Ottawa, Ontario—The numbers are in, and Equine Canada’s Recreation Division, the provincial equestrian federations and the 2008 official Horse Week spokesperson, Martha Birkett of Giddy-up For Wishes, would like to announce that the 2008 edition of Equine Canada’s Horse Week was a resounding success. More than 26,270 Canadians participated in over 207 registered Horse Week events across Canada.

“We would like to express our gratitude to the 2008 Horse Week Sponsors,” remarked Lynn Shinkewski, Chair of the Horse Week 2008 Committee. “Horse Week 2008 would not have been possible without the generous contribution of our Platinum Sponsor SSG Riding Gloves, the official glove of Equine Canada, and Gold Sponsors Wyeth Animal Heath and Glover Equine Products.”

“I love the idea of a week of events devoted to horses. It tied in beautifully with my cross-country ride, Giddy Up for Wishes, where I raised money for the Children’s Wish Foundation to help dreams come true for health-challenged children,” noted Birkett. “One of my main goals has been to highlight the special, and often therapeutic, relationship that forms between people and horses. It was my pleasure to join horse-lovers across Canada in a week that celebrated these wonderful four-legged friends.”

A large number of trail rides took place across the country, whether riding along beaches, or up mountainsides, participants enjoyed spring from the back of a horse. Competitions of every discipline from dressage and hunter/jumper to eventing and gymkhanas were available to those actively involved in the horse community, and were enjoyed equally by spectators.

“It is great to see the Equine Canada’s Horse Week continuing to grow and this year is no exception with a 40 per cent increase in events and a 45 per cent increase in participants, demonstrating how important horses are to Canadians,” noted Al Patterson, President of Equine Canada. “I had the great pleasure this year of taking part in Nova Scotia Equestrian Federation’s Ride Day, with some new friends and a wonderful view of the Bay of Fundy. Many thanks to all who took part.”

Horse Week organizers and participants are invited to submit photos capturing the spirit of their event for inclusion in our online Horse Week photo gallery in the Horse Week section of the Equine Canada website at www.equinecanada.ca.

The Horse Week 2008 Committee wishes to thank everyone involved with making this year’s celebration a successful one.

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