January 2006
Coaches' Corner - January 2006
2005 was a busy year with many members participating in the Rider Level, Instructor and Coaching programs. The schedule for 2006 is now available online at www.horse.on.ca and in the 2006 Ontario Horse Directory & Planner. Registration forms for all Learn to Teach, NCCP, Instructor Assessments, Coaching Evaluations and Examinations are available online or from the OEF office.
Attention Instructors and Coaches:
- Please look for your annual status letter at the end of January 2006. This letter will advise you of your current status, when your first aid expires and when your next updating period is.
- The OEF will no longer collect Police Record Checks from Instructors and Coaches; however, this policy is currently being reviewed. Record checks that have been submitted to the OEF office will be retained until a decision has been made. The OEF understands that the safety of all participants is of the utmost importance; however, as the governing body of the sport in Ontario, we need to take into consideration the legal and privacy issues that could arise. Other sport organizations do not request checks from their coaches, but they do advise that employers who hire coaches do make the request. As an employer, it is strongly recommended that facility owners hiring coaches request a Criminal Record Check. Should you have any questions or concerns please contact Catherine Barker education@horse.on.ca or 1-877-441-7112.
Congratulations to the following successful Instructors and Coaches who completed their certification:
English Instructor:
Kimberly Fetter, L’Original
Janice Joad, Elgin
Debbie Manningham, Hamilton
Diane Matichak, St. Eugene
Julie Preslie, Fenelon Falls
Allison Rasquinha, Kanata
Charlene Steeb, Kitchener
Stephanie VanSpronsen, Brantford
English Coach 1:
Jane Craig, Ottawa
Sarah Draper, Kingston
Gillian Finnerty, Kanata
Kellianne Hughson, Odessa
Shannon Rowan, Burlington
Jennifer Thompson, Ravenna
Meagan Zantingh, Vineland
English Coach 2:
Jackie Bellamy, Guelph
Saddle Seat Update
The Saddle Seat style of riding, according to our research, originated on the plantations of the United States, and was based on European classical dressage. It is a very comfortable way of riding and can be used on the trail as well as in the show ring. Most commonly used with Saddlebreds, National Show Horse, Arabians and Morgans, it is also used by the gaited breeds, i.e. Rocky Mountain Horses and Tennessee Walking Horses. Classes at shows are available for all ages, and some separate amateurs and professionals. Saddle Seat Equitation Classes, in which the rider's ability is judged, are available for amateurs, usually in three age groupings: 13 years and under, 14-17, and 18 and over.
Canada has sent a 3-gaited Saddle Seat Equitation team to the World Cup of Saddle Seat Equitation, a competition held every other year involving teams from South Africa, Namibia, Great Britain, U.S. and Canada since 1996, and has received 4 bronze medals and 1 silver medal. Information about World Cup is available through the OEF Saddle Seat Committee.
Ontario presently has five active certified Saddle Seat coaches. If you are interested in riding Saddle Seat or becoming a Saddle Seat coach please contact the OEF. Exams are scheduled upon a sufficient number of applications. In addition, the OEF Saddle Seat Committee invites anyone who is interested to attend meetings. Meetings are scheduled on an as needed basis.