THE VOICE OF EQUINE ALBERTA MEMBER MAGAZINE Bits... · Didsbury Horse Show celebrates its 50th anniversary and much more! THE VOICE OF EQUINE ALBERTA MEMBER MAGAZINE S P R I N G 20

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:� The AEF congratulates

our top coaches� 2011 Live Outside the Box

winners

� Looking for the BEST

� The gathering of the horseindustry in StrathconaCounty

� Ain’t that sumthin’?Didsbury Horse Show celebrates its 50th anniversary

and much more!

THE VOICE OF EQUINE ALBERTA MEMBER MAGAZINE

www.albertaequestrian.com

SPRING 2012

If you haven’t renewed your membership,

this is your LAST issue!

Equine Department100-1500 Hardy Place, Kelowna, BC V1Y 8H2

Phone (800) 670-1877 Email: [email protected]

Capri Insurance is proud to be the official insurance provider to the Alberta Equestrian Federation and all its members.

OFFICE HOURS: 8:30 to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday, except holidays.Managing Editor: Monika Smith

[email protected] 403.242.6162Publication Committee: Sonia Dantu, Shelley Newman, Monika Smith

2012 MAGAZINE DEADLINES:

Article Deadline Ad Booking Ad files to AEF Mailing Date

Spring: January 15 February 1 February 8 March 8Summer: April 15 May 3 May 10 June 10Fall: August 1 August 20 August 27 September 28Winter: October 15 November 3 November 10 December 10

All material is copyright 2012. Ideas and opinions expressed in articles do not necessarily reflect the ideas oropinions of the AEF. Alberta Bits reserves the right to accept, and/or edit material submitted for publication.The AEF makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information contained therein, but assumes no liability in cases of error or changing conditions. Any business relations or other activities undertaken as aresult of the information contained in Alberta Bits, or arising there from, is the responsibility of the partiesinvolved and not of the AEF. We welcome signed letters to the editor, but reserve the right to publish, edit forgrammar, taste and length. For reprint information, please contact [email protected].

Magazine design by The Visions West Studio.

04 You ain’t seen nothing yetby Monika Smith, managing editor, Alberta BitsPulling together for a better AEFby Sandy Bell, director, AEF

05 Bits of newsMessage from Dixie Crowson, president AEF; New Ride and Drive milestones; Visit us at Mane Event; 2011 AEF Quick Facts; Thanks to our casino volunteers; 2012 Canadian Equestrian Championships

06 Insurance and paradesby Mike King

07 The AEF congratulates our top coaches: TrishMrakawa, Carol Friesen and Archie Hurst

08 Join the Wild Rose competition circuitThank you to the Bowden Light Horse Association

09 AEF riding achievement scholarships: GwendolynMann and Stacey Buium

10 2011 Live Outside The Box winners: Katelyn Golka,Christa-Lee Ferguson and Rebekah Ferguson

11 Looking for the BEST: Tips for the first-time horse buyers

12 The gathering of the horse industry in Strathcona Countyby Gary Millar

13 Steele’s Scouts: Riders of Alberta’s proud pastEFC $10,000 donation to science

14 The Horse’s Mouth TV: Amazing stories of horsesand their peopleby Monica Culic, BCS

16 Provincial association feature:Canadian Cowboy ChallengeCalgary Regional Appaloosa Club

18 You talkin’ to me? Surviving the newbie stateby Scott Phillips


100, 251 Midpark Blvd SECalgary, AB T2X 1S3

Toll Free: 1.877.463.6233Phone: 403.253.4411Fax: 403.252.5260


10%

19 Alberta High Performance Program: Vision for the futureby Bonnie Hayward, AHTA HP/AD chair

20 We learned how to driveby Barb Richard, Equine Canada Driving Coach, Gold

21 Lakeland Agricultural Sciences departmentin the spotlightMorgan World Championshipby Juliet Franke, AEF representative, Alberta Morgan Horse Club

22 New Calgary Police Service horsesby Emma Poole, Public Affairs, Calgary Police Service

24 Ain’t that sumthin’? Didsbury Horse Show celebrates its 50th anniversaryby Mary Busch

26 AEF member groups Associate, Affiliate and Business Members, as of February 27, 2012

ON THE COVER Linda Fitzpatrick (on Oak) and Paul Hicks (on LaCosta),owners of Reverence Stables, are having fun negotiating obstacles while exposing their horses to a variety of training. Linda has been teaching horse-manship for over 25 years. Photo credit: Scott Phillips

Spring 2012; Volume 4, Issue 1

Alberta Bits is the Alberta Equestrian Federation’s official member magazine. It serves the entire equestriancommunity of horses and riders of all ages, interests and involvement, as the Voice of Equine Alberta.

Alberta Bits magazine is sent four times a year (Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter) to all current AEF membersand is made available at the office and special events attended by the AEF.

Alberta Bits is distributed throughout Alberta with news and events on behalf of recreational, sport, breeds &industry and educational sectors of the Alberta horse industry. Alberta Bits is distributed to approximately13,000 members; 9,000 households and businesses; and at approximately 10 events and trade shows annually.

The Alberta Equestrian Federation has been incorporated since 1978.

Publications Mail Agreement—#40050297

Printed in Canada—ISSN 1918-7114

AEF BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President Dixie Crowson 403.654.2883Vice President Kippy Maitland-Smith 403.845.4864Secretary Juliet Franke 403.843.6427Treasurer Pat McCormack 780.992.9792Chair-Breeds and Industry Bill desBarres 888.303.1070Chair-Education Leslie Oszli 403.224.3964Chair-Promotion and Publicity Ross MacInnes 403.982.6284Chair-Recreation Brian Irving 403.936.0221Chair-Sport Cindy Holyoak 403.933.3706Individual Sandy Bell 403.700.7880Individual Diane Blakeman-Ans 780.719.6948Individual Lewis Hand 403.722.4690Individual Julie Moorcroft 403.601.2059Individual Rhianne Weghnnar 403.505.1403

Provincial Association contact members listed on page 26.

AEF STAFF

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORSonia [email protected] ext 4

MEMBERSHIPSNorma [email protected] ext 1

FINANCE, GENERAL INQUIRIESRita [email protected] ext 6

COACHING ADMINISTRATORErin [email protected] ext 3

COMPETITIONS COORDINATORAllison [email protected] ext 2

MARKETING & PROGRAM SUPPORT Wendy Kemble [email protected] ext 5

Inside

It’s the fourth year and the thir-teenth issue of Alberta Bits! As manag-ing editor, it’s time to introduce myselfand develop an editorial column.

First, a very big thank you to allof you who have provided articles andphotographs over the years. I’ve seenhow large and diverse a group we are,what fun we have with our horses andwhat a proud and committed commu-nity we are.

I did not grow up with horses.My interaction with them in Sudburyand other Ontario towns and cities I lived in was very limited, until I came toAlberta. It was easy to own a horse here. After an enthralling weeklong trail ride inthe Rockies, I was hooked. My late husband, Don (and do consider we were com-plete urbanites), gave me a horse as an anniversary gift. How naive can you be? Inspite of many oopsies, we met many good people: vets, farriers, trainers, competi-tors and friends who helped us do the right thing with our horses.

With few preconceived notions, I and my peanut-sized, part-Arabian, Sheba,had the time of our lives: from participating in drives and roundups at the Gap andthe once-in-a-lifetime roundup at Cypress Hills, to taking part in both Western andEnglish sports, including being involved at the start of the Canadian Team CattlePenning Association, to committing to endurance riding. At the World event inDubai, 1998, I was amazed at the speed in 100 plus degree heat. I was awed byAlberta’s Christy Janzen and Tais who placed tenth in some 10 hours on the 100-mile course. That started my journey to understand the endurance equine athlete.

I realized that international-level competition required a lot more than I waswilling to give as a rider, but wondered how these horses can go that fast, that farand look like they can do more? Many insights came from being a vet secretary inthe sport and learning directly from veterinarians. My sincere thanks and gratitudeto their knowledge, patience and professionalism. By enrolling in Equine Guelph’sexcellent on-line equine science certificate program, I amassed a great knowledgebase, developed a critical mind and learned about good management practices.

Volunteering at the international level as a Chef d’Équipe for Team Canadaand becoming an FEI judge, has been a highlight. By 2005, at the World Enduranceevent in Dubai, over 20 people finished in nine hours or less and the two top ridersin just over seven hours. I was so proud of Team Canada finishing fourth–of onlyfour teams that did! Watching Daphne Richard (BC) and her 18-year-old Cuchulainat the tail end and lit up by the cars following her to the finish line was magical. Inthe intervening years, horses and riders have gained even more astonishingrecords. This is still a young sport, but a very old activity–going long distance on ahorse. I definitely want to see more Albertans step on the podium and own it.

As a professional communicator, I’ve operated a communications and designcompany for some 30 years, working in many sectors and for both corporate andnon-profit clients. In 2008 after following a dream, I graduated with a BFA, major-ing in ceramics and now operate a clay-arts studio–creating equine-inspired work.

When the opportunity came up to develop the magazine, I just leapt for it. AsI don’t ride anymore and my horse ‘Koko’ an Arab/saddlebred cross is retired, thisallows me to promote all aspects of Alberta’s amazing equestrian community.

I’m fortunate to work with a progressive and positive staff; I listen diligentlyto the board and support the AEF’s role as the Voice of Equine Alberta. And, asimportantly, I listen, chat and have conversations with you, the AEF membership.

Call or email me about your interests and concerns. If you have an idea foran article, run it by me. It may be a fit to what we’re trying to accomplish at theAEF: help create a great and relevant magazine for you, our members. AB

You ain’t seen nothing yet!by Monika Smith, managing editor of Alberta Bits

4 AlbertaBits SPRING 2012 www.albertaequestrian.com

Pulling together for a better AEFby Sandy Bell, AEF director

Established nearly 35 years ago to represent and support the equine commu-nity, the AEF is presented with challenges that shift as the province’s demographicsand economy change, and as the equine industry and equestrian interests change.For example, one of the fasting grow-ing groups of healthy-living enthusi-asts are recreational riders, which wasnot predicted a few years ago.

The AEF considers these chal-lenges as opportunities for action andwe’re inviting you to come along forthe ride.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR ACTION

The AEF members’ insurancebenefits are exceptional, Alberta Bitsis a must-read, the scholarships andawards support our youth, the educa-tional activities are interesting and theWild Rose competitions program is alot of fun.

We believe we can do more, butonly through your participation and byyou sharing your passions. What morecan the AEF do for our members and,since we are the provincial equinefederation recognized by the Alberta government, what more can we do for allAlbertans and their equines? Who can we partner with and what new programs dowe need?

OBJECTIVES FOR 2012

Based upon these opportunities, and the need to learn from our membersand be more accountable to them, the AEF’s business plan focuses on these objec-tives for 2012 (read more at www.albertaequestrian.com/Education-Bylaws-Download):

1. Increase membership.

2. Conduct and analyze a needs-assessment survey of members to determine if there are important unmet needs and to prioritize development of new initiatives.

3. Develop and implement a provincial outreach program to market AEF pro-grams and services.

4. Expand the Wild Rose competitions program.

5. Begin a full review of the AEF governance structure and implement changesto meet the new federal not-for-profit act.

CALL TO ACTION

As a friend and member of the AEF, you can help us achieve its objectives.Get in touch with the AEF office to share your ideas and your volunteer support.

Your support of the AEF through your membership, or by encouraging thememberships of others, is certainly essential. But, your other actions are equallyas important. When the AEF reaches out to you, please take the time to respondand to be heard.

By pulling together, we will make the AEF a better representative of all of its

members and a better partner for all equine-related organizations. ABManaging Editor, Alberta Bits

North to Alaska, Sandy Bell’s 11-year-oldPercheron cross, is a forgiving mare whohas been willing to try jumping, dres-sage, driving, reining and trail riding.Photo Credit: Dan Manzara

Monika Smith volunteering at an event.Photo credit: courtesy of Monika Smith

NEW Ride and Drive milestones:1,300, 1,600 and 2,000 hours!

The AEF is pleased to announce the extension of our Ride and DriveProgram. Reach 1,300, 1,600, and 2,000 hours and you will be rewarded great prizes.

Participants whom have already achieved the 1000-hour level are welcometo continue their adventure with the Ride and Drive program.

Those new to the program and those who have not yet completed a mile-stone can now look forward to new great prizes and a higher goal to achieve (aswell as spending much more time with an equine partner).

Please check our website for complete program details at: www.albertae-questrian.com/Recreation-Ride-Drive.

For any questions about the program, please contact the Ride and Drivecoordinator at [email protected] or (403) 253-4411 ext 3. AB

AlbertaBits SPRING 2012 5www.albertaequestrian.com

Alice ToddAlison DouglasBill desBarresBrian IrvingBrittany KuzemkaCarl HoybakCarol DouglasCecilia Watson

Cindy HolyoakCindy HoughtonDanny ManzaraDixie CrowsonHeather ManzaraHelen ReynoldsJuliet FrankeKippy Maitland-SmithLaurie Friesen

Marajke van der SluijsMonique PlumbRaylene Ann McWadeRhianne WeghnnarRichard HolyoakRita BehanRonald ToddShirley McFall

Join the AEF’s equine social media community!

2011 AEF Quick FactsThe AEF continues to grow and expand its programs. Your participation

ensures that this continues.

Individual members - junior 3,992Individual members - senior 8,643Association and affiliate members 94Business members 54Ride and Drive registrants 138Live Outside The Box participants 42Trail supporters 164Provincially-approved officials 36Wild Rose Competitions 29Educational and coach training sessions 22Scholarships granted 9

Thanks to our casino volunteersThe AEF thanks the following individuals for their time on December 30 and

31, 2011 to volunteer at the Elbow River casino in Calgary. These casinos are animportant fundraiser for the AEF and cannot be done without their exceptionalcommitment to the AEF and support for the association.

Visit us at The Mane EventDrop by Booth #8 at The Mane Event, April 27-29, Westerner Park in Red

Deer. Staff and directors will be there to renew memberships, provide informationand talk about your issues and concerns within Alberta’s horse industry. AB

2012 ANNIVERSARIES? Does your club or association have asignificant anniversary coming up? If so, contact Alberta Bitsto celebrate!

2012 Canadian EquestrianChampionships

The AEF is very excited to announce that we will be sending teams to repre-sent Alberta in the disciplines of jumping, reining and dressage at the CanadianEquestrian Championships, September 21-23, 2012 at Bromont Olympic Park, in Bromont, QC.

For details on how to qualify to compete or apply to participate as a teamcoach, watch the AEF website and E-News for further announcements or contactthe AEF competitions coordinator: [email protected]. AB

by Dixie Crowson, AEF president

I was asked by the board, four years ago to allow my name to stand for elec-tion as president of the AEF. They convinced me that one of the critical qualitieswas my experience with Equine Canada, and I was one of the few at that time. Noone could have predicted how important their decision was, how vital the criticalquality had become. The tumultuous years that followed and the wild ride thatensued was certainly an unknown then, who could have envisioned what was tocome. But now, looking back in retrospect, I can honestly say:

“WE’VE COME A LONG WAY BABY.”I am leaving the position of the president knowing that I accomplished my

mission–my task that I was charged with. Our relationship with our nationalorganization, Equine Canada, has finally turned the right corner. There will becontinued ups and downs along this road, nothing is ever this easy, but I willremain on the Joint Steering Committee until all the goals of the Accord arereached, and to ensure that the AEF has a voice that will be heard and respected.Do I have regrets–many. There still remains so many opportunities that I see forthe AEF that I could not accomplish, but I will stand beside the new president andassist where I can.

THANK YOU for the honor of allowing me to serve you–I will always treasurethe many friendships and memories. AB

Last time as president, Dixie Crowson

AEF Scholarship application online

Apply for $750 or $1,000 scholarships to attend post-secondary accreditedcolleges or universities if you are planning to take equine or equine-related programs. The AEF supports and promotes educational programs to assist adultmembers of all ages and interests to increase their knowledge about horses andequine activities, from breeding to business, competing to community initiatives,and more. Deadline is midnight, April 29, 2012. AB

Mission accomplished

If you haven’t renewed your membership, this is your LAST issue of Alberta Bits!

Bits of news


Let’s talk about parades and the risks associated with participating in them.One of the largest parades in the world happens every year at the Calgary

Stampede and even if there are larger parades, there are certainly none that wouldhave as many horses involved in the proceedings.

As a member of the AEF, the personal liability insurance that is provided toyou automatically does cover you if you participate in a parade. Most paradeorganizers require that all participants provide proof of liability coverage and yourAEF membership card does just that.

Risk management related to participating in a parade:

a) A parade is NOT the type of environment that you should consider a trainingground for a young or inexperienced horse.

b) A parade is NOT the type of environment for an inexperienced rider.

c) If either (a) or (b) are unavoidable (not sure how that is possible) thenhave a side walker who is on foot to help control the situation.

d) Walk down the MIDDLE of the road giving your horse as much room as possible from the crowds.

e) Find out before the parade what the order of go is (where you are in theparade) so that you can pre-plan where the potentially scary happenings canoccur (like the inevitable fire truck, police cars and ambulances that arealmost always a part of smaller parades and inevitably want to sound theirsirens–and this will spook even the best of horses).

f) WEAR A HELMET! AB

Ask the insurance guyby Mike King

Mike King is an equine insurance specialist with Capri Insurance Services Ltd. and is

responsible for the insurance programs that benefit the Alberta Equestrian Federation

and its members. Do you have a question on insurance? “Ask the Insurance Guy”…and

we will provide an answer in the next issue [email protected].

Insurance and parades

Alberta TrailRiding Association

ATRA is a vibrant club forrecreational riders and drivers of

all ages and horse breeds.

For more information visit our website at www.atra.ca

Thank you to …The Tymchak Family and your generous donation to the

2011 English Rider Scholarship award in the memory ofWilhelmina (Willy) Merchant.

h �g

Ride it or drive itSeptember 22, 2012

at West Bragg Creek, Kananaskis Country

Visit with old friends and meet new ones!This day will be full of adventure and funfor the whole family. Stay tuned for moredetails.

The AEF is stepping out of its traditionalrole and exploring innovative services for under-represented groups. The proceeds from the Wild Rose Ride will go to support some of these new programs.

h �g

www.albertaequestrian.com AlbertaBits SPRING 2012 7

At the February 3, 2012 EquineCanada Awards Gala, Equine Canada(EC) honoured certified coaches withthe first annual coaching awards.

The first category was the EquineCanada/National Coaching CertificationProgram Coach Awards. These awardswere for the coach or instructor thatexemplifies the National CoachingCertification Program through coach-ing/teaching skills, concern for safetyand equine welfare, business practiceand support of the national rider andcoaching programs. Over 50 nomina-tions came in from all over the countryfrom youth, adult amateurs, peers,employers and barn staff tellingEquine Canada why each coach wasdoing a great job and deserved to beawarded. Along with TRISH MRAkAWA,DeWinton, receiving a CoachingExcellence Award, CARolA FRIESEN,Lethbridge, received EC/NCCPCoaching award in the category “Level1 Western Coach, Western Region,”and Saddleseat Coach/Instructor,

ARCHIE HuRST, Sherwood Park, was awarded for Saddleseat Coach/Instructor. All three coaches exemplify the best of what is expected and required to

teach and encourage students in a positive, safe and professional manner.

ABOUT THE AWARDS

The Excellence Awards recognize those who have made significant contribu-tions to the development of Equine Canada coaching or rider programs. They areusually developed over several years and with the involvement of many committee

The AEF congratulates our top coaches: Trish Mrakawa, Carola Friesen and Archie Hurst

l-r TRISH MRAKAWA receiving the EC/NCCP Coaching Excellence Award in Jump HighPerformance. Recognized for: Over and above contribution to Equine Canada coachingprogram development; as a Competition Coach Specialist in Jump Training Clinic pilots;and contributions to the High Performance 1 – Jump program. Grant Field and HeatherSansom present award at the Gala held in St. John’s, Nfld. Photo credit: Equine Canada

members and program leaders across Canada. “The milestones achieved in 2011would not have been possible without the will and commitment of project leadersto make it happen,” said Heather Sansom, Equine Canada Manager of Coaching.“Coaching Excellence recipients contributed hours of their personal time, goingabove and beyond to support their peers and invest in programs that impactcoaches and athletes across the country.”

Equine Canada members are encouraged to nominate any coach or instruc-tor who they feel deserves recognition and meets the following criteria:

COACH AWARD QUALIFICATIONS

1. Current EC certified coach or instructor (any certificate or discipline)

2. Promotes the Learn to Ride or Learn to Drive Program

3. Mentors others and promotes involvement in NCCP programs

4. Is knowledgeable and stays professionally updated with ongoing learning

5. Promotes and demonstrates good sportsmanship

6. Coaches/teaches in a safe, fun and positive way

7. Maintains a safe and positive environment

Award categories (for each discipline applicable): Instructor/Instructor ofBeginners; Coach 1; Coach 2; Coach 3; Coach 4; Competition Coach and HighPerformance Coach Candidate. AB

Carola Friesen, recipient of Level 1Western Coach, West award. Photo credit:Sharon Latimer

Archie Hurst, recipient of SaddleseatCoach/Instructor award. Photo credit: cour-testy of Archie Hurst


Join the Wild Rose competition circuitCapri Win Your Entry draw

Win up to $200! Wild Rose Show registrants are automatically entered intothe draw. Competitors must be AEF members at the time of registration andentered before closing dates of the show. Show organizers provide the entry list tothe AEF who will then make the draw. The winner will be reimbursed for theirshow fees, to a maximum of $200. Capri Insurance generously supports Alberta’scompetitors and Wild Rose show organizations with their donation.

Wild Rose Volunteer Recognition programThe AEF appreciates volunteers and knows how important it is to have expe-

rienced, passionate and helpful people contribute to the success of an event. EachWild Rose show may submit the name of an outstanding volunteer to the AEF. Thevolunteer receives a $50 gift certificate. AB

Thank you to …The Bowden light Horse Association for your

generous donation of $500 to the AEF Trail Supporter Program. The AEF sincerely thanks you for helping support this program,

which ensures that Alberta’s trails are sustainably developed for generations and maintained to allow riders and drivers to enjoyAlberta’s beautiful and varied landscape.

Help us grow our herd of great programs!

$500

$1,000

$2,000

$6,000

$8,000

$10,000

$4,000

Through the COMMUNITY SPIRIT GRANT your generous donation will be matched. Help AEFScholarship recipients; encourage youth to Live Outside the Box; improve access to our wildernessthrough the Trail Supporter program; support under represented groups through the new Wild Rose Trail Ride, make the 2012 Conference the event of the year and the upcoming 35th anniversarycelebration memorable.

$1,351January 31, 2012

2011 English rider scholarship: Gwendolyn MannThis $500 annual award is presented to the rider who has achieved the highest average score of the level 8 test in the English Rider Development Program

“Horses have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, and I hope tomake a career with them. I recently graduated from the Equine Science program at OldsCollege, where, along with my mare Elli, I completed my rider 8 level. Elli is an eleven-year-old thoroughbred mare that I’ve had since I bought her as a five-year-old. She wasmy first young horse and she helped me realize that I love training horses and watchingthem grow and mature.

“After discovering this, I moved to Alberta and enrolled at Olds College in the EquineScience English Horsemanship major, learning a variety of skills and developing myhorsemanship.

“After graduating, I was given the amazing opportunity to further my education with-in the equine industry by attending a final year of school at Hartpury College in Englandand receiving a BSc in Equine Management. I am now halfway through my time here andwhile I’m learning lots; I can’t wait to bring my experiences back home to Canada.

Once I’m back, I hope to give back to the AEF by using my scholarship money toachieve my coaching levels, with the goal of starting a small business teaching both horsesand riders and working alongside the AEF to promote the equine industry.” AB


2011 Charlene Baker scholarship: Stacey BuiumIn recognition of Charlene's work and dedication to the Equine CanadaWestern Rider and Equine Canada Western Coaching programs in Alberta,the AEF provides a $500 scholarship awarded annually to the rider who hasachieved the highest average score of the level 4 test in the Western RiderDevelopment Program.

Stacey Buium is originally from Regina, SK, but has lived over half of her

life in various locations throughout Alberta. Her family’s background is agri-

cultural, mainly grain farming with some cow-calf production. She has recently

moved to Okotoks where she is now a registered animal health technologist

and enjoys working with cattle and horses among small animals.

Stacey has been riding since she was around six years old and started out

mainly trail riding with her dad in the mountains. Since then she has taken

part in team penning and western pleasure competitions. Stacey also enjoys

polo cross and has just started reining. When she was 17 years old, she started

teaching summer camps at Laughing Horse Ranch and now really enjoys

teaching adult beginner and intermediate lessons. Her horse’s name is

Gentleman’s Gossip, better known as Jose. Stacey has had Jose since he was

four years old. He is a beautiful black quarter horse gelding with a docile tem-

perament, gentle eyes and a very long thick mane.

In the future, Stacey plans to open a riding arena and boarding facility

continuing to work with horses and teach riding lessons. AB

Photo credit: courtesy of Coral-Leigh Mann

Photo credit: courtesy of Juanita

AEF riding achievement scholarships


Highest Consecutive Screen Free Days1ST - REBEKAH FERGUSON, AGE 9, EDSON

I like to spend time with both Commander and Tibs. Commander is a 33-year-old quarab who taught me everything I know about horses! Now he isgoing to teach another little girl all about horses.

I rode Commander in horse shows and he always knew what to do whenI was learning. We also rode some big trail rides. Some things I like to do withTibs are trail riding and showing. She has helped me to be brave to jump anddo goat tying, and now we are doing 4-H together. I love spending time with

Commander and Tibs because they are perfect for me! AB

Congratulations to Emma Quinn, age 12, Calgary, in second place andMirthe Hazenberg, age 15, Thorchild, in third place.

Rebekah, Commander and Tibs:

Lowest Number of Hours of Screen Time1ST - CHRISTA-LEE FERGUSON, AGE 14, EDSON

My horse is a flea-bitten grey, purebred quarter horse. Eventhough he isn't the perfect trained horse, he is my old buddy!

On Misty, I do everything from 4-H to showing to trail ridingto bareback riding and just playing around in the pasture. One ofthe biggest things I enjoy doing with my horse is going to theBrightwood Ranch.

We did the Wrangler Training Program in the summer for four

weeks and were on our horses every single day. AB

Congratulations to Carlie Wells, age 10, Strathmore, in second placeand Jesse Linderman, age 13, Blairmore, in third place.

Christa-Lee and Misty

Highest Number of Hours of Horse Time1ST - KATELYN GOLKA, AGE 11, ARDROSSAN

Baxter is an 11-year-old gelding. I have had Baxter for nearly four years.When we got him, he was a Western riding horse. As of 2011 in June, I start-ed training him on my own to jump. We entered the River Valley Horse Show,which was his very first horse show. We also entered two other horse showsthat show season. We have now jumped up to three feet at home.

We are so happy to have gotten first place for most horse hours as wespend so much time together! I am so grateful to have such an amazinghorse like Baxter, and hope that everybody else can take the time to spendas much time with their horse as I do! My favourite quote: “If God created

anything more beautiful than the horse, he kept it for himself.” AB

Congratulations to Lindsey Stevenson, age 13, Red Deer, in second place andDeshann Valentine, age 11, Sundre, in third place.

Baxter and Katie

2011 lIVE ouTSIDE THE Box WINNERS


You have made the exciting decision to own your own horse. Now comes thedaunting task of finding your “dream.” You want the BEST. That is a horse, pony,mule or donkey that has the right mix of BEHAVIouR, ExPERIENCE, SouNDNESS andTRAINING to make your future involvement a pleasure. Think of the BEST acronymwhen you look at a horse. Behaviour: friendly, respectful, willing, calm. Experience:a green horse and a green rider are not usually a happy combination. Soundness:find the healthiest and the most well-managed horse you can. And finally, training.If you’re new to riding and just want to ride for fun, purchasing a top-level showhorse may be a misery for you both. But, a horse with a solid level of basic train-ing, that walks, jogs, lopes and has a good ‘whoa,’ will, with good coaching andtraining, be able to help you learn and progress without souring both of you.

Here are some things to think about. In future issues of Alberta Bits, moreaspects of this topic will be presented.

GET ADVICE AND HELP

The commitment to buy a horse should also include responsibility for thehorse and its welfare, regardless of how long you will be the owner. A horsedeserves your best and most knowledgeable efforts so that it, too, can enjoy beingowned by you. You also need to be the BEST for your horse!

If you are unfamiliar with any of the definitions or what to look for, get advicefrom a professional coach or trainer to help you evaluate the prospect. A thirdparty works for your best interest and will encourage you to think a moment beforeyou sign the cheque to buy a horse that may not be at your level of riding ability orhave subtle behaviour issues or health problems that you may not readily see.

Decide what the horse will be used for. For example, are you looking for ahorse to safely take you out on the trail or compete at horse shows? Maybe both?By deciding on the job(s) that you want your horse do, you will start narrowingdown the possibilities.

Seek out experienced horse people who have successfully helped noviceswith horse purchases in the past. These people are very valuable resources andcan prevent many of the heartaches and disappointments that can happen to firsttime buyers. You may have to pay a fee for this service, but it will be money wellspent to find a safe, suitable horse. In addition, many of these experienced peoplealready have the contacts that make the search that much easier.

Safety is one of the most important factors to consider. The most suitablehorse for a novice rider is one that has a quiet, willing temperament and has beenexposed to many different situations. This behaviour is usually found in horses thatare a bit older and also tend to have had more training than a young horse. Expectto have to pay more for an experienced horse, but consider the added safety andenjoyment of riding a dependable mount. Young horses may be cheaper to buyinitially, but if you factor in the cost of training and the time it takes to exposethem to various situations, you may end up spending more in the long run. Mostimportantly, the youngsters are generally not as safe, due to their lack of experi-ence and training as the old campaigners are.

BEFORE DRIVING UP TO THE BARN WITH YOUR TRAILER

Do your homework. Call or email the owner. Via the internet, photos, videosand documents can be sent to provide you with a lot of information that can getsome of the big questions out of the way.

Find out why this horse is for sale. If you’re considering a registered horse,ask if the registration papers are available. If the horse had a competitive career,ask for show records. What type of health program is the horse on and records onvaccination, farrier, dental, etc. Needless to say, a seller needs to be honest and upfront on training, experience and management. Ask about behaviour issues: doesthe horse have any stereotypies such as cribbing or weaving, etc.? Has this horsebeen ridden independently inside and outside of the arena? Is he good with otherhorses? Will he load and trailer well? Does he pull when tied, etc.?

If the initial contact by phone or email convinces you to take a further look,allow enough time to see the horse under a number of conditions. If you’re new tothis, bring an expert. Watch the horse being caught if in a turnout, haltered, leadand tied up. Observe the horse’s attitude towards the handler. This is a good timeto look at conformation and watch for any unsoundness. Watch the handlergroom, pick out the feet, saddle and bridle the horse and evaluate the tempera-ment and willingness during these tasks. Ask about the type of bit and saddle thatis being used. Have the owner ride the horse first to demonstrate the level of train-ing, then have your trainer or coach try the horse to evaluate if this horse is agood fit for you. When you try the horse out, having an experienced person withyou can help determine the type of aids that work the best and you’ll feel moreconfident and have a better test ride.

Form and function do go together and the more specialized an activity, themore important it is to have a physiology that can perform. For a bit of trail riding,you don’t need a grand champion to get you around. If you’re thinking about acareer as a reiner or want to become an endurance rider, conformation will makea difference to the level of success. Breed and sport associations provide informa-tion on what is considered ideal or appropriate. However, a symmetrical, balancedappearance, a good slope to the shoulder, decent withers, straight front and backlegs, short back with well-muscled loin all contribute to good conformation,regardless of breed. If you’re unfamiliar with what these terms mean, there aremany excellent resources available. It also takes practice and time to develop youreye. Again, seeking help from an experienced horse person is a good idea. An oldsaying, “you can’t ride the head,” offers a caution about buying a horse that ispretty or because you’ve fallen in love with a colour.

SOUNDNESS

Don’t buy a lame horse. Evaluate the horse’s stance and movement and lookfor any abnormalities or imbalances. Things such as pointing a front foot or suck-ing back with hind legs camped under when standing and short stilted gaits orhead bobbing when moving, may indicate unsoundness. If the horse looks tired,hangdog or is snotty or drooling, use your ‘Spidey’ sense that maybe somethingisn’t right. Horses can have flus, colds, sore muscles, sprains and upset tummies.A skinny horse or a very fat one can be a problem. A dull, shaggy coat may be ared flag, as well. You should have a very powerful argument to buy a horse thatwill need special care, vet or farrier services before you can get him home.Experts can help you with the pluses and minuses. It may be impossible to find a‘perfect’ horse, but ‘good enough’ may be the ideal for you.

PRE-PURCHASE EXAMS

Only performed by a veterinarian, this is a professional service to minimizethe risk of buying an unsound horse. The vet check should be another tool to helpyou make the final decision. This exam should be set up with your veterinarian orone who has not been hired by the seller. The seller should be consulted before-hand and if they are unwilling to allow an exam, then you have to ask yourself ifyou are willing to take a chance on buying this horse. If all parties agree to a vetcheck, it is the responsibility of the buyer to pay for the cost of the exam regard-less of the outcome. Paying to get a vet check done is the personal decision of thebuyer based on the purchase price of the horse and the amount of risk the buyeris willing to take that the horse has no soundness problems.

There is a horse out there that is the BEST for you and hopefully this advicewill help make your search a little easier and a little less intimidating. Happy horsehunting! AB

Thank you to the following people who have provided their knowledge and soundadvice: Kippy Maitland-Smith, vice-president, AEF board and English riding instructor; MuffyKnox, Western EC Level 2 Coach, former Western Master Course Conductor, AB; trainer andpaint horse breeder, Ruth Fowler, Western EC Level 2 Coach, Western Master CourseConductor for AB and BC; Tara Gamble, AEF board member and CHA instructor; KelseyShacker, fourth-year veterinary student and soon to be ‘doc’.

looking for the BEST: Tips for first-time horse buyers

www.albertaequestrian.com12 AlbertaBits SPRING 2012

lic meet Arabian horses in the barn and show ring. Combine that with a mentor-ship program that is designed to make it easier for new people to come on boardand get involved.

The horse industry must undergo a major change in attitude, through explor-ing new markets and promoting to members of the public to consider involvementwith horses as an excellent form of recreation for the whole family. We must beseen as being nice, friendly people with a strong social component, well run clubsand associations and a mandate to become ambassadors for “the horse.”

TARA GAMBlE, Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA), stated howimportant it is to ensure that horse instructors are knowledgeable and certified.She added that the certification offered by CHA gives instructors credibility andassurances to people new to horses. Under Gamble’s guidance, a certification pro-

gram is being planned for Strathcona County in thenear future.

SHIRlEY MCClEllAN, CEO, Horse Racing Alberta,provided insights into the racing industry in thisprovince. Her comments that a strong race industryalmost ensures a strong horse industry, resonated withmany in the room.

kEzIA MoRRISoN, Miss Rodeo Canada 2011,talked about rodeo and the positive side that most ofus never see. Rodeo has a huge economic impact inthe community, as well, rodeo has been a family affairfor years and that trend continues with many familiesparticipating and watching. Her passionate descriptionabout the care and attention provided to the rodeo ani-mals was enlightening. She has been a great ambassa-dor for rodeo.

MuRRAY FEW, Alberta Trail Riding Association(ATRA), using outstanding trail riding pictures, made

everyone feel like running home, saddling up and heading out on one those amaz-ing rides depicted in the slides. It is not surprising that trail riding is the numberone horse activity.

DR. JoDIE SANTARoSSA almost brought people to tears as she spoke aboutthe horse and the special relationships that develop. She asked that people consid-er that many of the areas of practice for humans are every bit as practical forhorses. She is heading off to school to begin a specialty in equine physiotherapyand combine that with the eastern medicine practice of acupuncture.

STRATHCONA EQUINE NETWORKING GROUP

The formation of the Strathcona Equine Networking Group (SENG) wasannounced. No membership is required and it is open to anyone involved or affiliated with the horse industry. Regular e-blasts will inform the group of devel-opments and of regular dinner meetings where knowledgeable guest speakersoffer a cross section of topics pertinent to the horse industry. The first dinnermeeting was held late in October; Dr. Jodie Santarossa was the presenter. The Ag Services board has identified SENG as a potential advisory group to the newfacility development.

Many said it should be a regular event. The energy in the room was amazing.Everyone felt uplifted and excited as the evening ended. The horse industry is aliveand has a real opportunity to move forward in Strathcona County. For more infor-mation, contact Gary Millar, (780) 499-9219 or email: [email protected]. AB

Who would have believed that 200 plus people meeting in the new Strathcona County Agora Hall on September 20, 2011 tonetwork, socialize and share thoughts and ideas about crafting a positive future for the horse industry could be so uplifting and exhilarating?

HORSE CAPITAL OF CANADA

Results from the recent horse count in Strathcona County were announced:the county has 6,282 horses. It was a number that was extrapolated from the 2006Stats Canada census and the Horse Count 2011. As a comparison, there are 2,600horses in Sturgeon County, 4,173 in Leduc County and 4,697 in Parkland County.Only Rocky View County surpasses us with 6,682.Since Strathcona County is part of the Edmontonregion and this region has more horses than any otherin Alberta or Canada, it is safe to say we are ‘TheHorse Capital of Canada.’

The economic impact of the horse industry inStrathcona County is huge … approximately $4,300per horse per year x 6,282 = $27,012,600!

SURVEY RESULTS

The survey revealed that those who participatedoverwhelmingly considered horses to be “agriculture.”

Recreational trail riding is the number one horseactivity.

A significant point came across loud and clear.Those in the horse industry need access to factual andscientific information. Over and over, respondentsreplied they only felt “fairly knowledgeable” about thesubject of horse care and feeding. In my opinion, “fairly knowledgeable” is notadequate for our horses.

The big message was: a major horse show facility is required in StrathconaCounty. Many replies stated that it hardly seems fitting that a community that con-siders itself to be a leader in the horse industry does not have a facility and com-munity residents have to leave the county to participate in shows and competitions.

As a result of the Horse Count 2011, the Strathcona County Council has vali-dated a facility as part of its open-space planning process. It was strongly recom-mended that all horse industry participants talk to their county councilors.

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS IN 2012

The Agriculture Services Department, Strathcona County, has offered to besupportive of the horse industry. This is a welcome relationship that is likely toevolve and expand. Initially, with their help, educational programs will be availablein March, 2012 (Horse 1001). Modules are being developed using the universitycourse, Horse 101, as a template, likely with some sort of certification. This is inan effort to make information and education available to the horse industry.

THE SPEAKERS

The message was that the industry is alive and well by taking an innovativeapproach to the way we do business.

loRIS FISHER, Aurora Arabian Horse Association (AHA), stated that the AHAis taking an aggressive approach to inviting people to come face to face withArabian horses. Revenue-generating marketing pieces are used to invite the publicto come and see the Arabian horses in action. Attending non-equine trade showevents, the AHA has invited the public to attend a horse show and experienceinformative tours of the show ring. The barns helped members of the visiting pub-

The gathering of the horse industry in Strathcona Countyby Gary Millar

HORSE COUNT 2011This was a private initiative and public relations proj-ect to build enthusiasm in the horse industry; tospotlight the horse industry as a major financial eco-nomic driver; and to encourage involvement in hors-es as an authentic recreational activity (just likehockey, ringette soccer etc.).

The survey also served to determine what specificinformation and education might be relevant tothose in the horse industry. The Agricultural ServicesDepartment in Strathcona County was very support-ive and played a key role in the survey project. This isthe first time local government has participated in ahorse industry initiative.

Actively involved in the horse industry for the past 30 years, Gary has developed and operates

the Arabian Horse Reading Literary Project. He and his wife live on their farm in Fort

Saskatchewan where they breed, train, show and board, run the reading and executive

coaching programs. For more information, check out www.arabianhorsereading.com.


The Steele’s Scouts Commemorative Militia Cavalry (the Troop) celebrates its35th year in 2012. In 1977, a group of men with a keen interest in early WesternCanadian history wanted to do more with their horses and formed the Troop,which has been judged historically correct to 1885 as to uniform and drill.

Steele’s Scouts history: In 1885, the Northwest Rebellion was underway innorthern Saskatchewan. Chief Big Bear and his Plains Cree native warriors hadjoined with Louis Riel’s Metis in an uprising against the Government of Canada. Amilitia was raised, called the Alberta Field Force.

The original Steele’s Scouts were a group of men who, in 1885, volunteeredto join the Alberta Field Force to defend Alberta against the rebels. Samuel Steelewas at the time an Inspector with the Northwest Mounted Police (NWMP), sta-tioned in British Columbia. On his return to Alberta, he had a 25-member detach-ment of NWMP who were enforcing the law along the railroad, which was thenunder construction. In southern Alberta, he set about convincing local ranchers,cowboys and retired NWMP to join him. These men were to become the Scoutingsquad, a cavalry section of the Alberta Field Force.

The Scouts were often referred to as Cowboy Cavalry, Ranch Cavalry orBuckskin Cavalry.

The Alberta Field Force marched to Edmonton. Upon arrival, they found thatEdmonton was not, in fact, threatened. The Force then continued the march tonorthern Saskatchewan where they engaged Big Bear and Riel’s forces atFrenchman Butte and Loon Lake. There was a subsequent epic chase of Big Bearby Steele’s Scouts.

Today, the Troop’s home station is at Spruce Meadows and it appears inmany parades including a record setting 35th appearance in the Stampede Parade.The Troop also performs cavalry drills and skill-at-arms, which include “tent peg-ging” with lances and balloon pistol shooting. Over the past 35 years, the Troophas re-enacted all of the original marches of 1885 and have travelled three timesto Fort Benton, Montana and participated in events at the Military Museum.

There are over 30 active riders. Regular practices occur at Spruce Meadowsin the spring. Each member must have his own horse and transportation. Some ofthe uniform is available from Stores. A buckskin jacket and Winchester carbineare required. More detail is included on the website.

Recruits are welcome and wanted, so if you have an interest in WesternCanadian history, want to improve your horsemanship and have some time tocommit then joining Steele’s Scouts may be for you.

For more details, visit: www.steelescouts.ca. AB

Steele’s Scouts: Riders of Alberta’s proud past

EFC $10,000 donation to scienceDue to the generous donation by the Equine Foundation of Canada (EFC),

three new specially designed equine simulators at University of Calgary Faculty ofVeterinary Medicine (UCVM) have been built. They are designed to allow veteri-nary students to practice a variety of medical procedures before working with aliving horse. The simulators are the only ones of their kind in the world. “Insidethe abdomen, there is a simulated intestinal tract so we can demonstrate to thestudents how it’s arranged and then we can show them the kind of displacementsor intestinal accidents that can happen within the abdomen,” says Emma Read,DVM, an instructor of equine surgery. “The faculty worked with experts in buildingmovie props and educational tools at Veterinary Simulator Industries to create thethree equine simulators as well as three cow simulators.”

EFC is a charity that funds projects at Canadian veterinary medicine pro-grams. These funds were raised in many ways: trail rides, Memorial Donations,selling items such as bags and chocolate bars and donations from horse enthusi-asts and clubs.

Photos of the simulators are available at vet.ucalgary.ca. For more informa-tion, go to www.equinefoundation.ca. AB.

Photo credits: Melony O'Neill

The Horse’s Mouth TV: Amazing stor

by Monica Culic, BCS

The Horse’s Mouth TV,Canada’s horse-focused TVshow completes its first sea-son of 13 episodes, airing onShaw Cable 10 in Calgary, AB.Telling “amazing stories ofhorses and their people” isthe show’s mandate and myinspiration as its volunteerhost and producer.

Eight minutes long (save forepisode eight, which is a full 28-minute segment), the Horse’s MouthTV captures the dedication and love ofhorses our guest stars have. Our gueststars run the gamut of horse industryprofessionals: some acclaimed andsome unsung heroes, but each onededicated to sharing their lives withhorses in a significant way. It is theirstories I want to tell and use my gift asan equine journalist to do so.

The idea for a horse-focused TVshow came about during a dinnerconversation with friends. With thesuccess of melodramatic reality TVthat brought the worst of mankind tothe screen, I was concerned at howquickly urban dwelling people hadlost touch with horses, on whose backmost North American cities were built.What if I could act as a conduit for thehorse community and create a horsebased TV show, I wondered?

Originally a graphic designer, I had always dreamt of owning my own horse.

As a teen, I took lessons, trail rode and lived on my neighbour’s fence, feeding

countless apples to their two horses. In the 90s, I travelled extensively throughout

BC and, depending on the town, I worked in either design or with horses. Trail

guide, show groom, barn staff, horsemanship director, the titles mattered little

when 6:00 am feed rolled around and I tackled the hay bales and later, the pitch-

fork with gusto. My work in design paid the bills, but my work with horses fed my

soul. My dream was to, one day, do both.

After years of working in print media, I felt the need to broaden my skills.

Communications appealed to me. I graduated in 2006 with my degree in communi-

cations from Mount Royal University and took a position in marketing. A year into

my new career, I realized something was missing: my work with horses. I recalled

my dinner conversation and the idea for a horse TV show. Initial research indicated

no horse-focused, interview styled programming existed in Canada at that time.

Not based on one discipline or another, not focused on just one breed but

on horses and their people, I call what the Horse’s Mouth TV provides: ‘edutain-

ment.’ It seemed so simple and yet so obvious: I could use my newly developed

talents to tell diverse, factual, interesting, horse stories.

I met Jim Cummings at Shaw Cable 10, my director at The Horse’s Mouth TV

through my work. One phone call to Jim at Shaw was all it took to book a lunch

meeting with him and share my seven-page marketing plan created at 2:00 am the

night before. I was afraid he would laugh. When he finished reading, Jim looked

up and said, “This is good, this is really good.” It was like a light had been turned

on. Eureka! Four years of college, working countless dead-end jobs and at last I

had found what I felt I was called to do: be a voice for the horse community.

The Horse’s Mouth TV owes its success to our guest stars. Each episode wefilm, I feel grateful to be able to do what I love with people I really admire. Their

Cavalia’s lead rider, Sylvia Zerbini, talkswith the media during Cavalia’s mediaopen house in Calgary, May, 2011. Photocredit: Monica Culic

Calgary Stampede Ranch’s herd duringthe 50th Anniversary media event inJune, 2011. Photo credit: Monica Culic

l-r The Horse's Mouth TV “crew”: director Jim Cummings; host and producer of the Horse’sMouth TV, Monica Culic and Shaw Cable 10 camera guru, Collin Johnston. Photo credit: MikeWellwood

Alberta Standardbred Racing Hall ofFamer, Keith Clark, episode seven, wasfilmed at Fraser Downs Racetrack,Abbotsford, BC. Photo credit: Mike Wellwood

l-r Chris Irwin, trainer/author/speaker; Monica Culic and her equine partner, Secret; cameraman Co three and four, February, 2011. Photo credit: Mike Wellwood


feedback about what being on the show has meant to them is invaluable as wegrow. “The Horse’s Mouth has been fantastic for the horse community in that it hasreally highlighted some of the great people…involved locally with horses on somany different levels. I know for us it gave us some really great exposure, we stillget comments from people who have seen us on it…Monica is such a great inter-viewer!” says Kathy Bartley from Bear Valley Rescue, episode five.

The first day of filming took place in September of 2009 at HomeplaceRanch in Priddis, AB with Mac and Dr. Susan Makenny. I was thrilled they agreedto be my first guest stars. It had rained off and on all that summer and the daybefore filming I wondered how we’d film at the ranch if the weather stayed wetand cold. The day of filming, the sun came out and shone brightly. True profes-sionals, my director Jim and cameraman Colin Johnston came prepared with rub-ber boots to navigate the six-inch gumbo with cumbersome camera equipment. Inspite of the boots, Colin lost his footing and down he went in the muck. Welaughed about it during a hearty lunch with Mac, Susan, the trail guide staff andvisiting guests. We filmed the intro and the extro at the end of the day with genuinesmiles. Horse people are my favourite people.

If the show looks and sounds great, it is due to Shaw’s camera and post-pro-duction crew. While tucked in a warm, dry editing booth is where my Shaw crew ismost at home; they are new to the horse world. This came to light during the film-ing in March of 2011 in minus 12-degree weather at Bear Valley Rescue. Shaw TVcamera gal extraordinaire, Robyn Gallant had a dramatic encounter with theRescue’s main herd of over 30 horses, the majority yearlings. Horses are naturallycurious. While waiting to interview Kathy, the Rescue’s founder, a lovely 19 hhClydesdale named Eddy paid Robyn a surprise visit, snuck up behind her, snuffledher neck while she perched over her camera. I happened to be nearby whenRobyn spoke up, “Uhh. Jim?” she nervously questioned, “Is that you?” She let outa small scream when she looked up and saw Eddy, the gentle giant, pink nose

pressed closely. We had a good laughover her nervousness but by the endof the day she was undaunted by theponies’ constant nudges, licks andnibbles. After that, Jim and my partnerMike ran interference keeping nosesand teeth away from the expensivecamera equipment.

Mike came on board early intothe show as a back up cameramanand has been so adept; he’s filmed themajority of the shows for the pasteight months. Once we capture thestory, we drop off tape to Shaw, whoingests it, does the first rough edit andthen calls me in to do the final editand voiceover. It still seems like magicthat we can take hours of raw footageand make interesting, relevant televi-sion out of it.

To make the show more accessi-ble to rural viewers and those withoutcable, I created the website: www.the-horsesmouthtv.com. The response has been overwhelming. Social media hasplayed a huge role in the success of the show.

Our goal for 2012 is to expand nationally and to find sponsors willing tostand behind quality programming that brings stories of what was once wellknown back to the masses: the story of horses and people working together inpartnership.

As an AEF member, I’d like to invite you to email me with suggestions forupcoming shows: [email protected].

Thanks for watching! AB

ies of horses and their people

Episode five at the Bear Valley Rescue. Robyn Gallant, Shaw Cable 10 camerawoman isholding the camera. Photo credit: Mike Wellwood

Dr. Darlene Chalmers, MSW, PhD candi-date, Monica Culic and Charmed I’mSure, during the tenth episode, August,2011 at Woodspring Farms, Priddis. Photocredit: Kim Pryhitko Photography

llin Johnston; and director Jim Cummings filmed in Priddis for The Horse’s Mouth TV episodes

Monica Culic is an equine advisor, enthusiast and rider with over 30 years’ experience. She

has combined her love of horses and for working in media with The Horse’s Mouth TV. A

Calgary Stampede volunteer emcee who owns her own business, she enjoys riding her six-

year-old Canadian horse mare, Secret, that she purchased from Bear Valley Rescue.

featuring…The Appaloosa horse is one of

the most versatile and popular horsesin North America. They have very indi-vidual coloring and characteristics andare like a snowflake–no two are alike.Their highly intelligent and friendlynature can be found on the trail, in thecompetition ring and in the family backyard.

The Calgary Regional Appaloosa Club was started in 1969 by a group of verysocial Appaloosa lovers. The purpose of the club is to be “Family Oriented, Fun,and Economical” and to promote the Appaloosa breed and provide events andeducation for Appaloosa enthusiasts. You do not have to own an Appaloosa to joinour club–you don’t even have to have a horse. Everyone is welcome to participatein these events. A membership in the AEF is necessary for insurance purposes.

The club is very active in many aspects of the horse industry. They hold manytrail rides throughout the year, starting off with the “Wrangler For The Day” ride atthe end of May. At the annual Fundraising Auction held every February, a few oftheir “Wranglers” put themselves up for auction. They provide the highest biddersa full-day trail ride where every whim is looked after, for horse and rider.

The best experience offered in trail riding is the cattle drive twice a year inthe southern mountains of Alberta. The club has helped local ranchers move overa thousand head of cattle back and forth to the summer grazing areas for manyyears. It is not just a cattle drive for the members–it is a ritual.

There are organized weekend rides to various places around Alberta duringthe summer and day rides almost every weekend. They are always on the hunt fornew and exciting places to ride.

The members of the club compete in ranch rodeos, cowboy challenges, cat-tle penning, sorting and working cow horse. Their Appaloosa horses really standout among the crowd–the spots make them hard to miss.

Twice a year, the GM Ranch in Rockyford holds a Fun Day for the club. Younever know what you are going to be doing–it is always a challenging, fun andsocial day with activities that include pasture sorting, branding, extreme cowboycompetitions and extreme cow penning.

There are numerous and varied clinics over the years. The club has adopteda stretch of Highway 22 and it holds an annual highway cleanup.

The club annually participates in the Airdrie Pro Rodeo Canada Day Paradeand the Calgary Stampede Parade. There is always a strong showing, a lot of prideand very beautiful horses.

Visit Horse Haven during the Calgary Stampede where members of theCalgary Regional Appaloosa Association host a booth (with a horse or two) tointroduce them to the rest of the world.

Appaloosa club members have many opportunities to enjoy their wonderful,versatile breed. Look for them at most major equine events in Alberta. Check outthe event schedule at www.calgaryappaloosa.com. AB

The Canadian Cowboy Challenge(CCC) is based on ranching life andexperience, with a mixture of fun,family and games thrown in. From the

inexperienced rider to the seasoned show person, the high-level performancehorse to the young, green prospect, the Challenge has something for everyone.

The CCC is in its second year of competition with riders throughout Alberta,British Columbia and Saskatchewan coming on board. Spectators love this high-energy event where the music and atmosphere encourage horse and rider to tack-le the challenge. But what is the Challenge?

Fluid movements and a soft feel are the fundamentals of this timed event.Riders negotiate obstacles specific to their experience and capabilities. Not only iseach obstacle marked, but riders also receive points for horsemanship and time.It’s a mixture of performance, free-riding and trail that ‘gets the job done.’

The obstacles range from crossing a bridge, going through a cowboy curtainor backing up through a series of poles. The list of obstacles is as endless as ourimagination. It is popular because every Challenge is new and every event offerssomething different. Every obstacle gives the horse and rider the opportunity todevelop their relationship. Trust becomes everything.

While a horse can be finely tuned to the rider’s cues, the judge will also wantto see a horse that displays the capacity to negotiate his own way easily throughobstacles. The number of obstacles will depend on the division entered–there areseven. Riders as young as seven are encouraged and are catered to. No rider isasked to tackle anything that is beyond his or her ability. The range of divisionsenables riders to progress to levels where they could challenge the pros. Everyonehas an opportunity to start where they feel comfortable. No pressure, no prob-lems, lots of encouragement.

That’s the thing about this sport–other riders on the sidelines yell out, will-ing their fellow competitors to succeed. The friendly atmosphere at each Challengeevent is something that gives every competitor a sense of belonging.

As well as a year of Challenges at competition level, the team at the CCCoffers a clinic and training program that enables every rider to understand theessence of the sport and ways to ride smart while tackling a Challenge. The clinicsgive riders an inside edge. The focus is on horsemanship, developing that partner-ship and how the Challenge is run. Participants receive insider information fromChallenge judges on how they mark and what they can do to improve their scores.It is a well-developed and extensive learning experience.

The Canadian Cowboy Challenge is taking individual and club membershipsfor the 2012 season. Why not contact the association directly (403) 992-0362 oremail: [email protected]. Check out the website: www.canadi-ancowboychallenge.com. They are also on Facebook. AB

Calgary RegionalAppaloosa Club

Canadian CowboyChallenge


Lison Gionet riding Bridgit is negotiatinga side-pass in the Non-Pro Division. Photocredit: John Carroll

The distinctive Appaloosa a Bar U Ranchevent. Photo credit: Pat Hyndman

l-r Rej Gariepy riding YOR Gold Medal and Bill Parslow riding Here’s Your Sign. Photo credit: Pat Hyndman

Donna Smith riding DTS Iceman and exiting the cowboy curtain in the Pro/OpenDivision. Photo credit: John Carroll

AlbertaBits SPRING 2012 17www.albertaequestrian.com AlbertaBits SPRING 2012 17www.albertaequestrian.com

Are You covered?

AEF members automatically receive $5,000,000 excess Personal liability and $30,000 Accident, Death and

Dismemberment insurance that covers You 24/7, worldwide.

“ “

Many AEF members are keen recreational riders

and have furthered their enjoyment by joining

associations, which take part in parades.

Who doesn’t like being part of a colour party with

friends? With similar dress and tack, riding through

the paved streets of a town or city, having a well-

trained horse calmly walking with people yelling

from the sidewalk is great a accomplishment.

There is a moment of great pride in representing your

organization and more, that both you and your mount

are ready for this. As an AEF member, you are insured

when you ride in a parade.

Your preparation has paid off, you’ve gotten some

experience and the parade volunteers are watchful and

diligent. But, accidents can happen: a child running

from the crowd towards you or your horse bolting

because of a sharp unexpected noise, even if you’ve

worked hard to prevent this.

Accidents often happen in the blink of an eye.

Are YOU covered?

Call the AEF for your membership today; at an annual fee of $40 (individual) and $85 (family), can you afford NOT to be covered?

Alberta Equestrian FederationPhone: 403-253-4411 Toll Free: 1-877-463-6233www.albertaequestrian.com

Capri Insurance is the official insurance provider for the AEF

AlbertaEquestrianFederation ©

Aurora Horse Association in CanadaDay Parade. Photo credit: Marie Couturier

If you are new to the horse world, some days learning may seem like aninsurmountable endeavour. What makes this even more difficult is that there aremultiple ways to approach any task, all with equally successful results. Yet, eachperson has their own way, and each person is right.

STEPS TO LEARNING

When we are inexperienced and learning something as complex as horsesand riding, we typically progress through certain steps:

1. We learn one method to accomplish something; a method that works for usthat we understand. We are concerned with the result here, and it might takeus several attempts to achieve it.

2. We become proficient with our method through repetition. We’re confidentin our ability to use this method to achieve our result.

3. We realize that in some situations we can vary aspects of the method toachieve a better or a more consistent result.

4. We allow ourselves to expand; to try completely different methods. We havesuccess and failures, but we’re comfortable trying new things.

5. We have gained experience. We know which method works best in any givensituation.

SO, YOU’RE A NOVICE OR NEWBIEConsider yourself starting off. You are boarding your horse at a facility with

many other boarders. When you first walk in the door, you are an unknown. Areyou competition? Are you new at this game? Are you a potential riding buddy?

Once it’s discovered that you’re a newbie, you’ll be assailed with opinions,advice, and ‘you should do it this way.’ It can be overwhelming. You’ll soon dis-

cover that many people considerthemselves teachers and experts,regardless of their experience.

You’ll find this not only in thebarn but also on the internet. Thereare many completely different answersto any given question. It is very diffi-cult and time consuming to sortthrough all the opinions to find factualinformation and answers that you cantrust. Some people are very well spo-ken and good writers; it’s easy to taketheir word without a second thought.Online, use trusted names and rep-utable sources. Don’t rely on blogs orthreads.

HAS THIS HAPPENED TO YOU?

Wendy Gudzus is 54 years old,new to horses and riding, and recentlypurchased her own horse. “I used tolisten to people at the barn along withthe trainer. Everyone seems to havedifferent ways of doing things and ofcourse, if you don’t know what theheck you are doing, you can easily getcaught up with everyone trying to tell

you their ways. Many horse owners want to talk to me about their experiences andwhat [tack] they use. I think at this point, I have eight halters, all of differentmakes, since everyone says I have to have this type for sure because they are thebest! And for Pete’s sake, don’t ask anyone about bridles or saddles or even whatkind of oil to use on your new saddle. Of course, everyone too has a different wayof teaching.”

So as a newcomer to the horse world, how do you sort though this barrage?Consider everyone around you a teacher, regardless of their experience. You

will observe other’s successes and failures; learn from those.Then, consider the qualities of a good teacher. Think back to your school

days. What teacher did you learn the most easily from? Why?

WHAT A GOOD TEACHER OFFERS

1. Has knowledge based on experience. This is crucial. Someone who has justtaken a week-long course on a topic is not experienced. They can recitewhat they’ve learned, but lack the experience to apply it.

2. Allows you to fail. You will learn from your successes and failures. Failureswill teach you why what you tried didn’t work. A good teacher will know theright time to speak up or intervene.

3. Is a good learner. You will find that the best clinicians are the ones who arealways taking clinics, always training and striving to advance themselves.They learn new methods that they may incorporate into their own training.

4. Is a good communicator. When you say, “I don’t get it!” your teacher shouldbe able to rephrase or demonstrate it in a way that you do understand.People learn in a variety of ways. Some learn easily from watching a trainingDVD, whereas others need the hands-on experience to get a feel for it.

5. Lets you try. Say you’re having trouble sorting out all those pieces of leatheron your bridle for the first time. Someone takes the bridle from your handsand says, “Here, I’ll show you how!” With a few flicks of their hands yourhorse is bridled. “There you go!” they say, and walk away. You’re standingthere wondering what just happened. A good teacher will let you do the work.


Wendy Gudzus tackingup. Photo credit: Scott Phillips

You talkin’ to me?Surviving the newbie stateby Scott Philips

When I attended the 2011 National Eventing Congress in November, I real-ized that our program is the envy of all other provinces.

In place for the past five years, the Alberta High Performance Eventing pro-gram continues to be the only program of its type in Canada. We are fortunate tohave continued provincial funding for this program through our partnership withthe AEF, with special thanks going to Alberta Sport, Recreation, Parks and WildlifeFoundation and Alberta Horse Trials Association. Their continued support allowsus to develop this program to help propel Alberta junior and senior athletes suc-cessfully into national and international levels.

The program is geared toward supporting HP athletes and coaches in oursport of eventing. This past year, we shifted our focus to identify and encourageeligible candidates into the entry level of the program: young horses, junior riders(14-18), and young riders (16-21 years) aspiring to attend NAJYRC .

We are also expanding the Performance Enhancement Team (PET) by pilot-ing a research project in the profiling of fitness standards for our program. Ridersare being used to develop a minimum and ideal fitness standards for eventers inAlberta and we hope to extend the project nationally.

We have clarified what the “Excellence Factors” are, and that these standardsof knowledge are absolutely necessary to attain podium-level performances and tomaintain elite-level equine and human athletes. As the basic level of knowledgehas “trickled down” from HP riders and coaches to parents and junior riders, injust a short time we are seeing greater numbers at lower levels become aware ofthe importance of what we are striving to do by raising the bar across all aspectsof the sport.

Coach/consultant loRRAINE lAFRAMBoISE has been our HP head coachfrom the inception of the program. Without her support, knowledge of the sport,and her network of contacts all over North America and willingness to work withathletes providing this information and many services without charge, the programwould never have been able to operate with improved structure and the broadsuccess that it has.

In 2010, equestrian physiotherapist SANDRA SokoloSkI was introduced tothe HP members at a clinic with great success not only as a physiotherapist butalso in the improvement of technique and biomechanics of riding for each individ-ual rider. Her presentation includes an individual assessment and adjustment ses-sion on the rider, video feedback, analysis and collaborative coaching with

Lorraine Laframboise. Sandra is aresource and contact for our athletesand other elite level professionals,including nutrition, sport based med-ical needs, mental training etc.

We have had one of the world’stop event riders and individual goldmedalist from the Athens OlympicGames, lESlIE lAW representing theUK, come to Alberta to conduct amulti-day clinic. This clinic was filledimmediately with both HP membersand AHTA members. For the past twoyears, there has been an overwhelm-ing positive response to this clinic,from participating riders to coacheswho audited the lessons. AB


OVERWHELMED? BE POLITE

If aggravated or overwhelmed by advice, just smile and say, “Thanks, maybeI’ll try that.” It’s a small world and boarding barns are even smaller. It can some-times be tough to keep the peace between everybody, and those that relish inexpounding their knowledge are usually the easiest to have their feathers ruffled.

PROFESSIONAL ADVICE

By asking experienced professionals first, it will help prevent you from pick-ing up the habits of those less qualified, which may end up being detrimental toyour cause. Take a horse injury for example. If you’re not sure how to deal with acut, you can either ask someone else in the barn or ask the vet. The vet is a pro-fessional, and it’s a free call. With technology these days, you can take a picture onyour phone, send it to the vet and have a conversation about it all at the sametime. I’ve done that on more than one occasion.

WHEN TO SHARE

For all of you good-hearted advice givers out there, it can be hard to pull inthe reins. You are passionate about horses. When you learn and become proficient

at something, it’s exciting and you want to share it. Just remember to share yourknowledge wisely. If you are not a professional trainer, coach or veterinarian,understand that perhaps the best help you can offer is a referral to someone else.Before helping someone you deem in need, ask, “Can I help you with that?” Offerhelp and assistance only if your honest intention is to help, but not if it is to boostyour own ego or to demonstrate your knowledge in front of your friends. If youare asked a question and you are not sure of the answer, be honest and say, “Idon’t know, but I do know someone who can answer that.” There is no shame innot knowing something. Admitting you do not know the answer will gain respect;it’s a mark of a good teacher.

Horses are a lifelong learning endeavour; none of us will ever know it all.For many of us the attraction of horses is in the challenge of learning. Help othershave a good learning experience. If you’re a newbie, never be nervous about ask-ing questions. We all had to start somewhere! AB

Scott Phillips is the proud owner of five horses that he rides and trains daily. His passion for

horses is evident in his weekly blogs on Northernhorse.com where he also works as a web

programmer. Scott enjoys spending his summers on horseback in the mountains. You can

contact him at [email protected].

Barbara Hayward lives south of Red Deer on an acreage with her husband, two boys, three

dogs, four horses and five cats. She has grown up with horses and has been involved in 4H

as a child, and Pony Club with her kids. For 12 years, she’s had a lot of fun with Alberta

Horse Trials Association, both as a rider and board member. [email protected].

Alberta High Performance Program: Vision for the futureby Bonnie Hayward, AHTA HP/AD chair

Sandra Donnelly and Katelyn Ziegler with Leslie Law. Photo credit: Jessica Kerschbaumer

Sandra Donnelly schooling Buenos Airesin the main arena in Hong Kong. Photocredit: Marlene Bieri


by Barb Richard, Equine Canada DrivingCoach, Gold

On September 25, 2011 a group of seven drivers from the Klondike Chapterof the Alberta Carriage Driving Association (ACDA) met at the Thorsby Haymakerto teach carriage driving. The Klondike members brought their well-trained driving horses and vehicles (two-wheel carts or four-wheel carriages) to give the participants a ‘hands-on’ driving experience.

The 15 participants in the clinic were members of the Alberta Trail RidingAssociation (ATRA) who had signed up, some as early as February, 2011. Themorning consisted of a short lecture session on driving safety followed by ‘grounddriving’ humans to get the feel of rein contact. With this understanding of basicdriving cues, they moved on to ground driving with the horses.

The afternoon sessions had the participants sitting beside an experienceddriver and handling the reins directing the horse to change gaits, turn circles,drive through cones and to complete a serpentine pattern.

When not directly involved in driving, the groups attended sessions on:

• Harnessing, types of driving vehicles, and ‘putting to’ hosted by Klondikemembers Steve Remus and Harry Harrison;

• Leather care, cleaning, conditioning and leather repair with discussion aboutan emergency leather repair kit, hosted by Miriam and Randy James ofJames Built Saddlery, Tofield;

• ‘Show and tell’ of emergency kits for trail riding and a ‘spares kit’ for drivinghosted by ATRA member Vicki Lawrence.

The last hour of the day was spent navigating an obstacle course consistingof cones, a flag, going over a tarp and racing over the finish line. Not everyonetook part in this but for those who decided to just watch, it was quite entertaining.

Many of the participants volunteered at the Klondike Carriage Driving ClassicHorse Driving Trials, August 13-14, 2011 at the Beaumont Agricultural SocietyFairgrounds.

This clinic was a great collaborative effort between the Klondike Driving Cluband ATRA. Many positive comments were received by the Klondike drivers as towhat a fun day it was and how much information was shared about driving. Onequestion asked was when the next clinic is going to be held.

Many thanks to driver/owners Shirley McFall, Joyann Brown, TamaraChmilar, Harry Harrison, Tom Cottrell, Steve Remus, Heather Lambrecht and their horses, and to ground helpers Carl Hoybak, Vera DeJong, Dale Bolen andLyle Brown. AB

After moving to Ardrossan some 15 years ago and watching a neighour drive his team, I

volunteered at a Combined Driving Event and was hooked. In 2003, I became an Equine

Canada Driving coach. I enjoy teaching people how to drive safely and mastering the art

and skill of driving. For more information: [email protected]

Coach Barb Richard instructing the two ground-driving participants to get the feel of rein contact.

Shirley McFall assisting a new driver handling the Appaloosa. Photo credit for all images courtesy of the Klondike Chapter of ACDA

Welearned how todrive

Tamara Chmilar coaches a driver on driving a Very Small Equine (VSE).

Coach Barb Richard assisting Harry Harrison in a rein board demonstration.

lakeland Agricultural Sciencesdepartment in the spotlight

There’s no resting on laurels in the agricultural sciences department atLakeland College.

Weeks after a September announcement of a 10-year, multi-million dollarcollaboration with New Holland Agriculture, the department made news again byforming the first collegiate 4-H club in Alberta. In January, staff and students wereinvolved in a GrowSafe equipment demonstration, pet therapy sessions at seniorlodges, and then a horsemanship clinic taught by Geoff Hoar.

And that was the slow season.In addition to the day-to-day classes and labs related to Lakeland’s seven

agricultural sciences programs, upcoming events include a ranch roping clinic,three intercollegiate rodeos, Little Royal, a cutting clinic, Working CowboyCompetition and Horse Sale, and student presentations for the crops and livestockcomponents of the Student Managed Farm – Powered by New Holland.

As for off-campus activities, students in the Stockman’s Club travelled toDenver in January to attend the National Western Stock Show. In February, mem-bers of the Ag-Tour Club will travel to Brazil to learn about agricultural practicesin the South American country.

“Faculty, staff and instructors are very proactive people. If there’s an oppor-tunity to get involved in a project or host an event that will benefit our studentsand the college, they just do it,” says Darrell Hickman, chair of agricultural sci-ences. He expects even more events will be added in 2013 during Lakeland’s cen-tennial celebrations.

Here’s a quick look at a few of the highlights.

LAKELAND COLLEGE NOW POWERED BY NEW HOLLAND

New Holland Agriculture is now Lakeland’s official agricultural and utilityequipment sponsor. New Holland will consign agricultural equipment on a rotatingbasis annually or as otherwise agreed upon. New Holland also established a$100,000 endowment fund that will supply many student scholarships and awards.The first awards will be presented during the centennial celebrations in 2013.

FIRST ALBERTA COLLEGIATE 4-H CLUB FORMED AT LAKELAND

People can continue their involvement in 4-H while at college, thanks to theformation of the Lakeland Collegiate 4-H Club–the first club of its kind in Alberta.As registered 4-H members, students who are part of the Lakeland Collegiate 4-HClub will also be eligible to participate in 4-H district, regional, provincial andnational activities such as summer programs, exchanges, conferences and scholar-ships/bursaries.

RODEOS, CLINICS AND COMPETITIONS

The Indoor Riding Arena at the Vermilion campus will be one of the busiestplaces on campus the next few months. Among the events taking place are:

• March 16-18: Little Royal. This annual event includes a rodeo, judging com-petition, steer and heifer show, working horse demo and a stock dog demo.To learn about Lakeland’s agricultural sciences programs, attend Ag-Citingon March 16.

• April 5 - 6: Cutting Horse clinic

• April 13 - 14: One person will earn the title of Canada’s Greatest WorkingCowboy plus a minimum of $2,000 during the Working Cowboy Competitionand Horse Sale. Participants will compete in ranch roping, stock dog/horsetrial, ranch horse, pasture doctoring and ranch bronc riding events.

To learn more about Lakeland College programs and events, visit www.lake-landcollege.ca or phone 1-800-661-6490, ext. 8579. AB


Morgan World Championship by Juliet Franke, AEF rep, Alberta Morgan Horse Club

2011 was a great year for Alberta Morgans at the annual Grand National andWorld Championship Morgan Horse Show, Oklahoma, October 8 -15, 2011. Therewere approximately 1,200 horses entered. Congratulations to the Alberta team ofhandlers/riders/drivers and their Morgans who took up the challenge to qualifyand compete at this level. All received Top Ten placings, including a few who roseto the top. Nathalie Langstaedtler and BMF Whisper of Love won World ChampionClassic Pleasure Saddle Ladies (after winning both qualifying Grand National class-es) and with Miz Scarlett, Nathalie won Reserve World Champion Classic PleasureSaddle Junior Horse; as well, Kathy Padgham and Northern Exposure won WorldChampion Western Trail. Another top placing at the Grand National level wasGeorgina Sanche and Saralin’s Conductor who won Champion in GN ClassicPleasure (10-13 yrs) and Reserve in GN Finals Fitting & Showmanship (10-13 yrs).

Other Albertans and Alberta-owned horses were Avonroy Cool Hand Lukeowned and shown by AngelaPadgham; Canabar Jolly Rodger andCanabar Graceland owned by Ann deSt Remy and Vern Baron who showedalong with trainer Darlene Brouwer;Manhattan Society Girl owned andshown by David Gillen; Harlington’sEndura owned by Shirley Hunter; TalkBack owned by Dwayne Comeau andshown by daughter Ashley; DVF HighChapparell owned and shown byKaydee Crow; DVF Seacrest Out ownedand shown by Cathy Hawkins; AnnieGet Your Gun owned by Willa Schwaband shown by Willa & trainerStephanie Abel; Bred to Boogie ownedand shown by Joanne Dartana anddaughter Maya Beakhouse; TamRac’sNoble Aurora and GVA Noble Blissboth owned by Connie Manning-McNichol and shown by SimoneBlacklake-Logan and EmilieWendland; TamRac’s Final Noticeowned and shown by EmilieWendland; Mortana Chisholm and KLNFinal Destiny both owned by LoreleiFriedrick and shown by daughtersMegan and Courtney Pack;Harlington’s Java owned by AllisonYoung-Maygar; Harlington’sD’artagnon shown by trainer SonjaLorenson and daughter Aiden;Saralin’s Conductor shown by TaraBavaro with trainer Sandra Fenstad-Sanche; Cresentmoon Bossanovaowned by Tom and Colleen Weighilland shown by trainer Deb Davies anddaughter Robyn; Canalta Squire King(age 23), LV Dark Chrystal, LVKinkade and FCF Fandango all ownedby K-Lyn Stables and shown by Deband daughters Robyn and Skye Davies;and DU Absolutely Courageous ownedby Leann Dixon and shown by Leannand trainer Barb Tracey. AB

Northern Exposure, 19 year-old gelding,shown by Kathy Padgham, WorldChampion Western Trail. Photo credit:www.howardschatzberg.com

BMF Whisper of Love with rider NathalieLangstaedtler and trainers SonjaLorenson and Greg Ferguson winningWorld Champion Classic Pleasure SaddleLadies. Photo credit: www.howardschatzberg.com

Miz Scarlett with Nathalie Langstaedtlerwinning Reserve World Champion ClassicPleasure Saddle. Photo credit: www.howard-schatzberg.com


Meet Rio and Ranger, the CalgaryPolice Service’s (CPS) newly namedhorses. After a month-long poll, thepublic has spoken, choosing the twomonikers for the beautiful Canadians.

Ranger and Rio beat out fourother potential names, with 1,738people casting their vote. More than44 per cent of respondents choseRanger and Rio. Votes for the winningnames came in from across Canada,the United States, United Kingdom andeven France and Australia.

Along with naming the new hors-es, the public was given an opportuni-ty to enter for a bonus prize of spend-ing a day with the Mounted Unit. Thelucky winners were selected frommore than 100 entries. They are: SaraKorman; Jeff Marsh, and Emma andMackenzie Meyer.

The winners have been contact-ed and are currently making arrange-ments with the Mounted Unit for aspring visit.

The Service purchased the horses from a ranch near Pincher Creek, AB.

The new horses are replacing two veterans of the Mounted Unit, Kowboy and

Bart, that retired as the longest-serving member in 2010.

The Calgary Police Service has used horses for patrol since the turn of the

century, with the formation of the current Mounted Unit in 1978. Members are

required to spend four years in district patrol before applying for the Unit. They

are chosen based on their work ethic and riding ability.

The horses used in the Unit come from farms and ranches throughout the

Prairies, and are chosen based on their personality, size and colour. Mounted

patrol duties include public relations, patrolling the streets and pathways, and

search operations in parks and along riverbanks.

The Mounted Unit currently has four other working horses. Contrary to his name Spirit is a laid back, easy-going horse. He is a Canadian

horse that was trained at a dairy farm in central Alberta. He is nine years old andhas been with the Service for seven years. He is currently being cared for and rid-den by Const. Ross Thomson.

Kelsey is an alert, curious horse. He is a Canadian, which is our nationalbreed. He is 11 years old and has been a Service horse for five years. He was pur-chased from a ranch in Saskatchewan. He is currently being cared for and riddenby Const. Ross Thomson.

Buddy is a bold horse. He is a quarter/paint horse that came from a youthcamp in Manitoba. He is eight years old and has been with the Service for fouryears. He is currently being cared for and ridden by Const. Scott Campbell.

Stryder is a quiet, confident horse. He is also a Quarter Horse that was usedas a pick-up horse on the rodeo circuit. He is nine years old and has been aService horse for three years. Stryder is currently being cared for and ridden byConst. Dave Hagedorn.

For more information on the Calgary Police Service Mounted Unit, visit www.calgarypolice.ca. AB

New Calgary Police Service horses by Emma Poole, Public Affairs, Calgary Police Service

The AEF wants to know about YOUR FAVOURITE trail to include itin the new Trail database. Your name will be entered into a drawfor a free Ride and Drive membership.

NEW MILESTONES! If you’ve passed 1000 hours, there new challenges for you! Aim for 1,300, 1,600 and 2,000 hours! For more

information: [email protected] or (403) 253-4411 ext 3.

log your hours!ALBERTA

RIDE AND DRIV

E

Ranger, one of the new Calgary PoliceService horses. Photo credit: Calgary PoliceService

Rio, one of the new Calgary PoliceService horses. Photo credit: Calgary PoliceService



Ain’t that sumthin’?

Didsbury Horse Show celebratesits 50th anniversaryby Arlene Morrish

Local resident, Don Irwin, aboard hisAmerican saddlebred, Revelation’sImpression, an early competitor at theDidsbury Horse Show. Irwin still providesfarrier services for the show. Photo circa1973. Photo credit: Mary Busch

One of the youngest competitors of the 2011 show, Tyne Alliban and her pony, Mr.Wiggles. Photo credit: Denna Berchert

Yes, it is quite an accomplishment and one not very many horse shows areable to achieve, especially when you consider we are run strictly by volunteers.This show has been particularly fortunate in that we still have some of the earlyexhibitors and organizers who are willing to come out to serve on the show com-mittee, work on set up or simply act as a go-to person to advise who might bewilling or have the expertise to do a particular task. We also have excellent sup-port from the businesses in Didsbury and surrounding areas, and exhibitors in thefunding of our show.

We are an AEF-Wild Rose sanctioned competition, offering approximately116 classes, that includes driving, Western and English pleasure, equitation, dres-sage, halter, and hunter classes. One of our most popular events is the JeopardyChallenge, which draws competitors who desire that extra test to their horseman-ship abilities.

The Didsbury show takes great pride in their grass-roots approach to show-ing, our format is geared to ease of exhibiting with seniors showing on Saturday,halter and English classes in the morning; western and speciality classes in theafternoon and evening. The same format is followed on Sunday where the juniorsget their turn in the show ring. Sunday morning also features the dressage classes.The relaxed and fun atmosphere has many competitors returning year after year.

The 2012 Show Committee is hard at work finalizing their plans for thisyear’s celebration, which will be held July 6 to 9. A spectacular gala, featuringdemos, a special tribute to our past volunteers and much more is scheduled forSaturday evening. Plan on joining us at the Didsbury Exhibition Grounds for thefestivities.

Further information on the show or to obtain a class list, please contact theDidsbury Agricultural Society at (403) 335-4494, fax: (403)335-8771, or email:[email protected]. AB


Through the AEF MEMBERS PRIoRITY PRoGRAM, businesses are offered special discounts on advertising and excellent

opportunities for marketing to the 12,000-strong AEF membership. Talk to us about our great, ‘head of the line’ offers to help you

deliver your products and services to the diverse equine community served by the AEF! MPP businesses offer discounts to AEF members!

Call today at 1-877-463-6233, ext 5,or visit www.albertaequestrian.com

2011 AEFAnnual General

Meeting

Saturday, March 17, 2012 10 am - 12 pm

Holiday InnDavid Thompson Room 6500 - 67th Street Red Deer, Alberta

Bylaw changes have beenproposed for the AEF AGMVisit the AEF website andclick on Business & Bylaws(from the AEF home page)to review the motions andthe meeting agenda.

PROVINCIAL ASSOCIATIONS CONTACT PHONE

Alberta 4-H Provincial Equine Advisory Committee . . . . . . . . . Yvonne Yaremcio 403-742-8353Alberta Carriage Driving Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Greg Harris 780-967-5825Alberta Donkey And Mule Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alice Todd 403-646-2624Alberta Dressage Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jean Duckering 403-843-4093Alberta Equestrian Vaulting Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Marijke Van Der Sluijs 403-556-6266Alberta Friesian Horse Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Annie Muilwijk 403-885-0345Alberta Horse Trials Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sheilah Swanberg 780-814-3543Alberta Trail Riding Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Don Scott 780-895-7660American Saddlebred Horse Association Of Alberta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sylvia Brown 780-430-1854Canadian Cowboy Challenge Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Danita Phelan 403-992-0362Endurance Riders Of Alberta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joan Harris 780-954-0000Trail Riding Alberta Conference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shauna Piasta 403-684-3700Welsh Pony & Cob Society Of Alberta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pat Clay 403-934-3666

AFFILIATE ORGANIZATION

Banff Light Horse Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ruth Quinn 403-762-2682Black Diamond Polo Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Robert Sadee 403-949-2697Blackfoot Trail Riders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Linda Vongrad 780-449-5600Bow Valley Bandits 4H Horse Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Marge Carlin 403-256-3084Bow Valley Riding Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sue Falkner-March 403-678-2673Calgary Equestrian Recreation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Laura Stenhouse 403-466-1993Calgary Regional Appaloosa Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Monique Plumb 403-251-5631Calgary Regional Trail Riders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tricia Sterner 403-547-0569Canada Mounted Games Association - Alberta Region . . . . . . . . . Jane Goodliffe 780-349-6193Canadian Horse Breeders Association Rocky Mountain District . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Heather Rioux 780-967-1030

Canadian Registry Of The Tennessee Walking Horse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dianne Little 403-271-7391Central Alberta Adult Riding Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Debi Jensen 403-885-5222Chinook Carriage Driving Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Patty Carley 403-346-2146Cleardale Riders Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sandy Richardson 780-685-3305Cochrane Horse Trials Committee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Heather Craig 403-932-3650Cooking Lake Saddle Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Georgina Riddell 780-922-5460Delacour Agricultural Society & Community Club . . . . . . . . Cathy Summerscales 403-285-9463Didsbury Agricultural Society . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kim Dampier 403-335-4494Easy Rider Walking Horse Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dianne Little 403-271-7391Equine Foundation Of Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Eldon Bienert 403-843-6427Foothills Therapeutic Riding Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dianne King 403-652-7419Fort Calgary Wheel & Runner Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jo-Ann Wilson 403-936-5985Fun Country Riding Club Of Strathmore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Angela Atkinson 403-533-2338Garden Valley Pony Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Catherine David 780-963-4116Hastings Lake Pleasure Horse Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Anita Van Dorp 403-662-3665High Country Carriage Driving Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gaye Mclennan 403-938-5069Hot Spots Regional Appaloosa Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Janelle Kynoch 780-693-3951Journeys Therapeutic Riding Society . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Timmi Shorr 403-601-2805Little Bits Therapeutic Riding Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Olena Dudych 780-476-1233Meadow Creek Vaulting Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Marijke Van Der Sluijs 403-556-6266Miniatures In Motion Horse Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Elsie Overgaard 403-845-6650Mount View Special Riding Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shelene Williams 403-337-2950Opening Gaits Therapeutic Riding Society Of Calgary . . . . . . Yvonne Anderson 403-254-4184Over The Hill Trail Riders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Becky Clement 403-883-2436Parkland Harness Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Donna Hemeyer 403-782-2647Peace Area Riding For The Disabled Society . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jennifer Douglas 780-538-3211Peace Draft Horse & Pulling Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bill Finch 780-532-6118Performance Standardbreds Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kathy Sunberg 403-242-8666Polocrosse Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kayla Hicks 403-827-7306Prairie Dusters Drill Team Society . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Crystal Young 780-766-2278Rainbow Equitation Society . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Roxanne Proudfoot 780-975-7116

Ridgeview Riding Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Norene Pinder 780-674-6186Rimbey Sleigh, Wagon & Saddle Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Barry Nesbitt 403-843-3520Rocky Mountain Gymkhana Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lorne Goff 403-845-6708Shortgrass Riding Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Linda Drotos 403-377-2582Smokey River Team Roping Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jodi Bougerolle 1250-788-3272Society Of Tilt & Lance Cavalry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Radar Goddard 403-660-0826South Peace Horse Show Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sheila Swanberg 780-814-3543Southern Alberta Trail Riders Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Leanne White 403-553-4787Springbank Pony Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lois Booy 403-289-9066Spruce View Gymkhana Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dawn Edmondson 403-728-3074Steele's Scouts Commemorative Troop Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . George Clarke 403-933-7782Stone Bridge Carriage Driving Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gord Fulton 403-224-3753Strathcona All-Breed Horse Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Natalie Ince 780-232-1677The Calgary Hunt Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Laura Palmer 403-931-2444Traildusters Horse Club Of Smith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lily Wasieczko 780-829-3628Triple R Riding Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pauline Briggs 780-942-3390Valley Riders Saddle Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Davina Mason 780-494-2550Welsh Show Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brian Mcclelland 403-782-3147Western Canadian Wagon Train . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gail Sissons 780-675-2570Wildrose Mounted Shooting Society . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gail Cook 403-748-3928

AEF BUSINESSES AND MEMBERS PRIORITY PROGRAM

A Sharper Image - Equine Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 780-468-9270Alberta Prairie Wagon Trains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403-740-2796Call Away Stables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 780-861-0511Canadian Natural Horsemanship Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 780-354-3401Certified Horsemanship Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-399-0138Creekside Equestrian Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403-556-6266Delta Calgary South . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403-278-5050East Acres Equestrian Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403-990-9916Equanimity Edge Equine Massage Therapy Courses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-888-378-4632Equine City - Home Of Gp Farrier Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-866-862-0022E-Sport Physiotherapy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403-652-6341Foothills Horse Transport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403-938-4525G & R Equine Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403-901-2414Greenbriar Stables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403-279-1931Healing Soles Ltd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403-597-6268Higher Trails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403-510-8051Hoof & Nail Farrier Supplies Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403-252-1661Horse Publications Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 905-727-0107The Horse’s Mouth TV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403-835-7088Horse Trekking Adventures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 780-835-4629Horsesense Horsemanship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403-348-5636Inner Equine Journeys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403-934-2706Ironhill Equestrian Centre Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403-931-3268J. W. (Jim) Lawton, CMA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403-933-3348Martin Deerline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 780-452-2790Outpost At Warden Rock Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-877-762-2767Ram River Tours - Ram Rides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403-844-0408Reverence Stables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403-807-6126Romp N' Roll Acres Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 780-722-2936Spiritual Equine Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403-519-6765Strathcona Animal Bedding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 780-464-0485Syner G Apparel & Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403-978-2589The Horse Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403-270-7700The Visions West Studio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403-242-6162Western Horse Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403-250-1128


AEF member organizations (as of February 27, 2012)

Do you need to improve trails in your area?

The AEF Trail Supporter program can help you! Thisinitiative is used for trail development to provide facilities such as high lines, toilets, fire rings, signage, wells for stock watering, trail bridges, etc.Become a Trail Supporter and help improve yourfavourite trail and Alberta’s great backcountry.

Submit your proposals for trail projects to the AEF Chair of Recreation, Brian Irving, through the AEF office.

Your donations help create, preserve and maintain equestrian trails

ALBERT

AEQUESTRIAN FE

D

ERATION

TRA

ILSUPPO

R

TER

Trail Supporter Program

Documents

THE VOICE OF EQUINE ALBERTA MEMBER MAGAZINE Bits... · Didsbury Horse Show celebrates its 50th anniversary and much more! THE VOICE OF EQUINE ALBERTA MEMBER MAGAZINE S P R I N G 20