The Can-Am Equine Emporium found its creation in the imagination of Paul Maguire. Maguire has been involved in the horse industry for over fifty years. Since there was a family interest in Harness Racing, his first introduction to this exciting facet of the industry was to Standardbred Racehorses. Mr. Maguire was an owner by the age of nine, a trainer at twelve and a driver at sixteen. As his career interests have always been with horses, Paul began his quest of trying to improve ideas surrounding the sport. "I've noticed so many opportunities surrounding the Horse Industry", said the former President of Can-Am Equine Marketing Inc. "In the early 90's, I approached the government about Off- Track Betting stationed in restaurants." As a restaurant owner, Mr. Maguire felt this would promote the Racing Industry. This induction to betting on horses helped elevate Racing as a sport, to a new level. There was a need to bring awareness of what was happening at the racetracks, so Paul Maguire developed a publication called, "Track Times". This grew to be distributed across North America. Upon selling "Track Times", he was hired by the Ontario Harness Horse Association to promote Harness Racing. This five year position enabled him to work on many meaningful projects, including the implementation of Racetrack Slots in Ontario. "My next move was to promote all other components and breeds of the Horse Industry" explains Mr. Maguire. After investigating the many methods used in the United States to publicize their booming Horse Industry and in conjunction with three like-minded partners, introduced an "All Breeds Trade Event" that focused on education and awareness of the Canadian Horse Industry.
This event is now called the "Can-Am All Breeds Equine Emporium". Currently entering its seventh year, the event runs mid-March in Ontario. The show includes many informative, educational seminars and clinics, an equine-based trade show and the now famous Extravaganza, sponsored by Home Hardware, a two hour musical presentation featuring professionals and amateurs, which proves there is a place for everyone in the Horse Industry! The dedication to the horse industry is not solely the commitment of Paul Maguire now sitting on the Can-Am Board of Directors, but also echoed by the partners of Can-Am Equine Marketing Inc.
They include Ron Waples, Doug Millard, Mike Straw and Ross Millar. Canadian and American Racing Hall of Fame driver, Ron Waples, has accumulated over 75 million in purse winnings that represent almost 7,000 race wins. Ron has owned many prestigious horses including Hall of Fame Inductee and Pacing's Triple Crown Winner, Ralph Hanover. Mr. Waples is one of the few drivers in history who has won virtually every major stake, including the Little Brown Jug and the Hambletonian, two of the most prominent events in the world of Harness Racing. Doug Millard has been very successful as an owner of Standardbreds, raising, owning or racing some of the top trotters and pacers in Canada, such as Elegant Image and Mcdyln, both million dollar performers. When not sitting as a Director on some of Canada's major corporations, he can be found at a number of the most important North American horse sales or in the winners circle celebrating the rewards of his enthusiasm with horses. Mr. Millard, as a breeder operates Millard Farms and Chelemark Farms, based out of Sweberg, Ontario and Gainsville, Florida.
Mike Straw, owner/operator of several companies, carries the passion of the equine industry and raises Miniature Horses at his Dorchester area farm. Along with the staff and many volunteers, this broad array of horse enthusiasts represents what Canada's Horse Industry is all about. "If you don't think there's opportunity in the Horse Industry, you are mistaken. From CEOs of major racetracks to cleaning stalls and everything in between, with over 5.9 billion in investments of fixed assets and an annual economic impact of $579 million, the Horse Industry has a place for everyone!" explains Paul. The first event in March of 2003 was quite impressive for such a unique Canadian venture. That year attracted a remarkable 15,000 visitors. The following year, attendance increased to over 20,000. The third event established the Can-Am Equine Emporium as the largest of its kind in Canada, with well over 40,000 guests. Whilst enjoying an annually increasing popularity, the 2007 event flourished with over 50,000 attending the Emporium that featured more than 60 different breeds, 300 trade show vendors and in excess of 200 educational presentations and speakers from around the globe. The event continued to show unparralelled growth in 2008
In late 2009 The Partners and Board of Directors welcomed Ross Millar as the New President of the Can-Am Equine Marketing. Ross Millar is a successful business owner and the creator of the Wildly Popular "Dodge Rodeo Tour" and the "Toronto Royal Winter Fair Rodeo". Millar brings with him a seasoned promotional and Live Event team including new Operations Manager Shawn Turner and Greg O'Brien the marketing and graphics specialist behind the Dodge Rodeo Tour and the Mississauga Hershey Centre. This new group and partnership will seek to energize and add to this already successful yearly event.
The March 2010 event, held in London, Ontario, promises to be bigger and better than ever! It's the love of horses that ultimately symbolizes the success of Can-Am. The All Breeds Equine Emporium will give you an opportunity to learn about the many facets of the horse industry and it is our hope that you will come away with a new sense of wonder and excitement about our thriving, diverse horse industry." For more information, visit www.canamequine.ca