Ottawa, Ontario — On June 20, 2007 the Coaching Association of Canada (CAC) recognized sports from across Canada who have made a significant contribution to coaching education and advancement in the new National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) competency based training and evaluation structure.

During this celebration Equine Canada was profiled as one of four sports out of 66 sports involved in the NCCP to have made advancements in the stream of Instruction. In June 2007 Equine Canada’s Instruction of Beginner program for English, Western, and Saddle Seat was granted final approval by the Coaching Association of Canada and fellow peers.

“It is gratifying to see that recognition has come for our EC Coaching programs by the CAC,” said Lynne Larson, Chair of the National Coaching Committee.

There has been a tremendous amount of work invested into this program by the volunteers of the various discipline coaching committees to ensure that this program met the requirements of our equestrian coaches, athletes in this particular context, and the standards of the Coaching Association of Canada.

“To see all the work by both EC staff members, and the volunteers, all of whom have put much time and effort into the development of our EC Coaching programs, be acknowledged and recognized by CAC is indeed an achievement for equestrian coaching in Canada,” commented Larson.

At this time Equine Canada would like to acknowledge and thank the volunteers of the Equine Canada English, Western, and Saddle Seat coaching committees for their contributions. In addition, EC would like to provide a special acknowledgement to the following key contributors for their advancement of this program for equestrian sport in Canada: Victoria Andrew, Cathy Chalack, Wendy Hudson, Wendy Johnston, Marie Helen Lessard, Mary Ruth Moore, and Trish Mrakawa.

For more information on the Instruction of Beginner program and the evaluation process, visit www.equinecanada.ca.

Blainville, Quebec — Jacqueline Brooks won the Grand Prix on Thursday at the CDI3*-W Blainville Dressage International taking place June 27-30 at the Blainville Equestrian Park, located north of Montreal, QC.

Hot off her win one week earlier at CDI3*-W Ottawa Summer Dressage Classic, Brooks of Mount Albert, ON, faced some stiff new competitors at Blainville including 1988 Olympic Bronze Medalists Cindy Ishoy and Ashley Holzer. The big-name competition only seemed to motivate her further as Brooks rode a brave and dynamic test with Gran Gesto, a 12-year-old Oldenburg gelding owned by Anne Welch and Brinc Ltd. In spite of making an uncharacteristic error by going off-course, Brooks still earned the winning score of 67.333%. Four years ago, Brooks and Gran Gesto were members of Canada’s Silver Medal Team at the 2003 Pan American Games in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

Ishoy of Binbrook, ON, located near Hamilton, placed a close second with a score of 66.792%. Ishoy’s consistent ride with Proton, her 13-year-old Baden Wurttemberger gelding, was highlighted by a world-class extended walk, energetic extended trot, and well-balanced and precise canter pirouettes.

Holzer, a Toronto native who now makes her home in New York City, made the short trip north with her horse, Pop Art, as well as several of her students. While Pop Art displayed excellent passage, the 10-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding was not co-operative when it came time to perform his piaffe, an elevated trot on the spot. The final score of 66.375% put the duo in third position.

Tina Busse-Irwin of Lakefield, ON, took fourth place riding Amicelli, an 11-year-old Holsteiner gelding by the thoroughbred stallion, Amigo xx. Nova Scotia native Cheryl Meisner and Nancy MacLachlan of Terra Cotta, ON, both received a score of 62.417% from the panel of international judges with the tie being broken in favour of Meisner, who had higher collective marks riding Paganini, a 10-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding owned by Lobster Point Farms.

In the FEI Young Rider division, Leah Wilson of Caledon, ON, was the winner for the second day in a row riding her Russian Warmblood gelding, Dostoevsky. The pair earned 66.583% to stay ahead of Brittany Fraser of New Glasgow, NS, who scored 64.000% riding Furio.

Jade Deter of Kemptville, ON, also came out on top for the second consecutive day in the FEI Junior division. Featuring riders aged 14-18, Deter and Mastermind, her 10-year-old Westphalian gelding, had the winning score of 65.333%. Annie-Pier Venne of L’Assomption, QC, and Step Up finished runner-up with 63.167%. Another Quebec native, Tatianna Turcotte of Mount Royal continued to dominate the FEI Pony division, winning the Individual test riding her Connemara pony, Serenity’s Dream On.

In the Prix St. Georges, held as part of the CDI3*-W division sanctioned by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), Jacqueline Brooks emerged victorious with Balmoral, an eight-year-old Canadian-bred gelding. Although she was one of the unlucky few who competed during a downpour as a strong storm moved through the area, Brooks did not let it disturb her concentration. Her score of 70.950% placed her firmly at the top of the 23-horse field.

Neil Ishoy came the closest to beating Brooks, earning 69.550% riding Lone Star. An eight-year-old Hannoverian gelding by the well-known thoroughbred sire, Laurie’s Crusador xx, Lone Star’s impressive trot work had two judges from the five-member panel placing him first.

Quebec’s Linda Robert of Terrebonne took third place with an impressive performance riding Wedding Surprise, owned by Daniel Barolet of Rosemere, QC. A 14-year-old black Hannoverian gelding, Wedding Surprise carried Robert to a final score of 68.050% to stay ahead of Canadian Olympian Belinda Trussell of Stouffville, ON, who earned 67.700% riding Grand Marnier, a 10-year-old Hannoverian gelding owned by her husband, Mark Trussell. Rounding out the top five was Daphne Haagmans of Barrie, ON, who earned 66.050% riding Nimos, her 12-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding.

The featured event of the Blainville Dressage International is the spectacular ‘Musical Freestyle Extravaganza’ held Saturday, June 30. Completely sold-out the past nine years, the ‘Musical Freestyle Extravaganza’ sees riders competing under the lights in front of thousands of spectators to music that they have selected for themselves, thereby giving the illusion of dancing.

In addition to the CDI3*-W Blainville Dressage International taking place from June 27-30, the Blainville Equestrian Park also plays host to the two-week Blainville Jumping International from July 4-8 and July 11-15. Blainville hosts the longest running World Cup Qualifying events in Canada for both dressage and show jumping.

Located just north of Montreal, Blainville Equestrian Park features a variety of attractions that ensure all family members enjoy their visit. For more information, please visit www.classiqueblainville.com or contact Blainville International at tel: (450) 434-8202 ext. 108, e-mail: classiqueblainville@videotron.ca.

 

CDI-W Grand Prix- Final Results

Rider Hometown Horse Score
1. Jacqueline Brooks Mount Albert, ON Gran Gesto 67.333%
2. Cindy Ishoy Binbrook, ON Proton 66.792%
3. Ashley Holzer New York, NY Pop Art 66.375%
4. Tina Busse-Irwin Lakefield, ON Amicelli 63.250%
5. Cheryl Meisner Blandford, NS Paganini 62.417%
6. Nancy MacLachlan Terra Cotta, ON Ariston 62.417%
7. Victoria Winter Oakville, ON Gotcha 54.833%

 

CDI Prix St. Georges - Final Results

Rider Hometown Horse Score
1. Jacqueline Brooks Mount Albert, ON Balmoral 70.950%
2. Neil Ishoy Binbrook, ON Lone Star 69.550%
3. Linda Robert Terrebonne, QC Wedding Surprise 68.050%
4. Belinda Trussell Stouffville, ON Grand Marnier 67.700%
5. Daphne Haagmans Barrie, ON Nimos 66.050%
6. Jaimey Irwin Lakefield, ON Dover 65.000%
7. Tom Noone United States Just for Fun 13 65.000%
8. Chris Sanders Port Stanley, ON Van Gogh 64.950%
9. Tom Noone United States Incognito 64.550%
10. Ute Busse Breslau, ON Maximus 64.350%
11. Liz Steacie Brockville, ON Mikayla 63.450%
12. Ruth Crawford Brockville, ON Sambuka 62.950%

 

Nestled amongst the richly-woven cultural tapestry that shapes our world, the Mustang horse oozes in globe-trotting appeal. While retracing the steps would be similar to elucidating the beginning of man, there is little doubt that the Mustang has come a long way in a relatively short amount of time. Although you could argue that it was just a question of returning to lands once grazed, as horses lived in North America in prehistoric times, dying out at the end of the last ice age around 10-12,000 years ago possibly due to climate change or the impact of newly-arrived human hunters… So in what could be an uncanny twist of fate, the horse, and in this case, the Mustang, was returned by the very hands that were instrumental in its demise in the first place. Interestingly, in light of the horse’s prehistoric existence in the Americas, many Native American myths and stories about the arrival of horses claimed that “the grass remembered” them.

It was thus in 1492 that Columbus sailed the ocean carrying horses in the holds of his ship - sleek, desert-bred, hardy little horses of Andalusian, Arabian and Barb ancestry. His efforts would be supplemented by many Conquistadores, namely Cortez in 1519, which would mark the beginning of the reintroduction of the horse into North America, soon to be known as the Mustang.

The English word “mustang” comes from the Mexican Spanish word mestengo, which was derived from the Spanish mesteño, meaning “stray” or “feral animal”. Indeed, although often referred to as wild horses, the free roaming horses of North America are all descendants of domesticated animals which makes them feral rather than wild. A term which often causes debate – often implying that wild would invite greater protection whereas feral tends to connote the negative impact an introduced species may have in an environment. However, as we have seen, the horse was re-introduced, which on some level provides the Mustang with a touch of the wild and the feral. But what is in a word?

In fact, in historical times, the only horses who meet the definition of “wild,” in that they never had domesticated ancestors, were the Tarpan and the Przewalski’s horse. The Tarpan is now extinct, making the Przewalski’s the world’s last surviving wild horse…

Thus, as colonisation and the westward expansion of the 1800s went forth, so too did the evolution of the Mustang horse. In effect, horses belonging to explorers, traders and settlers that escaped or were purposely released joined the gene pool of Spanish-descended herds.

Highly prized by the Native Americans the horses would go on to symbolise generations while substantially changing their way of life. They quickly adopted the horse as a primary means of transportation; horses replaced the dog as a travois puller and greatly improved success in battles, trade, and hunts, particularly buffalo hunts. Many tribes bred their horses carefully to improve them for their purposes. Among the most capable horse-breeding people of North America were the Comanche, the Shoshoni, and the Nez Perce. The latter in particular became master horse breeders, and developed one of the first truly American breeds: the Appaloosa.

By 1900 North America had an estimated two million free-roaming horses. However since then, the mustang population has been reduced drastically. This was partly due to a number of issues which continue to plague the fate of the Mustang horse. Nonetheless, growing awareness to their decline led to the Wild Free-Roaming Horse and Burro Act of 1971 which coincided with the recognition of Mustangs as “living symbols of the historic and pioneer spirit of the West, which continue to contribute to the diversity of life forms within the Nation and enrich the lives of the American people.” Not to mention an Olympic participation, a mustang named Don ridden by Major Henry Allan at the 1920 Olympics placed 6th in Jumping!

Today, free-roaming horses have disappeared from 6 states and, according to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), their remaining population is fewer than 25,000 with more than half of them in Nevada, with other significant populations in Montana, and Oregon. A few hundred free-roaming horses survive in Alberta and British Columbia. While the FEI chooses not to elaborate on the debate which goes on with regards to their status, rights, etc, there is little doubt of where we stand on the issue of welfare of the horse, we stand at the heart…

Nearly eight years ago, Carlo Zimmer and Bea Jarzynska booked themselves and their 23 horses on to a plane from Luxembourg, on their way to their new home in Ste-Justine-De-Newton, Quebec.  

Formerly known as “Windedge”, the dressage facility owned by CEF President Don Martz, the farm boasted 230 acres, extensive stabling, a huge indoor arena, 120 permanent show stalls, a cross-country course and several sand dressage rings. 

The farm was re-named “Beaulieu” in honour of Zimmer’s first International Grand Prix Jumper, a Westphalian home-bred who was enjoying retirement in Luxembourg.   Plans had been made to bring him to his new home in Canada but, sadly, one morning he was found dead in his field – possibly a victim of poisoning.

Nevertheless, his name lives on at the farm, which now has a triple role as a major producer of sport horses, a working farm producing hay, corn and soya, plus a first-class show site.

The pair organized their first show in 2001, but had only 65 entries.  

“But we didn’t give up”, said Jarzynska , “and the next year we doubled the entries to 120”.   Additional prize money and the services of internationally-renowned FEI course designer, Dr. Luc Nguyen Trong have resulted in a steady increase to this year’s total of 360 competitors.  

Beaulieu also enjoys a great deal of local support.  “We find this very, very valuable”, says Jarzynska .

Beaulieu houses about 90 horses at the moment, including 22 brood mares and two stallions, Conquest and Coolman.   The farm is already home to four generations from one of the foundation broodmares.   All the horses are registered in the Luxembourg Stud Book and are from the best European bloodlines.   Frozen semen is also imported from Europe.

Beaulieu is most definitely an “exhibitor friendly” venue.   A generally relaxed atmosphere prevails, with entertaining novelty classes and evening parties for the competitors. 

“We want it to be an enjoyable show for everyone”, says Jarzynska , “but also a good preparation for the big Blainville and Bromont International shows later in the summer”.

Two Regional Quebec “B” Shows, Clinics with luminaries such as Ian Millar and Beth Underhill, plus the annual Harmony Horse Trials round out the activities at this picturesque site, deep in the heart of the Quebec countryside.

One of the feature classes during Beaulieu’s first week was the $5,000 “Four Bars”, which resulted in two riders sharing first place – Francois Lamontagne scoring a “double” with his two horses and U.S. rider, Gruschenka Mojica.   All three horses cleared 5 ft. 11 ins., and then a tie was declared, since the rails were right at the top of the standards!

Sunday’s $25,000 New Holland Grand Prix was won in convincing style from a field of 23 by Jonathan Millar and Fancy Hill 2.   Owned by Jonathan’s mother, Lynn, the 11-year-old grey mare by “For Pleasure” showed a great turn of foot to complete the eight-effort jump-off in just over 36 seconds, closely followed by Myra Simard and her reliable partner, Dutch Treat

Jacqueline Brooks was simply unbeatable at the CDI-W Ottawa Summer Dressage Classic held June 21-24 in Ottawa, ON.

With the cancellation of the Capital Classic Show Jumping Tournament, the Ottawa Summer Dressage Classic is now the only international equestrian event held at the beautiful city-run venue, the Nepean National Equestrian Park.  Organized by Cara Whitham’s Equivents, Inc., the show attracted more than 250 horses.

Brooks made the most of her trip to Ottawa, completely dominating both the Intermediaire and Grand Prix divisions - something that has not happened for a very long time in Canada!  In Friday’s Grand Prix test, Brooks and Gran Gesto won in a tight race over rivals Evi Strasser and Quantum Tyme.  Neither rider produced a fault-free performance, and the five judges were divided as to who the winner should be.  But in the end, the scales tipped in favour of Brooks who earned 65.583% to Strasser’s 65.292%.

The showdown would prove to be less dramatic on Saturday and Sunday as Strasser chose to compete in the Special with her 12-year-old Oldenburg gelding while Brooks opted for the Freestyle.

Four horses contested the Special with Strasser taking an easy win.  More importantly than winning perhaps was that Quantum Tyme looked fresh, energetic and ready to take on the world in two weeks time at the famed CHIO Aachen, Germany.  Strasser received an invitation from the organizing committee and will proudly represent Canada at what is considered to be the most prestigious and revered competition in the world.  If she displays the same level of ability in Aachen as she did in Ottawa, she should emerge with a respectful score.  While it was not mistake-free, their test featured flowing trot half-pass, accurate pirouettes, and an active piaffe to earn a score of 66.440%.

Nancy MacLachlan earned second place with a score of 61.600% riding Ariston, an 11-year-old Ukrainian Warmblood gelding that is especially adept at the collected movements such as piaffe and passage.  Jessica Costello and Judy Elliott’s Litmanen scored 57.440% to place third while Halifax’s Cheryl Meisner, 25, who had just returned from showing and training in Europe with Bert Rutten, earned 56.320% for fourth place with Hesperos, a 13-year-old Trakehner gelding owned by Lobster Point Farms.

While there may have only been two entries in Sunday’s Grand Prix Freestyle, the competition was at its best.  Brooks went first riding her long-time partner, Gran Gesto, a 13-year-old Oldenburg gelding owned by Anne Welch and Brinc Ltd.  Riding to dramatic and powerful music from the feature film “Alexander”, Brooks impressed the judges with her high degree of technical difficulty, which included one-tempi flying changes on a 20-meter circle before going directly into a flowing canter half-pass, as well as solid passage work and an extended canter that demonstrated power and risk.  As she exited the ring, the crowd gathered in the VIP tent for Sunday brunch voiced their approval with cheers and thunderous applause, and the judges rewarded her with a score of 71.15%.

Tina Irwin-Busse of Lakefield, ON, and her leggy chestnut gelding, Amicelli, produced a soft and harmonious test performing to instrumental versions of Tina Turner’s “What’s Love Got to Do With It” and “Simply the Best”.  Now in their second year together at the Grand Prix level, the pair is forming a true partnership, and earned a score of 68.200% for second position.

Irwin-Busse, 26, made competing in Ottawa a true family affair.  Her husband, Jaimey Irwin, 29, took the champion and reserve champion titles in the Fourth Level division, and also claimed the Reserve Advanced Champion title in the Equine Canada national show running concurrently with the CDI-W.  Meanwhile, her mother, Ute Busse, successfully showed two horses in the FEI Intermediaire division.

A few hours after winning the Grand Prix Freestyle, Brooks topped the Intermediaire Freestyle, giving her victory in each of the five classes that she entered at the Ottawa Summer Dressage Classic.  Having won Friday’s Prix St. Georges with a score of 68.90% and Saturday’s Intermediaire I with 69.75%, Brooks rode a wave of confidence into the Freestyle, performing to epic music from yet another feature film, this time “The Pirates of the Caribbean”, compiled by Kurboom.

With a lively, energetic performance, Brooks and Balmoral, her partner of the past three years, earned a score of 73.400%.  The win also marked a victory for Canadian breeding as Balmoral is an eight-year-old Canadian-bred gelding by Belcanto that is owned by Anne and John Welch, Nick and Jean Vimos, and Brinc Ltd.

“Riding Balmoral in the Freestyle was so much fun.  He was right on, waiting for his music, ready to do what came next.  He was really happy in that ring.  The crowd was so supportive, and he felt very comfortable in there.  He is pretty pleased with himself!” laughed Brooks, 39, with her typical good humour.  Brooks will continue to show Balmoral, who she describes as having a strong work ethic, at the Intermediaire level this year, and is especially looking forward to competing in the Freestyle this fall at CDI-W Devon, Pennsylvania.

Devon may well prove to be another showdown as Brooks’ stiffest competition in Ottawa, local favourite Simone Williams, is also looking forward to competing in the famed Dixon Oval this fall.  Riding Wunder Ein, her nine-year-old Hannoverian gelding, Williams took third in the Prix St. Georges with 66.00%, second in the Intermediaire I with 68.65%, and a close second in the Freestyle with 70.80%.  The most exciting thing about this horse, with his trademark floppy ears, is the potential still waiting to be tapped.

“This is his first year at this level and with each competition, he feels more confident in the movements and I am able to add more power to our performance,” said Williams, who purchased Wunder Ein as a two-year-old in Germany on one of her frequent European buying trips for Queenswood Stables.  “He is a dynamic horse with expressive gaits and has the ability for tremendous power so as he becomes more confident, I look forward to earning even higher marks.”

Competition in the other FEI levels was also extremely high and attracted a fair number of entries, but the same names kept rising to the top again and again.  In the FEI Young Rider division, Leah Wilson proved unbeatable with Westside Lady, a 12-year-old black Hannoverian mare.  Formerly shown by Tom Dvorak, owner Susan Platz handed the reins over to Wilson earlier this year and together the pair makes an elegant picture.  With both Westside Lady and Dostoevsky (second to Westside Lady in the Young Rider Team test) performing well, Wilson hopes the third time is the charm and that she will finally compete in this year’s North American Young Riders’ Championship having suffered last minute disappointment the past two years running.

Local competitor Jade Deter, who trains with Level 3 coach, Ruth Koch, in Oxford Mills, ON, swept the FEI Junior level riding Mastermind, her 10-year-old chestnut Westphalian gelding.  Like Deter, Tatianna Turcotte dominated the FEI Pony division by winning three days in a row with Serenity’s Dream On, her bay Connemara gelding.  Vivian Cornell of Kingston, ON, won the FEI Children Individual and Team tests riding Heidschnucke, her 16-year-old Trakehner mare

Tom Dvorak won the FEI Young Horse Six-Year-Old Finale riding Viva’s Salieri, a flashy liver chestnut stallion bred in Canada by owners Augustin and Christine Walch, with a score of 76.00% while Neil McIntosh won the FEI Five-Year-Old Finale with a score of 76.800% riding Argo Conti Tyme for owner Evi Strasser.

 

We are still having problems with Solo’s ability to show free forward movement in a 20 x 40 arena.  It feels like riding an elephant in a bathtub.  I don’t remember 20 x 40 being that small…..ever! He is not good at raising and moving his back in the corners so that he can shorten himself up and negotiate the dressage movements.  When he gets to a turn or transition that would require him to work a bit harder in his back, he either tows down slightly onto the contact and speeds up a little round the turn, or he tosses his head, drops the contact and swings his quarters out to the side.   I am doing lots of leg yielding and shoulder in to gain better control of the quarters.  I am also asking for more frequent transitions and lots of halts.  He likes to drop behind the leg in the downwards transition into halt, you go to ask for halt and the next thing you know, you are already there.  This leaves him slow and heavy to move forward again and takes too long to re establish the new pace out the halt.
 
The head flipping seems to be resolving itself.  I had someone email me and tell me that nose nets are now legal in dressage, however, with luck we are not going to need one.  I don’t know if it’s just that he is affected by either allergies or flies at certain times of the year, or if he just goes through stages of being a bit ornery.  I am still of the opinion that when he is a lot looser and more obedient in his back, he will not move his head. I am nothing if not the eternal optimist.
 
As always, he jumps like a bird. Soars nonchalantly over everything we set in front of him.  However, his stiff back shows in his jumping too - he uses more of himself than he truly needs to, because he doesn’t always shorten up when he should.  As a result he often over jumps, which looks very impressive but will not do for today’s technical  cross country complexes.  He has to improve on the flat and curb his enthusiasm over the fences.
 
He looks great and he is a happy chappy.  He also sings for his supper. One day I am going to work out how to make a sound byte of his ridiculous squeaking when it’s dinner time.
 
 

Beginning on June 23rd a two-day dressage clinic was held at Eddo Hoekstra’s (Hoekstra’s Dressage) facility near Trent University in Peterborough, ON, featuring internationally recognized trainer Walter Zettl.

Originally from Czechoslovakia, Zettl has resided in Canada since 1981 and he has earned a reputation as an accomplished and respected dressage clinician and coach. He wrote The Masters of Horsemanship Series, including, “Dressage in Harmony.” He produced an instructional DVD series titled, “A Matter of Trust.”

The clinic format was highly effective. The learning gallery consisted of 60 chairs set up adjacent to an outdoor dressage arena. Zettl communicated to the students via two large, quality speakers on tripods, allowing everyone to hear clearly and comfortably. Horse and rider were individually trained by him, in 40 minute sessions.

Zettl’s instruction and direction over horse and rider was so effective and intuitive, that it was as if he was a phantom rider, sitting behind the saddle and whispering into the rider’s ear. The spectators were assured they would learn as much as those in the saddle. Zettl was true to his word.

The master horseman explained that the horse is a free animal and will try to escape when frightened. Rather than try to hold the horse’s temperament, he said, “open the door” –an expression that became the mantra of the day.

Zettl explained that the rider must give and then softly take, use the aids with gentleness. With the several of the high spirited horses he effectively used 10 and 20 meter circles to settle them, encouraging the riders to lay off the reins. At one point he remarked, “If the horse has to cough, lay off for a moment and let them cough.”

When first mounting, allow the horse to look around, do not grip him, initially let him go on a loose rein and long rein, “leave the door open for him,” so he feels he is free. Pet your horse, tell him a nice story, and always be soft, easy, and gentle in everything that you ask. Do not attempt to control the tenseness, do not force the frame, give, give give, and do less with the hands. Oftentimes, you win or lose with the warm-up.

Think of the reins as made of silk, and squeeze them as if squeezing a sponge, even for a 10-metre circle. This very soft use of the aids will develop the trust of the horse, and he will begin to chew on the bit. Then as the horse moves in a tempo, it is important not to interfere with this tempo. Let them go into their gates, do not stop or impede their movement. Do not be focused on the frame.

“Ride up in heaven, not down in hell.” Walk, trot, canter, half pass, flying change…open up the door, give. Think of holding the reins with broken fingers. Once you get what you have asked, turn off the aid. The horse must always be allowed to feel that he can go, and that he can trust the rider.

The true genius of Zettl was his ability to empathize with the horse and consistently use his highly effective “soft, easy, gentle” techniques to handle a diverse group of riders and horses, all with very different skill sets and some with evident problems from the get go. One of the horses seemed primed to rear and run out of the ring. Zettl, consistently in control of the horse from his position on the ground, with a calm and sweet voice, instructed the rider to bring one rein behind the knee, effortlessly causing the horse to abandon the dangerous of idea of going up.

Difficult horse?  Use soft hands, soft leg yields, and lots of easy circles in both directions. Allow the horse to move forward and keep him busy. Do not attempt to control the tenseness, give in immediately when the horse tenses up, and always, soft, easy, gentle.

Kathy Fremes, owner-manager of Country Hill Equestrian Centre in Stouffville and a coach herself remarked: “No matter what the level a horse and rider who entered the training ring today, they left in better shape and truly improved. Walter Zettl truly loves people and horses, and his compassion is contagious.”

What a treat and true learning experience to be a part of the Dressage Clinic at Hoekstra Dressage, and listen to the gentle and caring voice of Walter Zettl, who trains horse and rider with patience, love and  remarkable depth of skill.  With clinicians such as Walter Zettl, even race car drivers might be convinced to give up their sleek, gas guzzling race cars for a Dutch Warmblood!

The hearing in the case of alleged abuse at CCI 4* Lexington involving rider Amy Tryon (USA) and horse Le Samurai, which had occurred on April 28, took place today, June 25, at the FEI Headquarters in Lausanne.
 
Composition of the hearing:
 
Panel of the FEI Tribunal: Ken Lalo, Patrick Boelens & Erik Elstad
 
Present for the FEI: Alex McLin, FEI General Counsel; Laetitia Zumbrunnen, FEI Legal Counsel
 
Present for the rider: Amy Tryon; Kevin Baumgardner, Attorney; Andrew Temkin, Attorney;
 
The following individuals gave evidence at the oral hearing: Christian Landolt, Wayne Roycroft, Catrin Norinder, Frits Sluyter, Rebecca Broussard, Amy Tryon, Mark Phillips, Karen O’Connor
 
The hearing began at 9:00 a.m. Lausanne time and finished at 4:30 p.m. The panel examined the evidence received, which included numerous witness statements and video footage in addition to the testimony of those listed above.
 
The panel accepted the evidence presented and will issue its motivated decision within a short time and in any event no later than 30 days from today.

Vancouver, B.C. – After winning her seventh straight stakes race by capturing the $50,000 Strawberry Morn at Hastings Racecourse Saturday, owner Ole Nielsen representing Canmor Farms indicated it might be time to explore other challenges.

“We will look at our options,” Nielsen said after Monashee broke sharply, gained the lead on the backstretch and drew off on the final turn to win by 5 ½ lengths with Dave Wilson enjoying the trip.

“She just strides out and goes,” Wilson said. “She’s got so much confidence it makes my job easy.”

It was a difficult task to get Hastings management to find competition for Monashee, who carried a high weight of 125 pounds, 12 more than runner-up Starlite Strike.

“I don’t know what to say other than she seems to be filling out and getting stronger every day,” trainer Tracy McCarthy said after Saturday’s win. “She’s really becoming a robust 5-year-old mare.”

The next major attraction at Hastings Racecourse will be Canada Day – July 1 – with the running of the $100,000 Lieutenant Governors stakes when Spaghetti Mouse, B.C.-bred Horse of the Year in 2006 will be back to defend his title.

Toronto, ON - Jockey Emma-Jayne Wilson became the first female rider to win the Queen’s Plate in its 148 editions when she masterfully steered longshot Mike Fox to victory Sunday at Woodbine in Canada’s most famous horse race.

With a stretch rally after dropping back behind the leaders in early stretch, Mike Fox somehow got his second wind and nailed pacesetter Alezzandro in the closing strides, posting a thrilling half-length victory in 2:05.45 for the mile and one-quarter classic.

Jiggs Coz, the post time 6-5 choice, appeared poised to run by Alezzandro turning for home but flattened out late in the lane to finish third, one and one-quarter lengths further back.

“We started losing some ground at that point (around the far turn),” said an elated, 25-year-old Wilson, who won back-to-back Sovereign Awards in 2005 and 2006 as Canada’s top apprentice, as well as a 2005 Eclipse Award for North America honours. Last year, she rode in the Plate for the first time, finishing 12th aboard Bridgecut.

“I was getting a little worried. I looked up and saw (jockey Todd) Kabel sitting quite easy on Alezzando. I said, ah, geez buddy, we’ve got to dig in deep. A little tougher running that what we did on that Wednesday night (a win by Mike Fox on May 23 in his last start).  But he gave another spurt and wanted it just as bad as I did. I knew I had it. He was moving so strong coming to wire.”

Owned by D. Morgan Firestone and trained by Ian Black, Mike Fox, a homebred son of Giant’s Causeway-Alexis, had been positioned neatly in third along the rail by Wilson for most of the trip, while Alezzandro and jockey Todd Kabel were clicking off fractions of 23.66, 47.74 and 1:12.51.

Alezzandro was suddenly joined by Jiggs Coz coming off the far turn after the mile was reached in 1:37.48, and the Plate now appeared to be coming down to a stretch drive between these two.

Meanwhile, Mike Fox was still third in mid-stretch when Wilson suddenly found a seam between Alezzandro and a fading Jiggs Coz , and chased after the game pacesetter, collaring him near the wire.

Last year, Josie Carroll became the first woman to train a Queen’s Plate winner when Edenwold emerged victorious. This year, Rags to Riches became the first filly in over 100 years to win the famed Belmont Stakes in New York. Today, it was Wilson’s turn to make history.

“It’s a wonderful thing,” said Ian Black, in just his second year as a trainer, after being the farm manager for Kinghaven Farms for many years. “I’m just very honoured to be part of Emma’s great day and also for Morgan Firestone to have a horse like this. And to get a Plate win with a homebred is wonderful for them.”

“I was concerned then (around the far turn), but I knew he’d run all the way, so if anyone stopped in front of him, he would keep running.”

It was the biggest payday yet for Mike Fox, as he took home $600,000 for the win, his fourth victory in only eight career starts.  Last year, while trained by Reade Baker, he won his debut, then finished third to Leonnatus Anteas in the Cup and Saucer, then was a distant seventh to him in the Coronation Futurity, before closing out his juvenile season with an allowance win.

Black got the horse this spring, after Mike Fox returned from finishing fourth in an allowance contest at Tampa Bay Downs under Cliff Hopmans handling.  He saddled him to a seventh place finish behind Jiggs Coz in the Queenston Stakes, May 5, before his victory in a mile and one-sixteenth allowance event on May 23, his last outing before today’s coronation.

“I was quite happy with the way my horse settled in,” said Kabel, about lightly-raced Alezzandro, a homebred owned by Knob Hill Stable and the Estate of Steve Stavro. “He had me there (on the lead) the whole race and he was running comfortably. The last sixteenth of a mile got to him.”

It was the first time that the Queen’s Plate, the first leg of the Triple Crown for Canadian-foaled three-year-olds, had been contested on Polytrack, Woodbine’s new racing surface.

Next up is the Prince of Wales Stakes at Fort Erie on July 15, at one and three-sixteenth miles, with the mile and one-half turf Breeders’ Stakes at Woodbine on August 5 being the third and final leg.

Sent postward a 15-1 outsider, Mike Fox fashioned a $32.40, $13.10 and $5 payout, combining with 16-1 shot Alezzandro ($16.30, $5.60) for a $460.20 (9-4) exactor.  A 9-4-6 (Jiggs Coz, $2.40 to show) triactor was worth $1,179.20 was a $1 Superfecta (9-4-6-2, Daaher) returned $3,539.90.

Ottawa, Ontario — After viewing many fantastic entries, and making some very difficult judging decisions, Equine Canada is pleased to announce the winners of the 2007 Horse Week Kids Contest.

Equine Canada would like to extend a big thank you to all of the talented kids who sent in entries and to Miss Filly, Kemptville Feed & Seed and Greenhawk Harness & Equestrian Supplies or their generously donated prizes.

GROUP A (ages 8 and under)

ESSAY CONTEST:

First Place: Josephine Hy – Scarborough, ON

GROUP A POETRY CONTEST:

First Place: Jessica Erickson – Woodlawn, ON

GROUP A DRAWING CONTEST:

First Place: Sarah Ferguson – Toronto, ON

Second Place: Josephine Hu – Scarborough, ON

Third Place: Colin Husovic – Whitby, ON

GROUP B (ages 9 – 13)

POETRY CONTEST:

First Place: Lexi Czar – Canyon, BC

Second Place: Emily Paquette – Gatineau, QC

Third Place: Randi Joyce – Parksville, BC

Honourable Mention:

Megan Quinn – Orangeville, ON

GROUP B DRAWING CONTEST:

First Place: Katie Harris – Antigonish, NS

Second Place: Maria Dawod – Mississauga, ON

Third Place: Virginie Robert – Sherbrooke, QC

Honourable Mentions:

Brandon Husovic – Whitby, ON

Randi Joyce – Parksville, BC

Jordan Erickson – Woodlawn, ON

GROUP B MISCELLANEOUS CONTEST:

First Place: Emily Paquette – Gatineau, QC

Second Place: Davin Grose – Alma, ON

Third Place: Andrew Grose – Alma, ON

GROUP C (ages 13 – 17)

ESSAY CONTEST:

First Place: Audrey O’Connor – Gaspé, QC

GROUP C POETRY CONTEST:

First Place: Jenny Williamson – Tiverton, ON

Second Place: Katlyn Jardine – Quispamsis, NB

Third Place: Rebecca Grose – Alma, ON

GROUP C DRAWING CONTEST:

First Place: Rebecca Grose – Alma, ON

GROUP C MISCELLANEOUS

First Place: Rebecca Grose – Alma, ON

Second Place: Nick Grose – Alma, ON

The Horse Week 2007 Committee wishes to thank the Platinum Sponsors SSG Riding Gloves, and the Equine Canada Breeds & Industry Division, as well as Gold Sponsors, Oster Professional Products and West Nile Innovator. for their generous financial support, and to everyone involved with making this year’s Horse Week a successful one.

Toronto, ON - Jim Dandy Stable’s Jiggs Coz, unbeaten in two outings this year, has been established at the 9-5 morning line favourite in a field of nine Canadian-foaled three-year-olds for Sunday’s $1 million Queen’s Plate at Woodbine.

Post time for Canada’s most famous horse race is 4:37 pm ET, with TSN nationally televising a special one-hour live presentation from 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.  All starters carry 126 pounds in the mile and one- quarter classic, with the winner receiving $600,000.

Representing Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for the 148th edition of the Plate, the oldest continuously-run stakes race in North America, will be the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, the Honourable James K. Bartleman.

Once again this year, the selection order for post positions was drawn first, via the traditional ‘pill-pull’, followed by the choosing of post positions by the connections for each horse, a system which has been in place for the Queen’s Plate since 1998.

Jiggs Coz, (post 6, 9-5), trained by Sid Attard for Hamilton’s Mel Lawson, impressively won the Queenston Stakes on May 5 and the Plate Trial on June 3, tallying by three and one-quarter lengths in each.  A homebred son of Cozzene-Young Brodie, the strapping grey colt will be ridden by David Clark, who won Queen’s Plates in 1981 with Fiddle Dancer Boy and in 1985 aboard La Lorgnette.

“He’s coming up (to the race) very good,” said Attard, who selected post six with the third choice. “We did exactly the same training (schedule) up to the Plate as leading up to the Trial (working him four furlongs four days before the race). I’m not sure whether there will be more pace in the Plate (than the Trial). We’ll see. I’m not worried. If it’s close, he’s going to finish.  You can do whatever you want with this horse. I don’t think there will be any problem getting the distance.”

Trainer Mark Casse will send out Melnyk Racing Stable’s Marchfield (post 7, 3-1), a homebred product of A.P. Indy-Pico Teneriffe. Marchfield, who’ll be ridden by Patrick Husbands, finished second to Jiggs Coz in the Trial. Marchfield’s connections won the draw to select the first post position and chose post seven.

“We need some pace (in the race),” said Casse.  “He just goes and goes and goes. The distance won’t be a problem for him.  But he needs the pace to be softened up a bit for him to make his best run.”

Trainer Kevin Attard sends out a pair of hopefuls for Knob Hill Stable and the Estate of Steve Stavro in Leonnatus Anteas and Alezzandro. Leonnatus Anteas (post 8, 6-1) was crowned last year’s champion two-year-old colt in Canada when he won the Vandal, Cup and Saucer and Coronation Futurity in an unbeaten campaign which netted $415,179.

The chestnut son of Stormy Atlantic has had only one start this year, a closing second place finish in a seven furlong contest against older horses. He’ll be ridden, as usual, by Jono Jones, whose best Plate finish came in 2004 aboard favoured A Bit O’ Gold, when finishing second to Niigon.

Attard chose second in selecting post eight for Leonnatus Anteas. “We’re looking for a stalking trip so I just figured an outside post would be good to see what other people are doing and stalk from there. He’s a class horse and the champion of last year and he should run well.”

Homebred Alezzandro (post 4, 15-1) has had only two career starts, both this year, and finished third to Jiggs Coz and Marchfield in the Plate Trial, after setting a slow pace throughout the mile and one-eighth test. The son of High Yield will be ridden for the first time by Todd Kabel, a two-time Plate winner (Regal Discovery in 1995, Scatter The Gold in 2000).

Peachtree Stable’s Twilight Meteor (post 5, 4-1), trained by Todd Pletcher, was a $150,000 (U.S.) Fasig-Tipton Kentucky yearling purchase and has won three of seven career outings.  The Kinghaven Farms-bred was established as the Queen’s Plate Winterbook 3-1 favourite in March after winning the Hallandale Beach Stakes on the grass at Gulfstream Park in February.

The chestnut son of Smart Strike will be ridden by John Velazquez, who teamed with Pletcher last year to finish second in the Plate on Sterwins.  Pletcher won the 1998 Plate with Melnyk’s Archers Bay.

Shadwell Stable’s Daaher (post 2, 15-1), trained by Kiaran McLaughlin, will be supplemented to the Plate for $25,000 (which includes the $10,000 entry fee).  With only two lifetime starts, he’ll be trying to duplicate the feat of his sire, Awesome Again, who won the 1997 Queen’s Plate after only two previous starts.  The $375,000 (U.S.) Keeneland yearling purchase, a full brother to Frank Stronach’s multiple Grade 1-winning filly, Spun Sugar, who earned over $900,000 in her career, will be ridden by 21-year-old Alan Garcia, one of the leading jockeys in New York this year.

D. Morgan Firestone’s homebred Mike Fox (post 9, 12-1) has won three of his seven career starts and comes into the Plate fresh from an allowance score on May 23. Trained by Ian Black, the son of Giant’s Causeway-Alexis will be ridden by 2005 and 2006 Sovereign Award winner (as Canada’s top apprentice) and 2005 Eclipse Award winner (as North America’s top apprentice) Emma-Jayne Wilson. She’s seeking to become the first female rider to win the Plate.

Graph-Racing LLC’s Cobrador (post 1, 20-1), fourth to Jiggs Coz in the Plate Trial, will be ridden by Emile Ramsammy for trainer Richard Scherer. The stakes-placed Frank Stronach-bred son of El Prado will be ridden by two-time Plate winner Emile Ramsammy, who scored in the 1996 edition with Victor Cooley and last year with Edenwold.

Include Us (post 3, 20-1), co-owned by Mickey Canino, Bill Werner and trainer Roger Attfield, looks to become the first maiden since Scatter The Gold in 2000 and before him, Golden Choice in 1986, to win the Plate. Include Us will be ridden by Robert Landry, who won the 2004 Plate on Niigon.

The Queen’s Plate is the first leg in the Canadian Triple Crown. The second leg is the $500,000 Prince of Wales Stakes, at one and three-sixteenths miles on July 15 at Fort Erie, while the $500,000 Breeders’ Stakes, at one mile and one-half on the grass, August 5 at Woodbine, comprises the third and final leg. There have been seven Triple Crown winners since the concept was inaugurated in 1959, the last being Wando in 2003.