26/ JUNE/JULY 2011 THE RIDER
Ganaraska Forest Horse Club BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2011
www.gfhc.ca
President: Caroline Thornton Vice-President: Jim Higgs Secretary: Alberta McKibbin Treasurer: Michele Bignell Membership: Larry Melnychuk Correspondence: Jess Brill
On Sunday May 29th the Ganaraska Forest Horse Club held its annual Poker Ride. Although the forecast threat- ened, the sun managed to peek through the clouds and we were blessed with a great day for a hack in the woods. In all, 48 riders registered and 18 joined the Club that day. Diane Bosnell had the winning poker hand and went home $230.00 richer.
GFHC’s new board and committee members came through with flying colours organizing this event. Thanks to Bob for his water tank and trough, Michelle for the finances, Rick as Ride Mar- shall, Virginia’s organizing, Denise for marking both the long and short trails, Caroline on registration, Neil’s help parking and Amanda for being our chaperone rider. All of you made everyone feel welcomed
Directors: Bob Coleman Shirley Stapleton
Ex-Officio: Web Master Jacqueline Visconti
and the day’s logistics appeared seamless.
I was particularly excited about this ride because I haven’t been on my horse for eleven months due to the “early retire- ment” of my left hip. When I met with the surgeon last autumn I requested a “horse- back riding” replacement. Dur- ing rounds on December 3rd he assured me all went well during the operation and he’d installed a larger ball and reinforced the socket, based on my request. Instructions are to wait six months before returning to rid- ing and yoga. However in the interim, I have been faithful with my physiotherapy and ini- tially, gentle aqua classes. I’ve since graduated to deep water aqua-fit which is a significant workout without any impact on the hips or knees.
My horses learned that life changed last July when I
appeared in the barn with a cane. As their sole caregiver I still needed to feed but with a run in, automatic waterer and front end loader on my tractor I could manage. It’s practically impossible to push a wheelbar- row full of manure while carry- ing a cane!
The surgeon was pleased I’d processed my situation real- istically. I have retired my horse “Stormy” who lives up to his name. He’s a Belgium Thoroughbred cross, the barn bully and throughout our thir- teen years of riding together has continued to jump five feet sideways with no prior warning. He only ditched me once that way but I’m no longer willing to test the odds.
My current mount is a handsome 17.1 hand, 1800 pound Percheron Standardbred who got fired from the Toronto Mounted Police for behaviour
unbecoming an officer – he bucked with conviction! Brock arrived at my farm “Neverdun”
four years ago with attitude that intimidated even this third genera- tion horseperson. In fact, on his sec- ond day here he charged me at a full gallop and won that game of chicken. Thank- fully, I questioned the police about how he’d been trained for crowd control and dis- covered he was being playful!
Brock’s
new home and added maturity has calmed him immensely but I wasn’t willing to risk life or limb after nearly a year
off. I shipped him to “school” at Sunnymead Farm prior to the
Poker Ride – to the benefit of both of us. Owner, Andrew Rafail was the first to ride my faithful steed after an eleven month holiday and aside from one gleeful buck transitioning to a canter Brock was predictably steady.
I was eager to return to the saddle and humbled by the loss of leg muscles. However, our training together prepared us for a memorable inaugural Ganny hack on my new hip. Brock and I were joined by Jacquie Vis- conti and her mare Gypsy. The company was interesting, the trails were excellent, the tower- ing trees were awesome and Brock and I were thrilled to be a team once again. Our plans to grow old together remains in tact!
Join us June 25th for the Summer Sizzle Ride … see
www.gfhc.ca for details.
Fifth Annual Al Humphrey Memorial Ride SUNDAY, July 31, 2011
Pledges raised by this year’s ride will benefit:
PRINCESS MARGARET HOSPITAL FOUNDATION • Stem Cell Research Fund &
MARKHAM STOUFFVILLE HOSPITAL FOUNDATION • Palliative Care Unit
*25 kilometre marked course through the scenic winding trails of York Regional Forest * *Top Ten Pledge Earner Awards, Individual, Team & Volunteer **Set your own pace **Radio Checkpoints * * Horse Holders * Wake-up Coffee ** Lunch Stop * Spot Prizes *Overnight camping available** Saturday night campfire * Individual, Team & Sponsor Entries** After Ride Entertainment & Bar-B-Que *
Starting at Al’s Tack Shop Check-in from 7:30 am Start times from 8:00 am 2011 Rider Registration Fees:
Prior to June 25 $25.00 • June 26 to July 25 $45.00 • July 26 to July 30 $65.00 Rider and Volunteer Registration NOW OPEN
PLEASE REGISTER EARLY, LIMIT OF 300 HORSES & RIDERS Please Note: Registrations will not be taken the day of the Ride
Registration Forms and Information available at
www.alhumphreymemorialride.com OR
Al’s Tack Shop,4812 Vandorf Sideroad, Stouffville, Ont L4A 7X5. 905-640-2011,
noral@netrover.com
The Al Humphrey Memorial Ride, in honor of Allan Stewart Humphrey (October 10, 1932 – February 2, 2006,) or as he was known to most “Al” of Al’s Tack Shop, provides an opportunity for the horse community at large to make a positive contribution to the lives of others by raising funds for deserving non-profit organizations. During his life- time Al gave selflessly in support of many deserving organizations and charities. It is in this spirit that the Al Humphrey Memorial Ride has been established. Recipient chari- ties and/or organizations are named on an annual basis.
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