Equine Canada Magazine

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October/November 2012

One Vision Equine Canada 2012–2018 STRATEGIC PLAN

Publications Mail Sales Agreement #40050382

Paralympic Games Wrap-up



October/November 2012

the Canadian Equestrian Team wishes to thank the following sponsors for their support in 2012 DEPARTMENTS

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Equine Canada Sport Coaching

Preferred Vaccine of Equine Canada and the Canadian Equestrian Team

Health & Welfare Canada Hippique

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Official Helmet of the Canadian Equestrian Team

Photo © Cealy Tetley

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Official Supplier to the Canadian Equestrian Team

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Official Joint Therapy of Equine Canada and the Canadian Equestrian Team

On the cover / En page couverture : (From left to right / De gauche à droit) Jody Schloss & Inspector Rebus, Ashley Gowanlock & Maile, Elenore Elstone & Zareno, Lauren Barwick & Off to Paris Photos © Lindsay Yosay McCall

Official Supplement Supplier Equine Canada and the Canadian Equestrian Team equinecanada October | November 2012 3


2685 Queensview Drive, Suite 100 Ottawa, ON, K2B 8K2 Tel: (613) 248-3433, Toll Free: 1-866-282-8395 Toronto local: (416) 848-6334 Fax: (613) 248-3484 www.equinecanada.ca

Directors

President

Secretary

Tony La Giorgia

Treasurer

Cheryl Denault

Directors at Large

Industry Division Representatives

Provinces/Territories Division Representatives

Recreation Division Representatives

Sport Division Representatives

Special Advisors

Mike Gallagher

Dave Myers/Kerri McGregor/Tony La Giorgia Al Patterson/Dean Liefso Rosaire Houde/Geri Sweet Jack De Wit/TBA John Harris/Peggy Hambly Corlin Bordeaux/Sarah Bradley

Equine Canada Professionals Chief Executive Officer (Interim)/Chief Financial Officer

Equine Canada’s Member Discount Program Check out http://bit.ly/qVqKgU for details

Call 1-800-965-6872 to start saving!

Michael Arbour, CMA, ext 108, marbour@equinecanada.ca

Chief Operating Officer

Director, Marketing and Communications

Director, Para-Equestrian

Manager, Coaching

Heather Sansom, x 115, hsansom@equinecanada.ca

Manager, Dressage

Christine Peters, x 138, cpeters@equinecanada.ca

Manager, Eventing

Fleur Tipton, x 110, ftipton@equinecanada.ca

Manager, Information Systems

Manager, Jumping

Manager, Marketing and Communications

Craig Andreas, x 145, candreas@equinecanada.ca Margaret Harvey, x. 133, mharvey@equinecanada.ca Amie O’Shaughnessy, x 134, aoshaughnessy@equinecanada.ca

Bonnie Vallentyne, x 122, bvallentyne@equinecanada.ca Karen Hendry-Ouellette, x 102, Khendry-ouellette@equinecanada.ca

Call 1-800-965-6872 to start saving!

Cheryl Tataryn, x 111, ctataryn@equinecanada.ca

Program Coordinator, Communications & Media Relations Julie Cull, x 136, jcull@equinecanada.ca, cell: 613-858-7562 Program Coordinator, Competitions/Officials/Stewards Vacant Program Coordinator, Competitions/Officials/Stewards

Kathy Strong, x. 141, kstrong@equinecanada.ca

Program Coordinator, Dressage

Peggy Olivier, x 142, polivier@equinecanada.ca

Program Coordinator, Equine Medications

Program Coordinator, Eventing/Human Medications

Kari MacGregor, x 117, karimacgregor@equinecanada.ca

BMO Mosaik Master Card Official Credit Card of Equine Canada www3.bmo.com/mosaik/equine

Crystal Labelle, x 114, clabelle@equinecanada.ca

Program Coordinator, Finance Michael Bryce, x 107, mbryce@equinecanada.ca

Program Coordinator, Jumping/FEI Passports

Program Coordinator, Non-Olympic FEI Disciplines/ Breed Sports

Program Coordinator, Para-Equestrian

Programmer, Information Systems

Program Support, Jumping/Para-Equestrian

Graphic and Web Designer

Administrator, Finance

Administrator, Sport Licences/EC Passports

Jennifer Mahoney, x 101, jmahoney@equinecanada.ca Wendy Gayfer, x 125, wgayfer@equinecanada.ca Jamie-Ann Goodfellow, x 143, jgoodfellow@equinecanada.ca Pavel Robinson, x 122, probinson@equinecanada.ca Ashley Raaymakers, x 144, araaymakers@equinecanada.ca Gerry van Blokland, x 123, gvanblokland@equinecanada.ca Megan McCormick, x 137, mmcormick@equinecanada.ca Crystal Labelle, x 114, clabelle@equinecanada.ca

The Official Magazine of Equine Canada is published bimonthly Editor 1-866-282-8395 Cheryl Tataryn, ext. 111, ctataryn@equinecanada.ca Assistant Editor Julie Cull, ext. 136, jcull@equinecanada.ca Design and Layout Gerry van Blokland, ext. 123, gvanblokland@equinecanada.ca

4 www.equinecanada.ca

Choice Hotels Canada Official Hotel Service of Equine Canada Up to 20% off your next stay! www.choicehotels.ca/equine or 800.4CHOICE—Quote Client ID #00088256

Save 15% at any PARK’N FLY location across Canada. Visit www.parknfly.ca and quote corporate membership code: 205458.

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| EQUINE CANADA | SPORT |

President’s Message I was very fortunate to have had the opportunity to attend the equestrian competition at Greenwich Park during the London Paralympic Games in September. Having not attended a Paralympic Games before, I was not sure what to expect. I can honestly say I had a wonderful time and in hindsight, I wished I could have spent more time there. Our athletes were amazing and I thoroughly enjoyed my time with them outside of the competition where they shared with me some of their amazing stories. London’s extensive media coverage gave me the opportunity to follow other sports and cheer on Canada’s Paralympic Team. It was very disappointing to hear that the media coverage of the Games in Canada and the USA was so limited. After returning from the Paralympics, I attended the Canadian Interprovincial Equestrian Championships in Quebec. This EC-sanctioned competition took place in Bromont and Blainville and featured junior and senior riders competing in dressage, jumping and reining. This was an outstanding competition that fills an important step in Equine Canada’s long term equestrian development model and would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of their organizing committee and on-site staff and volunteers. Coverage of this great event can be found in this issue of ECM. During the Canadian Interprovincial Equestrian Championships, Equine Canada hosted a General Meeting of our members for the purpose of approving proposed bylaw changes. While virtually all of the members present at the meeting in Bromont heartily endorsed the proposed changes, a tally of the online voting which occurred prior to the meeting resulted in the defeat of the changes. It was ironic that the changes that were proposed by our Provinces Council and in some cases written by the Provinces Council were defeated as a result of communication sent to members by four provinces. Equine Canada and Canada’s World Equestrian Games Bid Committee continue to work very hard on its proposal to host the 2018 World Equestrian Games in Bromont, Quebec. We have met with many politicians to present the economic benefits of the project and to ask for their support. The next deadline is the final bid on December 15 with a decision from the FEI expected in 2013.

As mentioned in the last issue, Deloitte Consulting LLP recently completed the Executive Management Study which made recommendations on an updated job description for the role of Chief Executive Officer. We are now advertising for this position and are accepting applications. At this time, I would like to thank and acknowledge the efforts of Mike Arbour who has been our acting CEO for several months. He has been ably assisted by Craig Andreas and due to the efforts of both of these executives, our organization has run very smoothly with the CEO position being vacant. In closing I should mention that as our 2012 competition season comes to a close, we would like to invite you to submit nominations for the Equine Canada national awards. Please visit www.equinecanada.ca for details and nomination forms. Michael Gallagher, President, Equine Canada president@equinecanada.ca equinecanada October | November 2012 5


| EQUINE CANADA |

Canada’s Bid to Host the FEI World Equestrian Games 2018

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he World Equestrian Games® (WEG) is a prestigious international event that attracts thousands of spectators and leaves a legacy of outstanding facilities in host cities. It is the World Championship of equestrian competition, governed by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI). Canada is a contender to host the WEG in 2018. We follow in the footsteps of France (Normandy—2014), the United States (Kentucky—2010) and Germany (Aachen—2006). Hosting a world championship is an ambitious undertaking. It requires strong support from every level of government, from sponsors and from the country’s national federation. Leading the bid is Equine Canada, the National Sport Organization for equestrian sports and Canada’s FEI member organization. Bromont is the candidate host city.

Canada is Competing against Two Nations Canada was one of five countries initially to compete for the 2018 WEG. Three countries have withdrawn: Hungary, the United States, and Morocco (Rabat). Two remain: Austria (Vienna) and Canada (Bromont). Our venue is the Bromont Equestrian Olympic Park, located in south-western Quebec 85 kilometres east of Montréal. It hosted the 1976 Olympic equestrian events and continues to welcome important international competitions.

The WEG is a Major Event The WEG lasts 16 days and features a world-class field of athletes and horses from 65 nations competing in show jumping, dressage, para-dressage, eventing, vaulting, driving, endurance and reining. WEG is a powerful economic accelerator: benefits were calculated at $400 million for Lexington in 2010, including would $200 million in direct expenditures.

Hosting the World Equestrian Games in Canada be a huge windfall for our sport in this country. This would provide a home field advantage for our Canadian Teams, not too mention a substantial cost reduction for them to attend. The exposure would generate greater interest in our sport which would translate into increased participation following the games. -Michael Gallagher, President, Equine Canada

Together with a strong bid committee, we have made substantial progress in operational and logistical planning. Our bid is strong. Our team is committed and our odds of winning are good, provided we secure the necessary funding partnership with the Government of Canada, the Government of Quebec and the cities of Montreal and Bromont. This document summarizes our compelling reasons for Canada’s commitment and financial support for this endeavour.

6 www.equinecanada.ca

WEG Bromont 2018 will be a spectacular celebration of the horse, set off by dazzling opening and closing ceremonies featuring Canadian entertainers. We expect over 507,000 spectators (up to 40,000 on peak days), including 43,000 from other Canadian provinces and 11,000 from abroad. An international equestrian trade show will feature more than 300 exhibitors.

We anticipate more than 450 million television viewers in 157 countries; 450 hours of television coverage; 1,600 media representatives, 11,000 web articles and 7.6 million visitors to the WEG web site.

The WEG has High Economic Value WEG will benefit Canada’s economy. There are 250,000 horse owners in Canada, and up to one million ride or drive horses every year. Equestrian sport, racing, recreation and entertainment contribute more than $15 billion annually to our economy.


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The economic value of hosting WEG is significant and should not be understated. The Sport Tourism Economic Assessment Model (STEAM), a model developed by the Canadian Sport Tourism Alliance (http://canadiansporttourism.com/ steam.html) positions WEG Bromont 2018 as one of the largest single sporting events hosted in Canada. WEG 2018 offers excellent financial return on investment of public funds. WEG Bromont 2018 is expected to generate $435 million in total economic activity (industry output) for Canada and $274 million for Bromont/ Montréal. It will net $208 million for Quebec (approximately $118 million of that in Bromont/ Montréal). This includes an estimated 2,434 jobs (1,600 of them in Bromont/Montréal)1 and $138 million in wages and salaries. GDP Economic ($M) Activity ($M)

Jobs

Event Name

Location

Year

World Equestrian Games

Bromont, Quebec

2018 $207.6

IIHF World Junior Championships

Calgary / Edmonton

2012

$56.1

$86.1

396

IAAF World Junior Championships Moncton

2010

$52.5

$127.5

775

Canadian Curling Trials

Edmonton

2009

$12.3

$24.0

176

FIFA U-20 World Cup

Vic/Van/Edm/ Tor/ Ott/Mtl 2007

$114.0

$260.0

1,700

FINA World Championships

Montréal

$72.4

$181.2

1974

2005

$434.9

2,434

Sport Tourism Economic Assessment Model Analysis—Canadian Events

Create Momentum for Future Success The benefits of hosting WEG Bromont 2018 are not just financial. The event will boost the competitiveness and excellence of Canada’s athletes, give them home field advantage and prime them for podium performances at the 2020 Olympic Games. It will inspire a whole generation of young Canadians and promote the participation of people of all ages in equestrian activities from recreational riding to international competition. Finally, it will enhance Canada’s capacity to attract and host other major international equestrian events.

The Next Phase Our next hurdle is to submit the final bid book and a signed hosting agreement by December 15, 2012. Candidate cities will make a technical presentation to the FEI in February 2013 and a final presentation later in the spring. The FEI will announce its decision in the spring of 2013. If Canada is successful, WEG Bromont 2018 is tentatively scheduled for August 11 to 26, 2018. Between now and December, we must secure the necessary financial support for a successful campaign to win the bid. We invite you to get in the saddle for an exciting and very rewarding ride to the finish!

Be Part of a Lasting Legacy With the support of our stakeholders, we will ensure that WEG Bromont 2018 meets the highest possible standards and exceeds the FEI organization requirements.

WEG is a Major Event 16 days 8 equestrian disciplines 1,000 athletes 1,000 horses 65 countries 450 million TV viewers $435 million in economic activity

With the support of our people, we will ensure that the international equestrian community is hosted with the warmth and professionalism consistent with Canada’s international reputation.

Paul Côté, President of the Bid Committee of Jeux Equestres Mondiaux 2018, Benoit Girardin, LBB Consultants, Bid Director, The Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sports), J. Michael Gallagher, President, Equine Canada, Michael Arbour, CFO/Interim CEO, Equine Canada

With the support of the Government of Canada, Quebec and the provincial and municipal sectors, we will leave an excellent legacy for the development of the sport in the Bromont community, across Quebec and throughout Canada.

Together, we can make this happen equinecanada October | November 2012 7


One Vision Equine Canada 2012–2018 STRATEGIC PLAN Our Vision

Canadians are inspired to achieve personal excellence and embrace lifelong participation in equestrian activities.

Our Mission

From championing best practices to encouraging fun and participation, Equine Canada is the dedicated national voice working to serve, promote and protect the interests of horses and Canada’s equestrian community.

Our Core Values We believe in:

» Equine Welfare

Accepting our responsibility to our equine partners as a privilege, we affirm safeguarding the welfare of the horse is paramount.

» Respect

For each other, for the safety of ourselves and our horses, and for the health of the environment in which we all live.

» Diversity

Celebrating our differences, we embrace our community’s increasingly dynamic membership.

» Inclusivity

Working together, we provide a meaningful equestrian experience for all of our members, from grassroots participants through to elite performers.

» Service

Effectively and proactively satisfying our members’ needs, expectations and best interests is fundamental to all we do.

» Excellence

Leading by example, we reflect the highest aspirations of our members through outstanding performance in our sport, recreation, business and staff-managed initiatives.

» Volunteerism

As a means of encouraging personal growth in a way that has direct, immeasurable benefits to the equine community, we actively seek, welcome and respect those who selflessly give of their time in aid of the welfare of the horse and the achievement of Equine Canada’s mission.


One Vision

2012–2018

Equine Canada STRATEGIC PLAN

Equine Canada recognizes the importance of raising the quality and stature of equestrian activities. The industry impacts the economic and social fabric of Canada, contributing to the cultural, social, educational, health and sporting life of Canadians. Our strategic plan sets broad objectives that require long-term focused efforts. For the next 6 years, we will concentrate on two strategic focus areas: Equestrian Excellence and Organizational Stewardship. In order to maximize the potential for success, the following seven priorities have been identified.

By 2018, Equine Canada expects to be among the world-leading equine nations. The following aspirational goal will serve to motivate and guide our efforts:

Equine Canada will be widely recognized as a world leading sport and equine federation committed to excellence, fair play and equine welfare; a model organization providing an inclusive environment where innovation, partnership and creativity flourish.

Equestrian Excellence

» Excellence in Equine Development

With a focus on research, production, promotion and equine welfare, we will foster a robust and sustainable horse industry.

» Participation

The future of equestrianism in Canada depends on adopting a more inclusive approach and attracting, engaging and retaining a constant stream of participants.

» World Class Performance

To gain an advantage on international competitors, Equine Canada will focus on technical expertise and innovative training and analysis, including exposing athletes to international expertise and competitions.

» Athlete Development

Building a positive competitive culture, from grassroots to podium, highlighting our sport’s unique relationship with horses, is key to our success.

www.equinecanada.ca

Organizational Stewardship » Organizational Excellence

Equine Canada’s organizational excellence initiative is setting aggressive goals for process improvement and change. For organizational excellence to exist, inspiration, training, and support must be present.

» Financial Capacity

We make continual improvements, seek to expand and diversify our funding base and incorporate innovative strategies to support our goals.

» Information Technology

Information technology and infrastructure need to be maintained and renewed. Technologies and infrastructure that contribute to the core mission of the organization warrant the highest priority.

Photo credits: Sahnnon Brinkman Photo, Cealy Tetley, Susan J Stickle.com, Dazzle by Design, Lindsay Yosay McCall, River Bend Designs, Robin Duncan


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HIGH SCORES, FIRST EXPERIENCES, AND GREAT RESULTS FOR CANADA AT 2012 LONDON PARALYMPIC GAMES

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FTER THE CLOSING OF THE 2012 LONDON OLYMPICS, world class athletes continued to descend on Greenwich Park in London, GBR—this time for the 2012 London Paralympic Games, which took place from August 29 to September 9, 2012.

“It is incredible, this time, at these Paralympics to have lots of supporters in the crowd and (to see) so many people here watching,” Barwick commented after her initial ride of the Games. “The ring had a lot of energy, but given the circumstances, my horse went really well today. She settled to the best of her ability with the audience in the ring, and she did her job.”

The equestrian portion of the Paralympics was first introduced as part of the games in 1984. Today, the sport (also known as Para-Dressage) is split into five different categories, Grade 1a, Grade 1b, Grade II, Grade III, and Grade IV (which are based on the athlete’s disability, with Grade 1a representing the athletes with the most involved disabilities).

Gowanlock—who was at the Paralympics for the second time in her career, having also represented Canada in 2008—was next to ride, competing in the Grade 1b Team Test with Maile, an 18-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare who is owned by Barwick (and was Barwick’s partner for her medal-winning performances in 2008).The duo put in a solid performance, earning a score of 67.955% to end the day in eighth place out of a field of 15.

Canada’s 2012 Paralympic Equestrian Team included both veterans and newcomers to the Games, and was comprised of Lauren Barwick from Aldergrove, BC, Eleonore Elstone from Langley, BC, Ashley Gowanlock from Surrey, BC, and Jody Schloss from Toronto, ON. The Games also marked the major games debut for three out of the four team horses.

Strong Start in Team Tests After the mandatory horse inspection on August 29 (which saw all Canadian horses immediately accepted by the FEI ground jury), the equestrian competition kicked off on August 30 with the team tests. Barwick, a three-time veteran of the Paralympics who was awarded individual gold and silver medals at the 2008 Beijing Paralympics, was the lead-off rider for Canada aboard Off to Paris, an 11-year-old Oldenburg mare owned by Equine Canada. Despite very challenging weather conditions, and a long wait as the third-last competitor out of a field of 23 in the Grade II Team Test, Barwick put in a solid ride for a score of 72.095% to claim third position for the day. 10 www.equinecanada.ca

The Team tests for the remaining categories took place the following day on August 31. Elstone was the first Canadian of the day, marking her second Paralympic experience by competing in the Grade IV Team Test riding Franklin Posmus’ eight-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding Zareno. Together, they were awarded a solid initial score of 66.688% to stand in 10th place. “My horse was such a good boy in the ring today,” she stated after her ride, explaining that it was the first time her mount had experienced competing in a stadium with such an electric atmosphere. “We had so much preparation going into these games and it gave me a lot of confidence when I competed today. It also helped that I had experience from attending the Games in 2008.” Schloss was Canada’s final rider for the Team competition, making her Paralympic debut in the Grade 1a Team Test with her 14-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding Inspector Rebus. She was awarded a score of 63.882%, which was good for 12th place. “I am so excited to finally say that I have competed at the Paralympics,” she said after her ride.


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Eleonore Elstone & Zareno

Ashley Gowanlock & Maile

Lauren Barwick & Off to Paris

Jody Schloss & Inspector Rebus

equinecanada October | November 2012 11


| SPORT |

National Team Coach for the Canadian Paralympic Equestrian Team, Andrea Taylor added, “I am so proud of Jody—this being her first Paralympics. They really focused and did the job they came here to do,” when asked about Schloss’ performance.

Top 8 Finish for Team Canada

The next phase of the competition commenced on September 1 with the first half of the Individual Championship tests. Both Barwick and Gowanlock took to the ring, and coincidentally, both earned sixth place in their respective tests. Barwick and Off to Paris received a score of 71.857% in the Grade II Individual Championship, while Gowanlock and Maile earned 69.304% in the Grade 1b Individual Championship. “Considering I have only been riding Maile since June, today’s test went according to plan,” said Gowanlock. “She is so smart and kind and so willing to be my partner. It is just fun to ride her. I can’t wait until the Freestyle test. Turn on the music and let’s dance!” Gowanlock had been training for the Games on Ferdonia II, also owned by Lauren Barwick, but the mare sustained an unfortunate injury immediately before leaving Canada, which meant that Gowanlock had to adapt her training program and compete on the team’s reserve horse, Maile. Taylor chimed in, saying “Watching Ashley go today was honestly one of my proudest coaching moments. I have been working with her for a few years and just to see her tell Maile to walk forward and take a risk was great. She came out of the ring feeling confident and happy with her test, which was fantastic to see.” On the following day, Schloss and Elstone completed their individual tests. Elstone and Zareno bettered their Team Test score, earning 68.226%, and moving up three spots to stand in seventh position. “My test today was better than my first test. Zareno was really on and he wanted to perform in the ring. I was 12 www.equinecanada.ca

happy with his energy, his way of going and his focus. We had one mistake, but we are getting there,” she said of her performance. Schloss and Inspector Rebus also improved on their previous score, earning 67.700% to take 11th place overall. “In my Team Test, I was worried about getting through it, but my horse noticed everything. During this test, my horse was really good. I was talking to him the whole time to keep him calm, and he listened to me the whole time,” summarized Schloss. “My hope for the competition was to do my personal best, and I feel that I have done that for my first two tests.” At the completion of the individual tests, the three best scores from the Team and Individual tests were combined to determine the overall team results and placings. Canada was awarded eighth place (with Great Britain taking Gold, Germany claiming Silver, and Bronze going to Ireland).

Fantastic Freestyles to Finish Games

With the final Team placings settled, the battle for the individual medals continued on September 3 and 4, featuring the favourite Para-Dressage portion of the Games (for riders and spectators alike)—the Freestyle tests. For the Freestyle, each rider creates a custom routine that is choreographed to music of their choice, and designed to showcase the strongest qualities and movements of each individual horse and rider. Barwick was once again Canada’s first representative, riding in front of a capacity crowd of fans to earn a score of 71.500% for her performance in the Grade II Freestyle with Off to Paris, ending their 2012 Paralympic journey in eighth place. “Our freestyle was emotional and fantastic,” said Barwick. “It was all I could ask for and expect from my mare at this stage. This level of international competition is still new for her, and she is really coming along. As our training progresses, everything will come together as it should.” (Continued on page 14)



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Gowanlock capped off her Games in sixth position overall, after riding Maile to a score of 68.800% in the Grade 1b Freestyle. “Maile was very relaxed in the ring today,” she commented after her ride. “You have to have fun in the freestyle—that is the point of the test. It was so amazing to ride in front of 10,000 people. I will remember this competition for the rest of my life.” Elstone and Schloss’ freestyles took place on September 4, the final day of Para-Dressage competition.

In the Grade IV Freestyle, Elstone and Zareno were awarded 68.750% (their personal best of the Games) to finish in 11th position. “It was definitely my best ride of the whole competition,” she stated. “You can feel all the positive energy from the crowd. It was a very fun, wonderful and amazing experience.” As the final rider of the Games for Canada, Schloss ended her first Paralympics experience on a high note, piloting Inspector Rebus to an 11th place finish on a score of 66.500%. “Eleonore had super canter work in her Freestyle test, but she unfortunately had a spook in the corner at the beginning of her trot work, but it did not matter. The two of them just looked wonderful together,” commented Taylor. “My memory of the whole experience was incredible— knowing that I was competing for Canada,” said Elstone. “I definitely want to compete at the Paralympic Games again. It has always been my goal to help people, so if I can inspire people to feel good about themselves, that is great.” “I am proud of the team’s accomplishments in London,” said Elizabeth Quigg, chef d’équipe for the Canadian Para-Equestrian Team, “Despite the pressure and unique challenges of the 2012 Games, Lauren, Ashley, and Eleonore each increased their scores by as much as 8% over their 2008 Paralympic results, which shows how competitive the international Paralympic field has become. With three horses and one rider making their Paralympic debut this year, the team achieved solid performances, which will contribute to long-term results.”

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Incredible Experience and Overwhelming Support

When asked to summarize Canada’s experience at theGames, Director of Para-Equestrian and Canadian Paralympic Team Leader Amie O’Shaughnessy stated “The 2012 Paralympic Games have been an incredible experience for our riders and horses. We have an extraordinary support team who worked flawlessly together behind the scenes to ensure that every detail was organized for our riders. Their effort made for a great team environment for everyone involved.” The strong support team who accompanied the riders and horses to England included Andrea Taylor (National Team Coach), Mary Longden (Assistant Team Coach), Elizabeth Quigg (Chef d’équipe), Amie O’Shaughnessy (Director of Para-Equestrian/Team Leader), Dr. Jennifer Miller (Team Veterinarian), Alice Beatty (Stable Manager), Ozzie Sawicki (Performance Consultant), Caroline Archambault (Human/Equine Massage Therapist), and Julie Cull (Media Attaché), Grooms Anne Van Silfhout, Zoe Boyles, Tori MurrayElley, and Kerry-Anne Bourne, Personal Team Support personnel Caroline Samson, Suzie Brown, and Vanessa Lurie, and off-site supporters Jamie-Ann Goodfellow and Ashley Raaymakers (Equine Canada ParaEquestrian Department), as well as April Clay (Sport Psychologist). “I would like to thank Own the Podium, the Canadian Paralympic Committee, Sport Canada and the many volunteers, sponsors, and fans who supported the Canadian Para-Equestrian Team heading into London,” added O’Shaughnessy. “We will continue to build on the team’s foundation and success to reach to the podium at the 2016 Paralympic Games.”

For more information, including full results, please visit the equestrian sport section of the official 2012 London Paralympic Games website at www.london2012.com/ paralympics/equestrian.


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Para-Equestrian Canada Athlete Classification Para-Equestrian Canada (PEC) is pleased to offer athlete classification on Saturday, February 9 and Sunday, February 10 in conjunction with the Equine Canada annual convention being held at Delta Ottawa City Centre in Ottawa, Ontario. Athlete classification is the first step in becoming involved in Para-Equestrian sport. Classification provides riders with a physical disability the opportunity to compete against other riders with similar abilities. Riders are assessed by accredited ‘classifiers’ and are given a “Grade” based on their function abilities in areas such as: muscle power, joint range, and coordination. There are five grades of competitions in Para-Dressage, with Grade IA representing the more severely impaired riders, and Grade IV representing the least severely impaired riders. The clinic cost is $50.00 per participant. Registration forms must be received no later than February 1, 2013. For further information and a copy of the registration form please visit the PEC website, http:// equinecanada.ca/para-equestrian. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact Para-Equestrian Canada via telephone: (613) 248-3433 ext 143 or e-mail: para-equestrian@ equinecanada.ca

Para-Equestrian Canada Announces Recipients of Series One Competition Grants Para-Equestrian Canada is pleased to announce that we have once again partnered with Sport Canada to encourage the participation of riders with a disability in competition. As part of this project, therapeutic riding centres that offer new competitive opportunities, or increase their existing competition program to riders with a disability will be eligible to receive a grant of up to $500. After the first series of the season came to a close, a total of four grants of $500 each were awarded to the following centres: • North Fraser Therapeutic Riding Association, Maple Ridge, BC • The Equestrian Association for The Disabled, Mount Hope, ON • Lanark County Therapeutic Riding Program, Carleton Place, ON • Willowbank Equestrian Centre, Plantagenet, ON Some examples of how the grants will help therapeutic riding centres introduce riders to Para-equestrian sport include: the purchase of video equipment to film riders competing in video competitions, improved coaching, travel subsidies and funding for a new para-dressage ring. The deadline to submit an application for the second series is November 15, 2012. Centres interested in applying for the second series may do so by visiting the Para-Equestrian website at www.equinecanada.ca/para-equestrian. If you have any questions related to this project or any other Para-Equestrian Canada initiatives, please contact Para-Equestrian Canada at para-equestrian@equinecanada.ca or 613-248-3433 ext. 144.

equinecanada October | November 2012 15


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Ian Millar and Hickstead to be Inducted into Jump Canada Hall of Fame

In an incredibly special evening honouring the greatest ambassadors of our sport, Canadian show jumping legends Ian Millar (Builder) and Hickstead (Show Jumper Horse) will be the only two inductees at this year’s Jump Canada Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Gala. Presented by BMO Financial Group, the seventh annual black-tie event will be held on Sunday, November 4, 2012, at the Liberty Grand in Toronto, ON. The unparalleled careers of Ian Millar, Canada’s most decorated show jumping athlete, and Hickstead, Canada’s most successful show jumping horse, will be celebrated during this year’s Ceremony. While athletes have traditionally only been inducted once they have retired from competition, a special exception has been made in the case of Ian Millar, Olympic and Pan American Games medalist and two-time World Cup Champion, who, this summer in London, set a world record by becoming the first athlete in any sport, from any nation, to represent his country in 10 Olympic Games. Ian will be inducted into the category of builder. Owned by John Fleischhacker and rider Eric Lamaze, Hickstead scored numerous international victories including the 2008 Olympic Individual and Team Silver medals. At the height of his career, Hickstead died on November 6, 2011, the same day as last year’s Jump Canada Hall of Fame Gala. It was especially poignant that the Canadian show jumping community gathered together on the eve of that tragic event, and this year 16 www.equinecanada.ca

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it will be equally appropriate and special to celebrate the incredible accomplishments of one of the greatest horses the sport has ever seen. “Now in our seventh year, the Hall of Fame Committee is thrilled to be creating a special evening to honour two of our nation’s greatest ambassadors,” said Mark Samuel, Chairman of the Jump Canada Hall of Fame. “Ian Millar and Hickstead have both served Canada on the international stage with great distinction, and we look forward to joining our community as it turns out in force to pay tribute to these two show jumping champions.” Emotional video tributes to both inductees will be showcased during the evening, followed by the presentation of the Jump Canada Hall of Fame trophies to Ian Millar and to Eric Lamaze, accepting on behalf of Hickstead. In keeping with the spirit of celebration, live music and dancing will be enjoyed throughout the evening. The Jump Canada Hall of Fame was created in 2006 to recognize outstanding contributions to hunter/jumper sport. The Hall of Fame Gala has quickly grown into an annual favourite and has been a sell-out in each of its first six years. Friends, colleagues and teammates of both Ian Millar and Hickstead will be on hand to celebrate the accomplishments of this year’s distinguished Hall of Fame inductees, making for a very special evening recalling the sport’s greatest memories.


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Star Power Named as ‘Omega Alpha Horse of the Month’ for August Equine Canada has named Star Power, owned by Team Works, as the ‘Omega Alpha Horse of the Month’ for August. At the 2012 London Olympic Games, Ian Millar, 65, of Perth, ON, expertly guided Star Power, an 11-year-old Dutch-bred gelding, to a ninth place finish individually and fifth place as a member of the Canadian Olympic Team for Show Jumping. The pair opened the competition with one rail, for faults, in the initial speed round on Saturday, August 4, which marked the start of the individual qualifier competition. The following day, which was the first round of team competition, Millar and Star Power enjoyed a fault free performance over the London-themed track set by course designer Bob Ellis. They were tied for 17th position with a two-day total of four faults. In the second and final team round, the duo once again had one rail, which came at fence nine ‘a’, the first element of a double combination. Star Power and Millar

assisted the Canadian Team to an overall fifth place finish with a two round total of 26 faults. Individually in 11th place, with a three round tally of eight faults, they also qualified to move forward to the two-round Individual Final on Wednesday, August 6. In the Individual Final, Millar and Star Power incurred four faults in the first round at fence number five, an airy white plank, and had the ‘b’ element of the triple combination in the second round of competition. With an eight fault total, Millar finished tied for ninth place individually at the 2012 London Olympics. The Omega Alpha Horse of the Month program was developed to recognize a performance of exceptional merit by a horse from the disciplines of dressage, eventing or show jumping. Equine Canada is very pleased to have Omega Alpha Pharmaceuticals’ generous support of the horse recognition program. Omega Alpha Pharmaceuticals will be providing the selected horse/rider combination with Omega Alpha product of their choice, up to a value of $1,000.

Eric Lamaze and Hickstead inducted into Spruce Meadows Hall of Fame Owners Eric Lamaze, John Fleischhacker, and sculptor Mary Sand unveil a statue commemorating the legendary Hickstead

Photo © Keara

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Canadian Nations’ Cup Show Jumping Team Announced for Buenos Aires

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aking their Canadian Show Jumping Team debut, Ben Asselin, Francois Lamontagne, Tamie Phillips and Jenn Serek will form the Canadian Show Jumping Team to compete at the Nations’ Cup in Buenos Aires, ARG. The team will first compete at an event held at the Club Hipico San Jorge Village from November 1 to 4 before the Nations’ Cup is held during the CSIO4*-W Buenos Aires at Haras El Capricho from November 7-11, 2012. Asselin, 18, of Calgary, AB, will ride Rush, Attache Stables’ 11-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding. Riding Undergroud des Hauts Driots, Ferme Lamontagne’s eight-year-old Belgian Sport Horse Stallion, will be Lamontagne, 28, of St. Eustache, QC. Phillips, 39, of Strathmore, AB, will ride Lerche 37, her own 10-year-old Holsteiner mare.

Calgary, AB, native Serek, 29, will ride Eleonore, an 11-year-old Belgian Warmblood owned by the Shin Shin Group. “I’m excited to be going to Argentina with this group of riders, and am optimistic about repeating our last year’s win in the Nations Cup down there,” said Mark Laskin of Langley, BC, who will be the Canadian Show Jumping Team chef d’équipe. “Each of the riders has

had an extremely successful year and deserves the opportunity to represent Canada for the first time on our senior national team.” This Argentinean show jumping tour is made possible through Sport Canada’s ‘Own the Podium’ program, a national sport technical initiative designed to help Canada’s summer and winter athletes achieve podium success at the Olympic and Paralympic Games. A Nations’ Cup is the only competition in show jumping where riders, in teams of four, compete as a country. The top three scores from each team are counted towards the final result of the two-round competition. There are only two Nations’ Cup events held annually in North America - the $75,000 FEI Nations’ Cup at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, FL, and the $350,000 BMO Nations’ Cup at the Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament in September. Complete details about the competition may be found at www.haraselcapricho.com. The Spanish Tour is supported by Chef d’équipe Mark Laskin and Stable Manager Darren Roberts; offsite support is also provided by Jumping Coordinator, Jennifer Mahoney, Jumping Program Support, Ashley Raaymakers as well as Team Manager, Karen Hendry-Ouellette.

2013 EQUINE CANADA ANNUAL CONVENTION February 6 – 10, 2013 / Delta Ottawa City Centre Members of the equestrian community from across Canada are invited to participate in a selection of meetings and clinics tailored to address the unique needs of participants involved in equestrian sport, recreation and industry. Special events include: • • • • • • •

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Visit http://bit.ly/Q7BbM2 Annual Awards Gala Annual General Meeting for more information Coach Development Course Design Clinic Hunter, Hunt Seat/Equitation & Hack Judges Clinic Jumper Judges Clinic Para-Equestrian General Information Session


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Canadian eventer Liz Ashton finished 7th with Sunrise at Fontainbleu. Ashton was also named to the Canadian Equestrian Team in 1976 and 1984.

The FEI Equine Prohibited Substance List for 2013, will come into force on 1 January 2013 Following a period of consultation with the National Federations, the FEI List Group held its most recent meeting during the London 2012 Paralympics and signed off changes to the List for 2013. The changes include the addition of five new substances and other amendments. The changes, which will be included in the 2013 List and will come into effect on 1 January of next year, are summarised here and below: • Five new substances have been added to the List for 2013. These are the Controlled Medication substances Cyclosporin, a systemic immunosuppressant; Tropicamide, which affects the central nervous system and has a potential for abuse; Pitcher Plant preparation (Sarapin), which is reputed to have analgesic properties, a potential to affect performance and its use is considered to be a welfare concern; Delmadinone acetate and Chlormadinone acetate, synthetic steroidal progestins that decrease testosterone concentration and have the potential to affect performance; • Fentanyl and Morphine (analgesics), both of which are currently classified as Banned Substances, will be moved to the Controlled Medication section of the List in 2013 due to their increasingly common legitimate use in equine medicine;

The following competitions served as equestrian’s Alternate Olympics: Show Jumping - Rotterdam Show Jumping Festival, Netherlands Ian Millar & Brother Sam Mark Laskin & Damuraz James Elder & Volunteer Michel Vaillancourt & Chivas Team Results 1st: CANADA 2nd: Great Britain 3rd: Austria Dressage – International Festival at Goodwood, England Cindy (Neale) Ishoy & Equus Bonny Bonnello & Satchmo Christilot (Hanson) Boylen & Cassius Ed Rothkranz & My King Eventing – Fontainbleu, France Liz Ashton & Sunrise Nick Holmes-Smith & Sinnerman Mark Ishoy & L’Esprit Lorraine Leframboise & Krumbien Jamie Smart & Jack the Lad

• Suxibuzone, which converts to Phenylbutazone in the body and is currently listed as Phenylbutazone, will be listed separately under Controlled Medications; • Deslorelin, which was categorised as a Controlled Medication substance in the 2012 List, will be removed from the 2013 List. “The FEI List Group seeks to use the most up-to-date scientific research and information as part of its ongoing review of the Prohibited Substances List,” said Graeme Cooke, FEI Veterinary Director. “The National Federations and all the Veterinarians involved in our sport are very much a part of the consultation process and all comments received on the initial suggested changes, which were first proposed in April of this year, were discussed by the List Group prior to the changes being finalised. “Publishing the changes to the List 90 days in advance, in accordance with our rules, means that the National Federations and their athletes will have plenty of time to familiarise themselves with the changes well ahead of the 2013 Equine Prohibited Substances List coming into force on 1 January next year.” The 2013 Equine Prohibited Substance List will be accessible prior to 1 January 2013 on the FEI Clean Sport website. Additionally, information is now available on the searchable FEI Equine Prohibited Substances Database, which is free to download for Smartphones. equinecanada October | November 2012 19


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old medal winning Young Rider Esmee Ingham of Vancouver, BC, is just beginning her professional training and teaching career. Esmee took time to speak with Dressage Canada about her experiences in the international show ring, why not to discount the underdog, and to share some advice for other aspiring dressage riders.

Getting To Know Esmee Ingham

When did you start riding? I began riding before I could walk, spending weekends with my aunt on her farm. It was not until I was five years old that I began taking jumping lessons in Southlands, BC at Wildwood Paddocks. Esmee Ingham & Norseman (Normy)

In what discipline did you get your first riding experience? I started off in a western saddle, on reliable Quarter horses riding the trails and roping in Pemberton. From there, I went on to take Jumping lessons in the city and summer camps in Vernon at Aspengrove Equestrian Academy.

When did you start dressage and what made you want to ride dressage? Roughly eight years ago, when I was twelve years old. I wanted to go to the BC Summer Games, originally for reining, but my uncle’s horse couldn’t do the pattern and then I thought I would do the jumping but the course was too high for the horse, so I thought “why not give dressage a try?” and I haven’t looked back since. Do you have a memorable event in your early riding experience to share? My cousin Ashley and I got to share our first horse, Dusty (The Wonder Horse), an old grey roping horse from down the road and a perfect babysitter. Not only that, he was the best Christmas present two little girls could ever ask for. Who is your coach? Wendy Christoff of Ladner, BC. Who has been a major influence in your training and life with horses? Truly, there are too many to list. Most definitely my coach Wendy Christoff and her coach Leslie Reid, and the more than generous support of my parents Frank and Candie,

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as well as my aunt, Kristi, who sparked my passion for horses. The philosophy of Ray Hunt has made a lasting impression on my approach to horses. Not to mention all of the close “horsey” friends I have developed over the years. Tell us about your current horses. Norseman (Normy) – my 16 year old Swedish Warmblood who stands a thick 17 hands small. Currently due to my schedule, he is up at my aunt’s farm, enjoying the cows in the field next to him, as well as his new found love for the barn kitten who naps on his back while I groom him. I have retired him from competition in the FEI division, however he has another career in him as a schoolmaster guiding another rider through the levels.

Over the summer I worked with a nine year old Quarter horse from the farm for a month, taking her to Rising Stars in Chilliwack, BC. From over two years of standing in the field, never being stabled in a barn, never having shoes on and basic reining training, to competing in the Bronze division at Training Level. Absolutely a pleasure to work with her, we ended up third overall and our highest score of the weekend was 69.464%, not bad for the little cow pony. Do you travel to compete? Supporting local shows is crucial, because without them we are unable to qualify for other competitions. However, I do love road trips and some of my favorite competitions include; the California circuit, the Kentucky Horse Park and if given the opportunity, I would most definitely go back the Sydney International Equestrian Center in Australia. Do you have a memorable showing event or event on the road to share? Starting from the BC Summer Games in Kelowna, to the Nationals in Red Deer, to the two years I competed at the Rolex Stadium in Lexington, Kentucky, to living in California for six weeks with my mom and coach, as well as my travels to compete at the Sydney CDI 3* Invitational are the events that stick out to me the most. All of the shows in-between are always an adventure and will be kept close to my heart for a lifetime.


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Where are you currently teaching? I just began teaching lessons in Pemberton, and working on my Horse Council certification for the Instructor of Beginners. What is your advice for other aspiring professionals I recently read Elizabeth Lett’s novel The Eighty-Dollar Champion about Snowman and found this quote; “So many of our dreams at first seem impossible, then they seem improbable, and then, when we summon the will, they soon become inevitable.” (Christopher Reeve). This applies to athletes, aspiring professionals and to anyone who has set a goal. We all have hopes and dreams, but it’s the journey of attaining them that is what counts. If someone were to tell me eight years ago that this is where I would be now, I would stare at them in disbelief. If you are looking to buy a horse for a client or yourself what are the essentials for you? The mind. My ideal horse has to be able to compete in the show ring one weekend and be ridden alone out on the trail the next. It’s not always about who has the “fanciest” horse but more-so, who can bring the best out of their horse. You can determine your success by asking yourself “have I ridden my horse to its full potential?” Tell us about your support system and family Without a support system, the horse and rider team is incomplete. It is quite amazing to think of all the people who are needed to get you and your horse down the centerline. My parents have been behind me every step of the way and none of my accomplishments would have been imaginable without them. Along with my parents, my coach Wendy Christoff has dedicated countless hours of coaching (both on and off the horse) to me and without her, I would not have gotten to where I am now. With a team, you must also place a lot of trust in your vet and farrier— both of whom I respect genuinely and value their opinions. There are many bursary applications and funding options offered and this is an essential element of the support system as you work your way through the levels of competition. I would like to thank Dressage Canada, Horse Sport Magazine, BC Young Riders, and Horse Council BC for their generous financial support. Of course, I must mention my horse-loving friends. The ones that know exactly what you’re talking about when you call them with tears of joy that your horse actually listened to a half-halt in your lesson. I have been extremely privileged throughout my years of riding to have the amazing support that I do and have developed friendships that will last a lifetime.

What helps keep you grounded as an athlete and person? Horses. Such fickle creatures, they are wonderful confidence-building partners in life, yet they have a funny way of keeping you humble. Another thing I find that helps keep me grounded is having balance in my life. Somewhere amidst the barn chores, lessons, grooming, showing, school, homework, eating, sleeping and exercise, you need to find time for family and those nonhorsey friends that wonder if you still exist. What other exercise do you do to help your riding or is riding your main source for fitness? Living on the North Shore of Vancouver, I am fortunate to have access to all sorts of terrain within a few kilometers. I love the outdoors and I try to exercise outside of the gym whenever possible; biking, running, hiking, swimming as well as snowboarding and cross-country skiing in the winter. What do you think we can do in canada to improve dressage? With Canada being such a large country, it is difficult to bring everyone together but if there was some way to have more Canada-wide competitions, meetings or clinics to build up our team spirit and grit, I believe we could all benefit from this. What are your plans for the immediate future? Spend the winter working on my Instructor of Beginners certification, eventually working my way through the coaching levels. This winter, I plan on teaching and riding with the possibility of finding a young horse. What are your long term goals I would love to be selected as a member of Team Canada to participate in the Pan-Am Games, WEG and ultimately the Olympics. One day, I aspire to raise and train my own horse through to Grand Prix. I would also like to establish my own training facility for riders of all abilities (paraequestrian and therapeutic included) that may or may not want to compete. What are you doing now? I am working as a full-time Special Education Assistant in the West Vancouver School District, doing after-school care for a student, as well as finishing up my program at Capilano University.

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Hannah Beaulieu on Pharaoh

Taryn Koreman on Walkyra

Jacqueline Gulka on Marathon

Alanna Eastcott on Bullzeye

Esmee Ingham on Ms Gun Smart Peppy and Ailish Hurley on Dillon

Anna Geller on Wallhall

Jessabelle Atkinson-Tre on Tic Tac

Vancouver Police Mounted Squad horses with constables Desiree Sparrow and Darcy Henkel Wendy Christoff and Erin Patricio

Rising Stars Youth Dressage Show August 2012 by Erin Patricio

Sven Smienk on Beau Liberty

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ising Stars Youth Dressage show did not fail to impress. The four-day show for dressage riders under the age of 21, was held at Heritage Park in Chilliwack, BC, August 24–26th, 2012. Show organizers and volunteers worked hard to keep the atmosphere as seriously dedicated to the young dressage rider as much as the spirit of fun throughout the competition. Now in its impressive ninth year, organizers were told in their first year that the show would be a “no-go,” that attaining sponsorship would be impossible, that there “probably are only ten kids riding dressage in the whole province,” and that there would never be enough interest in an all youth dressage show. In this first year there were approximately 100 entries and throughout the years, the commitment to their mission has remained the same: Rising Stars Youth Dressage’s mission is “to provide young riders, 21 and under, the opportunity to participate in a dressage competition that is exclusively their own,

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in an environment that provides a fair playing field for junior riders of different age groups wherein each will compete against his/her peer group at all levels of skill, from beginners to advanced. This ‘little’ show is getting big attention as the only one of its kind in Canada. With the development of the future trainers, riders, judges and teachers in the hands of the dressage community itself, the importance of a show like Rising Stars takes on new meaning. “The concept of this show is that ‘kids camp goes to a horse show’,” show Wendy organizer and co-creator Christoff said. “We wanted to make the show about having fun for all ages as well as some serious dressage. This year we had riders from 4 years old to 21 riding all levels from walk trot to FEI. Over the last nine years Rising Stars has enjoyed having competitors from the Yukon Territories, Alberta and Washington State and our judges are from Canada, USA, Europe and South America.


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We have won the “Competition of the Year” from Horse Council BC twice in 8 years and are very proud of that. We continue to grow and change our show each year to keep the interest and excitement at a high level. One of our 5 year old competitors told her Mother that she could not go to a local club competition in July because she was already packed for Rising Stars. It is statements like that which keep our small and energetic show committee motivated.” Co-creator and organizer Sue Holtby added, “Rising Stars’ guiding principles are fair competition, good sportsmanship, education and volunteerism. We value each and every competitor no matter the age, skill level, horse or pony. This is overarched with our desire for the kids to have fun. We feel this show environment will encourage youth to our sport. This is what we (and now the competitors) call the Rising Stars experience.” FEI judges Mike Osinsky, Janet Foy and Linda Ramsey presided over the three day Dressage show, and were suitably impressed. Osinsky described it as an excellent show, with high quality riding, and very supportive of the junior riders. Janet Foy praised the organizers and board of the unique youth show. “I think we lose so many kids to soccer and tennis and gymnastics and all the other sports that they do. This is a great way to keep the kids interested in dressage and keep them moving up the levels. That is what we have to do or we aren’t going to have senior riders down the road.” After her first time attending Rising Stars, Foy enjoyed the positive atmosphere and youth focus. “It’s a great show and I think it’s wonderful for the kids.” Sponsors and VIP guests were treated to complimentary food and drinks from their lounge that overlooked the competition indoor arena. Lisette DeRooy, a long-listed three day event rider, is a regular attendee at the Rising Stars show, bringing her group of students who range from Training Level to FEI. They make the trek via ferry from Vancouver Island to Chilliwack to attend, no small feat of organization but well worth the effort according to DeRooy. Twenty-one year old Sven Smienk brought his own mounts, as well as two students. Smienk won the FEI award with his horse Valerie Diar, and the First level award with Beau Liberty, which he co-owns with Michelle William Davies. Student Jessica Fitterer was Third Level champion with Peter Pan, and Brooklyn Reid was FEI

Junior champion on Rhythmic Blues. Having just turned 21, Sven will be cycling out of the Rising Stars eligibility, but he leaves with years of memories. In between the awards ceremony and his last ride, Sven gave me his impressions on the competition. “I heard about the show and everybody told me that that is the show you must go to. I have attended ever since, I plan my whole year around it.… [It] is a good opportunity for people of the same age to come together and compete together … especially because the atmosphere is very pleasant. It really is just fun.” Sven plans to continue his riding and training career, working with coach Leslie Reid, as a full time professional in dressage. Saturday evening, after the wrap up of the dressage competition, the Parade of Champions began. Riders from FEI to the show’s youngest competitor, fouryear-old Jessabelle Atkinson on her 11.1 hand pony Tic Tac who rode her tests entirely from memory, were led by flag bearers into the arena to Queen’s We are the Champions. The stands were packed with mistyeyed parents, teachers and fellow competitors, as horses and riders lined the walls on patient mounts to receive their well-earned awards. The unique atmosphere and positive attitude of all involved was evident in the loud cheers for each and every rider. The long list of amazing awards included coolers, saddles, bridles, cash prizes that were handed out by Wendy Christoff. Following the parade was the “stick horse” class, where the kids compete on stick horses while wearing cowboy outfits, just for fun. Canadian Young Rider team member and medalist Monica Houweling was unable to ride in the competition, as her horses were in California post-NAJYRC, but still wanted to show her support. Houweling was flag bearer for the Parade, and shared her thoughts on the Rising Stars experience. “Its just such a great show to get your confidence up,” she relayed, “Get the experience, to be around other kids and start to build that team atmosphere. To learn to work together and build relationships with other people your age. It’s so important. It’s competitive but you also learn camaraderie. You can see that everyone enjoys it.… [Y]ou learn to have fun, you learn to go in the ring and smile and then you can take that to the bigger shows with more pressure and really keep the fun aspect going . It teaches you to loosen up, lighten up, just have a laugh.” equinecanada October | November 2012 23


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Canadian Olympian

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Finishes 11th at CCI 3* Blenheim

n front of a record 70,000 spectators, Canadian Olympian Rebecca Howard finished in 11th place at the Fidelity Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials, held September 6–9 on the grounds of Blenheim Palace in Woodstock, UK.

“Although he was getting better each day, he was still really unhappy about doing dressage so our test was not our best, especially because we have been working so hard on our dressage and he is going really well.”

Howard of Salmon Arm, BC, rode her 2012 Olympic mount, Riddle Master, an 11-year-old Canadian Sport Horse gelding owned by Blithe Hill Farm. Sitting in 65th place following dressage with a score of 56.4, the pair rocketed up the leader board to 17th place when they posted a fault free cross country ride. With a perfect show jumping performance on the final day, Howard and Riddle Master earned an 11th place finish, with a score of 56.4. The pair was only one of three of the 90 starters in the CCI 3* division to finish on their dressage score.

“I was determined then to finish on that mark. He was a good boy over a cross country track that was proving to be quite difficult. He came out on show jumping feeling even better, and jumped a great clear round,” continued Howard, who is now based at Maizey Mannor in Marlborough, England. “Feels great to have a successful CCI 3* and my first Blenheim completed. Riddle Master came out of the weekend very well and is now on holiday. I would like to thank both Jackie Green and Catherine Burrell at Maizey for all the great help and support as I get settled it to the English eventing Life. Now I can’t wait for the spring season.”

“At the beginning of the week poor Riddle Master was struggling with a sore neck muscle,” said Howard, who, with Riddle Master, was a member of the Canadian Equestrian Team at the 2012 World Equestrian Games.

British rider William Fox-Pitt won the CCI 3* riding Seacookie with a score of 39. Complete results for Fidelity Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials may be found at www.bdwp.co.uk.

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The Canadian Eventing Committee (CEC) is pleased to announce the results of the 2012 elections for Committee members The composition of the CEC in 2013 (effective November 2012) is as follows Chair

Peggy Hambly

*Extension of third term for period of one year (2013)

Coaching

Ian Roberts

Second term 2012–2014

Finance

Kurt Thoms

Third term 2012–2014

Competitions

Pam Macintosh

First term 2012-2014

Athlete Development

Martha Griggs

Elected via acclimation second term 2013–2015

Officials & Rules

Lynda Ramsay

Elected via acclimation first term 2013–2015

Secretary

Danielle

Elected via acclimation first term 2013–2015

High Performance

Graeme Thom

Elected via acclimation first term 2013–2015

Elite Riders Representative

Jessica Phoenix

Elected by Elite Riders' Association

Elite Riders Representative

Kyle Carter

Elected by Elite Riders' Association

FEI Safety Officer

Dr. Rob Stevenson

Elected by Canadian Eventing Committee

Equine Canada, Manager Eventing

Fleur Tipton (ex officio)

*As no nominations were received for the position of Chair of the CEC, the committee has sought approval of Equine Canada Sport Council and the Board of Directors to extend Peggy Hambly’s term of office for one additional year during which time, the CEC will continue to actively recruit a suitable individual for the position. The approval decision process is expected to conclude November 3rd. The CEC acknowledges, with thanks Martha Griggs for agreeing to serve another full term on the committee as chair of Athlete Development. The CEC expresses sincere gratitude to outgoing committee members Grit High, Chair High Performance, Jo Young Chair Officials and Rules for their many years of voluntary service and commitment to the eventing program.

THE CANADIAN EVENTING SYMPOSIUM The Canadian Eventing Committee is proud to present to the Canadian Eventing Symposium which will be held December 1–2, 2012 at the Thunderbird Equestrian Show Park in Langley, British Columbia. The Symposium promises to be a “not to miss” educational opportunity for all riders and coaches and will be a great venue for exchanging thoughts and ideas. The symposium will combine practical training sessions, riding demonstrations plus special panel discussions. Topics will include preparation exercises, using gymnastics, strategies for walking and riding show jumping courses, optimizing all-around performance, improving technique and rider position, technical questions for cross country, and building fitness. The focus of the 2012 Symposium will be Pre-Training to Preliminary/Intermediate.

Symposium Presenters: DAVID O’CONNOR Canadian Eventing Team International Technical Advisor HAWLEY BENNETT-AWAD / REBECCA HOWARD / JESSICA PHOENIX World Equestrian Games, Pan American Games and Olympic Games Team members Special Guest – LIZ ASHTON Certified EC Level 3 EC Coach, Member of three Canadian Olympic Teams The symposium timetable and registration information can be found at www.equinecanada.ca/eventing

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Stéphanie Briggs

Raphaël Bourdeau

Marjorie Loranger

Overall Winners Announced for Canadian Interprovincial Equestrian Championships CANADIAN INTERPROVINCIAL EQUESTRIAN CHAMPIONSHIPS (CIEC), a collaborative, sanctioned multi-discipline competition where provincial teams competed for top hounours on the weekend of September 21–23 in Bromont and Blainville, QC. In addition to team awards, the CIEC honoured the individual junior and senior champions in the divisions of Jumper (1.1 meters), Dressage (Level 1) and Reining. In 2011, its inaugural year, the competition welcomed riders from six provinces. That number grew to nine provinces this year, with riders representing Ontario, 26 www.equinecanada.ca

Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, British Columbia, New Brunswick, Quebec, Alberta and Saskatchewan. “This competition is a wonderful addition to our long term equestrian development program,” said Equine Canada President, Michael Gallagher. “Competitors have an opportunity to participate in a team environment against other competitors from different geographical areas. It is grooming the junior competitors for possible future participation at the North American Junior and Young Rider Championships and potentially for a spot on our national team down the road.”


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Dressage

Over three days of competitions Abbey MacLellan of Pownal, PEI, won the individual junior gold medal riding Encore. The pair won a class and was second in the other two to take the title with a score of 208.653. The silver medal in the junior division was awarded to Lexie LeBlanc of Sediac, NB riding Slip N Slide, scoring 201.081. Haley Greenbank of Fredericton, NB was awarded the bronze medal, scoring 194.511, riding Denali. In the Senior division, Amber Tawill of Warren Grove, PEI won the individual gold medal riding Wanja with an overall score of 192.803. The silver medal was awarded to Renée DeGarie of Quispamsis, NB with a score of 191.086 with Bosko, while the bronze medal went to Shelly Mills of Langley, BC riding Flower Queen to a score of 184.704. Riders from the province of New Brunswick comprised of LeBlanc, Greenbank, DeGarie and Tiffany Hamilton of Saint John, NB, won the team gold medal with an overall score of 402.807. The silver medal was awarded to riders from Prince Edward Island—MacLellan, Amber Tawil, Anna Osinga of South Granville, PEI, and Tia Tawil of Warren Grove, PEI—with a score of 402.132. Round out the top three was host province Quebec with a score of 387.681 earned by Mélissa Jodoin of St Hyacinthe, QC, Audrey Philibert of Mascouche, QC, Pascale Trudeau of Montreal, QC, and Camille Gosselin of Blainville, QC.

Jumper

The gold medal in the junior division was won by Helen Chambers of Oakville, ON riding Utopia Belles with a three day score of 40. Silver was awarded to Camille Lafortune of St Bruno, QC with Quacker de Kreisker, scoring 28, while Lexy Paynter of Richmond, PEI won the bronze medal, with a score of 18, riding Roman K. There was a tie for the gold medal in the senior division. Both riders; Isabelle Casgrain of Montroyal, QC riding Ushi, and Helen Chambers of Oakville, ON riding Utopia Belles; earned a score of 28 to share top honours. The silver medal was awarded to Alexandre Gonzalez of Val David, QC riding Allegria with a total of 23. Just one point behind, with 22, for bronze was Pearl Mac Gregor of Hunter River, PEI riding Feruzi. In the team results, Quebec riders Lafortune, Casgrain, Gonzalez and Ann-Félixe Leblond of St Redempteur, QC, won the gold medal with a team total of 67. The

silver medal was won by Saskatchewan riders by Helen Isle of Saskatoon, SK, Alicia Arnold of Saskatoon, SK, Lanai Seigo of Edenwold, SK, and Heather Brodsky of Saskatoon, SK, with a score of 60. Team Ontario, comprised of Chambers, Benjamin Eyles of Mississauga, ON, Dylan Sambasivam of Toronto, ON, and Denis Sweeney of Peterborough, ON, brought home the bronze with a score of 47.

Reining

The individual Junior reining gold medal was awarded to Raphaël Bourdeau of Napierville, QC riding Holy Tag Star to a three round total of 424.50. Scoring 411.50 for silver was Marjorie Loranger of Saint Paul, QC and Bar Olena Chick, while the bronze medal was awarded to Kaleigh Bennicke of Shelburne, NS riding Genetic Jewel to a score of 392. Stéphanie Briggs of St Télesphore, QC riding Dunit N Starlight won the individual gold medal with a score 424.50. The silver medal went to Laurianne Gagnon-Duval of Brossard, QC riding Sumac Strikes Gold with a total of 408, while Mary Anne Cranton of Cape Breton, NS won bronze, with 387, riding Rob’s Last Twist. Following three rounds of reining, the team from Quebec, including Bourdeau, Loranger, Briggs and Gagnon-Duval, won the gold medal with a total of 857.5. Nova Scotia riders Bennicke, Cranton, Kaitlyn Harding of Shelbune, NS, and Lesley Higgins-Elchuck of Trenton, NS, won the silver medal with 787.5. The bronze medal was awarded to British Columbia, represented by Darcey Woods of Barriere, BC, and Whitney Watson-Wilson of Salmon Arm, BC.

Overall Team Results

When all the results were added together for each team in all the discipline, Quebec can out on top with a three discipline total of 211. The overall silver medal was awarded to Nova Scotia with a final total of 116, and close behind, for bronze, was Prince Edward Island with a score of 115. Additional details on the competition, schedule, riders and their results may be found at the CIEC website at www.cec-en.ca. equinecanada October | November 2012 27


| SPORT |

The Canadian delegation at the TREC World Championships in Portugal After being held in LamotteBeuvron (France) in 2008, this year’s TREC World Championships was hosted on September 7–9 in Mafra, Portugal. Twelve countries attended the competition for senior and junior riders. This worldwide TREC event took place at the military riding school facilities, an institution that marked its 100th birthday in August 2011, and in Mafra’s National Park. Canada sent five senior riders, three junior riders, one international judge and several grooms. Geneviève Bastien, Carole Charest, Giorgio Giusti, Frédéric Pierrestiger and Céline Raymond formed the senior team. The junior team was comprised of three members: Meggane Charest, Mélyna Lafleur and Louis Pierrestiger. Canadian judge Normand Lepape officiated at the event. The Canadian team used French horses that arrived on site September 5th, which gave the competitors very little time to get

28 www.equinecanada.ca

acquainted with their mounts. They had to be ready for the veterinary and equipment presentations taking place on Friday, September 7th. All the leased horses were declared fit to compete in the land navigation and consistency course (POR) starting the next day. Saturday morning at dawn, the first competitors were already getting ready for their turn on course. The first Canadian to go wore bib number seven and was therefore the seventh rider to start. This first phase involved a whole day of riding through the forest, a course covering more than 40 km that some riders took 11 hours to complete. In the end, all horses and riders finished in good enough form to advance to the phase on varied terrain (PTV) held the next day. Sunday September 9th, two phases awaited the riders: the 16 technical challenges phase (PTV) and the pace control phase (MA). Canadian results were as follows: Senior Riders Frédéric Pierrestiger

37th

with 227 points

Carole Charest

48

with 118 points

Geneviève Bastien

49

with 96 points

Giorgio Giutsi

56

with -56 points

Céline Raymond

58

with -203 points

th th th th

Junior Riders Louis Pierrestiger

33th

with 285 points

Meganne Charet

39

with 225 points

Mélyna Lafleur

th

Eliminated due to an error on course during the PTV phase.


| SPORT |

A total of 70 senior riders and 47 junior riders took part in the competition. In team rankings, the Canadian senior team finished 10th out of 13 just ahead of Sweden, England and the United States. The Canadian junior team took eighth place after one of its three riders was eliminated for an error on course in the PTV phase. This competition was a very rewarding experience for our Canadian riders who are already looking forward to resuming their training in preparation for next year’s events. To find out more about the TREC discipline, visit www.fite-net.org/Disciplines

David Esworthy Inducted into British Columbia Sports Hall of Fame

W

ell-known equestrian David Esworthy and former President of Equine Canada, has been inducted into the British Columbia Sports Hall of Fame in recognition of his life-long dedication to equestrian sport in British Columbia, Canada and internationally. “The 2012 Class of Inductees honoured by the BC Sports Hall of Fame is exceptional,” stated Marion Lay, chair of the Selection Committee, “Our selection committee did an outstanding job of sifting through over 120 nominations. The Class of 2012 truly reflects the best of the best.” Induction recognizes excellence in sport, contribution to sport and the impact on sport in British Columbia, in the categories of athlete, team, builder, media, pioneer, and volunteer. A selection committee, comprised of members of the BC Sports Hall of Fame Board of Trustees, the media and the sport community made the final decision. Esworthy has been described as a true horseman, in that he has served in virtually every role possible in equestrian sport: as a rider, FEI judge, FEI steward, clinician, horseshow organizer, horseshow chair, administrator and industry advisor. Perhaps Esworthy’s biggest impact has been to the countless individuals he has mentored in BC, Canada, and beyond, who themselves have gone on to become accomplished athletes, officials, and administrators. Always working to give equestrian greater recognition and credibility, Esworthy’s fifty-plus-year career included a variety of administrative positions including two terms as president of Equine Canada (1977–1984). Esworthy was also instrumental in the preparation for equestrian events at both the 1976 and 1984 Olympic Games.

“It is hard to put into words just what this has meant to me,” said Esworthy. “It is certainly the biggest honor that I have received since I was awarded the Canadian Equestrian Federation (now Equine Canada) Gold Medal about 30 years ago. I have said it several times that my being named to the B.C. Sports Hall of Fame was a total surprise. It was something that I, let alone never aspired to, but I had never even thought of.” “Certainly there was a feeling of awe when I was first advised of the honor but it takes a while for the shock to wear off and then you start to recognize all the great athletes, coaches and builders that are honored members and that you are joining their ranks. It was a double honor to realize that “Equestrian” is now a category in the Hall and that I am the first ever to be named in that category,” continued Esworthy. “I must also thank all the great members of the CEF who have done so much for the sport and enabled me to represent them all in this way.” The BC Sports Hall of Fame hosted a “Banquet of Champions” on Thursday, September 20 at the Vancouver Convention Centre to honour the Class of 2012.

David Esworthy

equinecanada October | November 2012 29


| COACHING |

T

hese are exciting times for equestrian coaches in Canada. With the release of the new Equine Canada National Coaching Certification Program (EC/ NCCP), coaches and interested riders and participants can now access more training than ever before. A central concept in the new program is the term ‘athlete centred’. This term relates to the goal of empowering riders. The new program certifications are not about the level of achievement of the coach. They are designed to recognize coaches according to the type of athlete they specialize in working with. The shift in thinking replaces the old hierarchy system (ie: military rank) with new recognition for specializations as different but equal (ie: grade-school teacher vs. high school teacher- same education, same value, different jobs and specialties). Coaches that equip their riders to understand the training process, create riders that can excel. The Canadian challenge of geography means that most riders need to be able to self-monitor and self-correct in between lessons with coaches in order to progress. Coaching clinics and workshops in the new program get coaches using hands-on active discussion and coaching activities for a day packed full of information, idea sharing and practical real-world application. Training is not just for those who are interested in becoming coaches someday, or who are already certified in the EC programs. Anyone interested can attend, space permitting. Most modules–there are some 20 different modules now–in the new program are run by the Provincial/ Territorial equestrian associations. Coaches familiar with the old program will see a lot of new content 30 www.equinecanada.ca

Analyzing Performance and Preparing RidersNew Clinics for Coaches and Aspiring Coaches in the modules, including significant differences to evaluation methods. Candidates are well advised to seek mentoring by a coach who has attended training or is currently updating in the new program. Some of the key changes are: » Training courses and mentoring are no longer mandatory. It is strongly recommended to take the training because it is good, and does help candidates succeed. It is also strongly recommended to book at least a session or two with a mentor to prepare so that the candidate gets feedback prior to evaluation and knows what to do. However, these activities are not mandatory which means that while tools are available for you, you only need to do the activities or spend the money that makes sense for your own preparation. » Riding is no longer tested in the evaluation. It is a pre-requisite, which opens the door to coaches who might formerly have been unable to do the coaching evaluations due to lack of horse or personal injury. It also makes the evaluation process shorter, reducing overall cost. » Evaluation criteria are shared openly with candidates prior to evaluation, and there is peer accountability so that a candidate always knows why they passed, or what they need to improve on to complete their certification. » The new program is an opportunity to develop good coaching skills Coaches are expected to not only detect student errors and correct them, but also to explain the errors so that students’ are empowered to think and self-correct. This process is common to all the major sports in Canada who have NCCP programs, and helps athletes improve consistently. Getting certified reassures parents and clients of your professionalism, and sets a great example for up and coming coaches and athletes. » Anyone can attend the great training. Training modules are completely open for any interested participant. There is a lot of good information in the courses in general, even if you are not committed to becoming certified. » The cost of getting certified has come way down as compared with the previous program. Note that all costs for the new program are approximate since they may differ slightly between provinces. The cost to prepare really depends on how much training or mentoring the candidate chooses to do, based upon their individual needs. Costs for previous certification were higher because coaches had to complete levels in sequence, there were two exam/evaluation weekends instead of one, they had to ship horses and riders to the events, and the training and 20 mentoring hours were mandatory. Level 1 old cost: $3500

New Competition Coach: $400-$1400

savings: $2,000-$3,000

Level 2 old cost: $5000-$7000

New Coach Specialist: $1300-$1800

savings: $2,000-$3,000

Level 3 old cost: $7000-$10000

New High Performance Coach: $1500-$2000

savings: $5500-$8,000


| COACHING |

Oakhurst Farm Hosts New Coaching Clinics The Ontario Equestrian Federation recently ran two of the new EC/NCCP coaching clinics, “Analyzing Performance in Equestrian Sport and the Eventing Competition Specialist Clinic”, this past September at Oakhurst Farm, located in Ashton, Ontario. The Saturday workshop on “Analysing Performance in Equestrian Sport”, was facilitated by Victoria Andrews, one of the Master Learning Facilitators in the Equine Canada program, with contributions by discipline experts, Ruth Allum (Eventing) and Kirsten Blaeske (Dressage). The focus of this workshop is to build skills in analyzing performance and communicating. Participants ranged from uncertified coaches through to very experienced coaches, and some other interested participants, across all three English disciplines. The day started with dressage demo riders riding for the participants. Participants then worked with the subject expert and facilitator to correctly identify errors affecting performance, analyze root causes of the errors and coach the riders so that they could understand what to do in their own training. The connection between root causes and the training scale was a main theme. Next, the same process was used with three hunter/ jumper demo riders doing some gymnastic exercises followed by riding some courses, and finally by some eventing riders working through technical progressions on the cross-country course. Participants were actively engaged in the coaching process, moving through the day from the ‘teaching’ or ‘talking at’ traditional style, towards a style that engaged the riders – as we hope to see in evaluations and out in the field. Things really came together with understanding how the training scale and root causes are connected,

and how they impact the way a horse is going on the flat, over fences, or around the cross-country course. Participants began to understand that it isn’t enough to see the errors or to have the right answer. They could see clear improvement in performance of the horse/ rider teams when the rider truly understood the training progressions and tasks, and is a partner in the training. The ‘Eventing Specialist Clinic’, which ran on the Sunday, is a clinic largely designed for coaches or coach candidates, but the day was packed with technical and training information that was of benefit to all of the interested participants who attended. The clinic was extremely well organized with participants again actively engaged throughout the day. The Eventing Specialist clinic made training progressions very clear within the lessons, and how to prepare the horses and riders from one season/level to the next with safety and success always in mind. Rules, Long-term Equestrian Development (LTED) and training planning topics were incorporated throughout the day in a natural way, showing the direct correlation to good, progressive training. Specialist clinics have also been designed for dressage, hunter/jumper, reining, speed events and western general performance. There is also the “Analyze Performance Clinic” available for Western disciplines. More information is available through your provincial/ territorial sport organization. Overall the clinics were a huge success with excellent horse/rider teams participating, lots of good information from the subject experts, and lots of peer discussion. Participant feedback was overwhelmingly positive.

equinecanada October | November 2012 31


| HEALTH & WELFARE |

by Susan Stewart, Equine Canada Liaison to the Code Development Committee

Do You Know the Code? Participate in the 60-day Public Comment Period to Review the Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Equines

Commencing late November 2012, individuals, committees and organizations across Canada are requested to participate in an online 60-day public comment period to review and comment on the draft of the Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Equines.

What is the Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Equines A Code of Practice is a fundamental guide and reference document that supports people in their day-to-day decision making. Codes are written in a clear manner, are based on sound science and recommend practices that are practical, manageable and have measureable components and consider economic impacts. Codes of Practice serve three main purposes: (1) educational tools; (2) foundation documents for assessment programs; and (3) reference materials for regulations. In this case, the Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Equines, once finalized and released into circulation during the summer of 2013, is intended to promote sound management and welfare practices in regards to responsible horse, pony, donkey and mule ownership, health management, feeding, housing, feedlot management, principles of training, euthanasia and other husbandry practices. The intention of the equine Code is to promote sound management and welfare practices and make clear the industry’s current requirements alongside recommended practices that encourage a higher level of care in order for the industry to strive for continuous improvement. Consequently, it should inspire meaningful discussion on how people operate and improve how caregivers, and the industry in general, deal with grey areas. The impending equine Code will clearly identify “Requirements” as well as “Recommended Practices”. Requirements will refer either to a regulation or 32 www.equinecanada.ca


| HEALTH & WELFARE |

an industry imposed expectation. The Code’s Recommended Practices will further support the Requirements in conjunction with promoting education and the adoption of practices for continuous improvement in animal welfare outcomes.

Why is it important to add your voice to the review of the draft Code? An industry’s Code of Practice, in this case one that will impact how horses, ponies, donkeys and mules are cared for and handled in Canada, impacts all participants in an industry regardless of an individual’s participation in its development. As participants in the equine industry, the final Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Equines will be yours to know, understand, defend and support. That is why it is vital for you to add your voice to its development.

How will you be able to participate in the 60-day Comment Period? The review of the draft of the Code will be comprised of a 60-day comment period, which will allow the public to weigh in on matters that are of public interest, but that affect an individual’s responsibility and have industry and/or legal ramifications. Since it is anticipated that thousands of people may participate in the review, feedback can only be made through an online format. The 60-day comment period will open in late November 2012 and close late January 2013. Watch for the official announcement which will be a joint press release between Equine Canada and the National Farm Animal Care Council (NFACC). Once the 60-day comment period begins, you can download the full draft Code at www.nfacc.ca/codes-of-practice/equine. Content from each section of the draft Code will be followed by a box for you to provide your comments, or alternatively select “no comments”. Due to the sheer volume of comments anticipated, please ensure your feedback is specific by providing a rationale for your comments and, when applicable, alternative wording or suggestions. If you do not have time to review the entire document at once you will be able to resume at a later time within the 60 days, provided you are using the same computer. Following the 60-day public comment period, the Code Development Committee (CDC) will take a few months to consider all comments and feedback, revise the draft

if required and submit a final Code to the NFACC which will make the Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Equines available for circulation summer 2013.

Important Background: How was the draft Code developed? After 22 months of work by an 18-person Equine Code Development Committee (CDC) and a five-person Scientists’ Committee (SC), the Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Equines is near completion. As a starting point, the CDC and SC identified and agreed to a list of five priority welfare issues thought to be of universal importance to animal welfare that would benefit from a review of the available scientific literature. Development of the draft text included more than 100 hours of face-to-face meetings, in addition to online and telephone communications by each of the Committees, and public participation through three online surveys designed to gain stakeholder insights and views on the care and handling of horses, ponies, donkeys and mules in Canada. The final steps are the 60-day Public Comment Period followed by consideration of the feedback and possible adjustments to the Code. Getting to this point has been years in the making. Equine Canada first took up the charge in 2005 to lead the renewal of Canada’s original 1998 Code of Practice for Horses. In 2009, following four years of broad consultation amongst numerous farmed animal industries, consensus was reached to move forward with restarting Code of Practice development in Canada. Under the auspices of NFACC, member organizations contributed to the creation of a seven-step Code Development Process– essentially a roadmap by which all future farmed animal Codes would be developed. The key components are: • the inclusion of Scientists’ Committees to review research on priority welfare issues • ownership of the individual Codes by the relevant stakeholders through their active participation in developing the Code • measureable components to facilitate the development of assessment programs • a transparent process equinecanada October | November 2012 33


| HEALTH & WELFARE |

In April 2010, the Government of Canada announced a contribution of $3.4 million over three years through Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Agricultural Flexibility Fund, as part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, to help NFACC facilitate the development and/or renewal of eight Codes, an on-farm assessment protocol and other key NFACC initiatives. More than $300,000 of the funding was allocated to the development of the Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Equines. Following the government’s announcement Equine Canada’s Code Criteria Group, a four-person committee, consisting of the Equine Canada Past President, two members of the Equine Canada Health and Welfare Committee and a non-Equine Canada affiliated individual, outlined the criteria and process by which they would solicit nominations and make recommendations for the CDC under NFACC. By the end of 2010, the Code Criteria Group had recommended 17 people from eight provinces to join the Chair of the SC on the CDC. Representing a broad cross section, the CDC members have significant expertise in care and custody, equine health and veterinary care, technical knowledge, research, welfare legislation, regulation and enforcement, environmental and ecological science, biosecurity, and international best practices. Expertise in the unique husbandry practices required for large-scale equine breeding, feedlot management, draft horses, donkeys and mules, Quarter Horses, Arabians, and horses used in racing, jumping, dressage, eventing, driving, western sport, recreation and outfitting are well-represented. At the same time, NFACC hired two Equine Code Secretaries and also appointed members to the SC through a nomination process. A complete list of CDC and SC members and their short biographies can be viewed online at www.equinecanada.ca/industry. Click on Code of Practice Renewal in the left-hand menu.

Do You Know the Code? In November, watch for the official announcement of the start of the 60-day public comment period. We strongly encourage you to participate because this is an important document for our industry, and the health and welfare of our horses.

34 www.equinecanada.ca

Dr. Mary Bell In September, I was privileged to attend, a meeting of the equine Code Development Committee (CDC) as an observer. It was ably and graciously facilitated by the Equine Code Secretary. The Equine Canada Code Criteria Group, which defined the conformation of the CDC and worked to populate it, achieved its goal. The CDC is an exciting, dynamic and knowledgeable team composed of members living from the Maritimes through British Columbia with diverse training, experience and professions. This group contains regional, discipline, breed and organizational diversity. What awesome minds gathering in one room with a common goal! As the Chair of the Equine Canada Health and Welfare Committee, I had never imagined the high level of excellence that this working group could attain. The Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Equines is a document for all Canadian horse owners and caretakers. This is our guide to appropriate horse management, something about which we can be proud. Please take the opportunity to read the draft and to respond. I believe the updated Code of Practice will provide everyone, including the regulatory bodies, a guide to protect the welfare of horses on farm throughout this country. Once the final draft is completed in 2013, it will be available throughout Canada in a variety of formats. Please make sure you go to the website and respond with your comments.

60-Day Public Comment Period Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Equines Read the draft at www.nfacc.ca/codes-of-practice/equine Add your comments through the online system


| SPORT |

Sarah Bradley Reappointed as Interim Chair for Dressage Canada Dressage Canada is pleased to announce that, at the request of the Dressage Canada Board, Sarah Bradley has been reappointed as the Chair of the Dressage Canada Board by the Sport Council Working Group. Bradley, of Roberts Creek, British Columbia, has been named as Chair Sarah Bradley until January 1, 2014. Bradley was first appointed Interim Chair in April 2012. Options for filling the Chair position for 2014 and beyond will be discussed at the Dressage Canada Board meeting in November. Decisions related to this will be announced after this meeting. “I am thrilled to be able to continue working with the keen, dedicated group of current DCB members,” said Bradley. “I am honoured to be asked to continue as Chair, and look forward to the next 16 months.” Bradley brings a wealth of experience to the position. In recent years, she has served as a Director on the Equine Canada Board, President of Horse Council BC,

President of Horse Trials BC and Chair of Equine Canada Provinces Council. She is currently Chair of Equine Canada’s Bylaws and Governance Committee, which is undertaking a review of Equine Canada’s bylaws. As of January 2013, Dressage Canada will enact its new governance system, a transition that began in early 2011, and will result in the Dressage Canada Board being wholly populated by the chairs of its various committees. 2013 Dressage Canada Board Wendy Christoff

Chair, Coaching Committee

Joanna Crilly

Chair, Rules Committee

MH Lessard

Chair, Competitions Committee

Joan Macartney

Chair, Officials Committee

Nancy MacLachlan

Athlete Council Representative

Chris Von Martels

Athlete Council Representative

Kristy Nahirniak

Chair, Development Committee

Gina Smith

Chair, High Performance Committee

Henna Hussain

Chair, Youth High Performance Committee

Michael Horgan

Chair, Finance and Fundraising Committee

equinecanada October | November 2012 35


| INDUSTRY |

Grand Opening of the Morgan Horse Heritage Centre

F

or the past few months, a few dedicated Morgan owners would meet to discuss, visualize, contemplate, debate and have some serious and fun chats about what our end goal for the Centre was. It was agreed that our mission was the following: The objectives of the Centre are to preserve, promote, research and display the history of the Morgan Horse, particularly in Canada. We were particularly excited when we learned of Green Mountain Morgan (also known as Major’s Green Mountain Morgan) who stood at stud in in the Port Perry area. He was advertised at stud in the Port Perry Star in May 1866 and followed a route from Cannington in the north to Oshawa in the south and did this each week during the breeding season. He was owned by Mr. Edward Major and he and wife Maria owned property at Borelia and on Crandell and Lilla Streets. (For more info on Major’s Green Mountain Morgan, please contact the Morgan Horse Heritage Centre.) To this end, we will maintain an archive of Morgan information: Canadian and American magazines, newsletters, show programs, stud books, pictures, etc. Research on breed history, particularly those early Morgans who came to Canada, from Volume 1 – 6 of the American Morgan Horse Association (AMHA) Registry will be carried out. A researcher will be available to help or do the work for a fee. We had a building, we had a mission, now we need to fill the building with articles of historical significance and raise a few dollars to put it all together with volunteer labour. Deana Wilson spearheaded the mission with her team — Greg Reeves, Christine Monteith, Heather Stark, Brenda Casteels and Nancy Kavanagh. This enthusiastic group of Morgan owners met many times over the spring and summer and pulled it all together to meet our deadline of September 22nd, the day we had our grand opening of the Morgan Horse Heritage Centre.

36 www.equinecanada.ca

Weanling colt, LLF Hudson Bay owned by Sherri Wilson

The day went off without a hitch, even the Autumn weather co-operated with some sunny skies. It was like a Morgan family reunion, seeing former Morgan owners, new Morgan owners and many of us who were there in the beginning and still there today. Deana Wilson and Nancy Beacon presided over the ribbon cutting and then opened the door to our visitors to see the displays of the Centre. Displays of the Morgan beauty and versatility were part of the line-up starting with the weanling colt, LLF Hudson Bay owned by Sherri Wilson. Hudson’s sire SHW Northern Eclipse was shown In Hand to display typical Morgan type and conformation, also owned by Sherri Wilson. Cyan Star Trinity was ridden under western attire with Lisa Kavanagh in the saddle for owner Nancy Kavanagh. In English attire, MLF Merlin was ridden by owner Kyla Vendrig. Coming out in hunt attire was the mare, HD Aiden Lair, ridden by Sherri Wilson for Deana Wilson, owner. Sherri then returned to the ring riding her stallion SHW Northern Eclipse to let everyone know that he isn’t just a pretty face. It was a wonderful day of renewing old friendships, watching beautiful horses perform and learning more about the breed of horse that we love and admire. We continue to work on new exhibits and donations of historical equine and/or Morgan artifacts (either permanently or temporary) are welcome. The Centre is open to the public by appointment only and is located at 971 Scugog Line 12, Uxbridge, ON. We offer different levels of membership to anyone interested. We are on Facebook and the friends list is growing. An on-line auction will be featured as a fundraiser this fall. This is an exciting new venture for the Morgan horse in Canada. For more information, please contact Deana Wilson, 905-852-9850 or djwilson@powergate.ca


| CANADA HIPPIQUE |

Le message du président J’ai eu la chance extraordinaire d’assister aux concours hippiques de Greenwich Park dans le cadre des Jeux paralympiques de Londres en septembre. Comme il s’agissait de ma première expérience à ces Jeux, je ne savais pas à quoi m’attendre, or j’y ai vécu des moments merveilleux et, en rétrospective, j’aurais voulu y rester plus longtemps. Nos athlètes ont été éblouissants et j’ai vivement apprécié le temps que j’ai passé avec eux en-dehors de la compétition, lorsqu’ils ont partagé avec moi quelques-unes de leurs formidables histoires. La couverture médiatique exhaustive de Londres m’a donné l’occasion de suivre d’autres sports et d’encourager l’équipe paralympique canadienne. Mais j’ai été déçu d’apprendre que la couverture médiatique des Jeux au Canada et aux États-Unis a été plutôt sommaire. Après mon retour des Jeux paralympiques, j’ai assisté aux Championnats équestres interprovinciaux du Canada au Québec. Ce concours sanctionné par Canada Hippique s’est déroulé à Bromont et à Blainville et présentait des cavaliers juniors et seniors en dressage, en saut d’obstacles et en reining. Ce concours exceptionnel forme une étape importante du modèle de développement à long terme du sportif équestre de Canada Hippique. Sa tenue aurait été impossible sans le travail ardu et le dévouement du comité organisateur, ainsi que du personnel et des bénévoles sur place. Tous les détails de ce grand moment sont publiés dans la présente édition du magazine de Canada Hippique. Pendant les Championnats équestres interprovinciaux du Canada, Canada Hippique a tenu une assemblée générale pour ses membres afin d’obtenir l’approbation des propositions de modifications des règlements administratifs. Bien que pratiquement tous les membres présents à l’assemblée de Bromont aient vivement approuvé les propositions, les résultats du vote en ligne qui a eu lieu avant l’assemblée ont provoqué le rejet des modifications. Ironiquement, les modifications proposées par nos conseils provinciaux et, dans certains cas, rédigées par ces mêmes conseils, ont été rejetées en raison de communications transmises aux membres par quatre provinces.

Par ailleurs, Canada Hippique et le comité de candidature pour les Jeux équestres mondiaux poursuivent leur travail soutenu de préparation de la proposition d’accueil des Jeux équestres mondiaux à Bromont au Québec. Nous avons rencontré plusieurs politiciens afin de leur présenter les avantages économiques du projet et leur demander leur soutien. La prochaine date limite de proposition finale est le 15 décembre. La décision de la Fédération équestre internationale est prévue pour 2013. Tel que mentionné dans notre dernier numéro, Deloitte Consulting LLP a procédé à une étude de la direction supérieure et formulé des recommandations sur la mise à jour de la description d’emploi du chef de la direction. Nous avons maintenant annoncé ce poste et acceptons les candidatures. Aujourd’hui, nous souhaitons remercier Mike Arbour et souligner ses efforts dans le cadre de ses fonctions de chef de la direction depuis plusieurs mois. Craig Andreas l’a efficacement épaulé et, grâce à leurs efforts, notre organisme a poursuivi ses activités sans heurt pendant la vacance du poste de chef de la direction. Enfin, comme la saison de compétition de 2012 tire à sa fin, nous vous invitons à nous communiquer des candidatures pour les prix nationaux de Canada Hippique. Consultez le site www.equinecanada.ca pour de plus amples détails et pour télécharger le formulaire de mise en candidature. Michael Gallagher, Président, Canada Hippique president@equinecanada.ca equinecanada October | November 2012 37


Une Vision STRATÉGIQUE de Canada Hippique 2012–2018 PLAN Notre vision

Inspirer les Canadiens à atteindre l’excellence personnelle et à s’impliquer pour la vie dans les activités équestres.

Notre mission

Valorisant les meilleures pratiques tout en encourageant le plaisir et la participation, Canada Hippique est la voix nationale par excellence qui travaille à servir, promouvoir et protéger les intérêts des chevaux et de la communauté équestre.

Nos valeurs fondamentales Nous croyons :

» Au bien-être du cheval

Considérant que notre responsabilité à l’égard de nos partenaires équins est un privilège, nous affirmons que leur bien-être est primordial.

» Respect

Nous promouvons le respect mutuel, pour notre propre sécurité et celle de nos chevaux et pour la santé de l’environnement dans lequel nous vivons tous.

» Diversité

Célébrant les différences, nous reconnaissons la participation de plus en plus dynamique des membres de notre communauté.

» Inclusivité

Grâce à un travail collaboratif, nous offrons une expérience équestre significative à tous nos membres, des débutants aux cavaliers d’élite.

» Service

Tout en répondant aux besoins de nos membres de façon efficace et satisfaisante en termes de proactivité, nous accordons une importance primordiale à leurs attentes et à leurs meilleurs intérêts dans tout ce que nous faisons.

» Excellence

Prêchant par l’exemple, nous reflétons les plus grandes aspirations de nos membres grâce à des performances hors du commun dans notre sport, nos loisirs, nos entreprises et les initiatives gérées par notre personnel.

» Bénévolat

Dans le but d’encourager une croissance personnelle qui apporte des avantages incommensurables à la communauté équestre, nous recherchons activement, accueillons et respectons les personnes qui, de façon désintéressée, consacrent du temps à assurer le bien-être des chevaux et l’accomplissement de la mission de Canada Hippique.


Une Vision

2012–2018

PLAN STRATÉGIQUE de Canada Hippique

Canada Hippique reconnaît l’importance d’accroître la qualité et l’envergure des activités hippiques. L’industrie a une influence sur la structure économique et sociale du Canada et contribue à la vie culturelle, sociale, éducative, sportive et à la santé des Canadiens. Notre plan stratégique établit des objectifs généraux qui exigent le déploiement d’efforts ciblés à long terme. Pour les six prochaines années, nous nous concentrerons sur deux grandes axes stratégiques : l’excellence équestre et la gérance organisationnelle. Afin de maximiser nos chances de réussite, nous avons identifié les sept priorités suivantes. D’ici 2018, Canada Hippique prévoit positionner le Canada parmi les chefs de file mondiaux de l’hippisme. L’ambition suivante servira de motivateur et de guide nos efforts :

Canada Hippique sera généralement reconnu comme une fédération sportive et équestre de classe mondiale engagée dans l’excellence, l’esprit sportif et le bien-être du cheval; un organisme modèle qui offre un environnement inclusif où l’innovation, le partenariat et la créativité s’épanouissent.

Excellence Équestre

Gérance Organisationnelle

» Excellence dans le développement du cheval

Tout en nous concentrant sur la recherche, la production, la promotion et le bien-être du cheval, nous favoriserons une industrie hippique robuste et durable.

» Participation

L’avenir de l’hippisme au Canada dépend de l’adoption d’une approche inclusive et du recrutement, de l’engagement et de la fidélisation d’un flux constant de participants.

» Performance de calibre mondial

Afin d’assurer un avantage sur les compétiteurs internationaux, Canada Hippique s’orientera principalement sur les compétences techniques et sur une formation et des analyses innovatrices, notamment en ouvrant la scène internationale aux athlètes, tant au plan des compétences que des concours.

» Développement des athlètes

www.equinecanada.ca

L’établissement d’une culture de compétition positive, du niveau de base au podium, tout en mettant l’accent sur la relation unique de notre sport avec les chevaux, est la clé de notre réussite.

» Excellence organisationnelle

Canada Hippique, par son projet d’excellence organisationnelle, établit des objectifs dynamiques pour l’amélioration des processus et une modification organisationnelle. Pour atteindre cette excellence, il faudra de l’inspiration, la formation et un soutien approprié.

» Capacité financière

Nous apportons continuellement des améliorations et cherchons à accroître et à diversifier notre base de financement. Nous intégrons également des stratégies innovatrices afin de soutenir nos objectifs.

» Technologie de l’information

La technologie de l’information et l’infrastructure doivent être maintenues à jour et renouvelées. La plus haute priorité doit être accordée aux technologies et à l’infrastructure qui contribuent à l’accomplissement de la mission principale de l’organisme.

Photos : Sahnnon Brinkman Photo, Cealy Tetley, Susan J Stickle.com, Dazzle by Design, Lindsay Yosay McCall, River Bend Designs, Robin Duncan


| SPORT | Photos © Cealy Tetley

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Ian Millar et Hickstead intronisés au Panthéon équestre de Saut d’obstacles Canada

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Lors d’une soirée très spéciale en l’honneur des plus grands ambassadeurs de notre sport, les légendes canadiennes du saut d’obstacles Ian Millar (catégorie Bâtisseur) et Hickstead (catégorie Cheval de saut d’obstacles) seront les deux seuls intronisés à la cérémonie et au gala d’intronisation au Panthéon équestre de Saut d’obstacles Canada de cette année. Présentée par BMO Groupe financier, cette septième soirée d’apparat aura lieu le dimanche 4 novembre 2012 au Liberty Grand de Toronto, Ontario. Les carrières sans pareil d’Ian Millar, l’athlète canadien de saut d’obstacles le plus décoré, et de Hickstead, le cheval de saut d’obstacles le plus performant du Canada, seront célébrées au cours de cette cérémonie. Bien que, traditionnellement, les athlètes ne soient intronisés qu’une fois retirés de la compétition, une exception a été faite dans le cas d’Ian Millar. Médaillé des Jeux olympiques et des Jeux panaméricains et deux fois champion de la Coupe du monde, il a établi un record mondial cet été à Londres en devenant le premier athlète de tout sport et de toute nation à représenter son pays dans 10 Jeux olympiques. Ian sera intronisé dans la catégorie Bâtisseur. Propriété de John Fleischhacker et du cavalier Éric Lamaze, Hickstead a remporté de nombreuses victoires internationales, notamment des médailles olympiques d’argent en individuel et en équipe en 2008. Au summum de sa carrière, Hickstead s’est éteint le 6 novembre 2011, le jour même du gala du Panthéon équestre de Saut d’obstacles Canada de l’an dernier. Le rassemblement de la communauté canadienne du saut d’obstacles la veille de ce tragique événement était particulièrement 40 www.equinecanada.ca

émouvant, tout comme sera appropriée et spéciale la célébration des réalisations incroyables de l’un des meilleurs chevaux de tous les temps dans ce sport. « Le comité du Panthéon équestre, qui en est à sa septième année d’existence, est emballé par la réalisation de cette soirée spéciale en l’honneur de deux des plus grands ambassadeurs de notre pays », souligne Mark Samuel, président du Panthéon équestre de Saut d’obstacles Canada. « Ian Millar et Hickstead ont tous les deux représenté le Canada sur la scène internationale avec grande distinction et nous sommes impatients de nous joindre aux membres de la communauté, qui se réuniront en grand nombre pour rendre hommage à ces deux champions du saut d’obstacles. » Des témoignages vidéo émouvants offerts aux deux intronisés seront présentés puis, les trophées du Panthéon équestre de Saut d’obstacles Canada seront décernés à Ian Millar et à Éric Lamaze, qui l’acceptera au nom de Hickstead. Pour demeurer fidèle à l’esprit festif d’une telle soirée, des musiciens sur place et de la danse animeront la soirée. Le Panthéon équestre de Saut d’obstacles Canada a vu le jour en 2006 afin de souligner les contributions exceptionnelles aux sports de chasse et de saut d’obstacles. Cette soirée est rapidement devenue l’événement annuel de prédilection dans le milieu et les billets des six premières éditions se sont envolés rapidement. Amis, collègues et coéquipiers d’Ian Millar et de Hickstead seront sur place pour célébrer les réalisations des exceptionnels intronisés de cette année et pour rendre cette soirée inoubliable en rappelant à tous les moments magiques du sport.


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L’équipe canadienne de la Coupe des nations formée pour Buenos Aires

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’équipe canadienne de saut d’obstacles qui participera à la Coupe des nations de Buenos Aires en Argentine sera composée de Ben Asselin, François Lamontagne, Tamie Phillips et Jenn Serek, qui en seront tous à leur première expérience au sein de cette équipe. Mais d’abord, l’équipe se présentera à un concours qui aura lieu au Club Hipico San Jorge Village du 1er au 4 novembre, avant la tenue de la Coupe des nations du CSI04*-W de Buenos Aires au Haras El Capricho, prévue du 7 au 11 novembre 2012. Asselin, âgé de 18 ans et résident de Calgary (AB), montera Rush, un hongre warmblood belge de 11 ans appartenant aux Attaché Stables. Pour sa part, Lamontagne, un cavalier de 28 ans de Saint-Eustache (QC), aura pour monture Underground des Hauts Droits, un étalon cheval de sport belge de huit ans propriété de la Ferme Lamontagne. Phillips, âgée de 39 ans et résidente de Strathmore (AB), participera à bord de sa jument Lerche 37, une holsteiner de 10 ans. Enfin, la Calgarienne Serek (AB), âgée de 29 ans, sera accompagnée d’Eleonora, une jument warmblood belge de 11 ans appartenant au Shin Shin Group. « Je suis très emballé d’aller en Argentine avec ce groupe de cavaliers et je suis optimiste quant à nos chances de renouveler notre victoire de l’an dernier à la Coupe des nations », affirme Mark Laskin, de Langley (C.B.), qui sera chef d’équipe de l’équipe canadienne de

saut d’obstacles. « Chaque cavalier a connu une année extrêmement fructueuse et mérite cette occasion de représenter le Canada pour la première fois au sein de notre équipe nationale senior. » Cette tournée en Argentine a pu se concrétiser grâce au programme À nous le podium de Sport Canada, une initiative nationale sportive technique conçue pour aider les athlètes canadiens de sports d’hiver et d’été à atteindre les podiums olympiques et paralympiques. La Coupe des nations est le seul concours de saut d’obstacles où les cavaliers participent en tant que pays par équipes de quatre. Les trois meilleurs résultats de chaque équipe sont comptés en vue du résultat final de l’épreuve en deux manches. En Amérique du Nord, seules deux épreuves de Coupe des nations sont présentées chaque année. La première est dotée de 75 000 $ et se tient dans le cadre du Winter Equestrian Festival de Wellington, Floride. La seconde, la Coupe des nations BMO, remet des prix en argent de 350 000 $ et elle a lieu en septembre à Spruce Meadows, lors du Tournoi des maîtres. Les détails complets sur ce concours sont publiés au www.haraselcapricho.com. Le chef d’équipe est Mark Laskin, aidé du responsable des écuries Darren Roberts. Jennifer Mahoney, coordonatrice du saut d’obstacles, Ashley Raaymakers, soutien au programme en saut d’obstacles et Karen Hendry-Ouellette, directrice d’équipe, apportent également un soutien hors site.

equinecanada October | November 2012 41


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Para-équestre Canada présente les récipiendaires de l’aide financière à la compétition Para-équestre Canada a le plaisir d’annoncer qu’un autre partenariat a été formé avec Sport Canada afin d’encourager la participation en concours des cavaliers avec une incapacité. Ce projet prévoit que les centres d’équitation thérapeutique qui offrent de nouvelles possibilités de concourir, ou rehaussent leur programme existant afin d’y inclure des cavaliers avec incapacité, deviennent admissibles à une aide financière pouvant s’élever à 500 $. Après la clôture du premier circuit de la saison, quatre subsides de 500$ avaient été accordés aux centres suivants : • North Fraser Therapeutic Riding Association, Maple Ridge, C.-B. • The Equestrian Association for The Disabled, Mount Hope, ON • Lanark County Therapeutic Riding Program, Carleton Place, ON • Willowbank Equestrian Centre, Plantagenet, ON Cette aide financière aidera les centres d’équitation thérapeutique à présenter le sport para-équestre aux cavaliers de plusieurs façons : par l’achat d’équipement vidéo servant à filmer les cavaliers concourant par vidéo, par un entraînement amélioré, par le remboursement de dépenses de voyage, et par le financement d’une nouvelle carrière de paradressage. La date limite de soumission des candidatures en vue du second circuit est le 15 novembre 2012. Les centres qui souhaitent envoyer leur candidature peuvent le faire en visitant le site Web para-équestre suivant : www.equinecanada.ca/para-équestre. Pour tout renseignement complémentaire à propos de ce projet ou de tout autre projet de Para-équestre Canada, veuillez transmettre un courriel à cette adresse : para-equestrian@equinecanada.ca ou téléphoner au 613-248-3433 poste 144.

42 www.equinecanada.ca

Classification des athlètes de Para-équestre Canada Para-équestre Canada aura le plaisir de tenir une séance de classification des athlètes le samedi 9 février et le dimanche 10 février, conjointement avec le congrès annuel de Canada Hippique qui aura lieu à l’hôtel Delta Ottawa City Centre à Ottawa, Ontario. La classification de l’athlète est la première étape de participation au sport para-équestre. Elle offre aux cavaliers avec une incapacité physique la possibilité de concourir contre d’autres cavaliers aux capacités semblables. Des classificateurs évaluent les cavaliers et les rangent sous des « catégories » en fonction de leurs capacités fonctionnelles telles que la puissance musculaire, l’amplitude des mouvements articulaires et la coordination. Le para-dressage est composé de cinq catégories de concours, la catégorie Ia étant réservée aux cavaliers les plus sévèrement atteints et la catégorie IV, à ceux qui le sont moins. Le coût du stage est 50 $ par participant. Le formulaire d’inscription doit être reçu au plus tard le 1er février 2013. Pour de plus amples renseignements et pour obtenir un formulaire d’inscription, consultez le site Web de Para-équestre Canada au http://equinecanada.ca/para-equestrian. Si vous avez des questions, n’hésitez pas à communiquer avec Para-équestre Canada par téléphone au 613 248-3433, poste 143 ou par courriel au para-equestrian@equinecanada.ca.


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David Esworthy intronisé au Temple de la renommée des sports de la Colombie-Britannique

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e sportif équestre bien connu David Esworthy, ancien président de Canada Hippique, a été intronisé au Temple de la renommée des sports de la Colombie-Britannique en reconnaissance de son dévouement de toute une vie au sport équestre en Colombie-Britannique, au Canada et à l’échelle internationale.

Au cours d’une carrière de plus de 50 ans toujours consacrée à l’avancement de la reconnaissance et de la crédibilité du sport équestre, Esworthy a occupé divers postes administratifs, notamment deux mandats à titre de président de Canada Hippique (1977–1984). Il a également contribué à la préparation des épreuves équestres des Jeux olympiques de 1976 et de 1984.

« Le groupe d’intronisés de 2012 accueilli avec tous les honneurs au Temple de la renommée des sports de la Colombie-Britannique est exceptionnel », souligne Marion Lay, présidente du comité de sélection. « Notre comité de sélection a accompli un travail remarquable lors du tri des quelques 120 candidatures. Le groupe de cette année personnifie clairement l’élite. »

« C’est difficile d’exprimer avec justesse ce que ça signifie pour moi », souligne Esworthy. Il s’agit certainement du plus grand honneur que j’ai reçu depuis la médaille d’or que m’a octroyée la Fédération équestre canadienne (maintenant Canada Hippique) il y a environ 30 ans. J’ai mentionné à plusieurs reprises que mon intronisation au Temple de la renommée des sports de la ColombieBritannique est une surprise totale. Non seulement je n’y ai jamais prétendu, mais je n’y ai même jamais pensé. »

L’intronisation reconnaît l’excellence dans le sport, la contribution au sport et l’incidence sur le sport en Colombie-Britannique, dans les catégories des athlètes, des équipes, des bâtisseurs, des pionniers et des bénévoles. Un comité de sélection, composé de membres du conseil d’administration du Temple de la renommée des sports de la Colombie-Britannique, de représentants des médias et de la communauté sportive ont pris la décision définitive. Esworthy est reconnu comme étant un homme de chevaux authentique, qui a évolué dans pratiquement toutes les sphères possibles du sport équestre : cavalier, juge de la Fédération équestre internationale (FEI), commissaire de la FEI, animateur de stage, organisateur de concours hippique, président de concours hippique, administrateur et conseiller de l’industrie. Sa plus grande influence a sans doute été le mentorat qu’il a exercé auprès d’innombrables personnes en Colombie-Britannique, au Canada et au-delà des frontières, lesquelles sont elles-mêmes devenues des athlètes, des officiels et des administrateurs accomplis.

« Bien sûr, j’ai d’abord été stupéfait d’apprendre la nouvelle, et le choc a pris un certain temps à s’estomper. Puis, vous commencez à reconnaître tous les grands athlètes, entraîneurs et constructeurs honorés et à constater que vous allez joindre leurs rangs. Cet honneur a été multiplié lorsque j’ai appris que le sport équestre était maintenant une catégorie du Temple de la renommée et que j’y suis le premier intronisé », a poursuivi Esworthy. « Je dois également remercier tous les membres extraordinaires de la Fédération équestre canadienne qui ont tant fait pour le sport et m’ont permis de les représenter de cette façon. »

David Esworthy

Le Temple de la renommée des sports de la ColombieBritannique a offert un « banquet des champions » le jeudi 20 septembre au Vancouver Convention Centre afin de rendre hommage à ses intronisés de 2012.

equinecanada October | November 2012 43


| SPORT |

Stéphanie Briggs

Raphaël Bourdeau

Marjorie Loranger

Dévoilement des gagnants des Championnats équestres interprovinciaux du Canada

Les Championnats équestres interprovinciaux du Canada (CEIC) sont un concours multidisciplinaire coopératif sanctionné où des équipes provinciales se sont disputé les meilleures places au cours du week-end du 21 au 23 septembre à Bromont et à Blainville au Québec. En plus des prix remis aux équipes, les CEIC ont récompensé les champions juniors et seniors qui participaient en individuel dans les divisions du saut d’obstacles (1,1 mètre), du dressage (niveau 1) et du reining. À sa première année, en 2011, ce concours a accueilli des cavaliers de six provinces. Ce chiffre s’est élevé à neuf cette année lorsque des cavaliers représentant l’Ontario, l’Île-du-Prince-Édouard, Terre-Neuve-et-Labrador, la Nouvelle-Écosse, la Colombie-Britannique, le NouveauBrunswick, le Québec, l’Alberta et la Saskatchewan se sont présentés.

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« Ce concours est un ajout extraordinaire à notre programme de développement à long terme du sportif équestre, » souligne le président de Canada Hippique Mike Gallagher. « Les concurrents ont la chance de participer dans un contexte d’équipe contre d’autres concurrents de diverses régions. Il prépare les athlètes juniors à une préparation future éventuelle aux Championnats nord-américains pour Juniors et Jeunes cavaliers et, peut-être même, à une place au sein de notre équipe nationale. »

Dressage Après trois jours de compétition, Abbey MacLellan, de Pownal à l’Île-du-Prince-Édouard, a remporté la médaille d’or en individuel junior en compagnie d’Encore. Le couple a gagné une épreuve et terminé deuxième aux deux autres, s’emparant


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ainsi du titre grâce à une note de 208,653. La médaille d’argent de la division junior a été remise à Lexie LeBlanc, de Sediac au Nouveau-Brunswick, qui a obtenu une note de 201,081 à bord de Slip N Slide. Puis, Haley Greenbank, de Fredericton au Nouveau-Brunswick, a obtenu la médaille de bronze grâce à une note de 194,511 avec Denali. Dans la division senior, Amber Tawil, de Warren Grove à l’Île-du-Prince-Édouard, a raflé l’or en individuel avec sa monture Wanja grâce à une note globale de 192,803. La médaille d’argent a été octroyée à Renée DeGarie, de Quispamsis au Nouveau-Brunswick, pour sa note de 191,086 obtenue avec Bosko, tandis que Shelly Mills, de Langley en Colombie-Britannique, a mérité la médaille de bronze avec sa monture Flower Queen grâce à sa note de 184,704. L’équipe du Nouveau-Brunswick, composée de LeBlanc, Greenbank, DeGarie et Tiffany Hamilton, de Saint John, s’est emparée de la médaille d’or en équipe avec une note globale de 402,807. L’argent a été remis aux cavaliers de l’Île-duPrince-Édouard, soit MacLellan, Amber Tawil, Anna Osinga, de South Granville, et Tia Tawil, de Warren Grove, pour leur note de 402,132. L’équipe québécoise est revenue à la maison avec une médaille de bronze grâce à sa note de 387,681. On y comptait Mélissa Jodoin, de Saint-Hyacinthe, Audrey Philibert, de Mascouche, Pascale Trudeau, de Montréal, et Camille Gosselin, de Blainville.

Saut d’obstacles La médaille d’or de la division junior a été attribuée à Helen Chambers, d’Oakville en Ontario, ainsi qu’à sa monture Utopia Belles, pour leur pointage de 40 à la suite des trois jours de compétition. Camille Lafortune et Quacker de Kreisker, de Saint-Bruno au Québec, ont reçu la médaille d’argent grâce à un pointage de 28, tandis que Lexy Paynter, de Richmond à l’Île-du-Prince-Édouard, s’est emparé du bronze avec son pointage de 18 obtenu à bord de Roman K. Dans la division senior, Isabelle Casgrain, de Mont-Royal au Québec, en compagnie d’Ushi, et Helen Chambers, d’Oakville en Ontario, avec Utopia Belles, se sont partagé l’or pour leur pointage égal de 28. Puis, le Québécois Alexandre Gonzalez, de Val-David, s’est emparé de la médaille d’argent grâce à un total de 23 obtenu avec Allegria. Enfin, avec un seul point de moins, soit 22, Pearl MacGregor, de Hunter River à l’Île-duPrince-Édouard, a obtenu la médaille de bronze à bord de Feruzi. En ce qui concerne les résultats en équipe, les cavaliers québécois Lafortune, Casgrain, Gonzalez et Anne-Félix Leblond, de Saint-Rédempteur, ont gagné la médaille d’or avec un pointage d’équipe de 67. La médaille d’argent a été

attribuée aux cavaliers de la Saskatchewan, soit Helen Isle, de Saskatoon, Alicia Arnold, de Saskatoon, Lanai Seigo, d’Edenwold, et Heather Brodsky, également de Saskatoon, avec un pointage de 60. L’équipe de l’Ontario, composée de Chambers, Benjamin Eyles, de Mississauga, Dylan Sambasivam, de Toronto et Denis Sweeney, de Peterborough, a ramené le bronze à la maison grâce à un pointage de 47.

Reining Le médaille d’or du reining junior en individuel a été remise à la Québécoise Raphaël Bourdeau, de Napierville, pour son pointage de 424,50 à la suite des trois épreuves complétées à bord de Holy Tag Star. Une autre Québécoise, Marjorie Loranger, de Saint-Paul, a mérité l’argent pour ses 411,50 points obtenus avec sa monture Bar Olena Chick, tandis que le bronze était adjugé à Kaleigh Bennick, de Shelburne en Nouvelle-Écosse, dont la monture Genetic Jewel lui a permis d’accumuler 392 points. Stéphanie Briggs, de SaintTélesphore au Québec, s’est accaparé de la médaille d’or en individuel grâce à un pointage de 424,50 obtenu avec Dunit N Starlight. Laurianne Gagnon-Duval, de Brossard au Québec, a gagné la médaille d’argent en compagnie de Sumac Strikes avec un total de 408 et, enfin, 387 points ont permis à Mary Anne Cranton, de Cap-Breton en Nouvelle-Écosse, et à sa monture Rob’s Last Twist, de retourner chez eux avec une médaille de bronze Après trois épreuves de reining, l’équipe du Québec, composée de Bourdeau, Loranger, Briggs et Gagnon-Duval, a remporté la médaille d’or grâce à un total de 857,5. Les cavaliers de la Nouvelle-Écosse, soit Bennicke, Cranton, Kaitlyn Harding, de Shelburne, et Lesley Higgins-Elchuck, de Trenton, sont repartis avec l’argent pour leur pointage de 787,5. Enfin, les représentants de la Colombie-Britannique, Darcey Woods, de Barriere, et Whitney Watson-Wilson, de Salmon Arm, se sont approprié la médaille de bronze.

Résultats globaux des équipes Après l’addition de tous les résultats de chaque équipe dans toutes les disciplines, le Québec l’a emporté haut la main dans les trois disciplines grâce à un total de 211. La médaille d’argent a été remise à la Nouvelle-Écosse pour son total final de 116, talonnée par l’Île-du-Prince-Édouard pour le bronze avec 115. Des détails supplémentaires sur la compétition, l’horaire, les cavaliers et leurs résultats sont publiés sur le site Web des CEIC au www.caballista.ca. equinecanada October | November 2012 45


| SPORT |

La délégation canadienne rentre du championnat mondial de TREC au Portugal

A

près Lamotte-Beuvron (France) en 2008, les championnats du monde de TREC (Seniors et Jeunes cavaliers) avaient lieu du 7 au 9 septembre 2012 à Mafra (Portugal). Une douzaine de nations étaient présentes. Ce Mondial de TREC se déroulerait dans les installations de l’école d’équitation militaire, institution qui a fêté ses cent ans en août 2011, et dans le parc national de Mafra. La délégation canadienne comptait cinq cavaliers séniors, trois cavaliers juniors, un juge international et plusieurs grooms. Geneviève Bastien, Carole Charest, Giorgio Giusti, Frédéric Pierrestiger et Céline Raymond comprised the senior team. L’équipe junior était composée de trois représentants : Meggane Charest, Mélyna Lafleur et Louis Pierrestiger. Un autre Canadien, Normand Lepape, participait à la compétition en tant que juge officiel. Les chevaux de l’équipe canadienne, venus de France, arrivèrent sur les lieux de la compétition le 5 septembre. Ce qui donna bien peu

46 www.equinecanada.ca

de temps aux concurrents pour en faire la connaissance. Déjà, le vendredi 7 septembre, les présentations vétérinaires et matérielles se déroulèrent. Tous les chevaux loués étaient bons pour le départ du parcours d’orientation et de régularité (POR) du lendemain. Samedi matin, dès l’aurore, les premiers départs se préparaient. Le premier concurrent canadien à partir portait le dossard numéro 7, il devait donc partir septième. Une journée de déplacement à cheval en forêt attendait les participants pour la première épreuve le samedi 8 septembre. Un parcours de plus de 40 km qui dura près de 11 heures pour certains concurrents. Au bout du compte, tous, cavaliers et chevaux, revinrent assez en forme pour prendre le départ de l’épreuve du lendemain sur le parcours en terrain varié. (PTV) Dimanche 9 septembre, l’épreuve des 16 difficultés techniques (PTV), en plus de l’épreuve de la maîtrise des allures (MA), attendait les cavaliers. Voici les résultats du classement : Cavaliers séniors Frédéric Pierrestiger

37ième

avec 227 points

Carole Charest

48

avec 118 points

Geneviève Bastien

49

avec 96 points

Giorgio Giutsi

56

avec -56 points

Céline Raymond

58

avec -203 points

ième ième ième ième

Cavaliers juniors Louis Pierrestiger

33ième

avec 285 points

Meganne Charet

39

avec 225 points

Mélyna Lafleur

ième

éliminée pour erreur de parcours sur le PTV


| SPORT |

Il y avait 70 compétiteurs séniors et 47 compétiteurs juniors au total. Au classement par équipe, les séniors sont rentrés 10 ième sur 13 équipes devant la Suède, l’Angleterre et les États-Unis. L’équipe junior est rentrée huitième sur huit car elle ne comptait plus que 2 cavaliers suite à l’élimination d’un des membres de l’équipe pour erreur de parcours sur le PTV. L’expérience fut très enrichissante pour les cavaliers canadiens qui ont déjà hâte de se remettre à l’entraînement en vue de la saison prochaine. Pour en connaître davantage sur le TREC : http://www.fite-net.org/Disciplines.

Sarah Bradley nommée à nouveau présidente par intérim de Dressage Canada Dressage Canada a le plaisir d’annoncer qu’à la demande de son conseil d’administration, Sarah Bradley a été nommée à nouveau présidente du conseil d’administration de Dressage Canada par le groupe de travail du conseil du Sport. Sarah Bradley

Bradley, résidente de Roberts Creek en ColombieBritannique, occupe ce poste depuis avril 2012 et y demeurera jusqu’au 1er janvier 2014. Les options offertes afin de pourvoir le poste de président pour 2014 et après feront l’objet de discussions lors de la réunion du conseil d’administration de novembre. Les décisions prises à cet effet seront communiquées après cette réunion. « Je suis emballée de pouvoir continuer à travailler avec le groupe actuel de membres enthousiastes et dévoués du conseil d’administration de Dressage Canada », affirme Bradley. « Je suis honorée que l’on m’ait demandé de poursuivre mes fonctions et j’attends avec intérêt les 16 prochains mois. » Bradley apporte une riche expérience à son poste. Dans les dernières années, elle a œuvré à titre d’administratrice au conseil d’administration de Canada Hippique, de présidente du Horse Council BC, de présidente

de Horse Trials BC et de présidente du conseil des Provinces de Canada Hippique. Elle est actuellement présidente du comité des Règlements administratifs et de la gouvernance de Canada Hippique, chargé de la révision des règlements administratifs de l’organisme. D’ici janvier 2013, Dressage Canada adoptera son nouveau système de gouvernance, une transition qui a commencé au début de 2011. En résultat, le conseil d’administration sera complètement composé des présidents de ses divers comités. Conseil d’administration de Dressage Canada de 2013

Wendy Christoff

présidente, comité de la Formation des entraîneurs

Joanna Crilly

présidente, comité des Règlements

MH Lessard

présidente, comité des Concours

Joan Macartney

présidente, comité des Officiels

Nancy MacLachlan

représentante du conseil des Athlètes

Chris Von Martels

représentant du conseil des Athlètes

Kristy Nahirniak

présidente, comité du Développement

Gina Smith

présidente, comité de la Haute performance

Henna Hussain

présidente, comité de la Haute performance pour jeunes

Michael Horgan

présidente, comité des Finances et de la collecte de fonds

equinecanada October | November 2012 47


| SANTÉ ET BIEN-ÊTRE |

Par Susan Stewart, agente de liaison de Canada Hippique auprès du Comité d’élaboration du Code

Connaissez-vous le Code?

Participez à la période de cueillette des commentaires du public qui a lieu durant 60 jours et contribuez à la révision du Code de pratiques pour le soin et la manipulation des équidés. À compter de la fin de novembre 2012, toutes les personnes, ainsi que les comités et les associations seront invités à participer en ligne à une période de cueillette des observations du public et ce, à l’échelle canadienne. La période, qui s’étale sur 60 jours, vise à réviser et à commenter l’ébauche du Code de pratiques pour le soin et la manipulation des équidés.

Qu’est-ce que le Code de pratiques pour le soin et la manipulation des équidés? Le Code de pratiques est un guide et un document de référence fondamental qui accompagnera les intervenants du milieu dans leurs prises de décision de tous les jours. Les codes sont formulés en langage clair et sont fondés sur des études scientifiques pertinentes et des pratiques recommandées qui doivent être fonctionnelles, gérables, et étayées par des éléments mesurables. Ces pratiques tiennent aussi compte des répercussions économiques de toute recommandation. Les codes servent trois objectifs principaux: • Informer et sensibiliser le public ciblé; • Servir de fondement pour les programmes d’évaluation des soins aux animaux; • Fournir des documents de référence pour la réglementation. Dans le cas présent, le Code de pratiques pour le soin et la manipulation des équidés, une fois finalisé et diffusé publiquement au cours de l’été 2013, visera à promouvoir une régie et des pratiques de soins saines pour les chevaux, les poneys, les ânes et les mules, ainsi qu’une gestion responsable de leur bien-être par leurs propriétaires. Il comportera des recommandations touchant la régie des soins de santé, l’alimentation, l’hébergement, la gestion des parcs d’engraissement, les principes d’entraînement, l’euthanasie et les autres pratiques d’élevage et de santé équine. 48 www.equinecanada.ca


| SANTÉ ET BIEN-ÊTRE |

Le Code de pratiques pour les équidés a pour but de promouvoir une gestion et des pratiques de bien-être saines et d’énoncer clairement les exigences actuellement imposées par l’industrie, ainsi que les pratiques exemplaires recommandées qui encourageront un niveau de soins plus élevé selon le principe d’amélioration continue de l’industrie. Par conséquent, son contenu suscitera des discussions constructives sur la manière d’opérer des intervenants et ainsi servir à améliorer les soins dispensés ainsi que la façon dont l’industrie en général compose avec ses aspects moins définis (les zones grises). Le nouveau Code des équidés identifiera clairement les «exigences» et les «pratiques exemplaires recommandées». Les exigences feront référence à des obligations prévues par la réglementation ou à une attente fixée par l’industrie. Les pratiques exemplaires recommandées du Code encadreront plus précisément les exigences tout en préconisant l’éducation et l’adoption de pratiques permettant l’amélioration continue du bien-être des équidés.

Pourquoi votre opinion est-elle importante pour la révision de l’ébauche du Code? Les codes de pratiques d’une industrie, dans ce cas-ci un code qui aura des répercussions sur la manière dont les chevaux, les poneys, les ânes et le mules seront traités et soignés au Canada, touchent tous les participants à l’industrie visée quel que soit le degré de participation de l’individu à son développement. En tant que participants à l’industrie équine, il vous appartiendra de connaître, de comprendre, de défendre et d’appuyer la version finale du Code de pratiques pour le soin et la manipulation des équidés. Pour cette raison, il est essentiel de vous faire entendre durant son élaboration.

De quelle manière pourrez-vous participer à la période de cueillette des commentaires du public de 60 jours? La révision de l’ébauche du Code prévoit une période de cueillette des commentaires de 60 jours, où il sera possible à l’ensemble de la communauté d’émettre son point de vue sur les sujets d’intérêt public qui ont une incidence sur la responsabilité des personnes, et des ramifications légales et économiques sur l’industrie. Comme nous prévoyons que des milliers de personnes participeront à cet exercice, les commentaires ne pourront être transmis que par voie électronique.

La période où vous pourrez émettre vos commentaires débutera à la fin novembre 2012 et se terminera à la fin janvier 2013. Surveillez la publication de l’annonce officielle via un communiqué conjoint de Canada Hippique et du Conseil national pour les soins aux animaux d’élevage (CNSAE). Une fois la période ouverte, vous pourrez télécharger une ébauche complète du Code à l’adresse http://www.nfacc.ca/codes-depratiques/equides. Le contenu de chaque section du Code sera suivi d’un encadré vous permettant d’ajouter vos commentaires, ou le cas échéant, d’indiquer votre absence de commentaire. Étant donné l’imposant volume de commentaires attendu, veillez à être spécifique et à fournir une explication pour justifier vos observations, ou encore pour suggérer un autre libellé ou une autre approche. Si vous n’avez pas le temps de passer en revue tout le document en une seule session, vous pourrez le reprendre à une date ultérieure durant la période de 60 jours, à condition de le consulter à partir du même ordinateur. Une fois la période terminée, le comité d’élaboration du code (CEC) prendra quelques mois pour évaluer la totalité des commentaires et des observations, pour réviser l’ébauche du Code le cas échéant, et pour transmettre le texte final au Conseil national des soins aux animaux d’élevage (CNSAE), qui se chargera de diffuser la version finale du Code de pratiques pour le soin et la manipulation des équidés au cours de l’été 2013.

Historique important: comment l’ébauche du Code a-t-elle été élaborée? Suite à 22 mois de travail effectué par le comité d’élaboration du Code des équidés (CEC) qui est composé de 18 personnes et d’un comité de chercheurs (CC) de cinq personnes, le Code de pratiques pour le soin et la manipulation des équidés est presque terminé. Pour commencer, le CEC et le CC ont dressé d’un commun accord une liste de cinq questions prioritaires se rapportant au bien-être des équidés. Ils ont estimé que ces questions revêtent une importance universelle pour le bien-être animal et qu’il y aurait avantage à procéder à un examen de la documentation scientifique disponible à leur sujet. equinecanada October | November 2012 49


| SANTÉ ET BIEN-ÊTRE |

L’élaboration du Code préliminaire a nécessité plus de 100 heures de réunions face à face, en plus des échanges électroniques et téléphoniques de chaque comité, et de la participation du public à trois sondages électroniques visant à dégager un aperçu de l’opinion et des points de vue des intervenants sur le soin et la manipulation des chevaux, des poneys, des ânes et des mules au Canada. Les étapes finales du processus sont la période de cueillette des commentaires du public de 60 jours, suivie de la prise en considération des observations et, le cas échéant, des modifications à l’ébauche du Code. Il a fallu plusieurs années pour arriver à ce stade. Les premiers pas vers l’actualisation du Code de pratiques pour les équidés canadien original datant de 1998 ont été faits par Canada Hippique, qui a pris les devants du projet en 2005. En 2009, suite à quatre années de vaste consultation au sein des nombreuses industries d’élevage des animaux de ferme, un consensus a été atteint visant à relancer l’élaboration des codes de pratiques au Canada. Sous les auspices du CNSAE, les organismes membres ont collaboré à la création d’un mécanisme d’élaboration des codes en sept étapes, qui constitue essentiellement une feuille de route pour l’élaboration future de tous les codes de pratiques se rapportant aux animaux de ferme. Les éléments principaux du processus sont les suivants: • L’inclusion d’un comité des chercheurs pour passer en revue la documentation scientifique relative aux questions de bien-être jugées prioritaires; • L’appropriation des différents codes par les intervenants pertinents grâce à leur participation active à l’élaboration du Code; • L’ajout d’éléments mesurables permettant de faciliter l’élaboration des programmes de vérification; • La transparence du processus. En avril 2010, le gouvernement canadien a annoncé qu’il contribuerait 3,4 million de dollars sur trois ans via le Fonds Agri-flexibilité d’Agriculture et Agroalimentaire Canada, qui s’inscrit dans le Plan d’action économique du Canada, en vue d’aider le CNSAE à faciliter l’élaboration et/ou l’actualisation de huit codes, l’élaboration d’un protocole de vérification à la ferme et la mise en œuvre d’autres initiatives importantes du CNSAE. Plus de 300 000 dollars de ce financement ont été alloués à l’élaboration du Code de pratiques pour le soin et la manipulation des équidés. 50 www.equinecanada.ca

Suite à l’annonce du gouvernement, Canada Hippique a constitué le groupe de travail pour l’élaboration des critères du Code, un comité de quatre personnes formé de l’ancien président de Canada Hippique, de deux membres du comité de la santé et du bien-être de Canada Hippique et d’une personne non affiliée à Canada Hippique. Ce groupe de travail a élaboré les critères et le mécanisme de recrutement des nominations et de recommandation des membres qui allaient faire partie du CEC dirigé par le CNSAE. À la fin de 2010, le groupe de travail pour l’élaboration des critères du Code a recommandé 17 personnes en provenance de huit provinces qui ont rejoint le président du comité des chercheurs au sein du CEC. Représentant un vaste échantillon d’intervenants de l’industrie, les membres du CEC possèdent une imposante expertise en ce qui a trait aux soins, à la garde, à la santé et aux soins vétérinaires à apporter aux équidés, aux connaissances techniques, à la recherche scientifique, aux lois, à la réglementation sur le bien-être animal et à sa mise de l’avant, aux sciences environnementales et écologiques, à la biosécurité, et aux pratiques exemplaires internationales. L’expertise requise pour les pratiques d’élevage et de régie uniques à l’élevage à grande échelle des équidés, à la gestion des parcs d’engraissement, aux chevaux de trait, aux ânes, aux mules, aux chevaux quarter horse, aux chevaux arabes et aux chevaux utilisés pour la course, le saut d’obstacles, le dressage, le concours complet, l’attelage, l’équitation western, les loisirs et les pourvoiries, est bien représentée. Au même moment, le CNSAE a embauché deux secrétaires au Code de pratiques des équidés et désigné les membres du comité des chercheurs par le biais d’un mécanisme de mise en nomination. La liste complète des membres du CEC et du CC, ainsi que leur courte biographie, sont disponibles en ligne à l’adresse www. equinecanada.ca/industry. Cliquez sur Actualisation du Code de pratiques pour les chevaux dans le menu de gauche pour y accéder.

Connaissez-vous le Code? En novembre, surveillez l’annonce officielle de l’ouverture de la période de cueillette des commentaires du public de 60 jours. Nous vous encourageons vivement à participer à l’élaboration de ce document primordial pour notre industrie et la santé et le bien-être des chevaux.


| SANTÉ ET BIEN-ÊTRE |

Dr. Mary Bell En septembre, j’ai eu le privilège d’assister en tant qu’observateur à une réunion du comité d’élaboration du code de pratiques pour les équidés (CEC). Cette session était animée de manière compétente et courtoise par la secrétaire du Code de pratiques pour les équidés, qui a été mandatée par le Conseil national pour le soin des animaux d’élevage (CNSAE). Le groupe de travail pour l’élaboration des critères du code de Canada Hippique, qui a défini la structure du CEC et oeuvré au choix des ses membres, a atteint ses objectifs. Le CEC forme une équipe emballante, dynamique et compétente composée de membres en provenance de tout le pays, des provinces maritimes à la Colombie-Britannique, issus de métiers, de formations et d’expériences différents. La diversité présente au sein de ce groupe est à l’image de l’éventail des régions, des organisations, des disciplines et des races concernées. Quelle belle assemblée de grands esprits travaillant de concert à la réalisation d’un but commun! En tant que présidente du comité de la santé et du bien-être de Canada Hippique, le niveau d’excellence démontré par ce groupe de travail dépasse tout ce que j’avais imaginé. Le Code de pratiques pour le soin et la manipulation des équidés est un document à l’intention de tous les propriétaires canadiens de chevaux et de tous les intervenants qui en prennent soin. C’est notre guide pour une saine gestion des équidés, un outil dont nous pouvons être fiers. Je vous invite à lire la version préliminaire et à émettre vos commentaires. Le Code de pratiques pour le soin et la manipulation des équidés fournira à l’ensemble des intervenants, y compris les organismes de réglementation, un guide pour la protection du bien-être des chevaux résidant à la ferme dans l’ensemble du pays. Une fois la version finale complétée, il sera publié en 2013 à l’échelle canadienne en différents formats.

Période de cueillette des commentaires du public de 60 jours Code de pratiques pour le soin et la manipulation des équidés Lire l’ébauche du Code à www.nfacc.ca/codes-de-pratiques/equides Ajouter vos commentaires via le système en ligne

La liste des substances équines prohibées de la FEI de 2013 en vigueur le 1er janvier La liste des substances équines prohibées de la Fédération équestre internationale (FEI) pour 2013, maintenant approuvée par la FEI, entrera en vigueur le 1er janvier 2013. Après une période de consultation avec les fédérations nationales, le groupe responsable de la liste de la FEI a tenu sa rencontre la plus récente lors de Jeux paralympiques de Londres de 2012, où il a adopté les modifications à la liste pour 2013. On compte parmi les changements l’ajout de cinq nouvelles substances et d’autres modifications. Les modifications, lesquelles seront ajoutées à la liste de 2013 et entreront en vigueur le 1er janvier de l’an prochain, sont résumées ici et ci-après : • Cinq nouvelles substances ont été ajoutées à la liste de 2013. Il s’agit des médicaments contrôlés suivants : la cyclosporine, un immunosuppresseur systémique; le tropicamide, qui affecte le système nerveux et présente certains risques d’abus, les préparations de sarracénie pourpre (Sarapin®), bien connue pour ses propriétés analgésiques et susceptible d’influencer le rendement; de plus, son utilisation suscite des préoccupations pour le bien-être, l’acétate de delmadinone et l’acétate de chlormadinone, des progestatifs stéroïdes synthétiques qui réduisent la concentration de testostérone et sont susceptibles d’influencer le rendement. • Le fentanyl et la morphine (analgésiques), tous les deux actuellement inscrits dans la catégorie des substances interdites, seront déplacés vers la liste des médicaments contrôlés en 2013 en raison de leur utilisation légitime de plus en plus courante dans la médecine équine. • La suxibuzone, qui convertit la phénylbutazone dans l’organisme, est actuellement inscrite comme phénylbutazone. Elle sera distinctement inscrite sur la liste des médicaments contrôlés. • La desloreline, laquelle était inscrite dans la catégorie des médicaments contrôlés sur la liste de 2012, sera supprimée de la liste de 2013. « Le groupe responsable de la liste de la FEI utilise la recherche et les données scientifiques les plus à jour dans le cadre de sa révision continue de la liste des substances prohibées », souligne Graeme Cooke, directeur vétérinaire de la FEI. « Les fédérations nationales et tous les vétérinaires qui interviennent dans notre sport participent activement au processus de consultation et tous les commentaires reçus à propos des modifications proposées, présentées d’abord en avril de cette année, ont fait l’objet de discussions au sein du groupe responsable de la liste avant la finalisation des modifications. » « La publication des modifications apportées à la liste 90 jours d’avance, conformément à nos règlements, permettra aux fédérations nationales et à leurs athlètes de disposer d’amplement de temps pour se familiariser avec ces changements avant l’entrée en vigueur de la liste des substances équines prohibées de 2013 le 1er janvier de l’an prochain. » La liste des substances équines prohibées de 2013 sera publiée avant le 1er janvier 2013 sur le site Web Sport FEI sans dopage (FEI Clean Sport).

equinecanada October | November 2012 51



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