whoa! fall2012

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www.horse.on.ca | 1 Jessica Phoenix Reflects On The Ride Of A Lifetime Celebrating Ontario's NAJYRC Riders Boost Your Equine Knowledge At OEF Conference Stay Safe On The Trail In Hunting Season Jessica Phoenix Reflects On The Ride Of A Lifetime Celebrating Ontario's NAJYRC Riders Boost Your Equine Knowledge At OEF Conference Stay Safe On The Trail In Hunting Season Jessica Phoenix Reflects On The Ride Of A Lifetime Celebrating Ontario's NAJYRC Riders Boost Your Equine Knowledge At OEF Conference Stay Safe On The Trail In Hunting Season Fall 2012 www.horse.on.ca Canada Post Publications Mail Agreement #40946006 The Official Newsletter of The Ontario Equestrian Federation • 1 West Pearce Street, Suite 201, Richmond Hill ON L4B 3K3 The Official Newsletter of the Ontario Equestrian Federation

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Page 1: Whoa! fall2012

www.horse.on.ca | 1

Jessica PhoenixReflects On The RideOf A Lifetime

Celebrating Ontario'sNAJYRC Riders

Boost YourEquine KnowledgeAt OEF Conference

Stay Safe On The TrailIn Hunting Season

Jessica PhoenixReflects On The RideOf A Lifetime

Celebrating Ontario'sNAJYRC Riders

Boost YourEquine KnowledgeAt OEF Conference

Stay Safe On The TrailIn Hunting Season

Jessica PhoenixReflects On The RideOf A Lifetime

Celebrating Ontario'sNAJYRC Riders

Boost YourEquine KnowledgeAt OEF Conference

Stay Safe On The TrailIn Hunting Season

Fall 2012www.horse.on.ca

Canada Post Publications Mail Agreement #40946006The Official Newsletter of The Ontario Equestrian Federation • 1 West Pearce Street, Suite 201, Richmond Hill ON L4B 3K3

The Official Newsletter of the Ontario Equestrian Federation

Page 2: Whoa! fall2012

2 | WHOA! Fall 2012

IIISSII INSURANCE SERVICES®INTERCITY

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www.horse.on.ca | 3

NEWS4 President’s Message 4 Executive Director’s Message 6 Ontario Equestrian Federation Quarterly Report 10 New OEF Council Members10 OEF Associations Council Update 10 OEF Director Named President Of Ontario Trails Council10 BFLCanadaTakesTheReinsAsOEFOfficial Insurance Provider12 Introducing Our New Staff12 2012 OEF Recreation Funding Recipients Announced14 Ontario Fairs Welcome First Safe Strides Program14 2013 Membership Renewals Available In November17 Ontario Equestrian Federation Model Member Award18 Strong Performances At NAJYRC Bring Home Medals For Ontario Dressage Riders19 NAJYRC - Sportsmanship Award Tops Off Silver And Bronze Medals For Eventers20 NAJYRC - Canadian Endurance Team Takes Gold With Only Team To Finish Event21 Jumping Team Faces Tough Course In Stormy Weather At NAJYRC22 NAJYRC - Ontario Reiners Medal Despite Fierce Competition24 Top Hunter Derby Horses To Vie For $50,000 At Royal25 Team Ontario Wins Bronze At Canadian Interprovincial Equestrian Championships

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT26 Jessica Phoenix - An Olympic Dream Comes True

THERAPEUTIC SPOTLIGHT29 Healing With Horses For 35 Years

AROUND THE BARN31 Is Your Barn A Horse Facilities Member?

MANE EVENTS33 2012 Competitions33 OEF Conference Has Something For Everyone!34 OEF Conference Schedule35 OEF Conference Registration Form38 Become A Director On The OEF Board39 Notice Of AGM40 Spirit of the Horse40 Canadian Cowgirls Set To Dazzle At The Royal42 Horse Depot Coming To Canada's Largest Indoor Farm Show42 Canada's Largest Pets Show Adds Equestrian Showcase

COACHES CORNER44 Toronto's Mounted Unit Takes Riding Skills To New Levels45 Ontario Athlete Assistance Program Update

ASK DR. BOB46 Drought: What Can We Do?

ASK MIKE50 What Do I Do If I Have A Claim And What Happens After I Do?

ON THE TRAIL52 Tips To Ride In Harmony On Multi-Use Trails53 Stay Safe During Hunting Season53 Meeting A Horse On the Trail53 Best Practices for Horses on the Trails

NUTRITION55 Transport And Nutrition

LEGAL LOWDOWN57 Do Your Neighbours Love Your Horses?

SPECIAL FEATURE60 Canada's Riders Give Their All Despite Challenges At 2012 London Olympics62 Ontario's Jody Schloss Makes Paralympic Debut63 Equestrian Association Keeps University Students Connected To Their Passion

BREED & DISCIPLINE UPDATE65 Arabian Association Brings Breeds Together In Combined Show Format65 Gearing Up For The Royal After A Successful Summer66 Gloomy Weather Didn't Put A Damper On Miniature Horse Club Clinic66 Clinic Offers Forum for Driving Discussion67 OCTRA Riders Take Top Honours At Stormont Endurance Ride67 Rainy Weather Didn't Dampen Spirits At Annual All- Breed Trail Ride68 New Faces At Reining Shows Cap Off Great Season68 Morgans Are On The Move At Events Across The Province69 Breeders Realize Long-Time Dream With Olympic Contender

EQUINE GUELPH 71 Fall 2012

Correction:In the summer issue of WHOA! we inadvertently missed photo credits on the images illustrating the Equestrian Icons feature, Celebrating Ontario’s World Class Racing Icons, on pages 24-25. The photos of Sandy Hawley, Roger Attfield and Tammy Samuel-Balaz were taken by Michael Burns Photography and provided courtesy of the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame.

1 West Pearce Street, Suite 201, Richmond Hill, ON L4B 3K3Tel:905-709-6545•Fax:905-709-1867

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

is published quarterly byONTARIO EQUESTRIAN FEDERATION

Contents

Yoder Farm’s Duke is a Percheron stallion owned by John and Margaret Northcote, True North Percherons,Arthur,ON.

©Lynn Cassels-Caldwell www.horsephotos.ca

Fall 2012

Allan Ehrlick President 905-854-0762

Al Patterson 1st Vice President 905-659-1132

Grant Field 2nd Vice President 905-888-1226

Martha Worts Treasurer 905-751-4625

Jack de Wit Secretary 905-655-4666

Jeremy Denouden Director 905-669-7196

Ken Denouden Director 416-409-8614

Mark Dobrindt Director 905-892-9769

Susan Legge Director 289-221-2279

Marc Nicols Director 705-435-9229

Sarah Pratt Director 905-751-4623

Lindsey Reeve Director 905-424-1151

Paul Richardson Director 905-838-1809

Bonnie Simpson Director 705-438-5752

Ontario Equestrian FederationBOARD OF DIRECTORS

Publication DatesWinter 2013 / deadline December 7Spring 2013 / deadline February 8Summer 2013 / deadline May 31Fall 2013 / deadline September 6

Copyright,includingelectronic,belongstotheOEF.Allrightsreserved.Articlesand letters are welcome from all members but must be signed and include a phonenumber.Thepublisherreservestherighttoeditarticlesandlettersduetospacerestrictions.

The Ontario Equestrian Federation is the umbrella organization committed to equine welfare, and to providing leadership and support to individuals, associationsandindustriesinOntario'shorsecommunity.

STAFFDianne GrahamExecutive [email protected]

Catherine BarkerOperations [email protected]

Melissa MonardoMarketing [email protected]

Brandon HallExecutive [email protected]

Melissa KosowanCommunications [email protected]

Kim BanksMarketing [email protected]

Lesley McCoyMembership Services [email protected]

Mackenzie BodnarMembership Services [email protected]

Gillian Ross ErasmiCoaching [email protected]

Charlayne SzafranskiAdministrative [email protected]

Angelique HomanCompetition [email protected]

Stephanie RutherfordProgram Administrator- First Safe [email protected]

Pam CoburnProgram Administrator - Horse [email protected]

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4 | WHOA! Fall 2012

Tuesdayisalso"DerbyNight"attheRoyal.TheHunterDerbyisa truly unique class that is as fun and exciting for spectators as itisforexhibitors.With$50,000upforgrabs,thisisamust-seeevent that demands athleticism, handiness and boldness from horseandrider.

November is also the month of our OEF Annual Conference on Nov. 23-24.We hope you can find the time to attend thisimportanteventtolearnmoreabouttheOEF,memberbenefitsandhowyoucanget involved.Theannualgeneralmeetingwillbe held on the Friday and will be followed by a free party, during which the OEF Annual Awards and the People Make a Difference Awardswill be presented. Saturday is chalk full of educationalsessionscoveringawiderangeoftopics.Nomatterhowlongyouhave been in the horse industry, there is always more to learn and thisisagreatopportunity.

Until then, I wish you a safe and enjoyable fall riding season! �

Allan H.L. Ehrlick, President

President’s Message

Executive Director’s Message

The busy summer show season has come to a close for another year and fall fairsareinfullswingacrosstheprovince.For some, it’s a time to breathe a sigh of relief as hectic competition schedules winddown. For others, it’s only just thebeginning.

While every fair has its own unique tradition, the most venerable of all is the RoyalAgriculturalWinterFair.Everyyear,the Ontario Equestrian Federation has the privilege of taking in part in this historic

show.Thisyearisnoexceptionandwehopeyouwillbeabletojoinus.

Tuesday,Nov.6promisestobeparticularlyexciting.Wewillonceagain be hosting the Spirit of the Horse ring and encourage you to stop by to meet beautiful horses, learn about different breeds and disciplinesandwatch informativedemonstrations.We inviteallOEFmemberstobeourspecialguestsfrom5:30p.m.to7p.m.at the Spirit of the Horse ring for our annual Member Appreciation Day. It’sagreatopportunitytomeetfellowequineenthusiasts.

It is that time again when the year draws to a close and horse shows begin to wind down that we hear words like “placings” and“qualifying”and“championships.”Ithas struck me that winning can be many things and is not always relegated to the showring.

Winning can take on many different forms fordifferentpeople.Forsome,winningisreceiving the red ribbon, while for others its reaching personal goals. Sometimes,a success can even be perceived as a

disappointmentuntilreflecteduponatalatertime.

Over the past year, the horse industry as a whole has faced unprecedented challenges. Some of these have beenadministrative in nature while others have threatened the very foundation of some facets of the industry. Each challenge hasbeen a battle, but you can be rest assured that the OEF has fought hardwitheverychallengepresentedandwillcontinuetodoso.

As in any situation, there will be those who agree with what you aredoingandthosewhofeelthatanotherpathisrequired.Thisisa valid concern, but to do nothing makes this, or any, organization irrelevantandpurelyadministrative.Inaperfectworldwewouldbeabletopleaseeveryoneandbesuccessfuleverytimewetry.However, if you never try you will never succeed and failure is a part of the process.When I look back at some of themostsuccessful accomplishments of my life I realize that at the time the results felt like a tremendous let-down

Sometimes when we think that a battle is lost, in reality a path has beencreatedwherewecanbesuccessfulanotherday.Takethepositive from your disappointments and move forward, creating somethingbetterthanwhatyouhad.Youmayfindthattheresultissomethingmorewonderfulthanyoueverdreamedpossible.

Winning can, at times, involve compromise and this I have learned maybeanunpopularoptionforsomeparties.Passionisalwaysa requirementfortruesuccessbutitcanoftenmakeitdifficulttofocusandmanage.

Igetdiscouraged,believeme.IquestionhowIcandobetter,helpmorepeople,makeridingsaferandprotectmorehorses.Iwonderhow to make the OEF more relevant and better positioned in the industry, how to develop and identify equestrian talent and how toprovideincreasedbenefitstoyou,ourmembers,andmakeyouproudtobepartofthisorganization.

We deal with the government on zoning issues, on horse welfare issues, reach out to other organizations, visit and work with provincial government members and look for new program and marketingopportunitiestocreatevisibility.

DoIwin?Notalways.ButsometimesIgetacallfromsomeonewho says that we have made a real difference in their lives, like the person who tearfully called to thank us for trying to protect her way of life or the little girl who gave me a hug for bringing her a whiteribbonforthe“RibbonsforRides”program.Onebattleatatime,weareconstantlyedgingforward.Perhapsthatismywinning.

In this season of thanks, I ask us all to think about our successes this year andhow they changedour lives for thebetter. If ourfailures are our classroom, we need to treat them as such so that wemaylearnanddetermineabetterpathmovingforward.�

Dianne Graham, Executive Director

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News

HUMAN RESOURCES• Longtime staff member Susan Bell had a healthy baby girl on

September 19 and is currently on maternity leave• TheOEF officewelcomed four new staffmembers over the

summer: • Mackenzie Bodnar, membership services• Stephanie Rutherford, program administrator – First Safe

Strides • Brandon Hall, executive assistant• Charlayne Szafranski, administrative assistant

MINISTRY OF TOURISM, CULTURE & SPORTSPORT PRIORITY FUNDING• The OEF applied for Sport Priority funding from the Ministry of

Tourism, Culture and Sport to help support strategic planning andafullreviewofthecurrentbylaws.Unfortunately,wewereunsuccessfulinaccessingfunding.

BASE FUNDING• TheOEFhasbeennotifiedthatitwillmaintainitsbasefunding

support for the 2012/2013 reporting year, but will see a decrease of 5% for 2013/2014 and a further decrease of 5% inthe2014/2015year.Othersportsarefacingsimilarfundingreductionsthatwillposechallengesformany.

• Staff has met with the OEF’s sport consultant to discuss and identifyareasofimprovement.

PARNTERSHIPS & COLLABORATIONSSWIM CANADA• Dianne Graham met with Pierre Lafontaine, CEO of Swimming

Canada and head coach of the national swim team, to learn aboutswimming’sathletedevelopmentprograms.

Fédération équestre du Québec (FEQ)• Dianne Graham spent a day in Montreal with Richard Mongeau,

FEQ executive director to learn about FEQ’s programs and identifyareaswheretheOEFcanimprove.RichardisgoingtospendadayattheOEFofficeinNovember.

INSURANCE• After a thorough tender process, BFL Canada has been named theofficialinsuranceproviderforOEFbeginningJan.1,2013.

NEW PROGRAMSFIRST SAFE STRIDES - FAIR PROGRAM• Program administrator Stephanie Rutherford has attended

21 agricultural fair horse shows across the province since July. Currently focusing on understanding the needs of anddeveloping a relationship between the OEF and the fair directors andcommitteemembers.TheOEFiscurrentlypreparingshowadministrativematerialsavailableforusein2013.Plansarealsounderwaytohostahorseshowplanningworkshopin2013.

HORSE FACILITIES COUNCIL• Program administrator Pam Coburn is working to redevelop the HorseFacilitiesCounciltomakeitmorerelevantintheindustry.

• Has met and discussed partnering with shared interest groups including the Ontario Camp Association, Municipalities that license facilities, Municipal Law Enforcement OfficersAssociation,etc.

• Exploringpertinentbenefitsthatcanbeoffered• Will be conducting a general membership survey to learn

more about public perception of the program and areas of improvement.

• Releasing a new membership application package

COMPETITIONSCANADIAN INTERPROVINCIAL EQUESTRIAN CHAMPIONSHIPS (CIEC)• TheOEF sent five riders (four Jumper and oneDressage) to

represent Ontario at the 2012 CIEC in Bromont, QC over the weekendofSept.21-23.

• Team Ontario member Helen Chambers won the Individual Junior Jumping Championship and Team Ontario received the bronzemedalintheteamJumpingcompetition.Seepage25formoredetails.

EQUINE MEDICATION CONTROL PROGRAMDRUG TESTING• Drug technicians have attended competitions every weekend sinceMay.TheOEFisontracktomeettheestablishedtestingtargets: 20% of all bronze competitions, 40% of silver, 60% ofgoldcompetitionsandallplatinumcompetitions inOntario.Drug technicians have attended 107 shows to date in Ontario, with412samplestested.

• Ontariohasexperiencedtwopositiveteststodatein2012.

RECREATIONFUNDING• Applicationshavebeenreceivedforthefirstroundoffunding.

The Recreation Funding program provides $25,000 in support of trail development, improvement andeducation. A secondapplication round will be accepted, and the application deadline isNov.30.

COACHING/EDUCATIONCOACHING• Hosted NCCP/EC Equestrian Theory workshops in Val Rita and

Richmond Hill• Hosted Instructor of Beginner workshops in Val Rita and

Pickering• Hosted a NCCP/EC Competition Coach Analyze Performance

and Competition Coach Specialist Eventing Workshop in Ottawa• Hosted a Competition Coach Evaluation in Collingwood• EightsuccessfulEnglishInstructorofBeginnersCertified• FoursuccessfulCompetitionCoachSpecialistsCertified–two

Dressage and two Eventing

CONFERENCE• Workingwithcommitteetofinalize2012conference

MARKETINGSPORT PROMOTION• AGuideforNewRiders–Tips forfirst timehorseback riders

and parents• Will be offering an introductory guide to riding lessons.Content is based on the national coaching certificationprogram, learn to ride program and Horse Facilities Council standards.

• Will be available from the OEF office, special events,Greenhawkretaillocations,fairs,ridingschools,etc.

TheOntarioEquestrianFederation (OEF)continuouslyworksonbehalfof itsmembers todevelopnewprograms,createnewbenefitsandimproveequestrianactivityinOntariothroughouttheyear.Toensureitsmembersareawareoftheworkbeingdone,everyissueofWHOA!willnowincludeaquarterlyactivityreportthatwillhighlightcurrentprojectsandthosethathavebeencompleted.ArticleswithinthisissueofWHOA!willprovidemoredetailsonthesevariousprojects.

Ontario Equestrian Federation Quarterly Report

Page 7: Whoa! fall2012
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Where Horse People Come First

I GOT GREAT STUFF AT PICOV’S!

PICOV’S380 KINGSTON ROAD. EAST, AJAX, ON. L1Z 1W4

PH. (905) 686-0948 ,TOLL FREE: (800) 661 –9622EMAIL: [email protected]

STORE HOURS: MON. TO SAT.: 10-6, SUN.: 12-5 VISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.picovs.ca

At the Royal Winter Fair

“Tuscany” Italian Leather Field BootsMade with Premium Italian Leather.

Fully leather lined. These semi custom field boots

have a full back zipper, stretch gusset and contoured ankle

for superior fit.Royal Special $345

Bonus! Free Deluxe Boot Bag

*While quantities last. Available at Picov’s Booth at the RWF only. No Rainchecks. Quantities will be limited on some items. No substitutions. **SEE STORE FOR DETAILS.

5/a Baker Belt.Great with Breeches or Jeans!(reg.$49.99) Sizes Sm, Med, L, XL.Royal Special $39.99*

Horse Hair BraceletsGet them to match

your horse!$12.99

With Silver Trim$16.99

Tuscany Zip Paddock Boots

Black. Ladies sizes 6-10(reg.$169.99)Royal Special

$89.99*

Ariat BancroftZip Boot is a sharp winter paddock boot built for ridingin any condition.

Brown. Ladies Sizes 6-10(reg. $189.99)Royal Special $89.99*

Equi-ComfortPlaid Breeches

Knee Patch(reg. $79.99)

Royal Special $39.99*Full Seat

(reg. $99.99)Royal Special $49.99*

Winter Breeches(reg. $129.99)

Royal Special $59.99*

Classic Long ChapsLadies sizes: xs,s,m,l,xl.

Colour : Champagne only.(reg. $299.99)

Royal Special $79.99*

Ariat Riding Boots,Western Boots,

Terrain Boots and More.(reg. $129.99~$229.99)Royal Special $89.99*

Page 9: Whoa! fall2012

I GOT GREAT STUFF AT PICOV’S!

PICOV’S

380 KINGSTON ROAD. EAST, AJAX, ON. L1Z 1W4PH. (905) 686-0948 ,TOLL FREE: (800) 661 –9622

EMAIL: [email protected] HOURS: MON. TO SAT.: 10-6, SUN.: 12-5

VISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.picovs.ca

“ContourPedic”Saddle PadsOver 30 Colours To choose from.

A/P, Dressage and Pony.Royal Special $24.99*

November 2nd To 11th 2012

Baker Winter Turnout300gm fill. 1200D

Navy Blue. 68”- 84”Royal Special $149.99*

(reg.$199.99)Baker Turnout Sheet

No Fill. Navy or Hunter Only.Royal Special $119.99*

Where Horse People Come First

Perri’s Leather HalterAmish Made in The U.S.A.

Bonus! Free leather lead and brass plateWith Purchase*(Valued at $39)

*While quantities last. Available at Picov’s Booth at the RWF only. No Rainchecks. Quantities will be limited on some items. No substitutions. **SEE STORE FOR DETAILS.

Get 3 initials Embroidered

for free**

Rambo New Market

Stable Blankets60’’ to 87’’

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Amigo Hero PlusTurnout Blankets

200 gm. of FillDetachable hood Included

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Royal Special $99.99

Equipe Half Pads

Quilted top withFleece Lined Bottom.

(reg. $39.99)Royal Special

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Plaid Wool Fitted Cooler68” to 84” (reg.119.99)Royal Special $49.99

Get a $20 Gift Card with every Bucas Horse Blanket Purchase*

Bucas and MastaDog Blankets $24.99Free Embroidery*

$79.99 & up

Page 10: Whoa! fall2012

10 | WHOA! Fall 2012

OEF Associations Council UpdateBy Bonnie Simpson

I would like thank everyone for their patience and understanding whileIhavebeensick.AspecialthankstoJackdeWit,CatherineBarkerandPamCoburnforcoveringforme.ThegoodnewsisIhaverecoveredandIambacktowork.

We encourage everyone to attend our upcoming Associations’ CouncilmeetingonNov.23at4p.m.attheDeltaMeadowvaleinMississauga.WewillhaveguestspeakerCatherineRasowhoisanexpertinboardgovernance.Shewilladdresstheissuesandimportanceofbettergovernanceforallgroups.Pleaseseetheschedule for this year’s conference in this issue of WHOA!

Next year’s meetings: �Feb25,2013at07:00pm,OEFOffice,RichmondHill �April15,2013at07:00pm,OEFOffice,RichmondHill �Sept16,2013at07:00pm,OEFOffice,RichmondHill � AGM Fall 2013 TBA

Ride Safe! Ride Smart! �

News

The Ontario Equestrian Federation is pleased to announce BFL Canada as its new insurance provider, a company with equine experience to offer OEF members

thecoveragethatmattersmosttothem.

“We are very excited to be working with BFL Canada to provide new opportunities and programs for our members,” says Dianne Graham,theexecutivedirectoroftheOEF.“Itwillbeaseamlesstransition for ourmembers andweare confident theywill findBFL Canada thorough, helpful and knowledgeable about what mattersmosttohorsepeople.”

In addition to providing OEF members with automatic personal liability insurance, as well as accidental death and dismemberment coverage, BFL Canada also offers additional optional coverage tailoredtothespecificneedsofthehorseindustry.BFLCanadabecomes the new provider on Sept. 1, 2012 and covers anynewmembers after that date.Any current 2012memberswillcontinue to receive coverage with their current provider until the endoftheyear.

New OEF Council MembersThe OEF is pleased to introduce NEW 2012 Council members:

INDUSTRYCanadian International Farm ShowCornerstoneInsuranceBrokersLtd.L&D Equine First AidNewAwakeningsWellnessCentreInc.Nisco National LeasingThe HartfordTSC StoresWestern Fair District

HORSE FACILITIESGrass StablesWindy Hill Stables

Pleasevisitwww.horse.on.catoviewacurrentlistingofallOEFCouncil members and learn about the products and services they provide. The OEF appreciates the support that OEF Industrymembers provide, and encourages WHOA! readers to support OEFIndustry,HorseFacilitiesandAffiliatemembers!

For more information on how you can promote your business please contact Melissa Monardo [email protected],1-877-441-7112or905-709-6545ext.17. �

OEF director Jack de Wit has been re-elected as president of the Ontario Trails Council, a charity that promotes the development, preservation, management and use of recreational trails in Ontario.

De Wit has served as president of the Ontario Trails Council for thepastfiveyearsandalsoservesasthevice-presidentoftheCanadian Trails Federation, a united voice for trails throughout Canada.

BFL Canada is the largest, employee-owned commercial insurance brokerage inCanada. Itsequineteam,operatingoutofTorontoandOttawaoffices,hasbeenprovidinghorseindustryinsuranceproductstoequestriansandtheirassociationsforover16years.The BFL team consists primarily of lifetime horse people who have elected tomake insurance their career. As a result,OEFmembers have access to highly trained insurance professionals thatunderstandtheneedsofthehorseindustry.

“My family and I have been members of the OEF for almost 30 years,” says Sara Runnalls, FCIP CRM RIBO, vice-president andassociateofBFLCanada.“It feelsverysatisfying toknowthat after everything the OEF has done for the horse industry in Ontario, and for me personally as a horseperson and competitor, my team and I are now able to give back by providing the OEF and its membership with the best possible insurance products and riskmanagement advice. The equine teamatBFLCanadalooks forward to serving the OEF and its membership with professionalismandpride.” �

BFL Canada Takes The Reins As OEF Official Insurance Provider

Among the projects the Ontario Trails Council is involved with isthecreationofanequestriantrailinWiarton,ON.thatdeWithopeswillbecomplete in2013. Inhisroleasvice-presidentofthe Canadian Trails Federation, he will be working closely with the federalgovernmenttotrytosecurefundingfortrails.

ABrooklin,ON. resident,deWithasservedon theOEFboardfor the past 10 years and currently serves as board secretary and chairoftherecreationcouncil.�

OEF Director Named President Of The Ontario Trails Council

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12 | WHOA! Fall 2012

Charlayne SzafranskiAdministrative Assistant

Charlayne was introduced to horses at a very young age by her grandfather. Sheinherited his love for horses when he would takehertothebarnonSundays.Charlaynealways wanted to ride and finally begantaking riding lessons a couple of years ago.Sheabsolutelylovesitandadoresherequinepartner,Robert.Shelooksforwardto learning more and becoming a better

rider.Anactiveperson,whenCharlayneisnotatthebarnshecanbe found participating in sports. She particularly enjoys cyclingand skiing and also takes part in canine sports with her twodogs.�

News

Introducing Our New Staff...

Stephanie RutherfordProgram Administrator - First Safe Strides

Stephanie Rutherford is the new program administrator for the OEF’s new First Safe Strides program, an initiative designed to help educate and support Ontario’s fairs in providing safe introductoryhorseshows.

Stephaniecurrently livesinOrono,ON.onherfamily’sheritagefarm where they raise beef cattle and train Morgan horses.Stephanie competes in breed shows under saddle and in harness, as wellasindressageandhorsetrials.

After graduating from Fleming College, Stephanie travelled andworked in thecorporateandnon-profitsectors, includingamuseum where she created marketing materials, helped with educational programming and assisted with exhibit design and setup.

Stephanie’s resume also includes the development of a riding programthroughYamnuskaInc.,anoutdooradventurecompany.The seven-week program, based out of the National Army Cadet SummerTrainingCentreinCochrane,AB.,taughthorsemanshipand riding skills to advanced army cadets to enable them to trek byhorsebackthroughthemountains.

Stephanie has also instructed downhill skiing for eight years in OntarioandB.C.,andrecentlyattainedherCoachLevel1forskiracing.�

Mackenzie BodnarMembership Services Rep

Mackenzie comes to the OEF from a background in administrative work in the government and not-for-profit sectors.In addition, Mackenzie has managed equestrian centres, volunteered with the running of clinics and shows and worked asasummercampandridinginstructor.Anative of Durham region, when Mackenzie isnotattheofficeshecanbefoundkicking

around the barn with her AQHA gelding who has been patiently helpingherlearnthedisciplineofreining.Inhersparetimesheenjoysreading,playingherfiddleandcreativewriting.�

Brandon HallExecutive Assistant

Brandon’s natural passion for animals has taken him from the Toronto Veterinary Emergency Hospital where he worked as the communications/marketing manager, to now fillingtheOEF'sexecutiveassistantposition.Having also competed on the Central East Trillium circuit as well as select A level shows, Brandon is excited to be able to

combine his love for animals and the equine industry into his new role.Duringoutofofficehours,Brandonenjoystraveling,familynights out and is typically seen with his dog, Spencer, tagging alongbesidehim.�

2012 OEF Recreation Funding Recipients AnnouncedThe Ontario Equestrian Federation is pleased to announce we have $25,000 available for recreation funding opportunities for member clubs of the Recreation Council. The program isdesigned to fund educational programs and trail development for equestrian communities in Ontario and is an important step in the futureofrecreationalequestrianactivitiesintheprovince.

First Grant Recipients Selected

The OEF is pleased to announce the following successful applicants who will be receiving money through the 2012 Recreation Funding Program:

• Eastern Ontario Miniature Horse Association• Renaissance Riders Recreational Riding Club• Southern Ontario Trail Riders Club

We will be offering another application opportunity for the Recreation Funding Program in 2012. Application forms andinformation are available on our website at www.horse.on.ca.TheapplicationdeadlineisNov.30,2012at4pm.

Forfurtherinformationontheprogram,[email protected].�

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14 | WHOA! Fall 2012

After receiving funding earlier this year from the Ontario Trillium Foundation to start First Safe Strides, an OEF initiative to provide resourcesandsupporttohorseshoworganizersatOntario’sfairs,theprogramisupandrunning.

The First Safe Strides program is intended to support fair boards as they design and implement safe horse shows, and to act as a soundingboardwhenadviceisneeded.ThegoalisfortheOEFtobecomearesourceforhorseshoworganizersandassistthemindevelopingcompetitionsthatadheretonationalsafetyandproceduralrequirements.

Stephanie Rutherford was hired on as the program administrator of the First Safe Strides program and has spent the summer visiting varioushorseshowsacrosstheprovinceandwillcontinueuntiltheendofthefairseason.

WhenvisitingashowastheFirstSafeStridesrepresentative,Rutherfordisabletoseetheshowfromanexhibitor’sperspective.Thisincludesareviewofthegroundslayout,organizationofshowcommittee,flowofshow,classesoffered,factorsaffectingexhibitorturnout,feedbackfromexhibitors,recommendationsonhowtochangeorimprovetheshow,andotherdetails.Attheconclusionoftheshowseason,Rutherfordwillbecontactingthefairsshehasattendedtofollowupwithshowdirectorsandcommitteemembers.

In addition to sending the First Safe Strides representative to horse shows, the OEF is currently preparing show administrative materialsavailableforusein2013.Plansarealsounderwaytohostahorseshowplanningworkshopin2013.

Ifyouareashowdirectororcommitteememberandwouldlikemoreinformation,pleasecontacttheOEF.Aswedevelopane-maildatabase,showdirectorsandcommitteeswillbeupdatedwithplanningsuggestionsfornextyear’sshowseason.

StephanieRutherfordcanbereachedat1-877-441-7112ext.12ors.rutherford@horse.on.ca.�

News

Ontario Fairs Welcome First Safe Strides Program

2013 Membership Renewals Available in NovemberThe 2013 OEF membership renewals will be available in November and notices will be sent out in the mail or by email, dependingonthemethodyouselectedonyour2012application.It is important to note that membership rates are not changing in 2013.However,theOEFisnowrequiredtochargeHSTonallitsfees.Foryourconvenience,thepublishedmembershiprateswillincludeHST.

Here are a few tips to make sure that your membership form is completed properly to ensure that your membership can be processedpromptlyandaccurately.

Include your birth date – Due to your automatic insurance coveragewemusthavearecordofyourbirthdate.

Sign and date your form – please ensure that you sign and date your application form. Incomplete applications cannot beprocessedandwillbereturned.

Privacy policy – By law, you must give us permission to send you any correspondence that goes through a third party i.e. amailhouseoremailservice.Pleasebesuretoreadtheprivacypolicyandansweraccordingly.Ifyoudonotchecktheboxthenwe cannot send you OEF mailings including WHOA!, the Ontario Horse Directory, email notices, etc. Please note that the OEFDOESNOTsellitsmembershiplists.

Submitting an Application – we can only accept membership forms that are completed online or hardcopies that are returned via fax, mail or in person. We cannot accept membershipapplicationsover the telephone. Acceptable formsofpaymentareVisa,MasterCard,Cheque,MoneyOrderorCash(inpersononly).�

Page 15: Whoa! fall2012

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

DEADLINE: applications must be received in the OEF Office by 4:00pm on Friday December 7th, 2012

IMPORTANT: The application must be completed IN FULL and accompanied by all required original documentation by December 7th, 2012 in order to be considered for a 2013 Youth Bursary. Faxed or emailed applications will NOT be accepted.

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

CRITERIA FOR APPLYING: v OEF Junior member in good standing between the ages of 14 and 17 as of January 1st, 2013 (2013 OEF membership

application for yourself and your coach must accompany your 2013 Youth Bursary application in order to be valid) v Currently attending high school in the Province of Ontario

APPLICANT INFORMATION:

Name: OEF Membership #: Date of Birth: mm / dd / yy

Address:

City: Province: Postal Code:

Phone: Fax: Email:

Parent/Guardian: TOTAL Gross Household Income/Support: $ (Household income/support must be stated or application is incomplete)

Total # of Adults In Household: Total # of Children/Youth In Household:

List any special Awards/Recognition received: Are you an active volunteer? Please list where you volunteer

Areas of Equine Interest (i.e. Hunter, Jumper, Eventing etc): Do you own your own horse? Yes No Other: How are most of your equestrian endeavours paid for? Money Transportation Other: What challenges do you face in pursuing your hobby? Money Transportation Other: Are you a member of or pursuing: 4H Club Pony Club Rider

Levels

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

Coach Name: Phone:

** Please include a reference letter from your current coach if applicable ** RIDING EXPERIENCE: None Little Moderate Experienced Lessons with a coach? Yes No If yes, how long

Member of a school team? Yes No If yes, what sport(s)

SCHOOL INFORMATION:

High School Name: Address:

Phone #: Fax #: 1. Please provide an original copy of recent report card detailing your Grade, Subjects and most recent Marks and have your Principal sign

and date

ESSAYS REQUIRED: 1. In 200 words or less, please describe your interest and experience with horses (attach a separate sheet) 2. In 200 words or less, please indicate how you would spend the bursary funds if they were awarded to you (attach a separate sheet)

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

LOCAL MEDIA: Please list the names of your local media (community newspapers etc.) 1. 3. 2. 4.

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

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

Signature: Date: (applicant)

Signature: Date: (parent/guardian) Please send completed application to: Ontario Equestrian Federation, 1 West Pearce St, Suite 201, Richmond Hill, ON L4B 3K3

p: 905-709-6545 f: 905-709-1867 tf: 1-877-441-7112 e: [email protected] w: www.horse.on.ca

Page 16: Whoa! fall2012

16 | WHOA! Fall 2012

Page 17: Whoa! fall2012

www.horse.on.ca | 17

News

The OEF is very pleased to announce a new and exciting award that will recognize outstanding individuals in the equestrian community, whetherinsport,leisure,businessorotherwise.TheOEFModelMemberAward will be bestowed on those that exemplify superior acts of good sportsmanship,benevolence,comradeship,etc.withinthehorseindustry,regardlessofdiscipline.

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

In an effort to acknowledge Model Members, the OEF will present all recipientswithblackwoolcoolersthatincludetheOEFlogo.SuppliedbyBrubacher’s Harness and Saddlery, the coolers will be presented to the recipientsduringaspecialpresentationarrangedbytheOEF.

Please note that the OEF Model Member Award is a separate award from the OEF Annual Awards and can be presented at any timethroughouttheyear.TheOEFModelMemberAwardwillonlybepresentedtothosewhoaremostdeserving.FormoreinformationpleasecontactCatherineBarkeratc.barker@horse.on.caor1-877-441-7112ext.23.

Nominee’s Name: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Address:_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

City: __________________________________________________________________ Postal Code: _________________________________________

Telephone: ______________________________________________________ Email: _____________________________________________________

Nominated by: _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Address: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

City: __________________________________________________________________ Postal Code: ________________________________________

Telephone: __________________________________________________________________ Email: ________________________________________

Please outline why you feel this person is deserving of the OEF Model Member Award.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

ONTARIO EQUESTRIAN FEDERATION 1 West Pearce Street, Suite 201, Richmond Hill, Ontario, L4B 3K3

phone 905-709-6545 • fax 905-709-1867 • tollfree 1-877-441-7112 • email [email protected] • website www.horse.on.ca

Ontario Equestrian Federation Model Member Award

Page 18: Whoa! fall2012

18 | WHOA! Fall 2012

ADEQUAN/FEINORTH AMERICAN JUNIOR & YOUNG RIDER CHAMPIONSHIPSPRESENTED BY GOTHAM NORTH

Strong Performances At NAJYRC Bring Home Medals For Ontario Dressage Riders

News

Canada’s junior and young Dressage riders represented their country and respective provinces well at the North America JuniorandYoungRiderChampionships(NAJYRC),heldJuly17-22inLexington,KY.

The NAJYRC is the premier equestrian competition in North Americaforjuniorandyoungridersbetweentheagesof14-21.Young equestrians come from around the continent to vie for medals in Show Jumping, Dressage, Eventing, Endurance and Reining.

The weather, as usual, was very hot and humid but was punctuated by a number of storms bringing much rain, the occasional strong winds and some great light shows. TheDressage riderswereveryfortunatetheirscheduledodgedthestorms.And,asusual,thefootingwasfabulousthroughout.

Competing in Kentucky requires a heightened awareness of hydration of both human and equine athletes. Fitness andhydration leading up to the competition and monitoring throughout can never be emphasized enough. The horses arrived in greatform this year and the riders did an excellent job monitoring them throughouttheshow.

AllOntarioDressageriderswereattheparkbyMondaymorning.The jog took place Tuesday afternoon with all horses being accepted.SpyCoastFarmonceagain sponsored thewelcomeparty for the riders and supporters from all disciplines attending thechampionships,providinggoodfoodandentertainment.

The Ontario Junior Team was represented for a second year by JonahFreedmanofTorontowithUlex,joinedbyfirsttime-teammembers Madison Lawson of Bondfield, ON. with McGuire,MariahSuttonofDrumbo,ON.withRenoirandKristinWightof

Wyoming,ON.withSirocco.Theirteamplaced5thintheteamcompetitiononWednesday.

Canada was not out of the medals though, with the Quebec Junior team winning gold. All riders moved forward to the individualcompetition on Friday where three Ontario riders placed in the top15(of36),allowingthemtomoveforwardtotheFreestylecompetition on Saturday. There, Laurence Blais Tetreault fromQuebec tookgoldwhileSutton captured the silver forOntario.Lawsonwas8thandWightplaced11th.

The Ontario Young Rider Team consisted of Alexandra Dvorak of Hillsburgh,ON.onFling,MeganLaneofLoretto,ON.onLuckyLemon, Alexandra Reid of Carlisle, ON. with VIP and AnnekaSutton of Drumbo, ON. with Fidelio. On Wednesday, in theteamcompetition, theOntario team placed fourth just 0.789%behind the bronzemedal team fromQuebec. In the individualcompetition on Friday, Reid captured the bronze just behind MonicaHouwellingofBritishColumbia,whowonsilver.

Five Canadian young riders moved forward to the freestyle where Houwelling won silver and Blais Tetrault from Quebec took bronze.ReidonVIPwere4thandLaneonLuckyLemonfinished9th.

The riders and their parents are very grateful to the OEF and the many sponsors and supporters who contributed in so many ways tohelpsendrepresentativestothechampionships.�

Jonah Freedman, Kristen Wight, Alex Reid, Anneka Sutton, Alex Dvorak, Megan Lane,MadisonLawsonandMariahSuttonrepresentedOntarioattheNAJYRC.

Photo credit: Nathalie Lawson

Mariah Sutton and Renoir were part of the Ontario Junior Team, which placed 5th inteamcompetition.

Photo credit: Nathalie Lawson

Page 19: Whoa! fall2012

www.horse.on.ca | 19

ADEQUAN/FEINORTH AMERICAN JUNIOR & YOUNG RIDER CHAMPIONSHIPSPRESENTED BY GOTHAM NORTH

Sportsmanship Award Tops O� Silver And Bronze Medals For Eventers

Canada’s Eventing teams had a strong showing at the Adequan FEI North American Junior and Young Rider Championship (NAJYRC),heldfromJuly18-22inLexington,KY.,bringinghomesilverandbronzemedals.

CanadawasabletofieldanOntarioteamofCCI*riders,asecondmixedteamofOntarioandQuebeccompetitorsattheCCI*level,andacombinedOntario/QuebecteamattheCCI2*level.

TheOntarioCCI*teamwasmadeupofKylieFigueiraofFenelonFalls,ON.ridingDanzig,DashaIvandaevaofRichmondHill,ON.riding Autorytet, Charlotte Evans ofWhitevale,ON. ridingMailOrder Bride and Haley Armstrong-Laframboise of Orangeville, ON. riding Roksolana. They delivered four clear Cross-Countryrounds,withonly1.6timepenaltiesforafinalcombinedscoreof185.8penaltypointsforthesilvermedal.Armstrong-Laframboisewasalsothetop-placedCanadianindividual,finishing9th.

Rachel McDonough of Etobicoke, ON. riding Irish Rhythm,ErinMacDonaldof London,ON. ridingTobias,SableGeisler ofPowassan, ON. riding Evil Munchkin and Quebec’s KatherineMartineauonH.M.AsSpiritsGo,rodeas“TeamCanada”attheCCI2* level.TheymanagedtoclaimthebronzemedaldespitehavingnodropscoreafterMartineauwithdrewH.M.AsSpiritsGopriortotheCross-Countrytest.

Individually, MacDonald and McDonough were the top two Canadiansinthefinalrankings,placing9thand10th.Inaddition,MacDonaldwashonouredwiththeCaptainAndrewB.DeSzinaySportsmanshipAward.

The third Canadian team, representing Ontario and Quebec,

included SeanMcIntosh of LaSalle, ON. onWild T’Mater,MiaDover Terrettaz of Ottawa on Etoile, Hannah Galway of Toronto onD’JionandQuebec’sGenevieveBoutinonCurioso.Theteamplaced5th in theCCI* teamcompetitionout of a total of nineteamsfromacrossNorthAmerica.

“We had an amazing bunch of kids this year,” says Team Ontario chef d’equipe, Caroline Morshead. “I heard so many timesthroughout the week that we had the most fun-loving group, but at the same time theywere so focused and professional. Theteamspiritwasphenomenal.Thefriendshipsthatwereformedand the skills they learned, riding as a team, will stay with them forlife.”

The Ontario Young Riders program would like to extend their sincere thanks to chef d’equipes Caroline Morshead, Lori MacDonald and Eve-Marie Frappier, team coach Peter Gray, and teamveterinarianKathrynSuraskyDVM.

They would also like to express their gratitude to their generous sponsors: the Ontario Equestrian Federation, which donated the entry fees, SSG Gloves, Tipperary, Greenhawk, Avid Equestrian, McKeePownallEquineServicesandLoriMacDonald.

Grandview Farm, owned by international Eventers Bob Holman and Sarah Irving, graciously hosted the Team Ontario training camp during the week of July 9 and Cara Whitham provided her Dressage expertise for a clinic prior to the NAJYRC. JohnMacPherson and many of the riders’ personal coaches also gave generouslyoftheirtimeduringthechampionships.�

Ontario CCI* riders Haley Armstrong Laframboise, Dasha Ivandaeva, CharlotteEvansandKylieFigueiraproudlyshowofftheirmedals.

Photo credit: Glyn EvansOntarioCCI*riderHaleyArmstrong-LaframboiseonRoksolanawasonthesilvermedalwinningteamandplaced9thindividually.

Photo credit: Kim MacMillan/MacMillan Photography

News

Page 20: Whoa! fall2012

20 | WHOA! Fall 2012

ADEQUAN/FEINORTH AMERICAN JUNIOR & YOUNG RIDER CHAMPIONSHIPSPRESENTED BY GOTHAM NORTH

News

Canadian Endurance Team Takes Gold With Only Team To Finish Event

Two Ontario riders were part of the gold medal Canadian Young Rider Endurance Team at the 2012 Adequan FEI North American JuniorandYoungRiderChampionships (NAJYRC) inLexington,KY.

TheCanadians,which includedLeeHuttenofChesterville,ON.ridingParkerAES,EmmaWebbofFlesherton,ON.ridingSerlokiandJessicaYavisofWinfield,AB. ridingJahlad,were thesoleteamtocompletethe75-MileFEICEI4*EnduranceChampionship,heldonJune20,2012,attheKentuckyHorsePark.

The Endurance race, a true test of horse and rider stamina, perseveranceandteamwork,beganat6:30a.m.withatotalof16youngridersheadingoutontrailwiththeirequinepartners.TheCanadianteammembersfinishedthe75-mileracethreeabreastwiththeirhandsraisedinavictorysaluteat4:10p.m.foratotalcombinedteamtimeof21hours.TheymadethedecisionoutontrailtofinishtogetherasateamandtoallowtheFEIofficialstodeterminetheirindividualplacing.

Throughout the duration of the race, the horses were examined by veterinary staff a total of four times to ensure their fitnesstocontinue.Followingeach“vetcheck,”eachhorse/riderteamentered into a mandatory “hold” to allow the horses and riders a period of rest and time to refuel. The ride time for each ofthe Canadian team members to complete the 75-mile race was seven hours, earning each of them placing in the top 10 individual standings, with Hutten on Parker AES placing 5th, Webb and Serlokiplacing6thandYavisandJahladplacing7th.Thisistrulyan outstanding achievement and an indication of exciting times to come for Canada on the endurance stage!

Both Hutten and Webb got their start in distance riding as members of the Ontario Competitive Trail Riding Association

by Misha Green

(OCTRA). Hutten has completed 1,040 miles and Webb hascompleted2,099milesinOCTRA-sanctionedcompetitions.

Hutten started riding at eight years of age and showed Arabian horses before she was introduced to the sport of Endurance.She is currently a student at the University of Guelph, entering her third year of the bachelor bio-resource management program withanequinemajor.

This ride in 2012 was Hutten’s fourth appearance at the NAJYRC in Kentucky, riding Parker AES, an Ontario-bred Arabian gelding ownedbyherfriendandcoach,DessiaMiller.

Webb was born and raised with horses and has enjoyed many aspectsoflifethroughriding.Intravelingwithherhorsesshehasseen how beautiful this continent is and how diverse it can be, alwayspresentingnewchallengestomeetfromthesaddle.Webbrecently graduated from Grade 12 and hopes to spend the next year focusing on endurance racing.Her goals includeNAJYRCin 2013 and possibly FEI World Endurance Championships for Juniors & Young Riders in France in 2013!

Webb credits much of her success on the world stage to the unwavering support of her family and Nancy Beacon, an Equine Canada Hall of Fame member, as well as Robert Gielen, a member of the Canadian Endurance Team and top Canadian EnduranceathleteattheWorldEquestrianGamesin2010.Webbis also especially appreciative of the support of Jan Worthington, pastmemberoftheU.S.EnduranceTeamandtheownerofhermount,Serloki.

Both Hutten and Webb hope to continue to qualify to represent Canada in the sport of Endurance on the international stage! �

Canadian Endurance team members Lee Hutten on Parker AES, Jessica Yavis on JahladandEmmaWebbonSerlokicross thefinish line,withfists in theair, totakegold.

Photo credit: Allen MacMillan/MacMillan Photography

Adorned with their gold medals, Lee Hutten, Jessica Yavis and Emma Web stand proudlyonthepodium.

Photo credit: Allen MacMillan/MacMillan Photography

Page 21: Whoa! fall2012

www.horse.on.ca | 21

ADEQUAN/FEINORTH AMERICAN JUNIOR & YOUNG RIDER CHAMPIONSHIPSPRESENTED BY GOTHAM NORTH

Jumping Team Faces Tough Course In Stormy Weather At NAJYRC

News

This past July Ontario had the opportunity to send three riders to contest the 2012 North American Junior Young Riders Championships(NAJYRC)heldinLexington,KY.

Jacqueline Steffens of Harriston, ON., Taylor Mulligan ofMerrickville,ON.andZoeBeckermanofToronto,ON.wereselectedasrepresentativesatthisprestigiousevent.Ontario’sthreeriderswereenoughtobeateam,butnotenoughtohaveadropscore.Fortunately, two other Canadian riders – Amelia Vernon and Justin Prather – from Calgary allowed for a combined team to be formed, consistingofateamoffourridersandoneindividualrepresentative.

Wednesdaybrought thefirstdayofcompetitionandanominouslooking bank of clouds looming over the Kentucky Horse Park.Thecoursewassetandridershadmadetheirplan.FortheJuniorYoungRidersthefirstroundwasaTableASpeedClass,withthegoalbeing the fastestclean round.ForSeniors, itwasaTableCClass with faults converted to time. Any faults incurred in thisphasestayedwiththeriderthroughouttheindividualcompetition.

Three riders, including Jacqueline Steffens, managed to start the course before the lightning started. Due to the severity of theweather, the organizers elected to postpone all other riders until 8 a.m.thefollowingmorning.

WiththesunshiningThursdaymorning,thecompetitionresumed.Unfortunately, due to the speed class being carried over from thepreviousday, this created a schedule conflict. Thursdaywassupposed to be the Nations Cup day, Friday was supposed to be a dayoffwiththeindividualfinalonSaturday.Becauseofthedelay,theNationsCupwasmovedtoFridayat5p.m.inthemainstadium.With no room to move the events from Saturday morning to another time, it became apparent the conditioning work the riders had done in preparation for the championships would be put to the test!

TheNationsCupwasbuiltverysolidlybyRichardJeffriesofEngland.

by Hyde Moffatt, Chef d'Equipe for Team Canada at NAJYRC 2012

Withmany good tests, and no room for error, it provided a finechallenge.TeamCanadahadonereturningYoungRiderfrom2011– Jacqueline Steffens – and three rookies challenging the Nations Cup.Togethertheyprovidedeachotherwithsupport,informationon the course and determination that drove them to a 5th place teamfinish.Alloftheridersagreedthatthiswasthegreatesttesttheyhadseeninthering,atestamenttothedifficultyofthecourse.ThreeU.S.zonesfailedtocompletethedayasateam.

Competition finished at 10:30 p.m. Thursday night, and it wassure to be a short night as horses were to be presented for the veterinary inspection for the individual finals thenextmorning at6:30a.m.,withthecompetitiontofollowat7:30a.m.Onceagain,theCanadianhorsespassedonfirstinspection.

In the championship format, faults incurred by a rider in every round, including the Nations Cup, are carried forward into the individual finalinwhichthetop25individualsqualifytocompete.CanadawasrepresentedatthatpointbyPrather,SteffensandMulligan.

Faults at the triple combination towards the end of the course for PratherandastopinadifficultlineforMulliganmeanttheywouldnotqualifyforthesecondroundoftheindividualfinal.Steffenshadagreatroundwithfourfaults,allowinghertocontinuetocompete.

With the field narrowed to 15 competitors, the course wasshortened,butmadeevenbigger.Atasolid1.45mthismadeforaformidable task, especially as this was the fourth round of jumping within16hours.Railswerefelledeverywherealongthewayasthecourseandthepressuretooktheirtoll.Awell-riddenroundoffourfaultssecureda13thplacefinishforSteffens.

The OHJA Young Riders Committee would like to thank the OEF for their contribution to funding the entry fees for each horse/rider combinationrepresentingOntarioatNAJYRC.Aswell, thanksgoto Running Fox,which kindly assisted the team in outfitting theOntario riders and chef d’equipe with jackets, golf shirts, caps and saddlepads.�

Chef d’equipe Hyde Moffatt and riders Anne-Sophie Milette, Justin Prather, Taylor Mulligan, Zoe Beckerman, Amelia Vernon and Jacqueline Steffens show theirCanadianpride.

Photo credit: Peter Steffens

JacquelineSteffensandQuercusVanGenerheseplaced13thinthefinalindividualstandings.

Photo credit: Sportfot

Page 22: Whoa! fall2012

22 | WHOA! Fall 2012

Ontario Reiners Medal Despite Fierce Competition

ADEQUAN/FEINORTH AMERICAN JUNIOR & YOUNG RIDER CHAMPIONSHIPSPRESENTED BY GOTHAM NORTH

News

The North American Junior and Young Rider Championships (NAJYRC)inLexington,KY.onceagainliveduptoitsreputationas a fun event that brings together North America’s best riders, includingtopReiningcompetitors.

From the opening ceremonies, the golf cart parade and welcome party at Spy Coast Farm, through the week’s activities and on to the closing ceremonies, it was jam-packed full of fun, learning, competitionandexcitement.

The welcome competition was back in the program again this year.Thiscompetitionaimstohelpreducenervesandgiveridersand horses a chance to get used to the big new Alltech Arena – air conditioned no less! The other disciplines envied the Reiners, who spent as much time as possible in the cool arena to combat thehotandhumidweather.

The order of go for the team competition was drawn for the team and then the horse/rider combinations that made up the teams were entered in rotation. Teams with four horse/ridercombinations had the luxury of dropping the lowest score while teamswiththreehorse/ridercombinationshadtocountallscores.

These riders meant business! When all was said and done, the Manitoba Junior Rider Team, which included Emily Wilson from Goodwood,ON. ridingMissCieloChex,won the silvermedal.Riders from different provinces may be combined to form a team, as was the case here, if there aren’t enough individuals from a provincetomakeupateam.ThecombinedYoungRiderTeamwithStarrBoisvertofOwenSound,ON.onStickToYourGuns,receivedthebronzemedal.

After a day’s rest, 20 riders went back to battle for the individual medals.Againtheyoungpeoplepulledoutallthestops.Attheend of the week, horses and riders were tired and ready to go home, but they all managed to keep a little extra in reserve and thecompetitionwasfiercerthanever.

ThecompetitionwasverycloseandsawtheCanadiansfinishingjust off the podium, with the exception of Haley Franc of Saskatchewan riding Jacs Shy Boy, who won the Junior Individual gold medal. During the event, Franc was coached by HarveyStevensfromIndianRiver,ON.whowasthrilledFranc’sfirsttriptotheNAJYRCendedsosuccessfully.�

EmilyWilsonofGoodwood,ON.ridingMissCieloChexwonthesilvermedalaspart of the Manitoba Junior Rider Team

TheCanadianridersshowtheirpatrioticspiritinthegolfcartparade.

Photo credit: Ian Maharaj

Submitted by Wendy Dyer, Reining chef d’equipe

Photo credit: Kim Maharaj

Starr Boisvert and Stick to Your Guns were part of the combined Young Rider Teamthatwonabronzemedal.

Photo credit: Kim Maharaj

Congratulations to all riders, horses & support staff who represented Ontario with such pride at the 2012 NAJYRC!

Page 23: Whoa! fall2012

www.horse.on.ca | 23 Subject to policy conditions and exclusions. Insurance products provided by Novex Group Insurance. Services available in Ontario through Canada Brokerlink (Ontario) Inc. ™ BrokerLink & Design is a trademark of Canada Brokerlink Inc. Used under license. © Copyright 2012 Canada Brokerlink Inc. All rights reserved. Certain conditions apply to all discounts.

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

As a member of the Ontario Equestrian Federation, you could save up to 15% on both your home and

auto policies and an additional 15% by bundling. To learn more, or to see if you qualify for preferred

discounts, call, meet us in person or visit BrokerLink.ca/OEF.

“As an OEF member, I saved$245 when I switched my homeand auto policies to BrokerLink.”

_ Lina L

Page 24: Whoa! fall2012

24 | WHOA! Fall 2012

News

The best 3’6” horses in the Canadian Hunter Derby Series will show off their jumping prowess and athleticism at the Royal Winter Fair as they compete for $50,000 and the Lorna Jean GuthrieChallengeTrophy.

The top horses from theEast (Quebec andOntario) andWest(AlbertaandBritishColumbia)qualifyingregionswillgoheadtoheadintheNationalFinalontheeveningofTuesday,Nov.6.Two$25,000 derbies, the Knightwood Hunter Derby and Hogan’s Inn Hunter Derby, will run back-to-back on what has been dubbed “DerbyNight.”Thehorsewiththehighestpointtotalinthetwoclasses will take home the Lorna Jean Guthrie Challenge Trophy as theCanadianHunterDerbyChampion.

“Only in its second year, the Canadian Hunter Derby Series has taken the show circuit by storm,” says Brian O’Leary, Royal WinterFairHorseShowChairman.“Atmanyshows, thisclassdrawsmorespectatorsthantheGrandPrix.Wearedelightedtobe able to host the national championships at this year’s Royal

A Hunter Derby combines a Hunter Classic with a Handy Hunter class in aone-round format. The talentsof horse and rider areshowcased over a challenging course with high performance, handy and “take-your-own-line” options. The result is a classthat’sasexcitingforcompetitorsasitisforspectators.

“We are encouraging the horses to jump bigger than they would normally see in the Hunters and we are encouraging the riders to take a lot of risks,” says Jeff Brandmaier, organizer of the CanadianHunterDerby Series. “I think itmakes it exciting forthe crowd because instead of everybody doing the same course, a good course designer sets jumps that you can jump in either directions, gives you option lines, so you will see so many differentstrategiesplayingout.”

What makes a Hunter Derby class unique is its challenging course that demands athleticism, handiness and boldness over both traditional Hunter and natural fences such as post and rail, stonewall,logsandhedges.Judgesrewardhandiness,boldness,brilliance and athleticism while still emphasizing style, manners, wayofgoingandsmoothness.

“The fun part about the class is that people go out there and they take a shot and you will see more rails hit the ground than you will in a normal Hunter class because people are trying different stuff,”saysBrandmaier.“It’salighteratmosphere,Ithink.”

In 2011 likeminded horsemen worked together to start the Canadian Hunter Derby Series by building on the success and tradition of established Hunter Derbies like The Knightwood Hunter Derby, founded in 1998 by Lorna Jean Guthrie. Withfond memories of riding years ago at the Royal Winter Fair in the Handy Working Hunter class, famous for its pen, coups and garden gates, Guthrie wanted to challenge a new generation of riderstopushtheirlimits.

“She was trying to stretch the boundaries of riders,” Brandmaier says ofhismother-in-law.“Itwastostretchyourboundariesovermore natural jumps, encourage the bigger gallop than you would haveintheHunterringandreallyencouragehandiness.”

From that initial class, the Canadian Hunter Derby Series was born to create more spectator, sponsor, owner and competitor interest in the Hunter divisions by providing opportunity for Hunter riders to take center stage in a Grand Prix environment and showcase thehighperformancecapabilitiesofhorseandrider.

In a Hunter Derby class, each competitor receives a score made upof threecomponents,up toamaximumof120points.Theclass is judged as a Handy Hunter class with each competitor receivingascoreoutof100.

There are also high performance option jumps that award two bonus points for each high performance option taken on the course, for instance taking a more challenging line option or selectingahigher jump.At leastfiveoptionswillbeofferedonthecourse.

Lastly, there is a “handy bonus” of up to 10 points that are awarded at the judge’s discretion for additional handiness and high performance displayed on course, including efficiency ofstride,uniqueturnsandapproaches,athleticismandboldness.

“The Hunter Derbies in Canada have inspired the sport and takenittoanotherlevel,”saysinternationaltrainerErynnBallard.“Competitorsarebeingchallengedandhavingfun.Theyaretakingthe next steps to own horses for the opportunity to compete in the Canadian Hunter Derby Series and $50,000 Championships attheRoyal.”:

For more information about the Canadian Hunter Derby Series visitwww.Hunterderby.ca�

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Top Hunter Derby Horses Vie For $50,000 At Royal Winter Fair

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AllieSchmidtridingWalkin

'Shoes.

News

Team Ontario took home the bronze medal in Jumping at the Canadian Interprovincial Equestrian Championships, which took placeinBromont,QC.fromSept.21-23.

The Jumping team, coached by Grant Field, who was also the chefd’equipe,wascomprisedoftwojuniorandtwoseniorriders.The junior riders included Dillon Sambasivam of Toronto, ON.ridingTraditionandHelenChambersofOakville,ON.,whowasnamed Overall Individual Junior Champion in Jumping on Utopia Belles. Benjamin Eyles of Mississauga, ON. riding Luczio andDenisSweeneyofPeterborough,ON.ridingFoxworthyweretheseniormembersontheteam.

In Dressage, Allie Schmidt of Campbellville, ON., coached bySimoneWilliams,was the lone rider representingOntario. Thejunior rider showed her horse, Walkin’ Shoes to a 12th place with 65.541%ondayoneofcompetition,an8thwith60.968%ondaytwoand,onthelastdayofcompetition,a7thplacefinishwithascoreof63.065%

Recognized as a pilot project, the Canadian Interprovincial Equestrian Championships is a collaborative event between the national and provincial sport organizations governing equestrian competition.Amulti-discipline competition, it is a key event inthe development of the next generation of national, international andworldchampions.Inadditiontoteamawards,theCanadianInterprovincial Equestrian Championships honour the individual juniorandseniorchampioninthedivisionsofJumper–1.1meter,Dressage–Level1,andReining.

In 2011, its inaugural year, the competition welcomed riders from sixprovinces.Thatnumbergrewtonineprovincesthisyear,withriders representing Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland,

Team Ontario Wins Bronze At Canadian Interprovincial Equestrian Championships

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Team Ontario representatives: chef d'equipe Grant Field, Allie Schmidt, Benjamin Eyles, Denis Sweeney,HelenChambersandDillonSambasivam.

Dillon

Overall Individual Junior

Champion Helen Chambers riding

UtopiaBelles.

Nova Scotia, British Columbia, New Brunswick, Quebec, Alberta andSaskatchewan.

The Ontario Equestrian Federation provided funding for participants and collaborated with OEF industry members to secure team uniforms, helmets and other exciting items exclusively for Ontario’steammembers.TeamOntario issponsoredbyBucasLtd., Brubachers Harness Supplies Inc., Equestrian FactoryOutlet, Greenhawk, SSG Gloves, System Fencing Limited and TipperaryEquestrian.

For more information, visit the Canadian Interprovincial Equestrian Championshipswebsiteatwww.cec-en.ca.�

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Member Spotlight

Aftertwomonthsofbeingawayfromhome,myfeetarefinallyback on Canadian soil and I’m thrilled with the Olympic-sized task that I’ve just accomplished. After eight years of training, withmany ups and downs, my dream of competing at the Olympics finallycametrueinLondon,England.

On Monday, July 9, Canada’s Eventing team arrived at Maizey Manor for a two-week stay to acclimatize our horses and prepare for the Games. The 220-acre English farm is situated in thesprawling countryside of South West England and boasts miles of grass gallops and an Olympic size all-weather arena for perfect footing.ThehostsatMaizeyManorweresowelcomingandevenorganized a few group activities, including skeet shooting for the entire team and a group gallop!

We spent our days training and our evenings unwinding in our thatched roof cottage, which looked like it was plucked from thepagesofa fairy tale.Our timespentherecreatedastrongcamaraderieamongtheteammembers.Wereallycametogetherand were feeling positive and ready to compete on the world stagewithallintentionsofreachingthepodiumasateam.

On Monday, July 23, we made our way to London’s Greenwich Park and set up camp in the unbelievably stunning Olympic venue. Themain arenawas a sight to behold,with seatingoneithersiderisingupintotheBritishsky.Thebarnswerepristineand Exponential, or Tucker as we call him at home, settled into his corner stall almost immediately. The most amazing thingabout the equestrian venue was that everything was built above thegroundtopreservetheWorldHeritageSite.EventheCross-Country course had to be built with great care so as not to disturbthehistoricalgroundthatwewererunningon.Obstacles,including ditches and water jumps, were built by adding earth to raise the ground level and then creating the jumps from this new“ground.”Thethoughtandeffortthatwentintothisismind-blowing!

With competition set to begin on Saturday, July 28, we trained twice a day, usually staying at the park in between rides for team meetingsandvariousactivities.Sincetheathletes’villagecangetquite rowdy, our team opted to stay in a hotel for the sake of our sanity! The Premiere Inn was a short 15-minute walk from the venue and was a clean and comfortable hotel that also housed a restaurantwherewemetintheeveningsfordinner.

With every day that inched closer to competition, the pressure mounted.I’mabigbelieverinblockingouttheenormityofwhatI’m about to tackle so that I can stay focused, which is exactly theapproachItookinLondon.Ithelpedmequellanynervesandblock out the pressure that was building among the athletes and inthebarns.Imademyselfbelievethatitwasjustanotherhorseshow.

Since the Eventing competition began the morning after the

Jessica PhoenixJessica PhoenixAn Olympic Dream Comes True

opening ceremonies, our team decided to watch the ceremony unfold from our hotel lobby. However, a few days before thiswe attended the flag-raising ceremony and it was a day I willnever forget. The flags of four to five countries were raisedsimultaneouslyasthesong“EyeoftheTiger”rangout.Canadiandignitaries were standing proud alongside Canada’s athletes, shaking our hands and congratulating us for making it this far in ourcareers.

We were packed in shoulder to shoulder with our fellow Canadians andasourflagwasraised,Iallowedmyselftorevelinthehugesense of accomplishment that I was feeling for having made it tothispoint.Eightyearsofperseveranceandtirelessworkhadfinallybroughtmetothismoment.LettheGamesbegin!

I was slated to ride my Dressage test on Sunday, the second dayofcompetition,andIwassolelyfocusedonthetaskathand.While Dressage is the most challenging phase for Exponential, I was thrilled with his test and especially his focus in the daunting mainstadium.Heperformedapersonalbestatthefour-starlevel,receiving 54.8 penalty points and landing us in 50th position.Despite being so far down the leader board, I knew the best was yet to come. Cross-Country is where Exponential shines andit’smyfavouritephaseofthethree-daycompetition.Iknewwewould move up the standings by a large margin and I could barely contain my excitement for the next day!

Cross-Country day came and Team Canada was ready to tackle the difficultcourse.Unfortunatelyourexcitementturnedtodisbeliefas each of our riders went out and experienced unanticipated troubles.IwasthefourthCanadiantogooutoncourse.Withtwoof our team members already having been eliminated for falls, including my close friend, Hawley Bennett-Awad, who was sent tohospital,IknewIhadoneveryimportantjobtodoformyteam.

Somehow I think Exponential knew this as well.We gallopedoutofthestartboxandtackledthefirstjumpwithoutquestion,continuingon to thenextobstacles.Exponentialunderstoodallof the jumps set before him and he was giving me everything I asked.Wewereridingasone,whichiswhatIlovesomuchaboutmy partnership with this horse, and it felt amazing!

Then came the only hiccup in our run: the rider who started ahead ofusfellandasaresultwewereheldoncourse.YoucanimaginehowdifficultitistoreelinaThoroughbredthatisinthemidstofgiving it his all, but Exponential was listening intently and as soon as I dropped the reins he pulled up and we went into the holding area.Afteralengthy15-minutewaitweweregiventheheadsupthatwewouldbebackoncoursewithinminutes.IpickedupthereinsandgotExponentialreadytocontinueourrun.Theycountedusdownoutoftheholdingpenandwewereofflikeashot.Myoff-the-track Thoroughbred showed his true colours, eating up the distancesbetween fences as if itwerenothing. Incredibly,wemade up time on the second half of our run and we crossed the

By Jessica Phoenix

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finishlinewithonly2.4timepenalties.Isimplycouldn’twipethegrinoffofmyface.Myboyhadmademesoproud!

OnthefinaldayofcompetitionIwastheloneCanadianridercompetingandmyfirstShowJumping roundwasasolemnone.Exponential and I knocked three rails in our first roundandwejustweren’tonourgame.IknewIhadtoregroupandrefocus for our second round, should we be lucky enough to beinthetop25.

As luck would have it, we were! We pulled up our boot straps – literally – and rode a wonderful second round, knocking one railandfinishingin22ndspot.NotbadforourfirstOlympics!When we exited the stadium I was overcome with gratitude formyhorse.Iimmediatelyjumpedoffofhimandgavehimagianthug.HegaveeverythingthatIaskedforthroughouttheentirecompetitionandIwasimmenselyproudofhim.

A short time later I was on my way from the barns to the main ring foran interviewwithCTVNews.As Iwasmullingoverwhat I would say to CTV, the highly publicized Royal Family passed by me within arm’s reach, having just watched our ShowJumpingrounds.Andthat’swhenithitme:Ihaddoneit! I had achievedmygoals and finishedmyfirstOlympics!An overwhelming and exhilarating feeling of accomplishment floodedoverme,andforthefirsttimesincearrivinginEngland,IallowedmyselftotakeinthemagnitudeoftheOlympics.

As a high performance athlete, you put everything you have – both professionally and personally – into achieving this one goal. To havemy husband, son,mom, dad and grandma inLondon cheering me on and to be recognized in that moment wasincredible.It’snotjustmewhomakessacrifices;it’smyentirefamily.Myaccomplishmentsaremostdefinitelytheirsas well.

I’m so proud to have been on the Canadian Team with a group ofridersthatIhavegreatrespectfor.Iamalsothankfultoallofoursupporterswhohavebeenwithusthroughoutthisjourney.As a team we felt like we had the entire country behind us and wecouldn’thavedoneitwithoutyou.

My focus now is the 2014 World Equestrian Games being held inNormandy,France.I’mexcitedtobebacktrainingmyupperlevel horses and some very talented younger horses that have beenwaitingsopatientlyforme.

I’d like to thank the Ontario Equestrian Federation for following ourroadtoLondon.Ithasbeenagreatpleasuresharingthisexciting time with all of you! �

Member Spotlight

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Therapeutic Spotlight

The Therapeutic Riding Association of Ottawa, better known as TROtt, has been serving children, youth and adults in the Ottawa area for over 35 years, providing a safe, structured, goal-oriented program thatincludesphysical,social,cognitiveandeducationalactivities.

It is TROtt’s mission to provide an exceptional therapeutic riding programthatwillenhancethequalityoflifeforriders.Amemberingood standing with both the Ontario Therapeutic Riding Association (OnTRA)andtheCanadianTherapeuticRidingAssociation(CanTRA),TROtt addresses the needs of children and adults with conditions such as cerebral palsy, developmental delay, spina bifida, stroke,head injury, multiple sclerosis, amputation, sensory integration dysfunction, learning and language disability, Downs Syndrome and visualimpairment.

Therapeutic riding can improve physical health, relax tight muscles, improve balance, build muscle strength, mobilize the trunk and pelvis, sharpen hand/eye coordination, improve social skills, and the sense of controlandself-confidenceastheriderexperiencesafreedomwhichhasoftenneverbeenfeltbefore.

Lelia Sponsel, who continues to advise the board of directors, founded theprogramatTROttin1975.ItwasthenknownastheGreenbeltRidingAssociationfortheDisabled(GRAD),withfourrentedhorses,ahandfulofvolunteersandaphysicaltherapist.Alogowasdesigneddepicting Pegasus, known in mythology as the protector of the spirit andguardianofthesoul.

In 1982, GRAD moved to Equidae Stables, just south of Ottawa, and the name was changed to TROtt. The stable owners, Nancyand Gordon Reid, have supported TROtt activities on their property eversince.Thefacilityincludesaheatedindoorarena,outdoorsandarena,activityrooms,viewinglounge,seminarroomandwashrooms.TROtthaseightCanTRAandEquineCanadacertifiedinstructorsandcoaches.The12horsesandponiesusedintheprogramwerechosenfortheirtemperamentsandarecarefullytrained.Withoutthehelpofover 100 volunteers, TROtt could not offer the program, which runs daily year-round,withtheexceptionofSundays.

Sponsel began the program because she believed that riders with challenges deserved excellent teachers and she made it her missiontotraintheverybest.TROtthascertainlyliveduptothoseexpectations, as its staff and volunteers have demonstrated time and time again.Infact,JaneTudor,oneofTROtt’slong-timevolunteers,won the CanTRA Volunteer of the Year Award in 2011 out of all the therapeuticridingvolunteersinCanada.TROttwashonouredtohaveHer Excellency Sharon Johnston come to the stable to present the award.

TROtt volunteers, instructors and riders function as a team, supporting and encouraging each other to learn new skills while having fun.There is always a chance to smile about something, to applaud, to “highfive”and to feelpride inachievements. Itmaybemountingahorseforthefirsttime,going“roundtheworld”inthesaddle,orthe excitement of going off lead. But those specialmoments canalso come from something as simple as a hug, a smile or patting an understandinghorse.

For the past two years, TROtt riders have participated in Para-EquestrianCanadavideocompetitions.RiderscompetedintheSea-to-Sea Para-Dressage Video Competitions this year and have been

placedwithscoresashighas75%.

Other riders have competed in the Coast-to-Coast competition and havealsodoneverywell.Theseridersappreciatetheopportunitytocompete.Thecompetitionisfunandencouragesgoalsettingaswellas addinginteresttoridingclasseswheretheriderspractice.Oneofthe riders, who has been in the TROtt program since 2002, began competing in theSea-to-Sea video competitions in 2010. Shewasso successful that she is now leasing a horse in order to compete in higherlevelPara-Dressagecompetitions.

TROtt also supports the Canadian standardization of therapeutic riding instruction and provides in-house preparation for CanTRA’s internationally recognized instructor certification program. CanTRAexaminations, coaching clinics and workshops are regularly held at theTROttfacilities.TROtthassuccessfullypreparedfiveinstructorsand assistant instructors for CanTRA certification and TROtt hashostedCanTRAexamsonfouroccasions.

It’s easy to see why so many people give so much to TROtt and its riding program. As one generous donor explained it, animals haveamagicalway of touching people.Horses, in particular, go a stepfurther thanother animalsbecause they canbe riddenanddriven.They are the great equalizer and enable everyone to reach for the stars.Mobilityissuesdisappearandself-esteemsoars.

TROtt continues to look for volunteers and as a registered charity theprogramisalwaysinneedoffunds.TROttactivelyinvestigatesnew funding sources in order to keep costs as low as possible for theriders.

If you are interested or can help in any way, please visit the website athttp://trott.ncf.ca.�

Healing With Horses For 35 Years

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Broadbent Building ~ Cornerstone Insurance Brokers ~ Delta Meadowvale Hotel & Conference Centre ~ Equine Specialty Products ~

Just Add Horses ~ KIDEUP Equine Massage ~Michele Cimino Equine Acupuncture ~ Windy Hill Stables

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Thank YouTo Our Partners

E Q U E S T R I A N

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Around The Barn

Member Survey Coming Soon!

Inthecomingweeks,theOEFwillbelaunchinganonlinesurveyabouttheHorseFacilitiesmembershipprogram.Pleaseexpecttoreceiveane-mailwithfurtherinformation.Tohelpusimprovethisprogram,weaskthatyoukindlytakeafewminutestofilloutthesurvey.Yourfeedbackwillenableustotailortheprogramtobettersuittheneedsandwantsofourmembers.Asathankyou,surveyparticipantswillhavetheirnameenteredinadrawforagift.

InSeptember2011,theOEFboardstruckacommitteetobeginareviewoftheHorseFacilitiesCouncil.Thisprogramhasbeeninplace for many years without a full-scale review, so it was clearly time to evaluate the program to identify new opportunities, areas whereimprovementisneededandbenefitstofacilitymembers.

The main objectives of the review are:

• To review, renew and simplify the application material• To update the membership package and supporting materials, adding templates for emergency action plans, incident report

forms,waivers,etc.• To identifynewbenefitsandoffer facilitymembersabroader rangeofdiscountedproductsandservices, includingbusiness

services• Toconsultwiththemembershipatlarge,morespecificallyfacilitymembers,ontheirperceptionsandideasforthisprogram• TobroadlymarketandpromotetheHorseFacilitiesmembershipasareflectionofthefacilityowner’scommitmenttorunninga

safe,well-managedandprofessionalequestrianfacilityforthebenefitofallriders

Businesses around the world subscribe to recognized quality control programs such as the Better Business Bureau and ISO programs as ameansoftellingtheirclientstheystrivetomeetthehigheststandardsintheirindustry.ProgramslikethisarevaluableandtheHorseFacilitiesCouncilisnoexception.Itisausefultooltopromoteyourbarntonewclients,particularlynewridersandtheirfamilies.

Wearedevelopingastrategytopromoteequestriansports through, forexample, theOntarioCampAssociation.Wewillalsobelooking for opportunities to work with private and public school boards and associations, as well as other recreational and tourism groups.Ourgoalistohavemorepeopleconsiderequestriansportsasanoption.Wewanttogivethemtheinformationandtoolstomakeaneducateddecisionaboutwhetherridingisrightforthemandguidetheminselectingasafefacility.Tothatend,weareintheprocess of producing A Guide for New Ridersasamarketingandeducationaltooltobedistributedtopotentialnewriders.

With a dedicated staff person available to support the Horse Facilities Council, the OEF will be reaching out to facility owners across theprovincetoencourageparticipationinthisprogram.Notonlydoesitofferterrificmarketingbenefits,withgreaterparticipationandconsultationacrossthemembership,wewilllookforopportunitiestoincreasethevalueoftheprogram.Wearealsocurrentlyreviewingthepossibilityofofferingacompetitivecommercialinsurancepackagetofacilitiesandcoachesthroughthisprogram.

Please visit the OEF website and download the new Horse Facilities membership application package or call program administrator Pam Coburnat1-877-441-7112,[email protected]. �

Is Your Barn A Horse Facilities Member?

Page 32: Whoa! fall2012

1 YEAR SUBSCRIPTION

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www.horse.on.caVisit the OEF website & subscribe on your OEF membership application

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Equine Wellness has a special approach to education and crosses over into all disciplines with readers that enjoy everything from simple Hacking to Eventing or even Dressage. One thing all of our readers have in common is that they want what is best for their horses and they trust Equine Wellness for honest and timely information.

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Mane Events

2012 COMPETITIONSEQUINE SKILLS DEVELOPMENT HUNTER JUMPER UniversityofGuelphOUEAShow 09/30/2012 09/30/2012 OldOrchardFarm,Moffat,ON [email protected] 10/14/2012 10/14/2012 KildareStables,Peterborough,ON [email protected] 10/14/2012 10/14/2012 AncasterFairgrounds,Ancaster,ON [email protected] 10/21/2012 10/21/2012 CedarCreek,Flamborough,ON [email protected] 10/21/2012 10/21/2012 PauseAwhileEquestrianCenter,Stoffville,ON [email protected]'sUniversityOUEAShow 11/18/2012 11/18/2012 OldOrchardFarm,Moffat,ON [email protected] 11/18/2012 11/18/2012 AncasterFairgrounds,Jerseyville,ON [email protected] 11/25/2012 11/25/2012 IronHorseEquestrianComplex,Burlington,ON [email protected]

BRONZE BREEDMarkhamFair 09/30/2012 09/30/2012 MarkhamFairgrounds,Markham,ON [email protected]

BRONZE DRESSAGE GlanbrookCADORABronzeCompetition6 09/30/2012 09/30/2012 CentreLineEquestrian,Hamilton,ON [email protected] 10/27/2012 10/28/2012 RCRA,CedarValley,ON [email protected] 12/01/2012 12/02/2012 RCRA,CedarValley,ON [email protected]

BRONZE EVENTING GlenardenFarmsHorseTrials2 10/06/2012 10/06/2012 GlenardenFarms [email protected]

SILVER HUNTER JUMPERNorfolkCountyFair&HorseShow 10/03/2012 10/04/2012 NorfolkCountryFairgrounds www.norfolkcountyfair.com

GOLD DRESSAGE 2012EasternRegionalChampionships 10/27/2012 10/28/2012 RCRA,CedarValley,ON [email protected]

GOLD EVENTINGEquus3DHorseTrials2 09/30/2012 09/30/2012 Equus3D [email protected] 10/07/2012 10/07/2012 WoodwindFarm,Hawkestone,ON [email protected]'WindHorseTrials2 10/13/2012 10/14/2012 WillO'Wind,Orangeville,ON [email protected]

PLATINUM DRESSAGE CDI3*RoyalHorseShow 11/02/2012 11/11/2012 ExhibitionPlace,RicohColiseum [email protected]

PLATINUM HUNTER JUMPERAngelstone National Show Jumping TournamentCSI2* 09/26/2012 09/30/2012 Angelstone [email protected]

RoyalAgriculturalWinterFairCSI4*W 11/02/2012 11/11/2012 ExhibitionPlace,RicohColiseum [email protected]

Riders, drivers, trainers, coaches and horse owners are invited to attendtheOEFAnnualConferenceinMississaugaonFriday,Nov.23andSaturday,Nov.24tolearnfromrespectedprofessionals,network with fellow horse enthusiasts and discover the latest industrytrends.

The conference offers something for everyone and promises toconnectallhorselovers,regardlessofdisciplineor interests.Friday’s schedule includes OEF council meetings – industry, horse facilities, competitions, recreation, and associations – followed by theannualgeneralmeeting.Thedaywrapsupwithafreeparty,during which the Ontario Equestrian Federation Awards and the PeopleMakeaDifferenceAwards,willbepresented.

The OEF is also delighted to offer, at no charge, the new NCCP/ECCleanSportHighPerformancemoduleonFriday,Nov.23.Thishalf-dayworkshop,ledbyFEIveterinarianDr.MaryBell,focusesonequinemedicationsanddrugtestingrequirements.

There are a limited number of seats available, so register early! This workshop is highly recommended training for all High Performance coaches and is a great resource for anyone who is interestedingainingmoreknowledgeonthistopic.

Educational sessions take place on Saturday and will cover riderfitness,equinefirstaid,equinealternativetherapy,equinenutrition, natural horsemanship and concussions/spinal injury.There will also be panel discussions on the future of horse racing, selectingtherightcompetitionhorseandtraileringyourhorse.

The OEF is pleased to announce that Dr. Deb Bennett willbe speaking at the 2012 conference on conformation and biomechanics. Bennett is a vertebrate paleontologist whospecializes in horses. She is the author of Principles of Conformation Analysis and a long-time consulting editor for Equus Magazine. She has also been published in many otherhorsemagazinesworldwide.Bennetthasanextensivescientificpublication list and has written over a dozen books or book-length publicationsforthebenefitofhorseowners.

Bennett will present four Principles of Conformation Analysis workshopsonSaturday,Nov.24.Theyinclude:All-ImportantLoinCoupling and Overall Body Balance, Solving the Great Mystery – Raising the Base of the Neck, Penalties You Pay for Failing to Make Straight and The “Plane of Analysis” Method for Accurate LimbAssessment.

A one-day practical workshop on conformation and biomechanics with Bennett has been added for the Sunday and will provide each participant with an opportunity for hands-on learning with live demonstration horses. This workshop will be held in theheated arena at DeerFields Stables Country Inn in Caledon and will include refreshments and lunch catered by DeerFields CountryInn.

The Ontario Equestrian Federation Annual Conference takes place at the Delta Meadowvale Hotel & Conference Centre, located on Mississauga Road, just south of highways 401 and 407.For further information, or to register, visit the OEF website at www.horse.on.ca.�

OEF Conference Has Something For Everyone!

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Ontario Equestrian Federation Conference Ontario Equestrian Federation Conference Ontario Equestrian Federation Conference

www.horse.on.caFor more details visit

9:00am

12:00pm

1:00pm

2:00pm

3:00pm

4:00pm

5:00pm

6:30pm

11:00pm

7:30am

8:30am

9:00am

10:30am

11:00am

12:30pm

1:30pm

3:00pm

3:30pm

5:00pm

High Performance Clean Sport

FREE for OEF Members to Attend

Equine First Aid The Future Of Race Horses

Panel Discussion

Concussions/Spinal InjuryPanel Discussion

Everything You Need To Know

About TraileringPanel Discussion

Equine NutritionPanel Discussion

Natural Horsemanshipwith France Vanier

Equine Alternative

TherapyPanel Discussion

Selecting The Right Competition

HorsePanel Discussion

Yoga/Rider FitnessFREE for OEF Members to Attend

Industry Advisory Council Meeting

FREE for OEF Members to Attend

Horse Facilities Council Meeting

FREE for OEF Members to Attend

Competitions Advisory Council

MeetingFREE for OEF Members to Attend

Recreation Advisory Council

MeetingFREE for OEF Members to Attend

Associations’ Advisory Council

MeetingFREE for OEF Members to Attend

FREE Awards PartyOpening Ceremony

Ontario Equestrian Federation

Annual GeneralMeeting

FREE for OEF Members to Attend

FRIDAY November 23, 2012Registration Desk Open From 8:00am - 5:00pm

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

BREAK

LUNCH BREAK

Principles of Conformation Analysis:

All-Important Loin Coupling & Overall Body

Balancewith Dr. Deb Bennett

Principles of Conformation Analysis: The “Plane of Analysis”

Method for Accurate Limb Assessment

with Dr. Deb Bennett

Principles of Conformation Analysis:

Penalties You Pay For Failing to Make Straight

with Dr. Deb Bennett

Principles of Conformation Analysis:

Solving The Great Mystery - Raising the

Base of the Neckwith Dr. Deb Bennett

The Ontario Equestrian Federation is pleased to announce the 2012 Annual Conference will be taking place at the Delta Meadowvale Hotel & Conference Centre located on Mississauga Road just south of Highways 401 and 407. The room rate is just $115 per night

(exclusive of taxes) for up to 4 individuals in a room. For reservations please contact the Delta Meadowvale at 1-800-422-8238.

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

BREAK

Sponsored by Equi Health Canada and L&D Equine First Aid

Page 35: Whoa! fall2012

STEP 2: CONFERENCE REGISTRATION Member Non-Member SATURDAY CONFERENCE REGISTRATION $125.00 $150.00 Lunch included

SUNDAY DR. DEB BENNETT CLINIC $125.00 $150.00 Lunch included

CONFERENCE REGISTRATION & DR. DEB BENNETT CLINIC $225.00 $275.00 This package will save you $25.00 and includes 4 educational session selections on Saturday November 24 plus the all day o�-site Dr. Deb Bennett clinic on Sunday November 25. Lunch included for both days.

** please make education session selections in Step 3 below

STEP 3: SATURDAY EDUCATION SESSION SELECTION Equine First Aid OR The Future Of Racehorses OR All-Important Loin Coupling & Body Balance Equine Alternative OR Selecting The Right OR Solving the Great Mystery - Therapy Competition Horse Raising the Base of the Neck Equine Nutrition OR Natural Horsemanship OR Penalties You Pay for Failing to Make Straight Concussions/Spinal OR Everything You Need OR The “Plane of Analysis” Method Cord To Know About Trailering for Accurate Limb Assessment

Ontario Equestrian Federation Conference REGISTRATION FORM

Payment in Canadian dollars must accompany this form to con�rm your registrationBecome a member and save! For membership information please visit www.horse.on.ca/membership

STEP 1: CONTACT INFORMATION______________________________________________________________________________________________First Name Last Name OEF #

______________________________________________________________________________________________Address City/Province Postal Code

______________________________________________________________________________________________Phone Fax Email

STEP 4: PAYMENT INFORMATION CONFERENCE PACKAGE TOTAL $_______________ 13% HST $_______________ GRAND TOTAL $_______________STEP 5: PAYMENT OPTION Cheque Money Order VISA Master Card

Card #:_______________________________________ Expiry Date:___________ CSV #: __________

Name On Credit Card: ______________________________ Signature of Cardholder: ___________________

CANCELLATIONS: The OEF reserves the right to cancel session(s) due to unforeseen circumstances or insu�cient advance registration. The OEF cannot accept responsibility for expenses incurred as a result of the cancellation of the Conference or any session(s).

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Ontario Equestrian Federation Conference Ontario Equestrian Federation Conference Ontario Equestrian Federation Conference

FREE Awards Party&

Opening Ceremony

FREE Awards Party&

Opening Ceremony

FREE Awards Party&

Opening CeremonyFriday November 23, 2012 at 6:30pmFREE for all OEF Members to attend!Delta Meadowvale Hotel & Conference Centre, Mississauga, ON

draw prizes w entertainment w food w cash barCome out and show your support for the 2012 OEF & PMAD Award recipients!

All proceeds raised will go towards the OEF Youth Bursary Program

To attend this event you must RSVP your attendance online athttp://oefawardsandopeningceremony.eventbrite.com

www.horse.on.caFor more details, visit

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Horse-Canada offers timely advice on caring for your horse.

Veterinary advice and current research help you keep your horse healthy.

You’ll improve your skills and knowledge of horse ownership and riding.

You’ll learn more about horses and the unique ways they think and act.

Canada’s top-sellingequine magazine

Special Offer to OEF members

GET 45% OFFTHE NEWSTAND PRICE!

1 year (6 issues) for $20.00 HST included (reg. $24.95)

Visit the OEF website www.horse.on.ca, click on membershipand subscribe on your OEF membership application.

contact us: www.Horse-Canada.com | 800.505.7428

Lovesick? We have a Subscription for that...

Your whole family will enjoy reading about horses with our special kids’ pull-out magazine, Horsepower!

HC_OEF_FP.indd 1 9/17/2012 1:52:38 PM

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Do you think you have what it takes to be a director on the Ontario Equestrian Federation’s board? Nominations for individual directors are currently being accepted and all adult members of theOEFareeligiblefornomination.

According to Catherine Raso, president of CMR & Associates Governance Consulting, many people are reluctant to throw their hat in the ring because they don’t have previous board experience andaren’tfamiliarwithwhatdirectorsdoandhowboardsoperate.

“You might have the motivation and you really want to help, but doyouhavetherightskillstodothis?Rasoasks.

So who is the ideal director? The short answer is that there isn’t anidealcandidate,shesays.

“Youdon’thavetohavehadexperienceonaboard.Idon’tthinkthat’s a key thing, but being willing to look at doing things a differentway,”saysRaso.“Ithinkthat’sprettycritical.”

She emphasizes, however, that training is essential to be an effectivedirector.

“You wouldn’t drive a car or play a game or sport without training or some teaching or some coaching, but we think that with boards,thatwecandothatwithouttraining,”shesays.“Boardsshould invest a little bit each year into their own training and development.”

All that being said, Raso says there are certain skills, abilities and attributes that a director should possess. In addition tobeing passionate about the organization’s mission, they need to be disciplined team players with strong analytical skills who are future oriented, able to delegate and willing to learn about governance,theboard’sownprocessandtheorganization.Theyalso need to be connected to the ownership – in this case the OEFmembership–andsharetheircharacteristicsandvalues.

“You have to be there for the whole membership or ownership, notforanyindividualpurposes,”saysRaso.

You also need to be willing to commit the time that it takes to be aneffectivedirector.

“It’smore than just theboardmeetings. It’s theprep time forboard meetings,” Raso says. “If we have a three-hour boardmeeting,thereshouldbethreehoursofprep.”

The responsibility of the board, Raso says, can be broken down into four key roles. The first is to represent the ownership byproactively communicating and listening, acting on their behalf andreportingback.

“Whenyoutalkaboutkeyresponsibilities,oneofthebigflawsin boards is that they think the eight or 10 people sitting around thetablearemakingthedecisions,”saysRaso.“That’saflaw.We’re making decisions on behalf of a much larger group and sothereforewemusttalktothemandcommunicate...It’snot

Become A Director On The OEF BoardBy Melissa Kosowan

what you think as board members, it’s what they want you to do forthem.”

The second role of the board is to lead the organization by determiningthestrategicdirectionoftheorganization.Directorsmust also evaluate, clearly delegating the work of the organization whileexercisingfiduciaryresponsibilityandmanagingliabilitybymonitoringtheorganization.Lastly,theboardmustoperateusinga sound governance system in which it exercises transparency and uses clear board policies that clarify roles and articulate board values, including due diligence, board structure, committee roles, purposeofboardmeetings,decisionmakingandself-evaluation.

“One of the biggest things we’re looking for in a board member issomeonewho isabigpicturethinker,”saysRaso.Sheaddsthat being a director isn’t about specific details like planning ahorse show, nor is it operational decision making or the day-to-daymanagementoforganizationaldetails.

“Am I comfortable dealing with big picture issues and talking about thefuture?sheasks.“Wehavetobeabletowalkoutofaboardroom having not made a decision and still be comfortable that we didtherightwork.Ifpeoplewanttogotoaboardmeetingandtheyhavetorespondtothisrequestandmakethatdecision...if that’s what they want – concrete tangible, short-term decision making–thisisnottherightplace.”

For more information on becoming a director on the OEF board, visitwww.horse.on.caandgototheBoardofDirectorspage. �

Fast Facts About The OEF Board• Theboardmeetsat7p.m.onthesecondTuesdayofevery

month, except July and August• Meetings typically last between two and three hours• Directors serve two-year terms • The board of directors holds a meeting directly after the AGM

each year to elect the executive committee that includes the following positions: president, 1st vice president, 2nd vice president,treasurerandsecretary.Onlydirectorscanvote

• Thereare14volunteerpositionsontheboard.ThecurrentOEF board is made up of the following positions:

• Industry Council Chair • Horse Facilities Council Chair • Associations Council Chair • Associations Council Vice Chair • Competitions Council Chair • Recreation Council Chair • 8 directors at large

• All OEF adult members are eligible to run as a director at large

• Council(Industry,HorseFacilities,Associations,CompetitionsandRecreation)chairpositionsareelectedfromwithintheirrespective councils

Mane Events

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Mane Events

ONTARIO EQUESTRIAN FEDERATIONNOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGNotice is hereby given to the membership of the Ontario Equestrian Federation that the 2012 Annual General Meeting will take place during the OEF Annual Conference on Friday, Nov. 23, 2012 commencing at 5:00 pm in the Pavilion Auditorium at the Delta Meadowvale Hotel & Conference Centre in Mississauga.

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

2012 NOMINATION FORM - OEF INDIVIDUAL DIRECTORThe Committee on Nominations of the Ontario Equestrian Federation

is seeking nominations for Individual Directors to the Board of Directors

We, ________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ Name and OEF # of Nominator 1 Signature of Nominator 1

________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ Name and OEF # of Nominator 2 Signature of Nominator 2

hereby declare we are members in good standing of the OEF and wish to nominate

_______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ (full name) (OEF #)

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

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

_________________________________________________________ __________________________________ Signature of Nominee Date

mail/fax to: ONTARIO EQUESTRIAN FEDERATION - 1 West Pearce Street, Suite 201, Richmond Hill, ON L4B 3K3 phone 905-709-6545 • fax 905-709-1867 • email [email protected] • website www.horse.on.ca

curriculum vitae must accompany nomination

1. Opening Remarks2. Minutes of Previous Meeting (Nov. 26, 2011)3. Business Arising from the Minutes4. President’s Address5. Treasurer’s Report (a) Appointment of Auditor for 2013-2014

6. Executive Director’s Report7. Elections8. Council and Committee Reports9. Other Business10. Announcement of Election Results11. Adjournment

The meeting agenda is as follows:

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Equine enthusiasts who make the annual pilgrimage to the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair are counting down the days to the storied event, an annual tradition that includes a number of perks for OEF members.

The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair is offering members of the OEF an exclusive ticket offer for the horse show portion of the historic event, which takes place from Nov. 2-11 at Exhibition Place,Toronto.

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

To qualify for this offer, at least one of the two tickets must be fortheTuesdayeveningshow(Nov.6).Thispurchaseentitlesthemember to receive an additional ticket free for any performance, withtheexceptionofthefinalSaturdayevening(Nov.10).

Each OEF member is eligible to purchase a maximum of eight tickets.

Topurchaseyourticket,callTicketmasterat1-855-985-5000.ThepasswordfortheTicketmasterrepresentativeisOEF.

Once you have purchased your tickets, or if you have questions or concerns, call Joni Smith at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair to receiveyourcomplimentary ticket.Herdirectnumber is416-263-3403.

The OEF is pleased to continue the partnership with the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair and will once again be managing the Spirit

Dressedinredandwhitewithflagsflyingproudly,theCanadianCowgirls are set to bring their patriotic, elite rodeo-style precision drillteamperformancestothe2012RoyalAgriculturalWinterFair.

Celebrating their 10th anniversary as a drill team, the Canadian Cowgirls will perform in the main arena during the Royal, as well as give demonstrations and presentations on precision riding in the Spirit of theHorse ring,which ismanaged by theOEF.Members of the Canadian Cowgirls will also be available to answerquestions.

“What they can see from the Canadian Cowgirls is enthusiasm, brightsmiles,flashyhorses,glitterycostumesandprofessionalismand patriotism in the ring,” says Terry Jenkins, the captain of the CanadianCowgirls.

Making over 100 appearances each year, the Canadian Cowgirls hail from Chatham-Kent, ON. and are comprised of 22 ridersrepresenting a wide age range – some are as young as 14 and othersareoldenoughtointroducetheirgrandchildrentohorses.

Riding a variety of different breeds, including Quarter Horses, Arabians, Paints, Appaloosas and grade horses, they have participated in a number of high profile events, including theCalgaryStampedeParade,wheretheywonfirstplaceforthebesthorseentry.InJanuary,theCanadianCowgirlsarescheduledtorideintheTournamentofRosesParadeinCalifornia.

Canadian Cowgirls Set To Dazzle At The Royal

oftheHorseexhibitfor2012sponsoredbyMamma'sPizza.Thefull-size exhibitor ring hosts breed and discipline demonstrations, clinicsandmuchmoreduringthe10-dayfair.

The OEF is excited to welcome the following exhibitors to the Spirit of the Horse exhibit: American Saddlebred, Arabian and Half-Arabian, Black Forest Horse, Blazing Colours, Canadian Sport Horse, Donkey Sanctuary of Canada, Friesian, Kentucky Mountain Horse, Gypsy Vanner Horse, Haflinger, MiniatureHorse, Newfoundland Pony, Norwegian Fjord Horse, Paso Fino Horse,PeruvianHorseandQuarterHorse.

The OEF will also continue to build upon the success of the discipline clinics held in 2011, and will offer a Saddle Seat clinic with Mary Ruth Moore, a Side Saddle demonstration with Debbie Smith, a Hunter/Jumper clinic with Hyde Moffatt as well as DressageandEventingclinics.

The OEF would also like to invite all members to the 2nd Annual Member Appreciation Day, on Tuesday, Nov, 6, 2012 from 5:30 p.m.to7p.m.intheSpiritoftheHorsering!Therewillbedraws,prizesandapizzaparty,sponsoredbyBFLCanada.Comeoutandmeet fellow members, competitors and coaches, along with the boardandstaffoftheOEF.

And don’t forget to stop by the OEF booth! Tipperary Equestrian willbeonhandforfreehelmetfittingsessionsandtherewillbeautographsigningswith someofCanada’s top riders.We lookforward to seeing you at the Royal! �

Yet, despite travelling across the nation to perform, Jenkins says there is no place they would rather ride than at the Royal AgriculturalWinterFair.

“To be invited to set foot on hallowed ground is a great honour andprivilege.That’swhatItellthegirls,too,”saysJenkins.“Thatis the greatest show in Canada and they understand that so they bringtheirbestgamethere.”�

Mane Events

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Donations and/or non-perishable food items welcome in support of the Ontario Association of Food Banks

Classic Equine Insurance™

Proud sponsor:

MEMBERAPPRECIATION DAY

Tuesday November 6, 20125:30pm - 7:00pm

Spirit of the Horse ExhibitRoyal Agricultural Winter Fair

All OEF members and family are cordially invited to attend a member appreciation pizza party taking place at the

Spirit of the Horse exhibit at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair.

Refreshments ~ Prizes ~ Meet Special Guests

MEMBERAPPRECIATION DAY

All OEF members and family are cordially invited to attend a member appreciation pizza party taking place at the

Spirit of the Horse exhibit at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair.

Tuesday November 6, 20125:30pm - 7:00pm

Spirit of the Horse ExhibitRoyal Agricultural Winter Fair

Refreshments ~ Prizes ~ Meet Special Guests

Proud sponsor:

ONTARIO EQUESTRIAN FEDERATION

Classic Equine Insurance™

Donations and/or non-perishable food items welcome in support of the Ontario Association of Food Banks

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H orse D epot Coming To Canada' s L argest I ndoor Farm S howThe Canadian International Farm Show is pleased to announce the creation of Horse Depot, a new facet presented by the Ontario Equestrian Federation that will showcase products and services forhorseowners.

"We are pleased to launch this section of the Canadian International FarmShow in 2013," says showmanagerRobEtmanski. "Thistyped of section will blend well with the current exhibitor base thatwehaveforfarmequipment,productsandservices."

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

"The Ontario Equestrian Federation is working closely with the Canadian International Farm Show to develop an equestrian

Long considered the harbinger of spring for pet lovers, the 20th annual All about Pets Show, held March 29-31 2013 at the International Centre, will include a spectacular new equestrian

showcase with a dedicated exhibition hall, renowned speakers and clinicians, a demo ring with spectator seating and aisle upon aisleofequineproductsandservices.

“The natural synergy between pet owners and horse owners is anundeniablefitforthisshowgivenitsprimelocationintheheartof the GTA, with immediate adjacency to the highly populated horse communities of the GTA rim,” says Alan Barnes, president ofZodiacEvents,whichpurchasedtheAllAboutPetsShowjustweeksbeforethe2012event.“Thereistremendouscrossoverofproducts and services between the horse and pet industries, and horsepeople,bytheirverynature,areavidmulti-petowners.”

Designed as a show within a show, “Ontario’s Mane Event” equestrian showcase will feature industry leaders and renowned clinicians providing tips on wellness, conditioning and fitness,trainingmethods,nutritionadviceandmore.

“Ontario is the fourth largest equine industry in North America,” says Barnes, borrowing from recent Ontario Equestrian Federation stats. “Thiswarrants adedicated springeventwhich caters tohorse owners, riders, and the grassroots development of the sportwithinthe5.5millionpopulationoftheGTA”.

Mane Events

exhibit that is informative and relevant to small farm and stable owners," say Allan Ehrlick, president of theOEF. "Our hope isthat everyone who walks through those doors leaves with the knowledge and resources they need to make the most of their equineoperation,nomatterhowbigorsmallitmightbe."

The Canadian International Farm Show, billed Canada's largest indoor farm show, will take place from Feb. 5-7, 2013 at theInternationalCentreinMississauga.Adestinationforagriculturalprofessionals who attend to make farm related purchases, the show welcomes over 23,000 buyers on an annual basis - a numberthatissuretogrowwiththeadditionoftheHorseDepot.

"Products, services and educational seminars geared to the unique needs of stable operators and small farm owners make this a must-attend event," says Ehrlick. "We hope to see ourmembersthere."

Forcompletedetails,visitwww.CANADIANFARMSHOW.ca�

Canada’s Largest Pets Show Adds Equestrian Showcase

Everyone Can Be A Champion!

• Riders are challenged to complete any of the FEI ParaDressage tests (Grade 1A through IV). Riders can be on a lead.

• Complete 1 test, receive an 8th place ribbon; 2 tests receive 7th place; 3 tests receive 6th place; 4 tests receive 5th place; 5 tests receive 4th place; 6 tests receive 3rd place; 7 tests receive 2nd place; complete 8 tests and receive your FIRST PLACE RIBBON! Riders can ride the same test multiple times.

• Have an elite athlete of your choice autograph Champion ribbons! • Everyone can participate in this free program. Riding facilities, instructors, parents or riders can contact the OEF to receive ribbons.

For more information or to receive ribbons please contact the OEF at [email protected] or OnTRA at [email protected]

For a list of current tests, please visit:http://www.fei.org/disciplines/officials-organisers/organisers/para-equestrian-dressage/dressage-tests

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Coaches Corner

Toronto Police Service’s Mounted Unit entered a new era in its130-yearhistorywhen fourof itsofficersbecamenationallycertified riding instructors in September, an initiative that willtranslateintomoreeffectivecrowdcontrol.

“There is no requirement under law, or rules or regulations from the Ontario government that we have to have training in certain areas, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t embrace it,” says TrainingSgt.JamesPatterson.“Thisisdefinitelygoingtomakeeveryonehereabetterrider.”

Sergeant Kris McCarthy and Constables Harold Williamson, Richard Cooper and Joel Houston received their Instructor of Beginnercertificationafterarigorousday-longevaluationperiodonSept.10.

“From a personal standpoint, it was a huge accomplishment for me,” says McCarthy, who has been with the unit for the past 12 yearsandhadnoprior ridingexperience.“Assoonas Istartedtraining people, I automatically thought, the proper thing is to be trainedyourself.”

While the Toronto Mounted Unit already trains its own horses, runs an intensive 15-week training program to teach new recruits how torideandwelcomesofficersfromotherunitswhowanttobrushupon their skills, having certified instructorsdemonstrates theunit’scommitmenttoridingexcellenceandensuresconsistency.

“Our main function is crowd control and it can get tough at times,” says Patterson, who likens effective crowd control to a three-legged stool. One leg is having a horse that has beendesensitized to distractions, one leg is to work cohesively as a groupandthefinallegisequitation.“Whenyouaregoinginandsomebody is trying to grab you and pull you out of the saddle, you hadbetterknowhowtositinandhowtoride.Orallofsuddenthere is a bicycle in front of you; youhadbetter knowhow tojump.Thisisbasicapplicationofaskill.Ifyouareweakinanyoneof those three areas, your stool is going to fall over and you aren’t goingtodothatcrowdcontrolproperly.”

Const.HaroldWilliamson,aseniortrainerattheunit,sayshehasnoticedanimprovementinhisskillssincetakingthecertificationprogram,thebenefitsofwhichhe’sconfidentwillbetransferredtothehorsesandridershetrains.

“ItfinetunedmeonthingsIalreadyknewandIpickedupthingsIdidn’tknowandmyriding isbetter,”saysWilliamson.“IwasbetterthanIwasbeforeandIwillbebetteragain.”

The Instructor of Beginner certification program, administered

by the Ontario Equestrian Federation, is focused on those who wish to instruct children and adults learning to ride, establishing foundationalridingskillswithaneyeonsafety.

“The OEF is very pleased that the individuals who are responsible for our public safety value the importance of being trained and certifiedasaridinginstructorinthisnationalprogram,”saysGillianRoss Erasmi, education coordinator with the OEF. “Membersofthisunithavebeenworkingforseveralyearswithacertifiedcoach who has not only helped them develop their riding skills butmorerecentlytheirskillasridingteachers.Itisexcitingtoseethemreachtheirgoals.”

LindaWeldonhasbeenthereeverystepoftheprocess.Weldonisacertifiedridingcoachwhohasbeenmentoring,trainingandevaluating officers at Toronto’s Mounted Unit for close to 20years.

“It’s personal satisfaction for me because I’ve worked with them, I’ve trained them and now they are actually going into the system,” says Weldon, who has been reviewing everything from stable management to safe lunging techniques since preparation began in December. “I’m just extremely proud of the four ofthem.”

According to McCarthy, who was a driving force behind bringing thecertificationprogramtotheunit,thebiggesthurdlewasthelanguage barrier between the cavalry oriented mounted unit and therestoftheequineworld.

“To bridge that gap and come up with the terminology that works both ways and come up with a format that follows your guidelines butfallswithinourguidelinesatthesametime,Ifindthatthemostchallenging,”hesays.“Everyonespeaksthesamelanguagebuttheyareusingcompletelydifferentwaystodescribeit.”

WeldonhopesthattheofficersfromtheMountedUnitwillinspireother riders who have been toying with the idea of becoming certified.

“It’snot just for showpeople; it’s for allwalksof life.Anyonecan do this, whether it’s Western or Saddle Seat or the Toronto Mounted Unit,” says Weldon. “I think it sends the messagethatourpolice officersareouttherereallytryingtobethebestthat they can be in order to better serve the public in a safer manner.”�

Toronto’s Mounted Unit Takes Riding Skills To New Levels

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Const. Richard Cooper, Sgt. Kris McCarthy, Const. Harold Williamson andConst.JoelHoustonrecentlyreceivedtheirInstructorofBeginnercertificationafterarigorousdayoftestingcarriedoutbyevaluatorStephanieSt.Pierre.

Upcoming Events • October 14 & 15 – English Instructor of Beginner Evaluations –

Pickering Horse Centre, Claremont• October 21 – Carriage Driving Instructor of Beginner Workshop –

Beaverwood Farm, Hillsburgh• October 27 – NCCP/EC Competition Coach Analyze Performance

Workshop – Dreamcrest, Port Perry• October28&29-NCCP/ECEquestrianSpecificTrainingWorkshop

for Competition Coach – OEF boardroom, Richmond Hill• November 18 – NCCP/EC Competition Coach Specialist Dressage

Training Workshop – OEF boardroom, Richmond Hill• November 18 – Western Learn to Ride and Instructor Workshop –

SkyLine Farm, Dunrobin• November 23 & 24 – Conference – Delta Meadowvale Hotel and

Conference Centre, Mississauga• November 25 - Dr. Deb Bennett Conformation and Biomechanics

PracticalWorkshop–DeerfieldsStables,Caledon• December 1 & 2 – NCCP/EC Equestrian Theory – OEF boardroom,

Richmond Hill• December 3 – St. John’sAmbulance, Emergency First Aid –OEF

boardroom, Richmond Hill

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or Stadium Jumping penalties, which moved her up after what she describesasalessthanidealDressagetest.Thisfallshewillbetrainingwith her Ontario-based coaches and campaigning Gord Cardwell’s young off-the-track Thoroughbred, Hietorie Tango, at the Pre-Training level.

JORDAN MACPHERSONThis summer Jordan MacPherson stayed on the east coast and competed in a number of shows, including the Lake Placid Horse Show, International Bromont, Orangeville Show Jumping Tournament and the Angelstone International Show Jumping Tournaments.Some of her highlights competing with Piccobello du Val De Geer include placing fourth in the $30,000 Open Jumper Classic; placingfifthinthe$75,000WoodleaFarmsGrandPrixat

theILoveNewYorkHorseShowinLakePlacid,NewYork;winningthe$32,0001.50mOpenJumperclassattheInternationalBromontCSI3*;placing fourth in the $25,000 Open Welcome at the Orangeville Show JumpingTournament;andplacingninthinthe$32,000OpenWelcomeand eighth in the $50,000 Grand Prix at the Angelstone National Phase 1CSI2*.Thisfall,MacPhersonwillbecompetingatAngelstoneShowJumping Tournament Phase 4 as well as the Pennsylvania National HorseShow.

BROOK PICKERINGSummer of 2012 has been an educational experience for Brook Pickering. Having theopportunity to ride with Ruth Armstrong, Pickering developed the skills to ride multiple horses, each with different levels of training and experience. Pickering was also given thechance to compete some of these wonderfully bredeventhorsesatOntarioevents.Pickeringis currently entering her second year of studies at Ryerson University, working towards her bachelor of commerce degree, majoring in human resources. Pickering would like to be

backinthesaddleagaintocompeteontheyoungriderCCI2*teamforCanada,aswelltheCanadianOlympicteaminthefuture.

LYNNE POOLETo further her education, this summer Lynne Poole concentrated on showing her horse, Frisbee,atFourthLevelandPSG(able-bodied).They were named PSG champion of the Caledon Silver Series and will compete at the Silver ChampionshipsattheFEIAdvancedlevel(PSGand Intermediate I). Thepair’smarksover thesummer enabled them to qualify at Fourth Level forDressageatDevon,PA.AccordingtoPoole,it has been challenging for a Para-Equestrian tocompeteat this level.Poole’sothermount,Vasco E, continues to work on the Para classes

with the latest rankings moving them up to sixth on the list of short listedriders.Unfortunately,therearenoCPEDIeventstodatefor2013on the FEI calendar for North America, so Poole’s Para-Equestrian goals fornextyearareonhold.Shewillcontinuetoworkhard intheable-bodiedfieldofcompetitionbothasariderandacoach.

ALANA AIRD Alana Aird and Vladimir Weering have had a great summer. They had several top fivefinishesintheirdivisionandcompetedatsomegreat new Ontario Show Jumping venues, including theCornerstoneshow inBarrie,ON.andAngelstoneTournamentsinRockwood,ON.In August, Aird and Vladimir Weering travelled to Lexington, KY. to compete at theKentuckyHorse Park, site of the 2010 World Equestrian Games. They had the opportunity to competeagainst riders from across North America and

werereservechampionsintheirdivision.SeptemberwillseeAirdandVladimirWeeringcompeteintheirfinaloutdoorshowsoftheseasonbeforeheadingtotheRoyalAgriculturalWinterFairinNovember.

BRONWYN BARLOW CASHThis summer, Bronwyn Barlow Cash travelled to Germany, where she is a working student at Hengststation Pape, under the direction and supervision of Ingo andSusanPape. There shehas been immersed in the world of European dressage. Her experiences include attendingsmall local competitions to the annual FEI World Young Horse Championships in Verden; thetraining of young horses just started under saddle to established stallions schooling the movements oftheGrandPrix;andthescrupulousevaluationof young Dressage stallion prospects to the careful matching of a broodmare with a licensed stallion. It is aworldwithmanydifferent formsof work and expertise, centered on the harmony

betweenhorseandrider. Inherdaily training,BarlowCashhasbeenchallenged and motivated by both young and mature horses, and hopes that this experience will both broaden and sharpen her skills as a rider andahorsewoman.SheislookingforwardtocontinuingtoworkandlearnatHengststationPapeinthefallandwinter.

ZOE BECKERMANZoeBeckermanhadasuccessfulshowyearthatincluded being named to the team representing Canada in Jumping at the North American Junior and Young Rider Championships, which took place from July 17-22 in Lexington, KY.Beckermanfinishedtheyearonahighnoteatthe 2012 Summer Festival that took place from July 31 to Aug. 5 at the Caledon EquestrianPark. There, at her last show of the seasonbefore heading off to Queen’s University where she studies engineering, Beckerman was high pointjumperwithherhorseSirSydney.

SABLE GIESLERSable Giesler’s summer competition plans centered on going to the North American Junior and Young Rider Championships (NAJYRC)in Kentucky this past July to represent the Canadian Young Rider Eventing Team. Shereceived her main qualification, which was aCCI2*, inAprilat theOcalaHorsePropertiesInternational event where she placed fourth.Then, at her final qualification on July 1 atDreamcrest Horse Trials, which was an Intermediate level event, Giesler had a second placefinish.At theNAJYRCCCI2*her team

hadapodiumfinish,walkingawaywithbronze.Tofinishofftheseason,GieslerwenttotheOHTAChampionships,hostedatGrandviewFarm.She finished fifth in the Intermediate divisionwith noCross-Country

Ontario Athlete Assistance Programe Assistance Prograamme Assistance PrograaAssistance Pro mmnce Prograa

U P D A T EThe 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.

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Attention Athletes: The 2012-2013 Quest for Gold –Ontario Athlete Assistance Program information and application is currently being organized and will be available on the OEF website in the coming weeks.

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Ask Dr. Bob

Unfortunately,mostofNorthAmerica is inasimilarsituation.Byearly August, hay and grain prices skyrocketed to record prices.Theharvest of first cut hay inOntariowasgoodbut second cutwasnon-existent.Farmerscutwhatsecondcutwasavailable,withhopes that a third cut harvest would be brought on by rain in early August.Regardless,hayinventoriesacrossNorthAmericaarelow.There are some key strategies that will help you through the dry times.Unfortunately,itistoolateforthisyeartoimplementsomeofthem.Note:Allreferencestonutritionalqualitywillbeona100percentdrymatterbasisasobtainedfromeitherthefifthorsixtheditionofNutrientRequirementsforHorses.Refertomywebsitewwww.horsenewsandviews.com for further reading where indicatedbelow.

Horsesneedagoodsourceofforagedaily.Forageintheformofhayandpasturearethetraditionalcornerstonesofhorserations.Atleast50percentofahorse’sdailyfeedintake(1.25-1.5percentofbodyweight)shouldconsistofgoodqualityforage.Fortheaverageadultweighing500kg(1,100lb.),thisequatestoaminimumof7.5kg(15lb)ofdryhay.Foragesareanimportantsourceofdigestibleenergy(DE),protein(CP),minerals(e.g.,calcium(Ca),phosphorus(P)),vitamins,andfibre.

Long-stem hay and pasture grasses contain over 20 per cent crude fibre (CF)orexpressedas50-60percentNDF(neutraldetergentfibre). Thehigher theNDF is, thehigher thefibre content.Mostgrain mixes, even so-called “complete” feeds, contain less than 12 percentCF(<12%NDF).Horsescanadapttobalancedrationsthatdonotcontainhayorpasture,buttheabsoluteminimumoffibrenecessary has not been established. Low fibre/high concentraterations have been documented to increase the risk of colic and gastric ulcers and will dramatically increase a horse’s desire to chewwood.

STRATEGY 1: PRESERVE WHAT YOU HAVEPasture managementPasturesareoftenpoorlymanagedbyhorseowners.Goodpasturemanagement starts with:

� Maintaining high fertility in the soil through prudent use of chemical fertilizers. Fertilizer should be applied early in thespringandatstrategicperiodsinsummerandfall.Highfertilitywilldecreasedroughtstressonplants.Seektheadviceoflocalfertilizerdealers.

� Preventinghorsesfromovergrazinganddamagingpastures.Itistoolateforthisseason.However,subdivideyourpasture(s)withelectricfencetocreateareasthatwillbegrazedshortforfivetoseven days and then move the horses to a new section allowing eachsectionaminimumthree-weekrestperiod.

� Ensuringthatpoisonousplantsdon’tgetafootholdinpastures.Poorpasturemanagementleadstotheinfluxofweeds.Indroughtperiods, horses will eat anything that is thought to be palatable, includingpoisonousplants(e.g.,brackenfern,horsetailetc.)andleaves(e.g.,redmaple)withdisastrousresults.

FeedingPlacehayinafeederwithapanorbottomthatcatchestheleaves.Don’t feed on the ground. In the 1980s, Les Burwash and BobColeman of Alberta Agriculture showed that horses fed hay into a simple 4' x 4' plywood box with a bottom reduced waste and increasedthegrowthofweanlinghorsesby25percent.Therefore,if hay is $8 a bale, every time you place it on the bare ground you are wasting$2ofhay.Well-builthayfeederscanbesafeandquicklypayforthemselves.

STRATEGY 2: USE ALTERNATIVES TO EXTEND LONG-STEM DRY HAYLivestock such as sheep, goats and cattle are fed a variety of crops to meet their nutritional needs. Some of these can be used toreplacehay,butmostarehayextenders.They includepreservedforage(e.g.,haycropsilage(haylage),cornsilage,strawandrootcrops(e.g.,carrotsandturnips).

Haylage, grass silage and corn silageHaylage is produced by the ensiling process, which consists of cutting, partially wilting and placing young respiring plants in a silo or container, such as a plastic bag, where the air is eliminated.Ensilingmaintainsthequalityoftheforageasitwascut.Itisusuallyhigh in energy, protein andfibrebecause the cuttingdate is notdependent on theweather. The highmoisture level and lack ofdustareusefulwhenfeedingahorsewithheaves.Haylagefeedingbrings the danger of botulism. Horses should be vaccinated forbotulismpriortobeingfedhaylageorcornsilage.Cornsilage,likehaylage,isfermentedhighmoistureforage.Itismadebychoppingthe whole corn plant and placing it in a bag or silo, which excludes oxygenandallows thecontent to ferment. It ishigh infibre (CF25%orNDF 49%),moderate energy (DE 2Mcal/kg) and low inprotein(CP8.9%).Ithasbeenfedtohorsesbutshouldonlybefedby those who are knowledgeable about what spoiled silage looks andsmellslike.It,too,carriesthedangerofanincreasedincidenceofbotulism.

Acid treated hayAcid preservatives are applied to hay during wet haying seasons or with late-season harvests where it is hard to get hay to dry with theshorterdaysandheavierdews.Thepreservativesareofvarioustypes (e.g.,proprionicacid)andareapplied to thehayduring thebalingprocess.Thepreservatives,whenusedproperly,allowthestorage of hay at a higher moisture content level than dry hay.

Dr. Bob,

The drought of 2012 dried up our pastures and by mid-July we started feeding hay. Our first cut of hay was okay, but we always depend on second cut to get us through the winter. The second cut was almost non-existent. What can we do?

PhotoCredit:Dr.BobWright

Page 47: Whoa! fall2012

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Only proprionic acid preservatives have been studied for feeding to horses.Horsesprefernon-preservative-treatedhaywhengivenachoice but will consume equal quantities of either when not given a choice.Proprionicacidisnormallyproducedinthegastrointestinalsystemofhorses.

“Complete” concentrates “Complete” concentrates are mixtures of grains, hay or beet pulp, vitaminsandamineralsupplement.Theyareavailableintextured,pelleted or extruded forms and designed to be fed without hay, grain or other supplements and still meet the horse’s basic needs. “Complete” concentrates are available in a wide varietyof nutritional profiles.Ensure that youpurchase theone to suiteyour horse’s requirements (e.g., an adult horse formaintenancevs.agrowingorperformancehorse).Thelabelshouldcontainthestatement“designed tobe fedwithout forage.”Donot confusecomplete concentrates with concentrates that are mixtures of grains only designed for feeding with hay or other forages.Unfortunately,completeconcentrateproductslacksufficientfibreto satisfy the horse’s need to chew. Fibre deficiencywill causedramaticincreasesinwood-chewingactivity.

Use complete concentrate feed instead of, not in addition to, a horse’s regular grain ration. Switch horses to the completeconcentrate rations slowly, taking over a week to completely eliminate hay from their diet and get them on the amounts of completeconcentratefeednecessarytomeettheirneeds.Feedingsmalleramounts(1–1.5kgor2–3lbperfeeding)morefrequentlywill not only optimize digestion but will also keep the horse more occupied.Feedinghorsescompleteconcentratefeedwithoutanyother source of roughage may increase the risk of colic and/or laminitis.

Hay cubesLong-stem hay, either alfalfa or a mixture of alfalfa and timothy hay,isdried,choppedandcompressedintocubes.Thenutritionalquality is dependent on thehayused tomake the cubes.Whenhay is in short supply and expensive, hay cubes will equally be in shortsupplyandexpensive.Haycubescanbefedupto5.4–6.8kg(12–15lb)ofcubesper1,000lb.horseperday.Adramaticincreasein the incidence of wood chewing is observed when feeding hay cubes. The incidence of choke is also increased. The danger ofchoking is eliminated by soaking the cubes in water for 10 minutes beforefeedingthemtothehorses.

Straight alfalfa cubes will contain high protein and calcium concentrations alongwith a high Ca:P ratio. These nutrients aresupplied at concentrations higher than the normal adult horse requires but will not harm the horse as long as its kidneys are functioningproperly.Alfalfacubesaremoreappropriateforeitherlactatingmaresorgrowinghorsesandasapartialforagesubstitute.Whileupto6.8kg(15 lb)ormorecanbefedperhorseperday,1–2.5kg(2–6lb)ofcubesperhorseperdaycanbeusedasa“hayextender”ifonlypoorqualityhayisavailableinlimitedquantities.

StrawStrawisleftoverstalksfromharvestinggraincrops(wheat,barley,andoats).Itcontainsverylittlenutritionalvalue(DE1.62Mcal/kg,CP–3.5%). It is agreat sourceoffibre (CF41%orNDF78%).If the horse’s energy, protein, mineral and vitamin needs are met by feeding a complete pelleted, extruded or textured concentrate, bedding the horse on straw will satisfy the horse’s desire to chew and reduce theamountofwood-chewingactivity.Thinkofstrawnot as a source of nutrition for horses but rather as a “chew factor” andfibresource.However,strawcancauseimpactioncolic.

Straw may be contaminated with mycotoxins produced by different fungi,especiallyinyearsofwetweather.Thisislesslikelythisyear,but be cautious about the intentional or unintentional feeding of potentiallyFusarium-infectedstraw.Ryestrawcanbeinfectedwiththe fungus, Claviceps. Itwill cause dystocia (difficulty foaling) inpregnantmares.Donotuseryestrawwithpregnantmaresinthelasttwomonthsofgestation.

Beet PulpBeetpulp isaby-productof thesugarbeet industry. It isagoodsource of fermentable fibre (CF 20%orNDF 44%). It is high inenergy(DE2.56Mcal/kg),fairlyhighincalcium(0.68%), lowinP(0.1%),withonlymoderateprotein(CP8%)andnovitamincontent.Beet pulp is available in its “raw” form, which looks somewhat like groundupoldshoeleather,orinpellets.Traditionally,therawformissoakedinwaterfor1–12hoursbeforefeedingtopreventchoke.Soaking in hot, humid weather can result in the pulp becoming rancid. It is a very common additive in “complete” concentratefeeds.Upto4.5kg(10lb)(dryweight)canbefedtotheaverageadult horse, but it should be supplemented with a balanced vitamin/mineralsupplementandperhapsprotein.Donotfeedbeetpulpasthesolesourceofnutrition.Feedingitdry(unsoaked)increasestheriskofchoke.

Root crops (carrots, turnips, potatoes)Cull carrots are commonly found in areas where there is extensive marketgardening.Carrotsareanenergydensefeedstuff,muchlikegrains(DE3.78Mcal/kg).Theyhavemediumproteincontent (CP10%)andarelowinfibre(CF9.5%orNDF12%).Thisanalysisisverysimilartooats.Theyshouldneverbefedfreechoice.

Other root crops (turnip, potatoes) are fed in various locationsaroundtheworldasenergydensefeedstuffs.Withtheavailabilityofgrainstheyhavefallenoutoffavourforthemostpart.Iftheyarefedtheyshouldbefedsoil-free.Greenpotatoesandplant leavesshouldneverbefedbecauseofaglycoalkaloidpoison.Rootcropscarry an increased risk of choke as well as dangers from being frozenandrotting.

BranAlthoughbranisafairsourceoffibre(CF11%orNDF42.5%),donot feed it to horses in large quantities for prolonged periods of time.Wheatbranisextremelyhighinphosphorus(P1.18%),lowincalcium (Ca0.13%)withahighCa:P ratio (1:9)andwill causepotentially debilitating calcium/phosphorous imbalances. Feedinghorses excessive amounts of bran can cause nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidismorBigHeadsyndrome.Branisalsofairlyhighinprotein(CP17%).Iffeedingitasasupplement,limitittonomorethan0.45kg(1lb)peradulthorseperdayandcarefullybalancethecalcium/phosphorus ratiowith calciumsupplements.Wheat brancan also contain Fusarium-related mycotoxins during wet growing years.

Ricebranhasbeenpromotedasasourceoffat(energy)forhorses(DE3.35Mcal/kg).It,too,isafairsourceoffibre(CF12.9%)(NDF33%). However, it has a higher concentrate of phosphorus (P1.78%)andlowercalcium(Ca0.07%)andhigherCa:Pratio(1:25)thanwheatbran.Somecommercialricebranproductshaveaddedcalcium to correct the imbalance, but, as with wheat bran, rice bran is not recommended as a main component of your horses diet or asaforagesubstitute.

Lawn clippingsGrass clippings are small in particle size and high in moisture content. They ferment rapidly inwarmweather and can lead tocolic,botulism,laminitisand/ordeath.

STRATEGY 3: USE ALTERNATIVES ONLY WHEN YOU HAVE TOLong-stem, dry hay should always be the main nutrient source for horses. Learn from your shortfalls this year and be prepared fornextyear.Lookatthesubstitutesdescribedinthisarticleclosely.Many have drawbacks and should be looked as “hay extenders,” notasreplacements.

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

Ask Dr. Bob

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50 | WHOA! Fall 2012

Weallhopetoneverhavetomakeaninsuranceclaim.Thatsaid,the whole reason to purchase insurance is to defer the risk of loss (of your horse, your farm, your car, your business) to theinsurance company so that if there is a loss, you have a way to recoverfromit.Besuretoworkcloselywithyourbrokerwhenyousecureapolicyof insurance.Reviewthecoverageandaskquestions of your broker to make sure you have the protection youwantorthinkyouhave.Ifyouunderstandwhat it isthat iscovered (and the things that are not covered) you will have arealisticexpectationoftheoutcomeintheeventofaclaim.

There are a few basic things to remember in any type of loss and a few things that will be different, depending on the type of loss youincur.

First, the basics:• Regardless of the type of loss, report it to your broker

right away. The sooner they are aware of a claim (orpossibleclaim),thesoonertheinsurancecompanywillbenotifiedandthesoonertheycanserveyoutoprotectyourinterests.Mostbrokersinsurershavea24-houremergencyclaims number (this information should be found on thepolicy when issued or in some other correspondence you receivedwhenyouboughtthepolicy)thatyoucancalltogettheinitialreportingdoneASAP.

• If you have a theft or suffer a loss from vandalism, or are required to do so for an auto incident, report the loss immediatelytothepolice.

• Ifyourpropertyisdamaged(fire,wind,floodetc.),dowhatyoucan(onlywhenitissafetodoso!)toprotectitfromfurtherdamage.

Oncethelossisreported,aclaimsadjusterwillbeassigned.Thesole responsibility of this individual is to investigate the incident/circumstances on behalf of the insurance company to ensure that the policy covers the loss and that all conditions of coverage as detailed in the policy wording have been met so that the loss can besettledasquicklyaspossible.

Remember, no policy covers every loss. The investigationwillinclude gathering a statement from you, the insured, as to what happened and obtaining reports from authorities as necessary (i.e.police,firedepartmentsandveterinarians,forhorserelatedclaims etc.). Once the investigation is complete, the adjusterwillfileareporttothe insurerandmakearecommendationforsettlementasapplicable.

Once the adjusters report has been filed, the insurermay askformoreinformationorsettlethelossrightaway.Hopefully,thefirstreportmadeistheonlyreportnecessarytoclosethefileandthe cooperation of you, the insured, in assisting the adjuster to do what is necessary during the process can go a long way to expeditetheprocess.

I have purchased insurance for my horse, my farm, my business and my car for years and never had a claim. What do I do if I have a claim and what happens after I do?

Ask Mike

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We are often asked, “How long does it take for a claim to be settled?”Theansweris, “Asfastaspossible.”Lossesinvolvinga lotof investigationaregoing to take longer tofinalize.Someproperty losses can take several months to settle and liability claims can take even longer – sometimes several years.Conversely, a straight forward mortality or surgical claim related to horse insurance can often be settled in a matter of weeks if the adjustercangetalldocumentstogetherquickly.

Thingsthatyoucandotohelpthe(often)challengingprocessofworking through a claim include:

a. Keep receipts for “everything.” The claims adjuster isgoing to ask you to “prove” your loss and that often means confirmingthatyouboughtandownedtheitemthatwasdamaged/lost.

b. Beavailablefortheadjuster.Thereisoftenadelayintheprocesswhenclientsareuncooperative.Rememberthatthe adjuster has a job to do and they really do want to makeyouassatisfiedaspossibleasfastaspossible.Theyprobablyhaveseveralfilesonthegoatanyonetime.Thiscooperation might include helping obtain a report from a vet, returning signed documents in a timely fashion, attending meetings as necessary, getting quotes for repair as applicable etc. – basicallywhatever it takes. I stress,again, that your help will make the whole claim process gofaster.

We would be remiss if we did not mention that most types of insurance polices carry a “deductible,” which is a stated amount thatyouwillpayasacontributionofthelosssettlement.Ifyouare not sure if your policy has a deductible, ask your broker so you knowandareprepared.

What happens to the insurance once the claim is settled? The answer is that it depends on the coverage and terms of the policy. In some circumstances you may lose a “claims free”discount, which means that your cost of coverage in the future will be higher. In other circumstances, nothing happens – thatis to say that the conditions of future coverage are unaffected byyourloss.Inyetothercircumstances,theinsurermaysimplynotoffercoverageatall,whichwouldbebadnewsindeed.Theimplications of your circumstances and possible losses can be clarified by your broker. We strongly suggest that to be fullyinformed of the implications, you contact your broker before you havealosssoyouknowinadvancewhattoexpect..

As we have said many times before, your broker is the best source of information to answer your questions about coverage youhaveinplacetoprotectyourself.Goahead,ask.Thatiswhatthebroker’sjobis.�

Mike King is the Principal Broker at Intercity Insurance Services Inc. in Aurora and is the official insurance provider to the OEF and its members. If you have any questions, you can contact Mike at [email protected]

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52 | WHOA! Fall 2012

There are few things as enjoyable as going out for a trail ride on a beautiful fall day, but riders need to remember that they share Ontario’s trailswithhikers,mountainbikersandmotorizedvehicles.

“At one point or another, everyone goes trail riding,” says Mark Dobrindt, a director of the Ontario Equestrian Federation who has ridden trails acrossOntarioandtheU.S.“Peoplesaytheydon’t,buteveniftheyridedown the side of the road from my farm to your farm, they are on a trail ride.Everyoneshouldlearn,knowandunderstand.”

The biggest issue he sees when out on the trail and delivering clinics on trailsafetyisalackofeducationonboththepartofridersandnon-riders.

“A guy on a mountain bike coming towards you does not see you because he’s got his head down,” he says, citing one example. “It’syourballatthispointtospeaktohim.Mostpeople,whenyougetthemstoppedandtalktothem,you’llfindtheydon’thaveaproblemsharingthetrails.”

According to Patrick Connor, executive director of the Ontario Trails Council, cyclists and horses tend to have more negative interactions than anyotherusergroup.

“Horses can be intimidating to walkers based on their size, but I think the biggest issueisactuallycyclistsbecauseyoucan’thear,”heexplains.“That’s what’s the most dangerous on the trail is that element of surprise.”

He suggests riders consider putting a bell on their horses to make other trailusersawareoftheirpresence.

“It’s not too obtrusive and it gives people notice that there’s an animal ahead,” he says. “That would actually help improve relations withmountainbikersbecausetheyaretravellingatspeed.Iftheyhadadvancewarning,theywouldn’tcomearoundcornersandhithorses.Theywouldknowandprepare.”

While some trail may see a horse well in advance, they may not realize thathorseshavetherightofwayoverallothertrailusers.It’ssomethingDobrindtwants to see rectified through the installation ofmore yieldsignsonalltrailsthatallowhorses.

Dobrindt recommends that in addition to wearing a helmet, riders wear reflectivevestsandoutfittheirhorseswithreflectiveaccessoriessuchas boots.

“If you are going to be on the side of the road, they need to see you,” he says.“Benoticed.Beseen.”

Thisisparticularlyvitalwhenridingnearcars.Dobrindtremindsriderstostayasfarontotheshoulderaspossibleandridewithtraffic.Ifyouareriding with a group and you must cross a roadway with your horse, he recommendsriderslineupsinglefileandthenturnandfacetheothersideandcrossatoncebeforereturningintosinglefileagain.Alternately,twopeopleonhorsebackcancarefullystoptrafficandonceit’ssafetodo so, the riders can pass between these two individuals and proceed totheotherside.

Riders also need to be very familiar with their mounts and know what typeofsituationcouldstartleorsetthemoff.

“Beawareofyourhorse.Knowyourhorse,”saysDobrindt.“Themoreyourideahorse,thecalmertheyget.”

Tips To RideIn Harmony On Multi-Use TrailsBy Melissa Kosowan

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On The Trail

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Meeting A Horse On the Trail

While issues arise between riders and other trail users from time to time, Connor says the biggest issue stems from horse manure left onthetrail.

“It’snotamajorcrimebyanymeans;it’sjustoneofthesenuisancethings,”hesays.“Ithinktheotherissuewhenitcomestotrailsandtrail riders, is just the equestrian folks knowing what other uses might beonthosemulti-usetrailsandvice-versa.”

He asks the riders take the time to get off their horses and kick manure offthetrail,orat leastbreakthepilesupso itbreaksdownfaster.Connor recommends riding clubs get involved with trail maintenance ontheirlocaltrailstoimproverelationships.

“It wouldn’t take a lot to mitigate the complaints,” says Connor, notinghewouldliketoseemoretrailsinOntariothatallowhorses.

Both Connor and Dobrindt believe every interaction between trail usersisanopportunitytoeducateandbuildpositiverelations.

“Ourmainmotto isexpectandrespectotherusers,”Connorsays.“The trail is a two-way street. It’s not about all the other usersganging up on horses and it’s not about horses controlling some sort ofground.It’sapointforeducationandmutualinvolvement.”�

Stay Safe During Hunting SeasonBy Melissa Kosowan

For many horse owners, fall is one of the nicest times of the year to go riding in the great outdoors, but it’s important to remember that other outdoor enthusiasts, including hunters, are out enjoying themselves,too.

While riders shouldn’t necessarily put their plans on hold during hunting season, they need to take precautions, says Bonnie Simpson, anavid riderandtrailadvisor.Oneof themost important things toremember,shenotes,istostayonmarkedorestablishedtrails.

“They shouldn’t be leaving the trail at any time,” Simpson says.“Forone,you’retrespassing . . . Itappliesatall timesof theyear,buthuntingisthecrucialone.Youdon’twanttobejustwanderingsilentlythroughthebush.”

Bright colours that make riders easily visible to hunters are also important. In addition towearing an orange vest or helmet cover,there are also products, including brightly coloured headstalls, to help yourhorsestandoutaswell.Or, youcan tiebright ribbon toyourexistingequipment.

“Everyoneshouldbewearingafluorescentvest,whether theyareon the trail or on the road,” says Simpson, who notes that it will also makeridersmorevisibletoothertrailusers.“Theyalsoneedtohavesomekindofbrightcolouredclothingonthehorse’shead.Nodeeriswearingabrightcolouredhalterorheadstall.”

Wearing a bell is also a good idea, to make yourself known to hunters, othertrailusersandwildlifethatmayspookyourhorse.

“The other thing they need to watch out for is the wildlife moving,” shesays.“Thatanimalisrunningforitslife,soyouneedtohaveyourheadupaboutwhatisaroundyou.”

Riders shouldn’t be afraid to head out on the trail though, stresses Shannon Gutoskie, communications manager with the Ontario FederationofAnglersandHunters.

“By nomeans should they ever feel unsafe. Hunters are trained,licensed,theyareawareoftheirtargetandwhat’sbehindit.Sotheyknowwhattheyareshootingat,”saysGutoskie."Theyareawarethatotherpeopleareinthearea.”

Before heading out on an adventure with your horse this fall, be sure tocheckwhat’sinseasonwhereyouareplanningonriding.Huntinginformation can be found wherever hunting licenses are sold, online atwww.ontario.ca/huntingoratServiceOntariokiosks.�

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

• Make your presence known from a distance by calmly addressingtherider.

• Please pass slowly on the left after the rider acknowledged yourpresence.

• If you are motorized, we request that you stop and shut off yourengineasacourtesy.Pleasegreettheriderandwaituntil 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,pleaseasktheriderbeforetakinganyaction.

• We all share the trails, so lets work together in harmonytoensuresafeandenjoyabletrails.

Courtesy of the Ontario Trail Riders Associationwww.otra.ca

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

2. Ride with a suitable horse - size, conditioning and trainingmatter.

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

4. Never lead off until all ridersaremounted.

5. Stay on the marked trails andobeythesigns.Knowwhere you are on the trail incaseofanemergency.

6. Walk on the right of the trailorroad.Nevercanterorgallop.

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

8. When crossing a road do soalltogether.

9. Usethebuddysystem;beresponsible for the rider in frontandbehindyou.

10. If riding alone, tell someone where you have gone and whenyouwillreturn.

11. Use the three C's - Courtesy, Communication andCommonSense.

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 aloneinthecampsite.

14. No alcohol or smoking on thetrail.

15. Water your horse into the shore, and do not cross or wadeunknownwaters.

Best Practices for Horses on the Trails

On The Trail

Do you operate a bed & bale or know of one in your area? We’d love to hear about it! E-mail [email protected] or call 1-877-441-7112 ext 26.

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PURINA®, CHOW® and the Checkerboard design are licensed trademarks of Nestlé Purina PetCare Company

HELP YOUR CHAMPION COPE WITH THE STRESS OF COMPETITION

TOP QUALITY FEEDS FOR OPTIMAL NUTRITION

www.agripurina.ca

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Transport means stress! Stress for the horse owner but stress especially for this naturally claustrophobic animal whose basic survivalmechanism is flight (as opposed to fight). Let’s take alook at what can be done nutritionally to ensure your horse has a problem-free trip and recovers quickly when it reaches its destination.

No matter why your horse has to travel, several factors during transport can be sources of stress for the animal and therefore affectitshealth:confinement,darkness,poorventilation,constantvibration,ambientnoise,etc.

How you feed and water your horse before, during and after transport can also affect its well-being, stress level and recovery time. Since the transport of horses is often unavoidable, it isimportant to keep in mind that any travel affects the horse’s normalconsumptionoffoodandwater.

Nutrition

Sweating and water requirementsOne of the major risks during any transport is dehydration. Itis difficult to ensure that the animal consumes enough waterduringthetrip foranumberof reasons.First,youwillcertainlyhave noticed that most horses are reluctant to drink during stops, either because the water offered is different than the water they are used to drinking at home, or simply because the horse is feeling uneasy and nervous due to the numerous sources of stressassociatedwithtransport.Researchhasshownthat,evenwhen water is offered to the horse at regular intervals during the trip,waterconsumptionisverylow,ifnotnon-existent.

This low water consumption combined with the water lost through sweating during travel increases the risk of dehydration, especiallyinhot,humidweatherwhensweatingismoreabundant.A Japanese study has shown that a 454 kg horse loses 11 to 18 kgafter2½hoursoftraveltimeduetosweatingduringtransport.Research also shows that, even under cool weather conditions, thehorsecanstillloseupto0.5percentofitsbodyweighteveryhour.Prolongedtransportationisthereforeparticularlydemandingonthehorse.

What’s more, serving hay to the horse during long trips also increasesitswaterneedsduetothesignificantwater-retentioncapacityofthefibreinthelargeintestine.Ifitswaterconsumptionis insufficient, thehorsewill bemore susceptible to impactioncolic.Onthissubject,manyhorsemenandwomenrecommendusing mineral oil before departing, a good idea for improving the fibre’stransitthroughthedigestivetract.

To reduce the risk of dehydration during transport, it is important to serve your horse a good dose of salt no less than 12 hours beforedeparting.Thesaltwillmakeyourhorsedrinkmoreinthestable, so he will have a good reserve of water for the coming hoursoftravel.Duringthetrip,itisimportanttostopeveryfourhours to offer the animal a pail ofwater. Even if you stronglysuspect that it will barely wet its lips, it is always best to give the horse an opportunity to drink. You never know!Unfortunately,most horses won’t generally start drinking water until 12 hours intothetrip.Inanycase,stoppingeveryfourhourswillgiveyouachance to check the condition of the horse and the trailer, and to make any needed adjustments, for example to the windows, the haynet,blanket,etc.

Ifyourhorse isparticularlyfinickyaboutdrinkingwater,offer itthe same water it is used to drinking back at home during the trip.Justremembertobringenoughwithyou.Ifpackingastoreof water from the stable is not possible, for instance on longer trips, youcanalwaysaddflavoring, suchasapple juice, to thehorse’s usual water several days before the trip, so it gets used to thetaste.Thisway,duringtransportoratthedestination,wherethe water you offer the horse will smell and taste different than it is used to, all you have to do is add a little apple juice and the horse won’t even notice – at least you hope! One thing is certain, it is important to offer your horse some tepid water soon after youarrivesoitcanbegintocombatdehydration.Onceagain,adose of salt or commercial electrolytes will encourage the desired waterconsumption.

Hay and feed Even though serving fibre to your horse increases its water

Transport And Nutrition Proper nutrition can help minimize effects of stressBy Josée Lalonde, B. Sc. A.

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requirements – requirements that are already difficult tomeetduring transport – fasting is not recommended, except during a veryshorttrip(twohoursorless).Indeed,longperiodswithouteating during transport will worsen the weight loss problem and lengthenthehorse’srecoverytimeattheendofthetrip.Inanycase, an empty stomach is never recommended, since horses are extremely sensitive to the development of gastric ulcers and irritation. Despite the horse’s apparent immobility duringtransport, weight loss is a risk because the horse burns energy byconstantlytryingtomaintainitsbalance,whichistiring.Iftheanimal has a nervous temperament or is traveling for the firsttime, it can be assumed that it will have burned that many more calories and be that much more exhausted when it arrives at its destination.

For these reasons, hay on a free choice basis is therefore recommended throughout the trip, paying particular attention to howthehayispresentedtothehorse.Infact,ahaynetthatishung too high up, in what is called the horse’s “breathing zone,” will force it to breathe in hay dust continually. One goodwayto avoid this problem is hang the hay net lower – but not low enoughtoputthehorseatrisk.Also,completelysoakthehayinwaterforagood10minutesbeforeplacingit inthetrailer.It isrecommended that it be kept moist throughout the trip, which will helppreventtheinsidiousonsetofrespiratorydisorders.

Now, what about concentrates? Should they be served to the horse before or during transport? If the feed is starch-based (grain), the meal should be served one to four hours beforethe scheduled departure time. The horse’s stress level, thequantity of feed served per meal and the length of the trip will determine whether the meal is served one hour or four hours beforedeparting.Anoldhand thathas travelleda lotdoesnotexperience the same stress levels as a young horse that starts rollingitseyesatthemeresightofthetrailer!Also,a0.5kgmealdoes not require the same digestion time as a three kg meal, just as a half hour trip does not cause the same stress level as an eight-hourjourney.Useyourjudgment.

Why should you be cautious when transporting a horse that has been eating starch-based feed? Simply because of the very normal stressitwillexperienceduringthetrip.Stressreducesthebloodflowneeded to digest starch in the small intestine, redirectingthe blood to the muscles of the horse that feels stressed and nervous.Thereducedbloodflowtothesmallintestinecancausethestarchtheretoferment,leadingtodigestiveproblems.

Thisproblemdoesnotoccurwhenyourhorseisconsuminghay.Infact,thefibreinhayisnotdigestedinthesmallintestinelikestarch is, but rather fermented in the large intestine by billions ofbacteria andmicrobes.Microbial fermentation is a slowandcontinualprocess.Thebloodflowtothelargeintestineisalreadyfairly reduced and constant and is not affected by the increased bloodflowtothemusclesduringtransport.

For the same reason, if the feed that you usually serve your horseisfibre-basedandcontainsnegligiblequantitiesofstarch,the problem of starch fermenting in the small intestine does not occur, as this type of feed behaves essentially like hay in the horse’sdigestivesystem.Thistypeoffeedcaninfactbeservedduringtransport,inreducedquantities,ateachscheduledstop.

Turning off the truck’s engine during the meal will reduce the horse’s stress and allow it to relax a little while it eats. Also,moistening the feed before serving it to the horse is a good way of feeding it water in a roundabout way, while slowing down its rate of consumption, thereby preventing the risk of esophageal

Nutrition

obstruction(choking)orimpactioncolic.

Once you reach your destination, it is preferable to wait a while before serving the horse its usual feed ration, especially if it is starchbased.Overthefirstfewdays,resumeservingthehorseits usual feed ration gradually, in several small meals, to help preventdigestiveproblems.

If theamountofhaybrought from thestable is insufficient forthe horse’s entire stay at the new destination, mixing the usual hay with the new hay that is served at the new location is highly recommended to reduce the risk of colic, which is often associatedwithswitchinghayssuddenly.

Effects of stress on the immune system All stress is detrimental to the proper functioning of the immune system.The stressof transport, particularly on a long trip, hasanundeniableeffectonyourhorse’sdefencemechanisms.Ifitsimmune system is already compromised, the risk of it developing health problems, notably shipping fever (respiratory illness), isveryhigh.Itisthereforeextremelyimportanttoprovidethehorsewith all the essential elements for the optimal functioning of its immunesystemsothatitcanwithstandthehazardsofstress.

The daily intake of a nutritionally balanced diet that includes selenium and vitamin E, two powerful antioxidants, is paramount toahealthy immunesystem.It isthereforeessential toofferadaily vitamin and mineral balancer if your horse is receiving less feed than the product label indicates for its body weight, life stage andlevelofactivity.

Certainothernutrientsmayalsobebeneficialtothehorsewhenserved at the right time relative to the travel date; such is thecase for vitamin C, another antioxidant that supports the immune system.Therecommendedsupplementationis0.5gto5gperday on the day before departure, on the travel day and for two days after arriving at the destination. TheB complex vitamins,particularly thiamine (B1), known for its beneficial effects onthenervoussystem,maybenefitthehorseifservedonthedaybefore departure, on the travel day and the day after arriving.A supplement such as Horse Plus, which is rich in B complex vitamins and contains vitamin C, can do the job at a dose of 60 g per day. If the horse being transported is a performanceor competition horse, a daily intake of B complex vitamins is recommended in any case, throughout the racing or competition season.

Finally, since research shows that the stress experienced by the transported horse reaches its apex after 12 hours of transport, scheduling an extended stop at this point should help reduce the riskofassociatedhealthproblems.Fora trip that isadozenorso hours long, a minimum 12-hour layover, where the horse can stretch its legs, drink and eat and recover some of its calm, is the ideal.Iftimedoesnotallowthis,afourtosix-hourstopshouldbeconsideredattheveryleast.

The watchword for the transport of horses is prevention.However, any trip can cause major stress for a horse, even when doneunder thebestconditions.Bypreparingwell for transportand controlling as many parameters as possible, notably nutrition, perhaps you can make your horse’s trip, if not pleasant, at least more tolerable… �

Josée Lalonde is Equine Marketing & Product Manager at Agribrands Purina Canada. Visit Purina’s new website at www.agripurina.ca

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As urban sprawl encroaches on the country life, we are faced with the unfortunate sight of lookalike subdivisions springing up informerfarmfields.Thepeoplemovingintothesehomesmayhave patted the occasional horse but know little of the smells, sounds andotherwonders of the barn. Smellswehave cometo know and love curl the nose of even the most insensitive city dweller, and it is inevitable that more lawsuits will crowd our courtsinthenameofnuisance.

A nuisance is created when a person repeatedly allows the escape ofnoxiousthingsontosomeoneelse’sproperty;smells,sounds,insects, animals and many other things can be nuisances if their presence unreasonably interferes with the use or enjoyment of another’sproperty.

Everyone must put up with some discomfort caused by the lawfulactionsoftheirneighbours.Justbecauseyourneighbourhastheoccasionalurgetomowhislawnat7a.m.onaSaturdaydoesnotmakehimanuisance.If,however,hisactsrepeatedlyresult in noise that causes you to suffer inconvenience and loss of enjoyment of your property, you can start a legal action to stop him.Thus,theconstantblaringofaloudstereoorthesoundsofaracingstablewithtrafficandhorsescomingandgoingatalltimesofthedayandnightcouldbeactionableinnuisance.

The usual remedy for an action in nuisance is the granting of an injunction.This isacourtorderpreventing thewrongdoer fromcontinuing the offensive action that is affecting his neighbours’ property.Aninjunctionrequiringastabletoceasecreatingnoiseafter a certain hour in the day or to stop emitting offensive smells couldbasicallyshutdownthebusiness.Injunctionscanbeaveryserious problem for stable owners and operators near suburban areas.

In Saskatchewan last year, there was an action for nuisance, NorthernLightArabiansv.Sapergia[2011]S.J.No.587,againstthe owner of a farm by a neighbour, also a farm owner. Thedefendant, whose neighbouring land was separated by a road allowance, refused to erect a fence, thus allowing his horses to

graze in the roadallowancearea.Theplaintiffsargued that thedefendant’s refusal to erect a fence to contain his horses from using the road allowance area unreasonably interfered with the use and enjoyment of their property by causing distress to them, theirhorsesandtheclientsoftheirbusinessventure.Thecourtsagreed. The use of the land by the defendant amounted to asubstantial and unreasonable interference with the plaintiffs’ use andenjoymentoftheirproperty.

The judge in this decision stated that not every incident between thepartieshadbeensignificantbutastheproblemhadpersistedfor so long (20 years), the cumulative effect had becomesubstantial. Also, the court found that because the defendanthad been aware of the problem and the solution, i.e. erectinga fence, but had refused to do so, his interference was clearly unreasonable.

This case reaffirmed the test for establishing whether aninterference with one’s use and enjoyment of property is unreasonable as, (i) the severity of the interference, (ii) thecharacterofthelocation,(iii)thesensitivityoftheplaintiffand(iv)theutilityofthedefendant’senterprise. In Nova Scotia, there was an action for nuisance, O’Regan v.Bresson (1977), 3 C.C.L.T. 214 (N.S. Co. Ct.), against a racingstable operation in which the plaintiffs alleged that they were bothered by the sounds of the horse vans taking the horses to and from the track, the sounds of the horses whinnying to each other and kicking their stalls, by the defendants washing the horses on the street in front of the plaintiffs’ residence, by horse urinerunninginthestreetandbytheratsandfliesattractedtotheareabythemanurepilesandfeedinthebarns.

Although the stable complied with all public health standards, the court found that a nuisance had been committed because the defendants brought horses owned by other persons to the barn.Thecourtstated,“Itseemstomethatthedefendantsactedunreasonably in subjecting the plaintiffs to such an increase in the objectionable factors associated with the keeping of horses

By Catherine E. Willson, B.A., LL.B. with assistance from Aimee Colyer McGuire, B.A., LL.B.

Do Your Neighbours Love Your Horses?Manure, flies and other nuisances

Legal Lowdown

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insuchanarea.”However,no injunctionwasgrantedbecausethe barn was moved away from the plaintiffs’ property before thetrial.

Two interesting points were discussed in this case. A childplaintiff had a severe allergy to horse dander and horse hair and sufferedgreatly.Thecourtruledthatthehorsewasnot itselfanuisance, nor did it turn into one simply because of the child’s abnormalsensitivities.

Secondly, the fact that a complainant purchases property on which a nuisance is already being committed does not prevent him from pursuing a legal remedy, i.e. just because he “comes to” thenuisancedoesnotpreventhimfromrecoveringdamages.So,thefact that your stable operation is there before the subdivision was evenbuiltdoesyoulittlegoodinasuitfornuisance.

Although an injunction was avoided in O’Regan, the defendant in thecaseofAtwellv.Knights(1967),1O.R.419(Ont.H.C.J.)wasnot as fortunate. The defendant operated a “caged hen-layingbusiness” that consisted of a large number of hens occupying twogalvanizedironbuildingsnearavillage.Thehenswerewellfed and excreted accordingly. The buildings were ventilatedby fans and, unfortunately, the powerful and obnoxious odour emanating from the hen-houses drifted over to the neighbours’ properties.Apparently,barbecuesandpicnicshadtobecutshortand windows closed depending on which way the wind was blowing.

The court decided that the offensive smell was indeed a nuisance and granted an injunction against the defendant, despite the defendant’s request that an injunction be denied on the grounds that the plaintiffs could be compensated by money and that the cost of moving the hen-houses created a hardship against thedefendant.ThecourtreaffirmedanoldEnglishCourtruling,Shelferv.CityofLondonElectricLightingCo.,[1895]1Ch.287,that stood for the proposition that “no one should be called upon to submit to the inconvenience and annoyance arising from a noxious and sickening odour for a ‘small money payment’, and the inconvenience and annoyance cannot be adequately ‘estimated in money.’”

It should also be noted that the application of all possible skill and care to prevent the farm operation from amounting to a nuisanceisnodefence.Ifahorsestablecannotbyanycareandskill be prevented from causing a nuisance, it cannot be lawfully undertaken at all, except with the consent of those injured by it or theauthorityofstatute.

Fortunately, statutes have been enacted in Ontario that should give hope, if not to stable owners, then at least to conscientiousfarmers.TheFarmingandFoodProductionProtectionAct,1998,S.O.1998,c.1,addressessomeof the issues that arise from the competing interests of agricultural operations and adjacent properties. Section2(1) of the Act states that a farmer (defined as “theowner or operator of an agricultural operation”) is notliable in nuisance to any person for a disturbance resulting from an agricultural operation carried on as a normal farmpractice(“agriculturaloperation”includesgrowing,producing or raising livestock, including poultry and large flightlessbirdssuchasemus).“Normalfarmpractice”isdefinedasapractice“conductedinamannerconsistentwith proper and acceptable customs and standards as established and followed by similar agricultural operations under similar circumstances, whether based in traditional farming techniques or assisted by the latest technology.” As a result, farmers are protected fromnuisance complaints made by neighbours, provided they are following normal farm practices, and no municipal bylaw can be passed to restrict a normal farm practice carriedonaspartofan“agriculturaloperation.”

Other provinces have statutes that provide some protection to horse breeders. In Prince Edward Island’s Farm Practices Act,R.S.P.E.I. 1988, c. F-4.01, “agricultural operation” explicitlyincludes the act of “raising or keeping livestock, including poultry andhorses,”whendonein“theexpectationofgainorreward.”

Evenwith statutoryprotection, there is still cause for concern.InPykev.TriGroEnterprisesLtd. (2001),204D.L.R. (4th)400(ONC.A.),theplaintiffneighboursbroughtanactionagainstthedefendant farmers in nuisance due to noxious odours emanating from the composter on the defendants’ mushroom farm.The court found that the farmers could not claim the statutory protection under the Farming and Food Production Protection Act because the operation was commenced in an area where the nuisance it produced was completely out of character with the area and did not constitute a "normal farming practice" within the meaningofthestatutes.

The Court of Appeal found that the trial judge, in determining what was “normal,” could consider the degree and intensity of the disturbance,thefactthattheneighboursweretherefirst,andthefactthatthemushroomfarmcreateda“significantlygreateranddifferent disturbance than anything that had been experienced beforeinthearea.”Asaresult,thecourtfoundthattheodoursconstitutedanuisanceandawardeddamagestotheplaintiffs.

The complaint of nuisance is an objective standard that will continuetochangewithsociety.Thesmellsandsoundsofthefarm – something that was an absolute necessity 60 years ago – is now considered a nuisance and pushed out further from manyofthetownsandcitiesthatoncesupporteditsexistence.Perhaps we can turn the tables and push back using this tort of nuisance;industryandsuburbiaareannoying,too!

This article contains general information only based on the laws of Ontario and is not intended to provide a legal opinion or advice. Readers should consult a lawyer with respect to the application of the information contained above to their particular circumstances. Readers may also contact the lawyers at Willson Lewis LLP at (416) 534-9504 or www.willsonlewis.com to discuss any specific issues they may have.

Catherine Willson is a partner at Willson Lewis LLP, a law firm in Toronto, Ontario with counsel practising civil and commercial litigation and construction, employment, family, and equine law. Her experience with horses spans a lifetime and she is well recognized in the horse industry for her knowledgeable experience with equine law. [email protected]

1183 King Street West, Suite 1183, Toronto, Ontario M6K 3C5Tel: 416-534-9504 • Fax: 416-534-9503

Toll Free 866-258-2848www.willsonlewis.com

Quality Work + Excellent Service

Litigation Lawyers Practising in:Equine Law - Family Law

Construction Law - Employment Law Wrongful Dismissal - Tax Disputes

Civil Litigation - Commercial Litigation Estate Problems - Property Disputes

Contracts - Collections

E-mail: [email protected]

E-mail: [email protected]

Specializing in

Equine Law including:

Boarding & Breeding Agreements

Syndications

Tax Issues

Negligence

Sales Agreements

Disputes & Litigation

Veterinary Negligence

Legal Lowdown

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Photo Credit: Danielle Yaghdjian

Special Feature

Canada’s equestrian athletes experienced more than their share of ups and downs at the 2012 London Olympics, which was fraughtwithdisappointmentandheartbreak.

The equestrian events kicked off with Eventing, which included a challenging Cross-Country course that resulted in several falls fromvariousnations,includingCanada.

Quebec's Peter Barry and his horse Kilrodan Abbott were eliminatedafterafallandRebeccaHowardofSalmonArm,B.C.fellatfence14bwithRiddleMaster.Whilebothescapedwithoutserious injury, Hawley Bennett-Awad of Langley, B.C. wasn’tas fortunate. Riding Gin & Juice, she fell at fence 3 and wastransported to hospital by ambulance where she was diagnosed withaconcussionaswellasastablesacralfracture.

Of the five-member team, onlyOntario ridersMicheleMuellerof Port Perry on Amistad and Jessica Phoenix of Uxbridge on Exponential successfully completed the course, which was designedbySueBensonofGreatBritain.

Mueller’s celebration quickly turned to heartbreak, however, when she announced that Amistad had sustained an injury and would not be presented at the horse inspection for the finalStadium Jumping phase of the competition and would be retiring fromcompetition.

Phoenix,however,continued tomoveup through theplacings.From 50th position following the Dressage phase she moved upto28thpositionafterincurringonly2.4timepenaltiesontheCross-Countrycourseandenteredthefinalphaseofcompetition–StadiumJumping–with57.20penaltypoints.Withthreefencesdownandtwotimepenalties,shequalifiedfortheIndividualFinalinStadiumJumpingwhereshehadtworailsdown.

PhoenixfinishedtheOlympicEventingcompetitionin22ndplacewithafinalscoreof79.20penaltypoints.Canadafinishedin13thpositionintheteamcompetition.

In Dressage, Canadian riders once again felt the sting of

disappointment when Canada was eliminated from team competition.DavidMarcusofCampbellville,ON.sawthedreamsof his first Olympic Games dashed when his horse, Chevri’sCapital, spooked. Unable to regain the focus of his frightenedhorseduringtheGrandPrixtest,adignifiedMarcus,whostrokedhishorse’snecktotrytocalmit,wasforcedtoexitthering.

JacquelineBrooksofCedarValley,ON.madehistorywhenshebecamethefirstOlympicriderinherdisciplineattheOlympicstowear a helmet instead of the traditional top hat typically worn in Dressagecompetition.RidingDNiro,Brooksreceivedascoreof68.526andfinishedin41stposition.

After earning a score of 71.809% in the Grand Prix test onBreaking Dawn, Ashley Holzer of Toronto advanced to the Grand PrixSpecialwhere sheearneda scoreof 71.317% tofinish in24thposition.Holzer,representingCanadaatherfourthOlympicGames,alsosportedahelmetduringhertests.

ShowJumpinggotoff to agoodstart onAug.4with thefirstround,an individualand teamqualifier.Aboardhisnewmount,Derly Chin de Muze, Eric Lamaze of Schomberg, ON. sailedthroughthecoursewithaclearround.

IanMillarofPerth,ON.wentdowninthehistorybookswhenheenteredtheringinwhatwashis10thOlympicappearance.Theveteran rider for the Canadian Equestrian Team navigated Star Powerthrougharidethatfinishedwithfourfaults.

Jill Henselwood of Oxford Mills, ON. finished her ride aboardGeorgewithfourjumpingfaultsandatimefaultforatotaloffivefaults.

InherOlympicdebut,TiffanyFosterofSchomberg,ON.tookherhorse Victor through the course with eight faults for the two rails down.

Controversy overshadowed the second round of competition the following day, leaving Canada with only three team members competing. Foster’s horse Victor was disqualified under the

Canada's Riders Give Their All Despite Challenges At 2012 London Olympics

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Special Feature

International Equestrian Federation’s (FEI) hypersensitivityprotocolafteracutonthehorse’scoronarybandwasdiscovered.While the FEI released a statement acknowledging that malpractice was not suspected, the Canadian team was not giventheopportunitytodemonstratethatthehorsewasfitforcompetitionandtherulesprohibitedanappealofthedecision.

Despite the uproar that the situation caused and a call for a review ofhypersensitivityrules,theshowwenton.StarPowerlivedupto his name, giving Millar a fault-free ride, which moved the pair upinto17thplaceintheindividualrankings.Lamazealsorodeaclean round, but incurred a time fault that left him sitting tied for 13thindividually.Henselwoodhadoneraildown,whichputherin47thposition.

Canada was ranked sixth heading into the third round – the teamfinalandthirdindividualqualifier.HenselwoodandGeorgestarted thingsoff andfinished their roundwith two rails downforeightfaults.Canada’snextriderwasLamazewhohadeightjumpingfaultsandonetimefault.Millar,whorodeintheanchorposition for Canada, had a solid ride with Star Power with just fourfaults.TheresultwasafifthplacefinishintheteamJumpingcompetition.

Finishinginthetop35,bothMillarandLamazequalifiedfortheIndividual Final, which sees riders enter the ring with a zero penalties for a fresh start. Heading into this final phase of thecompetition,Lamazeincurred12jumpingfaults,finishingin29th.Star Power had only one rail down in each round of the individual final,securingninthplaceoverallforthepair.

In the end, Canada’s riders held their heads high and rode their best, with some making history while others were left to dream aboutwhatmighthavebeen.WithLondonbehindthem,Canada’sbest now have their sights set on the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.�

Jacqueline Brooks riding D Niro.

David Marcus riding Chevri's Capital.

Eric Lamaze riding Derly Chin de Muze.

Jacqueline Brooks riding D Niro.

Ian Millar riding Star Power.

Jill Henselwood riding George.

www.horse.on.ca | 61

Tiffany Foster riding Victor.

David Marcus riding Chevri's Capital.

Ashley Holzer riding Breaking Dawn.

Jessica Phoenix riding Exponential.

Jessica Phoenix riding Exponential.

Michelle Mueller riding Amistad.

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Special Feature

Ontario's Jody Schloss Makes Paralympic DebutVying for a spot on the podium at the 2012 London Paralympics, whichranatthehistoricGreenwichParkfromAug.30toSept.4,wereseasonedCanadianridersandanewfacefromOntario.

CanadawasrepresentedbyLaurenBarwickofAldergrove,B.C.,AshleyGowanlockofSurrey,B.C.,EleonoreElstoneofLangley,B.C.,andJodySchlossofToronto,ON.

Facingawet,windystarttothefirstdayofcompetition,GowanlockandMailerodetheirwaytoascoreof67.955%for8thplaceintheGrade1BTeamTest.Barwick, the third last competitor toenter the stadium for the Grade II Test, also had a strong ride, turninginascoreof72.095%aboardOfftoParistotake3rdplaceoutof23competitors.

Team competition continued the following day with Ontario’s Schloss,whomadeherParalympicdebut.Ridingherownhorse,Inspector Rebus, she placed 12th in the Grade 1a Team Test after receivinga scoreof63.882%.Elstone,whowasamemberofTeamCanadaatthe2008Paralympics,hadascoreof66.688%intheGradeIVTeamTestonZareno,whichsecured10thplaceforthepair.

The individual tests followed on Sept. 1, with Barwick, whowon gold and silver at the 2008 Paralympics, earning a score of 71.857% for 6th place in the Grade II Individual Test andGowanlock riding into6thplacewith69.304% in theGrade1bIndividualTest.

On the following day, in front of more than 10,000 spectators, Schloss and Elstone performed their Individual Championship Tests.SchlossrodeInspectorRebustoascoreof67.700%for11th place in the Grade 1a Individual Test. Competing in theGrade IV category, Elstone secured 7th position with a score of 68.226%.

After combining each country’s best three scores from both the TeamandIndividualTests,Canadafinishedin8thplaceoutof16nations.

The equestrian portion of the Games wrapped up on Sept. 3and 4 with the highly anticipated Freestyle competition, which didn’tdisappoint.Barwickplaced8thwith71.500%intheGradeII Freestyle while Gowanlock took 6th that same day in the Grade 1BFreestylewithascoreof68.800%.ThefinaltwoCanadianridershittheringthefollowingday,the

end of the six-day competition, with Elstone achieving a score of 68.75%for10thplaceandSchlossearningan11thplacefinishwithascoreof66.500%intheGrade1aFreestyle.

Para-EquestrianDressagedevelopedinthe1970s,withthefirsteventsheldinGreatBritainandScandinavia.Themulti-disabilitysport has since spread around the world, with athletes from more than40countriesnowcompeting.TheclassificationrulesoftheInternational Federation for Equestrian state that athletes with a physical impairment and athletes with a visual impairment are eligibletocompeteinthesportattheParalympics.Classificationalsogroupsathletesinclasses,definedbythedegreetowhichthey are limited in their ability to perform activities within that sport.TherearefiveclassesinEquestrian:GradesIa,Ib,II,IIIandIV.Grade Ia is forathleteswhose impairmenthas thegreatestimpactontheirability toride; throughtoGradeIV,which isforathletes whose impairment has the least impact on their ability toride.�

Photo Credit: Danielle Yaghdjian

Jody Schloss making her Paralympic debut aboard her horse Inspector Rebus.

Photo Credit: Lindsay Yosay McCall

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Special Feature

Equestrian Association Keeps University Students Connected To Their PassionBy Melissa Kosowan

Heading off to university can be bittersweet for riders who are often forced to put their riding on hold as they focus their time and money onschool.Butgettinganeducationdoesn’thavetomeantradinginridinghelmetsfortextbooks.

TheOntarioUniversity Equestrian Association (OUEA) gives ridersthe chance to pursue their hobby while developing their riding skills and meeting new friends. A student-run organization with 300members, the OUEA was founded in 2007 by a group of university students to offer fellow riders a way to continue riding and competing while in schoolwithout thesamefinancial and timecommitmentstraditionallyassociatedwiththesport.

“It allows people a way to compete while they are in university and it expands their experience level,” says OUEA president Tara Bassili.“It’sachancetogetoutandcompeteandbepartofafunatmosphere.”

The OUEA was originally structured based on the Intercollegiate Horse Show Associate in the United States, but over time has evolved.Like itscross-bordercounterpart, theOUEAoffersHunterEquitation classes and riders compete on donated horses they have notpreviouslyridden.

“It’s very different from your normal show circuit,” says Kirsten Dorricott, vice-president of the OUEA as well as a representative for theUniversityofGuelphteam.“It’sreallyfunandyoulearnsomuchfrom hopping on a horse you have never ridden before and going and jumpingacoursewithnowarmup.Itteachesyouhowtorideandto

berespectfulofyourcompetitorsandhaveagoodtime.”

What started with seven schools being represented has now grown to17equestrianteamsthatcompeteintwozones.Eachteamcansend a maximum of 12 riders to each sanctioned competition and isexpectedtohostatleastonehorseshowduringtheschoolyear.Thereare fourdivisionscomprisedofflatandover fencesclasses,including Entry (0.45m), Novice (0.68m), Intermediate (0.76m) andOpen(0.91m).

“It’s grown so much,” says Dorricott, who has been involved for the past four years. “Even the quality of the horses, the facilities, theridershaveimproved.”

As with other show circuits, ribbons are awarded for each class, but individualaswellasteampointsarealsoaccumulated.Eachschoolselects a “point rider” for each class and the points that rider collects attheshowgotowardstheirteam’spoints.

“You are competing as a team, which you don’t get to do a lot with horsebackridingbecauseyou’renotusuallyonateam,”saysBassili.

The Ontario University Equestrian Association tracks points and hosts the year-end finals that see the very best go head-to-head for tophonours.Therearealsoyear-endawardsforoverallseasonplacingsineachdivisionandtheoverallhighpointrider.

While most schools have both competitive teams and social clubs for horse enthusiasts, there are other ways to get involved, even if you don’tmakeyourschool’steam.TheOUEArecruitswarm-upridersaswell as helpers that do everything from tacking horses up to holding them.

“A lot of teams have a club and then their competitive team,” saysBassili.“Therearealotofwaystogetinvolvedandwetrytoencouragethatasmuchaswecan.”

In addition to giving riders the opportunity to continue to participate in their sport while in university, being part of an OUEA team also allows themtomeetfriendsandrelievethestressofschool.

“It’ssomuchfun.There’salotofteamspirit.Weencouragepeopletoreallyrepresenttheirteams,”saysBassili.“Wereallyfocusonbeingcompetitive and taking it seriously, but we emphasis sportsmanship andthatit’sgoingtobeafunenvironment.”

At Ryerson University in Toronto, that camaraderie has helped many “countrykids”maketheadjustmenttocityliving.

“I went from being small town farm girl to downtown city girl and it was a culture shock,” says Kailey Rigelhof, club supervisor of marketing and sponsorship. “Just to meet people who lived incountry settings kind of like me or just had a love of horses and knew howtoride,thatkindofgavememoreofasenseofhome.”

Like many other students who are members of the Ryerson University Equestrian Club, Rigelhof came from a small town and had to leave herhorsesbehind.Beingable tosurroundherselfwith like-mindedindividuals who shared her passion helped her make the transition from a town of 12,000 people to a university campus with over 25,000students.

“We have our own little community within Ryerson,” she says of the club, which sees members get together for riding lessons and social outings.“Weareallreallygoodfriends.ThepeoplethatIhavemetIwouldn’thavemetbecausetheyareindifferentprograms.”

The OUEA continues to gain momentum with each passing year – so much so that it recently appointed someone to help new teams getstarted,securemembersandworktowardshostingshows.Tocater to the growing demand, the association is considering allowing colleges to get involved and is investigating the possibility of adding otherdisciplines,suchasDressage.

“We are really focusedon inclusiveness,”Bassili says. “Wewantto be sure all skill levels and all disciplines and people from different financialbackgroundscanparticipatebecauseyoucan’talwaysfindthatintheequestriansport.”�

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As another show season comes to a close, the Arabian Horse Association of Eastern Canada (AHAEC) is reflecting on a new format that bringstogether multiple breeds in one location for a show that’s economically viable,diverseandfunforexhibitorsandspectatorsalike.

“It’s a way for us to have larger shows, more exciting shows for the participantandforthepublic,”saysDanCross,presidentoftheAHAEC.“It’s a fun horse community when you throw all these breeds together,”

Arabian gelding Ali’s Maverick, owned by Jane Lloyd, is shown in a halter class at theFallFestival,amulti-breedshow.

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Michele Cimino, Dipl., Ac., CEMT

michelecimino@hot�ail.com

www.michele-cimino.com/equine

647-406-1161

On June 2-3 the AHAEC Summer Sizzler took place at the Western Fairgrounds and welcomed about 110 Arabians, Half-Arabians, Saddlebreds, Morgans and Peruvian Pasos who came together for the show,butcompetedintheirrespectivebreed-specificclassesaswellasafewall-breedclasses.

“Initiallyitwasfromafinancialpointofview.WecouldnotattractenoughArabs alone to fund the facilities,” explains Cross, who was the show manager. “From a numbers point of view, the more classes and thebusier the show we have, the more horses we can attract and the nicer thefacilitywecanparticipatein,sotherearealotofadvantages.”

TheFallFestivalonSept.8-9attheOrangevilleFairgroundsfollowedthesameformat.Althoughnotaswellattendedasitssummercounterpart,welcoming close to 50 Arabians, Half-Arabians, Saddlebreds and Morgans, exhibitorfeedbackwaspositive.

“I think it’sworking great,” Cross says. “It’s great because you havethree or four different breeds of horses that you get to view at the same showandtheyallhavetheirownnuances.It’sprettyneat.”

The Fall Festival also hosted the 2012 Ontario Provincial Saddle Seat EquitationChampionships.

“It was well attended and very exciting,” Cross says. “The provincialcommittee did a phenomenal job putting together prizes, neck ribbons – thewholething.Anditwasalotoffuntoo!

Cross points out that the combined show format, which was popular in years gone by, also introduces riders to horses they might not otherwise getto interactwith,abenefithesays isparticularly importanttodispelmisconceptionsaboutArabianhorses.

“It gives people the opportunity to view the Arabian horse and it takes someofthemythawayoftheArabianhorsebeinghot-headed,”hesays.“It’sanicefitforeverybody.”

Arabian Association Brings Breeds Together In Combined Show FormatSubmitted by the Arabian Horse Association of Eastern Canada

There was no shortage of road horse entries at the 2012 CNE and Ontario Hackney Show, the latter of which was held at Ricoh Coliseum on July 30 withtheformerfollowingonJuly31andAug.1.

We saw an overwhelming number of entries in all of the classes this yearbyexhibitorsfrombothOntarioandQuebec.Congratulationstoallof the participants, and thank you to both the CNE and Ontario Hackney Associationforhostingtheseevents.

Preparations are underway for the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair which is expected to be better than ever.We have received 19 nominationsfor the OHHA Green Roadster Classic, which will be held on Saturday, Nov.3.Toqualifyforthisclasshorsesneedtobefiveyearsofageandunderor in theirfirstor secondyearof showing.TheOntarioHarnessHorse Association has graciously sponsored this class since 2001 and we are very grateful for their continued support in promoting the use of Standardbredsasroadhorses.

Gearing Up For The Royal After A Successful SummerSubmitted by the Canadian Road Horse Association

Following the class the Canadian Road Horse Association will be hosting a wine and cheese party to honour our 2012 Hall of Fame Inductees: Myrna Walker,RossThomas,PhyllisSheridanandLoisAllison.

The Canadian Road Horse Association has two fundraising initiatives inplace for2012.Plansareunderway tohostapancakesupperat theRoyalonMonday,Nov.5.Ticketswillbeavailablethereandeveryoneiswelcometocomeandenjoypancakes,sausagesandabeverage.

The Canadian Road Horse Association thanks Mako Renovations for their donationtothisyear’sbeefraffle.TicketsareavailablefromthedirectorswhichwillbedrawnfollowingourfinalclassonWednesday,Nov.7th.Theprizeisyourchoiceofhalfsideofbeefor$500.

For more information on the road horse and the Canadian Road Horse Association,visitourwebsiteatwww.roadhorse.ca.

Breed & Discipline Updates

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Judge John Cundell of Ottawa with miniature horses owned and shown by Betty McGowanofEdwards,Ontario. Johndemonstratedhow tomeasureharness, fitblanketsandgaveadviceonthewellbeingofourhorses.

andMargaretMonnellyfromOttawa.

TheclinicwasorganizedbyDanaBright,whoholdsqualificationinallfiveofficial categories,bothat theADS level andalsoat theUnitedStatesEquestrianFederationlevel(USEF).TheinstructorwasDebbieBanfield,whoismanageroftheGaylaDrivingCentreinKentucky.Banfieldisalsoaqualifiedofficial inallCarriageDrivingcategoriesatboththeADSandUSEFLevel.SheispresidentoftheU.S.DrivingfortheDisabled,Inc.

The Walnut Hill Pleasure Driving Show welcomed 12 licensed American DrivingSocietyofficialswhoattendedtheofficials’clinic,whichwasheldinconjunctionwiththeannualshowinAugust.

Officials,bothjudgesandtechnicaldelegates,arerequiredtorenewtheirlicenses every three years in order to remain current in their knowledge of the American Driving Society (ADS) rules and their application atcompetitions. Overall Carriage Driving issues were discussed in thecontextofthecompetition.AstheeventatWalnutHillextendsoverfivedays, the venue presented a comprehensive high quality view of Pleasure Drivingcompetition.

Whenworkingatashow,officialsareveryvisiblewhenactingasjudgesin the arena. However the technical delegate is very important to themanagement of the show as they are responsible to the ADS and also to thecompetitors.

Many perceive the technical delegate duties to be limited to overseeing theconesobstaclesandthecross-countrycourse.Howevertheirdutiesextendwellbeyondthosetasks.Theyarealsoresponsibleforallaspectsof the show grounds, from safety to stabling, including issues relating to the rules, such as disagreements with a score, the welfare of the horse or incorrectturnout.Thetechnicaldelegatealsoworkscloselywiththecourse designer and with the volunteers, who perform tasks that are integraltothesuccessoftheshow.

The clinic presented a two-day forum in which many issues were discussed.Itpresentedavaluableeducationalexperience,asmanyoftheofficialsareveryexperienced.Manyideasweresharedamongthegroup.TwoCanadianofficialsparticipated:GerryMcCollumfromLoretto,ON.

Breed & Discipline Updates

Clinic Offers Forum For Driving DiscussionSubmitted by Margaret Monnelly, Eastern Ontario Pleasure Driving Society

Under leaden skies, the Annual Eastern Ontario Miniature Horse Club Clinic washeldattheRussellFairGrounds.

Again,agreatlineupofspeakersgotunderwayat9a.m.withAllieHoney,equine nutrition consultant, assisted by Katy Gemmell, regional equine nutritional consultant, to introduce everyone to Purina’s Hitching Post presentation.

Overcoffeeandmuffins,HoneypresentedinformationonmanyaspectsofMiniature Horse care and management at various stages of life, as well as seasonalfeeding.Thesetopicswereofgreatinterestnotonlytothenew

Gloomy Weather Didn't Put A Damper on Miniature Horse Club ClinicSubmitted by the Ontario Miniature Horse Club

owner,butalso toseasonedhorseenthusiasts.Colicprevention,nutritionat all stages of a Miniature Horse’s life, salt and water availability at proper temperatures during the cold season were some of the many subjects covered.

HoneyandGemmellfinisheduptheirpresentationbybodyscoringthetwoMiniature Horses and Miniature Donkey with foal at side, brought in for the dayby theHitchin’Granny,BettyMcGowan.Thefloorwas thenopen toquestions from the attendees, resulting in a lively discussion before time out wascalledforanoonbreak.

Armand and Sandy Beaudoin, new club members from Elmside, Quebec wonthe$20giftcertificatedonatedbyPurina.

Afternoon speakers included Phyllis Beggs on the perils of using a tape to weigh a Miniature Horse. There were three tapes and three conversionfactors that resulted in three different weights!

John Cundell showed us how to measure for blankets and harness, with MaryHumeontheproperchoiceofbitanditsadjustmentsforyourhorses.

Celine Hutchison, of Forest Lane Horse Farm, presented information on emergency preparedness, both on the farm and away, while Karen Lamb showedtheproperwaytomeasuretheheightofyourMiniatureHorse.

Mary Hume was the lucky person to win the door prize of 50 bales of this season’shaydelivered.ThedoorprizewassponsoredbyJerryWhisselandJuliaWainwright.

New to the clinic this year was the sale of new and lightly used miniature horsetackandsupplies.

Despite the weather, those in attendance had high praise for the quality and breadthoftheinformationprovided.

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Denise Blanchet riding Cabasco and Mike Merriam riding Walker AES take part in a 25-milemileageride.

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Breed & Discipline Updates

OCTRA Riders Take Top Honours At Stormont Endurance Ride Submitted by the Ontario Competitive Trail Riders Association

The Stormont Endurance Ride, sanctioned by the Ontario Competitive TrailRidingAssociation(OCTRA),tookplaceonSept.2,2012inBerwick,ON. andoffered something for everyone, including25, 50 and75-miledistances.

The 50 and 75-mile rides were held in conjunction with FEI, Equine Canada and the Arabian Horse Association Region 18 Arabian and Half-ArabianChampionshipevents.

TheOCTRA25-milemileagerideattracted11entries.Mileageridesarebetween 10 and 35 miles in length with a minimum and maximum time allowedtocoverthemarkedtrail.Tofinishreallyistowin,asnoplacingsare awarded. This, however, does not prevent riders from feeling thecompetitive spirit!

Enduranceridesareaminimumof50mileseachday.Thewinneristhehorsethatcompletestheride intheshortesttimeand is judged“fittocontinue.”

There were nine entries in the 50-mile ride, with four cross-entered in theFEI1*event.ThetopplacingCanadianwasMonicaGrundmannofBainsville,ON.aboardExcaliburLegend,whofinished justonesecondbehindthewinner.HighVetScorewasawardedtoOCTRAjuniorrider,SolsticePecile ofBailieboro,ON.whowas competing in her very firstendurancerideonGloriousSongIA.

Sevenhorsesenteredthe75-mileride,sixofthemalsointheFEI2*event.The top placing Canadian was OCTRA member Wendy MacCoubrey of Quebecwhoearnedsecondplace ridingMotyf.Weareallglad toseeMacCoubrey back on home soil after her year spent working with top enduranceridersintheUnitedStates.

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Ontario-bredhorsestookhometheArabianHorseAssociationhonours.The Region 18 75-mile Champion was Cognac Amberfyre, ridden by KimWoolleyofFinch,ON.andBestConditionwasawardedtoSeriousMoonlight,riddenbyNancyZukewichofOttawa,ON.

Many thanks to the ride management team from Seaway Valley Arabian Horse Association for hosting a successful OCTRA event that encompassedgrassrootsandinternationalcompetitions.

Old friends andnew faces came together onSept. 7-9, 2012 atEskerSprings Ranch for the Ontario Quarter Horse Association/American QuarterHorseAssociationannualall-breedtrailride.

The ranch, owned by Karen and Steve Cook, boasts miles of trails in the KawarthaLakes region, justoutsideof the townofOmemee,ON.TheCookfamilyputalotoftimeandeffortintoensuringafun-filledweekendfor all attending.Withwhat seems like thedriest summer inOntario’shistory, it was unfortunate that one of the few weekends calling for extensive rainfallwas theweekend of the trail ride. Nonetheless, thatdidn’t dampen the enthusiastic hosts as well as some die-hard Ontario QuarterHorseAssociation(OQHA)supporters.

The festivities started off on the Friday evening with a bonfire social,followedbyacontinentalbreakfastonSaturdaymorning.Duetoheavyrainfall, the planned morning trail ride was postponed until later in the afternoon,inhopestheskieswouldclear.At2p.m.,everyoneheadedoutonthetrails.Itwasnicetoseeamixtureofcross-bredhorsesandQuarterHorses,someofwhichjustfinishedshowingthepreviousweekend.Astheriderslefttheranch,thetrailswoundaroundponds,rollingfieldsandthrough forests, with all trails offering extremely good footing for the horses.Everyoneoptedtotakepartinthepokerrun.Althoughtheydidgetrainedonabit,thatdidn’tdeteranyone.Halfwaythroughtheride,theskieswereblueandthesunwasshining.

Following the ride, everyone gathered in the garage to socialize where approximately30peopleenjoyedadeliciousdinner;includingturkeyandfixings,pulledpork,mashedpotatoes,salad,rollsandanOQHAcaketotop itoff.Anumberof friendsof theCookscameout toentertain theguestswithsinging,fiddleandguitarmusic.Sundaymorningstartedoffwithapancakebreakfast,followedbyanoptionaltrailride.

Rainy Weather Didn't Dampen Spirits At Annual All-Breed Trail RideSubmitted by the Ontario Quarter Horse Association

Everyonewhoattendedandtookpartthoroughlyenjoyedtheweekend.Although the weather certainly deterred a number of riders, OQHA would liketothankeveryonewhocameoutandsupporttheorganization.OQHAwould also like to give a special thanks to the Cooks, as well as Jan Ropp, fordoinganamazing job inprovidingafun-filledweekend.Theyputanextensive amount of preparation and planning into this event to ensure everythingwasperfect;fromthetrails,totheabundanceofdeliciousfoodand the entertainment!

OQHAholdsa trail rideeachyear,which isopen toall breeds.This isan excellent opportunity for all horse enthusiasts of all disciplines to get together and spend a weekend meeting other horse enthusiasts and spendingtimewiththeirhorsesoutonthetrail.OQHAinviteseveryonetojointhenexttrailride!Informationcanbefoundatwww.oqha.on.caorbycontactingcrawfordqh@gmail.com

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Breed & Discipline Updates

The Ontario Reining Horse Association had another full season of shows, with some great runs and impressive placings both here, in Quebec and intheU.S.

Show hosts – the Fletchers of Fletcher’s Horse World, the Lubinskis of Y Not Farms, the Yaghdjians of the Pickering Horse Centre – did a wonderful job of opening up their facilities to ensure we got to enjoy our sport, and theydeserveahugethankyou.

Some of this year’s highlights were:• Loris Epis and Resting Whiz won reserve champion, Level 3 Open,

at the NRHA Derby• Heather Vaughn placed well at several big shows on Gotta Magnum

Dream• Tim Stanton won the Open in Syracuse, New York• Lesley Martin won the Limited Open in Michigan on Wimpys Best

Jac, with Bill Thomas also winning the Level 2 and 4 Derby in Michigan

The youth members also had a good year, enjoying some fun and camaraderie,whilealsoraisingfundsfortheirassociation.Thehighlightswere the group “funstyle” at the Fletcher’s show, with Sarah O’Grady winning the class on behalf of the youth, and the egg and spoon race at PickeringHorseCentre,wonbyTaylorMariani.The Ontario Reining Horse Association saw a lot of new faces again this year, with some large Green as Grass classes, so it is wonderful to see thegrowinginterestinthegreatsportofreining.

For more information on reining, visit www.orha.on.ca or [email protected].

New Faces At Reining Shows Cap Off Great Season Submitted by the Ontario Reining Horse Association

It’s been a hot summer and the Ontario Morgan Horse Club has been firedupwithafeweventsaroundtheprovincetoshowoffourbeautifulMorgans!

The Ontario Morgan Horse Club supported the Can-Am All Breeds Emporium in March with a booth and three Morgans for the breed demonstrations. In May, two Morgans showed off their talent at theLindsay All About Horses expo and in June, two Morgans demonstrated theirversatilityattheUxbridgeHorseman’sExpo.

The Ontario Morgan Horse Club Fun Day, hosted by Cyan Star Morgans in PortPerry,wasalsoheldinJune.Itwasadayoffunonhorseback;playinggames like musical stalls, baton race, egg and spoon and the refreshingly fun game of apple bobbing! A potluck was held afterwards for everyone toeat,relaxanddryofffromapplebobbing.

The club’s premier event, the OMHC Classic Horse Show, was held in JulyinOrangeville.ShowchairpersonGregReevesdidafantasticjobofguidingtheshow.Theshowofficialsalsodeserveapatonthebackfortheirgreatwork.ThankyoutoBrianErrico,JillBarton,CraigPetterson,Carrie Purcell, Val Reeson, Gloria Cote, Barry and Sandra Beach and the showcommitteeforyourhardworkanddedication.Itwasgoodtoseeentries up slightly from last year and we invite all owners of Morgans and part-Morganstocheckitoutfornextyear.

A few more shows and fall fairs are ahead and we look forward to our Christmaspotluck turkeysuppermeeting inDecember.Please joinus!Formoreinfovisitwww.morganhorse.on.ca

Morgan Horse Club members enjoy a game of musical stalls at the OMHC Fun Day atCyanStarMorgansinPortPerry.

Morgans Are On The Move At Events Across The ProvinceSubmitted by the Ontario Morgan Horse Club

LesleyMartinOnWimpysBestJacwontheLimitedOpeninMichigan.

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Many breeders dream that some day one of their homebred horses will competeattheOlympics.ForCarolineBazleyandhermotherJeanWatsonof Blithe Hill Farm in Orangeville, that dream was realized this summer when their Canadian Sport Horse gelding, Riddle Master, competed in the 2012 LondonGamesEventingcompetitionwithriderRebeccaHoward.

“It has been a dream 50 years in the making and my mother and I have been breedinghorsesforlongtime,”saysBazley.“Thelongandshortofitis,it’safamilyaffairandwe’vealwaysbredCanadianSportHorses.”

RiddleMaster(Rupert)isbytheCSHAapprovedHanoverianstallionRodero,outofBlitheHill’smare,LegacyIII(byEyestoRule).Heisthelastoffourcolts themarehad.AsBazley tells it, thegelding isacarboncopyofhisThoroughbred dam in appearance, with his sire’s movement and jump.RiddleMaster(registeredasBlitheHillRiddleMaster)wastheonlyCanadianSportHorseof80horsesintheOlympicEventingcompetition.

During the Cross-Country phase, an unfortunate slip at Fence 14B caused Howard to lose her stirrups and to fall at the jump, but Bazley couldn’t be prouderofherhorseorhis rider.Thepairwent late in thedaywhen thecoursewas chewed up and slippery. The terrain proved to be themostchallengingaspectofthecourse.

“RiddleMasterisajumperandhelovesit.Hewasso,sofocusedandwhenRebecca bounced out of the saddle, the shock on his face was ‘Oh my God, whathaveIdone?’Bazleysays.“Buthefollowedthetracktothenextjumpevenwithoutarider.”

As a teen, Howard had the ride on another Blithe Hill homebred, Talaris III, whenshelivedinBritishColumbia.JoniLynnPeters,Howard’scoach,calledher friend Bazley and told her about a “phenomenal” student she had, so Bazleysentthehorsewest.

A few years later, she met up with Howard at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair.

“I tracked her down and said, ‘You owe me big time and I’m here to blackmail you,’” jokesBazley. The “blackmail” involvedHoward taking onBazley’sthensix-year-oldgelding,RiddleMaster.“Hewent toNorthCarolinawithherin2007(HowardbecameequestriandirectoratTheForkStablesin2006)andshewasn’twildabouthimforatleastayear.Allofasudden,itclickedforthem.”

Breeders Realize Long-Time Dream With Olympic ContenderSubmitted by Tracy Hanes, Canadian Sport Horse Association

The pair started racking up good placings and, in 2010, Riddle Master made his four-star debut at the World Equestrian Games in Kentucky with Howard, showingimpressivepoiseforanine-year-old.

“We bred a very good horse and Rebecca made him a great horse,” says Bazley.“Youcanneverdiscountwhattherideriscapableofdoing.Therearemany good horses that don’t have the rider, so they don’t get to strut their stuff.Rebeccahaspersistedandisanamazingathlete.”

Bazley says Riddle Master represents the modern event horse that requires a mix of Warmblood and Thoroughbred blood to have the movement needed forDressageandtheheartandenduranceforCross-Country.

“We breed for Eventers because in our estimation, we believe when you breedagoodeventhorse,youbreedaverygoodhorse.Theyhavetohavethe temperament and movement for Dressage and you have to breed in incrediblecourage,”saysBazley.“Cross-Countrydoesnot takea timidathlete.Youneedtobreedforsoundness,courage,heartandtemperament.Theyhavetohaveitall.”

She adds, “I believe the dam is the most important element and any stallion ownerisfortunatetogetagoodmarewithaperformancerecord.Noneofminecanbebroodmaresuntiltheyhaveaperformancerecord.”

Riddle Master and Howard have remained in England where they will stay for two years, honing their skills in preparation for the 2014 World Equestrian GamesinNormandy.

“It’saculminationofdreams.Ittakesalongtimetogetthereciperightandsometimes you spend a lifetime getting it right or you never get it right,” says Bazley.“IfeltitinmybonesthatRiddleMasterhaditandIwassopersistent.Rebecca came to me after the World Equestrian Games and said, ‘Caroline, youwillneverhavetoblackmailmeagaintoridethishorse.’”

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Hunter/Jumper Official!

The OEF Provincial Officials program provides individuals with no previous judging or course designing experience with the knowledge and skills to begin their career. This program offers entry level training to those who want to officiate at Equestrian Skills Development (E.S.D) competitions, EC Bronze competitions and/or help prepare for the Equine Canada Officials programs.

The OEF will be hosting a series of OEF Provincial Officials clinics in the fall of 2012. Please visit the OEF website for clinic dates and details. If you are interested learning more about the Provincial Officials program please contact Angelique Homan at [email protected].

www.horse.on.ca

Breed & Discipline Updates

Page 70: Whoa! fall2012

70 | WHOA! Fall 2012

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Page 71: Whoa! fall2012

Research Update Fall 2012

The opportunity to study arena footing wasa natural leap to take for University ofGuelph researcher, Dr. Jeff Thomason,given his extensive involvementresearching track surfaces. “MeetingKaren Leeming, co-owner of Footing First,whilst attending the first Equi-Challengeevent was serendipitous,” says Thomason.Footing First has initiated a two to threeyear scientific study involving noted

researchers Dr. Jeff Thomason, Dr. MickPeterson and others to look at the effects offooting surfaces on show jumping horses.Results are intended to assist footingdesigners in reducing the chances ofinjuries to horses as they create their nextgeneration of products.

Thomason intends to gather data on topshow jumpers performing on a variety of

different footings: sandwith and withoutadditives (such as fibreand rubber particles),turf, and even a surfacewith an under mat(which waters thesurface from below)!Sensors on the hoofwill measure hoof slip,concussion and loadingusing the same horsesand riders. In anearlier study of con-cussion and mid-stanceloading, Thomasonand student KatieGallagher found thatjumping horses bringtheir front legs closertogether on landingresulting in more forceon the lateral quarter of

each foot. An interesting side project willinclude riders giving feedback of theirperception on how each surface feels.Moisture content of the different surfaceswill also be studied during the summer of 2012.

When asked to identify the mainchallenges for creating optimal footing,“Riding surfaces need to provide cushion,be able to bring the foot to a halt fairlyquickly while also allowing the foot to cutinto the surface allowing torque,” explainsThomason, “Part of good maintenanceincludes preventing compaction and lossof cushion through regular harrowing.”

Footing First has funded Thomason’sresearch on this project and will helparrange horses and riders for studies bothin Florida and throughout Ontario. Thecompany is in the process of seekingmatching funds for ongoing research.

By – Jackie Bellamy

Equine Guelph

Surface Study Covers More Ground

Welcome to another bi-annual reporton the ground-breaking researchfunded by partners, sponsors and agrowing number of donors to EquineGuelph’s Research Program. Thisissue brings you news of expandingsurface studies, progress in stem celltherapy, the benefits of shock wavetreatment, developments towardfinding a Rhodococcus vaccine,genomic research in the areas ofrespiration and reproduction,biosecurity on horse farms and the useof electrolytes. The last pageannounces upcoming Equine Guelphprograms to help horse ownerscombat colic. Enjoy and learn!

Dr. Jeff Thomason, Co-Chair,Equine Guelph Research Committee

Research Project Update .............................................2

Rhodoccoccus Update .................................................2

We Need Your Help.....................................................2

Shock Waves for Speedy Healing .................................3

Maximizing the Benefits of Genomic Research................4

How Can Horse Farms Practise Biosecurity ....................6

Eye Opener for Electrolyte Use.....................................7

Combact Colic............................................................8

helping horses for life

INSIDE Volume 9, Number 2

Part of good surface maintenance includespreventing compaction and loss of cushionthrough regular harrowing.

Page 72: Whoa! fall2012

Research aimed towards Rhodococcusvaccine development continues to gainmomentum with University of Guelphresearcher, Dr. John Prescott, working incollaboration with Ph.D. student, IainMacArthur at the University of Edinburghin Scotland. Thanks to the advancesbrought about by genomic research, theteam has been able to identify the most“switched on” genes in the R. equibacterium and come up with an improvedprocess to mutate targeted genes (forexample the “LSR” gene) to the pointwhere the bacteria will no longer survive.Advances have been made in the screeningprocess with hundreds rather thanthousands of potential mutants to screen.

The Edinburgh group has also developedan important mouse model forimmunization and bacterial challenge.MacArthur has achieved a 99% reductionin the bacterial count of R. equi inimmunized and then challenged mice.

With the advances in this research, Prescottcan foresee development of a new vaccinewithin the next three years. Funding forthis research project has been provided bythe Horse Race Betting Levy Board andEquine Guelph.

2 Equine Guelph

2011 RESEARCH PROJECT UPDATES

noitarbelec ehT of ‘War Horse’continues whenyou give to theEquine GuelphOEF 'War Horse'W e l f a r e

Education Fund created to improveequine welfare education as it appliesin today’s world. Equine Guelph,working together with the horseindustry, will develop new coursesthat will teach the highest degree ofskills in horse care and welfare andcontribute to the reduction of welfareissues.

“Your donation to Equine Guelphhelps fund groundbreaking work thatis making a significant difference inthe lives of our horses. We trulyappreciate your support,” GayleEcker, director, Equine Guelph.

Donations to Equine Guelph can bemade online (http://uofg.convio.net/eg), by phone (1-519-824-4120 ext.54431) or by mail using credit card(VISA or Mastercard) or cheque.Please make cheques payable toUniversity of Guelph/Equine Guelph.An official tax receipt will be sent fordonations (online donations willreceive an immediate e-receipt).

There are many different ways togive: cash gifts, planned giving,gifts-in-kind, hosting a fundraiser, orvolunteering your time. EquineGuelph also offers a tribute program,Hoofprints, to honour deceasedhorses or people. Donate today atwww.EquineGuelph.ca

Photo: Brian Stevens

We NeedYour Help to‘Help Horsesfor Life’

University of Guelph researcher Dr.Koch is optimistic that advances in hisstem cell research are bringing his teamcloser to in vivo studies. Satisfactorycartilage repair has not been achievedusing undifferentiated cells. Priming thecells to become cartilage cells prior toimplantation may improve treatmentoutcome, but coming up with enoughcells for use in vivo is a challenge. Thenew membrane-based culture systemwill yield better quality cells in highernumbers.

Progress has been made to develop away to track the cells once they areinjected into a live horse. MRItechnology has enabled the tracking of

the stem cells for a week after injectioninto tendon specimens.

Dr. Thomas Koch is an assistantprofessor in the Department ofBiomedical Sciences at the OntarioVeterinary College and an adjunctassociate professor in the OrthopedicResearch Lab at Aarhus University inDenmark. His work is funded by theDanish Research Agency forTechnology, Production and Innovation,Grayson Research Foundation ofLexington, Kentucky, BioE Inc. ofMinnesota, SentrX Animal Care Inc. ofUtah, Morris Animal Foundation, andEquine Guelph.

Full Speed Ahead Toward R. Equi Vaccine Development

Advances in DifferentiatingCells for Regenerative Therapy

Airborne R. equi hides in themacrophages which normallydestroy invading bacteria. R.equi has taken over this foal’slungs resulting in suffocation.

Page 73: Whoa! fall2012

Equine Guelph 3

E

Dr. JudithKoenig begans t u d y i n gshock wavet r e a t m e n twhen ap a r t i c u l a rhorse with abroken legcame in for

treatment. Koenig was interested in all thework that had been done in humans usingshock wave therapy and preceded with herstudies using a woundhealing model.

Koenig has foundshock wave treat-ment beneficial inreducing proud fleshin large wounds, ifused immediatelyafter injury occurs.“Although the treat-ment is expensive,savings can berealized in reducingstall rest time andeliminating the cost of treating proud fleshafter wound healing,” says Koenig.Horses are known to have a long and weak

inflammation phase post-injury, especiallyin their limbs. Koenig believes that shockwaves work in wound and tendon healingby inducing a stronger inflammation in thetissue which results in a shorter healingtime. Although it is not fully understoodhow shock wave treatment works, thetheory is shockwaves are acoustic wavesthat are created by a shockwave generatorand travel through fluid in the shockwavehead. These acoustic waves create shearforces when they meet tissue of a differentdensity (i.e. tendons) which release gas

bubbles on the cellsurface and releasei n f l a m m a t o r ymediators andgrowth factors.Koenig’s challengehas been attemptingto measure the upand down regulationof growth factors toexplain the researchresults. Funding forthis research hasbeen provided by ag r a t e f u l

thoroughbred owner, who donated theequipment, and through Equine Guelph.

By – Jackie Bellamy

lufsseccus dna esrevid eht ,etirw I sA equine industry is moving into unknownand very uncertain territory. I do notwant to belittle the likely impact on manybusinesses and individuals, but I do wantto deliver a positive message, andpossibly a little hope. We, at EquineGuelph and at the University of Guelphhave been discussing what we can offerto a redeveloping industry. Even if wefocus on research for the purposes of this

newsletter, we can and will continue tocontribute through several programsincluding the many educational andtraining opportunities.

To date, most of the research supportedthrough Equine Guelph has been on thehealth and welfare of the horse itself.What will be added to that in the nearfuture is research on the health andwelfare of the equine industry (how

much research is done will greatlydepend on funding availability). The aimwill be to find or generate information ofdirect use to individuals, businesses andassociations as they adjust. I hope thatwe will start reporting some successstories based on this research, perhaps asearly as next year.

-By: Dr. Jeff Thomason, Co-chair, EquineGuelph Research Committee

The Value of Research for the Health andWelfare of Your Horse

The right front leg was treatedwith shockwave; the left frontleg was used as untreatedcontrol. Note the amount ofproud flesh formation in theuntreated leg.

Shock wavebenefits:• Speeds healing

of wounds• Reduces down time• Early treatment

is key

Shock Waves for Speedy Healing Photo: Dr. Judith Koenig

Treated

Page 74: Whoa! fall2012

4 Equine Guelph

In a major step towards combating issues affecting equinereproduction and respiration, researchers at the University ofGuelph have identified a protein called Clara cell secretoryprotein (CCSP) that may assist in developing better defencesystems when it comes to treatment and prevention of differentdiseases in horses.

The initial release of the horse genome database in 2007 hasprovided scientists with completely new information pertainingto horses’ genes. This, along with the associated technologies inidentifying proteins controlled by the genes, has since thengreatly benefitted veterinary researchers working on equinehealth and disease.

In Respiratory ResearchWorking as a main anti- inflammatory protein, CCSP appears toplay a critical role in the defence against airway disease inmammals, and D r. D orothee Bienzle, professor in the D epartmentof Pathobiology at the Ontario V eterinary College (OV C), iscurrently studying the effects of this key protein and the role itcan play in determining and treating Recurrent AirwayObstruction (RAO) in horses.

A chronic inflammatory lung disease, RAO is commonly referredto as heaves and affects up to 50% of horses worldwide. It istypically caused by an allergic- type of reaction followingrepeated exposure to environmental substances associated withpoor quality hay or bedding. Even though this disease has beenrecognized for centuries, current treatment for horses with RAOis limited, resulting in affected horses being unable to race orcompete.

While environment plays a key role in RAO, Bienzle believesthat this disease could also develop in older horses that hadsuffered severe respiratory virus infections as youngsters. Evenafter overcoming the viral infection, a certain proportion of thesehorses end up developing this asthma- like condition later on inlife, which, at this stage is very difficult to treat and is essentiallyimpossible to reverse.

“We believe that some horses which suffer severe viralrespiratory infections as youngsters, with organisms such asherpesvirus, influenza virus, or rhinovirus, will develop acondition called ‘inflammatory airway disease’ (IAD ),” saysBienzle. “Basically, the lining of the airways becomes inflamed,and some horses that have IAD never ‘reset’ their airwayepithelium to the right balance of reacting to environmentalstimuli and suppressing reactions. We believe those horses thatremain prone to exaggerated inflammatory response are verylikely to develop heaves.”

Bienzle has discoveredthat the CCSP that isnaturally produced in thelower bronchi plays animportant role incounteracting lunginflammation in horseswith RAO. In identifyingthe role of the protein theyare studying, Bienzleexplains that this will helpresearchers to betterunderstand how theairway defends itselfagainst environmentalstimuli, enabling them toproperly diagnose andbetter treat the condition. “We recognize CCSP as amain anti- inflammatoryprotein, but we don’treally know how itworks,” explains Bienzle.“We would like to knowwhether it works indefending the airwayepithelium (tissue whichlines the respiratory tract)against viruses, inhaledparticles, bacteria and/ orother stimuli. We wouldalso like to know how it decreases airway inflammation.”

In Reproduction ResearchWhile it has been found that the majority of CCSP is produced inthe horse’s conducting airway, University of Guelph researchershave also discovered important changes pertaining to keyproteins that are involved in similar interactions between theuterus of the mare and the early developing embryo.

D r. K eith Betteridge, D epartment of Biomedical Sciences and D r.Tony Hayes, D epartment of Pathobiology, both professors at theOV C, came together eight years ago with a common goal ofreducing early pregnancy loss in mares.

Nearly 17% of diagnosed pregnancies fail to produce a foal, andabout 60% of the failures occur within the first five weeks ofpregnancy. Both Betteridge and Hayes are focused on identifyingthe changes in molecules that are produced in the uterus in mares,including proteins that play a critical role in the failure of earlypregnancy, as well as in infertility due to inflammatory processes.

M ax imiz ing the B enefits of Genomic Research on Cla

T op right photo: E M _ CC: Scanning ecells w ith round surface are embeddmucus are attached to the surface o

They feel that identifying these key molecules will assist in thedevelopment of early diagnostics and in creating new treatmentsfor infertility. “It would be very nice to be able to reduce the numbers of failedpregnancies,” explains Betteridge. “And to be more specific,when we have systems that age the horse from the 1st of Januaryfor example, it is very important to get mares pregnant early inthe season; being able to prevent pregnancy loss would go a longway towards meeting that goal.”

Genomic research has equipped the veterinary researchers withthe ability to identify many proteins by mass spectrometry andhas revolutionized their ability to analyze the proteins in detail,as they study fertility and infertility in horses. It is details likethese that guide researchers to the next ‘growing point’ of thecontinuous research process.

The researchers note that there is much more to learn about earlypregnancy, and by studying CCSP, they will have a better idea ofwhat can go wrong in early pregnancy.

“If we are able to identify the key molecules that are produced inmares, we will be able to do two things,” says Hayes. “We willbe able to hopefully develop a test which will help us measure thepotential for that particular mare to get pregnant and may be ableto use particular treatments that counteract the nasty effects ofsome of these proteins and therefore settle down theinflammatory response and make pregnancy more likely to occur earlier.”

While genomic research has revolutionized the ability to identifythe production of thousands of proteins, Hayes notes it can alsobe bewildering at times because researchers are confrontedsuddenly with huge amounts of new information about what’shappening during these critical events. It then takes some timeto analyze all of these activities and the locations of protein production.

“There are a lot of the proteins controlled by these genes thathave been identified in parallel with what has been known inother species, but still there are many, many genes that are poorlyunderstood in the horse, and I think it will be another five or tenyears before the full depth of genomic information will beavailable for researchers like us,” says Hayes. “But nonetheless,there are many, many helpful items that we can follow now withregard to reproductive health that will be of benefit to theindustry.”

Funding for these research projects have been provided byEquine Guelph, Grayson Jockey Club Research Foundation,Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada(NSERC), Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and RuralAffairs (OMAFRA) and the University of Guelph.

By – Barbara Sheridan

Equine Guelph 5

EQUINE RESEARCH UPDATE

Clara Cell Secretory Protein

ng electron micrograph of a bronchiole from a horse. Clarabedded amidst ciliated epithelial cells. Small amounts ofce of the Clara cells and the cilia of the epithelial cells.

Photo:Dr. Dorothee Bienzle

Trouble accessing � R codes? Get the free mobile appat http://gettag.mobior access Equine Guelph research videos on You Tubeby visiting:http://www.youtube.com/user/EquineGuelphUofG/ videos?view=1

Page 75: Whoa! fall2012

They feel that identifying these key molecules will assist in thedevelopment of early diagnostics and in creating new treatmentsfor infertility. “It would be very nice to be able to reduce the numbers of failedpregnancies,” explains Betteridge. “And to be more specific,when we have systems that age the horse from the 1st of Januaryfor example, it is very important to get mares pregnant early inthe season; being able to prevent pregnancy loss would go a longway towards meeting that goal.”

Genomic research has equipped the veterinary researchers withthe ability to identify many proteins by mass spectrometry andhas revolutionized their ability to analyze the proteins in detail,as they study fertility and infertility in horses. It is details likethese that guide researchers to the next ‘growing point’ of thecontinuous research process.

The researchers note that there is much more to learn about earlypregnancy, and by studying CCSP, they will have a better idea ofwhat can go wrong in early pregnancy.

“If we are able to identify the key molecules that are produced inmares, we will be able to do two things,” says Hayes. “We willbe able to hopefully develop a test which will help us measure thepotential for that particular mare to get pregnant and may be ableto use particular treatments that counteract the nasty effects ofsome of these proteins and therefore settle down theinflammatory response and make pregnancy more likely to occur earlier.”

While genomic research has revolutionized the ability to identifythe production of thousands of proteins, Hayes notes it can alsobe bewildering at times because researchers are confrontedsuddenly with huge amounts of new information about what’shappening during these critical events. It then takes some timeto analyze all of these activities and the locations of protein production.

“There are a lot of the proteins controlled by these genes thathave been identified in parallel with what has been known inother species, but still there are many, many genes that are poorlyunderstood in the horse, and I think it will be another five or tenyears before the full depth of genomic information will beavailable for researchers like us,” says Hayes. “But nonetheless,there are many, many helpful items that we can follow now withregard to reproductive health that will be of benefit to theindustry.”

Funding for these research projects have been provided byEquine Guelph, Grayson Jockey Club Research Foundation,Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada(NSERC), Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and RuralAffairs (OMAFRA) and the University of Guelph.

By – Barbara Sheridan

Equine Guelph 5

EQUINE RESEARCH UPDATE

Clara Cell Secretory Protein

ng electron micrograph of a bronchiole from a horse. Clarabedded amidst ciliated epithelial cells. Small amounts ofce of the Clara cells and the cilia of the epithelial cells.

Photo:Dr. Dorothee Bienzle

Trouble accessing � R codes? Get the free mobile appat http://gettag.mobior access Equine Guelph research videos on You Tubeby visiting:http://www.youtube.com/user/EquineGuelphUofG/ videos?view=1

Page 76: Whoa! fall2012

Biosecurity in thehorse industry canbe a difficultconcept tocomprehend, andput into practice,especially whenthe average horse

frequently travels off property orencounters horses that have been off thefarm. However, lack of infection controlprocedures can leave a barn vulnerable toall kinds of diseases. Important preventativesteps to discuss with your veterinarian caninclude cleaning, disinfection, considera-tions to make when moving horses aroundand testing of horses when they becomesick. According to University of Guelphresearcher and author of the “Worms andGerms” blog, Dr. Scott Weese, “having abasic infection control plan in place isprobably the biggest thing someone can doto reduce the risk of disease.” Weese goeson to stress, “It does not matter what youdo with your horse(s), or whether you haveonly one horse or a herd of 100, as an owneryou should have a general idea of themeasures you are going to take in order toreduce the risk of infection.” Weese hasbeen working in the area of biosecurity andinfection control for over 15 years trying tofind better ways to prevent and treatinfectious diseases with a strong emphasison prevention.

Weese and Dr. Maureen Anderson of theOntario Veterinary College's Centre forPublic Health and Zoonoses have beentracking diseases and infections all over theworld. For the last three years they havebeen posting helpful information for horseand pet owners, first with “equIDblog” andnow via the “Worms and Germs Blog.”Keeping tabs on emerging diseases in thearea is valuable information whendiscussing the importance and timing of avaccination program with your veterinarian.This will help ensure the program is a goodfit for the needs of your horse. Although,Weese cautions that vaccination should not be the only biosecurity practice horse

owners engage in.

Any time a horse goes off the farm andencounters other horses it has a chance ofcontracting an infectious disease. A fewways to lower those risks include:avoiding nose to nose contact, not sharingwater buckets and grooming equipment,and avoid having people who are handlingother horses handle your horses.

Ideally, a horse that leaves the farm and isexposed to other horses should come hometo a quarantine protocol to reduce thechances of spreading infections to the entireherd. Although this is not always possible,consideration should be given to keepingthe housing separate for horses that travelfrequently, especially if you also keephorses at greater risk of infection such asbroodmares or foals.

Weese was the first speaker at the launch ofEquine Guelph’s “Beat the Bugs”biosecurity workshops and says, “Theseworkshops are great for getting peoplethinking in a broader context when it comesto infection control and putting into practicethe easy day to day steps which can reduceoutbreaks of disease.”

To learn more about protecting your horsefrom infectious disease - sign up for EquineGuelph's upcoming Biosecurity workshops.

By – Jackie Bellamy

E

How Can Horse Farms Practise Biosecurity?

6 Equine Guelph

OEF Contributesto Research A generous $10,000 donation made bythe Ontario Equestrian Federation toEquine Guelph has been allocated toresearch involving respiratory healthand digestive track health. Dr.Dorothee Bienzle is studying etiologicagents and their interaction withmacrophages in heaves. Dr. ScottWeese is studying geneticcharacteristics of equine intestinalbacteria. Equine Guelph looks forwardto bringing you updates.

BIOSECURITY WORKSHOPSGrand River Raceway, EloraSeptember 6, 1 - 3pmUniversity of Guelph, GuelphSeptember 13, 5 - 7pmWoodbine Racetrack, TorontoSeptember 25, 1 - 3pmBest Western Inn, OrangevilleSeptember 27, 1 - 3pm Equine Guelph's eWorkshopOct 22 to Nov 4Sign up at:www.EquineGuelph.ca/biosecurity.php

Page 77: Whoa! fall2012

Most horse owners have used a skinpinch test to assess hydration in ahorse. University of Guelphprofessor, Dr. Mike Lindingercautions this qualitative approachcan not only give a false negativebut may also be too-little-too-late asclinical dehydration may already beoccurring at the point when skintenting is apparent.

Lindinger first became involvedwith studying electrolyte balance inhorses 20 years ago after meetingpotential M.Sc. student GayleEcker, current director of EquineGuelph. Ecker introduced Lindingerto elite equine athletes in the worldof endurance riding and eventing.Riders know first-hand thedamaging effects that can resultfrom dehydration, a condition whensweating exceeds drinking.However, the amount of salt a horseloses in sweat is far greater thantheir human counterparts. Horsescan lose up to 10 – 15 litres of wateran hour. Lindinger explains,“Drinking plenty of water afterexercise is NOT enough!”Prolonged exercise results in loss ofelectrolytes and depleted glycogen levelswhich contribute to muscle soreness andpoor performance. When there isdehydration, consequences can be asserious as lack of appetite, colic,physical injury, heat strain,hyperthermia, cardiovascularimpairment and kidney damage.

Simply replacing water is not sufficientdue to the high concentration ofelectrolytes that a horse loses duringsweating (including sodium, potassium,chloride, magnesium and calcium).Water given during or after exercisedilutes the body fluid compartments andis excreted because the body senses it as

volume overload. Giving electrolytesagain after exercise helps restore thoseessential nutrients lost during sweating.

Lindinger and Ecker, with the help ofBuckeye Nutrition, have produced theonly scientifically developed and testedelectrolyte supplement. Their studymonitored the performance of horses ona treadmill with and without use of theelectrolyte supplement. They showedthat when horses received electrolytesupplement one hour before exercise thehorses could perform at a fast trot for a27% longer duration than the controlgroup. The research also measured therate of gastric emptying and intestinalabsorption into the blood. Gamma

camera imaging was used to trackgastric emptying and showed theelectrolyte supplement emptiedfrom the stomach as quickly aswater. Through blood testing it wasdiscovered the supplement, givenone hour prior to exercise, wasbeing absorbed into the blood within10 minutes of administration.Muscle biopsies showed thatpotassium was taken up by thistissue, and sweat analysis showedappearance of sodium from thesupplement, indicating thatsupplemented electrolytes replacethose lost through sweating.Electrolytes moderate many bodyfunctions including firing of nervesand contracting of muscles.

Lindinger’s studies have includedworking with three-day event horsesand endurance horses (most notablybefore the games in Atlanta) buthigh performance horses are not theonly ones at risk for dehydration.Transport stress can also result indehydration. Lindinger says one ofthe first signs of dehydration isusually behavioural, as the horsebecomes less responsive. His

studies conclude that giving electrolytesbefore situations likely to causedehydration will be beneficial to overallperformance and help guard against theserious effects of dehydration. Fundingfor Mike Lindinger’s research has beenprovided by the American EnduranceRider’s Conference, Buckeye Nutrition,Equine Guelph, Natural Sciences andEngineering Research Council ofCanada, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture,Food and Rural Affairs and UnitedStates Equestrian Federation EquineHealth Research Fund.

By – Jackie Bellamy

E

Equine Guelph 7

Horses can lose up to 10 – 15 litres ofwater an hour. Drinking plenty ofwater after exercise is NOT enough!

Eye Opener for Electrolyte Use

Page 78: Whoa! fall2012

UPDATE ON EQUINE GUELPH’S WORK

Thanks to the following animal health care companies for sponsoring the educational,interactive tools at www.EquineGuelph.ca.

™helping horses for lifeequine guelph

promoting health& performance

funding industryresearch

educatinghorsepeople

tel: 519.824.4120 ext. 54205, fax: [email protected] • www.EquineGuelph.ca

Combat Colic

Colic is the #1 killer of horses (other than oldage), and Equine Guelph has announced anew program to help horse owners battlecolic through prevention. Stay tuned for:

1) Colic Exhibit – visit the EquiMania!display featured at the Royal AgriculturalWinter Fair from Nov. 2 – 11, 2012

2) ‘Colic Risk Rater’ Online Tool –available on Equine Guelph’s website Feb. 2013

3) Colic Prevention eWorkshop – two-week online short course will be offered Mar. 2013

Thank you to all who are contributing to ourcolic survey; your input is integral in helpingus develop these programs. For in-depthsurvey results, go to www.EquineGuelph/education/colic.

Investment in this project has been providedby Agriculture and Agri-Food Canadathrough the Canadian AgriculturalAdaptation Program (CAAP). In Ontario,this program is delivered by the AgriculturalAdaptation Council.

Vaccination Equi-Planner Lameness Lab & Journey through the Joints

BiosecurityRisk Calculator

EVENTSMark your calendar!Royal Agricultural Winter Fair(EquiMania!) November 2 -11, 2012

Equine Guelph Online CoursesNext offering January 2013

Anyone wishing to excerpt EquineGuelph should contact:Jackie Bellamy, ext [email protected]

Colic andBiosecurityeWorkshopsComing Soon!Equine Guelph makes updating your horseknowledge easy with its new informativetwo-week online short courses providingthe latest evidence-based informationavailable.

Horse enthusiasts from around the globe enjoyed the first offering of EquineGuelph’s eWorkshop on equinebiosecurity this past April 2012.

"This course offered extensiveinformation on biosecurity. I believe it tobe valuable, and even essential, for anyonewho wants to protect and give their horsethe best and safest conditions possible."Patty Russen, New York, USA—Student

Watch EquineGuelph.ca for new two weekonline eWorkshop offerings:Biosecurity - Oct. 22 - Nov. 4, 2012Colic Prevention - Spring 2013

Photo: Jackie Bellamy

EquiMania!’s life-size model of the 85’-long digestive systemshows why horses are prone to colic.

Equine Guelph, University of Guelph50 McGilvray St., Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1

Page 79: Whoa! fall2012

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major event coverage, new products, contests, and much more. A favourite with horse lovers of all ages.

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• Visit www.HORSEJournals.com• 1-800-299-3799, or 250-655-8883, ext. 212• Email: [email protected]

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OEF Members Get Lots of Perks!• Reduced Subscription Rates

• Digital & Print Delivery with Every Subscription• Free Entry in our Blundstone Sweepstakes Draw when Subscribing & Renewing

See our Subscription Flyer in this Issue, or in your 2012 OEF Renewal Letter

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Page 80: Whoa! fall2012

80 | WHOA! Fall 2012

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SSG® 10 BELOW™ WATERPROOFSTYLE 6400

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If you want warm anddry this winter

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Color: BlackUnisex Sizes: XSmall 6/7, Small 7/8,

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SSG Ad for WHOA!:SSG Ad for WHOA! 12-08-29 11:21 AM Page 1