Written in a period of four years, Roly Armitage’s Trilogy of The Way it Was and Now, Now About Yesterday and Straight From the Horse’s Mouth provides a glimpse of a bygone era to present day, covering the journey of a true and dedicated Canadian who was a force in Canadian harness racing.
Written in his inimitable, folksy Ottawa Valley style, it traces a colourful career from farm boy to soldier at age 17, to veterinarian, energizing Standardbred industry leader, race track president, mayor and politician. He was inducted into the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame in the builder category in 1999.
Roly Armitage had many roles in the sport - breeder, owner, administrator and racetrack manager. He served as president of the Canadian Standardbred Horse Society (1972-1974) and the Canadian Trotting Association (1974-1980). An innovator with foresight, and following a long battle with racing authorities, he was responsible for the removal of hub rails on race tracks, saving injuries and death to the nation’s harness trainers and drivers. Along with others he was instrumental in introducing electronic eligibility to the sport, putting Canada on the leading edge of technology in horse racing. He was also a strong proponent for the freeze branding identification technique that came to be employed by the breeding industry.
His books are a wonderful reflection of an extraordinary veteran, a dedicated veterinarian and a grass-roots Canadian leader. His books capture his spirited childhood and early devotion to farm animals while growing up on the family farm in Dunrobin, Ontario. An accomplished wordsmith, his trilogy covers a multitude of subjects, none more fascinating and entertaining than his experiences with farmers and their animals during his 50 years as a practicing veterinarian.
From his chance meeting with one of the heirs of the giant Heineken brewery in Holland following the war, to treating the horses of one of the Ottawa Valley’s most notorious bank robbers, Paddy Mitchell, his books are an enjoyable read of both personal observations and sound country advice and wisdom.
Roly Armitage served as the mayor of West Carleton from 1991 to 1994, managed the building of the Carp, Ontario airport, and for nine years was general manager of Rideau Carleton Raceway while maintaining his skills as a veterinarian. He also bred and raced Standardbreds, and his Armstead Farms campaigned several noteworthy horses over the years.
He worked closely with the organizer of the 1979 Ice Races on the Rideau Canal, remembered as an iconic day in the long history of the trotting sport in Canada.
He served with the Royal Canadian Artillery in World War 2, took part in the Normandy invasion and the liberation of France, and his many medals for meritorious service include the National Order of the Legion of Honour, Government of France.
There is a story attached to each and every one of his successful undertakings which were always attacked with his inherent vigour. Sometimes heartwarming and sometimes heartrending, but always authentic and poignant.
He is a man of intelligence, honesty and integrity who has seen and done it all. Now on the sunny side of 90 years of age, he has lived life to the fullest with a gusto and spirit that continues today as a Standardbred breeder and manager of a public stable at his Dunrobin, Ontario farm.
Copies of Dr. Armitage’s books are available at the Ontario Harness Horse Association (OHHA) (905-854-6442), Central Ontario Standardbred Association (COSA) (905 854 2672), or by contacting Mick Armitage: 1-613-859-7741.