By Jessie Christie, EC Media

This article has been updated. Please see Mongeau and Garner Leave Equestrian Canada. 

Equestrian Canada (EC) is pleased to announce that Richard Mongeau has been appointed EC Chief Executive Officer, effective April 1, 2018.

“The EC Board entered the search for a new CEO with the intention of hiring for an interim position,” explained Meg Krueger, EC President. “However, we were fortunate to have Richard as a candidate, bringing 30 years of experience at Cheval Québec, proven strategic and leadership success, and a history of collaboration with EC. We are very excited and enthusiastic that Richard has accepted a permanent, full-time position, and thrilled to welcome him as the next EC CEO.

“Richard comes to EC with an in depth understanding and empathy to the culture of the national office, and the ability to knowledgeably and successfully address the needs and operations of the equestrian industry in Canada. We look forward to supporting Richard and the EC team in building and enhancing strong relationships with stakeholders, addressing the needs of the community, and reinforcing the longterm sustainability of the organization.”

Mongeau, 60, who hails from St-Hyacinthe, QC, began riding at a young age and competed in Western disciplines until his 20s. He has also been active as a horse owner and official, as well as a National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) coach and coach evaluator.

After spending four years as a teacher and riding instructor for the Equine Studies Program through the Quebec Ministry of Agriculture, Mongeau first joined Cheval Québec (then called Fédération équestre du Québec) in 1985. He spent two years as the Technical Director – Western Disciplines, before moving into the position of Executive Director, a role he held for over 30 years.

Mongeau has also been active in the governance and leadership of the equestrian industry in Quebec, sitting on the Board of Directors of the provincial horse industry association, Filière Cheval du Québec, for 15 years from 2000 to 2015.

“I am absolutely thrilled to have the opportunity to join Equestrian Canada,” said Mongeau. “I’m looking forward to taking on the challenge of contributing to the success of our national organization, and working with the Board of Directors, the team in the office, and the volunteers. I have always been a firm believer that strong collaboration amongst stakeholders of our sport and industry is key to our collective success. I hope to contribute to the cohesiveness between EC and the different sport, industry, and provincial/territorial affiliates.”

Please join EC in welcoming Mongeau and congratulating him on the next chapter of his distinguished career in service of the Canadian equestrian community.

EC would also like to recognize and sincerely thank the EC Board of Directors as a whole, as well as Past President, Peggy Hambly and current President, Meg Krueger in particular, for their dedication in going above and beyond to provide leadership to EC during the absence of a sitting CEO.

For more information visit the Equestrian Canada website.

Photo courtesy of Richard Mongeau.