Announcing the Winners of our First Trail Riding Photo Contest!

This past summer, Equine Canada’s Recreation Division held a photo contest for shutterbugs who love to be on the trail. We asked for your submissions showing riders enjoying the great outdoors on their trusty equines, complete with proper safety equipment – helmets with chins straps and fluorescent vests (if they were on the road, but we advocate wearing them at all times for enhanced safety).

The following entry categories were offered:

• Senior Riders: First and second prize
• Junior Riders (17 years old and younger): First and second prize

First Prize – Laura Dahle, Mid-island CADORA, British Columbia, 2011 Cancer Memorial Fundraiser

Laura’s Submission:

“This photo was taken during this a local annual fundraiser. Each year the group (of up to 100 riders) raises over $12,000 for the Canadian Cancer Society. This is our group traversing one of the many rivers crossings. The ride leaves from the Nanoose Bay area and winds throughout the Englishman River Area. All levels of riders are welcome to participate.”

Our judges chose this photo because it exemplifies safe but challenging trail riding at its best. “The lead rider is turned to watch over the other riders crossing the river and the riders are leaving two horse lengths between each other, while still riding in twos across the rider. You can also see that a rider is waiting to start to cross once the others are safely across,” explains Bonnie Simpson, Co-chair of EC’s Recreation Council and Past President of the Ontario Trail Riders Association . “I also like the bright shirts the riders are wearing for easy identification along the trail.”

Second Prize – Peter Lindsay, Rocky Mountain Farm, Fenelon Falls, Ontario, Trail Ride on Rocky Mountain Horses

Peter’s Submission:

“Three of our friends had trailered their horses over to our place on a beautiful February day after just coming out of a very cold winter snap. We have lots of great trails to choose from at Rocky Mountain Farm that take you deep into the woods out of the wind. This photo is the gang of Rocky Mountain Horses coming back out into the field heading home for some hot chocolate.”

Our judges chose this photo because it demonstrates the beauty of winter trail riding for all ages. “The riders are also all equipped with helmets and riding safely in single file,” comments Bonnie. “All in all, a lovely photo that promotes trail riding for all ages in all types of weather.”

JUNIOR RIDERS

First Prize – Christine Budzak, Sanford, Manitoba, Trail Riding on Bluebear Farms

Christine’s Submission:

“This is a shot of Julia on her horse Briana sporting a bright green fluorescent vest that was purchased in Germany. On the back of the vest it says ‘Caution’, in German.”  

Our judges choose this photo because it not only promotes trail riding for all types of riders, but doing so in the open with a highly visible vest. “We strongly advocate that all trail riders start riding with brightly coloured vests at all times,” states Bonnie. “You need to be seen to be safe, on the road, on the trail and in the open –it just makes good sense.” The EC Recreation Council reports it is looking into vest designs specifically for horseback trail riders with waterproof pockets for cell phones and GPS devices, and made of fluorescent, waterproof fabric.

Second Prize – Peter Lindsay, Rocky Mountain Farm, Fenelon Falls, Ontario, Winter Trail Ride with a Friend

Peter’s Submission:

“This shot is of Katie our daughter enjoying a new trail at our property in January after a great powdery snowfall with Jethro our faithful yellow lab and Randy one of our Rocky Mountain geldings. It was such a great sight, seeing Jethro bounding through the snow and Katie gaiting briskly along on this picturesque day. “

Our judges chose this photo because it exemplifies the beauty of winter trail riding through a forest. Though this is private property, our Recreation Council strongly discourages taking your dogs with you on public trails. “You can’t control them properly and you run the risk of the dogs spooking other people’s horses and riders becoming injured,” explains Bonnie. “It isn’t safe for riders or animals.”

Honourable Mention – Lori Standeven, Reignmaker Miniatures, Prince George,

British Columbia, Driving Miss Bucky

Lori’s Submission:

“This shot was taken from the seat of my buggy, driving my 13-year- old Registered American Miniature Horse, Marquis TJ Dynamic Buckeroo, aka Bucky, out for a drive on the trail. We show our horses in open driving shows and breed shows as well as enjoying cross- country pleasure driving. The bells on the harness because we have more than once come over a rise to find a bear (or momma and cubs) a short distance ahead. Carts are not as easy to turn as a saddle horse - close but still not entirely - so it's best to let the wildlife know you are approaching. We've never had a problem but this is just a small change made for safety. "

Our judges chose this photo as it clearly demonstrates that trails are for driving too. This country has many recreational drivers who love to get out on the trail too. “We also loved the bells – it reminds one of Christmas sleigh rides,” explains Jack de Wit, Co-chair of the EC Recreation Council.

Thank you to all who entered our first- ever trail riding photo contest! We were thrilled to receive so many entries – choosing the winners was a tough job for our panel. Each winner receives a $100 Greenhawk gift certificate.