scientific study, both in cell cultureexperiments and in an 8-horse equine study.Results from horses in her study support ananti-inflammatory role of HRAM whichmay render it successful in reducingsymptoms and progression of arthritis.

"Lameness and arthritis are major causes oflay ups. The research is exciting because it

places solid scientific data behinddevelopment of a product with the potentialto reduce time off and may prove a betterchoice than Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS)," Says Dr.Pearson, a three-time Guelph grad nowstudying medicinal plants for horses.

Although this mighty mint is not on themarket yet, license options are in the worksand product launch is not far away. Thebenefits to horse owners includepalatability and ease of administration.Using mint to treat arthritis may prove aviable alternative to using NSAIDS likephenylbutazone, particularly because itdoes not exhibit the side effect of speedingup cartilage breakdown.

Dr. Pearson’s equine study, funded byOMAFRA, has also generated interest forthe applications of mint extracts as atreatment for humans with osteoarthritis.OMAFRA is also funding the human study.Dr. Pearson is funded by SelectedBioproducts Ltd and an Industrial ResearchFellowship from the Natural Sciences andEngineering Research Council. Othersinvolved in this research are Dr. Laima Kott(Research Scientist; Dept. PlantAgriculture), Dr. Ron Fletcher (ResearchAssociate; Dept. Plant Agriculture) and Dr.Mark Hurtig (Dept Clinical Studies).

-By: Jackie Bellamy

Equine Guelph 3

Dr. Wendy Pearson’s research finds mint can play a role in reducing arthritis symptoms

TillMarch31st!

Photo by Dr. Michael Lindinger


4 Equine Guelph

UPDATE ON EQUINE GUELPH’S WORK

From debut local performances at the OutdoorEquine Expo in Arkell to the 860 kilometrejourney to the first-ever North Americanhosting of the Alltech FEI World EquestrianGames (WEG) - EquiMania! has hit an alltime record for exposure!.

For 16 days, Lexington’s Kentucky HorsePark hosted 507,022 spectators and most arenow EquiManiacs! Many commented theyhad never seen an equine display of thismagnitude. Equine Guelph’s display wastouted as “the most hands-on attraction at thehorse park.” 62,000 children came to WEG.Over 200 school kids lined up at a time to seeEquiMania!. Staff spoke with residents ofmore than 50 countries and our online courseswere a hot topic due to the variety and qualityof our scientifically based programs. “Kidsare hungry for equine knowledge,” proclaimsGayle Ecker, Director. “No one leftEquiMania! without learning something newabout horses, their care and safety.”

Many visitation inquiries from equestrianorganizations all over the world resulted fromour presence at the Kentucky Horse Park. Thisfeat could not have been achieved withoutexcellent sponsors and superb volunteers.

Partnerships and loyal, committed sponsorshave made EquiMania! a mainstay at showslike the Can-Am All Breeds Equine Emporiumand The Royal Winter Fair. After anothersuccessful Can-Am, Ross Miller, president,stopped by Equine Guelph to present a cheque,donating funds to the educational programs.Ross commented, “I am pleased to give thischeque to Equine Guelph. Part of Can-Am’smandate is to give back to the horse industry.We are very fortunate to be in a provincewhere we have Equine Guelph at theUniversity of Guelph.”

The 2010 Royal Agricultural Winter Fairallowed over 23,000 eager school kids theopportunity to learn about safety and horsesense while navigating their way through the

Family Fun Zone in which EquiMania! was amain attraction. “We are delighted with ournew location at the Royal. “This helps increaseawareness of the horse industry and explainviable careers awaiting youth in the industry,”says Gayle Ecker, director, Equine Guelph.

Equine Guelph thanks all their volunteers andsponsors for another successful year at theRoyal: Kubota Canada, Ontario EquestrianFederation, Pfizer, Shur-Gain, SSG Gloves,Standardbred Canada, System Fencing andWorkplace Safety & Prevention Services.

Equine Guelph also thanks all the sponsorswho made the presence of EquiMania! atWEG a reality: Alltech, UK HealthCare,Kentucky Children’s Hospital, Pegasus,Saddle Up Safely, Safe Kids (Fayette County),SSG Gloves, Triple Crown and the KentuckyHorse Park.

Never before has EquiMania! spent this muchtime on the road covering so many high profileevents all in one year.

A Year to Remember for Equine Guelph!2010 Puts EquiMania! on the World Stage

EquiMania!, the most hands-on attraction at the Kentucky Horse Park!

BringEquiMania!

to your Event

[email protected]

Photo by Sharon Grose


4 Equine Guelph


From debut local performances at the OutdoorEquine Expo in Arkell to the 860 kilometrejourney to the first-ever North Americanhosting of the Alltech FEI World EquestrianGames (WEG) - EquiMania! has hit an alltime record for exposure!.

For 16 days, Lexington’s Kentucky HorsePark hosted 507,022 spectators and most arenow EquiManiacs! Many commented theyhad never seen an equine display of thismagnitude. Equine Guelph’s display wastouted as “the most hands-on attraction at thehorse park.” 62,000 children came to WEG.Over 200 school kids lined up at a time to seeEquiMania!. Staff spoke with residents ofmore than 50 countries and our online courseswere a hot topic due to the variety and qualityof our scientifically based programs. “Kidsare hungry for equine knowledge,” proclaimsGayle Ecker, Director. “No one leftEquiMania! without learning something newabout horses, their care and safety.”

Many visitation inquiries from equestrianorganizations all over the world resulted fromour presence at the Kentucky Horse Park. Thisfeat could not have been achieved withoutexcellent sponsors and superb volunteers.

Partnerships and loyal, committed sponsorshave made EquiMania! a mainstay at showslike the Can-Am All Breeds Equine Emporiumand The Royal Winter Fair. After anothersuccessful Can-Am, Ross Miller, president,stopped by Equine Guelph to present a cheque,donating funds to the educational programs.Ross commented, “I am pleased to give thischeque to Equine Guelph. Part of Can-Am’smandate is to give back to the horse industry.We are very fortunate to be in a provincewhere we have Equine Guelph at theUniversity of Guelph.”

The 2010 Royal Agricultural Winter Fairallowed over 23,000 eager school kids theopportunity to learn about safety and horsesense while navigating their way through the

Family Fun Zone in which EquiMania! was amain attraction. “We are delighted with ournew location at the Royal. “This helps increaseawareness of the horse industry and explainviable careers awaiting youth in the industry,”says Gayle Ecker, director, Equine Guelph.

Equine Guelph thanks all their volunteers andsponsors for another successful year at theRoyal: Kubota Canada, Ontario EquestrianFederation, Pfizer, Shur-Gain, SSG Gloves,Standardbred Canada, System Fencing andWorkplace Safety & Prevention Services.

Equine Guelph also thanks all the sponsorswho made the presence of EquiMania! atWEG a reality: Alltech, UK HealthCare,Kentucky Children’s Hospital, Pegasus,Saddle Up Safely, Safe Kids (Fayette County),SSG Gloves, Triple Crown and the KentuckyHorse Park.

Never before has EquiMania! spent this muchtime on the road covering so many high profileevents all in one year.

A Year to Remember for Equine Guelph!2010 Puts EquiMania! on the World Stage

EquiMania!, the most hands-on attraction at the Kentucky Horse Park!

BringEquiMania!

to your Event

[email protected]

Photo by Sharon Grose

Equine Guelph 5


Where Research Dollars are Coming FromHow This Translates Into Practical Applications for you, The Horse Owner

We Need Your HelpEquine Guelph is making a change in our fundraising efforts in order to saveevery dollar we can. Appeals will no longer be sent out as exclusivemailing campaigns. To be more efficient and cost effective, donationforms will be distributed with our spring and fall Newsletters.

We value your support.

For donations by phone or mail, please contact: 1-888-266-3108.To donate online please visit: www.EquineGuelph.ca and clickon “Donations”.

Donations to Equine Guelph can also be made by credit card (Visa orMastercard) or by cheque. Please make cheques payable to University ofGuelph/Equine Guelph. An official tax receipt will be sent for donations over$10. Our charitable registration number is 10816 1829 RR 0001.

Please return to:Equine Guelphc/o Alumni HouseUniversity of GuelphGuelph, ON, N1G 2W1

Equine Guelph also offers a memorial program to honourdeceased horses or people. Please call the office for details.

Over the past 2 years, our Newsletters havebrought you an increasing number ofresearch articles funded through EquineGuelph. It is easy to argue that EquineGuelph research is important to the benefit ofthe health and welfare of horses, but thequestion ‘who should fund it’ arises? Threeof the funding partners of Equine Guelphhave long recognized the value of research –the Ontario Racing Commission, theHorsemen’s Benevolent and ProtectiveAssociation of Ontario and the E.P. TaylorFoundation (now administered through theUniversity of Guelph). These agenciesprovide the dollars shown in theaccompanying graphs, and have sponsoredapproximately 70 projects in the past 5 years,and we thank them profusely for theirforesight.

The University of Guelph audit found anincredible 10 to 1 ratio of the return-on-investment of dollars expended on appliedagricultural research sponsored byOMAFRA at the University.

Dr. Wendy Pearson’s work on medicinal

plants is an example ofapplied research, and shouldgive marketable products inthe near future.

Dr. Scott Weese’s work onthe genetics of bacteria isbasic science. It may taketime to develop usableproducts from the data, butthe drugs will be powerfuland targeted antagonists ofspecific diseases once theyare developed.

Another project showingincredible returns to the horse industry isProf. Peter Physick-Sheard & Dr. KimberlyMcGurrin’s transvenous electricalcardioversion (TVEC) treatment. 100% ofthe racehorses treated for atrial fibrillation atthe University of Guelph have gone back towork. This surgery has become commonpractice and has been adopted in the U.K andU.S. Prof. Physick-Sheard’s work has beenattracting interest from human researchers aswell.

We are looking at ways to increase funding,because we believe that expanding theresearch base will enhance the value of theresults to the industry. Future Newsletterswill report on our efforts recruiting newsources. The results of the survey (see page3) will help us plan this exercise. We havealready made changes in our appeal fordonations – even small donations add up –and this is one way you can help right now.

-By: Dr. Jeff ThomasonCo-chair Equine Guelph Research Committee

Funding levels have remained stable since 2003, except for2008 and 2009 when the ORC were able to provide more.


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Equine Guelph, University of Guelph tel: 519.824.4120 ext. 54205, fax: 519.767.108150 McGilvray St., Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1 [email protected] • www.EquineGuelph.ca

March 18 – 20EquiMania! atCan-Am Equine All Breeds Emporium

March 25 – 26Groom One OrientationCountry Hill Farm, Goodwood, ON

April 23 & 24Equine Anatomy Workshops

May 9 – July 31Groom One Online Course

May 9 – August 7Equine Guelph’s Online Courses(Summer Offerings)

June 10 – 12Canada’s Outdoor Equine Expo

November 4 – 13EquiMania! atthe Royal Agricultural Winter Fair

Anyone wishing to excerptEquine Guelph should contact:Jackie Bellamy, ext [email protected]

Events

Mark your calendar!Do Spring Cleaning forYour Horse’s HealthEquine Guelph Tools in SeasonSpring has sprung! This is the season of birth and renewal, fresh energy, starting over andorganizing life – for yourself and your horse.

How about a spring cleaning of your horse’s health records?

Horse Owner Spring Cleaning List:✔ Have I given my horse an overall health check lately? (pay special attention to body

condition score following winter) ✔ Vaccinations up to date? ✔ Booked an annual vet visit? ✔ Deworming needs assessed? ✔ Checked my horse’s teeth lately? ✔ Farm up to snuff for disease prevention? ✔ Farrier needs addressed for spring? ✔ New feeding program in place for the change of season?

Equine Guelph makes spring cleaning a snap with help from its online healthcare tools. Goto www.EquineGuelph.ca and check out our interactive, educational tools created for horseowners: Vaccination Equi-Planner, Biosecurity Risk Calculator, Journey through theJoints, The Horse Health Check and watch the EQUID Blog for developing news.

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

Photo by Dean Palmer


Every issue, Blundstone Footwear gives one lucky reader a new set of boots –

winners choose their style. For more info, visit www.blundstone.ca.

Please visit www.HORSEJournals.com to subscribe and post your ad.Questions? Call Nathan at 1-800-299-3799, ext. 211, or email [email protected]

This is a limited time offer and does not include stallion or real estate photo ads.

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Whoa! spring2011

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