Craig Collins of Loretto, ON, has officially stepped aside from overseeing operations at the Caledon Equestrian Park in Caledon, ON.
In February of this year, it was announced that Equestrian Management Group (EMG), the long-time operator of the Caledon Equestrian Park, had entered into an agreement to turn the Park’s management over to Angelstone Events. As one of the three owners of EMG, Collins stayed on board to ensure a smooth transition of assets to the new ownership group. Having fulfilled that commitment, Collins is now stepping away to pursue other interests.
“For over 30 years, I oversaw the day-to-day operations of the Caledon Equestrian Park as the managing partner of EMG,” said Collins. “When we made the tough decision to sell our interests, it was of paramount importance to me to ensure that our long-time customers, sponsors, staff, and suppliers – all of the people we’ve enjoyed strong relationships with over the years – were taken care of.
“To that end, I’ve shared my knowledge and expertise with the new owners,” continued Collins. “It’s now time to move on and allow the new group to take the Park in the direction it sees fit. I’ve also made it clear that if help is needed, I will continue to make myself available on a consulting basis.”
As an Equestrian Canada (EC) licensed judge and Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) course designer, Collins looks forward to officiating at other events, something that his all-encompassing role at Caledon Equestrian Park left little time for over the years. Leisure pursuits such as golf and fishing as well as spending time with his family are also on the agenda.
“I’m looking forward to the next chapter of my career,” said Collins who, in addition to competition organizer, has played the role of rider, trainer, official, and volunteer in many aspects of the sport over the years. “While I’m leaving the Caledon Equestrian Park, I’m certainly not leaving the sport.”
Formed in 1989 by well-known horsemen Robert Meilsoe (deceased); Gordon Auty (retired); Bob Carey; John Weir; and Collins to advance equestrian competition in Ontario, EMG established the first permanent competition facility in the province dedicated to horse showing and, over the course of the company’s long history, hosted numerous national and international grand prix events as well as Canadian Equestrian Team selection trials for major games. It is estimated that EMG awarded more than $20 million in prize money during its 30-plus years in operation.
EMG’s crowning achievement came when the 2015 Pan American Games/Para Pan American Games were awarded to Toronto, ON, and it successfully bid for the equestrian sport host agreement. It marked a personal career highlight for Collins when he was named as the Sport Organizing Chair for Equestrian at the Pan Am Games. The subsequent reconstruction and development of the Caledon Equestrian Park into a world-class facility allowed EMG to set a new standard in Pan American Games venue quality and provided a lasting legacy for equestrian competitors in Ontario and beyond. As a result of this acclaimed success, Equestrian Management Group, represented by owners Carey, Collins, and Weir, was inducted into the Jump Canada Hall of Fame in 2015 in the ‘Builder’ category.
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