New Brunswick Report
with Vanessa Packman

Report from Horse & Pony December 2010 - January 2011

Gielan and Galaxy impress at WEG

What a great cap to an exciting year. This fall has been full of New Brunswick riders accomplishing great things. Let's get right to it!

It was exciting to see our own in the mix at the World Equestrian Games.. New Brunswick was in the thick of things, with some of the most exciting moments provided by Norton's Bob Gielan and his mount, FC Galaxy.
The man who has been riding trails competitively since 1988 and his 13-year-old bay Arabian gelding took 10 hours, 13 minutes, and 55 seconds to complete the 100-mile course, good for 37th place. His efforts helped the Canadian team finish seventh overall with a combined time of just more than 33 hours. This win is even more remarkable when you consider only half of the 105 entries crossed the finish line.
You could say Galaxy has endurance riding enthusiasts over the moon with this latest win. He has cemented his place as one of the nation's toughest mounts in the long run. This latest victory is added to two world championships, World Endurance Championships, and the North American Championships already on his impressive resume. Excellent job, both of you!
It was also great to see Fredericton's Valerie Phelan among the commentators during the CBC coverage of WEG. Her knowledgeable observations helped bring some of the history and color of the many sports to life.

The New Brunswick flag was flying high again, this time in New York, just days before WEG. Lakeside's Denielle Gallagher-Legriffon led the Canadian riders to victory at the NEDA Fall Festival CDI-W Y/J Saugerties, in mid-September.
Gallagher-Legriffon teamed with Abrikos, a 19-year-old Russian Warmblood stallion, to earn the partners their first Grand Prix victory of their career. They also claimed first place in the meet's Grand Prix Special, (the first New Brunswick rider to do so) and capped the event with a fourth in the Grand Prix. A proud day for both our province and our country!

Many are describing the last day of the NB/PEI Barrel Horse Association (NPBHA) season as near perfect as a person could get. The fundraising event at the Weaver family's farm on the first weekend of October in Benton brought 33 riders together for barrels of fun. Many had traveled from Quebec to participate, and even though Mother Nature threw down a lot of rain at the start, the new footing in the ring was more than equal to the challenge. The riders ran some amazing times and went home excited and eager for the new season to start! For information on year-end winners, visit the NPBHA Year-End Winners link at AtlanticFarmer.com.

There was good news for those who prefer a slower pace with their mounts. Akaash Maharaj, chief executive officer of Equine Canada, was in town for the N.B. Equestrian Association annual meeting at the end of October to donate $2,000 to the provincial organization. The NBEA will use the new funds to back the N.B. Greenhawk Ride and Drive program. This recreational program allows horse owners to accumulate miles and/or points as well as develop their skills as they spend quality time with their horses, either under saddle or in harness.

On Oct. 11 a Ride For The Cure was held in the Hampton Riding Centre to honor Tammy Costan, a dear friend and horsewoman who lost her battle with breast cancer in February of 2008. Thanks to everyone who turned out, helped, fundraised, or just showed up to ride. Close to $2,300 was raised, and that's amazing for a small group of 35 riders. Our winners this year were: Highest fundraisers – Cheryl Hodgins, Dorothy Durie, and Amanda Greenslade; pinkest horse and rider – Maxine Cook; and Poker Run – Matt Cole and Rachel Curtis. Thanks to everyone who donated prizes and supplied the lunch.

Amid all the excitement of this fall, there is some sad news to pass along. Frank Cronin, one of the founding members of the Valley Horse and Saddle Club (VHSC), passed away at the end of October at age 90. His friendly face and enthusiasm was an important part of local horse shows for more than 60 years. The dedication with which he performed many of the tasks that go into running events earned him the respect and affection of those who knew him. We are sad to lose such a valued member of our community, and extend heartfelt condolences to his family. His loved ones request donations be made to the VHSC in his memory, allowing his work to continue.

Meanwhile, have a happy and safe holiday season, and may you enjoy the company of your loved ones. Lots of carrots and apples to all. Thank you for making 2010 such a memorable one.

Share your news from New Brunswick: your horse events, news, and nuggets. Phone Vanessa Packman at 506-433-2601, email packmanv@nbnet.nb.ca, or write 1244 Post Road, Sussex Corner, NB E4E 2V5.