FEBRUARY 2024 THE RIDER /25 Section 2


In Memoriam: Alan Chesler


An enthusiastic supporter of the sport through volunteering and horse ownership, Chesler had an impact on many lives in and out of the industry


By: Horse Sport staff January 5, 2024 Alan Harvey Chesler,


82, passed away on January 2, 2024 in Wellington, Florida. Born in Toronto, Ontario, Chesler was a hard- working, gregarious busi- nessman who owned an investment fund in the 1960s and was the co-owner of Bob’s Barricades for over 45 years, the largest pri- vately-owned traffic barrier company in the US. Follow- ing his own career in the show ring he bought and de- veloped Sher-Al Farm in Orangeville, Ontario in 1996. The family’s horse training and selling business took them to many of the top horse shows in the world, from Sweden to Germany to Malaysia, to Spruce Mead- ows and the Winter Eques- trian Festival. (Alan wrote an article about showing in Europe vs. North America in Horse Sport magazine in 2002.) Daughters Frankie and


Mikala rode on NAJYRC teams and Frankie was on the Canadian Nations’ Cup Team in New York City at 17. She campaigned some talented horses including Ranville and Ravenna Z, topping the Jump Canada Series with the latter in 2000. Sher-Al Farm’s show jumper Picolien Zeldenrust, purchased for Frankie in 2004, was the subject of a high-profile sale to Athina Onassis de Miranda and her then Brazilian husband Doda for a rumoured $2.5


million in 2007 ‒ a premium price in those days. Alan de- scribed the sale in a Toronto Star article: “There were tears. It was like having your dog die and winning the lot- tery on the same day.” Alan was awarded the


2001 Jump Canada Volun- teer of the Year Award and in 2003 was once again named the recipient based on his dedication to the success of the FEI Children’s Final held in Calgary, AB. Alan’s


daughter


Frankie Chesler wrote in part on her Facebook page: “The loss of my dad


Alan Chesler has shattered my heart into a million pieces… He was always such a great influence and example in all our lives. He lived life to the fullest. He


Hepburn Sales Part Store is now offering WeatherTech mats, truck accessories, trailer & RV parts and much more!


Representing Hawk Trailers Canada Wide


With 26 standard models and unlimited "no charge" custom designs.


For up to the minute detailed inventory, pics, prices & payments visit www.hepburnsales.com • Hwy 9 Schomberg, ON • 905-939-2279


Section 2 INSIDE


Alan and Frankie Chesler


loved his family. He loved playing golf with his friends …


“He was always so gen-


erous to everyone. He had such a ‘helping’ heart. He could fix anything, he al- ways saw the glass half full and not half empty. He had such an impact on so many lives, I hear from people daily how he changed their lives, helped them succeed, learn, grow, have confidence and more. “He loved the horses so


deeply, it was his true pas- sion. He was such a great equestrian, he taught me everything and I loved every minute of it. I can’t believe I’m going to be riding again and not have him in the ring with me.” Mark Samuel, the Vice


President of the FEI and founder of Jump Canada, enjoyed working with Chesler when he was the Owner Representative on Jump Canada’s board. “Alan was a tremen-


dous sports enthusiast and organizer,” said Samuel. “His optimism was infec- tious, his love for his family and extended family was ev- ident, his stories were al- ways entertaining and his friendships were life-long. We have lost one of the builders and great characters of our community.” Former


Canadian


Jumping Team member, chef d’équipe and coach Torchy Millar recalled, “He revitalized the Owners Com-


mittee by being more en- gaged. Alan loved to pick up the phone and talk to owners about the sport and the pos- sibilities and what we could do better. He brought a lot of energy and enthusiasm to the owners committee. “He was a profoundly


kind man that was so nice to the entire horse community. His enthusiasm was infec- tious. There was never a time you weren’t happy to


hill. “The series encouraged owners by giving them a place to compete their horses according to age groups. It started with the 4/5 year-old division and then went to the 6/7 year-old division. Prior to that, young horses would just be jump- ing heights against older horses. It was a nice path- way to help horses develop and was well-supported and received.”


Obituary: Alan Chesler ...........25 Anne Gage Column...................26 Jockey Club News.....................26 Winter of the Hay Belly ............27 Winter Pasture ...........................27 OMHC News.............................28 Horse Listening ......................29 Kentucky Invitational Grand


Prix CSI 5 Star in 2025...........29 Lindsay Grice .........................30 Treating Kissing Spine ...........30 Lynn Palm...............................31 Winter Management ...............31 Directories .........................32-36 Real Estate..............................37 Rider Fitness...........................39


Subscribe to The Rider today!


Stay in touch with your industry. Don’t miss an issue!


Are you Moving?


Please use this change of address form to tell us your new address!


AFFIX OLD ADDRESS HERE


see Alan and spend some time with him.” “Alan was instrumental


in building the Young Horse Development Series by spearheading changes that made it more vital and ap- pealing,” said top Canadian jumping athlete Beth Under-


She added, “He was in-


terested in Young Riders and the team events when Frankie was involved, and even when she wasn’t. He was so motivated to improve the sport. He would make


Continued on page 26


Name: Address: City: Prov.:


Phone Number:


Postal Code: Date:


P.O. Box 378, Fonthill, ON L0S 1E0 (905) 387-1900 • email: barry@therider.com 02/24


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43