16/ FEBRUARY 2026 THE RIDER


Ontario Reined Cow Horse Association ORCHA Sponsors Werner Bohner, President, 519-209-8196


Craig Black, Vice President, 519-874-1294


To promote the reined cow horse in Ontario through education, participation, and mentorship


Or visit us at our website: www.orcha.ca Ontario Reined Cow Horse Association News We’ve got an action


packed spring ahead for any- one eager to learn, grow, and get involved in the world of Reined Cow Horse. Things kick off on May 30 with a hands on clinic led by Greg Crispin and Craig Black—a perfect opportunity for riders who want to dip their boots into the Cow Horse class and build a solid foundation. Then, on June 27, we


Richards will be joining us to work with our more ad- vanced competitors, offering insight and techniques to help sharpen your show per- formance and elevate your horsemanship. We’re also putting to-


gether a Ranch Riding clinic this spring, adding even more chances to learn, prac- tice, and expand your skills. So come on down to


Capital of Ontario—where you can learn, compete, meet with fantastic people, and enjoy a whole lot of fun along the way. It’s shaping up to be a spring you won’t want to miss.


Calendar of Events: Shows - May 31, June 28, July 12, August 30 and Sep- tember 27


turn things up a notch. Jason Richmond—the Cowboy Clinics - May 30, June 27


Sponsor Spot- light:


Omega


Alpha Equine - “Effective supple- ments through sci- ence.”Our main priority is to opti- mize your horse’s health.


Conditioning the Racehorse – New Free Online Course for the Racing Industry


2026 Homesteader 2 horse straight load (white) $28,499


2026 Homesteader 3 horse slant load (black/silver) $31,499


Guelph, ON Jan. 28, 2026 - Equine Guelph is thrilled to announce the launch of its brand-new online course: Condi- tioning the Racehorse, offered FREE for AGCO licence holders and Stan- dardbred Canada mem- bers from February 23 – March 6, 2026. For other members of the racing community, the course is available for a tuition of $95.


Developed in direct


response to industry feed- back, this course translates conditioning principles into practical strategies for in- jury prevention and per- formance


enhancement.


Designed for trainers, assis- tant trainers, and grooms, the program explores how different body systems con- tribute to athletic ability and breaks down the latest re- search in exercise science into easy-to-apply concepts. Adding to the strength


2026 S&S 2 horse slant load with tack $18,499


2026 Dixie Star LQ 7' shortwall with slide out $65,499


RMK Trailers is proud to announce Exiss and Sooner brand trailers to the Ontario market. Already a world leader in trailer manufacturing, we will have the Full Line of products available in 2026!


Providing excellent quality at quantity pricing. RMK Trailers Sales has a full line of horse and livestock trailers available for purchase and pre order. A trailer to fit every need and budget. At RMK, we're behind you all the way.


Providing Excellent Quality S&S, Dixie Star Living Quarters, Homesteader Horse Trailers


30588 Zone Rd 8, Bothwell, ON


Ryan Kent: (519) 777-0783, rmktrailersales@outlook.com www.rmktrailers.com


of the first offering of Con- ditioning the Racehorse is Hall of Fame horseman Dr. Ian Moore, who will be the course instructor. A 1982 graduate of the Ontario Vet- erinary College, Moore has distinguished himself as both a practicing veterinar- ian and one of Canada’s most accomplished Stan- dardbred trainers, with over 700 training wins, more than $23 million in purse earnings, and over 15 O’Brien Awards. Named Canadian Trainer of the Year (2023 & 2025) and a three-time O’Brien Award recipient for Horsemanship. Moore’s colt Beau Jangles brought home the 2025 O’Brien award for Two- Year Old Pacing Colt and Canadian Horse of the Year. Moore brings an excep- tional blend of veterinary expertise and elite-level training experience to this


inaugural online course. “The Conditioning the


Racehorse course offers a unique opportunity to ex- plore evolving approaches to equine care and perform- ance,” says Equine Guelph director, Gayle Ecker. “Grounded in both long- standing experience and emerging research,


this


course empowers partici- pants to refine training methods that support horse welfare and optimize re- sults.”


What makes this course different? • Practical, evidence-based strategies for conditioning racehorses • Insights from respected trainers successfully inte- grating welfare-focused methods • Knowledge to help assess, plan, monitor, and adjust training programs for each horse’s unique needs • A flexible, online format designed for busy racing professionals


What You’ll Learn This isn’t a one-size-


fits-all manual—it’s about giving you the confidence and knowledge to make in- formed decisions that en- hance performance while safeguarding your horse’s wellbeing. Key topics in- clude:


Introduction to Condi- tioning • Functional Systems of the Horse – Explore how skeletal, muscular, car- diovascular, and respira- tory systems contribute to athletic ability • Conditioning Strategies for Each System – Prac- tical approaches


for


bones, soft tissue (ten- dons/ligaments),


and


muscles with interviews from experts in different


areas including bone devel- opment with Dr. Brian Nielsen, and respiratory health with Dr. Janet Beeler- Marfisi • Climate Considerations – Plan conditioning for differ- ent environments and with attention to how the horse regulates their temperature • Conditioning Young Horses – Special considera- tions for early training stages • Judicious use of medica- tions and bisphosphonate will be discussed and cau- tions surrounding off label products • Practical Applications – with insights into effective conditioning programs from top level trainers including Dr. Ian Moore


Free for AGCO licence


holders and Standardbred Canada members aged 16+. No prior online learning ex- perience required.


Register now at TheHorse- Portal.ca for Conditioning the Racehorse beginning February 23 – March 6, 2026. This initiative is made


possible thanks to the gener- ous support of Central On- tario


Standardbred


Association, The Horse- men’s Benevolent and Pro- tective Association, and Standardbred Canada.


Avon Feedmill Inc.


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