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| News from the Headwaters Equine Leadership Group
The Headwaters Equine Leadership Group (HELG) has just released a baseline report on the economic impact of the equine sector in the Headwaters Region.
The equine industry has been identified by HELG, municipal partners and stakeholders as an important facet of the economic prosperity of the Headwaters region. As noted in the report, Headwaters Horse Country is home to over 23,000 horses, over 2000 horse farms and hundreds of businesses that support these horses and their owners. It is also home to four internationally recognized event facilities two of which are hosting equestrian events for the TO 2015 Pan American Games.
The report describes the indicators that impact the economic sustainability of a region that are directly related to the equine sector. Additional data points include primary use of horses, on-farm operating expenditures, on-farm operating cost and on-farm capital expenditures.
The report conservatively estimates the economic impact of the equine sector in the Headwaters to be a minimum of $100 million annually for ongoing operating costs with a further $300 million spent on property improvements including barns and arenas and as investment in horses. It is also noted that much of this spending is locally focussed, further emphasizing the sector's importance to the local economy.
The equine sector is strong in the Headwaters Region and the economic impact of the sector is an important component of the efforts of HELG. This report will be updated annually and is one of numerous initiatives being undertaken by HELG to support the development of the Headwaters region as a centre of equine excellence.
Click here to download the full report.
For further information please contact Vicki Sword, Project Manager at Vicki@thehillsofheadwaters.com or 519-942-0314, ext 204
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Pan Am Countdown 
The games begin July 10, 2015.
That's 450 days away!
Volunteer recruitment is now open for the
2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games.
Click here for more details.
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Equine Events and Happenings
It is time to put winter behind us and start looking to show season. Mark your calendar with these April and May events:
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There is still time to register for the Sport Tourism Workshop!
April 29, 2014
 We are getting ready for a wonderful season of equestrian sport from all disciplines. This is a great time to learn about Sport Tourism from sport event, tourism and economic development experts.
The Canadian Sport Tourism Alliance (CSTA) in conjunction with the Town of Orangeville, Hills of Headwaters Tourism Association, and the Ontario Trillium Foundation will conduct a one-day sport tourism workshop on Tuesday, April 29, 2014.
Click here to register for the event.
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The 2014 Horse Country Stable Tour is bigger and better than ever! Be a part of it! October 4-5, 2014
The 7th Annual Headwaters Horse Country Stable Tour is scheduled for October 4 & 5, 2014!
This year's Tour will be held over two days with each location participating for one day of the event. The Tour routes will be divided by geography, allowing visitors the time and opportunity to visit all Tour locations. Click here for more information or to register your location for the event.
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Promoting your Events
If you have an event that you would like promoted through Headwaters Horse Country, please contact Vicki Sword at Vicki@thehillsofheadwaters.com.
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Horse Country in the Community
Headwaters Horse Country was on display at two major events in March.
Destination Development: Headwaters
Partners in Tourism Symposium
The Hills of Headwaters Tourism Association and Central Counties Tourism hosted the 2014 Tourism Symposium on March 24th. Attendees learned about opportunities to promote local businesses and foster the growth of the tourism sector in the Headwaters Region.
Headwaters Horse Country was well represented at the Horse Country booth and in the program where the value of this sector to the local economy was a key topic.
Click here for more information and copies of the presentations, including a fabulous presentation from Janet Bonhomme about planning festivals and events entitled Festivals-Big Business When Working Together.
Can-Am All Breeds Equine Expo
The Can-Am All Breeds Expo returned to the heart of Headwaters Horse Country, March 28-30. The event was a great success and had something for everyone.
Thank you to all of you who came to visit the Headwaters Horse Country booth!
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Breeds in Horse Country
This month we are highlighting the Gypsy Vanner! Soon after World War II, a vision was born by British Gypsies to create the perfect caravan horse. Their goal was a small Shire, with more feather, more color and a sweeter head. Because the English Gypsy caravan is the most highly decorated caravan in the world, they wanted a living art form to pull that art form.  | |
Vanner Girls Riding Team at DeerFields Stables
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The first glance impression of the breed is its stature as a small draft horse. The image is enhanced with feathering, muscular development and size. The presence and quality of the breed reflect in its personality of being gentle, cooperative and willing, yet powerful. One of the unique characteristics of the breed is the abundance of feathering found on the rear of the fore and hind legs, starting from the knee and hock and extending down and over the hooves. Gypsy Vanner horses have long, flowing manes and tails.
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Gypsy Vanner Trail Ride at DeerFields Stables
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The temperament of the breed is reflected in its personality and willingness to cooperate with man when given tasks. Coming from a cold blooded background, the Gypsy Vanner should be relaxed, mannerly, and respectful of its environment. Their willingness should be expressed in their innate attitude of being capable of serving as a riding and driving animal.
Its temperament and conformation make the Gypsy Vanner a versatile performance horse. Traditionally bred as a driving horse to pull the Gypsy caravan, today you will find Gypsy Vanner horses performing in driving, dressage, hunter-jumper, trail and western show events.
-Can-Am 2014 Breeds Expo
The photos used in this section were submitted by James Wilson at DeerFields Stables located at 17084 Duffys Lane in Palgrave, Ontario (905-880-8330). Click here for a video with more information about DeerFields Stables and to see the majestic Gypsy Vanner in motion.
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How strong is your knowledge of horse breeds?
Test your knowledge by taking this quiz from about.com!
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"When your horse follows you without being asked, when he rubs his head on yours, and when you look at him and feel a tingle down your spine... you know you are loved."
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Featured Horse Country Image
 Check out this adorable picture of Duchess from Little Creek Ranch, located at 995570 Mono Adjala Townline in Rosemont, Ontario (705-434-0081).She is a 14 year old, 11 hand, Welsh Pony Mare.Duchess has spent this winter eating, playing with her two herd-mates and basking in the winter sun.Her summers are spent teaching kids how to groom, care for, tack up, ride, and LOVE equines.
Photo submissions should be emailed to Vicki@thehillsofheadwaters.com and include the photograph, your contact information and a brief description of the location or event.
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