BITS & PIECES

AEF Welcomes New Staff Member

MARLENE WALDNER 2022 Bursary Recipients

DEB SMITH-JONES

Deb Smith-Jones recently joined the Alberta Equestrian Federation team as Finance and Support. Deb has a strong background in management and finance and will be a great asset to the team. With a degree in business, she has held many positions from managing the barn at Rafter Six Ranch, to overseeing the full operation of jumping and hospitality facilities. She has worked with a board of directors for a not-for-profit society and volunteered on the board for the Future Cowboys and Cowgirls Rodeo Society, as both a director and treasurer.

As an ‘all-things-equine’ enthusiast, Deb has experience in a variety of disciplines. Her interest in horses took her to Japan on a one-year work holiday visa where she worked at a riding facility. Deb and her spouse, Chad Gothard, have two amazing girls, Tahsis, 11, and Tory, 9, who both enjoy English and western riding. Family vacations with their horses are Deb’s favorite pastime, whether it is hunting on horseback, or just getting up in the mountains high enough to enjoy the many vistas Alberta has to offer.

Deb’s combined knowledge in the areas of both business and equine will enhance AEF’s service to our members. We are very excited to welcome Deb to the team.

AVA SCHEERHOORN

Ava Scheerhoorn has a strong dedication and love towards all things horses, much like Marlene did. Being a part of the western community through groups such as 4-H and the Alberta Ranch Horse Versatility Association, has given Ava emotional support, expanded her connections and helped build relationships. She enjoys practice work almost as much as shows and visiting with others who share her interest. It means a lot to her to be able to continue spending time doing things she loves to do. DANIELLE FRIESEN

Danielle Friesen loves western equestrian sports because she feels a real sense of community. As a teen growing up in this world, she relies on the community to help her find purpose. Western equestrian activities push her to be better. She has met amazing people in the western equestrian community that have been a tremendous support and that she greatly admires.

To learn more about funding opportunities available to AEF members, please visit: https://www.albertaequestrian.com/funding/

Ride and Drive 2000 Hour Milestone Recipients

ANNE LEWIS Anne Lewis with Simon

Congratulations to Anne Lewis for reaching her 2000 hour milestone for the SECOND TIME with the Ride and Drive Program!

Anne has been a Ride and Drive member since 2014. She started her second go-round with the Ride and Drive program in 2019, completing her 2000 hours in September of this year.

Anne has been riding most of her life. Although her family moved around a lot when she was young, she was fortunate that her father ensured she always had access to riding. She received her first horse when she was 12.

Anne loves to ride in the mountains and enjoys the trails in Waterton Park, Castle area, and the Porcupine Hills. She has had many amazing rides, met wonderful people, developed lasting relationships and feels grateful every time she throws her leg over her horse.

Anne loves the Ride and Drive Program – it not only makes her more aware of how much she rides, but it also inspires her to ride (not that she needs any inspiration!). She loves receiving great ‘swag’ for doing something she loves to do. Anne encourages AEF members who haven’t tried the Ride and Drive Program to give it a go!

BONNIE QUANCE Bonnie Quance and Smarty

Congratulations to Bonnie Quance for reaching her 2000 hour milestone with the Ride and Drive Program!

Bonnie has been a long time member with AEF. She joined the Ride and Drive Program in January 2020 and reached her 2000 hour milestone on Sept. 16, 2022. She says she enjoys the Ride and Drive Program as it brings awareness to the time she spends riding and driving her horses. Winter can be challenging, however, as some of her horses (especially Johnny,) do not appreciate the -30 C temperatures experienced during Alberta winters.

Bonnie has been riding all of her life and was blessed to have been raised on a farm in Ontario where horses were not only used for daily farm work, but the family also enjoyed competing at local fairs and gymkhanas with them.

Since retirement, Bonnie finds pleasure in riding and driving everyday. Bonnie and her husband Stan reside on the family homestead which has a beautiful coulee with the Big Knife Creek running through it. This makes for a very scenic ride or drive. On the days when the wind blows too hard, or the mosquitos are nasty, Bonnie can be found riding in their indoor arena – it’s not fancy, but it does the trick when working on drills and exercises in preparation for horse shows.

Bonnie has had many memorable times with her horses, even though there may have been a few runaways. She enjoys family sleigh rides at Christmas and that magical first ride on a twoyear-old brought home as a foal.

In Bonnie’s words: “You don’t stop riding when you get old, you get OLD when you stop riding.” AB