|
BIOGRAPHY
Over the decades, her Foundation Training Program has produced countless pleasure horses of every breed and dozens of championship Morgan show horses . She and her husband, Robert, own and operate the Trillium Equine Complex and its parent, the Trillium Morgan Horse Farm in Orono, Ontario Canada. For over 30 years, Catherine has created and has hosted a variety of educational programs that have greatly benefited the public. Education of the horse owner has always been a main focus at the farm, something which Catherine has been passionate about for the well-being of the horse. The farm’s professional in-house workshops have been enjoyed by literally hundreds for more than a decade. In 2001, Catherine created a private-sector educational program for the general public. The Trillium Equine Short Studies Program was developed. In 2002, the Trillium Apprenticeship Program was launched with much success. For the farm's junior riders, the Clip Clop Club was born and is currently receiving rave reviews. Catherine’s long involvement with the Morgan breed since 1973, has garnished her several awards recognizing her and her husband Robert's efforts for breed promotion. The farm has received the prestigious Gold Medal Award from the American Morgan Horse Association and also a special recognition award from the Canadian Morgan Horse Club, honouring them for the promotion of the Morgan Horse. Catherine has been an active member of the Morgan Horse community, standing for two consecutive terms as President of the Ontario Morgan Horse Club and for numerous years serving on the Board of Directors, as well as newsletter editor.
In the spring of 2008 on safari in Botswana, Africa, Catherine suffered a compression fracture in her spine when thrown from her mount at speed as the horse stepped into a burrowing hole. Since her return to Canada, she has officially retired from active training of horses as a result of her injury. However, she continues training in her Owner Assisted Program, guiding novices in their quest for the ideal mount or harness horse. Catherine is available for freelance articles, speaking engagements, offsite clinics and demonstrations. |
Catherine Sampson has enjoyed a life-long commitment to horses spanning more than 40 years. She is a published poet and writer whose articles have appeared in many national and international equine magazines such as Horse Sport and Equus to name a few. She is also a respected trainer and breeder of champion Morgan horses as well as a popular clinician in demand.
Since retiring from her high profile administrative assistant position in the Ontario Provincial Government in 1999 after 22 years of public service, and eight years in the private sector, Catherine has devoted her energies to the farm’s many facets on a full-time basis. Her writing endeavors have also taken on new life in the form of numerous health care, human interest and informative articles for the equestrian. More recently, she has completed her autobiography titled "Between the Irons". It is currently awaiting publication. She is currently working on her first fictional murder-mystery novel.