Saddle Up!
By Chris Shipton
Six junior members of the Ontario Appaloosa Horse Association (OAHA) are saddling up on their fundraising drive so they can participate for the second time in the Canadian National Appaloosa Show in Brandon, Manitoba this July. The show/competition attracts kids and adults from across North America. The youth team from OAHA did extremely well last year. In fact, one member of the OAHA youth team member won the Canadian National Youth Native dress class.
The Canadian National Appaloosa Show is a great training ground for the youth group. They get to demonstrate horsemanship, halter showmanship, canter exercises, gaming and more. It helps them understand the importance of being responsible for the horses they show, the work and cost of horsemanship and the value of friendly competition. At the end of the day there are no hard feelings, just a bunch of smiles.
The Appaloosa is a horse breed best known for its colourful pattern. There is a wide range of body types within the breed, stemming from the influence of multiple breeds of horses throughout its history. Each horse’s colour pattern is genetically the result of various spotting patterns overlaid on top of one of several recognized base coat colours.
The Ontario Appaloosa Horse Association Inc. is an organization of horse enthusiasts and owners dedicated to the promotion and advancement of the Appaloosa Horse in Ontario. The club is an international affiliate of the Appaloosa Horse Club, which is the only recognized worldwide Appaloosa Breed Registry. Membership in Ontario is wide, as reflected by the this year’s youth team: Jack Dobbin, Bailieboro, Carissa Chrysler, Campbellford , Taylor Chrysler, Campbellford, Blake Westnutt, Millbrook, Mya Westnutt, Millbrook and Breanne Wiley from Niagara Falls. The organization carries on various activities throughout the year, showing their Appaloosas being the primary focus.
Louise Dobbin, a director of the of the OAHA, wants to thank last year’s sponsors: Cupe 109, Heather and Steve Campbell, Dewar Performance Horses, DiPietro Appaloosas, Jamberry, North Folk Equine Center, Jesse Goff Farrier Services, Backyard Fence, Kawartha Regional Appaloosa Horse and OAHA.
“ The sponsors were a godsend. Meanwhile we do fundraising at the grassroots level, including bottle drives, euchre tourneys, bowling events, bake sales…you name it. It’s worth the effort. We’re growing good kids and instilling leadership skills that help everyone.”
While the OAHA youth group is actively fundraising at the grass roots level, the cost of moving six horses with six families to Manitoba, plus housing the whole operation for a week is daunting. Last year the youth group managed to raise some sponsorship support from local businesses. In turn sponsors received significant recognition here and in Manitoba. The youth group were great ambassadors, providing signage recognition and acknowledgement on the OAHA website. This year their fundraising appeal is hoping to reach a wider audience.
For more info contact: Louise Dobbin 705-957-2016 email ddobbin@nexicom.net, Marsha Chrysler 705-653-0523.
