BC’S EQUINE LIFESTYLE
We are Canada’s most trusted insurance broker for horse enthusiasts and have been for decades. Ask us about coverage for:
• Horse Mortality Coverage
• Commercial Equine Liability
• Coachs/Officials
• Clubs
• Horse Shows
• Equine & Livestock Trailers
BC’S Equine Lifestyle
SPRING 2025
Published quarterly by
Horse Council BC
27336 Fraser Hwy, Aldergrove BC, V4W 3N5
T: 604-856-4304
F: 604-856-4302
Toll Free: 1-800-345-8055
www.hcbc.ca
On the cover: South Thompson Pony Club Road Safety Training
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.
News
Horse Council BC gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport
Interest
Competition
Industry
Zajac Ranch for Children
HCBC Board Chair’s
Message
By Lynda Atkinson| HCBC Board Chair
As the warmth of summer returns to British Columbia, I am thrilled to welcome another season full of promise, passion, and connection for equestrians across the province. From the thrill of competition to the serenity of trail riding, this summer offers something for everyone—whether you ride, drive, volunteer, or cheer from the sidelines.
Horse Council BC is proud to support and highlight the many opportunities awaiting riders and drivers of all ages and skill levels. Our community continues to grow stronger, and this summer is no exception.
A highlight of the season is the 55+ BC Games, taking place September 9–13 in Nanaimo at Beban Park. This vibrant multi-sport event brings together over 2,500 athletes, with equestrian disciplines such as Dressage, Western Dressage, Arena Driving Trials, Working Equitation, and Working Hunter featured prominently. With planned upgrades to the equestrian facilities, we look forward to welcoming competitors to a first-class venue. We encourage our members aged 55 and over to register at 55plusgames.org and consider volunteering to support this spirited celebration of active living.
We are also excited to see a full calendar of eventing competitions from May through August, hosted across BC in communities like Summerland, Maple Ridge, Langley, Vancouver, Prince George, and Kelowna. Whether you’re jumping poles or tackling novice heights, the BC Equestrian Eventing Association has opportunities for all levels. Please visit bceventing.ca for details.
Thunderbird Show Park continues to be a pillar of excellence in hunter and jumper sport, hosting ten weeks of international tournaments—from beginner classes to elite FEI competition. Visit tbird.ca to experience world-class equestrian sport right here at home.
For combined driving enthusiasts, the season includes field driving trials, dressage clinics, and fun drives across the province. Explore what’s happening at bccarriagedriving.com/events.
And for those seeking a different kind of summer adventure, numerous equestrian summer camps are offered throughout the province—perfect for youth, families, and newcomers to the sport. Visit mysummercamps.com to discover options near you.
As always, Horse Council BC is committed to supporting our community through education, advocacy, and access to inclusive programs. If you haven’t already, I encourage you to invite friends and family to become members at hcbc.ca and be part of our growing network.
Let’s make Summer 2025 one to remember. Whether you’re competing in a ring, exploring the backcountry on horseback, or lending a hand as a volunteer—thank you for being part of this incredible community.
Wishing you safe rides and unforgettable memories.
Lynda Atkinson Chair, Horse Council BC
Membership
How to Access Your HCBC Membership Card
So, you’ve successfully purchased your Horse Council BC (HCBC) membership—what’s next? Whether you’re an existing member or new to HCBC, getting access to your membership card is easy and straightforward. Here’s a guide to help you get your card, no matter the situation!
Already Logged into the HCBC Website?
If you’re still logged into your HCBC account, follow these simple steps to view or print your membership card:
1. Locate the “ME” Tab: At the top of your screen, click on the word ME.
2. Scroll to Find Your Card: Scroll down to find the option that says Print/View Membership Card.
3. Click on Wording:
4. Select the Member’s Name: An empty box will appear. Click to select the name of the person whose card you wish to view.
5. View and Print: Click the Select This Person button, and your membership card will appear. To print, simply go to File and click Print.
Multiple Household Members?
If there are other members in your household who need their cards, repeat the process:
• Go back to step 4, select a different name, and follow the same steps to print their card.
Logged Out of the HCBC Website?
If you’ve logged out of the system, you can still access your membership card in a few ways:
1. HCBC Confirmation Emails
o Within the email, there is a link to your membership card.
o Click on the link (in blue wording Click here), Click on empty box, select person’s name and Click on Select this person and your membership card will appear below.
2. Log Back In:
o Go to the HCBC website, click on Returning Users, and enter your username and password.
o Once logged in, follow the steps outlined above to view or
print your membership card.
3. Save or Take a Photo:
o You can also save a PDF of your membership card to your desktop for easy access whenever you need it. Alternatively, take a picture of your card with your smartphone for quick access.
4. Request a Card from HCBC:
o If you prefer, contact the HCBC office via phone or email, and they will send you a PDF version of your card.
Important Notes:
• Printed Card: If you’ve already requested a printed card (for a fee of $5.00 + taxes), it will be mailed to you via Canada Post. Please allow 2-3 weeks for delivery. If you need your card sooner, you can view it through the website and take a photo of it until your printed card arrives.
Haven’t Purchased Your Membership Yet?
It’s not too late to join Horse Council BC and enjoy all the benefits of membership! Here are the membership options for 2025:
• Adult (19 years and older): $69.00 for the remainder of the year
• Youth Associate (18 years and under): $49.00 for the remainder of the year
• Family (maximum/minimum of 3 members): $159.00 for the remainder of the year (includes up to two adults and one youth member or one adult and two youth members living at the same address).
• Taxes: the prices above do not include tax.
Please note: HCBC memberships are non-refundable.
Whether you’re a new or returning member, getting your HCBC membership card has never been easier. For additional questions, feel free to reach out to the HCBC office. Happy riding and driving!
Acera Insurance Services
NEW! Group Benefits Program for HCBC Members
We are thrilled to announce the launch of a brand-new Group Benefits Program tailored for members of Horse Council of BC. This program, launching on May 1, offers two plan options— Silver and Gold—designed to meet the unique needs of those in the equestrian industry.
Members and Their Families
This group benefits program is designed to provide financial security, health and wellness resources and exclusive support services to our valued members and their families.
Coaches
This program was designed with coaches in mind. With no employment requirements, this unique plan design allows ALL coaches guaranteed access to affordable benefits, regardless whether they are employed or self-employed.
Stable Owners
In addition to these benefits being available to all members, stable owners and operators are able to set up affordable benefits coverage for themselves and their staff.
The Silver and Gold plans provide comprehensive coverage, giving you and your family access to essential health benefits such as prescription drug coverage, dental care, vision care, and more. These plans have been carefully crafted to ensure
they align with lifestyle and health needs.
Building on the success of a similar program rolled out in Ontario this past September, which has been warmly received by the equestrian community, we are thrilled to bring this offering to BC.
What makes this offering even more exciting is the guaranteed acceptance for anyone who enrolls between May 1 and July 31. No medical questionnaires or underwriting are required during this special enrollment period, ensuring that all eligible members can access the benefits they deserve with ease.
Whether you’re looking for essential health and dental coverage or more robust protection, the Silver and Gold plans provide the flexibility and value you need. We believe this new benefit program will enhance the well-being of members and help support the continued growth and success of the equestrian community in British Columbia.
We are excited to offer this valuable benefit and encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity to secure the coverage that’s right for you. Please visit this link: https://acera.ca/ coverage/hcbc-benefits-plan/ for information about the 2 plans and to submit your request to enroll. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity starting May 1st!
NEW! Community Advocacy Toolkit
We are excited to share with you our new Community Advocacy Toolkit that will help you with advocating for a cause in your community. As a provincial organization Horse Council BC has the resources to advocate for horses on a provincial level but with over 150 municipalities in BC we don’t have the capacity to champion advocacy issues in every community. So, without being able to effectively cover every area of the province we have created this toolkit to empower you to speak up for the issues that are affecting you. This toolkit focuses on issues that recreational riders have such as a near miss or road accident, safety concerns on the trail, trail network or trailer parking changes that might impact you negatively. We are hoping this toolkit will help you navigate the complexities of advocating for your cause and be a resource to refer to along the way.
So what is advocacy anyway? Advocacy is going through the process of supporting a cause or proposal and you can be doing this on your own behalf or the behalf of someone else. Our toolkit touches on many different topics but one that will help you immensely is learning to communicate effectively. Communicating in an assertive and respectful manner when dealing with advocacy issues will help you successfully communicate your needs and develop better relationships with the other parties involved. Some other important topics that are presented in the toolkit include identifying the issue, doing your research and making a case. Taking your time to dive into your
issue and summarizing it using clear and concise language will give you a foundation for building your case. Once you have put in the work its time to strategize how you want to get this information out. Find the contacts of the decision makers you need to advocate to and build your network of other people or organizations who have similar interests and therefore advocating towards a shared goal. We’ve also included a section of resources that includes writing guides, planning worksheets and information specific to trails and roads that could help make your case.
Learning to effectively advocate for your cause takes some work but we hope the topics in the toolkit will help in your advocacy journey. We can see this document evolving over time and we will update it with new topics and additional resources along the way. Though HCBC is unable to spearhead issues within your community we can offer our support. We are hoping this toolkit will give you guidance, but we encourage you to reach out to recreation@hcbc.ca. Also, join us for our webinar on June 12 at 7pm or watch the recording on YouTube at a later date.
Coaching Professional Development for Coaches & Instructors
Professional development is the strategy used to ensure Coaches and Instructors continue to strengthen their knowledge and skill throughout their career. Professional Development (PD) Activities are one of the updating requirements to maintain Coach Certification. This information is found in the CAC Locker at www.coach.ca. In 2022 Equestrian Canada revised the Professional Development criteria to remain compliant with Coaches of Canada requirements.
The PD Eligible Activities guide is broken into two types.
• Organization Reported Professional Development which is recorded by the host organization (PTSO, EC, NCCP).
• Self-reported Professional Development which is recorded in the CAC Locker by the coach
The PD reported to the HCBC office must be related to Coaching/Instructing skill development or Athlete Development. Coaches and Instructors can self-report up to three points per cycle for completion of any Professional Development that does not meet the criteria for the PSO to enter. The range of acceptable topics is varied. First aid renewals can be sent to HCBC to enter in the Locker for two points per renewal.
To view the eligible activity chart or get instructions on how to enter Self-Reported PD go to: https://hcbc.ca/coaching/ keeping-current-as-a-coach/
Coaches and instructors who have been active and have submitted the required PD by the end of their 5-year cycle will see their status is “Active”. If the coach has not submitted the PD the account will show as “not renewed” until the points are submitted.
Coaches and Instructors should make a point of visiting their Locker account at www.coach.ca as well as logging into the HCBC website on a regular basis. This will help coaches to be on top of requirements and confirm that they have submitted everything needed to keep their status current. When you are logged into the HCBC site, be sure to enter your enhanced listing information, your website address and a photo. The enhanced listing information is available for prospective students to view and learn more about you and your coaching program.
Remember for Organization Related PD if you don’t send it in to HCBC, it will not go in your locker!
Coaches, instructors and candidates can always contact coaching@hcbc.ca to find out any details about their coaching files or ask any questions about their status.
HAPPY RETIREMENT WENDY!
After 27 amazing years with Horse Council BC, we’re sad (but also excited for her!) to announce that our Manager of Coaching and Education, Wendy Sewell, is retiring. Wendy has been a huge part of our team and the coaching community in BC, and while she’s never one to seek the spotlight, she truly deserves the recognition for all she’s done. We’ll miss her deeply and wish her all the best as she heads into this well-deserved next chapter.
Feature
Zajac Ranch for Children
Zajac Ranch for Children is an exceptional organization based in Mission, BC, that strives to foster an environment where children facing challenges in their daily lives can find joy in the world of horseback riding. Founded by philanthropist, Mel Zajac Sr., the creation of the ranch was inspired by the passing of his sons, Mel Jr. and Marty Zajac. Their deaths sparked a desire to create a sanctuary where children with chronic illnesses, disabilities, and life-altering conditions could have a place to safely enjoy a fulfilling activity, such as horseback riding. Their facility is well-equipped with an accessible design, knowledgeable staff, and medical professionals on-site. Horseback riding isn’t the only activity they offer, they also host activities such as canoeing, archery, and rock climbing. They regularly hold fundraising events that bring many people together with a shared purpose to create opportunities for children who need it most.
There are exciting new developments at the ranch, where they now boast an indoor riding arena and viewing area! These facility additions are wonderful quality-of-life updates for the ranch as it allows for all-weather riding in a safe and comfortable environment for the children attending and for the parents visiting. The indoor riding arena will allow Zajac to offer a Therapeutic riding program all year around.
With these progressions has come a desire for Zajac Ranch for Children to look for a Therapeutic Riding instructor so that they may continue to grow, and expand their offered program.
They are excited at the prospects of these developments, stating that, “As we continue to develop our Therapeutic Riding Program, this new indoor facility symbolizes our ongoing dedication to inclusivity, adventure, and growth. We can’t wait to see how it transforms the experiences of our campers and the families who visit.” For those looking to support Zajac Ranch for Children, there are a multitude of helpful ways to do so. Zajac Ranch is always on the lookout for suitable horses to facilitate our programs. The organization always welcomes, and are grateful for, volunteers that wish to offer their time and assistance. Monetary donations are also welcome to help support our horse programs.
We at the Horse Council of BC love to see organizations, such as these, thrive as they provide such an essential and wonderful experience to their community. Please consider offering aid to Zajac Ranch for Children in any way that you can so that we can keep facilities like these running for children to enjoy!
Feature Gaining & Retaining Club Volunteers
Recent check-in calls with Horse Council BC’s club members have indicated many organizations struggle with volunteer sourcing and retention. To help combat the issue, this article discusses ten different ways to strengthen a volunteer program.
Clearly outline your organization’s mission.
An overarching purpose is important, as is creating a shared vision. You should be able to speak about your club’s history, event legacy, and reasons for existing. Doing so provides volunteers with a story they can connect to and motivates them to get involved.
Streamline your communication with volunteers.
Be clear with volunteers about scheduling, duties assigned, previous skills required, who they report to, and what is to be expected while they are on the job. It also helps to use organizational apps for tracking hours, simplifying recruitment, and easing administrative burden. Here are some examples that can be downloaded on Android/iOS:
• TimeTree
• SignUpGenius
• Zelos Team Management
Emphasize volunteer recognition
A little appreciation goes a long way, and rewarding hard work is crucial for volunteer retention. Consider creating a “volunteer of the year” award. Create an online shoutout for outstanding volunteer efforts. Better yet, the key to everyone’s heart is through their stomach - host an appreciation night where volunteers can sit down and enjoy a complimentary meal. A team escape room, bowling, or other group activities can also make for a fun and engaging way to demonstrate gratitude.
Tie in Volunteering with Membership
It is not uncommon for BC Equestrian clubs to require a minimum of completed volunteer hours to maintain membership. By agreeing to volunteer, members keep the cost of their annual dues down, as minimizing the club’s overhead and facility maintenance helps mediate the cost of membership fees. In some instances, clubs may also waive membership fees if a certain number of volunteer hours are completed.
Have a Comprehensive Recruitment Plan
Thorough volunteer screening ensures safe, positive interactions with both horses and people. Background checks and references help reduce turnover by attracting stronger
candidates. When recruiting, consider high school and university students seeking volunteer hours or resume-building opportunities, as well as local businesses for one-day corporate projects.
Promote your organization through multiple channels: attend fairs, expos, and open houses; leverage social media and volunteer job boards; and keep printed materials like posters and brochures on hand to share your message widely.
Provide Mentorship, Networking, Learning and Shadowing Opportunities as Incentive
You gain free labor - but what’s in it for them? Consider what your club has to offer in terms of professional development, industry experience, and opportunities for advancement.
Cultivate a Fun and Rewarding Working Environment
Make sure that each volunteer receives a proper orientation. It is important to focus on building interpersonal relationships and staying involved with volunteers: don’t just send them off with a wave! Having opportunities for growth and self-led initiatives, as well as ingrained feedback processes, help consistently improve volunteer experiences.
Be Respectful of Boundaries and Try Your Best to Accommodate Volunteer Schedules
This one speaks for itself: everyone is busy, and everyone experiences burnout. Respect everyone’s capacity for helping.
Maintain Professionalism
Just because it is an unpaid position doesn’t mean that volunteers are not entitled to the same rights and treatment as other employees. Be sure you always maintain a respectful and professional environment.
Take Advantage of Other Resources
Interested in learning more? Check out Volunteer BC at https:// www.volunteerbc.bc.ca/copy-of-for-volunteers for further organizational support. Be sure to also familiarize (or refresh) yourself with the Canadian Code for Volunteer Involvement (CCVI) at https://volunteer.ca/canadian-code-for-volunteerinvolvement/.
Are you interested in volunteering? Please check out our Club and Affiliate Directory to find an organization near you: https://hcbc.online/Find-a-Club
Trail Feature Woodlands Campground - Golden Ears Park
We’re excited to shine a light on one of the incredible projects made possible by the BC Equestrian Trails Fund—a place that’s quickly become a favorite for riders in the Lower Mainland. Thanks to years of hard work by the Back Country Horsemen of BC (BCHBC) Aldergrove Chapter, Woodlands Campground in Golden Ears Provincial Park is now open and ready for adventure.
What makes this place special? It’s one of only two public sites in the region where both riders and their horses can camp overnight. That alone fills a huge gap for the equestrian community, who for years have had very few options when planning multi-day trips in the area.
Set in the stunning wilderness of Golden Ears, the newly improved group campsite gives riders a rare and much-needed basecamp. With double corrals installed in 2024, horses can rest safely and comfortably after a day on the trails. If campsite usage and demand grows there is potential to expand with additional corrals in the future.
The surrounding trail network is ideal for those who enjoy a bit of a challenge with steady climbs, switchbacks, wilderness creek crossings and rocky terrain. It provides an enjoyable challenge for those who are comfortable with moderate trail riding and who want to experience the beauty of Golden Ears Park.
Getting this project off the ground wasn’t quick or easy. It took over a decade of advocating, planning, and working closely with BC Parks to make it happen. But the payoff has been huge. Not only does the campground serve equestrians, it’s also open to other groups, which makes it a great resource for all kinds of outdoor lovers (though you’ll want to book early—sites fill up fast!).
One of the biggest wins from this project has been the stronger partnerships it helped build—especially between BCHBC and BC Parks. Support from the Horse Council BC Equestrian Trails Fund also played a key role in making it all happen, helping to cover the costs of infrastructure like the corrals.
In the end, this isn’t just a campground—it’s the result of years of community effort, and will offer an opportunity for more riders in the Lower Mainland to go camping with their horses.
It’s proof of what can happen when a dedicated group keeps pushing for something they believe in.
If you’re ready to saddle up and check it out, you can make a reservation through BC Parks.
Member Feature
BC Rider Hopes To Qualify For 2026 World
Endurance Championships
When Stephanie Richter travelled to Chile in early 2024 to train in preparation for the Gaucho Derby, Fernando Medina Guerrero, equine vet and chef d’equipe for Team Norway asked her over dinner: “Why don’t you try and qualify for the 2026 worlds for Team Canada?”. What seemed like an unlikely scenario for a new Canadian and barn manager without her own performance horses then, is now taking shape: after finishing her novice qualifications in September and October 2024, Stephanie has since worked her way through the FEI/CEI 1 and 2 star levels of 100 and 120kms respectively (i.e. 65 and 75 miles). After having lived in B.C. for almost 7 years, Stephanie gained dual German and Canadian citizenship in March 2025, and is excited about the prospect of representing Canada internationally. “Growing up as a child of a single parent, equestrian competition, let alone internationally, seemed completely out of reach. While I had a phase in which I thought training hard enough would surely get me to the dressage Olympics one day, those dreams were dashed pretty quickly”, she chuckles “only because of my short legs, of course!”.
Stephanie stumbled into endurance “somewhat by accident” after posting on a local Facebook horse group, looking for opportunities to ride. “People recommended Heidi Telstad to me, who at the time had multiple active endurance horses. We became riding partners and good friends. I later learned she had completed and won the Mongol Derby in 2016. Back then, that seemed completely insane to me. Who does something like that? Well, turns out – me!”.
In order to qualify at FEI level, Canadian endurance riders currently need to travel abroad due to the lack of FEI sanctioned events within the True North. “I have been incredibly lucky to have people on both sides of our border being supportive, generous with their expertise, and sharing their network. I had the opportunity to ride and compete with some amazing horses in South America, the U.S. and Canada. I hope that a Canadian endurance team will not just deliver a solid performance at the 2026 World Championships, but also increase overall curiosity and excitement for the sport within Canada. It would be amazing to see the discipline grow and give future athletes the opportunity to compete at international level without constantly having to travel abroad. At this point, I am still learning and growing, but seeing how incredibly helpful and generous endurance athletes have been in sharing their knowledge, I hope that in the future I’ll also be able to pass on the torch and raise the overall profile of the discipline. I’ve had experienced horse people from all backgrounds tell me that they had never even heard of endurance – I’d like to change that. In the meantime, I tell them to watch the movie Hidalgo. That’s what it’s like. More or less”. If you want to keep up with Stephanie’s journey, you can follow her on Instagram: @StephRidesTheWorld.
Photo 1: Stephanie Richter and Forward Motion CH (owned by Melody Blittersdorf) at 28 February 2025 FITS - Fun In The Sun FEI** 75 mile ride in Williston, Florida. 2nd place seniors, 3rd overall. Picture: Hanna Bartnick.
Photo 2: Stephanie Richter at the finish line of the 2024 Gaucho Derby in front of Mt Fitz Roy, Argentina with her finishing horse. Picture: Kathy Gabriel.
After the Race!
Retired Racehorses Second Chance to Shine
Both Thoroughbred and Standardbred encourage adoption and new careers for horses after they finish their racing careers. The majority of ex racehorses are perfectly suitable and will often excel in new disciplines as competition or recreational partners.
Check out the two provincial aftercare association Greener Pastures and NewStride
STANDARDBREDS
Greener Pastures – BC Standardbred Horse Adoption Society is a non-profit organization founded in 2003. The goal is to find long term quality homes for retired race horses. We strive to give these horses a solid foundation in their new careers and place them into homes that are suitable for them as they begin their new chapter.
The Standardbred is an ideal recreational horse with a calm disposition, sensible mind and a friendly outlook! These are the attributes that have enabled Greener Pastures to adopt out over 50 horses per year. These numbers alone are testament to the suitability of the Standardbred as a riding horse. Standardbreds are a versatile breed known for their good nature and eagerness to please- consider adopting one today!
The I Love My Standardbred Program was created to recognize and encourage the retraining of Standardbred horses across Canada to participate in disciplines outside of the racing industry.
I Love My Standardbred Program calculates points to track, rank and reward your year-end accomplishments. All results are self-reported by owners and/or riders.
For individuals interested in the I Love My Standardbred Program who are not members of Standardbred Canada you may sign up for an SC Equestrian Membership by contacting Jade Regina at jregina@standardbredcanada.ca.
SC Equestrian Membership, is exclusively available to individuals enrolled in the I My Standardbred Program. This membership provides a variety of benefits for only $45 (plus taxes) per year.
Membership Details:
• Eligibility: Available only to individuals registered in the I My Standardbred Program and actively participating. For those 16 years and under, a parent or guardian’s signature is required.
• Cost: $45 +HST (This fee cannot be credited towards a racing or breeding membership).
Included Benefits:
• I Love❤ My Standardbred program
• TROT Magazine
• Free Equine Course Development
• MVP Program (Discounts of up to 40 per cent off at John Deere, UPS, ParkNFly, and more!)
• TrackIT Discount
• Voting Rights
• Standardbred Canada Quarterly E-Newsletter
For purposes of eligibility a “Standardbred” is defined as a Standardbred that has been registered with Standardbred Canada.
Standardbred Canada wants to thank you in advance for your participation in the I Love❤ My Standardbred Program.
Full Circle is a free program offered by Standardbred Canada (SC) to connect horses in need of a new home after their racing or breeding careers are over.
The idea is to connect horses with their breeder, former owners, trainers, drivers, caretakers or another interested person who might be willing to provide a home for the horse.
This program is modeled after the USTA’s Full Circle program and an initiative by the world’s largest equine registry – the American Quarter Horse Association.
To take part in the Full Circle program, individuals can contact SC and enroll a horse and name themselves as the contact for the program. If the current owner of a horse no longer wants their horse for any reason, they can check with SC to see if the horse is registered in the Full Circle program and if it is, the contact information for the person who enrolled the horse will be made available to them. A horse can be enrolled by more than one person.
SC will facilitate communication between the individuals but not have any involvement in coordinating any arrangements. It will be up to the two individuals to determine the arrangements for the horse.
Arrangements can be temporary or permanent, and include providing a home, helping with expenses, training, or whatever the two parties agree to.
People who enroll horses in the Full Circle program can also remove their name from the horse’s enrollment if their situation changes. This program is a way to ensure that a horse’s former connections can have the opportunity to provide a safe and responsible outcome for a horse that is no longer commercially viable (productive in racing or breeding). Those interested in registering for the Full Circle program can contact Standardbred Canada.
THOROUGHBREDS
New Stride - Dedicated to finding adoptive homes and new careers for former Thoroughbred racehorses. New Stride is a registered charity dedicated to finding adoptive homes and alternative careers for Thoroughbred racehorses no longer able to compete. The charity was founded at Hastings Racecourse in 2002 by a group of concerned owners, breeders and backstretch workers who sought to provide opportunities for a dignified retirement for as many Thoroughbreds as possible.
During its existence New Stride has placed over 200 Thoroughbreds into adoptive homes and assisted many owners and trainers in connecting horses coming off the track with opportunities for new careers and homes. The organization
also offers assistance to Thoroughbred owners outside the racing community in the form of information, advice and free advertising of horses for sale on its website.
New Stride is largely volunteer driven. Directors and volunteers donate their time to a vast number of tasks and projects, from general labor around the stable to training to fundraising. Help is always welcome! Funds raised by New Stride are used to cover foster care expenses, such as feed, shipping and farrier services,
THE JUMPER CHALLENGE
$6,000 NEW STRIDE THOROUGHBRED JUMPER CHALLENGE SERIES
New Stride is proud to recognize, promote, and reward Thoroughbred owners and riders with a Jumper Challenge to further showcase the versatility of Thoroughbreds. The program has been running for 10 years to show the public the best side of the Thoroughbred horse and the industry built around it. The goal is to raise the profile of retired race horses and showing Thoroughbreds in sport and will ultimately help find more homes for these magnificent animals.
The idea of holding a Thoroughbred Competition Series was spearheaded by our friends Stacey Krembil and Long Run Thoroughbred Adoption Society in Ontario. Over the last twelve years, they have built it into a highly regarded Hunter Classic Series that draws Thoroughbred enthusiasts ranging from promising amateurs to seasoned professional riders. The Series is showcased at a variety of “Gold” Circuit and FEI-ranked shows. Working in partnership with Stacey and Long Run, our goal is to build out the same success in British Columbia and create a national Thoroughbred Series over the next few years.
Who is eligible to compete and what are the show rules?
The New Stride Jumper Challenge is open to all Thoroughbreds with valid tattoo, microchip, or papers from The Jockey Club or CTHS. Copy of papers must be provided to the Horse Show Office or Show Steward and/or New Stride representative will check tattoos or microchips. Competitors will have a choice of three heights (0.85m, 0.9m and 1.0m). The Horse/Rider combination MUST compete at their division height in both rounds. If their height is not available they are permitted to compete at the next closest height down. There are no restrictions if the horse/rider combination wishes to move up in height. The class will be run in an immediate jump off format (FEI Article 238 Table A, 2.2). Winner will receive a Cooler, ribbons to eighth place.
OUR 2025 SCHEDULE:
April, 2025 Season Opener $1500 - Thunderbird Show Park
July 2025 Milner Classic l – $1,500 Milner Classic ll – $1,500Milner Downs Equestrian Center September 2025 $1,500 New Stride Thoroughbred Jumper Finale - Thunderbird Show Park
BC 55+ Games
Nanaimo 2025
THE BC 55+ GAMES ARE A WONDERFUL OPPORTUNITY TO CELEBRATE COMMUNITY AND ARE PROOF THAT EQUESTRIANS ARE ACTIVE FOR LIFE!
This September, Nanaimo is set to come alive with energy, excitement, and a whole lot of community spirit as it hosts the 2025 55+ BC Games from September 9–13. With over 2,500 participants expected and more than 25 sports and activities on the schedule, the Games are the largest annual multi-sport gathering in the province—and a true celebration of active living.
All equestrian competitions will be held at Beban Park, with major upgrades underway for the equestrian facility—so riders and spectators alike can expect some exciting improvements! (Some work pictured below)
The equestrian events will showcase four distinct disciplines:
• Dressage/Western Dressage – Discipline Chair: Monique Fraser
• Driving Trials – Discipline Chair: Tina Knott
• Working Equitation – Discipline Chair: Jane Stone
• Working Hunter – with a chair still to be announced
At the helm of the entire equestrian program is Sport Chair Jaqueline Pieters, helping coordinate what’s shaping up to be a great competition.
Whether you’re an equestrian enthusiast, a proud friend or family member, or just curious about the Games, this is the perfect time to get involved. Participant registration is now open, and the organizing committee is also calling on community members to step up as volunteers. Over 1,200 volunteers are needed to help bring the Games to life—and it’s a great way to meet new people, experience the events up close, and show off some of that classic Nanaimo hospitality.
For more information or to get involved:
Register to participate: 55plusbcgames.org/registration
Sign up to volunteer: bcseniorsgames.net/nan2025
So mark your calendar, polish your boots (or your cheering voice), and get ready—because this fall, all roads lead to Nanaimo!
Officials Development Upcoming Clinics
HCBC/EC Course Design Clinic with Peter Holmes
Held in conjunction with the Smithers Spring Show. Friday 1:30pm start, Sunday 2pm finish. Peter Holmes is a noted and popular FEI Level 3/EC Senior international course designer living in Cowichan Bay, BC, who has set tracks all over the world.
Dates: Friday June 6th 1:30pm, Saturday June 7th and Sunday June 8th ending at 2pm
Location: Smithers Fairgrounds, Smithers BC
Cost: $250 +GST
Register: hcbc.online/EventReg
HCBC/EC Dressage Judges Clinic with Joan Macartney and Brenda Minor
HCBC /EC Dressage Judges Clinic happening July 25-27 during Canada Cup at Maple Ridge Equi Sport Centre. The clinic will be for HCBC maintenance and EC promotion/updating,
Dates: Friday July 25th 5pm: Classroom Session @ Sandman Signature Hotel Langley,
Saturday July 26- Sunday July 27 Maple Ridge Equi Sport Centre in conjunction with Canada Cup,
Cost $250.00 + GST Open to everyone.
Register: hcbc.online/EventReg
HCBC has secured a block of rooms at a discounted rate for participants planning to attend the July EC/HCBC Dressage Judges clinic with Joan Macartney and Brenda Minor.
Sandman Signature Hotel Langley Block Code: 2507HORSEC
Block ID: 519101
Joan Macartney: Joan Macartney is a Senior Dressage judge (FEI4*r) both with Equestrian Canada and US Equestrian where she judges primarily throughout Canada, the Americas and Australia. A highlight of her background has been her
international work which has involved traveling and judging in a variety of countries - South/ Central America, South Africa, Eastern Europe are a few areas where she has judged and presented clinics. Working with youth and assisting in their development is always a priority. Having retired from a lengthy career in post-secondary education, Joan has become increasingly involved with the dressage community particularly in an educational role, presenting judges clinics, etc. Her riding and competition experience provides Joan with a true appreciation of the challenges in presenting a harmonious ride and achieving success in the dressage arena.
Brenda Minor: Brenda is an FEI Level 3/ 4* Dressage Judge, FEI Young Horse Judge, USDF and EC Senior Dressage Judge. She has judged throughout North and South America, England and Australia, as well as many championship shows and qualifiers including the North American Youth Championships. In 2019 she was honored to have been on the panel for the Pan Am Games in Lima, Peru. In 2022 she was a member of the panel at the Bolivarian Games in Bogota. She is a member of the EC Officials Committee, the EC Dressage Committee and is the Chair of Category A Voting Members. Brenda has been involved in dressage since the age of 18, competed herself at the Grand Prix level and is a popular clinician.
Road-Ready Riders South Thompson Pony Club Tackles Road Safety
On March 29, the South Thompson Pony Club (STPC) swapped their usual riding routine for something a little different—and a whole lot louder. With the support of Horse Council BC (HCBC), the Chase RCMP, and a couple of local motorcyclists, our young riders got a hands-on introduction to Road Safety Riding.
The afternoon kicked off with a short but important talk on sharing the road safely: how to be visible, alert, and respectful of traffic while out riding. Then, thanks to the safety of the arena at Chase, we set up a mock “road” complete with signs, obstacles, and plenty of action.
The Chase RCMP joined the fun by parking a squad car inside the arena (yes, lights and sirens included!), and two local dirt bike riders circled the field just outside, helping the horses get used to the real-life rumbles and revs of traffic. For some horses and riders, this was their very first exposure to roadlike conditions—and they handled it like champs! The horses stayed calm, and the STPC riders showed incredible focus and confidence.
After some careful practice—looking, signaling, maneuvering, and reacting to distractions—it was time to put those new skills to the test with a real road hack through Chase. Each rider was paired with an adult handler for safety, and the group
successfully navigated local roads, applying everything they’d learned.
To top off the day, every participant received a swag bag filled with helpful tools and treats, including the Road Safety Handbook for Equestrians and a copy of ICBC’s Driver’s Manual—perfect for understanding both sides of the roadsharing equation. And of course, the sunshine and smiles made the day even better.
Great work by everyone who made this possible—from the RCMP and HCBC to the generous locals who volunteered their time and engines. It was a truly valuable experience, and the perfect example of community coming together to support our young riders.
Here’s what a couple of STPC members had to say about the day:
“Today was a great Pony Club lesson in Chase, BC. South Thompson Pony Club had so much fun exposing our horses to potential road hazards from dirt bikers, trains, police cars, dogs, vehicles, and scooters. All five of our horses learned how to be safe on the road while having fun. We appreciate your generous donation of the safety items. We are all excited to continue our horse journey on the road while being safe. Thanks!!”
— Alexis McLellan & Isla Lippmann
We couldn’t have said it better ourselves. Here’s to more safe and confident rides ahead!
Industry:
Time to Start Planning with the support of FireSmart™ BC
Time to Start Planning with the support of FireSmart™ BC
Take advantage of their free confidential programs for property assessment and strategies to reduce fire risk around your home or farm.
Team FireSmart BC is a group of individuals from BC Wildfire Service, Fire Chiefs Association of BC, First Nations Emergency Services Society, and the Union of BC Municipalities
The FireSmart BC Program is a provincial initiative aimed at reducing the risk of wildfire damage to homes, communities, and forests.
Utilizing the resources and services from FireSmart will help mitigate fire damage and save money.
Some of the programs include;
The Wildfire Mitigation Program offers a personalized home assessment from an experienced fire professional to identify potential wildfire risks and provide tailored recommendations to address them.
FireSmart Farm and Ranch Plan and Guide helps farmers and ranchers plan for wildfires.
To find out what is available in your area go to : https://firesmartbc.ca/firesmartcoordinators/
For other comprehensive online free planning resources go to https://firesmartbc.ca/
FireSmart, Intelli-feu and other associated Marks are trademarks of the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre Inc.
REGISTER NOW
2025 BC 55+ GAMES NANAIMO
SEPTEMBER 9-13
