Saddle Up February 2020

FEBRUARY 2020

SADDLEUP.CA

FREE

Equestrian Property

Publications Mail Reg. No. 40045521 Printed in Canada

Presented by

Lana Polman-Tuin lanapolmantuin.ca

FEBRuary 2020

SADDLEUP.CA • 1

We respect dirt in all its forms. We’re honored to find it under our fingernails, and more honored to shake the hands of those who have it under theirs.

It’s why we dig in and do whatever it takes to make owning a KIOTI the best machine-owning experience the world has ever known.

© 2018 KIOTI Tractor a Division of Daedong-USA, Inc.

WE DIG DIRT

CONTACT YOUR LOCAL AUTHORIZED KIOTI DEALER

2 • FEBRuary 2020

SADDLEUP.CA

S panMaSter STRUCTURES LTD. Many Cost Effective Solutions for all your building needs!

Bright new building designs that make sense for today’s workshop and storage needs

Enclosed side walls for individual bays. Bright shops to work in makes life better.

Custom bays sizes to fit different types & sizes. This 32’ x 120’ has 20’ openings to suit customer needs.

Happy New Year to all!

Open sides for Easy Access with 2’ eve over openings.

Equipment Storage made to any length for all your needs. 300’ long, 25 bays of 12’ wide x 38’ deep makes everyone happy.

Large opening like this 40’ W x 18’ H.

Custom designs for bulk storage management.

Sand, Salt, Soils, Gravels, Composting.

Our Post Production hot dipped Galvanized truss can handle the most corrosive environments you can come up with.

No one offers more than SpanMaSter STRUCTURES LTD.

www.SpanMaster.ca

Exciting new line of buildings that really work for workshops & bulk storage.

All the best in 2020!

Tel. 866.935.4888 FEBRuary 2020

SADDLEUP.CA • 3

From the Editor…

Also available Digitally

HCBC 2010 Business of The Year 2014 A/S Chamber President’s Choice Award Have we got snow!!!

Publisher/Editor Nancy Roman Main Office TOLL FREE 1-866-546-9922 250-546-9922 nancyroman@saddleup.ca www.saddleup.ca Mailing Address Saddle Up magazine PO Box 371 Armstrong, BC, Canada V0E 1B0

Printed In Canada

H

appy New Year everyone! I hope you all had a great Christmas holiday! I was able to relax for the month (with no looming deadline) and enjoyed my time off doing JIGSAW puzzles!!! It was truly a marathon… back-to-back, non-stop. Must have done at least 30 puzzles (from 300 to 1000 pieces). Yep, I’m an addict!

It was a bit of slow-mo getting back into the groove for the February deadline – as the puzzles kept calling me. It was hard to resist.

So here we go… first issue of 2020 and heading into our 20th year of printing! A good mix of articles inside, some great DOG rescue stories with our unfortunate Australian friends, and a What’s Happening? calendar that is shaping up nicely.

Let’s hope the winter is fair to us and the temperatures warm up.

Be safe.

produced by OKANAGAN PRINTING a division of

EPublishing in Armstrong, BC 250-546-6477

ON THE COVER: Sotheby’s International Realty Canada, www.lanapolmantuin.ca CONTRIBUTORS: Glenn Stewart, Christa Miremadi, Birgit Stutz, Lisa Wieben, Russ Shandro,

Publications Mail Reg. No. 40045521 GST Reg. No. 865839567 ISSN No. 1701-6002 © All Rights Reserved

Lesley Armstrong, Carolyn Dobbs, Roberta Brebner, Bruce A. Roy, Maia Nunn.

OFFICIAL VOICE FOR: Back Country Horsemen of BC, Lower Mainland Quarter Horse Association

MEDIA PARTNER WITH HORSE COUNCIL BC

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FEATURES Deadline 5th of every Month Subscriptions $24.00 CDN plus tax per year or $42 US per year.

(12 issues) Reproduction of any materials without written permission from the editor is prohibited. Opinions and statements expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the editor.

SADDLEUP.CA SADDLEUP.CA

17

Top Dog!

20

Horse Council BC

22

Don’t Boil Your Horse

6

Lower Mainland QH Assoc.

28

Horsey Ladies Top $100,000

7

Back Country Horsemen of BC

30

Following the Dream (Alex Viner)

8

Cowboy Poetry

31

KIDS 32

Ground Training

10

Tennessee Walker at CC Dressage

12

What’s Happening? Let’s Go!

34

Spring Catastrophe

14

Business Services

35

Sleigh Ride Fundraiser

16

Alberta Clyde Reigns

17

Don’t Hip Check A Pony - They’ll Win! 18 44 •• FEBRuary FEBRuary 2020 2020

What’s This?

Clubs/Associations 33

Stallions/Breeders 37 On the Market (photo ads)

38

Rural Roots (real estate)

38

Shop & Swap

39

eflecting on the past year(s)… and cleaning out some old files, paperwork, etc. over the holidays, I came across Saddle Up’s 2005 Jingle Contest. I thought I would share some of them with you over the next few months.

FIRST PLACE Horses need owners that know a lot, About what is good and what is not, In training and care and transport too, And where to get feed and how to shoe.

Who's got the stud that won that Cup? Whatever you need, it's in Saddle Up! - Susan Arthur (adult), Barriere BC

We had entries from all over BC, Alberta, Yukon, and Texas (yes, Texas, but ineligible). Our first through third place winners are listed below.

SECOND PLACE Horses, they say are better than gold good for your heart and good for your soul.

You can be young or you can be old, the spell that they cast can always take hold.

So if you love horses no matter what then get the new copy of 'Saddle Up'.

- Jennifer Barkett (adult), Vernon BC

THIRD PLACE Horses, Tack and Shows I had to look them up.

Now it’s all so easy It’s all in my Saddle Up! - Alexia Hazeldine (age 12), Lumby BC

COYOTE CANYON RANCH – Live the Dream!

64.5 acres (as per BC Assessment), 80 Langford Road, Vernon BC MLS 10186934 MAIN ARENA BUILDING measures 182’ x 288’ or 53,000 sq. ft.

INDOOR RIDING ARENA measures 100’ x 280’ or 28,000 sq. ft. with 400 amps electrical (Fortis), natural gas heat (BC Hydro), 70 indoor heated stalls, commercial grade kitchen, restaurant with seating up to 75 people, his and hers bathroom and office/store space.

OUTDOOR ARENA measures 120’ x 200’ with outdoor grand stands, 28 event outdoor stalls, 34 single fenced paddocks, 7 double fenced paddocks, and a 50’ round pen.

ALSO: Hay Barn and Equipment Shed 40’ x 80’, feed lot and cattle holding facility, and RV parking with some 15 amp services.

WATER: Gravity fed from the creek with second and third water rights. *Two water licenses at $150 per year x 2 for house and the arena. Creek feed 1500 gallons per day for each license. Water is not metered. Lots of water homeowner has never had an issue. Pump system in place to assist water flow to the house. *There is a well on the property; it is unused and not sure of the specifications. *Duteau Creek Treatment facility is approximately ½ mile away.

Easement Road through lot A. HOME: Built in 1995, with 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 1 powder room, 5,064 sq. ft., main 2,510 sq. ft., upper floor 1,018 sq. ft., basement 1,473 sq. ft. Has 200 amps electrical, A/C, air-to-air heat pump, back-up propane, and propane fireplace in family room. Double-sided Masonry fireplace in great room. Tile roof, stucco finish, Sierra stone finish on the surround exterior covered porch. Kitchen cooktop is propane with electric wall oven. Includes stainless steel appliances in the kitchen, washer and dryer, all window coverings and hot tub. This home has two secured gates, codes required.

For more information or a viewing please contact

Lana Polman-Tuin 250-307-5446 lpolmantuin@sothebysrealty.ca

lanapolmantuin.ca sothebysrealty.ca

Sotheby’s International Realty Canada, Canadian Owned and Operated. E.&O.E.: This information is from sources which we deem reliable, but must be verified.

FEBRuary 2020

SADDLEUP.CA • 5

If you have been around the horse world you have heard the saying: “Give the horse time to soak.” It means giving a horse time to think about what just happened, the time to digest something they are learning.

I

t’s a very good practice and will really speed up the amount of things a horse can learn and shorten the time it takes to learn them.

“Soaking” is allowing the horse time to relax and think, it may be standing still or walking quietly along. It is a time when nothing is being asked of the horse.

When I say “Don’t boil them,” I think of times when too much is asked of a horse, when it is too much of a stretch for them to learn, grasp, or get to, in that session. Too much pressure is used trying to achieve an unreasonable amount. Keeping a reasonable expectation of what a horse can learn in a session is different for each horse, and the capabilities of that particular horse. Have big expectations but get there in small pieces, and let them soak and have space to think after each little improvement. Pushing for a big expectation without soaking along the way on the smaller individual improvements will just boil them up and actually slow down the goal you are wanting.

I truly believe horses like to learn and are better for it, given the opportunity to soak not boil. An example of a big expectation might be to have your horse load quietly into the trailer when they are scared of it or have had nothing but bad memories every time they see one. Use any example you want, flying lead change, canter pirouette, sliding stop.

I like to always remind myself it isn’t about the trailer. It is about having a horse that follows a feel on the rope. It’s about a horse that knows if they

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try they will be rewarded (soaking). It’s about teaching them to trust your judgment and requests. If they look towards the trailer, step towards the trailer, sniff the floor, all these little tries need to have a rub and a little time to soak.

The opposite would be to boil them and the pressure stays on until the horse is in the trailer. The ropes come out behind the butt, one person is pulling on the lead another on the butt rope and a third whooping and hollering behind the horse. In the last scenario it is all about the trailer with no thought to how many things need to be addressed or get working before thinking about loading. When a horse is pushed, pulled, and dragged into a trailer they don’t learn how to load or unload. They didn’t get to practice. One foot in then one foot out, then two feet step in and two feet step out and so on. That is the horse practicing. Many times people end up boiling their horses, too much pressure, unreasonable expectations and no time allowing the soak. We need time, just as horses do, to learn where each piece of the puzzle goes rather than trying to place all the pieces at once. I have found it to be true, especially for the over-achievers; slowing down and rewarding the smaller pieces more often gets us where we want to be faster.

Let them soak so they will grow, if we boil them then all too often they will be cooked, and then they are done.

Happy Horsemanship, Glenn Stewart What is your dream with your horse? Whatever your dream may be, if you have the horsemanship, you can live the dream. It’s just that simple. Join us at The Horse Ranch this summer and live the dream! Glenn offers year round educational horsemanship programs at his facility near Fort St. John BC and is available to travel and conduct clinics. Long-term study and professional programs are now available. For more information visit www.thehorseranch.com.

(See his listing in the Business Services section under TRAINERS)

2019 committee members: Marilyn Gaythorpe, Dana Martin, Nancy Roman, Elspeth Manning, Donna McNab, Kathy Mydske, Sheila Sperling, and kneeling Lauri Meyers, Lisa Warren.

A very crowded auction room with happy shoppers!

The little cork horse is in memory of previous committee member Lorna Bissell who hand-made 25 of these as handouts at our first auction.

T

he 22nd annual Horsey Ladies Charity Auction took place on Friday, November 15th at the Spallumcheen Golf Course north of Vernon BC with 132 women in attendance from all over the interior. It was a record year for sell-out time… tickets were gone in 5 days.

There were over 150 items donated for our silent and toonie auctions, from businesses all over the province, including Alberta. And they aren’t just horsey; we get wine, home décor items, gifts cards to restaurants, hotels, casinos, a lot of art work, clothing, items for children, items for your dog(s)… and of course things for your horse!

This year we raised just over $8,500 (now topping $100,000 in giving back), and the two top vote-getters to receive funds are Freedom’s Gate Equine Rescue ($5,800) in the Salmon Arm area, and EQuisdom Therapeutic Horsemanship Association ($2,800) in the Enderby area.

We’d like to thank the generosity of everyone involved to make this evening another great success. There is more information about us on our Horsey Ladies Okanagan Facebook page, including our history… we do have a story to tell!

Mark your calendars for this year; the 23rd annual will take place November 20, 2020.

THANK YOU TO OUR 2019 SPONSORS IN OUR 22nd YEAR – WE SO APPRECIATE YOU! All About Wine & Décor Animal Pro Products Anonymous Anonymous Armstrong Enderby Riding Club Armstrong Regional Co-op Armstrong Veterinary Clinic Askew's Foods Bannister Honda Blessed Distressed Boston Pizza Brown's Social House Buckerfield's (Salmon Arm) Butcher Boys Caravan Farm Theatre Cavallo Horse & Rider Champion Horse Blankets Chatters Salon Cob's Bakery Country West Supply Cowboy's Choice Creekside Animal Clinic Mike Damen (Burn Out Iron)

Deep Creek Veterinary Diamond H Tack Enderby Guardian Pharmacy Enderby Jewellers Epicure (Linda Donhauser) Equimage Decals Equus Physio Shannon Ford (Artist) Jessie Fraser Freedom's Gate Equine Rescue Harrison Hot Springs Henry's Hay Holiday Inn Express (Vernon) Horse Council BC Horses That Work (Trevor Mertes) Sherry Hudson Interior Hay Sales Interior Provincial Exhibition It's A Sign JenAlio's Italian Kactus Western Wear Sly Keyes

Lake City Casino Vernon Le Tack Truck Equestrian Boutique Scott Livingstone, Farrier Mandi Irmen Fine Art Marilee Moss Equestrian Maritime Travel Meadow Lake Guest Ranch Mills Veterinary Services NagBags Noble Outfitters Okanagan Horsemanship (Tom Lobsiger) Okanagan Life Private Boat Charters Okanagan Sleigh & Wagon On Stride Equestrian Pets and Porches Purdy's Chocolates Rancho Vignola Nichelle Roe Rogers Foods Kristine Ross Royal Garden Chinese Restaurant Royal Lepage - Louisa Cochrane

Rustic Elegance by Design (Rhonda) Rusty Spur Tack & Feed Christine Schwartz Shepherd's Home Hardware Spallumcheen Golf Club Sparkling Hill Resort Station BBQ Stride Away Thoroughbreds Sundance Guest Ranch Chris Swann Pat Taylor (Artist) The Ranch (Ellen Hockley) Timber Ridge Trails Three Valley Lake Chateau Touch A Texas Town Centre Laundromat Vance Creek Hotel & Conf Centre Vernon Veterinary Clinic Vernon Vipers Village Cheese Company Wales Equine Veterinary Services Wells Gray Guest Ranch

FEBRuary 2020

SADDLEUP.CA • 7

Alex’s new horse Tilly ridden by owner Joanne Patrick. Photo

by Natasha Grapes.

By Lesley Armstrong

Alex Viner

Kamloops Therapeutic Riding Association allowed Alex Viner to realize her life’s dream, spread her wings, and now train year round at Sun Meadows Equestrian Centre with her former coach, Ellen Smailes.

A

lex wants to be able to compete in three national para dressage video competitions per year. Alex considers herself to be very fortunate to have a friend who allows her to school and train on her Canadian Warmblood mare, ‘Tilly’. Tilly and her owner, Joanne Patrick, board at Sun Meadows Equestrian Centre.

Ten minutes into my first conversation with thirty-two year old Alex Viner, I know I’m in the presence of a humble young woman with a lifelong passion and respect for the horses and the Kamloops Therapeutic Riding Association horse community that became the centre of her life.

It was ‘Dimples’ who set the stage back in 1991 when Alex was four years old. Dimples was a twenty-two year old equine therapy master who

patiently waited it out while Alex screamed in protest and fear for most of her first two lessons. However, with a diagnosis of Spastic Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy, and, at the urging of Alex’s physiotherapist, the Viner family moved forward on the recommendation that participating in the Kamloops Therapeutic Riding Association (KTRA) would allow Alex to begin to maximize her life’s potential. By lesson three, things took a positive shift with Dad leading Dimples, and Alex crying less and less while aboard the stoic old mare. Riding at KTRA every week evolved into a joyful experience which Alex began to look looked forward to.

Alex started to set personal equitation goals for herself. In 1996, Alex drew inspiration from watching the BC Disability Games, but wasn’t able to partake until 2009.

When asked, “What makes a good coach?” Alex responded with a quick answer before reeling off the first three coaches who came to mind. A good coach sees you as an individual; physically, mentally and emotionally and they want you to do well. Alex credits dressage coach Ellen Smailes, who taught her from 2007 to 2011 to learn to trust her horse, and to, quite simply, be happy when she was riding. Coach Susan Lindor pushed Alex’s comfort levels, asking her to do exercises on her horse while mounted backwards. Ashley Sudds, Executive Director of KTRA, coached Alex from 2016 to 2019. Ashley maintained that Alex had always had horses “deep within her heart,” and encouraged Alex to maintain a positive attitude. To Alex, Ashley was “not a sugar coater and was honest without being mean.” The two shared a mantra every lesson. It was:

What have I learned today?

What did I like about today’s lesson?

What would I change next time?

Throughout her equine journey Alex has kept journals, chronicling her challenges of balance and coordination and the tendency for her right leg and arm to spasm and tighten up. Ashley and Alex freely admitted that Alex could be hard on herself. In September when I was observing Alex, Ashley was continuing to enforce “some lessons are better than others;” and there was always a positive takeaway to be taken from each lesson. For example, the previous week, Alex had entered the ring on Monday nervous, anxious and somewhat distracted. Alex then found the positive focus for her next day’s lesson because on Tuesday, Ashley saw that Alex rode with a calm “different feeling.” Ashley felt that ‘Smokey’, a twelve year old 16.3 hand Hanoverian, was a good fit for

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Alex training on Smokey for her 2019 National Para Dressage test with KTRA coach, Ashley Sudds. Photo

by Dave Wheatley.

Alex to “retrain her muscles and mind set” in order to allow her to use her legs and body instead of relying on hands and reins “for rounding and changing directions.” He was Alex’s partner in the fall of 2019. While I watched a lesson, Ashley noted that Smokey was giving Alex “a free rein walk with a good stride with reins dropped to the buckle.” The two of them, Alex with her tall long legged body, and Smokey with his large boned 16.3 hand frame, looked great together and comfortable in their partnership. They both worked hard to construct a strong new dressage test entry for the October 2019 National Para Dressage Video competition. With a second place finish, clearly the hard work had paid off - yet again. Last spring, Alex placed first and second, riding her first two tests ever at that level.

Alex fondly remembers her previous equine partners, noting how she benefited from each one of them in different ways. There was ‘Chester’ (short for Chesterfield) who was a Morgan/Draft cross, who “started out being lazy,” but changed his tune as the two grew together.

‘Leroy’, a grullo Quarter Horse was a “one in a million” horse you “could trust with your life.” At that time Alex went to 4-H for three years. From 2004 to 2009 Alex and Leroy competed in multiple schooling shows.

Starting in 2005, it was ‘Scooby’, a ten year old registered Thoroughbred, who had mostly served as a brood mare and occasional trail horse, who forced Alex to dig into herself to determine the depth of her equitation commitment. According to Alex, it took about six years for Scooby to calm down enough to stand still during a dressage test. She is so proud of the fact that there were no other disability riders when she competed on Scooby. Eventually, the two successfully completed tests and placed.

What is it about this equine partnership for Alex that has allowed it to endure and become so fulfilling? It builds physical strength that requires balance and coordination. It has allowed Alex to mentally centre herself and focus as horses are so calming. It has helped Alex to build relationships with fellow riders, coaches, and volunteers. Alex recalled one day, arriving at KTRA after school “feeling so sad that I just poured out my heart and cried” into my horse’s mane. Her equine partner provided her with just the right compassionate shoulder to lean on.

Ashley admired Alex’s strong commitment to the KTRA program.

Always arriving by bus, Alex volunteered seven hours a week, and assisted wherever needed. Alex led, sidewalked, tacked up, cleaned paddocks, and helped out during clinics and special events. Alex lives independently and receives financial support from Insight Support

Services, and has a small government job wherein she receives an extra one hundred dollars a month. She has a friend who gives her a towel folding job whenever she goes away. This brings Alex’s income to a little over one thousand dollars a month. Alex is committed to finding some sort of employment as her big goal is to achieve classification from Equine Canada’s para equestrian department. This will enable her to compete in Equine Canada’s sanctioned competitions.

Alex needs to compete in some Bronze level competitions in order to achieve Equine Canada classification. What Alex really needs though is sponsorship. She and her family have been brainstorming the best ways to publicly show appreciation for a sponsor, such as stitching a name or logo on her horse’s saddle pad, having the name/logo in a prominent place on Alex’s Facebook page, and having a banner with the name/logo up at all competitive events. Having a lifelong passion for horses, and becoming a competitive equestrian who needs to train year round on a disability pension; is a challenge. Alex will continue to volunteer in any capacity to support this passion, but everything equine costs!

If you or your business are able to sponsor this committed and most deserving young equestrian, please email stormy1269@ gmail.com. The funds will go straight into Alex’s equestrian savings account. Any amount is the right amount!

About the author: Lesley recently retired from being a public school educator, and moved to Powell River from the Fraser Valley. She now volunteers with Powell River’s Therapeutic Riding Association. Prior to the move, she always had a pony in the back yard and valued the schooling she received from many wonderful coaches, who encouraged her to continuously set new goals for herself well into her sixties.

OVED WE’VE MCheck out our new location at 4229-51 Avenue, Vegreville AB

(kitty corner to the Pysanka) Look f or the Leopar d Appalo osa on the ro of!

Our very knowledgeable staff and easy-to-use website help you find exactly what you are looking for!

For work or play, we carry everything you need to be successful in the Western and Horse industry!

Phone 780-632-1205 ~ Toll Free 1-844-900-TACK www.towertack.ca FEBRuary 2020

SADDLEUP.CA • 9

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oing back to ground work, especially when working in the cold, is a great way to 1) stay warm, 2) improve flexibility, 3) improve connection, 4) build strength, and 5) teach maneuvers to your horse so the horse understands what you are asking once you get back to riding.

Since you want to stay warm while working with your horse, when doing ground work you can wear your warmest boots without worrying about your feet getting caught in the stirrups. You can also wear a toque instead of your helmet. You could also wear a thin hat under your helmet if you want to add a little more safety to your handling. Bulky gloves are also not as much of an issue with ground work.

When starting ground work we always like to check in with the horse’s ability to bend left and right. This simple exercise can tell you if one side is harder to bend to than the other. Stand at your horse’s side, slightly behind the girth, facing forward. Hold the lead rope in your outside hand (left hand if on the horse’s left side). With your inside hand (hand closest to the horse) begin to rub in the girth area or slightly behind where the girth would sit, just where the ribs start to curl under the horse’s belly. You should find a small indentation, which is essentially a bunch of nerve endings. Also think of where your heel might rest against the horse. This is the natural axis of the horse.

If the horse moves away from the pressure, continue rubbing, but hold the lead to prevent the horse from going forward. If he turns, turn with him, keeping your belly button aligned with the middle of his chest. When the horse turns his head and looks in your direction, release the massaging pressure to show him that is what you want. Rub again to see if the horse turns to look at you and release when he does.

Keep your body back with your core “off” (have soft, slightly bent knees and slightly bend with your upper body, without dropping your chest and shoulders forward). This acts like a draw to allow the horse to bend around to you. If your core is “on” (belly sticking out) or your outside shoulder or hip goes forward, it may block the horse from turning as

Leading in-hand - horse is bending on the circle. Lisa’s hand is back under the throat, guiding the horse, along with her body turning on the circle.

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Lisa is asking her mare to bend around. It is not necessary for the horse to bend completely around as this horse is. Lisa’s body is back behind the girth to allow the mare to bend around. Her pressing hand is just behind the girth.

far. When the horse looks towards you he is bending in the rib cage and bending around the pressing hand. When mounted we can use our leg to press and the horse will bend around our pressing leg.

This simple exercise can begin to shape the horse and create more flexibility and suppleness. Being able to bend your horse in this way will also help you keep your horse’s attention when you are tacking up at your trailer or in the stall. If the horse bends away from you to look at something you can go to the bend spot and massage to get his attention back on you. When asking for the horse to bend around to you, your goal is to have the horse come around and hold the bend on his own for 10 seconds. Then you know he is comfortably there and is truly bending, the muscles on the outside of the bend are lengthening, and the muscles on the inside of the bend are contracting. It may take some time to build up to this time.

Once the horse is comfortably bending left and right you can walk you horse on a circle in-hand (see our previous article on inhand leading in the March and April 2019 issues of Saddle Up). Using a dressage whip in your outside hand, you can touch the horse at the girth while you are walking to remind the horse to keep his bend on the circle. By keeping contact with the lead rope you will be guiding the horse where you want him to go (without pulling, but instead using consistent blocking contact to disallow any unwanted movement) and will also be able to feel as soon as he tries to look away. A tap to the girth should bring his attention back. If it doesn’t you can make your circle smaller and use the whip to push the hindquarters out of the circle slightly to bring the horse’s attention back to you. Your body will stay aligned with the horse (your shoulders aligned with his shoulders, your core aligned with the middle of his chest) and your inside hip (the one closest to the horse) will push toward the horse slightly to create

As Lisa asks her horse to back up she keeps her hips square to the horse. The horse should not step past her block.

Photos by Rebecca Wieben, Dawn Stevens, and Lisa Wieben Pictured Lisa Wieben and student Diane Luxen Lisa showing the position of the whip when asking the horse forward into the hand. Her hand will block the forward, then the horse will step back. This translates to riding the horse from back to front and teaches the half-halt - a shift back off the forehand. the bend on the smaller circle.

Another exercise you can do in-hand is teaching your horse how to back up without pulling, which will also translate to under saddle work.

For this exercise you will need a dressage whip. Stand your horse either along a fence line or an arena wall with your body next to the horse’s shoulders. Keeping your body facing forward with hips squarely over your feet, hold the leadline with contact, keeping your hand under the horse’s head. Using the dressage whip, tap lightly near the flank.

This cue will push the horse forward into your blocking hand, which will not allow the horse to go forward. The wall blocks movement to the outside and your body blocks the other side. The only choice left is for the horse to step back. When he does, release tapping pressure immediately and praise. When you first start to tap the horse may push through your block. If he does, circle the horse back to the wall and ask for the halt again. After a few tries he will begin to get the idea.

Just ask for one step at first, then you can add more as he gets more comfortable with it. To ask the horse to come forward again, move your hips to the outside to invite the horse into the open space. When the horse gets beside you bring your hips back to square to stop the horse again, or you can step in with the horse once he is beside you and go for a walk, before halting and trying again.

During all of these exercises the horse should remain levelheaded. When the horse’s head lifts up above the withers the horse’s back will hollow and he will get more anxious. By keeping the head low to level the horse will get more endorphins and relax with Lisa Wieben is a Level 2 Centered Riding Instructor, Equine Canada Competition Coach, Irwin Insights Master Level 4 Trainer, and Essential Somatic Clinical Practitioner, and Certified in Eden Energy Medicine. Her passion is working with riders of all ages who experience pain, tightness, and loss of flexibility to improve balance and gain greater freedom of movement. She is located in Mountain View County AB. Contact to book Somatic Rider Clinics www.mountainviewtrainingstables.com.

A student is asking her horse to step forward from the backup by opening her hip and asking for forward with the whip. Note in this pic the horse is wearing a cavesson. When using the cavesson the hand closest to the horse is holding the whip and outside hand holds the lead. All these exercises can be done either with a halter, bridle, or cavesson.

the work.

By focusing on ground work a few days a week or even 15 minutes before your ride you can effectively change muscle patterns in the body that could lead to lameness and improve the horse’s frame of mind in preparation for work. A relaxed, supple body will be much more willing to do the work you require of your horse. Have fun with these exercises.

Next month we will add some more advanced work.

As an Irwin Insights Level 4 Master Certified trainer and coach, Birgit Stutz helps riders of all levels and backgrounds advance their horsemanship skills by developing personal and situational awareness, focusing on indepth understanding of equine behaviour, body language, psychology and biomechanics. Driven by her passion for both equine welfare and performance, Birgit believes that facilitating effective communication between horse and rider is an approach that fulfills our responsibilities to the horse and elicits great results. www.fallingstarranch.ca.

(See their listings in the Business Services section under TRAINERS) FEBRuary 2020

SADDLEUP.CA • 11

By Carolyn Dobbs (Hixon BC) and Roberta Brebner (Williams Lake BC) Photos courtesy of www.divineequine.ca, Marion P. Cox his story begins in Middle Tennessee on the farm of Danny Taylor, where Midnight’s Merry Co-Ed (Sun’s Smokey Midnight x Echo’s Merry Co-Ed), a Tennessee Walking Horse, was born in 2008.

She was sold when she was a yearling and from 2009 to 2014, she was bought and sold four times. In 2015, she was purchased by Roberta (Bobbi) Brebner, who is her 5th owner.

Since the mare was already in Idaho, Bobbi had her moved to Nya Bates’ farm for some trailer training before she began the long trip to British Columbia. Bobbi says, “Nya gave the mare confidence and we loaded her in the dark when we Midnight’s Merry Co-Ed, Fall 2008 left for home.”

Eventually Bobbi sent the mare, who was now called ‘Angel’ after Black Angel, one of her ancestors, to the farm of Carolyn Dobbs in Hixon BC. Carolyn put the finishing touches on the mare and saw huge potential in her.

Canada Cup is an annual Dressage Festival held at Maple Ridge Equi-Centre in Maple Ridge BC. It features international quality riders and horses. The judges are chosen worldwide at the FEI level officials. They are used to scoring Olympic level movements from the highest-level horses in the world.

Western Dressage is making an in-road into this world, seeing an increase in awareness from the world Dressage society as to its legitimacy and higher standards of excellence needed to be accepted by the élite Dressage ‘crowd’.

Quality movement is quality movement, judged and scored by professional knowledgeable horsepersons. I believe in pushing the boundaries and being inclusive.

I have been riding my 11-yearold Hanoverian gelding dressage since his fourth year. Each year reaching higher in the levels as his strength and training increases. I am also a staunch Western Pleasure and Reining enthusiast, so I introduced him to Western Dressage also.

Carolyn and Angel –

This is the world that I have acknowledging the judges. introduced Walking Horses to, as well; I have introduced International judges to the Walking Horse.

Midnight’s Merry Co-Ed had her debut into not only the show ring, but also into this microscopic world of Dressage.

The bustle of the show barn, the warm-up ring activity of 12 • FEBRuary 2020

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monstrous Dressage horses pounding the ground. Little ‘Angel’ outwalked their huge trots. She was hesitant to walk to the warm-up ring pathway, let alone enter the nest of activity. Eyes rolling, she did as asked – held her own – then took over the moment. Being a tad intimidated had her super hyper to my aids and our connection.

Dressage is all about the time and the clock, at our exact minute we were allowed to enter the area around the competition ring, introducing her to the judges’ booth at “C,” the flowers, and the white boards. This is intimidating to the best seasoned show horse – quite overwhelming for a broodmare come saddle horse of a few months.

Other show rings were underway with riders in the midst of their own tests in a close relation to our ring. Our bell rang, and it was our time to enter at “A.” Dressage is stooped in Military history, commanding an excellence of each step - straight is straight Performing the pattern – circles of the exact diametre listed and perfectly round. Each arc is to be the same as the last, ending at the step they began. As the rider’s knee passes the letter designated, the horse MUST have executed the required transition.

Angel doesn’t trot (jog), the judges had been warned that they would be judging movements out of their usual wheelhouse.

Professionals that they are, educated themselves as to the proper movements.

The show manager who has been a friend of mine since the mid1980s called my tests for me. After our first test of the first day, he commented that he was apprehensive in the beginning, but as she entered the ring, she pulled up her big girl socks as if she was born into this world. All halts perfectly square and immobile. Attention clearly on me and my aids.

Each test progressively improved to which on the final day, she was reaching scores close to the 70s, and winning the combined Western Dressage disciplines by the third day. Then Saturday saw the arenas under water, virtual lakes in each ring. The competition committee got to work vacuuming as much of the water from the rings as possible.

There was still remaining lakes and mud – real deep mud! Centre line was rather wet. Dressage horses are not always known for their calm demeanors’, with many absolutely refusing to enter this muddy world.

Our Tennessee Walking horse took it all in ‘stride’ splashing her way to ‘X’. Even my caller… (who still said, “She’ll be fantastic when she learns to trot!”… at which my return was “Ali, she’s not supposed to trot!”)… commented excitedly that you could really hear the rhythm in the splash splash splash of her running walk. I knew he’d been converted at that point!

Angel and Carolyn in the mud and standing proudly

World class riders and trainers stopped to watch her tests, all cheering at the completion of our Championship ‘3’ test. The judge stood, exclaiming that I should be very happy and proud as “that was an exceptional amazing display of concentration and reach.”

“The quality of movement and self-carriage a real treat to judge – thank you for bringing her to us.”

The show was also used to school upcoming officials – so now they have all been schooled as to judging a quality Gaited horse.

Midnight’s Merry Co-Ed was not only a Western Dressage, but also a Walking Horse ambassador to international judges; these recognizing the quality horse that she is.

My big grey Hanoverian ended up Canada Cup 2019 Champion Western Dressage and Midnight’s Merry Co-Ed in Reserve Champion.

end of the third day, she was one of the best out there.”

Day 2 video of Canadian Cup h t t p s : // w w w.y o u t u b e . c o m / w a t c h? v = fa1P7tphk7o&t=46s Day 3 video of Canadian Cup h t t p s : // w w w.y o u t u b e . c o m / w a t c h? v = uTsB2i269q8 Congratulations to all for a great show!!!!

Angel, Carolyn and her Hanoverian

Bobbi said she was very excited about how well Angel did at the Canadian Cup. There were four riders from the Canadian Olympic Dressage team competing with her and she won ribbons in every class! She’s gone from being a broodmare to a Champion Dressage horse. She’s well-muscled with work and when people ask what she is and are told she’s a Tennessee Walking Horse they are quite surprised.

Bobbi’s plans are to breed her next year and show her next summer at some Walking Horse shows in Canada. She said, “I want to show her more because she’s a fun horse to watch and I’d like to learn more about Gaited Dressage. I was watching a show on TV that had cowboys learning Dressage. They commented they never thought they’d be learning Dressage but feel it helps produce a more finished horse. For her first real horse show, she was impressive and so was her rider, Carolyn Dobbs! It was a three-day show in the rain and mud. Some of those Dressage horses refused to come into the wet arena and had to be led in. Not Angel, she just walked through the mud and water. By the FEBRuary 2020

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Luna, one of our boarders, feeling her "spring beans" and expressing her excitement to move.

Ch Stor y and photos by

rista Miremadi

I

f you’re like me, you’ve managed to steal a few good rides from winter but you’re still chomping at the bit to get back to your normal riding schedule as soon as possible. Well, have no fear, spring and the 2020 riding/clinic’ing/showing/adventuring season really is just around the corner! It won’t be much longer until you’re happily scraping winter hair off your horse in epic proportions and climbing back into the saddle but be careful, spring is the most likely time for accidents to occur and more often than not, they’re entirely preventable.

Of course there are countless ways for $#@% to hit the fan and anything could happen, anytime of year but in my experience, these three things are the most commonly overlooked, forgotten about or missed at the beginning of each riding season and will inevitably lead to disaster when the weather changes for the better. I’m talking about spring beans, saddle fit and equipment failure.

Spring Beans

The most obvious is the existence of “spring beans.” I know you already know what this is because you’re experiencing them yourself right now.

Spring beans is that feeling of impatience, of irritability, of excitement, that’s causing you to throw caution to the wind and hit the trail for a 3 hour ride, despite the fact that you haven’t been out for more than a careful meander through the snow or a short wander around the yard between rain storms in the past 3 months.

If you’re lucky enough to have an indoor arena, maybe you’ve been able to get some more meaningful riding in, and that’s great, but it’s been in the same arena, doing the same thing, looking at the same walls and I promise, your horse is as sick of it as you are. That first trail ride or haul-out to a different arena is long overdue and will feel great but be patient!

Don’t skip your pre-flight check or get too frustrated if your horse needs a little more support than you were expecting and be prepared for your horse to express how good he feels physically, as that’s how they express themselves best.

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Before you head out for the first time, do some ground work, check your emergency systems and be prepared to provide your horse with the support and guidance he/she needs to stay safe and under control. Choose your riding buddies carefully and be sure to communicate with and look out for each other, supporting one another in order to help prevent any unnecessary accidents. Remember that the herd bound behaviour that you worked so hard to get past last summer may be temporarily back to full force for the first few rides but don’t worry, the results of all your hard work will come back 100% within just a few refreshers.

Saddle Fit After a long winter of either fighting off the cold, digging for grass outside in a herd or standing in a small pen or box stall, blanketed up to her eye balls with nothing to do but eat, My Kiger gelding, Smoke, modeling his saddle. on a very different riding schedule, your horse has likely changed shape a little, one way or the other.

That $5000+ custom saddle you had made last summer but only got to ride in once or twice before the weather changed, just might not be fitting the way it did at the end of last year’s riding season. I know, this is the last thing you wanted to hear but wait! Before you turn the page or toss this across the room, all is not lost!

That saddle was made for your horse and your horse still has the same framework. You might just need to pad differently or do a little strategic ground work over poles in order to restore your horse to her prime working weight, fill in atrophied muscles or shed a few pounds before hitting that long trail ride with your favourite riding buddies. The last thing you want to do is find out your saddle is pinching your horse’s Trapezius muscle, resting

on her scapula or digging into her lumbar spine when you’re an hour and a half away from home (or your trailer) with uneven terrain to cross to get back.

Take the time to double check your saddle for a good fit (or ask a professional for help), with and without your pads, before you saddle up for that first long ride. Failure to do so could lead to bucking, rearing, refusal to move, and reluctance to turn or pick up a specific lead and even injury to either yourself or your horse.

Equipment Failure Your gear has likely been sitting in a tack room or locker room that’s been heated to the point of feeling more like a sauna than a barn, or alternately, sitting in the tack room of a trailer or an uninsulated shed, half buried in snow, for the past few months. If you’re from A tub of my equipment, the coast, there’s been a lot of waiting to be checked, humidity and moisture in the air cleaned, oiled and hung and if you’re from the interior, the back up for use. air has been dry and COLD. Either of these conditions can lead to equipment failure, cracking leather, breakdown of fibers, mold and mildew buildup and of course, (our favourite), the opportunity for mice to chew on, build nest out of/or inside of and poop all over your best gear.

Take the time to check over all of your equipment for tears, broken stitching, cracking or other breakdowns. Give it a good cleaning and oil it up to help prepare it for the season to come as well as helping to prevent future break downs and if anything needs repairs or replacements, do so before your first long ride! There’s nothing worse than riding full out across an unfamiliar pasture, (faster than planned) and going to pull up your horse only to find the rein has become detached from your bridle and is now dangling from your hand or pushing into your stirrups to prepare for slowing only to have the stirrup drop out from under you and disappear into the long grass behind you. Trust me, I know!

Besides your saddles, bridles, cinches, girths, breast collars, halters and saddle pads, don’t forget to check your trailer, your truck and anything else you rely on to keep you and your four legged partner safe! Spring is the perfect time to take inventory of all of your equipment and repair or replace anything that isn’t up to standard.

Of course equipment failure, saddle fit and spring beans are not the only things that could cause accidents to happen (and to be fair, anything could happen, any time of year), but they are, in my opinion anyway, the most common and most preventable catalysts for spring time catastrophe.

With the return of long summer days and endless riding adventures just around the corner, now is the perfect time to prepare yourself and your horse for the best riding season ever!

Christa Miremadi has over 30 years of experience working with horses. From guiding trail rides to starting colts, she’s dedicated her life to developing her horsemanship skills. Christa and her husband, Pinto Miremadi, recently left their home and jobs of the past 18 years at Silver Star Stables in Langley BC to realize their dreams of owning their own ranch. They now own and manage The Rock’n Star in Pritchard BC where they offer boarding, lessons and clinics: building relationships, strengthening partnerships and developing confidence for horses and humans through compassionate communication and by sharing the horse’s point of view.

(See Rock’n Star’s listing in the Business Services section under TRAINERS) FEBRuary 2020

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Sleigh images by Coralie Nairn

Following eight busy days of sleigh rides over the Christmas holidays, the Okanagan Boys and Girls Clubs received a New Year donation of $3,000. orse Drawn Okanagan hosted their 3rd annual sleigh ride event at a new venue in Armstrong BC with resounding success. With 11 draft horses and 4 sleighs running simultaneously, the event was at capacity most days.

100% of the sponsorship money was donated back to the charity of choice.

“I want to thank Rellish Transport Services and Bannister Honda for their generosity in supporting the event, and in turn, supporting the charity. And we could not have done it without our dedicated volunteers. The owner of the facility was incredibly helpful and generous too. For everyone to give their time at Christmas at our event - I am really grateful.” – Kelly MacIntosh, Event Coordinator.

Guests came from all over the Okanagan, but some were visiting from around the world such as China, Australia, and Korea, and experienced snow and draft horses for the very first time.

“We went from 1,700 guests in 2018 to 2,300 guests in 2019.

That’s a huge increase and we are so thrilled with the turnout.

It means that we are filling a need for family activities right at Christmas. I also think that a lot of people come simply to see the draft horses, and that’s why we do it in the first place; it’s all about the horses. Not everyone’s grandparents live on a farm anymore and we hope to connect younger generations to the past and remind them of the significant role horses have in our lives.”

Ottercrest Farms was the perfect setting for the event. People could see where the horses are housed in the big beautiful barn, visit with the farm animals, and pet the draft horses. The large covered arena gave guests a space to keep warm and dry before 16 • FEBRuary 2020

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(Okanagan Boys and Girls Clubs) Back row: Jesie Harms, Kelly MacIntosh, Cheré Lene. Front row: children from the Friends Together Daycare, Boys and Girls Clubs – Vernon heading out on the sleighs. The backdrop was a winter wonderland of snow covered trees and hay fields.

Organizers plan to bring back the sleigh ride event again next Christmas, but in the meantime they are planning events for the summer. You can find Horse Drawn Okanagan horses and teamsters giving wagon rides, horse-drawn tours, wedding carriage rides, and agricultural demonstrations throughout the region.

For more information on upcoming events and activities with Horse Drawn Okanagan, contact Kelly MacIntosh at 250-540-7344, horsedrawnokanagan@gmail.com

From the December issue...

The binoculars date back to the late 1800’s. Also referred to as Men’s Opera Glasses.

Congratulations on your correct guesses: Walter Furlong, Strathcona County AB Ann Stiles, Oliver BC Wendy Swanson, Kamloops BC Jim Schenk, Rocky Mtn House AB Frank Fidyk, no town listed

ackton's Ronnie, a 3-year-old Clydesdale stalion, exhibited by Ron Westgate, Canwest Clydesdale, Leduc County AB, brought a stellar run in the show ring to a class at The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair.

Named the Supreme Champion Clydesdale, Ronnie was also the Grand Champion Stallion, an honour won at the Calgary Stampede, the Manitoba Clydesdale Classic, Wisconsin State Fair, Illinois State Fair and at America's National Clydesdale Show held at Des Moines, Iowa; earlier in 2019.

Bred by A. Steele & Son, Jackton, East Kilbride, Lanarkshire, Scotland, this exciting

stallion prospect was brought to Canada as a yearling by David Carson, Carson Farms & Auction, Listowel, Ontario. Purchased as a 2-year-old from Carson, Jackton's Ronnie is a son of Doura Master Eddie, a big, upstanding sire that was Supreme Champion Clydesdale, Champion Stallion and the Cawdor Cup winner at Scotland's 2011 National Stallion Show. A prolific broodmare, his dam, Jackton's Mary Rose, is well-known in international Clydesdale circles.

The first foal crop by Jackton's Ronnie will arrive this spring in Alberta. Their arrival is cause for growing excitement.

List of Ronnie's results in 2019 include: Calgary Stampede 1st place 3 years and over Grand Champion Stallion Manitoba Clydesdale Classic 1st place 3 years and over Grand Champion Stallion

Wisconsin State Fair 1st place 3 years and over Grand Champion Stallion Supreme Champion

Iowa State Fair (US National Show) 1st place 3 years and over Grand Champion Stallion Supreme Champion

Illinois State Fair 1st place 3 years and over Grand Champion Stallion

Royal Agricultural Winter Fair 1st place 3 years and over Grand Champion Stallion Supreme Champion

The item is brass. From small end to large end is 10”. The large end is 5” in diameter.

READERS – What’s your guess?

Discuss this item with your friends and send your guess to usedandunique2018@gmail.com Do include your city and province please.

Saddle Up will print names (and location) of those with the correct answer in a future issue.

GOOD LUCK! If you or your company would like to sponsor this monthly brain teaser, do call 1-866-546-9922 or email nancyroman@ saddleup.ca for details.

FEBRuary 2020

SADDLEUP.CA • 17

Tails to be Told

. . .A treasure chest of memories .

We want you to look back, reflect, recollect, and share your photos and memories with us.

This is not a contest - it is your moment to share with our readers anything from days gone by.

The older the story (and photo), the more fascinating.

Could be from 20 years ago, 50 years, or a story your grandfather shared with you.

Send Saddle Up one or two photos and your memoirs (up to 250 words maximum please). Memoirs will be printed as space allows each month. Please include your phone number and location for our files and verification if needed. We would like to print your name (or initials) and location with your submission. You are welcome to send one or more in the months ahead as well. This will be a regular monthly feature... So start looking through those photo albums and share your stories with us. Photos will only be returned if you provide a self-addressed stamped envelope. See page 4 for contact information.

18 • FEBRuary 2020

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Don’t Hip Check A Pony…

They’ll Win!

By Maia Nunn

One of my first shows when I was little was a local Pony Club show; including pole bending, jumping, halter class, and lead lining. I was in the halter class. t was my first time ever doing that, so I was nervous. I wanted to look my best for the judge. I had the reins pulled up tight into my hand like I’d seen people do in pictures. My pony kept pushing her body into me and I kept pushing her back, trying to get her off me. I was getting frustrated and she kept leaning, and I leaned back.

I kept wanting to say to her, “Cut it out! We’re in a show right now! Behave yourself.” But, of course, she wouldn’t have listened anyway. So, I gave her an especially big push. She pushed me right back, just as hard. I was catapulted to the ground and she took off. Galloping to the fence line to get some grass.

I was livid!

Pushing myself back up from the dirt, I saw my dad had caught my cheeky pony.

I was crying from anger and frustration, sure that I was going to be disqualified. I was so mad because I hadn’t even been in the arena for more than five minutes!

The judge was very worried about me and kept asking my dad if I was okay. Annoyed at

having her not ask me, I got a little more angry, but my dad assured her I was fine and told her to ask me herself. When she asked me if I was okay, I swept the tears from my eyes and replied angrily, “I’m fine. I’m just mad!” Then I got up and dusted myself off, taking the reins of my pony again.

I remember glaring at my pony.

She just stood there as if nothing had happened. Then, I was told that I could continue the class! Suddenly happy and cheerful again, I lead her around like I was the luckiest kid in the world. My pony didn’t try any funny business again (not that I would have let her after that), and in the end, I got second prize! You should have seen the giant grin on my face. It was one of the most memorable moments of my childhood. I’ll never forget how sweet it felt to accept that blue ribbon.

About the author: Maia is a fledgling fiction writer. She has always had a great passion for animals and loves to share her experiences with them. She has been writing since a young age and storytelling since she could speak. Nature

and animals have always been a great inspiration for her stories. Her debut novel “Thrown To The Wolves” will be coming out in January 2020 on Amazon. Maia lives in the Okanagan valley with her family and small menagerie of pets, including angora rabbits, horses, and cats.

FEBRuary 2020

SADDLEUP.CA • 19

TOP DOG!

Helping Australia!

Golden Retriever comes home with a baby Koala whose life she just saved

Kerry McKinnon lives in Australia with her dog, Asha, and their lives are never boring. But one morning, she saw something that even surprised her!

Her husband yelled to come look at something, and their Golden Retriever was sitting outside with a baby Koala perched atop her back.

“She kept looking back at the Koala but she wasn’t trying to get him off her or anything. She was happy to let him snuggle into her.” Asha is being hailed a hero for her role in saving a baby Koala.

“I think the baby Koala fell out of his mum’s pouch and didn’t know what to do. He would have died out there if left alone all night. The poor thing could have been taken by a fox or something, too.”

The tiny Koala was checked out by a vet, and a local caregiver is watching over the baby until it’s old enough to be released back into the wild.

Bear, the Koala Detecting Dog searches bushfire-ravaged lands to save lives Bear is an IFAW Koala Detection Dog and he’s perfect for the job! The high-energy 6-year-old Border Collie/ Koolie mix has been trained and is working alongside his handlers at Detection Dogs for Conservation to search the bushfire-ravaged lands (now declared safe) to find any stranded Koalas. And he does so while wearing adorable protective red socks!

The hardworking good boy was recently sent out to several burned areas in Australia to find Koalas that might be injured and are in need of help. Rescuing Koalas is not an easy job to do – the Koala Detection Dogs need to have no interest in people, be hyper-focused and without a prey drive. Fortunately, Bear meets the requirements – a dog that was abandoned years ago by his former owners and brought to Detection Dogs for Conservation.

Bear will spend the upcoming months in the New South Wales and Queensland areas with firefighters as they brave the elements to locate Koalas in need. His heroic mission is just getting started, and you can help by donating to the International Fund for Animal Welfare.

Dogs are man’s best friend, but Bear is proving to be more than that!

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Amazing Video shows Dog saving Sheep from Australian Wildfires Video: Patsythecorryongwonderdog

As bushfires raged through rural Corryong in Victoria, Australia, toward a family farm, a heroic 6-year-old Border Collie mix named Patsy saved her owner’s flock of sheep from the flames.

In the video, Patsy sits on the scorched earth with the rescued sheep calling safely in the background. You can hear Cath Hill, Patsy’s owner’s sister, praise the dog for a job well done: “Hey Patsy. You hear those sheep? That’s all your work. Well done, hey. You little champion.

Good girl.”

Border collies are known to be exceptionally smart, and Patsy showed her intelligence, strength, and nerves of steel by doing what comes naturally on the morning of New Year’s Eve.

While her owner headed toward the fire in a tractor with a tank of water to help save the hay, a shed, silage, and the farmhouses, Patsy kept a cool head, rounded up the sheep, and brought them safely to a paddock. As this was happening, the locals in town thought Patsy and her owner were dead.

Hill wrote on Instagram: “The first few seconds of this video show the fire burning across the mountain and our farm. When Patsy’s human saw this footage, he really understood why all of us in town thought he and Patsy were goners.”

Australia’s recent wildfires have been top of mind throughout the world. And Patsy’s story has gone viral, bringing more attention to the tragedy. Patsy’s owner is social media shy, so Hill has been posting to bring attention to the dire situation.

Hill wrote: “I never dreamed that these 20 seconds of Patsy in a paddock would spread across the world, and that me posting pictures of a little black and white dog would become my way to help my hometown recover from the worst fires in living memory.”

The fire season continues to rage in Australia. Hill notes that it’s easy to help by donating to bushfire relief. “No matter how small it is, trust me, it will be appreciated. Every little bit helps!”

We’re sure Patsy would agree.

Rescue and relief organizations seeking donations include Wildlife Victoria, Blaze Aid, and Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery.

TOP DOG! Pet Central EVERYTHING PETS (Princeton BC) 250-295-7381 Quality Foods & Supplies for all your Pets! See us on Facebook. 8/20

Do you offer a dog service or training business?

Sell pet feeds and supplies?

You can advertise here! Prices start at only $250 per year (12 issues).

Call 1-866-546-9922 or e-mail nancyroman@saddleup.ca

Canine Capers Sponsored by Your one-stoP Pet shoP Farm, Fencing & Horse Supplies Pet and Livestock Feeds 604-894-6740 Pemberton BC

Top Dog! of the Month This is Bertie. She is a 5-year-old PB Border Collie. Bertie oversees everything on our farm. She is a tough boss. No breaks and always eager to move on to the next job.

- Fiona Y., Salmon Arm BC Charlie is our 6-year-old Rotti x big boy who likes to help out where needed. He enjoys playing with his "sister" and scaring the crows from the yard.

He is often heard conversing with other dogs in our neighborhood.

- Sandra K., Salmon Arm BC

Send us a photo of your favourite pooch!

Tell us the dog’s name, breed, and up to 50 words about him/her. We will print your first name (or initials) and your city/province.

E-mail to nancyroman@saddleup.ca and put in subject line: TOP DOG OF THE MONTH. Photos will be printed on a first come first serve basis.

03/20 5/19

For more information on any of these events go to www.canuckdogs.com unless another website is provided

HAPPY NEW YEAR! february

1 SPECIALTY SHOW for Collies & Sheepdogs, Calgary AB 1-2 NADAC AGILITY TRIAL, Calgary AB 7-9 AAC AGILITY TRIAL, Pitt Meadows BC 8 BHA BARN HUNT TRIALS, Agassiz BC 15-16 C-WAGS OBEDIENCE TRIAL, Calgary AB 21-23 OBEDIENCE & RALLY TRIALS, Chilliwack BC 22-23 CKC OBEDIENCE TRIALS, Union Bay BC 23 UKI LEARN & RUN FUN MATCH, Abbotsford BC 27 FIELD DOG TEST for Pointers, Duncan BC 28-Mar 1 AAC AGILITY TRIAL, Abbotsford BC 29 AAC AGILITY TRIAL, Pitt Meadows BC

march

7-8 8 13-15 14-15 21 21 21-22 21-22 22 27-29 27-29 28-29 28-29

NAFA TOURNAMENT, Abbotsford BC, www.flyball.org CKC URBAN TRACKING TEST, Victoria BC AAC AGILITY TRIAL, Pitt Meadows BC CKC FIELD TRACKING TEST, Courtenay BC CKC FIELD TRACKING TEST, Langley BC CSHRA SCENT HURDLE TOURNAMENT, Edmonton AB CKC OBEDIENCE & RALLY TRIALS, Abbotsford BC UKC OBEDIENCE & RALLY TRIALS, Edmonton AB GOOD NEIGHBOUR TEST, Abbotsford BC AAC AGILITY TRIAL, Abbotsford BC OBEDIENCE & RALLY TRIALS, Camrose AB CKC AGILITY & SCENT HURDLING TRIALS, Morinville AB NAFA TOURNAMENT, Abbotsford BC, www.flyball.org

Do you have a WORKING DOG event coming up?

Let us know!

Call 1-866-546-9922 or email nancyroman@saddleup.ca FEBRuary 2020

SADDLEUP.CA • 21

Horse Council BC - Notes from the Office BC EQUESTRIAN TRAILS FUND ABOUT THE FUND

T

he BC Equestrian Trails Fund was established to provide support for HCBC member clubs and affiliates who have researched and planned a specific project related to the construction and/or maintenance of an equestrian trail, trailhead, or horse camping site in British Columbia for public use. The fund for 2019 totaled more than $24,329, allocated by the Horse Council BC Board of Directors, and increased annually by individual and corporate contributions.

The BCETF money should be used as “seed funding” to obtain additional funding from other granting agencies. A review committee appointed by HCBC will receive, review, and approve specific funding proposals. Submission deadline is April 1, 2020.

The 2020 BCETF application period will be open from January 1, 2020 to April 1, 2020.

WHO CAN APPLY? Grants will be given to: * Horse Council BC member clubs or affiliates that have been members in good standing of Horse Council BC for a minimum of 12 months and whose members are Horse Council BC members * Committees of Horse Council BC whose projects meet the required criteria ELIGIBLE PROJECTS FOR FUNDING WOULD INCLUDE: * New trail construction * Trail upgrade/improvement * Bridge and water crossing construction, upgrades or rehabilitation * Signage * Trail surveying and tracking * Trail rehabilitation * Horse camp facilities such as corrals, high lines, toilets, fire rings, signage, stock watering facilities, etc. * Trailhead modifications to accommodate horses and horse trailers

BCHBC Yarrow chapter working on the Manning Park Trail Works

FORMS & APPLICATIONS

Deadline for submissions is April 1st of each application year. Forms can be found at www.hcbc.ca. Email recreation@hcbc.ca for more information or assistance.

BE A BC EQUESTRIAN TRAILS BUILDER!

Just a few dollars from each Horse Council BC member each year can make a huge difference in building and improving BC’s equestrian trails. If you like to explore new trails, or plan to in the future, help make BC the best place on earth to ride by making a donation to the BC Equestrian Trails Fund. Grants will be made available to HCBC member clubs to assist them in building and improving trails and horsecamping sites.

WHERE THE DOLLARS WENT IN 2019… * Back Country Horsemen of BC, Robson Valley Chapter, for Belle Mtn Multi-Use Trails Rehabilitation * Back Country Horsemen of BC, Yarrow Chapter, for Manning Park Trail Works 2019 * Back Country Horsemen of BC, Cariboo Chapter, for Collins Overland Telegraph Trail trailhead * Back Country Horsemen of BC, North Vancouver Island, for Salmon Brewster Trail Improvement * Endurance Riders Association of BC, for Rainbow Trails System Upgrade BCHBC North Vancouver Island chapter – Salmo Brewster Trail improvements

Horse Council BC • How to Reach Us Office hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. • Address: 27336 Fraser Highway, Aldergrove, BC V4W 3N5 604-856-4304 or Toll Free 1-800-345-8055 • Fax: 604-856-4302 • www.hcbc.ca

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Canadian Quarter Horse Association

ď„ By Marnie Somers

Shannon Burwash Memorial Fund Scholarships awarded for 2019

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he Calgary Foundation is very pleased to announce the following scholarships have been awarded from the 2019 Shannon Burwash Memorial Fund. Qualified students from across Canada applied for the three available scholarships this past June. $2,000 Leadership Award to Anna Henderson

Anna Henderson was born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She graduated from the University of Winnipeg with her four-year honours in Chemistry. After completion of her B.Sc, she began her masters in Chemistry at The University of Alberta in Edmonton. Anna was recognized by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) with an award during her first year of studies and also for what would have been her third year of studies in the amounts of $17,500 and $105,000 respectively. As well, Anna won the Alberta Innovates Technology Futures Scholarship in the amount of $26,500 in her second year.

However, Anna realized her true passion was working with animals and was accepted into the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) in 2017.

Anna wishes to return to Manitoba to practice equine medicine and surgery and hopes to bring her excellent research abilities to contribute to the field of equine research. She enjoys working with horses because she admires their athleticism, unique physiology, and the level of surgical care provided to these animals. In addition to her academic achievements, Anna was the Let's Talk Nanoscience coordinator for the University of Alberta Let's Talk Science site. Let's Talk Science is a national science outreach program for children. She has continued public outreach at the WCVM this time focusing more on equine health. In her spare time Anna enjoys participating in fun runs and trained for a half marathon. She also enjoys wall climbing, ultimate frisbee, and basketball. $1,000 Encouragement Award to Louise Caplan

Louise Caplan has lived in Alberta for most of her life, was introduced to horses early on and has been involved in the equine community ever since. Over time, they have become such a special and significant part of her that she could never imagine a life without them. The majority of her free time is spent with horses, either show jumping or working as a stable hand.

Although Louise loves all equine sports, show jumping holds a special place in her heart. During the summers, Louise works as a camp instructor for week-long riding camps.

This year, she will begin her first year at the University of Calgary

to study cellular, molecular and microbial biology. Upon completion of this program, Louise plans to apply for Veterinary school. She is particularly interested in the equine sports medicine and cardiology fields. Equine veterinary medicine has been her career goal for as long as she can remember as it perfectly combines her love for animals and science. Moreover, Louise volunteers at 17th Avenue animal hospital in order to gain more knowledge and practice.

In addition, Louise has spent hundreds of hours volunteering at different barns in Canada and Europe to gain experience handling horses and learning from people in the horse industry. She is persistent and determined to achieve her dream as she feels extremely lucky to have the opportunity to pursue her passion as a career. $1,000 Encouragement Award to Sierra Sayles Sierra Sayles is 17 and lives in Calgary, Alberta. Recently, she was chosen as a recipient of one of the Shannon Burwash Memorial Awards for Encouragement in Equine & Agricultural Studies, which will help her towards reaching her goal of attending post-secondary school. She recently graduated from Lord Beaverbrook High School, and will head to the University of Alberta in the fall for a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture. Her undergraduate studies will focus on Animal Science, and she plans to complete a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine following her Bachelor's degree.

With seven years of experience being a professional trick-rider, practical farm work, and her job at a pet store, Sierra hopes she will be able to better perform in the future as a practicing veterinarian.

Since 2016, there have been two different categories of scholarship awards. The Encouragement Award is for first or second year students (2 X $1,000 awards).

The Leadership Award is for students advancing past their second year of studies ($2,000 award).

"Again this year, we were extremely impressed with all of the scholarship applicants," said Dr. Wayne Burwash. "This is the fifth year that The Calgary Foundation has awarded the scholarships since Shannon's passing in 2013, and we have now awarded $15,000 in scholarships.

Congratulations to all the recipients and best wishes for rewarding careers involving the horse."

For more information visit www.cqha.ca Shannon Burwash was a leader and a lover of the horse industry across Canada. The scholarships are awarded to deserving students who are focused on getting a post-secondary education, and being involved in the horse industry in their future.

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Equestrian Canada Equestre, www.equestrian.ca Four Canadians That Made History in 2019

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ach show season offers a finite number of opportunities for competitors to have their accomplishments immortalized in the history books. Meet four Canadians who stepped up to the challenge in 2019 and added their names to a growing list of equestrian trailblazers.

Christine Baker worked to put Canadian Sport Ponies on the Map Photo courtesy of Christine Baker Christine Baker of Ottawa, ON, is a small woman who didn’t feel comfortable handling large horses, so she turned to ponies. “I wanted a pony with equivalent movement, type and quality to a Warmblood,” she said.

That inspired her to start Branley Ash Sportponies, a breeding operation that utilizes top German Riding Pony (GRP) bloodlines to produce Canadian Sport Ponies (CSP).

Branley Ash’s Deja D’Or, an imported five-year-old Westphalian stallion that is CSP licensed, was US 2019 National Dressage Pony Cup (NDPC) First Level Champion at the NDPC and Small Horse Championship Show, held July 19-21 in Wayne, IL. They also won the 5yo Futurity and were named overall year-end NDPC First Level Open Champion in the United States, which represented a first for a Canadian-owned pony with a Canadian rider - Emmanuelle Lord of Pakenham, ON. Additionally, the first pony of GRP lines that Christine bred, Canadian-born Branley Ash Dynasty (Dimension AT/Dornik B/ Dressman I), became the first CSP stallion to be licensed by Europe’s Westphalian registry in 2019.

“I’m really excited to be able to bring home the quality of pony that we see in Europe and be able to produce them here,” said Baker.

“For Deja D’Or to be NDPC First Level Champion and Five-Year-Old Futurity Champion at the Annual show was such a thrill! He had not competed at First level before, so for those two scores alone to make him NDPC Year End Open First Level Champion in the USA is incredible.

Branley Ash Dynasty is one I hold dear to my heart – he is the first CSP I bred, and was imported in-utero from Germany, but born right here at home in Ashton, ON. The Westphalian association had nothing but great things to say about him and what they foresee he will bring to the future of Sport Pony breeding in North America, both for the hunter breeders as well as dressage.”

Sharon Forbes-Hanks earned the American Quarter Horse Association Select All-Around Amateur Title Photo courtesy of Shane Rux

Sharon Forbes-Hanks of Pilot Mound, MB, became not only the first Canadian, but the first international exhibitor in history to win the All-Around title at the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) Select Amateur World Championship Show presented by Adequan®.

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The distinction placed Sharon at the top of the world’s largest, single-breed world championship horse show, open exclusively to amateur exhibitors age 50 and over. From Aug. 27 to 31 in Fort Worth, TX, she strut her stuff with her 10-yearold Canadian-bred American Quarter Horse mare, Hot Little Asset (Protect Your Assets x Hot Pretense). A Reserve World Championship in Showmanship, third in Horsemanship and Hunt Seat Equitation, fourth in Performance Halter Mares and ninth in Western Riding culminated in 50 points to secure the AQHA Select All-Around Amateur Title.

“It was a great honour for me to be the first Canadian and international exhibitor to win this award,” said Sharon. “The competition at the AQHA Select World Championship Show is very intense, with so many talented horses and riders. I feel incredibly fortunate to have been given the opportunity. I have amazing support from my husband, Glen Hanks, and my trainers, John and Jill Briggs. The significance of winning the award with a Canadian-bred horse is that she is only the second one to win any All-Around award at a World Championship show. The vast majority of AQHA horses are bred in the USA, and with the challenges of our climate and a limited number of trainers, most Canadian horses do not have the opportunity to compete at the highest levels. It is extra special for our family, since my parents owned Hot Lil Asset’s dam and grand dam!”

Catriona Kozijn brought home an American Morgan Horse Association Gold Medal Photo courtesy of Howard Schatzberg The highest equitation honours for juniors competing on a Morgan are the American Morgan Horse Association (AMHA) Gold Medals, which are decided through a final competition at the Grand National & World Championship Morgan Horse Show in Oklahoma City, OK.

On Oct. 12, Catriona Kozijn, 19, of Leduc County, AB, became the first Canadian to win any of the six medal titles (Saddle Seat, Hunt Seat on the Flat, Western Seat, Dressage Seat, Hunter Seat Over Fences, Reining Seat) since their inception in the 1970s. She captured the coveted Western Seat Gold Medal aboard Boxford Twist and Shout (Futurity’s Noble Twist x Nemours Gay Lady), her 15-year-old Morgan gelding who won EC’s title for Morgan Horse of the Year in 2018. After a rare tie in the Western Seat Finals led to a run-off, Catriona and Boxford Twist and Shout were unanimously declared victorious.

“Initially, when they first called my number as the winner, I was overwhelmed with joy, amazement and pride for what my partner

‘Twister’ and I accomplished,” commented Catriona. “I am filled with joy and honour to get a chance to compete on the big stage representing Canada and EC in front of and against some of top horses and equestrians in the Morgan world. On a personal level, winning this medal means the world to me. In terms of representing my country, I knew I could use this win to help inspire others and promote the Morgan - and horses in general - in my community and even across the nation.”

Sam Walker became the proud owner of the Washington International Horse Show Equitation Classic Trophy Photo courtesy of Shawn McMillen Photography

If you’ve lost Sam Walker, it’s a pretty safe bet that you can find him in the winner’s circle! On Oct. 26, the 17-year-old phenom from Nobleton, ON, made sure that everyone knows he’s one to watch by becoming the first Canadian to win the Washington International Horse Show (WIHS) Equitation Final, sponsored by the Lindsay Maxwell Charitable Fund. Riding the 12-year-old Warmblood gelding, Waldo,

owned by Missy Clark and North Run, Sam showed off his consistency over three challenging phases: a hunter phase, jumper phase and final work-off. A total score of 278 proved untouchable, and he became the first Canadian to wrap his hands around the WISH Equitation Classic Trophy, donated by Mr. and Mrs. G. Ralph Ours, III.

Sam adds this trophy to a collection of big eq wins, having become just the fourth Canadian to claim the prestigious ASPCA Maclay National Championship in 2018, then winning the CET Medal Final just a few days later. He was also the 2017 Jump Canada Medal National Champion in 2017 and Reserve Champion in 2018.

Congratulations to all four equestrian trailblazers for their impressive achievements in 2019!

CRTWH - A Time to Reflect By Kristy Coulter

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ow is a time to reflect on 2019. The Canadian Registry of the Tennessee Walking Horse had another busy and exciting year, from clinics to members just getting together for trail rides and camaraderie.

We had another great AGM at Klondike Victory Farms along with a very informative clinic. Our clinicians, Fran Kerik and Windi Scott did a really amazing job of making the clinic understandable and easy to follow. Everyone benefitted, from newbies to more savvy riders.

The Gathering, held at the Whitecourt AB Arena this year, was another huge success, with the CRTWH making a donation towards it. This is a great opportunity to make new friends, visit with old ones, and learn so much from one another. It is also a great opportunity to work on your Triple Challenge Programs. We also got to learn how to tie some useful knots and learn a little bit of roping.

In 2019, The CRTWH had special hoodies made featuring our logo - which are for sale right now. A lot of our members have been asking for more CRTWH branded clothing and we delivered! We also had a very successful on-line auction in 2019 which I think will be a ‘go’ for years to come. So many great items were donated to bid on.

Of course, there were trail rides. Members got together in Fort Assiniboine AB, Sandy McNabb AB and Donalda AB to name a few.

Our members trail ride, do cattle drives, TRAC, Endurance, Western Dressage, and Cowboy Challenge. We love our versatile mounts!

Many of us take part in the Triple Challenge, which include Ride/ Drive/ALT, Training Levels and the Program for Excellence. 2019 was no exception. In the Program of Excellence 4 horses entered for a total of 8 categories. All entries were new to the Program for Excellence.

In the Training Levels, 7 horses were entered in 17 categories. Five of these horses were new entries to the Training Levels.

I just know that 2020 will be another exciting year, with this year being a lead-up to our 40th Anniversary in 2022. We are planning various contests and activities so stay tuned! There is a lot of support for anyone wanting to join our registry or participate in the Canadian

Hoodies on the fence Triple Challenge Programs. Check it out on www.crtwh.ca. If you are not sure where to start, follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/ crtwh) and reach out to our members. We are always ready to give you a helping hand. Happy New Year everyone!

The Donalda ride

Lori Dyberg with Northfork Cotton Trim, and Blair Dyberg with Northfork Cheerful Chipper.

Both these Walkers have achieved Gold in the Program For Excellence, and are working their way through the Training Levels Challenge, as well as being very successful in open Cowboy Challenge competitions.

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Whitehorse 4-H Spirit Riders Year Review

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y name is Presley Bjork and I am from the Spirit Riders 4-H group in Whitehorse, Yukon. This is my seventh year in 4-H and I am so grateful to be a part of this amazing group of people. The Spirit Riders are a horse club with 11 members and 4 leaders.

Every year our club does fundraisers, activities, and public speaking.

This year was no different and we all had some great experiences.

The first big event in our 4-H year was our annual Public Speaking. We heard many invigorating speeches, well put together demonstrations, and saw some beautiful displays. Overall it was another successful public speaking.

Next was Farm Tour. We were introduced to some of the newer members’ horses and homes. We were also able to rekindle with our previous members’ horses.

Our riding began during Spring Clinic. There we had group lessons to work on our rider levels, we learned about the anatomy of a horse and painted where certain muscles were to get an understanding of how the horse moves. Lastly, we worked on our Gymkhana skills and ran barrels and did pole bending. Spring Clinic is always a fun way to start our riding in 4-H.

Next on the list was the Fireweed Market Animal Day. We were able to attend the community market with two horses, a donkey, and many eager kids wanting to spread awareness for our local club. We were asked many questions about our club and it was a great time for the members to practice their public speaking.

On July 1st we participated in (personally one of my favourite activities) the Canada Day Parade! The senior and alumni members along with our leaders were able to showcase the vibrant green colours of 4-H while on horseback with the junior members waving flags in the cab of a truck in celebration of our country. The truck was driven by volunteer Lloyd Bjork and was backed up by Jerry Stockley 26 • FEBRuary 2020

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from Three Slaves Farm in his massive John Deere tractor. But, we can’t forget about the wonderful parents who stood up to the task of picking our horse’s poop for us. We ended the parade by riding through Tim Hortons drive-through for an ice capp.

Adding on to our busy schedule was 4-H Day Camp. During the camp members got up painfully early in the morning and with clinician, Ruth Ratcliffe, developed their riding skills so they would be ready to get tested on their rider levels during Achievement. The camp wasn’t all hard work though; we were able to participate in a matched pairs ride to a pattern of our own design, not to mention after a long day in the sun many of us went to cool off in the lake in the evenings. At the end of camp Achievement came next. Everyone worked hard during camp and it payed off in Achievement because everyone did awesome and gave it their best effort!

Next 4-H partnered with the Yukon Agricultural Association and hosted a community Gymkhana. We sold goodies and burgers at the concession as a fundraiser and had a huge crowd show up, as well as many excited riders. The Gymkhana was a huge success and it was smiles all around! We can’t wait to do it again next year!

Some important events coming up in our group include the North of 60 Agricultural Banquet, our cookie drive, and Share the Spirit.

The North of 60 Agricultural Banquet is an event our members have attended for years. We usually give a speech or two and enjoy the fabulous meal that is prepared by the agricultural community of the Yukon.

The cookie drive that our club does annually is one of our main fundraisers. Each member makes 50 dozen cookies and we all come together, box them, then sell them to the members of our community.

Share the Spirit is one of the most important events our club participates in. We come together and volunteer our time to stuff food boxes and deliver food and presents to families who can’t afford a Christmas dinner and presents for their kids. ​ Our 4-H year was composed of many meetings and activities that were made possible by our dedicated members who try their best to show up to everything they can, but also our wondrous leaders.

Without our leaders our group wouldn’t be thriving as it is today. They put in countless hours for the members of our group and they are the people who are turning youth into people you want to see in our everchanging world.

4-H is what’s shaping us into the responsible people we are today and I am so thankful to be a part of my 4-H group and I can’t wait to come back next year for another year of horsin’ around!

100 Mile & District Outriders Club By Amanda Harvey

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t was a crisp evening in the Cariboo, but that didn’t stop townsfolk from bundling up to watch the Christmas Parade! Our float was adorned in wooden horses, ridden by our kids club members, waving to the crowds as they passed by.

The horses, decorated in Christmas lights, followed the float with their riders tossing candies to the hopeful kids along the street. The event was one of wonder! It was our second year in the parade for the Outriders.

The float was created by Bobbi Joe Dayman, our Gymkhana Coordinator and generously driven by her sister, Dianna Dayman. Our riders included many members of our organization and the horses

were calm and enjoyed the attention. There was a mini pony and a dancing cow pleasing the onlookers. We even took home the trophy for Best Float/Walking Group.

As the crowds thinned and we reached the end of the promenade, our faces may have been chilly but our hearts were warm. The sounds of the children shouting “Look! Look! A Pony” and the grins from ear to ear brought delight to us all. We are fortunate to call such a special place, 100 Mile House, home.

May the magic of the Christmas Season bring you as much joy as seeing a pony in twinkle lights.

Happy New Year Fellow Cutters! By Julie Karlsen

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ow! 2019 was a stellar year in the show pen! There was an excellent turnout for all BC Ranch Cutting Horse Association shows, with some shows with their highest turnout ever. Thank you all for attending!

Our grassroots club had over 500 works using over 700 head of cattle over 7 shows, in 3 great locations. The 2019 Board of Directors would like to send out a special thanks you to all who made this past year amazing!

Saddle Sponsor: Dominic Trucking & K&K Livestock

Youth Class Sponsor: Tammy Rose Real Estate

Year-end Buckle & Prize Sponsors: Old Skool Trucking R & E Tack Repair Dale Jarvis Anderlini & Clough Farm Equipment Auctions Kenny Gimlet Farrier Service Double F Working Horses Tony & Jan Ritter Matt Findler Farrier Service GRP Construction Dennis Murphy Trucking RDV Trucking Alundray Investments Ranger Framing & Forming Amy Brattebo Real Estate GRP Construction Sometimes a Sand Dollar David Paton Kat Kowalick Live Auction: Frank Principe Silver Fire Pit Donation: Kat Kowalik

Silent Auction Donors: KD Saddle Blankets Cayley Wilson Performance Horses Dare’s Country Feeds Tracy Brown Larissa Price Photography, Braided Works & Therapeutic Services Emerald Springs Farms Paton & Martin Vet Services Janice Reiter Photography Dale Jarvis Matt Findler Farrier Services Kenny Gimlet Farrier Services Sally Rees R & E Tack Repair Stampede Tack & Western Wear Quiring Trucking & Gravel Sales Kleider Vet Services Classic Copper Training Laughing Tree Ranch Rolgear Manufacturing Embroidery Plus

Our AGM was held at White Spot in Aldergrove BC on November 13, 2019 in the meeting room, with good attendance by general membership. The torch was passed on, and a new board elected.

Introducing your New Board of Directors for 2020: Dale Jarvis (President); Jill Hamilton (Vice-President); Lori-Jo Balachanoff (Treasurer & Sponsorship); Robyn Dubord (Show Secretary); and our Directors at large: Sandy Peters, Meredith Simister, Deb Murray, Alan Hamilton

2019 Calcutta fundraiser brought in $2,100 for Abbotsford Canucks Place Children’s Hospice.

Thank you for all who attended and gambled away for a great cause! See you in 2020!

Show Sponsors: Traveland RV Centres Salishan Boarding Kennels Highland Lowbed Country Lumber The McNally Family Laughing Tree Ranch Amy Brattebo Real Estate Deborah Dickson, Dominion Lending & Mortgages Dolphin Mechanical Never Won A Buckle Sponsors: A & J Rapid Repair Traveland RV Centres Emerald Springs Farms Flowers: Clearview Garden Centre Restrooms donated by: Super Save Group

(Cowboss), and Kat Kowalik.

BCRCHA would like to take this opportunity to thank you ALL again for your continued support. The exceptional help by volunteers at the shows throughout the 2019 season, the amazing sponsorships, you truly made it all come together with amazing success and we sincerely hope to see you in the show pen again in 2020! Cheers!

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Lower Mainland Quarter Horse Association By Mellissa Buckley

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here will be some significant changes this year to the landscape of our shows. Sadly our big circuits have been for years losing a significant amount of money due to many factors, from facility and judge costs (US dollar) to lack of entries to cover those costs. Last year we held a free with membership All Novice Show which was very well received. It showed that if we kept the costs minimal, people were happy to show at a local club facility and had a great time doing it returning to grass roots.

Our shows/industry need to grow again, and will need to be grown from our local competitors over being so dependent on our American friends attendance. Due to the new international leveling rule, and increasing difficulties at the border to key American barns, it would be even more challenging to attract the amount of attendees to make a large circuit run.

With all this in mind, LM is taking a step back from the large circuits to regroup and regrow. We are planning on 3 shows for 2020.

One is already booked for May 10th - an All Novice Show. We are also trying to secure a 1-judge show at the end of June, and one at the end of September, which may be a 2-judge show. We had planned on still running a show on our July dates, but sadly the Oregon Summer Classic was moved on top of those dates, and we cannot compete with that.

Please stay tuned for more information on dates, etc.

We are aiming to have all 3 shows expenses covered by sponsorship or fundraising, so that we are not dependent on entries to stay afloat, and to be able to offer showing opportunities in the area. This way we can also charge minimal entry fees to make these shows very affordable. The hope is that with reasonable show costs, more people may consider joining in at our shows and grow the local industry that way.

We would love your support in sponsorship, volunteer and fundraising efforts. Please contact us if you are able and interested in doing so.

Lower Mainland Quarter Horse Association President: Mellissa Buckley, mellissa1@hotmail.com, 604-729-6616 Website: http://bcqha.com/index.php/lmqha Visit our Facebook page

Welcome All to the BCCHA 2020 Show Season By Cheri Smeeton

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ith spring just around the corner the BCCHA Directors are pleased to present this year’s show season to our members.

This April we are going to kick off the year with a new show in Chilliwack being held at Bell Creek Arena. The BCCHA Board of Directors are always striving to make the club better and more exciting for our members and this year we are certain this will happen. BCCHA is looking forward to seeing everyone at our first show.

April 10-12: BELL CREEK ARENA CUTTING Chilliwack BC - NCHA/CCHA/BCCHA

Bell Creek Arena is a brand new cutting horse event facility located 1/2 hour from the U.S. border. This show will be a 2-day show over 3 days. A full slate of weekend classes along with Open & Non Pro Derby classes will be offered.

April 23-26: HERITAGE CLASSIC CUTTING Chilliwack Heritage Park, Chilliwack BC - NCHA/CCHA/BCCHA

This will be a 3-day show over 4 days. $30,000 ADDED

The Heritage Classic will host an Open Derby, Non Pro Derby and an Open Classic & Non Pro Classic along with a full slate of weekend classes.

June 19-21: TWO RIVERS INDOOR CUTTING Quesnel BC - NCHA/CCHA/BCCHA

Two Rivers Cutting will be 3 shows over 3 days. All NCHA money classes are $600 Added. 4 YR Olds show on Day 2 & 3 with $700 Added per day. The $750 Rider, $750 Horse and Nervous Novice Jackpot classes will also be offered.

There will also be a Beginners clinic held on the Monday, June 22 with judge Les Timmons. The clinic will be limited to 10 riders.

August 28-30: BELL CREEK ARENA Chilliwack BC - NCHA/CCHA/BCCHA

Details coming soon September 19-20: HIGHLAND VALLEY ARENA Logan Lake BC - NCHA/CCHA/BCCHA

Details coming soon All Shows listed above are Pending NCHA Approval Please visit our website at www.bccha.ca for updates on all BCCHA events CLINICS: May 16-18: SUSAN STEWART MEMORIAL CLINIC Zirnhelt Ranch, Cherry Creek BC

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BC Interior Morgan Horse Club  By Nancy Roman

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ello Morgan lovers, members and potential members! We have our Annual General Meeting coming up on Saturday, February 22 at the Anchor Inn Pub (upstairs – children are welcome) in Armstrong BC. The meeting will start at 11 am with the CMHA BC/Yukon zone AGM, then lunch (off the menu), followed by our Interior club’s AGM. Anyone interested in being on the board of directors should attend. New potential members are welcome as well, the more the merrier. We will then have a brief Interior club meeting afterwards.

Our annual fundraising Tack Sale happens on Saturday, March 28, again in the Armstrong Curling Club at the fairgrounds. The sale will be

from 10 am to 2 pm, with exhibitor set up as of 8 am. Table rentals are $30 for private/personal sale, and $60 for a business (to sell/promote their products). Extra tables are $10 each. We give you an approximate 10’ x 10’ space to use. Fill it up with your tack, clothing, saddle stands, racks, etc. Bring your own chair and tablecloth(s) please. We will need some volunteers for the Friday night before to haul in all the tables and set them up. For more info call me at 250-546-9922 or email nancyroman@telus. net. Can mail a cheque or pay by e-transfer. Tables must be pre-booked and paid in advance. Limited tables, first come first serve. Watch our club’s Facebook page for updates and more info as the date approaches.

The Top Ten Reasons to Join Pony Club Story and photos by Chris Richardson 1. Horses (and Ponies)

Is there a horse-obsessed youngster in your family? My three girls joined Pony Club twelve years ago because they loved their riding lessons and all things horsey. Pony Club is an immersive experience in the equine world and, as much as they loved horses and ponies when we joined, they have learned and understood more about them as part of an organization that has been channelling the same love for more than 75 years.

2. Riding Skills

As youth progress through Pony Club, they develop their riding skills immensely. From beginner to expert, Pony Club defines precisely what they need to learn and demonstrate in order to move up to the next skill level.

Prince Philip Games hand-off in progress

3. Horsemanship

Pony Clubbers learn how to care for horses and ponies from some of the most experienced and knowledgeable instructors in the region.

After several seasons receiving lessons, my daughters gave back to Pony Club by becoming instructors themselves.

4. Community

In our years with the organization we have met people from all over the BC Lower Mainland region, some of whom are as horse-crazy as my girls, and others who are just closely associated with the horsecrazy. This community expands dramatically as members become involved with national and international Pony Club competitions.

5.

Friendship We have all made life-long friends in the Pony Club community.

6. Competition Quiz, Rally, Show Jumping, Dressage, Prince Philip Games, and Tetrathlon are safe, supportive competition environments in which members can demonstrate their knowledge, riding, and horsemanship skills. With three kids riding competitively, costs can soar, but Pony Club events are always reasonable on the pocketbook.

7. Teamwork

Riding of any kind requires teamwork and Pony Club’s emphasis on team competitions teaches kids how to pull together to

Richmond Pony Club’s Rally Team succeed. Rally and Prince Philip Games in particular required my daughters to work with each other and with other Pony Club members to succeed in competition.

8. Confidence

While moving up the Pony Club skill levels and participating in the competitions, my kids became visibly more confident about their equestrian skills and as young adults.

9. Fun

The fun has brought us back to Pony Club for more than a decade.

10. Future

Pony Club may change your future. It is no exaggeration to say that our involvement in Pony Club is a major reason why we now own a 12-acre equestrian farm in the Fraser Valley, staffed by knowledgeable, hard-working Pony Clubbers!

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The Back Country Horsemen of BC Cowboy Poetry, the fine tradition By Mary Huntington

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or generations, people working with their land and livestock have been able to share their thoughts and emotions through music and poetry. These were art forms easily transported with them as they roamed the land, sitting around a warm friendly fire in the evenings, keeping each other entertained and a little less lonely.

Today we have many great composers of what is now classed as Cowboy Poetry. Any good gathering of aficionados will bring out moving poetry expressing so many aspects of “Cowboy and Country” life.

Back Country Horsemen of BC has always encouraged similar entertainment after a day of riding or trail maintenance. In the company of fellow members, music and poetry just go hand in hand. So 5 years ago, a perpetual award was created to recognize the talents of its members. It was named in honour of a past member, Ernie Buckle, one of our best raconteurs, who could hold you spellbound as he recited poem after poem, from memory, well into his 80’s!

So 2019 was no different. The Cowboy Poetry challenge went out for our annual Rendezvous, held near Nanoose Bay on Vancouver Island. A total of 9 members accepted the challenge, creating a very tough job for the judges as each year the quality of submissions just keeps getting better. But after 2 days of recitations, it wasn’t too hard to identify the winner. Bob Collins from Alberni Chapter had us all holding our bellies as he regaled us about his “Old Truck.” Then just as we thought we had a runaway winner, a young lady from Yarrow Chapter, Mikayla Peter, still in her teens, recited for us a very thoughtful analogy about our relationships with our horses. A very impressive and thought provoking piece of work. A good omen for the future of Cowboy Poetry.

I hope we will see more pieces coming from both these members.

2019 winner Bob Collins with the 2 runners up, Sylvia HallAndrews (CVI chapter) and Ed Bakstad (OK chapter). See Bob’s poem on the next page.

Mikayla Peter reciting her poem entry Our Wire Fence

By Mikayla Peter, Yarrow Chapter, BCHBC We are all just an old wire fence.

Bent, contorted, and nailed into place.

Being told where to be, and how to stay.

If we start rusting, that’s okay.

We’ll just be replaced, we can’t stay.

There is only a number of times wire can be bent back and repaired.

Eventually we’ll be cut out, traded and forgotten.

There isn’t much we can do but stay nailed to our fence post.

Through the rain and the snow but we can’t go.

The only breaks we get that doesn’t break us is when the wild horses roam close.

Now instead of being a piece of wire, we imagine how we could be.

How free it seems to be a horse.

We watch how they graze, instead of glancing at our watches.

How the breeze in their manes resembles brindle meadows.

The sounds of the herd munching away at soft grasses does something to our bodies, maybe it relaxes.

Colours mix when the herd runs.

Bays, blacks, roans and duns.

Paints, appys and greys.

They are all different colours but to the horses that doesn’t seem to matter.

They all work together like a flock of starlings in the sky.

Operating as a unit, galloping as one.

As we watch these natural beauties, we forget that we are anchored to our wooden posts.

The wild herd unshackles us for moments at a time.

No matter how twisted our wires are or how rusted our metal may be… we rest and watch the wild horses roam free.

Back Country Horsemen Provincial Executive • http://bchorsemen.org

President: Brian Wallace, president@bchorsemen.org, 250-569-2324 Vice President: Rose Schroeder, milkmaid@shaw.ca, 604-854-1245 • Vice President: Scott Walker • Vice President: Verna Houghtaling Treasurer: Karen Tanchak, klldt13@hotmail.com - 250-832-1596 • Secretary: Lisa Galanov, lisa@owspower.ca, 250-672-0099 Past President: Ybo Plante, farmgirlbc@gmail.com, 250-361-6290

30 • February 2020

SADDLEUP.CA

Cowboy Poetry

All in all, she suits me just fine

By Bob Collins Alberni Chapter, BCHBC

A bunch of the boys were hoistin’ a few after the sale was done I figured I’d stop in and join ‘em just for a wee bit of fun I found ‘em at their table and no sooner sat myself down When Tom says It’s sure good to see ya, it’s yore turn to buy us a round

There’s ammo in the glovebox Some maps and a fishin’ lure And if you take a big sniff you’ll sure catch a whiff Of horse sweat and cow manure

And Normie sez How ‘bout them prices Yer middle weight steers fetched today I said Prices could always be higher But all-in-all I done okay

My wife don’t ride to town no more Cause that big holes been chewed in the seat Ever since last year at Stampede time When my border-collie came into heat

And Augie sez I’m glad to hear it It’s high time that you had some luck Maybe now you can think about buyin’ Yourself a new pick-up truck

In the crack of the seat there’s a letter From some lawyer named Blowhard & Son And down there too there’s a half-can of chew And a four-year-old Western Horsemen

Well they all started snortin’ and laughin’ And Will sez By golly it’s true That sorry old pick-up yer drivin’ Is dang nearly as old as you

And under the seat I’m thinkin’ There’s some gloves and my leaky rain-clothes And if I’m not badly mistaken There’s ear tags and rusty Burdizzos

I said Boys I sure hate to tell ya But I ain’t lookin’ to trade in my ride Cuz it would take me six weeks from Sunday Just to sort out the stuff that’s inside

There’s fence pliers and staples and weigh slips Prob’ly a speedin’ ticket or two There’s saw-files and halters and wrenches Some bits and a wore out lasso

Oh she’s rusty and dented I know it And she rattles and shakes when I drive But the cab of that truck is priceless She’s a virtual ranchin’ archive

Under there too there’s some bottles I know cause they’re clankin’ and spillin’ It might be some Vitamin A, D, and E Or that bottle of old Penicillin

Why there’s tapes up among them feed bills Heaped up there on the dash There’s a couple of Ian Tysons And my favourite old Johnny Cash

And down behind the seat’s a bag Full of harness snaps and leather And I’d bet on a dare there’s another one there Full of parts for the New Holland spreader

The heater still works and the radio plays There’s nothin’ I need that she lacks And that ticket ain’t fair sez get yer windshield repaired Cause there’s a space where I can see through them cracks

And up there on the headliner All wrote out in red felt pen I’ve kept a twenty-year record Of all the cows I calved out and by when

And all mixed in with the rest of it There’s a pretty good measure of hay If I could just figure some way to bale it I could feed all my cows for a day

But the thing I like best about my truck Way more than some truck that’s brand new Is no one ever sends me a letter And sez there’s a payment that’s due

I got Angus and Shorthorn and Hereford Bull names wrote out on the door And how many calves from each one was born In a book somewhere’s down on the floor

There’s a sprinkler head in the ashtray And a calf puller throwed in the back And I don’t much care that she ain’t got a spare Cause it’s been years since I seen the jack

So I don’t care if ya giggle and snigger And make jokes cuz her wheels don’t align Cuz she don’t owe me one plugged nickel And all-in-all she suits me just fine.

And no matter how lean the time gets There’s always a side that’s sunny Cause under the dash I got a secret stash Of Canadian Tire Store money And them new trucks got too many options Their so dolled-up it makes ‘em look prissy And you might call me square but I just wouldn’t care To drive a pick-up that’s so gol-darned sissy And them new trucks is frightful expensive You’d figger maybe they trimmed ‘em with gold To be honest my old truck still suits me Cause she always starts good in the cold

February February 2020 2020

SADDLEUP.CA 31 SADDLEUP.CA •• 31

Hi my name is Khloe. I have a new horse, her name is Comet and she is a 14-year-old APHA mare. We are retraining her from a Western Pleasure horse to an English hunter jumper. She is sweet and adorable and fun to ride.

- Khloe, age 13, Nelson BC

my 10-year-old Quarter Hello! My name is Bella and this is er sweet and we Horse gelding named Blue. He is sup have a lot of fun together!

- Bella, age 13, Slocan BC

This could be YOU!!!

It’s your turn to tell us about YOU! BECAUSE IT’S ALL ABOUT YOU!

Send in ONE photo with a caption (No more than 40 words). Include your first name, age, city/province.

Photos will be printed on space availability basis.

Email to nancyroman@saddleup.ca. Put in the subject line “KIDS”.

32 • February 2020

SADDLEUP.CA

Clubs & Associations 30 Years of Celebrating Long Ears

NOW YOU DO HAVE A CHOICE.

members from across Canada and the US

Our low cost membership includes $5 Million and $30,000 Accidental Death and Dismemberment.

Check out our web site for more information www.crhra.ca 2/20

www.AlbertaDonkeyandMule.ca

CRHRA is a voice for the Recreational Rider.

3/20

armstrong enderby riding club Schooling Shows (Eng/West/Games), Armstrong Fairgrounds, April to Sept. www.armstrongenderbyridingclub.com 8/20 12/20

CANADIAN THERAPEUTIC RIDING ASSOCIATION CanTRA promotes the benefits of therapeutic riding across Canada through awareness, education, and setting standards for therapeutic riding instructor certification, centre accreditation, hippotherapy, and equine-facilitated wellness.

9/20

BARRIERE & DISTRICT RIDING CLUB, www.barrieredistrictridingclub.com, bdrcwebinfo@gmail.com, Darcey Woods, President, 250-318-9975 4/20

Contact: ctra@golden.net • Website: www.cantra.ca

IE

RSEMANS

H

CERT

BC INTERIOR ARABIAN HORSE ASSOC. Pres: Wally Goertz 250-546-6004 9/20 asmarawg@telus.net, clinics, Recreational riding programs, Awards/Social Activ.

BC INTERIOR MORGAN HORSE CLUB Pres: Tom Nobles 250-838-2228, leetom. nobles@gmail.com, Clinics, Pot O Gold Show, Trail Rides, see our FB page 3/20 BC LOWER MAINLAND PONY CLUB For horse lovers ages 6-25; Jumper, Dressage, Eventing, PPG & more! Carol McDonald, carolmcd@shaw.ca 5/20 BC PAINT HORSE CLUB www.bcphc.com, Open Show & Competition Program, award sponsorships for local clubs, youth scholarship. cathyglover@telus.net 2/21

N

2/20

S O C I AT I O

Visit our website for upcoming events

I

AS

IF

HO

CHA

Hosting BCCHA, CCHA & NCHA Shows, Clinics and Youth Events. www.bccha.ca

D

P

BC CARRIAGE DRIVING SOCIETY, Pres: Tina Knott 250-743-9114, Pleasure, Combined, Recreation from Minis to Drafts, www.bccarriagedriving.com 4/20

TM

Certifying equine professionals such as riding coaches & equine facility managers.

CHA accredits equine facilities for insurance discounts & publishes educational horsemanship manuals & hosts networking conferences.

Visit www.CHA.horse To find a certified equine professional or accredited site visit www.CHAinstructors.com

dedicated to promoting the sport of cutting to enthusiasts of all levels See us on acebook & Instagram

www.bcrcha.com

7/20

CHILLIWACK RIDING CLUB, Drill Team, Horse Shows (Heritage Qualifiers), Gymkhana, Trail Rides, Clinics, Open Ride, Socials, www.crchorse.ca 11/20 Equestrian Canada (EC) is the national governing body for equestrian sport and industry in Canada, with a mandate to represent, promote and advance all equine and equestrian interests.

1-866-282-8395 | inquiries@equestrian.ca | www.equestrian.ca

10/18 12/20

Want to enjoy miles of beautiful new trails with your equine partner in BC? Try Endurance Riding!

We welcome all levels of riders and all breeds of equines.

Info on clinics and events at www.erabc.com

10/20 6/16

A charitable equine organization funding veterinary colleges and students, and other worthwhile equine causes.

BC QUARTER HORSE ASSOCIATION, www.bcqha.com Contact Carolyn Farris, email cfarris@telus.net 6/20

Fraser Valley’s own ‘grassroots’ club

5/20

PEOPLE HELPING PEOPLE HELPING HORSES

Bob Watson, President 403-378-4323 cbwatson@telusplanet.net www.equinefoundationofcanada.com

2/20

9/20

4/20

or e-mail: bcrcha@gmail.com

Team Cattle Penning is a race against the clock to have 3 riders pen 3 of 30 numbered head of cattle. Each rider is rated to their current abilities and the three riders on a team make up the maximum allowed number for the division they are riding. Example: a 10 Class is made of a 4-rated rider and two 3-rated riders. The herd is on one end of the arena and the foul line is usually 1/3. DON’T BLOW OUT!! YEE HAW!! www.bctcpa.net

12/19 11/18

BOUNDARY HORSE ASSOCIATION (Grand Forks BC), Offering shows, gymkhanas, clinics & more. See us on Facebook, 250-443-3191, kmespenhain@telus.net 2/20

8/20

Interior cutting horse association www.ichacutting.com New cutters always welcome. Lee Poncelet 250-938-2034 7/20 KELOWNA RIDING CLUB, www.kelownaridingclub.com contact and event info.

Daily drop-in rates & facility rentals open to all. 3745 Gordon Dr, Kelowna, BC. 2/20

12/20

D E A D li n e

5th of each month

LANGLEY RIDERS SOCIETY, www.langleyriders.com. English/Western, Games, Jumping, Drill Team, Rodeo. 604-530-5981 9/20 LOWER MAINLAND QUARTER HORSE ASSOC. Pres: Mellissa Buckley, mellissa1@hotmail.com, http://bcqha.com/index.php/LMQHA 11/20 February 2020

SADDLEUP.CA • 33

Clubs & Associations North OK therapeutic riding assoc. 250-549-0105 www.notra.info Providing therapeutic horseback riding for children and adults with disabilities 7/20 OLIVER & DISTRICT RIDING CLUB, Pres: Dawn MacRae 250-689-0156, anewdawn101@outlook.com, Clinics, Summer Show & more, see our FB page 3/20 7/20

100 Mile & District Outriders

7/18 9/20

Promoting equine activities and knowledge in the south Cariboo with Shows, Clinics, Gymkhanas and more.

Harvey President: Adam Mike Kidston E-mail: info@outriders.com ~ www.100mileoutriders.com

PEACHLAND RIDING CLUB, Pres: Calista Collins, calista1993@gmail.com, 250899-0830. Info, Gymkhana dates & events at www.peachlandridingclub.com 4/20

PRINCETON RIDING CLUB, Pres: Stephanie Antonick, santonick@hotmail.com See us on Facebook. Offering shows, clinics and more! 12/20 SOUTH CENTRAL QUARTER HORSE ASSOC., Host of April Fuzzy Horse Show and September AQHA Circuit Show, http://bcqha.com/index.php/scqha 10/20 VINTAGE RIDERS EQUESTRIAN CLUB (Fraser Valley BC), English/Western, lectures, clinics, socials, safe and fun, vintageriders@shaw.ca, on Facebook 2/20 WELLS GRAY RIDERS ASSOCIATION, (Clearwater BC) www.wellsgrayriders. com, find us on Facebook! Gymkhanas, clinics, trails, drill team & more 2/20

10/20

D E A D li n e

5th of each month

WESTERN CANADIAN REINING ASSOC. Amber 250-392-6402 wcrareining@gmail.com, www.wcra.info 9/20 WILD ROSE DRAFT HORSE ASSOCIATION, www.wrdha.com. Barb Stephenson (Secretary) phone 403-933-5765 (8:00 am to 8:00 pm) 4/20

What’s Happening? Let’s Go! 2020 Events?? Let us know – this is a FREE service for non-profit events.

REQUIRED FORMAT FOR EACH DATE:

Jan 1-3 OPEN HORSE SHOW, Smith Arena, Smithsville, BC, John 604-123-4567 johnsmith@smith.net, www.smithshow.com

2020 Happy New Year Everyone! february

9 CATTLE SORTING, Rockin’R Ranch, Pritchard BC, 250-804-8039,

rockingrranch@gmail.com, pre-registration & deposit required 13-16 SASKATCHEWAN EQUINE EXPO, Prairieland Park, Saskatoon SK, www.saskatchewanequineexpo.ca 13-16 AQHA CANADIAN SUMMIT (during Equine Expo), Saskatoon SK,

email: international@aqha.org 14 CQHA ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (during Equine Expo), Saskatoon SK, www.cqha.ca 16 CATTLE SORTING, Rockin’R Ranch, Pritchard BC, 250-804-8039,

rockingrranch@gmail.com, pre-registration & deposit required 22 MORGAN AGM (CMHA & BCIMHC), 11 am, Anchor Inn, Armstrong BC,

Tom 250-838-2228 23 CATTLE SORTING, Rockin’R Ranch, Pritchard BC, 250-804-8039,

rockingrranch@gmail.com, pre-registration & deposit required

march

8

22

CATTLE SORTING, Rockin’R Ranch, Pritchard BC, 250-804-8039, rockingrranch@gmail.com, pre-registration & deposit required CATTLE SORTING, Rockin’R Ranch, Pritchard BC, 250-804-8039, rockingrranch@gmail.com, pre-registration & deposit required

28 TACK SALE, 10am-2pm, Armstrong Curling Club, Armstrong BC, table rentals

$30/$60, Nancy 250-546-9922, nancyroman@telus.net 28-Apr 3 EDMONTON AB Learn equine massage! Certification Course

Sidonia McIntyre, RMT, CEMT, CCF, https://www.equinerehab.ca 29 CATTLE SORTING, Rockin’R Ranch, Pritchard BC, 250-804-8039,

rockingrranch@gmail.com, pre-registration & deposit required

april

5 CATTLE SORTING, Rockin’R Ranch, Pritchard BC, 250-804-8039,

rockingrranch@gmail.com, pre-registration & deposit required 5 LMQHA HORSEMENS BAZAAR (50th Anniversary), Thunderbird Show Park,

Langley BC, www.bcqha.com/index.php/lmqha 10-11 BELL CREEK ARENA CUTTING, Chilliwack BC, www.bccha.ca 11-12 INTRO TO MOUNTAIN TRAIL CLINIC, Circle Creek Equestrian, Kamloops BC,

Colleen 250-682-1002, circlecreek@telus.net, www.circlecreek.ca 12 CATTLE SORTING, Rockin’R Ranch, Pritchard BC, 250-804-8039,

rockingrranch@gmail.com, pre-registration & deposit required 18-19 STEPPING IT UP MOUNTAIN TRAIL CLINIC, Circle Creek Equestrian,

Kamloops BC, Colleen 250-682-1002, circlecreek@telus.net, www.circlecreek.ca 19 AERC HORSE SHOW, 9 am start, Agriplex, Armstrong BC, www.armstrongenderbyridingclub.ca 23-26 HERITAGE CLASSIC CUTTING, Chilliwack BC, www.bccha.ca 24-26 THE MANE EVENT, Westerner Park, Red Deer AB, www.maneeventexpo.com

More dates at saddleup.ca

Do you have your 2020 dates booked yet?

Send them in (required format only, as above) – our readers want to know!

Remember, we can only fit so many in the magazine, but we print them ALL on our website!

34 • February 2020

SADDLEUP.CA

Business Services ACCOMMODATIONS

EQUINE HEALTH For Horses DR. REED’S Supplements

Ask for Chilliwack Heritage Park rate LSPECI East of Heritage Park at mall & restaurants

FREE Comfort Sunshine Breakfast 604-858-0636 or 1-800-228-5150

www.DrReeds.com

www.choicehotels.ca/cn235 • Chilliwack, BC 4/15 6/20

3/20

HOWARD JOHNSON INN, Red Deer, 403-343-8444. One minute from Westerner Park. www.hojoreddeer.com 12/19

Hidez Equine Compression Products Canada Hoods, Ice Compression Socks, Compression Socks, Travel and Recovery Suits, Active Suits Check us out at acebook or call or text 403-704-6417 We will connect you with a rep in your area!

9/20

arena maintenance

2/21 12/20

BEDDING, HOG FUEL, SHAVINGS FACILITY RENTALS

NATA FARMS

Horse Shavings  Hog Fuel formerly David Beerstra Trucking  Bark Mulch Serving the BC Interior 250-503-7432

12/20

3/20

WWW.REIMERSFARMSERVICE.COM (BC Interior) 1-855-737-0110 or 250-260-0110. Bulk & Bagged Shavings, 4x4x4 Totes, Sawdust, Bark Mulch

11/20

LAKOTA AGRIPLEX Dawson Creek BC, 100’x200’ indoor arena, outdoor arena, 50’ round pen. Rental inquiries to Caretaker 250-782-1445, dcdsaa@gmail.com 2/20

BOARDING FACILITIES / RETIREMENT / REHAB SILVERADO HORSE CENTER (Cochrane AB) Boarding, Clinics, Lessons, Training, www.silveradohorsecenter.com 11/20

FARM SUPPLIES

TURNING POINT RANCH (Pritchard BC) 250-577-3526. Full care, rest, rehab, retirement, geriatric. www.turningpointranch.ca or see us on Facebook 5/20 BAUMALIGHT.COM 1-866-820-7603

Contractors  Shops

 Driveways

 Barns

 Metal

 Garages  Houses Roofing  Metal Siding

Duncan Farrow  250-503-6099  farrowbuilt@gmail.com Serving the Okanagan and Shuswap 9/20

2/20

STUMP GRINDERS

DEAD STOCK REMOVAL THE BLUE GOOSE CATTLE CO. (Okanagan/Shuswap) 250-309-0629, Providing prompt dead stock removal service when the decision has to be made. 2/20

CHILLIWACK 1-877-847-3735

wholesale panels & gates | pet food | bagged feed

countrywestsupply.com

EDUCATION

8/18 10/20

Happy Valentines Day

Wanted Wranglers / Trail Guides Guide on Guest Ranch / Horse pack trips www.chilcotinholidays.com

ARMSTRONG 1-250-546-9174

8/19 9/20

D E A D li n e 5th of each month February 2020

SADDLEUP.CA • 35

Business Services FARRIERS & SUPPLIES

INSURANCE

7/20

Solve Insurance Services Inc.  250-861-3777

6/20

9/20

Realtors

ROB TEIT, Journeyman Certified Farrier (Kamloops & Area) 250-574-6838 robertteit503@gmail.com 4/20

DENNIS WANGLER

FEED DEALERS ASHCROFT home building CENTRE (Ashcroft) 250-453-2281 Otter Co-op Dealer & Pet Foods. You can find us on Facebook 9/20 31852 Marshall Place 5410 Trans Canada Hwy. 103-1889 Springfield Rd. 975 Langford Parkway 1-1227 Island Hwy. S. 587 Alberni Hwy. 1970 Keating Cross Rd. 1771 10th Ave SW 2565 Main St.

556-7477 748-8171 860-2346 940-4499 753-4221 248-3243 652-9188 832-8424 768-8870

RIBBONS & ROSETTES

5/20

100% Canadian

ABBOTSFORD DUNCAN KELOWNA LANGFORD NANAIMO PARKSVILLE SANNICH SALMON ARM WEST KELOWNA

9/20

Listing and Selling – Rural and Residential Properties in the North Okanagan and Shuswap Cell: 250-549-0996 / Office 250-546-3119 dgwangler@telus.net Armstrong 9/20

OKANAGAN RIBBONS, 1-888-545-7647 The best source for all your event and award ribbons! www.ribbonsonline.net, ribbons@xplornet.com 10/20

SADDLEMAKERS & REPAIRS FEncing 130MILERANCH.COM (Cariboo) 250-644-7200 Corrals, Gates, Panels, Bale Feeders, Best Prices in the Cariboo!

RT LEATHER (Kamloops) 250-574-6838. Saddle & Tack Repairs (English & Western), Custom Leatherwork, robertteit503@gmail.com 4/20 8/20

TACK/CLOTHING SHOPS Gates, Panels, Feeders, Continuous FenCe deer & Farm FenCe installations

Custom built and installed to your needs

GRK Fasteners Dealer * Customized Bale Spikes * Custom Welding * Horse Trailer Repairs *Serving BC/AB/WA for over 10 years

Alan Cossentine, Oliver, BC • 250-490-5662 alc@cffence.com • www.cffence.com

2/21

FERRIS FENCING “PastureLine” 4mm : “No Wire” Polymer : Complete ElectricSystems HorseRail products : No-Climb & Diamond Mesh

30 years Serving the Horse Industry www.ferrisfencing.com / info@ferrisfencing.com / 1-800-665-3307 4/20 3/19

GUEST RANCHES WWW.MEADOWLAKEGUESTRANCH.COM (Clinton BC) toll free 1-833-238-1200 Back country trails, bed & bale, multiple updated private lodgings on 700+ acres 7/20

9/20

SPRING LAKE GUEST RANCH, (100 Mile House BC) 250-791-5776 Beautiful Ranch on 600 acres & private lake, www.springlakeranch.com 36 • February 2020

SADDLEUP.CA

5/20

DIAMOND H TACK INC. (Kelowna BC) 877-762-5631 English & Western Saddlery, Clothes, Farrier, Feed, Blanket & Leather Repairs 8/20 WWW.THETRADINGPOSTFEEDANDTACK.COM (Nanaimo) 250-245-2115 English/Western Tack & Apparel, Feeds & Hay, Portable Fencing 3/20

TRAILER REPairs PETERSEN TRAILERS LTD. (Langley) 604-533-4209 Service and Repairs. All makes. www.petersentrailers.ca 5/20 TRANS NATIONAL TRAILER INC. (1645 Eagle Rock Rd., Armstrong BC) 250-308-8980, RVs to Horse Trailers. Your Trailer Parts Superstore! 7/20

DEADline 5th of each month Call 1-866-546-9922 for more info

Business Services TRAINERS/coaches

TRAILER SAles CUMMINGS TRAILER SALES & RENTALS (Abbotsford) 1-877-856-1988 Horse, Stock, Flatdeck, Utility, Dump, Cargo and Pre-owned, www.cummings.ca 10/20

LISA WIEBEN (Bowden AB) www.mountainviewtrainingstables.com, Clinics, Training, Lessons, Centered Riding/Western & English Dressage 5/20

KITT EQUIPMENT TRAILER SALES, (Chilliwack & Aldergrove), 1-877-823-7199, Horse ~ Stock ~ Utility ~ Dump ~ Flatdecks, Kittequipment.com 2/20

MARION WEISSKOPFF (Princeton BC) Clinics & Horse Training, Working Equitation, Classical & Cowboy Dressage, Wilderness Trail. www.mwsporthorses.com 7/20

TRAINERS/coaches

SANDY LANG HORSEMANSHIP (Abbotsford BC) 604-850-1243 Foundation Specialist, Natural Horsemanship, www.sandylanghorsemanship.com 7/20

BIRGIT STUTZ, Irwin Insights Master Level 4 Cert. Trainer, www.fallingstarranch. ca, Training/lessons/clinics/student programs, Dunster BC, 250-968-6801 8/20

THE ROCK’N STAR RANCH (Pritchard BC), Horsemanship, Training, Rehab, Clinics, Horse lay-ups, www.therocknstarranch.com 4/20

CARLWOODSPERFORMANCEHORSES.COM (Kelowna BC) 250-808-1486, Pleasure, Reining, Roping, Cowhorse, Colts started, Farrier service 6/20

VETERINARIANS

DAWN FERSTER (Kelowna BC) Coaching/Training/Workshops 250-808-0738 Mountain Trail/Western/Dressage, see Damarhe Training on FB 2/21 8/20

International Clinician and Horseman 1-877-728-8987 www.thehorseranch.com

Debbie Hughes |

Clinician, Trainer, Competitor

DAWSON CREEK VETERINARY CLINIC 250-782-1080. Equine Reproduction, Endoscopy, Ultrasound, Digital X-Ray and more. www.dcvet.ca 11/20 INTERIOR VETERINARY HEALTH SERVICES (Okanagan) 250-769-4217, Mobile Equine, Brytann Youngberg DVM, VSMT, College of Animal Chiropractors 7/20 KAMLOOPS LARGE ANIMAL VET Clinic 250-374-1486 Drs Jennifer Jackson, Jason McGillivray, Colin Mikkelsen, Robert Mulligan, Heather Pedersen 4/20 OKANAGAN EQUINE VETERINARY SERVICES (Kelowna) 250-764-9888 Sheila McDonald DVM, www.okanaganequinevet.com

Specializing in Mountain Trail, De-Spook and Horsemanship Clinics

www.dhughesquarterhorses.com

ANIMAL CARE HOSPITAL Williams Lake 250-392-5510 / Quesnel 250-747-3053 Drs. Magnowski, Scheidt, Thompson, Jordan, Meier, Ree 2/20

4/20

JONATHAN FIELD HORSEMANSHIP - Inspired by Horses® www.JonathanField.net, 1-888-533-4353 9/20 LEE PONCELET TRAINING STABLEs (Vernon, BC) 250-938-2034 Starting Colts.

Training all levels. Specializing in Cutting/Cowhorse. www.lpperformancehorses.com 6/20

11/20

WALES EQUINE VETERINARY SERVICES (Okanagan) 250-258-2299 Drs. Alex Wales and Dr. Susan Wales, www.walesequine.com 7/20

Well pumps Serving BC’s Interior for over 50 years GENERATION Pump Co.

rs. repair.. stall & the yea Meeting your water needs through ter system in a w Water well pump specialist. Full

Paul Moore 250-549-0780 | www.GenerationPumpCompany.com | Gary Moore 250-558-6812

8/20

your listing should be here year round Starting at just $250 per year (for 12 issues).

Plus we can add a link on our web site for only $50 per year!

Call 1-866-546-9922 for more info

Stallions & Breeders Appaloosacentre.com 250-963-9779 Real Appaloosas for Today and the Future! 8/20

SUNSET RIDGE RANCH km 408 N Klondike Highway, Yukon, 867-332-8832. SS: APHA Leo's Bar Yazhi (homozygous) offspring for sale, www.windwalkingpaints.com 2/20

FOOTNOTE FARM FJORDS (Langley BC), 778-822-3276, Registered imported performance lines www.footnotefarm.com 3/20

SUNSET VIEW RANCH (West Kelowna BC) 250-707-7271. Top Performance AQHA/APHA bloodlines, Breeding & Sales. SS: Dunit Canadian Style 2/21

Old Baldy Ranch (Dawson Creek) 250-843-7337 SS: Breeding AQHA/NFQH Grullo & Blue Roan, www.northernhorse.com/oldbaldy 12/20

WILDWOOD RANCHES Reg’d Quarter Horses (OK Falls, BC) 250-497-8452 SS: Standing an own son of Frenchmans Guy. www.wildwoodranches.org 3/20 February 2020

SADDLEUP.CA • 37

On The Market (Private Sale) The Peruvian Horse

Peruvian Paso Horses

We Have the Blues!

Ringstead Ranch, one of Canada’s Largest breeders, now have locations in both Chase, BC and Cayley, AB.

To learn more about this beautiful & unique breed of horse, and for a complete Sales List, please visit our website.

2020 Foals will be available sired by:

12/20

LBJ Sierras Blue Te | AQHA Blue Roan and his son AW Blue Fire N Te | AQHA Blue Roan Aaron & Colleen Wangler 250-843-7337 (Dawson Creek BC) oldbaldy@hotmail.ca www.northernhorse.com/oldbaldy

The smoothest riding horse in the world!

For Pleasure, Trail, Show, Work...

Discover the versatile Peruvian Horse at PHAC.ca!

www.ringsteadranch.com deb.cones@gmail.com 403-860-9763

9/20 7/18

Visit PHAC.ca for more Information on this Incredible Breed!

6/20 3/17

FOR SALE

PHOTO ADS only $60 per issue (or less).

Next deadline February 5th.

SPORT HORSE FILLY

Registered Appaloosa ApHC 2018 filly.

Homozygous for black colour EE. Carries Appaloosa colour gene PATN/1.

Coming 2 year old.

Beautiful Appaloosa x TB filly with white chrome.

Loaded with size and bold movement.

2010 Amber Champagne AQHA Stallion Peppy San Badger, Hollywood Dun It 2007 Sooty Dunalino AQHA Stallion; Sugar Bar, Hollywood Jac 86 2008 Homozygous Black Tobiano APHA

Horses for Sale/Australian Shepherd Dogs 250-499-6514 threewindsranch@hotmail.com www.3windsranch.weebly.com 12/20

Bloodlines include Pratt Toby Secret, Peppers Shamrock, Siri Sheik to Ghost Wind Stallions of Nez Perce.

Sired by War Skylark ApHC black leopard Appaloosa.

In Kamloops BC, call 250-574-6908 Email: kellyenquiries@hotmail.com

Rural Roots

EXTENDED FAMILY? TOURIST ACCOMMODATION? BEAUTIFUL 10 ACRE PROPERTY MINUTES TO TOWN Two very good homes, 1 with a suite plus a cute 1 bed/1 bath cottage all on 25 acres.

Newer 3 bed/2 bath rancher with quality finishing throughout. Kitchen has a large Main home had a major reno in 2015 with 3 beds/2.5 baths. 2nd home has basement island with granite countertops open to dining and living area. The living room has a suite currently used for short term rentals, with 3 beds/3 full baths. Large country vaulted ceiling featuring character wood beams retrofitted from an old cattle barn off kitchen with screened-in patio and hot tub area. Cottage is currently rented out the property. The focal point of this living space is the wood stove providing warmth to monthly. Outbuildings include a combo 48’x48’ shop/stable with bathroom, tack shed, entire main level, also a gas furnace, and central a/c. Vinyl plank flooring throughout. and box stalls, the original log barn is currently used for storage. Land is set up for Master bedroom has a 3-piece ensuite, walk-in closet, and sliding glass doors to cattle or horses with several pastures and paddocks, plus a hay field. Domestic water 18’x60’ patio area partially covered with hot tub hook-up. Landscaped yards, 9 acres is via a community system. Also includes a water licence off Moberly Creek, a gravity of flat usable farmland, 26’x44’ stable with 4 box stalls each with turnout paddock, system used to irrigate the land.

14’x26’ workshop and storage building. Community water.

487 Mabel Lake Road, Enderby BC 4340 Round Prairie Road, Armstrong BC $1,550,000 MLS® 10197284 $1,150,000 MLS® 10196491 For these and other properties contact: Pat Duggan PREC, Cell 250-308-0938 / Office 250-545-5371 Royal Lepage Vernon BC patduggan@royallepage.ca / www.oklandbuyers.ca

38 • February 2020

SADDLEUP.CA

HUGE 500K PRICE REDUCTION! MUST SELL! Equine Centre on 150 acres minutes from Smithers, BC. This is a dream horse property, completely turnkey, fully equipped, and all new! Features Mark Bolender built Mountain Trail horse park. Indoor riding arena is 200’x 80’ with lounge/office area. Barn is 60’x 60’.

Odyssey Performance horse exerciser with roof. Extensive paddocks and pastures. Borders Crown land for trail riding. Stunning modern 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home. $980,000 MLS® R2354819 Sandra Hinchliffe* C. 250-847-0725 O.250-847-5999 www.sandrah.biz RE/MAX Bulkley Valley *personal real estate corporation (This property was featured in Saddle Up’s March 2017 issue, pages 30-33.

Go to www.saddleup.ca click on Archive and view more)

Shop & Swap!

Boarding

For Sale

HORSE BLANKET LAUNDRY & REPAIRS

Double Delichte Stables

HORSE BLANKET & SADDLE PAD WASHING & Repairs. Clean used Blankets for sale. Town Centre Dry Cleaners, Town Centre Mall. 250-546-0104 (Armstrong BC) 2/20

Full Board $325 monthly (3 feedings p/day) Daily/Nightly/Weekly Group or Individual Paddocks with Shelters Individual Feed Program Box Stalls, Wash Stall, Heated Tack Room 90 x 200 all purpose Western/English Arena 110 x 200 Jumping Arena, Round Pen Lessons, Conditioning TRAINERS WELCOME 15 minutes from downtown Vernon

A QUARTER HORSE OR TENNESSEE WALKING STALLION, 16 hands, 15 years or older, black preferred. Will provide a good rehab home. 403-3301580 (Fort Macleod AB) 3/20

 250-309-2384 Coldstream, BC  joannedelichte@gmail.com

IF IT’S FREE, WE PRINT IT FOR FREE!

11/19

Save your Hay! Save you Money!

BIG BALE BUDDY Round Bale Feeder

Wanted

free

SLOW FEEDER

Also Available

3 sizes starting at $109.95  1-866-389-9952 www.bigbalebuddy.com

For Sale

May 29, 30, 31, 2020 CanTRA’s National Conference at Olds College, Olds AB Professional presentations on Therapeutic Riding, Hippotherapy, Biomechanics, Equine ParaSport, Equine-Facilitated Wellness, Program Management, and more.

Registration closes May 1, 2020 Details at www.cantra.ca or call 519-767-0700

Custom Made Chaps Any Style Saddle, Tack & Blanket Repairs Top Quality Australian Saddles Sherri DeBoer • 250-838-0778 email: theleatherlady95@gmail.com Hwy 97, Grindrod, BC Open Mon - Sat 9-6 pm 12/20

YOUR AD COULD BE HERE

Complete Balanced Bioavailable Source Of Essential MACRO and MICRO nutrients for HEALTHY HORSES WWW.ULTRA-KELP.COM

1-888-357-0011

NEW & USED TACK ENGLISH & WESTERN

~ Harness ~ Farrier Supplies ~ Horse/Pet Supplies & Feeds ~ Sure Crop Feed Dealer Deep Creek General Store

250-546-3955

3455 Pleasant Valley Rd., Armstrong www.deepcreekgeneralstore.com

EDGE Wholesale Direct

8/20

26129 - 31b Ave., Aldergrove BC • 604-857-2436

ONLY $60 per issue (or less)

February 2020

SADDLEUP.CA • 39