THE RIDER SEPTEMBER 2010 HILLS OF HEADWATERS SPOTLIGHT /5 Women Horse Owners Sharing Their Passion For Horses


Elaine Capes formed the Women Horse Owners Associ- ation (WHOA) shortly after she moved to the Hockley area in 2005. She was getting back into horse ownership and rid- ing after a 30-year break. Elaine had a lot of questions about where to get quality equine services — like fence building, feed, hay, riding instruction, a farrier, vet - the


Vanna White Continued from page 3


a long time Director or Vice- President of the ORHA, and President of the Rockwood Trail Riders saddle club, and she was the first World Sidesaddle Federation Inc. Certified Judge/Instructor in Canada.


Since living at Joanne’s, I teach lessons of all levels, from beginners having their first lesson, to reiners. I enjoy doing lessons, and don’t work any harder than the rider makes me. Joanne teaches sidesaddle, so I do lessons and show sidesaddle too. It was easy to learn, and the kids have fun doing it. We take the stu- dents to the local saddle club shows so they learn to show. At the club shows I do freestyle, showmanship, lead line, walk-jog, pleasure, horse- manship, and of course rein- ing. I may have several differ- ent riders on me in a day, but that doesn’t bother me a bit. With Joanne’s involve- ment in the horse industry, I also get to do special events. I get chosen to go because I am so reliable and unflappable. Every summer we go to our vet’s Open House, and give kids rides, and get fed treats. I’ve been to the Erin Horse Expo and the Royal Winter Fair, and do reining and sidesaddle demos, and get fed treats. My favourite is at Christmas, when I go to the local Tim-br Mart and stand in the store between the shafts of Santa’s sleigh. It attracts the kids to come see Santa. I get really good treats there.


A few years ago Susan Harris came and did her “Visi- ble Horse” demonstration at the Ontario Equestrian Federa- tion convention. I got painted with the skeleton and muscles of the horse, and demonstrated how they work when I move. I liked that because I was the center of attention, and I got treats.


ORHA: Like other famous females such as Cher, Madon- na, and Beyoncé, you are known throughout the reining world as Vanna. Do you have any other names?


Vanna White: I don’t mind being referred to as “The love- ly Miss White”. Those closest to me often call me “Her Queenship”.


ORHA: Vanna, thank you for your time and sharing your experience with us. Is there anything else you’d like to say?


Vanna White: Despite all the other things I do, I’m first and foremost a professional reining horse. I’ll be back!


list goes on.


Elaine was looking for a way to connect with other women horse owners to find the answers, which sparked the idea for WHOA. The thought was that if she had questions and needed support, there must be others who would benefit from such a network too.


The vision for WHOA is to be a provider of services and opportunities for Women Horse Owners. The inaugural meeting was held in January 2006 in


Elaine’s basement. Now there is an AGM and Planning meeting every Jan- uary to determine topics of interest and establish the group’s calendar for the year.


Monthly meetings are hosted by WHOA members, which allows us to see how different barns are run and share best practices. In addition to these monthly meetings, WHOA volunteers organize clinics, workshops, riding events, a website, and EQUI-FEST (a one-of-a-kind-event with something for every horse and every horse lover). At EQUI-FEST, there are no competitions and no pressure – just the pleasure of rid- ing, pampering your horse, and meeting


other like-minded people.


In addition, WHOA is building a list of discount providers and other opportunities for members to meet, learn, save money, and enjoy their equine com- panions. As of July 2010 we have over 100 members.


Lady Godiva was chosen as the group’s mascot because she represents strength, determination, courage and pas- sion. She reminds us to never under-esti- mate women with a passion!


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