AUGUST 2011 THE RIDER /13 It’s a Win for the 3rd Annual Toronto Horse Day 1 2 3
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The 3rd annual Toronto Horse Day was a tremendous success! On Saturday June 11, 2011 more than 1,200 people attended the Horse Palace at Exhibition Place to learn about horses, meet superstars and watch live demonstrations. Educational stations were set up throughout the main floor of the Horse Palace and covered
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riding and demonstrated differ- ent exercises that condition the muscles used when riding. Cooper the mini horse helped out once again in the horse health check station where Kathy Fremes taught visitors how to check a horse’s vital signs in order to identify good health. One of the ‘hottest’ sta- tions of the day was the farrier corner; Kevin Alcock per- formed hot shoeing demos while Mario Calleja ran his forge to show participants how horse- shoes are shaped and fit- ted.
the basics of horse care and rid- ing, similar to the information one would learn at a riding camp. The Riding Academy at the Horse Palace taught visitors how to properly prepare a horse for riding by introducing the various grooming tools avail- able and demonstrated proper brushing techniques on Cooper, their resident miniature horse. The Riding Academy also dis- cussed horse nutrition and par- ticipants learned about the importance of proper diet and had the opportunity to touch and smell various grains and hay. Greenhawk Harness and Equestrian Supplies discussed the importance of properly fitted helmets and took measurements to help guide new riders to a suitable helmet. Greenhawk also discussed the importance or appropriate riding apparel and had examples of both everyday riding and show attire. Paramedics from Tack-Two EMS & Fire Inc. shared with participants the importance of safety around horses and echoed the importance of accident pre- vention.
equestrian, Isabelle Aubé, spoke to participants about the physi- cal health benefits of horseback
Fitness trainer and
questions about horseback rid- ing lessons and provided listings of member horse facilities and certified coaches. In addition, participants received a $25 off coupon for an introductory les- son at participating member sta- bles.
In addition to educational stations, there were numerous activity stations set up within the Horse Palace. Equine artist, Debbie Goldring provided drawing worksheets and was on hand with pieces of her work to help budding artists learn how to draw horses. She also over- saw the “Colour Your Dream Horse” colouring contest, which was a big hit with the young participants. The completed masterpieces were showcased for everyone to view during the event. A horse simulator pro- vided visitors the opportunity to experience what riding a horse feels like and some of the older participants took a spin on the Ontario Rodeo Association’s mechanical bull. Fun for all ages, the horseless horseshow provided participants the oppor- tunity to win some great prizes donated by Greenhawk.
The OEF was thrilled to have some star power at Toron-
The Ontario Equestrian Federation was on hand to answer
to Horse Day this year. The Toronto Police Services Mount- ed Unit provided guided stable tours of the police barn. Not only did visitors get the chance to meet the officers and ask questions about the unit, they also got the unique chance to meet the stars of the force, the horses! Woodbine Entertain- ment Group proudly presented horse racing legend, Sandy Hawley to Toronto Horse Day. Sandy’s extraordinary creden- tials include 31,455 mounts, 6,449 wins, 4,825 seconds, 4,158 thirds, and $88,666,071 in purse earnings! Sandy gracious- ly met with visitors, posed for photos with the original Queen’s Plate trophy and signed free copies of his book, “Ride of a Lifetime”. Sandy is a true gen- tleman and it was an honour to have him at Toronto Horse Day. It was also an honour to wel- come actor and avid equestrian Daniel Fathers as the official emcee for the afternoon. Daniel is best known for his roles as Uncle Brown in Disney’s “Camp Rock” & “Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam” and as Stew- art Forrest, Canadian Olympic Equestrian Trainer/Coach on CBC’s “Heartland”. Daniel was extremely gracious talking with fans and signing autographs. Daniel was extremely entertaining as the ring emcee and he kept the audience capti- vated throughout the afternoon, although not a difficult feat with the following action packed demonstrations: PC Harold Williamson and his mount, Grenadier, a Clydesdale cross from the Toronto Police Ser- vices Mounted Unit showcased the bravery and versatility of the police horses. Tiana Domingos and her horse “Boots n Saddles” represented the Ontario Quarter Horse Association and provided both a Hunter Under Saddle and Western Pleasure demonstra- tion. Aimee Adams and her Standardbred “Colourful Gourmet” did some clowning around by demonstrating some of the fun classes, like the cos- tume class, that is offered at the Standardbred Showcase Riding Club events. The Ontario
Rodeo Association brought in a team of exhibitors for their demonstration. Using an ATV pulling a mechanical calf, Bren- nan Senos and Dawn Civiero showed off their roping skills while rodeo announcer, Joe Scully helped Daniel explain to the crowd the precision and technique involved in roping and other rodeo events. The Riding Academy team provided the audience with several demonstrations. Clare Feldman riding Fast Forward, Christine Somerville riding Fergus and Megan Maloney aboard Maybe So did a jumping demonstration that highlighted the differences between hunter, jumper and eventing. Christine and Megan returned to the ring for a dres- sage demonstration with the Riding Academy’s Carter and Megan’s own Rune. The audi- ence also had the opportunity to see what is involved during a basic lesson and the progression made to more advanced levels. Participants were treated to more jumping when Canadian Sport Horse Association’s Shay- na Krigel-Belanger and her 17.3 hand, six year old gelding named Sansayl took to the ring. The Canadian Horse’s versatili-
ty was well represented by Brenda Pantling driving Du Coteau Lalou Beauport and Katherine Hope riding Hidden Meadow Adanac Jamieson on behalf of the Upper Canada Dis- trict (Ontario) Canadian Horse Breeders. Bob Coleman and his sixteen-year-old desert Arabian mare, HAF Allieena did double duty by demonstrating the beau- ty of the Arabian horse for the Arabian Horse Association of Eastern Canada and the athleti- cism of endurance riding. Final- ly the CADORA Youth Quadrille Committee was repre- sented by a Lady Gaga inspired quadrille performed by Emily Williams, Izzy Cout, Shea Tawse-Smith and Laura Kular. The Ontario University Eques- trian Association was represent- ed by the Ryerson University and York University teams and John Holmes was on hand to answer questions and promote Percherons.
The OEF would like to extend a huge thanks to all those involved that helped make Toronto Horse Day a fantastic day! Toronto Horse Day is a free event hosted by the Ontario Equestrian Federation (OEF) to provide the general public an
opportunity to experience horses first hand with the hopes of introducing new riders to the sport. If you are interested in hosting a similar program in your community, the OEF will happily provide you with sup- port. For more details please contact Melissa Monardo at
marketing@horse.on.ca or 1- 877-441-7112 ext.17.
PHOTO CAPTIONS
1/ Daniel Fathers, Catherine Steblaj and Sandy Hawley with the original Queen's Plate trophy
2/ Toronto Horse Day participants pose for photos with Cooper, the miniature horse and the Woodbine Entertainment Group mascot 3/ Representatives from the Ontario Rodeo Association
4/ Toronto Horse Day participants had the opportunity to learn about safety around horses. Here a young visitor learns how to safely feed a horse a treat
5/ The Riding Academy's Megan Maloney and her horse Rune demonstrate the art of Dressage 6/ A young Toronto Horse Day par- ticipant takes a ride on the horse simulator
7/ The Toronto Horse Day colour- ing contest was a huge hit. Partici- pants displayed their "dream hors- es" on the stalls of the Horse Palace for everyone to see.
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