SEPTEMBER 2023 THE RIDER /39 Learning From Lesson Horses


By Caleigh Copelin Do you remember your first les-


son horse? Was it a wizened old schoolmaster, retired from his horse- show days who patiently taught you how to post the trot and pick a hoof? Or maybe it was a scruffy little pony whose most important lesson was teaching you to keep your palm flat when giving treats! Whether you ask a trail rider out west or a grand prix showjumper at an international com- petition, every equestrian has fond stories to tell about the lesson horses that raised them. We know that lesson horses have


the power to make us feel safe, sup- ported, confident and empowered. But have you ever wondered how our les- son horses feel about their lives? Dr. Katrina Merkies and graduate student Caleigh Copelin from the Department of Animal Biosciences at the Univer- sity of Guelph are conducting a re- search study to investigate just that. The goal of this study is to iden-


tify management practices (such as housing style and workload) that can help lesson horses thrive with the unique work they are asked to do. Making sure that lesson horses remain as happy and stress-free as possible will contribute to the longevity of these horses and the sustainability of the riding lesson industry as a whole. The first step of this study is a


Canada-wide survey to collect infor- mation about the common manage- ment practices of Canadian riding


lesson facilities. Lesson facility own- ers, managers or head coaches are in- vited to complete the survey for their chance to win 1 of 3 $75 gift cards to Greenhawk Equestrian Sport. Visit https://uoguelph.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/f orm/SV_bmDNdmdReKNEo3s to ac- cess the survey. This project has support from


the Ontario Ministry of Food, Agricul- ture and Rural Affairs, Equine Guelph and other stakeholders including Equestrian Canada and Ontario Equestrian. Helen Richardson, project lead of Ontario Equestrian’s Stables Program says, “Ontario Equestrian is proud to support the research being undertaken by Caleigh Copelin under the guidance of Dr. Merkies. The re- search being gathered through their


survey will inform where there are knowledge-to-practice gaps in the equestrian riding school community and assist us in developing educa- tional and outreach programs to fill those gaps. For Ontario Equestrian, and our member stables, the results from this project will help us to under- stand and develop the tools, resources and supports that our rid- ing schools and facilities need to ensure a high quality of life for those equines vital to the grass- roots education of so many participants in our industry.” The researchers are


also seeking volunteer lesson facilities located


The Jockey Club of Canada 50th Anniversary Race Presentations in Alberta


First run in 1976 at North-


lands Park, the Grade 3 Canadian Derby has long been an important fixture on the Thoroughbred racing calendar in western Canada, first achieving graded status in 1999. While being contested at North- lands, the distance of the race was 1 3/8 miles, which was shortened to 1 ¼ miles in 2019 when it moved to Century Mile Racetrack & Casino. The Canadian Derby has lived up to its name


over the years, having been won by horses bred from British Columbia to Quebec and each province in between. Outstanding Canadian-breds which have captured the race include Frost King, Let’s Go Blue, and Steady Power, along with many others bred, trained, or raced by Jockey Club of Canada members. Fittingly, the inaugural running of the Derby


was won by Laissez Passer, who was bred in On- tario by the great E. P. Taylor and owned by Jean- Louis Levesque. Mr. Taylor was instrumental in founding The Jockey Club of Canada 50 years ago and would serve as its first Chief Steward, chairing the board from 1973 to 1976, while Mr. Levesque was one of the founding members. Our current membership roster includes Albertans Hazel Ben- nett and Michael Vanin, who are new to our Board of Stewards in 2023, along with Don Danard, Keith Johns, Adrian Munro, Paul Ryneveld, Michael Secker, and Dr. Steven Smith. First opened in 1982, Evergreen Park in


Grande Prairie is an integral part of the racing scene in Alberta. Not just a racetrack, the facility plays host to a multitude of other events through- out the year, and is one of the province’s largest multi-purpose venues. Another longstanding fixture in the province


is the Alberta Breeders’ Fall Classic, which is cel- ebrating its 27th edition with this year’s running at Century Downs Racetrack & Casino. It is the richest day for Alberta-bred thoroughbreds, offer- ing seven restricted races worth a total of $350,000. The Jockey Club of Canada is proud to join


the festivities of the 47th running of the Grade 3 Canadian Derby, the final day of racing at Ever- green Park, and Alberta Breeders’ Fall Classic day with our presentations of a commemorative cooler to the winner of the Jockey Club of Canada 50th Anniversary Cup races at each track. The Jockey Club of Canada was founded in 1973 by E.P. Taylor to serve as the international


www.ontarioequinecremationservices.ca


Craig Hunter and Family and Staff clearblufarms@bellnet.ca


representative of the Canadian Thor- oughbred industry. The mission of The Jockey Club of Canada is to pro- mote and maintain a high standard for Thoroughbred racing and breed- ing in Canada at a level which is rec- ognized internationally for the benefit of all those interested in the sport, including the general public. This is achieved through operations


and services such as, but not limited to: evaluating all Graded, Listed and Black-type races in Canada annually; conducting the annual Sovereign Awards for outstanding achievement in Thoroughbred racing and breeding in Canada; maintaining a field office in Canada for the Jockey Club of the United States and the Jockey Club Registry Service; and by represent- ing Canada as a Member of the IFHA.


Impeccably maintained, all 10 acres useable, Hobby farm, situ- ated in an enviable location. Only 13 km south to Hwy 407, or a few minutes north to Uxbridge where you have all the box stores & shopping you would need. Few properties have 600 ft of frontage. Lots of elbow room here. A 3+ Bedroom, open concept home with large field stone fireplace, vaulted ceilings. A radiant propane heated 32x48ft shop with 100 Amp hydro. Heated 7 box stall barn w/water/hydro, feed and tack room, plus approx 600 bale loft. A fenced 120x240ft (approx)riding ring with 4 light posts for night riding, 60 ft round pen, several paddocks, and DI- RECT ACCESS to thousands of acres of riding/walking trails. Satellite internet avail. Whether you are a horse person or not, this property is not to be missed.**** EXTRAS **** Aluminum shingle roof 2020, propane furnace & air conditioner 2022, approx 80 ft drilled well with submersible pump 2020. (32774925) $2,399,900


Nancy Payne Sales Representative,


Direct (905) 960-4161, E: nancygpayne@gmail.com


Century 21 Heritage Group Ltd., Brokerage 100-17035 Yonge St., Newmarket, ON L3Y 5Y1


Your horse has given you a lifetime of love and it is hard to walk away when the time has come to say goodbye


Honouring the life of your horse.


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Let the staff at Ontario Equine Cremation Services provide you with individual equine cremation.


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Servicing all of Ontario Government Licensed


1.888.668.2989 519.268.2989


within three hours of Guelph, Ontario for on-farm assessments of riding lesson horses. These assessments will not impact the day-to- day operations of your busi-


ness and volunteer facilities will receive a $100 honorar- ium for their time. For more information


about the project or to vol- unteer your facility, please


contact the research team: Dr. Katrina Merkies – kmerkies@uoguelph.ca Caleigh Copelin – ccopelin@uoguelph.ca


FOR SALE: 517 ALLBRIGHT RD, Uxbridge, Ontario L9P 1R4


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