Alberta Bits: Spring 2023 Edition

HOW TO CHOOSE A COACH

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SPRING 2023

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SPRING 2023; VOLUME 16, ISSUE 1 Alberta Bits is the Alberta Equestrian Federation’s official member magazine. It serves the equestrian community of horses and riders of all ages, interests, and involvements, as Alberta’s premier resource for education, information, and support.

THE ALBERTA EQUESTRIAN FEDERATION HAS BEEN INCORPORATED SINCE 1978

Alberta Bits magazine is mailed four times a year (Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter) to all current AEF members and 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, and industry, and educational sectors of the Alberta horse industry. Alberta Bits is distributed to approximately 18,000 members: 9,000 households and businesses, an exclusive list of tack and equine establishments, and at events and trade shows annually.

AEF BOARD OF DIRECTORS Contact: board@albertaequestrian.com Sandy Bell Jason Edworthy Sharon Crawford Nicolas Brown Mary Bell Patrick Buffalo Jennifer Dimopoulos Brenda Spanier

AEF STAFF

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Sonia Dantu execdir@albertaequestrian.com 403-253-4411 ext 5

MEMBERSHIP

Jessa Arnold membership@albertaequestrian.com 403-253-4411 ext 6 OFFICE COORDINATOR

Norma Cnudde info@albertaequestrian.com 403-253-4411 ext 1

of a youth dressage development program in Alberta.

PROGRAM MANAGER

10 KID’S CORNER 12 HOW TO HOST & GET THE MOST OUT OF A CLINIC An infographic with some tips on hosting a clinic and retaining the most

FINANCE

TRAILS We’re all excited about the upcoming trail riding season. Expert Tania Millen gives

SPORT AND RECREATION MANAGER

Karina Fernandes coaching@albertaequestrian.com 403-253-4411 ext 3

Kenda Lubeck competitions@albertaequestrian.com 403-253-4411 ext 2 Deb Smith-Jones finance@albertaequestrian.com 403-253-4411 ext 7

OFFICE HOURS: 8:30AM TO 4:30PM, MONDAY TO FRIDAY, EXCEPT HOLIDAYS ALBERTA BITS IS PUBLISHED BY WESTERN PERFORMANCE PUBLISHING IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE AEF

FOR EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES CONTACT: ALBERTABITS@ALBERTAEQUESTRIAN.COM MANAGING EDITOR Jennifer Webster ART DIRECTOR Kendra Roberts PUBLICATION COMMITTEE

Sonia Dantu • Monique Noble • Kenda Lubeck CONTRIBUTORS

Brent Calver Jason Edworthy Barry Fresien Tania Millen Katerine Pard Bonnie Timmons ADVERTISING SALES REPRESENTATIVES

Laurie Price • ldprice63@gmail.com • 403-823-0980 ADVERTISING SALES DEADLINES Summer 2023: April 25, 2023 FOR A MEDIA KIT AND/OR RATE CARD PLEASE CONTACT ALBERTABITS@ALBERTAEQUESTRIAN.COM All material is copyright 2023. Ideas and opinions expressed in articles do not necessarily reflect the ideas or opinions 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 a result of the information contained in Alberta Bits, or arising therefrom, is the responsibility of the parties involved and not of the AEF. We welcome signed letters to the editor, but reserve the right to publish, edit for grammar, taste, and length. For reprint information, please contact execdir@albertaequestrian.com.

ALBERTA EQUESTRIAN FEDERATION

120, 251 Midpark Blvd SE Calgary, AB T2X 1S3 Toll Free: 1-877-463-6233 Phone: 403-253-4411 Fax: 403-252-5260

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THE AEF GRATEFULLY ACKNOWLEDGES FINANCIAL SUPPORT FROM ALBERTA GOVERNMENT

PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT #40050297 • PRINTED IN CANADA • ISSN 1918 - 7114 RETURN UNDELIVERABLE MAIL TO ALBERTA EQUESTRIAN FEDERATION 120, 251 MIDPARK BLVD SE CALGARY, AB T2X 1S3

4 ALBERTA BITS I SPRING 2023

6 PRESI DENT ’S MESSAGE 6 EX ECUT I VE DI RECTOR’S MESSAGE 7 BI T S & PI ECES The “Share the Trails” Initiative; remembering Margot Anderson; and the rise

information as a participant.

14

us the lowdown on costs and clear expectations for getting your mount in prime trail riding condition.

16

HORSE KEEPING How to feed: nutrition advice for your horse at rest and at play.

18

A GREEN AG SOLUTION Finally, a solution for recycling the mountains of plastic twine that results from equine

and agriculture properties every year.

20

BREED PROFILE The majesty and strength of the Shire.

24

HOW TO FIND A COACH Finding an instructor or coach that you can gel with takes time and

research. Here are a few great pieces of advice for finding that relationship.

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CLUB & BUSINESS LISTINGS HOLD YOUR HORSES HOW TO CHOOSE A COACH SPRING 2023

ON THE COVER: Discover how the Shire breed got its name and the many strengths of this majestic horse.

P U B L I C AT I O N S MA I L AG R E EME N T # 4 0 0 5 0 2 9 7

PRESIDENT PRESIDENT-ELECT SECRETARY TREASURER INDIVIDUAL INDIVIDUAL INDIVIDUAL INDIVIDUAL

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Message from President, Sandy Bell Time passes quickly. I’m entering my third and final year as President of the AEF Board of Directors. The COVID-19 pandemic was in full swing when I took on this leadership role. “Zoom” took on a new meaning. It felt great, but surprisingly awkward at first, when our board could finally meet in person.

My first year meant getting my feet under me and helping the board implement some important Albertawide projects, such as emergency funding for horse welfare during COVID-19 and the economic impact study. We learned together how to adapt successfully to a rapidly shifting world.

During year two, I felt better situated in my role to support the AEF board’s discussion and determination of the future of the AEF. For example, we completed a solid strategic plan to keep us focused and working in concert.

Our overarching five-year goal is ambitious, and we want it that way. We are committed to the hard work it will take to achieve our goal and its specific objectives. As we build our membership

base, we know we can become an even better service-driven organization.

As we hashed out our plan, we talked a lot about our values as an organization.

They are the touchstones or the foundation for everything we do as the AEF. They define us.

I’ll end this message with the values meaningful for the AEF team – both board and staff alike. We trust they resonate for you too: Passion: We are passionate about our equines, our people and our industry.

Community Driven: We exist to serve our community. We acknowledge our rich equine history and remain true to our grassroots origin.

Adaptability and Leadership: We are adaptable in our actions, and we are leaders in the equine community.

Caring and Stewardship: We prioritize the health, welfare, and safety of our equines and our members. As honest stewards, we know that the environment, animals and people are interconnected.

Accountability: We account for our actions and accept responsibility in an

Sandy and Alaska.

Debby Herold Photography.

open and transparent manner. We invest our resources wisely. We build trusting relationships with our equines, our members, and our community.

Inclusive and Diverse: Together, we create an inclusive culture to encourage, support, and celebrate the diverse voices and experiences of our members. We are dedicated to experiencing authentic relationships with equines and each other. AB

Message from Executive Director, Sonia Dantu While it’s not always easy, being grateful for the positives in life can have a profound impact on our mood, outlook and overall well-being. Taking a moment to notice and acknowledge these things we are grateful for each day can boost our energy and help us feel more positive in the face of adversity.

These are challenging times for everyone. There has been much financial strain lately − everyone is feeling the pinch − and this leaves us fearful, uncertain and, at times, not as happy as we want to be.

While gratitude is a human emotion, it is difficult to definitively say whether horses can feel it or not. Gratitude does have a place at the barn, when out on the trail in nature, or just simply being together.

Luckily, focusing on gratitude and overall positivity each day can impact our performance in a good way. Horses 6 ALBERTA BITS I SPRING 2023

can teach us a lot about relationships, and that is something for which to be grateful. They live in the moment and try their best to do what we ask.

Their nature allows them to accept themselves, and us, free of judgment.

This is just another example of how we can learn to care for ourselves and others, void of judgment, through the way of our horse.

AEF is a community, an organization that is about equines and the people who share this passion. We are extremely grateful for our members, our volunteers, our partners, and, of course, our horses.

This year, we will finally be able to meet again in person and review past goals, evaluate the results, and put plans in place for a new season.

Our Annual General Meeting will take place electronically on Thursday, March 16, 2023, at 6:30 pm via Zoom.

We hope you will join us as we share

our 2022 Annual Report, financial statements, and strategic plan. In addition, there will be elections for new directors-at-large to the board, and we will present some minor changes to our bylaws. All members will be sent an email invitation prior to the meeting to encourage attendance, but also to outline how to vote electronically if Continued on page 9

BITS & PIECES

AEF Recreation Committee initiates ‘Share the Trails’ campaign B Y JAS ON E DWORT H Y A N D TA N IA M I L L E N

Many riders, mountain bikers and hikers new to outdoor recreation have been enjoying Alberta’s trails these last few years. However, new trail users don’t always know what to do and how to stay safe when they encounter horses. So in 2022, with funds from Alberta Environment and Parks, the AEF Recreation Committee initiated a ‘Share the Trails’ campaign to increase safety and reduce user conflict on the trails.

The goal of the campaign was to educate both equestrians and non-equestrians on how best to share the trails. Installing signs was the critical first step.

Horseback riders at the popular West Bragg Creek Trails system advised that user etiquette vastly improved following the installation of signs stating, ‘Stop for Horses – ask riders how to safely pass.’

Based on this feedback, the AEF Recreation Committee purchased similar signs, and volunteers installed dozens at trailheads along the eastern slopes.

In 2023, the AEF Recreation Committee plans to continue installing signs at multi-use trailheads across Alberta. This

will help all users understand how best to share the trails with horses. Recognizing Alberta has hundreds of multi-use trails, the committee will be relying on users and trail organizations to ensure signage goes up where needed. If your local trailhead doesn’t have yield signs in place, or you’re involved with a trail organization that would like to help with these efforts, please contact AEF. The AEF Recreation Committee also created and printed a safety brochure describing how users should conduct themselves when meeting horses on the trail. Volunteers dropped these brochures off at outdoor recreation businesses, insurance agencies and other locations where the public could pick them up for free. They’re also available from AEF, so please get in touch if you’d like to provide them to businesses in your area.

In August 2022, the AEF Recreation Committee hosted a ‘Trail Safety Day’ at West Bragg Creek Trails. Horses and enthusiastic AEF staff and volunteers met with bikers, hikers and dog walkers who

The AEF Rec Committee Share the Trails initiative

were at the trails that day to distribute free swag, discuss how to safely encounter and pass horses on trails and provide a safe space for young and old alike to meet a horse and learn a little more about these magnificent creatures. The day was a great success and more trailhead safety days are planned for 2023.

If you’d like AEF to host a safety day in your area, please contact AEF. The volunteer AEF recreation committee has six members representing Alberta’s trail riding community and is supported by four AEF staff. The committee meets online four times per year to advocate for safe equestrian recreation opportunities, preserve and enhance access for equestrian recreation activities and promote education of riders and other recreation users about equestrian recreation activities. For more information or to volunteer, please email info@ albertaequestrian.com, or call toll free 1-877-463-6233. The committee is keen to connect with user groups across the province and help encourage and promote safe recreation. AB

The Board of Directors of the Alberta Equestrian Federation are mourning one of our valued members, Margot. Patricia Margot Rae Anderson passed away peacefully in hospital on January 16, 2023, at the age of 60 years.

Margot was passionate about horses, including her own Clydesdales. Along with being an entrepreneur and small business owner, Margo was a Certified Equine Bodyworker/ANMR Diamond Level Practitioner. In 2021, she was elected to the AEF Board and, right from day

one, Margot demonstrated her commitment to the work of our board and our various committees.

Margot was an integral part of the AEF. Of note were her insightful contributions to the strategic direction of the whole organization as we shaped the plan to carry us into the future for the benefit of our thousands of members.

We’ll remember Margot for her dedication to the AEF board and its membership as a whole, and for her friendship to us as individuals. Her enthusiasm, clarity

Brent Calver Photo

In Memory of Margot Anderson

and creative thinking was a delight to us all. We’ll miss her courageous and loving spirit. AB ALBERTA BITS I SPRING 2023

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BITS & PIECES

THE RISE OF THE YOUTH DRESSAGE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM IN ALBERTA

How one prog ram i s creating a positive effec t on youth par tic ipation in the spor t.

A group of Division 2 participants with Ontario dressage coach, Jaimey Irwin.

The dressage community, like many other sport organizations in Canada, has struggled to attract and keep young riders active. Members of one organization, the Edmonton Area Alberta Dressage Association (EAADA), a chapter of the Alberta Dressage Association (ADA), took steps to combat this and ensure Alberta youth have access to the education and resources to explore this foundational and Olympic equestrian sport.

Four years ago the Alberta Youth Dressage Development Program (AYDDP) was formed by a small group of dressage riders and coaches specifically to encourage participation from youth in dressage. The program was created based on Equestrian Canada’s (EC) Long-Term Equestrian Development program and with the guidance of a philosophy taken from Canada’s True Sport initiative. True Sport is a series of programs designed to give people, communities, and 8 ALBERTA BITS I SPRING 2023

organizations a platform of shared values and principles. It focuses on creating a fun, safe, and supportive learning environment.

Deb Meraw is a past president of EAADA and a driving force behind encouraging AYDDP to participate in the True Sport initiative.

“Joining forces with True Sport offered us the opportunity and resources to encourage our youth ages six to 25 to have positive experiences while participating in clinics with certified coaches,” says Meraw. “We found the True Sport principles provided a framework for youth, parents and coaches to grow and learn – not only in the sport, but also personally.”

The success of the AYDDP captured the interest of another chapter of the ADA – the Alberta Junior Young Riders Association (AJYR). With membership dwindling to only a few riders, the AJYR was in danger of dissolution.

Since joining forces with the AYDDP,

AJYR youth clinics have become a huge success, with a growing demand for more learning opportunities.

Learning opportunities through AYDDP are designed for all levels of young riders and their personal goals, with the intention of creating a lifelong love of dressage. The program has three components: Division 1 aimed at youth from six to 15 years of age, Division 2 aimed at youth from 12 to 25 years of age and in 2023 an online education and social interaction component for all participants will be added.

“Fortunately we have been able to offer AYDDP clinics throughout Alberta at a reduced cost to our riders, due to the generous support of sponsors and qualified coaches who believe wholeheartedly in the program and the True Sport principles,” says Meraw.

During clinics, AYDDP incorporates some out-of-the-box ideas to encourage participation and learning. For example, each rider is given a stall card to decorate and hang on their horse’s stall door.

An icebreaker activity for Division 1 participants helps the riders meet each other in a “speed dating” style to answer some introspective questions. In this activity the riders may talk about their favorite movie, or describe what True Sport means to them. The answers are written on sticky notes and placed on a board for the entire weekend. There are different activities for each division to accommodate for differing age groups.

In addition to big-name dressage clinicians giving riding instruction, past clinics and symposiums have included sessions on Pilates (corestrengthening exercises) and physical

BITS & PIECES

therapy for riders as well as lectures on how rider biomechanics influence horse biomechanics, impacts of saddle fit on the horse and dressage from the judge’s eye. Riders from all backgrounds are encouraged to participate in the program. To encourage youth simply checking out the program, there are no audit fees and lectures are open for all AJYR members, even if they are not participating in the riding portion of the clinic. After the clinic, each rider completes an evaluation form so the organizers can improve on future clinics. Riders also receive a certificate of completion at the end of each clinic.

Once a young rider has participated in a clinic, they automatically become Youth Ambassadors for the program.

As ambassadors, they are encouraged to give back to the sport they are so Alberta dressage rider and member of the Development Squad for Equestrian Canada’s Dressage National Team Program, Pia Fortmuller gives a presentation to a group of AYDDP participants. passionate about. This gives them an opportunity to take a leadership role and share their valuable experiences and education with coaches, friends, and families.

“We have found that, after these clinics, the riders continue to support one another and stay in touch,” says Meraw. “We are seeing that, because of the AYDDP, youth membership in the ADA has started to grow and AJYR is now thriving. One rider even suggested booking an entire barn area at dressage shows for young riders only, so that they could meet and stay connected during competitions!”

To learn more about AYDDP, contact Donna Tribe at donnatribe@shaw.ca, or follow the AJYR on Instagram or Facebook. To learn more about dressage Equestrian Canada Medium dressage judge Rebecca Cade conducts a clinic on dressage in Alberta, visit albertadressage.com. AB from the judge’s perspective.

Executive Director Message continued from page 6

you are unable to make it.

This year, after a three-year hiatus, we are grateful to be able to host Stride With Us in person on Saturday, March 18, 2023 at the Holiday Inn and Suites on Blackfoot Trail in Calgary. The evening will start around 4 pm and celebrate our member-nominated

provincial Annual Award winners and allow us time to network together, celebrate our members, and enjoy some much-needed HUMOUR with our keynote speaker (Outlandishly Fun Program for Getting the Most Out of Life) and emcee, Paul Huschilt.

This is a family-friendly event, and all

members will be invited to attend and register via an email invitation.

Here at the AEF, we feel renewed and grateful with the sense of spring transformation and change. We look forward to continuing to support our members as they go into the fresh, lighter, and warmer season. AB ALBERTA BITS I SPRING 2023

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CLINICS

How to host one – and how to get the most out of attending a clinic.

B Y J E N N W E B ST E R

Hosting an equestrian clinic can be a rewarding experience, as the event brings a wealth of new information to keen participants. Organizing or participating in clinics, however, can be a lot of work. By the same token, they are an opportunity for riders, drivers, handlers, and officials to gain a new perspective in horsemanship.

The following are some tips for both organizing a clinic event and for retaining the most information possible from a clinic experience.

ADVERTISE YOUR EVENT IN GOOD TIME

– If you have valuable information to offer, or you are bringing in a popular trainer/judge from outside your region, it’s likely your clinic will fill up fast – provided you have properly marketed your clinic. With limited weekends available in the year, there are plenty of events vying for participants.

Ensure you give ample notice of your event date, allowing folks to book the time required to attend!

– 2 ORGANIZE Depending on the

discipline, each clinician

12 ALBERTA BITS I SPRING 2023

will have a preference for clinic format. Some like to have participants bring their horses out twice in a day, some like participants arranged as individuals or groups, and others have all participants in the arena at once.

Ensure every participant is aware of their riding times well in advance of the actual clinic date. That way, they can plan their day if they don’t intend to stay and watch when not on a horse (although, auditing is a valuable learning opportunity as well!).

SOUND – One 3 CLEAR of the most frustrating aspects

for clinic participants or auditors is an environment where they cannot properly hear the clinician’s

instructions. Conversely, a clinician can quickly lose their voice if they constantly have to yell or project their voice long distances. Having an adequate sound system set-up will eliminate these clinic success busters.

– If your facility is 4 LUNCH too remote for participants to

travel for lunch, plan to offer a meal in the middle of the day. There are several ways to host a clinic meal, and it may include an elaborate spread of food that you put together, or it could be a potluck to which everyone contributes.

Either way, give participants plenty of notice about lunch, especially if you will require some kind of contribution or payment from participants.

TIPS FOR RETAINING CLINIC INFORMATION Now if you are a participant in a horsemanship or riding clinic, here are a few suggestions for getting the most out of your experience:

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Prior to your clinic, determine what concepts or elements you would like to learn. Make a list of all the questions you would like answered. For example, how can I increase suppleness and harmony from my horse? What bit would work best for my horse, and why?

What specific cues would I give for a sidepass? Etc.

THOUGHTS

NOTE TAKING

VIDEOS

AUDIT

Jot down notes and thoughts that occur throughout the clinic.

If you are riding, you could ask a friend to do this!

Immediately following your lesson, capture notes regarding the methods demonstrated and follow up after the clinic with lots of practice. Keep in mind, it may take time to perfect or adopt the new skills you’ve learned!

If allowed, bring a video camera with you and have someone record your instructional session.

It’s impossible to remember absolutely everything the clinician says or teaches, so if you have a way to capture the lesson and refer back to it later, you’ll have a better chance of retaining the information.

Never underestimate the value of auditing!

You don’t always have to be on a horse to gain useful information.

Sometimes watching other riders or horses can be just as valuable.

ALBERTA BITS I SPRING 2023

13

TRAILS

SPRING FEVER B Y TA N IA M I L L E N

When all is said and done, it could cost upwards of $1,000 for your first trail ride of the year. Is it worth it? You will find the answer on your first outing. Michelle La France Photo

Spring is springing, horses are shedding and it’s time to tack up and ride. Or is it? Before you mount up and hit the trails after a winter layoff, it’s worth doing some pre-ride checks.

A bit of preparation can help rides go smoothly and increase your fun and safety. Of course, anything horsey costs money, so to help you budget for the riding season ahead, we have made a list of estimated costs you may encounter.

FEET TRIMMED OR SHOD ($50 − $200)

Cold weather and reduced care in winter mean horses’ feet can get chipped, thrushy, or long. But the saying ‘no foot, no horse’ is true. So before planning a ride, check your horse’s feet and call a farrier if it’s been over six weeks since they were trimmed or shod. Depending on the footing and snow cover, shoes, pads, and Borium may be needed. Boots are an option, too.

14 ALBERTA BITS I SPRING 2023

DENTAL CARE, DEWORMING, VACCINATIONS, SHEATH CLEANING ($100 − $400)

Horse’s teeth continually grow, wear and change shape. Sharp edges can create painful ulcers, interfere with the bridle and cause weight loss. So, if your horse hasn’t had a dental float within the last year, book one with your veterinarian.

Horses always have internal parasites (worms). While this is no cause for alarm, an overabundance of these pests can cause weight loss, colic, skin diseases, and other problems. It’s common for horse owners to buy a dewormer and administer it to their horse. However, indiscriminate deworming has resulted in many of these parasites becoming resistant to deworming compounds. That means the de-wormers aren’t killing the worms anymore. A more effective strategy is to collect manure

TRAILS

When choosing riding partners, consider whether they have the same pace, attitude towards safety and horse welfare and are enjoyable company. Debbie Webster Photo

samples for your veterinarian to analyze, then follow their instructions. Only 20 per cent of the horse population produces 80 per cent of the worm load, so your horse may not require these unnecessary chemicals.

Traveling, camping, and riding with other horses increase the risk of disease. So before that first trail ride, speak with your vet about vaccinations. Different diseases are prevalent in different areas of Alberta and Canada, so the potential for contracting a disease will affect vaccination decisions. Common vaccinations include tetanus, equine influenza, herpes virus (rhinopneumonitis), rabies, eastern/western encephalomyelitis, West Nile virus, Potomac horse fever and strangles.

Male horses have a pouch in their penis (urethral diverticulum) that attracts debris, resulting in a hard lump or ‘bean’ that must be removed to prevent irritation. That means if you ride a gelding or stallion, add sheath cleaning to your spring checklist. It’s often done by veterinarians when the horse is sedated for a dental float.

FITNESS AND BODY WORK ($80 − $150 PLUS RIDING TIME)

After three months of no work, horses (and humans) lose pretty much all of their fitness. A few rides here and there is akin to occasionally walking around the block. It does little for fitness. But your horse’s fitness determines how long and far they can be ridden without injury. Be honest when assessing your horse and have reasonable riding expectations for the both of you. It’s easy to injure an unfit horse or human, and recovery can be lengthy.

Correct body alignment also affects the horse’s ability to work.

Although it’s not necessary, having your horse assessed by a certified body worker can identify potential physical problems before the horse shows pain. If you’re having trouble staying centred in the saddle, you might also need a re-alignment and that will help your horse, too.

TACK FIT ($150 − $350)

Just as tight shoes can cause blisters, poorly fitting tack can injure horses, causing pressure points, hair loss, and raw galls.

Not only do these hurt – and are a justifiable reason for your horse to practice airs above the ground – but the subsequent damage will limit riding time until the injuries heal.

Bottom line, check that your tack fits your horse. Put the bridle on and ensure the browband, throat latch and noseband

are loose. Check bit width and placement, as well as breast collar effectiveness. Check your saddle tree width, length and twist with and without the saddle pad you will use. Better yet, book an appointment with a certified saddle fitter. An hour of their time is cheaper than buying a new saddle or pad – or worse – injuring your horse.

RIDING PARTNERS (FREE!)

Some riders choose to ride alone, but many prefer sharing their rides with like-minded folk. So when you’re planning that first ride, chat with others as part of your preparation. They may also need to complete a spring checklist and ensure their horse is ready to ride.

When choosing riding partners, consider whether they have the same pace, attitude towards safety and horse welfare and are enjoyable company. Discuss where you want to go, the expected trail conditions, whether dogs will come along and the safety gear you’ll each bring. The right riding partners increase the fun factor – plus take nice photos for social media!

PREPARE TO SHARE THE TRAILS (PRICELESS)

Finally, train your horse to confidently accept the many scary objects and other trail users you may encounter. Rocks, mud, flowing water, bridges, cement barriers and a myriad of other objects can concern horses. Humans on bikes, skis, ATVs, and hiking with large backpacks or ski poles, can look like aliens.

Other horses are sometimes the scariest of all.

It’s impossible to expose your horse to everything they may encounter on a trail. Instead, teach your horse how to deal confidently with stressful situations. Then, when they see something strange on the trail, they’ll know how to react safely.

Every rider is an ambassador for other horse users, so when encountering other recreational enthusiasts, stop and chat.

This helps your horse realize the person isn’t an alien, helps the person learn what to do when encountering horses, builds relationships between riding and non-riding communities and helps ensure that horses continue to be permitted on trails and roads. All of which are imperative for future rides.

Planning to ride is an investment in your horse’s health and your own fun and safety while riding. When it’s all said and done, it could cost upwards of $1,000, but for many it will be much less. So is it worth it? You will find the answer on your first trail ride. AB ALBERTA BITS I SPRING 2023

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HORSE KEEPING

If your horse does anaerobic exercise (of short duration and high intensity, such as barrel racing or cutting,) then they often require a higher non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) content.

HOWAt restTO FEED: and at play.

B Y K AT E R I N E PA R D, AG R . , S E N I OR E QU I N E N U T R I T I ON C ON SU LTA N T

Whether a horse is at rest or work, they need the same elements in their diet: calories, protein, minerals and vitamins. On the other hand, their level of exercise along with ability to gain body condition and build muscle are variables that will affect their needs.

Horses often work less in winter and have less stress related to competition, so their needs decrease. When more regular and intense training resumes, it is important to adjust the ration to their increasing needs for calories and other nutrients.

Increased work also creates a greater demand for protein.

During work, micro-tears occur in muscle which are quite normal; this is how the muscle becomes stronger. For your horse to become stronger, they need the materials to rebuild muscle fibre, and the only possible source is protein. It is 16 ALBERTA BITS I SPRING 2023

important to note that the quality of the protein is more important than the quantity. In order to know if the feed and/or supplement contains quality protein, you have to take a look at the list of ingredients.

When work increases, the need for minerals and vitamins also increases. During exercise, oxidation occurs in the muscles and free radicals must be cleansed by antioxidants like vitamin E and selenium. However, all the elements are essential (calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, zinc, copper, manganese, etc.) and that is why it is recommended to feed a complete supplement versus only vitamin E and selenium. B-complex vitamins are also beneficial e.g., B1 reduces anxiety, B12 assists production of red blood cells, etc.

Hay remains the staple food of a horse. It is essential to serve quality, dust-free hay, with sufficient protein (12 to 14

HORSE KEEPING

per cent) and calories (more than two MCal/kg), digestible (lignin / neutral detergent fibre [NDF] ratio less than 10), and a calcium/phosphorus ratio close to 2:1. The better quality the hay, the less complete feed the horse will need. After only a few weeks of storage, the vitamins begin to deteriorate.

Hay alone does not contain sufficient selenium, zinc, and manganese for daily requirements. Using a ration balancer such as Equilibrium Optimal or Equilizer is important.

Choose the right calories, depending on the type of exercise. If your horse does anaerobic exercise (of short duration and high intensity, such as barrel racing or cutting) then they often require a higher non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) content, i.e., sugars and starches, than horses that do aerobic exercise (longer duration and less intensity like dressage). This is because sugars and starches are the only source of calories used during a “sprint.” If the horse tends to be excitable, low-sugar or sugar-controlled feeds will be good options. High-performance feeds are generally more concentrated in calories, minerals, and vitamins in order to meet the higher needs of sport horses.

Products such as Equilibrium Trimax and XCEL HD are controlled NSC options and Super Fibra Integri T is a low NSC option.

For any feed it is important to follow the feed tag instructions. Hydration is a key component to any program, but especially for higher fibre feeds.

Other supplements may be a consideration for the horse at work, such as Omega 3 to reduce inflammatory reactions, and pre/probiotics to stabilize the intestinal flora and strengthen the immune system.

It is essential to serve your horse a balanced ration yearround. When work decreases, so do their nutritional needs, but they do not disappear. Deficiencies accumulated during the winter can take up to three months to be filled, which will take you to about the end of the competition season before your horse is at its maximum potential. AB Katerine Pard, AGR. Is a Senior Equine Nutrition Consultant with Purina Canada, Cargill Animal Nutrition/Cargill Ltd. Contact your Consultant Nutritionist today @Purina Connect, via Facebook on Purina Canada Equine, at 1-888-458-6914 or connect@equipurina.ca These will help you with the nutrition of your horses of all ages and types. They are there to share great moments with you for the good of horses in general.

What’s coming up in the Summer

FEATURING

New Horse Owner’s Manual, a Guide for Humans

BREED PROFILE

The Donkey

PLUS Why it’s Okay to Not Compete Booking Deadline - April 21, 2023 For advertising inquiries contact: info@albertaequestrian.com ALBERTA BITS I SPRING 2023

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A GREEN AG SOLUTION Wrapping your head around recycling baler twine… and contributing to stable sustainability.

B Y BA R RY F R I E S E N , E X E C U T I V E DI R E C T OR , C L E A N FA R M S

More than 140,000 horses, donkeys and mules populate Alberta’s equine landscape, and hay bales that have been secured with plastic baler twine are often used to bed and feed these animals throughout the year.

That adds up to a lot of baler twine. The amount used in the equine community counts toward the nearly 1,500 tonnes generated in Alberta annually making this province the highest generator of used baler twine in Canada. The next closest generator is Saskatchewan with about 1,300 tonnes. All other provinces account for numbers in the hundreds of tonnes.

For equine and livestock operations that means there are armloads of used twine to manage every day. Over a year, that can amount to a small mountain of tangled polypropylene plastic.

Plastic twine scattered throughout pastures, paddocks, stables or along fence lines is not only an untidy health and safety risk for animal welfare, but Alberta growers are concerned about its potential environmental impact.

Until recently, landfills have offered the most common disposal method. Some farmers may opt for a burn barrel, but burning twine releases toxins into the air.

Fortunately, there is now a solution that makes sense.

Recycling it.

One organization, Cleanfarms, has prioritized mapping out ways to collect used plastic baler twine for recycling.

Cleanfarms is a national, non-profit stewardship organization that contributes to a healthier environment and a sustainable future by recovering and recycling 18 ALBERTA BITS I SPRING 2023

When left scattered around, plastic twine is not only an untidy health and safety risk for animal welfare, but Alberta growers are concerned about its potential environmental impact as well.

agricultural and related industry plastics, packaging and products. Along the way, recycling agricultural plastics creates new jobs and adds to local economies. Recycling ag plastic is now a part of the equation that helps farms, ranches, and equine operations reach sustainability goals.

Until recently, landfills and burning barrels have been the most common disposal method of baler twine. Unfortunately, landfills are filling up and burning twine releases toxins into the air.

Though twine is a relative newcomer to the list of ag plastics that Cleanfarms collects for recycling, programs capturing it are gaining momentum. Manitoba has a permanent program to recycle ag plastic twine and Cleanfarms is operating additional ‘proof of concept’ pilots in the Maritimes, Quebec, Saskatchewan and British Columbia. Because it leads in generation, the Alberta pilot is among the most important we are undertaking.

Cleanfarms operates the Alberta pilot on behalf of the Alberta Agricultural Plastics Recycling Group (APRG).

Under the brand ‘Alberta Ag Plastic. Recycle it!’, Cleanfarms arranges for the collection of grain bags and twine and transports them to recycling facilities in Canada and the U.S. where the plastic is turned into pellets to be used to produce new materials. When recycled, polypropylene twine is made into car parts, dimensional lumber, flowerpots and composite decking. Down the road, as technology continues to evolve, twine may be remanufactured back into new baler twine, a process that would also fuel a regenerative economy.

At present, ag recycling is voluntary and, from the pilot experience so far, Alberta farmers and ranchers are keen to recycle as much of these materials as they can.

1. Shake – Remove as much debris, snow and ice as

possible. Excessive organics and other materials mixed with the twine will result in the material being sent to the landfill. Please include plastic twine only. (Net wrap or sisal twine are NOT accepted.)

2. Bag – Place loose twine in the collection bag. If using your own clear bag, poke holes in the bottom to drain moisture. Once full, close the bag with twine or a zip tie.

3. Return – Take full bags to your local pilot collection site. Contact the centre beforehand if unloading assistance is required or if unsure of the preparation requirements.

About Cleanfarms

Cleanfarms is funded by its members in the crop protection, fertilizer, seed, animal health medication, and ag plastics industries. It has staff located in Lethbridge, Alberta; Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan; Winnipeg, Manitoba; Etobicoke, Ontario; and St-Bruno, Quebec.

How to Prepare Twine for Recycling

Large collection bags are available free of charge at twine collection centres and select county / municipal district offices. Using the bags can make collecting and storing twine easier. There are three steps to prepare the twine for recycling.

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BREED PROFILE

THE SHIRE Gentle giants of the horse world.

B Y MON I QU E N OB L E

Some members of the Calahoo Shire Mafia - These horses are part of the foundation herd for newly formed Kolson Shires Inc. The Kolesar and Anderson families jumped into the Shire world in a big way going from zero to six horses in less than a year. Paul Kolesar is quick to mention the wives are the brains and the husbands are the braun… haulers, hayers, etc.

Photo provided by Paul Kolesar

The historical and beautiful Shire horses of Britain have inspired many traditions that have stood the test of time, literary works, meandering rock walls, names like “Worcestershire,” and a good pint of beer in the afternoon. To some, it might seem unusual in 2023 to see a team of horses pull up at the pub, delivering beer directly from the brewers. Yet in Hook Norton, U.K., this is a tradition that has continued since the brewery’s opening in 1849.

At first look you might think the giant, majestic animals making their delivery are Clydesdales. In fact however, they are Shires, a few of the remaining left, doing the job they were originally bred for – delivering kegs of draft beer to pubs and markets. This long-held job led the horses performing them to be 20 ALBERTA BITS I SPRING 2023

called “draft” horses. While many types of heavy horses are also known as draft horses, Shires (so-called for the shires in which they were bred) continue to be the largest and showiest among them.

As far back as 1100, documents advertising horses fit for “the draft” (the fun, bubbly kind) were being advertised at British auctions. While oxen were still used for most farm work, horses were faster at hauling heavy loads on the rough roads and easier to care for on delivery routes.

The English Great Horse, a fearsome warhorse that fought with knights and kings alike in battle, found a different purpose as the use of gunpowder changed the face of war. Strong, unflappable, and willing to work, draft horses became a staple on the roads and streets

of commerce throughout the 1500s to 1900s.

While there are many types of horses that can be considered drafts, the Shire is among the oldest. As early as the 1500s the Shire was destined to be among the largest of breeds as Henry VIII decreed that no “Shire” horse less than 15 hands high could be bred. This decree was the first time in recorded history that the breed was referred to as the Shire horse.

In the 16th century, English draft horses were introduced to Friesian bloodlines by the Dutch who brought their horses to England to help drain the fens, creating many of the agricultural areas that exist today. The Bakewell Black, or Fen as it was commonly referred to, was further crossed with the now-extinct Flemish and Flanders horses which were mixed with Brabant and Belgian blood to create the modern Belgian. This crossbreeding led to the Fen having two distinct physical types: the Fen, or Lincolnshire type, and the Midlands, or Leicester type. The Lincolnshire type was known for its great size and impressive amounts of hair, while the Leicester type was a lighter, more refined looking horse with great stamina.

The Leicester type produced a stud known as the “Packington Blind Horse” who is now considered the foundation sire of the modern Shire. The gigantic black stallion stood at stud from 1755 to 1770. The Packington Blind Horse was a working horse even though he was, in fact, blind. As one of the first entries in the Shire Horse Stud Book, many Shire horses can be traced back to him. The stud book was officially created in 1885 by the Shire Horse Society with the first edition, released in 1978, containing over 2,300 records dating back to 1755.

Over 5,000 horses a year were added to the registry as they were a staple on the

BREED PROFILE

A refreshing delivery in so many ways. Hook Norton Brewery delivers an order to a special event at the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford England.

Photo courtesy of Hook Norton Brewery

roads, docks, and quays of Britain between 1901 and 1914.

Shires first came to North America in the mid-1800s with breed associations being created in both Canada and the United States. With their majestic appearance, work ethic, and reputations as gentle giants they became incredibly popular, and by 1911 almost 7,000 Shires were registered in the American Shire Horse Association alone.

Sadly, during the 31-year span which saw the First and Second World Wars, mechanization, and stringent regulations on livestock feed rations, the ability and need to keep such large work horses diminished and thousands of

At first look you might think the giant, majestic animals making their delivery are Clydesdales.

They are, however, Shires.

Shires were slaughtered. Breeding facilities across the world were closed.

With the support of Queen Elizabeth II,

who became the patron in 1953, Shires were considered a historical breed. Despite this, by 1955, only 100 horses were shown at the Shire Horse Society’s annual Spring Show in Britain.

Fortunately, through public interest the breed saw some revival in the 1970s with breed societies being re-established throughout Europe, North America, and Australia. The necessary introduction of Clydesdale bloodlines to revive the breed did result in some conformational changes to the modern Shire. Despite this, breeders today do their best to preserve the traditional Shire type.

Shire associations across the world have a strict set of standards that horses must ALBERTA BITS I SPRING 2023

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BREED PROFILE

To this day, Sampson, a Shire gelding, still holds the record for the world’s largest horse ever recorded.

maintain in order to be registered.

In Canada, Shire mares must reach a minimum height of 16 hands, geldings, 16.2 hands, and stallions must stand at least 17 hands high. Stallions and geldings can be black, brown, bay, and grey.

Chestnut and roan stallions by Canadian standards are not allowed; however, the American Shire Horse Association does permit chestnut stallions. Mares and geldings can be roan. The ideal markings for a Shire are white stockings on all four legs and a white blaze. Splashes of white should be kept to a minimum.

Stricter U.K. breed standards demand that stallions pass vet inspections at both two and six years of age to retain their registration as breeding stallions.

Well-bred Shires have long, lean heads with proportionate jaws and necks leading to broad, powerful shoulders. The muscling of a Shire is dense, yet elegant, with every movement exuding strength.

Their bodies are heavily muscled, yet lightly carried on relatively short legs, 22 ALBERTA BITS I SPRING 2023

with strong, straight bone set on massive hoofs. Their movement is decisive, efficient and incredibly powerful. Hoofs

“Once they [Shire horses] get to a point where they’re actually pulling something and they have to lean into the collar and do a little bit of work, it’s almost like a light comes on in their head” are the size of dinner plates and have fine, silky feathering that diminishes as

the feathers meet the knees. In comparison, Shire feathering is not as abundant as Clydesdale feathering.

The Shire is a gigantic breed, holding the title of the world’s tallest horse.

The record holder, a Shire gelding from Bedfordshire, England named “Sampson” (later renamed “Mammoth”), was 21.2½ hands high and weighed in at 3,359 pounds – a record that has yet to be defeated! Shires are also among the strongest of all draft horses, easily hauling massive amounts of weight. Currently a Shire also holds the record for the most weight (58,000 pounds), pulled by a single horse.

It was one such record-holding Shire that caught the eye of Alberta horseman, Cliff Kelsey. The Shire “Goliath” was, at one point in time, the largest living horse in the world until his death in 2001, standing 21.2 hands and weighing 3,360 pounds. In the 1980s, Goliath was a huge draw on the show circuit. Kelsey and his wife were enamoured with the

BREED PROFILE breed from the day they met Goliath and consequently, sought out additional Shires to import into Canada. Kelsey and a few other like-minded breeders in Alberta and Quebec brought Shires to Canada around the same time, resulting in the Canadian Shire Horse Association being resurrected.

In 1983, the Canadian Shire Stud Book had its first entry in over 40 years, when Kelsey’s Shire mare, imported from Idaho, foaled the beautiful filly “Starcastle Maiden” at their farm in Calahoo, Alberta. Kelsey has been a proud, award-winning breeder of Shires ever since, capturing many titles. Down the road from Kelsey, Paul and Cindy Kolsar (along with partners Lee and Becky Anderson,) operate Kolson Shires Inc., and are excited to build on the work that Kelsey started almost 40 years ago.

It is the incredible power and magnificence of Shires that makes them one of the breeds of choice for heavy horse pulling competitions and draft horse shows throughout the world. While they are still considered rare and listed as critical on the livestock conservancy list, Alberta breeders LeRiviere Shires, Starcastle Shires, and Kolson Shires are determined to continue breeding and showing the best Shire horses in Canada, with keen dedication to the traditionally strong conformation and sweet dispositions for which Shires are known.

Despite their immense size and intimidating appearance, Shire horses are sweet-tempered, willing and very human oriented, making them ideal for a variety of riders and disciplines. They excel as dressage, trail, and mountain horses as they are stalwart companions who do not scare easily and have excellent temperaments – although you may need to find a stump to mount up on the trail. That said, driving and pulling heavy loads is where these majestic animals truly shine.

As Cliff Kelsey admiringly shared, “Once they [Shire horses] get to a point where they’re actually pulling something and they have to lean into the collar and do a little bit of work, it’s almost like a light comes on in their head and it’s like, ‘Ah yes, this is exactly what I was born to do!’ It’s really, really special.” AB

A sure-fire way to break a Shire owner’s heart is to ask if the horse is a Clydesdale. The best way to tell, aside from asking first, is to at look the colouring and “feathers.” Shire feathers are much finer and silkier than their Clydesdale cousins. Photo provided by Wild Iris Farms, Maine

Shire colt Starcastle Nexus (handler Emmot Kelsey) is just one example of the spectacular Shires Cliff Kelsey has been breeding in Alberta. Cliff’s breeding program was instrumental in re-opening the Canadian Shire Stud Book.. Photo courtesy of Starcastle Shires ALBERTA BITS I SPRING 2023

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FINDING A COACH & FACILITY FOR YOUR NEEDS Finding an equestrian coach or trainer can sometimes be a daunting task, especially if you are a new rider straight out of the gate. There are many things to consider, including what discipline you want to try, what facility requirements you are looking for, and if you have a need for a school horse.

B Y J E N N W E B ST E R , W I T H H E L P F R OM ‘A N EW R I DE R’ S G U I DE B O OK .’

With help from the publication A New Rider’s Guidebook produced by the AEF, we dig into some critical elements of finding the right coach and facility for your circumstances.

FINDING A COACH

Once you have decided on a discipline to try, it’s time to research coaches and trainers in your area who offer lessons.

The AEF website features a certified instructor/coach database that you may find helpful in your journey.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE AN EQUESTRIAN CANADA (EC) NCCP (NATIONAL COACHING CERTIFICATION PROGRAM) INSTRUCTOR/COACH? Certification of an instructor/ coach means that the individual has demonstrated, through an evaluation process, to be professional and accountable, and they adhere to established standards of ethics and the EC Code of Conduct. You also have the reassurance that certified instructors/ coaches are skilled in first aid and safety procedures.

the public safe, qualified instructors and coaches at every level in all sports. The AEF delivers the equestrian component of this program, within the province of Alberta, on behalf of EC.

WHY CHOOSE A CERTIFIED INSTRUCTOR/COACH? The National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) is the only Canadian certification program designed to give

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT LEVELS OF NCCP CERTIFICATION? INSTRUCTOR This program is focused on those

24 ALBERTA BITS I SPRING 2023

who wish to take on the instruction of children and adults learning to ride, establishing the foundational riding skills with an eye on safety.

COMPETITION COACH This program is focused on those interested in coaching riders starting in the competitive environment. Skills in the development of a competitive training program, performance

The primary talents of a good beginner school horse are good manners and an even, forgiving temperament.

analysis, and mental preparation for competition are required to become certified at this level.

COMPETITION COACH SPECIALIST This program is the advanced competition coach program, focused on riders competing at the provincial and national levels. Beyond the competition coach, this level requires a working knowledge of the EC competition rules for the level and discipline they are teaching.

HIGH PERFORMANCE COACH This program is administered by EC. These coaches specialize in developing athletes through refining basic sport abilities, developing more advanced skills and tactics, and preparing for performance in national or international level.

CHOOSING A FACILITY

While learning how to ride is an enjoyable and fun experience, it has the potential for inherent risks. For this reason, it’s important to find the best facility your budget will allow.

Choosing the right facility can make a huge difference in your riding education; choosing the wrong facility could negatively impact your riding and experience with horses.

IS THE FACILITY AND LESSON PROGRAM PROFESSIONAL, SAFE AND WELL-MANAGED? The best way to find out is to arrange for a tour of the facility while a lesson is taking place. When it comes to horses, functional and safe facilities are a must. Keep your eyes and ears open and look for the following: •Designated, adequate space for handling a horse before and after the lesson.

•Supervision by an NCCP instructor/ coach at all times.

•Enclosed arena for riding, with a fence or gate that is closed during lessons.

•Barn aisles should be tidy.

•Fences should be in good condition.

•Arenas and paddocks should be well maintained.

IS THE INSTRUCTOR/COACH NCCP CERTIFIED TO TEACH RIDING LESSONS? Ask about the lesson program and the credentials of the instructors/ coaches who teach the lessons.

EC NCCP instructors/coaches are listed on the AEF website.

WHAT MAKES A SCHOOL HORSE? The primary talents of a good beginner school horse are good manners and an even, forgiving temperament.

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DO THE SCHOOL HORSES LOOK HEALTHY? Horses should look happy and healthy, well-fed, and relativity clean with no untreated cuts or wounds. If you see that the majority of the horses look lifeless and dull, you may want to reconsider this particular program.

Initial lessons typically focus on grooming and handling in order to teach the preparation of the horse for riding and safe handling techniques on the ground. Ask your instructor or coach, when you schedule your first lesson, how long the lesson will be and what you can expect to learn.

ARE THERE RULES ABOUT PARENT INVOLVEMENT, SUCH AS WATCHING LESSONS? Stables and coaches will have different rules about how closely a parent or friend is involved during tacking up, lessons, and untacking. You should expect to be asked to stay outside the ring or arena during the lesson. Some facilities will have a viewing room or an area outside the ring/arena where you can watch the lesson.

Q: My child wants to ride, and I would like to try it too, are riding lessons just for kids?

A: Riding lessons are for everyone!

Regardless of your age or experience level, riding lessons will enable you to develop correct skills in a safe environment. An NCCP instructor/ coach has the training necessary to tailor a lesson plan to your needs, learning style, and abilities. AEF has individual and family memberships!

FURTHER RESEARCH

Q: I am not interested in showing.

Should I still take lessons?

Patty Hambling is an NCCP certified coach in Okotoks, Alberta. She’s a Competition Coach Specialist in jumping, dressage, and eventing. She also received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Alberta Dressage Association in 2021.

“If you intend to become competitive down the road, you may want to observe some potential coaches at shows,” she suggests.

“Watch how the trainer interacts with their students and how well their students perform – in both the warmup ring and the show ring. Wander around the barns and see what atmosphere they prefer to train in. Also, go to their home location where they train and watch some lessons to ensure it’s the style that you will enjoy,” she states.

“Lastly, talk to some of their students for recommendations and get some sort of reference. All of those things will help you make the best decision for finding yourself (or your children) a coach.”

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: What can I expect at my first riding lesson?

A: Riding lesson formats vary. You may not even ride at your first lesson.

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A: Of course! Everyone has their own riding goals, and an NCCP instructor/ coach will be able to design a lesson program to help you achieve them.

Riding lessons give you the knowledge and skills needed to be a safe and effective rider no matter what discipline you ride or how you choose to enjoy your horse.

Goal-oriented riders may be interested in the Learn to Ride program. For more information on the Learn to Ride program, please visit the AEF website.

Q: How old does my child need to be to participate in riding lessons?

A: An NCCP instructor/coach can help you determine if, and when, your child is ready. The age at which a child is ready to take riding lessons depends on the individual. Every child matures differently, both physically and mentally, and this needs to be taken into consideration. A safe way to introduce your child (aged six to 12) to

Patty Hambling is an NCCP certified coach in Okotoks, Alberta. She’s a Competition Coach Specialist in jumping, dressage, and eventing. Photo by Alex Callaghan Photo

the horse world is through the Rookie Riders program; check the AEF website for more information.

Q: How old is too old to take up riding?

A: Riding has no age restrictions, it’s for the young and the young at heart!

There is something for everyone whether you choose to ride recreationally or competitively. The bond and mutual trust between horses and humans can be absolutely amazing. Why not give it a try!

erations such as whether you plan to keep the horse at home or board offfarm, and whether you board outdoors or indoors, will have an impact. In almost all cases, expenses to be considered are boarding, hay, bedding, feed, supplements, water, equipment such as hoses, shovels, pitch forks, etc. Keep in mind that horse owners should always have a bank account reserved for expenses such as emergency veterinary bills, dental, farrier, and yearly vaccines. Leasing a horse is also an option that may make the investment easier. AB

Q: Should I buy a horse?

A: Horse ownership is extremely rewarding. However, it also requires a major commitment. Financial consid-

Pick up a hard copy of A New Rider’s Guidebook at one of Alberta’s Greenhawk locations, download the guide, or view it online at www.albertaequestrian.com.

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ASK ABOUT INSURANCE

CapriCMW Insurance to Become Acera Insurance At CapriCMW, our team of insurance and risk management professionals have been proudly serving individuals, families and businesses in the Alberta equine industry for decades.

We’re very grateful for the trust and confidence you’ve placed in us, and as a valued client, we want you to know about some exciting changes.

As of Jan. 1, 2023, CapriCMW Insurance Services Ltd. officially became Acera Insurance Services, one of Canada’s largest domestic, independent, employee-controlled insurance brokerages.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR YOU? While our name has changed, our commitment to you remains the same. This means you can continue to expect the highest level of personal attention and service from the dedicated team that you’ve come to know and trust. You’ll be able to reach us just as you did before, and there will be no interruption in our operations or service to you.

WHAT’S NEXT? The biggest difference you’ll notice in the short term will be our change in name. In the coming months, we’ll keep you updated on important developments and all the ways we’ll be able to better serve you.

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One immediate benefit that has come from this transition to Acera, is that we have entered into an agreement with a new insurer for various coverages related to your lifestyle with horses.

Effective Jan. 1, 2023, the $5 million personal liability insurance that is provided to you as a member in good standing of the Alberta Equestrian Federation is underwritten by Northbridge Insurance. Your 2023 membership documents, if issued already

by AEF, will be replaced with the new insurer information in the coming weeks. There is no gap or change in scope of the coverage through this transition.

We thank you for your ongoing support as a client and for the privilege to continue in service to you for years to come as Acera Insurance. If you have any questions, please reach out to me directly. AB

Michael (Mike) A. King, Partner

M E M B E R O R G A N I Z A T I O N S A S O F N O V. 3 0 , 2 0 2 2 T O F I N D O U T M O R E A B O U T O N E O F T H E S E C L U B S , O R T O J O I N O N E , P L E A S E C O N TA C T T H E M D I R E C T LY albertadressage.com/peace-region/peace-region-about.html 4:13 Therapeutic Riding Association.................................................413therapeuticriding.com Peace Draft Horse Club................................................................. peacedrafthorseclub.com Alberta Carriage Driving Association (ACDA).......................................... albertadriving-acda.ca Peace Region Pony Club.................................................. peaceregionponyclub.weebly.com Alberta Donkey and Mule Club.........................................................albertadonkeyandmule.ca Performance Standardbreds Association............................................... p-standardbreds.org Alberta Dressage Association..................................................................albertadressage.com Ponoka Riding & Roping Association.......................................... gofasthorses13@gmail.com Alberta Equestrian Vaulting Association...........................................................vaultcanada.org Ranahan Polocrosse Club.....................................................ranahanpolocrosse@gmail.com Alberta Friesian Horse Association (AFHA).................................................................... afha.ca Ridgeview Riding Club.......................................................... ridgeviewridingclub@gmail.com Alberta Gypsy Vanner Horse Club..................................................albertagypsyhorseshow.org Rimbey Sleigh, Wagon & Saddle Club.................................facebook.com/RimbeySWSClub Alberta Horse Trials Association............................................................. albertahorsetrials.com Rocky Mountain Gymkhana Club..................................facebook.com/groups/98954016608 Alberta Junior Young Riders Association...................................................................................

Rundle Riders Therapeutic Riding Association.............................................rundleriders.com ....................................................... albertadressage.com/young-rider/young-rider-about.html Saddle Seat Canada..........................................................................saddleseatcanada.com Alberta Morgan Horse Club........................................................ albertamorganhorseclub.com Shortgrass Riding Club........................................................................lwaynemu@eidnet.org Alberta Mounted Shooters Association.......................................albertamountedshooters.com Society of Tilt and Lance Cavalry...............................................................................joust.ca Alberta South Region Pony Club......................................canadianponyclub.org/AlbertaSouth South Country Team Penning Association................................................................sctpa.ca Alberta Team Sorting Association................................................................albertasorting.com South Peace Horse Club..............................................................southpeacehorseclub.com Alberta Trail Riding Association......................................................................................atra.ca Southern Alberta Trail Riders Association...................................................................satra.ca Alberta Walking Horse Association............................................................................. awha.ca Southern Century Team Roping Association............................ southcenturyteamroping.com Alix Agricultural Society......................................................................alixagsociety.weebly.com Spring Fling Society.................................................................................. springflingshow.ca American Saddlebred Horse Association of Alberta......................... saddlebredsofalberta.com Stone Bridge Carriage Driving Club................ facebook.com/stonebridgecarriagedrivingclub Averill Saunders Vaulting..................................................................averill4canada@gmail.com Strathcona All-Breed Horse Association...................................................... sahaalberta.com Banff Light Horse Association . ................................................................................................

Trail Riding Alberta Conference (TRAC)............................................................... trailriding.ca Bear Valley Rescue Society............................................................................. bearvalleyab.org Traildusters Horse Club of Smith..................................................traildustersclub@gmail.com Beaverlodge & District Agricultural Society................................................find us on Facebook True Grit Cowboy Mounted Shooters Association............ facebook.com/tgmountedshooters Border Cowboy Mounted Shooters Association.......................................................................

Valley Riders Saddle Club............................................................ sandyrich2323@gmail.com ....................................................................bordercowboysmountedshooters.com/index.php Valleyview & Districts Agricultural Society.............................................valleyviewagsociety.ca Bow Valley Riding Association..................................................................bvra.wordpress.com Vermilion Agricultural Society.........................................................................avermilionag.ca Bragg Creek Trails Association..................................................................braggcreektrails.org Western Canadian Wagon Train..........................................................gsissons@hotmail.com Calgary and Area Alberta Dressage Association.....................................................ca-ada.com Wild Rose Draft Horse Association.......................................................................wrdha.com Calgary Hunt Club...................................................................................... calgaryhuntclub.ca Wildrose Ranch Roping Association.....................facebook.com/groups/768551003291321 Calgary Regional Appaloosa Club (1997)........................................... calgaryappaloosaclub.ca Working Equitation Canada - Alberta Region.................................................... workingeq.ca Calgary Regional Trail Riders........................................................calgaryregionaltrailriders.com Xtreme Wild Rose Club................................................................. xtremewildrose.webs.com Canadian Eventing Development Foundation........................ canadianeventingfoundation.com Canadian Registry of the Tennessee Walking Horse.................................................... crtwh.ca Canadian Sport Horse Association - Alberta Chapter............................................. c-s-h-a.org Central Century Team Ropers Association................................ centurycentralteamroping.com CHARMD (Canadian Horse Association Rocky Mountain District)..canadianhorsebreeders.com 3D Paints and Quarter Horses............................................................ northernhorse.com/3d Chinook Carriage Driving Club..............albertadriving-acda.ca/chapters/chapter_chinook.html Acera Insurance Services Ltd....................................................................agri@capricmw.ca Chinook Country/Alberta Dressage Association........................................................................

Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health..........................................................bicanadaequine.ca .................................................................. albertadressage.com/chinook/chinook-about.html CAECO Ranch............................................................................................caecoranch.com Cleardale Riders Club.....................................................................sandyrich2323@gmail.com Canadian Institute of Equine and Canine Body Works Ltd...................... ciecbweducation.ca Clearwater Horse Club................................................................ cwhctreasurer@outlook.com Clipped N’ Ready Equine Services.....................facebook.com/clippednreadyequineservices Cottonwood Corral Association................................cottonwoodcorralassociation@gmail.com Creekside Equestrian Centre....................................................................................mcvc.ca Coulee Winds Saddle Club..................................................................... kheapy@outlook.com Crosshair Springs Equine Services................................................. kristacritch@hotmail.com Davisburg Pony Club............................................................... davisburgponyclub@gmail.com Diesel Overhead Doors Inc............................................................dieseloverheaddoors.com Dewinton Pony Club................................................................ tina@inhandequinetherapy.com Digger’s Place............................................................................................ digbits@msn.com Diamond Willow Vaulting Club.............................facebook.com/groups/1404344659580056/ Equine Connection - The Academy of Equine Assisted Learning...........equineconnection.ca Didsbury Agricultural Society..................................................................didsburyagsociety.org Equine Haven Recovery Care and Equestrian Centre Ltd...............................equinehaven.ca Dunmore Equestrian Society..............................................................dunmoreequestrian.com Foothills Horse Transport.............................................................foothillshorsetransport.com Eastgate Saddle Club............................................................................eastgatesaddleclub.ca Grassroots Equine Essentials.... facebook/Grassroots-Equine-Essentials-109575231658747 Edmonton Area Alberta Dressage Association........................................................... eaada.ca Gypsy Horses of Horn Hill............................................. facebook.com/gypsyhorsesofhornhill Endurance Riders of Alberta...................................................... enduranceridersofalberta.com Hi-Hog Farm & Ranch Equipment........................................................................ hi-hog.com Extreme Cowboy Alberta Association................................................extremecowboyracing.ca Horse Expo Canada.........................................................................................horseexpo.ca Friends of the Eastern Slopes.................................................................................... foesa.org Horse In Hand Ranch Ltd.................................................................. horseinhandranch.com Fun Country Riding Club of Strathmore...................................................funcountryriders.com Moose Hill Ranch Equestrian .................................................................moosehillranch.com Grande Prairie Gymkhana Club........................................................ gpgymkhana@gmail.com Paradise Acres Ranch.......................................................................paradiseacresranch.net Great Divide Trail Association..................................................................... greatdividetrail.com Purina Canada.................................................................................................. equipurina.ca Happy Valley Ag and Recreation Club............................facebook.com/HappyValleyAgandRec Ride Fit Equestrian..................................................................................................ridefit.net Hastings Lake Pleasure Horse Association.............. hastingslakepleasurehorseassociation.org Rivers Edge Camping Association.......................................................... riversedgecamp.org Hay Lakes Riders Club........................................................... haylakesriders.tripod.com/index Rocking Heart Ranch Ltd.............................................................. rockingheartranchltd.com High Country Carriage Driving.................................................................................... hccdc.ca Rocking Star Ranch Equine.................................................................... rockingstarranch.ca High Country Pony Club...............canadianponyclub.org/AlbertaSouth/branches/highcountry/ Royal T Equestrian Inc................................................................. royaltequestrian.webs.com Irricana & District Agricultural Society...................................................... irricanaagsociety.com Summer Sonnett Stables............................................. facebook.com/summersonnetstables Journeys Therapeutic Riding Society.............................................................................. jtrs.ca Sunglade Ranch Ltd o/a BioEquine.com........................................................ bioequine.com Jump Alberta Society.................................................................................... jumpalberta.com Takoda Equine Therapy.................................................................takodaequinetherapy.com Kansas Ridge Riders Club......................................................... kansasridgeriders@gmail.com TD Equine Veterinary Group......................................................................... tdequinevet.com Little Bits Therapeutic Riding Association................................................................. littlebits.ca The Horse Store ...........................................................................................horsestore.com Meadow Creek Vaulting Club...................................................................................... mcvc.ca The School of Equine Massage and Rehabilitation Therapies......................... equinerehab.ca Miniatures in Motion...................................................collies72.wixsite.com/miniaturesinmotion The Tack Collector Ltd.............................................................................. thetackcollector.ca Mount View Special Riding Association.................................................. mountviewriding.com Tyrrell Riding Academy Inc...............................................................tyrrellridingacademy.com Northern Trails Riding Club........................................................... northerntrailsridingclub.com Western Horse Review....................................................................westernhorsereview.com Okotoks Polocrosse Club................... https://www.facebook.com/groups/389241199900459 Whispering Equine Bodyworks Inc..................................... whisperingequinebodyworks.com Opening Gaits Therapeutic Riding Society of Calgary...................................... openinggaits.ca Whitemud Equine Learning Centre Association........................................................ welca.ca Over the Hills Trail Riders............................................................................fjhorses@syban.net Wise Equestrian..............................................................................wiseequestrianrentals.net Peace Area Riding for the Disabled Society (PARDS) ................................................. pards.ca Y’Knott Ranch Inc........................................................... facebook.com/YKnottNorthAlberta Peace Region Alberta Dressage Association P.R.A.D.A........................................................

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HOLD YOUR HORSES Nuggets of truth for people who love horses… no matter what.

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