38/ FEBRUARY 2026 THE RIDER


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Ontario Collegiate Equestrian Association News


By Jenna Bavota, OCEA Presi- dent


The Ontario Collegiate


Equestrian Association (OCEA) allows students to continue competing in hunter equitation during their time in university or college. The OCEA currently in- cludes teams made up of stu- dents from over eighteen schools divided into four zones. The organization is fully run by student and alumni volunteers making up the Board of Direc- tors and individual zone execu- tives. The competitions are Ontario Equestrian sanctioned and catch riding based with


scription as well as a chance to watch a warmup rider complete the course before mounting up for their own ride. The OCEA welcomes riders with only a few months of riding experience up to seasoned show veterans. OCEA shows are divided into 4 divisions; Open at 2’9”, inter- mediate at 2’6”, novice at 2’3” and entry at 2’0”. More infor- mation about divisions and eli- gibility are available on the website: Ontariocea.com. The OCEA is happy to welcome new teams. If you are interested in starting a team at your On- tario post-secondary institution


Brant County


horses kindly donated to the show by the community. At each show, riders are randomly assigned two horses to ride; one for the under saddle class and one for the over fences class. Riders get a written horse de-


please reach out to our Zone Support Coordinator at zs.ontar- iocea@gmail.com The OCEA highly values


community and volunteerism while encouraging good horse welfare practices and continual


learning about the sport. The Board of Directors is excited to be starting “OCEA Unbridled Learning”. A free webinar series to allow students and supporters to learn from professionals in the equine industry. The first webinar, “Tipperary Helmet and


Vest Safety” will be given by Laura Qusen, Chief Operating Officer of Tipperary at 7PM on March 1st, 2026. Every year, top riders from


Erin, East Garafraxa, Caledon & Surrounding Areas


1-800-268-2455 (519) 939-SELL (7355) E: jguagliardi@royallepage.ca jacquelineguagliardi.com


each zone are invited to com- pete at OCEA finals. This two- day event will be held at Ancaster fairgrounds March 28- 29, 2026. With the theme Lights, Camera, Canter: OCEA Finals meets Hollywood glam, teams are sure to turn out cov- ered in sparkle and excited to represent their school. Finals, like most OCEA shows, relies heavily on the kindness of horse donors. If you are interested in offering your horse for donation to an OCEA show in Ontario please send a message to the OCEA Horse Welfare Coordina- tors


at Harnessing


Country Living For You


hw.ontariocea@gmail.com. Do- nating your horse includes no cost to you and the OCEA will organise transportation or reim- burse for shipping your horse to a show. The OCEA appreciates and


Erin, East Garafraxa, Caledon & Surrounding Areas


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relies on outside community support, but the community cre- ated within the organization be- tween riders and teams is particularly special. Riders show up bright and early in freezing weather to support each other and share in their love of the equestrian sport. OCEA shows regularly include riders dressed up for a theme and loudly cheering on their team- mates after a great round. The OCEA is so thankful to the ven- ues, horse donors, sponsors and officials who continue to make this organization possible. OCEA Finals is open to specta- tors from the public if you’d like to come experience the magic of an OCEA show.


Photo credits to Madeline Ball Photography


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