OEF Saddle Seat Committee Report

The Ontario Equestrian Federation (OEF) Saddle Seat Committee was originally formed in 1994 to develop a Saddle Seat Coaching programme similar to the existing Western and English programmmes offered by the Canadian Equestrian Federation (now Equine Canada). The EC Coaching Programme has recently undergone extensive renovations and has expanded to include an Instructor Level and Rider Level programmes.  The committee continues to work together with the Equine Canada (EC) Saddle Seat Committee to maintain the EC Rider, Instructor and Coaching Certification Programmes and to provide the essential paperwork and manuals to meet the requirements to implement these programmes.  This task requires a great deal of time commitment, to writing, proofing and re-writing.  Committee members at this time include Mary Ruth Moore, Nancy Kavanagh, Susan Hawkshaw, Peggy Rice, Jennifer Sills and Jenny King.  

Guests may attend any of the meetings and new members are always welcomed. Please contact Mary Ruth (mrmoore2784@yahoo.com, 905-263-2689) if you would like to attend a meeting. The committee encourages you to visit the OEF Website to access further information about the Coaching programme, certified coaches, lesson barns, and more.  www.horse.on.ca   

Equine Canada 

Ø      Sport Council

Ø      EC Coaching Committee -representatives from  all disciplines

Ø      EC (National) Saddle Seat Committee--responsibilities include: SSEquitaton Rules and Regs, World Cup, approval of SSEquitation judges cards and coaching programmes.)

Ø      OEF (Provincial) Saddle Seat Committee -(continue to develop Saddle Seat instructor, coaching and rider  programmes )

 

In an effort to encourage Saddle Seat Equitation competition and to honour excellence in Saddle Seat Equitation, the SS Committee sponsored an Annual Provincial Saddle Seat Equitation Championship Award from 2003-2006. Riders were invited to participate in the Championship Class by meeting qualifications at Provincial or Nationally sanctioned shows. It is exciting to see our rider base growing again thanks to the effort of our Saddle Seat coaches, however the number of equitation carded judges and sanctioned shows available for riders to qualify continues to be a challenging obstacle.  It is our hope to restore this award in the future.

The committee members and a group of wonderful volunteers, also organize an annual Fundraiser for the Canada's World Cup of Saddle Seat Equitation Teams, to raise funds and provide information about the Saddle Seat Equitation World Cup Competition, and also to provide an opportunity for coaches to obtain the required Saddle Seat specific updating hours.  Judges may also update their portfolio. Our second annual Saddle Seat Clinic with Archie Hurst, Canada's 2007 World Cup Team Coach will take place on April 11-13, 2008, at Chestnut Hill Morgans in Uxbridge, Ontario.  The Facility and Clinician costs are generously donated.  Our organizing committee and volunteers pay the admission charge and some contribute silent auction items and food.  Donors are easily recognizable by the red "World Cup Supporter" ribbons they wear. All proceeds go to the World Cup Team.  We encourage you to come out to observe or participate with your horse and learn more about Saddle Seat Equitation.   New additions to our clinic format this year include an opportunity for private riding, driving or training sessions to be scheduled on the Friday and an invitation to join us on the Saturday evening for "A World Cup Saddle Seat Equitation Experience".   Contact us by email shawk@ican.net to receive a brochure and registration form.