Source:  News Release

Faith Berghuis Presented with 2013 Lifetime Achievement Award at Equine Canada Awards Gala; Gerald McDonald 2013 Volunteer
of the Year

Photo -- Michael Gallagher, President Equine Canada and Faith Berghuis 

Photo Credit -- Shereen Jerrett

Winnipeg, MB - Faith Berghuis of Brockville, ON was honoured with the 2013 Lifetime Achievement Award at the Equine Canada Awards Gala, held Feb. 7 during the national convention in Winnipeg, MB.

Berghuis comes from a long line of equestrian enthusiasts, and is the sixth generation owner of Franklands Farm in Brockville, ON. An accomplished rider, she was one of Canada's first to achieve "A" status in Pony Club.

As a long-time supporter of equestrian sport, Berghuis has displayed incredible generosity toward Canadian riders. In 1983 she was instrumental in creating Canadian Show Jumpers Unlimited Inc., a syndicate that was responsible for the acquisition of the legendary Big Ben for Ian Millar.

She went on to become a founding member of another syndicate, Horse Futures, which was created to help provide Millar with quality show jumping prospects. Over the years, this syndicate gave Millar the opportunity to develop numerous mounts for international-level competition, including Future Shock, Future Vision, El Futuro, and Future Folly.

In addition, Berguis is a founding member of the The Dressage Collection Inc., which provided Canadian dressage rider Gina Smith with Faust, an international-caliber mount, and her partner for the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.

Berghuis has also been instrumental in helping Smith develop a thriving teaching and training business. In 1990, she opened the doors of Franklands Farm to Smith, who continues to operate Franklands Equine Services from the farm today.

Outside of being an owner or major stakeholder in various syndicates herself, Berghuis has also generously shared her vast knowledge and experience with the Dressage Canada Fundraising Committee, providing valuable guidance on the formation of syndicates and the ownership of international-level horses.

"It is a great honour to receive The Lifetime Achievement Award, but I only accept it on behalf of the many people who have helped me along the way," said Berghuis. "From the early days of Pony Club, friends have shared the love of the horse and the passion for excellence in our sport."

Berghuis is a past recipient of both the Jump Canada Owner of the Year and Dressage Canada Owner of the Year awards. Equine Canada is thrilled to add the Lifetime Achievement Award to her list of accolades.

The Lifetime Achievement Award is given annually to an individual who has made exceptional contributions to the Canadian equestrian community and provided dedicated and long-time service toward the ongoing development and growth of equestrian sport and industry within Canada. Past recipients include Ron and Marg Southern, Paul Popiel, and Jack Pemberton.

For more information on the Equine Canada National Awards, or to view past winners, visit http://tinyurl.com/lgfvvrv.

Photo -- Accepting for Gerald McDonald; Terry Johnson, Chair of Breed Sport Canada, and Sara Runnalls, Vice-President BFL CANADA Inc (award sponsor)

Photo Credit --  Shereen Jerrett

Winnipeg, MB - Gerald McDonald from Nanaimo, BC was named the 2013 Volunteer of the Year during the Equine Canada Awards Gala, which was held on Feb. 7 as part of the 2014 Annual Convention in Winnipeg, MB.

McDonald has been involved in the promotion, development, and support of breed sport in Canada for over 45 years. He began volunteering at his local Arabian club in 1965.

His efforts have spanned all levels, from local to national to international. Since 1990, he has generously donated his time, effort, knowledge, and experience to the Arabian Horse Association (AHA) - the governing body for Arabian promotion and preservation in North America.

McDonald spearheaded the establishment of the Region 17 (Western Canada) chapter of the AHA, helping to increase the promotion and development of Arabian competitions in Canada. Since then, he has served six years as Chair, helping to oversee the operations of more than 800 members across 13 clubs. Plus, since 1995, he has served as Chair of the Canadian National Arabian Show, which attracts up to 1,000 competitors annually.

His many other contributions include volunteering as a chair and/or member of a wide range of committees, including National Events Operations Procedures (NEOP), Budget and Finance, IT Audit, and 3 to 5 Judge Task Force.

"I am surprised and very humbled to receive Equine Canada's Volunteer of the Year Award. Thank you very much," said McDonald.

The Equine Canada Volunteer of the Year Award adds an additional accolade to McDonald's impressive list. He has received the AHA National Volunteer Award three times, and is the only two-time recipient of the AHA President's Award.

Equine Canada thanks McDonald for his tireless contributions to breed sport in Canada.

The Equine Canada Volunteer of the Year Award is sponsored by BFL CANADA, and was created to recognize individuals who dedicate themselves to the ideals of EC while making a positive impact on the sport. Previous recipients include Ruth Carlson (2012), Allan Ehrlick (2011), and Jan Stephens (2010).

To obtain further information on the Equine Canada National Awards, and access a full list of past winners, go to http://tinyurl.com/lgfvvrv.

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