On August 24th, Equestrian Canada released the names of the eight new directors who have been elected to the 2017 EC Board. A total of 33 applications were submitted by the close of the nomination period (June 1) which was narrowed down to 16 who underwent interviews. Though the Nominating Committee Chair, Dominique Chagnon, declined to answer why a smaller group was presented to the voters, she did explain that “The committee came to a unanimous agreement after lengthy discussions considering professional and board skills, professional or volunteer experience, diversity (bilingualism, geographic region, etc.), as well as responses to the interview questions in order to come up with the final 11 candidates.” Voting members were invited to cast their ballots between July 31 and Aug. 3, 2017.
The elections used a “ranked ballot” where voters listed their preferred candidates in order. Chagnon explained, “The system was used last year and went well. The principle behind the ranking ballot system is to permit weight for every single candidate. I have to say that acting as a neutral ‘President of Elections’, I felt that the system was very fair and democratic.”The new board members are:
Carla Robin, Langley, BC
- Currently Executive Director of Harness Racing BC Society
- Founding director of Greener Pastures
- Welsh pony breeder
- Daughters have competed at national and international hunter/jumper shows throughout North America.
She feels her strengths include: “a broad and comprehensive understanding of the horse sports and industry over the years… I have been mentored by some of the best in the industry over the years including Dave Esworthy who was a founding member of this organization. My life has been spent in the business, non-profit, sport and agriculture worlds; and I am fortunate to have a comprehensive understanding of their operations, motivations and lifestyles…. Adept at communicating and navigating the various government structures and working with businesses, I have strived to improve the equestrian world in whatever way I can.”
Charles Cue, Aylesford, NS
- Co-owner of Rohan Wood Stables
- Involved in Canadian Pony Club, therapeutic riding, equine assisted learning, Paralympic training, and horse breeding.
- Senior Policy Advisor to the Office of the Veterans Ombudsman
- Three decades with the Canadian Forces.
On why he thinks he’s a good choice: “My many years of proven leadership in the military and the federal public service coupled with a family run equine social enterprise offers some unique skillset that I believe would be of use to Equestrian Canada. I bring to the table years of experience in providing strategic guidance and overcoming complex challenges. I am aware that Equestrian Canada’s leadership is being challenged in social media. This is similar to some of the challenges I have faced in the Office of the Veterans Ombudsman for which we developed long term strategies that eventually mitigated the situation.”
Chris Sorensen, Caledon, ON
- Canadian Show Jumping Team member, most recently in Ocala, FL, in 2016.
- Owns and operates Sorensen Stables since 2002
- High Performance Level 1 coach
- Sat on the OHJA board
On what he has to offer: “I have a wide range of personal connections to many parts of our equestrian sport in Canada that will bring balance and diversity. I can also offer the board a broad perspective on our competition industry, and sport within Canada. In addition to a multi-level national perspective I have extensive international exposure and knowledge to contribute. I would strive to add a well-balanced, impartial and steady voice to our national dialog and direction.” He added, “As of recently I have shut down my business in Canada, which allows me to offer current and unique insights into our industry while no longer having a personal bias towards my own business.”
Craig Collins, Loretto, ON
- Former coach, trainer, competitor, judge and FEI course designer
- Formed Equestrian Management Group (EMG) in 1990
- Developed the Caledon Equestrian Park, which hosted the Pam Am Games in 2015
- EC director from 1996-2000 and 2010 -2013.
On why he thinks he’s a good choice: “I have been encouraged by many in the equestrian world to submit myself for consideration of this key role. I am flattered by their endorsement and feel, with clear eyes, that my experiences as a participant, official, organizer, member of the Jumping Committee, current voting member of Category A, former member of the board, organizer of the 2015 Pan American Games, and successful businessman, I will be able to contribute in a positive way to the success of the National Sport Organization.”
Meg Krueger, Mississauga, ON
- Current COO of the Colorado Horse Park in Denver, CO.
- Helped build the Canadian Jumper Development Series
- Former member of the Canadian Breeds & Industry Council
- Long history of volunteerism with Canadian equine and agriculture associations.
On why she thinks she’s a good choice: “I believe I would be of value to the Equestrian Canada Board and Membership because of the breadth of my experience both in equestrian and business realms: horse show manager, executive management, multi-discipline events (hunter/jumper/equitation, dressage, eventing, western dressage, polo), sponsorship sales & relationship cultivation,” wrote Krueger in her application. “I have personally participated in hunter, jumper, trail, sorting, and horsemanship. I have managed and built the grass roots (riding academy, camps, schooling shows, Canadian Jumper Development Series) to FEI competition (in Canada and US). I believe I would bring a strategic mind, financial responsibility to the balance sheet and P&L and strong relationship building skills.”
Peggy Hambly, Guelph, ON
- EC Board member since 2014 and current EC president
- Owner and partner of Glenarden Farms since 1988, which runs several annual horse trials.
- EC Level 3 Technical Delegate and FEI 2* Technical Delegate.
- Son, Jay, is a well-known international course designer and builder.
What Hambly brings to the table: “sound knowledge of the complexities of Equestrian Canada, combined with my first-hand experience as an equestrian and EC volunteer for 30+ years, and my experience as an EC Board member…” She concluded, “EC is in a period of transition and growth and I offer stability, continuity, equestrian knowledge and experience, knowledge of EC, and a proven track record of building strong relationships and consensus amongst the equestrian community.”
Robert Mitchell, Vancouver, BC
- Founder and president of Dixon Mitchell Investment Counsel Inc.
- Involved for two years in a therapeutic school that included equine therapy
- Owns Lady of the Dance DMV, an eight-year-old Hanoverian mare who was 2014 CHS 4 & 5 Year Old Materiale Horse Of The Year.
- Daughter, Kirsten, works at a dressage breeding training stable and is a competitor.
On why he thinks he’s a good choice: “I have a thorough understanding of board responsibilities and would actively participate in the governance of Equestrian Canada. I also have the financial acumen and experience to understand any financial or accounting issues relevant to Equestrian Canada. I understand the role of a board to be principally focused on ensuring sound and progressive governance while continuing to review and shape organizational strategy working with professional management so the various stakeholders’ interests can be served in an effective manner.”
Rupert May, Langley, BC
- CFO and Co-Founder of Cycle Component Network Inc. & 2MEvents Inc.
- Audit Partner and Senior Manager Audit at Grant Thornton LLP (2003-2010)
- Began riding at a young age in Northern Ireland, and took it up again in 2011
- Currently own two horses, and enjoy riding with wife and daughter.
On what he offers the Board: May has cofounded and run a number of businesses focussed on sports-integrated online membership and event registration, clients include Triathlon Canada, Cycling Canada and USA Cycling. Currently chief financial officer and co-founder of Cycle Component Network Inc. & 2MEvents Inc., he maintains that “My background as a senior finance professional, entrepreneur and passionate rider mean I can bring knowledgeable and experienced oversight to both operational and strategic decision making.”
The following returning Directors continue on the 2017 EC Board:
- Jorge Bernhard – ON
- Dominique Chagnon – QC
- Lisa Lazarus – QC
- Doug Orr – AB
The following directors are no longer on the board:
- Tony Eames
- Deanna Phelan
- Liz Saunders
“The terms of office have been approved by the EC Board and will be made public at the 2017 EC AGM,” noted Chagnon. “Two criteria were used to come up with the list. First, the term of office accepted by every candidate was verified. This was part of the nomination package ‒ every candidate had to agree on the term of office that would suit them best. Second, the points total earned by each candidate was taken into consideration with the aim to match the longer terms to those with the highest points.”
The president and vice-president will be elected by the board from among the directors at the first board meeting following the AGM. Plans for this first board meeting have not yet been finalized, but will take place this fall. As per the EC Governance Manual, the board meets quarterly at minimum, and more frequently as circumstances dictate.
Three members of the board (Meg Kruger, Lisa Lazarus, and Chris Sorenson) live outside Canada and can submit their travel expenses to EC for reimbursement. “Travel for the EC Board of Directors must be approved by EC senior executive and finance staff, and board members are legally responsible for acting in the best interests of EC, which includes fiscal responsibility,” read a statement from EC’s financial department. “All travel is booked at the economy level – and if Board members choose to book above economy, they are only reimbursed for the comparable economy portion.” Directors can arrange to attend meetings via web conference if they so choose.
The 2017 AGM has been set for Sept. 25, 2017, via teleconference. Persons to be present at the AGM include the members, directors, and auditor, plus all registered participants are also invited to attend. The event will be livestreamed on EC’s Facebook page, although questions from members or the horse community must be submitted in advance in three categories. See the appropriate addresses here.
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