Canadian Pony Club, the national organization that teaches young people to ride and care for horses, will hold what it calls its first-ever national convention in Oakville. The gathering runs Thursday, Nov. 12, to Sunday, Nov. 15, at the Holiday Inn Oakville Centre.
The club says it has been building riders and leaders since 1934. The event is aimed at members, families, coaches and volunteers, from age 5 to adult.
Over the four days, the club advertises more than 36 lectures, workshops and hands-on sessions on equine health, sport psychology, rider fitness, nutrition, saddle fit and careers in the horse industry. Speakers include Dr. Anthony Yu of Halton Equine / Equine Dermatology, who will talk about skin diseases that look like ringworm and how to diagnose and treat them. Some sessions on the timetable are leadership and board meetings rather than open lectures.
Show jumper Beth Underhill gives the keynote address at the Awards Luncheon in the hotel's Trafalgar Ballroom.
Members will also show their own horse research at a science-fair-style Research Project Fair from Nov. 12 to 14. Children 5 to 12 get Pony Paddock, a fully chaperoned space. Proceeds from a silent auction go to the hosting region.
The club advertised an all-access pass for $260 and a one-day pass for Saturday or Sunday at $100. The day pass covers the educational workshops and the Stable Management and Anatomy Rooms, but not food, drinks or the Awards Luncheon. Registration has since closed; families hoping to attend can ask to join the waitlist at [email protected].
