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Nancy Roman
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The mornings are definitely getting cooler and chilly to start! But I am thankful our summer has not been a smoky one compared to the last two years. And something to look forward to… the Canadian Old Farmer’s Almanac is predicting a “sneaky cold” winter… huh? whatever that means.
A sad day on September 8th with the passing of our Queen Elizabeth II. Condolences and photos of horses and dogs have been plentiful on all the social medias.
Our Photo Contest continues for two more months… thanks to the generosity of The Finn & Fletcher Co. See page 6 for all the info. You can enter more than one photo!
We have some of the Fall fairs reporting on their horse events in this issue; sounds like they were all successful. Always nice to see what other communities are doing, especially after the two-year (Covid) hiatus.
Now let’s get some Fall riding in!
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CONTRIBUTORS: BJ Davidson, Myles Constable, Jan McClary, Patti Thomas, Kelly Kennedy, Darcey Woods, Patricia E. Skinner, Elisha Bradburn, Elisa Marocchi, Russ Shandro
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DEADLINE 5TH OF EVERY MONTH SUBSCRIPTIONS $24.00 Nancy and Angie. Photo by Dawn Ferster.In 2022 it’s unusual to hear about a large family who works and lives together on a working family horse ranch. But that’s exactly what the Baird family does every day at River Lane Ranch.
They have been breeding and raising Gypsy Cob horses for well over 7 years now. You may have seen their family, along with their incredibly stunning horses, on Tik Tok, Instagram or Facebook, as they’ve gained quite the social media following.
The ranch is located on the banks of the North Saskatchewan River and within the city limits of Edmonton Alberta. Home to well over 80 horses, with over 60 of them being Gypsy Cobs.
Each year they have anywhere from 15-25 foals making them one of the largest Gypsy Cob breeders in Canada. The majority of their breeding mares and stallions have been imported from one Romany Gypsy family in England (Dixie Down Meadows) that Keghan Baird says is like an extension of their own family, and who they’ve learned so much from along the way. In addition to their breeding program, they also start and train their own horses, as well as outside horses that clients bring the ranch.
For the Baird family, life on their ranch is much more than a business, it’s a way of life. Each person has a role and responsibility that needs to be met each and every day, as they all work together towards common goals. Those goals are… stay together as a family; breed some of the most amazing show horses in North America; help create soulmates for their new owners; and to think beyond the generations that are on the ranch now, so that they can leave a legacy to those who are yet to come.
Jessica Baird says she believes it’s incredibly important that they share their story and are transparent about what it took to get to where they are now. She hinted about something big coming by saying, “It isn’t always easy, and it isn’t always fun. It’s a big family and a lot of work, but it’s the time and effort you put into something that pays off. The reality is that we love what we do, and we’re not a typical family you’d see in 2022. Think Yellowstone, with a mix of Heartland, and I suppose that’s how I’d best describe us. Maybe you’ll even see some of that coming to the screen soon, wink, wink.”
Mikaela Baird, who starts and trains horses on the ranch, said “We want to continuously improve and get better and better each year. You can never know it all, so we learn and grow as we go.”
There’s one thing for sure that has been said by anyone who visits the ranch… it’s like you’ve stepped back in time into a world where family comes first, and love is more than the words you speak.
The Baird family is living a lifestyle that’s rooted in old school morals and traditional beliefs. They truly believe each horse has a soul mate and they are committed to finding everyone theirs.
For more information on horses needing to be trained, purchasing a Gypsy Cob or any questions, feel free to reach out to them at info@riverlaneranch.com or visit their website riverlaneranch.com.
Photos By Maureen Noce Photography
RLR Pearl Hart
RLR Time Traveller
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Running from September to November – 3 winners. One per month!
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR IS… SEND US A PHOTO OF YOUR CLEAN STABLE / EQUESTRIAN CENTRE!
On Saddle Up’s Facebook page post your photo, name your stable/equestrian centre, and what city/province it is in. You can enter a new photo as often as you’d like over the 3 months. This can be your stable/equestrian centre, or where you board at!
Don’t do Facebook? You can email directly to nancyroman@saddleup.ca. A winner will be announced on October 1, November 1 and December 1 – that’s right 3 WINNERS!
CONTEST IS OVER NOVEMBER 30TH, 2022.
GOOD LUCK! Contest is open/shipping to Canadian residents only. Stable/Equestrian Centre can only win once over the three month contest.
Our generous sponsor, The Finn & Fletcher Co., has the following prizes for the winner: The NEW (Ontario made) RAKE & SHAKE STABLE FORK, comes in a 6-pack (6 forks to share with your stable) (value of $240.00) each month!
By BJ Davidson
TOTAL
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(85.9%)
AVERAGE
$17,000.00
$976,100.00
12.50
25.68
11.20
30.77
17.35
Ron & Rae Fawcett (Tod Mtn Thoroughbreds) Horatio Kemeny & Mark Mache of Swift Thoroughbreds Photo by Catchamoment Photos Photo by Photos Photo by PhotosI believe the world today has become more open minded, accepting, and liberal in expressing their views. While this is mostly good, as it minimizes judging, and leaves more room for understanding, it can also lead to confusion. Confusion of foundational truths, right and wrong, and whether something is helpful or harmful to the human spirit.
With the dawn of natural horsemanship has come a host of wonderful learnings and enlightened ways of working with, or maybe better put, playing with horses. However, there has also come a bit of confusion about our role in our relationship with horses. Leadership has become blurry. Boundaries have become indistinguishable. As we look to move away from force and domination, we have possibly lost the plot, and moved too far the other way. As with all things in life, there is a beautiful balance we are called to with our horses, and animals in general. I believe this state is aptly called sovereignty.
We are sovereign out of God’s creatures. We weren’t given size, strength, or speed as our modes of survival, but we were endowed with a disproportionately huge brain, with functions no other creature on earth possesses. Without getting into a physiology lesson, there are actual brain structures we have, that no other creatures do. This should lead us to believe it is our ability to think that should be the strength we turn to when trying to have a relationship with other creatures. The ability to put ourselves in their paws, or hooves. The ability to reason, plan, and study allows us our sovereignty. My friend Kylie loves the thought that horses lend us their legs, their strength, their beauty, while we lend them our ability to reason and think for them, keep them safe. So, if we can get on the same page with horses, it can actually be a mutually beneficial relationship.
The way we can go wrong is mistaking this sovereignty for domination, as mentioned earlier. There is no real satisfaction in “forcemanship” as horseman Jonathan Field puts it, when we make horses do things, either by mechanics, force or manipulation of their prey animal instincts. Sovereignty is leadership in its purest form, recognizing the comfort another creature can rest in, knowing we are in control, we will keep them safe, we have the ability to make good decisions for both
Me on horseman Gerry Cox’s horse, Cooper. Cooper and I were fast friends, I believe, because he figured I was a decent leader and he could relax knowing I had his back. Also, he was quick to trust me due to Gerry’s excellent handling of him. Photo credit Heidi Shuster.
of us, so they don’t have to. We have the ability to think about how to build trust, exercise self-control, and stay calm when they are scared.
There is so much benefit to be gained by both when you are the leader your horse needs.
It is the kindest, and safest way to enjoy being with horses.
A wonderful example horseman Warwick Schiller gave in one of his educational video clips was a day when he was in his outdoor arena, looking to work with his horse. His horse had its mind outside the arena on some commotion going on far away, by the neighbours. Instead of Warwick steamrolling his horse and yanking his head or demanding his attention in some other forceful manner, he simply stopped, and also looked at what his horse was looking at. After looking for a few moments, and realizing
it was nothing they needed to be concerned with, the horse seemed satisfied, as his leader, Warwick had seen his concern, addressed it, and displayed a form of leadership a dominant horse would. You see, the dominant horse in a herd would be aware of any possible threats, he would look and assess, but if he then deemed it non-threatening and resumed grazing, the other horses would follow his lead and also resume grazing activity. This example Warwick gave was leadership in action, in a language the horse understands.
I understand we cannot always safely stop everything to assess a threat that isn’t really a threat, but I believe the lesson here boils down to a feeling about you, an attitude of the heart maybe, that the perceptive horse picks up on. He knows when you know, and he knows when you don’t, as Ray Hunt said. He knows when you are aware, and when you are not. As I often say in my articles, we must, as horsemen and horsewomen, ever be honing the skill of awareness. We must learn to be more like the horse. Putting aside the beeping and dinging of our phones, our “to do” list, and our goals, to simply really observe what is being presented by the horse, and work with him, not on him. This respect, and a keen sense of awareness, establishes us as a worthy leader in our horse’s eyes.
In this world that seems to have every shade of grey possible, let’s be clear on one thing… there needs to be a leader in human/horse relationships, and it needs to be you. To find out more about what a good leader looks like, look back at my September’s article on “A Leader Worth Following.” Until next month, stay safe and love your horse well by being the leader he wants and needs.
Soda was able to relax on a loose rein after establishing leadership by directing some energy he had once we got out to do cow work. Leadership is an action, not being a passenger. Photo credit Possum Normand.
Elisha Bradburn and her husband, Clay, own Faithful Farm, an equestrian center in the Fraser Valley. Elisha’s passion with horses lies in psychology based horsemanship, with a strong consideration for the horse’s point of view. Elisha is available for clinics, expos, demonstrations and speaking engagements and can be followed on her Legacy Horsemanship pages on Facebook and Instagram or e-mailed at legacyhorsemanship@shaw.ca.
(See her listing in our Business Services section under TRAINERS)
For example, his greatest general, Subotai Bagatur, was not even a Mongol. Rather, he belonged to the sedentary Uriangkhai people from the dark forest of the Siberian Taiga, west of Lake Baikal, who were not adept at mounted warfare like their nomadic cousins in the southern plains. To receive tutelage, young warriors like Subotai had to first learn humility through service before having an opportunity to prove themselves.
They would serve as ‘openers of the tent door’ or ‘keepers of the hearth’ who opened tent (i.e., “ger” or “yurt”) doors, saddled horses, maintained fires, prepared mutton and salt tea, and organized yurts for campaigning officers. While the officers scried over maps, ledgers, and scout reports, the keeper of the hearth would absorb as much knowledge as possible.
In modern horseback archery our ‘campaigning’ is the yearly training we commit to. For an entire year Okanagan Khanate Mounted Archery’s (OKMA) seasoned riders sacrificed their own training time to focus efforts almost entirely on community building. Nearly every weekend these dedicated individuals hosted intro and skills clinics all over BC, did private lessons, ran weekly practices, and made equipment: targets, arrows, quivers. The Herculean effort from these people was incredible (and exhausting), but the positive impact it had on so many people made it infinitely worthwhile.
Horse Archery Canada (HARCAN) – a national horseback archery organization committed to fostering the growth of horseback archery in Canada – put on the first annual HARCAN Rendezvous (August 1221, 2022) in Olds, Alberta as the culminating event and reward for a year’s worth of commitment and training. The event was a training camp that incorporated numerous activities, such as:
• ambidextrous ground archery practice, training, and competition;
• long-distance landmark shooting up to 120 metres;
• conditioning horses;
• morning and evening theory lessons and discussions on aspects of archery, sportsmanship, competition, coaching, community building, and the equine psyche;
• training on the Qabaq (a metal disk affixed atop an eight-metre standing pole);
• working equitation lessons;
• training and competition on five different IHAA courses (Raid 1-23, Tower 90, Skirmish, Aussie Triple, Utah Quad); and
• arguably the best part: a nightly communal feast around the yurt fire!
On August 19 participants took a break from a week’s worth of eight-to-ten hour daily training to enjoy a lamb roast harvested by two of the organizers at their local family farm. There’s much laughter and mirth to be heard overtop the crackling fire and sizzling meat. The gentle breeze is smoky and sweet as I chop firewood to feed the cookfire. I finish an axe swing through a cord of poplar, leaving the head buried in the block. When I look up from my work to retrieve far-flung pieces of wood a deep and ancient part of me is taken back through time. Some people are basting the lamb, others are feeding the fire, preparing side dishes, tallying scores, sharing wisdom, setting chairs and tables, feeding and watering the horses, cleaning stalls, or repairing equipment. At this moment I am struck with the notion that we are all ‘keepers of the hearth’ in both a literal and figurative sense.
Though we train as individuals, what we learn are the skills we carry on and teach others. In this way we are simultaneously growing community by kindling the spirit of this martial sport as we are carrying forth traditions from antiquity that are far greater than ourselves. But to contribute to something of this magnitude we must first humble ourselves, just as great warriors like Subotai did before us. We do this through commitment. We commit to bettering ourselves, caring for our horses and equipment, and we commit to giving the best version of ourselves to each other and helping in our small parts however and whenever we are able.
The growth of horses and riders over the course of the training camp was staggering and it was admittedly hard not to be overly sentimental watching people overcome pre-existing injuries, difficult horses, and withering circumstances to attain heights in their own competitive performance they would never have previously thought possible. These valuable moments are what make it all come together and I am immensely happy for those who were able to attend, just as I look forward to seeing the up-and-comers in the saddle next year.
Keep persevering: train hard, shoot straight, and ride soft. It will all pay off in the end.
In the days when Tumujin (later known as Genghis Khan) was consolidating power over the Mongol Steppe, one of the things that drew warriors to his camp was that he broke with several Mongol traditions. The most notable perhaps was that he promoted warriors based on meritocracy instead of kinship or blood ties.
After two years living under the stresses of a global pandemic, adults and children alike have looked for ways to reengage in activities and in some cases, start new ones. Equestrian Canada (EC) and the eleven provincial and territorial equestrian sport organizations across the country are uniting for an awareness campaign to share their love of horses and the benefits of riding with Canadians in hopes of growing the sport for now and the future.
The equestrian industry faced its own levels of challenges over this time with reduction in competitions, in-person events, and riding schools having had to stop lessons during the peak of the waves. Equestrians already engaged in the community have flocked back in almost pre-pandemic rates, but for a sport already in decline, the industry is still trying to recover. EC as the national federation working together with their provincial and territorial partners believe there is plenty of room for growth.
Long known as special companions, horses offer a unique way to participate in a lifelong activity that has a plethora of benefits to a person’s wellbeing. As part of the campaign called “Ride for Life,” horses are featured with their human counterparts explaining each of the special benefits that the entire experience of interacting with horses brings.
“Recreation and all sports involving horses are incredible activities you can enjoy throughout your life,” says EC Chief Executive Officer Meg Krueger. “We have Canadians competing at the high levels of equestrian sport into their sixties. But we have seen a decline in interest over the past decade, even before the pandemic. We want to encourage Canadians to experience what equestrians know is an enjoyable and rewarding activity that is highly beneficial to overall health and well-being.”
There can be concerns that the cost to ride keeps it unattainable. However, studies have shown that getting into the sport of horseback riding is not as expensive as some might think and there are ways to ride on a budget.
Comparisons to a variety of activities show the cost of getting into riding to be comparable to learning to play tennis and somewhat less than starting to play hockey. There are also ways to reduce the expense, including some barns offering those needing a break on cost to trade chores for discounted lessons and time in the saddle. Many social media boards offer used clothing and equipment. Local charities like community foundations and national organizations like Canadian Tire’s Jumpstart program support
families that need financial assistance to get into a sport or physical activity like riding.
But those that consider themselves equestrians – or ‘horse people’ –will tell you that once you fall in love with horses, you don’t need convincing of the affordability or all the benefits of riding. You’ll be set and will find a way to #RideForLife! In addition to the longevity, being with horses regularly can offer a life full of good mental, physical and spiritual health, too.
Having a teammate that accepts you as you are. Because horses are special beings that you can create a connection with and a friend and partner that will never judge you.
Experiencing smiles for days. As spending time with horses is proven to stimulate the hormone Serotonin and offers feelings of increased wellbeing.
Getting a boost of confidence. Working with and spending time around horses develops confidence, work ethic, and a sense of responsibility.
Feeding your soul. Working with horses means interacting with an animal that you have to communicate together without words. It takes patience, kindness and understanding.
Offering core benefits. Riding positions build excellent core strength, improve posture, increase spine health, and enhance leg muscle tone.
Teaching problem solving. Riding offers the chance to break down communication barriers, surpass physical challenges and overcome obstacles.
With so many reasons, there is one that cannot be described. A uniting factor across the industry, it is simply described as a love of horses. What starts out for some on a rocking horse, during a trail ride, or a visit to a friend’s farm, it becomes an acronym phenomenon IYKYK – if you know, you know. That’s what EC and its partners believe this campaign is all about; welcoming new participants into the know.
EC and its equestrian sport organization partners in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Yukon encourage anyone interested in learning more to engage with their local association.
It is worth remembering though, that aside from being a requirement in most driven (and ridden) dressage tests, the rein back can be a valuable tool to help a horse learn to engage and strengthen their hindquarters. Just a few steps of rein back a day can do wonders in this regard. In-hand is just fine, and if you have a little hill or slope, it’s even more effective if you back your horse up it.
What does a proper rein back look like? FEI’s description of the movement is excellent:
“ When performed correctly, the rein back is a two-beat movement in which the horse steps backwards in a straight line, moving its legs in diagonal pairs. The poll should remain the highest point, and the horse shouldn’t resist the contact or rush backwards, but step calmly and smoothly.”
So how do we achieve this rein back Nirvana? Practice!
But... practicing the rein back too often or in the same place in the arena sometimes results in your horse anticipating it, so mix things up whenever you can. Work on the quarter line, on diagonals, along the rail (use care with this one until you’re sure your horse will back relatively straight), on the trail, road, or on the path leading to the arena. Some days do a few rein backs in a row and other days scatter them throughout your workout. Occasionally ask for only a single step, while other times you’ll ask for more.
One important point here - NEVER accept your horse stepping back on his own – it can put one in a tricky situation, so stay on top of this should it occur. Correct it by asking him to step forward to where he was originally.
Here are a few ideas that have worked for me. The techniques and hints apply to both carriages and carts, but I’ve added a few extra hints
for those with brakes on their carriage.
A s with many other things, preparation is key. A good rein back starts with a square halt, so try your best to achieve this (a subject for another article!!).
Once you have halted, ensure your horse stands immobile if the test requires it. Count the seconds to yourself so you don’t shortchange this.
Before applying your aids, checking that your horse’s head and neck are directly in line with his body (Photo 1).
Whether you choose to rein back with your lines in two hands or in one, prepare by getting your hands well up on the lines (Photo 2). If you don’t, and your horse doesn’t respond, you’ll need to shorten your reins mid-movement. The horse will often shuffle around as you do so, and the judge may also look at his lack of backwards steps as a sign of resistance or disobedience (Photo 3).
I prefer to ask for the rein back with the lines held by one hand only. This ensures you’re applying even contact to both reins and greatly increases the chance of a correct movement.
Take up contact on the lines, and if you’ve trained your horse with a voice command use it here.
Continue asking for steps backwards until you’ve achieved the required number. Do not apply the rein aid then release between each step as this can result in a jerky movement. Your horse will interpret the softening of contact as an invitation to walk forward so keep asking until the movement is complete (Photo 4).
Ensure you rein back only the number of steps specified in the test. More or fewer steps will be incorrect and can result in lower scores.
You should not halt after the rein back but rather move immediately into the next movement. This is a common error and one that the judge may penalize, so as soon as you’re done, get moving!
Apply your brake gently as you come to a halt. The brake should help bring the vehicle to a stop but shouldn’t be applied so strongly as to pull back on the horse. By taking the load off the horse, he will have a better chance of remaining balanced through the transition and achieving a square halt.
This next one takes a bit of practice! Keep your foot on the brake as you gather your lines and begin to ask for the rein back. The moment the horse’s hindquarters fill the breeching and just barely begin to push back, release the brake smoothly. This will often result in at least one or two steps of straightness, even if things go a bit sideways from there.
The rein back is an often-neglected movement when we are schooling our horses. It’s not an exciting or flashy movement, and overschooling can lead to problems, so many of us don’t give much thought to including it in our regular workouts.Photo 1: Head, neck and spine aligned
Be sure you don’t keep the brake applied once the horse is pushing back on the breeching. Timing is everything on this one!
If your carriage has a 5th wheel brake, apply it firmly once you are driving towards the point you will be performing your halt and rein back. For example, if your rein back is at X, on the centerline facing C, you will apply it once you are moving up the centerline and straight towards the judge. This will help ensure you come to a halt with the carriage straight behind the horse and that the shafts remain straight as you move backwards. IMPORTANT: Keep it applied through the entire halt and rein back, and as you move forward again after the movement.
Elisa Marocchi is an Equestrian Canada licensed driving coach and a member of the EC Driving Committee. She owns and operates Wildwood Farm, a full service driving facility near 100 Mile House BC. An active driving coach since 2000, Elisa offers clinics and lessons in a safe, supportive and fun manner both on and off the farm.
As a combined driving competitor, Elisa has successfully competed throughout North America with both her own homebred horses and those of clients.
(See her listing in our Business Services section under TRAINERS)
Photo 2: Reach well forward on the lines when preparing to rein back
Photo 3: Starting with your lines too long can end like this
Photo 4: An obedient rein back
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.
Horses have an exceptional amount of awareness, which means they can understand situations much deeper than other animals. They are so in tune that they can pick up on others’ emotions through body language, voice, or just the overall “vibe” you’re giving off. This sort of awareness can lead to much more intense experiences for horses. Here are some experiences your horse will always remember!
Horses have nearly photographic memory, which means they can remember places vividly. This can be good or bad depending on the experience they had at a specific location. Let’s say your horse witnesses a very traumatic event that occurred. Chances are, he won’t ever forget the place or the event and would most likely steer clear of that area all together. If your horse seems to be hesitant to go somewhere, listen to him, comfort him, and trust that he knows what he’s doing!
Since horses have nearly photographic memories, it may come as no surprise that horses remember people by their faces. Show them a picture of someone they know, and they will surely react to it. Horses can even recognize people after years of separation! But their memory goes much deeper than our general appearance. Horses can read our facial expressions and remember them for later, too.
There have been studies done where horses were shown photos of people with happy or sad expressions. Once meeting them in person (with neutral expressions), the horses reacted based on the original expression they remembered in the photos. So if you’re meeting a horse for the first time, you’ll want to make a very good impression!
Along with places and people, horses have an innate ability to recognize human emotions. Horses tend to pick up on even the subtlest of body language, which helps them to determine how someone is feeling. If we are feeling stressed, sad, or angry, our physical appearance tends to reflect that. The same goes for when we are feeling happy or excited! They don’t just know how to read emotions, they will also remember a person by the last emotion they felt during their last interaction. This is a useful strategy for horses to avoid any possible aggressive encounters.
Humans aren’t the only ones who can leave an everlasting imprint on a horse! Horses can remember and recognize other horses from their social network. Whether it’s been a few years or decades, a horse won’t forget its relationship with another. This doesn’t mean they will associate with one another if ever reunited, though. A horse will only react to another if the bond they had was especially strong. If they do recognize a horse from a previous encounter, they may treat it differently than the others.
Other important horse connections, like the one between a mare and her foal, are said to last a lifetime. Since horses also remember scents, this can help a mare recognize her baby even years after separation.
Horses are able to understand words much deeper than previously thought, but it’s not in the traditional sense that we understand words. They understand words based on the tone, pitch, and length of voice. Words with fewer syllables tend to stick with horses better. They can tell when someone is insulting them, and when someone is complimenting them. Be sure not to underestimate their intelligence, because chances are, they are listening very carefully to every word you say.
Horses are incredibly gifted animals, and they should be treated as such! Having an idea of the memories horses carry with them forever will allow you to understand and communicate with them even deeper. No matter the experience, good or bad, you can trust that your horse felt it entirely. Do your best to give them something good to remember, and they’ll surely do the same for you.
saddlebox.net• Every horse is an individual and different horses in the same herd will have different worm (parasite) burdens.
• While most horses shed very few worm eggs, a small number of horses shed high numbers of eggs and are more responsible for infecting the rest of the herd.
• It’s important to deworm horses strategically so owners appropriately target their high shedding horses and not overuse dewormers.
• Overuse of deworming products leads to resistance. Worms can develop genes that allow them to become resistant to the dewormers — making the medication ineffective.
• Resistance limits our ability to treat horses with worm problems. These issues can lead to severe colic and death in affected horses.
• Most horses only need to be dewormed once or twice a year. Before deworming in the spring, we recommend having a fecal egg count (FEC) done. This procedure allows us to measure the number of worm eggs a horse is shedding in its feces. Based on the results, we will recommend whether you need to deworm your horse.
• We recommend that horses be dewormed in the late fall, after a hard frost, with an appropriate deworming product. Your local veterinarian can advise you about what deworming product to use in the fall based on the common parasites in your area.
• We strongly recommend conducting a second fecal egg count in the fall, but many owners elect not to do this second procedure. A fecal egg count is included in the spring herd health packages offered at many local boarding facilities.
• Pregnant mares should be dewormed in the spring before they foal with a dewormer chosen based on the results of a fecal egg count. Mothers should be dewormed with an
ivermectin product 24 hours after foaling.
• Foals need much more frequent deworming than other horses. They should first be dewormed around two months of age with fenbendazole, and then retreated with this product every two months until they are yearlings. In the prairie provinces, foals do not need to be dewormed through the winter when temperatures are below freezing.
• Foals should be dewormed with an ivermectin type product around 12 months of age and then every three to four months with a product chosen based on their fecal egg counts.
Roundworms (Parascaris equorum)
• Most common in horses less than one year old and in very old animals due to decreased immunity.
• Migrate through the trachea and live in the small intestine.
• In young horses, roundworms cause poor growth and development as well as respiratory signs. Young animals with very heavy burdens can have obstructed intestines — leading to colic and possibly death.
• Older affected horses may have a poor hair coat, weight loss or decreased performance.
Bloodworms (Strongylus vulgaris)
• Can migrate through the arteries around the large intestines and cause colic.
• Bloodworms used to be a major problem in horses, but their occurrence and significance has decreased with appropriate deworming.
Cyathostomins
• Live in the large intestine and migrate into the wall of the intestine.
• Cyathostomins cause severe gastrointestinal signs such as decreased appetite and diarrhea.
• Resistance to dewormers is increasing in these worms, so targeted deworming is especially important.
Pinworms (Oxyuris equi)
• Most common in horses less than two years old or in horses with poor management.
• Worms live in the large intestine, but they deposit their eggs around the horse’s anus — causing the horse to have an itchy hind end.
• It’s difficult to treat and control pinworms so good horse and pasture management is important.
• Tapeworms are uncommon on the prairies, but the most common tapeworm in Canada is called Anoplocephala perfoliata. Since these worms spend part of their life living on mites, they are difficult to control.
• Tapeworms don’t seem to cause much disease in horses. While colic is considered a risk with this type of worm, the incidence is quite low.
Bots flies (Gasterophilus)
• Bot flies lay their eggs on the horse’s coat in late summer and early fall. The eggs show up as small yellow specks, mainly on the horses’ legs.
• Horses ingest bot eggs while licking or scratching their legs, then the eggs develop into larvae in the equine stomach and small intestine. The larvae are passed out through feces and hatch in the spring.
• Bots rarely cause clinical signs in horses, but they can cause gastric ulcers.
Common Dewormers
Ask your veterinarian for advice on what specific products to use.
• Fenbendazole: Targets roundworms, bloodworms and pinworms.
• Ivermectin: Targets all parasites except tapeworms. However, resistance to ivermectin is high in roundworms.
• Ivermectin and praziquantel: Targets all parasites. However, resistance to ivermectin is high in roundworms.
• Moxidectin: Targets all parasites except tapeworms. However, resistance to moxidectin is high in roundworms.
• Moxidectin and praziquantel: Targets all parasites. However, resistance to moxidectin is high in roundworms.
• P yrantel: Targets bloodworms, pinworms and roundworms.
We recommend that horses be dewormed in the late fall, after a hard frost, with an appropriate deworming product. Your local veterinarian can advise you about what deworming product to use in the fall based on the common parasites in your area.
Directed by Sean Cisterna
When Filipe Leite leaves his adoptive home of Canada, the aspiring journalist sets out on an epic quest to ride from Calgary to his family's home in Brazil - and later beyond - entirely on horseback. Inspired by Aimé Tschiffely's 1925 equestrian journey, Filipe's 8 year odyssey of over 25,000 kms across 12 international borders, sees the young immigrant battle intense heat, drought, speeding transport trucks, nature's wrath and corrupt border guards on his history-making long ride home.
His travelling companions for the film (donated to Leite) were two Quarter Horses named Frenchie and Bruiser, plus Dude (a Mustang) that joined them along the way. The three are steadfast companions, adding immeasurably to the drama and comedy of the journey and the film.
Leite is quick with a smile and he’s not one to give up easily, two characteristics that serve him well. Trouble begins right from the start, when he realizes too late that he’s left Calgary without water and will have to improvise. Over the months to follow, Leite and his steeds encounter the natural challenges of harsh weather and rough terrain, which have been exacerbated by global warming — the film can be viewed as an environmental cautionary tale — as well as the vagaries of people they meet along the way.
“Filipe made an historically important equestrian journey, overcame tremendous challenges, suffered in the saddle physically and emotionally, and after a Herculean effort, rode into his beloved hometown in triumph.” - Cuchullaine O’Reilly, Founder of the Long Riders’ Guild and Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society.
96 minutes Documentary | Canadian Premiere
The Pacific National Exhibition was pleased to host the return of the Pacific Spirit Horse Show during the 2022 annual summer Fair. Running from August 24th to September 5th, the show welcomed nearly 60 competitors in a variety of disciplines.
Including equestrian events in the Fair programming has been an important part of showcasing equestrian sports to the urban guests who attend the event and have little to no other opportunities to see these events in person. The rows of horses in the livestock barns is always a treat for guests who get to experience horses up close for their first time.
A returning favourite, the Indoor Jumper Show, saw 20 horse and rider combinations competing in the 3’ to 3’6” divisions. Jumping is always a crowd pleaser in the urban setting of the PNE as the guests are able to see and understand the event as well as cheer on their favourite competitors as the jump heights are continuously raised. The Indoor Eventing Derby had been added to the show pre-Covid and was met with enthusiasm when announced as a returning competition for 2022. Ten competitors competed in 2 divisions with a sprinkling of eventing obstacles mixed into the courses. Thank you to our judges: Jumper Show - Ian Veenendaal and Indoor Eventing - Sarah Davies.
Division Winners:
3' 6” Jumper - Sarah Kimber
3' 3” Jumper - Katelyn North
3' Jumper - Mia Sandreil
2' 6” Indoor Eventing - Lauren Jeffries
2' 9” Indoor Eventing - Margaret Woloschuk
Two new exciting events were added this year and rounded out the variety of equestrian sports showcased to the Fair guests. An Indoor Driving Derby saw 5 driving combinations competing in a dynamic driving course in the historic Agrodome.
Rounding out the show was a Mountain Trail competition over the Labour Day weekend. This event was met with great enthusiasm from the Mountain Trail horse community, bringing to the Fair a beautifully designed course built for the 23 competitors to show their skills over the last 4 days. Thank you to the judges: Cat Armitage and Nancy Meeres Pellikaan.
Division Winners:
Indoor Driving Derby – Martha Younger
Mountain Trail – Open – Katie Gibbard
Mountain Trail - Amateur – Karen Kunkle
A total of $27,000 in prize money was handed out at this year’s show, rewarding the exhibitors for their work in bringing equestrian events to the Vancouver public. Agriculture is a deep rooted tradition at the PNE and many Lower Mainland horse competitors have stories of competing in the many historic shows over the past century of Fairs at the Fair.
By Jan McClary
The BVX Light Horse Show had an excellent turnout for 2022 with 111 horse/rider teams competing with over 800 entries coming from all over Northern BC.
The Hunter Division was the big event this year with 159 entries. Jumper Division was a close second with 133 entries. BVX Western Rail, Trail and Reining and English Flat were strong with 118 and 107 entries respectively. Dressage was down a bit this year with 97 entries over the two days and Gymkhana up at 123. The Halter classes were strong at 60 entries with Halter being a requirement for some of our High Point awards. Our Judges this year were all wonderful, helpful and dedicated to the sport; thank you to Cat Armitage for the Dressage Judging and Hunter/Jumper Course design; Sue Mathews for the English Flat, Hunter and Jumper Judging and Jodie Moore for all our Western classes, Wild Trail and even Gymkhana! And special thanks to our ring steward Sarah Laxton.
BVX 2022 Light Horse High Points
Kirk Memorial Jr High Point Dressage Amelia Mosumgaard & Sarissa
Lexy Kirk Memorial Sr High Point Dressage Emily Nelson & Power Plus
NSC Betty Thibeault Jr High Point English TIE: Aryana Langen & Pizzazz Sophia Kreke & NTF Asteroid
NSC Betty Thibeault Sr High Point English Carolyn Dobbs Sutherland &
NSC Jr High Point Western Elliette Pederson & Docz Fourable Lena
Bob McHugh Memorial Sr High Point Western Alicia Harper & Spooks Little Pistol
BVX Hunter High Point Claire Hernes & Incalescent GSF
BVX Jumper High Point Maegan Friess & Watermark
BVX Jr High Point Gymkhana Sponsored by BV Water Services
Bella Harris & Whisper
BVX Sr High Point Gymkhana Sponsored by
Amanda Howard & Magic
HCBC Jr Sportmanship Award Serafina Budzyk
Sherry Motz Memorial Sr Sportmanship Award Angelique Bjork
Services
Jerry Ridennoure Memorial Gymkhana Sportsmanship Award Lory Howard
you all
Stephannie Wall Alicia Harper & Spooks Little Pistol Amelia Mosumgaard & Sarissa; Jr Dressage High Point Team. Photo by Meadow Theriault. Claire Hernes & Incalescent GSF; Hunter High Point Team. Photo by Meadow Theriault. The Canine Stars Show at the BVX. Photo by Mike Nagle, BC North’s Pure Country. Carole Larson & Kluatan Hanna Schibli The Midway. Photo by Mike Nagle, BC North’s Pure Country. Horse in the Hat – Novelty Costume Class. Photo by Mike Nagle, BC North’s Pure Country. Maegan FriessArmstrongcelebrated the return of the annual Fair from August 31st through to September 4th. Thank you to the Light Horse Judge Glenn Perran, and the Heavy Horse Judge Rob Fargo. We have some of the horse show results for you and a variety of photos.
RESULTS:
Light Horse Sportsmanship Award (Wednesday): Keisha Jeffery
Light Horse Sportsmanship Award (Thursday): Judy Orr
Light Horse Sportsmanship Award (Friday): Anne Marie Gellein
Light Horse Sportsmanship Award (Saturday): Lynndsay Terpsma
Light Horse Sportsmanship Award (Sunday): Trevor Mertes
Light Horse Overall Sportsmanship Award: Trevor Mertes
Ranch Riding Tri-Challenge winner: Raylene Everitt
Cowboy Challenge winner: Michelle Grasley riding Doc
Miniature Horse Tri-Challenge winner: Lynn Johnson
Walk/Trot High Point: Anne Marie Gellein
Overall High Point Western: Melissa Johnston
Overall High Point English: Lynndsay Terpsma
Gymkhana High Point Junior: Destry Eli Gymkhana High Point Youth: Bobbi Wooden
Gymkhana High Point Senior: Aleasha Meloshinsky
IPE Super Horse: Melissa Johnston
Stall Decorations: Rhonda Bennett
Supreme Champion of the Heavy Horse Show: Banga’s Little Echo, owner Patti Thomas
Michelle Grasley & Chevy at the Spinning Wheel…during the Cowboy Challenge
Danley Carriage
The band “July Crowd” came from Prince George
Lined up for class!
Ladies Cart Winner Caitlyn MacDonald with Dugan Montjoy’s horse, and passenger Kathy Fargo - the heavy horse judge’s wife.
Female Supreme of Light Horse Show: I’m Detailed, owner Melissa Johnston, Sherwood Park AB
Trevor Mertes (Overall Sportsmanship Award) and Drifter
Ross Scarrow & Just a Little to the Max with the Garrocha Pole on fire… during the Cowboy Challenge
Even the vaulters need time to practice
Stall Decorations winner Rhonda Bennett
Our colourful Armstrong Regional Co-op friends (Vernon branch)
The 73rd Annual North Thompson Fall Fair & Rodeo was "Back in the Saddle Again" on the weekend of September 3-5, 2022 in Barriere BC!
The Light Horse Show, a Horse Council BC recognized event, hosted by the Barriere & District Riding Club, offered Showmanship, Halter and Trail classes on Sunday afternoon, and Monday featured English and Western Classes with Games to finish up the day. Competitors ranged in age from 4 to 65, horses that had never experienced a show before to those who have seen it all, made for a truly grassroots, fun event for everyone.
Show Manager was Darcey Woods, in the show office we had Helen Woods, and our horse show judgewas Susan Mathews.
AWARDS:
Grand Champion Light Horse: A Zip Away shown by Chloe Smith
Grand Champion Halter Horse: Royal Step N Cash shown by Chloe Smith
High Point 4-H Member: Chloe Smith
High Point Green Horse: Royal Step N Cash
Leadline High Point: Arya Woods with Perfectly Vain
Pee Wee High Point: Skylar Grundmann with Chip Reserve: Alayah Maddox-Puetz with Spirit
Youth High Point: Chloe Smith with A Zip Away Reserve: Saylor Mayer with Monte Karlo
Senior High Point: Amber Crutchley with Passin On A Breeze Reserve (TIE): Jessica Brackman & Heather Higgins - both showing Bet Hesa San Lena
Walk/Jog High Point: Chantal Holt with Par Ms Pearly Reserve: Chloe Smith with Royal Step N Cash
(l to r) Darcey Woods, Chloe Smith, and judge Susan Mathews. Photo by Greg Smith.
Grand Champion Halter Horse Royal Step N Cash, Chloe Smith with Darcey Woods presenting
Par Ms Pearly shown by Chantal Holt (Chantal’s own photo)
TOO CUTE!!! Peewee Alaya Maddox-Puetz and Leadline Arya Woodshorse show friends are the best friends!!
Isabel Maddox-Puetz (her mom Vicki Maddox photos)
Senior High Point Amber Crutchley with Darcey Woods presenting
Leadline participant Arya Woods and Perfectly Vain, with visiting Miss BC High School Rodeo, Myranda MacKenzie
enjoyed his company.”
W ith plans to launch her vet med career in early July as a mixed animal veterinarian in Dawson Creek, BC, Parth had already made plans to adopt a pet when moving there, but was waiting for the right opportunity.
“ He was an easygoing dog, which was exactly the type of companion I needed when I started my job up north,” she says. “Though I am a veterinarian and see multitudes of pets and rescues, there was something that felt right about him being in my life.”
Analumna from the University of Calgary Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (UCVM) has taken her involvement one step further by not only nursing one grateful pooch back to health, but also giving him a forever home.
D uring their fourth year, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine students at UCalgary get handson experience at AARCS by participating in a two-week rotation where they focus on medicine for one week and surgical practices the next week.
D uring one such rotation for Dr. Stephanie Parth, DVM’22, a medium-sized dog, likely a N ewfoundland/Labrador cross, came in with fresh, deep fight wounds on his front and hind legs. Parth’s responsibility was to assess him after initial intake alongside her classmate Dr. Brock Chappell, BSc’15, BedP’17, DVM’22. After they had completed their initial physical assessment, which included sedation, cleaning, exploring and bandaging wounds, and prescribing a pain-control regimen, they took primary responsibility on the case.
Along the way, “Dr. Parth fell in love with Astro,” says Dr. Rebecca Jackson, DVM, Parth’s instructor at the time. “It all started with him coming in with not-so-great wounds and leaving neutered with healed wounds and a new home with a new veterinarian.”
Parth quickly forged a bond with Astro and found herself spending a lot of her off hours with him. “He was such a sweet boy to treat that I took him home to Edmonton for Easter weekend and most nights after my AARCS rotation,” Parth says. “I took him home to lessen the treatment burden on the AARCS clinic, but I also thoroughly
After finishing her studies and coming back from travelling, Parth went through the process of adopting Astro. Astro is one of the lucky ones, as pet overpopulation is straining shelters to their limit.
“Our shelters are very full after COVID-19. Local shelters have been at capacity and are unable to accept new dogs and cats,” says Jackson. “Certainly, animal overpopulation leads to poor care. We all have a responsibility to spay and neuter our pets.
" Now, more than ever, consider adopting a shelter animal before going to a breeder."
A ARCS is a not-for-profit shelter in Alberta for small animals like cats, dogs and others. As of August 2, 2022, it has taken in and cared for more than 2,000 animals and handled more than 1,900 cat and dog adoptions in 2022.
“ I hope Astro has a long, healthy and exciting life being my dog,” says Parth. “Due to his good nature and desire to be always by my side, I see him joining me for all sorts of adventures including late-night emergencies on call, camping, outdoor climbing and hiking. So far, he has dealt with all these scenarios like a champ.”
V isit the AARCS website at aarcs.ca to learn more about how you can foster or adopt rescue animals, donate or volunteer at the shelter.
Thousands of homeless animals are admitted each year to rescue shelters such as the Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society (AARCS). Many of these animals require intensive care and treatment after experiencing physical trauma.
Itmay seem simple but it's so important to have a good collar and weatherproof identification on your dog. No matter what, anytime your dog is outside of the house, on or off leash, your dog should be wearing a reliable collar (that does not slip off over their head). Attached to that collar should a secure tag with readily legible name of your pet with your current phone number listed. Be sure the tag you have on your dog is securely fastened, kept up-to-date and isn't worn beyond being legible!
"Life" happens with any number of possible events such as: something suddenly, unexpectedly happening to you, a vehicle accident, fire, thunder, lightning, torrential rain or hail, flash flood, mudslide or even that unwelcome neighbourhood 'fireworks celebration'.
And... when life catches you and your pet off guard, your dog may escape in desperation, get loose, runaway, bolt blindly in fear, only to find themselves abandoned or lost on a road, in the tall thick grasses, endless forest or unfamiliar mountain terrain.
Once a dog is confirmed lost, 'it takes a village' more often than not to locate them, if even possible. Many lost dogs will hide and den themselves away not coming out to anyone but their owner's voice. The stress and sleepless nights worried sick as you, your friends, family and neighbours search high and low, dawn to dusk is daunting beyond words.
Yes, microchips are great for ID - once an animal is taken to a vet
who has the appropriate time and scanner to check but, not everyone that comes across a lost dog has the ability, time, motivation or inspiration to take an anonymous stressed dog to an already very busy vet (or two), to find out where that dog belongs IF they have a microchip.
Please... set your dog up for maximum success to be found, easily identified and returned home to you as quickly and seamlessly as possible, with simple identification and phone number found on a collar tag so that your pet will be back into your loving arms, sooner than later.
Heaven forbid anything happens to you or your dog but if it does, you will be so relieved and grateful that your dog could be identified by someone and by taking just a few minutes being able to let you know of their whereabouts. Your dog's quick and efficient return to you is an invaluable reward for having a simple ID tag!
Patricia Skinner-Porter is the owner/operator of Harmony Farm Kennel & Lamb at Monte Lake BC. Offering custom care boarding (non-dog park style) Patricia provides personal care, attention and daily exercise for ALL dog types, breeds and doganalities! She also offers one-on-one dog-owner training, helping individuals to create healthy happy relationships with their dogs. Here she shares her vast array of experience with a beneficial monthly tip for you and your pooch to enjoy!
(See her listing under Pet Central)
1. As of 2021, the province with the most pet stores is Ontario (approximately 756); followed by Quebec (487) and then BC (352).
2. The Yukon (4), Northwest Territories (2), and Prince Edward Island (8) are the provinces with the fewest pet stores.
3. Shopping in a pet store is still the most common way that Canadians buy their pet food.
4. The number of pets in Canada has increased by 0.4% in 4 years to over 28+ million.
5. Cats outnumbered dogs in Canadian homes in 2020.
6. Dogs saw an overall larger increase in Canadian households.
7. The most popular size of dog is large; defined as being over 50 pounds.
8. There has been an increase of pet ownership in Canada of 18% since March 2020.
9. Residents of Quebec and Nova Scotia are more likely to own a cat;
By Kathryn Copeland, petkeen.com
whereas the residents in the Prairies and British Columbia are more likely to own a dog compared to other regions.
10. Alberta has the most pets out of all the other provinces at 63%.
11. Millennials (born between 1981 and 1996) were most likely to purchase a pet during the pandemic.
12. Canadians spent about $10 billion on their pets in 2020.
13. 95% of Canadians consider their pets as members of the family.
14. Millennials and women are more likely to treat their pets like children.
15. 41% of pet owners have their pets sleep in their beds.
16. The top recommendations that vets make to cat and dog owners is weight control advice.
17. Most pet owners spend more time on entertainment than exercising their pets.
18. Just over half of Canadians believe that their pets are in good health.
(Courtesy of Harmony Farm Kennel & Lamb)This is Gunner. He is an Australian Shepherd and just turned 2 at the end of September. His favourite activities are chasing sticks, playing with sticks and anything to do with sticks.
If his dad is chorin', so is he!
- Kerry M., Dawson Creek 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.
SHOWS, OBEDIENCE & RALLY TRIALS, Abbotsford BC
CKC AGILITY TRIALS, Kelowna BC
CKC FIELD TRACKING TEST, Langley BC
OBEDIENCE FUN MATCH, Abbotsford BC
SHOWS & OBEDIENCE TRIALS, Chilliwack BC
AAC TRIAL, Aldergrove BC
UKI FALL CUP WEST, Abbotsford BC
CKC RETRIEVER FIELD TRIAL, Merville/Black Creek BC
AAC AGILITY TRIAL, Pitt Meadows BC 15-16 CKC HUNT TESTS FOR RETRIEVERS, Aldergrove BC 15-16 CKC SPRINTER EVENTS, Duncan BC 15-16 CKC SCENT DETECTION TRIALS, Slocan Park BC 16 CKC FIELD TRACKING TEST, Armstrong BC 21-23 AAC AGILITY TRIAL, Abbotsford BC
CKC DRAFT DOG TEST, Cobble Hill BC 22-23 CODAC GAMES TRIAL, Kelowna BC, www.codac.ca
CKC CANINE GOOD NEIGHBOUR TEST, Saanich BC 28-30 AAC AGILITY TRIAL, Abbotsford BC 29 CKC CANINE GOOD NEIGHBOUR TEST (Puppy Perfect Start) 29-30 CKC URBAN TRACKING TEST, Comox Valley BC
Send in ONE photo with a caption (no more than 40 words). Include your first name, age, city/province. Photos will be printed on a space availability basis. Email to nancyroman@saddleup.ca with the subject line “KIDS”
IT’S BACK! Horse Council BC has auto-renewal again!
Receive 5% discount on the HCBC membership(s) when registering for auto-renew. The discount applies to HCBC membership(s) only.
The discount will apply to your 2023 and 2024 HCBC membership as long as auto-renew is still in effect.
You can cancel or opt out of the auto renew at any time, however the discount will not be available once you opt out.
Automatic renewal will happen December 1, 2022 but you will be notified November 15, 2022 and given the opportunity to change preferences or opt out of auto-renew.
Automatic renewal can be selected for Adult, Youth and Family memberships.
Children who turn 19 will not auto renew. In a family membership with 2 adults and a child who ages out (or leaves the house), the auto renew will revert to 2 seniors.
Automatic renewal covers HCBC membership, other organizations’ memberships (ie: BCEA, EVABC, DBC), magazines and optional insurance. The automatic renewal will NOT renew retail purchases.
The extended memberships are open on September 6th this year! We will continue to offer the 2022 memberships, the extended memberships 2022-2023 and the 2023 memberships.
HCBC has had to increase the cost of 2023 memberships, which will take effect as each membership comes up for renewal, beginning on Sept 6, 2022. With this modest adjustment, our first since 2019, the prices (including GST) are as follows:
Youth Associate membership is $49.00
Adult Membership is $67.00
Family Membership is $158.00
Affiliate Membership will remain at $215.00 Premium Business is $199.00 – as of January 1, 2023 Regular Business is $99.00 – as of January 1, 2023 Clubs will remain at $85.00
By restricting the amount of the increase, we seek to keep the Horse Council BC Memberships affordable.
Forgot to renew? Or a new HCBC Member? Join or renew for 2022/2023 coverage! Get all of 2023 plus the rest of 2022 at a discounted rate.
Available as of September 6th 2023
2022/2023 Youth Associate – $64.75 (with tax)
2022/2023 Adult Member – $82.75 (with tax)
2022/2023 Family – $205.25 (with tax)
*Extended membership upgrade not available for any 2022 memberships previously purchased.*
TO SUPPORT THE BC HORSE INDUSTRY!
Horse Council BC (HCBC) works to connect and strengthen the BC horse community. We are more than just insurance…
By joining HCBC you show your support for:
• The Right to Ride
- The right to ride horses on public land i.e. in parks and on designated trails in BC. HCBC communicates with provincial/ local Government to support its members in their advocacy roles.
• Horse Welfare in BC
- HCBC liaises and collaborates with governing bodies and promotes the importance of the welfare of equines in BC.
• The BC Horse Industry
- HCBC strives to provide up-to-date information to horse owners and riders across the province on horse health & care, welfare, land & pasture management, and environmental issues.
• A Nationally Accredited Coaching Program
- HCBC administers the Equine Canada coaching and instructor programs for English, Western and Driving disciplines.
• Financial Support for the Industry
- Funding programs that help to encourage and support participation in equestrian sport and recreation activities.
• The Preservation of BC Trail Systems
- HCBC provides funding, safety manuals, workshops, and guidance to our members interested in building and maintaining the trail systems in BC.
• Quality Science Based Education
- HCBC hosts and supports multiple educational events throughout the year along with providing free online courses to members, all based in sound scientific research and data.
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 • hcbc.ca
Canada’s youth and junior dressage and jumping athletes showed promise as they took a significant step forward in their careers at the North American Youth Championships (NAYC), held August 10-14, 2022, at the Great Lakes Equestrian Festival in Traverse City, Michigan.
In its second year at the prestigious venue, Canadian athletes represented the maple leaf with dedication and passion, capturing a total of five medals and many top eight finishes in individual and team competitions.
Junior Dressage Team Earns Silver: The Canadian Junior team of Olivia Tomljenovic (BC), Kiara Williams-Brown (ON), Alison Campbell-Wright (BC) and Anna Swackhammer (ON) opened the weekend for Team Canada with a podium finish, earning a silver medal in the team competition with a score of 199.636%.
Children’s Jumping Team Golden: On August 11, The Children’s Jumping Team of Mathilde Candele, Livia Martin, Taylor Wood and Tristan Tobin (all from Ontario) captured the gold medal over the United States, in an exciting two rounds with a jump-off.
Young Riders Jumping Team Earn Bronze Medal: On a bright sunny afternoon on August 12, the Canada 1 young riders’ team of Lauren Esdale (ON), Sam Walker (ON), Sara Tindale (ON) and Eric Krawitt (AB) battled through a fierce competition to earn a place on the podium, winning the bronze medal.
William Martin, 16, of Vineland, ON, earned Canada’s second gold medal in the junior individual jumping competition
on the final day of NAYC. Riding Ricore Courcelle (Quaprice Bois Margot x Alme), a 17-year-old Selle Francais stallion owned by Teddy Vlock, Martin took top honours in the individual jumping championship.
Anna Swackhammer leads Canada Dressage Team with Individual Silver Medal: The Rockwood, ON, native Swackhammer, represented the maple leaf in the dressage ring on August 12. After winning a team silver medal on August 10, the 18-year-old finished the individual event on the podium as well, winning a silver medal with a score of 69.029%, missing the top of the podium by a fraction of a percent to USA’s Ella Fruchterman aboard Holts Le’mans, who finished with a 69.294%.
Livia Martin (ON) with her own Coradi (sired by Ce Matin), a 10-year-old Macklenburg Warmblood gelding jumped clear in the first two rounds to advance to the jump-off in the Children’s Individual Final. With two rails and a speedy time of 29.91, they were just short of the podium finishing in fifth place.
A newcomer to NAYC and FEI dressage competition, Allison Campbell-Wright (BC) rode Slapstick (Savoy x Reccio L), a 9-yearold Hanoverian gelding owned by Bonnie Campbell and finished in eighth position in both the Individual Juniors Championship (65.735%) and on the final day in the Freestyle Junior Competition (70.165%).
Ava Wong (AB) took home the third place ribbon with a score of 35.97 in the Junior and Young Rider farewell, with Dammam O.L (Cardento x Arkansas), a 14-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding owned by Highland Farms.
| Ben Radvanyi Photography The Canadian Children’s team on top of the podium after winning gold. The Canadian Young Riders team about to do their victory lap after winning the bronze medal. Canadian Junior Dressage Team posing with the silver medal. William Martin and Ricore Courcelle. Swackhammer with her mother Melissa Sinclair (R) and coach Ute Busse (L).Our
members have been busy this summer! Have you seen any long ears out and about?
Several members have enjoyed many miles on the trail taking in fantastic views and making memories. Donkeys and mules make terrific trail mounts as they are very surefooted, hard-footed (rarely need shoes), and tend to think more than react. They can also pack your belongings.
Then we had some other members hit up competitions. These long ears are showing off their versatility by competing at open shows, fun shows, driving shows, Extreme Cowboy Racing, Working Equitation and Mule racing to name a few.
We also had many members provide demonstrations for the public at parades, the Calgary Stampede, camp groups, and senior homes. Their presence along with the information and time our fantastic members share are always well-received.
We all enjoy the nice weather and spending time with our long ear friends at home whether we get out or not. We hope you have had a great summer with your equine too!
Congratulations (so far) to:
Lynda Norris, Spallumcheen BC
Jackie Grant, Courtenay BC
Patrick Manderson, Haight AB
Colleen Ross, Merritt BC
Marie Graham, Coldstream BC
Jim Schenk, Rocky Mtn House AB
From the August issue: This was a Car Transmission Shift selector. The button was pushed for direction desired. The lever on the left was then pushed down to engage the transmission of the car.
Congratulations also to:
Colleen Ross, Merritt BC
Patrick Manderson, Haight BC
Wilma Koersen, Spallumcheen BC
Jackie Grant, Courtenay BC
Rob Schmidt
Yvonne Olson, Cumberland BC Lyle Verquin, Lacombe AB
Jerry Zbytnuik, Coldstream BC
Barb Hart, West Kelowna BC
Mark Savage
Used to be a common item seen in a specific type of store.
Many people will be able to explain what the item is used for, BUT DO YOU KNOW THE NAME OF IT?
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.
We’re going to give you more time to figure this one out! A common piece of equipment in restaurants in the 60s, 70s & 80s.Calypso & Sandra Harper at a Western Equitation Show Sully & Geneva Rodin trail riding Rosie & Anna Trudel at the Calgary Stampede Rosie & Karina Trudel at an open show Left - Ruger & Russ Shandro; right - Dixie & Katherine Cook; in the rear - Anna & Karina Trudel with Rosie in a parade Jessica Rabbit & Melissa Glowinski at the Bruce Stampede Mule Race
We have the results for the Bar U Ranch Challenge held August 13 and 14 in Alberta. Both days were judged by Hans Kollewyn. There were 50 runs over the two days.
August 13: Shootin’ Sprouts (SS): Bailey Black riding Jazzy. Older Than Dirt (OTD): 1-Janet Goltz riding Mr Red Pines, 2-Greg Paranich riding Sonny. Novice (N): 1-Bailey Black riding Jazzy, 2-Shan Simpson riding Doc Holiday. Rookie (R): 1-Koren LeVoir riding Shadow, 2-April Hall riding Badger. Non Pro (NP): 1-Koren LeVoir riding Shadow, 2-Greg Paranich riding Sonny. Open (O): 1-Al Bignell riding Jesse, 2-Janet Goltz riding Mr Red Pines. Buckin’Crazies (BC): 1-Al Bignell riding Katie, 2Denton Keith riding Bender.
August 14: SS: 1-Bailey Black riding Jazzy. OTD: 1-Janet Goltz riding Mr Red Pines, 2-Greg Paranich riding Sonny. N: 1-Bailey Black riding Jazzy. R: 1-Koren LeVoir riding Shadow, 2-Adrien Deveau riding Legacy. NP: 1-Koren Levoir riding Shadow, 2-Shelly Johnson riding Jewel. O: 1-Janet Goltz riding Mr Red Pines, 2-Al Bignell riding Jesse. BC: 1-Al Bignell riding Katie, 2-Denton Keith riding Bender.
Results for the YKnott Double Header Challenge held August 27 and 28 in Alberta. Both days were judged by Janet Goltz. There were 60 runs over the two days.
August 27: SS: 1-Bailey Black riding Jazzy. OTD: 1-Alana Eaton riding George, 2-Sherry Davidson riding Oakly. N: 1-Bailey Black riding Jazzy, 2-Leah Bray riding Esprit. R: 1-Koren LeVoir riding Shadow, 2-Eric Frogley riding Archie. NP: 1-Koren Levoir riding Shadow, 2-April Hall riding Badger. O: 1-Alana Eaton riding George, 2-Kelsey Seller riding Ferb. BC: 1-Denton Keith riding Bender, 2-April Hall riding Bo.
August 28: SS: 1-Bailey Black riding Jazzy. OTD: 1-Alana Eaton riding George, 2-Sherry Davidson riding Oakly. N: 1- Bailey Black riding Jazzy, 2-Leah Bray riding Esprit. R: 1-Melissa Deveau riding Elly, 2-Koren LeVoir riding Shadow. NP: 1-Koren Levoir riding Shadow, 2-Angela Speer riding Molson. BC: 1-Denton Keith riding Bender, 2-April Hall riding Bo.
In the November issue I will include the results of the Finals Challenge and Year End Awards. Hopefully the weather holds for some enjoyable fall riding.
The pictures are provided by Lorens Gutner with permission. Lorens is from the Ukraine and was visiting friends in Alberta. The pictures are the three E’s of crossing a bridge. The rider is Denton Keith with his horse Bender.
Entry: The overall appearance is of a team working well together entering the obstacle. Rider has light contact with the reins guiding the horse’s approach straight ahead and in the middle of the bridge. The rider is in good position, slightly leaning ahead to stay balanced as the horse steps up onto the bridge. The rider’s calves are slightly pressing on the horse’s sides communicating the message to the horse to move forward in a steady, easy walk and confident manner.
Execution: The team is executing the obstacle in a well-balanced manner. Still with light contact of the reins indicating a straight ahead forward motion. Rider’s calves are still indicating a steady forward walk. As well, notice how the rider is now sitting up and is balanced with the horse. The horse is still focused on the task being asked of him, in the middle of the bridge, with ears forward and head/neck slightly down looking at the bridge and where they are going.
Exit: The team is exiting the obstacle, still in the middle of the bridge. Rider is leaning back slightly to stay balanced with the horse. There still is slight contact of the reins by the rider to guide the horse in a straight forward motion. The rider’s calves are off the horse’s sides so not to rush the horse. Ears are forward and the head in a position to see where they are going but still at a steady walk forward. When the hind legs touch the ground the team should be in a good position to be able to change the focus and move onto the next obstacle.
From 1945, Tennessee Walking Horses (TWH) were registered in the Canadian General Stud and Herd Book with Chief Justice Allen as the first TWH registered. In 1981, a group of TWH owners applied to Agriculture Canada to form a Canadian Registry for the TWH. Many meetings and edits later, Bylaws were submitted to Agriculture Canada. In 1982, the Bylaws (Constitution) were approved for the Canadian Walking Horse Association. Chief Justice Allen and 125 other purebred TWH recorded in the Canadian General Stud and Herd Book were transferred to the new TWH Registry.
Forty years later, a group of TWH horses and other gaited horses and owners spent three days (August 5-7, 2022) in Thorsby Alberta at ‘The Canadian’ 40th Anniversary Event.
‘ The Canadian’ was an event, not a show. An event is a happening, a thing of importance - a competition, a meeting, an encounter, a journey, a tournament. ‘The Canadian’ 40th Anniversary Event comprised all of these - education, testing, competition, entertainment, and camaraderie. It was an event that remained true to the Mission, Values and Vision of the Canadian Registry of the Tennessee Walking Horse (CRTWH).
The CRTWH Mission is not only to register horses but to preserve the historic attributes of the breed. On the Saturday, TWH Halter, TWH 2and 3-gait classes, and TWH Authentic Gaits classes ensured the event remained true to breed standards of conformation and movement.
By Dianne LittleTWH. Judge Diane Sept is well-known to many Canadian TWH owners. She lived in Canada for nine years as the trainer for Helen Williamson’s Westridge Stables. Although not a founder of CRTWH, her input was relevant to the formation. Since leaving Canada, Diane has continued to expand her knowledge of horses, giving clinics and lessons throughout North America.
Canadian TWH owners are a community of people who love horses, enjoy learning, and spending time with other gaited horses and their owners. Creativity and endurance were abundant. Costume classes, Mismatched Pairs and Go Shopping were popular and fun for participants and audience.
To fulfill the Values statement, the focus on Friday and Sunday was education. An introduction to Western Dressage for gaited horses was an opportunity to ride a test and receive feedback from a Licensed Gaited Horse Judge and Licensed Gaited Horse Dressage Judge. Written feedback on each element of the Dressage Test and the Obstacle Challenge is valuable guidance to further improvement.
O ther gaited breeds were invited as the Vision statement is to encourage riders of all ages and any breed of horse to appreciate the
The Diane Sept Friday Dressage Clinic was not as expected. There was a focus on the body of the rider, and influence on the movement of the horse was presented in a different and memorable manner. Most participants chose to ride their first Dressage Tests. After a potluck dessert on Friday evening, Windi Scott presented an introduction to Clicker training. Equitheater performances by Diana Krah and Frenchie, Susan Seuffert and Francy Target, and Windi Scott and Ghost of Future Past not only entertained but inspired.
Fun, entertainment, and friendship were abundant on Saturday evening. Past presidents Ron Bannister, Stu Pritchard and Fran Kerik were welcome guests. After a catered barbeque the entertainment began. Stick Horse Model and Stick Horse Performance classes were filled with laughter. Windi Scott, a TWH owner, trainer and musician
Ron Smith & StarAuthentic Gaits Ticket & Huck Hammersstrom, Judge Diane Sept, Ring Steward Leslie Hunchuk Costume class: Cindy Laschowski’s daughter & granddaughter, Princess Aleigh. Windi Scott & Ghostwas joined by Edward Pimm, a young man with a bright future as an ‘up and coming’ Western entertainer. He is a recent recipient of The Rising Star Award from The Alberta Men of Country Music and has been signed with Global Country Canada. What a wonderful evening!
Model or 2-gait and Obstacle Challenge either in hand or under saddle. Winner of the Three Phase Event in Hand Award was Narnia owned and exhibited by Karen Sollid. Winner of the Three Phase Event under Saddle was Cisco’s Liberty General owned and exhibited by Stephen Woodall. The unique ceramic trophies were designed and created by Lynnette Lukay of Stony Plain and donated by The Sawhorse Ranch.
A number of years ago, Diane Sept sponsored an award to honour one of her horses, Nugget, a happy horse with a sense of humour. The Nugget Award is only presented when Diane finds a horse she feels is worthy of the award. She was pleased to present the Nugget Award to Karlas Alanza Jewel owned by Ashley Stroud and Greg Wiebe. Congratulations to Alanza – the first Canadian recipient!
The Obstacle Challenge classes were as unique as our horses. They proved a Challenge both in hand and under saddle. Written evaluative comments will be beneficial to horses and riders. There were two special awards at ‘The Canadian’ – Three Day Phase in Hand and Three Day Phase Under Saddle. To qualify for either award, the horse must be entered in specified classes –Dressage in Hand or Under Saddle, Halter or
‘ The Canadian’ 40th Anniversary Event would not have been possible without sponsors and supporters. We are grateful to the Alberta Walking Horse Association, Alberta Equestrian Federation, CRTWH Stallion Auction donors, Friends of Sound Horses, the 40th Anniversary Project, Walking Horse News, as well as Kristy Coulter, Dale Derman & Windi Scott (The Sawhorse Ranch), Sue and Dave Gamble, Bill Howes, Margaret & Brent Johnson (Southpaw Creations), Diana Krah (Bee Seal), Marjorie Lacy (Uphill Farm), Anne Preugschas, Bonar Gillies, Cindy Laschowski, Lisa Parrish, Marion Taylor, Wild Rose Walkers, the Woodall Family, and others who prefer to remain anonymous.
Events don’t just ‘happen’. Vision, organization, time, energy and enthusiasm lead to a successful event. Thanks to committee leader Fran Kerik and team: Bobbie Buck, Karla Hansen, Leslie Hunchuk, Dianne Little, Windi Scott and Brenda Woodall, for organizing and hosting ‘The Canadian’ 40th Event.
By Holly Baxter
The Vernon District Riding Club closes October 31st with a fall clean-up in early November. For September the club hosted Cheryl Keith and the Bill Ulmer Youth Clinic and Stable Management Rally. Our final Percentage Day was September 24th with Mark Ishoy as Judge. Mark was part of the 1978 Gold Medal World Championship in Eventing and represented Canada at the 1980 Olympics. Our club is hoping to have a Spring and Fall Bronze/Gold Dressage Show.
More information will be posted for interested volunteers for training in the various responsibilities to make this happen. The first meeting is tentatively scheduled for October which will be posted on our Facebook page.
The club’s grounds are available for clinics and horse shows and is a premier facility which includes 3 outdoor sand arenas, a round pen and 52 box stalls, 8 covered pens and 16 open pens. The clubhouse has a full kitchen, bathroom facilities and a huge wrap-around deck for viewing. Whether you ride Western or English, consider booking with us. Go to our website for more information and click on Facility Rentals.
October 8-9th is VDRC Thankful Jumper Show. Saturday is scheduled schooling and Sunday are Jumper classes with Poles on the Ground all the way up to .90 Jumper.
Bring your horse, bring yourself and enjoy the fall weather at the Club!
Karen Sollid with her horse Narnia. Here they are in the water glass class.
Cisco’s Liberty General & Stephen Woodall.
The East Kootenay Chapter (EKC) of Back Country Horsemen of BC (BCHBC) was established in 2015. While the chapter is based in the city of Cranbrook, its membership region is large, encompassing the area from the US border north to Golden, and from Creston east to the Alberta border. After a period of relative inactivity over the past couple of years, due (of course!) to the pandemic, EKC’s 31 members decided to host an interchapter ride May 25 to 27, 2022 at the new Grasmere Recreation Campsite. This location is a Recreation Sites & Trails BC site developed in partnership with the BC Ministry of Forests. Grasmere Rec Site is located in the Koocanusa Recreation Management Area and consists of hundreds of hectares of Crown Land and active grazing leases.
Horses and riders enjoy a break at the 100-year-old Ingham’s homestead, which was sold to Nature’s Trust in the 1950s, to become Sheep Mountain Conservation Property Complex.
land for wildlife with the Nature Trust of British Columbia and BC Ministry of Environment.
Organizers were thrilled with the attendance. A total of 47 people participated in the camp and rides —41 riders and horses, one mini-horse, and six non-riders. Thirty-five attendees were BCHBC members and the others were guests. (Several of whom became members after the event!) Participating chapters included members from EKC (17 folks), West Kootenay, Yarrow, Shuswap, Okanagan, North Thompson, Quesnel, and one member at large. Though Quesnel was the furthest people came from, some non-members came from Pincher Creek and Coaldale AB.
The scenery was spectacular, including lush meadows, river valleys, majestic mountains, and much more to enjoy!!
“ This was the first time we have gone camping with this group and everyone was so polite and friendly,” recalled Yvonne Abbey, Central Kootenays Chapter member from Creston BC. “It was very nice to ride and camp in a different area, other than the usual places we go. The organizers had many different types of rides to please everyone, as well as different lengths of rides. From riding with a guide to just riding with your own group on your own. We enjoyed hearing from the people that knew the history of the area. We learned a lot from the stories told and we were surprised at how many other couples like to ride horses and camp in the Kootenays. The poems and entertainment [on Saturday night around the campfire] were very creative and interesting. I even bought a book by one of the local writers, who I found out knew my parents. All and all, it was a great weekend and we got to witness some beautiful wildlife and wildflowers!”
This inter-chapter ride was a huge success thanks to the hard work behind-the-scenes by Steve and Erin Bryant, Aaron and Tracey Macdonald, Karl and Robin Arnold, Brian Marriott, and Waneta Roux. The planning committee also extends heartfelt thanks to the many participants who stepped up to help when they saw a need.
There was one sanctioned group ride on the Friday, with trail guides leading 28 horses and riders. Saturday had three guided rides: one locally, where people were not required to trailer out, but could ride in open fields with the Rocky Mountains as a backdrop; one to Silver Springs, near Elko; and the third to Silver Springs and onward to Purple Canyon. This third ride was modified to the shorter version once people got to Silver Springs.
Sunday’s ride required trailering up the highway to what locals call the Cutts Ranch or Ingham’s Homestead. These are adjoining properties, and a generation apart, but are now protected grazing
“[This was] an amazing three-day riding adventure,” said Teresa Devine. “It was such a fantastic group of fun, dedicated and supportive horsemen; super essential to have been able to take part in this event. It was wonderful to reconnect with old friends and a gift to make new ones. I highly recommend becoming a member of this fun, dedicated and supportive group of diverse horse folks.”
Okanagan Chapter member, Barb Hart, took the time to recount her experience to share with fellow BCHBC members and those interested in riding in the East Kootenays region. The full account of her ‘Big Country’ experience can be read on the ‘Our Latest News’ section of BCHBC’s Website at www.bchorsemen.org.
Back Country Horsemen of BC – serving BC trail riding enthusiasts since 1989! Check out our beautiful website at bchorsemen.org / Questions? Contact info@bchorsemen.org BCHBC respectfully acknowledges that our members are privileged to recreate on the unceded traditional lands of First Nations people of British Columbia. Intro by Terri Perrin, Member at Large | Photos by Barb Hart, Arlene Ladd and Teresa Devine Adventure in the East Kootenays ‘Big Country’ BCHBC Inter-Chapter Ride May 25-27, 2022BC CARRIAGE DRIVING SOCIETY, Pres: Ellen Hockley 250-572-7516, Pleasure, C ombined, Recreation from Minis to Drafts, www.bccarriagedriving.com 6/23
BC EQUINE ARENA 2 TRAIL ASSOCIATION (on FB), Clinics & Coaching Building your & your equine’s confidence, bcearena2trail.com 4/23
BC INTERIOR ARABIAN HORSE ASSOC. P res: Wally Goertz 250-546-6004 11/22 asmarawg@telus.net, clinics, Recreational riding programs, Awards/Social Activ.
BC INTERIOR MORGAN HORSE CLUB see our FB page. Pres: Michelle Kozyn e-mail: akylles3_kozyn@hotmail.com, Trail Rides, Pot O Gold Show, Poker Ride 5/23
BC PAINT HORSE CLUB www.bcphc.com, Open Show & Competition Program, award sponsorships for local clubs, youth scholarship. cathyglover@telus.net 3/23
The CQHA is the Canadian affiliate of the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA), and representative of the largest breed population within the Canadian herd. Visit us at www.cqha.ca. 12/22
BC WELSH PONY & COB ASSOC. (see FB) Pres: Rosanne 604-302-7650, bcwelshponyandcob@gmail.com.
LAKE GYMKHANA
program throughout the province. 4/23
CHILLIWACK RIDING CLUB, Drill Team, Horse Shows (Heritage Qualifiers), Gymkhana, Trail Rides, Clinics, Open Ride, Socials, www.crchorse.ca 12 /22
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. 6/1612/22
Info on clinics and events at www.erabc.com
INTERIOR CUTTING HORSE ASSOCIATION www.ichacutting.com
New cutters always welcome. Lee Poncelet 250-938-2034 9/23
ARMSTRONG ENDERBY RIDING CLUB S chooling Shows (Eng/West/Games), Armstrong Fairgrounds, April to Sept. www.armstrongenderbyridingclub.ca 10/22Join us in this incredible sport of Horseback Archery in the Okanagan Valley, BC
Intro Clinics
• Skills Clinics
RUSTY SPURS 4-H HORSE CLUB (Abbotsford BC) Open to Youth 6-19, Rustyspurshorse4h@gmail.com & Find us on Facebook! 12/22
Family Clinics • Practices
• Competitions • Community ‘The Obstacle Is The Way’
Contact: FB & IG • okanagan.khanate@gmail.com • okkma.ca • 250-899-4344
7/1811/22
Promoting equine activities and knowledge in the south Cariboo with Shows, Clinics, Gymkhanas and more.
SOUTH CENTRAL QUARTER HORSE ASSOC., Host of April Fuzzy Horse Show and September AQHA Circuit Show, http://bcqha.com/index.php/scqha 12/22
VERNON DISTRICT RIDING CLUB (Vernon BC), check out
Adam Harvey
President: Mike Kidston E-mail: info@outriders.com ~ www.100mileoutriders.com
PEACHLAND RIDING CLUB, Pres: Kevin Froese (Kevin.leroy.froese@gmail.com). Info, Gymkhana dates & events atpeachlandridingclub.com 6/23
VINTAGE RIDERS EQUESTRIAN CLUB (Fraser Valley BC), English/Western, lectures, clinics, socials, safe and fun, vintageriders@shaw.ca, on Facebook 4/23
WILD ROSE DRAFT HORSE ASSOCIATION, www.wrdha.com. Barb Stephenson (Secretary) phone 403-933-5765 (8:00 am to 8:00 pm) 6/23
5 WEANLING CHALLENGE, Rocking Heart Ranch, Waterton Lakes National Park AB, rockingheartranchltd.com
14-25 HORSE DEVELOPMENT w/Glenn Stewart, The Horse Ranch, Baldonnel BC, 250789-3072, sandy@thehorseranch.com
Janet 780-897-7986 prosperous4women@gmail.com
1-2 ARENA 2 TRAIL COMPETITION (2 of 2) w/Dawn Ferster, Timber Ridge Trails, Lumby BC, dawnferster@gmail.com
18 HORSEY LADIES FUNDRAISING BANQUET, Spallumcheen Golf Club, Vernon BC, Nancy 250-546-9922, nancyroman@telus.net
29–Dec 10 HORSE DEVELOPMENT w/Glenn Stewart, The Horse Ranch, Baldonnel BC, 25 0-789-3072, sandy@thehorseranch.com
8-9 INTRO TO MOUNTED ARCHERY CLINIC, Grand Forks BC, okanagan.khanate@gmail.com, okkma.ca, 250-899-4344
13-16 HOOF TRIMMING CLINIC, Saskatoon SK, Francine 204-771-5335, hoofgeeks.ca
15-16 PRC BUCKLE SERIES BARREL RACE & GYMKHANA, Peachland BC, 25 0-718-2761, peachlandridingclub.com
21-22 STAGE 1 HORSEMANSHIP CLINIC w/Glenn Stewart, Mission Acres Arena, Cochrane AB, 25 0-789-3072, sandy@thehorseranch.com
23-24 STAGE 2+ HORSEMANSHIP WORKSHOP w/Glenn Stewart, Mission Acres Arena, Cochrane AB, 25 0-789-3072, sandy@thehorseranch.com
31-Nov 11 HORSE DEVELOPMENT w/Glenn Stewart, The Horse Ranch, Baldonnel BC, 25 0-789-3072, sandy@thehorseranch.com
34 • OCTOBER 2022 SADDLEUP.CA 13-23 HORSE DEVELOPMENT w/Glenn Stewart, The Horse Ranch, Baldonnel BC, 25 0-789-3072, sandy@thehorseranch.com
RR60 Hip roof barn with potential to be converted into a dwelling. Lots of paddocks, 3 ponds, old log barn, metal Quonset and older large hay shed. 2 dwellings allowed.
Cranbrook BC area $1,240,000
MORE INFO AND PICTURES: 250-420-7981
sunrise_acres@hotmail.com
This well-maintained, 57 acre country property is located 25 minutes west of Merritt on a very quiet road. It features an 1,800 sq. ft. rancher home with 3 bedrooms, 1.5 baths and open concept kitchendining-living room, a 5-bay carport with attached, heated workshop, approximately 10 acres of fenced pasture/hay land, a 100’ x 200’ riding arena, hay barn, 2-stall stable, numerous walk-in shelters, water rights and irrigation system.
3725 Davidson Road, Merritt, BC $1,360,000
JORDYN CHENIER 250-280-2353 or 250-378-6941
RE/MAX Legacy, Merritt jordynchenier@remax.net
3 bedroom & den, 3 bathroom home. Heat/AC pump, natural gas, Telus Optik. Two-bay garage w/breezeway. Hay barn, 3 shelters w/power, auto waterers. Landscaped yard with u/g sprinklers; hose & 2” irrigation bibs throughout property. City water, river irrigation, extra well. 66’ x 171’ lit sand riding arena, wood rail fencing w/hot wire, 4 paddocks, 3 pastures, 1-3 acre field, tack room. Privacy! Front view hay fields and city lights, rear view hayfields and winery. Endless trails across the road. Great neighbourhood & schools. 5 mins to all amenities. A1/ALR farm status.
740 Dairy Road, Kamloops BC $1,329,000
CALL/TEXT KATIE 250-299-2134
evolutionequestrian@gmail.com
Keeping horses is a dream for many property buyers, but the wrong horse real estate can lead to many problems. Buying or selling this specialty property requires working closely with an agent, so make sure you ask the right questions before committing to any deal.
Take some time to speak with any horse real estate agents representing properties you want to buy:
1. A sk about an agent’s experience helping people who are buying equestrian property. Experience makes a big difference and you want to work with an agent who has handled other deals before.
2. A sk about regulations and restrictions. Each municipality has certain regulations that property owners need to follow. Be sure you are able to abide by them.
3. A sk about financing. The nature of a property might disqualify
you from certain avenues of financing. A private loan might need to be secured in order for the deal to go through. A farm bureau might also provide lending options. Your agent should be able to answer basic questions about financing.
4. Discuss a structural inspection. A horse farm has several different buildings and each one will need to be checked for structural integrity.
5. Take a look for yourself. Ask the agent to show you the property so you can look at the surrounding land, including access roads, neighbouring properties, and so forth. These factors will influence your experience with your new horse farm.
35OCTOBER 2022 SADDLEUP.CA • If you are selling your equestrian property, you should also do a little research before choosing an agent. Look for a real estate agent who knows a few things about horses so that they can accurately represent the characteristics of your property to potential buyers.
DIAMOND H TACK INC. (Kelowna BC) 877-762-5631 English & Western Saddlery, Clothes, Farrier, Feed, Blanket & Leather Repairs 10/22
PETERSEN TRAILERS LTD. (Langley) 604-533-4209 Service and Repairs. All makes www.petersentrailers.ca 7/23
KITT EQUIPMENT TRAILER SALES, (Chilliwack & Aldergrove), 1-877-823-7199, Horse ~ Stock ~ Utility ~ Dump ~ Flatdecks, Kittequipment.com 4/23
BIRGIT STUTZ, Irwin Insights Master Level 6 Cert. Trainer, www.fallingstarranch. ca, Training/lessons/clinics/student
LEE PONCELET TRAINING STABLES (Vernon, BC) 250-938-2034 Starting Colts. Training all levels. Specializing in Cutting/Cowhorse. lpperformancehorses.com 8 /23
SANDY LANG HORSEMANSHIP (Abbotsford BC) 778-344-3804, Foundation Focus Working Equitation, Natural Horsemanship, sandylanghorsemanship.com 9/23
WILDHORSE VENTURES AT MERSTON CREEK RANCH (Quesnel BC) 250-249-9613, Horse Training & Clinics, Horses & Cariboo Mountain Dogs for sale. See
on FB 12/22
ANIMAL CARE HOSPITAL Williams Lake 250-392-5510 / Quesnel 250-747-3053 Drs. Magnowski, Scheidt, Thompson, Jordan, Deitrick 4/23
INTERIOR VETERINARY HEALTH SERVICES (Okanagan) 250-769-4217, Mobile Equine, Brytann Youngberg DVM, VSMT, College of Animal Chiropractors 9/23
KAMLOOPS LARGE ANIMAL VETERINARY CLINIC
WALES EQUINE VETERINARY SERVICES (Okanagan) 250-258-2299 Drs. Alex Wales and Dr. Susan Wales, www.walesequine.com 9/23
By Tik Maynard
Nowavailable in audiobook format, read by author Tik Maynard!
In 2008, 26-year-old Tik Maynard faced a crossroads not unlike that of other young adults. A university graduate and modern pentathlete, he suffered both a career-ending injury and a painful breakup, leaving him suddenly adrift. The son of prominent Canadian equestrians, Maynard decided to spend the next year as a “working student.” In the horse industry, working students aspire to become professional riders or trainers, and willingly trade labor for hands-on education. Here Maynard chronicles his experiences -good and bad- and we follow along as one year becomes three, what began as a casual adventure gradually transforms, and a life’s purpose comes sharply into focus.
Over time, Maynard evolved under the critical eyes of Olympians, medal winners, and world-renowned figures in the horse world, including Anne Kursinski, Johann Hinnemann, Ingrid Klimke, David and Karen O’Connor, Bruce Logan, and Ian Millar. He was ignored, degraded, encouraged, and praised. He was hired and fired, told he had the “wrong body type to ride” and that he had found his “destiny.” He got married and lost loved ones. Through it all he studied the horse, and human nature, and how the two can find balance. And in that journey, he may have found himself.
$24.99, horseandriderbooks.com
Format: Digital Download - Audiobook
Total Page Count: Run Time: 10 hours, 49 minutes ISBN: 9781646011674
