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Equine Canada and Endurance Canada wish to encourage you to support these businesses, which generate revenue for the Canadian Equestrian Teams.
Link
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February 1, 2012
Neurotropic Equine Herpes Virus-1 Found in Southern Ontario and California
Ottawa, ON — Equine Canada’s Health and Welfare Committee is notifying horse owners that Neurotropic Equine Herpes Virus-1 (EHV-1) has been confirmed in horses in Southern Ontario and California.
The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) has been notified of a confirmed case of Equine Herpes Myeloencephalopathy (EHM), caused by EHV-1, in Southern Ontario. A blood sample from a horse with severe neurological signs tested positive for EHV-1 in early January. The horse was euthanized after its condition deteriorated. Another horse with similar signs was euthanized in late December on a separate location, but unfortunately no samples were taken so the case could not be confirmed as EHV-1.
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January 16, 2012
Equine Canada Bronze Officials Subsidy Program Pil makes a difference to Competition Organizers
Ottawa, ON—The Equine Canada Competitions and Officials committees are pleased to announce the success of the second year of the Equine Canada Bronze Officials Subsidy Program Pilot.
With close to $6,000 awarded in 2011 to Bronze level competition organizers to assist them in securing licensed officials for their events; this is a program that has quickly made a significant difference to organizing clubs across the country. Overall over $12,000 has been awarded. By providing financial support evenly across this country and across all discipline and breed competitions, competitors have been assured of competing under the jurisdiction of highly trained and accredited judges and course designers at licensed competitions.
In 2011, 20 Bronze competitions representing the disciplines of hunter/jumper, endurance, driving, dressage, breed sports, reining, eventing, general performance and Pony Club in seven provinces received funding after undergoing an application process adjudicated by members of the Officials and Competitions committees.
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AKAASH RESPONDS TO KERRI McGREGOR:
Dear Kerri,
Thank you for your letter. I only regret that I am not able to properly express in words how much it meant to me.
It has been, in all sincerity, a genuine honour to work with you, both in your role as Chair of Sport Council and in your role as our Team leader. I was especially proud to stand beside you -- physically and metaphorically -- when our team was on the field of honour and the eyes of the world were upon Canada. Leaving EC was not easy for me, but it was made less difficult by the knowledge that you are still there, still standing up for our athletes and our team.
I think you know that one of my few passions that ranks alongside equestrianism is the desire to make a contribution to our country, to live up to the responsibility of citizenship of trying to make Canada a still better place. I was humbled to have made that effort alongside you and the entire community of EC volunteers, on committees, councils, and on the ground. It was not just that all our volunteers so generously give up their time, talents, and experience for the good of others; it was also because, in all our fractious diversity and even in the midst of all our struggles, I knew that I was always working with a group of people who were bound together by a fellowship and a sense of identity as equestrians that is older and more enduring than any nation.
I am not sure where the path ahead will lead me, but wherever it does, I will always look back on my time with the EC community with a deep sense of privilege that you were willing to regard me as one of you, and willing to repose your trust and confidence in me as CEO.
With best wishes,
Akaash
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10 January 2012
Akaash Maharaj Stands Down as CEO
of Equine Canada
It is with sincere regret that Equine Canada reports that Akaash Maharaj has announced his decision to stand down from his post as our Chief Executive Officer. Akaash accepted the position of CEO in 2008, stating that he would remain in the role for one quadrennial cycle.
"The years have rushed by faster than I could ever have imagined," said Akaash. "It has been a time of many joys and friendships, and leaving is more difficult than I had expected. In a life blessed beyond my deserts, one of my greatest privileges has been the opportunity to serve my country and my sport by helping to build Equine Canada into a national institution worthy of its name. But I feel as strongly today as I did when I began, that for any institution to progress, it must periodically rejuvenate itself with new leadership, new perspectives, and new blood."
Ridng off into the Sunset……
Dear Colleagues,
This is certainly one of the most difficult letters I have had to compose since Equine Canada did me the honour of inviting me to serve as Chief Executive Officer.
I am writing to let you know that I am standing down as CEO of our federation.
AKAASH MAHARAJ STEPPING DOWN AS CEO
OF EQUINE CANADA
(Message from Kerri on behalf of Sport Council
and the CET)
Dear Akaash,
It is with great sadness that I learned of your departure from Equine Canada.
I know that I can speak with confidence on behalf of Sport Council and the Canadian Equestrian Team when I say that your contributions to the organization and equestrian sport have made a significant positive impact that will endure for a long time to come.
Your hard work and commitment is very much appreciated.
But more than that, you represented our organization and sport with an unparalleled level of grace, sincerity, eloquence and style - and were often the calm voice of reason in a sometimes turbulent& fractious environment.
You not only helped to raise the visibility of Equine Canada, both nationally amongst our membership& sport partners as well as internationally with our fellow equestrian federations and the FEI, you did so by instilling a sense of pride in our organization and a sense of empowerment to the volunteers who so diligently work on its behalf. I know that many will consider it an honour to have worked with you during your years at Equine Canada, and I count myself among them.
I look forward to hearing of your future exploits and adventures, and thank you sincerely for the vast amount you have given us in such a short time. You will be greatly missed.
Sincerely,
Kerri McGregor
Chair - Sport Council
Team Leader - Canadian Equestrian Team
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January 9, 2012
Ottawa, ON—Voting is now underway for the 2012 Equine Canada Director-at-Large election. Members of Equine Canada in good standing are eligible to vote for the Director-at-Large position, provided that individual is 18 years-of-age or older in the year of election.
All 2011 Equine Canada Sport License holders and 2011 senior members of the Ontario Equestrian Federation, Manitoba Horse Council, New Brunswick Equestrian Association, Equine Association of Yukon and the Canadian Warmblood Horse Breeders Association are eligible to cast one ballot.
To vote, members must visit the Equine Canada website at www.equinecanada.ca and login using their Equine Canada username a password to register to vote and immediately complete the voting process. If a member does not have a personalized Equine Canada username and password to logon, they will need to complete the online self-registration form at http://bit.ly/wAGL4h and login information will be provided.
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CONVENTION REMINDER!!!!!
“Come from Away” to St. John’s Newfoundland for the 2012 Equine Canada Annual Convention!
The 2012 Equine Canada Annual Convention is set for February 1–6, 2012 in St. John’s, Newfoundland.
Members of the equestrian community from across Canada are invited to participate in a selection of meetings and clinics tailored to address the unique needs of participants involved in equestrian sport, recreation and industry.
Although known as "the rock" for its rugged terrain, Newfoundland is home to some of Canada's friendliest souls, and of course, the Newfoundland pony! With a perfect blend of rustic scenery, eastern coast hospitality, rich history and small town feel, convention attendees will have the opportunity to benefit from their convention participation while discovering this special piece of Canada.
The convention will also play host to the 2012 Equine Canada Awards Gala which consists of an evening of fine dining and entertainment in honour of the successes of 2011. Awards presented include Equine Canada's coveted Equestrian of the Year, Junior Equestrian of the Year, Volunteer of the Year and Equine Canada Media Award to name a few.
Please visit the Equine Canada convention pages to learn more about the offerings of this year’s convention. While there take a moment to register and book your hotel room! A special discounted rate of $119/night has been secured at the Sheraton Hotel Newfoundland until January 14th only.
Wendy Gayfer. Program Coordinator, Non Olympic FEI Disciplines
613-248-3433, ext. 125 1-866-282-8395, ext. 125
Fax 613-248-3484 wgayfer@equinecanada.ca
The Equine Canada office will be closed from Dec. 23 – January 3. Have a safe and happy holiday.
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December 3, 2011
Ariel MacLeod to Represent Canada at the FEI World Endurance
Junior & Young Rider in Abu Dhabi
Ottawa, ON— Ariel MacLeod of Montney, BC, will represent Canada at the FEI World Endurance Junior & Young Rider Championship, which will take place on December 10 in Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi, in the United Arab Emirates.
MacLeod, 17, will ride Cairos Summer Romance, a Canadian-bred nine-year-old black Anglo-Arab mare owned by MacLeod’s mother Tara Macleod, over the 120 km race. With 129 competitors representing 33 nations, this CH-M-E-JYR 4* competition is certainly a premier international event on the endurance circuit.
“My goal is to take it easy during the first couple of loops,” said MacLeod, of her plans with her home-bred partner. “If everything goes according to plan, we will kick it up for the last few loops if Summer feels like she has some spunk.”
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November 19, 2011
Canadian-bred Horses and Canadian Breeders to be Honoured by Equine Canada
Ottawa, ON—Equine Canada is pleased to announce the addition of two new national awards for 2011 — Canadian-bred Horse of the Year and Breeder of the Year.
The Canadian-bred Horse of the Year award will be presented to the breeder or owner of a horse who has raised the profile of Canadian-bred horses with exceptional competition results. To be eligible, the horse must be foaled in Canada and registered with any of Equine Canada’s member breed associations. The award is also eligible to an outstanding sire whose offspring have accumulated national and international victories.
The Breeder of the Year award will recognize a Canadian breeder for their contribution to the quality of Canadian-bred horses. Nominees must be members of an Equine Canada breed association.
These new national awards are in addition to Equine Canada’s annual awards which are
The deadline for these two new awards is December 16, 2011 at 4:00 p.m. EST. A reminder that the nomination deadline for the remaining national awards is November 25, 2011. It is important to nominate those you feel are worthy of such recognition.
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Endurance Participation in Equine Canada’s
Horse Maintenance Program (HMP)
Equine Canada’s Horse Maintenance Program (HMP) is to encourage owners of international caliber horses to make them available to the Canadian Equestrian Team. Only owners (or person incurring the expenditures) of passported, registered (FEI) horses are eligible to apply for participation in the HMP.
The HMP allows for the issuing of a Equine Canada tax receipt for the actual paid expenses, less $2000 (the basic cost of maintaining a horse) for the owners (or person who incurred the costs). The fee for participating in the program is $315. Details/application forms can be found on the Equine Canada website and are attached here for your information – related FAQs below.
Endurance has 20 spaces available for HMP. Those horses who nominated for international events in 2011, and who were subsequently ranked, will have priority. In the following order:
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November 6, 2011

Equine Canada Extends Condolences on the Passing of Hickstead
Ottawa, ON— Equine Canada and the Canadian Equestrian Team extend our heartfelt condolences to Eric Lamaze and Torrey Pines Stables, the Fleischhacker family and Ashland Stables, and long-time groom, Delphine Roustan, on the sudden passing away of their stallion Hickstead.
“Hickstead and Eric have been one of equestrianism’s most legendary partnerships,” said Akaash Maharaj, CEO of Equine Canada and the Canadian Equestrian Team. “Our team, our sport and our country grieve with Eric, Delphine and the Fleischhacker family on the passing of one of Canada’s greatest equine heroes.”
Together, Hickstead and Lamaze brought Canada gold and silver medals at the 2008 Olympic Games, won a vast array of titles and championships and topped the global rankings.
Hickstead passed away shortly after completing the course at the Rolex FEI World Cup in Verona, Italy. Out of respect for Hickstead, riders from across the world entered the ring dismounted and immediately cancelled the class.
“We will always be grateful for the time and triumphs we all shared with Hickstead,” said Maharaj. “We know that generations of future equestrians will draw inspiration from his life.”
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November 3, 2011
Input to Canada’s New Equine Code of Practice — Stakeholders Urged to Complete Second Survey
Ottawa, ON – The National Farm Animal Care Council (NFACC) is conducting a second survey to gain further stakeholder input as it revises Canada’s official Equine Code of Practice which serves as our national understanding of equine care requirements and recommended best practices.
NFACC is overseeing a multi-year project to renew the Codes of Practice for several farm animal species, including equine. Each species has a lead organization responsible for facilitating their individual Code’s development. For equine, it’s Equine Canada.
The Equine Code of Practice will be scientifically informed, practical, and reflect societal expectations for farm animal care thanks to a Code Development Committee which brings together a broad range of expertise and industry knowledge. The Committee is also seeking stakeholder input through national surveys. This survey is the second to be conducted for equine.
“Stakeholder input is critical to the renewal process,” explains Jack de Wit, Chair of the Equine Code of Practice Committee and member of Equine Canada’s Board of Directors. “We strongly encourage all those involved in our sport and industry to provide input through this survey.”
To complete this 10 minute survey, go to www.nfacc.ca/codes-of-practice/equine and click on survey.
More information on the Code development process and progress on the various Codes under development, including Equine, are available from NFACC’s website www.nfacc.ca.
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October 27, 2011
Equine Canada Announces Partnership with Boehringer Ingelheim
Ottawa, ON — Equine Canada is pleased to announce a new partnership with Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada) Ltd. Through this new multi-year sponsorship, Boehringer Ingelheim now has the designation, “Preferred Vaccine Supplier of Equine Canada and the Canadian Equestrian Team.”
Boehringer Ingelheim, a family-owned company based in Ingelheim, Germany with a strong Canadian presence in Burlington, Ontario, has a long history of developing and manufacturing industry-leading animal health vaccines.
“We are thrilled to be working with Equine Canada and look forward to a very productive partnership. Helping prevent disease in the nation’s equestrian athletes is of paramount interest to Boehringer Ingelheim and we look forward to helping Equine Canada’s horse owners and their veterinarians in these efforts”, says Jennifer Verhulst-Loch, Equine Product Manager for Boehringer Ingelheim.
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FEI Press Release
PAN-AMERICAN ENDURANCE CHAMPIONSHIPS 2011 - Santo Domingo, Chile
24 Oct 2011
DOUBLE-GOLD FOR URUGUAY AND CHILE AT PAN-AMERICAN ENDURANCE CHAMPIONSHIPS by Louise Parkes
Endurance riders from Uruguay claimed Team and Individual gold in the Senior division, while the host nation of Chile dominated the Young Riders classes at the 2011 Pan-American Endurance Championships staged in Santo Domingo (CHI) last weekend. Bernardo Algorta registered an impressive average speed of 20 kilometres an hour with his horse, Cacique, to take the Senior title for Uruguay, while Chile's Sebastian Taverne and Eclipse covered the challenging course at an average of 19.73 kmh to secure the Young Rider honours.
Attention to detail in the preparation of the venue and facilities in Santo Domingo drew high praise for the Organising Committee from competitors, officials, supporters and spectators alike. But the highest accolade of all was heaped on by Chile's President, Sebastian Pinera, who attended the event and said that it provided "a great boost to Chile and to South America in general".
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News from the ‘Other’ Pan Ams! (going on in Mexico!) Yeah, Canada!
Mike Gallagher, President of Equine Canada
So I am home now and you all probably heard the news that we won the Team Silver behind a very strong US Team who deserved their win. Jessica won the Gold Individual medal for Canada with Rebecca and James coming 6th and 7th. Superb win for Canada and prevented a 1,2,3 American finish as we saw at the last Pan Ams and as we saw at this Pan Ams in Dressage. Jessica's medal was the first individual Pan Am medal we have won in Eventing in 40 years so an historical achievement. Last Pan Am medal was Clint Banbury in 1971 in Columbia with a Silver. (we did win at the alternate games in 1991 but it was not a Pan Am Games medal)
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October 23, 2011
Individual Gold and Team Silver for Canadian Eventing at Pan Am Games
Guadalajara, Mexico – Jessica Phoenix of Uxbridge, ON, claimed the Individual Gold medal and led Canada to Team Silver in Eventing at the XVI Pan American Games on Sunday, October 23, in Guadalajara, Mexico.
Phoenix, 28, led the three-phase Eventing competition from start to finish. On Friday, Phoenix earned a score of 43.90 penalty points in the opening phase of dressage. On Saturday, Phoenix added nothing to her score, completing the cross-country with no jumping faults and stopping the clock two seconds under the optimum time allowed of nine minutes and 30 seconds. In Sunday’s final phase of show jumping, Phoenix jumped clear to lead Canada to the Team Silver before returning to the stadium at Guadalajara’s Club Hípica to once again jump clear and claim the Individual Gold medal.
“This seems surreal,” said Phoenix, smiling from ear to ear. “This is a dream come true. None of us would be here without the team of people that we have behind us, from our coaches to our support staff to our families at home who are probably both cheering and crying right now.”
Phoenix’s partner is Pavarotti, a nine-year-old Westphalian gelding owned by Don J. Good of New Hamburg, ON, who was in Guadalajara to witness the gold medal victory.
“I have to thank Don Good,” said Phoenix. “I love this horse, and I am so excited for his future.”
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October 21, 2011
GPA Sport Continues Support of the Canadian Equestrian Team
Ottawa, Ontario—Equine Canada and the Canadian Equestrian Team (CET) are pleased to announce GPA as the Official Riding Helmet of the Canadian Equestrian Team.
GPA helmets are known world-wide for their visionary design, exceptional safety standards and commitment to rider comfort. Drawing on their know-how and expertise acquired in the car racing world, GPA was the first European manufacturer to put approved riding helmets on the market, even before the standard was made mandatory Europe-wide. GPA initially concentrated on show jumping, but soon widened its range to cover all the equestrian sports.
“Equine Canada is proud to be in partnership with GPA, a leading provider of equestrian helmets around the world,” said Equine Canada Chief Operating Officer, Craig Andreas. “We are pleased that GPA is contributing to the achievements of our high performance athletes and the future aspiration of all team members.”
The partnership between GPA and the CET is a natural fit as each sets the bar for international standards of excellence. Look for our CET athletes sporting their fashionable and functional helmets at competition near you.
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ENDURANCE CANADA CONGRATULATES OUR CANADIAN DRESSAGE TEAM!!!
October 20, 2011
Canadians Place Fourth, Fifth and Seventh in Pan Am Individual Dressage Final
Guadalajara, Mexico — Canadian Dressage Team members Tom Dvorak of Hillsburgh, ON, Tina Irwin of Stouffville, ON, and Crystal Kroetch of Calgary, AB, placed fourth, fifth and seventh respectively in the Individual Dressage Final held Wednesday, October 19, at the XVI Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico.
With American competitors sweeping all three individual medals, Dvorak, Irwin and Kroetch challenged the podium from a starting field of 47 competitors representing 14 nations.
Canada’s youngest team member, 30-year-old Irwin, was the first to enter the arena at the Guadalajara Country Club. Riding Winston, a 14-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding owned by Mary Ellen Horgan, Irwin performed to a medley of popular songs from the 80’s, including ‘What a Feeling’ from Flashdance and ‘Life Is Life’ by Noah and the Whale. Winston showed his maturity and consistency with a flawless and expressive performance that earned a score of 77.225% for Irwin.
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October 17, 2011
Call for Nominations—Equine Canada Election Director-at-Large for 2012
Ottawa, ON—Equine Canada is a non-profit organization, committed to represent, promote, and develop a unified and diverse Canadian Equine Community.
Each year the Equine Canada Nominations Committee has the responsibility of presenting a slate of candidates to the membership for the election of a Director-at-large. The Committee is composed of a Chair who is appointed by the Board of Directors, and one member from each of the four Equine Canada division councils.
The Nominations Committee is seeking candidates who possess passion and drive to work with other committed volunteer board members to build and enhance equine activities (sport, industry and recreation) in Canada on our Policy Governance Board. The Board of Directors meets twice a year face-to-face and monthly via conference calls.
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October 4, 2011
“Come from Away” to the 2012 Equine Canada Annual Convention!
Ottawa, ON — The 2012 Equine Canada Annual Convention is set for February 1–6, 2012 in St. John’s, Newfoundland.
Members of the equestrian community from across Canada are invited to participate in a selection of meetings and clinics tailored to address the unique needs of participants involved in equestrian sport, recreation and industry.
Although known as "the rock" for its rugged terrain, Newfoundland is home to some of Canada's friendliest souls, and of course, the Newfoundland pony! With a perfect blend of rustic scenery, eastern coast hospitality, rich history and small town feel, convention attendees will have the opportunity to benefit from their convention participation while discovering this special a piece of Canada.
The convention will also play host to the 2012 Equine Canada Awards Gala which consists of an evening of fine dining and entertainment in honour of the successes of 2011. Awards presented include Equine Canada's coveted Equestrian of the Year, Junior Equestrian of the Year, Volunteer of the Year and Equine Canada Media Award to name a few.
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August 29, 2011
New 2010 Equine Industry Released by Equine Canada — Most Comprehensive Equine Industry Study Available in Canada
Ottawa, ON — Equine Canada has just released its 2010 Canadian Equine Industry Profile Study — the State of the Industry. The 2010 study reports on statistical data derived from the largest equine industry participant survey sample ever completed in Canada. The demographic and economic information garnered in the survey underlines the significant role Canada’s equine industry plays in the country’s overall economic health.
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August 25, 2011
New Case of Contagious Equine Metritis Reported in Arizona
Ottawa, ON — The World Organization for Animal Health (OIE ) reports that a new case of Contagious Equine Metritis (CEM) was confirmed in the United States (U.S.), on July 21, 2011.
The CEM case was detected in a four- year old stallion in Arizona and was identified during testing for semen export. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is still investigating the source of the outbreak as of this date.
CEM is a venereal disease of horses and has not been detected in Canada.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has legislated specific importation requirements which address the potential risk of CEM for equine semen, embryos, and live horses from every state in the U.S. into Canada. These requirements were put in place in 2009 to protect the Canadian herd following a U.S. outbreak at that time.
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August 24, 2011
Horseware Ireland Crosses the Pond in Support of the Canadian Equestrian Team
Ottawa, Ontario—
Equine Canada and the Canadian Equestrian Team (CET) are pleased to announce Horseware Ireland as an official supplier to the CET for our global events in 2011 and 2012 season in Mexico and the United Kingdom respectively.
“Horseware Ireland started off sponsoring the Canadian Eventing Team and I am very pleased that they have broadened their sponsorship to the remaining Olympic and Paralympic disciplines,” said Graeam Thom, chef d’équipe of the Canadian Eventing Team. “The quality of their products is top notch. We are fortunate to be sponsored by the best in the industry.”
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August 2, 2011
The Joint Steering Committee of Equine Canada announces a successful settlement has been reached between Equine Canada and its provincial/territorial partners
Ottawa, ON—The Joint Steering Committee (JSC), comprised of representatives of Equine Canada, provinces/territories participating in Equine Canada programs, and non-participating provinces and territories, has concluded negotiations and has reached agreement on roles, governance structure and finance. This agreement will enable Equine Canada and its provincial/territorial partners to reunite and collaborate more effectively in the future.