On Sunday afternoon (November 29), a group of new and familiar faces turned out for Racing Under Saddle (RUS) Ontario’s annual general meeting, which took place at the Nassagaweya Tennis Club in Milton, Ont.

A total of 25 people were in attendance to review the highlights and the challenges of the 2015 season. A recap of the 2015 racing budget, and total wager for the year was presented, with a short discussion on improvements for the 2016 season. Following the business portion of the meeting, an open discussion was held. People presented ideas and suggestions for broadening the horse and rider population, as well as achieving the classification of fields. All suggestions and concerns will be presented and addressed at future meetings.

In addition to the board members that are currently in place, several new faces stepped forward and offered their time and efforts by becoming a part of an interim board. RUS Ontario welcomes the expansion to a hard working, committed group of enthusiastic individuals.

The meeting was highlighted by a presentation to Anthony McDonald for a cheque of $1,020 towards the Corey Macpherson fundraising effort. Macpherson, who has been battling cancer back home in PEI, is a close friend of McDonald's, and has recently resumed his driving duties at Red Shores Raceway, since his diagnosis earlier this fall. RUS Ontario successfully raised an amount resulting in the largest single donation from any Organization. RUS Ontario would like to thank everyone who came forward to help a fellow horseman and his family. Much thanks to Anthony for accepting the funds on behalf of the Macpherson family, and for his positive feedback regarding the advancements of racing under saddle and its outstanding and unique ability to bring new faces out to the racetrack.

Thank you to everyone for taking the time to discuss their thoughts and ideas to move RUS Ontario forward. We are looking forward to another exciting season of racing under saddle.

(RUS Ontario)