September 2015 Volume 13, Issue 3 O.I.H.A. Newsletter

Ontario Icelandic Horse Association

In this issue: WC in Herning, First Aid Kits, Caledon Fair, Pink Ribbon Ride, OIHA Picnic and more

**Disclaimer: Views expressed in OIHA Newsletter articles are views of specified authors & do not necessarily represent the views of the OIHA or its directors** Page 1 of 37

Hello everybody, Thank you to all of you – and you know who you are – who upon my prodding and nagging, took the time to write some articles on summer events or forwarded photos of any horsey event at which you were present. Without you there would be no newsletter. Photos: Wendy Horas, Ian McDiarmid, Leasa Lennox, Peter McLachlan, Susan Trueman

Submission deadlines for the newsletters are Feb 20nd, 2014 May 20th, 2014 Aug 20th, 2014 Nov 20th, 2014

Please send submissions to Chris Söffner at [email protected]

O.I.H.A. Facebook page administrator Vicky Stoncius is requesting that members send her photographs of themselves and/or their horses, so she can keep the gallery of photos fresh for our FB visitors.

To submit a photo to Vicky for Facebook, go to the O.I.H.A. page and click on “photo”.

If many photos are submitted, it’s possible that not all will appear on the site, but a good selection will be used for everyone to enjoy.

OIHA is the abbreviation for "Ontario Icelandic Horse Association". The OIHA was founded in 2001 by a small number of Icelandic Horse enthusiasts.

Our Objectives are:

To organize events such as shows, trail rides, seminars, etc. for fun and educational purposes.

To otherwise promote the interests of the Association and the Icelandic Horse in ways agreeable to the membership.

Hello from the O.I.H.A. Board of DirectorsTo promote membership in the Association and the Association itself.

To supply advisory assistance to breeders and owners.

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A Letter from the OIHA President

Hello Everyone!

As I sit at my desk and write this, there is a definite hint of fall in the air. The sun is lower in the sky, a few of the leaves are beginning to change colour; the hay has been cut, baled and stored for the winter. Autumn in Ontario is a terrific time to enjoy longer hacks. The bugs, which were bad in July and August, are starting to dwindle (we hope!) and as temperatures cool down, the horses have more energy. Tindra has completely shed her summer coat. She is chocolate brown right now, with streaks of orange (from her chestnut dam) in her mane and tail. I hope she doesn’t grow her winter coat too quickly, because there will be lots of warm days to come.

It has been, so far, a great summer for us - as I hope it has been for you. We have covered a lot of miles in the fields and forests, often five or six times a week, which is great for Tindra and for me. On August 10th, we joined the Canadian “Icy Maple” team for the Virtual Ride to Hólar, Iceland. It’s fun logging your kilometres and adding them up at the end of each week or month. Tindra and I must bank 7,466 km if we are going to (virtually) reach Hólar for Landsmót next summer. Of course that will never happen, but with a team pooling distances – well, you never know. It’s great to try. If you are interested in the virtual ride, go to http://feif-virtual.weebly.com, register and join the team!

The next big event for Tindra and me is participating in the Steinar Sigurbjornsson clinic from September 25th to 27th, hosted by Susan Bunge and Jan Armstrong in Woodlawn, near Arnprior (Eastern Ontario). I hope to come away from the clinic with lots of fresh guidance for ever better indoor and outdoor work (we prefer to work outside on the trails, though).

Here is some interesting data for you: we got our OIHA.ca website up and running in March 2015. I was surprised and thrilled when I checked on how many times the site has been visited since then. March: 3,013 visits/April: 3,778 visits/May: 7,314 visits/June: 11,696 visits (!)/July: 11,189 visits/August: total pending. As you can see, our website really works! These stats give us an idea of how much public interest there is in the Icelandic Horse, and how much people connected to the breed - and OIHA members - check in for updates and information.

Looking ahead to the winter months, there will be lots of good stuff happening to keep us all going when the snow and ice settle in, here in Ontario. Sydney Horas’s monthly “Winter Fun Days” at Wolfestone Farm in Caledon have been a great recipe for keeping the “blues” away. Maybe others further away, with indoor arenas, will be interested in doing something similar. There is also talk of hosting seminars/information sessions during the winter – bringing in vets, farriers, horse nutritionists, etc. to talk to groups of riders and owners. These sessions can be held anywhere in Ontario, if volunteers are interested in organizing them. It’s also a great way to stay in touch with fellow Icy fans. Do you have video footage of riding events from the past and present? Others would really enjoy seeing what you’ve got. Please let us know your thoughts about the idea.

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The Annual General Meeting of the OIHA will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, October 17th, at the Horas’ OnIce Farm in Caledon. Food and refreshments will be served. For many members, it’s a long drive, but if you can make it, your participation and support would be greatly appreciated. Input and feedback from club members form the backbone of all associations, and we are certainly no exception. We will be sending out meeting information, an agenda and voting forms, so if you can’t make it, you can still participate from a distance.

As much as I would love to continue for another year as president of the OIHA, I have made the decision to step back from the board of directors, at least for now. In April, I signed a contract for a big, full time project. It’s a great opportunity, but there just aren’t enough hours in the day to do it justice, unless I take a break from other activities – the exception being, of course, riding - because you can never let that go when you are responsible for the care of a horse, nor would I want to. I will always be involved with the OIHA as a member. For now, I will take a break from helping as a volunteer, but I still plan to participate in club-related activities, when and wherever possible.

For a number of years, I have been representing the OIHA as a contributor to the Ontario Equestrian Federation’s quarterly magazine, WHOA! It’s always fun to write for WHOA! It’s excellent media coverage for our group, and we don’t want to stop putting our pictures and stories in each issue, so someone who likes to write will need to pick up that task. If you’d like to know more about it, you can write to me at [email protected].

The OIHA line of clothing is up and running now. New items for Autumn and Winter are available for ordering, so let us know if you would like to buy great sportswear with the OIHA logo on it.

Many thanks to Chris Söffner for her hard work (and patience!) in editing and putting together terrific quarterly newsletters for us; we hope she will continue to do this. It’s important to remember, though, that she needs readers to contribute as much as they can. Thanks also to Vicky Stoncius for her hard work in administering the OIHA Facebook site. My personal thanks to Sydney Horas (OIHA vice-president) for her tireless work in promoting the Icelandic Horse breed everywhere, to Peter McLachlan (OIHA secretary) for his enthusiasm, participation and organizational skills, to Ian McDiarmid (OIHA treasurer) for keeping our banking and membership records in A-1 order, and to Annette Straver (OIHA director-at-large) for managing our website so well.

Enjoy the OIHA Fall 2015 newsletter. Have a wonderful and safe fall riding season – and I hope to see you at the AGM on October 17th.

Sincerely,

Jane

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First Aid on the Trail

Peter and Joanne McLachlan

Have you had an accident with your horse or witnessed an accident?

Peter and I were nonchalant about our rides in the neighbours’ fields and woods, until Peter accidentally rode Remi into a wire fence completely hidden by long grass. Remi’s front legs were completely enwrapped with the wire fence. Fortunately, I was able to hold him while Peter ran to the neighbor for some wire cutters. We were lucky to have a horse that would stand still and to get away with a minor cut on his fetlock.

Since then, we’ve picked up our game. We now carry a cell phone, hoof pick and wire cutter on any ride off our property.

The following are some ideas for first aid kits, either to take with you as you ride or to carry in your vehicle.

On the Horse (and with you always)

 Cell Phone

In addition to the above item, with you on the road or short trail ride close to home

 Hoof Pick  Wire Cutters  Proper riding clothing, such as boots and helmet

In addition to the above items, with you on longer day rides or day rides that you have trailered to

 Water for horse  Water bottle(s) for rider (if hot, freeze the water bottle ahead of time)  Small tube of antibiotic ointment and disinfectant wipes for horses and humans  Electrolytes if your horse won’t drink, for the end of the ride  Insect repellent for horses (can be carried in small spray bottle)  Insect repellent for people  Extra halter and/or lead rope (nylon cord or even baling twine also work)  ID tag on bridle with your phone number  Energy bar (for rider)  Whistle (in case your cell phone battery is dead). Three short, three long, three short whistles is the standard SOS emergency call  Clothing appropriate for the weather. Tiny one-use only ponchos are available at the dollar store. Lightweight space blankets are great for cold weather rides.  Bandana or triangle bandage

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 Chap stick Note: Keep a small bag for first aid items. This small bag should fit inside a saddle bag, which makes it easy to grab. Note on saddle bags: Trail Rider Magazine recommends saddle bags that fit on the front of the saddle as they help the horse to keep its balance. Definitely avoid bags that will bump against the sides of your horse or otherwise irritate him.

In addition to the above items, but on rides over several days

 Knife  Matches and fuel pellets or tea candle – the means to light a fire  Flashlight or headlamp  Small diapers or large sanitary napkins for cuts

In the Car/Truck/Trailer

In addition to the above items, but kept in your vehicle. These items can be stored in a large bag and always kept in the trailer or vehicle

 Water bucket (large freezer bags will hold water)  Water for yourself and your horse, if there is none at the site  First aid kit for animals and people, including gauze, tape, elastic bandages, salve, antibiotic ointment, moleskin for blisters, sunblock, another triangular bandage, sterile pads, ace bandage, assorted bandaids, safety pins, digital thermometer, stethoscope  Small container with ibuprofen, anti-acid tablets, pills for diarrhea (for rider)  Insect repellent for horses and humans (large bottles)  Spare horse boot in case a shoe is lost  Booklet with your name/telephone/address, a contact’s name/telephone/address, your vet’s name/telephone/address

Have you had a close call or accident on the trail? We would like to hear your experience. What did you wish you had either with you in a saddle pack or in your car/truck? What would you add to this list?

Last Minute

Announcement: Icelandic Horse Riding Clinic with Gudmar Petursson, Oct 23-25. Please contact Sydney Horas for more information: [email protected]

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Clinics: Members wishing to host a 2015 OIHA clinic can contact the Board of Directors at [email protected] and request a sponsorship application form. (Note: sponsorships will be subject to approval by the Board of Directors)

September 24-27th: Icelandic Horse Riding Clinic with Steinar Sigurbjornsson in Woodlawn (near Ottawa), Ontario. The OIHA is helping to promote and sponsor this terrific clinic. The clinic will be held at the farm just across the road from Susan and Steve’s farm and the horses will stay at their farm at 3499 Stonecrest Rd 613 832 0506

September 26: Hoofbeat Challenge, Puslinch, Ontario. For information or registration: www.sunrise -therapeutic.ca or call Sunrise Therapeutic Riding Centre: 519 837-0558 ext.21 Oct 10 -11: Kentucky Icelandic Horse Show (Sanctioned) Pre-show clinic: Oct 5-6, Lessons: Oct 8-9, Swallowland Farm 6105 Eminence Pike, Shelbyville, KY 40065 For more information, please contact Carrie at [email protected]. Horses are available for lease

October 10: Erin Fall Fair Gaited Horse Classes

Saturday, October 17: the OIHA Annual General Meeting, OnIce Farm in Caledon, 1 pm October 17-22: Josh Nichol Clinic, The 17 Ranch, Thamesford, On - 154483 15th Line For more information, please contact Dianne at [email protected] October 23-25: Icelandic Horse Riding Clinic with Gudmar Petursson at Wolfstone Farm in Caledon. Please contact Sydney Horas for more information

Please submit member profiles for future issues of the newsletter: a little write-up about yourself and your horse(s) and a couple of photos will do. We all live far apart and would like to get to know each other. Even if you have submitted a profile in the past, please consider doing it again since we do have quite a few new members.

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Home to Holar

Susan Bunge

Here is a chance to ride as a virtual herd. Not just any herd but a world-wide herd of Icelandic horses. Imagine connecting with riders across the world, North, South, East and West. As of August 10th you can start a record of your km ridden. As this is fun, not a competition and the km to Holar are as the crow flies, if you have no way to measure your exact distance a close approximate distance will work. Go to the OIHA web site and there you will find the ‘idea’ and a link to the registration forms. You have the choice of using the team name or riding as an individual. Outside Europe we have no restriction on the number of team members.

For the Herning virtual ride Canada boasted five members. That ride started in November and due to the unusually brutal winter we probably ended up in mid Atlantic. However, because other riders accumulated km beyond their journey to Herning, we were all given a lifeboat and reached Herning anyway.

Let’s go for it ‘ICY MAPLES’ perhaps we could get COWS ICE-CREAM to name a flavour for us! mmm… chocolate with vanilla maple flavor streaks.

OIHA Annual Picnic – Saturday, June 27, 2015

Jane Hamilton

Who would have thought that the day of our Annual Picnic would be cold, rainy and gloomy? The words “picnic” and “rain” often go together, but OIHA members would prefer sunshine and lawn chairs when they get together for a summer celebration! (On the other hand, those of us who have ridden in Iceland are used to being out in the rain for days on end.)

While Saturday, June 27th was cold, wet and miserable on the outside, the atmosphere was anything but dismal inside Joanne and Peter McLachlan’s beautiful home on their Wood’s End farm in New Lowell, Ontario (near Wasaga beach).

Around thirty OIHA members gathered in the open, bright and cheery McLachlan kitchen for a wonderful afternoon of chatting, great food and good cheer. Joanne lit a cozy fire, and the women shared lots of stories, memories and laughs around the kitchen table. And where were

Page 8 of 37 the men, you might ask? They settled outside on the verandah under the roof and had a great old time, keeping the barbeque and beer coolers company.

The turnout of people was a nice cross section of members from when the association was formed in 2001, right up to new members. Everyone had things to talk about, especially our news about the horses. At one point, many of us ran through the rain, past the vegetable garden, past the unused horseshoes game Peter had optimistically set up, and into the barn to visit Remi, Peter’s quarter horse and Jora, Joanne’s Icelandic horse. The McLachlans’ barn is a marvel of good design. The horses can walk in and out as they choose. It’s warm, well organized and it even has an attached, covered, mini-arena for practicing and getting exercise on bad-weather days.

Gorgeous Jora loves a good scratch around the ears. Remi is a strong, muscular and handsome grey boy – what an interesting pair they are! They have quite the life, travelling to places like the Dufferin forest and various fairs and events in Peter and Joanne’s trailer, grazing in the field at home, resting in the barn.

After our visit with the horses, we trooped back to the McLachlan’s open kitchen for a feast of barbequed goodies, salads, food delights from Joanne’s stove and oven, delicious desserts and coffee. Tickets were quickly sold for prizes, as well as a 50-50 draw in support of OIHA member (and Facebook page administrator) Vicky Stoncius, who travelled to Herning, Denmark this summer and competed in the 2015 World Championships for Icelandic Horses. It was Vicky’s good luck that her Dad, Ed Stoncius, bought the winning ticket in the draw! She grabbed the money out of her father’s hand before he could even count it, and we all had a good chuckle about that.

Vicky reports that her six-week training period at Nordeheide Farm Germany went well, and that she really enjoyed the T1 and Loose Rein Tölt competitions in Herning. She was pleased with her performance and especially glad that she was there to experience it all with her family. This was Vicky’s third time at the WCs, and it would be great to see one or more of our members compete at the next big event in 2017, in Oirschot, Netherlands. For more information about the WCs, visit www.feif.org and follow the links.

As it turned out, having the picnic inside this year was just as much fun – maybe more – than having it outside, in the sun.

Thank you, Peter and Joanne, for making this year’s event really fun and special.

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Vicky’s thank-you letter to the Board of Directors and the members of the OIHA:

June 28, 2015

Good morning OIHA Board of Directors,

I wanted to say how much I appreciate the support you have given me on my journey to the World Championships this year and in the past. It means so much to me having the 50/50 draw both years, and how much people are excited for us to have a team competing in the WC.

I feel this BOD is doing very well for the organization and has progressed well in terms of adding value to the membership. The website looks great, gaited shows and events help to keep the members connected, and youth member initiatives will keep the organization growing.

I hope this summer I can do well for the organization in Denmark, and I will make sure to write about it for Chris :) I hope to post pictures on Facebook, when I have internet to keep everyone up to date on the WC.

Again thank you very much for the continued support of the WC riders from Ontario, Sincerely,

Vicky Stoncius

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Surprise Picture!

Sheryl Schlichtmann

Several years back we were at a clinic, most likely preparing for a fun show, at Clear Lake Farm I had loaned my gelding Joki to someone to practice for one of the classes and was snapping pictures of him when Judy Petursson on Menja happened by at that very moment. Much to my delight the picture was a wonderful close-up of Menja looking directly into the camera. I have kept the picture on my computer for several years and had always intended to have it put on a canvas. Recently while thinking of a project for my hobby I decided the picture of beautiful Menja would translate well. This is the work in progress done in stained glass translated from that surprise close-up picture.

Ribbon ride at the Caledon Fair

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Food for

Thought: Book Reviews

“On the Trail of GENGHIS KHAN: an Epic Journey Through the Land of the Nomads” by Tim Cope

Joanne McLachlan

Many of us have participated in horseback rides lasting from one to several days. Few of us have ridden every day for weeks or months on end, and it is the rare rider indeed who would contemplate a multi-year odyssey.

Tim Cope travelled on horseback across the entire length of the Eurasian steppe, from Karakorum, the ancient capital of Mongolia, through Kazakhstan, Russia, Crimea and the Ukraine to the Danube River in Hungary.

Tim’s biggest hurdle was that he didn’t know how to ride a horse. He arrived in Mongolia with barely a week of riding experience. To ensure the survival of himself and his animals, he had to learn how to saddle, pack and feed his horses, and to recognize and search out grasses that were nutritious for them.

The Mongolian ponies fell into two broad categories: horses with calm temperaments and those who barely tolerated humans. His first two ponies, Bor and Sartai Zeerd, were of the latter variety, and grooming, blanketing and saddling them each morning proved nerve-wracking experiences. It took him a year before he felt comfortable with the day-to-day horse chores.

Tim rode without a bit, on the advice of an Australian family who had given him a crash course in horsemanship, because it allowed the horses to eat and drink freely. Of great interest to every nomadic family he encountered, was his Australian saddle that had an adjustable gullet allowing him to change the width of the front of the saddle according to the size of his horse’s withers.

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This feature proved critical since he was not allowed to take the Mongolian ponies out of Mongolia, so he had to purchase new horses in Kazakhstan, and from time to time replace those that were too tired or had become lame. Crossing borders was always interesting and largely greased with bottles of vodka.

He had one other companion, a six-month old puppy, Tigon, who adopted him early on and eventually joined the author for a new life in Australia.

This remarkable journey on the trail of Genghis Khan warriors, took three and a half years, from the spring of 2004 to 2007, and covered nearly 10,000 km across the Eurasian Steppe. The Steppes formed the corridor of pasturelands linking Asia with Europe. They held rich grasslands, but also semi-arid ones, deserts, high plateaus and forests. Temperatures ranged from minus to plus 40 degrees. It was a place, Tim writes, where time was measured by the rise and fall of the sun and the changing seasons.

Today it is hard to believe that the impoverished nomads of Mongolia once ruled Russia, as well as China, Europe, Central Asia and the Middle East. The Mongols created the largest contiguous land empire in history, and they did it with horse power.

The author is a strong writer, with the ability to mesh personal stories with culture, beliefs, history and geography. He writes respectfully of the people he meets along the way, including generous and kind souls, as well as thieves and drunkards.

So saddle up your easy chair, pour yourself a glass of vodka, and enjoy this great read.

More about the author:

Tim Cope is an epic traveler and winner of:

 2000 "Spirit of Adventure Award", Australian Geographic.[14]  2001 "Young Australian Adventurer of the Year", Australian Geographic.[15]  2002 "Best Adventure Film", for the film Off The Rails. Mountain and Adventure Film Festival, Graz, Austria.  2006 "Australian Adventurer of the Year", Australian Geographic.[16]  2008 "Adventurers of the Year", National Geographic Adventure, one of fifteen.[17]  2010 "Special Prize of the Jury", for the film The Trail of Genghis Khan, Mountain and Adventure Film Festival, Graz, Austria.[18]  2013 "Grand Prize", Banff Mountain Book Festival, for The Trail of Genghis Khan.[19]  DVD - “On the Trail of Genghis Khan”

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Susan Trueman

Membership Matters!

Please encourage your Icelandic horse friends to join our little group. Also remember that – if you sell a horse – the new owner is entitled to a complimentary one-year membership in the OIHA. Membership costs: Single Adults: $35.00 Families: $50.00 Seniors: $25.00

Juniors: $15.00. Please make cheques payable to the O.I.H.A, and mail to: O.I.H.A. Treasurer Ian McDiarmid , 64 Waterloo Ave., Guelph, ON, N1H 3H5.

Newsletter Business Advertising Rates Business Card 1/2 Page Full Page Members $25.00 $35.00 $50.00 Non-Members $35.00 $45.00 $75.00 For one year (four issues of the newsletter) payable to OIHA, mail cheque to treasurer Ian McDiarmid

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The Joy of Competing

Sydney Horas

As we come into late August and Fall we enter my favourite time of year, not only because of the fabulous weather, lack of bugs and changing colours, but mostly because it is when the Eastern North American show circuit comes to life.

This last week I spent my time in Kentucky at a Gudmar clinic and schooling show at Lettleiki Icelandics. I was preparing for the upcoming shows in September and October. I love competing, the wonderful atmosphere, energy, and fantastic horses make it great to be a spectator and a participant.

Shows are a great opportunity to push oneself and learn, take the judges’ comments and talk with the wonderful trainers that are present. To take all the exercises you learn and put them to the test.

Last weekend I was very happy to receive my highest overall score ever with a 6.0.

I hope we can encourage more members to join in for showing in the coming years. There is always space in our trailer!

Picture: Shaila Sigsgaard

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Where is the Joy?

Susan Bunge

The title of this article is not mine. I have just finished promoting the Home To Holar virtual ride to Landsmot 2016. I realise when I ask MY-self this question that, in spite of having to ride alone most of the time and given all the winter/spring challenges on the virtual ride to Herning, I always feel joyful to be out on my horse. It is my ‘fix’ for whatever ails me.

My husband stopped asking me long ago, “Are you really sure that you don’t need a hormonal patch!” instead he quietly says, “why don’t you go for a ride?” then, I suspect silently, “pleeeeease !”  Some days it is too easy to find an excuse not to ride. But as I groom and saddle up the anticipation of the joy I will feel takes over.

Following the virtual ride to Herning I also experienced the joy of connecting with others who share this special breed (yes, a biased opinion! ) our Icelandics. This joy shows in the video clips put together for the virtual ride. The wide smiles and joyful laughter as well as hilarious comments show this. It does not seem to matter what gait the horse was giving, joy seemed to come through every time. Of course that magic tölt is the best but no one fussed if it was not there or super clean.

The article ‘Where is the joy?’ can be found in EIDFAXI 2015 #2

That article starts out with “Since when did Equitation become such a serious matter?”

It then runs through marketing, money, competition, images, scores, slogans and victories as status symbols. The smiles, the lighthearted competition between riders, the pride among friends, ‘celebrating’ the HORSE with competition, all that is different now.

Breed evaluation forms and scores are supposed to be designed to appreciate the ‘VERSATILITY’ of this breed. Of course this too is a scale. The breed shows every ‘talent’ from the horse suitable for the more timid rider to the high action, speed pace, talents and everything in between. The ‘Gaedingur’ is that special horse that incorporates everything.  For me this is my horses because they suit me. Opinions are easy 

There has also been a suggestion that there should be two judging scales, competition and leisure. I ask myself if this is a suggestion out of Iceland or the rest of the world who are used to all breed comparison. My thoughts are that those who desire the competition with an Icelandic will see and choose then train to the potential. Those of us who are more the leisure rider could be sitting on a competition horse, but that potential may never be realised.

The EIDFAXI article concludes with the joy that young people are experiencing at the Fakur community stable in Island. There is the joy, the innocence of youth. Also there is the joy we experience as leisure riders (not failed competition riders) when we ride out for the day or demonstrate at fairs organize fun ‘competitions’ and so on. FUN FUN FUN 

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My Experience at the World Championships in Denmark this past August

Vicky Stoncius

Considering this was my third time competing in the World Championships, each of my experiences has been very different.

This year I started out in July at Götz’s farm called Norderheide where I was extremely lucky to have the opportunity to train with Josi Maier and Þórður Þorgeirsson. The horse I rode was Varmi fra Varmadal, a 13 year old black gelding originally from Iceland but imported to Denmark. He might not have been the prettiest horse but he sure had enough spirit and high leg action.

I trained almost every day between the track, riding hall, and trails. We were competing in the T1 (tölt) class and V4 (four gait) at the World Championships so that was our focus. We started working on the fast and slow tölt transitions first. Varmi could go extremely fast and sometimes would get very excited in the fast tölt. To bring him back to a slow tölt began as a challenge but we soon started to speak the same language. Every horse definitely teaches you something new and Varmi did just that.

Three days before the World Championship opened, we made our way to Denmark with a 4 hour car ride. Once we arrived I got Varmi settled in his stall and made my way back to help with the set-up of the camp. The stables were made up of portable stalls but they were set up in large “barn” type buildings. The buildings were actually used for auctioning cattle on a regular basis. To have a real building with lots of space for tack and getting ready made such a huge difference compared to the last two times. We had a large green space for grazing and you could choose the size of pasture you wanted (within reason). There was also lots of area for hand grazing which was great to take your horse and get away from all of the action.

Our campsite was right beside the washrooms and near to the showers which was perfect. We were beside the boundary fence, with the training track on the other side. Many times we just

Page 17 of 37 sat in our chairs beside the fence watching everyone training. We had a large tent with picnic tables and a fridge inside as we cooked most of our meals. We had a canopy outside with a space for our grill and camp fire.

This year we had quite a large group camping. We rented two campers and had a bunch of tents for everyone. My parents were able to camp with us which was nice and gave them the real World Championships experience. We also had Baldvin Ari Gudlaugsson from Iceland camping with us, as he was putting on a breeding show on the Friday night with his farm Efri- Rauðilækur.

We had specific training times on the track but we were also able to practice in a large sand ring and practice track. The facilities were great overall and there was a nice atmosphere. There was a new judging procedure used for the first time at the World Championships. I do not know the details of how it worked but many of the riders did notice a difference in their scores.

I rode my first class on Tuesday which was Four Gait. I had pulled for a start in the first block at 9am. Nobody wants to go in the first block because it’s so early and you are one of the first ones to be judged. Before my class I had some equipment issues unfortunately, but despite that I still was able to complete my ride.

The stands had been extended this year which made the track seem much larger than before. The speakers for the music were closer to the track as well, which made it hard to hear anything at all.

On Wednesday we had the opening ceremonies. All of the countries walked onto the oval track with their flags similar to the other years. There were many speeches, the “Here to Herning” riders came in, and the FEIF president.

On Thursday I had my T1 class and I pulled for a later start around 11am. The stands were packed with people this time and there was much more excitement in the air. Again Varmi and I went in and tried our best and I could not have asked for any more.

Considering some people train many years for this event, and I was only able to train 21 days with a new horse, I think we had a good showing. Even though we are such a large country we tend to have a smaller team than the rest of the countries. It is important for Canada to continue to compete internationally to further the breed.

We have to start somewhere and I think we have taken a

Page 18 of 37 few steps in the right direction. I am glad that again I was able to be a part of the progress.

Last but not least, I wanted to say a big thank you to the OIHA for their continued support of the Ontario riders that compete in the World Championships.

It is very inspirational when you know there is so much support behind you.

Þorgeir Guðlaugsson, published by Laura Benson

The World Championships in Herning were the big test case for new emphasis in our sport. It all worked well and from now on we need to stop talking about the NEW guidelines, it’s just THE guidelines. Next step, if we want the Icelandic horse sport to develop any further, is creating a system where the demands, requirements and judging criteria adjusts in line with the training level of the horse and the skills of the rider. We should never be asking for the same slow tölt in T1 and T7 or judge it in the same way. There is no need or sense asking a young horse to be collected or give the winners in novice classes 4s and 5s. That can't be encouraging and is the quickest way to scare people away and keep the sport small. The best in those classes, young horses and/or novice riders, should be scoring in the high end of the scale (7+), indicating they are ready to move to the next level. Such a new set-up would help the rider to figure out where he is situated in the training and also prevent young horses to be asked for too much too early. Now the big question, what are we waiting for?

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Pink Ribbon Ride, August 2015 (Trail Ride for Breast Cancer)

Peter McLachlan

Joanne and I have become loyal supporters of the annual pink ribbon ride organized by Debra Moore and her team of dedicated volunteers. This year’s ride was on Saturday August 22 in the Dufferin forest just north of Mansfield.

We have learned from experience to come early both to get a good parking spot and to be able to get out on the trail before the temperature starts to rise. The 7.5 mile trail (12 km) was clearly marked with pink ribbons. It offered a great variety of terrain, from narrow trails through brush to flat straight stretches on fire roads suitable for canter. There were also a few dips where horse and rider needed to walk slowly in the soft sand and hills where the horses could trot or canter to the top. The entire trail was in the shade of oaks and maples interspersed with pine. The footing was mostly packed sand. Everything was horse friendly and even the bugs were restrained.

For Joanne and me, the beauty was in the cool stillness as we rode the trails. There was the muffled sound of the horse’s hooves, the slight squeaking of saddles, a light hum of insects, a rustling of tree leaves above and the occasional crackle of dry leaves as a chipmunk scurried across the trail. Remi and Jora were happy to walk, trot, jog and tölt. We were able to fit in some lovely canters as well on some of the upward portions.

Even though there were lots of riders in the forest, we saw only one other horse, an Arab, that caught up with us near the end of our ride. Our horses decided to rev themselves up and stay with that horse to the finish. We took an hour and a half to complete the 12 km. Jora was certainly the smallest of the threesome, but seemed to have no difficulty staying with her two larger travelling companions. She seems to enjoy being in the forest and because she is very sure footed, she is solid on all terrain. To my knowledge, two Icelandics participated, as Joanne rode Jora and Chris Söffner rode Kinna. Included are two photos showing our pink outfits. Chris’s Kinna was not as restrained as our horses!

The event has become more than just a ride for many of the participants. Cards were given out along the course to collect for a winning poker hand (not mine). In addition, several vendors and sponsors set up tables to display tack, nutrition and clothing items. There was a swag bucket for all early registered participants and a choice of hamburgers (including veggie burgers) or hotdogs, plus chips and a drink were included in the participation fee. There was also a prize and bragging rights for the best costume. Some riders stay for the afternoon to ride some of the other trails. One can certainly make a day of it.

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Thanks to a team of hard-working volunteers, everything was well organized. Debra has now reported that there were a total of 123 riders for the day and that more than $20,000 dollars was raised for breast cancer research.

In summary, this is a great event for a good cause. I am advised that next year’s ride will again be in August. If we get the same great weather as we did this year, so much the better.

Joanne with Remington and Jora, Chris with Kinna.

Please consider joining us next year; there is a prize for largest group!

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Bits and Injuries, an Opinion

Susan Bunge

A thought-provoking article/opinion from Eidfaxi. (Interpretation for our newsletter)

I read a most interesting opinion written from a veterinarian’s perspective. The vet is expressing his opinion after a study conclusion that mouth lesions were a general problem in competition horses. Following this study the conclusion was that the curb with port was a particular risk.

The vet points out that the study did not record what bit was used in training, no study on the horses’ temperament (willingness and spirit) nor the effectiveness of the rider.

From the veterinary medical point of view treatments look harmful because the treatment is only used for the very sick who are in an advanced state and are also at risk for a bad outcome. In other words, the curb + port could have been used with a horse that was difficult to ride, for desired competition results.

The vet feels that it would have been interesting to have included temperament, what bit was used in training and possible effects of the rider in the final analysis before announcing a causal relationship.

He concludes with, “The whole Icelandic world must accept less spectacular riding in the future and learn to acknowledge more natural riding on a relaxed but balanced horse. “

I found this particularly interesting as a leisure rider who appreciates competition. Also as someone who has started only two young horses with a bit less bridle and eventually a bit that the horse seemed comfortable with.

I could decorate a wall with bits that don’t ‘seem’ to have worked. Add to that a few saddles and I could open a tack shop!!

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Kinna and the Cows

Chris Söffner

This ‘adventure’ actually took place in late 2014, but it kind of fits nicely with the next article about the Icelandic ranch sorting day…

Being the owner of two sweet natured Icelandics neither of which blessed with exceptional gaits, I am always on the lookout for new things to try. I like to watch team penning competitions: they are fast and fun and the objectives are clear-cut, and I always get the urge to try it myself when I watch one. Now, my horses are not all that fast, my brain is even slower when it comes to herding strategy, and without a horn on the saddle to which to tie oneself when centripetal force comes into this, the whole ‘running down cows thing’ – like barrel racing – becomes a very unstable proposition. Better idea: ranch sorting. More cattle, less space and less speed; perfect – maybe. Best of all: a practice of either, or a clinic where the concepts are explained to those of us not up on bovine psychology, and where nobody stands around with a stopwatch taking stock of everybody’s attempts to shave micro seconds off moving cattle from point A to point B.

There are weekly team penning practices relatively close to where I board my horses but I definitely did not want to make my debut at a weekly ‘practice’ where people who know what they are doing, practice with horses who know what they are doing; the practice part mainly referring to improving existing skills and speed. A ranch sorting clinic would have been perfect, but there did not seem to be one offered in my area. We had two goats at my barn at the time and I thought they might provide a low key and low size entry level animal to practice on, but they turned out to be way too smart and refused to be penned – team or otherwise. Kalsi – my first test subject – seemed to be unclear as to what the whole exercise was all about and anyway takes way too long to stop and get going, let alone swing around lightly on his hind end to cut a goat from the herd of two. Did I mention that I am just as ignorant about team penning and cows or other animals that might be penned as my horses are? They apparently have ‘cowy’ quarter horses that instinctively know how to separate one cow from a group, and maybe they have ‘sheepy’ Icelandics since that’s what is being round up and penned in Iceland, but first of all we had no sheep to try this out on, and secondly, both of my horses are born and bred in Canada so who knows… The goats were retired milk goats and people oriented pets to boot, so I already felt bad about chasing them around, but having them escape our efforts over and over put a stop to the whole exercise. Next!

A neighbour down the road raises beef cattle and is a friend of my boarding barn’s owner. Since another boarder was also too shy to try her quarter horse at one of the team penning practices to see whether he was ‘cowy’ or not, Leasa asked her buddy if we could practice on his cows; all low key and without stress and without stopwatch for us or valium for the cows. He had no problem with us doing that and the idea sounded great to me. Kinna is a lot more athletic than my gelding: she can and will stop dead from any speed or jump sideways in random directions; amazing with what agility she can get up and moving if she just wants to enough. The problem here is that all of this athleticism has usually little to do with any of my intentions or riding skills

Page 23 of 37 and all with invisible monsters living at ground level. She is also highly suspicious of the afore mentioned goats, and – more generically speaking - donkeys, alpacas, sheep, cows or horses in fenced-in fields, and probably elephants but we haven’t yet had the opportunity to test that hypothesis. Maybe not the best choice for a team penning horse either but I was rapidly running out of options.

So, down the road we went: Leasa on Duck – a veteran working and team penning QH who could cut cows with his eyes closed but would have preferred to stay home and pretend to be old and feeble and starving, me on Kinna – the one we knew for sure wasn’t too fond of cows, and Christa on Tiveo – the one we weren’t sure had ever even seen a cow in his life; the Good, the Bad and the Maybe!

The sky looked ominous but we are optimistic gals and the decision had been made to go (the fact that I had left both of my van windows wide open should have given us a first clue of things to come).

Kinna has taking on the habit of turning into a deer when she is in season – something she apparently discussed with her bosom buddy Miss Kitty and found to be useful in her dealings with me – and spooks at anything and everything by jumping either straight into the air or 4 feet sideways. The trip down the road announced her state of fertility and was memorable on its own, but more as an adventure for me than for Madame.

We approached the pasture housing the cows and it is the size of a small European country.

One of the cows looked dead and was lying by the fence. Actually I knew it was not in fact dead since I had seen it lounging around like that before, only moving when absolutely necessary. I suggested sorting that one to start out with but was quickly voted down.

The rest of the herd – and there seemed to be way more than I remembered seeing when I had been driving by the field the last two hundred times – was at the far end of their empire – which should have been our second clue – and we started our long march towards them like convicted criminals on the way to the gallows. Kinna was not impressed. She had already spooked at every car we encountered but this paddock was definitely not her thing. She did not even look at the cows but jumped at every cow patty we saw. Mmmh. There were only about 50,000 of them on the two mile walk towards this swarm of cattle; they were actually multiplying as we approached. I already had visions of the horses racing back to the gate long before we ever got close to our first bovine.

And then the skies opened up. Just like that the ice bucket challenge was upon us. Within 5 seconds we looked like three equestrian entries in a wet t-shirt contest and 15 seconds later the water was slowly seeping down our necks, backs and further down where it was even yuckier. My reins became slick and slimey and Madame grabbed the bit and started to vibrate. Perfect!

Well, we were this far and soaked already so we forged ahead. Honestly, I had no idea what to expect but it certainly wasn’t a couple of hundred cows suddenly deciding to walk towards us in turn to check out the new and strange creatures that had entered their domain.

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Cows are curious! They come towards you!! In large numbers!!! Who knew… Maybe there are amateur people team penners among cows as well, and as they began circling us, ready to cut us one by one from the herd. Kinna and I were finally in agreement: I wanted to get out of there – she wanted to get out of there; end of story! Actually letting her go might finally have developed the flying pace energy and speed I have always been looking for in her and feel she has somewhere deep down, but I did not fancy her zigging and zagging around every cow patty in our path back to the gate, at breakneck speed, with the soaked reins slipping through my fingers while my t-shirt was uncomfortably clinging to my back and cold water dripping down my pant legs. The rain induced suction effect on the saddle would only last for so long.

There really was only one decision here - we’ll do the water polo thing at some other time - this was cow work. With death defying determination I steered my steed towards the nearest cow and urged her onwards. There was no snorting and no backing up. She either was willing enough to go through anything to get home or was too stunned by the whole situation to be terrified, or she actually is cowy and neither of us knew. In any case, she walked up to the nearest cows and they fled in mild terror. Surprise, surprise – for both of us, and probably the cows, too. I think Kinna did not expect these animals to be afraid of her; mostly it’s her being afraid of everything. It must have given her some sort of thrill to be powerful and dominant to a degree where dozens of cattle moved away as soon as she came closer. We’ll have to try this again soon without the hail and downpour so we can concentrate on approaching the cows with something resembling relaxation and focus, rather than terror and wet distraction.

Fast forward a few months to the Icelandic horse cattle sorting fun day at North Valley Ranch…

For about 12 weeks we were hosts to 10 young beef cattle, four ‘girls’ and six ‘boys’, selected to be pampered on a nice lush pasture in exchange for getting ‘sorted’ a few times by clueless riders and equally clueless horses, i.e. the boarders at North Valley Ranch. There is technique involved in approaching cattle and moving them from point A to point B and then there is the execution of the technique. Sometimes the head knows what to do but the body and the horse’s body, are not reacting fast enough or precise enough to accomplish, well, much of anything really. And Leasa, the only one with previous cattle experience, took an inordinate amount of pleasure in yelling at us all, as if that would either improve our understanding, speed or technique. But hey, she at least enjoyed herself.

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Ideally, ranch sorting is done with 11 or more cattle, numbered 0 – 9 with one or more un- numbered ‘joker(s)’ added to the mix that should never be let through the gap between the sorting pens, until time is called, and two large round pens abutting each other, with an about 12’ gap=foul line between them. All numbered cattle start in one round pen and again, ideally, should end up in the other one within 90 seconds. The time keeper starts the clock and announces the starting number, i.e. 4. This means the cattle with the 4 on its side needs to be cut from the herd first and driven to the other pen, then 5, then 6 and so on in order. The sorting is done with two riders, alternating cutting the cattle and ‘staffing’ the foul line between the round pens to prevent all of those darn herd animals to go through at the same time. You would be amazed to see how many cows can squeeze through a 12’ gap while you try to block it with a horse.

The starting number will be different for each team and you can bet it will always be the ‘cow’ deepest in the middle of the herd.

Our cattle were not numbered. They were – let’s say – somewhat shy and four of them had escaped within 24 hours of getting to the barn. They did not like people or dogs or horses or getting into the arena where we wanted to sort them. They did not in fact like the whole sorting idea. They did like cattle grain so after a couple of weeks we could coax them into the shelter attached to the ‘sorting arena’ and then channel them from there to the arena with metal gates and crossed fingers. After all cattle are not like horses; if they want to go through a fence en masse, they will, whether you are standing there holding on to said fence or not.

Our cattle did have names by that time and since this was a fun day and not a competition, we sorted whatever animal we could actually cut from the herd and not necessarily whatever was supposed to get sorted next. Sssh, don’t tell the ranch sorting police…Go Dora, yip, yip, yip Big Red!

Kinna does in fact seem to have cow sense. She kept her eyes on the selected cattle and never wavered from cutting it from the herd. She seemed to ‘get it’. Kalsi on the other hand was somewhat clueless and although not afraid of the cattle, also seemed to be quite happy to just join them in their herd, rather than cut one of them off from the rest. He kind of looked at all of them as potential happy companions and was ready to bite them on their backs like any other of

Page 26 of 37 his buddies in the pasture. Not quite the desired effect and a complete ‘no no’ in ranch sorting circles.

‘Kitkat’ Kettlingur who was only started a few months ago, was deathly afraid of the cattle, but – true to her self-confident nature – she would try to run away when faced with the whole herd, but would charge one or two of them. And she is fast so definitely cow horse potential there. Ian and Kathy were the only OIHA members who ventured out on our fun day and although it might have been even more fun with a larger turnout, a good time was had by all. Even the cattle, albeit for them when we opened the arena gate and let them escape back into the Wilds of Amaranth.

Dora the Explorer, the bravest of them all.

Ian McDiarmid

Sorting cows you say? Icelandics herd sheep and horses so why not cows? Why not indeed. I had done sorting and penning before, on big horses. With Icelandics the size differential between horse and cow wouldn’t be the same. I was off to find out if it mattered.

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On Saturday June 20 we assembled at North Valley Ranch who provided us with horses, cows, and lessons. Our task was to separate a chosen cow from the group. That meant we had to inject horse and rider into the group. The moment of truth. No problem.

Our host and instructor Leasa Lennox gave us the objective and how to achieve it. Pick out one cow, separate it from the herd, and drive it to the opposite end of the arena. In teams of two one rider separates the cow from the herd and drives it out while the second rider prevents the ones already moved from returning. One on one Leasa coached us through. Then we teamed up ourselves.

The Icelandics proved willing and able. Usually the chosen cow figured out they were the object of the chase and wanted to escape into the security of the group. Our Icelandics were undeterred and barged right in after them. The hardest part was the co-ordination between rider and horse. I suspect the horses caught on faster than the riders. We tried to do too much directing instead of letting the horse do their job – anticipating and matching the cow’s movement. As well, we had to coordinate between the team members and figure out when and how to hand off the separated cow. As we worked through the herd the dynamics changed. At first the cows wanted to stay with the herd but as more were moved to the other end of the area the remaining cows wanted join the others.

It was organized pandemonium and lots of fun. Hopefully we’ll have another opportunity in the spring.

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Caledon Fair

Annette Straver

When Sydney Horas asked me to go to the Caledon Fair gaited horse show, I was envisioning the invitation as more of a casual fun event. You know we would go together and watch everyone. As the time got closer to the date, I realized that she meant that I was going to be in the fair, as a rider. YIKES!!! I have never done this before! Sydney assured me that Ljuf and I were ready to take riding up a notch. Well, I thought ‘why not challenge myself to something a little different?’ Ljuf and I had been riding together for over a year and we were getting to be a pretty good team. I was also to be in good company with several other seasoned riders entering as well.

Kathy Hanneson came to the Wolfestone barn and we practiced with Sydney the following classes; T7 tölt (1- slow tempo tölt, return to walk and change rein 2- any tempo tölt), T5 tölt (1-slow tempo tölt. Return to walk and change rein 2-fast tempo tölt on the long sides, slow tempo tölt on the short sides) and Three Gait (1- slow tempo tölt 2- medium tempo trot 3-medium tempo walk 4-medium temp canter). The best three out of four gaits shown would be counted towards a combined mark. Alternatively, only three gaits may be shown, in which case all are counted towards a combined mark. Kathy was riding Randver, Sydney was riding Fila and I was riding Ljuf. To say the least, we were having a blast; lots of hard work and a lot of laughs at the same time. There were other classes that we could have entered but we left those to the professionals. You know who you are.

Surprisingly as the date got closer, the more relaxed I became. I did not worry about what I had to wear. I had a pair of riding pants, my boots, a white blouse and a black velvet jacket I normally saved for fancy work occasions. My family was a little surprised I was wearing such a good jacket to the fair. When we arrived there were a lot of gaited horses there as well and some very elaborate outfits to boot. My so-called fancy jacket seemed so simple. I found out that the horse you are riding, dictates the outfit you wear. Thank God I was riding an Icelandic horse, that’s all I can say.

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Chris and Kinna, Annette and Lluf, Sydney and Fila, Kathy and Randver (aka Ran-over) and Peter and Jora. Ian, our man-on-the-ground, for support and cheers (and photos – thanks!).

Sydney and I met up with Kathy, Peter and Joanne, Chris and her friend Jane and began to go to the warm up ring. Before you knew it, the Icelandic T7 was called. We all followed each other over to meet the two very nice judges. One of the judges, a paso fino judge, originally came from South America. I am sure he was a very good judge, but I didn't think he was too familiar with Icelandic horse classes. As we were riding around the ring, we were all shouting out the order of the different classes for the judge. We were all laughing at this point. Good thing he knew how to judge gaited horses. We had confidence he knew his stuff. So at the end we all lined up to receive our standing and ribbons. What a shock that I received a second place in the first ever horse event I have ever entered. At 54 I am thrilled to receive a blue ribbon. By the end of the day, I came home with 2 seconds, 2 thirds and a fourth (although I really think Peter should have won my fourth ribbon for the beer tölt). The fun thing about the Caledon Fair is that you actually get money!!! Yes, there was a fee for each class but what a thrill to actually receive money at the end.

It was a fun filled day and what a thrill to be among such amazing people in the gaited horse community. I am definitely signing up again next year.

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Kathy and Randver

Peter and Jora

Chris and Kettlingur, Sydney and Fila

Jane Wilson and Kalsi (aka Klass – his new nickname ‘cause he’s just a classy guy)

Yes, the organizers did have a hard time with the Icelandic names…

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Ontario Summer with Icelandic Horses:

Wendy Horas again provided the fantastic photos.

Sydney and Elvar at Horse Power Live in Orangeville

Sydney and Timbiltà

Ian and Elvar at the OnIce Open House during the Hills of Headwater Stable Tour

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Johanne Chalmers and Rein

Elja says, ‘It’s too hot to ride!’

Just hanging out…

Getting ready to ride

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Minutes: OIHA Board of Directors’ Meeting

Approved Minutes: OIHA BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ MEETING

Wednesday June 3, 2015.

Members present via conference call: Jane Hamilton, Ian McDiarmid, Annette Straver, Sydney Horas, and Peter McLachlan. Jane Hamilton called the meeting to order at 7:45 PM. A/ Approval of agenda: Peter McLachlan moved and Sydney Horas seconded a motion to approve the agenda. The motion passed. Agenda as approved: 1. Approval of Agenda 2. Approval of May 12, 2015 Minutes 3. Reports: (a) Vice-president (b) Secretary (c) Treasurer (d) Media Co-ordinator (e) Director-at-Large 4. Distribution of minutes in future (Jane) 5. Newsletter June 1: 1st Feature Member highlight + advertisement for OIHA clothing. 6. Facebook: Advertisement for OIHA clothing (Jane) 7. OEF Association + Advisory Council – OIHA representation. Frequency of meetings (Jane) 8. OIHA Brochures – update (Ian) 9. OIHA Inventory – clothing & planning for future. Dufferin Apparel. Grow Dufferin Apparel online store activity? (See May 27 e-mail to BOD from Jane) 10. OIHA Archives – minutes, etc. on USB drive – update (Peter) 11. Caledon Agricultural Fair – Sat. June 13. OIHA participation in gaited classes? 12. OIHA Picnic – June 27/15 - 2 issued requests for number of attendees (e-mail to membership & June 1 newsletter). 50-50 draw + other draws & auction of 1 OIHA shirt at picnic to help sponsor Vicky Stoncius at WCs in Herning. Vicky cannot attend picnic (showing that day). 13. OIHA group going to Iceland? 14. “Horse Experience” event July 11-12 at Orangeville Fairgrounds – Negative Coggins Test issue (Peter) 15. OIHA web site – 3 new pages @ cost of $120 to Advanced Internet Services. Heading for 2 pages: OIHA APPAREL. Heading for 1 separate page: NEWS. 16. 2015 Icelandic Horse World Championships, Herning, Denmark: OIHA sponsorship of member Vicky Stoncius: $250.00 (Ian) 17. OIHA clinics for 2015 –Steinar clinic sponsorship. $25 subsidy per OIHA member + $100 lunch sponsored by OIHA/ $250.00 OIHA sponsorship to hosts. Youth application(s) received? Sponsorship request form received from hosts? Sydney to bring sound system. 18. New business 19. Next meeting date 20. Adjournment

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B/ B/ Approval of May 12 Minutes: Ian McDiarmid moved and Peter McLachlan seconded a motion to approve the April 8 minutes. The motion passed. C/ Reports: Media Coordinator – The OEF WHOA magazine has set June 12 as a submission deadline.

D/ Distribution of Minutes: Jane Hamilton requested that minutes be circulated as soon as possible after the meeting.

E/ June 1 Newsletter: Chris Söffner has issued the June 1st newsletter and was able to include information regarding the newly available OIHA clothing items and a member profile. Well done.

F/ Facebook Advertisement: Jane Hamilton will follow up with Vicky Stoncius to include information on the OIHA clothing items on the OIHA Facebook page. She will also look at whether there can be an OIHA banner as a priority posting on the site.

G/ OEF Associations Advisory Council: Jane Hamilton undertook to contact the OEF to determine when the next advisory Council meeting will be held.

H/ OIHA Brochures: Ian McDiarmid suggested this be postponed until the next meeting.

I/ OIHA Inventory: Members will be advised to order direct from Dufferin Apparel. Sample items have already been ordered and will be available for viewing at the OIHA picnic. Dufferin Apparel can do cold weather items as well with the OIHA logo.

J/ OIHA Archives: Peter McLachlan to action.

K/ Caledon Agricultural Fair: A number of OIHA members are planning on participating in the gaited horse events on June 12. Sydney Horas will bring the OIHA mugs for the beer tölt.

L/ OIHA Picnic: Saturday June 27, 1 to 5. Attendance responses have been slow. Jane Hamilton will issue another message asking that attendees let Peter McLachlan know if they are coming. There will be fund raising activities at the picnic with the proceeds going to support Vicky Stoncius riding for Canada at the World Icelandic championship. The club will donate a shirt as a draw prize.

M/ OIHA group to Iceland: The group, many of whom participated in the winter fun events, have just returned.

N/ Horse Experience July 11-12: After discussion it was decided that the OIHA will not participate in this OEF organized event that will be a sub component of a rodeo event. Peter McLachlan will inform the OEF. It is anticipated that the Headwaters open doors program will be operating on the same day. OnIce will be a host farm. Sydney Horas indicated that On Ice will be encouraging other Icelandic owners to attend with their horses.

O/ OIHA website: The website has been updated to include information regarding Vicky Stoncius competing at the World Championships and information regarding the purchase of OIHA apparel. Motion: Ian McDiarmid moved and Peter McLachlan seconded a motion to pay

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Advanced Internet Services the sum of $120 for additional work related to adding three new pages. The motion passed.

P/ 2015 World Championship for Icelandic Horses: Sponsorship for Vicky Stoncius. Motion: Peter McLachlan moved and Annette Straver seconded a motion that the OIHA support the participation of Vicky Stoncius at the 2015 World Championship for Icelandic Horses with a sponsorship of $250. The motion passed.

Q/ Steinar clinic: An application has been received for OIHA sponsorship for the clinic ($250). Applications may also be coming for one or two youth participants. Previous arrangements for the OIHA to pay up to $100 for lunch on the first day and a $25 discount for OIHA members have been confirmed.

R/ New Business: Gudmar clinic: Sydney Horas reported that Gudmar may be available to offer a clinic 14-16 August. There was discussion as to whether the OIHA would wish to be the official sponsor of the clinic as it was last year. Sydney Horas is to prepare an outline of possible costs and benefits for Board discussion.

S/ Next meeting date: The next meeting date was set for Wednesday July 8, 2015 at 7:45.

The meeting adjourned at 9:19 PM

Peter McLachlan, Secretary OIHA

The bridge troll stops in the middle of the bridge until a toll is paid by all who follow. Then he continues on…

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2015 OIHA Membership Application A Type of Member Annual Fee (due by 31/01/15)

Individual $35 Senior (65 years & over) $25 Student (over 18 yrs. & enrolled in school on full time basis) $20 Junior (18 yrs. & under) $15 Family (2 or more family members living in a common household) $50

B Personal Information

(if a Family Membership, please print all names below)

Name(s): ______

Address: ______

______

Phone(s): (h) ______(C) ______

e-mail address: ______

Are you a member of the Ontario Equestrian Federation? (please circle) Y N

C Payment

Please make cheque payable to: Ontario Icelandic Horse Association

Cheques should be sent to: Mr. Ian McDiarmid, OIHA Treasurer, 64 Waterloo Ave., Guelph, ON, N1H 3H5. OR Send an Interac e-transfer (using your online bank account; fees apply) to [email protected]. If making an Interac payment, please fill in form and mail to Ian at above address (or you can print, fill it in, scan and e-mail it to Ian).

* Please Note: If you bought your horse from an OIHA member in 2014, you are entitled to one free year of OIHA membership (2015).

If so, please provide the name of the member: ______

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