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P R E S I D E N T ' S M E S S A G E

As I get ready to write my letter for the 2021 Horse Council BC Annual Report, I am reminded of some Neil Diamond lyrics, from his song “I Am…I Said”. “Except for the names and a few other changes, the stories the same one” – and yet.

In the spring of 2021 we were one year into adjusting our lives to the effects that COVID19 and all its variants had to date, brought to our lives. That was not easy, and affected all of us slightly differently. The balance of the year, and the start of 2022 was to throw many more challenges at all of us, provincially and globally.

We were all to learn new phrases such as atmospheric rivers and heat domes, in addition to dealing with a very bad fire season. And then came November. Watching so much of our province being destroyed by flooding, lives and livestock lost, properties, farms and livelihoods destroyed, and the province’s highways, and roadways being destroyed in too many locations, was not something most of us could have foreseen.

HCBC was involved from the moment the flooding began. HCBC is a founding member of the Agriculture Council of BC, with close ties to that organization through Kelly Coughlin (staff) and Lynda Atkinson (Board member) and others. A remarkable rescue of a horse, via helicopter, received national news coverage and has resulted in our Animal Disaster Relief fund having a very healthy balance as we face what this year may bring. Our gratitude and thanks to all, both individual and groups, who contributed so generously.

As most of you will be aware, 2021 also saw the retirement of HCBC’s long serving Executive Director, Lisa Laycock. Lisa started at HCBC as the bookkeeper and after some years in that role transitioned very successfully to the role of Executive Director. She remained in this role for 14 years, and was responsible for leading HCBC through some difficult challenges and ensuring the strong position we find ourselves in today. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Lisa for all that she has contributed to our community over the years.

Following Lisa’s retirement, in mid September, HCBC welcomed our new Executive Director, Craig Cherrett. Craig, and all the staff, have had their hands more than full since then. As always, HCBC’s staff deserve our sincere appreciation for all they do. 2021 saw a limited return to “normal” activities, and keeping us abreast of the PHA guidelines in order for us to safely and successfully resume some activities was a big job.

P R E S I D E N T ' S M E S S A G E

You will note that in the year 2021 our membership numbers stayed high, and the start of 2022 looks promising. Program reviews and program development is underway. Our strong financial position will allow us to continue to move forward, despite inflation, potential fuel shortages, supply chain issues and the whole world watching the situation in Ukraine with bated breath.

As was the case last year, the Annual Report will be published on our website. A limited number of printed copies will be made, but membership will not be mailed a paper copy.

I would be remiss if I did not thank Sharon Pickthorne, HCBC’s Treasurer, and the Finance Committee (Yvonne Darcel and Liz Saunders for all the work they have done on behalf of the organization in these challenging times).

With best wishes for an uneventful 2022!