Christi & Mac

Christi McQuaker

Christi has enjoyed a life with horses from the very beginning. Growing up on a farm, she developed a special relationship with horses that has led to a successful career in the sport she loves the most.

Christi began competing at the very young age of 4 on her parent's farm in King Township. Over the years, her career has been guided by many of Canada's top international riders. Hugh Graham, Jeff Cook and Eric Lamaze have all been instrumental in developing her riding skills through her formative years.

Success came early in Christi's career, with a large pony named Peaches N Cream. Peaches was well known throughout Ontario, having taught many young people the basics of riding. Many years later, Christi stumbled across Peaches at a small schooling show and quickly purchased her to retire at the farm. Peaches passed away on a warm, sunny day in the spring of 2001 at the age of 34. She is fondly remembered by all who knew her.

Christi's career continued with a number of horses that continued to develop her talents as a hunter and jumper rider.

Prime Power
- Junior Jumper Champion in 1988 and 1989.

Twice A Night
- 1989 North American Young Riders Championships - Team Bronze, 5th Individual
- 1989 Friends of the Team Championship - Team Gold
- 1992 Ontario Best Ever Series Champion

Valmont
- 1992 Junior/Amateur Jumper Champion

Following her career as a junior, Christi turned her love for the sport into a full time career. Christi, along with her husband Mac, own and operate Gryphon Farms, a top Hunter/Jumper stable in King that has developed and produced many top champions over the years.

Christi now trains over 20 students, while continuing to develop young hunters and jumpers towards successful careers.

A testament to Christi's ability is the success she achieved with her Grand Prix mount Fly By Night, who she purchased as a 3 yr old and developed to the grand prix ranks. In 1998, in their first full year of grand prix competition, Christi finished in the top 10 of the Canadian World Cup Standings and topped the National Talent Squad series, earning her a nomination to the prestigious CEF George Jacobsen Award.

In 1999, Christi and Fly By Night continued to build upon their grand prix experience with wins at the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair in the Atco Cup and Brand Sun Grand Prix. Their success continued throughout the summer, with consistent placings in grand prix and World Cup qualifying competitions throughout Canada and the US. In the fall of 1999, Christi's dedication paid off when she was invited to represent Canada at the International horse show in New York, marking her debut as a member of the Canadian Equestrian Team.

Mac McQuaker

Mac's initial involvement in horses began in Manitoba, where he competed successfully as a junior rider in both the hunters and jumpers. Following his first year of university, Mac moved to Ontario and worked with such industry experts as Kim and Gord Kirton, Anthony D'Ambrosio of New York and Mac Cone. Turning professional in 1988, he took a position with an Ottawa based stable under the guidance of Ian Millar.

Leaving the equestrian community for a short time, Mac began working with Don & Patty Watt, in the area of retail and package design. An extension of this business led him back to the equestrian world when he managed the popular Crown Royal Cup series, an event which ran from 1991 - 1994.

Today, Mac's interest lie in the field of course designing and show management, having developed these talents at such events as the Collingwood Horse Show, Tournament of Champions and the Royal Winter Fair. Mac also continues to assist in the training and development of young horses and clients at the Farm.