EQUINE NEWS

By Jackie Bellamy

THEMUSEUM and Kitchener-Waterloo youth camps were given a special treat August 4th as stars of equestrian sport made a special appearance at the EquiMania! attraction, currently on display at THEMUSEUM, 10 King Street West, Kitchener ON.

Equine Guelph’s Director Gayle Ecker, THEMUSEUM president David Strucke and Kitchener’s Mayor Carl Zehr were all present to welcome renowned equine celebrities including: top drivers Doug McNair and Scott Zeron, International level eventer Karl Slezak, famous horse breeder Doug Nash and a host of other industry professionals. The pros signed autographs and shared their horse experience engaging youth using the interactive EquiMania! stations.

Activities included:

face painting, diggin’ the bone box with special guest Veterinarian Brenda Gough, leg wrapping, tail braiding, grooming and more!

Veteran horse breeder Doug Nash gained mixed reactions as the kids watched the birth of a foal, either exclaiming “cool” or “gross” but all were enthralled. One camper insisted the foal be named Rosie.

Doug McNair and Scott Zeron certainly measure up when it comes to harness racing with thousands of wins between them. At EquiMania! they helped the kids measure up to see what size horse they compare to at the “How Tall am I?” activity.

And of course, no one (including THEMUSEUM’s camp coordinator Mark Mastrandrea) could resist taking a ride on, ever-popular, “Shorty Legs” especially with racing silks to wear and advanced eventing competitor Karl Slezak giving riding tips!

Many thanks to our equine celebrities for sharing their passion for all things equine on this special youth education day!

Check out EquiMania! at THEMUSEUM up until August 28th.

Future EquiMania! appearances include:
Sunrise Therapeutic Riding and Learning Centre in Guelph on Sept 24th,
Brigden and Erin Fall Fairs on Oct 7th – 10th
The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto November 4th – 14th

Visit www.EquineGuelph.ca for more details.