By Jess Hallas-Kilcoyne

We are delighted to announce the winners of our fourth annual Readers’ Choice Awards, whose contributions to Canada’s horse community are truly worthy of recognition. Congratulations to our very deserving winners!

The 2013 Readers' Choice Awards winners are (please read more at each link):

Canadian Cowgirls: Promoting Patriotism  
LongRun Thoroughbred Retirement Society: Giving Racehorses a Dignified Retirement    
Walter White: Making Wishes Come True
Whiz N Tag Chex: Destined for Greatness
Pico: Celebrating Nearly Two Decades of Loyal Service
GreenScene Agritek Inc: Creating an Affordable, Sustainable Solution to the Horse Manure Problem

Jane James
Therapeutic Riding & Para-Equestrian Pioneer

There are few who have even come close to matching the many and varied contributions Jane James has made to therapeutic riding and Para-equestrian sport in Canada. Her career in the equestrian industry has been long and distinguished, and is best characterized by the unflagging dedication, generosity, and enthusiasm she employs in service of the local, national, and international horse communities.

A certified Equine Canada Coach, FEI Para-Equestrian Dressage Steward, and accredited Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association (CanTRA) Coach and Examiner, Jane was one of the driving forces behind the birth of therapeutic riding in Canada. In 1986, she founded the Cowichan Therapeutic Riding Association (CTRA) in Duncan, BC, and under her guidance the organization has grown to become an important pillar in the local horse community.

Jane retired from the position of Executive Director at CTRA five years ago, but has stayed on as a coach and supporter. “She’s just amazing, a wonderful source of information, and a mentor to all the other coaches,” says current CTRA Executive Director Jennifer Barnes van Elk. “I couldn’t ask for anything more in terms of a resource. She’s just invaluable. She’s like the therapeutic riding encyclopedia.”

Jane is also one of the founding members of Para-Equestrian Canada, and has volunteered tirelessly on numerous projects to promote Para-equestrian sport in Canada. She has twice served as Chair of the Canadian Para-Equestrian Committee (CPEC), and continues to work on a number of CPEC sub-committees. She has also performed as Chef d’Equipe for the Canadian Para-Equestrian Team, most notably at the 2004 Paralympic Games.

“It has been my honour to have met Jane in this lifetime and I am beyond grateful for all that she did and gave in order to allow me to fulfill my aspirations on the Canadian Para-Dressage team,” says Karen Brain, 2004 Paralympic Individual and Team Bronze Medalist. “She was the catalyst for my initial involvement on the Para team, and she was beyond supportive in helping me achieve all the necessary requirements to succeed in my goals. She not only willingly gave of herself to answer all my questions, but proceeded to go above and beyond in helping set up special situations for me personally.”

Last year, Jane was recognized for her dedication to Canadian Para-equestrian sport as a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, a commemorative medal awarded in celebration of significant contributions and achievements by Canadians.

Currently, Jane is heavily involved in assisting and promoting the development of therapeutic riding in Merida, Mexico. “She’s been making trips down there and doing educational programs so that Mexico is able to come up to the same standard of therapeutic riding that we have here in Canada,” says Barnes van Elk. “She’s also been spearheading donations of equipment which is light-years ahead in terms of safety from the stuff they’re using down there.”

Nobody who knows James is surprised by the gusto with which she has thrown herself into this most recent project.

“It becomes more and more apparent each year who the key people are that initiate positive changes; Jane is one of those people,” says Brain. “She is a true example of leading through humility and is a proven example of what can be achieved if one is willing to set aside any need for personal acknowledgement for the greater good. If there were more Jane James’s out there in the horse world, I believe even greater good could be created, and even more riders would receive the opportunity to pursue their dreams.”

Main article photo courtesy of CTRA