BC Equine Lifestyles Magazine Fall/Winter 2019

The Official Member Magazine of Horse Council BC

BC’s

Equine Lifestyle

fall/winter 2019 www.hcbc.ca

protect your trails Welcome to ROOKIE RIDERS garden city horsemens club 100 Mile Ride

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In This Issue

BC’s

Equine Lifestyle FALL/WINTER 2019 is published biannually by HORSE COUNCIL BC 27336 Fraser Hwy., Aldergrove, BC V4W 3N5 T: 604-856-4304 | F: 604-856-4302 Toll Free: 1-800-345-8055 www.hcbc.ca

HORSE COUNCIL BC EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE LIZ SAUNDERS President 250-359-7293

SUSAN HARRISON VP Competition 250-416-0094

CAROLYN FARRIS Treasurer 250-546-6083

TERRE O’BRENNAN VP Recreation 604-940-6958

Nancy Olson-Beaulieu Secretary 604-671-0707

TRACY CARVER VP Membership & Marketing 778-999-7400

SUSAN THOMPSON VP Education 604-943-8155

STAFF

LISA LAYCOCK Executive Director administration@hcbc.ca ext.1008 KELLY COUGHLIN Senior Program Director Manager, Industry & Agriculture industry@hcbc.ca ext.1006 WENDY SEWELL Manager, Coaching & Education coaching@hcbc.ca ext.1004 ALI BUCHANAN Manager, Competition & Sport competition@hcbc.ca ext.1005 NANCY SPRATT Recreation Coordinator recreation@hcbc.ca ext.1009

4

President’s Message

NEWS 5 6 6 8 10 11

On the Cover: Fraser Valley Hunt in Pemberton BC. Photographed by Kristy Wilson.

Visit fraservalleyhunt.com for more information and how to get involved

HCBC Business Associate HCBC Awards Coach Licensing Update BC Provincial Championships Pony Tails Kids Club Community Talks Travelling Road Show

LYNDA ATKINSON VP Industry 250-747-3700 LYNDA ECKSTEIN Membership Coordinator membership@hcbc.ca ext. 1002 SANDY UNDERWOOD Community Development development@hcbc.ca ext. 1010 JOCELYN ADAMS Marketing & Communications Coordinator communication@hcbc.ca ext.1003 LYNN WALLDEN Finance & Grants finance@hcbc.ca ext. 1007

TRAILS & RECREATION 14 Protect Your Trails

SPOTLIGHT 12 Garden City Horsemens Club - 100 Mille Ride

SARAH ALLISON Reception info@hcbc.ca ext. 1000

FOR A MEDIA KIT AND/OR RATE CARD PLEASE CONTACT COMMUNICATION@HCBC.CA. All material is copyright 2019.

All photographs that depict riders without helmets were taken in competition settings where helmets are not traditionally worn and all riders are over the age of 18. HCBC supports the wearing of approved helmets in all equestrian activity. Ideas and opinions expressed in articles do not necessarily reflect the idea or opinions of HCBC. BC’s Equine Lifestyles reserves the right to accept, and/or edit material submitted for publication. HCBC 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 results of the information contained in BC’s Equine Lifestyles, or arising therefrom, is the responsibility of the parties involved and not of HCBC. We welcome signed letters to the editor, but reserve the right to publish, edit for grammar, taste and length. For reprint information please contact communication@ hcbc.ca.

UPCOMING PUBLICATION DATES Spring/Summer 2020 | April 2020 Fall/Winter 2020 | October 2020 Horse Council BC gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture

COACHES CORNER 20 Welcome Rookie Rider

INDUSTRY & AGRICULTURE 16 Species at Risk Partnership on Agricultural Lands

COMPETITION 22 2019 55+ BC Games Results

www.hcbc.ca | 3

President’s Message

Wow, where did the summer go here we are in September. The horses tell me that fall is in the air as they are frisky in the morning air, and a few that really feel the cold are being blanketed at night. Winter schedules are being considered with no one yet willing to admit winter is just around the corner.

What a relief to have enjoyed a summer which has been free of the threat of fire, smoke and evacuation.

Things have even stayed green this year owing to rain during June and July. Weather is always a wonderful topic for conversation, especially for horse owners and those who run equine facilities, as the feed for our charges is reliant on the vagaries of our weather. This year the lack of snow pack and early season rains meant the grass did not grow as quickly as usual, then to make things worse June was wet and many local farmers were caught with hay cut but too wet to bale. Most of the suppliers of horse hay in the Kootenays are reporting that hay crops are down as much as 50%, leaving people scrambling to find enough hay.

The other fall out of the wet weather has been a bumper crop of weeds. I have had to admit I am OCD when it comes to weeds - I can often be found bent over pulling a patch of my green friends!

There are many invasive plant species across the Province, but currently the worst one for horses is Hoary Alyssum, which can be toxic to horses and may cause stocking up, fever, and founder, others have reported neurological issues. While a horse may graze small quantities of the plant in a fresh pasture, it is definitely to be avoided in hay. It seems to be creeping eastwards and appeared in my area (Kootenays) this year. To be safe please make sure the hay you buy does not contain quantities of this weed. For more info on Hoary Alyssum and other invasive species visit the Invasive Species Council of BC website.

Continued advances in climate science and technology are making us much more aware of things that affect our lives and those of our equines. It seems that only a few decades ago we lived in a much simpler world which allowed us more “freedom”….there were less rules and regulations. However, life has changed and our awareness allows us to better protect those in our care; for us that is our equines. Today we have a better understanding of our environment and must be mindful of both the positive and negative effects that this understanding provides us. For example, while we travel we may be unwittingly transporting seeds of all sorts from one area to another; we introduce beautiful plants that are not native to our home areas, only to find they take over our pastures, hay fields and road sides and are hard to control or eradicate.

The same can be said for diseases - with travel comes the risk of contact with disease and the potential to spread it. We don’t know what affect climate change may have on diseases, but it is likely to mean a change in the types of diseases we see or how quickly they spread. Hopefully we have learnt from the measles outbreak in Canada and the USA about the importance of vaccines. The same applies to our equines…we don’t want to be responsible 4 | Equine Lifestyles Fall/Winter 2019

for our horse becoming ill or for the spread of such contagious diseases as equine flu, rhino, West Nile or worse. Vaccines are available from your vet for these more common horse diseases and as a horse owner you are responsible for the health of your horse, and in the bigger picture that means the provincial herd.

One of the positive things that the BC Ministry of Agriculture has undertaken has been the introduction of Premises ID. This program can help safeguard and assist you and your horse(s) in emergency situations such as fires and floods, and can be used to help prevent the spread of disease. Premises ID (PID) registration is already mandatory in other provinces, and while to date the BC program has been voluntary, the BC Government is studying making the BC program mandatory in 2020. The following is a quote from the Ministry of Agriculture discussion paper on PID…..“Premises ID information has played a critical role in several recent emergency response efforts in B.C. During the 2017 and 2018 wildfires, premises ID information was used to locate farm animals, notify and communicate with operators, estimate animal numbers for evacuation planning, and facilitate the re-entry process for operators in affected areas; efforts that significantly reduced animal deaths. Interestingly, premises ID registration rates in affected areas of the province jumped following these disasters, reflecting a growing awareness and recognition among producers of the value of premises ID. Premises ID also played a key role in facilitating the bovine tuberculosis response efforts in early 2019.”

Protection of personal information is a primary objective of PID. The Animal Health Act states that personal information cannot be disclosed for any purposes except those prescribed in the Act. This has the ability to help your animals, not provide personal information. For more information or to register your premise on PID go to the Government of BC website, visit the HCBC website, or call the HCBC office.

We exist in a rapidly changing world…we are now more aware of our environment than most of us have ever been and we have better scientific information on horsekeeping than we have ever had. Owning a horse comes with great responsibilities…please make sure you take these seriously in life and in death.

While this will be my last message as President (it is time for someone else to take on the role) I will remain an advocate for all things equine and most especially for the health, welfare and care of equines and the great work done by Horse Council.

Finally, a really heartfelt thanks to the staff for your hard work, dedication and for a job well done.

Thanks also to you, the members, the Board and the Executive - without you we would not have a Horse Council with which to serve the equine community. Stay safe and keep enjoying life with your horse/donkey/mule/etc..they certainly know how to keep us honest and grounded.

Liz Saunders HCBC President

hcbc Business Associate The Business Associate membership is a good way to get your business noticed within the horse community. With over 2,000 unique visitors each week to the website and over 23,500 HCBC members, a Business Associate plan can provide many benefits. You are able to choose between a Regular Business Associate plan or the upgraded Premium Business Associate plan Regular Business Associate Plan The regular business associate cost is $85.00 per year. This includes GST and is non-refundable. This plan will expire 12 months from the date of purchase and does NOT include insurance.

Benefits • Advertise your product or service on the Horse Council BC Forums • List your business in the Horse Council BC business directory • 20% discount off advertising

NEWS

Premium Business Associate Plan The Premium Business Associate is $105.00 per year. This includes taxes and is non-refundable. This includes a regular Business Associate and the Premium Business Associate addon. This plan will expire 12 months from the date of purchase and does NOT include insurance.

Benefits • Advertise your product or service on the Horse Council BC Forums • List your business with enhanced listing in the Horse Council BC business directory • 30% discount off advertising If you have any questions or concerns about the benefits you receive as a HCBC Business Associate, either Regular or Premium, please contact membership@hcbc.ca

it’s time to renew!

2020 memberships are available now! www.hcbc.ca | 5

NEWS

2019 hcbc awards DOES SOMEONE YOU KNOW DESERVE SPECIAL RECOGNITION? Nominations are being sought for the following Horse Council BC provincial awards: Coach of the Year - Awarded to an individual who has demonstrated outstanding professionalism, leadership, and mentoring skills in a coaching role overseeing a team(s) or individual(s) at any level in any recognized equestrian discipline during the year.

Bob James Volunteer of the Year - Presented to an individual within BC’s equine community who has demonstrated outstanding dedication and commitment to their community and/or equestrian sport in any recognized discipline.

Sherman Olson Lifetime Achievement Award – The recipient of this prestigious award must be a BC resident having achieved prominence through commitment and hard work, in turn positively impacting BC’s equine industry and inspiring others. This award is only awarded when warranted and is not necessarily awarded every year.

Horse Council BC’s annual awards serve to honour outstanding achievement within BC’s equestrian community. These awards acknowledge those who have stood out from the crowd over the past year and who have made a positive impact on the community as a whole. Each award recipient was nominated by two or more other Horse Council BC members.

Nomination forms and more information can be found at hcbc.ca > about > HCBC Awards

Coach Licensing Update from Equestrian Canada Our goal as an equestrian community is to continue to work collaboratively to ensure that coaches have the knowledge, experience, and skills they need to support our next generation of riders. Given today’s complex sport environment we also need to ensure that we are doing everything we can to minimize unnecessary risk and provide coaches with the support they need to reach their full potential. The Coach Licence, along with the modernization of our Coach Certification Programs will provide equestrians, coaches, owners, organizers and the general public with an industryleading approach to quality coaching.

The benefits of the Coach Licensing Program will include the following: • Industry-leading insurance program to cover all of your needs • Access to independent third-party complaint management.

• Preferred rates for certified coaches and coaches enrolled in the certification process • Ability to purchase Horse Recordings and register as an official without an EC Sport Licence • Access to educational material • Discount on EC Sport Licence purchases for those who both coach and compete

6 | Equine Lifestyles Fall/Winter 2019

Please visit the Coaching section of the EC website for additional information regarding requirements, benefits and costs. Full details regarding the program, including the list of events where a coach license will be required will be released at the EC Convention during the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in November 2019. This will the first of many updates as our way of keeping the Canadian equestrian community informed and engaged.

EC and the Provincial/Territorial Sport Organizations unanimously approved the Coach Licensing Program with a vision that every coach is licensed and certified by 2025, in accordance to Canada’s Safe Sport Movement.

EC will be using a phased-in approach to give coaches time to get licensed and to put appropriate management tools in place.

• In 2020, coaches will need to be licensed at designated EC sanctioned competitions, taking place after July 1, 2020.

• In 2021, coaches will need to be licensed at all EC sanctioned competitions.

• In 2022, coaches will need to be licensed at all PTSO sanctioned competitions.

For more information contact coaching@equestrian.ca or visit the Equestrian Canada Website

www.hcbc.ca | 7

NEWS

BC Provincial Championships Youth Jumping Bursary This is a youth based initiative by Horse Council BC and supported by BC Hunter Jumper Association, launching in 2020. The objective is to recognize top BC youth athletes by creating a discipline specific performance pathway. The bursary will be a HCBC $1000 bursary (60/40) to champion and reserve champion, with BCHJA adding $1000 to match HCBC. Further, the top four will receive clinic or symposium entry.

Class Conditions: 1.20m Grand Prix over 2 rounds, Top 10 to return for the second round and in any case all without penalties.

Second round in reverse order of penalties and time in the first round.

Classification: The classification will be established according to aggregate Penalties over both rounds and the time incurred in the second round. Classification of Athletes not taking part in the second round will be placed according to the Penalties incurred in the first round (if the first round is not against the clock) or according to their Penalties and time in the first round (if the first round is against the clock). Or the classification will be established according to the Penalties and time in the jump-off. The remaining Classification of Athletes not taking part in the jump-off will be according to aggregate Penalties over both rounds and the time incurred in the second round. Classification of Athletes not taking part in the second round will be according to Penalties and time in the first round (if the first round is against the clock) or according to their Penalties in the first round (if the first round is not against the clock).

Eligibility: Open to BC residents who are current EC sport license holders in good standing. Note that a BCHJA membership and Gold EC Sport license are required to compete in the Championship.

Open to all youth athletes up to end of the calendar year in which they reach the age of 21.

Athletes who have competed at 1.40m or higher in the last two years are not eligible.

Qualifying Criteria: Must have earned BCHJA points in at least one 1.20m (or higher) EC gold, silver, or bronze competition during the current year. Non BCHJA members must submit a declaration to HCBC with proof of completion of a 1.20m (or higher) competition.

Horse Trials Bc Horse Council BC was happy to help sponsor the Preliminary Division of the Horse Trials BC Provincial Championships held at Island 22 Horse Park in conjunction with the Island 22 Horse Trials held August 30th to September 3rd 2019. With this sponsorship came a $1000 Bursary Award with a 60/40 split between Champion and Reserve Champion. Five eligible horse and rider combinations were entered and the Horse Trials BC Preliminary Champion for 2019 is Sierra Hincks riding Velocity, with reserve to Darci Kerkhoven riding Vive. Congratulations to all riders in all divisions that competed!

8 | Equine Lifestyles Fall/Winter 2019

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It’s Back! BC’s premiere Equine Education Conference will once again be bringing you top internationally recognized professionals presenting the latest findings in equine health, welfare and training. www.hcbc.ca www.hcbc.ca | 9

Do you know a horse crazy kid?

Follow the adventures of Alice the Pony and her friends, Oliver, Panama and Howdy, and learn all about the wonderful world of horses and ponies!

Horse Council BC’s Pony Tails Kids Club is free and open to kids of all ages! Pony Tails Kids Club members receive their very own membership certificate, Pony Tails membership card, birthday cards, monthly emails containing fun facts, games and activities, special mail outs throughout the year, invitations to contests, exclusive discounts and special offers.

Coming Soon!

Horse Council BC’s Great Big Colouring and Activity Book featuring Alice the Pony and Friends. Colour, play games, solve puzzles and learn fun facts about horses and ponies with Alice the Pony and her friends, Oliver, Panama and Howdy!

For more information and to reserve your copy, email Alice the Pony at, ponytails.alice @hcbc.ca

Join Alice the Pony’s Kids Club today! www.HCBC.ca

10 | Equine Lifestyles Fall/Winter 2019

NEWS

NEWS

Thank you to all that attended this year! 2019 marks the third year of Horse Council BC’s Community Talks Travelling Road Show.

The Community Talks Travelling Road Show has travelled around the province, providing communities with a day of equine education with esteemed industry experts who have spoken on equine nutrition, worming and vaccine protocol, obesity in horses, emergency first aid, fire safety and disaster preparedness.

We love being able to bring a day of education to communities across the province and getting to meet you all.

Below: Smithers Speakers & Regional Director, Christine Hassell

Above: Senior Program Director & Manager of Agriculture & Industry, Kelly Coughlin & Dr Wowk in Smithers

To date, the Community Talks Travelling Road Show has visited Kamloops, Creston, Courtenay, Prince George, 108 Mile House, Kelowna, Langley, Victoria, Nelson, Smithers and Quesnel.

For more information and to pre-register visit www.hcbc.ca It really does take a village and we are so grateful to Otter Co-Op, Zoetis Inc., Western College of Veterinary Medicine, AgSafe, Science Pure Nutraceuticals, and Canadian Horse Journals Magazine.

For more information on the Community Talks Travelling Road Show visit: www.hcbc.ca

Below: Nelson crowd listening to the colic presentation

Above: HCBC Executive Director, Lisa Laycock enjoying Nelson

www.hcbc.ca | 11

SPOTLIGHT

garden city horsemens club 100 mile ride The Garden City Horsemen’s Club of Victoria was established in 1951 to bring like minded riders together, to create and preserve trails and to promote good horsemanship. The first organized ride took place on the streets of Victoria, ending at the parliament buildings with much fanfare. The early 100-MileRides began in Sooke’s back country. Old trails were followed through the historic gold mining area of Leachtown, into West Shawnigan ending near the Burnt Bridge along the Koksilah River. Base camp remained in this area for nearly sixty years, only moving twice.

Camping rough, with horses tied to trees, not all riders had tents or good rain gear. Tarps were draped over logs for sleeping areas. Chilly bodies crawled out of damp beds, shivering by the camp fire, to be warmed by hot coffee and the smell of frying bacon. There was only a cook tent. A chair was a log or a stump. Fortunately, a farrier was usually present.

In the late sixties, for easier access, Rigby’s farm on Mountain Road in Cobble Hill district became the trail-head. Reg and Babs welcomed participants there for the next thirty-five years. Camp gear was loaded onto a truck. The riders passed through local farmland, cleared bush trails, connecting rural roads, passing the Kinsol Trestle onto what would become the Jack Fleetwood Trail. The camp arrival meal was wieners and beans, which became a tradition.

Over the years the four-day rides have remained strenuous and challenging to both horse and rider, but camp life improved. A storage trailer was built to haul the permanent cooking gear, tent- like outhouses, fresh water, etc. Nearly everyone had a tent and good rain gear.

As word spread, the numbers grew. Volunteer cooks and helpers clambered to participate. The largest ride happened 12 | Equine Lifestyles Fall/Winter 2019

Submitted by: Lorern Stubbs

in 1981, with sixty-three entrants. Including guests, ninetyeight people attended the Saturday night gala. Anne Bell being eight months pregnant, and intending only to help in camp, ended up riding for two days. Four riders with minor injuries, were taken to the hospital in Victoria. Each time attendants would bring a wheelchair for Anne, certain she was in labour.

She was not. A more manageable number was capped at fifty riders, chosen on a first come first paid basis.

Everyone was expected to help set up camp, volunteer one night doing dishes and break down camp before heading out on the final day. Trail bosses and volunteers cleared trails beforehand. When an area got logged, a new route had to be found. Harsh winters caused many blow-downs. Bush bikers would discover and help maintain the trails; however, they are not nearly as tall as mounted horses.

An amazing array of chefs have volunteered their talents, serving gourmet meals. For the first 20 years hot lunches were delivered to designated rendezvous points. At first there were no ice chests or coolers so groceries were non-perishable.

Prem stew was standard fare. A favourite, Bup’s Welsh cakes, were stuffed into saddle bags to munch on the trail. Drinks were kept chilled in the river.

Saturday night, following the banquet, commemorative crests would be dispersed. Skits were performed and there was an entertainer. Songs, lead off by camp boss, Murray Saunders, singing “On Top of Old Smokey”, carried on for hours. Some celebrants would not go to bed but were not excused from next day’s ride. Witnessing someone dozing in the saddle was not unusual. There has never been a major injury on the trail, only strains and sprains and a few broken ribs. Some riders and horses were not conditioned for the physically taxing terrain and would need to go home.

Rides were never cancelled due to extreme weather. The most hazardous experience happened in the early 90’s. Fifty riders climbed Eagle Heights mountain. As the trail peaked the cloud bank kept dropping. The trail disappeared in a swirl of howling wind, sleet and snow. Trail boss, Russ Knight, decided to let his horse, Brave, have his head. Brave lead cold wet riders through freezing rain, with zero vision down through the clouds.

Back at camp, hot rum toddies were in order, along with a great adventure to rehash.

Photo from 2008 100 Mile Ride

Hundreds of novice riders have considered this event a rite of passage and many life-long friendships have been forged.

However much has changed. Urban development increased in Cobble Hill, choking off the trail-head. We are now able to take our campers and trailers into camp. We hire a cook and camp rules are relaxed. If a shoe is thrown we simply replace it with a boot. But numbers of entries have been falling, dropping below twenty after the year 2000. There were only twelve riders in 2019 and we were not allowed camp fires. With climate change, forest companies are understandably more cautious. It is difficult to predict whether there will be another 100-Mile-Ride permitted in that area again.

TOP 5 REASONS YOU SHOULD BECOME AN EHC INSTRUCTOR: 5. Make your OWN hours.

4. Meet NEW people 3. Visit NEW places.

2. Be your OWN boss!

1. Make a REAL Difference in the lives of horses You already have: Experience and confidence with horses A desire to educate people in equine health and wellness Energy, enthusiasm, willingness to learn and a can-do attitude Confidence speaking with people A desire to make your own hours and earn an impressive side income

So, What's Stopping You?

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Anne Bell holding her award, with her horse, Abilena

Anne Bell, President of GCHC from Otter Point Road in Sooke has been presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award, in 2019 she completed her 50th consecutive 100-Mile-Ride.

This unprecedented feat is a phenomenal accomplishment and proves Anne’s dedication and perseverance to keep GCHC active. To further show their appreciation the club members gifted Anne with a new set of saddle bags made by fellow member Delores Elliason, beautifully stamped, to commemorate the occasion. The bags were designed to match a new saddle that Anne had commissioned Delores to make.

Garden City Horsemens Club has members from up and down the Island and is active all year around with shorter rides and social events. www.hcbc.ca | 13

TRAILS & RECREATION

protect your trails

Photo Credit: Arlene Ladd Submitted to the 2019 Focus on Trails Photo Contest

With spring finally here, you may be starting to plan your days out on the trail. What a privilege it is to be able to enjoy both your equine companion and your beautiful community or back country at the same time! But what if that community has plans to stop you from taking your horse out on the trail?

Quite often, for seemingly unknown reasons, governments will decide to deny access to horses on trails where horses used to be allowed. Their reasons are varied and often made using information and input from only a few groups, leaving them with less than all the information needed to make an unbiased decision.

How can we as equestrians make sure horses are considered in future plans? It all comes down to building respect and relationships. When the Land Managers sit down to draft their new Management Plan, horses should be at the front of their mind in the most positive light.

LEARN ABOUT YOUR LOCAL TRAILS Find out the history of the trail. Have horses always been allowed access? Was the trail a route for industry via horseback/carriage? Who used to use the trail, and why?

Historical access can be an important part of keeping a trail open to horses, so the more you know, the better you’re able to defend your right to ride there.

might make a good impression to work with the land owners and your club to arrange for work bees, where the club will lend volunteers to help with simple maintenance. This will keep you in touch with the staff, and help to show that equestrians are an important and helpful user group. For back country trails, it might be harder to coordinate these activities, but it’ll be worth it to have continued access.

ESTABLISH A RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHER TRAIL USERS If a trail is used by many different trail groups, why not get to know them a bit. See about going to any meetings for other trail users. Bring along some materials for them on sharing trails with horses. Perhaps arrange for people to meet a horse and learn how to interact with them on the trail. Maybe hold work bees with volunteers from every user group to make sure the trail stays in tip-top condition. Find out what the other trail users need as far as interaction goes and make sure to spread the word to other equestrians out there. By using common courtesy and proper trail etiquette, you can give other trail users a positive experience and encourage support from nonequestrian trail users.

ESTABLISH A RELATIONSHIP WITH THE LAND OWNER Every trail sits on someone’s land. If it’s on public land, you’ll want to contact your city hall to find out if the trail is on Municipal, Provincial or Regional District land. You can also contact Front Counter BC (www.frontcounterbc.gov.bc.ca) to find out information including land ownership, tenures, and whether or not the trail is registered through them. By building a relationship with the people in City Council, BC Parks, and Recreation Sites & Trails, you can be assured that they’ll think of you when they start planning for any upgrades to their Management Plan. If you see that there was some maintenance done on your favorite trail, why not give the land owners a call or shoot them an email to thank them? If you have ideas or suggestions, perhaps let them know. Does the trail need some maintenance work? If you’re part of a club, it 14 | Equine Lifestyles Fall/Winter 2019

Photo Credit: Jamie Delves Submitted to the 2019 Focus on Trails Photo Contest

PARTICIPATE IN PUBLIC INPUT PERIODS When the government is ready to hear public input about their plans, make sure the equine community is a large voice. Encourage your club members, local stables, feed & tack stores, and anywhere else you can think of to speak up about the contributions equestrians make in the community, to the trail, and to the well-being of local citizens. Incorrect assumptions about riding are often made by those not familiar with the economic and health benefits of riding a horse and so horse access may be thought of as less important than other physical activities. Let them know why that trail is important to you and other riders.

The best way to keep a trail open is to stay informed and connected. Horse Council BC can help to connect active equestrians to areas of concern and we can lend our voice of support as well, but we depend on people at the local level to let us know what’s happening across the province. The more voices speaking on behalf of equestrian access, the better the chances are to save your trails.

Photo Credit: Julia King Submitted to the 2019 Focus on Trails Photo Contest

READ THE MANAGEMENT PLANS To keep horses on the trails it’s important to stay informed.

You don’t necessarily have to attend every city council meeting or public input period, but you might consider checking their agendas to see what they plan to discuss. Make sure to check the local paper and the city, BC Parks, & Recreation Sites & Trails websites to see if there are any notices posted. If they’re reviewing or updating a Management Plan, make sure to read the fine print. There may be a small snippet buried in there about a trail they’re considering paving. Use your computer’s “Find” feature to search for key words such as “horse,” “equestrian,” or “equine.” That may make reading through the document a little less intimidating.

Horse Council BC can provide resources and information on trail standards and can lend our voice of support.

Contact us at recreation@hcbc.ca

Photo Credit: Sherry Nelsen Submitted to the 2019 Focus on Trails Photo Contest

www.hcbc.ca | 15

INDUSTRY & AGRICULTURE

Species at Risk Partnerships on Agricultural Lands Beneficial Practices for Species at Risk Conservation for Horse Farms and Equine Operations Acknowledgments This publication was developed with the financial support of Environment and Climate Change Canada.

Disclaimer Opinions expressed in this document are those of the author and not necessarily those of the BC Agricultural Research & Development Corporation or Environment and Climate Change Canada. The Government of Canada, the BC Agricultural Research & Development Corporation and their directors, agents, employees, or contractors will not be liable for any claims, damages, or losses of any kind whatsoever arising out of the use of, or reliance upon, this information.

Species at Risk and Agriculture BC is a biologically diverse Province. This diversity is part of our rich, natural heritage and it needs to be conserved for future generations. Many of the most diverse and important natural habitats share the same spaces as human settlements and activities, including agricultural lands. All agricultural land overlaps or interfaces with natural habitats on some level.

Some species are highly adaptable and can coexist or benefit from the presence of farms. Other species are restricted to specific locations key to their survival. These species require habitat features and unimpeded travel corridors between habitats to maintain healthy, viable natural populations.

When habitat or travel corridors are damaged or destroyed, species are put at risk of extirpation (loss of local or regional populations) or extinction (a wildlife species that no longer exists).

The federal Species at Risk Act (SARA) is legislation designed to recover and protect species at risk (SAR). SARA applies to all lands in Canada, though the way it is implemented varies by jurisdiction. Under SARA, wildlife specialists can designate land areas and habitat features as ‘critical habitat’. Critical habitat is the land that is needed by SAR to recover and survive, as identified in a recovery strategy or action plan.

Improving your awareness of SAR in your area and the critical habitats needed for their survival is the first step in supporting their conservation. To access action plans, proposed and final recovery strategies, please visit www.sararegistry.gc.ca.

Species at Risk Partnerships on Agricultural Lands (SARPAL) SARPAL is a program working to help recover and protect 16 | Equine Lifestyles Fall/Winter 2019

species listed under SARA on farmland where critical habitat is found.

BC Agricultural Research and Development Corporation (ARDCorp) has partnered with Environment and Climate Change Canada to help deliver SARPAL in British Columbia.

SARPAL is supporting the agricultural sector to develop, test and implement beneficial practices that help recover and protect species listed under SARA through voluntary stewardship on farmland.

Horse farms, or land developments for equine purposes, can alter or remove critical SAR habitat. Roads, fences and fields may also interrupt wildlife movements and migrations between critical habitats. Habitat loss and fragmentation are major factors contributing to the decline of SAR worldwide.

As stewards of private land in BC, the equine community can play an important role in restoring, conserving and protecting SAR. Many conservation measures that benefit SAR also provide benefits to the farm. Voluntary stewardship also demonstrates your commitment to the sustainability of the equine sector in BC. This builds goodwill within your community and with society as a whole.

The steps in conserving SAR are detailed in the following sections and include: • Awareness education; • Biodiversity planning; and, • Selecting and implementing appropriate beneficial practices.

Awareness and Planning The first step in implementing compatible management for SAR on horse farms is to increase your awareness of the SAR present in your local area and to understand their specific habitat needs.

Complete an Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) or use other resources such as the Species and Ecosystems Explorer to help identify if there are SAR or critical habitats identified in your area. Find out what natural features are important and which farming practices have the potential to help or hinder SAR recovery. The EFP process will also help you to understand your legal obligations for conserving SAR, as well as give an overview of the beneficial management practices best suited to your farm location, and what should be avoided.

Once you’ve completed an EFP, you should complete additional detailed planning to restore and/or protect any critical habitat on or near your farm. Funding support through the Beneficial Management Practices (BMP) Program can help you create a Biodiversity Management Plan for your farm. The Biodiversity Plan is the next step beyond the EFP process, which provides more detailed guidance including the following: • Assessing opportunities to manage for SAR and biodiversity; • Creating an action plan by setting priorities and matching them to appropriate BMPs; • Setting out the options for implementing the BMP recommendations; and, • Monitoring and evaluating the effects of the practices that are implemented.

Semi-natural areas are also important It may not always be possible or practicable to restore natural areas on the farm. But less developed areas of the farm or vegetative buffers can also contribute to SAR conservation, particularly where farmland is adjacent to natural areas.

Planting or retaining hedgerows, shelterbelts, pollinator buffers, fence line plantings or unimproved pastures on the margins of the farm are all options. These areas can increase the structural diversity of the agricultural landscape or soften the transition from more intensively used areas to natural reserves.

These semi-natural features may also contribute to your livestock’s well being where horses can seek shelter from the sun or wind.

A biodiversity plan can also help you to connect to additional financial or technical resources or one of the many conservation groups operating throughout the province to partner in your conservation efforts.

Selecting Beneficial Practices The choice of appropriate beneficial management practices depends on the specific threats to a given SAR and the current or past management undertaken on the farm. The potential threats from the equine sector to SAR can be broadly grouped into: • Habitat loss and fragmentation; • Introduction of invasive alien species; • Accidental mortality; and, • Farm nutrient or chemical runoff.

A brief description of these issues and the beneficial practices that address these threats are outlined below.

Habitat Loss and Fragmentation Direct loss of SAR habitats can diminish any or all of a given species ability to feed, find mates and reproduce, shelter from natural or introduced predators, or survive the winter/dormant season in a hibernation state.

Fragmentation of critical habitats without free access to move between locations is also harmful to wild populations, as various locations and distinct habitat features may be needed at different times of the year.

Conserve or restore habitats Where possible, preserve remaining natural areas on your farm, including grassland, wetlands and wooded areas.

Areas previously altered can be restored with benefits to SAR conservation and your farm. For example, a wetland or pond can provide early season flood control for adjacent lands, while also storing water for amphibian breeding sites.

Farm infrastructure placement Fences, roads, trails, stream crossings, irrigation works and other farm infrastructure can all potentially interfere with SAR movements or increase the risk of accidental mortality.

Plan and locate the installation of fences, roads and other infrastructure to avoid crossing critical travel corridors.

Whenever possible eliminate in-stream crossings and use elevated free-span structures rather than bed-level structures.

Use rotational grazing on pastures Rest and rotation, at appropriate stocking rates, are the key elements to preventing overgrazing that can degrade pastures and grassland. Allowing these areas to fully recover from grazing before returning will also contribute to keeping your grazing areas functioning naturally. Good grazing management can also improve the production and quality of forages available to your animals. Develop and follow a grazing management plan to aid you in your grazing system design.

Install helpful wildlife infrastructure Even areas that have been significantly altered for farm use can still contribute to species conservation. Nesting platforms for birds of prey, nesting boxes for birds and bats, resting or roosting sites are all examples of infrastructure that can be installed in the built environment of your horse farm to help conserve SAR.

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INDUSTRY & AGRICULTURE Introduction of Invasive Alien Species Intentional or accidental introduction of non-native, invasive species can pose serious threats to many SAR. Plants, animals, insects or pathogens from around the world may arrive in feed, on horses or other livestock that have come from other farms, or with ornamental plantings. Freed from their natural predators that keep populations in check, invasive species can spread rapidly and impact agricultural and natural areas.

Invasive weeds harm the natural floral diversity of BC and can also impact your hay and pasture production.

Be aware Take time to learn about invasive species threatening your area and report new occurrences to the Invasive Species Council or one of the regional bodies working to minimize their establishment.

Take care with vehicle traffic Be aware of when wildlife are on, or moving through, your farm. Avoid vehicle traffic that can harass or run-over migrating species. For important travel corridors, consider installing under-road crossings or bridge-works to separate surface traffic from wildlife movements. Learn the nesting and breeding seasons in your local area and adjust farm activities accordingly, where possible. Scout your hay fields for species locations and their nests prior to cutting hay. Flag and avoid damaging or destroying nests with eggs, whether or not occupied by a bird, when haying or doing other field work. Use flushing bars in front of harvest equipment to scare wildlife from hiding spots to avoid injury or fatality.

Keep other farm animals in check Barn cats and guard dogs retain some of their wild instincts, including hunting prey. Birds, amphibians and small mammals are all vulnerable to farm animal predation. Keep domestic animals indoors, particularly when SAR are traveling through or near your property, or during breeding and nesting seasons.

Farm Nutrient or Chemical Runoff Nutrient runoff from synthetic fertilizers or livestock manure, together with petroleum, pesticides or other farm chemicals all pose a significant threat to diminish water quality when they move beyond farm land and into non-production areas. Frogs, salamanders and other amphibians are particularly vulnerable to changes in water chemistry caused by farm runoff.

Practice Integrated Pest Management Prevention is the key to ensuring invasive species do not get established in pastures or other areas of the farm. The first step is to follow an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program.

Scout your farm regularly for new species introductions and move quickly to eradicate any small infestations. If a pest is more broadly established in your local area, select an appropriate cultural, biological or chemical control strategy and be diligent about preventing the further spread to other properties. Follow up on your control activities to monitor the effectiveness of your control actions and adjust your management accordingly. Accidental Mortality Some SAR are endangered through unintentional impacts from livestock or other farm activities. Understanding where SAR reside at different times of the year and when they travel will be crucial for minimizing accidental mortality.

Riparian reserves and off-stream watering Keep horses back from the edge of ponds, wetlands and streams. They can trample wildlife directly or create small isolated hoof imprints (‘pugs’) that trap water and small amphibians or insects away from the main water body, making them susceptible to drought or receding shorelines. Install a fenced riparian reserve and use off-stream stock watering to eliminate the need for your animals to enter directly into water bodies. Off-stream watering will also ensure your horses have a year-round adequate supply of clean drinking water, contributing to optimal animal health and performance.

Controlled access or free-span stream crossings will also aid in minimizing disturbances in these very important farm habitats.

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Manure management Store and compost horse manure under cover to prevent precipitation washing nutrients or pathogens into the soil and through to surface or ground water. Keep manure and compost storage sites a minimum of 30-m away from any well-head or surface water.

Nutrient application Develop and follow a Nutrient Management Plan to ensure you only apply the appropriate amount of manure, compost, synthetic fertilizer or other soil amendments, so as to meet, but not exceed, the amounts of plant nutrients required by your pasture and hay land crops. If you do not have a sufficient land base to use your manure or composted manure on-site, arrange for transportation to another location. In some areas of the Province, a nutrient management plan may be mandatory, as set out in the Code of Practice for Agricultural Environmental Management.

When applying any soil amendment (e.g. fertilizer, manure, compost), do so only when the risk of runoff is minimal and with appropriate set-backs from the edge of your property and any aquatic or SAR habitat. Effective nutrient management will also pay benefits in ensuring you get the best value out of your fertilizer and other soil amendment purchases for maintaining healthy and productive fields.

Chemical and petroleum storage Size your storage facilities (buildings and fuel tanks) appropriately to the amount you need. Ensure they are safe and secure to protect the health of your family, employees, guests and livestock. Storage tanks and buildings should be constructed to prevent products from accidental release and with secondary leak containment to catch and hold any leakage. Keep chemical and petroleum storage sites a minimum of 30-m away from any well-head or surface water, and observe all other legal requirements for their storage, including ventilation, signage and access controls.

Chemical mixing, application and disposal Take care to ensure no leak or loss of chemicals of any type can occur at the mixing and loading locations. Return used petroleum products or unwanted pesticides to an appropriate collection point for recycling. Empty pesticide containers should be pressure rinsed or single rinsed three times, with the rinse water added to the sprayer or treated as toxic waste. Dispose of empty and cleaned pesticide containers at a designated collection point or landfill.

Follow all instructions specified on the product label of pest control products and apply them only when safe and legal to do so. Do not spray pesticides in a diverting wind, nor when the risk of runoff is elevated. Observe appropriate set-backs from the edge of your property and any aquatic or SAR habitat.

Resources SARPAL www.ardcorp.ca/programs/sarpal/ or email: sarpal@ardcorp.ca Species at Risk Act Registry www.sararegistry.gc.ca Environmental Farm Plan Program British Columbia Phone: 1-866-522-3447 (toll free) Email: efpinfo@ardorp.ca Website: www.bcefp.ca BC Species and Ecosystems Explorer http://a100.gov.bc.ca/pub/eswp/ Grazing Management Guide www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/agriculture-seafood/ agricultural-land-and-environment/biodiversity/efp-grazingmanagement-guide

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COACHES CORNER

welcome to rookie riders Rookie Riders provides an opportunity for children to experience the joy of equestrian sport in a fun-filled program.

The program curriculum is specifically designed to create an environment which promotes the development of physical literacy, with a specific emphasis on the fundamental movement skills applicable to all sports and a foundation of knowledge and skills to be able to ride a horse.

The program is specifically designed to learn all the skills necessary to safely mount and dismount a horse, before being introduced to a horse for the first time.

The curriculum includes options for delivering the program with and without a horse. It includes: • Horse inspired activities and games to develop fundamental movement skills and knowledge about how to interact with and move safely around horses • Ground based skills that help develop strength, posture and body awareness, and specific movement skills to be able to safely mount and dismount a horse • A “barrel horse” where skills can be specifically taught and practiced • An activity bank and sample lesson plans that helps students progress systematically from ground-based skills, to mounted skills, to mounted skills on a horse.

Watch the video: https://youtu.be/-XaPUI7CmlI

Rookie Riders Objectives • Learn about horses and how to safely interact with them (Horsemanship) • Develop fundamental movement skills necessary for riding by engaging students physically, mentally, and emotionally in individual and group activities • Learn to safely mount and dismount • Develop the ability to maintain a balanced and relaxed position, with proper posture, while mounted • Become comfortable changing into a variety of positions and holds while mounted • Develop a foundation towards Equestrian Canada Learn to Ride – English or Western Level 1 Test

Students • Rookie Riders is intended for children between the ages of 6 and 12 years of age • No riding experience is required • Students with prior riding experience can join a group corresponding to their skill level 20 | Equine Lifestyles Fall/Winter 2019

Options for Program Delivery Rookie Riders is designed to be delivered to large groups of children and is intended to be flexible in its delivery. It can be delivered in a variety of settings and can be customized to meet the needs of specific groups.

There are four primary forms of delivery: • KidsZone: Quick lesson plans and station-based activities designed to quickly introduce children to the program during high traffic events • Physical Education and Recreation: Programs to be delivered in physical education, recreation and other settings without access to horses; also applicable for children who are not ready to ride • Riding Facilities: Programs which incorporate riding as part of the core curriculum; children who have participated in physical education and recreation programs can join at a higher level • Camps: Designed with the camp experience in mind with more games, workshops and skill development; includes formats with and without the horse

Rookie Riders Testimonial “I am beyond thrilled about the Rookie Riders program. This is an excellent program that will help make the sport accessible to a new generation.” - Ian Millar If you are interested in hosting the Rookie Rider Program at your barn or school email coaching@hcbc.ca to find a Rookie Rider Certified Instructor near you.

If you are interested in becoming certified to become a Rookie Rider Instructor contact coaching@hcbc.ca for information about the next Rookie Rider Training date.

THIS FALL, MAKE THE BEST DEWORMING DECISION FOR YOUR TRUSTED PARTNER. QUEST PLUS is the only product to meet ALL of the American Association of Equine Practitioners’ (AAEP) fall deworming recommendations.1

QUEST® GEL AND QUEST PLUS® GEL FAST FACTS • Small strongyles (cyathostomins) and tape worms are now the major concern in adult horses.1 • The unique active ingredient in QUEST GEL and QUEST PLUS GEL safely controls encysted small strongyles in just one dose.

• QUEST PLUS GEL offers additional efficacy against tapeworms!

Easy to administer applicator tube.

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Gel dissolves instantly for easier deworming process.

Has no effect on valuable dung beetle populations which are important in helping to reduce parasite larvae in feces.

1. AAEP Parasite Control Subcommittee. (2016). AAEP Parasite Control Guidelines. Retrieved May 14, 2018, from https://aaep.org/sites/default/files/Guidelines/AAEPParasiteControlGuidelines.

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COMPETITIONS

BC 55+ Games Kelowna Photo: Mountain Trail Course – Mission Creek Ranch – Photo Credit: Lynda Ramsay

The 2019 BC 55+ Games Kelowna took place September 10th to 14th at the Kelowna Riding Club. Results were as follows: Arena Driving Training Level 1 Gold Julie Loverin Silver Susan Berwick Bronze Pat Johannson

Western Dressage First Level Gold Karen Ritchey Silver Heather Brookes Bronze Wendy Price

Arena Driving Preliminary Level 2 Gold Moira Breckon Silver Tina Knott Bronze Rhonda Scheiber

Mountain Trail - Under Saddle Novice Gold Donna Cooke Silver Sue Brownell Bronze Mary Lou Barker

Dressage Training Level Gold Julie Loverin Silver Sandy Day Bronze Cindy Eeckhout

Mountain Trail - Under Saddle Open Gold Karen Kunkle Silver Janice Reid Bronze Donna Barker

Dressage First Level Gold Karen Ritchey Silver Joan Chess-Woollacott Bronze Marietta Egan

Mountain Trail - In Hand Novice Gold Sue Brownell Silver Moira J.(PIP) Breckon Bronze Catherine Royle

Dressage Second Level Gold Jeanie Callaway Silver Lindsey Cox Silver Karen Ritchey Bronze Wendy Price

Mountain Trail - In Hand Open Gold Janice Reid Silver Donna Barker Bronze Karen Kunkle

Western Dressage Walk Jog Gold Shannon Barnes Silver Joanne Poole Bronze Gail McMahon Western Dressage Training Level Gold Barb Cooper Silver Colleen Nestor Bronze Lisa Rawn 22 | Equine Lifestyles Fall/Winter 2019

Ranch Trail Horse Open Gold Donna Cooke Silver Karen Kunkle Bronze Mary Lou Barker Ranch Riding Horse Open Gold Merna Boltz Silver Joanne Rooke Bronze Donna Cooke Congratulations to all athletes!

BC SUMMER GAMES 2020

ARE YOU A BC RIDER OR VAULTER BETWEEN THE AGES OF 12 & 18?

Be part of the Equestrian Team at the BC Summer Games in Maple Ridge! Qualify for the BC Summer Games at local qualifier shows around the province from now until June 2020.

23-26 july 2020 DRESSAGE - PARA-DRESSAGE - JUMPING - EVenting - VAULTING Age Group: Minimum of 12 and a maximum of 18 years of age as of January 1, 2020 Zone Team Composition: 4 Athletes per zone - 8 zones in total.

Wildcards: 16 wildcard spots in addition to the zone team spots

For more information on the BC Summer Games, Visit: www.hcbc.ca

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