www.horse.on.ca | 1

The Official Newsletter of the Ontario Equestrian Federation

Boarding Agreements

Conditioning Your Horse For Long Rides

Does Your Barn HaveAn Emergency Plan?

Boarding Agreements

Conditioning YourHorse For Long Rides

Does Your Barn HaveAn Emergency Plan?

Summer 2013www.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

www.horse.on.ca | 3

NEWS4 Presidents Message 4 Executive Directors Message 6 New OEF Council Members6 OEF Associations' Advisory Council Update 7 OEF Quarterly Report9 Introducing The Newest OEF Staff Member9 Bucas Honoured With Corporate Sport Citation

Award10 War Vet Honours Animals In Battle With Monument10 Ribbon Works Gives Back To Therapeutic Riding11 Ontario Horse Day: A Day To Celebrate Horses16 Ontario Equestrian Federation Model Member

Award18 Become A Director On The OEF Board18 Youth Bursary Applications Are Now Being Accepted19 2014 OEF Youth Bursary Application

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT21 Veteran Set To Host Trail Ride In Support Of

Wounded Soldiers22 Equestrian Icon: The Freedman Family - Leaving A

Legacy With Every Stitch

THERAPEUTIC SPOTLIGHT26 KR Equestrian Challenges Therapeutic Riders To Be

Their Best

AROUND THE BARN28 Revamped Horse Facilities Program Takes Shape

And Draws New Members

SAFETY FIRST30 Are You Ready For An Emergency?

MANE EVENTS32 2013 Competitions36 OEF Notice Of Annual General Meeting38 OEF Awards40 Coaches Announced For 2013 CIEC Competition41 CIEC Athlete Declaration Form42 Saddle Up For A Charity Challenge

COACHES CORNER43 Setting Realistic Expectations With Riders45 Quest For Gold: Ontario Athlete Assistance Program

ASK DR. BOB46 Why Do Horses Chew Wood And How Do We Stop It?

ASK BFL49 What Do I Do When A Claim Happens?

NUTRITION51 Is Your Horse Drinking Enough?

LEGAL LOWDOWN52 LegalRamificationsOfBoardingAgreements

SPECIAL FEATURE54 Head Injury Part 3: Persistent Problems56 Understanding The Equine Medication Control Program - Part Two: Violations

ON THE TRAIL58 Conditioning For Distance Rides59 Meeting A Horse On the Trail59 Best Practices for Horses on the Trails

BREED & DISCIPLINE UPDATES60 Little Horses Mean Big Fun At Miniature Horse Club

Events60 Taking A Different Approach To Fundraising For

Small Clubs63 Central Ontario Region Pony Clubbers Test Their Grit

At Spring Meet63 Long-Time Road Horse Supporters Honoured In Hall

of Fame Induction64 Arabians Go The Distance64 Gypsy Vanner Fair Showcases The Best The

Breed Has To Offer67 Busy Season Ahead For Ontario Combined Driving

Association Members67 Cutting Enthusiasts Brush Up On Their Herd Work 68 Canada Swims Away With Success At Biltmore

Endurance Ride68 Horses are The Star Attraction At The Erin Fall Fair69 Let The Games Begin!69 Relationships Make Wind Dancer Pony Rescue A

Special Place71 OnTRA Events Celebrate The Healing Power Of

Horses71 Friesian Horse Owners Learn From The Best In The

Industry72 Tricounty Carriage Association Celebrates 30 Years72 AQHA Novice Shows Help Riders Broaden Their

Horizons73 Ontario Icelandic Horse Members To Ride At World

Championships73 Morgan Horse Club Celebrates Hall of Fame

Inductees74 Welsh Show Season Kicks Off With Showmanship

And Turnout Clinic74 Experience The Thrill With The Wellington-Waterloo

Hunt

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: horse@horse.on.cawww.horse.on.ca

is published quarterly byONTARIO EQUESTRIAN FEDERATION

Contents

About The Cover: Next Level GHJ is an 8-year-old Haflingerstallion owned by Bob and Doryce Ednie of Cameron, ON.

Photo by Lynn Cassels-Caldwell www.horsephotos.ca

Summer 2013

Grant Field President/ Horse Facilities Council Chair 905-888-1226

Allan Ehrlick 1st Vice President/Associations Council Chair 905-854-0762

Ken Denouden 2nd Vice President/Competitions Council Chair 416-409-8614

Andrea Clarke Treasurer 519-763-3999

Al Patterson Secretary 905-659-1132

Kimberley Blease Director/Associations Council Vice-Chair 416-566-1801

Mark Dobrindt Director 905-892-9769

Isabel Dopta Director 519-993-1192

Marc Nicols Director/ Industry Council Chair 705-435-9229

Lindsey Reeve Director 905-424-1151

Claudia Wagner-Wilson Director 905-466-1901

Russell Vamplew Recreation Council Chair 905-894-3378

Jack de Wit Honorary Director 905-655-4666

Ontario Equestrian FederationBOARD OF DIRECTORS

Publication DatesFall 2013 / deadline September 6

Winter 2014 / December 6Spring 2014 / February 7

Summer 2014 / deadline May 30

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

STAFFDianne GrahamExecutive Directord. graham@horse.on.caext. 19

Catherine BarkerOperations Managerc.barker@horse.on.caext. 23

Melissa MonardoMarketing Managerm.monardo@horse.on.caext. 17

Brandon HallExecutive Assistantb.hall@horse.on.caext. 30

Melissa KosowanCommunications Coordinatorm.kosowan@horse.on.caext. 27

Kim BanksMarketing Coordinatork.banks@horse.on.caext. 22

Lesley McCoyMembership Services Repl.mccoy@horse.on.caext. 13

Anne-Marie PayetteMembership Services Repa.payette@horse.on.caext. 14

Gillian Ross ErasmiCoaching Coordinatorg.rosserasmi@horse.on.caext. 11

Charlayne SzafranskiAdministrative Assistantc.szafranski@horse.on.caext. 32

Angelique HomanCompetition Administratora.homan@horse.on.caext. 15

Stephanie RutherfordProgram Administrator- First Safe Stridess.rutherford@horse.on.caext. 12

Pam CoburnProgram Administrator - Horse Facilitiesp.coburn@horse.on.caext. 26

Candace GomesFinance Administratorc.gomes@horse.on.caext. 16

4 | WHOA! Summer 2013

Horse owners have read the news over the past few months with heavy hearts. The tornadoes in Oklahoma, wildfiresin Colorado and, closer to home, the floodinginWesternCanadahavebroughtdevastation to farms and stables in those areas.

While we all think of our own horses in times like these as we imagine what our fellow equestrians are enduring, its easy to become complacent and believe we are immune to such tragedy. The reality is that

emergencies come in many forms and can affect each and every one of us.

In this issue of WHOA! we wanted to get you thinking about emergency preparedness. Does your barn have an emergency plan? Most dont. While some emergencies, like the twisters that tore through stables in Oklahoma, are so sudden and so devastating that no amount of planning can avert disaster, havingaplan inplace isstillahorsemansfirst lineofdefence.We cant control Mother Nature, who seems to be increasingly unpredictable, but we can do our best to prepare for the extreme weather she throws our way.

by Pam Coburn, has conducted its program review and is on target with its goals for 2013 as presented at the AGM. Part of that review was a survey of all members that resulted in over 2,600 responses, including 210 facility owner/operators. Horse Facilities membership has already grown by almost 50 per cent, from 69 members to 113 members, and it continues to grow.

Some of Ontarios most recognizable athletes and professionals, including Jacquie Brooks, Beth Underhill and Scott and Dee Walker have all joined the program to show their support for the principles of the program the commitment to common standards in horse care, facility maintenance and riding school operations. The program also enables horse facility owners to come together to network and support each other to provide a collective voice on issues facing the horse industry.

One of the goals for this year, through the consultation process, is to identify the most important issues facing facility owners and determine priorities for the facilities program looking toward 2014. We are exploring the potential for further enhancements to the web directory and will continue outreach to potential new members.

The coaching department, managed by Gillian Ross Erasmi, has launched new mentoring workshops where candidates work with a mentor and a small group of other candidates to prepare for evaluation. Each is assigned a topic and teaches a mounted lesson and receives feedback from the mentor and the group. There is also a section that has each candidate practice the lunging portion. This has been very well received and I believe an important factor in the success of those candidates.

Have a great summer and see you down the road!

Grant Field, President

Despite the long spring we endured, with May showers continuing into June, it has not slowed down our avid competitive and recreational riders from venturing out of doors to enjoy the fresh air. The spring has been a busy one for me and the many competitive riders of the OEF.

I have just returned from the Trillium Hunter/Jumper show at Palgrave where, for the first time, a full slate of Reining classes were included at the show. Equestrians once again proved that we

have far more in common the love of horse sport than the differences between our various disciplines. Congratulations to all the Hunters, Jumpers and Reiners that shared the Caledon Equestrian Park for a fantastic weekend.

Special congratulations to the Equestrian Management Group (EMG) which, with its funding partners and different levels of government, has created a true legacy for the equestrian community in Southern Ontario, Eastern Canada and, in fact, all of Canada. The new and improved park, although just in its infancy, is well designed, user friendly, high tech and esthetically pleasing. The future to the Pan-Am Games and beyond looks very bright for our equine community.

I also recently coached at an Angelstone horse show where I am pleased to say Keean White and his team have produced a very well designed group of rings and are developing their model for the future of their shows.

Finally, a trip to coach at the Glen Oros spring event allowed me to take in some of the advanced riders and coaches training their horses and riders. The Eventers had a great weekend at a very well run show.

At the OEF office, the Horse Facilities Council, which is managed

Presidents Message

Executive Directors MessagePart of that planning process involves getting to know your neighbours a once-common practice lost in the hustle and bustle of the modern age. We never know when we might have to call upon our neighbours to help us in a time of need, or vice versa. If they dont know anything about your farm and you dont know anything about theirs, how can you help each other when disaster strikes?

I speak from experience when I say how important it is to cultivate relationships with your neighbours. When I was just a younggirlourbarncaughtfire.Fortunately,ourneighbournoticedthe smoke while he was cutting his grass. He came to the rescue and got a horse trapped in the barn out safely. We were forever grateful for his quick actions!

The equine community is made up of people and horses from all walks of life. We might ride a different discipline or own a different breed of horse than our neighbour does, but we are all connected by one passion horses. This summer, take the time to meet the horse people in your community and draw up an emergency plan for your stable. One day, you might just be thankful you did.

Dianne Graham, Executive Director

6 | WHOA! Summer 2013

Following some challenging weather that seems to always come on the day of a scheduled meeting, we held a meeting of the AssociationsAdvisoryCouncil inAprilattheOEFoffice.Thankyou to Catherine Raso of CMR Governance Consulting who continued on with her presentation discussing board governance. It was an excellent meeting with some great discussions.

A special thanks to the member associations who participated in thefifthannualHorseDayonJune1at theHorsePalace inToronto and also to those who participated in the inaugural event in Ottawa at the site of the former Nepean National Equestrian Park. Both events were a big success, attracting thousands of participants who learned about horses and ponies, equestrian sport and the enjoyment of spending time with these wonderful animals.

In other news, the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport base funding application was submitted for ministry review. This was the second year of the current three-year cycle of funding. Thank you to all associations for their efforts to submit all required documentation on time.

As a reminder, the OEF board room is available for meetings, clinics and workshops. If your group is looking for a venue, please contacttheOEFofficeforcostinformationandavailability.

The next meeting for the Associations Advisory Council will be inSeptemberpleasewatchforane-mailnoticeconfirmingthedate. We will have a speaker from Omega Alpha Pharmaceuticals.

Have an enjoyable summer. We look forward to seeing you in September!

OEF Associations' Advisory Council Update

New OEF Council MembersThe OEF is pleased to introduce NEW 2013 Council members:

AFFILIATESAncaster Agricultural Society, Erin Agricultural Society, Merrickville Agricultural Society, Niagara Regional Agricultural Society, Ontario Trail Riders Association, Orillia and District Agricultural Society, Pentathlon Ontario, Ride Aside, Whispering Hearts Horse Rescue

HORSE FACILITIESBrookhaven Dressage, Buckhorn Riding Academy, Edenview Equestrian Center, Fawg Forest Therapeutic Farm, Glenaura Farm, Havencrest Riding Academy, Hop Hill Stables, Kings Meadow Equestrian Centre, Meadow Wood Stables, Oakhurst Farm, Pretty River Valley Country Inn, Silver Spring Farm, Stonewood Equestrian, Windy Hill Farm

INDUSTRYBruce Agra Dehy Inc. - The Ontario Forage Processor, Electroguys Security, EquineLux, Fletcher's Horse World, Kimberly Gdanski Chiropractic Professional Corporation, PBC Development and Construction Management Group, Peterborough Tack, Petlyn Farm, Stick and Stone Tack Shop, Todd Owens Licensed Parelli Professional, Total Equine Fencing

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

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

Correction: We incorrectly spelled the name of OEF Youth Bursary recipient Samantha Franko in the Spring issue of WHOA! We apologize for any confusion or inconvenience this error may have caused Samantha or our members.

News

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News

OPERATIONS The OEF office has welcomed several new staff members:

CandaceGomes,financeadministrator,aswellasNancyAllenand Avery Gagnon, part-time membership support.

ADVOCACY The OEF has been working with the representatives from Equine

Guelph, OSPCA, OMAFRA and horse rescue organizations toexaminetheneedtocreatestandardsandcertification forhorse rescue facilities.

The OEF is working with the Animal Welfare Task Force led by OMAFRA chief veterinarian, Greg Douglas, DVM.

FIRST SAFE STRIDES The First Safe Strides program, funded by the Ontario Trillium

Foundation, has been actively working with agricultural societies, directors and volunteers on the research and development of tools and programs to support the implementation of safe, successful horse shows.

To date, the OEF has attended the following fairs: Maxville, Millbrook, Caledon, Brooklin, Clinton, and Schomberg. The program will continue to attend agricultural society fairs each weekend across the province for the duration of the fair season.

COACHING In Ontario over the last four months, 13 new English Instructor

of Beginners, two new Western Instructor of Beginners, one Drive Instructor and 14 new English Competition Coaches have successfullycompletedtheircertification.

Almost 200 English and Western Learn to Ride certificateshave been issued since April.

OEF hosted several successful mentoring workshops: two English Instructor mentoring workshops, two Competition Coach mentoring workshops and one Western Instructor mentoring workshop.

MEMBER BENEFITS The RIDE ONtario program has been rebranded to include a

fresher and more modern look. The TSC Spring (March 22 April 4) and Summer (June 14-27)

Member Days events were open to OEF members EquineLUX offered OEF members a 20 per cent discount on

saddle pads for one month (ended July 19).

HORSE FACILITIES COUNCIL There are currently more than 110 stable members. Hosted a consultation session on July 3 in Guelph with current

and potential stable members. The session gave participants the opportunity to provide feedback on the current program and what they would like to see in the future. The OEF is organizing similar sessions in Kemptville in August and Timmins in September.

A few of Ontarios elite competitive equestrian facilities have committed their support to the Horse Facilities Council,

including Jacqueline Brooks at Brookhaven Dressage and Scott and Dee Walker at Forest Hill Training Centre.

RECREATION The OEF Recreation Council met on April 10 to discuss trail

development programs throughout Ontario and current issues facinglocalridingclubs,specificallytheneedtocleanupsport.

The national Trail Guide/Trail Rider certification program iscurrently being translated from French to English and will be readytobelaunchedshortly.Thiscertificationprogramwillberecognized worldwide and is part of the International Group for EquestrianQualifications.

Applications for the first round of funding for recreation arecurrently being reviewed.

COMPETITIONS Chris Brandt presented an OEF Course Design clinic at Forest

Hill Farm in Caledon, May 27-28. This clinic was the largest hostedtodatewith20participantsonthefirstdayand18onthe second day.

The following coaches have been selected to represent Team Ontario at the Canadian Interprovincial Equestrian Championships (CIEC): Simone Williams, Dressage; Danny Foster, Jumper and chef dequipe; Brenda Robson, Reining.

The following organizations are providing product to Team Ontario at the CIEC: Bucas, EquineLUX, SSG Gloves, Tipperary Equestrian

CLEAN SPORT Drug technicians have attended more than 50 shows across the

province since the beginning of the year, with over 200 horses selected for drug testing. In this issue of WHOA! look for the second article in a two-part series about the equine medication program.

GRANTS/FUNDING The OEF submitted its base funding application to the Ministry

of Tourism, Culture and Sport on May 31. This is reporting for year two of our current three-year cycle

EVENTSOEF Representatives attended the following events :

Whispering Hearts Horse Rescue Open House - Hagersville - July 13

2015 Pan-Am Games Two-Year Countdown Caledon July 10 Saddle Fit for Life Workshop Stouffville June 27 Ontario Has Talent Dressage Symposium Stouffville June 29 Toronto Horse Day June 1 Ottawa Horse Day June 1 Earth Day event @ Manulife Centre North York April 22 Greenhawk Warehouse Sale Mississauga April 18-19 National Women's Show Ottawa April 13-14 All About Pets Show Mississauga March 29-31 Can-Am Equine Emporium Orangeville March 28-31

TheOntarioEquestrianFederation(OEF)continuouslyworksonbehalfofitsmemberstodevelopnewprograms,createnewbenefitsandimprove equestrian activity in Ontario throughout the year. To ensure its members are aware of the work being done, every issue of WHOA! includes a quarterly activity report that highlights current projects and those that have been completed. Articles within this issue of WHOA! will provide more details on these various projects.

Ontario Equestrian Federation Quarterly Report

6th ,17th & 18th 2013

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www.horse.on.ca | 9

Blanket manufacturer Bucas Ltd. is the recipient of a Corporate Sport Citation for its contribution to equestrian sport in this province.

The award is presented annually by the Province of Ontario to corporations that have been a leader in supporting sport through sustained corporate involvement. Bucas Ltd. was honoured during an April 18 ceremony during the 46th Annual Ontario Sport Awards celebration.

Were grateful for the support Bucas has so generously shown Ontarios equestrian community, says Grant Field, president of the Ontario Equestrian Federation. Bucas deserves to be recognized for its contributions and this award is a great way to acknowledge everything the company has done for our sport.

Bucas Ltd. was founded in 1981 in Cork, Ireland and is internationally recognized in the equestrian world for its high quality horse blankets and products. Since 2010, Toronto-born Douglas Venn, a consultant with Bucas, has stepped up his support of equestrians in Ontario through various initiatives. As a gold partner of the OEF, Bucas donated blankets to equine participants at the Spirit of the Horse exhibit at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in 2011 and 2012. The company also provided blankets for the Dressage and Show Jumping participants at the Canadian Interprovincial Equestrian Championships in Bromont, QC. last fall and has once againcommittedtooutfittingthisyearsteams.

Withinourfinancialconstraints,wetrytoencourageallformsofwhat we refer to as horse sport, says Venn. This is foundational to our involvement in this most valuable and wonderful activity, no matter where in the world we are active. Awards such as the onewewereprivileged to receive reflect thatandshouldbeasource of encouragement to everyone who is so recognized.

Bucas Honoured With Corporate Sport Citation Award

Grant Field, president of the OEF, accepts the Sport Citation Award from Michael Chan, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport, on behalf of Bucas Ltd.

Candace Gomes has joined the Ontario Equestrian Federation as financialadministrator.

Before joining the OEF team, Candace spent seven years working for a compounding veterinary pharmacy where she compounded/dispensed equine medications and purchased raw materials and packing supplies from suppliers both nationally and internationally.

Candace is currently studying at the University of Guelph to obtain her Equine Studies Diploma in order to stay current with the equine world.

She recently welcomed a big, beautiful Canadian Horse named Brandy Saxon into her life. With patience and time, Candace hopes to turn Saxon into a Dressage beauty that she will be able to successfully compete with.

Life will not be complete, however, until she and her husband have a farm to call their own.

Introducing The Newest OEF Staff Member

Candace Gomes with her Canadian Horse, Brandy Saxon.

News

10 | WHOA! Summer 2013

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Aswar veteran Lloyd Swick stood reflecting on fallen soldiersduring a Remembrance Day ceremony in Ottawa, he realized animals were not being recognized for the role they played in war and made it his mission to honour these forgotten heroes.

If it hadnt been for the animals love and support for man, says Swick, a 90-year old vet who served as a platoon commander with the Calgary Highlanders in the liberation of Holland during World War II and later in Korea, they may not have been victorious in battle.

Having been in business for more than 14 years, ribbon and award manufacturer, Ribbon Works has made a dramatic move to put its advertising dollars to good use by subsidizing the cost of ribbons to make them affordable for therapeutic riding.

Owner Nancy Codlin reports that for the last two years, Ribbon Works has supplied the therapeutic community with custom ribbons for their riders at the cost of $1 per ribbon.

"This is my way of putting a smile on the face of a rider who works sohardtoovercomeobstaclesandtofinanciallysupportgroupsthat are mostly maintained by volunteers with very low budgets," says Codlin.

If your venue hosts therapeutic riding shows, Ribbon Works would like to extend this discount to you. Call them today to take advantage of this generous offer at 905-655-8873.

War Vet Honours Animals In Battle With Monument

Ribbon Works Gives Back To Therapeutic Riding

Three years and almost $170,000 later, Swick witnessed the unveiling of the Animals in War dedication in Ottawa. Joined by two RCMP riders and their horses and a police dog that escorted officialstotheirseats,localdignitaries,membersoftheCanadianArmed Forces and crowd of supporters gathered on Nov. 3, 2012 in Confederation Park in Ottawa to witness the ceremony.

That day, which has since been proclaimed War Animals Day, a series of detailed bas relief plaques, created by David Clendining, were unveiled to honour the many species of animals that served in wars around the world. In addition to the mules, dogs and carrier pigeons killed in war, it is estimated eight million horses lost their lives on the Western front in the First World War.

Its gathering so much momentum, Swick says of the publics appreciation for the animals that served in combat. Last November, after the service at the major memorial site, I went down to our war memorial and I was so pleased to see that the three plaques were just laden with poppies. I think its a momentum and a movement thats going to gain more power.

Swicks appreciation for animals in war began when he was just a young man attending high school in Winnipeg. He has never forgotten a painting that hung on the wall of his school depicting horses and mules, their eyes wide with fear, straining alongside their human counterparts to free supply wagons stuck in the muddy craters left by bomb shells.

Those dramatic images, combined with stories from his father-in-law, who served in the Royal Canadian Army Veterinary Corps during the First World War, stuck with Swick over the years. When he read that the British had erected a monument to honour their animal war heroes, he resolved that Canada should do the same.

While Swick has been able to recoup much of the cost of the monument, he still has a debt of $13,000 and is seeking the publics support. Donations can be made to the Animals in War Dedication project through its website at www.aiwdedication.ca

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Lloyd Swick unveils the Animals in War dedication in Ottawa on Nov. 3, 2012.

Handcrafted Award Ribbons and Rosettes

www.horse.on.ca | 11

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A Day To Celebrate Horses Ontario Horse Day brought horse lovers of all ages out to various locations across the province on Saturday, June 1 to celebrate all things equestrian.

The Ontario Equestrian Federation hosts Horse Day at the Horse PalaceinTorontoeachyearonthefirstSaturdayofJunetogivethe public a chance to meet horses and learn about riding in a fun, safe environment.

Toronto Horse Day, which was emceed by actor Daniel Fathers, featured demonstrations showcasing a variety of breeds and disciplines. Presentations included trail safety; distance riding with the Arabian Horse Association of Eastern Canada; a Hunter/Jumper presentation by the Riding Academy at the Horse Palace; the Upper Canada District Canadian Horse Breeders; the Percheron Association of Ontario, the Canadian Road Horse Association; and the Ontario Quarter Horse Association. Also in attendance were the Central and Western Ontario regions of the Canadian Pony Club; the Ontario Sidesaddle Association; Standardbred Canada; Long-Run Thoroughbred Adoption Society; and Pentathalon Ontario. Toronto Police Services Mounted Unit was also on hand to perform a riding demonstration and open its stable for tours showcasing the horses that patrol Toronto.

Educational and interactive stations were found throughout the Horse Palace and included an exhibit by the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame featuring Northern Dancer memorabilia; a historic photo display of the horses that built Toronto, courtesy of Peter Henderson; story time with Norman the-one-eyed horse and star of a childrens book; photography tips by Manuela Stefan; informationabouthelmetfittingandproper ridingattirewith Greenhawk Harness & Equestrian Supplies and Tipperary Equestrian; the new Equine Canada Fundamentals Program; horse health games and trivia with McKee-Pownall Equine Services and Equine Guelphs EquiMania!; shoeing demonstrations with farrier Symon Pidhainy; and massage with Marguerite Old of Equine Edge Massage Therapy. Woodbine Entertainment Group was also on hand to promote the Queens Plate and representatives from the Pan-Am Games, Town of Caledon and Hills of Headwaters attended to get people excited about watching the equestrian portion of the 2015 Toronto Pan/Parapan American Games, which will be held in Caledon. The Riding Academy at the Horse Palace also opened its doors to give the public the chance to greet horses, feed them treats and learn about grooming and other horse keeping essentials.

Several notable equestrian celebrities also made an appearance at Toronto Horse Day. Hall of Fame jockey Sandy Hawley signed autographs and posed for photos with the historic Queens

Plate trophy; Sylvain Filion, Canadas Driver of the Year for 2012, greeted harness racing fans; and Olympic Show Jumper Jennifer Foster, who rode for Canada at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, donned her distinctive red riding jacket for the event.

Nowin itsfifthyear,HorseDayhasgrownto includeaneventhosted by Equine Canada at the site of the former Nepean National Equestrian Centre. Several OEF Horse Facilities members and breed and discipline associations also planned smaller events across the province.

For more information about the event, or to see additional photos, visit www.horse.on.ca

Mini Cooper, who resides at the Riding Academy at the Horse Palace, was a hit at Toronto Horse Day and made two TV appearances in the week leading up to the event.

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1. Heather Young reads Norman to young horse enthusiasts at Toronto Horse Day. The children's book is based on a true story about Norman, her one-eyed horse. 2. Toronto Horse Day MC Daniel Fathers poses with the stick horse participants who proudly show off their red ribbons. 3. Children play with a horse skull at the McKee-Pownall Equine Services station at Toronto Horse Day. 4. Pentathletes demonstrate fencing at Toronto Horse Day. 5. Toronto Horse Day visitors were able to meet the horses up close. 6. The Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame presented a Northern Dancer exhibit at Toronto Horse Day featuring memorabilia from the racing legend - photo courtesy of the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame. 7. Jennifer Foster, Sylvain Filion and Sandy Hawley were on hand to sign autographs at Toronto Horse Days VIP Corner. 8. Solstice Pecile and her Arabian mare, Glorious Song IA, provide Toronto Horse Day visitors with a demonstration of Endurance riding. 9. Const. Harold Williamson of the Toronto Police Services Mounted Unit tells Toronto Horse Day MC Daniel Fathers about the rigorous training police horses undergo. 10. John Northcote and his Percheron mare, First Start Acres Roda, dazzle the audience with their carriage presentation at Toronto Horse Day. 11. Julianne Clifford, aboard Seven, clear a fence during a Jumping demonstration at Toronto Horse Day. 12. Steve McLean and Armbro Beau demonstrate the versatility of the Standardbred with an exciting Road Horse presentation.

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12Toronto Horse Day photos provided byLaurie Haughton, Epona Photography

14 | WHOA! Summer 2013

News

1. Pat Wolfe from Butternut Farms talks to the audience as he drives his two-in hand Fjord horse team at Ottawa Horse Day. 2. Many children enjoyed the chance to pet a horse during Ottawa Horse Day. 3. Members of the American Saddle Horse Association of Ontario, the Ontario Morgan Horse Association and the Arabian Horse Association of Eastern Ontario celebrated Ontario Horse Day with a cake during the Summer Sizzler horse show in London , ON. 4. Wagon rides with Chris Kelly and his team of Percherons were a big hit at Ottawa Horse Day. 5. Terry Olmstead of the Eastern Ontario Pleasure Driving Society gives a demonstration at Ottawa Horse Day. 6. A mother and daughter enjoy the horses up close at Ottawa Horse Day.

Ottawa Horse Day Photos Provided By Dazzle by Design

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16 | WHOA! Summer 2013

Nominees 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 b.hall@horse.on.ca website www.horse.on.ca

News

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

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

In an effort to acknowledge Model Members, the OEF will present all recipients with black wool coolers that include the OEF logo. Supplied by Brubacher's Harness and Saddlery, the coolers will be presented to the recipients during a special presentation arranged by the OEF.

Please note that the OEF Model Member Award is a separate award from the OEF Annual Awards and can be presented at any time throughout the year. The OEF Model Member Awards will only be presented to those who are most deserving.

For more information please contact Catherine Barker at c.barker@horse.on.ca or 1-877-441-7112 ext. 23.

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18 | WHOA! Summer 2013

News

Youth Bursary Applications Are Now Being AcceptedApplications for the 2014 OEF Youth Bursary are now being accepted and the Ontario Equestrian Federation wants to remind young riders that the bursary program is open to all disciplines, and horse ownership is not a requirement.

The OEF board of directors approved the establishment of a youth bursary program in 2000 and it has been supporting a number of young riders every year since. To date, a total of 124 OEF Youth Bursaries have been awarded.

The program is open to all junior members of the OEF between the ages of 14 and 17 as of Jan. 1 of the bursary year. Riders, drivers and equestrians of all abilities and disciplines are eligible to apply. Applications have also been received in the past from members who wish to use their bursary funds to help them cover the cost of post-secondary education in equine studies. This program is intended to reach thosewhoexperience significantpersonal or financial hardships that have prevented them fromreaching their equestrian goals.

Candidates are not required to ride with a coach, but if they do, their coach must also have an active OEF membership in the bursary year. While the OEF would ideally like to see all coaches NCCPcertified,itsaworkinprogress.Makingthatarequirement

of the bursary program would especially impact those riders in more remote areas of the province where finding a certifiedcoachmaybedifficult.

The number of bursaries awarded each year is based on the total amount of fundraising monies received through the preceding year, with a top up from the OEF general budget. The number of 2014 bursaries that will be awarded will be determined at the close of the year, and announced shortly thereafter.

In 2013, eight OEF Youth Bursaries of $1,000 each were awarded. Thebursariesareprovidedintwoincrements;thefirstisawardedafterthebursarycandidatesareinitiallyidentified,andthelastisawarded in November after the candidates have reported on their riding activities and bursary expenditures. Successful candidates must enter into a contract with the OEF agreeing to provide three updates on their equestrian activities throughout the bursary year, and allowing for the publication of their names and photographs as successful candidate

Youwillfindanapplicationformonpage19ofthisissueof WHOA! Complete the application form and submit all the requested information before the deadline of Dec. 6, 2013 in order for your application to be considered.

Become A Director On The OEF BoardDo you think you have what it takes to be a director on the Ontario Equestrian Federations board? Nominations for individual directors are currently being accepted and all adult members of the OEF are eligible for nomination.

Necessary SkillsIndividuals interested in running for the board should be passionate about the organizations 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, the boards own process and the organization.

ResponsibilitiesTheresponsibilityoftheboardinvolvesfourkeyroles.Thefirstisto represent the membership by pro-actively communicating and listening, acting on their behalf and reporting back. The second role of the board is to lead the organization by determining the strategic direction of the organization. Directors must also evaluate, clearly delegating the work of the organization while exercising fiduciary responsibility and managing liability by

monitoring the organization. Lastly, the board must operate using a 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, purpose of board meetings, decision making and self-evaluation.

Expectations The board meets once a month at 7 p.m., except July and AugustattheOEFOfficeinRichmondHill

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, treasurer and secretary.

The individual director nomination form can be found on page 36. For more information on becoming a director on the OEF board, visit www.horse.on.ca and go to the Board of Directors page. Online polls will be opening in mid July.

Whats Coming Up InEquine psychologist Antonia Henderson, Ph.D., explores horse to horse, and human to horse communication.

The main health reviews Fixation of the Patella, the intermittent locking of the stifle joint, how to recognize what causes it and how it is treated. The DIY Health article will help owners be prepared for Hoof Wounds and Abscesses, with step-by-step instructions for bandaging a hoof, provided by Dr. Ashley Whitehead, DVM. For those who are struggling to get weight off their horses, equine nutritionist Dr. Shannon Pratt-Phillips, Ph.D., shares Feeding Guidelines for Overweight Horses, with detailed example diets.

Trainer Carlos Tabernaberri continues his series Through the Eyes of Horse, with advice on developing straightness and balance. Finally, trainer Anne Gage shares tips for dealing with Horses that Rush, and are difficult to slow down.

Thats not all, so make sure to pick up a copy or subscribe today at Subscribe.Horse-Canada.com, so you dont miss a thing!

September/October Issue - Packed With Health & Well-Being Tips! August: In our annual Dressage focus, features include Assessing the Young Dressage Prospect, Building a Better Shoulder-In and The Coast-to-Coast Cost of Showing Dressage. Read about Extreme Hoof Makeovers, pre-purchase exams, and the importance of understanding, preventing, and containing the EHV-1 threat in our At Issue column.

September: Transportation is the theme, featuring Is Your Towing Vehicle Safe?, the shipping costs across the country, and a look inside the pros' trailers. Enjoy a candid Q&A with Jim Elder, learn about airway diseases and advances in respiratory therapies, and the upsurge in interest in low-GI feeds for horses.

October: Features include Equine Separation Anxiety and The Law and Equine Welfare. We look at what's new in winter blankets, plus images and results of Canada's teams at the North American Junior & Young Riders Championships.

Pick-up a copy at your favourite tack shop or subscribe online at Subscribe.Horse-Canada.com to subscribe today.

Whats Coming Up In

All issues include important horse health and nutrition information, profiles, show results, and training tips from top riders and coaches including David Marcus, Shannon Dueck, Jenn Serek, Hyde Moffatt, Bobbie Reber, Diana Burnett, Jessica Phoenix ... and more!

The OEF Youth Bursary is aimed at supporting young riders/drivers and horse persons of all disciplines who are OEF members and full time high school students where financial resources and/or personal hardship is a significant impediment to them reaching their equestrian goals.

To qualify for the OEFs Youth Bursary applicants must: bebetweentheagesof14and17asofJanuary1,2014;and theapplicantandcoachmustholdavalid2014OEFmembership

A qualified candidate must also submit the following: acompletedandsignedapplicationformincludingtheappendedreleaseandpublicityagreement,andapplicantpackagebeforethe

deadlineof4:00pmDecember6,2013; A250wordessaydescribing:

a. theapplicantsinterestandexperiencewithhorses;andb. whatwouldtheapplicantdowiththebursaryfundsiftheywereasuccessfulbursarycandidate;

includeaphotooftheapplicantwiththeirhorse(ifapplicable); aletterofreferencefromtheapplicantscoachortrainer,oriftheapplicantdoesnotridewithacoach,apersonalreferencefromaperson

whoisnotafamilymember; acopyoftheapplicantscurrentreportcard

APPLICANT INFORMATION:

Name:___________________________________________ OEFMembership#:____________________________

DateofBirth:____________________________ SocialInsuranceNumber:________________________ mm/dd/yy

FullAddress:________________________________________________________________________________

PhoneNumber:_____________________________________ Email:____________________________________

Parent/Guardian:____________________________________ TotalHouseholdIncome:_________________________

TotalNumberofAdultsInHousehold:__________________ TotalNumberofChildrenInHousehold:________________

ApplicantsSchoolName&Address:__________________________________________________________________

SchoolPhoneNumber:________________________________ SchoolFaxNumber:____________________________

APPLICANTS COACH:Name:___________________________________________ OEFMembership#:____________________________

PhoneNumber:_____________________________________ Email:____________________________________

NameofFacility:_____________________________________NCCPCertified: YES NO Other(BHSI/FEI):_____

RIDING/HORSE EXPERIENCE: None UptoOneYear Between1and5Years Morethan5Years

ONTARIO EQUESTRIAN FEDERATION

2014 YOUTH BURSARY A P P L I C A T I O N

deadline - 4:00pm December 6, 2013

RIDING FREQUENCY: Once A Week 2 to 3 times per Week 3+ times per Week Year Round Rider

ARE YOU A MEMBER OF: 4H Club Pony Club NCCP Instructor of Beginner Program EC Learn To Ride Program

Do you participate in any other sports? If so please describe: ___________________________________________________How do you have access to horses? Own Lease Schooling FacilityHow are your equestrian activities paid for (i.e. do you contribute to covering the cost of your participation and, if so, how much)? _________________________________________________________________________________________________Describe any challenges you face in participating in your sport/activity? ____________________________________________

LOCAL MEDIA OUTLETS:Please list the names of your local media (community newspapers etc.)1. _______________________________________________________ 2. _______________________________________________3. _______________________________________________________ 4. _______________________________________________

RELEASE FORM:

I, ___________________________________________, acknowledge that ________________________________ (parent/guardian) (applicant)is applying to the Ontario Equestrian Federations 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 clarify 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 Ontario Equestrian Federation 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)

CHECKLIST:Please be sure to check off all of the following to ensure the applicants Youth Bursary application is complete: Applicants 2014 OEF membership has been purchased Applicants coach has purchased his/her 2014 OEF membership (if applicable) 250 word essay describing the applicants experience with horses and how the applicant plans on using the Bursary money A colour photo of the applicant along with their horse (if applicable) is attached to the application and an electronic version has been

emailed to p.coburn@horse.on.ca (minimum 300 dpi) A letter of reference from the applicants coach/trainer or a personal reference letter is attached to the application A copy of the applicants recent report card

The application must be completed IN FULL and accompanied by all required original documentation. Applications received after the due date will not be eligible. Faxed or emailed applications WILL NOT be accepted. All information provided will remain strictly confidential.

Ontario Equestrian Federation ~ 1 West Pearce St, Suite 201, Richmond Hill, ON L4B 3K3p: 905-709-6545 ext. 26 e: horse@horse.on.ca

www.horse.on.ca | 21

When riders arrive at the Land Forces Meaford Training Centre on Aug.24forauniquetrailrideexperiencethatbenefitswoundedwarveterans,itwontbedifficulttopickorganizerChuckCannonout of the crowd. Flanked by volunteers, hell be the veteran and equine enthusiast working to keep everything running smoothly and on time with typical military precision.

When Cannon retired from the military in 2004 after 23 years of service he picked up his childhood passion for riding again with the support and encouragement of his wife, Jayne, who is also an avid rider.

I had made a commitment to her that at 20 years marriage we would replace our wedding rings, Cannon explains. Of course, as we got closer to our 20th anniversary, I thought I was a bit of a smart aleck because I knew she rode when she was younger too. I had said to her, We are getting to a point in our military career where things are slowing down. You can either replace our wedding rings or you can get that horse youve been wanting so badly. And a week later there was a horse.

After taking some riding lessons, Cannon got a horse of his own a paint gelding named Chance. Now he wants other war veterans toexperience thesame joyandbenefits thathorsesandridinghave given him.

Im a retired soldier and I am blessed to have retired in good health. There are a lot of guys I worked with that I know that werent so lucky, says Cannon, who was a military engineer and later military weapons technician before doing a four-year stint

as part of Canadas anti-terrorism team. And you know what? As much as we like to think the resources are there, they are not always there. Im a horse owner and I understand the therapeutic values of having a horse and I would like to be able to share that with those guys.

Hes hoping to attract 100 riders to the upcoming Wounded Warrior Competitive Trail Challenge which will raise funds for WoundedWarriorsCanada, a non-profit organization that helpsCanadian Forces members who have been wounded or injured in their service to Canada.

The ride follows the rules and format of the American Competitive Trail Horse Association. Riders are sent out in small groups in 10-minute increments over a 10-kilometre course that features six obstacles. Each rider gets a maximum of 60 seconds to challenge each obstacle, but Cannon stresses that its not a race, its a trail ride.

There is a judge at each obstacle and basic, good equitation iswhatwearelookingat.Werenotdisciplinespecific.Alotofpeople ask if its English or Western and I say, 'English, Western or Martian,' because thats what I ride, he says with a laugh.

At the Land Forces Meaford Training Centre, which is a training facility overlooking the beautiful shores of Georgian Bay where hundreds of Canadian soldiers undergo intense training, riders can expect breathtaking scenery. Not normally open to the public or to horses, this one-day ride is being held with special permission to honour soldiers who have given so much for their country.

A lot of people say, Why ride in Meaford? says Cannon. The whole equine wellness concept is still fairly new to the military. And mental health issues are a real struggle for the military. So, my thoughts were, instead of dragging those guys somewhere to introduce them to a horse, I want to bring the horse back to theirhometerritorytoletthemseeitfirst-hand.Andmaybetheassociation will develop from there. Thats my concept.

While therapeutic riding programs for veterans and military personnel operate in Canada, Cannon would like to see them more widely accepted and available something he hopes his ride might encourage.

I have been meeting with other people who are in sort of the same mode trying to develop the equine wellness program for even our former veterans, says Cannon. We want to highlight the horse and what can it give back to these soldiers who have given so much. Thats the whole point of this ride.

While some people might balk at the idea of organizing a ride of this magnitude, this isnt Cannons first time at the rodeo,so to speak. He organized two competitive trail rides last year to gain experience with the American Competitive Trail Horse Associationformat.Thefirstridewelcomed51participantsandraised $800 for PRANCE, a therapeutic riding facility in Port Elgin, ON. Ultimately, Cannon would like to see the Wounded Warrior ride go national.

Mygoalistogetthisfirstrideundermybeltandmakeitworkperfectly. If everyone walks away happy, then other people will pick up the ball and get on board with it, he says. Its really challengingbecauseIhavetofindpeoplewhoarewillingtoputinthe effort to a host a ride of this nature.

In the meantime, hes focussing on making the ride in Meaford a success.

We want to highlight the horse and what can it give back to these soldiers who have given so much, he says. Thats the whole point of this ride. For more information, e-mail lccannon45@gmail.com or to register, visit www.actha.us

By Melissa Kosowan

Veteran Set To Host Trail Ride In Support Of Wounded Soldiers

Member Spotlight

RIDING FREQUENCY: Once A Week 2 to 3 times per Week 3+ times per Week Year Round Rider

ARE YOU A MEMBER OF: 4H Club Pony Club NCCP Instructor of Beginner Program EC Learn To Ride Program

Do you participate in any other sports? If so please describe: ___________________________________________________How do you have access to horses? Own Lease Schooling FacilityHow are your equestrian activities paid for (i.e. do you contribute to covering the cost of your participation and, if so, how much)? _________________________________________________________________________________________________Describe any challenges you face in participating in your sport/activity? ____________________________________________

LOCAL MEDIA OUTLETS:Please list the names of your local media (community newspapers etc.)1. _______________________________________________________ 2. _______________________________________________3. _______________________________________________________ 4. _______________________________________________

RELEASE FORM:

I, ___________________________________________, acknowledge that ________________________________ (parent/guardian) (applicant)is applying to the Ontario Equestrian Federations 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 clarify 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 Ontario Equestrian Federation 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)

CHECKLIST:Please be sure to check off all of the following to ensure the applicants Youth Bursary application is complete: Applicants 2014 OEF membership has been purchased Applicants coach has purchased his/her 2014 OEF membership (if applicable) 250 word essay describing the applicants experience with horses and how the applicant plans on using the Bursary money A colour photo of the applicant along with their horse (if applicable) is attached to the application and an electronic version has been

emailed to p.coburn@horse.on.ca (minimum 300 dpi) A letter of reference from the applicants coach/trainer or a personal reference letter is attached to the application A copy of the applicants recent report card

The application must be completed IN FULL and accompanied by all required original documentation. Applications received after the due date will not be eligible. Faxed or emailed applications WILL NOT be accepted. All information provided will remain strictly confidential.

Ontario Equestrian Federation ~ 1 West Pearce St, Suite 201, Richmond Hill, ON L4B 3K3p: 905-709-6545 ext. 26 e: horse@horse.on.ca

22 | WHOA! Summer 2013

By Melissa Kosowan

ICONThe Freedman FamilyThe Freedman FamilyICON

Leaving A Legacy With Every Stitch by Melissa Kosowan

Inside the Freedmans Harness workshop in Toronto, the hum is steady as some of the most beautiful leather goods in the world are carefully crafted with tradition and innovation in every stitch. At workbenches throughout the small shop, men and women peer at their work with great focus. One burnishes a handbag, another makes a custom brow band, while a third repairs a saddle owned, no less, by Martha Stewart. While the products are constantly evolving, the tools used to make them have changed very little over the centuries. In fact, with their rosewood handles, thetoolsinthisshopareasfinelycraftedasthegoodstheymake.Its staggering to think of the generations of craftsman who have held them in their hands.

At the helm of the storied company is David Freedman, a sixth-generation harness maker who has devoted his life to carrying on a tradition that has slowly been disappearing since the advent of the automobile. He has continued on the family business that started with his great-great-great grandfather, Mordechai Freedman, who made harnesses for the czars in Warsaw over 200 years ago.

The Canadian chapter of the Freedman harness-making story began in 1910 when Davids grandfather, Isaac Freedman, moved

to Toronto from Ivansk, Poland with his wife, Gitel and children Charles, Harry and Lily. The family would later grow with the birth of Rose in 1924 and Samuel in 1926.

In addition to bringing family to a new land, Isaac also brought his skills as a harness maker and opened his first harnessshop on Centre Avenue in the heart of downtown Toronto. A great craftsman, Isaac was a utility type of harness maker. His expertise and strength was in street harness, or what was known at the time as express harness. Rarely did he make a complete set of harness; repairs were his specialty. In fact, in the mornings there would be 10 or more delivery wagons lined up on the street waiting for Isaac to open up his shop.

Charles and Harry were both taught the trade of harness making, but it was Samuel who was particularly gifted and interested in the profession. Interestingly, it wasnt Isaac who taught Sam the trade. Sams foray into the family harness company began with Eddie Godfrey, Isaacs only English speaking employee who came to the company in 1930. While Eddie didnt speak Yiddish or Polish and Isaac never spoke English, the two shared a connection through their craftsmanship a relationship that lasted for over 25 years.

Eddie had worked in the Chicago stockyards and knew about all types of handmade show harness. In those days, craftsman specialized in specific trades. Therewere cutters, fitters, handstitches,finishers.ItwasuncommonforsomeonelikeEddietohave all these skills.

Isaac Freedman stands in front of the Centre Avenue harness shop in Toronto in the 1940s.

Chester Weber's Four-In-Hand won individual silver at the 2012 FEI Four-In-Hand World Driving Championships using Freedman-made harness.

Member Spotlight

www.horse.on.ca | 23

Member Spotlight

Eddie took a particular interest in Sam and taught him how to make a harness by the time he was only 10 years old. But by the age of 12, the often rebellious youngster decided to part ways with the family business and went to work for Samuel Trees Company, a huge company in a four-storey building at the corner of King and Bathurst that employed over 100 people.

According to David, his father was asked to demonstrate his skills. The companys operations manager sat him down with a stitching horse and gave him a piece of leather to stitch. The magic that is part of Samuel Freedmans lore appeared. He stitched a straight line with no stitch marks and no lines. He was asked to report to work the next day. Three days later, however, Sam found himself unemployed. The year was 1943 and World War II was part of day-to-day life and racial tension was high in Toronto. The young Jewish harness maker wasnt welcomed with open arms by many of the other harness makers in the shop and the company felt pressured to let him go.

While it was a rough start for the young harness maker, it didnt deter him and he went on to build his familys company into a global name among top equestrians who have come to appreciate thequalityworkmanshipthatdefinesit.

They are the premier harness makers in North America and highly respected throughout the driving world, says Jack Pemberton, the former director of the Carriage Association of America and one of the founding directors of Drive Canada and the American Drive Society.

Pemberton met Samuel Freedman about 50 years ago and watched David grow up and follow in his fathers footsteps.

David is a credit to the driving community, no question about that, and hes young, so hes got a great future," Pemberton adds.

Sitting behind an imposing wooden desk stacked high with paperwork, a portrait of his father looking down from the wall, Davidreflectsonhowheendeduprunningtherespectedharnesscompany. Wearing the companys signature belt, which features the trademark F and horseshoe of the master harness makers, he shares the story of how it all began.

My dad had a bench in the basement of the house in one of our spare rooms, David recalls with a laugh. He thought on cold winter weekends he would make my mother some handbags. He made one, but in the meantime I learned how to hand stitch,

I learned a lot about the tools, I learned a lot about trade because he had the time to show me.

By the time he was 13 years old, David was spending weekends and holidays in the shop and tagging along with his dad to horse shows. He picked up tidbits of information about harness making and life during those long drives.

At 18, after spending summers working in the shop, David had found his calling. While his friends were planning careers as doctors, lawyers and accountants, David was interested in the family business.

I just decided this is it. I spent a couple of years under our foreman at the time learning how to make harness, David remembers. Then after two or three years of that, my dad pulled me away and said, Now Ill teach you how to make harness.

So for close to a decade he learned the craft from a man he argues is one of the best in the world a bold statement supported by examples like the gig harness that now hangs on display at the Freedmans Harness boutique in Kentucky. Not only had it survived over 50 years in the show ring before it found its way back to its maker, whats noteworthy about it in Davids mind is that his dad made it as a 12-year-old.

You can bring me anyone in the world who thinks they are good at what they do and I will show them this piece that my dad made at 12 years old; they dont hold a stick to it, David says. The talent this guy had at 12 years old . . . he was really intrigued by quality and workmanship.

The sudden death of Samuel Freedman when David was just 27 years old forced the youngest of the Freedman children to put his skills as a harness maker and a businessman to the test. While David was being groomed to follow in his fathers footsteps, he never expected to take the reins so soon.

Itwasfivedaysbeforemyweddingday,Davidsays,hismoodturning sombre. He was young so nobody really expected it. It was really sudden and I was really young and naive. Youre supposed to say, Wow that guy is the best at what he does, Ive gottofindsomethingelsetodo.

Roy Rogers, Sam Freedman and Glenn Randall pose for a photograph together in the 1950s.

Eighteen-year-old David Freedman works under the watchful eye of his father, Sam Freedman, in 1982.

24 | WHOA! Summer 2013

Sam Freedman presents world champion Standardbred driver Herve Filion with a set of harness for a win at Greenwood, the once-popular Toronto track, in the 1970s.

The recession of the early 1990s wasnt kind to the company and David recalls they didnt even have any work orders when his dad died.

It wasnt like you had a lot of work and commitment. I could have walked away at that time, but I was drawn to it and didnt even think about it, David says. Then somebody gave me some advice locally. He said, You have to be seen . . . You have to let people know you are out there. So I started going to horse shows and talking to people.

The rest, as they say, is history and David quickly became a familiar face at some of the worlds most prestigious horse shows as he worked to return the lustre to the company his forefathers built.

Unfortunately, my mom passed away 10 months later, but I thought, okay, youre in this thing now, so march on, David recalls.

After a period of bleak times, the tides changed at the World Pairs Driving Championship in 1993 at Gladstone, NJ.

I knew that the world would visit that show everybody in driving would come and I knew I could reposition the company and show the world that we are leaders in harness making and thats what I did, David says.

While the companys bread and butter during Samuels time was Standardbred race harness and Hackney harness, followed by a boom in the demand for Carriage Driving harness from the mid-1980stoearly 90s,thedemandnowisprimarilyforfineshowharness and cutback saddles for the Arabian, Saddlebred and Morgan industries.

Its the custom work, however, that the company is known for. A carriage collector from Spain, for instance, wanted a replica of a historic French posting harness he saw in a photograph.

This is an interesting place. Its probably one of the only shops in the world that today could be building for a Mini and next week for a Clydesdale, David says. Most people build combined driving harness or fine harness.We build everything. Im not really atliberty to pick and choose.

David laughs as he tells the story about the time he was asked to make a harness for the Budweiser commercial where a young

Clydesdale slips into a harness and tries with determination to pull the famous red wagon by himself, unaware that two of the giant steeds are pushing from behind.

They wanted to suspend the collar by two wires and the yearling walks into it and pretends to pull. I said, Its no good, David recalls of his conversation with the producer. Everyone in carriage business knows that the collar you put on over his head and it sits on the top, not the bottom everyone is going to know its suspended.

By everyone David was, of course, referring to what he estimated to be 10,000 Carriage Drivers in North America. The producer quickly set him straight. He said, Let me tell you something, 4.3 million people are going to be watching this, David says laughing.

Freedmans Harness also caught the attention of the Freedom of the Worshipful Company of Coach Makers and Coach Harness Makers of London. They honoured David with the Coachmakers CarriageDrivingAwardin2004,andhewasswornbyaffirmationinto thecompany in2012,makinghim thefirstharnessmakerfromoutside theUKand theonlyone indecades toaffirmhisadmittance.

In bygone days, no one could lawfully carry out trade of coach maker or coach harness maker within 20 miles of London without

Member Spotlight

David Freedman is only 16 years old in this photograph taken at the former Dundas Street location of Freedman's Harness.

www.horse.on.ca | 25

Member Spotlight

being a member of the company, which was founded in 1677. Today the Worshipful Company of Coach Makers and Coach Harness makers provides a forum for meeting like-minded people whose interests centre on the automotive, aerospace, coach and coach harness making industries.

While he may have had his own way of doing things, David never lost sight of the companys commitment to quality craftsmanship.

My dads motto was always be the best. Think about things, work hard and do the best you can possibly do. He didnt care what you did, just do it to the best of your abilities, David says.

For David, that means listening carefully to what his clients are telling him so that he can constantly improve products and respond to new demands a trait inherited from his father.

Sam brought the quality of the show harness to a new level, says Larry Ella, who has been showing Hackneys for over 40 years in harness made by the Freedman family. In the case of blinders,hemadethemsotheywerecuppedsotheyfitaroundthe horses eye." Before that everyone just made blinds that were flat,whichoftenrubbedthehorse'seye.

David also makes a point of helping his clients make adjustments totheirequipmenttomaximizethebenefitsofthedesign.

When it comes to adjustment and movement, thats where this company really excels, he says. That helps me with all my products and product development. Im not just somebody who cuts leather. Form to function is very important to me and it has reallydefinedus.

When hes not overseeing the company or representing it at the worlds most prestigious horse shows, David still manages tofindtimetogivebacktotheequinecommunity.Hehaslongbeen a volunteer of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, sitting on numerous committees over the years, including serving as horse show chair.

While he devotes a large portion of his life to the horse industry, its worth every minute when he watches a Freedmans customer ride or drive their way to victory whether its a young Saddle SeatriderwinningafirstplaceatalocalshowwithaFreedmanscutback saddle or an accomplished international driver taking the podium at the World Equestrian Games.

My clients are my greatest success. We have just had a way to attract the best clients with the best show horses and carriage horses in the world and thats been the success of the company, he says. The best is when your clients achieve their goals and you are part of it whatever that is. Its a good feeling.

David Freedman demonstrates his hand stitching skills at the Kentucky State Fair. ThisCarlsbergChampionshipTeamandWagonwasoutfitted inharnessmadeatFreedman's Dundas Street shop in 1973.

The back pad from the famed "Old Times" Road Coach Harness that makes an appearance every year at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair.

26 | WHOA! Summer 2013

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At KR Equestrian in Schomberg, ON., therapeutic riders not only reapthebenefitsthatequine-basedtherapycanprovide,theyalsolearn horsemanship skills to build their sense of accomplishment.

We have all ranges of abilities and we really focus on trying to get the riders to improve their riding skills as opposed to a lot of therapy programs, which are geared around the therapeutic aspect, says Dave Hanley, who runs the facility with partner Kate Richardson. I think its a lot more rewarding for the rider.

According to Hanley, the goal at KR Equestrian is to help riders set goals and feel a sense of accomplishment when they take their riding to new levels.

We have a lot of really great volunteers and people who work there who are really helpful. Its really relaxed and the horses all have really good personalities, says Hanley. When were doing the programs, even though we are trying to teach them actual riding skills, we try to do it in a fun way.

KR Equestrians therapeutic riding program welcomes about 50 riders ranging from children as young as three years old, to riders well into their 50s. Autism, Asperger Syndrome, cerebral palsy and stroke are just a few of the ailments that clients seek relief from at the therapeutic riding centre. Others have emotional challenges they work through with their four-legged partners.

YouhavetofindhorsesthatareappropriatefortheprogramandKatehasaspecialabilitytofindhorsesthatarereallyappropriate,says Hanley. This one Thoroughbred, there was a girl who had a seizure while riding him and he knew something was wrong and stopped.

KR Equestrian Challenges Therapeutic Riders To Be Their Bestby Melissa Kosowan

Therapeutic Spotlight

www.horse.on.ca | 27

Therapeutic Spotlight

The result of the healing power of horses is easy to see at KR Equestrian. Hanley gives the example of one of the program participants who was an accomplished coach before having a serious car accident and then suffering a stroke.

She was a Level 2 coach before and was now riding on a lead. So when she came to our place, we encouraged her to improve. Now she rides these Para tests on or off lead, walk-trot its incredible, says Hanley. We have noticed in the last year that we have been working with her that she is more mobile and she can speak. Before she could say one word and now shes tripling that,soshesreallyimproving.Itsdefinitelysomethingyoucansee real results from.

EQUINE MASSAGETHERAPYBY DIANE

CERTIFIED EQUINE MASSAGE THERAPIST SERVING

YORK REGION

SPORTS MASSAGE FOR AHAPPIER HORSE

DIANE BARROW, C.E.M.T.406 - 249 MAJOR MACKENZIE DR. E.RICHMOND HILL, ON L4C 9M8905 884 8799DIANE@YORKREGIONHORSEMASSAGE.COM

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Everyone Can Be A Champion With Ribbons For Rides Program

Are you a rider with a disability who is looking for a challenge? Why not enroll in Ribbons for Rides, a free program that rewards riders for each FEI Para Dressage test he or she completes, or an appropriate test designed to test that riders skill level!

The OEF and the Ontario Therapeutic Riding Association (OnTRA) teamed up in 2011 to offer the Ribbons for Rides program, which now has 18 therapeutic riding facilities participating in the program. Feedback from the coaches and riders participating has been overwhelmingly positive and the OEF regularly receives e-mails and phone calls from its members offering to donate ribbons to support the program.

Riders in this program participate for a variety of reasons whether purely to challenge themselves to improve their skills or as another way to have fun while riding with their friends at their barn. The ability to work through the 10 levels of this program to reach the top level and receive a championship ribbon autographed by the rider of the recipients choice can bringasignificantsenseofaccomplishment.

Ribbons for Rides participants are encourage to send the OEF photographs of their accomplishments so that we can post them to our social media sites to share them with your friends and supporters across the OEF membership.

Good luck and have fun!

For more information visit www.horse.on.ca

A proud rider shows off her ribbons at the KR 2012 Para-Dressage Show (above left). A rider pats her horse for a job well done (above right).

28 | WHOA! Summer 2013

Around The Barn

Over the last few issues of WHOA! I have provided updates on the work we have been doing to improve the Horse Facilities Program and I am pleased to report that we have grown the membership of this program by over 50 per cent in less than six months.

Wehavebeenworkingdiligentlytofindnewwaystoaddvalueand benefit to the Horse Facilities Program.We beganwith aplan developed in consultation with the OEF board of directors and chair of the Horse Facilities Advisory Council, which was presented at the 2012 Annual General Meeting. Our next step was consultation with the general OEF membership, which provided insight to help direct our future efforts. That survey gave usspecificfeedbackfrom210facilityowners,over50ofwhomwill participate in face-to-face consultation sessions taking place across the province over this coming summer.

The increase in membership that we are experiencing in this program is an important step toward creating a robust network of facility owners and operators who can provide feedback as to where the OEF should be directing efforts to provide tangible value back to its members.

But there is another important role for this group. They are providing leadership in this largely unregulated industry equine boarding, training, and lesson facilities by agreeing to meet a set of basic standards relating to horse care, facility maintenance and program management. Feedback we receive time and time again supportshow important it is for thecomfortandconfidenceofnew riders and parents with children entering the sport to know that facilities abide by a set of professional standards.

Revamped Horse Facilities Program Takes Shape And Draws New MembersBy Pam Coburn, Horse Facilities Program Administrator

Its an important statement about the maturity of the industry that we can come together, with our only incentive being improvement to the sector, to commit to these standards. It is our hope that the standards, in time, will become the norm for all facilities in the province of Ontario.

This year we have three new elite equestrian members added to the roster of Horse Facilities Program members Scott and Dee Walker of Forest Hill Training Centre in Caledon, Jacquie Brooks of Brookhaven Dressage in Cedar Valley and Beth Underhill Stables in Schomberg. The participation of such distinguished athletes, coachesandfacilityowners isareflectionofthe importanceofthe program.

Horse facilities are where it all happens riding and horsemanship training, management of our horses and their health, wellness and fitness, coaching, schooling, competition preparation andthe list goes on. The opportunity for members to support one another through sharing their advice and experience is priceless. If you are a facility owner or operator, I hope you will all strongly consider participating in this program. You are also encouraged to attend this years AGM where I will report on the programs progress and objectives for the coming year. Your participation and feedback is invaluable.

For more information about the Horse Facilities Program, visit www.horse.on.ca and click on the Membership tab. You can also contact Pam Coburn at p.coburn@horse.on.ca or call 1-877-441-7112 ext. 26.

Photo credit: Shawn Hamilton, CLiX Photography

www.horse.on.ca | 29

30 | WHOA! Summer 2013

Safety First

Its every horse owner or stable operators worst nightmare a natural disaster or emergency that puts the lives of their horses in jeopardy.

According to experts in large animal rescue and emergencies, protecting your horses begins with an emergency preparedness plan.

I recommend that not only do you have a personal emergency preparedness plan for the people in your life, but also for the four-legged creatures, big and small, says Dr. Cathy Furness, a veterinarian from Rockwood, ON. who has worked with various groups at the national and provincial levels to further the development of emergency planning for livestock and horses. You need to know what risks you have to be prepared for.

While such a plan can save lives, few people have a plan in place and, if they do, they keep only a mental checklist, not a written plan.

The biggest problem is that people arent coming up with a plan. I think it has to do with the fact that Ontario, in particular, tends to be very sheltered and we dont have a lot of natural disasters, says Furness. I think people take the attitude that its not going to happen to me.

Thefirststepindevelopinganemergencypreparednessplanisdetermining what type of risks you may realistically be faced with. In Ontario, possible risks include tornadoes, wind or snow storms that disrupt power, flooding, forest fires, lightning strikes, trainderailment and any number of situations that could be unique to your area of the province. Any of these occurrences have the potential to disrupt water, sanitation, food and telephone at your farm.

Once risks have been assessed, you can then begin to determine how you would prepare for, or react to, an emergency. Often referred to as an all-hazards plan, an emergency preparedness

plan is a road map to guide you during any type of potential emergencies that could affect your farm or stable. While the plan mayneedtobemodifiedslightlyforeachdifferentscenario,onecomprehensive plan should apply to most situations.

Its overwhelming to say to people, You need to come up with 40 plans. You need to come up with one plan, says Rebecca Gimenez, a technical large animal rescue specialist from Georgia who trains others in rescue techniques. Disaster planning also helps deal with daily emergencies that can occur.

An emergency preparedness plan should include a kit for each horse that can be kept in an easily accessible location at the barn. If that horse leaves the property, whether its for a horse show or evacuation, the kit should accompany it. In addition to an extra halterandleadrope,afirstaidkitforhorsesandhumans,thekitshouldcontainanidentificationsheetforeachhorsethathasitsowner's contact information, as well as the contact information for the horses veterinarian and farrier, copies of registration or ownership papers, proof of vaccination and a list of any medication the horse is being administered.

The package should also include photographs of the horse, taken from all angles, including at least one photograph showing the horse with its owner. Any special instructions about the care or handling of the horse should also be included. For instance, if the horse kicks when other horses come near, this should be noted to keep any potential handlers safe.

Whileitsdifficulttothinkabout,thepackageshouldalsoincludedirections for end-of-life care, particularly if the horse is at a boarding stable or trainers facility. Horse owners should consider signing a legal document giving the individual caring for their horse their consent to euthanize the horse, if necessary, should it become critically ill or injured during an emergency and the owner cant be reached. Horse owners also need to make arrangements for any unforeseen medical treatments the horse may require.

By Melissa Kosowan

Are You Ready For An Emergency?Photo credit: Shawn Hamilton, CLiX Photography

www.horse.on.ca | 31

Safety First

If you arent there to pay for veterinary treatment, how will the expense be covered?

Horse owners also need to consider how they will make their horses identifiable to others should the horse become lost orseparated. According to Gimenez, a horse should have both internal a microchip and external identification during anemergency situation, such as a natural disaster. When disaster strikes,ahorseownercanmaketheirhorsevisibilityidentifiableusing methods such as grease paint with the owners name and number painted on the horse; a commercially available ID band, which is like a hospital bracelet and goes around the fetlock; an information tag braided into the horses mane; or a tag or information sheet taped to a breakaway halter.

Horse owners also need to think about food and supplies and ensure they will have enough for both humans and horses to get through a disaster.

Do you have enough to get you through three days? Five days? And if you dont, how are you going to make sure you can get enough in an emergency? Furness asks. Is the food contained inaplacethatsnotgoingtogetwetwhenyouhaveflooding?Isit contained in a place that you can readily get to but will also be protected from the elements?

And dont forget about water! An extended power outage can wreak havoc on any stable, particularly a large one. Do you have a generator to power your pump or a tank to have water brought in, assuming the roads are passable?

Connecting with neighbours is another strategy. Get to know your neighbours, how many horses are in their herd and the facilities an