OCTOBER 2022 THE RIDER /3


Canadian Equestrian Sport Organizations Unite To Tout The Benefits Of Riding At Any Age


#RideForLife Awareness campaign outlines how a lifelong relationship with horses is good


for heart, mind, body, and soul


Ottawa, ON, Aug. 30, 2022 – After two years living under the stresses of a global pandemic, adults and children alike have looked for ways to reengage in ac- tivities and in some cases, start new ones. Equestrian Canada (EC) and the eleven provincial and territorial equestrian sport organiza- tions across the country are uniting for an awareness campaign to share their love of horses and the benefits of riding with Canadians in hopes of growing the sport for now and the future. The equestrian indus-


try faced its own levels of challenges over this time with reduction in competi- tions, in-person events, and riding schools having had to stop lessons during the peak


of the waves. Equestrians already engaged in the com- munity have flocked back in almost pre-pandemic rates, but for a sport already in de- cline, the industry is still try- ing to recover. EC as the national federation working together with their provin- cial and territorial partners believe there is plenty of room for growth. Long known as spe-


cial companions, horses offer a unique way to partic- ipate in a lifelong activity that has a plethora of bene- fits to a person’s wellbeing. As part of the campaign called “Ride for Life”, horses are featured with their human counterparts explaining each of the spe- cial benefits that the entire experience of interacting with horses brings. “Recreation and all


sports involving horses are incredible activities you can enjoy throughout your life,” says EC Chief Executive Officer Meg Krueger. “We have Canadians competing at the high levels of eques-


trian sport into their sixties. But we have seen a decline in interest over the past decade, even before the pan- demic. We want to encour- age Canadians to experience what equestrians know is an enjoyable and rewarding ac- tivity that is highly benefi- cial to overall health and well-being.” There can be concerns


that the cost to ride keeps it unattainable. However, studies have shown that get- ting into the sport of horse back riding is not as expen- sive as some might think and there are ways to ride on a budget. Comparisons to a vari-


ety of activities show the cost of getting into riding to be comparable to learning to play tennis and somewhat less than starting to play hockey. There are also ways to reduce the expense, in- cluding some barns offering those needing a break on cost to trade chores for dis- counted lessons and time in the saddle. Many social media boards offer used


clothing and equipment. Local charities like commu- nity foundations and na- tional organizations like Canadian Tire’s Jumpstart program support families that need financial assis- tance to get into a sport or physical activity like riding. But those that consider


themselves equestrians – or ‘horse people’ – will tell you that once you fall in love with horses, you don’t need convincing of the afford- ability or all the benefits of riding. You’ll be set and will find a way to #RideForLife! In addition to the longevity, being with horses regularly can offer a life full of good mental, physical and spiri- tual health, too. The benefits being


highlighted include: • Having a teammate that accepts you as you are. Be- cause horses are special be- ings that you can create a connection with and a friend and partner that will never judge you. • Experiencing smiles for days. As spending time with


horses is proven to stimulate the hormone Serotonin and offers feelings of increased well-being. • Getting a boost of confi- dence. Working with and spending time


around


horses develops confidence, work ethic, and a sense of responsibility. • Feeding your soul. Work- ing with horses means inter- acting with an animal that you have to communicate together without words. It takes patience, kindness and understanding. • Offering core benefits. Riding positions build ex- cellent core strength, im- prove posture,


increase


spine health, and enhance leg muscle tone. • Teaching problem solving. Riding offers the chance to break down communication barriers, surpass physical challenges and overcome obstacles. • With so many reasons, there is one that cannot be described. A uniting factor across the industry, it is sim- ply described as a love of


horses. What starts out for some on a rocking horse, during a trail ride, or a visit to a friend’s farm, it be- comes an acronym phenom- enon IYKYK – if you know, you know. That’s what EC and its partners believe this campaign is all about; wel- coming new participants into the know. EC and its equestrian


sport organization partners in British Columbia, Al- berta, Saskatchewan, Mani- toba, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, New- foundland and Labrador, and Yukon encourage any- one interested in learning more to engage with their local association. • Horse Council British Co- lumbia - https://hcbc.ca/ • Alberta Equestrian Feder- ation - https://www.albertae- questrian.com/ • Saskatchewan Horse Fed- eration


-


https://saskhorse.ca/ • Manitoba Horse Council - https://manitobahorsecoun- cil.ca/


• Ontario Equestrian - https://ontarioequestrian.ca/ • Cheval Québec


-


https://www.cheval.quebec/ • New Brunswick Eques- trian Association


-


https://nbea.ca/ • Prince Edward Island Horse Council - https://is- landhorsecouncil.ca/ • Nova Scotia Equestrian Federation - https://horsen- ovascotia.ca/ • Newfoundland


and


Labrador Equestrian Asso- ciation - http://equestri- annl.ca/index.html • Equine Association of Yukon


-


https://equineyukon.wee- bly.com/


Andrea Pease considers equine well being a priority at Glenaura Farm. The farm has a private, quiet atmosphere where horses can live out their days with plenty of room to roam in a more natural herd environment.


This 24-year-old arrived on July 29th and immediately went on a Brooks feeding program of “Senior” and Equi-Jewel.


In just a month with good pasture and Brooks Feeds he has already made amazing progress.


Brooks “Senior” is a calorie dense formula with added fat, lots of fibre and health maintaining minerals and vitamins. “Senior” is an excellent choice for your long-time equine buddy or for conditioning a recovering or neglected older horse. Equi-Jewel and/or Flax Appeal add that extra boost in calories and conditioning.


Thanks to Andrea Pease for sharing the photos and choosing Brooks at Glenaura Farm.


www.glenaurafarm.com


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