The Caledon Equestrian Park is the site of a memorial tree program, created to honour the memory of special horses. Photo Credit - EMG

March 18, 2008 – Palgrave, Ontario – Equestrian Management Group (EMG) and the Caledon Equestrian Park in Palgrave, Ontario, are continuing the popular program whereby trees can be planted in memory of a special horse.

Initiated in May of 2007, memorial trees are planted throughout the Caledon Equestrian Park and marked with a special granite plaque engraved with the horse's name and life years. In order to be included in the annual planting held each May, orders must be placed by April 10. To date, arrangements have been made to plant 11 trees.

"Trees are planted throughout the Caledon Horse Park and marked with a substantial granite plaque," explained Craig Collins, Managing Partner of EMG. "The trees are scattered throughout the Park and serve as permanent reminders of our close relationship with horses. When people pass a tree, whether it is on the way to the show ring or while parking their trailer, they can recall fond memories of a horse they once knew or even competed against."

Maps detailing the location of all memorial trees will be available year-round in the EMG show office as well as on the EMG website at www.equiman.com.

"This initiative was brought forward by Pru Richardson who felt that it was important to have a permanent reminder of those horses and ponies that have played a significant role in our lives," said Collins. "Pru herself had lost special horses and ponies that had all competed at the Caledon Equestrian Park. She spoke to many other people about the idea, and there was an incredible amount of interest. The trees can be bought in the memory of any horse, not just ones that have shown here, as a means to pay tribute to special horses."

The cost of purchasing a memorial tree is $750, which includes a substantial developing hardwood tree as well as a granite marker measuring 14 x 6 inches and 3 inches thick. For more information or to arrange to have a memorial tree planted, please contact EMG at tel: 905 880-5344 or by e-mail at emg@equiman.com.

Located north of Toronto, the Caledon Equestrian Park hosts more than 20 equestrian events each year including eight major show jumping tournaments.