Equestrian Canada (EC) extends heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Ian Black of Orangeville, ON, who passed away on Feb. 7, 2020, at the age of 82.
Black’s eventing career began in his native Great Britain, where he was long listed for the national team in the 1970s. There, he earned the nickname “Toes Black” for his unusual style of pointing his toes downward over fences. Black also learned the art of course design and lent his talents to prestigious events such as the Royal Welsh Show. He had a successful career as a saddler and ran equestrian centres across Great Britain.
In 1979, Black emigrated to Canada with his wife, Rozanne, and son, Stuart. They settled at the farm of Douglas and Joan Kendall and started the Lammont Training Centre. From his new home base, Black produced top event horses and riders, many of whom went on to successful careers as athletes, stable managers, judges or trainers. He served as a coach for the Ontario Young Riders Team and, alongside his wife, started the Ontario Cross-Country Trials based on the British Hunter Trials. The Ontario Cross-Country Trials enjoyed immense popularity in the 1980s and brought many riders into the discipline through its exciting cross-country gallops.