Saddle Up October 2023

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Nancy Roman

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Ihad fun volunteering at the 55+ BC Games in Maple Ridge, was a nice little getaway. It was also good to see some familiar faces from down that way and meet some new ones. What a happy 55+ crowd!

We’ve got quite a few show reports and results in this issue, with LOTS of photos! It’s always nice to see folks out and about with their horses.

I also volunteered at our Interior Provincial Exhibition (IPE) here in Armstrong – gotta love our communityinvolved fair… it does take a village! One hundred and twenty-two years strong. I love the hustle and bustle for 5 days.

Was sad to hear of the passing of Sandy McDowell down in Chilliwack. Am sure many of you would recognize her from being in the light horse office at the IPE for many years. Condolences to her partner David and families. (See page 5) Only two more issues to go… November and December… and that’s it for 2023! AND… that will be it for Saddle Up magazine if a buyer is not in place to take over for the February 2024 issue. Crossing my fingers.

If you have a passion for horses and ‘community’…

I’ll pass the reins,

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ON THE COVER: Paradise Ranch, www.paradisehorses.com

CONTRIBUTORS: Jocelyn Adams, Melody Garner-Skiba, Brooke Tonkin, Jackie Evans, Marijke van de Water, BJ Davidson, Jaime Cameron, Tracy Gurney, Danika McGuinness, Katie Bogaert, Patricia E. Skinner VOICE FOR: The Back Country Horsemen of BC MEDIA PARTNER WITH HORSE COUNCIL BC

Gotta cram in some more riding before the snow flies! Photo by Dawn Ferster.

In Memoriam

Sandra Lee McDowell passed away peacefully on August 10, 2023, at Chilliwack General Hospital. Sandy was born to Bill & Jesse Souter in Calgary, Alberta on June 29, 1948, and the family soon relocated to Chilliwack, BC.

Sandy was predeceased by her husband, Trevor McDowell. She is survived by her son Jason (Joanita) McDowell and daughter Twila (Tim) Cumiskey, partner of 24 years David Mante, and sisters Penny (Len) Stobbe and Roberta (Cornelius) Martens. She will be dearly missed by her grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Attending agricultural fairs was one of Sandy’s passions - as a youngster, she showed Guernseys at the PNE in Vancouver, and in recent years, travelled to competitions where David showed Welsh ponies.

Sandy dedicated 50 years of service to seniors, initially as a long-term care aide and then as an Activity Coordinator, in addition to serving fellow members as a representative of the Hospital Employee’s Union.

Sandy was an extrovert and enjoyed music, dancing, and any kind of social event which brought people together. She will be remembered by family and friends for her humour, ability to recall and retell stories, and caring spirit.

An open house-style Celebration of Life was held September 15th at the Lion’s Club Hall on Spadina Avenue with the theme “To Don it Purple.”

That’s a Wrap on the 2023 55+ BC Games!

By Jocelyn Adams,

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

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

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

Make sure to “Save the Date” - next year’s 55+ BC Games will be held in Salmon Arm September 10–14, 2024.

Onto the results!

EQUESTRIAN MEDALS FOR AUGUST 23, 2023

Dressage & Western Dressage

Judges: Burgi Rommel & John MacPherson, Ontario

Sport Chair: Kelly Coughlin

Western Dressage Novice Walk Jog Level

GOLD Kim Bryan, High Power Cruise, Zone 3

SILVER Debbie Murray, Okay Smart and Chex, Zone 3

BRONZE Dianne Stoesz, Doc Sandee Freckles, Zone 3

Western Dressage Novice Training Level

GOLD Heather Wade, Gypsy King, Zone 2

SILVER Irene Kirkman, Believe in Miracles, Zone 3

BRONZE David Ciriani, Scoot, Zone 8

Western Dressage Open Level 2

GOLD Dianne Prosser, Outlaw, Zone 2

SILVER Nancy Garner, Extreme Whizdun, Zone 4

BRONZE Heather Brookes, Gatillo, Zone 4

Dressage Novice Training Level

GOLD Josephine De Freitas, Frodod, Zone 4

SILVER Anne Fawcett, Totally Hollywood, Zone 3

BRONZE Anne Mancell, Bella Diamonte, Zone 3

Dressage Novice First Level

GOLD Vanessa Whittel, Dee, Zone 3

SILVER Shelley Ogilvie, Bonny's Vunder Colt, Zone 8

BRONZE Bridget Maguire, Noble Roamer, Zone 3

Dressage Open First Level

GOLD Marietta Egan, Phaithes Promise, Zone 5

SILVER Tracey Hennessey, Red Dawn, Zone 1

BRONZE no competitor

Dressage Open Second Level

GOLD Valerie Mica, Fool's Gold, Zone 3

SILVER Heather Wade, Black Fin, Zone 2

BRONZE Anita Davey, Caleb, Zone 2

Dressage Open Third Level and above

GOLD Trish Rowe, Carl, Zone 8

SILVER Melanie Houston, VA Manoletes Ysabella, Zone 1

BRONZE Ally Stewart, Mason, Zone 3

EQUESTRIAN MEDALS AUGUST 24, 2023

Western Dressage Novice Walk Jog Level

GOLD Kim Bryan, High Power Cruise, Zone 3

SILVER Dianne Stoesz, Doc Sandee Freckles, Zone 3

BRONZE Kim Yawney, Silver Bullet Bandit, Zone 3

Western Dressage Novice Training Level

GOLD David Ciriani, Scoot, Zone 8

SILVER Heather Wade, Gypsy King, Zone 2

BRONZE Carole Walton, Sylvie, Zone 2

Western Dressage Open Level 2

GOLD Heather Brookes, Gatillo, Zone 4

SILVER Nancy Garner, ExtremeWhizdun, Zone 2

BRONZE Diane Prosser, Outlaw, Zone 4

Dressage Novice Training Level

GOLD Anne Fawcett, Totally Hollywood, Zone 3

SILVER Josephine De Freitas, Frodo, Zone 4

BRONZE Leslie Park, SS Gun Shot High, Zone 1

Dressage Novice First Level

GOLD Shelley Ogilvie, Bonny's Vunder Colt, Zone 8

SILVER Bridget McGuire, Noble Roamer, Zone 3

BRONZE Sarah Sleigh, Dreammaster's Chance, Zone 3

Dressage Open First Level

GOLD Marietta Egan, Phaithes Promise, Zone 5

SILVER no competitor

BRONZE no competitor

Dressage Open Second Level

GOLD Anita Davey, Caleb, Zone 2

SILVER Valerie Mica, Fool's Gold, Zone 3

BRONZE Heather Wade, Black Fin, Zone 2

Dressage Open Third Level and above

GOLD Melanie Houston, VA Manoletes Ysabella, Zone 1

SILVER Susanne Ziehr, Vivaldi, Zone 4

BRONZE Trish Rowe, Carl, Zone 8

Overall Western Dressage Novice Walk/Jog

GOLD Kim Bryan, High Power Cruise, Zone 3

SILVER Dianne Stoesz, Doc Sandee Freckles, Zone 3

BRONZE Kim Yawney, Silver Bullet Bandit, Zone 3"

Overall Western Dressage Training Level

GOLD Heather Wade, Gypsy King, Zone 2

SILVER David Ciriani, Scoot, Zone 8

BRONZE Irene Kirkman, Believe in Miracles, Zone 3

Overall Western Dressage Open Level 2

GOLD Diane Prosser, Outlaw, Zone 4

GOLD Heather Brookes, Gatillo, Zone 4

GOLD Nancy Garner, ExtremeWhizdun, Zone 2

Overall Novice Training

GOLD Anne Fawcett, Totally Hollywood, Zone 3

GOLD Josephine De Freitas, Frodo, Zone 4

SILVER Leslie Park, SS Gun Shot High, Zone 1

Overall Novice First Level

GOLD Shelley Ogilvie, Bonny's Vunder Colt, Zone 8

SILVER Bridget McGuire, Noble Roamer, Zone 3

BRONZE Sarah Sleigh, Dreammaster's Chance, Zone 3

Overall Open First Level

GOLD Marietta Egan, Phaithes Promise, Zone 5

Overall Open Second Level

GOLD Valerie Mica, Fool's Gold, Zone 3

SILVER Anita Davey, Caleb, Zone 2 (Vanc Island North)

BRONZE Heather Wade, Black Fin, Zone 2

Overall Third Level and Up

GOLD Melanie Houston, VA Manoletes Ysabella, Zone 1

SILVER Trish Rowe, Carl, Zone 8

BRONZE Susanne Ziehr, Vivaldi, Zone 4 Working Hunters

Judge: Danalyn Rooks, Maple Ridge

Discipline Chair: Phyllis Attril

Course Designer: Kirsten Rodel, Maple Ridge 2'3” Working Hunter

GOLD Jane Mastin, Zone 8 (South Central)

SILVER Anita Davey, Caleb, Zone 2 (Vanc Island North)

BRONZE Karen Hopkinson, Kilby, Zone 3 (Fraser Valley)

Working Hunter Under Saddle

GOLD Jane Mastin, Zone 8 (South Central)

SILVER Anita Davey, Caleb, Zone 2 (Vanc Island North)

BRONZE Josephine De Freitas, Frodo, Zone 4 Working Equitation

Judge: Lee Cayer, Saskatchewan

Discipline Chair: Sandy Lang

Introductory Dressage

GOLD Nancy Garner, ExtremeWhizdun, Zone 2

SILVER Lesley Parks, SS Gun Shot High, Zone 1

BRONZE Tracey Hennessey, Red Dawn, Zone 1 Novice A Dressage

GOLD Jane Stone, Biscotti, Zone 1

SILVER Diane Prosser, Outlaw, Zone 4

BRONZE Flora Balducci, Steppin Thyme, Zone 3 Novice B Dressage

GOLD Jane Stone, Bob Cajun, Zone 1

Intermediate A and Up Dressage

GOLD Vanessa Whittell, Nemo, Zone 3

SILVER Melanie Huston, VA Manoletes Isabella, Zone 1

Introductory Ease of Handling

GOLD Nancy Garner, ExtremeWhizdun, Zone 2

SILVER Tracey Hennessey, Red Dawn, Zone 1

BRONZE David Ciriani, Scoot, Zone 8

Overall Introductory Working Equitation

GOLD Nancy Garner, ExtremeWhizdun, Zone 3

SILVER Tracey Hennessey, Red Dawn, Zone 1

BRONZE David Ciriani, Scoot, Zone 8

EQUESTRIAN MEDALS AUGUST 25, 2023

Hunters Hunter Hack

GOLD Jane Mastin, Finch, Zone 8

SILVER Anita Davey, Caleb, Zone 2

BRONZE Sandra Hill, Sweet Delight, Zone 3 Working Hunter Over Fences

GOLD Jane Mastin, Finch, Zone 8

SILVER Anita Davey, Caleb, Zone 2

BRONZE Sandra Hill, Sweet Delight, Zone 3 Hunter Derby

GOLD Anita Davey, Caleb, Zone 2

SILVER Sandra Hill, Sweet Delight, Zone 3

BRONZE Jane Mastin, Finch, Zone 8

Horse Council BC | Photos Kathy Paterson, Steve Ray

Four great days of 55+ BC Games “Equestrian” Competition were held August 23-26th at the Maple Ridge Equi-Sports Centre. Disciplines included were Dressage, Western Dressage, Working Equitation, Working Hunter, and Driving Trials.

Working Equitation

Novice A Ease of Handling

GOLD Irene Kirkman, Believe in Miracles, Zone 3

SILVER Flora Balducci, Steppin, Zone 3

BRONZE Heather Wade, Black Finn, Zone 2

Novice A Speed

GOLD Jane Stone, Biscotti, Zone 1

SILVER Bridget McQuire, Nobel Roamer, Zone 3

BRONZE Dianne Prosser, Outlaw, Zone 4

Novice A Overall

GOLD Flora Balducci, Steppin, Zone 3

SILVER Heather Wade, Black Finn, Zone 2

BRONZE Carol Walton, Sylvie, Zone 2

Novice B Ease of Handling

GOLD Jane Stone, Bob Cajun, Zone 1

Novice B Speed

GOLD Jane Stone, Bob Cajun, Zone 1

Novice B Overall

GOLD Jane Stone, Bob Cajun, Zone 1

Intermediate A and Up Ease of Handling

GOLD Melanie Huston, VA Manoletes Ysabella, Zone 1

Intermediate A and Up Speed

GOLD Melanie Huston, VA Manoletes Ysabella, Zone 1

SILVER Vanessa Whittell, Nemo, Zone 3

Intermediate A and Up Overall

GOLD Melanie Huston, VA Manoletes Ysabella, Zone 1

SILVER Vanessa Whittell, Nemo, Zone 3

Driving Trials

Judge: Michael Wakefield, Oregon

Sport Chair: Josh Hoyles

Training Driving Dressage

GOLD Vicki Schulz, Golden Visions

Andromeda by Endeavour, Zone 3

SILVER Deborah Mckay, Thousand Oaks Lancelot Cameo, Zone 3

BRONZE Catherine Royal, Lombard's Zamantha, Zone 1

Prelim Driving Dressage

GOLD Rhonda Schreiber, Jasper, Zone 1

SILVER Pip Brecken, Bringer, Zone 1

BRONZE Laura McLeod, Charlie, Zone 3

Training Overall

GOLD Deborah Mckay, Thousand Oaks Lancelot Cameo, Zone3

SILVER Catherine Royal, Lombard's Zamantha, Zone 1

BRONZE Mary Watts, Cajun, Zone 1

Prelim Overall

GOLD Rhonda Schreiber, Jasper, Zone 1

SILVER Pip Brecken, Bringer, Zone 1

BRONZE Vicki Schulz, Sunny Vale's PS I Luv U Bobby, Zone 3

EQUESTRIAN MEDALS AUGUST 26, 2023

Driving Training Driving Dressage

GOLD Vicki Schulz, Golden Visions

Andromeda by Endeavour, Zone 3

SILVER Susan Balcom, Zone 3

BRONZE Deborah Mckay, Thousand Oaks Lancelot Cameo, Zone 3

Prelim Driving Dressage

GOLD Rhonda Schreiber, Jasper, Zone 1

GOLD Pip Brecken, Bringer, Zone 1

GOLD Laura McLeod, Charlie, Zone 3

SILVER Frances Shuttleworth, Zone 3

BRONZE Vicki Schulz, Sunny Vale's PS I Luv U Bobby, Zone 3 Training Field Driving Trial

GOLD Vicki Schulz, Golden Visions Andromeda by Endeavour, Zone 3

SILVER Deborah Mckay, Thousand Oaks Lancelot Cameo, Zone 3

BRONZE Catherine Royal, Lombard's Zamantha, Zone 1

Prelim Driving Overall Trial

GOLD Pip Brecken, Bringer, Zone 1

SILVER Rhonda Schreiber, Jasper, Zone 1

BRONZE Vicki Schulz, Sunny Vale's PS I Luv U Bobby, Zone 3

2 Day Overall Training

GOLD Deborah Mckay, Thousand Oaks Lancelot Cameo, Zone3

SILVER Catherine Royal, Lombard's Zamantha, Zone 1

BRONZE Mary Watts, Cajun, Zone 1

2 Day Overall Prelim

GOLD Pip Brecken, Bringer, Zone 1

SILVER Rhonda Schreiber, Jasper, Zone 1

BRONZE Vicki Schulz, Sunny Vale's PS I Luv U Bobby, Zone 3

Congratulations to all our participants! And once again a huge thank you to all of our volunteers, judges and sport chairs!

Stay tuned for the next 55+ BC Games information.

Rocking Heart Ranch

Learning, Horsemanship, Connection

By Melody Garner-Skiba

This year the Rocking Heart Ranch did something a bit different. For years the ranch has hosted their annual “60 day Colt Starting Challenge and Sale” featuring up and coming trainers competing for “Trainer of the Year,” but this year, the focus switched to learning, horsemanship, and building connection through the first annual Rocking Heart Ranch Rendezvous and Showcase.

To help people learn, demos were given on horsemanship and colt starting from Dustin Sippola. Dustin is an extremely talented trainer who won the 2023 Horse Expo Trainer’s Challenge and other large colt starting competitions. In his 60 minute demo, he worked with RHR Smoak Show, “Bugs,” a 3-year-old red roan gelding, showing how to connect with a horse, give him room to work, and set him up for success. He was able to ride Bugs in the round pen and out in the arena during his session. Another demo was offered by Bailey Scout with Humble Horsemanship to help people learn how to take care of an eye injury in an emergency situation with your horse. She will be hosting an Equine First Aid Course at the ranch to help set people up on how to best handle emergency injuries when out with your horse.

Horsemanship was on full display at the event with numerous horses being shown. The horses ranged in age from yearling to 4-year-

of noise was made. All of these horses were offered on sale with the high seller bringing in $18,500 (4-year-old RHR Amarillo Survivor).

Connection was the last element of the day and this involved herd tours and up close personal introductions to the herd of Rocking Heart

olds and each was run through a pattern. The youngsters had their feet picked up, were led at all gaits, over obstacles, and loaded into a trailer. Eclipse Equine (owned and operated by Kayla Zielke) showed all of the 3- and 4-year-old horses as they moved through a reining pattern that included circles at all gaits, rollbacks, stops, and then onto obstacles like the cowboy curtain and bridge. The last element was the “WOW'' factor where balloons were popped, logs were dragged, ropes swung, and lots

Ranch. Attendees got to meet the stallions of the ranch (RHR Plenty Blue, RHR Blue Survivor, and King Docs Hill), as well as the mare herd, so they could see the genetics first-hand and learn about the operation. People also had the ability to bring their horse and go for a trail ride on the ranch where they were shown the brand new “Natural Trail Course” and the “Ride N Relax” - an option for camping with their horse if they wanted to head to Waterton to go for a trail ride right from the ranch. It was also a great opportunity for people to get a tour of the rebuilt facilities at the ranch and meet the Garner family.

5403 Upper Houseman Road $465,000

Beautiful 10 acre property located just a short drive from town. This property is fully set up for horses, chickens and more with several fenced paddocks, run in shelters, pole barn and numerous other outbuildings. The unique house has a farmhouse feel with 3 bedrooms and potential to expand.

MLS R2746466

7644 Machete Lake Road $749,900

Spectacular 14+ acre waterfront property on Webb Lake features a large 3 bedroom 3,700+ sq ft log home along with a shop and other outbuildings. Built for entertaining the spacious log home features a large kitchen, oversized dining area and a huge family/games room, all with great views of the lake. The property is fenced and cross fenced for horses and there are miles of trails for riding right from your doorstep.

MLS R2746466

David Jurek

All in all, the first annual Rendezvous and Open House provided people a “behind the scenes” look at Rocking Heart Ranch, and the family is excited to add even more to the event next year. Mark your calendars for August 2024 - there are going to be some great opportunities to visit, learn, and connect.

5909 Horse Lake Road

This amazing 26+ acre property is located just minutes from town yet offers amazing privacy and spectacular views. This is the ultimate equestrian estate featuring numerous paddocks, 75x36 insulated barn with 8 stalls including a larger foaling stall, tack and feed room, lounge, and a nice sundeck to enjoy. There is an outdoor riding arena along with numerous other outbuildings including a 25x8 dog kennel with fenced run, huge heated shop and so much more. The 4-5 bedroom house has been tastefully updated and features a large open plan perfect for entertaining, main floor primary bedroom, spacious sun deck and tons of windows to take in the views. This is truly a one of a kind property.

MLS R2793175

$1,200,000

Kayla Zielke rode all our 3and 4-year-olds

Dustin Sippola working with “Bugs”

High selling horse, 4-year-old RHR Amarillo Survivor, at $18,500

This yearling was part of the horsemanship demo

Research Team Aims to Update Bone Formation Scoring System for Newborn Foals

By Brooke Tonkin

The skeletal ossification index (SOI) is a four-point grading system that generations of veterinarians have used to assess bony development in newborn foals and to predict their future conformation and athletic performance.

Designed in 1988, this system uses film cassettes and one radiographic view of the knee (carpus) and hock (tarsus) for assessing a foal’s bony development. It’s especially used in cases where the foal is premature (gestation under 320 days), has a poor functioning thyroid (hypothyroid) or has a long gestation of over a year with signs of prematurity (dysmaturity).

While this method is widely used in clinical practice, it needs updating due to technological advancements over the last 40 years and the widespread use of digital radiographs (X-rays).

With the aim of improving neonatal foal management and their overall well-being, Card and her research colleagues are conducting a study that uses a four-view series of digital radiographs to re-evaluate the bone formation scoring system.

Members of Card’s team include Dr. Jasmine Gu, a board-certified radiologist at the WCVM, Dr. Maria Lopez Rodriguez, a WCVM field

service veterinarian and reproduction specialist, WCVM large animal surgical resident Dr. Alannah Friedlund, veterinary student Brooke Tonkin and Garrett Beatch, and support staff at the WCVM Veterinary Medical Centre. Dr. Gillian Haanen, an associate veterinarian at Moore Equine Veterinary Centre Ltd in Calgary AB, is also part of the research team.

This study is part of a large, multi-year research project at the WCVM that’s led by Card. She and her team are examining congenital hypothyroidism and dysmaturity syndrome (CHDS) — a clinical disorder that arises when pregnant mares have foals born with an abnormal thyroid and a deficiency in thyroid hormone production.

Without iodine — a critical building block for the thyroid hormone — healthy skeletal development is disrupted, says Card. The SOI system helps veterinarians determine how severe the disturbance is to bony development in newborn foals.

“ The Prairies are known to have iodine-deficient soils and we found that salt blocks were not providing enough iodine to pregnant mares,” says Card. “Additionally, we found that when pregnant mares were fed a low-iodine diet combined with feeding compounds from mustard plants (glucosinolates), limb contracture and disturbed bony development occurred in their foals — essentially reproducing CHDS.”

Card adds that the study’s findings fit with their field observations: pregnant mares may selectively eat the plants that contain glucosinolates or nitrates. Other sources of high nitrates could include dugout water and feeds from fertilized pastures. Another known source of nitrates is green oats, which was previously identified by WCVM researcher Dr. Andy Allen as a risk factor for CHDS.

Foals diagnosed with CHDS can have a range of symptoms including long gestations, low body temperature, enlarged thyroid glands, a “monkey mouth” (lower jaw extending past the upper jaw), contracted limbs, ruptured tendons and poor development of the small bones in their knees and hocks.

Card says high levels of ergot — a fungal contaminant of grass, forage and grain — and nitrate in a mare’s diet also appear to be risk factors for the syndrome since both affect thyroid

Photo: Caitlin Taylor

Equine veterinarian Dr. Claire Card (DVM, PhD) at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) and members of her research team are re-evaluating a decades-old bone formation (ossification) scoring system used to assess newborn foals.

Carpus - top four images are from a healthy foal and bottom four images are from a CHDS foal. Both are under 1 week of age.

function.

“ There has never been a systematic study of the radiographic features of these foals to help determine their prognosis in spite of the fact that they are a common reason for hospital admission for neonatal intensive care,” says Card.

But the processes affecting foal growth across the four groups — healthy foals, premature foals, CHDS foals and dysmature foals — differ fundamentally.

“Neonatal foals need a strong skeletal foundation to support their weight,” says Card.

Premature foals typically display “underbaked” bones, which can potentially recover if given the chance. Management usually includes limiting affected foals’ activity and any strain placed on their bones until they’re sufficiently developed.

In contrast, foals with CHDS undergo changes that don’t occur in

the normal development process, and it’s likely that affected animals won’t recover after rest alone. For example, by taking skull radiographs, a dysmature foal with CHDS can be identified based on the diagnosis of “monkey mouth.”

“Many horse owners have a substantial investment in their foal before it is born,” says Card. Consequently, veterinarians are faced with a difficult decision between recommending euthanasia versus intensive care that comes with its own financial risk. She adds that the SOI system helps to inform this conversation.

Digital radiography produces higher resolution images that can undergo postprocessing. Manipulating several aspects of these X-rays — such as contrast or size — allows researchers to perform a more comprehensive assessment.

Veterinarians have observed bony lesions in the knees and hocks of some healthy foals. In these cases, the overall well-being and potential sale value of the animals may be affected. For clients who expect a certain performance level from their adult horses, this study may help to determine if particular foals that score lower on the bony development grading system are good investments.

“It takes many years of publishing research findings and presenting results to get the message out. [But] we feel like we are making progress,” says Card. “This particular study on the SOI system will aid in the management of neonatal foals where we have to make life-or-death decisions.”

This project is funded by the WCVM’s Townsend Equine Health Research Fund and the Saskatchewan Agriculture Development Fund.

Brooke Tonkin of Kamloops BC is a second-year veterinary student at the WCVM. Her story is part of a series of articles written by WCVM summer research students.

Mandible - top two images are from a healthy foal and bottom two from a CHDS foal. Both less than 1 week of age.

What a Great Show!

By Jackie Evans

Photos by Tracy Brown, Kelly Powers, Deb Cones

After three years of waiting for Covid restrictions to fully lift, the energy and participation was back on for the 41st Annual Canadian National Peruvian Horse Show from August 11-13, 2023 in Armstrong BC.

lthough usually host to Regional Championship shows, this was the first National show hosting in Armstrong for several years. The quality of the horses presented was exceptional, drawing heavily from BC bred horses, as well as attracting impressive entries from Washington, Oregon and Idaho. The Honorable Lionel Peralta from Costa Rica was our knowledgeable and personable judge, who thoughtfully interacted with the audience occasionally to explain some aspects of judging standards.

The stands were full this year, as audiences enjoyed seeing the Peruvians again. A well rounded schedule of 79 classes was offered, to cover something for everyone, at every level of competition. Champion and Champion of Champion classes were offered in Breeding, Luxury, Pleasure and Performance divisions. As well as stakes classes, random classes and placings were pre-selected for extra money prizes. Always so charming and fun to watch were the lead line classes with the next generation of riders, and of course the amazing costume classes that the horses patiently accepted. The Champagne/ Jr Evian classes continue to be an audience favourite. High Point Awards were competed for in Junior, Novice, Amateur and Professional categories, as well as one for overall High Point Horse of Show.

A new High Point Award was offered this year for Versatility Horse, “to promote breed versatility and encourage thorough and well-rounded training of the Peruvian Horse.” Classes were also open to all gaited part-breds and other breeds of gaited horses. These included classes for open types of tack: costume; synchronized pairs; Champagne/Evian; and trail obstacles. We were fortunate to have expert guest judging for the trail portion

Afrom our local Whitney Watson-Wilson Performance Horses.

Outside the ring, the skilled and talented services of local Zabrina Barteaux Equine Massage Therapy were available to keep horses performing at their best.

Our popular photographic artist Kelly Powers travelled from Texas to capture beautiful photos and memories. She also produced a beautiful full colour show program.

The silent auction table was larger than ever, with a variety of amazing contributions to bid on.

On Friday evening there was a short AGM with pizza, followed by awards presentations and socializing.

Saturday night was more fun and socializing with old friends and making new ones at a home cooked BBQ dinner.

Following Championship classes, the show wrapped up on Sunday with the dynamic Barrida of Champions. This is where an exhibitor offers one of the top horses for the judge to ride. He graciously accepts, then leads a parade line of Champion of Champions at a fast pace to music in spirals and circles around the arena. They then form a horizontal line and ride stirrup to stirrup together in a beautiful and often breathtaking finale. This year’s show did not disappoint!

Some of the top National awards for the 2023 Show went to:

Best Gaited Horse of Show - *KRA Patron (Stallion) owned by Nicole Brass of Idaho

Champion of Champions in the Breeding/Luxury Division:

Stallion - BDS Domenico, owned by Paradise Ranch, Vernon

Mare - RSTD Portia, owned by Ringstead Ranch, Chase

Gelding - KRA Patron, owned by Nicole Brass, Idaho

Champion of Champions in the Performance Division:

Stallion - RS Perseo, owned by Elizabeth Tierney, River Grove Ranch, Idaho

Mare - LEA Princessa del Rio, owned by Nicole Brass of Idaho

Gelding - RSTD Manolo, owned by Elizabeth Tierney, River Grove Ranch, Idaho

Champion of Champions in the Pleasure Division:

Stallion - SRV Ministro, owned by Paradise Ranch, Vernon

Mare - LEA Princessa del Rio, owned by Nicole Brass, Idaho

Gelding - BDS Encontrado, owned by Paradise Ranch, Vernon

Best Bosal Horse of Show - RSTD

Benecio, owned by Ringstead Ranch, Chase

Rick Cones with Champion of Champions Breeding Mare

Champion of Champions Stallion BDS Domenico

The gelding stakes class

High

High Point Amateur - Lauren Robinson

High Point Novice - Jessica Macchi

High Point Junior - Landon Statia

High Point Professional - Nicole Brass

Thank you to our wonderful National Show Committee, sponsors, officials, volunteers, exhibitors and audiences who truly made 2023 a great show!

It is anticipated that the 2024 National Show will also be in Armstrong from August 9-11th.

For further information on the Peruvian Horse Association of Canada, we welcome you to check out the website at www.phac.ca or follow news on Facebook Peruvian Horse Association of Canada.

Noah and Lindsay showing off their first place prize (jelly beans) and ribbon.

Barrida of Champions

Penny showing Joya at halter

Ilona & Festival winning first place in the Costume Class

High Point Novice Jessica and her mare Paciencia

High Point Horse of Show - RSTD Tesoro, owned by Ringstead Ranch, Chase

Point Versatility Horse - RSTD Sonador, owned by Rob Sjodin, Chase

The Equine Microbiome By Marijke

What Is the Equine Microbiome?

The microbiome is a complex network of trillions of microbes (tiny living things) that every species on the planet relies on for good health. It is found inside all animals as well as the water and the soil. A balanced microbiome helps animals digest complex plant material and convert it into energy. It also helps to manufacture vitamins and absorb minerals.

Bacteria, fungi, yeasts, protozoa, and viruses are all examples of microbes which co-exist in the microbiome which is found in the equine digestive tract, various organs, and the skin. Balance and diversity is the key. The more biodiverse it is, the stronger becomes the health of the animal.

A healthy microbiome is essential for the efficient fermentation of fibre, which is how horses produce all of their energy. But fermentation of fibre also keeps horses healthy in other ways. For example, a product of fermentation is butyrate, a short chain fatty acid that contributes to gut health and protects against intestinal diseases. Short chain fatty acids suppress inflammation, inhibit the growth of unfriendly bacteria, increase the absorption of minerals, help to control appetite, and maintain normal metabolism.

And, interestingly, every horse has a unique microbiome which differs from all other horses. And horses that are genetically related have a more similar microbiome than horses outside of the family even if they all live on the same farm.

Equine Dysbiosis

Disturbances and imbalances in normal gut bacteria that result in disease or dysfunction is known as dysbiosis. Microbes in the gastrointestinal tract are very sensitive to changes in pH, such as when acid levels increase from too much dietary starch for example. And higher acid levels favour disease-causing bacteria.

van de Water, B.Sc., DHMS

How Does Dysbiosis Develop?

Age, lifestyles, pasture habits, processed food, contact with humans and medications are seen as the most influencing factors in the health of the microbiome. Therefore, it is no surprise that studies have revealed that the microbiome of domestic horses have a less diverse spectrum of microbiota than those of the nondomesticated or feral/wild horses who have access to a variety of plant materials. This is also why wild horses have higher levels of specific bacteria designed to break down fibre. And all of this plant fibre provides prebiotics, a type of fibre which the healthy gut bacteria metabolizes for food thus strengthening the microbiome.

Dysbiosis increases the release of cytokines, cytokines are inflammatory chemicals that can cause mild or severe inflammation throughout the body. These inflammatory cytokines also cause brain dysfunction, anxiety, and mood changes. Do your horses have high levels of anxiety or problems focusing on their tasks? It could be a hindgut or diet issue.

Once the microbiome is damaged the immune system is also compromised. And other symptoms often include gas, bloating, colic episodes, ulcers, diarrhea, weight loss, skin problems, behavioural issues, and frequently laminitis.

Primary factors that influence the microbiome include:

1. Age. Foals, until 9 months of age, and horses between the ages of 19 and 28 years, show a decrease in diversity.

2. Forage and Feed. Sugar from grass and other high sugar feeds, as well as grain promote the reproduction of unfriendly bacteria and microbes. Dietary oils interfere with the microbiome as does an excess of processed feeds. Horses with Insulin Resistance, Cushing’s Disease (PPID), and weight problems also have an altered microbiome.

3. Medication. Antibiotics, steroids, anesthetics, chemical dewormers, and vaccines all contribute to killing off bacteria indiscriminately – friendly or unfriendly - which then promotes the growth of opportunistic pathogenic bacteria, yeast, protozoa, and viruses. Dysbiosis after administering antibiotics is well known. Go natural before you reach for the drugs. Your horses have an immune system which is equipped to handle a lot of different foreign invaders. They live outside after all. Just give them a little time with lots of TLC and save the rest as a last resort.

4. Dental Care. Digestion starts in the mouth. Horses that can’t chew properly have more gas, heat, toxins, and acids in the gut, all of which kill off good bacteria and favour unhealthy bacteria.

5. Stress. Stress has a detrimental effect on the microbiome with an increase of cortisol levels. Avoid stressing out your horses with isolation, confinement, lack of exercise, unhealthy herd dynamics, over-training, too much travel, and too much competition.

“ Keep your horses in a rich natural environment that allows them to express the behaviours that are natural to horses, not to people.”

The Benefits of Giving Your Horse Probiotics

There are few health conditions that don’t benefit from probiotics

Figure 1 Dysbiosis occurs when pathogenic bacteria, viruses, yeast, and parasites outnumber the friendly bacteria.

Figure 2 Microbiomes of non-domesticated or wild horses include a more diverse spectrum of microbiota compared to those of domesticated horses.

(pro = good, biotic = alive) and adverse effects of probiotic supplements are rare in both humans and animals.

Probiotics have a healthy effect on the brain, heart, lungs, liver, and digestion including leaky gut, colic, and ulcers. They support the immune system, mitigate allergies, reduce inflammation, influence weight and metabolism, support nutrient absorption, maintain respiratory health, and aid the detoxification of bacteria, yeast, and viruses.

Also add probiotics to the feed before, during, and after the use of antibiotics, steroids, vaccines, ulcer medications, chemical dewormers, and most other drugs. Supplement senior horses regularly as well as horses without grazing. And, since a lot of horses cannot forage in the winter through the snow and ice, winter is a good season to supplement as well.

To maximize potency the probiotic that you purchase should be refrigerated and require refrigeration after purchasing. Probiotic supplements should also be free of binders, fillers, or preservatives.

Restore The Microbiome

• Allow your horses to forage on as many different plants, weeds, and shrubs as possible. Horses with access to grasses, leaves, shrubs, and roots have a strong microbiome, in contrast to a horse that is confined without turn-out.

• Keep all medications to an absolute minimum and ask yourself, your horse, and your vet if your horse really needs them.

• Reduce stress levels.

• Add digestive herbs to the daily mash.

• Pro-Colon: ¼ tsp daily. (A proprietary blend of acidophilus, bifido bifidum, and fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS). Keep refrigerated - Pre- and probiotics to maintain a healthy microbiome.

• Baking Soda (sodium bicarbonate): 1 Tbsp daily for 30 days

- Reduces hyperacidity and helps to balance the intestinal pH levels. An alkaline environment discourages pathogens.

• Five Herb Digest herbal blend: ¼ cup daily. (A proprietary blend of caraway, catnip, fennel, fenugreek, and peppermint leaf.)

- A soothing blend to support optimum digestion, and healthy intestines.

• Hindgut Defense herbal blend: 2 Tbsp daily. (A proprietary blend of sage, thyme, slippery elm, cayenne pepper, and garlic.)

- Supports the microbiome to help maintain resistance in horses with bacteria, yeast, and parasites.

• Pro-Dygest herbal blend: 2 Tbsp daily (A proprietary blend of Bentonite clay, chamomile, Irish moss, and slippery elm)

- Intestinal cleanser and detoxifier. Protects intestinal membranes from toxins and irritants.

• Stomach Ease herbal blend: ¼ cup daily (A proprietary blend of nettle, thyme, peppermint, and baking soda (aluminum-free.)

- Supports healthy gastric and intestinal membranes in acidic horses.

It seems that the microbiome is its own universe that is there to benefit its host. Its contributions are nothing short of amazing! We know how important the external natural environment is to our horses’ health and now over the recent years we have learned that their internal natural environment is just as important. Helping horses align themselves with the vast and diverse ecosystem that resides within their gut will serve them well in good health and longevity.

Marijke is a life-long horse lover, the author of the best-selling Healing Horses Their Way, and the founder, formulator, and CEO of Riva’s Remedies. She is a gifted healer who helps horses, and their people, from around the world live happier, healthier lives.

The Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society, BC Division

www.cthsbc.org | Submitted by BJ Davidson | Photos Patti Tubbs

Annual Summer Mixed Sale August 30, 2023

Thunderbird Show Park in Langley BC

SOLD: 44 | SALES GROSS: $882,000 | SALES AVERAGE: $20,045

YEARLINGS SOLD: 41 | YEARLING GROSS: $876,000 | YEARLING AVERAGE: $21,366

LEADING CONSIGNOR: Emerald Acres (7) | GROSS: $192,500 | AVERAGE: $27,500

LEADING BUYER: Gloria Russo (6) | GROSS: $178,000 | AVERAGE: $29,667.

Topper - Hip 47 Filly, sold for $61,000. Purchased by Gloria Russo.

Top Purchasers - Joe and Gloria Russo

Top Consignors – Emerald Acres Gary McNeil (Whitehall Farms) 2nd to the top buyer for purchasing 2 for $102,000

A few buyers checking out a yearling from Emerald Acres

Story & photos By Jaime Cameron

Teamsters Head to the Cariboo for Annual Fair

August 20th saw the 4th annual Bridge Lake Fair Driving Horse Show well-attended once again. Ten teamsters brought 5 Minis, 2 Percherons, 6 Draft crosses and 2 Andalusians to the fair and spent the day learning and competing.

Held at the Interlakes Rodeo Grounds just off Highway 24, the show was started in an attempt to fill the need for an entry level Draft Horse show.

While it could be classed as a training show, the rules allow for any kind of equine, and any age of Teamster (18 & under must be accompanied by a coach) can compete; and, providing they are sound… horses can be shown by multiple Teamsters.

This last rule has been in place from day one. As the founders recognized that some of the barriers to enter into driving horses for people are not only the cost, unfamiliar equipment and the extremely steep learning curve when going from riding to driving; but also that there are very few knowledgeable teachers with solid, safe horses to learn on.

These teachers usually have more than one student, but often times only one horse or team. So choosing who gets to show can be a difficult process. And the teacher usually is unable to show.

This strategy had proven fairly popular, as once again there were two first time competitors. Hugh & Nick Flinton of Williams Lake brought their team of Canadian/Percheron horses to try their hand at showing.

Team Log Skid classes sponsored by McNeil & Sons Logging, Horse Division was won by Dave Stutt of Chu Chua with his 3-year-old team Ed & Elmer in their first show.

While first place for the Pony Division was won by Michelle McCready of Little Fort with her team of minis Willow & Juniper.

Single Log Skid classes, sponsored by Integra Tire 100 Mile House, Horse Division was won for the second year in a row by Tom Jennings of 100 Mile House with his Percheron Frank.

Pony Division saw Cameron Racicot of Cache Creek take first with his little mare Rosie. Cameron trained and showed the first mini entered at the BLDHS and continues to come with his new minis.

Single Cart classes, sponsored by Performance All Terrain & Rentals, Horse Division had first place going to Tom Jennings driving Frank.

Pony Division saw Heather Lawson of Cache Creek and her mini, Norman, take home their first, first place ribbon in this class.

Team Wagon class, sponsored by 100 Mile Feed & Ranch Supply, Horse Division first was Tom Jennings with Frank & Tug. There were no qualifying runs for the Pony Division this year.

Chore classes were sponsored by South Cariboo Motor Sports & Cariboo Country Marine. In the Horse Division, making an almost clean sweep was Tom Jennings of 100 Mile House. In Pony Division, Heather Lawson and her faithful Norman took first.

The Best Dressed Entry, sponsored by Funky Acres Farm, and chosen by Judge Joyce Marchant of Salmon Arm, went to the mother/ daughter shared entry of Michelle McCready & Keliyah Boisvert of Little Fort with their minis Willow & Juniper.

For full results and more pictures, check out the Bridge Lake Fair Facebook page.

Dave Stutt driving Ed & Elmer

Heather Lawson with Norman in the Pony Chore Class

Nick Flinton and his horse Jim

Willow, one of the Best Dressed award recipients

Tom Jennings and Frank

The 122nd Interior Provincial Exhibition at Armstrong BC

The annul IPE was held over the Labour Day weekend in the lovely city of Armstrong BC! We have some Light Horse results for you; and some photos for your memories!

2024 MEMBERSHIP RATES

WINNERS (Light Horse Division)

Extreme Cowboy - Novice - Steffie Brenner

Extreme Cowboy - Open - Joanne Peters

Green Horse - Lynn Johnson

Gymkhana - Junior - Quyncie McCaw

Gymkhana - Senior - Trevor Mertes

Gymkhana - Youth - Destry Eli

Halter - Susan Cashen

Halter – Miniature - Ilona MacLaughlin - Gold Vision Andromeda by Endeavour

Miniature – Gymkhana - Lynn Johnson

Miniature - Youth - Emily Bradbury

Miniature Versatility - Lynn Johnson

Ranch Versatility - Bella Wober

Superhorse – Pebble Girl - Lynn Johnson

Superhorse - Miniature – Hosea - Emma Barron

Tri Challenge – Miniature - First Knights Too Legit to Quit – Lynn Johnson

Walk Trot – Senior - Martina East

Walk Trot - Youth - Riley Frans

Walk/Trot Ranch - Meghan Dembroski-Grieve

Walk/Trot Ranch - Youth - Alexis Neilsen

High Point Pattern Horse - Kristen Mozel, sponsored by Ranch Horse Revolution

Stall Decorating - Emma Barron

Sportsmanship Awards

Wednesday - Ryeille Annette

Thursday - Alexis Nielsen

Friday - Jagger Middleton

Saturday - Emily Bradbury

Sunday - Laura McLeod

Youth Sportsman - Emma Muddiman

Adult Sportsman - Sara Walkem

Show Hack Stake: Jackie Cross and Con Brio

English Pleasure Stake Senior: Jackie Cross and Con Brio

English Pleasure Stake Youth/Junior: unknown

Western Pleasure Stake Senior: Merna Boltz

(also winner of Donna Ruth Memorial Chair)

Western Pleasure Stake Youth/Junior: Nadia Drodz

Tri Fair Challenge

Mini Division - Emily Bradbury

English Division - Bella Wober

Western Division - Bella Wober

Gymkhana - Bella Wober

Ranch Class - Megan Dembroski-Grieve

Cowboy Challenge - Kristen Mozel

Supreme of Show Male: Champion – Simply Fancy Boy (Alvin) – Lisa Babij

Supreme of Show Female: Champion – TB InfluencedByLove – April Greening-Romeo

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE WINNERS! HOPE YOU ALL HAD FUN AT THE FAIR!

What a Clinic with Sarah Southwell!

By Danika McGuinness

Nestled in the Horsefly River valley the last week of August, cowboys and friends gathered at Black Creek Ranch for a three day life-changing experience with the accomplished Sarah Southwell.

Sarah, is a student in Classical French Dressage mentored by the world-renowned Dominique Barbier. Her passion is developing riding through awareness, self-discipline and confidence to be able to help riders not only communicate with their horse but also reach a higher level of connection.

Sarah instantly creates an environment full of fun, lots of laughter and most importantly love.

She has such a rare and unique ability to put to words what we feel as riders and the horse human connection, helping us dive deeper into that feeling creating oneness and lightness with our horses that can only be manifested from a place of love and without the human ego.

The saying “what we learn in pleasure, we never forget” rang true.

We spent the days working on shoulder in and haunches in, some played around with pirouette, piaffe, passage and Spanish walk. And because Sarah is so wellrounded, we switched it up and worked the CowTrac/flag seeing how these classical movements are foundational to the working horse in everyday life on the ranch.

It was a clinic for everyone and every horse.

Sarah is truly for the horse and his well-being. Understanding how each part of the horse functions and getting the best movement from him most efficiently.

This woman, with so much love in her heart, is the instructor that everyone needs in their life and that every horse needs. No matter your discipline or riding level, Sarah can help your horse like no one else. Her knowledge and understanding is endless.

Sarah will be returning in 2024 to do a spring and fall clinic at Black Creek Ranch in Horsefly BC.

Keep an eye out in Saddle Up for the confirmed dates. Until then, you can follow her on social media platforms or subscribe to her Patreon, at Canadian Equestrian Arts Academy.

(See Sarah’s listing in our Business Services section under TRAINERS)”

Pam McGuinness riding Pilot with Sarah Southwell coaching

Danika McGuinness on Sonny

Sabrina Halmetschlager and Sammy working the flag

Our youth rider Sage Veninga and her Appy mare Misty

Scott Swinburne and Sarge

"I didn't think riding lessons would cost that much..."

written by KB Riding Academy (as shared on Facebook)

Well. We wish it didn't. But, if you don't own your own horse and you ride a school horse (horse owned by a riding barn), there is a harsh reality behind the expenses.

As the cost of living for everyone increases, our horses are no exception to that. The days of $5 60lb good quality hay bales is over. Grain is no longer $15 per 50lb bag. So how much does it actually cost today (in 2023, in North East America)?

Let's break it down...

• Hay $12 per bale - 1 bale / day = $360 / month

• Grain $30 / bag - 1 bag / week = $120 / month

• Bedding $7 / bag - 3 bags / week = $84 / month

(For reference, these numbers used to be $5 / bale, $15 / bag, $5 / bag)

So far, for just basic supplies for your horse we are at $564 (in comparison to 5 years ago it being $270), excluding any labor costs or facility costs... let's keep going.

Your stall fee (mortgage/rental) will run $350 / month on the low end (with an indoor arena).

The following fees would be divided amongst horses on the property...

• Insurance $50 / month

• Manure removal / arena/facility maintenance $50 / month on the low end

• Utilities $75 / month

Without labor, we are at $1,089.00.

Let's say your horse gets a total of 30 minutes of care each day (turn in, turn out, stall cleaning, water bucket refills/cleaning). That 30 minutes probably doesn't include blanket changes or any additional services aside from general care.

Good barn help will not get out of bed for anything less than $20/ hour, so that total per horse would cost $300 per month, assuming your horse didn't receive more than 30 minutes of care each day. We are now at $1389.00.

We have not accounted for vetting, farrier, or supplements. Let's do that now.

• Farrier - $250 every 5 weeks (low end) so let's call it $200 every month

• Vet - assuming your horse is healthy; annually you would spend maybe $700, so let's say $60 per month if divided

• Supplements - that tried and true schoolmaster you ride probably needs some joint support, so let's buy a lower end joint supplement at $50 / month

We added an additional $310.

Your school horse now costs $1,699.00 per month, and there are many more costs associated (like your tack, equipment, tractor, trucks, trailers, etc.).

Okay. So how does this school horse pay for himself? Let's say the horse does two 1-hour lessons per day, 5 days a week. That means the horse can produce income 40 hours out of the month. To break EVEN (theoretically, because any horse owner knows the pricing listed above

isn't even as comprehensive as it should be) you would need to make sure the horse worked twice a day, 5 days a week, and charge $42.50 per lesson.

Realistically, if you do not overwork your school horse, the horse is probably working 30 hours per month, which would bring us to having to charge $60 per one hour lesson to break even.

But wait... our instructor hasn't even gotten paid yet! So let's give them $20 per hour, which of course is low. And for reference, that would mean your instructor makes $600 per month.

Now we're at $80 per lesson.

So when you call any facility, and their lesson price is $80 or less, think of this cost break down!

We don't do this for money. We do it because we love to share our passion with the next generation of riders. We wish this weren't the case financially, like the rest of America and how the economy is. We want so badly to have horses be affordable for everyone, but these are the real, true, uncensored costs of owning a horse today.

If riding schools don't charge what they need to in order to stay afloat, I fear one day the horse industry will not have school horses, and the only people who will be able to ride are the ones that can afford horse ownership outright, and then pay for lessons on top of that.

*Disclaimer* These prices are based on our experience of pricing in the industry. Pricing may vary based on care and diet provided to horse, area of the country, and specific horse requirements. This pricing is assuming the horse is receiving top level, but basic care (free choice hay, quality grain, etc.). There may be cheaper options available and there may be more expensive options available. I'm sure there will be many comments that say "those are low" or "those prices are high." We are happy to share receipts as these are the legitimate prices we pay!

Also, as a side note, we are full of clients with a waitlist, which is something to be thankful for in this economy. We have a cancellation policy, monthly tuition as payment (don't typically accept students if they don't ride weekly), and offer a weekly horsemanship class free to all students.

Our clients find value in what we offer and we are very thankful for that! Some may think our policies are crazy, but we find them necessary to survive.

(Editor’s note: Well said, thank you for sharing on Facebook!)

Tip of the Month - Tricks & Treats, Ghosts & Goblins? … from Fido’s Perspective!

(Courtesy of Harmony Farm Kennel & Lamb)

Scary new decorations may have appeared in and out of the house, an unusual energy of anticipation is developing… imagine your dog napping happily after a nice yummy doggy dinner to be startled awake by doorbell after doorbell after doorbell, followed by their house door opening to an unexplainable array of costumes, disguises and voices of all fantasies and descriptions? Characters of all sizes, colours, strange costumes (or are they real actually?), unrecognizable masked faces and even weird noises appear repeatedly at the front door??? Unbelievable! And worse… the master of the house keeps giving the continuous array of doorknockers treats of all things!

Have you ever wondered what on earth is happening for your dog on Halloween? How do they reconcile these phenomena?

As you can well imagine from your dog’s point of view, STRESS might be a very mild word for what some dogs endure and have to find a way to comprehend on this infamous occasion of strange rituals! Do they defend, do they attack, do they hide, do they beg for one of those human treats, do they cry or pace or run away? Are they in trouble for barking and growling or get sent away or made to feel wrong entirely? Can they ignore the stimulus? How do they cope?

Even some of the most calm and balanced dogs can react very differently when intense emotional stacking is encountered. Some warning signs of intense fear to watch for with your Fido may include; yawning, shaking (it off), tail tucking, pacing, licking, panting, withdrawal or hiding (usually under something).

Here are some suggestions to help your dog cope with Halloween:

• Well before dark thirty when trick or treaters are anticipated, take your dog to a comfortable room well away from all the stimulus. Give them a chewy or toy to keep them entertained and even better, turn on the radio or television to help mute the

unexplainable noises from outside of the room. If you know your dog is going to be extremely nervous, fitting them with a snug ‘thunder shirt’ may be helpful and having someone keep them company would be excellent support (great time for a movie!). OR

• If removing your dog to another room isn’t an option, have them on leash inside the house a half hour before expected visitors and take care to keep them ‘with’ you for support. Be sure they are calm (preferably sitting or in a lie down position) and acknowledge them, well before answering the door.

• If you choose to keep your dog loose in the house, remember that often trick or treaters will leave the yard gate open so take extra precaution to greet visitors outside of your door and keep Fido safely inside, without any temptation to bolt in fear.

• Keep in mind that body language is universal, even for dogs. They depend on reading facial and body expression to interpret ‘life’ and respond accordingly. Stay calm and keep your energy low for them. Help them to trust your judgement without feeling prompted to take situations into their own paws (or teeth) in defense or aggression.

• Do not allow any stranger to give your dog human Halloween candy (keep in mind that xylitol is often candy sweetener and is highly toxic for dogs… chocolate can equal a visit to the vet!). Instead, if your dog is calm and the visitor is willing, have a healthy dog treat handy that the trick or treater can give to your calm dog to help your dog’s interaction with visitors and the doorbells be less intimidating.

In conclusion, for many humans, the spooky atmosphere and bizarre costumes are what makes this time of year special and fun, but please remember that the out-ofthe-ordinary rituals and tactics of Halloween aren’t safe, inviting, exciting or even fun for your Fido!

Please, do what it takes to make October 31st a successful, less stressful night for all of you and your precious dogs!

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)

Patricia Skinner-Porter is the owner/ operator of Harmony Farm Kennel & Lamb at Monte

Okay, WE all understand that kids (of all ages) love to dress up and pretend and apparently, the more countless candy treats collected the better on Halloween, but for your Fido . . . October 31st could be your dog’s worst nightmare ever!

Rainbow Bridge: Setting the Record Straight…

explained by the original author (as shared on Facebook) | Photos courtesy of Edna Clyne-Rekhy

Most anyone who has loved and lost a dog has most certainly heard of the poem, Rainbow Bridge, a tribute to pets that have passed. The poem has touched the lives of millions of pet lovers around the world.

it. Paul Koudounaris, an art historian and a founding member of The Order of the Good Death, was on a mission to find the poem's true author.

found records of 15 separate claims filed under the title "Rainbow Bridge" with the United States Copyright Office, dating as far back as 1995. He compiled a list of 25 names he found that had any connection to the poem. Then, he found the name Edna Clyne from Scotland, in an online chat group. A little Googling led him to the name Edna Clyne-Rekhy, whose authorship of a book about her late husband and their dog made him jot her name onto the list — the only woman and the only non-American.

the most unlikely candidate in the end turned out to be the most intriguing candidate and, of course, the actual author," said Koudounaris.

old Ms. Clyne-Rekhy, she had no idea that the poem she had written more than 60 years ago to honour her childhood dog had brought comfort to so many people.

first dog. "Major was a very special dog," said Edna. “Sometimes I would just sit and talk to him, and I felt that he could understand every word I said.” Her mother used to ask how Edna had trained Major to be so gentle and obedient, and she still laughs about the question, explaining that she had never trained him at all, it was natural between them.

years old. The day after he passed, Edna found a notebook and pulled a piece of paper from it. As she began writing, she felt as if Major was guiding her pen.

Rainbow Bridge," the poem begins. When she was finished, she wrote "Rainbow Bridge" at

TOP DOG!

Koudounaris asked one question of Edna that took her aback during their discussions. What advice could she share for someone suffering from the loss of a pet?

"Her response was then immediate – get another pet," wrote Koudounaris. "She said that the relationship with a new pet will never be the same as the relationship with the old one, but it can be equally special and loving in different ways."

TOP DOG! OF THE MONTH

Pet Central

EVERYTHING PETS (Princeton BC) 250-295-7381

Quality Foods & Supplies for all your Pets! See us on Facebook. 10/23

HARMONY FARM KENNEL AND LAMB.com, Monte Lake BC, 250-375-2528. “Custom Care” boarding welcomes ALL dogs! 12/23

Do you offer a dog service or training business? Sell pet feeds and supplies? You can advertise here! Prices start at only $250 per year (11 issues). Call 1-866-546-9922 or e-mail nancyroman@saddleup.ca

Canine Capers SPONSORED

BY

Your one-stoP Pet shoP

Farm, Fencing & Horse Supplies

Pet and Livestock Feeds

604-894-6740

Pemberton BC

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

SEPTEMBER

29-Oct

OCTOBER

This is Zöe my 6-year-old mix breed. She loves going on hikes and trail rides, along with swimming. Zöe will pull me around when I’m on my paddle board, she loves it! I’ve had Zöe since she was 3 months old and she is my best friend and constant companion. Love her more then words can - April

F. Smithers 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.

Do you have a WORKING DOG event coming up?

Let us know! Call 1-866-546-9922 or email nancyroman@saddleup.ca

bcstockdogassociation.ca

21-22 CODAC TRIAL, Kelowna BC, www.codac.ca

SPRINTER TESTS, Surrey BC

NOVEMBER

Horse Council BC - Notes from the Office

2024 HORSE COUNCIL BC MEMBERSHIPS

Starting September 5th all 2024 HCBC Memberships will be available for purchase!

Please note that Horse Council BC have published an increase in prices for memberships purchased for the rest of 2023 and 2024.

We have tried to minimize the cost as much as possible and are committed to providing quality customer service to our membership base.

We apologize for any possible confusion. This will be our current and final fee structure.

Forgot to renew for 2023? We will also be offering the rest of 2023 and all of 2024 for the combination price of:

2023/2024 Adult Membership ($98.78 + GST/PST)

(19 or over as of January 1, 2023) $103.72/member

2023/2024 Youth Associate ($75.06 + GST/PST)

(18 or under as of January 1, 2023) $78.81/member

2023/2024 Family Enrollment ($218.66 + GST/PST)

$229.59/family

Minimum 3 people defined as parent(s) or legal guardian(s) and their minor children residing at the same address. Maximum 2 adults per family. Each member will receive their own number.

2024

MEMBERSHIP RATES

2024 Adult Membership ($67.00 + GST/PST) (19 or over as of January 1, 2024) $70.35 /member

2024 Youth Associate ($49.00 + GST/PST) (18 or under as of January 1, 2024) $51.45 /member

2024 Family Enrollment ($158.00 + GST/PST)

$165.90/family

Minimum 3 people defined as parent(s) or legal guardian(s) and their minor children residing at the same address. Maximum 2 adults per family. Each member will receive their own number and card.

New for 2024, HCBC is going green! All HCBC Membership Cards will be sent digitally, if you would like a printed card still, they will be available for purchase for $5.60, just check the box that you would like to receive the printed version.

BC Agriculture Day October

Horse Council BC will attend BC Agriculture Council’s Ag Day from October 23-24th 2023 in Victoria, Vancouver Island.

This event is a way for organizations representing BC’s agriculture space to connect with the Government and highlight key positives and issues within the community.

More information: https://bcac.ca/about-us/events/

Rookie Riders

Rookie Riders is a program run by HCBC that teaches children the fundamental basics of horse riding in a safe manner before they transition into riding lessons.

Activities can include games, beginner level gymnastic

movements on mats, exercises on a barrel and, possibly, riding a horse. Children who take part in the program will finish with a strong foundational understanding in the National Learn to Ride Program Level 1.

For more information visit the HCBC website: https://hcbc.ca/ programseducation/programs/rookie-riders/

Equine Guelph Online Courses

If you are a member of HCBC, be sure to check out October’s online courses being held by Equine Guelph.

HCBC is partnering with Equine Guelph to allow members of the horse community to regularly revise their knowledge within the industry.

Tune into a course on horse care and welfare running from 2nd13th October 2023 and learn about essential knowledge concerning the care and management of horses based on the National Code of Practice.

Take part in a course on sport horse injury/lameness prevention running from 30th October-10th November. Expand your knowledge on injury prevention involving equines that uses evidence-based medicinal practices.

HCBC members get 15% off these Equine Guelph courses!

For more information on these courses: https://thehorseportal.ca/ partner/hcbc/

Equestrian Canada Equestre, equestrian.ca

Inaugural Safe Sport Fundraiser August 13 at ThunderBird in Langley BC

EC was proud to partner with WeRideTogether to host the $7,500 Equestrian Canada Open Jumper Classic with all proceeds being fundraised to support the movement. As a group working to shed light on abuse and misconduct within horse sports, they provide support and resources for victims as well as information and actions to make our sport safer for everyone.

With 102 competitors, competition was stiff for the charity class. Run for the first time at Thunderbird, the class was combined across three heights—1.15m, 1.10m, and 1.0m—and open to all riders, vying for the prize money. Richelle Cornell of Kelowna, BC, took the win with the seven-year-old Irish Sport Horse Certified (Dignified Van’t Zorgvliet x O.B.O.S Quality 004), owned by Louise Ritson.

“We want to thank Equestrian Canada and tbird for the incredible support in bringing our charity class to life with us where we raised over $25,000 for #WeRideTogether,” said Executive Director, Michaela Shepard. “It takes a community effort to promote safe and healthy sport, and Equestrian Canada is a true leader in this space. We couldn’t be more happy with the turnout and reception of this class.”

Foster ‘Electrique’ at ThunderBird August 11

In front of a hometown crowd, Tiffany Foster of Langley BC, posted multiple wins aboard Electrique (Emerald van’t Ruytershof x Voltaire) during FEI CSI3* classes at the 2023 Summer Fort Welcome at the Thunderbird Show Park.

On Friday, Foster and the nine-year-old Zangersheide mare owned by 5 Roosters, jumped double clear and finished with a time of 39.95. Two days later, the two-time Olympian jumped double clear again in CSI3* The Keg Grand Prix and outpaced a seven-horse jump-off in a course designed by Mexico’s Anderson Lima with a time of 40.56.

When asked about Electrique, Foster explained, “She’s a great combination of a massive stride, an agile horse and a careful horse.” She added, “She’s really competitive, because she turns left, she turns right, she drops strides—she does everything you ask her to do. I honestly couldn’t be happier with her. I just love her.”

Rebecca Howard Named Canadian Eventing Team Technical Advisor

Olympian will continue to bring passion and expertise to expanded high performance role

Equestrian Canada (EC) and the EC High Performance Advisory Group, Eventing (HPAG) are pleased to announce Rebecca Howard as the new Technical Advisor (TA) for Canada’s national eventing team. The Canadian Olympic event rider, coach, and advisor is expanding her role with the eventing high performance program on the road to Paris 2024.

Working collaboratively with EC, the HPAG, the Provincial Horse Trials Associations and Provincial/Territorial Equestrian Organizations, the position is multi-faceted with the objective of winning major games’ medals and developing high performance sport programs for eventing in Canada. The focus will be on supporting the existing high performance athletes, coaches and trainers and the development of programs to help advance Canadian riders on the world stage.

Howard has competed for Canada at two Olympic Games, World Equestrian Games, Pan American Games as well as at the big European and North American courses with impressive results.

Having steadily climbed the FEI World Rankings in her riding career, Howard competed at the 2010 FEI World Equestrian Games where she finished 23rd in the individual event with Riddle Master (Rodero x Eyes to Rule). A year later she helped Canada win team silver at the 2011 Pan Am Games in Guadalajara where she finished sixth individually with Roquefort (Jackson x Aram).

She was EC’s Equestrian of the Year in 2013 and her 10th place finish aboard Riddle Master at the 2016 Rio Olympics made her the top female rider there.

Howard’s equestrian exposure began in south-central BC, which at the time was home to National Team influencers Nick Holmes Smith, Joni Lynn Peters and Robin Hahn. Pursuing “working student”, Pony Club and Young Rider milestones to their fullest, she moved herself to the eastern USA.

Richelle Cornell and Certified taking a victory lap. Photo credit: Kady Dane Photography

Photo credit: Cealy Tetley

Photo credit: Shannon Brinkman

Tiffany Foster and Electrique in the CSI3* Steelcraft 1.50m

Photo credit: Kim Gaudry

Rebecca Howard and Riddle Master

Alberta Equestrian Federation

Alberta Woman organizes rescue mission for horses from Yellowknife (courtesy of theweathernetwork.com) Photos

Sienna Kellar and 7 others drove 18 hours to help move dozens of animals. The line of southbound vehicles waiting to fuel up at Fort Providence, NWT, on Thursday August 17th, less than a day after the city of Yellowknife was ordered to evacuate, was “kilometres long,” Sienna Kellar recalled.

She was going the other way, though, as part of a small convoy of trucks and horse trailers driving north, straight to the evacuating city. There were some animals to rescue.

Kellar, from Innisfail AB, is a professional horse trainer who grew up in Yellowknife. She learned to ride at North Country Stables in Yellowknife and has kept in touch with the owners.

On Wednesday morning she got a message from them describing the wildfire approaching the city, and their stables. The fire was about 16 kilometres from their barn.

“I grew up there, I started riding there when I was seven years old and I mean, those horses I learned to ride on are still the horses that are there,” she said.

“You don’t want those horses to die.”

She knew that North Country Stables didn’t have the trailers to move all the animals: 22 horses, some goats, mini ponies and mini donkeys. Kellar decided she had to act.

“You just know that if you don’t go and make the call, that they’re going to have to be released into the wild to fend for themselves, you know. And I couldn’t do that,” she said.

Kellar started phoning friends and family and anybody else who might have a horse trailer and the inclination to drive 18 hours toward an active wildfire zone. It didn’t take long, and by Wednesday evening they were on the road — eight people in four trucks, each vehicle hauling an empty horse trailer.

They took turns driving. Several times they were slowed by police or blockades set up to prevent people from driving toward the evacuation zone. Once they explained their mission, though, they were allowed through.

“When we hit Enterprise [NWT], I think

that’s when it really hit all of us how dangerous what we were doing was, because Enterprise was completely burned down,” Kellar said.

“Like, everywhere you looked, every single house, building, shop, was burned to the ground.”

By Thursday evening, they reached North Country Stables. They weren’t sure how easy it would be to load the horses up; Kellar said many of them had never been in a trailer.

Then there was Norman — a 28-yearold horse who wasn’t able to move very well anymore. Kellar said there was talk of maybe euthanizing him because they didn’t think he’d endure the journey south.

But it all went “way better than expected,” she said, and about 90 minutes later they were back on the road, this time with a full load of animals. Even Norman.

“So many people were crying that Norman made it out of Yellowknife,” Kellar said.

On Friday, they reached Grande Prairie and what would become temporary home for most of the animals. Mark Benoit and his partner have a farm there with plenty of room to roam.

Benoit is originally from Hay River, NWT, and his family lost their farm there, at Paradise Gardens, in last year’s floods. He remembers how people stepped up to help his family out at that time, so he was happy to offer up his space when Kellar called. “Pay our dues back, right?” Benoit said.

While Kellar and the others were on the road, Benoit got busy building some more pens for his incoming guests. Local businesses helped him out by offering supplies at a discount.

“I had my mother and my brother and my two kids helping, and the wife, and we just buckled down and got it done,” he said.

Most of the rescued horses are now at Benoit’s farm, along with six goats, a couple

of mini horses and a couple of mini donkeys.

“They’re doing beautiful, enjoying the sunshine, rolling in the dirt, eating lots of food. They got lots of green grass here,” he said on Saturday. “It was a hectic first day but... everybody’s settled and everybody’s enjoying themselves.”

Kellar ended up getting home at about 9 pm on the Friday, a little more than 48 hours after her convoy left. They had barely stopped along the way. It felt “surreal,” she said, thinking of how they’d just been in Yellowknife, briefly, a day before.

They were also exhausted. “We had a little clink of whiskey and then we all went to bed,” she laughed.

submitted by Sienna Kellar Sienna Kellar

Kellar managed to round up seven other people to make the drive north with her. They formed a convoy of four trucks, each towing a trailer.

On the road. Many of the horses had never left the Yellowknife property before, or been in a trailer.

Some of the animals at their temporary Alberta home

Kelowna Riding Club Update

On August 17th, the Kelowna equestrian community came together quickly in response to devastating wildfires and evacuations that followed.

Local residents began evacuating on Thursday evening, and relied on professional haulers, neighbours and friends to help them safely move their animals.

To prepare for the incoming animals, volunteers met at the KRC grounds and worked by flashlight bedding stalls, filling water buckets, and getting set up. When the fire unexpectedly jumped the lake, the community quickly came together again to transport horses out of training facilities and home farms in the Glenmore area.

Over the next 24 hours, every stall at the KRC filled up with horses, pigs, dogs and other animals. Additional panels were brought in by volunteers to house new horses coming in from Lake Country and other areas where fires had caused new evacuation orders.

By Ashton Shura

Volunteers continued to work over the following days, providing a safe place for 90 horses and peace of mind for owners. Local businesses brought in snacks, extra water buckets and a supply of hay to keep everything running smoothly.

The KRC would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed their time and energy into volunteering at the club during this time.

With fire season now behind us, the KRC is looking forward to some rescheduled events from the summer months, including a Leahona Rowland Eventing Clinic and Open Breed Show hosted by the South Central Quarter Association.

The KRC will be hosting a dressage show on October 1316, with the AGM closing out the season on November 16. For more information or entry forms, please check out www. kelownaridingclub.ca.

BOOK CORNER

Go Horse Camping

A (Funny) Illustrated Guide to Camping With Your Horse

by Tania Millen and Julia Nieckarz

Go Horse Camping is an essential resource for riders who want to go on overnight trips with their horses. Whether you’re trail riding, endurance riding, or going to a horse show, this book has all the information you need, and takes the confusion and stress out of planning a trip.

It provides a step-by-step approach to determining potential destinations and travelling partners, as well as the skills and gear you’ll need to embark on your adventure. Checklists covering everything from emergency equipment to clothing, horse gear, trailers, and accommodations will assist you in organizing every detail.

And dozens of hilarious illustrations will keep you laughing while you plan and pack.

Go Horse Camping is a must-have for anyone wanting to enjoy the incredible connection that comes from camping with their horse. So don’t wait—grab the book and go horse camping!

Tania Millen is an avid outdoor enthusiast with strong connections in the horse industry, having ridden horses for over thirty years in Canada, the USA, and England. Tania has worked for a Canadian Equestrian Team member, competed at the national level, and acquired Pony Club “A” level. Since 2010, she has ridden and packed horses on over 3,000 kilometres of wilderness trails. Tania has published two books—Rockin’ Whitewater: A Guide to Paddling in Northwest British Columbia and Pack Em Up, Ride Em Out: Classic Horse Pack Trips in British Columbia and Alberta.

Go Horse Camping is her third book. Learn more about Tania at www. taniamillen.com.

Julia Nieckarz loves life and is passionate about teaching, supporting children with special needs, the arts, and animals. She is a dedicated and energetic elementary school principal in Terrace BC, who has been working in the education field since 1996. When not working, Julia spends much of her free time with her horses. She has embarked on many journeys with them and experienced the multiple challenges of packing up and heading out! Julia strongly believes in helping others fulfill their dreams, and going horse camping is a passion that she’s excited to share. Julia is the co-author and illustrator of Go Horse Camping, and has written and illustrated a number of books with children.

Kindle Edition $7.47

Paperback Edition $17.49

ISBN: 1460293894

6.0 x 9.0 inches

192 pages www.amazon.com



Irricana Pioneer Days

 By Barb Stephenson & Keven Graham

Pioneer Acres, located north of Irricana AB, held their 53rd Annual Show on the August 11-13, 2023 weekend.

Pioneer Acres Museum is one of the largest agricultural and industrial history museums with a collection of thousands of artifacts. It shares Alberta stories from the beginning of settlement to present day. While the annual show is an integral part of Pioneer Acres Museum, the museum has become much more than just the show. Pioneer Acres moved from Langdon to the present property north of Irricana in 1983. It now consists of over 20 buildings on 50 acres of land.

Every year they have a feature that they focus on. 2023 was the Year of John Deere Tractors and Equipment. In addition to the tractors and equipment there is always a ‘Horse Power’ segment. Over the years some members of our Wild Rose Draft Horse Association bring their teams to showcase how things were ‘done before tractors,’ as well as other draft horse enthusiasts.

The sun shone on a turnout of over 20 working draft horses, their teamsters and helpers. Horses were hitched single, teams, four abreast and four up. An eight-horse four-abreast was hitched to Pioneers heavy construction grader.

Every day the show was started with a parade of horse power. A great show put on by all the volunteer teamsters and their horses.

There was even a rider carrying the Canadian flag for the opening ceremonies each day. There was a respectable turnout of different draft breeds such as Percherons, Clydesdales, Belgians, Brabants and American Creams. They all were doing everything from plowing, discing, wagon and carriage rides, as well as entertaining young and old alike.

A fun Chore Horse Challenge course and Log Skid allowed the teamsters to show their driving skills to a great crowd.

A great event with old and new friends of the draft horse family enjoying each others company and stories!

Vintage Riders Equestrian Club… for the love of horses!

 By Karen Gallagher

Vintage Riders Equestrian Club prides itself on being a noncompetitive club. What this means is that we don’t host competitions or compete with each other within the club. We are all about working together to help each other improve our horsemanship, learn better husbandry and generally help in any way we can.

Being a non-competitive club does not mean that our members don’t have a competitive edge! We regularly celebrate the successes of our more driven members who go for ribbons and buckles in the big wide world. Recently, seven of them took up the challenge to Go for Gold in the 55+ BC Games. And two more carried on our spirit of helpfulness by volunteering at the Equestrian rings. Hats off to our mighty warriors and our always ready volunteers!

Vintage Riders Equestrian Club… for the love of horses! We are a gathering of horse enthusiasts within the Fraser Valley. Anyone over the age of 21 is welcome. We meet every 3rd Tuesday in Fort Langley to enjoy fellowship and a speaker, and to host a variety of clinics.

Find us on Facebook at Vintage Riders Equestrian Club – public, email: vintageriders@mail.com

Karen Hopkinson & Kilby. Photo by Susan Chaworth-Musters.

Sharon Dinter & Jack Twist EB (Curly). Photo by Kathy Paterson.

Vicki Schulz & Bobby. Photo by Kathy Paterson.

Photographer Kathy Paterson –Volunteer. Photo by Steve Ray.

Kim Pearson & Power.

Photo by Kathy Paterson.

Susan Balcom & Valur.

Photo by Kathy Paterson.

Flora Balducci & Steppin.

Photo by Kathy Paterson

Penny Mcgregor – Volunteer.

Photo by Steve Ray.

Rita Rawstron & Caleb. Photo by Susan Chaworth-Musters.

Canadian Cowboy Challenge

We are into the fall already and it is hard to believe the summer is behind us. The CCC had five Challenges in August with results to be reported.

The Thorsby Haymakers double header in Alberta was held on August 5 and 6. Both days were judged by Hans Kollewyn.

The Halcyonia Challenge in Saskatchewan was held on August 20 and was judged by Melissa Zarubiak.

YKnott Double Header in Alberta was held on August 26 and 27. August 26 was judged by Leane Buxton and August 27 was judged by Lavern Schmidt.

The last Challenge of the year was the Serenity Challenge in Saskatchewan held on September 9. Results were not available at the time of this writing.

Results for the Thorsby Double Header on August 05 are: Shooting Sprouts (SS): Bailey Black riding Jazzy. Youth (Y): Peyton Nowicki riding Rip. Older Than Dirt (OTD): 1-Sherry Davidson riding Oakley: and 2-Greg Paranich riding Milo. Novice (N): 1-Bailey Black riding Jazzy: and 2-Shelly Knott riding Jose. Rookie (R): 1-Adrien Deveau riding Legacy: and 2-Sherry Davidson riding Oakley. NonPro (NP): 1-Koren LeVoir riding Shadow: and 2-Denton Keith riding Nash. Open (O): 1-Janet Goltz riding Mr Red Pines: and 2-Angela Speer riding Molson. Bucking Crazies (BC): 1-Koren LeVoir riding Mischief: and 2-Angela Speer riding Tillie.

August 06: SS: Bailey Black riding Jazzy. (Y): Peyton Nowicki riding Rip. OTD: 1-Shane Goltz riding Jazzy: and 2-Sherry Davidson riding Oakley. N: 1-Bailey Black riding Jazzy: and 2-Shelly Knott riding Jose. R: 1-Adrien Deveau riding Legacy: and 2-Melissa Deveau riding Elly. NP: 1-April Hall riding Bo: and 2-Koren LeVoir riding Shadow. O: 1-Janet Goltz riding Mr Red Pines: and 2-Koren LeVoir riding Shadow. BC: 1-Denton Keith riding Zac and 2-Koren LeVoir riding Mischief.

Results for the Halcyonia Challenge August 20 are: Y: 1-Laikyn

Thomas riding Dusty; and 2-Laikyn Thomas riding Jackson. OTD: Louise Saunders riding Dancer. N: Wanda Semeniuk riding Jackson. R: 1-Laikyn

Thomas riding Dusty; and 2-Lucy Davey riding Dancer. NP: Shelly Johnson riding Jewel. O: 1-Shelly Johnson riding Jewel; and 2-Breanna Sikorsky riding Shaw. BC: Breanna Sikorsky riding Hiero.

Results for the YKnott Double Header on August 26 are: Y:

1-Peyton Nowicky riding Jack; and 2-Peyton Nowicky riding Rip. OTD:

1-Alana Easton riding George; and 2-Faye Paranich riding Lenny. N: 1-Peyton Nowicky riding Jack; and 2-Brian Hill riding Itchy. R: 1-Adrien Deveau riding Legacy; and 2-Lynn Dalsin riding Gayla Lil Roo. NP: 1-Denton Keith riding Nash; and 2-Koren LeVoir riding Shadow. O: Janet Goltz riding Mr Red Pines; and 2-Alana Easton riding George. BC: 1-April Hall riding Hank; and 2-Melissa Deveau riding Jazzy.

August 27: Y: 1-Peyton Nowicky riding Rip; and 2-Peyton Nowicky riding Jack. OTD: 1-Alana Easton riding George; and 2-Greg Paranich riding Milo. N: 1-Michael Ambron riding Greg; and 2-Peyton Nowicky riding Rip. R: 1-Adrien Deveau riding Legacy; and 2-Shelly Knott riding Jose. NP: 1-Denton Keith riding Nash; and 2-Koren LeVoir riding Shadow.

O: 1-Janet Goltz riding Mr Red Pines; and 2-Koren LeVoir riding Shadow. BC: 1-Denton Keith riding Louis; and 2-Melissa Deveau riding Jazzy.

The CCC Finals and Year-End Banquet were held at the Stettler Ag Society arena in Alberta on September 23, 2023. Results were not available at the time of this writing.

 By Hans Kollewyn

The CCC had two individuals complete their judging requirements at the Thorsby Double Header on August 5/6. The three-step process includes a two-day classroom session, two days as a scribe under two different judges and Junior Judge one Challenge. The classroom time was spent going over the rules and regulations of the CCC and reviewing and debriefing on videos of past Challenge rides. There are questions and discussions during this reviewing process. A written test is given ending their second day. Completing their Junior Judge step, their scores are compared to the Senior Judge’s score sheet as an indication of their ability to judge to the CCC standards. With all three steps completed, the results are presented to the CCC Board, reviewed and then a decision is made to either approve or not approve an individual as a CCC judge. Completing all three steps and approved by the Board are Leane Buxton and Lavern Schmidt. Welcome to the CCC Judge’s team.

Next month will have the results of the last Challenge of the year and Year-End Finals. Also, High Point awards for both Alberta and Saskatchewan announced at the Banquet will be given.

April riding Bo in backup L

Melissa riding Elly over L bridge

Eric riding Archie over high bridge

The Back Country Horsemen of BC

Introduction to Trail Riding Workshop - Shuswap Chapter

By Rose Schroeder

and the Shuswap Chapter

Shuswap Chapter has a lot of members! Over 70 in fact! Some are seasoned trail riders and horses, some new to the sport, and some have had an incident that has made them or their horses fearful. So, as in a Pony Club or 4-H fashion, we asked our experienced riders to help the other two categories. It worked splendidly.

It is amazing how much a horse actually needs to know to be a good trail horse!

The idea was launched by new members who offered their beautiful ranch at White Lake. Our Chapter Chair Sue helped to plan it and get the word out. The number of participants was limited due to safety, mentors, and parking.

There was a safe enclosed arena to start off in. All participants gathered in a circle with their horses to discuss some guidelines on preparing a horse for a successful trail ride: how a horse thinks and reacts; the herd mentality; the riders working as a team; and how to be considerate and stay safe. As a warmup we discussed how to move the four parts of your horse’s body in six directions, so you have both mind and body working with you when out on the trail.

Then we started with groundwork inhand and progressed to the saddle. BCHBC Shuswap member and facility owner Bob had built some amazing puzzles (also known as obstacles) to practice on.

We like to use the word “puzzles” because the word obstacles can be seen as an unachievable challenge, whereas a puzzle is something that can be solved. The words we use to describe something can determine the way we approach it emotionally, mentally, and physically. The word “obstacle” conjures up a mental and emotional concept of something that must be overcome, implying a confrontational

approach, and creating the focus on the “obstacle.” The concept of a “puzzle,” however, is non-confrontational, and implies a different mental, physical, and emotional approach in the solving process. The focus then is on the relationship between the horse and handler who then attempt to solve the puzzle together rather than the handler “making” the horse physically overcome the obstacle.

Our mentors (both on the ground and in the saddle) circulated and offered assistance and demonstration for those who wanted it. There were volunteers to ride a bike so the horses could chase it to gain confidence, and a hiker with a large backpack and a fishing pole wandering around the arena.

Our member hosts also offered to cook lunch for all participants. Bonus!

After lunch, back in the saddle, we practiced games in the arena like “Leap Frog,” “Circles” and “Ladders.” Horses and riders got comfortable with being passed and changing positions, leaving the group, and coming back. Those games were then continued out of the arena along a quiet road. Here is where some experienced, quiet trail riders and horses showed their value.

Next time, hopefully, we can advance to practice these things out on the trails through the ranch, where we can also encounter logs, water, mud, and COWS! We were proud of our members that came and stepped out of their comfort zone a little bit to participate.

If you never step forward, you will always be in the same place.

The second step in getting your equine partner comfortable with bikes. Photo Linda Buchanan.

Calmly navigating the noodles.

Photo by Linda Buchanan.

Most BCHBC events include lots of good food!

Clubs & Associations

Alberta Donkey and Mule Club

ARMSTRONG ENDERBY RIDING CLUB S chooling Shows (Eng/West/Games), Armstrong Fairgrounds, April to Sept. www.armstrongenderbyridingclub.ca 10/23

BC CARRIAGE DRIVING SOCIETY, Pleasure, Combined, Recreation from Minis to Drafts, www.bccarriagedriving.com 6/24

BC INTERIOR ARABIAN HORSE ASSOC. Pres: Wally Goertz 250-546-6004 11/23 asmarawg@telus.net, clinics, Recreational riding programs, Awards/Social Activ.

BC INTERIOR MORGAN HORSE CLUB see our FB page. Pres: Bev Routledge email: bcimhcinfo@gmail.com Activities: trail rides, obstacle fun day, barn tour/pot luck. 5/24

BC PAINT HORSE CLUB www.bcphc.com, Open Show & Competition Program, award sponsorships for local clubs, youth scholarship. cathyglover@telus.net 3/24

BC QUARTER HORSE ASSOCATION, bcqha.com Contact Carolyn Farris, email cfarris@telus.net 12/23

BC Team Cattle Penning Association

March 18-19 (Barriere)

April 29-30 (Barriere)

May 20-21 (Quesnel)

May 27-28 (Barriere)

June 17-18 (Knutsford) & Sorting Jackpot June 19 Sept 9-10 Finals (tba)

Join us at our 2023 shows! • bctcpa.ca

BC WELSH PONY & COB ASSOC. (see FB) Pres: Rosanne 604-302-7650, bcwelshponyandcob@gmail.com. Breed promotion program throughout the province 4/24

BOUNDARY HORSE ASSOCIATION (Grand Forks BC), Offering shows, gymkhanas, clinics & more. See us on Facebook, 250-443-3191, kmespenhain@telus.net 4/24

Canadian Cowboy Challenge A SPORT for the whole Family!

Seven Divisions to accommodate all! For more info please call 403-828-2044 or visit www.canadiancowboychallenge.com

Since

Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association has been the leader in Canada for therapeutic riding and is recognized as such by HETI (the International Therapeutic Riding Federation).

LANGLEY RIDERS SOCIETY, www.langleyriders.com. English/Western, Games, Jumping, Drill Team, Rodeo. 604-530-5981 11/23

LOWER MAINLAND QUARTER HORSE ASSOC. Pres: Tamara Jameson, tamarajameson@hotmail.com, http://bcqha.com/index.php/LMQHA 12/23

100 Mile & District Outriders

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

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

NORTHERN SADDLE CLUB, Smithers BC. Check out our website at northernsaddleclub.com and follow us on Facebook 2/24

RUSTY SPURS 4-H HORSE CLUB (Abbotsford BC) Open to Youth 6-19, Rustyspurshorse4h@gmail.com & Find us on Facebook!  12/23

SOUTH CENTRAL QUARTER HORSE ASSOC., Host of April Fuzzy Horse Show and September AQHA Circuit Show, http://bcqha.com/index.php/scqha 12/23

VERNON

SEPTEMBER

29-30 FALL HORSE SALE, Perlich Bros. Auction Market, Lethbridge AB, 403-329-3101, www.perlich.auction

29-Oct 1 INTERIOR DESERT CIRCUIT Show Series, https://www.kelownaridingclub.ca

29-Oct 1 PACIFIC REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS, Gold/Bronze, Thunderbird Show Park, Langley BC, www.dressagebc.ca

30-Oct 1 HARCAN Turkey Shoot Year-end Grading Competition & fun event, www.okkma.ca

30-Oct 2 CEHCA CONFERENCE (The Evolution in Whole-Horse Soundness), Delta Hotel, Regina SK, https://canadianequinehoofcare.com

OCTOBER

13-16 FALL CLASSIC BREEDERS’ SALE, https://canadianwarmbloods.com

15 VIMHC AGM, vanislemhc@gmail.com, www.bcminiaturehorseclubs/vimhc

19-22 HOOF TRIMMING CLINIC, Saskatoon SK, 204-771-5335, https://www.hoofgeeks.ca

VINTAGE RIDERS EQUESTRIAN CLUB (Fraser Valley BC), English/Western, lectures, clinics, socials, safe and fun, vintageriders@mail.ca, on Facebook 4/24

WILD ROSE DRAFT HORSE ASSOCIATION, www.wrdha.com. Barb Stephenson (Secretary) phone 403-933-5765 (8:00 am to 8:00 pm) 6/24

NOVEMBER

6-Dec 15 GUELPH ON, 6 week advanced Equine Massage Therapy Certification Course Sidonia McIntyre, RMT, CEMT, CCF, https://www.equinerehab.ca

17 HORSEY LADIES OKANAGAN Fundraising Banquet, Schubert Centre, Vernon BC, Nancy 250-546-9922 or nancyroman@telus.net (see Facebook page)

19 VIMHC Awards Banquet, vanislemhc@gmail.com, www.bcminiaturehorseclubs/vimhc SEPTEMBER

THIS FALL, GET IT DONE AND THEN SOME.