22/ OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017 THE RIDER Horseman Marc-André Blouin Passes Away at 55


By Kelly Bowers Described as an exceptional


horseman and human being, Marc-André Blouin has died at the young age of 55. Marc André was diagnosed with cancer in May of last year and fought a long and courageous battle, even undergo- ing three extensive surgeries in a 9 day span. Despite highs and lows in the following months, even ex- periencing remission at one point, Marc-André sadly lost the battle on Sept. 27th. His wife, Belinda, family, friends, co-workers, and the horse community at large, is mourning his loss as strongly as they supported him during his ill- ness.


Marc André was Equine


Technical Services manager for Purina Canada and will be missed by his cherished friends and co- workers who admired him during his many years of service. Randy Johnson of Purina


said, “Marc-André has touched so many lives and so many people. His co-workers through his beloved Purina Canada will be


eternally grateful for his involve- ment with Purina/Cargill. Barb Booth, a co-worker for


many years, now residing in Florida reflects, “ Marc had so much passion for Belinda, his family and of course, horses. He was infectious with his passion and knowledge [of horses] and you could not leave a discussion with him, without being more en- lightened and excited.” Marc-André and Belinda ran


Binmar Stables for many years where they kept and trained their horses, racing them at Woodbine and Fort Erie in Ontario. Marc André was a well rounded horse- man and will be missed by those in Ontario racing and in the sport of reining. Belinda describes her hus-


band this way. “Marc-André was a genuine and true horseman in every sense. He loved them, cared for them, often slept in the stall with them, especially Roger and Pumpkin. He was not only an equine nutritionist, but learned how to trim their feet, perform equine dentistry and provide


health care with all the years of ex- perience he had working for a vet years ago. He could train, ride and handle horses better than anyone, especially the difficult and trou- bled horses. He just had this calm and fearless connection with them that I think was a gift.” Marc-André was also a dear


friend and passionate supporter of horse rescues like Hagersville’s Whispering Hearts Horse Res- cue. Brenda Thompson from WHHR “ described Marc as “an amazing horseman,


treasured


friend and mentor who lived for the horses. “He was exceedingly helpful in providing nutritional ad- vice for horses who arrived at WHHR emaciated and in dis- tress. He had an innate bond with horses and was dedicated to their absolute welfare. We are so grate- ful for his tremendous support and steadfast willingness to share his incredible knowledge and guid- ance. He was such an inspiration and always there for me just a text or phone call away.” LongRun Thoroughbred Re- tirement Society remembers Marc


André as “a gifted and diversified


horseman


who was always most concerned with the wel- fare of his beloved horses. Marc was much admired for his innova- tions in Canadian equine feed, his talent as a speaker and mentor, and his passion for and devo- tion to his horses and his loving wife, Belinda.” In 2014, Blouin was


involved in the rescue of 11 thoroughbreds in On- tario that were sold to be slaughtered for food. He raised money to buy the horses and delivered them to a Kingston area farm where they were treated and later adopted. “I’m French-Canadian,” said Blouin. “In English, we call them race horses, race being first. In French, it’s ‘cheval de course’ — ‘horses that race.’ So it seems suitable that LongRun TB Retirement Society was chosen as a recipient of Marc’s memorial donations will partic- ipate in the celebration of his life organized by his wife Be- linda and Agribrands Purina Canada. Reiner, Daniel Bouchard


from Quebec remembers his friend as a great person who was “knowledgeable, humble, generous, passionate, with a constant desire to learn’, feel- ings that are echoed across so- cial media. Last year, a Gofundme ac-


count was set up to help with medical expenses. Donations


came in from horse owners, agents, track workers, race offi- cials and fellow trainers and other supporters, accumulating to over $18,000. Marc Andre Blouin always


acted and made decisions based on the well being of his beloved horses, sometimes putting their best interests ahead of his own. At the track, he was known as the guy who practised unconventional training meth- ods, which included running horses without shoes or medica- tion. “I think the barefoot part allows the hoof to act more as a natural shock absorber,” Blouin would explain. “So instead of the impact going up the rest of the leg, it’s all being absorbed within the hoof, which the hoof is intended to do. Belinda sums it up best. “Marc was always thinking out-


side the box – there was no box, anything was possible. He re- ally believed that we could change the status quo, not loudly, just quietly, by showing that different ways of doing things were possible for the bet- terment of the horse. He was driven by a powerful compas- sion to do what’s right for the horses’ well-being. Everything he did in his life was with ab- solute passion, focus and dedi- cation, and it was sometimes hard to keep up. We are all going to miss him terribly and I hope I will be able to carry on some of his dreams in the years ahead.” A Celebration of Life for


Marc-André Blouin will be held on October 28th in the Northern Dancer Room at Woodbine Racetrack, Toronto.


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