2026 Conference theme: “Sustainable by Design”
Join Ontario Equestrian at the Perth Parkside Hotel in Perth, 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 includes:
08:30 - 9:00AM REGISTRATION - Perth Parkside Hotel
9:00 - 9:15AM WELCOME - Tracey McCague-McElrea, Ontario Equestrian
The event will kick off with opening remarks and a special address from Ontario Equestrian’s Executive Director, Tracey McCague-McElrea. Tracey 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, and will shape the future of the equestrian industry in Ontario.
9:15 - 10:00AM Designing for Longevity: Strategy Before Survival - Karen Sparks, Wesley Clover
Sustainability in the equestrian industry doesn’t happen by accident - it’s built through intentional, long-term decisions. In this keynote opening session, Karen Sparks will challenge stable owners to move from survival mode to strategic leadership by working on the business, planning 5–10 years ahead, making thoughtful growth decisions, and building systems before burnout forces change.
10:00 - 11:00AM Building Sustainable Enrollment - Moderated by Ruth Allum, ACD, MCD
In this one-hour session, Ruth Allum - Ontario Equestrian’s High Performance Lead, will introduce the Equestrian Foundations Programs - Learn to Ride and Rookie Riders - showing how clear pathways and benchmarks drive retention and predictable growth. Kelly Gordon (Wesley Clover) and Stephanie Wark (Westar Farms) will share how these systems work in their barns to turn beginners into long-term riders and create consistent enrollment cycles.
11:00 - 12:00PM Lessons From The Long Game - Gary Yaghdjian, Pickering Horse Centre
With more than four decades in the equine industry, Pickering Horse Centre (PHC) owner Gary Yaghdjian has seen the stable business evolve through economic cycles, industry shifts, and changing rider expectations. Gary will share the story behind the growth of PHC - the decisions that worked, the mistakes that taught the most, and the lessons learned along the way. Drawing on firsthand experience, he will explore pricing reality versus emotional pricing, understanding the true costs of running a stable, managing herd size, and making decisions that support long-term sustainability.
12:00 - 1:00PM NETWORKING LUNCH - Lunch in the Hotel dining room.
1:00 - 2:15PM Leadership By Design – OE’s 2025 Young Professionals - Moderated by Tracey McCague-McElrea
Led 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.
2:30 - 3:30PM Social License To Operate - Dr. Emily Gilbert, PhD
Public trust is essential to the future of equestrian sport and horse care. In this session, 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 professionals can strengthen trust by clearly demonstrating responsible horse care and good management practices.
3:30 - 4:30PM Mental Health for Stable Managers - Donna McDonagh, PhD, Psychologist
In this session, registered psychologist Donna McDonagh from the Canadian Centre for Mental Health and Sport 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.
4:30 - 4:45PM 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.