Ontario Equestrian Federation Award Recipients

Source :  Ontario Equestrian Federation

The Ontario Equestrian Federation (OEF) honoured award recipients for 2002 at its Annual Banquet on Saturday, November 23rd. The Banquet was held in conjunction with the 25th Anniversary Conference at the Nottawasaga Inn in Alliston, Ontario.

The Yvonne Collard Award (Equestrian of the Year) is awarded to an Adult member of the OEF who has made an outstanding contribution of time and effort to Ontario equestrian sport, recreation, industry and/or equine welfare, in memory of Yvonne Collard who devoted a great deal of energy as an OEF Director and Official to further the sport. This year, the Award was presented to Allan H. L. Ehlick.

The Cassie Bonnar Award (Junior Equestrian of the Year) is awarded to a Junior member of the OEF who has made an outstanding contribution of time and effort to Ontario equestrian sport, recreation, industry and/or equine welfare. This award is named for a courageous young woman who loved horses and cared for them passionately. Always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need, no matter how great or how small, Cassie Bonnar exemplified the qualities of a great young humanitarian. This year’s recipient was Alexandra Clark.

The Volunteer of the Year Award given to an OEF member who has made an outstanding contribution of time and effort on behalf of the Ontario Equestrian Federation. The recipient of this award will be put forth as the OEF nomination for the Equine Canada Volunteer of the Year Award. This year's recipient was Valerie Love.

Recipient of the Media of the Year Award awarded to the media outlet that provides
the best piece (print or electronic) about an equestrian activity in 2002. This year's recipient was The Port Perry Star.

In recognition of the untiring efforts of so many “behind the scenes” enthusiasts, the OEF created “People Make A Difference” Awards to annually acknowledge deserving candidates from each of the OEF's member associations. 2002 recipients included Mike King of the Association of Riding Establishments of Ontario, Michael Boyd of the Hanoverian Breeders Club of Eastern Canada, Cheryl Smith-Ehrlick of the Arabian Horse Association of Eastern Canada, Ann Caine of the Ontario Therapeutic Riding Association, and Joanne Milton of the Ontario Reining Horse Association.