Rob and his wife Debra and daughters - Jasmyn 11 years old and Sharese 8 years old live in the north end of Orillia. For 18 years, Rob had a career with the Ontario Provincial Police and he retired about 2 years ago. He says, “The most interesting thing I have done in my life outside of horses, I would have to say was my policing career. I had the opportunity to see and experience almost everything possible.” The thrill of business and horses now peak his interest. Approximately 5 years ago, Deb and Rob started a company “RNR Patient Transfer Services”. It is a very busy business which takes up the majority of their time. It includes not only patient transfer, but CPR training programs, special events coverage and defibrillator sales, etc. Their ambulance type vehicles can be seen on the local highways and they provided medical services at the 2007 Spring Classic.

Rob’s interest in riding started about 2 years ago, when Deb and the two girls were taking lessons and enjoyed their new sport of riding. He was at the barn helping the girls prepare for a lesson when Deb convinced him (without much resistance) to take a lesson to find out more about the sport. Rob always up for a new challenge - thought how hard could it be????? Quickly, he garnered a great deal of respect for those who made it look so easy – realizing he was very naïve to the talents required to look like the real deal.

In 2006, the family attended their first show - the Spring Classic - to watch and support others from the Kelly Simpson Training Centre. They were new to lessons and riding in general and they went to the show to spend family time together and just have fun. They had no intentions of purchasing show horses. After the first show however, they were hooked. They enjoyed the atmosphere and friendships and felt horse showing was a perfect way to share a family common interest. They attended several shows throughout the 2006 season as spectators.

The RIvaits acquire a new pet with some frequency – so purchasing a horse didn’t seem unreasonable. In 2006, with the assistance of Kelly Simpson – they started looking for a horse and were lucky enough to come across Classical Version (Oliver) #715, a 5 year old gelding who fits their family to a tee. Their horse show travelling companion is a 2 year old miniature Yorkie named Harley. Harley seems to have a psychic ability – before a horse show, he plants himself in the RV before the clothes are even packed so he is sure not be left behind. A recent addition to the Rivait team is Shez Paid For (Princess) #769. They were lucky to have the opportunity to purchase Princess from Rhiannon and Sue Harry who are two well-known names on the Area 3 circuit. The RIvaits hope to have many successes with Princess and make Rhi proud. At the moment - they have 4 dogs, 2 cats, and 2 horses.

Rob currently trains on Oliver. In 2007, he focused on 3 events: Showmanship, Western Horsemanship and Lead Line with Sharese. Showmanship is Rob’s favourite class and his goal for next year is to work on Trail and Western Pleasure. This show season, they travelled to the Area 3 shows, along with some Area 1 and 2 shows. In October, they will be attending the Congress in Columbus Ohio where Jasmyn and Rob will be showing in Showmanship.

Rob’s biggest show moments are those shared with the two girls. Showing in Lead Line with Sharese and placing first has been a huge accomplishment for the team. A smile is worth a million words. Jasmyn and Rob share a common interest in Showmanship, they help, encourage and critique each other and Jazz is his greatest inspiration.

In his rookie year, Rob is proud to say he was the High Point Champion for Area 3 and Ontario in Novice Amateur Showmanship. This is more than he had ever hoped to achieve in his first year of showing. His future plans are to keep on going. Rob and Deb couldn’t be any prouder of their two daughters - Jasmyn for winning the Areas 3 and Ontario High Point Champion honour for Small Fry Showmanship and Sharese as the Area 3 and Ontario Lead Line High Point Champion.

All of this would not be possible, if it were not for the support and training of Kelly Simpson, Pat Chamberland and of course the MAN behind the scenes - Josh (Kelly’s husband). Many thanks to this amazing team, whose hard work and dedication make the Rivaits proud to be part of the Kelly Simpson Training Centre. Rob would also like to thank all the members of the barn - you couldn’t ask for a better group of people.

Rob says, “A special thanks goes to Deb, whose organization skills and support behind the scenes is greatly appreciated by not only myself, but also by Jasmyn and Sharese. Her work is endless to keep 3 members of our family prepared to show at all times.”

Outside of riding and working – the Rivaits like to take time out for a family vacation once a year. They are really looking forward to their upcoming adventure on the Disney cruise in February.

Rob commented to me that he wanted his spotlight to be a family-focused write up. He realizes that he is part of a stronger team – his family. They have had a great deal of success in their first year of showing and I have no doubt “the team” will continue their winning ways in 2008!!!!