28/ NOVEMBER 2023 THE RIDER New Study Provides Insights Into The Socio-Economic Impact Of The Canadian Equine Sector


Ottawa, ON, Sept. 14, 2023 – The Canadian equine sec- tor contributes over $8.7 bil- lion to Canada’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), while also benefitting Cana- dians and the environment, a recent report from Eques- trian Canada (EC) has found. EC collaborated with


Wilton Consulting Group (WCG) and Serecon to ex- amine the socio-economic impact of the sector. The consultants conducted an environmental scan, com- pleted 40 key informant in- terviews, and surveyed over 4,200 people involved in the equine


sector across


Canada. Serecon created a model to analyze the eco- nomic impacts of the sector. An Advisory Committee provided additional insights into findings and supported


with sector engagement. “We are thankful to


everyone in the equine sec- tor who shared their insights for this project,” says Dr. Bronwynne Wilton,


the


Principal and Lead Consult- ant at WCG. “Horses bene- fit our health and wellbeing, and some organizations and equine facilities across Canada use innovative strategies to attract and re- tain participants. The sector should continue to build on these efforts to ensure that everyone – regardless of in- come, race, ethnicity, or lo- cation – can participate in equine activities.” The sector has a signif-


icant impact on the Cana- dian economy. For example, • Nationally, Canadians spend more than $8.3 billion on equine keeping, • The equine sector con-


tributed over 70,000 full- time equivalent jobs in 2022, and • Larger equine sport venues can serve as economic driv- ers in rural communities. The report highlights


the benefits of horses for people. Equines can con- tribute to positive health benefits, and 96% of survey respondents


agreed or


strongly agreed that interac- tion with horses contributes to human health and well- being. Participation in sector activities can put children and youth on a positive course towards lifelong healthy habits. In 2021, the report es-


timates that Canada had over 509,000 equines. Over 155,000 acres of land are used for equine facilities, farms, and/or


ranches. These businesses often


serve buffering roles, in- creasing urban residents’ awareness of normal farm- ing activities. The report identifies


the challenges and risks that the sector faces, and high- lights opportunities for the sector


to leverage its


strengths. The report also presents the following rec- ommendations:


1. Develop a plan to conduct a regular ‘census’ and eco- nomic impact study of the Canadian equine herd. • Explore opportunities to work with academic part- ners such as the University of Guelph or Olds College to develop a standardized survey that could be de- ployed every five years. 2. Lead opportunities to im- prove inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility


(IDEA) in the Canadian equine sector. • Host a series of dialogues with Provincial/Territorial Sport


(PTSOs) to determine op- portunities


IDEA in the Canadian equine sector. • Initiate a brainstorming workshop with the Cana- dian Therapeutic Riding As- sociation (CanTRA)


to


identify opportunities for collaboration on cross-pro- motion and IDEA initia- tives. 3. Collaborate with the PTSOs to support grassroots initiatives and youth partic- ipation to grow the love for equine sports and activities amongst Canadians. • Support programs includ- ing the Canadian Pony Club, 4-H, and other youth- oriented opportunities.


Organizations to improve


4. Continue to work with multiple levels of govern- ment to ensure the classifi- cation of equines and equine barns as an active compo- nent of the Canadian agri- cultural industry. • Ensure equine operations can access relevant govern- ment programs for the agri- cultural


industry (e.g.,


Business Risk Management programs, environmental sustainability


programs,


etc.). 5. Conduct a follow-up study to better understand the current state of the Canadian equestrian compe- tition landscape, and to identify opportunities to strengthen the vibrancy and resiliency of this landscape. • Engage with a diversity of individual and organizations involved in planning, devel- oping, hosting, and officiat-


ing equestrian competitions across Canada. 6. Continue to champion in- creased traceability of equines within Canada to support biosecurity, and ac- curate and up-to-date popu- lation figures. • Learn from the experi- ences of other livestock sec- tors.


“Thanks to support


from Heritage Canada, the great work from Wilton and Serecon and the significant input from diverse and au- thentic perspectives from across the Canadian equine sector, we were able to glean vital


information


about the scope and impact of the industry,” said EC CEO Meg Krueger. “It has provided us and everyone in the equestrian community


Continued on Page 31 American Saddlebred Horse Association on Ontario News


By Leslie Hudson President, ASHA of Ontario It has been a busy


summer and fall as shows and fairs are regaining trac- tion since the province re- opened. This season saw


the return of the Golden Horseshoe Championship Horse Show and the Ontario Show Horse Classic. The Golden Horseshoe show was well attended with 7-8 entries in the Open English


Show Pleasure under saddle classes. Unfortunately, the Show Horse Classic was not supported well with Saddle- bred entries. I personally feel like most shows in On- tario are going to have to discontinue breed specific classes and have more open breed classes if they want to see more numbers, and they are going to have to get more creative in terms of ways to entice exhibitors. Zones 1/2 have held


two very successful virtual shows again this year with entries for the third and final show due October 29th at 11:59 pm. They offer a va- riety of classes from dres- sage tests


to English


they won CSHA Junior Championship at the show hosted by Ashland Farm.


Breeder Lianne Picard showing half saddlebred weanling Ray of Light for owner Robin Wulf -


Pleasure. Check out their Facebook page American Saddlebred Horses (ASB) –


Ontario for the list of classes and how to enter. It is a low stress, fun way to show your horses of all breeds! There were several op-


portunities this season to show a saddleseat horse as many fairs offered Open Breed Saddleseat or English Pleasure classes this year. With all saddleseat breeds having low numbers, this has proven a great option to attract more exhibitors. Some of the fairs offering open breed saddleseat classes were Norwood, Rockton, Perth and Orono. Other fairs like Lindsay and Richmond offered open breed (ASB, Morgan and Arab) classes that you could show hunt seat or saddle- seat. There were also fairs with open horse shows that


saw all types/breeds shown in your seat of choice. While nothing is quite


like a traditional Breed Sports Horse Show, it is still important to try to support the fairs if you can. In other news, this year


the Royal Winter Fair is once again hosting the Bat- tle of the Breeds November 9th, 10th and 11th during the evening performance. This exciting competition is by invitation only and will feature Morgans, Arabs, Dutch Harness and Saddle- breds showing under saddle in three classes with one horse earning the top honors for their breed. I am looking forward to seeing one of these performances and


cheering on the Saddlebreds!! The directors


are looking for vol- unteers to form a small committee to discuss ways to in- crease our mem- bership. There are saddlebred owners and enthusiasts out there who are not members yet and we want to know things we can im- prove on and offer to make member- ship worth having. As our numbers have declined, we have stopped our year-end high point awards, but we are


Leslie Hudson and her saddlebred La Belle Nocturne


considering revamping


them to offer something for all disciplines. If you are in- terested in joining this com- mittee or just have some ideas to share, please email ashaofontario@gmail.com to let us know! Finally,


as our


So Swank owned by RJ & PA Vansickle. Shown here as an ASB Pleasure driving horse, RJ Vansickle whip.


Sandra Wardell and her saddlebred Sheldon.


Halie Wagner and her saddlebred Sell Me A Rainbow at Roseneath Fair.


fundraiser this year, ASHA of Ontario is selling tickets on two great baskets – first prize is a treat basket full of goodies for human con- sumption and the second prize is a treat bucket full of goodies for equine con- sumption! Tickets are $5 each or purchase five tickets for $20! The winners will be drawn on November 10th at the Royal Winter Fair over Facebook Live. If you are interested in tickets, please send us a separate email let- ting us know the number of tickets you would like to purchase along with the name and contact number you would like on the ticket(s), as well as an e- transfer to secure your tick- ets. We will print and fill out the paper tickets and will send you a photo of your purchased tickets that will go directly into the draw! Looking forward to


Sell Me A Rainbow and Ruth Webster and her half saddlebred I’m No Trouble at Norwood Fair.


Halie Wagner and her saddlebred


Sienna Hudson and her saddlebred The Rose of Talisman at Roseneath Fair.


Chantal Lefleche and her saddlebred NYC Moonlight competing in Carriage Driving.


hearing some fresh ideas for the future of ASHA of On- tario!


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