Stable Program

Stables are the heart of the equestrian community in Ontario, where equestrians gather to care for, learn, train and enjoy being around horses. Ontario Equestrian's Stable Program is helping build a strong and resilient community of equine and equestrian businesses.

stable program launch at King Animal Hospital

April 14, 2025

Building a Resilient Community

The launch of the Stable Program is being held with a one-day event at King Animal Hospital in King City. Join industry experts for a day of informative presentations and seminars for stable managers and owners.

grow your network

This event will connect you with key professionals, potential partners, and like-minded entrepreneurs in the equestrian industry in Ontario. All attendees will also tour the new King Animal Hospital facility.

Experts in key business areas

Speakers include industry representatives from feed, cross-border shipping, agriculture and farming, finance, biosecurity, veterinary and herd health and more.

Enhance your business skills

This limited audience event (60 seats) will give you insight to timely and relevant key topics, to equip stable managers and owners to make informed decisions, protect your stable, and navigate industry changes with confidence.

Event Registration generously subsidized by Acera Insurance
A horse stable
Register Now

stable program
launch Agenda

King Animal Hospital's Knowledge Exchange Centre
1265 19th Sideroad, King City, ON
08:30 - 9:00Am

Opening

Light breakfast catered by King Animal Hospital

9:00 - 9:15Am

Welcome

The event will kick off with opening remarks and a special address from Ontario Equestrian and King Animal Hospital. We will share the insights and the vision for how this program will shape the future of equestrian sport in Ontario.

Tracey McCague-McElrea
Jason Keown
9:15 - 9:45Am

Keynote - Building a Resilient Community

Over the past twenty years, our keynote speaker, Kyle McFarlane, CEO of Golf Ontario, has seen the organization evolve into one of the largest golf associations in North America. The keynote presentation will focus on Golf Ontario’s work with industry partners to continue growing the sport and sharing the power of golf in developing communities across the province.  Kyle will share insight into how we can all cultivate stronger connections between our sport organization, member facilities, and community groups, to ensure that the equestrian industry in Ontario remains accessible, enjoyable, and continues to thrive for years to come.

Kyle McFarlane
9:45 - 10:30AM

Strengthen your Herd

Dr. Jackie Kaufman will discuss how King Animal Hospital supports equine health through specialized diagnostics, referrals, and advanced care. She will outline check-in procedures, available services, and the hospital’s role in the equestrian community, covering common injuries, emerging health trends, and risk reduction strategies.

Dr. Jackie Kaufman, DVM, MSC, DACVS-LA
10:30 - 12:00PM

Equestrian Industry  Panel

This panel, moderated by Mike King of Acera Insurance, brings together key industry leaders to discuss resilience in Ontario’s equestrian sector. Speakers will share insights on challenges, opportunities, and collaborative efforts to strengthen the industry. Topics include fostering Canadian equestrian activities and strategies for stable owners to navigate global crises and economic shifts.

Laurie Haughton
Canadian Quarter Horse Assoc.
Kyle Ecclestone
Ecclestone Transport
Danielle Glanc
Ontario Federation of Agriculture
Keri Weir
Purina Canada Equine
12:00 - 2:00PM

Lunch & Tour

In addition to lunch, attendees will tour the King Animal Hospital facility in groups of 20, starting at 12:30 PM.
A 60 minute tour will be guided by the hospital staff.

King Animal Hospital
2:00 - 3:00PM

The wealthy equine entrepreneur

Sun Life Advisor, Sean Jones specializes in providing guidance on financial matters to the equestrian industry. The Wealthy Equine Entrepreneur is a framework for equine professionals to adapt into their personal and professional practices.  The emphasis is on establishing short, medium and long-term goals and building the necessary strategies in order to achieve those goals. He’ll cover cash flow and wealth building strategies as well as retirement and succession planning. With these insights, you’ll be equipped to make informed decisions, protect your stables, and navigate industry changes with confidence.

Sean Jones
Sun Life Financial
3:00 - 3:45PM

Risk management for Stables

Mike King, Director of Equine Insurance at Acera and lifelong equestrian, will cover risk management for stable owners, including horse and farm policies, WSIB requirements, and veterinary-related coverage. Learn how insurance supports long-term business resilience and protects your stable in a changing industry.

Mike King
3:45 - 4:30PM

biosecurity at home and competition

Kristy Laroche, National Strategic Partner Manager for Equine Register, will cover the benefits of Equine Register’s Digital Stable to protect your herd and working with owners safeguard equine health by creating biosecurity for open herds.

Kristy Laroche
4:30 - 4:45PM

wrap up

Helen Richardson, Ontario Equestrian’s Manager of Community Development, will conclude the conference by providing key updates on Stable Memberships, highlight upcoming events, and introducing the new Stable Directory. Looking ahead to 2025, Helen will share insights on future initiatives designed to support and strengthen Ontario’s equestrian community.

Helen Richardson