March 15, 2002 — The Canadian equestrian community is mourning the loss
of a passionate supporter and Olympic judge, Douglas Catto, 70, of
Kettleby, ON. Mr. Catto passed away on March 14, 2002, from
complications resulting from a stroke. He was a former member of the
Board of Directors for both the Canadian Equestrian Federation and
Ontario Equestrian Federation.
Mr. Catto will be dearly missed by everyone in the equestrian world. He
had an incredible knowledge of the horse, all breeds, all disciplines,
and was one of Equine Canada’s most respected judges. Mr. Catto was one
of only two Federation Equestre Internationale “O” judges in Canada and
was on the Show Jumping jury for the 1976 Montreal Olympics. He also
officiated at many Olympic and Pan American Games and at numerous North
American Young Riders Championships.
Mr. Catto was a wonderful ambassador for Canada. He often worked with
other Equestrian Federations in Central and South America, aiding in
their development, programs, and competitions. Some of his greatest joys
were helping, teaching and officiating at events and clinics.
For approximately 50 years, Mr. Catto generously donated his time to the
organizing committee at Royal Winter Fair Horse Show in Toronto, ON, and
the Canadian Pony Club also benefited from his extensive expertise. For
several years, he was president of the Jumper Jury at the Royal Horse
Show.
“This is a momentous loss to the equestrian world,” said Mr. Catto’s
friend and Olympic Gold Medallist, Tommy Gayford.
Funeral arrangements will be printed in the March 16, 2002, edition of
the Globe and Mail. Equine Canada would like to extend its deepest
sympathies to Mr. Catto’s wife, Jackie, and to his all of his family and
friends. He will be greatly missed by all.
