2021 Fall/Winter Edition of Alberta Bits

MEET THE AEF TEAM!

SHARING EQUESTRIAN TRAILS

FEEDING FOR ALL STAGES

FALL/WINTER 2021

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FALL/WINTER 2021; VOLUME 15, ISSUE 3 Alberta Bits is the Alberta Equestrian Federation’s official member magazine. It serves the equestrian community of horses and riders of all ages, interests and involvement as Alberta’s premier resource for education, information and support.

THE ALBERTA EQUESTRIAN FEDERATION HAS BEEN INCORPORATED SINCE 1978

Alberta Bits magazine is mailed to all current AEF members, is made available at the office, tack shops and special events attended by the AEF. Alberta Bits is distributed throughout Alberta with news and events on behalf of recreational, sport, breeds and industry and educational sectors of the Alberta horse industry. Alberta Bits is distributed to approximately 18,000 members; 9,000 households and businesses, an exclusive list of tack and equine establishments and at events and trade shows annually.

AEF BOARD OF DIRECTORS

PRESIDENT PRESIDENT-ELECT

SECRETARY

TREASURER

INDIVIDUAL

INDIVIDUAL

INDIVIDUAL

INDIVIDUAL

INDIVIDUAL

INDIVIDUAL

INDIVIDUAL INDIVIDUAL

Sandy Bell 403.700.7880 windhorseretreat@gmail.com Jason Edworthy 403.651.5678 jedworthy@spring-bank.ca Tiara Chambers 780.897.7446 royaltequestrian@gmail.com Nicolas Brown 587.988.3590 bruchev@gmail.com Mazlie Cole 587.888.2363 statikequine@gmail.com Margot Anderson 403.861.8603 margotranderson@gmail.com Mary Bell 519.830.7292 mary@manningtonequine.ca Brenda Spanier 403.932.2936 brendaspanier@gmail.com Shiraz Mir 403.903.0979 mirshiraz@gmail.com Robert Simpson 780.628.2356 rms210@mail.usask.ca Alison Douglas 403.431.7799 thealicat@shaw.ca Jackie Sargent 780.719.6141 jackie.sargent@outlook.com

AEF STAFF

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Sonia Dantu execdir@albertaequestrian.com 403.253.4411 ext 5

MEMBERSHIP

Norma Cnudde membership@albertaequestrian.com 403.253.4411 ext 6 OFFICE COORDINATOR

Haley Perrin info@albertaequestrian.com 403.253.4411 ext 1

SPORT AND RECREATION MANAGER

Karina Fernandes coaching@albertaequestrian.com 403.253.4411 ext 3

6 PRESI DENT ’S MESSAGE

6 EX ECUT I VE DI RECTOR’S MESSAGE

8 BI T S & PI ECES Meet the hardworking staff behind the Alberta Equestrian Federation!

PROGRAM MANAGER

RI NG MULT I -USE T R A I LS

16 SHA Advice from Tania Millen for sharing equestrian trails with other recreationalists

FINANCE, GENERAL INQUIRIES

K EEPI NG

18 HORSE Heading down the highway with horses takes some planning and preparation.

Kenda Lubeck competitions@albertaequestrian.com 403.253.4411 ext 2 Rita Bernard finance@albertaequestrian.com 403.253.4411 ext 7

OFFICE HOURS: 8:30AM TO 4:30PM, MONDAY TO FRIDAY, EXCEPT HOLIDAYS OFFICE IS CLOSED DECEMBER 23-31, 2021 ALBERTA BITS IS PUBLISHED BY WESTERN PERFORMANCE PUBLISHING IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE AEF

FOR EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES CONTACT: ALBERTABITS@ALBERTAEQUESTRIAN.COM MANAGING EDITOR Jennifer Webster ART DIRECTOR Kendra Roberts PUBLICATION COMMITTEE

Sonia Dantu • Piper Whelan CONTRIBUTORS

Chris Luis, Heather MacInnis Tania Millen, Monique Noble, Scott Phillips Keri Weir, Piper Whelan ADVERTISING SALES REPRESENTATIVES

Sally Bishop 403.815.1289 sallysuebishop@gmail.com ADVERTISING SALES DEADLINES Spring 2022: January 30, 2022

FOR A MEDIA KIT AND/OR RATE CARD PLEASE CONTACT ALBERTABITS@ALBERTAEQUESTRIAN.COM or marketing@albertaequestrian.com. All material is copyright 2021. Ideas and opinions expressed in articles do not necessarily reflect the ideas or opinions of the AEF. Alberta Bits reserves the right to accept, and/or edit material submitted for publication. The AEF makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information contained therein, but assumes no liability in cases of error or changing conditions. Any business relations or other activities undertaken as a result of the information contained in Alberta Bits, or arising therefrom, is the responsibility of the parties involved and not of the AEF. We welcome signed letters to the editor, but reserve the right to publish, edit for grammar, taste and length. For reprint information, please contact execdir@albertaequestrian.com.

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TRAINER’S CORNER Professional trainer Scott Phillips helps riders gain their horse’s focus by

promoting confidence in leadership and energy.

ASK ABOUT INSURANCE 30 The actual (less discussed) benefits of AEF membership.

31 CLUB & BUSI NESS LI ST I NGS MEET THE AEF TEAM!

SHARING EQUESTRIAN TRAILS

ALBERTA EQUESTRIAN FEDERATION

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120, 251 Midpark Blvd SE Calgary, AB T2X 1S3 Toll Free: 1.877.463.6233 Phone: 403.253.4411 Fax: 403.252.5260

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Message from President, Sandy Bell Summer 2021 in Alberta might be memorable for the wrong reasons – excessive heat and drought, wildfires and smoke-filled skies. Now as autumn has settled in, pandemic life is changing our circumstances again.

I’ve heard the saying that “change is the only constant,” but I disagree somewhat with that. Change is indeed constant, yet I am reminded that “community is constant” too. When things get crazy, who is there for us? Family, friends, community.

For example, the equestrian community and others in B.C. showed us their strength as they helped each other during their horrific wildfire season. Kudos to them, they should be proud of what they accomplished during evacuations and kudos to our sister organization, Horse Council BC for helping too.

We have many communities that we belong to, communities based on location, common interests, shared beliefs, similar values. You’re reading this issue of Alberta Bits right now because you’re interested in the Alberta equestrian community.

This fall, the AEF Board began a planning process to carry the AEF into the next few years with the goal to enhance benefits to our AEF members and the larger equestrian community.

We’ve learned a lot over the past months about doing business differently, about being adaptable, about pulling out the opportunities from the challenges.

You’ll notice the AEF reaching out into the province in diverse ways to better understand our equestrian community. You’ve

already seen our broad-reaching economic impact survey, and you’ll see more of our smaller membership surveys taking the pulse through social media. What you tell us informs the AEF Board and Committees so we can be responsive to your current and emerging needs. With your feedback in our saddlebags, the AEF is able to engage with you in ways that are even more meaningful.

To illustrate, we asked you recently, “What changes would AEF have to make for you to give it an even higher rating?” We learned – or it was reaffirmed in some ways – that a majority of you are recreational riders, so more western riding information or trail support would be appreciated. You’d like more learning opportunities during the down times in the year when getting out to ride, drive or show is not your priority. As a generally web savvy group, webinars are welcome. You want to easily see all the benefits of membership, besides insurance. For you, creating community also means the opportunity to share your experiences.

Overall, the AEF Board is hearing that investing in and supporting “community” is something that you find hugely important.

You want to be connected with others with similar interests and supported in your growth as equestrians through education and activities.

Message from Executive Director, Sonia Dantu

We are travelling together through these trying times. Everyone has been facing both certainties and unknowns, yet thankfully, we have also grown stronger with our determination to continue our journey. We have implemented tools, resources and experiences to enable us to go forward, and strive on being a stronger community in the years to come.

Operationally, we continue to meet government requirements for core funding which is close to 9% of overall revenue. Membership numbers remain strong and we are extremely grateful for our members’ support, as we would not exist without you. We are very fortunate to have business partners that contribute financially back to youth programming, athlete development and Annual Awards. To all of those who donate to the Trail Supporter Fund, Scholarships and Fundraisers, we are appreciative of your ongoing support; the entire membership benefits. Expenses remain well under budget due to ongoing curbing efforts; this has allowed the AEF to (once again) not change membership fees for 2022. Of note, AEF membership fees have remained the same since 2013 – nine years.

Moving forward, we will continue to listen and ask for feedback from the equine community. Many of you recently provided invaluable responses to a membership pulse survey.

You shared perspectives of what is important to you and what value your membership brings. You indicated what is missing, and where we can improve on services, programs and communication in the years to come. With this important information, we look forward to enhancing the overall member experience and benefits; and to sharing your passion 6

ALBERTA BITS I FALL/WINTER 2021

for the equines that are such a huge part of our lives.

Through the past years, recognizing the difficulty of being able to demonstrate the value of this diverse industry to various funders and governments, we embarked on an Economic Impact Study for the equine industry in Alberta. This study will help us understand those who benefit from our services most directly, and on a larger scale, what the industry brings to Alberta. Given the diversity of the membership, this study will provide a unique opportunity to pinpoint our organization’s direct economic contributions, that of its industry, and then examine this impact within our community.

Looking ahead, competition for funds and grants will remain a massive challenge; this study will therefore strengthen our position for receiving funding and grants within the government too.

Next year’s Stride With Us (celebrating our membership, volunteers and member-nominated award recipients) is scheduled for Saturday, March 19, 2022; we hope we can gather together.

AEF’s AGM will take place via Zoom on Thursday, March 17, 2022. Watch for updates on both events in the months to come.

While uncertainty can linger, we will continue to put you – our community – first. From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank each and every member, our valued business partners and volunteers for your ongoing support. Your membership and participation in the equine community and industry allows us to support you as athletes, coaches, riders and drivers, but most of all, as passionate horse people. As the weather cools, I wish you and your loved ones all the best over these seasons. AB

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BITS & PIECES

MEET THE AEF TEAM!

Have you ever wondered who’s behind the scenes of the Alberta Equestrian Federation? Let us introduce the hard-working people of your provincial association!

What do you do at AEF and in what circumstances would I reach out to you?

As the Office Coordinator, I try to keep the office running as smoothly as possible. I am everyone’s shoulder to lean on if need be. I will be organizing events, as well as assisting with the Alberta Bits magazine. My job is a little bit of everything – so you are more than welcome to reach out to me with any sort of inquiry. If I am unable to provide you with an answer, I will point you in the direction of someone who can, or I will make it a priority to get back to you.

What is one thing that surprised you about working at AEF? The biggest thing that surprised me was how much AEF actually does. There is quite a lot of behind the scenes work that goes into even just going to a trade show. I love that such a small team can work together and get so much accomplished.

What’s the biggest misconception people have about your position?

If I am being honest, it is probably that I am just like a reception person. I do a little bit of everything which includes recepAre you involved personally or professionally with tion work as well whatever else the team needs from me. horses and how? If not, what drives your passion about the equine community?

What do you want to accomplish working with the I have loved horses my entire life. I did not grow up around AEF over the next year? them and the people around me did not know much about them.

In the next year, I would love to see the growth and developThis is where my dedication to horses began. I was able to pur- ment of therapeutic horsemanship. As well as keeping up with chase my first horse at the age of 13. He was an amazing first ex- this ever-changing world. perience. I currently own an off-the-track Standardbred named Dexter. We do a lot of recreational riding, as well as some train- If you could have one wish for the equine community ing. I hope to own a riding facility in the future where I could be in Alberta, what would it be and why? more professionally involved with horses, and give people like My wish would be that everyone had enough money to always me a chance to achieve their dreams. support and care for their equine companions. So ultimately it would be great to see multiple funding resources become readWhere did you grow up and how did you come to work ily available to anyone who was in a tight spot and just needed for the AEF? a little extra help.

I grew up about an hour west of Edmonton, AB. My family opened a gas station in a small town and this is where I complet- Is there anything else you’d like to share? ed grade school. I always took every opportunity I had to work I hope that 2022 brings an end to this pandemic so we can with horses. My passion for these amazing animals did not cease, get back to our full-fledged equine activities. For anyone who so I chose to educate myself by completing a diploma in Equine thinks they do not have the means or connections to be inScience. From contacts at the school, I learned of an opening at volved with horses, please never stop trying and start at the the AEF. I was over the moon happy when I got an interview. I AEF website, you may be surprised as to what you find there. have only recently started here, but I am very excited to contrib- We would love for you to join our community because we share ute in every way I can to improve the equine industry. your passion.

HALEY PERRIN

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BITS & PIECES

Are you involved personally or professionally with horses and how? If not, what drives your passion about the equine community?

I am just finishing my Equine Science Diploma at Olds College and I was a Barn Manager in Brazil for a couple of years. My passion towards horses has been part of me since my early childhood and I have always found it easy to connect with people who share the same passion as me towards this incredible animal.

MEET THE TEAM

KARINA FERNANDES

Where did you grow up and how did you come to work for the AEF? I was born in Rio de Janeiro, but I grew up in Brasília. In 2015, I came to Calgary to do “English as a Second Language” courses and I fell in love with the city, the country and everything I experienced here. I went back to Brazil, and searched on Google “Equine Science Calgary,” Olds College came up and I worked hard to get into the program. One of my instructors at the College saw the AEF’s job posting for the Office Coordinator position and sent it to me saying that she believed I was the perfect candidate for it. I am super proud of the job I have now and I put forth all of my efforts to help people who reach out to us.

What do you do at AEF and in what circumstances would I reach out to you?

After three weeks working as Office Coordinator, I was given the opportunity to move into the Sport and Recreation Manager position. I coordinate everything you need to know about the Coaching Certification and the Learn to Ride/Drive Program.

Even if I do not know the answer to your question, I will make What do you want to accomplish working with the AEF over the next year? sure to find the correct information for you!

I want to keep AEF as a trustworthy resource for coaches and What is one thing that surprised you about working riders to turn to when they are searching for reliable information. I am also looking forward to creating a safer and more at AEF? I would not say surprised (perhaps more of a confirmation,) diverse atmosphere among our members and the province. but you can literally change lives when you are willing to help people. Sometimes you can achieve it just by being a good lis- If you could have one wish for the equine community in Alberta, what would it be and why? tener!

My wish would be that the diverse disciplines would comWhat’s the biggest misconception people have about municate more with each other and absorb each other’s vast knowledge, implementing the benefits into their shared passion your position?

Some people may not be aware that the coaching program – the horse. delivered by AEF is a national program. All protocols, requirements and steps needed to complete the certification were cre- Is there anything else you’d like to share?

Do not hesitate to contact me if you have coaching inquiries, ated, and are mandated by Equestrian Canada. These regulations ensure that everyone has access to a safe environment where I will do my best to help you! people can share their passion for horses.

ALBERTA BITS I FALL/WINTER 2021

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BITS AND PIECES

KENDA LUBECK Are you involved personally or professionally with horses and how? If not, what drives your passion about the equine community?

My entire life has been consumed with all things “horsie.”

After receiving a certificate in an Equine Management Course in the early 90s, I worked at numerous training and breeding facilities starting young horses and competing in eventing and dressage. This eventually led to teaching a small group of dedicated riders and judging local horse shows.

Where did you grow up and how did you come to work for the AEF? I grew up in a remote area of northern Alberta where my family had many backyard horses. After working with horses for a few years, I ended up in Calgary studying for my Bachelor of Communications at Mount Royal University. I was lucky enough to put my degree and agriculture background to use with Fairview College and then United Farmers of Alberta. I spent the last 14 years working in Alberta Agriculture and Forestry. With hopes of returning to Calgary always on my mind, this position with AEF provided the perfect opportunity.

What do you do at AEF and in what circumstances would I reach out to you?

I am the Program Manager where I oversee the planning and delivery of programs such as Live Outside the Box, Ride and Drive, and the Annual Awards celebration. I also manage the sanctioning of provincial officials, and Wild Rose and EC Bronze and Silver competitions. You would reach out to me if you wanted to become a provincially recognized horse show judge or steward, participate in the Ride and Drive program, or sanction a competition under the Wild Rose banner. Parents also contact me to sign their children up for Live Outside the Box, where we empower youth to develop healthy lifestyle habits and spend quality time with their equine partners.

What is one thing that surprised you about working at AEF? It is surprising how such a small team can get so much done!

What’s not surprising is the passion in the office.

What’s the biggest misconception people have about your position?

One misconception is that if a program works in another jurisdiction, it will instinctively work in Alberta.

What do you want to accomplish working with the AEF over the next year?

The rate at which all industries are changing today is mind-boggling, so to adapt, build and deliver responsive programming for our members would be a priority. The horse industry continues to have so much potential here in Alberta!

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If you could have one wish for the equine community in Alberta, what would it be and why?

In Alberta, we live in a geographically enormous area. My wish is that all parts of the province would have better access to advanced equine technology and care. This would take a lot of stress and risk out of horse care in relatively remote areas.

I also wish more people had access to the amazing benefits of loving and caring for horses. The trust and friendship of a horse is such a gift to humans.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

I am grateful to have found an opportunity to do what I do in the horse industry.

BITS AND PIECES

MEET THE TEAM

NORMA CNUDDE Are you involved personally or professionally with horses and how? If not, what drives your passion about the equine community?

My first involvement with horses started when my daughter decided she would like to try riding horses instead of playing soccer. Need I say more? Through my daughter’s riding, we discovered that horses are not only great companions but release you from the stresses of your everyday life. Had a bad day? Go to the barn for a few hours!

Where did you grow up and how did you come to work for the AEF? I was born and raised in Southern Manitoba on a cattle and grain farm. Horses were not part of our landscape. My first encounter with the ‘gentle giants’ was through my great Uncle and Aunt who owned Clydesdales, which they proudly and successfully showed at the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair in Brandon and Royal Winter Fair in Toronto.

I learned of the position at the AEF because of membership.

I received the email recruiting for the position of Admin Assistant. I have been with the AEF now for 10 years.

What do you do at AEF and in what circumstances would I reach out to you?

My position is Membership Coordinator and I assist with administrative duties as well. I work within the database and assist members with renewing or purchasing individual, family, Club or Business memberships.

What is one thing that surprised you about working at AEF? Things are always changing and you never know what each day may bring. For example, when the fires hit Fort McMurray it was “drop everything you are working on…” so we could assist with being the liaison between the government, the volunteers, and those affected by the fires. I’m grateful to be working for a non-profit that cares so deeply about its community.

What’s the biggest misconception people have about your position?

That I know everything there is to know about horses! It is not a requirement to be heavily involved with horses to be able to do my work, but from our members I have learned so much about horses, the attachment people have to their horses, and the various disciplines and horse activities members participate in. I have also learned a lot about places in Alberta that I never knew existed – some places have very beautiful names and I hope to visit these places someday.

What do you want to accomplish working with the AEF over the next year?

I would love it if every member would refer at least one new member to us. We must all know horse people who have not yet heard about AEF and the great things we do. AEF rewards our members for referrals – $5 credit per referral off your next year’s basic membership fees! Ten referrals equals a free basic individual membership!

If you could have one wish for the equine community in Alberta, what would it be and why?

The equine community is very diverse. I wish for the equine community to learn as much as they can about their community and embrace all things horse.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

It’s renewal time – be sure to renew your membership before January 1, 2022!

ALBERTA BITS I FALL/WINTER 2021

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BITS AND PIECES

SONIA DANTU Are you involved personally or professionally with horses and how? If not, what drives your passion about the equine community?

In 1996, I was crowned Rodeo Queen in the Yukon Territory; something not many know about me. Participating in an equine assisted therapy session in 2019 has provided a completely renewed respect and understanding of the close, personal relationship we can have with these beautiful animals.

My passion is driven by being dedicated and committed to the social cause of those who support the AEF (members) and working toward collective goals that will benefit the industry as a whole. The community is vast and diverse, but the commonality is the passion everyone shares for horses and equines in their lives.

Where did you grow up and how did you come to work for the AEF? Growing up in West Vancouver, BC, the city did not provide exposure to horses. A number of trips with my family out to Coutts, AB, as a child/youth to visit my Aunt and Uncle led to my first riding experience. I will never forget the first trip as the horse I was riding ran into a rattlesnake, stopped abruptly (I stayed on), stomped on the snake and I still have the rattle to prove it!

I moved from British Columbia to the Yukon where I lived with my sister for five years and gained a variety of work experience. Thereafter, I moved to Alberta to complete a postsecondary education in Management at the University of Lethbridge. Most of my life and experience has been with nonprofits. This led me to the AEF in 2007 when the organization was looking for an Executive Director. There is something remarkable about working for/with people who share a similar devotion, desire and passion. I personally want all our members and future members, to know that the AEF cares about what we do for you and everyone; every discipline, every level and every interest matters.

What do you do at AEF and in what circumstances would I reach out to you?

What don’t I do? I love that about my position; no one day is ever the same. As the Executive Director, much of my time is spent advocating and being a representative for the stakeholders in the Alberta equine community. Reporting to the Board of Directors and leading a dedicated team of passionate professionals, I try very hard to be an inspirational leader and guide the team to ensure the continued success of the AEF for the membership. Advocating with the government for support and funding, liaising with equine association counterparts across the country to build awareness of sport, recreation, industry and education, fostering partnerships with supporters, affiliates and founders takes up the majority of time and focus.

In any circumstance, or even if someone simply wants to talk, I am ready, willing and eager to communicate with the community; feel free to reach out at any time.

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What is one thing that surprised you about working at AEF? How diverse the industry and interests of the community are. I learn something new every day working at the AEF and that is what drives my passion.

What’s the biggest misconception people have about your position?

That I know everything about equines and the industry!

That said, every time I speak with a member, another team member or visit an event, I continue to learn. Even after 14+ years, there is still so much to absorb and embrace.

What do you want to accomplish working with the AEF over the next year?

The coming year will be an exciting year for the AEF. My hope is that we can encourage more of the community to be a part of us, to realize what we do and to know that everyone has a place to share their passion. The AEF is more than ‘insurance,’ and we will continue to endeavor to prove that to our equine community in Alberta.

If you could have one wish for the equine community in Alberta, what would it be and why?

My wish is that everyone recognizes they have shared interests and a passion for equines. We CAN all align and work together to strengthen the entire Alberta Equine community.

Continued bottom of page 13

BITS AND PIECES

MEET THE TEAM

RITA BERNARD Are you involved personally or professionally with horses and how? If not, what drives your passion about the equine community?

I am not currently involved with horses, but over the years my husband and three daughters have shared their free time on and around horses.

Where did you grow up and how did you come to work for the AEF? I grew up on a farm in central Saskatchewan and moved to Calgary in 1985. Almost 15 years ago, when my daughter needed an AEF membership for a competition, I stopped by the office. I was well greeted and made my purchase. I happened to make a passing comment, “You look busy – maybe you could use a helping hand?” I started part-time the following week!

What do you do at AEF and in what circumstances would I reach out to you?

In my role as Finance person, my main duties are accounts receivable, accounts payable, banking and record keeping. I also assist with membership renewals during the busy times.

What is one thing that surprised you about working at AEF? It is amazing how so few office staff can provide services to so many AEF members.

What’s the biggest misconception people have about your position?

Some would think that ‘accounting’ work is boring; but our programs are so diverse that this position is anything but boring.

If you could have one wish for the equine community in Alberta, what would it be and why?

My wish for the equine community is good health; it gives us the opportunity to stay active which brings us joy and patience.

What do you want to accomplish working with the AEF over the next year?

Continue to support the Executive Director and process requests in a timely manner.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

Please submit your “Application for Funding” to me. We accept them during the two annual funding periods: from January 1 to April 30; and from June 2 to September 30.

Sonia Dantu continued from page 12

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

I would like to thank all the members who have supported and believed in the AEF over the years; we are your organization, and everything we do is for our community. To those who have been longtime members, referred members, taken the time to reach out and say hello or thanks, please know that this means more to the team than anything does. We are a very small team with a huge membership across the province and our entire team is passionate about what they do.

From an operational perspective, I am extremely proud of the work that the team and board have done over the years to ensure that we can keep memberships affordable, but still provide great benefits (insurance, funding, industry projects, etc.) and are always looking to add more. This is the nineth year in a row that AEF has NOT increased membership fees!

We attribute that to being financially accountable; we consider every dollar spent as – this is our members’ money – not AEF’s.

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SHARING MULTI-USE TRAILS B Y TA N IA M I L L E N

Horseback riders who ride multi-use trails often encounter mountain bikers, hikers, skiers, snowshoers, dogs, children, plus other recreationalists, many of whom are unfamiliar with horses. Fortunately, every encounter with a non-equine recreationalist is an opportunity to educate someone about how to safely share the trails with horses, learn about trail conditions or problems, and build rapport between equine users and non-equine users. Making sure that these encounters are safe, friendly, and educational helps ensure that trails remain open to horses, even as other types of recreation – such as mountain biking – become more prominent on the trails.

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When encountering non-riding trail users, it’s useful to ask how their day is going. This encourages people to stop, chat, and interact, which also allows your horse time to figure out that the other trail user is a human and not a scary monster!

Explaining that horses are 500 kilogram flight animals who can move quickly and don’t always recognize hikers or bikers as human, helps the other recreationalist understand that horses are thinking, sentient beings with minds of their own.

Imparting this knowledge in a friendly way also helps others know what to do when encountering horses in the future – something many non-equine users simply don’t know.

Making sure that horse and recreationalist encounters are safe, friendly, and educational helps ensure that trails remain open to horses.

Fortunately, many multi-use trails have signs indicating that bikers and hikers should yield to horses, however, some non-equine users struggle to interpret these signs or don’t understand why horses have the right-of-way. So explaining what the signs mean in a friendly manner and explaining why ‘stop and chat’ is the best practice when encountering horses on the trail, helps keep everyone safe.

Another way to create a common bond and ease potential tensions with other users is to ask about trail conditions or issues that non-equine users have encountered during their adventure that day. This can help you figure out what trails to ride or avoid and where problems may be encountered. If any trail damage or other problems limit horse use, it’s best to report your concerns to the organization that manages the trail network.

For those with quiet, reliable horses, allowing interested children and adults to pat horses or feed them a treat is another way to bond. Many people have never interacted with a horse before, so providing that experience safely can be thrilling for everyone involved.

For those with less reliable horses, kindly asking others to maintain their distance, remain visible (not hide in the bushes), and put their dog on a leash, helps keep everyone safe, too. Explaining the rationale behind your requests and how these actions help keep you and the non-rider safe, helps diffuse possible tensions between users while educating others about actions they can take when horses appear agitated. Usually, the reason non-riders do things that riders think are inconsiderate or unsafe is that they lack knowledge – it’s not because they’re unpleasant people. Often, nonriders simply don’t know what to do when around horses or what may scare our four-legged friends, or are scared of horses themselves.

Finally, it’s important to remember that every horseback rider is an advocate for other riders, and for horses to be allowed on multi-use trails. So please do your best to ensure that encounters with non-equine users are respectful, educational, and friendly. That will go a long way towards keeping riders and other recreationalists safe, plus ensuring that trails remain open to horse users. AB ALBERTA BITS I FALL/WINTER 2021

17

HORSE KEEPING

SHIPPING WITH THE PROS

Do you have a long haul coming up? Or simply a quick jaunt to a local show? If so, here are some great pieces of shipping advice from the experts!

B Y J E N N W E B ST E R

There are numerous considerations to keep in mind when hitting the highway with horses in tow. From planning on how much hay to bring with you, to knowing where fuel stations are along your journey, there are many things to plan ahead to help ensure your horses reach their destination safely and ready to compete. We enlisted the help of three Alberta trainers who regularly haul to events, for both long and short distances and asked their advice about everything from protective equine shipping equipment, to electrolytes and layovers.

MEET THE EXPERTS Ronda Cann of High River, AB, has been a hunter/jumper trainer for over 30 years. She grew up in the United States and travelled with some high-end horse barns before relocating to Canada. This included working for John and Beezie Madden in Cazenovia, New York and other Grand Prix trainers in the New England area. Cann moved to Canada 20 years ago and continued her business in Alberta. She helps to rehabilitate both horses and riders and approaches training with positive reinforcement and a wholistic approach. Her combined experiences have seen Cann on long hauls to Florida and California and shorter hauls throughout the province of Alberta.

Involvement in horses started for Alberta dressage trainer Patty Hambling as many young girls do – begging their parents 18

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for a pony. At first, show jumping and eventing were Hambling’s main interests, but through the guidance and example of some influential trainers, her passion for dressage was ignited. She gained experience and knowledge at different barns in the area, achieving her B.Sc and B.Ed as well as her Competition Coach Specialist designation during this time. Recently she attained her Recognized Equine Canada Coaching Licence and received an Alberta Dressage Association Lifetime Achievement award. Hambling now has the pleasure of running the beautiful stable, Pon Equus, belonging to one of her longtime clients. Pon Equus is a smaller private barn that focuses on quality long term relationships. Hambling mostly has personal experience with shorter hauls, but arriving to the destination safely and with relaxed equines is just as important to her, as anyone else.

Rita Condon owns her own show jumping facility near DeWinton, AB, and is a well-respected coach and judge with more than 40 years in the industry. She specializes in the coaching and training of elite equine athletes and their riders.

Condon knows firsthand, the effort and preparation it takes to bring a hunter mount to the competition ring. Through her operation, C-Horse Equestrian, Condon also regularly hauls her client’s horses to Vancouver, Ontario, California, Arizona – or wherever the show circuit may take them.

HORSE KEEPING Can you please tell me about some methods you use when shipping horses, to ensure they arrive at their destination safely and ready to compete?

CANN - The first thing I like to do is do a safety check on the trailer, prior to hooking up and departure. I always like to make sure the footing is secure in the trailer – no holes and no damage inside the trailer. I check to ensure lights and wires are working and whether there’s an anti-slip mat, adding shavings if needed to ensure the horse doesn’t slip. The horse is less likely to get in the trailer again if it’s not stable in its footing. I also like to ensure all vents are open for air flow. You don’t want it too hot or too cold in the trailer – you want that happy medium. I’m also very particular about ensuring each horse tied in the trailer has a breakaway tie, in case they pull back or something happens. And always allow for adequate time to arrive safely at the destination.

HAMBLING - I like to ensure any horses being hauled are in good condition to start with. I like to practice loading and hauling before hand, so the horses are comfortable and not stressed by the procedure. We will often haul to various locations for lessons, clinics, or fun trips so horses and riders are comfortable performing at various locations. I also advise that my clients give themselves extra time for any unforeseen circumstances and so that everyone remains relaxed and calm.

Lastly, the order of horses in the trailer is important to keep them all happy and we drive for the horse’s comfort – this includes the time of day to trailer, avoiding the heat of the day, or the coldest parts of winter.

CONDON - Travelling the speed limit is just fine. Speed doesn’t affect horses as much as breaking hard, or swerving side-to-side. And it pays to arrive safely! Our horses also always haul in leather halters, in case they pull back and I have spare leather halters in my trailer just in case. A full first-aid kit is on board, along with Dorm or Ace, in case a situation should arise.

And I don’t usually travel alone – because it’s hard to handle six horses by yourself. AMA Gold is the road-side assistance I carry, because they will haul both your horses and trailer off the side of the road in the event of an emergency.

Do your horses wear any protective gear inside the trailer?

If so, what?

CANN - I personally wrap and bandage my horses’ legs especially when they haul with other horses, in case they step on each other in the trailer. Prior to leaving, I want to know the dividers work, otherwise the horses will lean on each other for balance. I want them to feel secure in their dividers, so they don’t move. I find my horses feel more secure when they have the bumpers there, in case they need something to lean on.

HAMBLING - Protective equipment is decided on an individual basis for each of the horses, the trip and the trailer.

Again, practice with any equipment that will be used, so the horses are comfortable with it beforehand and the riders know how to skillfully apply it. Leg protection used must be applied securely. I prefer dividers between horses with protection that extends to the ground, to protect horses’ legs from the other horses. Handlers should also wear proper equipment, gloves and footwear. I also like to be prepared with spare halters, lead ropes and a first-aid kit

CONDON - Never. The only thing I will allow my clients to put on their horses during hauling are bell boots or brushing boots. I won’t allow them to use anything else, because some things can become uncomfortable and hot if left on for long periods of time. And for long hauls, if the wraps at the front of the trailer start to come unravelled, it can be a mess because then you have to unload everyone to get it fixed.

How do you deal with feeding and watering on the highway?

CANN - Even for short-term hauls, I bring my own hay and water, just in case a tire blows and we’re waiting on the side of the road for help. I like to feed my horses hay in a hay net or manger inside the trailer, providing more comfort for them as they travel. But the hay net has to be able to fit the horse in the space! As long as there is space for a hay net, I will put one in.

But if the horse is too big, I won’t.

Which brings me to another point - if you have a 17 hand horse, you need a Warmblood-sized trailer. The right size trailer is important! Jamming a big horse into a small space never ends well. I will also bring a bag of carrots with me when I’m hauling to ensure the horse will eat or drink while they travel. I don’t give them carrots on the trailer, but when we stop they get them to encourage them to eat. Carrots provide moisture which increases salivation and can stimulate the horse to drink.

HAMBLING - I feed hay for horses in slow feeder nets, hung out of the way of hooves. I would also bring water for a longer trip. Some places are harder to find water during traveling and some horses are fussy. For horses that are known to be picky with water, I would use electrolytes to encourage them to drink.

CONDON - I have water in front of the horses all the time. I use slow-feeding hay nets so they have to work at it, otherwise they rock the trailer trying to paw the ground for hay. And also like to water the hay. During long trips I stop every four hours for fuel, but it has been my experience that most horses won’t drink until they get off the trailer. However, offer water at these stops, just in case.

I always tell my clients to start electrolytes four days before shipping day, and Gastroguard the morning of. You can’t give them electrolytes once you’ve started your journey, so you must start before you leave. You must hydrate the horses before they get on the trailer. Then when I layover at night on long trips, I give them a soft bran mash which they’re quite happy to eat. AB

Patty Hambling

Rita Condon

Ronda Cann

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HORSE KEEPING

FEEDING THROUGH ALL STAGES OF LIFE B Y H E AT H E R M AC I N N I S & T H E P U R I NA T E A M ( E QU I N E N U T R I T I ON C ON SU LTA N T )

There are three factors we must consider when thinking about the overall health of a foal when it comes to breeding: genetics, nutrition and management. Breeders are more successful when they have a proactive program in place. Developing a nutritional program designed to support the horse’s needs at each stage of life will lessen health, reproduction and growth related problems. Since genetics, management and nutrition are all equal in importance, the nutritionist, veterinarian and farrier must all work together to support this plan.

PREGNANCY: When a pregnant mare is not provided with proper prenatal nutrients such as protein, fat, trace minerals and vitamins, she has the ability to pull these nutrients from her body storages and will continue to do so until she is depleted. If this happens, the foal might be born with nutritional deficiencies creating potential growth related issues.

When looking at your pregnant mare, her body condition score should be between five and six. This does not always mean that the nutrients are being met. You might look at the body condition score on a pastured pregnant mare and see that these calories are being met because they are fat and shiny, however there is no forage-alone diet that will meet the major mineral and trace mineral needs of a pregnant mare even though she might have a good body score.

Feeding a ration balancer like Purina’s Equilibrium Optimal or Equilizer can balance the vitamin, mineral and/or protein requirements of an easy keeping mare and therefore meet all of the pregnant mare’s nutrient needs. Ration balancers can also provide a good way to increase the plane of nutrition while not increasing body condition significantly.

The mare’s nutrition through her entire pregnancy is important. A maternity feed can begin at the start of gestation and continue through lactation. Recent studies have shown that a high intake of starch in the mare’s ration during late gestation and lactation can increase the risk of developmental growth problems in the foal. To help minimize the risk of DODs it is recommended to choose a complete feed that has a lowglycemic / low starch level. Choosing a feed that is formulated with a higher fat and higher fiber percentage will help reduce the non-structural carbohydrates (NSC) of the feed. Purina’s Evolution Maternity is designed for mares, nursing mares and growing foals, and was developed with high levels of Omega 3 fatty acids, added amino acids, organic zinc, copper, manganese and pre and probiotics. Omega 3 fatty acids enhance cognitive 20

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behavior in the foal, increases fertility in the mare, and helps maintain a healthy overall immune function. Amino acids, lysine and methionine, are added and are shown to improve muscle and joint development of the foal and aid in milk production.

Organic zinc, copper and manganese are more bioavailable than inorganic and can help with bone development and reduce risk of DODs. Feeding rates of Purina Evolution Maternity are 0.731.25 kg /100kg. Gradually increasing the daily amount of feed served to the mare during her lactation (unless she is obese!) will prepare her to provide the foal with a sufficient amount of the precious milk that it needs so much.

LACTATION: When feeding lactating mares, it is critical to measure the body condition score and topline score. This identifies where improvement is needed. Body condition measures the fat or calories and our topline score measures the muscle affected by protein and amino acids. During lactation, the mare’s vitamin and mineral needs remain high.

A ration balancer such as Equilibrium Optimal is usually needed to maintain the protein, vitamin and mineral balance, as this is crucially important to the healthy growth of the foal whose main food source is the mare’s milk. Water plays a dominant role in the life of all horses, but for the lactating mare, it is extremely important since milk production requires high consumption of water. For the mare, adding a minimum of five grams of salt (100% sodium chloride) per meal, or providing a small self-serve salt block is recommended; this will increase her water consumption.

HORSE KEEPING

FEEDING THE FOAL: Your foal will most likely eat from the mare’s bucket until they are weaned. The Purina Evolution line of products provides a smooth transition from the Evolution Maternity to the Evolution Juvenile. The Juvenile feed is designed to meet the growth and development from four months to two years of age. Carrying on the same importance of the nutrition in your growing weanling is crucial. Some types such as Warmbloods can grow until they are five years old. They can continue on Purina Evolution Juvenile feed but it is recommended to transition at the age of two with Purina Evolution Elite or one of Purina’s other great products.

Once your horse is fully developed, regardless of the discipline, nutrition remains pivotal to achieving peak performance.

Without a customized, nutritionally balanced ration, a horse will be unable to develop the levels of fitness and muscle mass required to perform at its full potential. Energy deficits caused by inadequate nutrition represent the most significant detriment to performance.

Purina Evolution Elite, Equilibrium Trimax or Equilibrium Xcel HD are great complete feed options for all different levels of work, competition levels and energy.

FEEDING THE SENIOR HORSE: Providing a diet with increased protein level will provide the proper amino acids, such as lysine and methionine, for metabolic functions, muscle maintenance and hoof quality. Feeding a product such as Purina Evolution Senior will provide elevated fat content for extra calories, with the benefit of Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids. Look for a feed that contains yeast cultures and direct-fed microbials (more commonly known as prebiotics and probiotics, respectively) to support nutrient digestion. Organic trace minerals that are more highly bioavailable than traditional trace mineral sources are also important as they enhance calcium and phosphorus levels to help guard against bone demineralization.

Evolution Senior is manufactured as a multiparticle feed that is easily chewed. In cases where dental loss is extreme, the feed can even be mixed with equal parts warm water to form a mash.

Also, with senior feeds, if the horse is unable to chew any hay, the diet can be adjusted to four or five feedings of senior feed per day to meet caloric requirements.

Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions on your horse’s nutrition! www.equipurina.ca AB

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BREED PROFILE

DEFYING GRAVITY

With fewer than 4,000 purebreds alive today, the Lipizzaner is rare.

Thankfully, many organizations and dedicated people have helped with preserving the breed over the years.

B Y MON I QU E N OB L E

The darkness was not as scary as it should have been, only because of the smell of popcorn and my mother’s hand in mine. A light appeared and music washed over us accompanied by a tide of gleaming white horses rushing into the arena. The next hour was a whirlwind of grace and skill as gorgeous creatures leapt and danced like playful waves on the ocean. The Lipizzaner is world renown for their classical dressage manoeuvres of the Haute école and the “airs above the ground.” I enjoyed their performance – oddly enough – in Saskatchewan but the Lipizzaner is a horse known for seeming somewhat out of place.

A Spanish breed being trained at the Spanish riding school in Vienna, Austria.

The origins of the Lipizzaner are traced to a 1580 invoice for the first three of six stallions and 24 mares brought from Spain to Austria. Archduke Charles the II was establishing the Imperial Royal Court Karst Stud Farm Lipica in Lipica (Lipizza in Italian), Slovenia – which was part of Austria at the time. Prudent husbandry of these horses intended for military, royal and civilian use while being raised in the rugged Karst Plateau created a powerful, intelligent animal with an 22

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impressive carriage and presence.

Breeding to mares from local stock such as the Karst horse, and the now extinct Neapolitan horse brought a distinct and colourful hardiness to the line, while keeping the elegant physique and intelligence of the foundation lines strong. Lippizaners originally had many coat colours with even a few Paints here and there. However, in the 16th and 17th centuries, horsemanship and dressage became noble and desired skills for the upper classes of the renaissance and striking “white”

the Lipizzaner has been repeatedly endangered by the ravages of war and time was the preferred colour of horses for royalty and nobility.

Widely known as white, Lipizzaners are technically gray. Most are born black or bay with darkly pigmented skin and eyes, their coats turning gray with maturity. The graying process finishes between six to ten years which

coincides with their training, which is why most horses that perform their world-famous acrobatics are the shining “white” steeds we have come to admire. As gray is a dominant gene, other colours rarified, as the breed was refined to cater to the times. All the same, there is a long-standing tradition for one bay stallion to reside at the Spanish Riding School to honour their colourful ancestry.

Centuries of selective breeding has resulted in a horse that exudes strength. Their heads are large and long with small alert ears and a straight or slightly roman nose. Large expressive eyes reveal their depth of intelligence and character and are complimented by well flared nostrils and a powerful jawline. Ranging in height from 14.2-16.2 hands they are strongly built, with a thick elegantly arched, extravagantly maned neck, set into a wide and deep chest. Their withers are low and flow into broad muscular shoulders that are balanced by wide, powerful hindquarters with a high set and proudly carried luxurious tail.

The legs have fantastic depth of bone, well-developed muscles and tendons carried on small but strong hooves.

Athletically graceful in movement they are a hardy and long-lived breed,

BREED PROFILE

The Lipizzaner is a breed that has inspired centuries of passion for horses. The script on this photo is from the receipt for the first three stallions imported from Spain to Austria 441 years ago. India and her Alberta-born 2021 colt Favory India can be traced backed to foundation sire Favory foaled in 1779. With conscientious breeders like Jocelyn Garneau Davies of Devon Ridge Farm making sure that purebreds are produced and remain true to the traditions and quality of the breed, the legacy of the “White Stallions” is perhaps safer now than it ever has been.

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BREED PROFILE frequently continuing to perform well into their twenties and retiring into their thirties. As such they tend to mature a little bit later than other horse breeds.

Built for war and refined for royalty, they look like if they could talk to you, they wouldn’t. However, they are very smart, have incredible memories and are surprisingly friendly if a bit stubborn.

Their tenacity is well earned; the Lipizzaner has been repeatedly endangered by the ravages of war and time. Considered a cultural treasure by many Europeans whose lives have revolved around the breeding and care of these horses over centuries, they have been ardently protected. Between 1796 and 1815 the herd of over 300 horses were moved four times from the stud farm in Austria to various locations in Hungary and Slovenia until it was safe to return. While many horses were saved, many were lost, and so were 200 years of breeding records when the studbook was destroyed.

Upon the Lippizaner’s return to Lipica, the studbook was restored as best it could be. Fortunately, enough documentation remained that five bloodlines could be traced to studs from the 1700s and entered into the new studbook for the breed.

A new entry into the studbook and into bloodlines was an Arabian stud from Syria named Siglavy. Brought in to strengthen the dwindling herd, Siglavy became the foundation sire for the sixth established bloodline of the breed.

Eight foundation “dynasties” are recognized by the various registries, six of which can be traced back to the original stud farm in Lipica.

PLUTO: a gray Spanish stallion, foaled 1765.

CONVERSANO: a black Neapolitan stallion, foaled 1767.

MAESTOSO: a gray half Spanish stallion foaled 1819.

FAVORY: a dun stallion, foaled 1779.

Neapolitano: a bay Neapolitan stallion, foaled 1790.

SIGLAVY: a gray Arabian stallion, foaled 1810.

The Imperial Lipica stud farm prospered the following century. Recovering from the loss of many purebreds to natural disasters and warfare, Arabians and Thoroughbred mares were introduced to strengthen the gene pool. Of the foals produced, as always, only the finest of stallions were allowed to represent their breed by training at the elite Spanish Riding School (SRS) in Vienna.

Gabriella Hermann demonstrating the Capriole astride stallion, Myakka Favory. Not currently touring due to Covid, they host small shows at their ranch by Myakka, Florida.

Photo courtesy of family and troupe member Rebecca McCullough.

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Two other stud lines, while not bred at Austrian farms, are recognized as equal to the six “classic” lines.

TULIPAN: a black Spanish stallion foaled around 1800 in Croatia.

INCITATO: a Spanish stud foaled in Transylvania in 1802.

These traditional stud lines were complimented by 20 “classical” mare lines, 14 of which are still producing today alongside 35 more recognized maternal lines.

The SRS has three schools. These include: the Remontenschule, the first year of training starts at four years of age; The Campagneschule, riding the horse in all gaits with balance (there is no set timeline for this school as horses are only progressed to the next school when they are ready); and The Hohe Schule, here stallions learn classical dressage such as the piaffe, passage and pirouettes. On

Hermann’s Royal Lipizzan (Lippizaner in Europe) troupe has called Florida home since 1963. Photo courtesy of family and troupe member Rebecca McCullough.

BREED PROFILE average, a stallion will attend for about six years before they can perform the School Quadrille and become a school “professor.”

The famous Airs Above the Earth manoeuvres harken back to the Lipizzaner origins as a horse of war and a weapon in their own right. The Levade, Courbette and Capriole are mastered by only a few exceptionally talented stallions. Once a stallion has successfully completed their education, they are permitted to contribute to the breed at the Lipica stud farm. The SRS, which has been training Lipizzaners and riders in the Spanish oral tradition in Vienna for over 450 years, was added to UNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritages of humanity in 2015 and is still training today.

Sadly, after World War I and 339 years, the Imperial Royal Court Karst Stud Farm Lipica was dissolved, the remaining herd was broken up – the spoils of war – and sent to different stud farms.

Only 109 horses returned to Lipica.

Lippizaners were again threatened by World War II. At the end of the war over 200 Lipizzaners were saved in a heroic joint effort named “Operation Cowboy” spurred on by Austrian Col. Podhajsky, head of the school and U.S. officers Col. Charles Reed and General Patton – both accomplished horsemen who were charmed by the Lippizaners when they performed for them in a bid for protection.

Nine Lipizzaners were gifted to the U.S. army remount, these horses

imported to the U.S. later went to private homes. Since then, many owners have imported and started breeding them and there are now two performing troupes of Lipizzaners bred and trained in the classical style located in North America.

Loved universally for their regal bearing and versatility, they are successful competitors at all levels of dressage, driving and endurance. Their pleasant nature and hardiness also makes them suitable for other equestrian pursuits such as pleasure and trail riding.

With fewer than 4,000 purebreds alive today, the Lipizzaner is rare.

Many organizations are dedicated to preserving the breed. Most owners are loyal to the cause, admiring the breed for its cultural significance, classic beauty and athleticism. One such owner Jocelyn Garneau-Davies has welcomed a new purebred colt to the world this year at Devon Ridge Farm in Alberta. Jocelyn was thrilled when Favory India was born to her purebred mare India in 2021.

While she bought India to breed to her Connemaras she states, “…because she’s a premium Lipizzaner mare I felt obligated and responsible for her to produce some purebreds too. She’s had a filly by Pluto Virtuosa and this colt by Favory Fantasia III. I kind of fell in love with this breed, they are incredibly loyal and smart. It’s no wonder they call them ‘the perfect horse’. ” With such dedicated supports, it appears that the romantic Lipizzaner – a seemingly out of place breed – has won the whole world as its home. AB

WIDE RANGE OF PRODUCTS INCLUDING; 3X4 STALL MATS 4X6 MULTIPURPOSE ARENA /KENNEL MATS SIGNATURE TILE KEYSTONE EQUI CRUMB

info@rubberworldrecycledproducts.com LEFT: Devon Ridge Farm’s Mare India and 2021 Colt Favory India sired by Favory Fantasia III. RIGHT: India’s 2020 filly Indhira is sired by Pluto Virtuosa. Owner, Jocelyn Garneau Davies, believes that breeds with small numbers need to leave purebred descendants. They especially, “need to leave a filly to carry on the breed.”

80089 186 Avenue West Foothills, AB, T1S 2S8 403-254-2839 ALBERTA BITS I FALL/WINTER 2021

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TRAINER’S CORNER

A TOP-DOWN APPROACH TO HORSE TRAINING

Scott Phillips and his mare Belle demonstrate how a horse can mirror focus with precision. Her direction and gait are a product of Phillips’ focus and energy.

The onus is on us to provide leadership for our horses. As such, a horse requires confidence, a singular clear focus and energy behind that focus.

Plus, the ability of the rider to communicate in a way the horse natively understands.

B Y S C OT T PH I L L I P S

One of the things that attracts me so much to horses is that there is no upper boundary to what we can achieve. Unless of course, we believe there is. But in that case we’ve set that boundary ourselves – and in that case, are we disregarding potential and possibility? I’d like to explore that thought from the perspective of a top-down approach.

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We’ll start with this question: What is the most ideal way you can imagine riding your horse?

How about this for an answer? Your horse intimately follows the nuances of your focus, energy and balance in every situation to the point you find yourself wondering why you have reins and what the aids are for.

This is what I would call an ultimate aspiration. The pinnacle of synchronicity between horse and rider. A state where your thought and focus are one. Where each miniscule shift of your body and thought in your mind is mirrored by your horse.

Guess what? I believe it’s achievable.

In fact, I think we need to believe it’s achievable. If it isn’t, what exactly are we striving for? Do we hit a limit and then quit? Been there, done that? Or do we keep finding things to improve, things to challenge us? I recall in my piloting days when I was stationed at our base in Rankin Inlet, a few adventurous souls were taking their snowmobiles out in the summer and riding them across open

TRAINER’S CORNER

A participant in a Trail Obstacle Clinic conducted by Phillips, furthers his partnership with his horse. When a horse is able to follow the rider’s focus, we can ride with exceptionally subtle use of the aids.

water. It likely started off as a dare but it later turned into a sport. Equipment was designed for it. About the same time, I watched a video of a fellow pioneering a 360-loop on a snowmobile. I thought it was insane. But the following years saw such a maneuver become a typical part of a competitive event.

And yet in the horse world, many times I see folks feeling like they’re constrained.

Either by a level-based program that meters out advancement or simply by having someone say to us, “That can’t be done.” or “You’re not ready for that yet.”

I can recall, in fact, a scenario where someone shouted at me, “You can’t do that on a horse!”

The human mind has much potential for discovery and plenty of drive to get it done. Where would our race be without imagination and determination? Our journey with a horse must be open ended to allow us the room to move and explore, question, discover and grow.

Revisiting my initial statement, then: how would we go about having such an incredible connected relationship with a horse – in motion? What complex set of training mechanisms could we employ? Can we hasten our journey?

Wait a minute. Whoa! Put the brakes on that thought, because – where would we even begin?

Recently I taught a group session where

we discussed setting a goal, then breaking that goal down into exercises and subsequently breaking those exercises down into progressions: linearly related small chunks that take us, progressively, through an exercise.

That philosophy is the same one I’m exploring in the content of this discussion: starting at the top and working our way down. The benefit of this approach is that we’re able to quickly identify what we need to work on in order to progress.

It might involve some guess work and trials, but hey, that’s life, isn’t it? That’s what learning is.

If you’re familiar with Amazing Horse Country, you know that we employ obstacles not only for fun but to build trusted, athletic relationships with horses.

Take, for example, a new obstacle we’re introducing to our horse. For the sake of argument, let’s say it’s a 5’x5’ platform. We have two options here. We can first work our horse through all the prerequisite steps we typically do: accountability, focus, releasing, response to pressure and others. Or we can say, “Hey, let’s just give it a shot.”

So we give it a shot and lead our horse up to the platform. But each attempt results in our horse just leaning into us with a shoulder and avoiding it by ducking behind our back. It is not going perfectly. We realize right away that we

can work on several things: •Having our horse follow us with a greater degree of accountability.

•Improving our own focus and putting energy behind it.

• Working at our horse moving their shoulder off our space (lateral mirroring).

We attend to these things. Once we’re comfortable that we’ve made some changes we try leading our horse over the platform again. Because many have tried with the same result several times, the horse now likely believes that ducking behind you is simply how we’re doing it.

So we have to be attentive to that thought.

We’ll start off by leaving the obstacle and working on some focus and follow progressions. When we realize greater clarity, we’ll return to the platform.

This time, as we go forward we notice a spot where our horse slows. We ensure that this time, though, we do not get ahead. Instead, as we slow with our horse, we focus forward, really think about sending our horse around our shoulder and go. Because we’ve just attended to that spatial communication, our horse walks up and over the platform without issue.

In the previous example, we started with a top down approach. Trying the exercise, clearly identifying the required pieces, working on those pieces and then ALBERTA BITS I FALL/WINTER 2021

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TRAINER’S CORNER

trying the exercise again. This is typically not what we do in the introductory parts of our clinics, simply because we need to develop our own skills and build a relationship with our horse first.

But what if we have a great relationship with our horse? What if they follow us to a high degree already? What if we have a great mutual trust? This is more akin to our Obstacle 2 clinics, where our horse is already confident and comfortable following us and trying new things as a function of our positive leadership. In this case, why not give it a go? See what happens and then work on the supportive progressions.

An example from an Obstacle 2 clinic would be asking your horse to sidepass over a platform, but only having their front feet go up and over it. We give it a shot and then see what we need to address. It could be we need more work in clean lateral maneuvers. It could be we need to eliminate more anxiety about the platform. We address those, then try it again, repeating that cycle as necessary.

This is a much more supportive style, since we’re always working specifically on what our horse – or what our relationship – needs. An example of a much less productive way to go about it would be to follow this line of thought: • I know we can sidepass.

• I know we can walk over a platform.

• Therefore we can sidepass over the platform.

• When it doesn’t go as expected, we do it over and over, progressively becoming more frustrated as the horse becomes more anxious.

All right. Now that we’ve discussed top-down and bottom-up approaches, let’s revisit our ultimate aspiration. We hop on our horse’s back, toss the reins to the wind and ride! And what happens?

Honestly, an infinite number of things can happen. Our horse can think, “No reins! I’m on my own and free!” and do what they please. They might think, “Wow, this is freeing, what would you like me to do?” We might focus left and they might turn right. We might get energetic but they stop instead. Or, they might be so dialled into us, that they reflect every nuance of our focus, energy and balance.

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Here, another rider demonstrates providing a focus for Spirit (the horse) to follow. It’s very clear that her intent and energy are where they need to be: beyond the obstacle.

WHAT FACTORS DETERMINE THE OUTCOME? If we stand at the top and look down, we can see the pillars that support our ultimate desire. And those pillars are these: Leadership. The onus is on us to provide it. What does a horse require in a leader? Confidence, a singular clear focus. Energy behind that focus. Trust in our decisions of where we’re leading the herd. The ability to communicate in a way that the horse natively understands.

Herd Status. If we’re not above our horse in the herd, they’ll only follow if what they desire happens to coincide with what we’re asking. Being above our horse in the herd is something we need to demonstrate; it’s never something we should attempt to force upon them.

Accountability. This applies to both us and our horse. The horse needs to be accountable for only one thing: to follow us. Not behave or respect or any of those derogatory terms, because if our horse truly believes in our leadership, those issues won’t ever arise. We need to be accountable to lead and to accept all responsibility for any outcome.

Whatever happens – we set it up. After all, our horse didn’t wander into our house and catch us to go for a ride!

An Understanding. It’s imperative that we understand that in order to ride a horse, there is actually very little that we need to show or teach them. They were born with the ability to do every maneuver in the book. The onus is on us to lead and communicate so that they can follow our direction through all of those maneuvers with unrestricted athleticism.

Knowledge. I find that many folks have a wealth of knowledge of horse training and riding methods. But there seems to be much less when it comes to the horse itself. Trainers may be very proficient in their methods and we might have a great seat, but do we all really know what’s truly going on under the saddle?

Two exceptionally important branches of knowledge are these: • The bio-mechanics of how a horse moves and balances.

• How the horse thinks; how it perceives their environment and relates with others.

Those are two things that – although we put a high degree of focus on them at AHC – are often left out of standardized curriculums.

The Aids. Our focus, energy, balance, reins, seat and legs. With some knowledge of how the horse’s body works and how

TRAINER’S CORNER

they think, we can use the aids for just that: aids. They’re called aids because they’re supportive, not controlling. Just as importantly as knowing how to use them is a knowledge of when to use them.

Our Horse’s Needs. What does our horse need and have we addressed those needs? There are many of them, but some important ones in this context are: • Freedom to move without restriction.

• Freedom to express their thoughts and know that we’re attentive to them.

• An absence of fear and anxiety.

In our Liberty to Riding clinics, we dive right into these pillars. The goal in those clinics is to ride our horse without dependence on the reins or aids for control. Our journey is to achieve a functional understanding of those important pillars. We don’t have to find perfection in each one. We only need to know they exist and what they mean.

Let’s use an example to demonstrate.

We hop on our horse in the roundpen.

In that smaller enclosed area, we’ll have a higher degree of comfort and be less tempted to take the reins. Next, we’ll focus clearly where we want to go and put some energy into that focus. Imagine yourself walking down a street, you put on a smile, focus up at where you want to go and feel confidence and pride. We’ll do the same on our horse.

What are we looking for in this initial exercise? That our horse follows our focus in a direction and also follows our energy. When we up our energy, our horse should do the same and walk out with purpose or gait up. When we

lower our energy, our horse should gait down or stop. When we adjust our balance, our horse should mirror us.

For example, we’ll feel that the whole left side of our body is elevating as we focus left. Our horse should pick up the left shoulder and look left, just like we did. Congratulations. You achieved a balanced turn without your reins.

If all goes well, great! If not, that’s great too! It only means that we need to attend to one of those pillars. Which is it? Perhaps our horse was distracted by another horse outside the pen. So we bring their focus back before asking anything else. Perhaps they’re not motivated to move as a function of your energy. We can certainly attend to that in some groundwork following exercises.

Perhaps they’re anxious having someone on their back. We can build confidence in the groundwork and also work with a second person – having someone repeat the groundwork exercises with you mounted. Whatever it is, there’s a plethora of great exercises in which we can explore our progressions.

Training and exploring a relationship with a horse is a mixture of bottom-up and top-down approaches. We need to have certain pieces in place in order to progress and facilitate our own understanding. To compliment that, we must also be very open-ended in our topdown approach. Having the freedom to explore possibilities with a comfort that the knowledge and experience we have – and can gain – will allow us to achieve amazing things. AB Scott Phillips has a wide variety of experience in the horse industry including mountain riding, outfitting, training horses and riders, starting and re-starting horses, producing horsemanship webinars and podcasts, running the Canadian Cowboy Challenge and of course, operating Amazing Horse Country.

He affectionately refers to his herd of horses as his “kids.” Scott has uniquely integrated his horsemanship with a knowledge of equine bio-mechanics and psychology to gain a thorough understanding of these great animals.

ALBERTA BITS I FALL/WINTER 2021

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ASK ABOUT INSURANCE

WHY SHOULD YOU JOIN? THE ACTUAL BENEFITS OF AEF MEMBERSHIP

B Y M I K E K I N G , PA RT N E R , C A PR I C M W I N SU R A N C E

While the tangible benefits of membership in your provincial equine association are clear and provide great value, in this article, I would like to discuss the less tangible benefits that add even greater value to the association membership and support to the wider equine community.

Every working day, the equine team at CapriCMW and I get asked to weigh in on that very broad question of membership value and in response, we talk about insurance. After all, that is what we do in our professional work and there is no question that the insurance benefits are terrific (the questions never get old and we never tire of answering them). But after many years in partnership with AEF, we know the value of membership cannot be measured by only one benefit like insurance.

The less tangible, but highly valuable benefit of membership comes from being a proactive participant of the broader horse community in Alberta to share common interests, common challenges and common successes. The AEF provides a central and credible source of current industry information, a framework for growth as an athlete, education to understand the complex management needs of the horse, opportunity after opportunity to participate at any level with horses, and more.

I want to say that over the last year and a half, I have never been so proud as to have been associated with the Alberta Equestrian Federation. Every staff member, every volunteer, every board member at AEF has worked tirelessly on behalf of you, the horse owner, the rider, the barn owner, the equine business operator, and the horse enthusiast, to ensure that accurate and timely information has been available to help you navigate as safely as possible through the COVID-19 pandemic.

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The challenges we faced together were in many ways, the same in every corner of the industry but were responded to in very different ways based on local health authority and government policies. It is abundantly clear to me that without the work and advocacy of AEF, government information would never have been clarified for our unique lifestyle with horses, and assistance programs would not have had the positive and stabilizing impact they did.

Hopefully, the pandemic will be in the rear-view mirror soon. As we move forward into 2022, your membership is critical to keep the collective voice of the horse industry loud and clear. Thank you for joining AEF, your membership adds to the collective strength of Alberta’s equine community.

Take care and stay safe!

Sincerely, Michael A. (Mike) King, Partner

Michael (Mike) King, CAIB, R.I.B.

Mike King is a partner at CapriCMW Insurance and the program lead for the PTSO programs across Canada. For more information, please call

the Agri department at CapriCMW Insurance, 1-800-670-1877 or agri@capricmw.ca

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Hi-Hog Farm & Ranch Equipment........................................................... hi-hog.com Friends of the Eastern Slopes.......................................................................foesa.org Horse Expo Canada............................................................................ horseexpo.ca Fun Country Riding Club of Strathmore......................................funcountryriders.com Horse Trekking Adventures............................................ horsetrekkingadventures.ca Great Divide Trail Association........................................................ greatdividetrail.com Infiniti Trails 4 Healing and Boarding Facility................................. infinititrails.ca Happy Valley Ag and Recreation Club.........................happyvalleyagrec@outlook.com Inhand Equine Therapy..................................................... inhandequinetherapy.com Hastings Lake Pleasure Horse Association..hastingslakepleasurehorseassociation.org Lawton & Co, LLP.........................................................................info@lawtonco.ca Martin Deerline....................................................................... martindeerline.com High Country Carriage Driving Club.............................................................. hccdc.ca Mid-West Design & Construction Ltd.............southwestdesignandconstruction.com High Country Pony Club...canadianponyclub.org/AlbertaSouth/branches/highcountry Moose Mountain Horseback Adventures............................................... packtrips.ca Hoofbeats for Hope Equine Team Society...............hoofbeatsequineteam@gmail.com Precision Saddle Fitting............................................. precisionsaddlefitting.com Irricana and District Agricultural Society..................................... irricanaagsociety.com Purina Canada..................................................................................... equipurina.ca Irricana Riding & Roping Club.................................................... teasieo@hotmail.com Reverence Stables Horsemanship Centre............................... reverencestables.com Journeys Therapeutic Riding Society................................................................. jtrs.ca Rivers Edge Camping Association.......................................riversedgecamp.org Jump Alberta Society....................................................................... jumpalberta.com Robinson Arena......................................................... janelleackerman@hotmail.com Kansas Ridge Riders Club............................................ kansasridgeriders@gmail.com Rocking Heart Ranch Ltd............................................ rockingheartranchltd.com Lacombe Light Horse Association..............................................................................

Rocking Star Ranch Equine.................................................. rockingstarranch.ca Little Bits Therapeutic Riding Association ................................................... littlebits.ca Saltaire Equestrian Haus........................................................ saltaireequestrian.com Meadow Creek Vaulting Club......................................................................... mcvc.ca Sandridge Stables .................................................................... sandridgestables.ca Mighty Wranglers Riding Club............................. taz046.wixsite.com/mightywranglers Spirit Horse Stables........................................................... shsoffice2012@yahoo.ca Millarville Musical Ride.........................................facebook.com/MillarvilleMusicalRide Sunglade Ranch Ltd o/a BioEquine.com..................................... bioequine.com Miniatures in Motion..................................... collies72.wixsite.com/miniaturesinmotion Synergy Solutions Inc..............................................................synergyapparel.ca Mount View Special Riding Association..................................... mountviewriding.com Take Off Equestrian.................................................................takeoffequestrian.com Northern Trails Riding Club.............................................. northerntrailsridingclub.com TD Equine Veterinary Group............................................................ tdequinevet.com Opening Gaits Therapeutic Riding Society of Calgary.........................openinggaits.ca Telsec Farm Company........................................................................telsecfarms.ca Over the Hills Trail Riders.............................................................. fjhorses@syban.net The Forward Horse.....................................................................info@fwdhorse.com Parkland Area Alberta Dressage Association................ albertadressage.com/parkland The School of Equine Massage and Rehabilitation Therapies............ equinerehab.ca Peace Area Riding For The Disabled Society.................................................pards.ca The Tack Collector Ltd............................................................. thetackcollector.ca Peace Draft Horse Club.......................................................peacedrafthorseclub.com Western Horse Review.......................................................westernhorsereview.com Peace Region Alberta Dressage Association........... peaceregiondressage@gmail.com Whispering Equine Bodyworks Inc................ whisperingequinebodyworks.com Peace Region Pony Club........................................peaceregionponyclub.weebly.com Whitemud Equine Learning Centre Association........................................... welca.ca

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