January 2008

Hello eventers,

            After 5 years as president of HTC-Q, I can proudly say that our committee members have proven to be an incredible team to count on.  Whether the task involved fund-raising, promoting, athlete development, volunteering or just the overall nature of participating in equestrian activities in Quebec and across Canada, an unprecedented amount of work was accomplished.

The 2007 season will go down in our notes as the year that athlete development shone in our results not only in Quebec but all the way to the North American Young Rider Competition held in Lexington Virginia.  Being present and part of the action was very rewarding not only as president of a volunteer association, but the mutual understanding of the pride that riders and parents alike felt while participating in a great event like that.

The Quebec circuit once again proved challenging in more ways than one again this past year.  New courses, new organizers, new riders and new volunteers all work towards the common goal of the New Year - ‘Pursuing excellence in riding as an eventer’.   Whether you are involved as a parent, a competitor, an organizer, a coach, or simply as a supporter of eventing, it is evident that everything we do contributes somehow to the betterment of our discipline.

Because of this, eventing continues to lead the way in increased numbers both at the provincial level including the FEQ and the regions we involve ourselves with, in addition to our involvement at the national eventing level.  It is so important for our discipline to continue growing that none of these should be left aside in this New Year. 

The Sandridge Team Challenge is here again this year thanks to the generosity of Tracey Dickson from Sandridge Saddlery.  New rules have been added to assure that this challenge gets out what it was intended to bring out – the participation of volunteers.  I cannot stop stressing how important it is for our juniors to realize the necessity of volunteering - the new rules will show this in concrete terms that everyone understands – simply put – no volunteering means no points at the end of the season!  This is a question of survival for our sport and I’m sure that anyone that has been involved with any amount of organizing for our events will be able to fully understand and defend this decision.

Let’s not forget the rewards that help our riders meet the challenge – our Subway Cup continues in its 3^rd year in a three-year contract.  We are working at this time on renewing the contract and hope to give you confirmation as soon as possible.  Thanks once again to Guy Laframboise from Subway Québec Inc. for their participation in the prize money available at season’s end.

Once again this year, HTC-Q continues to work on finding new officials, course builders, and qualifying and continually improving our coaches as well as improving our own skills within eventing.  Clinics are available throughout the country to show how to build cross-country jumps as well as how to build a cross-country course and a stadium course.  Should you be interested in any of these aspects, please let us know.  We will put you in touch with the proper contacts to help bring Quebec eventing as advanced as possible. 

Once again this year, an exchange of information, news and announcements has developed through the FEQ’s Cheval Branché http://www.feq.qc.ca/, a free electronic news bulleting in addition to our increased presence on the Canadian Eventing News website http://www.eventingnews.com/

 Many thanks go out in advance to our organizers who have been with us for countless years.  Whether we head from Tandalee Farm in the townships, out to La Crinière Farm out in Napierville, then to Beaulieu Farms in the southwest, or back to Tandem Farms in the townships, each and everyone of these organizing committees does their outmost to assure the safety and improvement of their facilities and courses.  Please encourage them and thank them.  Without the organizers, there wouldn’t be any eventing going on in Quebec. 

Bromont will be hosting an Olympic qualification on its new 3*** CCI course – the only one in the country!   As I’ve mentioned in the past, come out and volunteer or at the very least, come out and be spectators to this group of international level riders arriving from across the continent.  For many of you, this will be the closest you will ever get to seeing ‘live’ Olympic riding!

Don’t forget the benefits of membership in our association:

a)      Right to compete in events that are sanctioned by HTC-Q;

b)      Canadian Eventing Omnibus;

c)      Access to all clinics scheduled throughout the year at reduced rates;

d)      Access to the various bursary programs;

e)      Access to annual meeting with voting capability;

f)       Access to be part of the HTC-Q administrative council;

 We have managed to avoid any increases for the 2008 season.  Also to note – although the Omnibus will continue to be presented in hard-copy, the handbook previously produced by our board will now only be available on-line.  You may print these out for yourselves in order to have on-site with your tack.   

We also encourage you to sell associate membership cards to your family, friends, and other supporters of eventing.  These associate members become goodwill supporters of the sport and allow them the opportunity to stay in touch with this great Olympic sport.

Development does not only include eventing:  As I’ve mentioned in the past, if you really intend to be the best you can be, participate in clinics, dressage shows, and jumper shows.  If you’re thinking of the young rider program, you must go through the rider development program offered through the FEQ.  Last year, our level III coaches participated in re-establishing the requirements in the Programme d’Excellence.  This was accomplished and the new rules are now posted on the FEQ website.   Get on the radar screen by applying for these as well as staying in touch with our rider’s development coordinator.  If you require information on obtaining coaching certification or you are interested in becoming an official, technical delegate or other, let us know.  We will be happy to help out in any way we can.

 This is my last season as a member of the board of directors.  By November this year, I will have completed two – three year terms as president.  It’s time to pass on the torch!  I will continue to participate in any way I can from the outside however and as enthusiastic as always.

Have a great season!

Tom Todaro - President HTC-Q

President