The Rider March 2014

MARCH/APRIL 2014 THE RIDER /55

Equine Canada Honours Maggie Murdoch Posthumously with The Gold Medal Award

are so very proud of our Mom for her contributions to the equestrian sport, and to her community, as a mentor and as

Pam Christopher Continued from Page 54

immaculate. Once again the hard work and dedication paid off in an extra sweet victory. “Seeing Steve and Michelle win this prestigious class was extra special to me as Steve was wearing a harness from my tack shop, Ozark Canada, and a cart made by my Dad,” Pam beams in recollection. “Steve clearly loved doing the fault and out cones class and the cross country course; disci- plines that he had never tried before. My little AMHR geld- ing who had always shown in the breed ring won the Minia- ture Division at Walnut Hill and looked like an old pro!!” The fruits of their labor didn’t stop coming at Walnut Hill, however. “We also did quite a few AMHR shows in 2013 and another highlight for me was watching Steve and Ed

embodied the outstanding crite- ria of The Gold Medal Award, which includes providing long and outstanding service to EC as a builder of the sport both nationally and internationally. “We, the Murdoch family,

the highest and most prestigious of the EC National Awards, and is only awarded when the EC President proposes a recipient to the EC Board of Directors, and receives approval by at least 75 per cent of board members dur- ing a vote. Murdoch

perfectly

Michael Gallagher, President Equine Canada and Lorraine Stubbs, accepting for the Murdoch Family on behalf of Margaret Murdoch. Photo Credit — Shereen Jerrett

a mother to many more than just her seven children. She truly was a trailblazer within and beyond the equestrian sport,” said Murdoch’s daughters, Bar-

Mccarthy Sr. win the Golden Age Country Pleasure Driving Under at Nationals,” Pam notes. “To top off a wonderful year Steve and I won the 2013 Div. A Driving Horse of the Year, our fourth in a row!”

bara and Margie. “For more than six decades, Mom was involved in many aspects of equestrian sport. She saw and was a part of many changes.

Canadians by achieving unprecedented results, what’s in store for Pam and Steve in 2014? “Steve is fat and fluffy and enjoying his winter down time,” Pam smiles. “I know he

Having blazed a trail for

Winnipeg, MB - Equine Canada honoured the many outstanding achievements of Margaret “Maggie” Murdoch by present- ing her posthumously with The Gold Medal Award during the EC Awards Gala, held Feb. 7 in Winnipeg, MB. The Gold Medal Award is

as an EC Jumping Judge in 1989, Murdoch added EC Gen- eral Steward status for Dressage and Jumping to her resume in 1992. Before long, she obtained FEI Level 3 status as a Dressage Steward, as well as Level 2 Para-Equestrian Dressage Stew- ard credentials. Additionally, Murdoch held the distinction of being the FEI Dressage Steward

will be on my show string next year, who knows, maybe we will go for a fifth Horse of the Year title. I have already told Michelle she can take him back to Walnut Hill again. Pam pauses pensively, than adds: “I have been told he is a once in a lifetime horse. I hope that isn’t true, there seem to be a lot of those once in a lifetime horses out there, they are called geldings; they will always be my first choice in a show horse!”

with Equine Canada for over 60 years before passing away at the age of 90 in December of 2013 in her hometown of Orangeville, ON. She first became an EC member in 1952, and went on to become one of the most well respected stewards in Canada, and around the world. After gaining credentials

But, what fueled her passion for the sport was the people. Mom’s equestrian community was inclusive and diverse, consisting of seasoned Olympic veterans to those just beginning to show and officiate.” Murdoch was involved

General for Canada for many years.

stewarding duties, Murdoch continually gave back to the equestrian community, gener- ously providing her time and expertise as the Chair of the Dressage Canada Stewards Sub- Committee, Chair of the Cana- dian Para-Equestrian Committee (CPEC), and member of the Para-Equestrian Officials Com- mittee.

Murdoch was truly an

asset to equestrian sport in Canada, helping to raise the bar for safety, sportsmanship, and integrity. Her passion and involvement never faltered, and she continued to be active as a steward her entire life, including being appointed Dressage Stew- ard of the 2013 Cornerstone Spring into Dressage competi- tion last June. Equine Canada is hon-

oured to add The Gold Medal Award to Murdoch’s long list of

Outside of her active

would like to thank Equine Canada and those who support- ed the giving of this prestigious Gold Medal Award to our Mom,” said Barbara and Margie. “Our Mom would have been surprised and humbled by this honour. However, she would have appreciated this recognition of her contribution to equine sport.” Close family friend and

accolades. “The Murdoch family

FEI 4* dressage judge, Lorraine Stubbs, accepted The Gold Medal Award on behalf of Mur- doch during the presentation at the EC Awards Gala. Murdoch was the first

recipient of The Gold Medal Award since 2009, when 2008 Olympic Champion Eric Lamaze, and Al Patterson, past President and long-time ambas- sador of EC were honoured. For more information on

The Gold Medal Award, visit http://tinyurl.com/lgfvvrv.

Driving Events

Come here speaker Eve Dexter each day in Pre- sentation Room 2; Fri. Mar. 28th 5:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. Sat. Mar. 29th 9:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m. Sun. Mar. 30th 10:00-11:00 a.m.

2014 Schedule of Events "Come visit our Booth at Can Am Friday march 28th to Sunday march 30th at the Orangeville Fairgrounds"

May 10 - OCDA Introduction to Carriage Driving Clinic – Relhok Farm Barrie This is a great clinic for anyone exploring or get- ting into the sport, offering the participant a safe and educated way to get involved in carriage driv- ing. Discussion and hands on sessions on Safety, choosing the right equipment, harnessing, putting to, longlining and much more.

May 25 - Indoor Driving Trial – Rae Fischer’s Farm Listowel Modeled after a combing driving event this indoor driving trial allows entries to perform a dressage test and do a combination of cones and 2 Obstacles. Spectators welcome!

June 22 - OCDA Horse Driving Trial Dressage and Obstacles - Glencameron Farm George- town A horse driving trial is an abbreviated CDE – at this event Entries will perform a dressage test and then do a condensed Marathon and Obstacles.

Cones and offer a Marathon and Obstacle in the afternoon. Volunteers are always needed for all our events, and it is a great way for people to not only offer their time but also learn about the sport and the behind the scenes of showing. A wide variety of jobs are available for all abilities.

July 12-13 - OCDA Pleasure Driving Show at Iron Horse – Burlington A two day Pleasure driving show with Divisions for Single Horse & Pony, Very small Equine, Novice, Junior, multiple and utility vehicle (allows for people to show in training vehicles to explore the aspect of showing). Participants will show in classes for turnout, Reinsmanship, Work- ing and Cones. Sunday morning will also offer Dressage Divisions. Aug 24th – OCDA Horse Driving trial-Cones & Obstacles This Horse driving Trial will test entries in

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