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Canadian Equestrian Community Loses Long-time Mentor and Volunteer

July 2, 2009

Ottawa, Ontario— --- The Canadian equestrian community is saddened to announce the loss of a long-time member, mentor, official, volunteer and past-president, Alfred “Alf” Fletcher, 77, of Westbank, BC.

A member of Equine Canada for many years, Alf was an Equine Canada (EC) Senior National and Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) steward. He was accredited as a FEI—X steward for the disciplines of Jumper and Dressage, and he was a Senior Steward for all Equine Canada disciplines.

“Alf was one of those touching figures of Canadian equestrianism,” said Akaash Maharaj, CEO of Equine Canada. “He had a formative influence on generations of Canadian horseman and horsewomen, and on our national equestrian system itself. Neither our affection for him nor his legacy will ever fade.”

In addition to his stewarding duties, Alf was also a very well respected judge. During his judging career, he was a Senior Judge for hunter, jumper and western disciplines, and he also judged hunt seat, saddle seat and stock seat equation. His versatility was evident as he also was a Recorded Judge for several breed sports.

As a volunteer, Alf was a former president of Equine Canada. From 1997 to 2000, Alf also dedicated himself to the successful restructuring Equine Canada. He possessed a commitment and vision for a strong and viable equestrian industry in Canada when he assisted in the revamping of the national federation. In 2001, Alf was named as Equine Canada’s Volunteer of the Year.

“The Community is rocked. He was a loved man,” said Alf’s friend, Jan Stephens, chair of the Equine Canada Stewards Committee. “As a mentor and a leader, Alf was a friend to everyone. He had the ability to encourage and teach with joy. What a legacy he has left behind.”

At his family’s request, memorial donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

A memorial service will be held for Alf on Wednesday July 8, 2009, at 2 p.m. at 433 Curlew Drive, Kelowna, BC.

Alf is survived by his wife, Heather, and their two sons.

Equine Canada would like to extend its deepest sympathies to Alf's family and friends.

About Equine Canada

Equine Canada is a member-based association that represents, promotes and services Canada's equine community and industry. Its core areas of activity involve sport, equine health and welfare, education and safety, governance and marketing, representation and communication. Equine Canada is recognized by Sport Canada, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), the Canadian Olympic Committee and the Coaching Association of Canada as the national organization representing equestrian sport and equine interests in Canada. For more information about Equine Canada, please visit www.equinecanada.ca

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