Equestrian pioneer joins Sudbury Sports Hall of Fame

Every day of her childhood, Cathy Inch begged her parents to let her ride horses.

“I was horse-crazy,” she said. “I never walked anywhere, I galloped. Finally my mom went crazy and said 'Find this kid some riding lessons.'”

Inch was nine years old when her parents finally relented, feeding a passion that has seen Inch enveloped in the equestrian world for the past 46 years. In that time, she has enjoyed success as a competitive rider, a sought-after coach and an esteemed business owner.

She is part of the 2015 class being inducted into the Greater Sudbury Sports Hall of Fame. Inch is being inducted in the builders' category for her work in growing an equestrian following in the area.

“This has been the city I have chosen to stay in,” she said. “It is not the heart of horse country at all. To pursue my passion somewhere where it was basically virgin territory, then to be honoured for it was (incredible).”

In 1978, Inch and her father built a large riding establishment in Chelmsford, which has since become Foothill Farms and one of the most active riding facilities in Ontario.

In 1984, Inch and her late husband purchased the farm and turned it into a full service equestrian facility, home to some 60 horses on 320 acres. It caters to all levels of riders, from beginners right up to national competitors.

Over the course of her equestrian career, Inch holds her successes as a coach nearest to her heart.

“I've had good successes as a rider, but funding is very limited, especially in Sudbury,” she said. “But as a coach, I've had kids develop as riders and represent me on the national scene at the Royal Winter Fair. I've had some very proud moments.”

Even after nearly five decades in the sport, Inch has no plans of throwing in the reins any time soon.

“I don't consider myself past any age in the sport,” she said. “Whatever comes in the future, I won't deny. I do a little bit of TV commentating at horse shows for Rogers so maybe that's a retirement plan.”

Joining Inch in the builders' category are Larry Bedard, minor hockey coach and manager for more than 40 years; and Gary Ricker, former Sudbury Spartans and high school coach.

In the administration category, the lone inductee is Paul Brunelle, a long-time high school coach and administrator. The players' category is welcoming four new inductees, including Alex Fex, former Sudbury Hardrocks football player; the late Sophie Manarin, a former junior skiing champion and 13-time medal winner; Dan McCourt, former NHL official and current NHL advisor; and Meagan Duhamel, world champion figure skater who receives an automatic induction as a result of winning three of the House of Kin's major awards in past years.

The Voima Athletic Club, currently celebrating its 75th anniversary, will receive induction in the club category, while Canada Brokerlink will be inducted in the corporate category for its financial commitment to many local sporting events.

The 2015 class will be officially inducted at the 47th annual House of Kin Sports Celebrity Dinner and Awards, taking place June 10 at the Caruso Club. Tickets for the dinner are $50/adults and $20/10 and under, and are available at the House of Kin on Regent Street, or by phoning 705-522-3600.