AUGUST 2010 THE RIDER /21 2010 Cactus, Cattle And Cowboys Festival


Blue skies smiled over West Lorne on July 17th, as the 2010 “Cactus, Cattle and Cowboys Festival” kicked off early with a delicious Fire Fighters Breakfast and Farmers Market where visi-


Following the parade, riders headed off to their trail rides and spectators made their way over to Miller Park for a variety of breed displays such as Gypsy Vanners, Canadians, Paints, Clydesdales, Standardbreds and Thoroughbred horses.


Spectators watched educa- tional demos and learned about Dressage, Parelli Natural Horse- manship, the versatility of Stan- dardbreds, 4H Clubs, and the skills of a Farrier.


Kids were kept busy with


lots of activities including a pet- ting zoo and pony rides. Then, visitors were off to relax to the sounds of the Pam Brooks Band, enjoy the Beer Garden, and visit the 34 booths in Vendors Village. Now that this year’s festivi- ties are over, planning has already begun for 2011. Watch The Rider and check online for details about the next year’s Cac- tus, Cattle and Cowboys Festival being hosted by West Lorne on July 16th, 2011. For informa- tion, call 1-866-401-2965.


West Lorne Hosts


Photo credit: Equine ProLine Photography, www.equineproline.ca


Photo credit: Equine ProLine Photography, www.equineproline.ca


tors were entertained with live music and Square Dancers. The Arts and Cookery Bank also opened its doors to the public. A performance by the West Elgin Dramatics Society was well received. They performed a skit, “The Hanging” on Main Street, just in time for the Horse Parade to arrive and make it’s way through town. Horses and Riders were dressed to impress.


Back In The Saddle with New Owners John McDougal, leads one of the event trail rides.


Photo Credit: Angelica Chase Photography. Dudley’s Tack Shop


Susan and Cody Sturgess are making a name for themselves, not only in the fierce world of horse competition, but with the resurgence of Dudley’s Tack Shop, their new retail endeavour. Mother Susan and son Cody, age 21, purchased and reopened the shop on Baldwin Street in Brooklin, May 10th, and so far so good. They have brought in over 85 new products to the store, doubled the inventory and have lowered all the prices and now price match all regular priced items. The new saddle section is very large, offering both English and Western styles in new and used items. There’s also a com- plete line of English attire, like show jackets, lots of breeches, show shirts, and cool Max shirts. Their spacious 1,300 square foot store is well lit and laid out and customers have been responding very positively. As a matter of fact, sales have already increased by 30 per cent.


Catering to both English and Western riders, Dudley’s Tack Shop carries the top lines such as: Antares Custom English saddles, Kentaur English Saddles, Santa Cruz English Saddles, EcoGold Non Slip Saddle Pads, Maxim Blankets and Sheepskin half pads, Tuscany field boots and even Recovery – a joint supplement for horses, humans and dogs, just to mention a few. They are open every day of the week for shopping conve- nience. Monday, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m., Tuesday to Friday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sundays


noon to 5 p.m.


Running a tack shop looks like a natural fit for Susan who has a strong equine background. She has been involved with horses all her life and has bred and shown purebred Arabi- ans for over 40 years. She and Cody hail from Sunnyvale Farm a private boarding facility, which is just five minutes from their new store. Cody has been riding all of his life and always had an interest in horses. He’s been competing since the age of ten in recognized shows. This past June, he competed in his first international competition for Three-Day-Eventing in Bromont Quebec. Considering his mount named Imperial Melody just turned 7, “She was fantastic for our first international show, ” he commented. His horse, he noted, “is young and up and com- ing.” He has qualified for the Ontario Horse Trials Association Champi- onships at the prestigious Dreamcrest Event in September and he’s “hop- ing to win.” He placed fifth in competition in July at Dreamcrest and at the Ontario Horse Trials at Glen Oro on in May, he came in first. It seems that working in the equine community is a natural fit for Cody too.


Tack is not the only


thing Dudley’s will have to offer soon. Plans include a lecture series starting in August with many profes- sionals in


the horse industry imparting their wisdom on the public regarding all aspects of horsemanship from, nutri- tion to massage therapy, chiropractic and farrier work, to name just a few! Patrons who want to keep in touch can join Dudleys Tack facebook group where bi-weekly specials are posted. For more information on the shop, please call 905-655-7655 or check our their website. It will soon be up and running with an online shopping cart at: www.dudleystack.com.


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