78/ MARCH/APRIL 2012 THE RIDER


Spring Lecture Day & Potluck Lunch 'THE STANDARDBRED SHOW HORSE'


SUNDAY APRIL 1st, 2012


Meet your show friends, learn and share great food! SPEAKERS:


Cindy Cook, Purina Nutrition Specialist - Feeding the Stbd Show Horse Chris Zizian, Farrier - Shoeing the Show Horse vs the Race Horse Lisa Foster - Pleasure Driving & Cones


Janet Zizian - Riding a Dressage Test - You & your horse can do it!


Mountsberg Community Centre, 2133 Centre Rd & Campbellville Rd. between Guelph Line and Old Hwy 6, minutes from Mohawk. Doors open 9:00am - first speaker 9:30am, anticipated finish 3:00pm Admission: $5.00 plus your favourite dish for the potluck. Everyone welcome - please let us know you are coming so we can set up enough tables & coffee etc.


INFO and RSVP: 905-335-3064 or jzizian@gmail.com


Dundas Valley Equestrian Ride – September 14, 15, 16, 2012


“We Build Bridges In More Than One Way”


By Debra Carson, Trailathon Organizer, Dun- das Valley Conservation Area, Dundas, Ontario


The Dundas Valley Conservation Area is a treasured conservation area where you can enjoy 120 ha of forest, meadow, escarpment, wetlands, wildlife, and ride horses! Yes, there is trail rid- ing, hiking, dog walking (on leashes), biking, bird watching, and so much to enjoy.


Once again equestri- ans will show their appreci- ation and give back to this special area by showing


support and raising funds in the 2012 Equestrian Trailathon. Thank you to the most accommodating HCA staff and a great group of volunteers.


Since the mid 90’s, area equestrians have host- ed a series of fundraising events to educate, unite, show support and celebrate with fun and friendship. Over $100,000 has been raised to date! Monies go toward building and main- taining bridges and caring for trails. Horses feel more secure crossing bridges with extra thick wide boards. These are expen- sive, as an average deck with labour may cost in the $5,000 range.


“The Equestrian Ride


You’ve tried everything else... Now try something that WORKS!


helps foster good relation- ships among all trail users, including cyclists, runners, walkers, and families”, says co-organizer Allison Outerbridge, “Even if you don’t ride a horse and just want to help support the Conservation Authority, you’re welcome to join us and walk the route”.


first overnight camping in 2007 and as this is a once a year event, the small camp- ing spots work well.


With the help of OTRA (Ontario Trail Rider Association) in 2007, this event grew into an overnight camping event and encouraged participa- tion from across the Province.


Participants are encouraged to gather pledges; however, if this doesn’t suit them, there is a $60 weekend fee or $40 Saturday fee which includes dinner, entertain- ment, and bonfire (see more below).


What does a Trailathon weekend look like?


Friday, riders begin arriving at the Dundas Val- ley Conservation Area where they are helped to select a camping spot for the weekend. Friday nights are low key and were added on to accommodate those coming from afar or those who just want to make a “weekend get- away”. There is a central campfire in the evening for friendship, chatting, and star watching.


Most horses are pick- eted with long lines; a few have small portable pens. Another goal of the Trailathon is dealing with manure management. Let’s hear it for our “Poop- er Scooper Crew” who vol- unteer at the Trailathon. We need to manage manure throughout the entire year. Some agile riders dismount and knock the “fresh muffins” to the side, while others take turns hiking or biking and cleaning the trail for all to enjoy. Help us out when you can.


We were happy to be given permission for the


Equine Massage Continued from Page 73


years of dedicated experi- ence to her varied customer base in the Wellington County and surrounding areas.


Please consider S.J. Taylor Equine Massage and call 226-383-4582 (Office) or: 519-993-9895 (Mobile) for a limited time offer of $65.00 for a one- hour consultation and mas- sage.


We are confident that you will be impressed by the results of our treatment and will enjoy greater rider benefits. Some of these benefits to the rider include a reduction in veterinarian bills, increased saddle time, greater awareness of your horse’s strengths and abilities and most impor- tantly, the creation of an even balance between rider and horse, resulting in a strong partnership.


Remember, your horse does not have to have an existing problem to benefit from Massage Therapy. Taking a proac- tive approach with regular Massage Therapy can address any minor injuries and reduce the potential of further risk before they become major problems. -------------


Dear Sabrina


I wanted to thank you for the Reiki sessions you performed on Ceicil. As you know he is a very sen- sitive horse and we were very pleased to see him relax during his sessions. And then to win a class the very next day was the “icing on the cake”!!


Thank you again for your dedication to horse health.


Vicki Dickson


Saturday is the Big Day! Saturday morning more riders arrive (locals ride in from area farms, others trailer in) and pro- ceed to the registration table. Starting at 10 a.m., there is a choice of a long (3 hour) or short (1 hour) ride, all rides are at a leisurely pace as there are other hikers, bikers, dog walkers in the park. We always pass others at a walk.


Trails are marked with coloured ribbons, so you can do your own ride, or you may choose to join up with some of our trail guides. Also included in the 3 hour ride, try your chances at the Poker Run and the Conservation Quiz. Yes, there are prizes too! At 4 p.m. all riders are back at the central camp and we begin the chit chat, raffle table, live auc- tion......yes from horseback in the past. It’s all fun!!!!! Around 6 p.m. we gather for a supper together – roast beef cooked on a spit, salads, vegetarian chili, and last year a partic- ipant even baked home- made cookies.


Folks gather around a central fire and the enter- tainment begins with gui- tars, singing and cowboy poetry. What could be bet- ter?


Sunday is sort of a “weather dependent day” and everyone is welcome to stay and take another trail ride on their own. Gradually folks pack up their belongings and by Sunday evening all is quiet, but there’s a lovely feeling that lingers in the air because you were there and helped give back to an awesome place.


For more information and pledge sheet – please visit website www.conser- vationhamilton.ca or call 905-525-2181 x112


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