46/ MARCH/APRIL 2012 THE RIDER


Area 1 Celebrates Continued from Page 45


part of the Area 1 Summer Celebration • The Area 1 Sunsational Summer Circuit was first held in Brigden


• The Area 1 Spring Round-Up was first held as the Glencoe Fair in 1990 and then moved to Eastwood in London, then Strathroy before being moved to Ilderton • The OQHA All Novice Youth and Ama- teur Quarter Horse Shows have been the largest in North America from 206-2010, taking 2nd in 2011 with only 3 entries less than Minnesota.


• AQHA/OQHA Trail Ride hosted by Niki Amlin at Swains in Eagle was largest ever with more than 100 horse and riders • Area 1 is the only Promotional Club in Ontario to offer Working Cow Horse Classes.


Under Saddle in the Nation for 2011 One of the highlights of the evening was the presentation of special recognition awards.


Lifetime Horseman Recognition Award - Peter Van Eerd


Area 1 was pleased to recognize Peter Van Eerd as a Lifetime Horseman for a lifetime passion and love of horses. Jess Cofell gave a presentation high lighting Peter’s past achievements and contribu- tions to the horse industry.


• Debbie Lohrenz-Reed and Coveted Invite sired by Willy Be Invited, bred by Murray Smith and trained by JS Quarter Horses, Jason Duquette and Suzanne Pickard was the High Point Select Amateur Hunter


Van Eerd, 81, was a long time and well known horse trainer and breeder in the Bothwell area who inspired many horse enthusiasts and future trainers. Peter has a colourful history and he is a great story- teller.


the late Jackie (Kennedy) Onassis. Peter captivated audiences with Impressive Rey and the tricks he had taught him. He was also a crowd pleaser in the Free Style Reining Competitions at Quarterama. Peter’s children and grandchildren were present for the presentation and had brought a display of photographs and tro- phies from Peter’s past. Peter received a standing ovation when he accepted an embroider afghan, “Last Call” by artist Steve Devenyns.


DIANE EWING, Retires from the Show Ring, cele- brating 40 years of riding


Peter has trained many different breeds of horses including many Quarter Horses. Peter trained circus horse around the world. Peter once trained a horse for


Area 1 Quarter Horse Promotional Association presented Diane Ewing with a Career Recognition Award at their annual awards banquet celebrating 35 years as an association. Diane’s parents, Marion and Gerard Vanneste accepted an embroider afghan, “Last Call” by artist Steve Devenyns on her behalf.


Diane’s mother reminded her several weeks ago that Diane had been riding for forty years and she brought up that when her dad put Diane on her first pony, King, she was bucked off and told to get back on. I guess that is how it all started. Diane was High Point Jr. B Performance in 1977 with “King” after showing for 5 years. Yes, her brother, Robert, and Diane started on their ponies and graduated to their horses in the barrel racing, showing at Mid-Western and the OBRA.


Some of the most fun times for Diane were at the Western Fair, where, I believe, Diane’s horse, Sally Bar, sired by Sea Bar Rebel and out of her dad’s mare, Wee Salle, set the record for the fastest time in the old arena? Her parents then sent Diane to trainers, Jeff and Gail Diet- rich and bought her a western pleasure horse, and they started attending the AQHA shows and did well, learning show- manship, horsemanship, english and west- ern, and also the art of applying makeup. The years of showing as a youth con- tinued and training became Diane’s des- tiny, how fast 25 years of accomplishments goes by. Accomplishments such as twice top 15 at the AQHA World Show, Congress finalists, two time Ontario Breeders Futurity Saddle Winners, winners in several longe line classes and Ontario, AQHA and NSBA point earners, Top Five Tom Powers Futurity, Winner at the Reichart Futurity, and more.


Diane says “The most memorable accomplishments are those of my clients and their expressions of happiness, top five Congress, top ten Congress, Congress finalists, top five Tom Powers, Ontario Year end High Point winners, etc. I have been blessed to have great clients over the years and not just clients but life time friends.”


Diane did not like to have favorites, but, everyone knows her favorite horse is League of Shadows, or Leaguer, whom is now retired on the Straus farm and loving every minute of it and he deserves it after travelling Ontario and the United States for years and years and being one of the great- est horses. Diane had the pleasure of train- ing and showing horses for Paul and JoAnne Straus for more than 25 years. Diane would like to thank everyone in the horse business for all there help and encouragement, it has been quite the ride. She also thanks her parents, Marion and Gerard Vanneste for their love and support and all the miles and shows they shared over the past forty years.


We wish Diane and her partner, Craig Knapp, well as they start their new life and endeavours with the opening of a New Canadian Tire Store in Inveremere, British Columbia. Diane is currently tak- ing advantage to enjoy the nearby hot springs and winter ski slopes.


Following the awards, guests spent an enjoyable evening reminiscing about past memories and viewing the many pho- tos on display. A large number of items had been donated to the Silent Auction. Following the auction, guests enjoyed Anniversary Caked and coffee.


The 36th Area 1 show season gets underway the first weekend in May. Everyone is looking forward to another ter- rific year. For more information, visit the Area 1 website, www.area1qh.com.


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