Successful Youth Bursary Program Results in Continuation for 2003

Source :  Ontario Equestrian Federation

In 2002, five junior OEF members were presented with a prestigious OEF Youth Bursary which entitled them to $1000.00 each to be used for their continuing education and training in the equestrian pursuit of their choice.

The recipients for 2002 were Jessie Barrieau (Bobcaygeon), Britt Burechails (Waterloo), Alexandre Guindon (Kapuskasing), Amanda Kwong (Toronto) and Tiffany Nanchin (Goulias River). These recipients were selected from 53 applicants who were assessed on their written description of how they came to be involved with horses, what their goals and ambitions were for the future, as well as letters of recommendation from their respective Coaches. Academic achievements, family resources and observation or interviews by the OEF’s Youth Committee members were also employed to determine the most worthy candidates.

Each recipient has outlined their accomplishments for the 2002 season…

Alexandre Guindon has been able to compete this summer with the assistance of the Youth Bursary. According to his coach, Estelle Berube, he has been taking lessons and his riding skills are progressing nicely. Alex successfully competed at two shows this summer and is currently preparing to take his Western Rider Level 2.

Jessie Barrieau has been able to bring along her new horse, Keep on Dreamin. She had a very successful eventing season, competing at the pre-training level at her first three events and moving up to training level by the end of the year. Jessie was able to go to numerous clinics and take lessons from her coach Caroline Moreshead, which enabled both her and her horse to gain confidence and the ability to work together as a team. Jessie said in her report "I can honestly say that I wouldn’t have been able to do as much this season without the help of the bursary. It is nice to know that other people my age are given the chance to further their experience in a sport where money is always an issue."

Britt Burchails has been very busy this summer, competing in show jumping (the 3’6" to 3’9" division), eventing (at the pre-training level) and mounted games. Britt tried out for the Canadian Mounted Games national team, securing a spot on the short list. She also competed in mounted games at the North American Cup in Pennsylvania where she placed 1st in the "B" Finals and in Kentucky where she placed 5th in the "A" Finals.

Tiffany Nanchin has been able to attend a week-long clinic with Gary VanderPloeg, as well as clinics with Barbara Newlands, Elaine Ward-Turcotte and Lindsay Grice. "I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the OEF for allowing me to have these wonderful privileges for, without the security of the Bursary, I may have never really realized and appreciated the other aspects and disciplines of riding that really appeal to me.

Amanda Kwong has been able this year, to attend camp all summer at Magik Morn, working with Baby Bop Magik owned by Kim Morgan Deriet in order to prepare for their busy show season. She competed successfully in a number of hunter schooling shows, with aspirations to move up next season. With the Bursary funds, Amanda was able to pay for all of her show fees and memberships (OEF, EC and AHAEC). She has been preparing for her English Rider Level 1 & 2 testing, which she will undertake shortly.

Following three successful years of distributing funds to deserving youths, the Ontario Equestrian Federation’s Youth Bursary Program will, once again, be providing $1000 bursaries each in 2003 to five exceptional high school students.


The OEF is seeking applications from dedicated youths who can only afford the odd lesson, or who perhaps work at stable chores in exchange for lessons and wish to expand on their equestrian opportunities and education. Students should be willing to commit to a training program consisting of short-term and long-term goals developed by the youth together with their coach.


Junior OEF members who wish to participate in this exciting program should contact Susan Bell, Education Coordinator, at 905-709-6545 x15, toll free at 1-877-441-7112 or email education@horse.on.ca for further details and an application form. Application deadline is March 17, 2003.