Jack Pemberton of Toronto, ON, passed away on August 16, 2022 at the age of 99. He will be remembered as a true gentleman and for his remarkable support and leadership in equestrian sport ‒ particularly driving ‒ both in Canada and internationally.
He became involved with Equine Canada (formerly the Canadian Equestrian Federation) in 1975 as a member of the Regional Committee, and was made an Honorary Life Member in 1980, and Honorary Life Director in 1981. He was also a past Director of Canadian Horse Shows Association, of which he remarked in 2008, “When I first got involved with the Canadian Horse Shows Association, there were only two employees. Now you can see how equestrian sport in Canada has grown. I am fortunate enough to have stayed on the right side of the grass to see it grow to its present state.”
His true passion was carriage driving, and he held several top roles with the Carriage Association of America including director and chairman, and in 1988 was made an honorary director. As a competitor, he represented Canada in 1968 in FEI driving competitions and took up positions as FEI driving judge and chairman for the FEI Driving Committee from 1995 to 2003. He was on the original committee that formulated the rules for combined driving when Prince Phillip was FEI president. The trophy which is awarded to the winner of the FEI World Cup Driving Final was donated by Jack in 2012.
Jack was instrumental in establishing the Ontario Equine Research Center in 1981, also serving as a chairman on the Center’s advisory committee. He first competed in the prestigious coaching classes at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in 1964, becoming a director for the Fair in 1974. He also served as the Fair’s president in 1975, and from1978-1979.
Jack was involved in over 20 equine associations in his life. He was a life member of the British Horse Society, the Canadian Combined Driving Association, Drive Canada, the Canadian Hackney Society and the Eastern Ontario Pleasure Driving Society. He was also one of the founding directors of Drive Canada and the American Driving Society and served as chair of the Canadian Pleasure Driving Championships. He was presented with the 2007 EC Lifetime Achievement Award, presented to an individual who contributions to the Canadian equestrian community are considered exceptional by their peers and whose lifetime of service and dedication has contributed directly to the ongoing growth and development of the Canadian equine industry.
Jack will be fondly remembered and his absence will be deeply missed in the equestrian community.
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