As the days are getting longer, competitors are moving outside, preparing their horses for the upcoming outdoor show season. The long hours of training will soon be tested in show rings across Canada. And we as Equine Canada officials are not immune.
Evie Frisque is an EC and USEF senior and "R" hunter and jumper judge and course designer. I am Chris Brandt, an EC and USEF senior and "R" course designer. In the last year I was named the Chair of the Jump Canada Course Design Committee, a position previously held by David Ballard for more than 20 years. In these roles Evie and I will also be shaking off the cobwebs, re-reading our rule books and checking our measuring sticks as we ready ourselves to apply our trade from facility to facility across the country. This year our travels will take us from the tournaments of Spruce Meadows, to the shows at EMG in Palgrave, Blainville, Thunderbird, Bromont, Breakeyville, Paramount in Calgary, The Royal Winter Fair, The Penn National in Harrisburg, Traverse City, Michigan, Edmonton Northlands, Amberlea, Halton Place, Cornerstone, Red River Ex and BIrd's Hill Park. During our "visits" we will be encountering the best of the best to the up and coming... from Olympic medalists to lead liners. There will be people who love what we do, to those who will wish we never came, and even try to convince us to take up another line of work.
Evie and I have started this blog to bring you along for the "ride." Along the way we hope to educate by encouraging open discussions about our sport from both sides of the "ingate." Never a bitch session, just anecdotes, stories and information that makes us come back year after year to that which we "all" love. SO we encourage you to come with us on our travels, be engaged, laugh with us, cry with us....but remember EC Passports required.
Look for another submission this weekend as I get ready to head west to Spruce Meadows for two weeks of regional tournaments.
Till Next Time
Chris & Evie