Alberta Bits Fall 2018 Issue

Fit for Your

horse

Arena Footing

Solutions

AEF Scholarship

Recipients

FALL 2018

Cowboy Challenge Tips

P U B L I C AT I O N S MA I L AG R E EME N T # 4 0 0 5 0 2 9 7

with Kateri Cowley

The Beauty & Benevolence of the

Thoroughbred A LBE RTA E QU ESTR IAN .C OM

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FALL 2018; VOLUME 10, 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 four times a year (Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter) to all current AEF members and is made available at the office and special events attended by the AEF. Alberta Bits is distributed throughout Alberta with news and events on behalf of recreational, sport, breeds & 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

PAST PRESIDENT

SECRETARY

TREASURER

INDIVIDUAL

INDIVIDUAL

INDIVIDUAL

INDIVIDUAL INDIVIDUAL

INDIVIDUAL INDIVIDUAL

INDIVIDUAL

INDIVIDUAL

INDIVIDUAL

INDIVIDUAL

Lauren Parker 403.813.1055 lmparker@shaw.ca Sandy Bell 403.700.7880 windhorseretreat@gmail.com Les Oakes 403.540.9859 lesoakes@gmail.com Dena Squarebriggs 403.760.0512 dmsquare04@hotmail.com Sandy Bell 403.700.7880 windhorseretreat@gmail.com Trish Mrakawa 403.938.6398 trish@willowgrovestables.com Nicolas Brown 587.988.3590 bruchev@gmail.com Alison Douglas 403.762.8570 thealicat@shaw.ca Tara Gamble 780.945.7516 tara@tghorsemanship.com Jason Edworthy 403.651.5678 jedworthy@spring-bank.ca Tiara Chambers 780.897.7446 royaltequestrian@gmail.com Janine Leroux 403.968.3311 j_zuk@hotmail.com Melonie Myszczyszyn 403.932.1108 meloniemysz@cciwireless.ca Brenda Spanier 403.932.2936 brendaspanier@gmail.com Becky Taylor 403.507.9935 beckyt.rvt.mapc@gmail.com Robert Simpson 780.628.2356 rms210@mail.usask.ca

aef STAFF

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Sonia Dantu execdir@albertaequestrian.com 403.253.4411 ext 5 MEMBERSHIP

Norma Cnudde membership@albertaequestrian.com 403.253.4411 ext 1 MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

marketing@albertaequestrian.com 403-253-4411 ext 6

COACHING

Erin Rabeau coaching@albertaequestrian.com 403.253.4411 ext 3 COMPETITIONS

Hilary MacDonald competitions@albertaequestrian.com 403.253.4411 ext 2 FINANCE, GENERAL INQUIRIES

Rita Bernard info@albertaequestrian.com 403.253.4411 ext 7

OFFICE HOURS: 8:30AM TO 4:30PM, MONDAY TO FRIDAY, EXCEPT HOLIDAYS 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 • Louisa Murch White CONTRIBUTORS

Piper Whelan • Killerney Farm Hazel Bennett • Kerri Kerley Shellie Scott Photography • www.have-dog.com ADVERTISING SALES REPRESENTATIVES

Sally Bishop 403.815.1289 sallysuebishop@gmail.com ADVERTISING SALES DEADLINES

WINTER 2018: November 3, 2018 FOR A MEDIA KIT AND/OR RATE CARD PLEASE CONTACT ALBERTABITS@ALBERTAEQUESTRIAN.COM or marketing@albertaequestrian.com. All material is copyright 2018. 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

6 PRESIDENT ’S M ESSAGE 6 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE

8 THE SO CIAL BIT

9 BITS & PIECES Introducing the 2018 AEF Scholarship Recipients!

10 HEADED D OWN NEW TR AIL S Q & A session with the AEF’s Chair of Recreation about the new projects

currently in the works for recreational and trail riding members.

horse health. Here are a few tips and advice for taking care of your arena.

12 ARENA FOOTING CONSIDERATIONS Good footing and traction is a very important aspect of rider safety and 14 HORSE KEEPING Control those pesky equine parasites!

16 BREED PROFIL E More than just a speed machine, the Thoroughbred is built to excel in a

number of disciplines.

20 FIT FOR YOUR HORSE Desiree Sieben of Mane Equestrian Athletics strives to inspire equestrians

24

to discover more about themselves through mindfulness, body awareness and self-care practices.

TRAINER’S C OR NER Kateri Cowley shares her secrets and best advice for cowboy challenge

competition.

ASK AB OUT INSURA NCE 28 Mike King details potential insurance needs of breed and discipline clubs.

29 CLUB & BUSINESS L ISTINGS

30 CLOSING THOUGHT S Celebrating the AEF’s big 40th anniversary!

Fit for Your

HORSE

ALBERT A EQUESTRIAN FEDERATION

Arena Footing

SOLUTIONS

AEF Scholarship

RECIPIENTS

FALL 2018

100, 251 Midpark Blvd SE Calgary, AB T2X 1S3 Toll Free: 1.877.463.6233 Phone: 403.253.4411 Fax: 403.252.5260

albertaequestrian.com THE AEF GRATEFULLY ACKNOWLEDGES FINANCIAL SUPPORT FROM ALBERTA SPORT CONNECTION

Cowboy Challenge Tips

PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT #40050297 • PRINTED IN CANADA • ISSN 1918 - 7114 RETURN UNDELIVERABLE MAIL TO : ALBERTA EQUESTRIAN FEDERATION 100, 251 MIDPARK BLVD SE CALGARY, AB T2X 1S3

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ALBERTA BITS I FALL 2018

P U B L I C AT I O N S MA I L AG R E EME N T # 4 0 0 5 0 2 9 7

with Kateri Cowley

The Beauty & Benevolence of the

Thoroughbred

A L BERTA EQU EST R IA N .C OM

JOIN OUR COMMUNITY W E S H A R E Y O U R PA S S I O N

ON THE COVER: Photographer Shelby Simmonds, enjoys an autumn ride on her trusty Thoroughbred mount. www.twistedtreephotography.ca

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5

Message from President, Lauren Parker It’s fall time in Alberta – which brings the most brilliant of colors and a cooling-off of what has been a record setting summer.

I am sure many of you (and your horses) dealt with the extreme temperature and air quality for most of the summer and are just as pleased as I am to have eased into a much milder season.

The AEF Board of Directors have been busy this summer, and always strive to be “out and about” at various venues and events.

Members of our board attended clinics of multiple disciplines, a summer full of showing at many venues and plenty of opportunities all over the province to grow the awareness of who we are as an organization. Our directors have also been diligent in attending meetings with government and affected parties when it comes to Alberta’s trail systems and we have been vocal about setting a best practices for this intricate network of pathways.

From a financial point of view, the AEF is on track with budget and curbing expenses. My deepest thanks to the administration team at the office for their due diligence in this regard. AEF’s core government funding increased slightly for 2018, which was due to the AEF keeping on track with strategic and business plan goals.

It has been a strategic goal of the Board to steadily increase membership numbers into 2020. We want to continue to provide you, our members, diverse information and top notch service. Your membership fees are hard at work, conscientious budget planning for 2019 is underway and the AEF is committed to not increasing membership dues for the coming year, but increasing benefits.

Strategic marketing goals are being implemented and with input from members in early 2018, the AEF tagline you will start to see repeatedly is, “Join Our Community, We Share Your Passion.” The one thing all of us share is the passion for our equines; whether that is building a better bond, taking on a new challenge or working hard as a team, we have a passion that drives us. The AEF is for everyone, we want people to say, “I am AEF,” and feel a part of our community.

Finally – yet just as importantly – it has been a collective goal to strengthen our own breadth and depth in being a competencybased board, and to provide our membership the highest level of governance possible. We are in the process of creating a new rubric relating to how board members are evaluated, how initiatives are tracked, and a more focused delegation of tasks province-wide.

Accountability is important to the members and, to ensure we can be the best stewards of your funds, we must have the competence.

As we transition from fall into the winter months, I wish you all a safe and enjoyable autumn and hope that your trails stay clear, your rides stay rewarding and your love of horses stays strong.

Until next time, happy trails! AB

Message from Executive Director, Sonia Dantu Fall is a beautiful season. The weather cools off and we experience fresh, longer nights; the leaves on the trees explode into beautiful tones of orange, yellow and red and the insects of summer start to disappear. Take this time to enjoy a scenic trail ride on crisp leaves, make the most of winding down your competition season and perhaps even make plans to head south.

In the spring issue, we addressed enhancing member value.

AEF has been working hard the past few months and we hope our membership will see the results.

New Technology Partner – A new membership platform will enhance the AEF membership registration process for 2019. The chosen provider services 19 other Provincial / Territorial / Federal non-profit / charitable associations with similar membership registration processes and government reporting requirements as the AEF. This will ensure an improved member experience, with an easy to use and secure platform, at a comparable cost to our current system. Added benefits and services available to AEF members are invaluable: the ability to register for AEF and Club memberships, clinics and events; sanctioning events; streamlining processes for recreational and competitive participants, technical delegates / officials, coaches / instructors and volunteers. A new website template has also been created to ensure that users are able to find information with ease – and quickly.

Rookie Riders – A program that initially began over 10 years ago (then called “1st Gait”) has been completely rebranded by the equestrian Provincial / Territorial Sport Organizations (PTSO’s) in Canada. This program focuses on the FUNdamental stage of Long Term Equestrian Development (LTED) for children ages

6

ALBERTA BITS I FALL 2018

6-12. It is presented in 12 lessons and can be delivered at camps, schools, barns and community centres. Each lesson includes four riding skill-building segments: a game, a gymnastic mat activity, activity on a barrel and a mounted activity. Rookie Riders barrels are shipped out and include all the necessary equipment inside: the branded barrel, pony surcingle, carpet, saddle pad, legs, logo disc, balls, pylons, bean bags and poster boards. A promotional video and more details can be found on the AEF website.

The goal of the program is to introduce children to horses and riding in a safe manner where they will have fun and develop the confidence needed for their first ride. When a child completes the Rookie Riders program, he/she will receive a Ticket to Ride, which includes a complimentary riding lesson or barn tour with a Certified Coach. AEF is very excited about this program and hopes that this will provide a new avenue for children to first participate and continue on, into the world of horses.

Emergency Livestock Handling Equipment Trailer – Thank-you to everyone who contributed to, and helped to raise funds for the purchase of this trailer for the MD of Foothills: CapriCMW, Foothills Therapeutic Riding Association and many, many, many individuals who all supported this fundraising initiative. Giving is not just about making a donation; it is about making a difference and you have all done that.

Enjoy the Fall, the season of stunning changes. AB

Get Your

2019 HORSE SAVVY

DAY PLANNER & EQUINE HEALTH CARE RECORDS

30

$

PRICE INCLUDES

GST

& + Shipping Handling

Order this beautiful dayplanner with your membership, through the AEF Online Store, or stop by the office. Makes a great gift!

PROCEEDS FROM THIS AEF FUNDRAISING INITIATIVE SUPPORTS YOUTH PROGRAMMING

ALBERTA BITS I FALL 2018

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Get featured by tagging the AEF on Facebook or Instagram (@alberta_equestrian) and using the hashtag #AlbertaEquestrianFederation on your posts!

The SOCIAL BIT

8

ALBERTA BITS I FALL 2018

BITS & PIECES

2018 AEF SCHOLARSHIP

RECIPIENTS

Congratulations to these deserving students!

The AEF Board of Directors and the Scholarship Committee are pleased to announce the 2018 AEF Educational Scholarship recipients and the Bill desBarres Industry Scholarship recipient. We wish everyone the best in their future endeavors!

Alyssa

Mehrer

Lakyn Nathalie Montgomery Randall

Educational Scholarship Recipient

Educational Scholarship Recipient

Educational Scholarship Recipient

Alyssa’s passion for horses began at Lethbridge Therapeutic Riding Association when she participated in her first riding camp. Her love of horses has remained with her as she trained with multiple coaches and various disciplines. Alyssa has been accepted into the Equine Science program at Olds College and plans on advancing equine welfare in Alberta.

Animals have always been a huge part of Lakyn’s life: from being a member of her local pony club, obtaining her Clevel and training younger pony club groups, to competing in three-day eventing with her horse, Tempo, to volunteering her time at local vet clinics. Lakyn has been accepted into the Animal Health Technology program at Olds College and plans on working at local vet clinics in her home town and surrounding area.

Nathalie fell in love with horses when she was six and attended her first trail class competition. She has since won multiple CQHA National Championships in Canada and the USA in addition to receiving the Reining Alberta Sportsmanship Award in 2012. Nathalie plans on attending college in Vancouver, BC to obtain her Veterinary Technician Assistant diploma. Nathalie’s goal is to work in animal welfare in Alberta once she completes her post-secondary education.

Heather

Latimer Bill desBarres Industry Scholarship Recipient

Heather has been surrounded by animals including family pets, purebred cattle on the family farm and, most importantly, horses as her friends.

She began vaulting at the age of six, and has travelled within Canada and to the USA to compete against the best in the world. Heather currently competes on her own horse and is head coach of her own vaulting club. Heather has been accepted into the Animal Health Technician program at Olds College and plans on pursing a career at an equine specific practice, ensuring the health and care of our beloved equine friends.

ALBERTA BITS I FALL 2018

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Headed Down

New Trails

The AEF Chair of Recreation, Jason Edworthy (on right), enjoying K Country in the Elbow area with a friend.

In this Q & A session, Alberta Bits sat down with the AEF’s Chair of Recreation, Jason Edworthy, to discuss projects the Recreation Committee is currently involved in, as well as how the AEF is working for the interests of their recreational and trail riding members.

B y Lou i s a M u rc h W h ite

Q

Please tell me what the AEF Recreation Committee does?

A – We look for opportunities to engage AEF members or outside organizations to promote safe recreation with horses, to ensure continued or increased access to trails and facilities for our recreational riders, and to educate members and other users they may encounter about both of the above. We are also doing some research to make certain that this is what members want and need, so we can adjust and adapt what we do accordingly.

Q

In 2018, what are some of the work and updates that you are doing on behalf of the AEF?

A – As of late March 2018, with a new Board and a ‘new’ Committee, we are still getting started and getting to know each other. We have worked on a Terms of Reference, which helps define our role and our working plans. The most important part of the TOR to me are our priorities, which are safety, access and education. Safety, to me, means doing recreation, such as trails, in a safe manner. This can mean, for example, getting your horse used to seeing mountain bikes and hikers on the trails.

Access means making sure we continue to have access to trails 10

ALBERTA BITS I FALL 2018

and other facilities for our recreation. This might mean keeping our rights to drive wagons or carriages on certain public trails or public areas. Education is a big topic, but can also include helping novices learn how to move from arena riding, to trail riding.

Or even weekend camping with their horses. It may also mean educating other public lands users on how to safely encounter horse riders, pass on trails safely and make sure all users have a good day and a good, safe outing.

Perhaps the most important thing that we are doing this year is asking members what they want us to do within the scope of the committee and AEF budget. We have designed a simple, quick survey to ask members what they think equestrian recreation is and we have offered up some priorities for the next year to get their opinions for ideas that we have. This survey was included in the September eNews and a link to the survey was published on social media, with a deadline at the end of September.

Q

Looking into 2019 and beyond what work and updates are you planning on behalf of the AEF?

A – This will depend greatly on the results of our survey. We want to ensure that based on the input of members, we can consider some recommendations in the budget where funds permit.

Q A

Are there issues with the Alberta government internet and Facebook, with rumours and often false news, there that you face, or have come up against? are frequently upsetting posts and emails circulating about trail

– As the umbrella group in Alberta for the equestrian community, AEF is often invited to public consultation activities, particularly for land use issues. Two recent examples are the changes to the Castle Area, resulting in the new Castle Park, and the consultations on the Porcupine Livingston area. In both cases, AEF was represented and advocated for equestrian access, use and facilities. This work is terribly important in a province where all types of backcountry recreation is growing and many new users may not be familiar with historical use of horses in these areas.

I’m happy to say that due to these efforts and the volunteer time put in, equestrians have maintained access in these areas, in many cases gained new access and in all cases, we will have increased and improved facilities available for us to use.

We have also had some success in advocating for existing and additional facilities. For example, a trail head staging and parking area in the Elbow Valley part of K Country was often being used by other trail users, and trucks with trailers were limited or sometimes unable to park there. Working with Alberta Environment and Parks, new signage was installed, giving better direction about where to park and clearly indicating this specific area was for horse users.

or area closures that are just not true. We at AEF must continue to be engaged so if there are such issues that are real, members know we will alert them, and if they wonder if such an issue is real, they feel they can ask us and we will know.

Another way to help is for everyone to learn and practice good trail etiquette. This means things like greeting other trail users in a positive manner, helping to educate users who don’t know about horses and generally being good ambassadors for equestrians. We have all run into other users who are not polite and sometimes even dangerous to us, but I see such incidents as opportunities to share and educate.

The survey from September will really help the Committee understand and plan for the next year and beyond.

Q

How does the AEF work for the interests of their recreational and trail riding members?

A – There are so many things AEF does to support this group.

It ranges from listing available stables and boarding locations, to introductory riding lessons, links to our member clubs that focus on recreation, opportunities to track distance and hours with your horse, funding opportunities, advocacy and more. The Committee is looking at opportunities to help with safety (signage, education, How can the equestrian community in etc.), with access to trails and other facilities, and perhaps adding Alberta help recreational riders? clinics or other opportunities for members to learn more about A – It is one of my goals that the AEF becomes the trusted specific recreation activities – trail riding, weekend camping source of information for recreational riders. In the age of the with their horse or even backcountry horse packing.

Q

Provincial Awards

Annual Awards

NOMINATE TODAY, for the following awards: • Outstanding Instructor/Coach • Sportsmanship Excellence • Outstanding Athlete/Rider • Outstanding Volunteer • Outstanding Equine Support Personnel • Outstanding Stable/Facility • Above and Beyond Excellence

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Recipients will receive their award at Stride with Us held in conjunction with AEF’s AGM on March 23, 2019 in Red Deer, AB Nominations accepted until December 31, 2018.

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albertaequestrian.com ALBERTA BITS I FALL 2018

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ARENA FOOTING CONSIDERATIONS Good footing and traction is key to your horse’s health and success in the arena.

B y J e n n W eb ster & Lou i s a M u rc h W h ite

The correct build of an outdoor arena is an investment. Proper maintenance is your insurance plan.

Arena footing is a very important aspect of rider safety, horse health and plays a significant impact in lameness issues.

Any serious competitor will tell you that arena footing and grooming are at the top of their daily list of priorities in the barn.

Without proper attention to detail and regular maintenance, Conterra - Good footing is generally comprised of three main your horse may components: The first is the base, like a be forced foundation to a building, this supplies the to work support for the entire surface. The second in arena layer is the subsurface and the final is the top dressing. material that is too hard, an area that is too dusty, deep, wet, slippery or basically, just inconsistent.

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ALBERTA BITS I FALL 2018

MATERIALS Footing concerns obviously vary with every discipline but some factors are steady across the board. These include the combination of proper moisture content, the right depth, right consistency, levelness and a lack of hard or soft spots. Having the ability to add water, change your footing depth, level out your arena and regularly groom the footing surface is key to your success in the arena. There are many different types of materials utilized for arena footing in equine disciplines, including Nike Rubber, geotextile footing, silica sand, screened or washed sand and a clay/sand mixture, to name a few. The “best ground” is truly discipline specific and is often determined by the geographic location of your arena. For instance, sand and soil conditions in Saskatchewan may be very different than sand and soil in northern Alberta. If you want to test this theory, visit two different gravel pits one-hour apart. Pick up 3-mm sand in each and you will see differences. Therefore, arena footing and grooming becomes very individualized for each area.

MAINTENANCE

Combing, harrowing or disking your arena dirt regularly is important for maintaining the integrity of your footing. Too little grooming means your dirt will become hard-packed and too deep of harrowing may affect your base. It is important to find your arena’s happy medium and if this is an area you struggle with, seek out the guidance of professionals in your discipline for their best arenaharrowing advice. Your horse will thank you!

With that in mind, here are a few arena drag aspects to consider when purchasing an arena groomer:

1. Soil Conditions

– How aggressive do you need a groomer to work? Does your footing pack hard so you need a more aggressive product to dig it up? Do you have nice, soft sand and you only need a product to float and level?

2. Local climate – If you continually have wet soil conditions, you will end up frustrated purchasing a groomer that has a roller. The roller will be plugged regularly dragging on your ground and will require cleaning multiple times while in use.

WATERING

Having the ability to water your arena dirt regularly is key to keeping the dust down. However, it means you must first understand the water holding capacity of your dirt. Too much moisture may leave slippery spots and too little means you’ll be inhaling dust 30 minutes afterwards. Effective moisturizing also depends on your watering system. Sprinklers and hoses work well but require constant supervision because too much water can also damage your base and result in the loss of its stability. Another common error when watering with sprinklers or hoses is too much water in the center of the arena and not enough on the edges, sides or the rail.

There are additionally arena treatments that can be applied to the surface layer, to stop dust from rising without the use of water. Calcium Chloride is an example of a product that can be used in such arena treatments.

The purpose of these arena additives are to help retain moisture in the top layer, thereby reducing the need for water. Salt is another product often used in colder climates, during the winter to prevent whatever moisture remains in the arena footing, from freezing and creating solid lumps.

Arena care and maintenance is an investment of both time and money. However, the outcome is perfect footing for your riding discipline, that will help your horse perform at his best and keep him healthy and sound.

3. Arena Size – A 52” groomer isn’t a great size for a 300’ x 200’ arena – unless it’s the only size that fits your pull vehicle.

4. Pull Vehicle – Ensure your pull vehicle has enough power to pull your groomer.

5. Depth Control – What are you comfortable with? Do you want a three-point hitch? Are you looking for something you can adjust with a crank jack? Or do you want to adjust individual teeth? Do you want to control the grooming depth of teeth and the rear roller or comb? Some products offer both options using a jack or by manually changing a setting.

6. Ease of Operation – The

operator’s comfort level driving the pull vehicle and using a groomer are very important.

Groomers that are very complex and hard to adjust and operate deter many potential operators.

Surprisingly, over 80 per cent of all soundness related equine injuries are a result of poorly constructed or poorly maintained arenas.

ALBERTA BITS I FALL 2018

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H orse keeping

Control Those Pesky Parasites!

Parasites. For horse owners the world over, the word itself can send most into a panic. The truth is that parasites, and horses living with internal parasites, is a normal and manageable aspect of equine health and wellness. However, high parasite burdens can cause colic, diarrhea and weight loss – all potentially life threatening options. Parasite control begins with your horse and then permeates to your property or the boarding facility where your horse lives. Once everyone is on the same page with a parasite control program, you can ensure your horses’ health and welfare is on track.

B y Lou i s a M u rc h W h ite

The Beauty of Egg Counts Your first line of attack against parasites should be a deworming protocol that has been discussed with your veterinarian. For many years the general school of thought was to deworm horses twice a year, in the spring against strongyles and in the fall against strongyles and ascarids (roundworms).

As dewormers have become more prevalent, parasites have developed resistances against popular brands. Meaning, you can be doing everything “right”, but your horse may still be suffering from internal parasites. Thus, deworming programs have now evolved to include fecal egg counts performed by a veterinarian.

A Fecal Egg Count Reduction Test (FECRT) measures the number of strongyle eggs your horse is passing in each gram of 14

ALBERTA BITS I FALL 2018

his manure. The FECRT can then determine if strongyles and/ or ascarids are resistant to a certain dewormer. The FECRT should be done before deworming your horse in the spring. If the number is low, 200-250 EPG (eggs per gram), that horse may not need to be dewormed as frequently as a horse that has a count over 250 EPG. A horse with a high EPG count may be a chronic shedder. A chronic shedder may not show the typical signs of being affected by parasites – skinny, lack lustre coat – but he may be carrying a lot of adult worms that are laying eggs and in turn he will be spreading them throughout your pasture with his manure. Chronic shedders may need to be dewormed more than other horses. After deworming, wait 14 days to perform another FECRT, this will tell you if your dewormer worked, or if your horse has developed a resistance to the dewormer you administered.

H orse keeping Opposite Page: Proper pasture management is a paramount component of parasite control.

Right: Fecal egg counts are very important in the war against equine parasites. If you find the horse is harbouring parasites resistant to the drug you administered, then you know to try a different dewormer and keep the horse separate from the herd while you employ your best parasite control protocols. Jenn Webster photos.

Have Parasites, Will Travel?

For show barns, travel is inevitable. Hauling and relocating of horses can cause stress, and in turn, immune suppression. Cases of stress have been linked to a rise in parasite egg shedding.

Young horses, four and under, are often more susceptible to this than older, seasoned haulers. If you are heading to a show, or to a sale, you may want to provide a dewormer two weeks beforehand to prevent an egg count increase, and then follow with a post-treatment FECRT. However, unnecessary deworming can cause its own can of worms (so to speak), and if your horse is a seasoned show horse and previous FECRTs have shown they are a low shedder, they may not need additional deworming than the protocols you already have in place.

The same logic follows when it comes to introducing new horses to your facility. A quarantine of new individuals to your farm or boarding facility is the best practice to ensure that new parasites, and infectious diseases, aren’t passed to your already existent herd. It is recommended that all new horses be quarantined for a minimum of 14 days, but preferably 21 days. It is also recommended that all horses entering quarantine should be dewormed with broad spectrum anti-parasitic oral product on the first day of quarantine. Once again, you should employ the trusty FECRT before and after treatment to determine if the drug administered was effective. If you find the horse is harbouring parasites resistant to the drug you administered, then you know to try a different dewormer and keep the horse separate from the herd while you employ your best parasite control protocols.

Keep It Tidy

Now that you’ve tackled your parasites with dewormer, you must also employ non-chemical methods to keep parasites at bay. A parasite’s life begins as an egg in a manure pile, which then must develop to infective larvae in the feces, get out onto the pasture and then be ingested by a horse. If all feces are promptly removed from your pasture, infection of your horse can be greatly prevented. It takes five to seven days for strongyle eggs to hatch and develop into infective larvae, so the Merck Veterinary Manual recommends removing manure from stalls, paddocks and pastures every 24-72 hours.

The American Association of Equine Practitioners urges that composting is a practice that should be in place at any stable.

Eggs hatch and develop into infective larvae under conditions of moderate temperature and moisture. Colder climates will slow the rate of development or stop it altogether and excessive heat kills eggs and larvae. Proper composting of manure and soiled bedding will generate relatively high internal temperatures, and strongyle larvae in manure are virtually eradicated by exposure to temperatures over 40ºC for a minimum of one week. Noncomposted horse manure should never be spread on pastures, as this will only increase the level of parasite contamination.

The Merck Veterinary Manual also recommends avoiding

overstocking and overgrazing pastures and to keep pastures mowed to a height of three to eight inches. Taking a large pasture and dividing it into smaller paddocks and rotating through them has been shown to help suppress parasite infection. During extremely hot, dry weather, you can harrow or rake pastures to disperse manure piles and expose larvae to sun. Then, remove horses and rest the pasture for at least four weeks after harrowing, moving to the next paddock. However, these parasite protocols also depend on environmental concerns. If it never gets hot enough for parasites to die off during spring and summer, then the larvae will survive in the field regardless of rotation. So, during summer in Arizona for example, you can rest a pasture for as little as two weeks and a large majority of the parasite population will die. However, in Alberta, with a cooler climate, this may not always be the case.

The general rule of thumb to protect against parasites is cleanliness. Therefore, when it comes to feeding your horses, feed hay and grain in raised containers and not directly on the ground. Water sources should be cleaned regularly to prevent fecal contamination as well.

In Conclusion

If you are employing most of the above protocols for parasite prevention, you are ahead of the game! A veterinarian-guided deworming schedule that is coupled with fecal egg counts is the most effective way to control the spread of parasites at your farm or boarding facility. While you tackle the internal parasites of your equine partners, ensuring you are keeping your property clean and free of manure goes a long way in controlling those pesky parasites as well. AB ALBERTA BITS I FALL 2018

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B reed profile

The

Thoroughbred Built for speed with a desire to excel in a number of disciplines, the Thoroughbred is a magnificent breed.

B y Piper W h ela n

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B reed profile Easily recognized for its starring role on the racetrack, the sleek, powerful Thoroughbred is known for its speed and stamina. With a long stride made possible by fine-boned legs, the Thoroughbred is built to fly over racetracks and also shines in jumping, dressage and polo. Standing 16 hands high on average at maturity, these horses sport sloping shoulders, short backs and broad chests.

The Thoroughbred’s roots go back almost 2,000 years, with records suggesting that certain Arab and Barb horses were first brought to England in the third century. The progeny of these earliest imports were developed by selective breeding in hopes of raising race horses.

It wasn’t until the 17th century, when English monarchs James I and Charles I imported 43 mares in total, that the first registry of English Thoroughbreds was created. The General Stud Book became a registry of horses that were either direct descendants of those 43 females, known as the Royal Mares, or of three specific horses brought to England between the 1680s and the 1730s: the Byerly Turk, the Darley Arabian and the Godolphin Barb.

From its beginnings in England, the Thoroughbred has made its mark in many countries, whether in breeding programs targeted for racing or for crossbreeding and breed improvement. The first English Thoroughbred imported into what would become the United States was Bulle Rock, a son of the Darley Arabian, arriving in Virginia in 1730. In the next 45 years, 186 Thoroughbreds were imported from England, establishing the breed’s American roots.

The breed’s history in Canada is directly tied to the history of the Canadian horse racing industry. The first horse race in what would become Canada was recorded on the Plains of Abraham at Quebec City on July 1, 1767.

Soon after, horse racing became popular in Lower Canada, with the Quebec Turf Club setting up shop in 1789.

The first King’s Plate was run in TroisRivières, QC, in 1836, originally open only to horses bred in Lower Canada.

The race expanded its qualifications to horses bred in Upper Canada in 1859, and the following year the Queen’s Plate was run in Toronto, its current

Opposite page: Hannah Twomey with her Thoroughbred, My Hearts Desire, at a Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society Alberta division event. Killerney Farm

below: I’ll Have Another Wins Kentucky Derby 138.

Churchill Downs / Reed Palmer Photography

home. With 15 years on the Kentucky Derby, the Queen’s Plate is the oldest continuous stakes race on the continent.

After the Second World War, Canadian breeder E.P. Taylor helped turn the racing industry into a more profitable business. According to the Canadian Encyclopedia, “Taylor was responsible for making horse racing more efficient by closing down several old, unprofitable tracks and using their charters to organize racing days at the rebuilt Fort Erie track and Woodbine, a large new facility in northwest Toronto.

The longer racing seasons that resulted saw greater attendance, higher purses and better horses.”

Taylor’s influence also extended into Canadian Thoroughbred breeding programs when he purchased Parkwood Stables, a prestigious breeding facility, in 1949. Taylor renamed it the National Stud Farm, and this breeding program would go on to raise 15 Queen’s Platewinning horses, including the famous Northern Dancer.

Northern Dancer, arguably the most influential Thoroughbred in Canadian history, was the first Kentucky Derby winner bred in Canada, capturing the first two jewels in the Triple Crown in 1964. During his relatively short

racing career, Northern Dancer’s winnings totalled $580,000, and he went on to become one of the greatest North American Thoroughbred sires, influencing bloodlines across the continent.

While horse racing is thought to have been a fixture in Alberta since horses made their way to the First Nations of the northern plains in the mid-1700s, Thoroughbreds were initially brought to Alberta in the late 19th century. The first race organized for the public to enjoy was believed to have been held in Calgary in 1884, and before the turn of the century the Southern Alberta Turf Club and Calgary’s Victoria Park were established.

Ranches such as Cochrane’s Bow River Horse Ranch and Okotoks’ Quorn Ranch played a key role in developing southern Alberta’s Thoroughbred breeding programs. The Bow River Horse Ranch purchased two Thoroughbred stallions from Kentucky: Juryman in 1886 and Konrad in 1889. The Quorn Ranch imported 12 Thoroughbred stallions from England in 1886, and one of their best-known imports was Eaglesplume.

These early roots provided the foundation for Alberta’s race horse industry, bringing the excitement of ALBERTA BITS I FALL 2018

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B reed profile

Clockwise: nFighting Iris with her first filly by the barn name of Athena, owned by Borders Racing Stable Ltd. Hazel Bennett n Though most commonly thought of as racehorses, Thoroughbreds can become lifelong companions. Gillian Gallo nSeeyouonbroadway and her colt, a Thoroughbred mare and foal owned by Borders Racing Stable. Hazel Bennett n Due to their speed an agility, Thoroughbreds are often the breed of choice in the sport of polo. Kerri Kerley n Chuckwagon driver Chanse Vigen heads his team out of the barrels and onto the racetrack in Ponoka, AB. Shellie Scott Photography n

racing to large venues and small town tracks alike. The province annually plays host to one of the country’s most prestigious races, the Canadian Derby.

The first version of this race was held in Winnipeg before evolving into its current form, which was run at Edmonton’s Northlands Park up until this year. The 2019 edition of the Canadian Derby will be held at the new Century Mile Racetrack, opening next spring by the Edmonton International Airport.

The Thoroughbred breed is represented on a national scale by the Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society (CTHS). This association was incorporated in 1906 to maintain the Canadian stud book, promote Canadian Thoroughbreds and represent breeders 18

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on a national and global stage. There are currently around 1,000 members across the country.

In addition to being registered with the CTHS, Canadian Thoroughbreds are dual-registered with Kentucky’s Jockey Club. “Each Canadian Thoroughbred will have a Jockey Club set of papers along with a Canadian set,” said Caitlin Grguric, CTHS national general manager. “The registration process involves taking markings, photos, DNA, Stallion Service Certificate, registration fees, Canadian Bred Declaration Form and any provincial requirements before papers will be issued.”

CTHS promotion of the breed includes the support of many equestrian events.

“The CTHS has sponsored various events

like Thoroughbred-specific classes at horse shows,” said Grguric. Members can take advantage of special rates for foal registration, access to national and provincial publications and eligibility for stallion and breeder awards.

The CTHS established provincial divisions in 1976 for British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario. Provincial divisions offer a number of services to members, including incentive and bonus programs.

“Each division will manage and run provincial programs and sales within their province,” said Grguric.

In Alberta, the provincial CTHS division is managed by Jean Kruse, who first became involved with Thoroughbred horses through her youngest sister.

B reed profile “She had a job working with one of the trainers in Alberta. It was through that trainer that my sister brought home a Thoroughbred mare by the name of Snoopy Snails. Snoopy had been retired from the track and my sister had fallen in love with her,” said Kruse.

“Snoopy was how my parents started in Thoroughbred racing, which would have been about 14 years ago. I became involved with the CTHS 11 years ago when I decided to retire from being a teacher and high school principal,” she continued. “They are a versatile breed and the base breed for a lot of other equine breeds.”

There are around 200 CTHS members currently involved in the Alberta division. Some of the highlights of the year include its annual sale and the Night of Champions awards. It also holds the Alberta Breeders’ Fall Classic, featuring seven stakes races specifically geared towards Thoroughbreds bred in the province.

The CTHS has evolved with changing technology. “This year the Jockey Club

started digital foal registration. We also now microchip all Thoroughbreds,” said Kruse. “Most information is found online regarding race information about Thoroughbreds.”

Given the short careers of race horses, many Thoroughbreds retire from the track at a young age. CTHS works with a number of organizations that help retired Thoroughbreds find new homes and second careers. “The CTHS also fully supports accredited Thoroughbred Retirement facilities,” said Grguric.

The Alberta division runs a non-profit resource called Thoroughbred Lasting Careers, which offers funds for the care and retraining of retired race horses.

In western Canada, a number of off-the-track Thoroughbreds find a thrilling second career in the sport of chuckwagon racing. With roots in the cattle drives of the 19th century, the sport was officially introduced with races at the 1923 Calgary Stampede.

Given the rigors of horse racing, Thoroughbreds are ideal to bring speed and strength to chuckwagon racing.

According to the World Professional Chuckwagon Association (WPCA), “On any given race day over 500 Thoroughbred race horses can be found relaxing behind the barns,” during the association’s Pro Tour, held each summer across western Canada. These Thoroughbreds are often purchased by chuckwagon drivers from trainers and owners at the end of the horse racing season, giving the horses a new home and a fresh start.

“Drivers take on all the costs of caring for the horses both during the off season and during the race season,” the WPCA states. “In many cases horses are sold as a six, seven or eight-year old and perform in chuckwagon racing into their mid to late teens.”

In fact, off-the-track Thoroughbreds excel in a variety of events, Kruse explained, and you don’t have to go far to see these horses in action. “You can find them barrel racing, polo cross, polo, eventing, dressage, hunter/ jumper, chuckwagon racing, trail riding (and) western dressage.” AB

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Applications Open for Fall 2019: OCTOBER 1, 2018 Olds College Open House: OCTOBER 12, 2018

ALBERTA BITS I FALL 2018

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Fit For Your Horse

Desiree Sieben, the fitness guru behind Mane Equestrian Athletics in Edmonton, Alberta, promotes health and wellness programs and fitness classes specifically for equestrians. Sieben believes that the stronger and healthier the rider, the more successful the horse and rider team will be. Her fitness philosophy and nutrition and exercise tips are geared specifically for the equestrian and are easy to employ at the barn or at the show.

Ph ot o s c ou rte sy of M argaret M as s ey Ph ot o graph y.

As equestrians, we send our horses to massage therapists who specialize in equine therapy and our trainers are specialized in the discipline that we are passionate about. We ensure our horses have the best health and wellness programs and we are diligent about nutrition. The catch 22 of horse ownership is that most equestrians sink the majority of their hard-earned money into their horses’ well being, while their own personal fitness and wellness is left on the back burner.

The sport of horseback riding has been around for thousands of years, and yet it seems that only recently health and fitness for the rider has been gaining traction and attention.

Any other athletes, whether hockey

players or marathon runners, have fitness programs tailored to their sport and professionals that take care of them. Desiree Sieben, the fitness and yoga instructor behind Mane Eques-

joined the fitness industry after struggling to find a personal trainer who could properly assist with her riding goals. Now a registered yoga teacher and certified personal trainer Sieben provides fitness and wellness services to equestrians and offers public yoga and fitness classes tailored to riders as well.

“I encourage my riders to see themselves just as much of an athlete as their horses are,” says Sieben.

“I strive to inspire equestrians to discover more about themselves through mindfulness, body awareness and self-care practices.”

“No matter what discipline you ride in, or what level of riding you are at, we can all agree that riding takes stamina, coordination, balance, and

“I encourage my riders to see themselves just as much of an athlete as their horses are.”

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~ Desiree Sieben

trian Athletics asks, “Why would the equestrian athlete be any different?”

Sieben combines her two passions, fitness and horses, within her business Mane Equestrian Athletics. Originally a veterinary technologist, Sieben

1

strength. When you step into the saddle, you should expect just as much out of yourself as you do your equine partner. If both teammates are fit, the ride looks and becomes effortless,” Sieben explains. “The majority of communication with the horse is through our bodies. So when our bodies are stronger, our self-awareness is heightened and our communication and connection in the saddle becomes clearer.”

Sieben has also learned from equine health professionals that quite frequently, imbalances in the horse are directly related back to the strengths, weaknesses and imbalances of the rider. Thus, looking at horse and rider holistically, can strengthen the team as a whole.

A tenet of Mane Equestrian Athletics ethos is that being fit does not mean looking a certain way, but rather feeling a certain way. “It’s about taking care of our bodies and ensuring longevity in the

sport as we age. When we think of becoming stronger riders, it’s easy to think of working an area like our inner thighs (adductors) to enhance our skills in the saddle. While training specifically for our sport is beneficial, it’s important to look at the body as a whole and maintain overall fitness.”

Sieben encourages her clients to explore cross-training in their fitness programs.

Cross-training is the action or practice of engaging in two or more sports or types of exercises in order to improve the fitness or performance of one’s primary sport. Practicing sports and exercises that challenge our body in ways that don’t seem directly related to the saddle can have a powerful impact. It can help challenge the mind, improve coordination and balance, and strengthen muscles and joints in new ways to prevent injury.

Horses are a hobby that often take over any free time equestrians may have and

Equi-Fit Exercises:

Sieben demonstrates some of her favourite exercises that you can do at the barn, at home, or heading down the road to a show. These exercises are intended to be easily accessible and to challenge your rider muscles in different ways. Sieben reminds riders to notice

finding the time to exercise can be challenging. However, Sieben points out that the positive benefits are tremendous and will affect every facet of your life. Sieben suggests starting small but maintaining consistency. “Not only will your horse benefit from your commitment but day to day activities will become easier without the stiffness and soreness we so often experience.”

As we head into fall, shows begin to lighten up and we begin to ride less, Sieben says that fall and winter are a great time to begin implementing a fitness program. She says that maintaining a fitness routine during the off-season will make the transition into spring a lot easier and the benefits you, and your horse, will see for next show season will make the sweat even more worthwhile.

To find out more about Mane Equestrian Athletics, follow Sieben on Facebook and Instagram @ManeEquestrianAthletics.

areas of tightness and imbalance. Awareness is the key to transformation! If you have any injuries or health concerns, always check with your health professional before starting a new exercise program. Complete all exercises slow and controlled.

Bird Dogs

Challenges core (which includes back muscles), balance and coordination.

Begin on all fours with hands directly under the shoulders and knees under the hips. Ensure a neutral position through your back and firm up your core.

1

Begin by hovering your opposite hand and knee off the floor. Remain here working on balance or, extend your opposite arm and leg.

When fully extended, ensure that your core remains engaged and the lower back does not collapse. Notice if your weight is shifting – can you remain centered and balanced through all movements?

2

Return to the starting position and try the other side.

2 Opposite page: Sieben demonstrates the starting position of the bird dog, ensuring a neutral position through her back.

ABOVE: Part 2 of the bird dog, lifting opposite hand and knee off the ground, holding the position, working on balance and extending arm and leg, ensuring the core remains engaged.

ALBERTA BITS I FALL 2018

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1

3

2

Around the World Lunges

Challenges lower body strength and balance. If you are new to lunges, practice each lunge separately before combining for Around the World Lunges.

1

Begin in a standing position with legs hip-width apart and hands on your hips.

Step the right leg forward into a lunge. Ensure that your right knee is bent and stacked overtop of your right ankle. The shoulders should remain stacked overtop of the pelvis (to avoid your upper body from leaning forward). Press into your right heel and back to a standing position.

2

3

Step your right leg out to your side into a side lunge. Send your hips back to ensure the right knee stays stacked over the right ankle. Press back to standing.

4

Step your right leg back, bending the front knee, gently coming into a reverse lunge. Press back to standing.

1

Bent Knee Jackknifes Challenges the core.

by lying on your back, legs extended out 1 Begin and arms are above your head. Your lower ribs draw in and your lower belly draws up to engage your core. Inhale as you come over and ensure your hands and feet are off the ground.

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ALBERTA BITS I FALL 2018

4

2 Exhale as you bend your knees in towards your chest. At the same time you should be slowly lifting your head and shoulder blades off the ground, your arms reaching forward for a crunch. Repeat by extending the arms and legs out.

2

1

2

3

4

Walk-Out Plank

Challenges upper body, core, and can elevate the heart rate.

1

SAVE THE DATE

Begin in a standing position with your legs hip-width apart.

STRIDE

2

Bend forward and place your hands on the floor directly in front of you.

Begin to walk your hands forward until they are aligned under your shoulders and you are in a plank position.

WITH US

3

5

4

Hold your plank for a few breaths.

5

Slowly walk the hands back towards the feet, coming back to a forward fold. Gently resume a standing position.

Nutrition tips:

Meal prep – Pick one day a week to prep breakfasts, lunches and snacks for the entire week. At first, it may seem daunting but it quickly becomes a routine that alleviates stress and hassle during the week.

in conjunction with

AEF’s AGM

March 23, 2019 Red Deer AB

Pack snacks! If you travel a lot to and from the barn, work, home, etc. having snacks on you such as turkey bites, almonds or a piece of fruit, will help you avoid making that pit stop at Tim Hortons!

Stay Hydrated – It’s easy to get caught up at the barn for hours on end.

Pack a water bottle!

ALBERTA BITS I FALL 2018

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trainer’s corner

Doing it her way

Tips for excelling in the exciting and challenging discipline of cowboy challenge, from top contender Kateri Cowley.

B y J e n n W eb ster

For Kateri Cowley of Exshaw, AB, the feeling of swinging a leg over a horse is a natural birthright.

However, it’s the extra excitement and demands of cowboy challenge events that have taken her pursuit of horsemanship to the next level. In a nutshell, cowboy challenge is a timed race that tests many horsemanship skills and combines many disciplines of the horse world in a series of obstacles and maneuvers. The sport is founded on the horsemanship and camaraderie found in ranch-based activities and trail riding. Riders demonstrate their skills and those of their horse as they undertake a series of obstacles. All the while simultaneously having a great time!

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Started by esteemed horseman Craig Cameron (Bluff Dale, TX), the discipline of cowboy challenge was created to promote top quality, and all-around performance horses of every breed. Cowley grew up riding in the Alberta Rocky Mountains where bravery is a necessity, however cowboy challenge pushed her to develop more finesse with her equines and a competitive spirit.

“I love how the sport encourages you and your horse partner to be better communicators, stronger, and ultra-fine tuned. Plus it’s so fun!” she exclaims.

Aboard her horse “Kokanee,” Cowley won the first cowboy challenge ever to be held in Canada in

trainer’s corner

Opposite Page: Kateri Cowley currently holds the 2014 “Cowboy Up Challenge” Championship, and is the first woman to ever win the event.

above: Cowley and Kokanee in one of the obstacles at the Calgary Stampede Cowboy Up Challenge.

“I have my favorite trails in the mountains that work our 2009, which guaranteed her spot in the Calgary Stampede Cowboy Up Challenge that would follow later in the year. cardio, coordination and strength. When they get easy, I am She consistently placed well in the Stampede over the years almost ready. Before a competition, we try to spend some time and took home the championship in 2014. Since then she in the arena to work on the precision of lead changes, softness and mostly flat work that can be too has also made the long drive down to Kansas and Texas to difficult for the rocky terrain. It also compete in the Extreme Cowboy is fun to practice with others. I love Association (EXCA) World training with my brother David, Finals and placed in the top who also competes, as we would always encourage and push each five. She has additionally earned other to ride better and harder,” numerous other championships Cowley says. from Extreme Cowboy Alberta The nature of cowboy challenge (ECA) and the Canadian Cowboy events is to test a horse and rider Challenge association. ~Kateri Cowley in numerous capacities. Horse If you’re interested to dabble in cowboy challenge events, Cowley touches upon some basics and rider must maneuver through a series of obstacles as they demonstrate their horsemanship skills and speed. of the sport and benefits of cross training for it as well.

Often there are obstacles riders cannot prepare for, because the sport is legendary for its surprise elements. Therefore, STAYING SHARP As with any athlete, it’s important to stay tuned and sharp Cowley believes the most important thing to train for at and this principle applies to the preparation of cowboy home is communication and trust.

“There are always added obstacles or elements that you challenge horses and riders too. Cowley emphasizes the importance of keeping the training for the discipline fun won’t be prepared for, (which also makes the sport exciting!) but if you have a superb connection with your horse, you can as well.

“Start from the ground up.

Whenever folks want me to help them start their horses on obstacles, I always find the fastest and most effective results come from the ground. Body control is paramount to success.”

ALBERTA BITS I FALL 2018

25

r a ii n n er e r ’’ ss ccoorrnneer r tt ra

The sport of cowboy challenge combines many different disciplines.

navigate it together the best you can,” she says.

No one breed is particularly associated with cowboy challenges, giving the sport a “melting pot” culture and opening its doors to a variety of competitors. It’s often coined as the “sport for the entire family.” Cowley truly admires this aspect of the event.

“You can have any breed or discipline background. I’ve seen a Mule beat Quarter Horses and my horse that won at Stampede is a Canadian x Mustang. The best ‘kind’ of horse is the one that you trust and love to ride!” she exclaims.

She says she doesn’t have any one particular, favourite obstacle in competition and instead loves the variety of the challenges placed in front of her.

“There are so many fun obstacles and they can be all spruced up and colorful for visual appeal, which makes it so entertaining for spectators as well,” Cowley states.

“However, I think my all-time most memorable obstacle was at the World Finals when we were required to participate in mounted shooting. It was the first time I handled a real Colt and I loved how it felt like I was a regular ol’ Annie Oakley!”

TRAINING TIPS

In addition to her cowboy challenge accomplishments, Cowley is a proven colt starter, riding instructor, stuntwoman and clinician. She has been teaching her methods across North America for the past several years and always refers back to the same advice when helping other riders start their horses on obstacles.

“Start from the ground up,” she says. “Whenever folks want me to help them start their horses on obstacles, I always find the fastest and most effective results come from the ground.

Body control is paramount to success.”

Cowley works with a whip or stick to help teach the horse to move off of leg pressure, but also to come into the pressure of the obstacle. She says that proper timing is extremely important in this respect.

“I always encourage horses and stay patient while they think things through, then I gradually ask for more. This 26

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helps to get the horse willing and wanting to work for you – and seeking precision. ‘Inch by inch is a cinch; yard by yard gets pretty hard.’” Cowley explains.

“Do and learn as much as you can with your horse. Practice measuring distances in strides and at different speeds. One hint I like to tell people is that show jumpers are excellent at this! I also recommend riders to cross train with sports like badminton or hockey, to help with hand-eye coordination.

And to generally sharpen their own skills as well.”

Cowboy challenge is notorious for pairing horses up with moving obstacles. Cowley deals with this by teaching her horses to move away from certain pressures and into others.

“To get them used to moving obstacles, I start by teaching them a lot like a calf roper – tracking. Tracking something encourages confidence and a develops a bit of cow sense in the horse. If you don’t have cattle, I’d suggest the rider should try to following other objects at speed like an ATV or another horse dragging an object,” she suggests.

With moving obstacles comes an element of danger that all cowboy challenge riders should keep in mind. During her clinics, there are several recommendations Cowley makes to help horses and riders stay safe.

“The biggest mistake I see people make at competitions is that they get too into the speed and less into the horsemanship,” she stresses. “While this sport encourages speed, Craig Cameron always states out loud: SPEED WITH CONTROL. Know the horse you came in on and what you are both capable of. Also, I tell people they should start to love their warm up time as this can make all the difference in your showing.”

When asked what the future has in store for Cowley, she states that without a doubt the sport of cowboy challenge has stolen her heart.

“I love everything about it! I love competing and training, but also teaching people through presentations, clinics and lessons. I also enjoy commentating races, course designing and now even more recently – I’m judging. I plan to continue promoting the sport for a very long time.” AB

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a s k a b o u t i n s u r a nc e

Let’s talk about clubs It will come as no surprise that there are hundreds of horse clubs in Alberta, some of them going back a hundred years or more. These organizations come in all shapes and sizes with interests and activities that embrace every possible aspect of life with and around horses.

The horse culture is as entrenched in Alberta as it is anywhere on the planet and we are always thankful for being an active part of the community.

At CapriCMW, we often hear questions about the insurance needs of breed and discipline groups (horse clubs) – and the members that make up the group.

A few facts:

Many clubs register themselves as not-for-profit or charitable organizations to take advantage of grants and funding that might be available from a variety of sources.

Having “legal status” is typically a requirement for funding and is an important issue when it comes to insurance. As the risk management / insurance partner for AEF, we offer coverage to registered entities (the club itself) for a variety of exposures including general liability covering bodily injury and/or property damage claims that could be brought against the organization and, separately, management risks (Directors and Officers Insurance) that are inherent in the operations of the club.

The next question has to do with insurance for the members that make up the club. Are they covered by the club policy?

The typical answer is “NO.” The club insurance covers the club (as an entity unto itself), the board, employees if there are any, other volunteers and land owners where the activities of the club are undertaken for their declared operations and activities.

The policy issued in the name of the club does not cover members for their own and very separate exposures as horse owners and participants in club activities.

As part of our service offering through and with AEF, we offer clubs, groups and organizations very low cost insurance to cover their many and varied operations – but to do so, we 28

ALBERTA BITS I FALL 2018

mandate that all active riding /driving members of the club must also be members of AEF. Individual membership in AEF includes a $5,000,000 personal liability insurance policy – automatically covering the member for any number of horses owned, leased, borrowed, and used for personal purposes – covering them 24/7 anywhere in the world.

CapriCMW When the club takes advantage of our program: Brand Guidelines The club can acquire very low cost insurance with very high limits (sometimes the insurance policies are the ONLY expense Version 1.1 | October 2017 the club actually has and we want to keep costs down).

It is simple for the board or other volunteers to confirm that everyone who is actively participating at one of their events has insurance in place by simply confirming the AEF membership number – which helps to mitigate some claims that might be directed at the club, even when the actual incident may have been caused by a member’s horse.

The club is contributing to the health of AEF by encouraging membership in the Provincial Association so that the good work that AEF does on behalf of the whole horse community in Alberta continues.

CapriCMW has been in service to the AEF and it’s thousands of members for more than 20 years. If you have questions regarding insurance and your life with horses, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to help.

Micheal (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@capri.ca

member organi z ations as of A ugust 1 7 , 2 0 1 8 if you are interested in finding out more about one of these clubs, or joining, make sure you contact them Advocates for Special Kids....................................................................... conniehjalmar@gmail.com Alberta Carriage Driving Association (ACDA)........................................... www.albertadriving-acda.ca Alberta Central Region Pony Club ........................................................... panddjensen@hotmail.com Alberta Dressage Association................................................................... www.albertadressage.com Alberta Equestrian Vaulting Association...................................................www.vaultcanada.org/AEVA Alberta Friesian Horse Association................................................................................ www.afha.ca Alberta Horse Trials Association.............................................................. www.albertahorsetrials.com Alberta Morgan Horse Club ......................................................... www.albertamorganhorseclub.com Alberta Mounted Shooters.............................................................. www.albertamountedshooters.ca Alberta South Region Pony Club..............................................................www.canadianponyclub.org Alberta Trail Riding Association..................................................................................... www.atra.ca Alberta Walking Horse Association................................................................... www.walkinghorse.ca Alix Agricultural Society.......................................................................... alixagsociety@outlook.com American Saddlebred Horse Association of Alberta............................. www.saddlebredsofalberta.com Banff Light Horse Association............................................................................ ruthann7@telus.net Bear Valley Rescue Society.............................................................................www.bearvalleyab.org Beaverlodge Pony Club..................................................................beaverlodgeponyclub@gmail.com Bezanson Agricultural Society...........................................................................discoverbezanson.ca Black Diamond Polo Club..................................................................... www.blackdiamondpolo.com Border Cowboys Mounted Shooters Association........................ bordercowboysmountedshooters.com Bow Valley Riding Association............................................................................bvra.wordpress.com Calgary Arabian Horse Association.................................................. www.calgaryarabian.weebly.com Calgary Area Alberta Dressage Association.............................................................www.ca-ada.com Calgary Regional Appaloosa Club (1997).................................www.calgaryappaloosa.wildapricot.org Calgary Regional Trail Riders........................................................www.calgaryregionaltrailriders.com Calgary Western Riders................................................................. calgarywesternriders@gmail.com Canadian Cowboy Mounted Shooters Association..........................www.canadianmountedshooters.ca Canadian Horse Breeders Association Rocky Mountain District........ www.canadianhorsebreeders.com Canadian Morgan Horse Association............................................................... www.morganhorse.ca Canadian Registry of the Tennessee Walking Horse......................................................www.crtwh.ca Canadian Sport Horse Association - AB Chapter...................................................... www.c-s-h-a.org Cassils Trail Blazers...............................................................................................cweestra@live.ca Central Alberta Adult Riding Club ............................................................ panddjensen@hotmail.com Central Century Team Ropers Association................................... www.centurycentralteamroping.com Central Peace Horse Association..................................................................................cpha@live.ca Chinook Chapter (ACDA)........................................................................ www.albertadriving-acda.ca Chinook Country/Alberta Dressage Association....................................... douglorraine87@gmail.com Cleardale Riders Club ...................................................................... sandyrichardson@abnorth.com Clearwater Horse Club................................ www.facebook.com/cwhcpublic/?rf=155981401093436 Cooking Lake Saddle Club.................................................................www.cookinglakesaddleclub.ca Cottonwood Corrals Association (Jasper)............................. cottonwoodcorralassociation@gmail.com Coulee Winds Saddle Club...............................................................................kheapy@outlook.com Davisburg Pony Club ................................................................................ donnellydigs@gmail.com Delacour Agricultural Society & Community Club................................................www.delacourhall.ca Delacour Pony Club ............................................................................cherianderson99@gmail.com DeWinton Pony Club................................................................................melouderkirk@yahoo.com Didsbury Agricultural Society.................................................................. www.didsburyagsociety.org Dunmore Equestrian Society............................................................... www.dunmoreequestrian.com Edmonton Area /Alberta Dressage Association............................................................www.eaada.ca Endurance Riders of Alberta........................................................ www.enduranceridersofalberta.com Extreme Cowboy Alberta Association...................................................www.extremecowboyracing.ca Fairview Sport Horse Society............................................ www.fairviewsporthorsesociety.weebly.com Family Fun Rodeo Series................www.facebook.com/Family-Fun-Rodeo-Series-1047456848661422 Foothills Therapeutic Riding Association.......................................www.foothillstherapeuticriding.com Four: Thirteen Therapeutic Riding Association.................................... www.413therapeuticriding.com Friends of the Eastern Slopes Association.................................................................. www.foesa.org Fun Country Riding Club of Strathmore.....................................................www.funcountryriders.com H.E.D.J.E. Society......................................................................................... lundkrista@gmail.com Hastings Lake Pleasure Horse Association..................www.hastingslakepleasurehorseassociation.org High Country Carriage Driving Club............................................ www.highcountrycarriagedriving.org High Country Pony Club..........................................................................www.canadianponyclub.org High Kick Vaulters................................................................................ highkickvaulters@gmail.com Highridge Thundering Hooves Gymkhana Club ..........................................hthgymkhana@gmail.com Hoofbeats For Hope Equine Team Society......www.facebook.com/Hoofbeats-for-Hope-Equine-Team-320728417234 Irricana Riding & Roping Club.........................................www.facebook.com/irricanaridingropingclub Journeys Therapeutic Riding Society ............................................................................. www.jtrs.ca Jump Alberta Society.................................................................................... www.jumpalberta.com Lacombe Light Horse Association......................................... lacombelighthorseassociation.webs.com Legerete Canada Alberta Chapter................................................................. www.legeretecanada.ca Lethbridge Therapeutic Riding Association...................................................................... www.ltra.ca Little Bits Therapeutic Riding Association................................................................. www.littlebits.ca Meadow Creek Vaulting Club......................................................................................www.mcvc.ca Millarville Musical Ride..................................................................... www.millarvillemusicalride.com Miniatures in Motion Horse Club.............................................................www.miniaturesinmotion.ca Mount View Special Riding Association.....................................................www.mountviewriding.com Northern Trails Riding Club ...........................................................www.northerntrailsridingclub.com Opening Gaits Therapeutic Riding Society of Calgary ........................................ www.openinggaits.ca Over the Hill Trail Riders .................................................................................... fjhorses@syban.net Peace Area Riding For The Disabled Society............................................................... www.pards.ca Peace Draft Horse Club.....................................................................www.peacedrafthorseclub.com Peace Region Alberta Dressage Association.........www.albertadressage.com/peaceregion/peace-region-about.html Performance Standardbreds Association.................................................... www.p-standardbreds.org Polocrosse Calgary...............................................................................www.polocrossecalgary.com Ponoka Riding & Roping Association............ www.facebook.com/groups/341339667487/?ref=direct Prentice Creek Equestrian Center..................................................................... ridepcec@gmail.com Quarter Horse Association of Alberta.........................................................................www.qhaa.com Ranahan Polocrosse Club................................................... sites.google.com/site/ranahanpolocrosse Ridgeview Riding Club..................................................................... ridgeviewridingclub@gmail.com Rimbey Sleigh, Wagon & Saddle Club......................................................rimbeyswsclub@gmail.com Rocky Mountain Gymkhana Club................................................. www.rockymountaingymkhana.com Rundle Riders Therapeutic Riding Association................................................. www.rundleriders.com Saddle Seat Canada............................................................................. www.saddleseatcanada.com Shortgrass Riding Club.........................................................................www.shortgrassridingclub.ca Society of Tilt and Lance Cavalry..................................................................................www.joust.ca South Country Team Penning Association....................................................................www.sctpa.ca South Peace Horse Show Association................................................www.southpeacehorseclub.com

Southern Alberta Trail Riders Association...................................................................www.satra.ca Southern Century Team Roping Association ...............................www.southcenturyteamroping.com Springbank Equestrian Society.......... springbankpark.com/index.php/springbank-equestrian-society Springbank Pony Club.......................................................................................... c3inc@shaw.ca Spruce View Gymkhana Club..............................................................dwedmondson4@gmail.com Standard Rodeo Society.................................................................... zakariasenrobyn@gmail.com Steele’s Scouts Commemorative Troop Association.........................................www.steelescouts.ca Stone Bridge Carriage Driving Club.................................................www.stonebridgedrivingclub.ca Strathcona All-Breed Horse Association........................................................ www.sahaalberta.com Tennessee Walking Horse Association Of Western Canada...................................www.twhawc.com The Calgary Hunt Club.............................................................................www.calgaryhuntclub.ca The Calgary Polo Club........................................................................... www.calgarypoloclub.com The Greater Bragg Creek Trails Association.............................................. www.braggcreektrails.org Trail Riding Alberta Conference.......................................................................... www.trailriding.ca Traildusters Horse Club of Smith ........................................................................... 780-829-3628 Tri-Country Riding Club................................................................................. schenk88@telus.net True Grit Cowboy Mounted Shooters Association........................ www.truegritmountedshooters.com Uplift Therapeutic Riding Association...............................www.facebook.com/uplifttherapeuticriding Valleyview & Districts Agricultural Society.............................................www.valleyviewagsociety.ca Vegreville Agricultural Society................................................................................. www.vegag.ca Welsh Show Association.......................................................... piperp13.wixsite.com/wildroseshow Western Canadian Wagon Train...................................................................gsissons@hotmail.com Western Dressage Association of Southern Alberta............... www.albertawesternstyledressage.com Wild Rose Draft Horse Association........................................................................ www.wrdha.com Wildrose Mounted Shooters.................................................... www.wildrosemountedshooters.com Will For Riding Foundation............................................................www.willforridingfoundation.com Xtreme Wild Rose Club.......................................................................... xtremewildrose.webs.com

b u s i n e s s members Alberta Association of Complementary Equine Therapy........................................www.aacet.ca Banff Trail Riders.....................................................................................www.horseback.com Boehringer Ingelheim Canada Ltd...........................................www.boehringer-ingelheim.ca/en Calgary Stampede......................................................................... www.calgarystampede.com CapriCMW Insurance ......................................................................... www.capri.ca/horse Carpino Production & Design........................................................... palmocarpino@gmail.com Cartier Farms Equine Assisted Learning.................................................... www.cartierfarms.ca Cavallo Pulse Therapy.................................................................. www.cavallopulsetherapy.ca Colchester Farm.............................................................................www.colchesterfarms.com Creekside Equestrian Centre.............................................................................. www.mcvc.ca Equestrian Factory Outlet - Red Deer.................................... www.equestrianfactoryoutlet.com Equi-Health Canada Inc......................................................... www.equihealthcanada.com Equine Connection Inc.............................................................. www.equineconnection.ca Equus Physio................................................................................. www.equusphysio.com Evergreen Park (Grande Prairie Agricultural & Exhibition Society).............www.evergreenpark.ca Foothills Horse Transport....................................................... www.foothillshorsetransport.com Glen Valley Farm..................................................................................www.glenvalleyfarm.ca Greenhawk Cochrane.............................................................................www.greenhawk.com Guiding Spirit Learning Solutions.........................................www.guidingspiritlearning.solutions High Country Equestrian Center.................................................. www.hcequestriancenter.com Higher Trails Equine Ltd...................................................................... www.highertrails.ca Hi-Hog Farm & Ranch Equipment Ltd.............................................................www.hi-hog.com Horizon Equestrian Centre............................................................ www.horizonequestrian.com Horse In Hand Ranch Ltd..............................................................www.horseinhandranch.com Just Passing Horse Transport & Bereavement Services......................www.justpassinghorses.ca Kaspian Equestrian Training Centre.............................................. www.kaspianequestrian.com Katy Whitt Photography.......................................................................www.katywhitt.com Lawton & Co, LLP.....................................................................................jwlawton@telus.net Mane Equestrian Athletics.......................... www.facebook.com/maneequestrianathletics Martin Deerline........................................................................... www.martindeerline.com McNiven Ranch Supply (Hansbo Sport).................................................. www.hansbosport.com Millennium Equestrian Ltd.......................................................www.millenniumequestrian.com Moose Hill Ranch.............................................................................www.moosehillranch.com New View Stables........................................................................... www.newviewstables.com Olds College ............................................................................................www.oldscollege.ca Persons Equine and Industrial Dust Control............................................... www.personscs.com PFERA Inc..................................................................................................... www.pfera.ca Purina Canada........................................................................................www.equipurina.ca Rocking Star Ranch Equine....................................................... www.rockingstarranch.ca Rock’N Horse Ranch Arena & Stables................................................ www.rocknhorseranch.ca Saddle Up Magazine....................................................................................www.saddleup.ca Saltaire Equestrian Haus............................................................... www.saltaireequestrian.com Silverado Horse Centre............................................................ info@silveradohorsecenter.com Spirit Winds Ranch................................................................www.spiritwindshorsecentre.com Spring Lake Equestrian Camp.................................................. www.springlakecampground.ca Stampede Saddle Solutions inc.................................www.stampedesaddlesolutions.com Strathcona Ventures............................................................www.strathconaventures.com Syner G Apparel & Solutions......................................................... www.synergyapparel.ca TD Equine Veterinary Group................................................................... www.tdequinevet.com The Dressage Boutique & Equestrian Wear....................................www.dressageboutique.com The Horse Store..................................................................www.facebook.com/theHorseStore The Mane Event Equine Education & Trade Show..............................www.maneeventexpo.com The School of Equine Massage and Rehabilitation Therapies......................www.equinerehab.ca The Tack Collector Ltd........................................................................ www.thetackcollector.ca The Visions West Studio............................................................................smithpr1@telus.net Ulterra Equestrian Ltd................................................................. www.ulterraranches.com Vitality Equine............................................................................... www.vitalityequine.com Western Horse Review..............................................................www.westernhorsereview.com Westwood Warmbloods......................................................... www.westwoodwarmbloods.com Wheatland Equestrian................................................................ www.wheatlandequestrian.ca Whitemud Equine Learning Centre Association...................................................www.welca.ca Willow Grove Stables Inc.....................................................www.willowgrovestables.com Winning Strides................................................................................www.winningstrides.com

BE SURE TO SUPPORT OUR BUSINEsS MEMBERS! THOSE LISTED IN BLUE PROVIDE discounts TO AEF MeMBERS. VISIT OUR LIST OF STABLES AND facilities AT OUR WeBSITE!

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closing thoughts

Celebrating the Big 4-0!

Photo submissions from members to help us celebrate this milestone anniversary. vi si t albe r t ae que s t rian. c o m t o su bmi t a pho t o.

Ricco Suave competing at Training Level Combined Driving Trial, submitted by Brenda Glowinski.

Halloween fun with PPG games. Submitted

by Annette Buis.

My Arabian quarter horse Mo-Jo and I having our picture taken after winning reserve intermediate Champion for the Southern Alberta Show Series Circuit 2017.

Submitted by Victoria Hein.

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ALBERTA BITS I FALL 2018

Vincent at Little Elbow, 2016. Submitted by Katie Arbour.

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EQVALAN® is a registered trademark of Merial (a member of the Boehringer Ingelheim group of companies), used under license. ©2018 Merial Canada Inc. (a member of the Boehringer Ingelheim group of companies). All rights reserved. XCE304827.

ALBERTA BITS I FALL 2018

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