38/ OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2010 THE RIDER


Q.R.O.O.I: P.O. Box 31090, Westney Heights RPO, Ajax, ON L1T 3V2


Telephone: (905) 426-7050 • Fax: (905) 426-7093 Email: qrooiheadoffice@gmail.com 388 Kingston Road East, Ajax, ON L1Z 1W4


www.qrooi.com


“Getting back on track” means getting back to the customer The new framework for horse racing approved by the ORC Board marked a significant moment for the racing industry in Ontario. It included considerable con- sultation and collaboration with all racetracks and all horsepeople associations. The nearly year-long efforts of the Administra- tion and the working groups have materialized into a foundation for change and the rebirth of racing. As a result, I believe there is ‘something for everybody’ in this framework.


PRESIDENT


Bob Broadstock 18101 Cedardale Road, Nestleton, Ontario L0B 1L0 (905) 986-0044


email: bob_broadstock@hotmail.com


VICE-PRESIDENT


Erik Lehtinen RR #2,


Uxbridge, ON L9P 1R2


(905) 852-5245


Greg Watson 785 Hwy 7A,


Bethany, ON L0A 1A0 (705) 277-0248


Doug Cheetham


32 Talbot St., Brampton, ON L6X 2P5 (905) 796-9640


Rene Hunderup


P.O. Box 310, Station Main, King City, ON L7B 1A6 (905) 886-7886


Steve Hunter


231485 County Road 24, Grand Valley, Ontario L6X 2P5 • (519) 928-5209


MESSAGE FROM ORC CHAIR ROD SEILING


Clearly, the current situation was not sustain- able. We needed a new start, one where both horsepeople and racetracks were working together on the same business model. The framework provides that opportunity. It has not been an easy journey, as change is never easy. And the journey has not con- cluded. The ORC Adminis- tration (headed by John Blakney and Steve Lehman) and the working groups now begin the task of defining how the frame- work will be applied. These meetings have already commenced and the task of how to set dates


for 2011 and beyond begins in earnest.


Since the framework was approved, I have spoke of the importance of this opportunity in paddock meetings, one- on-one dis- cussions with racing folks, as well as interviews with the trade media. I have emphasized that this funda- mentally represents a com- mitment to live racing and accountability – and more to the point, it is a firm commitment from our provincial government that it wants live racing and the jobs and growth that racing represents for rural Ontario.


We, as an industry,


need to demonstrate that there is good reason for government’s confidence and good value for its investment. Perhaps more than any other comment, I find myself reminding everyone that we need to focus on the customer. In fact, I believe “getting rac- ing back on track” means getting back to the cus- tomer. For example, we need to squarely face the reality that the good horses must race against the good horses. This is what the customer wants. And if we


don’t have a customer, we don’t have a business.


How are we going to accomplish this?


Clearly one way is that we return to our ‘roots’ and a hierarchal system for both racetracks and horses. This is the pillar for going forward and it will allow people to be more competi- tive than they have been in years. It will involve some aspect of purse manage- ment to make it work. In the end, local horsepeople will have better opportuni-


ties to win races, as horses are forced to move up in class.


We will also rely on a measure of accountability for both racetracks and horsepeople to make this happen. I believe this framework is an excellent start. I also have been quot- ed as saying “the devil is in the details.” That is the challenge that is before all of us in racing.


I can assure you, the ORC will continue to involve the industry in these important next steps.


Much of that detail will be phased in with industry input. But ‘phasing in’ should never be mistaken for delay.


While the journey to get racing back on track may be a little bumpy at times, for the thousands of Ontarians relying on rac- ing, the destination is too important.


Rod Seiling Chair Reprinted from Integrity Matters 2010


Blue-Ribbon Task Force Celebrates their 5th Year Anniversary


The American Quarter Horse Journal - It should come as no surprise that horse show numbers are down. The question is: What can be done to increase participation and to accom- modate all ability levels? Earlier this year, the American Quarter Horse Association Executive Committee appointed a task force to review and address AQHA’s show initia- tives, with an eye toward increasing par- ticipation in AQHA- approved events.


Congratulations to Jenna McNiven and LQH Say Pepsi for finishing NBHA Reserve Champion for both the Open and Youth in District 1


Congratulations to Nick Zivat and Tazz Man Doo for winning the State Youth Championship in Barrels and Poles and placing in the Open Poles top 5.


MANY NEW HORSES ADDED EVERYDAY…. FI VISIT THE NEW PERFORMANCE HORSES SECTION…


If you are looking for a RELIABLE barrel horse... Then call the family you can trust!!


• Horses bought and sold


• Professional Consignment Services to sell your horse • Training • Private and Semi Private Lessons


North American Network of great horses! We are recognized for making the perfect match… Visit our website to tour our gallery of horses.


Call Stephanie 519-849-5688 • Email: Stephanie@reliablebarrelhorses.com


pated recommendations and subse- quent approvals, most especially from the AQHA Show Council, we expect to begin managing more closely the number and types of approved shows in 2011, with an approved leveling program tested and retested throughout 2011, with implementation in 2012,” said Tom Persechino, AQHA executive direc- tor of competition and breed integri- ty.


“Based on antici- AQHA points


The members of the task force represent the show industry and are stakeholders who understand the cur- rent situation and see the need to increase participation.


Based on the 2007 research, a “five-point plan” was implemented to address the decline in participa- tion:


1.Solidify the top-end (known as “Blue Exhibitors”)


“In 2007, several demographic research projects identified three types of show participants: entry- level, mid-level and top-level,” Per- sechino said. “The research proved that the mid-level show participant is the most vulnerable, as these show enthusiasts seldom win classes, earn points or receive other forms of recognition. These mid-level show participants often leave us after sam- pling our approved shows, and we want to change that.”


With that information in mind, the Blue-Ribbon Task Force, which met in early September, evaluated: • The numbers and types of


shows


• The opportunities and fairness of competition to include levels classes based on abilities of the horse and/or rider


• The quality and integrity of


show venue sion


2.Enhance the long-term value for mid-level exhibitors (known as “Yellow Exhibitors”)


3.Provide an entry-level AQHA 4.Reinvigorate the youth divi-


5.Understand/support the growth and vitality of the horse training pro- fession


However, a downturn in the economy has hampered the overall success of these initiatives. The downward trend continues, especial- ly in AQHA’s youth division. As a result, several show task forces have been assembled in the past year to discuss the following topics: • Versatility ranch horse • Introductory shows


mance halter judged shows


• Classifying shows • English/over fences • Halter • Ethics


• Show managers


In early July, the AQHA Execu- tive Committee and staff met with more than 20 ranching representa- tives in Oklahoma City. Their talks focused on enhancing AQHA’s registration process; continuing to work with the various ranch horse competi- tion groups - Ranch Horse Association of America, Stock Horse of Texas, National Versatility Ranch Horse Association, American Stock Horse


Association - by exploring consisten- cy in


rules and possibly co-sanctioned events; and investigating the concept of a Ranching Heritage Breeder Pro- gram, which likely could be an extension of the AQHA Breeder Referral Program.


• Stock show managers • Ranchers


Brian Farell


C2130 - Hwy #7, RR #1, Sunderland, ON L0C 1H0 (705) 357-3214


Later that same month, several stock show managers met with the Executive Committee. Discussion focused on the changing demograph- ics of the stock show/state fair audi- ence, which is typical of the chang- ing demographics of horse industry enthusiasts. In previous years, spec- tators at stock shows and rodeos were “in tune” with agriculture-relat- ed events and had a knowledge of livestock events. Today’s audience strictly wants entertainment.


• AQHA champions/perfor- • Triple-judged/quadruple-


“Our hope is that from all of these meetings will come recommen- dations designed to increase partici- pation in a logical, methodical way with stakeholder buy-in,” Persechino said.


AQHA news and information is a service of AQHA publications. For more information on The American Quarter Horse Journal or America’s Horse, visit www.aqha.com/maga- zines.


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72