Horse Council BC Annual Report 2022

ANNUAL REPORT 2022

27336 Fraser Hwy Aldergrove, BC V2Z 2X8 Tel: :604-856-4304 1-800-345-8055

www.hcbc.ca

CONTENTS Page 3 - President’s Message Page 4 - About Us Page 6 - Membership Statistics Page 7 - Major Grants Page 8 - Coaching & Membership Page 9 - Competition & Officials Page 10 - Recreation Page 11 - Industry & Agriculture Page 13 - Treasurer’s Report Page 14 - 2022 Financials

ASSOCIATION CONTACT INFORMATION Address: 27336 Fraser Hwy., Aldergrove, BC V4W 3N5 Phone: 604-856-4304 Toll Free: 1-800-345-8055 Fax: 604-856-4302 Website: www.hcbc.ca

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE 2022 was a busy and productive year for HCBC. A revised Constitution and a new set of Bylaws were approved. These are living documents which need to be reviewed periodically to ensure they accurately reflect the organization’s goals, complies with best practices, government mandates, such as Safe Sport, and with the Societies Act of BC, which also undergo their own updates periodically.

The previous iteration had been approved in August 2018. As many of you will be aware, HCBC hired the consulting firm of McLaughlin and Associate to assist us in this process. The Governance Committee has been, and remains, a group of hardworking individuals who continue to work on policies and procedures and have sought input from the Board of Directors and HCBC members throughout this process. This process will continue into 2023 with many policies and procedures needing to be updated to support the revised Constitution and new Bylaws.

Board members and staff have also been active. An updated strategic plan, which will come into effect in 2024, will also be presented at the AGM. Our Treasurer and Finance Committee work on an ongoing basis to ensure the financial health of HCBC. 2022 also saw a very successful Summer Games, held in Prince George, and a 55+ games, held on Vancouver Island. Neither of these activities would be possible without untold man hours of a large team of volunteers, and Horse Council’s small, but committed, staff. On behalf of all of us, I thank them for their dedication.

Horse Council BC, and the other equine Provincial Sport Organizations, were able to come to an agreement with our National Sport Organization, Equestrian Canada, on a new fee structure, and there is ongoing work regarding advancing joint programs.

We look forward to another challenging and successful year.

Karen Swantje HCBC President

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ABOUT US Horse Council BC is a membership-driven not-for-profit association representing the interests of the equine industry in all sectors throughout British Columbia. Tradition, strong values, and hard work provided by our volunteers has made Horse Council BC the largest and most successful multi-discipline, multi-breed equine association in Canada.

Horse Council BC actively represents the equine industry in agriculture, industry, sport, and recreation through education, grant funding, club support, government advocating, liability insurance, and participant programs.

MISSION Horse Council BC is a member service organization that collaborates with business, industry, and government on behalf of the equine and equestrian community to enhance the equine lifestyle in this Province.

VISION “A British Columbia where quality opportunities to participate in equestrian sport, and recreation, are available to ALL”

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OUR VALUES Fairness: We are committed to the value of fairness in all our undertakings. We promote ‘playing by the rules’, open-mindedness, listening to others, and treating people with respect. We believe fun and enjoyment in a safe environment should be at the heart of recreation and sport.

Science-based Education: We believe in science-based education as the means to improve practices related to safety, equine welfare, and performance.

Respect: We expect from ourselves, and others, that all members, staff, and volunteers will be treated with respect.

Responsibility and Accountability: We value the rights of equines, and equestrians, and the responsibilities that come with those rights. We provide responsible, accountable service and are committed to being a knowledgeable voice for our community.

Inclusivity and Diversity: We welcome everybody and value a participant base that is reflective of our diverse community in BC. We recognize the need to be proactive in achieving this.

OUR STRATEGIES Engage and Strengthen HCBC Membership Through communication and engagement with our members, and the larger community, demonstrate the value of Horse Council BC and retain and attract members.

Represent Equestrian Interests Educate and advocate on behalf of all equestrians to promote equine health and welfare and ensure their continued right to engage in a wide range of equine activities.

Education and Sport Development Through a variety of educational platforms and pathways, enhance both science-based education and sport development.

Operational Excellence Promote operational efficiency through innovation and technology; ensuring quality service to members, effective communication, maintaining financial stability and 5 increasing environmental sustainability.

MEMBERSHIPS

24,859

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Affiliate Members

Total members in 2022

188

Club Members 20,000

15,000

98 Business Members

10,000

5,000

0

7571

17288

Junior

Senior

27,240 Calls Received

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MAJOR GRANTS & FUNDING $96,260 Total Funding in 2022

CORE FUNDING $53,342

Core grants are provincial funds targeted for events, or projects, that support sport growth and development.

BC EQUESTRIAN TRAILS FUND $22,908

For HCBC member clubs and affiliates who have researched and planned a specific project related to the construction and/or maintenance of an equestrian trail, trailhead, or horse camping site in British Columbia for public use.

EDUCATION GRANTS $7,688

This grant is designed to support educational initiatives that are in-demand within your community, and thus, the scope of the projects considered is quite wide.

REGIONAL FUNDING $11,823

Regional Funding is money that is available to all current HCBC member clubs, affiliates, and individuals. These funds are available throughout the year.

HIGH PERFORMANCE TRAVEL $500

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COACHING & EDUCATION In 2022 in the total number of Equestrian Canada Certified coaches in BC is 290. Of these, 256 are English Certified Coaches, and 28 are Western Certified Coaches. The province has 590 coaches current, or not current, in all certifications and disciplines.

15 New EC Cetified Coaches

28 EC Western Certified Coaches

256 EC English Certified Coaches

235 Rider Level Tests Completed in 2022 The Equestrian Canada Learn to Ride/Drive Programs are self paced and student/coach led. You do not need to register for the program. Setup of the date, time, and location of exams is done by the coach/student.

962 Pony Tails Kids Club Members 2022 Pony Tails Kids Club is FREE and open to all kids! Join Pony Tails today! Alice the Pony will send you lots of horsey fun and help you learn about the awesome world of horses and ponies!

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COMPETITIONS & OFFICIALS 91 Provincially Sanctioned Competitions

95 Current Officials in 2022

5 New Officials in 2022

BC SUMMER GAMES PRINCE GEORGE

58 11 Athletes EC Coaches 10 Adult Supervisers BC 55+ GAMES GREATER VICTORIA

67 Participants

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$22,908 in Approved Funding in 2022

4 Major Project Grants in 2022

BC EQUESTRIAN TRAILS FUND The total amount of funding approved for 2022 was $22,908.00 and it exhausted the money available in the fund. We received 4 applications in 2022 over two application periods and funded projects from different Back Country Horsemen Groups throughout the province.

The following projects for 2022 are as follows: • Central Vancouver Island: Spruston Horse Campsite Upgrades • North Cariboo: Telegraph Lake Horse Campsite Upgrades • North Vancouver Island: Memekay Horse Campsite Upgrades • Robson Valley: Great Divide Trail Maintenance Horse Council BC is pleased to be able to assist in trail and equestrian campsite building and improvements by providing funding and support. Applications for the 2023 year will be reviewed quarterly on a first come first serve basis until funds are exhausted A recreational program that encourages you to learn, practice good horsemanship, and have fun! This program replaces our former Ride and Drive program and is a completely digital program through the Horseplay app or webpage. The app is free to use for any horse lover 13, and over, but you must be a current Horse Council BC member to be entered into the prize draws. The basis of the program is to record the time you spend doing your horse activities and, the more activities completed, the more entries you earn into 10 the prize draws.

INDUSTRY YEAR IN REVIEW

SUCCESSFUL DELIVERY OF TWO FULLY STOCKED LIVESTOCK EMERGENCY RESPONSE TRAILERS

The Emergency Response Livestock Trailer committee (ERLT) has worked closely with government and we are pleased to announce that provincial and federal funding was provided by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food & Fisheries to move forward with this project.

The ministry has provided financial assistance for the committee to purchase and supply with rescue equipment (2) two bumper pull cargo type enclosed trailers.

The two trailers contain specialized equipment for livestock producers in the Kootenays and the Cariboo to capture and contain animals and support their movement out of dangerous situations.

Each trailer will be equipped with livestock rescue supplies such as horse and cow halters, sorting and panels and tools. They will also carry supplies for producers like a first aid kit, safety and protective clothing, and a fire extinguisher.

The committee is enthusiastically approaching this campaign as the beginning of deploying more trailers around the province. The Livestock Emergency Response Committee is chaired by Bob Miller (OII) and has representatives from Horse Council BC, BC Cattlemen’s Association, BC Association of Cattle Feeders, and AgSafe BC. • Bob Miller - Ownership Identification Inc • Andrea Van lterson - BC Association of Cattle Feeders • Kelly Coughlin - Horse Council BC • Reg Steward - AgSafe BC – Buffalo Creek Consulting • Bree Patterson - BC Cattlemen’s Association • Cpl. Cory Lepine - RCMP Livestock Coordinator

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INDUSTRY YEAR IN REVIEW LIVESTOCK EMERGENCY RESPONSE COURSES 2022- HCBC was able to resume in-person workshops with Livestock handling expert, Jennifer Woods, to deliver four of these unique and highly sought-after courses. Over 100 emergency personnel from multiple fire halls in Barrier, Coldstream, Windermere, and Princeton attended this free offering. The two-day workshops are facilitated and funded by HCBC and offered free-of-charge to all fire, police, search and rescue personnel, and veterinarians. Course content included: • On the spot decision making for motor vehicle accidents, fire and emergency situations involving livestock • Lift and drag for downed horses • Trailer design and extrication • Animal behavior, particularly in distress situations • Means to calm, rescue, capture, and temporarily confine animals • Laws, ethics, and euthanasia protocol • Horse handling and behavior Through this training, the welfare of the animals will be greatly benefited, the safety of responders increased, and the economic impact significantly decreased.

HCBC’s membership to BC Agriculture Council continues to provide opportunities to work with government on issues that impact horse owners. Having a director on the BCAC board gives equine a voice as an important part of BC agriculture.

Input on position papers for several key themes identified in consultations with the membership: Water Management and Security, Access to Labour, Land Use, Farm Business, Environment and Climate Change, and Agriculture Education and Awareness. These position papers are published on BCAC’s website (https://bcac.ca/policy-work/) and help to inform submissions in response to government consultations. Member feedback was invaluable in ensuring the language and substance of these documents reflect the interests and priorities of BC agriculture producers.

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TRESURER’S REPORT

Horse Council BC continues to thrive as the largest Provincial Sports organization in Canada. Membership in 2022 remained strong with 24,858 members consisting of individuals, families, clubs, and affiliates. Our strong financial position allowed Horse Council BC to distribute $96,260.00 of grants and funding to Clubs, Affiliates, and members, who in turn help build a stronger equine community for all participants. These funds have gone to a wide range of initiatives including education, infrastructure, equipment, maintenance, trails, and competition.

Our audited financial statements are included in this report. Horse Council BC, through prudent management, maintains a strong cash position and the added benefit of owning our own premises in Aldergrove. The Statement of Operations did run a deficit budget as anticipated. In 2022 we supported both the Summer Games in Prince George and the 55+ Games in Victoria.

We head into 2023 with a new best practices Governance structure that will ensure the financial health of Horse Council remains strong so that we can continue to advocate for our sport and our industry.

Sharon Pickthorne HCBC Treasurer

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