Early in the New Year, Horse Sport publisher Jennifer Anstey approached me with a request that I felt both honoured, yet at the same time, given its scope, somewhat ill-equipped to comply with. Her request, on the surface, seemed quite simple: to write a State of the Union-type of article about the Canadian horse industry for the magazine’s 50th anniversary issue. She explained, “Between your long history with Spruce Meadows and your active role on the international stage, you have the perfect perspective to understand the challenges that face us and can outline what our priorities should be.”
As with most things in life, the more experience one has in any one area, the less one thinks she or he may know. The world of the horse in no exception. Indeed, it shines as a sterling example and for me provides new insights and perspective daily. In my nearly half a century in the horse industry I have been fortunate enough to be exposed to it through a variety of lenses and perspectives, ages and stages.
A Cross-Canada Phenomenon
The Canadian horse industry is a coast-to-coast industry. It is incredibly diverse and spans the generations as well as impressive social, cultural, and economic spectrums. Its players and stakeholders are as diverse as the breeds, disciplines, opportunities and challenges that the industry faces and represents.