28-05-2025
Sudbury woman takes reins of equestrian group
The northeast zone of the Trillium Hunter Jumper Association has a new president.
At the virtual annual general meeting in April, the reins were handed to passionate horse person Tracy MacLeod.
Joseph Meuleman has led the association for more than three decades.
'I've been on horses since I was a kid,' said MacLeod. 'Every girl's dream is to have a pony. I got to ride before I could walk.'
When she was about 10, her parents took her to Bar W Ranch in the Long Lake area. 'I started doing trail rides and Western riding lessons,' she said. 'When I turned 16, naturally I started riding English (style). I've seen the Lipizzaners when they came to Sudbury. A dream come true.'
At 17, MacLeod said she bought her first horse. 'I remember going to the bank and the teller asking about the big amount I was withdrawing. Well, she was surprised when I said it was for a horse.'
Her first horse was a 'beautiful bay gelding called Highland Dancer,' she said. 'With my Scottish and Irish heritage, it was a perfect choice for a name. He was a spirited horse. I had met him a year before.
' We fell in love. I had him until he died over 20 years later. I have a memorial photo of him.'
It is a big commitment and a long-term relationship to share your future with a horse. 'I got into several universities outside of Sudbury, but stayed here and attended Laurentian so I could keep my horse,' MacLeod.
She said riding a horse can be a lifelong passion.
' He shaped my life. Horses are so therapeutic. For example, it was what got me through COVID. I was able to ride and exercise, and be outside doing what made me happy.
'Now I have multiple horses. My second horse now is an adorable little pony who I actually bought for my great-niece and nephew to ride.'
MacLeod has been involved with the Trillium Hunter Jumper Association for the last 15 years as a competitor. 'I also like to volunteer and make things happen. Over the last five years, I've taken on organizing our year-end banquet and getting to know more about the organization and what it does.
' Last year, I got on the board and was a director at large. I got a feel for what the organization needed. I've got skills and experience that can be harnessed.
'I've learned so much in my work career that can help. New life and new ideas are how organizations grow and thrive.'
MacLeod, by the way, is also the chief advancement officer at Laurentian University.
Part of her objectives and prospective plans for the region is to have more horse shows.
'Back when I started, we had six host farms that had two events a year each. There had even been shows in Timmins, the Sault and Elliot Lake,' she said.
' I'm trying to recreate a thriving community. The North East Zone is huge and extends across the map. The Northern Equestrian Circuit was a local horse show series for those who are just getting into it. It is a great feeder system.'
' We will work towards the event at the National Equestrian Centre in our nation's capital.'
Officially now called Wesley Clover Park, and home of Olympic equestrian disciplines of dressage, eventing, and show-jumping, it hosts major national gatherings.
For more information on the Trillium Hunter Jumper Association go to
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The association is a not-for-profit organization that promotes grassroots access to local equestrian competition in Ontario.
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