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2008 Equine Canada Annual Convention Went West

February 15, 2008

Ottawa, ON --- Equine Canada (EC) is pleased to report that the 2008 Annual Convention was a great success, courtesy of contributions from convention delegates, valued sponsors, EC staff, and local horse enthusiasts.

Held February 3–11, at the Westin Calgary, this year’s convention was made possible by the generous sponsorship of BMO Financial Group/BMO Mosaic, Niagara Equissage, presented by Pégase Express, BFL Canada, Olds College, Horse Sport Magazine, Jump Canada and Oster Professional Products.

Highlights of this year’s convention included the Jump Canada Wine and Cheese Reception and the 2008 Annual Awards Gala. Both were very well attended, and the guests included meeting delegates, award recipients, representatives from the convention sponsors and members of the Spruce Meadows family.

The Annual Awards Gala recognized the 2007 National Award Winners: Equestrian of the Year—Eric Lamaze, Junior Equestrian of the Year—Billie Derouet, Volunteer of the Year—Corlin Bordeaux and the inaugural EC Lifetime Achievement Award—Jack Pemberton. Also receiving awards were Stevie Murphy—2007 Canadian Large Pony Hunter Champion, Lindsay Seidel-Wassenaar—2007 Junior Freestyle and 2007 Junior Technical Dressage Champion and Emily Anderson—2007 Pony Freestyle Dressage Champion.

Other prestigious awards presented included a recognition of service of Dr. Alan Young and Dr. Patricia Dowling by Equine Canada’s National Equine Medication Control Committee, the inaugural membership induction into the Endurance Canada Hall of Fame—Nancy Beacon, Jump Canada Volunteer of the Year —Victoria Andrew, Jump Canada Official of the Year—Marjorie Dennis and Jump Canada Sponsor of the Year—BMO Financial Group.

Award Gala attendees also enjoyed the popular annual Year in Review video and a special Pan-Am video montage prepared by Pan-Am Chef d’équipe, Michael Gallagher, during the three-course dinner. The Annual Silent Auction was also a great success and included items such as an Anivac Bathing System, beautiful Michelle Grant print, Spruce Meadows tickets and merchandise and leather boot bag by Red Scarf Equestrian. A full listing of silent auction donors can be found at www.equinecanada.ca in the Convention Silent Auction section. Proceeds from the sale of donated items are used to fund the development of EC programs and the delivery of member services.

Also featured on February 9 was a full day of equine information sessions, which featured leading industry professionals from Olds College covering a wide variety of topics from vaccination scheduling to hoof health and maintenance.

The Equine Canada convention also offered the following clinics: General Performance Judges’ Clinic with Gary Yaghdjian and Lorraine Gilchrist, Arabian Clinic with Jill Barton, EC Senior Arabian Steward and Senior National Arabian Judge, Jumper Clinic with Lisa Cieplucha, FEI—C Judge, Tommy Michiel, FEI—I Judge, Kim Morrison, FEI—I Judge, Hunter, Hunt Seat/Equitation and Hack Judges Clinic with FEI—C Judge Lisa Cieplucha; and FEI Course For Endurance Judges, Stewards & Veterinarians (Level II) with Ruth Carlson, FEI—O Endurance Judge.

On the business side of things, close to 150 convention delegates from across the country met at this year’s annual convention, attending meetings, discussing current issues and making decisions on both current and future projects. The launch of the Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD) model was very well received and promises to be the stepping-stone for current and future equestrian athletes and participants. Watch the Equine Canada website and the EC e-News for important news and decisions from the convention meetings.

Special thanks are extended to the Alberta Equestrian Federation for their convention support and western-style hospitality.

The next Equine Canada convention will be held in Ottawa, ON, in February 2009. Stay tuned for the details.

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