With Racing Under Saddle Ontario’s annual fundraising cookie drive currently in full swing until March 1, several other exciting events, including qualifying and the first two RUS race dates have been confirmed.
On Sunday, March 13, the University of Guelph will be host to RUS Ontario’s second annual fitness test. Interested participants will meet at The Gryphon Field House on 50 Stone Road East by 11:45 a.m. The test is scheduled from 12 noon to 1 p.m. and is open to the public. It is strongly encouraged, although not mandatory, for past and potential riders. Testing is based on a mandatory physical test required for Swedish and Norwegian riders.
The test is as follows:
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a three-kilometre jog/run within 15 minutes
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one minute of push ups
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one minute of sit ups
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one minute of jumps (squat to jump up, repeat)
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two minutes of holding plank
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two minutes of holding wall sit
This is a great opportunity for riders to challenge themselves and to recognize areas for improvement as they head into the race season.
Following a one-hour lunch break, a hands-on experience for ‘beginner’ riders will be held at Shamrock Training Centre, which is located at 6822 Wellington Rd 34 in Puslinch. Beginners will have a chance to ride a horse in a race saddle with the assistance and supervision of experienced RUS riders.
RUS Ontario, in association with MAD Barn Equine Nutrition, will be present at both the All-Breed Equine Show at the Western Fair District (March 25 – 27) and the following week at The Can-Am Equine Expo at the Markham Fairgrounds (April 1 - 3). An exciting addition to this year’s booth includes a MAD Barn-sponsored Equine Simulator – a life-sized horse model that will be open to the public to experience the feel of riding a trotter in racing equipment. You will not want to miss this unique opportunity to interact with RUS riders and learn more about racing under saddle.
On Tuesday April 5, Shoeless Joe’s Restaurant on 5 Clair Road in Guelph will host RUS Ontario's second annual comedy night. Tickets are $20 and will be available from RUS Ontario Board Members by the end of next week. A percentage of ticket sales will go towards advertising and promotions for RUS Ontario's 2016 season.
Racing Under Saddle qualifiers will officially begin on Thursday, March 17 at Flamboro Downs and on Friday, March 18th at The Raceway at Western Fair District, pending a minimum three horses per qualifier date. Please note that all riders will be required to complete a minimum three qualifying rides, and new riders must complete a written exam prior to receiving their ‘Q’ licence to be permitted to ride in a qualifier.
RUS 2016 will kick off its season on Confederation Cup Night, May 15 at Flamboro Downs. June 4 is be the season’s second confirmed date. It will take place at Kawartha Downs for ‘Celebration of the Horse Night.’ At this time, two separate conditions are being discussed in an effort to begin classifying under-saddle horses. More information on this, added purse money, and race dates will be made available once they are confirmed.
RUS Ontario is excited to present another season of Racing Under Saddle.
Visit rusontario.com for more information, or email [email protected] with any inquiries.
(RUS Ontario)
The sound you hear is the
The sound you hear is the collective "whew" of drivers across Ontario realizing this test is not for them. In all seriousness from what I've seen from these athletes I expect it's just another day at the office. RUS is the new rite of spring.