MISSISSAUGA, ON — From July 11 to 13 Black’s Equine Centre in Hamilton was the home for 63 talented young equestrians competing in the 4-H OHRIA Challenge, the first ever Ontario-wide 4-H Equine Show. Combining educational presentations with an opportunity for the 4-H members, aged 10 to 19, to show off their horsemanship skills, the show was an unqualified success.
“It was so much fun and gave members who cannot go to other big shows the opportunity to ride and meet other 4-H members from all over Ontario,” said 15-year-old Jessica Dilliott from Dain City.
“Events such as this have been available for other livestock, such as cattle shows, but there was nothing for 4-H Horse Clubs,” added Gail Nugent, a 4-H Horse Club leader from Dain City and the 4-H OHRIA Challenge organizer. “The two day event was only made possible by using funds from the donation by the Ontario Horse Racing Industry Association (OHRIA) to 4-H Ontario.”
In November 2000 OHRIA made a donation of $100,000 to the Ontario 4-H Foundation to initiate, stimulate and support 4-H Horse Programs in Ontario. Among the young people benefiting from OHRIA’s generosity over the weekend were division champions:
Calli Doucette, Dain City Horse Club, Novice Showmanship (ages 10 & 11) and Level 2/3 Horsemanship;
Kaely Hursen, Haldimand 4-H Horse Club, Junior Showmanship (ages 10 to 14);
Lindsay Plantz, West-Grey Horse Club, Intermediate Showmanship (ages 15 to 18);
Danielle Bannerman, Ripley Rough Riders Club, Senior Showmanship (ages 19 to 21);
Amanda Doucette, Dain City Horse Cub, Level 4 Horsemanship;
Hailey Vansickle, Hamilton-Wentworth Horse Club, Level 1 Pleasure Horse;
Christina VanHardeveld, Ripley Rough Riders, Level 2 Pleasure Horse;
Selina Moorman, Dain City Horse Club, Command; and
Brittany Rayner, Haldimand 4-H Horse Club, Barrel Race and Pole Bending.
“OHRIA is delighted to be the main sponsor of this event,” said Executive Director Wendy Rinella about the 4-H OHRIA Challenge. “The long term success of the horse racing industry is based on a healthy and robust equine sector in Ontario.”
The Ontario Horse Racing Industry Association (OHRIA) is an umbrella association which represents all segments of the horse racing industry. OHRIA was formed in 1994 to address the unique challenges facing the industry in a dynamic gaming and entertainment market. The strategic vision of the industry is to be a world class leader in horse racing and breeding.
Horse racing is the third largest agricultural industry in Ontario, generating over 37,000 full time equivalent jobs. Horse racing is an important part of the agricultural economy and supports the overall provincial economic base.
This year 4-H Ontario is celebrating the 90th Anniversary of the 4-H program in Canada. In 2002 over 7,000 young people between the ages of 10 and 21 participated in nearly 13,000 projects. Through the dedication of over 1,500 volunteers, members participate in a variety of projects from traditional livestock and life skills to drama and the environment. 4-H Ontario is dedicated to the personal development of young people by developing their self-confidence and teaching them skills in leadership, public speaking and team building.