2026 Conference theme: “Sustainable by Design”
Join Ontario Equestrian at King Animal Hospital in King, ON for a day of learning and connection with industry experts and the local stable community. Explore how long-term sustainability in the equestrian industry is built through deliberate decisions, thoughtful systems, and strategic planning.
The conference agenda:
08:30 - 9:00AM REGISTRATION
Light breakfast catered by King Animal Hospital
9:00 - 9:15AM WELCOME - Tracey McCague-McElrea & Jason Keown
The event will kick off with opening remarks and a special address from Ontario Equestrian’s Executive Director, Tracey McCague-McElrea, and Jason Keown of King Animal Hospital. Tracey and Jason will share the insights and the vision for this year’s conference theme: Sustainable by Design. Tracey will share how Ontario Equestrian is working to help our community learn and share insights to design stable businesses that last, to shape the future of the equestrian industry in Ontario.
9:15 - 10:00AM Keynote - Stables Social License To Operate - Dr. Emily Gilbert, PhD
Public trust is essential to the future of equestrian sport and horse care. In this keynote opening, Dr. Emily Gilbert - Chair of Equestrian Canada’s High Performance Advisory Group will introduce the concept of social license to operate and how public perception, transparency, and welfare standards influence the sustainability of the industry. Learn how stable owners and managers can strengthen trust by clearly demonstrating responsible horse care and good management practices.
10:00 - 10:45AM Veterinary Lecture - King Animal Hospital
Early detection and informed veterinary care are key to keeping horses sound and working longer. In this session, one of the King Animal Hospital veterinary team will discuss how modern diagnostic tools are helping identify injury and lameness earlier, allowing for better treatment and prevention strategies. The discussion will also share how the work being done at King Animal Hospital is supporting improved health, performance, and longevity for horses across Ontario, from sport horses to lesson and recreational mounts.
11:00 - 12:00AM Building Sustainable Enrollment - Hilary Gregory - OE Manager of Sport
Sustainable enrollment is built by design, not chance. In this one-hour session, Hilary Gregory, OE’s Manager of Sport introduces the Equestrian Foundations Programs — Learn to Ride and Rookie Riders — showing how clear pathways and benchmarks drive retention and predictable growth. Danielle Yaghdjian (Pickering Horse Centre) and Nikki Maclellan (Raynham Stables) will share how these systems work in their barns to turn beginners into long-term riders and create consistent enrollment cycles.
12:00 - 1:30PM Networking Lunch & Tour - King Animal Hospital
In addition to lunch, attendees will tour the King Animal Hospital facility in groups of 20, starting at 12:20 PM. A 40-minute tour will be guided by the hospital staff. When attendees are not on tour, they are encouraged to network with speakers and Ontario Equestrian staff in the conference room.
1:30 - 2:15PM Financial Clarity For Long-Term Stability - Sean Jones
A sustainable stable business requires more than hard work — it requires financial clarity. In this session, seasoned equestrian professional and financial advisor Sean Jones will explore practical tools that help stable owners better understand and manage their finances. From cash-flow forecasting and pricing reality versus emotional pricing to capital planning, debt strategy, and retirement planning, this session focuses on building a clearer financial picture for long-term stability. After all, you cannot sustain what you cannot measure.
2:15 - 3:15PM Leadership By Design – OE’s 2025 Young Professionals - Moderated by Tracey McCague-McElrea
This panel brings together members of the 2025 Young Professionals cohort to share how intentional leadership reshaped their businesses. Through candid discussion, they’ll explore shifts in long-term thinking, where they were operating unsustainably, the systems and boundaries they implemented, and why hard work alone is not a sustainability strategy. Expect practical insights and honest reflection from professionals committed to building longevity in the Ontario equestrian industry.
3:15 - 4:15PM Mental Health for Stable Managers - Dr. Heather Wheeler, Ph.D.
,In this session psychologist Dr. Heather Wheeler, PhD, will explore the unique mental health challenges faced by stable managers and equestrian professionals. She will share practical strategies for recognizing stress, setting healthy boundaries, and building habits that support long-term resilience so leaders in the barn can protect their own well-being while supporting others.
4:15 - 4:30PM WRAP UP - Helen Richardson - OE Manager of Community Development
To close the day, Ontario Equestrian’s Manager of Community Development - Helen Richardson, will highlight the upcoming additions for the Stable Program, and focus on upcoming online roundtable sessions for Stable Program members. We’ll discuss topics to be ddressed in our community and work being done to work together to solve the issues our Stable Owners and Managers face across the province.
Registration for the conference has been generously sponsored by Acera Insurance.
Registration for OE Stable Program members is $40.
Registration for attendees who are not members of the OE Stable Program is $75.
Lunch is included in the conference fee.