A Bit About
Upper Canada Equestrian Association (UCEA) Elects New Board

12.12.12 marked the beginning of a new term for board members of the Upper Canada Equestrian Association. The AGM was held at HorseWorld Emporium with refreshments, shopping and a full slate of business to take care of.

Every two years, new members are asked to take the helm. Stepping down from their positions were President, Debi Katsmar, Vice-President, Russ Vamplew, Secretary, Nancy Skotar, and Ride Directors, Jenn Downie, Dave Belme.

The new board of directors:
President - Mark Dobrindt
Vice-President - Jenn Downie
Past-President - Debi Katsmar
Treasurer - Lisa Wood
Secretary - Robin Brock
Ride Directors: John McMahon, Mike Dimizio and Heidi Metz. Read More:

Mind at Ease Equine Services offers more than just horse sitting

Mind at Ease Equine Services, located in Fort Erie, was started by life long horse lover Jessica Pattison. It offers farm sitting services in the Niagara Region. Do you want to go away on a worry-free vacation knowing your home and animals are left in knowledgeable, compassionate, reliable hands? Mind at Ease Equine Services is there to help you. Jessica specializes in equine care but is also available for dogs, cats, other household pets, cows, pigs, goats, rabbits, feathered friends and many more! Read more

Niagara Needs an 'Equine' Voice
You Can Help Be that Voice by Joining the Upper Canada Equestrian Association

On December 12th, 2012, the Upper Canada Equestrian Association will hold its Annual General Meeting which generally takes place at HorseWorld Emporium in St. Catharines (this needs to be confirmed - (check the UCEA website or facebook page for updates). This year, the meeting is that much more important as it is election time for a new board. While it would be lovely if you as a local equestrian were interested in being on the board, it is also important that the Upper Canada Equestrian Association increases its membership numbers, particularly with those that are willing to help make a difference for the equine community in Niagara. Read more:

Quarter Horse Racing Concludes at
Fort Erie with Three Stakes Events

October 17, Fort Erie - After another successful season at Fort Erie Race Track, the Quarter Horse meet concluded today with 11 races taking place. Once again, the 'World's fastest equine athletes' provided fans with another fast and furious card of racing including three stakes events.
The on track feature was the $50,000 Fort Erie Maturity run at a distance of 400 yards for four year-olds and up. In a thrilling 4-way photo finish, Finche proved victorious for the jockey and trainer combination of Debbie Freeman and Larry Abney in a final time of 20.14 seconds. read more

Niagara's "Double Whammy" clinic September 22, 2012

On a rainy and somewhat miserable Saturday morning I had the privilege of watching a unique and very relevant clinic format for the rider of any discipline who's constantly seeking to learn and improve.
Hosted by George Tirpko, at Rivendell Arabians in Pt. Colborne, this clinic was different; featuring the coaching duo of Linda Reavely & Janet Henderson; Dressage Niagara competitors, and multi-disciplined coaches, plus three local riders with three very different horses. Read more:

Horses 4 Heroes celebrated their grand-opening in June. Horses 4 Heroes at Triple R Ranch is the only facility currently accepted in Canada to add to the 150 ranches in the USA that have been serving "Wounded Warriors" since 2006.Learn more about Horses 4 Heroes

Extreme Cowboy Race Winner, Jennifer Postma
Tells About Her Experience
ENN asked Jennifer Postma to tell us about herself , her horse and the experience of competing in the Extreme Cowboy Race. Read what she had to say...

Barefoot Trimming Clinic

Natures Barefoot Hoofcare Guild will be teaching a 5-day trimming clinic August 20th to 24th, 8:30 am - 3:30pm each day.
Curriculum includes: Anatomy of the hoof; environment that promotes proper hoof health and function; trimming the hoof; recognizing and identifying the causes of abscesses, cracks, founder, navicular; and much more. Kate is an inspiring teacher dedicated to promoting healthy hooves in horses. Her success includes 1000's of happy horses and their owners. Read on:

NRE Introduces Ambassador program

The Niagara Regional Agricultural Society strives to promote excellence and instill leadership, confidence and independence in our outgoing young men and women by hosting this program. The program will provide participants with leadership opportunities communication & interview skills. More:

New contest launched
Seeking farmers for the 2013 Faces of Farming calendar

May 22, 2012 – It’s often said that there’s no such thing as a typical farmer – that Ontario’s farm community is comprised of tens of thousands of outstanding farmers. Each one could be considered unique for the way they grow their crops, raise their livestock or manage their environmental practices.
Read More

Hickstead Commemorative Portrait Now Available

Ottawa, ON—World renowned equine artist Fred Stone has painted a portrait to honour Canada's beloved show jumping champion, Hickstead.

The painting is the subject of this fine art poster which is signed by both Fred Stone and Eric Lamaze. Proceeds are in support of the Canadian Equestrian Team. Find out how to get yours

EquineHospitality.com is a free equine travel directory connecting equestrians who travel with their horses to horse-friendly accommodations, including campgrounds, layover stables, guest ranches, vacation ranches and other facilities that provide equine lodging. Read more:

Confident Horsemanship Lesson Clinic
Date = 06/02/12 Start = 10:00 am Finish = 5:00 pm
Whispering Hearts Horse Rescue Description
"Learn how to deepen trust, respect and communication between you and your horse. You will both become calmer, more focused and connected as you develop a willing partnership." Read more:

ULTIMATE RODEO TOUR 2012 - in Welland July 27th
An action packed western rodeo featuring the most exciting rodeo events
as seen on TV or at the Calgary Stampede, including barrel racing, bareback
and saddle bronc riding, and the world’s most dangerous sport, bull riding! Find out more:

The Upper Canada Equestrian Association is pleased to finally announce that their Annual Nicky Aitken Trail Ride for Breast Cancer will indeed take place this year on June 3rd. Organizers told ENN the ride will happen, but in a much smaller scale than previous years. read more:

One month to the Equine Expo

- read all that is happening

Paris Fair (August 30-Sept. 3rd) announces great entertainment line-up, plus OBRA barrels, 6-horse hitch and much more.

Education and information is key especially when it comes to horse owners wanting to know more about their horses, training, showing, and the list goes on and on. Here is yet another information night, this one outining the hottest fashions in show gear this year. Check it out!

6 Horse Hitch Classic at Equine Expo in June - read more:

Lowden's At Pelham Home Show

Dressage Niagara Update

The 2011 Awards Luncheon and AGM was held at Rockway Glen on Oct. 26th on a beautiful fall day. The well attended meeting started with reports from all 2011 board members bringing everyone up to date on their accomplishments and some of the challenges the show season encountered. Recognition was given to all and special thanks given to those who had contributed in exceptional ways to make the shows successful. Read more:

Millar Time at the Meadows

(SPRUCE MEADOWS, Calgary, AB): Show Jumping legend Ian Millar showed the world why he is still considered amongst the best in the sport by winning the RBC Financial Group Cup in convincing fashion at Spruce Meadows today. Millar, riding his 2008 Olympic team silver medal partner In Style, posted the lone clear round over the 550 meter, 16 jumping effort course designed by Michel Vaillancourt (CAN).

“Now you know why he’s called In Style,” laughed Millar. “That’s the way he wins, “in style”.” Read more

ERIC LAMAZE CELEBRATES ELEVATION TO ROLEX RANKINGS NUMBER ONE SLOT

Olympic champion Eric Lamaze (CAN), 43, is celebrating after securing the world number one slot in the Rolex Rankings for the third time in his career. read more

UPDATED FEI EQUINE PROHIBITED SUBSTANCE LIST IN EFFECT FROM 4 APRIL 2011

The 2011 FEI Equine Prohibited Substance List comes into effect today, 4 April.

The updated List has been publicly available since the FEI General Assembly in Taipei last November when it was unanimously approved.

It is also accessible via the easily searchable FEI Equine Prohibited Substances Database, which is free to download for iPhones and Android applications.

The 2011 List will show all Prohibited Substances added to or removed from the 2010 List and Database until 4 June 2011.

From dressage queen Jane Savoie to the mighty Clydesdales, the line-up at Canada’s Outdoor Equine Expo has finesse and power rolled up into one exciting event this June.

Jane Savoie, one of the most recognized coaches in Olympic-level dressage, will bring the beauty and finesse of horses dancing dressage to her clinics at the Equine Expo. But when it comes to sheer power, Belgians, Percherons and Clydesdales are the musclemen of the equine world. They will be on display in full force in a variety of events and educational workshops under the watchful eye of draft horse expert, Jim Poole. Read More:

Rule Changes at the Calgary Stampede

The Calgary Stampede recently announced changes to rules and regulations for the safety and benefit of the horses and riders/handlers. Click here for the changes:

Can Am Equine is proud to announce Case IH as a sponsor of the 2011 Can Am Equine show.

The Can-Am is proud of its development of the Great Can-AM Tack and Trailer show and has become a destination event for the horse owners to start their year. Case IH will be on hand for the entire weekend with their product and their Case IH products will be used in the working arena. Arena conditioners will be demonstrated with the Case IH machinery demonstrating to the horse enthusiast the proper machinery for your horse farm needs. Matt Roberts stated “Case IH is excited to be involved in the Can-Am show and will be on hand to talk to our many customers that use our products for their required needs” Case IH is also major partner with the Ontario Equestrian Association and their commitment to the equine sport is appreciated.

SPRUCE MEADOWS – NUMBER ONE!

(SPRUCE MEADOWS, Calgary, AB): Spruce Meadows is extremely proud to announce that the North American Riders Group (NARG) has recognized Spruce Meadows as Top Tournament in the sport of show jumping for 2010.

NARG consists of the sports’ top riders, trainers, coaches, owners and business interests representing Canada, Mexico and the United States. A number of criteria are considered in assessing all of the tournaments, including footing in the rings, prize money, stabling, attendance course designs, technical aspects and media coverage. Read more:

Masterfeeds Named as Recipient of the 2010 Equine Canada Sponsor of the Year

Ottawa, Ontario—Equine Canada proudly announces that the 2010 recipient of the Equine Canada Sponsor of the Year is Masterfeeds.

Masterfeeds was founded in Toronto in 1929 and has proudly served Canada for 82 years.

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

USEF Passes New Safety Helmet Rules for Eventing and Dressage

January 26 2011, Article # 17606

The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Board of Directors during this year's annual meeting approved new helmet rules for riders in both eventing and dressage--just two weeks after dozens of stakeholders in equestrian sport met with the goal of improving rider safety across disciplines.

"If the technology is available to reduce head injuries, the time to use it is now," said USEF president David O'Connor. "I am very proud of our organization for taking this very important step. It is a huge direction of change." Read more:

Canadians Score Top Marks CDI-W West Palm Beach Gold Coast Opener

Ottawa, Ontario—Shannon Dueck and Dianne Creech each earned top scores at the CDI-W West Palm Beach Gold Coast Opener, held January 21–23, in West Palm Beach, FL, USA.

Riding Ayscha (Welt Hit II x Rouletto), her 10-year-old Oldenburg mare, Dueck, who resides in Loxahatchee, FL, finished in fifth place in the Grand Prix for Freestyle test with a score of 65.787%. The pair then performed a very strong Freestyle, moving them up one place to fourth in the Grand Prix Freestyle with 69.075%. Read more

Andhorses.com

Year 2011 marks the beginning of the new era among people who are interested in horses and meeting other horse lovers. Raivo Vaikla, the founder of www.AndHorses.c om, said: "There's no better way to meet people with whom you share a common interest, than joining a specific, targeted, group-oriented community website."

He added, "In order for equestrian businesses to reach and find the right audience, they should consider signing up on an online equestrian community rather than a general social media website."

Equi-Bow Canada Exhibiting at Women’s Horse Industry Association Conference

CEDAR LANE FARM, On – The dream of easily and effectively improving a horse’s behavior, posture, performance and health is one step closer to reality for participants at the Women’s Horse Industry Association (WHIA) Conference (March 4-5, 2011), thanks to Equi-Bow Canada’s decision to take part in this year’s event.

“We’re thrilled to be bringing the Equi-Bow opportunity to the WHIA conference this year,” notes Equi-Bow co-founder and instructor Cheryl Gibson. “Our practitioners and students tell us the results they’re getting with Equi-Bow are nothing short of miraculous and they’ve been encouraging us to reach a broader audience. We’re looking forward to sharing our information at the conference this year and we’re pleased to invite WHIA members to connect with us there.” Read on:

Equine Canada Export Market Development Seminars offered during Annual Convention on January 28 & 29

Ottawa, ON — The 2011 Equine Canada Annual Convention has been moved up a week this year, and the Breeds & Industry (B&I) Division Assembly, which will be held on the afternoon of Friday, January 28 and all day Saturday, January 29, includes an exciting lineup of seminars offered as part of the Equine Canada Export Marketing Development program. Read more about the convention:

2011 Equine Canada Annual Convention will Feature General Breed Sport and Reining Judges’ Clinics

Ottawa, ON-The 2011 Equine Canada Annual Convention is set for January 24-31, 2011 at the Lord Elgin Hotel in Ottawa, ON, and this year two new clinics are being added for participants. Attendees will now be able to sign up for clinics for Reining Judges and General Breed Sport.

Rachel Schnurr Named CAVALOR 'Athlete of the Month' for December

Ottawa, Ontario - Rachel Schnurr was named the CAVALOR 'Athlete of the Month' for December by Jump Canada.

Schnurr, 18, of Waterloo, ON, won the prestigious Running Fox CET Medal Final on Thursday, November 11, at the 2010 Royal Horse Show in Toronto, ON. The top 16 riders, qualified from four Regional Finals held across Canada, and were invited to contest the Running Fox CET Medal Final at the Royal, which is designed to be a foundation for riders moving from the hunter divisions into jumper competition. Riding her horse Magic Jumper, a 10-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding, Schnurr won the CET Medal Final after three phases of competition held over two days.

Canadian Eventing High Performance Committee comments on David O’Connor’s application to coach the US Eventing Team in 2013

Ottawa, ON-The Canadian Eventing Team’s International Technical Advisor, David O’Connor, has submitted his application to coach the US Eventing Team commencing in 2013.

O’Connor is held in very high regard for his work with the Canadian Eventing Team, and his five years of service has transformed the high performance program, and left an indelible mark with Team silver medal performances at both the 2007 Pan American Games and the 2010 World Equestrian Games.

OQHA Adopts New Pattern Score Sheets for 2012

December 2010

By Scott Carmichael

For Showmanship, Horsemanship and Hunt Seat Equitation exhibitors there are some exciting changes coming in the near future. As an AQHA Novice Judge I am required to attend the AQHA judges conference and this year they have announced some great changes. A few years ago judges were presented with several different score sheets to try for these popular classes. The Show and Judges committees have narrowed it down to one score sheet that works best for exhibitors and judges. Starting in 2012 all judges will be required to use and post score sheets for these classes.

Until now these three pattern classes have been scored on a 0-20 basis with a 14 being an average score. Exhibitors never got a chance to see how they scored and rarely got feedback from the judges on their performance. The new score sheets have boxes to separate and individually score maneuvers within your pattern. Judges will assign a plus, check, minus or a combination of the symbols in the designated boxes to explain how a maneuver was completed. A plus meaning above average, a check meaning average and a minus meaning below average. Judges may also use a double plus or double minus which will mean very good or very poor. There is also an area for comments. This is a great way to understand how the judge saw your run and which components to improve in the future. Read more:

New Tags for the OEF with Membership this Year
OEF cards
Have you renewed your Ontario Equestrian Federation (OEF) membership for 2011 yet? Have you received your new membership card? Were you surprised? New this year the OEF has added three tags along with your wallet card. These tags can be put on your key rings, or even put one on your horse's halter or saddle when you are out riding. Many people do not carry much while riding, but they usually have their keys - these new tags offer a quick and convenient way for you to prove your membership in the OEF as so many organizations require this membership. It's also a great way to receive your member discounts at participating OEF affiliates. Proof of liability insurance instantly! Not to mention, if one of these tags is on your horse, it will provide a quick method of identifying the horse's owner should the horse and rider become separated. Another grand idea by the OEF! For more information on the OEF visit www.horse.on.ca

Equine Education

Reach Huron (Clinton, ON) has announced more courses for the equine enthusiast starting in February. It might be just what you are looking for to get you through the duldrums of the winter months. Courses offered include Blankets, Boots & Bandages, Herd Health Programs, Equine Nutrition, Performance Horse Injuries and the Prevention, English Saddle Fitting, Equine Photography Series (Portraits, Action, Liberty), Equine Stretching, Equine Reproduction for Mare Owners, Introduction to Equine Massage Techniques, and Advanced Equine Massage Therapy. Courses range in price from $25 to $480 for the two day courses. Reach is also offering discounts to organizations registering 4 or more people for any one course. To find out more visit www.reachhuron.ca

The Economy is Tough on Horses

Here, yet another tragic story about a family, their home and their horses. Wanda Burrows and her family are in dire need of homes for their 18 horses. On November 30th, the bank intends to foreclose on their property if $50,000 is not repaid to the bank for the outstanding balance of a loan the family had. Obviously, they are concerned for their own welfare, but also for that of their horses. more...

Affording Your Horse Habit
By Lorraine Seabrook

Okay, so spring's coming and you're just itching to get out and ride your horse. But spring's not quite here so you have to do something. What's that something? Reviewing your tack and accessories for you and your horse, only to discover you've misplaced this, that is broken and what do you know - you're boots are too small this year. More:

Language of Equus
Have you ever wondered why when one horse flicks his tail, twitches an ear or throws his head, all the other horses go running? What does it mean when a horse turns his butt to you or another horse for that matter? This in part is the language of Equus. More: