2/ MAY 2020 THE RIDER


Stampede Continued from Page 1.


retailers, ride share and taxi drivers who support western culture throughout our city. We know the financial impact this will have on them. “The Stampede is a critical part of who we


are as Calgarians. It’s almost impossible to imag- ine a summer without it. But these are extraordi- nary times, and the Stampede has done what they always do: put the community first,” said Mayor Naheed Nenshi. “For me, riding a horse at the front of the parade is a moment, even with all the people and all the noise, for some introspection on who we are as a community. I’m sad to not be at my tenth parade this year. But we’ll dust ourselves off and come back even better. Together.” With the best interests of the community in


mind, the organization’s focus will now shift to fall, winter and spring events at Stampede Park as well as planning for the 2021 Stampede. When it’s appropriate, we will gather together to celebrate. We are also looking for new ways to bring western hospitality to the community as we collectively navigate through this difficult time. “I promise you this does not mean the end of


Stampede Spirit in our community this year,” says Peers, adding, “We know our community is strong and resilient. We’ll get through this together. Keep your hats on.” For further information please visit Calgar-


yStampede.com


About the Calgary Stampede The Calgary Stampede celebrates the people,


the animals, the land, the traditions and the values that make up the unique spirit of the west. The Cal- gary Stampede contributes to the quality of life in Calgary and southern Alberta through our world- renowned Stampede, year-round facilities, western events and several youth and agriculture programs. Exemplifying the theme We’re Greatest Together, we are a volunteer-supported, not-for-profit com- munity organization that preserves and celebrates our western heritage, cultures and community spirit. All revenue is reinvested into Calgary Stam- pede programs and facilities.


Calgary Stampede News Release


Coping with COVID-19 Continued from Page 1.


the major concern for many stables. It comes down to meeting the basic needs of the horses for food, shelter and exercise, but how to do that with little or no income? That remains a question. Rosemarie Huxted has survived many chal-


lenges to her boarding, training and lesson estab- lishment business in Dalkeith, ON. She had just rebuilt after a fire in May 2019 destroyed their barn, losing 6 horses and her herd of beef cattle. On page 10 she explains how she will make deci- sions one month at a time to do what is best for the horses as she rebuilds, once again. In the racing sector, Ontario Racing has


started issuing cheques as part of their Re-Alloca- tion of Purse Funds Program (see Ontarioracing.com for more information). While the recreational and schooling horse sector con-


tinues to search for solutions, Ontario Equestrian (OE) has initiated a fundraising effort called “Helping the Schoolies”. You can read more about that in Ellie Ross’ column on page 27. For some, like well-known eventing coach


Margaret Godson, COVID-19 was a catalyst to advance ‘retirement’ plans that were already in place. On page 26 she shares her insight with us about dealing with what seems to be an insur- mountable challenge that she believes can even- tually work itself through. Clubs are under the burden of carrying on


without a source of income as well. Some deci- sions will have to be made, such as how to run their business with the inevitable loss of sponsor- ship and events? We talked to Linda Liddle of Rockwood Trail Riders about their situation, something that their founders could have never imagined when they started 57 years ago, and Kris Simpson weighed in on how Ontario Paint Horse Club is managing the challenge. (Page 11)


Your feed store has had to make some major


adjustments too. Paul Sharpe of Sharpe Farm Sup- plies has eight of their own stores and supply 52 other outlets across the province. While dockside orders have become the norm, he has some inter- esting stories to tell about the products that are fly- ing off the shelves, or not, how he is supporting the community, and how he is planning to open up the stores again under strict guidelines. See page 16.


These are indeed unprecedented times. None


of us will be un-touched by this pandemic. We need to work together, supporting each other, to get through this and hopefully develop new ideas to keep our industry sustainable for the future. Everyone will have their own unique story. If you would like to share your story in subsequent edi- tions of The Rider, please contact the editor, Barry Finn. We hope that you stay healthy and kind while every one of us figures out what we need to do to survive.


Suspension Extended For Equestrian Canada Sanctioned Competition


Ottawa, ON, May 1, 2020 – The suspension of Equestrian Canada (EC) sanctioned competition has been extended to June 30, 2020, due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.


phased-in reopening, this suspension extension is intended to provide adequate time between the re-


schools, lesson barns, coaching businesses and training facilities) will be determined by reopen- ing plans from the appropriate provincial govern- ment bodies. A document supporting the return to business operations will be shared by EC on May 4, 2020. With many provinces set to implement a


Please note: From May 1-June 30, 2020, EC com- petitions may be sanctioned on a case-by-case basis upon request by a Provincial/Territorial Sport Organizations (PTSOs) due to varying time- lines across provinces regarding reopening. Man- dates from provincial and federal government bodies and public health authorities will be the final factor for sanctioning until further notice. Return to activity (i.e. reopening of riding


EC or PTSOs for the period of suspension, except those approved on the case-by-case basis outlined above. All matters pertaining to the accumulation of points, scores, qualification or rankings towards any EC awards program or team selection will be addressed once a return to competition framework has been published. Competition hosts will be able to receive a full refund of their sanctioning fees or have the funds held as a credit for future competi- tions.


Rookie Rider and Learn to Ride/Drive activities will continue to be suspended until further notice.


All in-person meetings, clinics, events,


turn to activity and the return to competition. A working group of EC staff and veterinarians has been developing a graduated framework that will protect the health and welfare of horses upon com- petition reinstatement; this framework will be published in the coming weeks. The recommen- dations of this working group are part of joint ini- tiatives with the PTSOs, select competition organizers and coaches/technical advisors. No competitions will be sanctioned by either


ous, thorough and up-to-date communication con- cerning the COVID-19 pandemic. EC’s complete statement on COVID-19, including regular up- dates, can be found on our website here. For the running list of cancelled/postponed clinics and events, click here. Thank you for your cooperation and engage-


ment as we work diligently to keep our commu- nity safe and informed. We are counting on each and every member of the Canadian equestrian community to make responsible decisions based on the information available, the conditions in your geographic area and directives from your local government and public health authorities


pandemic and asses the need for further extensions to the suspension timeline. EC is making every effort to ensure continu-


Virtual participation in these programs and events is encouraged where available; options are being explored for programs that do not have virtual op- tions at this time. EC will continue to monitor the state of the


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