April 21, 2011 – Ottawa, Ontario – Starting Gate Communications, one of North America’s leading equestrian public relations companies, welcomes Alexa Cheater to the position of Communications Specialist.

Cheater of Ottawa, ON, comes from a media background, having worked in television, as the editor of a daily on-line publication, and as a freelance writer. A graduate of the University of King’s College’s Bachelor of Journalism program, Cheater has extensive writing and new media experience.

Having competed for more than 10 years in hunter/jumper competitions in Western Canada, Cheater also brings extensive knowledge of the equestrian industry, as well as a passion for the sport, to her new role.

“Working at Starting Gate Communications is my dream job,” said Cheater. “It allows me to apply my education and prior work experience to an industry and a sport that I love. I am excited to have the opportunity to join such an amazing team.”

Cheater’s strong research and writing skills, combined with a personal knowledge of the horse industry, will be an asset to Starting Gate Communications which focuses on media relations, event and brand promotion, and graphic design for the equestrian industry.

“We are very excited to have Alexa join our communications team,” said Jennifer Ward, President of Starting Gate Communications. “Her writing skills are impressive, and her knowledge of the sport, from the venues to the athletes themselves, is sure to prove extremely helpful in her day-to-day dealings with our wide variety of clients.”

Starting Gate Communications is a leader in public relations for the equestrian marketplace. As a full-service agency, Starting Gate offers services ranging from press release creation and distribution to on-site media relations services to graphic design and website development. For more information, please call (613) 569-2423 or visit www.startinggate.ca.