History was made 13-15 July in Meaford, ON, when Y NOT Farms and Equestrian Centre hosted Canada’s first ever FEI Reining Steward clinic.

Eric Straus, the FEI Steward General for Reining, was the course director for the clinic, which was held in conjunction with the CRI 2* Reining competition at Y NOT Farms and Equestrian Centre.

A highly sought official, Straus is an FEI Chief Steward in the disciplines of Reining and Jumping, and was appointed the esteemed position of FEI Reining Steward General. In addition, Straus currently holds his Registered Category 1 Steward, Registered Jumper Judge, Recorded Hunter Judge and Recorded Hunter Seat Equitation Judge with the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF).

The clinic provided a valuable opportunity for the eight aspiring FEI Reining Stewards to gain an improved understanding of the FEI Reining rules, as well as the role and responsibilities of Reining Stewards at the International level.

“Stewarding is a vital component to the development of the Reining sport at the International level, and Canada was very fortunate to have had such an experienced presenter at this course,” noted Sandra Sillcox, who is currently the only FEI Reining Steward in Canada.

The need for qualified FEI Reining stewards will continue to increase in North America as the number of FEI Reining events increase. To meet this demand, it is anticipated that further FEI Stewarding courses will be offered at different locations in Canada. Please check the Reining Canada website (www.reiningcanada.com) or the Equine Canada website (www.equinecanada.ca) regularly for future course dates.