BC’S EQUINE LIFESTYLE
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BC’S Equine Lifestyle
SPRING 2026
Published quarterly by
Horse Council BC
27336 Fraser Hwy, Aldergrove BC, V4W 3N5
T: 604-856-4304
Toll Free: 1-800-345-8055
www.hcbc.ca
On the cover: John Road Barn - Tweed Ride Event
Cover image credit: Kat.Shoots
Horse Council BC is a membershipdriven not-for-profit association representing the interests of the equine industry in all sectors throughout British Columbia.
Horse Council BC represents the equine industry in agriculture, industry, sport, and recreation through education, grant funding, club support, government advocating, liability insurance, and participant programs.
Horse Council BC gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport
HCBC Board Chair’s Message
By Lynda Atkinson| HCBC Board Chair
Dear fellow equine enthusiasts, members and friends across British Columbia,
As Chairperson of the Horse Council BC Board of Directors, it is my great pleasure to share this update with our active community. Living on my 600-acre ranch south of Quesnel, where we raise Simmental cattle alongside our horses, I am continually inspired by the dedication of our province’s equestrian sector. The past three months - December 2025 through mid-March 2026 - have been filled with meaningful education, collaboration and growth that strengthen our industry from the ground up.
Our flagship February Field Knowledge 2026 webinar series was a resounding success. Held every Monday evening at 7pm (with a Family Day break and special noon sessions), the series drew strong participation from members and non-members alike. Topics ranged from practical hoof care in Gerard Laverty’s engaging session “Barefoot, Boots and Shoes: How to Choose What’s Best for Your Horse,” to advanced veterinary insights like Dr. Nora Chavarria’s “Equine Infectious Diseases” and Dr. Michelle Husulak’s “Equine Dentistry: What Every Horse Owner Should Know.” We also explored behaviour and welfare with Eleanor Girgis on lowstress vet preparation and Dr. Linda Greening on horse sleep hygiene. These free sessions for HCBC members (with a nominal fee for non-members) underscored our commitment to evidence-based education that directly improves horse health and owner knowledge. Many participants have already reported implementing new practices on their farms and at their barns.
We were also delighted to release the Winter 2026 edition of BC’s Equine Lifestyle Magazine, now available online, showcasing stories from across the province. Upcoming Officials Development Clinics, including “Through the Eyes of a Driving Judge” with FEI expert Francois Bergeron on Sept. 11-13, continue to build capacity in our sanctioned competition circuit. Early March brought the popular “Shake the Rust Off Dressage” schooling event at Thunderbird Show Park, along with the Equine Guelph Short Course on Sport Horse Injury and Lameness Prevention. These activities kept our community connected through the quieter winter months while preparing us for the busier days ahead.
Looking forward, spring 2026 promises an outstanding calendar of events that celebrate every discipline and rider level. March wraps up with the Freedom Acrobatics Spring Fest on the 28th and the SRC Platinum Series Spring Classic running March 2829. April delivers the Cedar Vista Easter Horse Show, Stepping Out Series #2 and the VDRC Spring Show. May features the White Rock Performance Horses Desert Dressage/Western Dressage Show and many more affiliate competitions. These events not only provide competition opportunities but foster camaraderie, skill-building, and family fun across our regions. You can find more information on shows and events in your area on our continually updating website.
We are especially thrilled that equestrian sport is officially part of the 2026 BC 55+ Games, set for September 9–12 at the North Thompson Fair Grounds in Barrière. Disciplines include Dressage, Driving Trials, Ranch Horse and Mountain Trail. Registration is now open via 55plusbcgames.org, with HCBC handling stall reservations and biosecurity forms (https://hcbc.ca/sport/ competition/bc-55-games/). Our Sport Chair, Darcey Woods, and the dedicated volunteer team are working hard to ensure a safe, welcoming experience for riders 55 and better. Spring clinics and schooling shows will serve as perfect preparation.
At HCBC, we remain steadfast in advocating for safe trails, fair land use, and sustainable equine businesses. Your membership and participation make all of this possible. I encourage everyone to register for upcoming events, renew or join as a member, and consider volunteering - whether as an official, clinician or Games helper.
Watch our website for exciting new opportunities in 2027 in both English and Western disciplines for both youth and adults.
Here’s to a spectacular spring filled with happy horses, safe rides and unforgettable memories. See you at the shows and on the trails!
Warm regards,
LyndaAtkinson, Chair
Membership
How to Log in and Update Your Account Information
Keeping your account information up to date is essential for ensuring that you receive important notifications, maintain secure access and stay connected with HCBC.
Logging into your Account
Before you can make changes, you’ll need to login to your account.
• Visit www.hcbc.ca
Click on Member Login
• Click on Returning Users
• Enter username and password
• Click Login
If you forget your password, look for the password reset link or button. This will guide you through resetting your password through your email. If you don’t receive an email, please contact the office and the staff can reset your password.
Accessing your account to change address, phone, email or payment details
Once you’ve logged in:
Navigate to Me (at the top of the dark blue banner). Click on Profile.
• Under Contact Details, you will be able to change your address, email or phone number.
Setting up or adding Payment Details when you get the notification that your credit card expired
• Navigate to Me
• Under Payment Details, you will be able to remove or add payment details.
• If you have edited either of these spaces, please remember to click on “save contact details” or “save payment details”.
Membership Receipt
If you are looking for a receipt of payment for your records:
• Navigate to Me.
• Scroll down until your see View Account
• You will see a record of everything you have purchased. Click on the Transaction number in blue for the required date and your receipt will appear. You can either email it to yourself or print it out.
While you are in your account, here are some other items to be aware of
• Member Discounts: see what is available to you that you may use.
• Ride/Drive/Vault: this will let you see if you have received any rider level, vaulting or driving certificates.
• Directories: searching for a coach, club, affiliate or business - this is a good place to start. The directories can also be accessed on the website without needing to login to your account. You will find the directories under Membership & Benefits tab.
• Trails: where you can get lost but still find your way home.
• Events: where you can register for whichever events are happening, whether they be for free or you need to pay for them.
• Calendars: HCBC calendar will show you what is happening for the next 180 days.
Home: creates a new website page in another tab.
• Once you are done in your account, please remember to logout. This will be at the end of your dropdown menu under Me.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact the office. The office hours are 8:30am to 4:30pm Monday through Friday.
Acera Insurance Services
Key Things to Know About AD&D and WAI Insurance
The insurance options included with HCBC membership are designed to provide financial support following specific equine related accidents. They are not intended to replace personal life insurance or long term disability coverage, but rather to offer targeted protection for common risks associated with working with or around horses.
UNDERSTANDING THE DIFFERENCE: AD&D VS. WAI
Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D)
AD&D coverage provides a lump sum payment if an accidental injury results in death or a serious, permanent injury such as the loss of a limb, sight, or speech. The basic AD&D coverage included with HCBC membership does not provide income replacement.
OptionalAD&D as an Upgrade Option
For members looking for broader protection, increased AD&D is available as an option and includes:
•An additional $75,000 of AD&D coverage
•Fracture benefits, typically ranging from $2,500 to $7,500
•Dental injury coverage of up to $5,000
These added benefits help cover more common riding and handling injuries that are not included under the basic AD&D plan included in your annual membership.
WEEKLY ACCIDENT INDEMNITY (WAI)
WAI is designed to help if an accident prevents you from working. It provides weekly income replacement, something basic AD&D does not offer. WAI typically covers 60%–75% of your gross weekly income, up to a set maximum and prescribed maximum time. This is NOT long term disability insurance.
ELIGIBILITY AND LIMITATIONS
Weekly Accident Indemnity coverage is generally available to members who:
•Are residents of Canada
•Are employed full time or self employed
•Are typically under 70–75 years of age
•Are HCBC members in good standing
WHICH OPTION IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
Basic and/or Optional AD&D coverage may be enough if you:
•Already have comprehensive disability and income replacement insurance
•Do not rely heavily on equine related activities for income
You maywant to considerWAI ifyou:
•Are self employed or work contract to contract
•Spend significant time working with horses
•Do not have short term disability coverage and would struggle if you missed weeks of income
For help determining which coverage best fits your situation, members are encouraged to contact the equine insurance team at Acera Insurance.
New eLearning Platform
Introducing Our New Online Learning Platform: Learn Anytime, Anywhere - learn.hcbc.ca
We’re excited to announce the launch of Horse Council BC’s new online learning platform—a central hub where members can access educational content anytime, anywhere, and at their own pace. Designed to be user-friendly and flexible, this new platform makes it easier than ever to build knowledge, revisit key topics, and stay connected to learning opportunities that support BC’s horse community.
As part of the launch, all sessions from this year’s February Field Knowledge Webinar Series are now available on demand. Members can easily revisit presentations, dive deeper into specific topics, or catch up on sessions they may have missed when they were offered live.
Getting started is quick and straightforward. Step-by-step login instructions are available directly on the platform at https://learn.hcbc.ca, and a short two-minute instructional video is also available to guide you through the process: https://youtu.be/rumVvWAfQ38. Once logged in, you can browse available content, return to sessions at any time, and learn at a pace that fits your schedule.
While exploring the platform, members will find a growing library of resources covering a wide range of topics relevant to horse owners, riders, coaches, and industry professionals. These include educational sessions and courses focused on areas such as emergency preparedness, equine health and nutrition, horse welfare, safety, and best practices for equine care and management. Recordings from last year’s March Madness Sessions are also available, with additional learning opportunities to be added throughout the year.
We hope this new online learning platform becomes a valuable resource for our members and supports continued learning and preparedness across the equine community.
Explore the platform here: https://learn.hcbc.ca
Coaching Choosing the Right Coach for Your Child: A Parent’s Guide
Selecting the right coach is one of the most important decisions a parent can make in supporting their child’s experience in the equestrian world. A great coach does more than teach technical skills—they help create a safe, respectful and positive environment where students can learn, grow, and thrive.
To help parents make informed choices, this article outlines key considerations and questions to ask when choosing a coach for your child.
Qualifications and Professional Standards: A qualified coach should demonstrate a commitment to ongoing education and professional standards. Parents should ensure the coach is certified, carries coaching liability insurance, and holds a current Standard First Aid certification.
Safety and Supervision: Safety should always be the top priority. Coaches should prioritize student safety, provide supervision at all times, complete Respect in Sport training, practice the Rule of Two and uphold a zero tolerance policy for harassment and bullying.
Facility and Horse Welfare: The learning environment should be clean, safe and well maintained. Lesson areas should be free of hazards, barn rules clearly communicated and horse welfare prioritized through good care and a zero tolerance policy for abuse.
Coaching Approach and Athlete Development: Strong coaches encourage attainable goal setting, use Long Term Equestrian Development principles, challenge students appropriately, communicate positively, serve as role models and demonstrate reliability and punctuality.
Certification and Resources: Horse Council BC administers the Equestrian Canada/NCCP Instructor and Coach Certification Program. Certified coaches may deliver Learn to Ride and Learn to Drive programs across English and Western disciplines.
Final Thoughts: Asking the right questions helps ensure your child is learning in a safe, supportive, and developmentally appropriate environment that fosters both skill development and a lifelong love of horses through sport or recreational pursuits.
Questions about coaching programs can be directed to coaching@hcbc.ca.
Choosing a Coach for Your Child?
• Is this coach certified and have they kept their certification up to date?
• Is this coach Licensed by Equestrian Canada or part of Horse Council BC’s Provincial Recognition Program?
• Does this coach carry Coaching Insurance and is able to provide proof?
• Does this coach ask all students to carry liability insurance?
• Does the coach hold a current Standard First Aid certificate?
• Is safety of the student of primary concern? Does the coach provide supervision of the student at all times? Has this coach had training for Respect in Sport?
• Does this coach ensure they are never alone with your child?
• Does this coach and facility have a zero tolerance to harassment and bullying?
• Is the lesson area safe, contained and free of clutter?
• Does this coach have specific rules for the barn and grooming area to keep it safe?
• Is the facility clean, tidy and well maintained?
• Does this coach have a zero policy for abuse of horses?
• Do the school horses look to be in good health and condition? Does the coach encourage goal setting that is attainable? Does this Coach use Long Term Equestrian Development principles in their lessons?
• Does this coach stay on schedule, is punctual and reliable?
• Does this coach relate well to the student with positive feedback and allow questions?
• Is the student challenged appropriately for their age and experience on horseback?
• Is this coach a good role model for your child?
Contact coaching@hcbc.ca Horse Council BC administers the Equestrian Canada/NCCP Instructor and Coach certification program.
EC Certified Coaches and Instructors can administer the English and Western Learn To Ride programs, as well as the Learn to Drive program www.hcbc.ca/programseducation/programs
Looking for more information about horses and riding? www.hcbc.ca
Questions about the Coaching Programs?
Pony Tails
Equestrian Summer Kids Camp Giveaway Packages
– Engage, Inspire and Delight Your Young Riders.
Are you hosting an equestrian summer camp this year? Let Horse Council BC help you make it unforgettable! These packages are available to all organizers, whether you are a business, club, affiliate or an independent camp provider. Get them while they last!
Our Equestrian Summer Kids Camp Giveaway packages are designed to celebrate learning and create keepsake moments your campers will treasure long after summer ends. Each free package includes:
• 25 Summer Camp Activity Booklets – Fun, educational, and horse themed to keep kids engaged
• 25 Temporary Tattoos – A favourite with young riders, perfect for camp spirit
• 25 Buttons – Great for achievement recognition or camp swag
• 25 Ribbons – Celebrate milestones, teamwork, and confidence-building wins
Whether you’re running a weeklong riding program, beginner lessons, or a full equestrian camp experience, our giveaway adds an extra layer of interest while supporting your efforts to educate the next generation of horse lovers.
It’s completely free — just fill out the form to request your camp package!
Horse Council BC Equestrian Summer Camp Packages
Horse Council BC is offering an Equestrian Summer Camp kids’ package that includes 25 Summer Camp Booklets, tattoos, buttons, and ribbons in each pack. These packages are available to all organizers, whether you are a business, club, affiliate, or an independent camp provider. Each applicant may request up to two (2) packs if they are NOT an HCBC Club or Business, or up to four (4) packs if they are an HCBC Club, Business, or Affiliate per year. The program concludes on October 31. Please complete the information below to request your summer camp package.
Name:
Address:
Phone:
Email:
HCBC Organization (if Applicable):
Summer Camp Name:
Date of Camp:
How many kids in the camp:
Is this camp offered annually: Yes No
How many packs would you like:
Do you need the packs mailed to you: Yes No
Is the mailing address the same as above: Yes No
Please allow at least two weeks for delivery if they need to be mailed to you.
Hiya, Alice the Pony here!
Are you a horse-crazy kid? Do you like stories, colouring pages, games, and more? Subscribe to my monthly digital magazine (it’s FREE, whether you’re an HCBC member or not), and you can join in on all the fun!
Please email ponytails.alice@hcbc.ca to be added to the mailing list.
(And while you’re here, you may as well check out my horse cycle of life on the right!)
DIGITAL MAGAZINE
Recreation
Equines & Making Friends with Fido
This article offers practical guidance for equestrians on how to turn potentially stressful trail encounters between horses and dogs into positive, educational experiences for all parties involved.
Urban multiuse trails frequently bring horses and dogs into close proximity. Since most dog owners have little to no opportunity to introduce their pets to horses — and dog trainers rarely have equines at their facilities — riders are in a unique position to help. The key prerequisites are that the rider is unaccompanied by their own dog, their horse is calm and tolerant, and they are willing to engage proactively.
The approach is broken into four steps:
Step 1 – Stop and greet: Always stop when you spot a dog and owner, offer a friendly greeting, and wait patiently while the owner brings their dog under control. If they have moved off the trail, acknowledge their effort — they are following the “Yield to Horses” principle. Recognize that your horse likely detected the dog before you did, and it is your responsibility to help your horse become accustomed to these encounters.
Step 2 – Approach and assess: Once given the go-ahead, approach slowly and at around 4 metres, open a conversation. Ask whether the dog has met horses before. Carefully assess the dog’s body language to determine whether it is scared (barking, tail down, cowering) or aggressive (tail raised, body leaning forward, fixated on the horse). Do not attempt to engage with aggressive dogs — that is best left to professional trainers.
Step 3 – Manage the interaction: Encourage the owner to ignore nervous barking, which typically subsides within 3–4 minutes. If two people are present, one can hold the dog while the other pets the horse, demonstrating to the dog that the horse is safe. If alone, the owner can approach slowly with the dog on a short lead. Keep close-contact moments brief — just 3–5 seconds — and encourage calm, positive language (“well done, good job”) rather than worried tones.
Step 4 – Close the encounter safely: The dog and owner should always leave first. This builds the dog’s confidence and prevents a lunge attempt. Remind the owner about the danger of a horse’s hindquarters, as dogs instinctively tend to approach from the rear.
By following this approach, equestrians can foster goodwill on shared trails and help dogs become more comfortable around horses over time, making future encounters safer and more pleasant for everyone.
HCBC Affiliate member Back Country Horsemen of BC – North Vancouver Island Chapter have embraced the challenge of helping many Fido’s. Twice per year they offer free sessions with a professional dog trainer at a large local Regional Park. This has greatly improved dog and horse interactions within the off-leash park.
Member Feature Lifetime Achievement Award - Shirley Burr
Born in 1935, Shirley grew up in England amidst the Second World War. Between this, and her courageous battle with tuberculosis at 9 years old, Shirley developed her characteristic resilience at a very young age. After being prescribed “fresh air and exercise” by her doctor during recovery, Shirley took up riding lessons with an exsoldier in Danbury.
From that day forward, a great love affair began with horses, spanning multiple continents and decades. In addition to the Sherman Olson Lifetime Achievement Award, Shirley has also obtained her Pony Club “A” Level and British Horse Society’s Instructor’s Certificate. She has undertaken several roles both as a riding coach and as a groom for internationally acclaimed athletes. Most notably, she was the Olympic groom for Queen Elizabeth’s owned horse “Countryman III” in 1956, where Team Britain took home gold in Three Day Eventing. This was one of many challenging, turbulent, but enlightening experiences that shaped who Shirley is today. Recounting her early years, she says “there were some difficult days and there were some better days for sure. [The difficulties] were usually with people, not horses.” The latter statement is one that likely resonates with many readers – for every good equestrian knows it is hardly ever the horse’s fault.
Thanks to an academic connection, in 1960 Shirley found herself in Canada teaching at Maple Ridge Equestrian Centre. Following its collapse, Shirley was scouted by Henrietta Rea at a local horse show and landed the job as director of the equestrian program at Queen Margaret’s School (QMS) in Duncan, BC. From then on, she dedicated herself to turning a dilapidated facility with no horses or operational program into a world-class equestrian educational institute. “When I arrived in Duncan, there was very little educated horsemanship”, says Shirley. “In the days I started up at the school, I was working very much at the grassroots [level], and we went from zero to successful in a very short time. There went from being no program to many very good programs”.
Shirley even went above and beyond her role at the school. She helped develop a national certification program on behalf of Horse Council BC, was stable manager for the Canadian Equestrian Team, and acted as Chef D’Equipe for the BC Dressage team. Moreover, she achieved several of her own personal competition accolades – including a championship win with her partner Tall Story at the Thunderbird summer show in 1983. After 37 years (and insurmountable contributions to the BC horse industry), QMS has proudly named the Shirley Burr Equestrian Centre after her.
When asked about what achievement with horses she takes most pride in, Shirley humbly declares “this – the Sherman Olson Lifetime Achievement Award. I knew Sherman Olson, and I admired him for what he did for the horse world. He brought it together, and he made Horse Council BC what it is today. I was very privileged to do my committee work alongside him.”
Even in her retirement, Shirley’s passion for equines has never faded. “I’m now somewhat removed from horses,” she says, “although I do go over to the school and watch what’s going on there from time to time. But you know, I always loved the horses. They were long years, but it was never not a pleasure to go out to work.” She reflects on one of her biggest lessons through her career, bestowing the following piece of wisdom onto our readers: “horses don’t set out to be difficult. It’s necessary to understand what their challenge is, and to understand each one as they come along. It definitely keeps me alive thinking about it.”
When discussing what the future has in store, Shirley shares a vision centered around equity and welfare. “I would hope that everybody who wants to can have the opportunity to ride and learn” she says. “I don’t want people who ride horses to think that there’s only competition to be achieved from riding, and [I want] people to understand their horses, learn to ride them, and learn how to deal with them. I’d like to see all ages and levels finding satisfaction in the equine world.”
To learn more about Shirley Burr’s incredible story, we encourage our readers to check out the following article by Michelle Merlindt: The Equestrian Career of Miss Shirley Burr.
https://www.michellemerlindt.com/single-post/the-equestrian-career-of-miss-shirley-burr
Historicalimages supplied from the Michelle Merlindt article.
HCBC’s DirectorClaireVessey& HCBC’s Member Outreach & Development CoordinatorStephanie Mackaywere in attendance to present Shirleyher “Sherman Olson Lifetime Achievement Award”.
Barn Feature
The Importance of “Barn Family” and Equestrian Community: Conversations with John Road Barn
Back in November of 2025, I was invited out to John Road Barn for a visit by rider Lin Phillips. We had been conversing excitedly back-and-forth via email following the photos she had sent me of the stable’s iconic Tweed Ride. I decided to sit down with her and fellow rider Rosie Richards (daughter of facility manager Alexandra Richards) to discuss the event, and other initiatives JRB has undertaken to promote community in equestrianism.
Lin and Rosie began by recounting the Tweed Ride, which started bright and early at 8:30am on a crisp October morning. Following a big warmup in the outdoor ring, the group of 15 horse and rider pairs sported their sharp woolen looks as they paraded around the property’s breezing track. “Everyone was happy and it went seamlessly” recalled Lin. “There were lots of giggles and smiles all around”. The variety of horses and riders was vast - which is what made the day so welcoming and special. Young or old, big or small, seasoned or green… none of it mattered, for fun was had by everyone. Memories of the Tweed Ride were captured by local photographer Kat.Shoot, whose fee was covered by contributions from all the participants. To wrap up the day, everyone headed down to The Fickle Fig Farm Market to share laughter over a warm bowl of soup.
As discussed with fellow barns in the area, the impetus for hosting a day like this was “a need for community-building events and a focus outside of competitive riding”. Whether it’s a large-scale initiative that requires diligent planning, or an impromptu run to the tack store, the riders at JRB are all about promoting camaraderie and bringing people together. “We’re very nonjudgmental,” states Rosie. “We have a bunch of different horses that aspire to do different things, all levels of riders, lots of adult amateurs, and a wide age range”. “Horses don’t care what your physical abilities are and don’t care about age” Lin adds, reminding us that our equines never discriminate. The humans of JRB have adopted the same outlook, which has given rise to a barn culture rooted in inclusivity.
And what is the result? The creation of a safe, supported environment where equestrians can pursue their shared love of horses. “We’ve made lots of room for building relationships with each other and each other’s horses” states Lin. “We have a strong culture of ‘barn aunties’, and the treats flow freely. Getting to be with my barn family… for me, this is church.” Lin is one of many that takes comfort in having the barn as a positive third space. In an industry with so much fragmentation, JRB has managed to create a network that transcends categorization by age, breed, experience, or discipline. What is left is a community of people united by the same passion, with a desire to be right by their animals and each other.
What’s next for the folks at JRB and the surrounding community? “We thought of doing an outdoor fire with apple cider and toasting marshmallows to enhance the [Tweed Ride] experience next year” says Rosie. Her and Lin had brainstormed even more event concepts, from Barn-B-Qs to judged dressage tests and working equitation days. “We’re potentially looking at adding more parking spots” mentions Rosie, confirming the barn’s belief is still the more, the merrier.
More About JRB
John Road Barn is a family-run barn in North Saanich, BC. It isonW̱SÁNEĆtraditionalterritoryandlandsuncededbythe Tseycum First Nation. In the late 1800s, the sitewas part of the historic 500-acre Glamorgan Farm - a rich part ofVancouverIsland’s agriculturalhistory. Manyyears later, a sold fragment ofthe originalland gave rise to the Sandown Racetrack,which operated from 1955-2005. Nowadays, the propertyhouses a boarding and training facilityproudlyoperated bythe Richards family.
Images supplied byKat.Shoot.
Competition
The Sport of Eventing
The sport of Eventing, especially at the provincial level, is quickly gaining popularity - and for good reasons. Eventing offers something for every level of rider and horse. Whether it’s a three-day event, a two-day event, or a derby, Horse Council BC sanctioned competitions provide a fun, affordable and welcoming environment.
These events are perfect for riders who are just curious about Eventing, seasoned competitors who want to enjoy the sport in a low-pressure, stress-free setting or even young horses taking their first steps in competition. No matter what your experience or your horse’s, there’s a place for you to come out and enjoy the excitement of Eventing.
Eventing is often described as the ultimate equestrian sport - a true test of partnership, versatility and trust between horse and rider. Yet for many riders, taking the first step into Eventing can feel intimidating. Full horse trials require travel, experience and a level of readiness that can feel just out of reach. At Southlands Riding Club, a small but passionate community in Vancouver is working to change that. Over the past few years, the club’s 2 & ¾ Phase Schooling Show Series has quietly become one of the Lower Mainland’s most welcoming entry points into the sport of Eventing - offering riders a chance to try the discipline in a supportive, educational, and fun environment.
Bridging the Gap Between Rings and Horse Trials
The 2 & ¾ Phase format was designed with one goal in mind: to bridge the gap between traditional show-ring disciplines and recognized horse trials.
Each event includes dressage, show jumping and a cross-country schooling phase. Riders gain exposure to the three core elements of Eventing while remaining in a low-pressure setting focused on learning and confidence-building.
For hunter/jumper and dressage riders, the series offers an approachable way to experience cross-country for the first time. For Pony Club riders and juniors, it provides a natural progression in their riding education. Adult amateurs often find it the perfect opportunity to try something new, while experienced eventers use the series to bring along young or green horses.
It is, quite simply, a place where curiosity about Eventing turns into confidence.
A Supportive First Experience
One of the defining features of the Southlands series is its atmosphere. These shows are intentionally designed to feel welcoming and encouraging - a place where first attempts are celebrated and questions are always welcome. Riders often arrive unsure of what to expect and leave already planning their next event. First dressage tests, first cross-country rounds and first Eventing ribbons are milestones that happen here every season. The goal is not just competition, but education and growth.
Safety at the Forefront
Introducing riders to a new discipline requires thoughtful planning and strong safety practices. The Southlands 2 & ¾ Phase Derbies are HCBC sanctioned and run under HCBC Derby rules, ensuring consistent standards and oversight. Each event is supported by experienced officials, Provincial Rules Officials, knowledgeable volunteers, and medical personnel on site throughout the day. Courses are carefully designed to be inviting and appropriate for each level, and rider briefings help ensure participants feel prepared and confident before they leave the start box. Creating a positive first experience is essential - one that builds confidence and sets riders up for future success in the sport.
Looking Ahead to 2026
A Gateway to Eventing in the Heart of Vancouver
• Southlands Riding Club’s 2 & ¾ Phase Series
• Southlands Riding Club is excited to continue growing the series with three dates planned for 2026:
• June 27-28
• July 25-26
• September 12-13
• Entries and prize lists will be available through Southlands Riding Club’s website and social media channels, and riders are encouraged to enter early as the events fill quickly.
• For those dreaming of their first horse trial — or simply looking for a new adventure with their horse
— the Southlands 2 & ¾ Phase Series offers the perfect place to begin.
Picture Credits: Ingo Nuefeld & Debbie Carr
2026 55+ BC Games
Equestrian Sport Takes the Spotlight at the Kamloops 2026 55+ BC Games
As British Columbia prepares to welcome athletes from across the province for the Kamloops 2026 55+ BC Games, Horse Council BC (HCBC) is pleased to confirm that equestrian sport will once again be part of this celebrated provincial event. Equestrian competitions will take place September 9–12, 2026, at the scenic North Thompson Fair Grounds in Barrière.
The Barrière venue was selected following extensive efforts to find a location that best supports horses, athletes, officials, and spectators. With its welcoming atmosphere and strong facilities, it reflects HCBC’s commitment to creating a safe, high-quality competition environment where connections and community can flourish.
The 55+ BC Games remain the largest annual multi-sport gathering in the province, bringing together more than 2,500 athletes across over two dozen sports. While athletic achievement is central, the Games also celebrate active living, volunteerism, and the lifelong joy of sport — values that align naturally with equestrian participation. The 2026 Games will continue this tradition in Kamloops.
Equestrian Disciplines for 2026
The equestrian program showcases the breadth of British Columbia’s equine community, with four disciplines scheduled over four days of competition:
• Dressage & Western Dressage
• Driving Trials
• Ranch Horse
• Mountain Trail
Registration for equestrian athletes opened March 16, with full details available on the HCBC website. Riders from all 12 provincial zones are eligible to participate, and no qualifying events are required, ensuring accessible participation from across the province.
Why Equestrian Belongs at the Games
Equestrian sport holds a unique place within the 55+ BC Games, celebrating both lifelong skill and enduring partnership. Riders aged 55 and over bring decades of experience to the arena, offering inspiration and proof that horsemanship — like passion for sport — has no age limit.
• Sport Chair - darcey_woods@telus.net
• Dressage Discipline Chair – jutta.jealouse@gmail.com
• Driving Discipline Chair – erik.sdoutz@gmail.com
• Mountain Trail Discipline Chair – foxwillowlb@gmail.com
• Ranch Horse Discipline Chair – haileyprest@yahoo.com
• Camping and Stabling – competition@hcbc.ca
Industry
New Online Course Promotes Safe, Humane Horse Transport Across Canada
The Horse Welfare Alliance of Canada (HWAC) is proud to announce the launch of its new Equine Handling and Hauling Course, an innovative online training program designed to help horse owners, transporters, and caregivers ensure safe, humane, and legally compliant horse transport from coast to coast.
Transporting horses requires more than experience, it demands a clear understanding of federal animal transport regulations and equine welfare principles. This comprehensive course provides both, offering practical tools and expert insights to reduce stress for horses, improve safety for handlers, and meet Canada’s highest standards for animal welfare and compliance.
“Whether you’re hauling one horse or a full trailer, knowing the rules and best practices makes all the difference,” said Katarin MacLeod, HWAC Chair. “This course helps everyone involved in equine transport make informed, responsible decisions that protect both horses and people.”
The Equine Handling and Hauling Course is the only program in Canada that clearly explains how federal livestock transport regulations apply specifically to equines. Developed in collaboration with leading industry specialists, the course integrates federal and provincial requirements with proven best practices to create a single, easy-to-follow learning resource.
Course modules include:
•Understanding animal welfare and transport regulations in Canada
•Animal behaviour and humane handling techniques
•Trailer design, safety features, biosecurity, and horse comfort
•Trip planning: insurance, documentation, and logistics
•Risk assessment and mitigation strategies
•Pre-transport preparation and best practices during transit
•Managing unexpected events and post-transport care
The course costs $65 per participant, which includes access to all modules and a certificate of completion upon successful completion.
To learn more or register, visit www.horsewelfare.ca/horsehauling-course
About Horse Welfare Alliance of Canada (HWAC): The Horse WelfareAlliance ofCanadaworks collaborativelywith industry, government, and horse owners to promote responsible horse care andwelfare nationally.Through education, collaboration, and advocacy, HWAC supports Canada’s equine communityin upholding the highest standards ofanimalwell-being.
Hey kids - I’m Alice the Pony, author of the Pony Tails Kids Club Monthly Digital Magazine!
Each Issue Features:
A signed letter from Alice Horse/pony breed of the month
A short story featuring Alice & friends
A horse and pony themed activity
Educational horse facts of the month
A horsey colouring page
The opportunity to reach out to Alice and tell her what you’d like to see in the next issue!
The best part... (it’s FREE, whether you ’ re an HCBC member or not)!
To let Alice know that you would like to subscribe (or for general inquiries) please reach out to her via e-mail:
2026 55+ BC GAMES - KAMLOOPS
SEPTEMBER 9-12, 2026 NORTH THOMPSON FAIR GROUNDS
The 55+ BC Games are an important part of the BC sport system and the largest annual multi-sport gathering event in the province. The Games offer the opportunity to celebrate sport and active living with other participants from across the province and experience the hospitality of the host city. Each year the Games attract approximately 2,500 participants and require over 1,200 volunteers to stage and deliver the Games in the Host Community.
Participant registration for the Kamloops 2026 55+ BC Games is now open
Disciplines included in the 2026 55+ Games: Dressage/Western Dressage, Driving Trials, Ranch Horse, Mountain Trail