BC's Equine Lifestyle Magazine Fall 2023

The Official Member Magazine of Horse Council BC

BC’s

Equine Lifestyle

Fall/winter 2023 www.hcbc.ca

BC 55+ Games 2023 Hooves, Heels, Wheels and Woofs Pilot Project

A Healthy Horse - biosecurity reminders

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In This Issue

BC’s

Equine Lifestyle FALL/WINTER 2023

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NEWS

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

President’s Message

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On the Cover: Vicki Schulz at the 2023 55+ Games Photo Credit: Kathy Paterson

Membership News Acera Insurance: Know Your Options Member Feature Club Feature

Horse Council BC is a membership-driven notfor-profit association representing the interests of the equine industry in all sectors throughout British Columbia. Tradition, strong values and superior 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.

FOR A MEDIA KIT AND/OR RATE CARD PLEASE CONTACT COMMUNICATION@HCBC.CA. All material is copyright 2023. 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 ideas or opinions of HCBC. BC’s Equine Lifestyle 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 result of the information contained in BC’s Equine Lifestyle, 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 2024 | April 2024 Fall/Winter 2024 | October 2024

COACHING 10 Moving Forward with Virtual Coaching Evaluations

COMPETITION 14 55+ BC Games 2023

TRAILS & RECREATION 11 Hooves, Heels, Wheels & Woofs Pilot Project

INDUSTRY & AGRICULTURE 12 A Healthy Horse - Biosecurity Reminders

Horse Council BC gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport

www.hcbc.ca | 3

President’s Message

After the worst year on record for British Columbia for both fires and droughts, fall has definitely arrived. Which does not mean that fire season is over - there are still many fires burning that have not yet been extinguished. Also, concern runs high that too much rain too quickly will lead to flooding.

HCBC has been working with the government to deal with issues relating to all of this. The BC government is looking at assisting farmers and ranchers (those that file farm taxes) with financial relief. During the summer, teams of trained volunteers have assisted in getting livestock out of danger and delivering needed supplies. In this, they have been helped by many British Columbians who have stepped in and helped rescue and move animals when and where the need arose.

Despite significant challenges, equine related activities have continued throughout the summer. Proof, in my opinion, of the indomitable spirit of our members. Competitions (including the Provincial 55+ Games), and other events including: EC sanctioned, local events, driving, trail rides, or camping with our horses, have all happened.

Equestrian Canada has recently released the results of a study designed to assess the economic impact of the horse industry on Canada’s economy. Nationally, Canadians are spending in excess of $8.3 billion looking after our horses! In 2022, more than 70,000 full time equivalent jobs were shown to be part of this sector.

Of the people interviewed, over 96% agreed or strongly agreed that interaction with horses contribute to human health and well-being. As the majority of HCBC members are recreational riders, I think we already know this.

The last BC only survey on this topic was done in 2019. The current estimate is that there are approximately 57,580 horses in BC. Each fall, HCBC senior staff, and Lynda Atkinson attend ‘Agriculture Day at the Legislature’.This event is hosted by the BC Agriculture Council, of which HCBC is a founding member.

Lynda Atkinson not only sits on HCBC’s Board, but she is also a board member of the Agriculture Council of BC. This affords HCBC and other attendees the opportunity to meet with and discuss issues with government ministers, opposition members, deputy ministers and other government dignitaries.

The opportunity to raise issues of concern in a friendly and collegiate environment is, I think, unique.

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Thank you to Craig Cherrett, Kelly Coughlin, and Lynda Atkinson! I have attended it once, and found it productive, challenging, and exhausting!

By the time this magazine reaches you, all HCBC members will likely have received a membership survey. Please take the time to complete and return the survey. With almost 25,000 members, personal outreach is impossible. Yes, it may take a bit of time, but we hope the survey results will give Horse Council of BC some clear guidance on the issues that matter to you, our members, and allow us to move in directions that you, the membership wants to go.

Our annual AGM will take place on Sunday, November 5.

Details will be forthcoming.

Wishing you and our four-legged friends all the very best,

Karen Swantje, HCBC President

NEWS

MEMBERSHIP NEWS Optional Insurances New for the 2024 year!

Horse Council BC is excited to be including two new options: Emergency Stabling and Emergency Lifesaving Surgery, to our list of Optional Insurances.

To purchase the new Emergency Stabling or Emergency Lifesaving Surgery insurance, you must also purchase the Members Named Perils insurance. There are no exceptions.

The prices for the Emergency Stabling will be $25.00 and Emergency Lifesaving Surgery will be $50.00, plus the Members Named Perils price of $25.00.

coverage over the winter as coverage is continuous until December 31, 2024.

If you have not signed up for the automatic renewal, you can get ahead of the rush and purchase your membership for the 2024 year starting in September.

For Pony Club members, this is the perfect time to get ahead of everyone else and get your HCBC membership before your first meeting.

Starting September 2023, you will be able to purchase these online or via the paper membership application form. Please note that this insurance coverage will not begin until 2024.

Membership Card Fee Another new feature for this year. For the past few years, Horse Council BC has been trying to go green and lower our carbon hoofprint. For the 2024 membership year, there will be a fee if you wish to receive a printed membership card. The fee will be $5.00 + GST/PST. One card fee will apply for each membership type(s) purchased. For example, a family membership with three cards will still only cost $5.60, the same as one adult membership card.The best option is to go online and download your HCBC card from your account. Then you can either take a picture of it with your phone, save as a PDF or simply print it out.

Horse Council BC is currently working on the option for an apple and android digital wallet card.

Extended Memberships These memberships span 16 months – starting September 2023 and will continue until December 31, 2024.

If you missed most of the year and have an event or show that you would like to go to in the fall, this is a great time to purchase one of these memberships You will not miss any www.hcbc.ca | 5

Know Your Options -

Included and optional Insurances 2024 is just around the corner so this is a perfect time to remind members of the BC horse community about the important partnership HCBC has with Acera Insurance.

Does not cover clothing or protective equipment worn by riders, wear & tear/abuse, mysterious disappearance, or horse drawn vehicles. Not available to US Residents.

Our service in BC and relationship with HCBC goes back many years and over time, the insurance program associated with membership has evolved as the needs of members have changed.

d) Weekly Accident Indemnity Insurance. This exclusive insurance policy provides income replacement in the event you are unable to work due to an accident. Coverage is in force 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week and includes (but is not limited to), injuries arising from an equine related incident. The policy will provide up to $500.00 / week in income replacement for up to 26 weeks. (Some restrictions apply)

Today, we offer a variety of risk management services and insurance products that are all designed around lifestyles that include horses.

A quick refresher.

In response to member inquiries, we are adding two new benefits to the HCBC insurance program:

Insurance that is included in the membership fees paid to HCBC. a) $5,000,000 Personal Liability insurance that covers the member for any number of owned, borrowed, leased horses used for personal purposes.

e) *** NEW For 2024 *** $2,500 Emergency Life Saving Surgery. Covers expenses associated with lifesaving surgery done at a veterinarian hospital under a general anesthetic. The horse must be insured under the Members Named Perils policy to be eligible.

b) $40,000 Accident Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) that covers the member for serious /permanent injury (or death) arising from an interaction with horses. No coverage for fracture or dental injuries.

f) ***NEW for 2024 *** $5,000 Emergency Stabling Expense.

Covers the additional base cost to temporarily board the insured horse when the usual commercial boarding place is untenantable due to fire, windstorm, collapse or disease.

Coverage is limited to $500/month for up to 4 months for any one horse. This option is not applicable to horses that normally reside at the home farm or the owner / lessee. The horse must be insured under the Members Named Policy to be eligible.

The coverages above are in force anywhere the member is worldwide.

As a member of HCBC, you also have access to some terrific optional insurance products that enhance the value of membership: a) $75,000 Optional Accident Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) to broaden the AD&D policy provided automatically with membership (in addition to higher limits, this policy provides benefits for fracture and dental injuries) b) $10,000 Members Named Perils Insurance. Covers the death of an owned horse arising from fire, lightning, transport, and more. Not available to US Residents. c) $10,000 Members Tack Insurance. Covers tack and equipment from loss or damage anywhere in North America.

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There are more details on the website of HCBC and you are encouraged to take full advantage of the exclusive benefits associated with this important membership.

Like you and your horse, the partnership we have with the equine community in BC is very special.

Give us a call with any questions at all. We will be happy to help. 1-800-670-1877 – ask for the Agri Dept.

The Equine Team at Acera Insurance Services Ltd. capricmw.ca/equine

www.

Member Feature: Carole Walton It hasn’t been an easy summer for the folks of British Columbia, with the wildfires causing difficulties within many communities, however, 55+ BC Games were able to forge ahead in the adversity of the situation. One such participant, Carole Walton and her horse, Sylvie made the century club, with both their ages combining to 100 years!

Carole has been involved in the equestrian community from an early age, saying, “from my earliest memory, I have wanted to ride horses.” She recalled being five years old at a parade with her mother and spotting someone she knew on a horse.

After running over and being hoisted up on the saddle, that was it, the horse-fever we’re all familiar with struck. Since that first moment, Carole has been deeply entrenched in the equestrian community, being involved with the Quarter Horse Association, competed in Western style showing, was involved in the National Coaching Committee as a master course conductor and taught horse riding.

Many years ago, a yearling quarter horse mare that Carole had bought had borne a foal, “little Miss Crimson” Carole had said, smiling over the phone. Her barn name is Sylvie, and she is the other half of the dream-team who took part in this year’s 55+ Games. Sylvie is an opiniated 15.2hh bright sorrel mare who has been with Carole all her life. The two set off for Abbotsford, ready to compete in Western Dressage and Working Equitation, winning two bronze medals respectively. When asked about her experience at the games, Carole gushed about the whole affair, “it was a wonderful experience, I really enjoyed it. I had never done it before; it was brand new to me.” She noted that the facility was lovely and that, especially, the volunteers were very knowledgeable, and they knew exactly how to act safely around horses. Having events such as these are so important to promoting a happy and healthy society and breaking the stigma that active life ends as you get older. “I think it’s great to have games for 55+ people.” Carole mused. “We all got together; we

SPOTLIGHT

had a meeting. There was a fellow who was 91. Seniors today are very active.”

Not only are the games important for encouraging people to stay active, but they keep people involved in communities that allow for vibrant and fulfilling social lives. Horse riding, for many, is a way to be involved in a community where people can regularly socialize with others that have similar interests.

Carole noted the importance of horse riding in her feeling of a sense of community, how, through coaching programs, Horse Council BC sent her to places such as: Ontario, Nova Scotia, Saskatchewan etc. and that she knows people from all over. For BC 55+ Games to be running, as it does, it allows for people from all over BC to congregate and celebrate the passion that they hold for their sport. An event that truly celebrates life and community!

Photos: Top two - Carole and Sylvie competing in Working Equitation at the 2023 55+ BC Games at the Maple Ridge Equi Sport Centre. Bottom - Carole receiving her bronze medal in Working Equitation Novice A Overall (L-R: Judge Lee Cayer, Heather Wade, Flora Balducci, Carole Walton Photo credit: Kathy Paterson

www.hcbc.ca | 7

SPOTLIGHT

CLUB Feature:

Kamloops Therapeutic Riding Association A great benefit to the equestrian community is the existence of therapeutic riding associations and one such organization, Kamloops Therapeutic Riding Association, has been seeing great success in recent years. First formed in 1988, the association functions as a charitable non-profit that provides riding programs for people with disabilities. They are able to run year-round riding programs for individuals with both physical and mental disabilities. Horses can be essential therapeutic tools as their prey drive means that they are highly sensitive to people’s emotions, demeanor, and tone of voice. Their company website lists possible benefits from their program, such as: elevated self-esteem, better concentration, and improved communicative skills. The program is run by Executive Director, Ashley Sudds, a registered Equestrian Canada coach with extensive experience in therapeutic riding.

KTRA aims to utilize the significant benefits from interaction with horses to aid people with disabilities in many ways. As each individual has different therapeutic needs, the association has individualized programs for each of their riders. Horse riding programs, such as these, allow people to become active within their community, to work towards a set goal, and to build a sense of confidence. Since Ashley Sudds came on as executive director of the program, they have seen it grow from thirty to fifty riders under strategic planning that has allowed them to look at their financial needs as an organization.

A significant improvement to the program was the essential move to Koalrock Equestrian Centre. The program now runs four sessions annually for their riders as the recent move and facility improvements have allowed them to function yearround. Koalrock Equestrian Centre is an eighteen-acre equine facility located near Rivershore Estate. The facility is owned by Lisa and Robert Vandriel. A calm and positive environment is essential for the functioning of therapeutic riding associations and their previous facility was no longer a feasible option for a successful program to be run. Having been next to an airfield with planes flying overhead, a new dog park built nearby, and rising rental prices, it was recognized that a move would be essential. As of last year, KTRA run their program out of their new facility which includes the use of an indoor arena, allowing for proper shelter from the elements in the colder seasons.

Riders benefitted massively from this change as the presence of consistency allowed them to retain confidence and to have the opportunity to work continuously towards goals.

As well as a good facility to run their program out of, Ashley commented on the essential nature of volunteers. As KTRA 8 | Equine Lifestyles FALL/WINTER 2023

is a registered non-profit charity, they have access to some funding and grants but not nearly enough to fully cover wages.

Therefore, there are limited staff, with Ashley being the only full-time employee along with two part-time instructors and one administrator. Volunteers will often help with program lessons and aid in preparation of horses for lessons. Volunteer feedback has shown that the environment has been a positive one for them, that they feel part of a family unit and are often uplifted after their shifts at the yard. Volunteering is a fantastic way to give back to your community and it is a great way to be around horses in a manner that benefits a good cause.

An exciting development within the organization has been the improvement of three paddocks that struggled with drainage issues and wear-and-tear from the weather. The paddock’s current footing was removed, and a proper drainage system was implemented with a layer of crush on top. This was made possible with the help of Horse Council BC’s Rural and Regional Support Fund, from which KTRA received $500.

KTRA were encouraged to apply for HCBC funding as it was seen as a less strenuous way of applying for a much-needed grant. With difficult terrain to deal with, clay river-based soil, weather conditions made the paddocks a chore to clean.

Ashley stated that it was essential for them to address the state of the paddocks as they wanted to create a safe environment for their horses saying, “without horses, the volunteers, the community, no program!” Horse Council was an attractive prospect for funding opportunities as it is a province-wide organization and any member residing in British Columbia can apply for funding, if necessary. When asked if their potential needs were met with the help of the grant, Ashley said that the improvements had been immediate! “It rained this morning and one of those paddocks that we improved we normally can’t get in that paddock without equipment to clean it. It’s quite slippery and this morning we were able to do that no problem. Almost an immediate improvement.” A functional facility can make all the difference when it comes to running programs such as the one KTRA does.

Community is such an integral part of non-profit organizations, and we can see, through associations such as KTRA, how essential aid can be to a successful program. The immediate quality of life improvements from HCBC funding have been notable and have helped an essential and wonderful program function to the best of its abilities.

Look into your local therapeutic riding association today and see if there’s some way that you can give back to your community!

With the improvements made to the organization, it has helped them better support the riders that take part in their program.

So much so, that one of their athletes is currently working their way towards getting qualified for BC Summer Games 2024, a bi-annual sporting event held in British Columbia. Avery and her horse Chevy have been working hard on becoming qualified for the big event in the discipline of para-dressage. Starting the program with no knowledge of horses, Avery quickly improved her equestrian skills, qualifying for, and competing in the BC Summer Games 2022 in para-dressage. Ashley noted that she saw Avery evolve as a rider through the opportunities that KTRA presented. They take Avery to shows, provide her with a program horse to ride, and aid her in her ultimate goal of qualifying for BC Summer Games 2024. Having these opportunities has allowed Avery to be part of a community, as equine athletes are put into teams for the Summer Games. The team environment was supportive, cheering each other on and supporting their teammates behind the scenes. It is important for children to be a part of positive social experiences like this and, if we are able to support organizations such as KTRA, then we allow for kids to have access to better themselves mentally and physically in a safe environment.

www.hcbc.ca | 9

COACHING NEWS

Moving Forward with virtual Coaching Evaluations It can be difficult accessing and scheduling the time to complete EC coach and instructor certification. With this in mind, new pathways to certification have been initiated that will help all HCBC members to access the Equestrian Canada Coaching programs. In person evaluations are still offered and virtual evaluations are now another option.

own drawbacks. Candidates must produce a video that is of excellent quality with good audio. The standard that the coach candidate must meet is the same as in an in-person evaluation.

Video evaluation prerequisites are the same as In Person evaluations. The Lesson Plans and Emergency Action Plan are marked before the candidate submits video.

Virtual or Video evaluations have been part of the English and Western Coaching certification process for several years.

Beginning this year, we are able to offer virtual evaluations for EC Instructor candidates. The benefit of virtual evaluations includes: ease of accessibility, less expense, less travel, and not having to meet a cutoff date to apply. The candidate is comfortable at their home facility and can teach the lessons in a more natural manner. The video option is of benefit to any coach candidate that wants to do their evaluation on a schedule that works for them. A virtual evaluation is completely private.

Creating a teaching video gives the candidate the opportunity to watch themselves teach, see where they may be making some mistakes, then improve their lesson and record a new video. When the candidate is creating their videos, they can teach their lessons several times over before they complete a video that they feel will meet the standard. It is extremely important to watch the video before submitting it, to check the sound, see if the evaluator viewpoint is correct, and make sure that they are engaging the riders in meaningful way.

HCBC has joined Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan to create a Western Region Coach Candidate Cohort. The Cohort program is a completely virtual training and evaluation process. In a cohort, candidates work together in a virtual environment with experienced Coach Developers guiding them through training and mentoring to prepare for certification.

At the conclusion of the cohort, candidates will be assessed and given an action plan to continue training or complete certification by video. The cohort training runs over a 12 week period with participants completing homework assignments, submitting video, and receiving critique and mentoring with the end goal being certification. The Cohorts are for Western and English Disciplines and, at this time, are training Instructor and Competition Coach candidates. The Cohort entry dates are posted on the HCBC website. Cohort participants should be signed up to use CHAR and meet other criteria, such as highspeed internet, access to a facility and demo students, plus hold Registered Status with EC.

Recently, HCBC implemented the Candidate Handbook and Resource guide (CHAR). This is an online resource that allows a candidate to follow all of the steps towards certification, along with help sheets, templates and access to resources 24/7. The CHAR guide also offers the option of submitting video as the candidate moves through the guidebook. CHAR is free for all HCBC members to use.

While video is a great way to obtain certification, it has its 10 | Equine Lifestyles FALL/WINTER 2023

If you are interested in completing your certification pathway by submitting a video evaluation, please contact coaching@hcbc. ca

RECREATION

Hooves, Heels, Wheels and Woofs Pilot Project A common topic that comes across the recreation desk at HCBC is trail user conflicts. In the last Equine Lifestyles article, we delved into the topic of horse manure on trails and tips and tricks for horseback riders to do their part to clean up after their mounts. User conflicts go beyond manure, though, and can happen when there is a mishap between the interactions of different parties on the trail. After pondering the question of how we reduce trail conflicts, we came up with the idea to put on a horse habituation clinic with other multi-user groups. The idea was inspired by a workshop that took place in Jackson Hole Wyoming called Mendin’ Fences and was brought together with the idea to reduce trail conflicts between mountain bikers and horseback riders. The thought process behind the pilot project was to educate horseback riders and other user groups about safe interactions on the trails while doing it at a local level rather than a provincial level to have a meaningful impact within a community.

Once everyone was feeling comfortable in the arena, the lesson progressed to a nearby trail with other trail users placed along the trail to simulate a real trail encounter. Depending on the comfort level of the equestrians, some did this mounted while others continued in-hand. The horses had opportunity to go down the short trail three times and some chose to mount up after passing through in hand the first go around. This clinic showed that it is not only important to educate other trail users but necessary for horseback riders to do their homework before hitting the trail.

It was great timing, as well, that the local farmers market was taking place at the same time as the event and more people came over to catch a glimpse of the action. We were happy to partner with Powell River Trail Riders who promoted the event to their club and allowed us to use their facilities. One of the participants shared with us her perspective of the day, “I think we all came away with a better understanding of how a whole community is capable of safely, and enjoyably, sharing BC’s trails. My gelding, Scout, felt safe amidst all the stimulation and I understand other equine participants felt the same way.” With this pilot project being a success, our question now is what’s next?

We feel like these clinics would be beneficial province-wide but, we are still in the process of finding out what that would look like. Stay tune to our e-news and social media pages to see how things progress. If you’re interested in having a clinic take place in your community, please do not hesitate to reach out to recreation@hcbc.ca.

The pilot project took place June 17th in Powell River and included an educational talk followed by four horse habituation clinics. The educational talk focused on horse behaviour from an equitation science perspective and shared trail etiquette tips for all user groups. Our trainers, Maxine Betts and Milan Jackson, put many hours into a thoughtful presentation that included demonstrations with a real horse. The clinic provided a group lesson for equestrians to habituate their horses to stimuli that they would find out on the trail. The lesson started in the arena with the horses in hand and the horses were introduced to quads, dog walkers, mountain bikes, backpackers, and dirt bikes in setting.

www.hcbc.ca | 11

INDUSTRY & AGRICULTURE

A Healthy Horse - Biosecurity reminders As horse owners, we carefully consider and review our horse’s diet and nutritional requirements, farrier care, housing, and turnout and exercise needs. But another equally, if not more important and often neglected aspect of good health management, is ‘Bio Security’. Which means what exactly?

You are the first defence in protecting your horse from illness.

Consistent safe practices when travelling, and at home, will help protect your horses from infectious disease. These tips below will help you in planning your bio-security routine for your horses.

BIOSECURITY TIPS • Visitors who travel from farm to farm and work with livestock pose the biggest threat of passing along disease carrying organisms to our horses Showing Your Horse Ship your horse only in a trailer that has been cleaned and disinfected. If you can “smell horse” in the empty trailer, it has not been cleaned and disinfected properly.

Don’t let your horse touch other horses, especially nose to nose and don’t share equipment (water and feed buckets, brushes etc.)

Wash your hands, especially after helping other people with their horses.

Don’t let strangers pet your horse, especially those with horses at home or people who have been out of the country in the past 2 weeks.

Before leaving the show grounds, clean and disinfect tack, boots, equipment and grooming supplies.

Brush off dirt or manure then disinfect (spray or wipes are easy to take with you).

Bringing Horses Home from a Show Horses that show can bring home germs and so can you.

When you get home, shower, blow your nose and put on clean clothes and shoes before going near other horses.

If possible, isolate the returning horses for at least 2 weeks making sure there is no nose to nose contact. Do not share feed or water buckets.

Wash your hands after you work with the horses who have been to the show.

12 | Equine Lifestyles FALL/WINTER 2023

Bringing in New Horses Keep every new horse isolated for 30 days. Don’t use the same pitchforks, grooming tools, feed or water buckets for the new horse. Label separate tools with red tape, or use red brushes, etc. only for the isolation area.

Work with the isolated horse last each day.

Alternately, wear boots and coveralls when working with the isolated horse and remove them before working or going near other horses. You can keep these in a plastic covered tub near the horse.

When you visit Other Farms, Show Grounds or Auction Marts Have a pair of shoes or boots that you save for visiting and don’t wear around your own horse.

Wear plastic shoe covers, plastic bags work well.

If you are going to be working with horses on another farm, wear coveralls or plan to change clothes before returning to your horse.

When Visitors Come to You It is best to have only one way into your farm. Mark this as the main entrance.

Keep parking areas away from the horses so diseasecarrying organisms are not tracked from tires. If the farrier or veterinarian needs to park closer, be sure their tires and shoes have been disinfected.

Keep a visitor’s log. If a disease outbreak occurs, your log might help trace the problem.

Provide clean outerwear (coveralls) and boots. Plastic disposable booties are suitable for shorter visits but can be slippery and subject to tears.

How to Disinfect Surfaces must be clean for disinfectant to work.

Brush off loose dirt and manure. If possible, wash the item with detergent first (laundry or dish soap works well) and then use a disinfectant.

Tack can be wiped with a disinfectant wipe or a disinfectant dampened cloth. Shoes can be brushed or scrubbed off and then sprayed with disinfectant.

Have you tried logging the time you spend educating yourself about horses and the time you spend in the saddle?

Record your horse activity minutes and be entered into draws to win prizes!

Examples of Disinfectants Household Bleach: Mix 3/4 cup of bleach per gallon of water.

If you don’t have a measuring cup handy, you can mix 1 part bleach to 10 parts water. This formula works for shoes, grooming equipment, buckets, shovels, and pitchforks. When you use bleach, make sure all dirt and manure have been cleaned off first.

Spraying Disinfectant: Be sure the label says that it kills bacteria and viruses. Sprays can work well on shoes, grooming equipment, and tack. Try to remove all manure before spraying.

Hand Sanitizers: They come in gels or hand wipes. These are good for use at a show or after visiting other horses. Be sure to work the cleaner all through your fingers and under the nails.

Other Commercial Disinfectants: Always mix and use according to the label. Use products that are effective even when there is a little manure or dirt left on the surface. These are good choices for disinfecting trailers and car tires, and they also work well in foot baths.

Lastly if you have any doubt about your horse’ health, keep your horse at home to avoid the risk of exposing other horses to infection. Your horse will need and appreciate the rest if feeling ‘off!’ Call your veterinarian if your horse is showing any signs of illness.

Download the App today!

Please see our Bio Security section on our website for further information on protecting your farm and horses. The downloadable Bio Security brochure is online at www.hcbc.ca.

If you would like hard copies please contact the office.

Apple App Store

Google Play

www.hcbc.ca | 13

COMPETITION

55+ GAMES 2023

“For life, sport and friends” Four great days of 55+ Games Equestrian Competition were held August 23-26th at the Maple Ridge Equi Sport Centre.

Disciplines included were: Dressage, Western Dressage, Working Equitation, Working Hunter, and Driving Trials.

At the closing of registration, Equestrian saw 78 participants set to compete. Due to concerns surrounding air quality and the BC wild fire situation around the province, participation numbers did drop with some last-minute scratches but, the Equestrian events moved forward holding exceptional competition in all events.

A great time was had by all and everyone deserves huge congratulations. For some it was their very first horse show, or their horse’s very first horse show, it was amazing to see everyone’s hard work, love of their horses and of Equestrian sport.

A huge thank you to our Judges, Sport Chair, Debbie Rogal, Discipline Chairs and Volunteers. The success of the 2023 55+ Games Equestrian Competition would not have been possible without all of you.

Make sure to “Save the Date”. Next year’s 55+ Games will be held in in Salmon Arm September 10 – 14.

Driving Trials: Judge: Michael Wakefield, Oregon Sport Chair: Josh Hoyles Two Day Overall Training Level Results: Gold: Deborah Mckay / Thousand Oaks Lancelot Cameo / Zone 3 Silver: Catherine Royal / Lombard’s Zamantha / Zone 1 Bronze: Mary Watts / Cajun / Zone 1 Two Day Overall Prelim Results: Gold: Pip Brecken / Bringer / Zone 1 Silver: Rhonda Schreiber / Jasper / Zone 1 Bronze: Vicki Schulz / Sunny Vale’s PS I Luv U Bobby / Zone 3

Dressage & Western Dressage: Judges: Burgi Rommel & John MacPherson, Ontario Sport Chair: Kelly Coughlin Overall Western Dressage Novice Walk/Jog Results: Gold: Kim Bryan / High Power Cruise / Zone 3 Silver: Dianne Stoesz / Doc Sandee Freckles / Zone 3 Bronze: Kim Yawney / Silver Bullet Bandit / Zone 3 Overall Western Dressage Training Level Results: Gold: Heather Wade / Gypsy King / Zone 2 Silver: David Ciriani / Scoot / Zone 8 Bronze: Irene Kirkman / Believe in Miracles / Zone 3 Overall Western Dressage Open Level 2 Results: Gold: Diane Prosser / Outlaw / Zone 4 Gold: Heather Brookes / Gatillo / Zone 4 Gold: Nancy Garner / ExtremeWhizdun / Zone 2 Overall Novice Training Results: Gold: Anne Fawcett / Totally Hollywood / Zone 3 Gold: Josephine De Freitas / Frodo / Zone 4 Silver: Leslie Park / SS Gun Shot High / Zone 1 Overall Novice First Level Results: Gold: Shelley Ogilvie / Bonny’s Vunder Colt / Zone 8 Silver: Bridget McGuire / Noble Roamer / Zone 3 Bronze: Sarah Sleigh / Dreammaster’s Chance / Zone 3 Overall Open First Level Results: Gold: Marietta Egan / Phaithes Promise / Zone 5 Overall Open Second Level Results: Gold: Valerie Mica / Fool’s Gold / Zone 3 Silver: Anita Davey / Caleb / Zone 2 Bronze: Heather Wade / Black Fin / Zone 2 Overall Third Level and Up Results: Gold: Melanie Houston / VA Manoletes Ysabella / Zone 1

COMPETITION Congratulations to all our participants! And once again a huge thank you to all of our volunteers, judges and sport chairs! Stay tuned for the next 55+ Games information.

Working Equitation: Judge: Lee Cayer, Saskatchewan Discipline Chair: Sandy Lang Novice A Overall Results: Gold: Flora Balducci / Steppin / Zone 3 Silver: Heather Wade / Black Finn / Zone 2 Bronze: Carol Walton / Sylvie / Zone 2 Novice B Overall Results: Gold: Jane Stone / Bob Cajun / Zone 1 Intermediate A and Up Overall Results: Gold: Melanie Huston / Manolelete Ysabella / Zone 1 Silver: Vanessa Whittell / Nemo / Zone 3

Working Hunter: Judge: Danalyn Rooks, Maple Ridge Discipline Chair: Phyllis Attril Course Designer: Kirsten Rodel, Maple Ridge Hunter Hack Overall Results: Gold: Jane Mastin / Finch / Zone 8 Silver: Anita Davey / Caleb / Zone 2 Bronze: Sandra Hill / Sweet Delight / Zone 3 Working Hunter Over Fences Overall: Gold: Jane Mastin / Finch / Zone 8 Silver: Anita Davey / Caleb / Zone 2 Broze: Sandra Hill / Sweet Delight / Zone 3 Hunter Derby Overall: Gold: Anita Davey / Caleb / Zone 2 Silver: Sandra Hill / Sweet Delight / Zone 3 Bronze: Jane Mastin / Finch / Zone 8

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T E G O T E M I T S ' IT Y D A E R E M A #G

The 2024 BC Summer Games will be held at the Maple Ridge Equi Sport Centre July 18-21 2024.

If you are an Equestrian athlete competing in Dressage, Jumping, Vaulting or Eventing age 12 to 18 or if you are a Para Equestrian athlete 13 to 30 years of age, make it your goal and part of your yearly training plan to set your sights at competing at the BC Summer Games!

NEW Technical Package, Athlete Declaration Forms & Competition Result Submission Forms are available now! www.hcbc.ca