Our Team

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Gordie is a husband, father, and grandfather to a family of avid horse enthusiasts and has been actively engaged in the equine industry for several decades. He is deeply committed to fostering and expanding interest in all aspects of horsemanship. 

When not at his professional career, Gordie can most often be found at the family-operated MapleRidge Equestrian, where his dedication to the equine community is evident. He is grateful for the longstanding friendship he has developed with Alan and Patricia through their shared passion for horses and is honoured to help continue Alan Hilburg’s legacy alongside fellow members of the foundation.

Patricia is actively engaged in the equestrian community as a horsewoman, rider, farm owner, and equine nutrition consultant, with a sustained commitment to horse welfare, education, and responsible horsemanship. Her relationship with horses began at an early age, introduced through her father’s involvement in horse jumping. Her work emphasizes knowledge sharing, responsible stewardship, and the strengthening of equestrian communities. 

She was the wife, life partner, and business partner of Alan Hilburg, with whom she shared the passion for horses and the active involvement across a wide range of equestrian activities. She now serves as the steward of Alan’s conceptual frameworks, supporting the foundation’s mission through initiatives grounded in trust, integrity, responsibility, and long-term community impact. 

A lifelong rider, Emma is both a small and large animal veterinarian with a deep commitment to equine welfare and animal advocacy. Her professional career is grounded in a passion for supporting the health and well-being of animals while fostering strong, informed relationships with their owners. In addition to clinical practice, Emma stays active in the community by volunteering her time with a variety of local events promoting the sport. Her involvement with the foundation reflects a shared dedication to honoring and preserving the legacy of Alan Hilburg, whose impact on the equestrian community continues to inspire meaningful engagement and service.

Ellie is a lifelong horse person who is dedicated to the growth and stewardship of the horse community. Riding since the age of 5, she has acquired practical experience from various barns, shows, and clinics. She has also had opportunities to try to understand the industry holistically by attending events like the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair and the World Equestrian Center - Ocala, gaining insight into the administrative and operational responsibilities of equestrian events,; this knowledge gets applied in the planning of equestrian events around the island that she is involved in. 

Currently attending the University of New Brunswick Faculty of Law, Ellie is involved in the Animal Law Society and hopes to help bring more awareness to animal-related legal issues in the maritimes.

Lori is an equine studies student at the University of Guelph with a scholarly interest in equine management, welfare, and the horse-human relationship.  Her engagement within the equine field is grounded in sustained immersion in equine environments and daily husbandry practices. Through long-term involvement in equine care and facility operations, she has developed a strong work ethic and an appreciation for evidence-based approaches to horsemanship.  

Alongside her academic training, Lori is actively involved in MapleRidge Equestrian, a family owned and operated facility where experiential learning, responsible management practices, and a commitment to equine welfare inform all aspects of operation.