BC Equine Lifestyle Magazine Spring/Summer 2023

STAFF

CRAIG CHERRETT 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

SARAH ALLISON Recreation Coordinator recreation@hcbc.ca ext.1009

LYNDA ECKSTEIN Membership Coordinator membership@hcbc.ca ext. 1002

SANDY UNDERWOOD Sport & Community Development development@hcbc.ca ext. 1010

Competition Manager Competition@hcbc.ca ext. 1005

JOCELYN ADAMS Marketing & Communications Coordinator communication@hcbc.ca ext.1003

LYNN WALLDEN Finance & Grants finance@hcbc.ca ext. 1007

KAREN GODDARD Reception/General Inquiries info@hcbc.ca ext. 1000

FOR A MEDIA KIT AND/OR RATE CARD PLEASE CONTACT COMMUNICATION@HCBC.CA. All material is copyright 2021. 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

Fall/Winter 2023 | October 2023

Spring/Summer 2024 | April 2024

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

President’s Message

Did you know that Horse Council BC is one of nine founding members of the BC Agriculture Council? One of Horse Council BC’s board members also sits on the Board of the BC Agriculture Council. How is this important?

Since its inception in 1997, BCAC advocates for BC farm and ranch families and owners at all levels of government where they champion issues affecting farmers, and advance the interests of BC agriculture.

Members cover a large variety of agricultural interests from dairy through fruit growers, bee farmers and organic farming, and are part of a diverse group who wish to protect a sustainable industry. The members of this organization understand better than most the need for eco-friendly, sustainable land use. Once a year, in the fall, the BC Agricultural Council has its “Ag Day at the Legislature” – a day where delegates meet with Ministers, Deputy Ministers and Senior Bureaucrats to discuss pressing issues for the Agricultural Sector, and upcoming proposed legislation. Horse Council BC is an active participant each year.

It was my privilege recently to attend a meeting, with the Agricultural Council BC Board of Directors, with the federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-food, Marie-Claude Bibeau. To meet with the senior cabinet minister and some of her staff for an hour amongst that small group, afforded us an opportunity that we as Horse Council alone would not have been able to bring about. Most important as federal legislation can and does affect the industry. There is a constant need for more land for housing and industry and having a strong and well informed minister representing agriculture is critical. This was not the first meeting with Minister Bibeau, who actively listened to concerns and asked probing questions.

On a provincial level, Horse Council BC interacts frequently with the BC Government, and has built positive relationships with a number of provincial ministers. With our Emergency Response fund, and active involvement whenever an emergency arises, be it floods or fires, or more specific equine health emergencies, I would like to thank HCBC’s staff for their ongoing work to help ensure that we are as prepared as possible for whatever comes our way.

At a recent Board meeting, the invited guest speakers were from a not for profit, Animal Health Emergency Management Project (AHEM). Their original mandate was to prepare the BC Equine Sector for disease-related sector wide emergencies, but they have expanded their mandate to include natural disasters. The short version of their message is: prepare, prepare, prepare. Discuss potential situations, and what you would do

on your farm (whatever size) and the barn where you board, if applicable, under what circumstances. A few examples: where could you secure water during a water shortage, to where and how would and could you move your horses if it became necessary.

The emergency operations in your regional district or municipality are an important link in the handling of any emergency. Each Regional district and municipality have their own emergency operations plan. Premises ID can play an important part. Premises ID was introduced by the Provincial Government last year, and became mandatory July 1, 2022. It applies to any property that can or does house animals, including boarding and training stables. Horses, mules and donkeys are included in the list of animals that need to be registered.

Premises ID is one of the three pillars of Canada’s national Livestock traceability system.

It is also used by emergency operations in regional districts and municipalities to know where livestock are, in an emergency. I have heard of cases where property owners were not allowed back onto their properties to feed and water their animals without their Premises ID numbers in fire situations. It is easy to sign up online and there is no cost. If you have not already done so, I would strongly suggest doing so.

On a more upbeat note, The March Madness Education events were a great success, with more members signing up than ever before. Stay tuned for more member-oriented events!

As we all get back to more active riding in our beautiful province, please practice kindness and respect for all – even our “friends” the mountain bikers! I have found that telling them that our horses don’t necessarily hear them, and might therefore mistake them for a mountain lion looking for a meal, tends to generate a laugh, and makes it much easier to ask them to speak, or sing, as they come up behind us!

Happy riding, driving, vaulting, archery and whatever endeavours you and your horses undertake this spring and summer. If you are competing, best of luck. Most of all, stay safe and enjoy.

Karen Swantje, HCBC President

MEMBERSHIP NEWS

Needing your HCBC card after you have purchased your membership?

So you’ve purchased your membership, now what?

Are you still logged into the HCBC website? If you are…then it’s simple.

1. Go to the top of your screen and click on the word ME.

2. Scroll down until you find Print/View membership card.

3. Click on the words.

4. Click on the empty box that appears and select the person’s name by clicking on it.

5. Click on Select this person button. Your card will now appear.

6. Go to File and click on print.

If there is more than one person in the household that needs a card, simply go back to step 4 and select and click on a different name.

If you have logged out of the online system, you can get your card in a couple of ways.

1. Log back into the HCBC website.

a. Pick returning users, type in your username and password and follow the instructions above.

equestrian canada learn to ride/Drive program

The Equestrian Canada Learn to Ride/Drive Programs are self paced and student/coach led. They include options for English, Western and Driving.

• Learn both riding/driving skills as well as horsemanship

• Rider level achievements can be used for High School Credits and becoming an EC Certified Coach

• Set up of the date, time and location of exams is done by the coach/student, so the program is very flexible

More information at hcbc.ca under Programs & Education

b. You can take a picture of your card with your phone or save the card as a PDF to your desktop. This way the card is there any time you may require it.

2. Phone or email the office and request a card. HCBC will be able to email you a PDF of the card for your perusal.

Please Note:

If you have chosen to have your card printed, then choosing to view your card from the instructions above, will cancel the printing of your card from the office.

Haven’t got your membership?

It’s not too late, you can still purchase a 2023 Horse Council BC membership.

For an Adult (19 years and older) the cost is $67.00 for the rest of the year. For a Youth Associate (18 years and under) the cost is $49.00 for the rest of the year. For a Family (Minimum of 3 people- 2 Adults (maximum) and the rest would need to be youth(s), all residing at the same address), the cost is $158.00

Horse Council BC membership is non-refundable.

How do insurance claims work for HCBC Members?

Acera Insurance – Kelowna BC, March 2023

At Acera Insurance, formerly CapriCMW, we have been proudly providing insurance products and risk management service to HCBC and its members for many years.

As we get ready for another active Summer season in 2023, I wanted to write about the claims process for the insurance policies you may have in place as a member of HCBC (that I hope you never have to deal with!)

Like the insurance policies we administer to protect you, your horse and other assets, there are a wide range of claim types that occur every day in our community. It won’t be a surprise that not all incidents that cause injury or loss are insured and it’s true that even with insurance in place, the loss itself may not be covered due to a unique circumstance. The fact is that all insurance policies have exclusions, and it is important that all policy holders take the time to understand the coverage provided so that if something bad happens, expectations for recovery can be met. As insurance brokers, we have a responsibility to do our best to help you understand the scope and limitations of the insurance products we sell. When a claim occurs, it is also our responsibility to advocate for you (our client) to ensure that the insurance company responds as it is legally required to do in the circumstances at hand.

The following are some general tips to help if/when a claim does occur.

1. Contact your insurance broker immediately. We offer 24/7 claims service and timely initial contact will be helpful to get initiate the claims process

2. Read the insurance documents you have been provided with, to see what coverages may be available.

3. Ask your broker as many questions as are needed to be clear on coverages.

4. Contact the police if there is vehicle involvement that has caused property damage or bodily injury.

5. If the claim involves your horse (injury or death), call a veterinarian immediately.

6. Take pictures, write down details of the loss, get witness names etc. – all while it is fresh in your mind.

7. Be prepared for lots of questions and the need to get paperwork together to establish proof of the loss.

8. Work with the claims adjuster to give them what they need to move the file forward.

9. Be patient. Insurance claims are subject to a process that takes time.

Finally, the best advice is to contact us if you have any questions about the insurance we administer for you - or the claims process, we are always here to assist.

Insurance for horses and their people – it’s what we do.

Member Feature: VANESSA WHITTELL

A passion for all things art, design and horses

Artist, designer and rider Vanessa Whittell creates large contemporary equestrian paintings.

After studying Fine Art & Visual Design at Kwantlen, Vanessa worked as an illustrator, graphic designer and art director for 25 years. Now a professional artist, her background in art, design and riding has led her to create equestrian art in a modern abstract style that explores “The art of riding”.

Born in the UK and having grown up in Langley, Vanessa has been immersed in horses since she was three. From pony club, to hunter/ jumper, to upper level eventing, Vanessa is now concentrating on dressage along with a new-found interest in working equitation.

a design standpoint, most photos don’t make the best large wall art. Photos usually have too much detail and leave little to the imagination. A custom horse painting can be designed to convey an intentional idea or feeling and be specifcally designed to suit your space.

Although her paintings are based on peoples’ photographic reference, she doesn’t simply copy from a photo - her process begins with simplifying the selected image and creating a focus on the significant parts, then through redrawing and painting the image is developed and edited based on client discussions.

Through intentional design and composition, atmospheric tonal range and planned color palettes, in her signature paint technique, a custom painting is brought to life.

Vanessa lives in Fort Langley, on a horse farm with her husband, two dogs and four horses.

Learn more about her work at vanessawhittell.com

“It seems I am best known for paintings that are amusingly termed “Equestrian portraits without the vanity”, a style where the horse is the subject and the rider is often cropped out of view.

Vanessa offers a line of large canvas prints focused primarily on dressage and hunter jumper but the majority of Vanessa’s work is from commissions. “I think because I grew up in a horse community - doing custom paintings was inevitable”.

As riders these days, most of us have lots of photos, but from

Clockwise top left

Vanessa with her horse Nemo. Photo credit Cara Grimshaw Painting “Spirit of Winter” Donated as this years artwork for HCBC’s holiday cards with all proceeds going to the Horse Council of BC’s Animal Disaster Relief Fund.

“Leslie Reid Living Legacy Dressage Award Painting”

“Summer Show Hunter” canvas print

CLUB Feature: Vintage Riders Equestrian club

with their horse. Due to the substantial variety of events that the Vintage Riders Equestrian Club does, members’ horses are advantaged because they are exposed to so much and complete many different events. It changes every day!

If you are looking for a club whose essence is to have fun, this is the club for you! The Vintage Riders Equestrian Club started in 2003 with four founding members, one of which is still a partaking member today. The club was initially formed by a group of pony club moms who wanted the same fun and educational opportunities as their kids but for adults. Vintage Riders Equestrian Club is a non-competitive club that strives to build an inclusive community that incorporates all disciplines of riding and all levels of riding and is full of fun and educational opportunities. The Vintage Riders Equestrian Club is all about the community they have built. Members ride together in a non-competitive way and the club’s core academic values are all about the horse’s welfare. Through their educational meetings and the strong sense of community, the club has created an environment where riders feel safe to ask questions to one another and grow their skills collectivity. The club has nine meetings a year, and seven of those meetings include an educational guest speaker. The others are days with fun games or field trips. The educational meetings have included vets talking about animal welfare, lawyers educating on how to encompass your horse in your will, rider physiotherapy, booting and bandaging, and correct bitting, to name a few. The Vintage Riders Equestrian Club also takes an educational road trip once a year to have a hands-on learning experience about different industries in the equestrian realm going to places such as feed mills, SPCA, and vet clinics.

Every month the club hosts a riding clinic as well. The clinics range on various topics and have included days of pole clinics, driving clinics, western equitation clinics, trailering clinics and hunt clinics. Since there are a wide variety of horses and riders in the Vintage Riders Equestrian Club, they try to include clinics that appeal to all types of people. Most importantly, the Vintage Riders Equestrian Club wants all its members to feel safe and confident in what they are partaking in. All members of the club support and encourage each other in whatever their journey is

Since 2003 the club has grown to 64 members as of this year. During their first year as a club, founding members put up posters all over Langley announcing their inaugural meeting. The club packed the Fort Langley meeting hall, so much so that there was only standing room left at the back. The club has continued to function with the same success today. Due to the club’s highly social nature, it saw a significant member jump during Covid-19, going from around 55 members to the 64 members they have today. This was thanks to the innovation that was put on by the Vintage Riders Equestrian Club to stay connected while being apart. During the earlier days of the club, they used to have a phone list, where each executive would be assigned to a specific number of people to phone and check in with all the members. They brought this back during Covid, dedicating time to check in with all its members. This level of dedication to the club proves the close community that the Vintage Riders Equestrian Club has created amongst its members. During Covid, the club continued to run meetings over Zoom and initiated a Meet the Member feature, shared by email and over the club’s private Facebook page. The Vintage Riders Equestrian Club also has a private Facebook page for just its members, where members are often asking questions to one another, posting educational tips, and seeing who wants to go for a trail ride that day! The club’s strong community pulls together in times of need. The club consists of the ‘sunshine Committee’ that provides cards and words of sympathy for any of its members who are having a hard time. The Vintage Riders Equestrian Club has a monthly article featured in Saddle Up that consists of the topics they are learning about and updates about events happening in the club.

The Vintage Riders Equestrian Club is full of fun days. Every winter holiday, they get together for a potluck and have a secret Santa gift-giving. The Vintage Riders Equestrian Club Secret Santa is full of gift stealing and fun. During other times of the year, they also have a regifting party, where members would bring something that is no longer of use to them and regift it instead of buying new gifts. They have a playday in the middle of summer, a day dedicated to many games! Some of these games are incredibly challenging, like putting a bridle together blindfolded, which results in lots of laughs from all members! One of the members, does a games night. The game night tests the member’s knowledge of all different types of genres about horses.

The club has tack cleaning parties, where members sit outside in someone’s backyard, clean tack, have drinks and food, and catch up with each other. Members exchange knowledge of tack cleaning products and help each other sparkle up their tack while enjoying the company of others. The Vintage Riders Equestrian hold a scavenger hunt around Aldergrove Park, where they ride around and have to solve all types of clues and rhymes. They have hosted days for members to learn polocross and drill team; one member even taught square dancing on horses. The riders had to complete square dancing on the ground before do-si-do on horseback. The club hosts theme rides such as Easter rides and Valentine’s day rides, where members show up dressed in themes to ride around together. Since the club exposes horses to so many different aspects, they also have had a bomb-proof day where a trainer set up all types of bomb-proofing exercises for the horses.

The Vintage Riders Equestrian Club takes a yearly ranch trip. The members interested pack up their horses, food, and drinks and head to a working ranch just past Merritt. The group stays for three or four days and spends their time pushing cows, riding the trails, socializing, sharing stories, and having fun. The Ranch has its own saloon, where the Vintage Riders Equestrians Club hosts a potluck with its members and spends the night dancing away.

The club has held, in the past, a local overnight camp in the lower mainland where members bring their horses and stay for two or three days that are filled with fun and educational

lessons. Every year the local camp has a theme that is followed throughout the days. Another aspect of the Vintage Riders Equestrians Club AGM is a slideshow of all the members and memories made throughout the year. Members can reflect on how far everyone has come and share a laugh over the fun times. Once every few years, they showcase international and out-of-province riding trips that members have taken. The club enjoys following Silvia Hall along on her journey as she hauls her horse from the west coast out to PEI every year. Silvia shares her insightful knowledge of where to stay while camping with horses across Canada and many helpful tips on long travels with horses. There are also door prizes at all meetings!

By joining the club, you can get anything you want out of it. Whether you are looking for educational clinics, a riding partner, friendship, or something to do, the Vintage Riders Equestrian Club has something for everyone. The Vintage Riders Equestrian Club is full of diversity, and they believe that is a reason why their club is so successful. Through the club, members have built friendships that extended far beyond horses. They enjoy company in other endeavours such as cycling trips, paddling trips, and international travel. So, if you are a horse lover in the Fraser Valley over the age of 21 who wants to have fun and educational opportunities with your horse while being a supportive community member, then be sure to check out the Vintage Riders Equestrian Club page on Facebook and send them a message with any questions or requesting a membership form.

COACHING HANDBOOK AND RESOURCES GUIDE – NEW FOR 2023

In March of 2023 Horse Council BC announced the launch of the Coaching Handbook and Resources Guide, an online digital platform to help coach and instructor candidates navigate their way towards EC certification. Known as “CHAR” this guide is self-paced and free for all HCBC members to use as they work through the training and evaluation process to obtain EC/NCCP Certification. English and Western disciplines are contained in the platform.

CHAR contains all of the resource documents candidates need, along with Rubrics, templates and help sheets. With this online digital guide these documents are available 24/7 and candidates will find them in one place and download what they need. There are links to the NCCP courses that candidates can take as important training.

CHAR simplifies the learning process and is always up to date with the latest coaching information. CHAR includes:

• Self-paced learning

• Access to virtual (video) evaluation

• Access to rubrics and resources

• Step-by-step walkthrough preparing for and completing coach certification

• Progress is tracked and recorded

• Accessible anytime online

CHAR contains three workbooks, one for Instructor, one for Competition Coach and one for Competition Coach Specialists. Candidates can access one or all of them.

To register for access to the Coach Handbook and Resources online digital resource platform you can go to the link at: https:// fitforms.net/equestriancoach/ and request a password and a log in. You will receive an email in 2-5 days with this information.

Once you receive your log in and password you can begin your journey. Open up a HCBC coach file by filling out the online form in the guide and your progress can begin being tracked. You can apply for an Evaluation either in person or by video through the online forms.

While using the Coaching Handbook and Resource online platform is free for all HCBC members, there are fees payable for the evaluations.

For more information, please contact coaching@hcbc.ca

WHAT DOES THAT DESIGNATION MEAN?

The Horse Council BC “Find a Coach” search engine recognizes coaches and instructors who are EC/NCCP certified and current with their ongoing requirements and Professional development. You will see EC Certified Coaches and Instructors who have completed the Licensed Coach requirements as well as those who have not.

EC Registered Coaches

Registered Coach is a designation given to coach candidates in training who have completed screening and safe sport requirements and training but have not been evaluated to the National Standard.

They have completed First Aid, CR Searches, Safe Sport Training, screening, references and hold insurance. Registered status is a requirement to apply for Certification Registered Coaches do not hold EC certification.

Certified Coaches and Instructors

Have undergone screening, training and have been evaluated to a national standard. They have completed EC Safe Sport training and the Make Ethical Decisions training. They have met ongoing requirements such as mandatory Professional Development, renewal of Standard First Aid, Criminal Record searches and memberships in HCBC and EC. Many have completed multiple NCCP training courses.

EC/NCCP Certified and Licensed Coaches and Instructors

Have undergone all of the Certification training and evaluation plus screening, and proof of Coaching Insurance. They complete ongoing PD, First Aid, CR Searches and meet National standards

EC Licensed Coaches who are not NCCP/EC certified

These are coaches that have applied for exemptions to certification and are given status based on their experience and resumes. Many have significant experience and are producing excellent riders. These coaches have not been evaluated to a National Standard and have not gone through the process of preparation to be evaluated. Licensed uncertified coaches are not able to deliver the EC programing such as Rookie Rider or testing the Rider levels. Licensed coaches are expected to obtain NCCP/EC certification by 2025.

The National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) provides standardized, inclusive, and sport safety education to coaches and coach developers across 65 sports. Since 1974, more than 1.8 million coaches have engaged in NCCP training to develop their own coaching skills and to improve the performance of their participants at all levels of sport

How to Read Your Forage Analysis Lab Report

By Shelagh Niblock PAS Foundations Nutritional Consulting

Buying forage for your horse can be a challenge whether you buy it a few bales at a time or buy a year’s supply as soon as it becomes available in the summer. Supply, price and quality have always been important parameters to consider when buying hay for horses but now more than ever before, horse owners are becoming aware of the importance of the nutritional components of the hay they feed. Many hay dealers will provide you with a lab analysis for the hay they have for sale but if not or if you grow your own hay, you will need to sample it yourself for laboratory analysis.

How Do I Sample My Hay?

The first challenge in getting forage (hay or haylage) analyzed for nutrient content is obtaining a representative sample. Ideally sampling hay involves the use of a hay drill suitable for “coring” sufficient bales to get a representative sample. Generally sampling at least 12 bales off the stack is recommended to get an accurate sample. Make sure you choose bales are representative of the average hay in the stack. While coring bales with a proper hay drill is always recommended to get a representative sample from your stack it is possible to take grab samples (handfuls) of a number of bales (at least 10-12 different bales) if you don’t have a drill. Whether you have cored bales or taken grab samples, the sample of your forage needs to be well mixed in a large pail and then “subsampled”. The forage pieces must be small enough for analysis which may mean snipping them into pieces with scissors. The subsample should be of a sufficient amount to fill a large zip lock bag.

When you have your hay sample ready it should be packed in water proof packaging and either personally delivered or sent via postal service, bus or courier to the lab of your choice. Make sure you have included your name, and phone number or email address so you can be advised when your hay analysis is completed. Analysis options can include wet chemistry or NIRS (Near Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy) and either would be suitable for the analysis of horse hay for the basic nutrients such as Moisture, Dry Matter, Crude Protein, NSC and sugars. Make sure you choose a lab that specializes in forage testing! Good choices include EquiAnalytical, DairyOne or Cumberland Valley or any of their satellite labs are suitable. All have websites on line to help you.

Analyzing hay for trace minerals should always done using wet chemistry methods. While NIRS can be highly accurate for determining most nutrients in a hay sample, it isn’t recognized as being sufficiently accurate for trace mineral analysis.

If your horses have special nutritional needs it is worthwhile investing in a proper hay drill so you can be assured of accurate sampling for lab analysis. One website to consider when buying a hay drill is:

https://starqualitysamplers.com/

A good hay drill which can be run off an electric drill will cost at least $200, but the use of one does make accurate sampling of hay or haylage much easier.

How do I Read the Lab Report?

As Fed versus Dry Matter Basis

Your first look at your hay analysis report may be intimidating. You will see a large collection of numbers, usually arrayed in two columns labeled as “As Fed” and “Dry Matter Basis”. For the purposes of evaluating the hay for your horse you will most often consult the “Dry Matter Basis” column. Both sets of numbers represent the actual amount of the specific nutrient in the hay but the As Fed column is reported with the values expressed as a percentage of the feed including the weight of the moisture in it. The Dry Matter Basis column is reporting the nutrients expressed as a percentage of the feed without the moisture included. Every feedstuff has moisture…some have more than others. In order to accurately compare forage options for your horse’s diet it is important to compare them on a “dry matter basis” so that the nutrients they contribute are not being “diluted” in percentage by the moisture present in the feed.

What is the difference between Hay and Haylage?

Hay is forage that has been dried to approximately 10% moisture (90% dry matter). The quality is preserved because the very low moisture content prohibits the growth of spoilage microbes. Haylage is forage that is preserved at a higher moisture (15 to 35%) but it is wrapped in plastic to exclude all oxygen. The combined low moisture and the lack of oxygen limits spoilage by bacteria or mould. Plastic wrapped bales that contain forage preserved at moisture levels higher than approximately 35%40% should be considered silage. Forage stored as silage is preserved because of the exclusion of oxygen. That and the low pH environment caused by the fermentation of sugars in the forage to organic acids by the natural microbes that live on the forage prohibits microbial growth. Silages can be risky for horses due to possibility of the soil born anaerobic organism Botulism and so should NOT be fed to horses. If sourcing haylage for horses ensure the moisture content is low enough to ensure that it is haylage and not silage. Silage for ruminants is fine. Grass or alfalfa hay should ideally be 88% dry matter or over, indicating the presence of 12% moisture or less. More than 12% moisture in a hay sample could indicate a higher risk for mould or heating in the bales.

Crude Protein

The crude protein measurement is a determination of the total protein content of a feed. It is determined by analyzing the nitrogen content of the feed and multiplying the result by the factor 6.25. The crude protein value you see on your lab report is a useful value but it doesn’t give you any details about the digestibility of the protein in the gastrointestinal tract of your horse, or the protein quality in terms of its compliment of amino acids.

Generally grass or alfalfa hays/haylages that are harvested at a pre-boot to boot or pre-bloom to bloom stage contain a high quality protein of good digestibility for horses. The requirement for protein in the hay by a horse will vary according to what other feeds are being offered, the work level of the horses and the metabolic state, for example, growing, mature, breeding stallion, lactating mare etc. The protein requirements of horses are well documented in the National Research Council Nutrient Guidelines for Horses, available for download on-line at:

https://vetbooks.ir/nutrient-requirements-of-horses-6th-revisededition/

The hay you should buy for your horse should be high enough in CP% to ensure that maintenance protein requirements for your horse are being met. Ideally this means finding hay with crude protein in the range of 9%-12% on a dry matter basis (DM).

ADF and NDF and Lignin

ADF and NDF stand for Acid Detergent Fibre and Neutral Detergent Fibre respectively. These results on your lab analysis refer to the cell wall portions of the forage that are made up of hemicellulose, cellulose and lignin. The cell wall fraction of the plant is what give the forage it fibrous characteristics. These values are important because they give an indication to the ability of the horse to digest your hay to its component nutrients. As forage matures the ADF, NDF and Lignin values tend to increase. As ADF, NDF and Lignin increase, digestibility of hay usually decreases. Higher ADF, NDF and lignin values are indicative of a lower energy forage. A good hay for most horses will have an ADF/NDF value that will provide enough fibre for plenty of chewing, an activity that is very important for the mental well-being of your horse. Higher fibre forages require more chewing and this can slow down intake. Slow intake can be very helpful when attempting to keep a sedentary horse content without gaining excessive weight, but can limit the intake of hay for the young horse, the performance horse, or the geriatric horse with poor teeth.

ESC, WSC, Starch and NSC

ESC, WSC, Starch and NSC are all used to describe the cell content portions of the hay. These components of the forage contribute energy to your horse. The terms ESC and WSC stand for ethanol soluble carbohydrate and water soluble carbohydrate respectively. ESC is a measure of the very simple sugars like glucose and fructose - WSC is a measure of the ESC plus the more complex storage sugar “fructan” present in the hay sample. Forage testing labs are not yet testing specifically for fructan, but it is possible to get an idea of the content of it in your grass hay by subtracting the ESC value from the WSC value. The difference is the approximate percentage of the fructan in your hay sample.

ESC% + Fructans = WSC%

Fructan (fructopolysaccharides) is the storage form of carbohydrate used by the plant. It is chemically almost like fibre and therefore researchers have hypothesized that it is not digested in the foregut of the horse, but is instead fermented to energy precursors in the hind gut. As a hind gut fermented carbohydrate, fructan is not likely to have the same effect on the metabolism of

the metabolic horse as for example molasses or grain, but still does pack a lot of energy into the forage. High WSC fractions should be avoided for overweight or metabolic horses

Starch is a complex form of sugar called a “polysaccharide” that the plant may use to store carbohydrate. Most cool season grasses do not store plant carbohydrates as starch and so it isn’t usually very significant component of hay. Starch yields significant energy through digestion in your horse.

The sum of WSC (equal to roughly the ESC and fructan content of the hay) and the starch is equal to the NSC or Non-Structural Carbohydrate. NSC is the number commonly used by equine nutritionists and horse owners as a parameter for “safe” hay for metabolically challenged horses.

WSC + Starch = NSC

The rule of thumb for feeding a horse with health issues such as Insulin Resistance (IR), Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID), or Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) is sourcing hay with an NSC value of 10 - 12% or less on a dry matter basis. This is can be difficult to find but diluting a hay with an NSC that is higher than ideal with a forage or forage replacement that is lower in NSC works well.

Nitrate

Nitrate is a nitrogen containing compound that can be toxic to horses if ingested in large enough amounts. Hay can become high in nitrate if it is irrigated by high nitrate water, excessive applications of nitrogen containing fertilizers or if the hay field is infested with weeds that are high in nitrate. High nitrate can cause gastro- intestinal irritation, colic and/or diarrhea in your horse but the biggest risk from nitrate is that of nitrite toxicity. Nitrate is converted to the more toxic nitrite in the hind gut of the horse by the fibre fermenting bacteria. Once converted, the nitrite travels through the gut wall into the blood stream where is interferes with the ability of the horse’s red blood cells to carry oxygen. Clinical signs of nitrite toxicity are laboured breathing or panting, ataxia, convulsions, grey or bluish mucosa, abortions in pregnant animals and death. Ensure that nitrate levels on your hay test are low or negligible.

DE – Digestible Energy

Energy is frequently described as being a nutrient but in actual fact is a measure of the “fuel” provided for the horse by other nutrients. DE or digestible energy is a calculated value that is an attempt to quantify the amount of “fuel” provided by a feedstuff. On your lab report, DE is a computer derived calculation that has taken into consideration all the nutrients contained in the hay.

Digestible energy is quantified in terms of calories, or in horse nutrition, megacalories (MCAL), a unit of measurement equal to 1 million calories. Sometimes DE is expressed at kcals which is equal to 1000 calories. Calories are the units of energy that represent a standardized amount of heat released when organic compounds undergo combustion for energy in the animal’s bodies.

RECREATION INDUSTRY & AGRICULTURE

My Lab Report has values for NEL and TDN on it – What do they mean?

When you submit your forage sample for lab analysis make sure you specify whether you want a lab report specific for equines or ruminants. The analysis of the forage is the same but the report generated will have different calculated results on it depending on the species requested. If you ask for an equine lab report, energy will be expressed as DE. If your lab report has the calculated values NFC, NEL, NEG, TDN, or NDFDom 30hr, it means you are looking at a lab report generated for ruminants. The results for DM, Moisture, CP, ADF, NDF, WSC, ESC and any mineral analysis will be identical on a report generated for horses or ruminants. If you have ruminants and are curious about the meaning of all those calculations any ruminant nutritionist can help you.

What is a Good Hay Test?

You now have your hay test in your hand but do you know what those numbers need to be for your horse? What constitutes a good hay test? That will depend on your horse and his age, amount of work, weather condition and whether he has any preexisting metabolic conditions. We all know that insulin resistant horses have a low tolerance for high sugar hays but if your insulin resistant horse is a mature pasture ornament he may not require the higher protein level commonly found in low sugar hays. It is important to use some common sense in selecting hays and balance your horse’s diet for the hay in your barn by making it a part of a more varied diet. Consider including other safe fibre sources if your hay doesn’t fit your horse’s unique set of requirements exactly. If in doubt, or if planning a diet for a performance horse, a metabolically challenged horse or a growing horse, consider consulting with a qualified equine nutritionist about how to plan a ration around your hay for your horse.

Guidelines

The following is a table with some guidelines to follow when interpreting your grass hay analysis. Remember these are guidelines only and a lab report with a nutrient that falls outside these guidelines is not necessarily a cause for major concern. One of the most important criteria in buying hay, regardless of the lab analysis is the quality. Is it clean, free from weeds and extraneous material like sticks etc. The best hay analysis in the world becomes of secondary importance if the hay is mouldy or hot to the touch when you open a bale. Remember that regardless of your hay test your horse will be healthier if you follow some basic feeding principles including small meals fed often and ample fresh water.

Grass Hay

Alfalfa or Grass/Alfalfa Hay

Grass Haylage

About the author:

Shelagh Niblock P.A.S. Equine Nutritionist

Shelagh Niblock PAS is an equine nutritionist with an extensive background in both ruminant and equine nutrition as well as forage science as it relates to both horses and ruminants. She spent more than 35 years in the feed industry in British Columbia. After retiring from her career as an in-house equine nutritionist for a feed company, Shelagh continued working with horse owners and now practices as an equine nutritional consultant offering advice on the successful feeding of horses. She has been a regular contributor to the Canadian Horse Journals Magazine, and is also a sessional instructor of Equine Production at The University of the Fraser Valley. Shelagh is also a horse owner herself and an enthusiastic pleasure rider who is especially interested in the disciplines of mountain trail, dressage and three day eventing. Shelagh is active in the equine community as a member of Circle F Horse Rescue, a registered non-profit located in Abbotsford, and her credentials include membership in the Equine Science Society, the American Society of Animal Science, The American Society of Dairy Science, The Dairy Cattle Welfare Council and the American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists.

Emergency Preparedness Resources

In British Columbia there is no government or disaster agency responsible for the evacuation, transportation and temporary stabling of horses during large-scale incidents. This makes horse owners completely responsible for creating and implementing an emergency plan.

Horse Council BC has developed a set of resources to help horse owners prepare for an emergency. Experience has shown that the lack of emergency structure creates human and animal safety issues and has a negative impact on the response of first responders and municipal emergency coordinators to the actual emergency. Check out our free online videos and resources to help you plan. The Emergency Preparedness Modules offer solid pragmatic directions to help you prepare BEFORE disaster strikes. These video presentations are for owners, barn managers, rescue facilities and volunteers and anyone else who may be part of the response process during a disaster.

Content provided by livestock handling specialist Jennifer Woods. Jennifer has an undergrad degree in Animal Science and a master’s degree in Veterinary Preventative Medicine.

She regularly assists and trains fire departments with livestock accident protocol and is certified in technical large animal rescue.

Jennifer has worked all over the world as a consultant to the livestock industry since 1998. Her areas of expertise include euthanasia, animal handling and behavior, animal welfare auditing and assessing, livestock emergency response, transportation, and facility design.

• Fire Prevention for your Barn/Barn Safety Checklist

• What Do I Do With My Horse in Fire, Flood, and/or Earthquake?

• AgSafe Emergency Response Tube Information

The Emergency Preparedness Modules offer solid pragmatic directions to help you prepare BEFORE disaster strikes. These video presentations are for owners, barn managers, rescue facilities and volunteers and anyone else who may be part of the response process during a disaster. They are available at https://hcbc.ca/equine-welfare/disaster-evacuation-resources/ or on the Horse Council BC YouTube Channel.

55+ GAMES 2023

The 2022 BC 55+ Games hosted by Greater Victoria were a huge success with approximately 70 participants for Equestrian divisions. It was four jam packed days of fun and friendly competition, with amazing volunteers to help make it all happen. Following up on the huge success of the 2022 games, Horse Council BC was thrilled when the announcement was made that equestrian would be included in the 2023 55+ Games.

HCBC is well under way with the planning and organizing for the 2023 55+ Games. The host community for the 2023 55+ Games will be Abbotsford BC but due to lack of a suitable venue in Abbotsford, the Equestrian Competition will take place at Maple Ridge Equi Sport Centre.

The Abbotsford 2023 55+ BC Games will be held August 22 -26, 2023 and will see 29 sports and activities offered for the 3500+ participants. The 55+ BC Games are an important part of the BC sport system and the largest annual multisport gathering event in the province. The Games offer the opportunity to celebrate sport and active living with other participants from across the province and experience the hospitality of the Host City.

Participant registration for the 2023 Abbotsford 55+ BC Games is open now. For more information about the 55+ BC Games, visit www.55plusbcgames.org.

If you are 55 years or over, the 55+ Games equestrian competition is a fun, inviting, low key, social event, so we hope you will plan to attend.

Disciplines to be included in the 2023 Games are:

Dressage

Western Dressage

Arena Driving Trials

Working Equitation and 2’3 Working Hunter.

Our Sport Chair for 2023 will be Debbie Rogal.

The Equestrian Competition will take place at Maple Ridge Equi Sport Centre.

Event Specs Working Equitation:

• HCBC/WECan Rules

• Intro Level: for riders or horses in their first year of showing

• No cross entry between levels

• Competitors may enter with more than one horse but must be entered in different levels

• Order of go will be determined by draw

Western Dressage Rules and Specs

• HCBC Rules

• Novice Division HCB Tests

• Open Division WDAA Tests

• Same horse/rider combination may not cross entry between divisions

• Competitors may enter more than one horse, but they must be entered in different divisions

• Ride times to be determined by draw

• Ride Times will only be changed in the case of error, overlapping times or to facilitate the schedule

• Callers are allowed

• One whip, no longer than 47.2 inches (120 cm) including lash, is permitted

Dressage Rules and Specs

• HCBC Rules

• 20 x 60-meter arena

• Equestrian Canada Tests

• Same horse/rider combination may not cross entry between divisions

• Competitors may enter more than one horse, but they must be entered in different divisions

• Ride times to be determined by draw

• Ride Times will only be changed in the case of error, overlapping times or to facilitate the schedule

• Callers are allowed

• Whips may be carried, but must not exceed 1.2 meters (including the lash). The maximum whip length for ponies is one (1) meter

Working Hunter

• HCBC Rules

• Not to have jumped over 2’9” in competition

• Hunter Hack, horses to be shown at the walk, trot and canter, and to jump a line of two fences no higher than 2’3”. Distance between the two fences will not be changed for ponies

• Competitors may not enter more than one horse in this division, but may enter in a separate or different discipline

Arena Driving Trials

• HCBC Rules

• No cross entry between levels

• Navigators may be under the age of 55 and should register as volunteers, unless wanting to participate in any of the Games events outside of the Equestrian Competition, then they should register as supporters

• Navigators are required for all entries except VSE and Small Ponies in the Marathon phase and for any multiple turnout competitors

• Same qualified Navigator may be used for multiple entries

• Competitors may enter with more than one / different entries as long as they are entered in separate divisions or levels

• Order of go to be determined by draw

Stay tuned for more news in the upcoming months at www. hcbc.ca

“For life, sport and friends”

Manure Matters...

How is Manure Affecting our Relationship with Other User Groups on the Trail?

As a horse person the smell of hay, shavings and manure can be a sense of pure joy and comfort! But what about from the perspective of someone who has never had this connection with our four-legged friends? We all know that the trails have gotten busier so it might be time to rethink how we handle our horses manure out on the trails.

At Horse Council BC the recreation desk receives calls for manure matters across the province in regards to horse manure on trails and road ways. Municipalities, concerned citizens and even police officers have reached out to us asking for information on how horse manure should be handled and if there are regulations surrounding it. Let’s dive in and talk about human health, ecosystem health and the habits that we can form for greater trail user experience for all.

The good news is that horse manure does not pose a significant risk to human health and as many of us know when composted it is a great fertilizer for our gardens. The research paper Diseases

of Humans and Horses (Zoonosis)

By Faye Brophy DVM, Carole Bridgeman RN, Adda Quinn (EnviroHorse), and Lyndall Erb PhD states that,

“The chance that the horse on the trail carries a zoonotic pathogen is too small to be meaningful and is a negligible health risk for contaminating food crops, water or people encountered on trails.”. Zoonosis is described as a disease transmitted from animals to humans and herbivores are less likely to transfer zoonotic disease then carnivores or omnivores. This is due to the fact that horses eat plants and therefore will not have any undigested meat pass through their digestive system that might have pathogenic bacteria.

Invasive species are a cause of concern when it comes to maintaining a healthy ecosystem but from the research available it shows that horses don’t pose a significant risk in spreading invasive species on trails. Horse manure can contain seeds of invasive plants; however, they are only going to cause a problem if the seed is able to germinate, compete with native plants and grow into a plant that produces more seed. A study by Stith Gower states “Horse hay and manure can contain seeds of non-native plant species; however, success of germinating and becoming established on active horse trails in forest ecosystems in the eastern USA is extremely low.”. Some places we take our horses might pose a higher risk for spreading invasive species and in that case buying weed free hay would be a good option. The Alberta Invasive Species Council has a Certified Weed Free Forage Program and a list of producers where you can buy weed free hay. Unfortunately, on the North American Invasive Species Management Association website BC is not listed as having a weed free forage program.

In an ideal world we would collect our horses’ manure on the trail and pack it out with us and dispose of it in the compost

pile on the farm. But is that practical? Absolutely not! For one I don’t think people’s hands are big enough to turn a grocery bag inside out and scoop it all up. Imagine going on a full day trail ride and carrying out all your horses’ manure… you would have to somehow strap on 15 plus pounds of manure to your or your horse! If anyone wants to experiment and rise to the challenge by all means but it is not practical! Since our horses’ poop aren’t conveniently the size of dogs poop the best solution of removing the poop is to dismount and kick it off the trail. Now mounting out on the trail can be a feat in itself but there are some ways to make it easier.

Mounting when out on the trail can be challenging but is an important skill to practice and can be a useful skill for more than for just kicking your horses manure off the trail. Some solutions for mounting can be using a slope and walking your horse to the lower side of the hill and then you can stand up hill to mount. Lengthening a stirrup from the side that we mount on can aid in giving us an easier reach from the ground. Sometimes you might need to get creative and look around for things like a fallen log that is sturdy enough to stand on. The ability to mount and dismount out on the trail is an important one and can help us if our horse loses their hoof boot, clearing windfall on the trail or kicking manure into the bush.

Being conscientious about our horses’ droppings takes some effort and in no means are we going to be perfect. Being aware of your safety when considering dismounting to clear the trail is paramount. A spooky horse or dangerous terrain is not worth risking your safety. An option that doesn’t require dismounting is half passing your horse to the side of the trail if you feel your horse start to defecate. When possible though it’s worth the effort for us to take part in cleaning up after our horses and will allow others to see equestrians as a considerate and conscientious group. Manure might not matter much to us but can matter a lot to others so it is best if we can keep others in mind when out on the trail.

MEMBER Feature: TERRE O’BRENNAN

Terre O’ Brennan was totally fascinated with horses from childhood, but due to her urban lifestyle didn’t get to start riding until her teens...when she got her driver’s license and was able to drive herself to the barn. Terre started out by renting horses at first, then she bought her own. Her primary interest was trail riding, and she admits she did much of it. Then, in the early 1980s, Terre discovered Endurance Riding, which is intense trail riding with a challenge and purpose and has been doing it since. Terre sits on the Board of several equestrian organizations, including HCBC, the Endurance Riders Association of BC, and Pacific Northwest Endurance Rides. As well as competing in endurance riding, she also hosts several endurance rides every year.

Terre currently has two horses. One being Koszaar who we will unfold more of his story in this article and Koszaar’s, nephew Royale Warsaw SE. Terre has also just recently lost Moon Myth, at 37 years of age. All of Terre horses since the 1980s with the exemption of Warsaw, who still might, have competed in Endurance, specifically the 160 km events.

Koszaar and Warsaw come from exceptional Endurance bloodlines in the USA. When Terre acquired Koszaar (he was actually given to her by an internet ‘friend’ whom she had never met) he was a 5 year old stallion (standing). Terre had him gelded on arrival in Canada and began starting him under saddle; He was ‘trained’ for a year and he began competing at 7 years of age. From the beginning Terre had lofty goals for Koszaar; even before he was broken to ride, Terre had her eyes set on the 2010 World Equestrian Games. He became a leading competition horse provincially and regionally, qualified for WEG and in fact Terre and Koszaar went as the Alternate for the Canadian Team. They didn’t draw in to ride at WEG but did complete the pre-ride over the same course the year previous. What an accomplishment!

Koszaar was always an exceptional athlete, many wins and Best Condition awards, year end awards from many organizations. He completed 13 one-day 160 km rides, several of the FEI, two of those at World qualifying speed. A few years ago Terre, began to think about retiring him; he was in his twenties and had done everything she ever wanted him to do. Terre thought she had no goals left...except to go over 5,000 competitive lifetime miles (8000 kms). No horse from British Columbia has ever done that; the mountainous rides are extremely challenging compared to many other parts of the Endurance world. There is a dozen or so horses from Canada who have done it, but most of them spent the winter in the southern US, competing all year round. Most horses who have gone over that mileage did so via slow, steady completions; there are very, very few horses who combined

both speed and longevity. There is a saying in the endurance sport that a horse can have a fast career, or a long one, but not both. Koszaar is the exception to that saying. Since Koszaar was already over about 4500 miles Terre began to aim for that goal. Unfortunately then came Covid, and fires, and cancelled competitions.... remarkably Terre and Koszaar crossed that final line in August of this year. He is 26 years old. NOW he can retire to ride recreationally!

In addition to being an exceptional athlete, Koszaar has an exceptional mind. He is steady as a rock and totally workoriented. Terre says, “you cannot tell him anything; he knows his job and considers me to be pretty much white noise.” If Terre tries to stop and encourage him to eat grass on the trail, he will snatch a mouthful and immediately move off again; he has no patience with wasting time. Terre explains that Koszaar is is a far, far more focused competitor than she will ever be!

Terre tell us about one of her memorable rides which was the first ever Highland Valley Endurance ride near Logan Lake. The event was 80 kms (50 miles). In Endurance, the horse undergoes a veterinary inspection prior to the ride, and then completes a number of phases of about 14-20 miles in length; after each phase they get a timed rest period that begins when their pulse returns to a pre-set criteria--during that time they are again inspected by a veterinarian to ensure that they are sound and metabolically able to go out on the next phase. During this time the horses are given food, water, the riders also clean tack during that ‘hold’, and then go out on the next phase.

This repeats until distance is done. Final veterinary inspection at the end; horses will be eliminated at the finish if they are not in acceptable condition, so the rider has to be very mindful of how they manage their partner. As with almost all Endurance rides, Terre says she camps with her horses. In this case, the ride was held at a spectacularly beautiful cattle ranch, with many facilities including a snack bar serving meals...Terre says that is a wonderful, and not typical, addition. Terre chose to take Koszaar to this ride because it was relatively ‘flat’ by British Columbia standards (only a mere 4000 ft of elevation change over 50 miles). She was trying to not ride my aging horse on the more mountainous rides; his young nephew can do those!

Terre explains that in order to get horses fit for riding these competitions you train them by riding...a lot. Not usually fast, but many, many miles to build fitness. Terre enlightens us on the pre-ride routine that includes walking, trotting in hand, stretching, and some trotting under saddle to warm up. These rides typically start at dawn, so there isn’t a lot of time to do this prior to the start. During the ride Terre says she tries to drink as much water as possible and she take electrolyte tablets. Terre jokes that now that she is in her 70s, it’s not as easy as it used to be! Terre tries to eat something and drink V8 juice during the holds, while catering to her horse’s every need.

When asked who inspires her the most, Terre says Koszaar. She works to try to deserve him. Terre gives thanks to her many friends who have helped her over the years, especially Elaine Bessuille who was Koszaar’s official “groom” at all his FEI events, and still helps Terre to this day. Koszaar and Terre share a special bond and their love and appreciation to one and other is ever so evident.

Looking for the perfect thing to keep the little horse person in your life busy & learning?

The Pony Tails Book of Coloring Fun & Horsey Facts is available NOW through the HCBC bookstore

Do you know a horse crazy kid?

Horse Council BC’s Pony Tails Kids Club is free and open to kids of all ages! Follow the adventures of Alice the Pony and her friends, Oliver, Panama and Howdy and learn all about horses and ponies.

For more info on Pony Tails Kids Club or to order your copy of The Pony Tails Book of Coloring Fun & Horsey Facts visit www.hcbc.ca today!