BC's Equine Lifestyle - Spring/Summer 2017

The Official Member Magazine of Horse Council BC

BC’s

Equine Lifestyle

Spring/Summer 2017 www.hcbc.ca

Time to Cow Up!

The Canadian Coast Reined Cow Horse Association

What to Do

if You Need to Make a Claim Under the HCBC Insurance Program

P’TIT TROT

RIDING PROGRAM FOR KIDS

FR

!

E E

In This Issue

BC’s

Equine Lifestyle Spring/Summer 2017 is published biannually 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

HORSE COUNCIL BC EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE LIZ SAUNDERS President 250-359-7293

SUSAN HARRISON VP Competition 250-416-0094

CAROLYN FARRIS Treasurer 250-546-6083

TERRE O’BRENNAN VP Recreation 604-940-6958

LISA MANDER Secretary 604-719-1989

ALLISON WARREN VP Membership & Marketing 604-512-4472

STAFF

LISA LAYCOCK Executive Director administration@hcbc.ca ext.1008 KELLY COUGHLIN Senior Program Director Manager, Industry & Agriculture industry@hcbc.ca ext.1006 WENDY SEWELL Manager, Coaching & Education coaching@hcbc.ca ext.1004 ALI BUCHANAN Manager, Competition & Sport competition@hcbc.ca ext.1005 NANCY SPRATT Recreation Coordinator recreation@hcbc.ca ext.1009

President’s Message

NEWS What to Do if You Need to Make a Claim Under the HCBC Insurance Program 6 Welcome the New HCBC Zone & Affiliate Directors 6 Pony Tails Free Kids Club 7 P’Tit Trot Riding Program for Kids 8 HCBC Award Recipients 10 Community Talks Travelling Road Show 2017 5

LYNDA ATKINSON VP Industry 250-747-3700 JOCELYN ADAMS Membership Coordinator membership@hcbc.ca ext. 1002 SANDY UNDERWOOD Community & Sport Development development@hcbc.ca ext. 1010 AYNSLEY CAIRNS Marketing & Communications Coordinator communication@hcbc.ca ext.1003 LYNN WALLDEN Finance & Grants finance@hcbc.ca ext. 1007 LYNDA ECKSTEIN Reception reception@hcbc.ca ext. 1001

FOR A MEDIA KIT AND/OR RATE CARD PLEASE CONTACT COMMUNICATION@HCBC.CA. All material is copyright 2016.

All photographs that depict riders without helmets were taken in competition settings where helmets are not traditionally worn and all riders are over the age of 18. HCBC supports the wearing of approved helmets in all equestrian activity. Ideas and opinions expressed in articles do not necessarily reflect the idea or opinions of HCBC. BC’s Equine Lifestyles reserves the right to accept, and/or edit material submitted for publication. HCBC 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 results of the information contained in BC’s Equine Lifestyles, or arising therefrom, is the responsibility of the parties involved and not of HCBC. We welcome signed letters to the editor, but reserve the right to publish, edit for grammar, taste and length. For reprint information please contact communication@ hcbc.ca.

UPCOMING PUBLICATION DATES Fall/Winter 2017 | October 2017 Spring/Summer 2018 | April 2018 Horse Council BC gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development.

FUNDING 11 Funding Available to HCBC Members, Clubs, & Affiliates

SPOTLIGHT 12 Time to Cow Up! The Canadian Coast Reined Cow Horse Association 14 Manure Link: Helping Horse Owners Improve Their Manure Management

COACHES CORNER 19 On the Horizon

COMPETITION 21 Participate in the 2017 55+ BC Games in Vernon!

INDUSTRY & AGRICULTURE 17 Premise I.D. Important for Safeguarding BC’s Horses

Photo Credit: Jennifer Jones

SUSAN THOMPSON VP Education 604-943-8155

4

TRAILS & RECREATION 22 Ride On! The Ride & Drive Rewards Program

www.hcbc.ca | 3

President’s Message I’m not sure who decided on the name for our Horse Council magazine but it is so appropriate. This was my thought as I was fixing the electric fence where another friendly elk had taken a short cut through the paddocks. Their deep tracks in the snow gave them away as the culprits. Much of my winter “lifestyle” has been spent with the power of 39 horses, and they are all called Kubota. Yes, my tractor has been my best friend this winter in partnership with my snow shovel and the oversized mountains of snow still in the yard are testament to our “friendship”.

Owning equines is indeed a “lifestyle” and this winter has put the “lifestyle” to the challenge across the entire province. The calendar says early March and this stirs thoughts of spring. So I reviewed my report from this time last year and what a difference! I was talking about the mild winter and about grass growing but that was then and this is now. However, that being said there are small signs of the season to come. The horses have started to shed with the lengthening days and the ravens have been flying overhead with twigs and great tufts of horse hair, their spring fix up is underway.

This has been a very testing winter for us all and while the horses at our stables seem fairly oblivious to the conditions it certainly has a sobering and depressive effect on people. So many extra things to deal with when the weather turns cold and snowy - frozen water systems to the A potential new boarder checking out the hay horses, shovelling supply. deep snow just to get to the horses to feed, keeping the road/driveway open, especially when the highway trucks fill in the entrance and then there is the resulting ice rink when it decides to rain or the sun actually makes a brief appearance. Okay, I’ll stop now but this has been life for many over the past few months including those of you on the coast and the lower mainland where you are certainly not prepared for such harsh weather. Despite all this there are still magical moments, like the elk coming out of the barn, the beauty of the snow on the trees and the ravens taking a snow bath.

Meanwhile, at the office each department spends winter preparing for a more outdoor friendly season - membership renewals, competition permits, HCBC rules updates, coaching updates, the new Community Talks Travelling Road Show, industry & agriculture working with government and other agricultural organizations, Share the Trails Workshop and so on. It’s a seemingly endless and varied list. Indeed 4 | Equine Lifestyles Spring/Summer 2017

the interests of members are extremely varied as more people come up with more ways to have fun and enjoy time with their horses.

If you are looking to connect with others with similar interests to yours, check out the HCBC website which has information on different organizations and clubs. These are listed by Zone and they are quite varied in what they offer. Some specialize in one aspect of equine enjoyment ie Gymkhana clubs & the Cowboy Mounted Shooting Association, but many are riding clubs with a place to ride and drive your horse and meet other people with similar equine interests.

Of course you can also call or email the HCBC office, they always have the information you are looking for or will find the answer for you.

Talking about information sharing, Equestrian Canada is holding its annual Convention in Vancouver April 7/8/9. You can check out the agenda, speakers etc online at www.equestrian.ca. Horse Council will be holding its spring Board Meeting and AGM in conjunction with the Convention. This will be on Friday evening April 7th and everyone is invited. The Convention offers people a chance to meet the EC Board, EC staff, attend various panel discussions, the awards and various workshops, hear about the latest in microchipping horses for ID purposes, and attend the presentation by world renowned Equine Behaviourist Dr. Andrew McLean (and of course meet the HCBC Board and staff!). For more information please contact the office or go to www.hcbcca or www.equestrian.ca The Sport BC Awards ceremonies took place on March 8 in Vancouver. This annual event celebrates the best in Sport in BC and included the President Awards. This is where each Provincial Sport Organization has the opportunity to recognize the volunteer efforts of a member of their organization. This year HCBC was pleased to honour Orville Smith of Prince George with the President’s Award.

Orville is past President and a long-time member of Horse Council.

Thanks for all the work you did for HCBC over the years Orville, you are certainly deserving of this award and recognition and thank you Terre O’Brennan, VP Recreation for making the presentation on behalf of Horse Council.

I will end with my usual sign off, a heartfelt thanks to the Horse Council staff for the hard work and dedication to Horse Council. You are the best and make my job easy!

Thanks also to you, the members, the Board and the Executive.

Without you we would not have a Horse Council with which to serve the equine community.

Here’s to spring - may it come soon and be followed by a wonderful summer with our equines.

Liz Saunders HCBC President

What To Do If You Need to Make a Claim Under the HCBC Insurance Program As horse people we can take as many safety precautions as possible, but horses are horses and as much as we try to avoid accidents, they do happen. Here is a short guide to what to do in the event you need to make a claim under any of the insurance program policies associated with your HCBC membership: 1. Contact Capri Insurance immediately at 1-800-670-1877 and ask for Claims Assistance.

2. You will be asked to provide the following information: • What is the nature of the claim? i.e. Liability, Equine Mortality, Tack and Equipment, AD&D coverage?

• You will be asked to provide your name, contact information, policy number and HCBC membership number.

• What is the date of loss, location of loss, circumstances that led to the loss?

What happens next?

Once all of the above information is provided, your Capri Insurance Claims Service Representative will mail or e-mail you the paperwork/forms that may be required to process the claim.

On receipt of all required documents (as above) your claim will be forwarded to the appropriate insuring company for assessment.

Your Capri Claims Service Representative will follow up with the insuring company regularly to ensure: 1. The file remains a priority.

2. The full extent of coverage available is being provided.

3. Payment is processed as quickly as possible.

Please be advised that Claims Service is a priority. If you ever have any questions or concerns regarding the claims process or coverage, we strongly urge you to contact any of the Capri Insurance Equine Department representatives.

Worried about an accident?

Included in your Horse Council BC membership is a $5,000,000 liability insurance policy from Capri Insurance. That insurance protects you against lawsuits that can be brought against you for Bodily Injury or Property Damage claims arising out of the personal ownership or personal use of a horse and/or arising out of your participation in most equine related activities.

Also included is a $30,000 (principal sum) Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) policy, this excludes benefit for fracture and dental.

Additional AD&D can be purchased through HCBC for $30 for the year, which includes a $50,000 principal sum and a benefit for fracture of up to $7500/$2500 (helmet/no helmet) and up to $5000 for dental. That’s a lower price than 2016 with an increased benefit for fracture and dental.

More information on automatic and optional insurances that are available through a Horse Council BC membership can be found on our website (www.hcbc.ca) or by contacting Capri Insurance at 1-800-670-1877 and asking for the Equine Department. www.hcbc.ca | 5

NEWS

Welcome the NEW

HCBC Zone & Affiliate Directors Horse Council BC would like to welcome new members to our Board of Directors for 2017: • • • • • • •

Zone 2 Director - Myrna Thompson Zone 2 Director - Lynne McPherson Zone 3 Director - Susan Holtby Zone 5 Director - Lisa Mander Zone 8 Director - Rose Cousins Zone 8 Director - Carolyn Dobbs Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society (BC Division) Grant Watson

A big thank you to outgoing Directors: Dawn MacRae, Chris Pack, Cheryl Dewson, Orville Smith and Jeannie Spence for your volunteer service to HCBC and members.

Zone AGM & Election Results To review the minutes from your Zone AGM please check out the website: hcbc.ca/index.php/news-events-2/annual-generalmeetings/

Pony Tails Free KIDS CLUB Have you met Alice & Oliver?

Alice and Oliver are the mascots for Horse Council BC’s Pony Tails Kids Club! Pony Tails is a club for kids 12 years old and younger who love horses and ponies. You don’t need to own your own horse or pony to join and it’s free!

Pony Tails Kids Club members receive: • • • • • •

A Club Card I Love Horses Ribbon I Love Horses Button Pony Tails Passport Art Project A Discount for the P’tit Trot Program

6 | Equine Lifestyles Spring/Summer 2017

Alice the Pony has all sorts of fun information, games and contests for kids to take part in. You do not have to be a Horse Council BC Member to join the Pony Tails Club, but we would love to have you join us one day.

Find out more: hcbc.ca/ /index.php/programseducation/ programs/pony-tails-free-kids-club/

NEWS

P’Tit Trot

Riding Program for Kids P’tit Trot is an exciting program for children who love horses and want to learn about riding English or Western and caring for horses.

The P’tit Trot book is fully illustrated throughout and introduces children 5 and over to the basics of English or Western Riding and learning how to care for a horse or pony.

The colourful drawings and the amusing antics of P’tit Trot (the name of the mascot pony), help the child discover and teach themselves the ABC’s of riding and how to care for their horse or pony.

bookstore for $24.95 plus postage and GST. Included in the program package is a colourfully illustrated four chapter booklet, diplomas and stickers for each level plus lots of extra goodies.

Each of the chapters – Bronze Horseshoe, Silver Horseshoe, Gold Horseshoe and Platinum Horseshoe – cover specific topics on horse care and riding. As the participants complete each chapter, they can place the matching horseshoe sticker on the diploma.

Children that belong to HCBC’s Pony Tails Kids Club receive a $10 discount off the purchase of a P’tit Trot package.

Horse Council BC would like to thank the Quebec Equestrian Federation for allowing us to use this program.

PARENTS & COACHES

Contact coaching@hcbc.ca for more information or go to the HCBC Store to order a package.

Parents and coaches are invited to use this entertaining and educational book that is ideal for horse lovers. It can also be used to prepare and support activities offered at riding camps and as preparation to begin the English or Western Learn to Ride levels.

PROGRAM COST & PACKAGE INFO The complete program is available from Horse Council BC’s www.hcbc.ca | 7

HCBC Award Recipients CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL 2016 AWARD RECIPIENTS! 2016 Sherman Olson Lifetime Achievement Award Carol McDonald - Langley, BC 2016 Coach of the Year Andrea Taylor - Delta, BC 2016 Horse Industry Professional of the Year Perneil Training – Chelsea McNeil & Kate Perrin - Langley, BC 2016 Junior Athlete of the Year Sunny Balshaw - Lindell Beach, BC 2016 Senior Athlete of the Year Heidi Telstad - Langley, BC 2016 Bob James Volunteer of the Year Ron Trickett - Vernon, BC 2016 Horse of the Year – Competitive Boston owned by Susanne McLeod - Prince George, BC 2016 Horse of the Year – Non-Competitive Benjamin owned by Sandra Evans - Mission, BC Thank you also to all the nominators for letting us know about the amazing people in our horse industry!

Congratulations to the worthy recipients of the Horse Council BC’s 2016 Awards! Each award winner will receive their award at an event of their own choosing throughout 2017.

Horse Council BC’s annual awards serve to honour outstanding 8 | Equine Lifestyles Spring/Summer 2017

achievement within BC’s equestrian community. These awards acknowledge those who have stood out from the crowd over the past year and who have made a positive impact on the community as a whole. Each award recipient was nominated by two or more other Horse Council BC members.

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HCB C

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g i l l e Trav Horse Council BC is coming to you! We’re hitting the road in 2017 and bringing a day of equine education to communities around the province.

Date: Sunday - May 7th, 2017 Time: 11am - 5pm Location: South Thompson Inn & Convention Centre, Kamloops, BC Cost: Admission by donation at the door to Kamloops Therapeutic Riding Association.

Topics: • Nutritional Needs for Horses in the Thompson Okanagan District • What Your Vet Wants You to Know!

• Pasture & Manure Management • Everything You Wanted to Know About the 2017 55+ BC Games in Vernon

For more info & to guarantee your seats go to: www.hcbc.ca www.hcbc.ca | 9

mmuni t Co

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HCB C

NEWS

i Tra v ell

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Community Talks

Travelling Road Show

We’re hitting the road in 2017 and coming to a community near you! We are bringing a one day educational mini-summit to communities around the province.

Join us for a day of equine education sponsored by Otter Coop, SciencePure Nutraceuticals Inc. and Langley Environmental Partners Society!

Guarantee your seats and preregister online at www.hcbc.ca

FIRST STOP – KAMLOOPS Date: Sunday, May 7, 2017 Time: 11am – 5pm Location: South Thompson Inn & Convention Centre, Kamloops, BC Cost: Admission by donation at the door to Kamloops Therapeutic Riding Association.

Topics: • “Nutritional Needs for Horses in the Thompson Okanagan District” • Speaker: Ken Wilkinson • “What Your Vet Wants You To Know” • Speaker: Dr. Jennifer Jackson, Kamloops Large Animal Veterinary Clinic • Pasture & Manure Management • Speaker: King Campbell • BC 55+ Games • Speaker: Equestrian Sport Chair, Carolyn Farris

SECOND STOP – CRESTON Date: Sunday, June 4, 2017 10 | Equine Lifestyles Spring/Summer 2017

Time: 11am – 5pm Location: Ramada Creston, 1-1809 Highway 3A, Creston, BC Cost: Admission by donation at the door to Creston and District Society for Community Living.

Topics: • “Nutritional Needs for Horses” • Speaker: Ken Wilkinson • “What Your Vet Wants You To Know” • Speaker: Dr. Uli Helvoigt, Tanglewood Veterinary Services • Pasture & Manure Management • Speaker: King Campbell

THIRD STOP – COURTENAY Date: Sunday, September 30, 2017 Time: 11am – 5pm Location: TBA Cost: Admission by donation at the door. Recipient TBA. Topics: (Speakers TBA) • “Nutritional Needs for Horses in the Vancouver Island Region” • “What Your Vet Wants You To Know” • Pasture & Manure Management for Vancouver Island Thank you to our sponsors who helped to make this program possible: Otter Co-op, SciencePure Nutraceuticals Inc., Langley Environmental Partners Society, Kamloops Large Animal Veterinary Clinic, South Thompson Inn & Convention Centre, Ramada Creston, Ricky’s All Day Grill Creston, Tanglefoot Veterinary Services and Dr. Uli Helvoigt!

Funding

Available to HCBC members, Clubs & Affiliates Spring, the time when things begin anew. The snow melts (woohoo!), the grass begins to grow, and riders and horses alike start to kick up their heels. Thoughts turn to trails, clinics, lessons, and competitions. Goals are set and the preparations begin; tack inspected and cleaned, endless brushing as horses shed out their winter coats, schedules studied, training programs tweaked and finances sorted. Along with that comes making sure that the facilities you use to train and compete at are in good repair and ready for an exciting season. This is where Horse Council can help.

HCBC has several grant programs to help our members whether they are recreational or competitive riders, drivers or vaulters. We are here to support you as individual members, clubs or affiliates with reaching your goals and fulfilling your dreams. We know that the idea of filling in a grant application can be daunting but we have streamlined the process and made the applications as easy to complete as possible. All grant criteria, applications, and reports can be easily found at hcbc.ca under Membership, then Funding for HCBC Members.

trail work, and equipment purchases.

Travel Assistance funding

is geared toward high level competition at the National or International Championship level. The competitions can be discipline or breed oriented. In the past grants have been given to the Vaulting team which represented Canada at the World Vaulting Championships, riders competing at the North American Junior/Young Rider Championships, the Arabian National Championships and the CET Jumping Finals.

Participation Grants

are only open to member clubs which are organizing a clinic. A club may apply for a maximum of two Participation Grants each year.

The amount of each grant is between $250 and $500 and depends on the location of the clinic, understanding that it is more expensive to bring clinicians to areas not close to urban centres.

Core Grants are open from January to April

15th. Once the applications are collected they are sent out to committee to be reviewed; then the committee meets and makes their decision. Applicants are notified via email shortly thereafter. The Core Grant criteria allows for a wide variety of projects including facility upgrades, equipment purchases, and high level competition. Make sure you read the entire criteria before applying as it has changed for this year.

BC Equestrian Trails Fund

From there pick the grant you are interested in, review the criteria, fill in the application and send it off to the appropriate person. It’s that easy!

Zone grants have the widest criteria and are

open to individuals, clubs or affiliates that are current members of HCBC. The zone directors make the decision about which grants are approved for funding. Grants that have been approved in the past include clinics, competition, travel funds,

are open from January to April 15th. Any club or affiliate may apply for a trails grant between January 1 and April 15. These grants go a long way to keeping equestrian trails across our province safe and accessible. Please use the checklist to ensure that you have all of the needed documents before submitting your application.

If you aren’t sure if you or your club qualify or if the project you would like to do is appropriate, call the Horse Council office at 1-800-345-8055 and ask for Lynn.

Now get out there and enjoy your horse! www.hcbc.ca | 11

Time to Cow Up!

The Canadian Coast Reined Cow Horse Association By: Kathryn Dolphin, CCRCHA Secretary Photo by: Krystina Lynn Photography

Who We Are and What We Do The Canadian Coast Reined Cow Horse Association (CCRCHA) formed in January 2016 as an Affiliate of the National Reined Cow Horse Association (NRCHA) in order to bring much needed shows to BC. Previously, our riders needed to travel to Alberta or the states to compete in the Reined Cow Horse discipline. Reined Cow Horse, also known as Working Cow Horse, consists of cutting a cow from a herd, working a single cow in an arena and performing a reining pattern. Being able to execute all of these maneuvers with speed, precision and style showcases the complexity of this discipline.

The CCRCHA offers shows, including a summer Futurity and Derby, “Cow Up On The Coast”, and clinics locally. Our Board of Directors volunteer their time to build the club and put on events for cow horse lovers, such as themselves. If you have an interest in learning more about the sport, we welcome you to come out and watch our events. On the other hand, if you are looking to show and take part in our events with your horse it does require a membership. We offer an online membership form at www.ccrcha.com and charge a small annual membership fee. We also invite you to follow us on Facebook and Instagram to learn more about the sport of Reined Cow Horse.

“Our goal here at CCRCHA is to bring together a common 12 | Equine Lifestyles Spring/Summer 2017

interest in a sport we all love, the Reined Cow Horse. We offer clinics for you to advance you and your horses skills and shows so that you may execute what you have learned. We can’t wait to see you out there!” –CCRCHA Directors

Events for 2017 To date this year, the CCRCHA has held two events, a one day NRCHA approved show, “Dust Off Your Spurs” and a clinic with 4 Million Dollar Rider, Todd Bergen. It was a great start to the year and we look forward to the other events we have in store.

The CCRCHA also held an annual Stallion Auction, in which we auctioned off donated breeding contacts in order to raise money for our up and coming shows and to support our youth riders and the formation of a youth club. This was the second year we have done this and it proves to be a successful venture each year.

Currently, the CCRCHA is gathering sponsorships for the 2017 year and planning for upcoming shows and clinics. We are very fortunate to have such great supporters here in Canada and in the US that allow us to offer shows and events of this caliber.

Come and join us!

SPOTLIGHT

UPCOMING EVENTS “COW UP ON THE COAST” Futurity, Derby and Horse Show July 28-30, 2017 Chilliwack Heritage Park The CCRCHA is proud to bring you “Cow Up On The Coast” for its second year. This 3 day show offers a Futurity, Derby and array of horse show classes. This show is NRCHA approved and last year had over $15,000 of added monies with riders and horses from Alberta, BC and Saskatchewan. It is a great event to watch and participate in!

Candid Shot from the CCRCHA Todd Bergen Clinic.

Photo by Janice Reiter Photography

Travis Rempel and Muddy Little Master.

Photo by Sally Rees Photography

Deb Anderson and Signed Prescription in the Non Pro Bride at “Dust Off Your Spurs”. Photo by Sally Rees Photography

Cayley Wilson riding White Knight Time.

Photo by Sally Rees Photography

Photo of Katie Wilson and High To You at the CCRCHA “Dust Off Your Spurs” show in February. Photo by Sally Rees Photography

www.hcbc.ca | 13

SPOTLIGHT

Manure Link:

Helping Horse Owners Improve their Manure Management

By Mackenzie Irwin

Photo credits for this article: LEPS

When it comes to dealing with ever increasing piles of manure, many horse owners do not know where to start. Fortunately, there is a resource with all of the necessary information required to create a manure management program that will allow you minimize and utilize that mountain of manure in a way that helps you to reduce your environmental hoofprint.

The Manure Link website Manure Link is the official website for the Horse Manure Management program initiated by Langley Environmental Partners Society. This non-profit, partnership driven organization was founded in 1993 with the goal of “protecting and restoring Langley’s natural environment through education, cooperation, and action�. The LEPS Agricultural Stewardship Program works to ensure that the integrity of agricultural practices are maintained while minimizing the impact of agriculture in Langley on streams, wetlands, and wildlife by partnering with local farmers and landowners. In 2006, the Manure Link website was created as part of the Horse Manure Management Program to provide horse owners with helpful resources to better their farm practices and provide an exchange platform for composted manure. The Manure Link website has recently been updated to be more user-friendly, informative, and resourceful.

14 | Equine Lifestyles Spring/Summer 2017

Manure Link is a mobile phone compatible online resource that provides information, advice, and guidance to horse owners on a variety of issues. There are three main sections to the site: Manure Composting, Pasture Management, and the Manure Link service itself. The Manure Composting section explains why composting is important and provides a stepby-step guide on how to build a compost system as well as how to manage compost. To help determine storage size requirements, there is an interactive calculator. This section also has a troubleshooting page to help you compost more efficiently and information on how you can improve your current manure management practice. The regional Manure Maven network can be found within the composting section which is a group of experienced members of the equine or agrology industry. The Mavens can be contacted for general information, and some even offer workshops or site consultations. There is always room for more Mavens, and the Manure Link program is currently seeking experts from the Northwest Coast and the Kootenay-Rockies regions of BC. The resources tab under Manure Composting provides links to additional information for those that require it, including government policies, the LEPS Stream Crossing Guide and Land Management Guide, provincial government websites and more. Within the Pasture Management section is information on weed management, pasture degradation, and pasture renovation.

SPOTLIGHT

The Manure Link service Manure is an excellent soil amendment. It contains nutrients necessary for plant growth and is a great alternative to synthetic fertilizers which can cause nutrient pollution within waterways and soil. This organic material provides structure to soils, reducing erosion, increasing moisture retention and aiding in drainage. There is a demand for composted manure from gardeners and landscapers, especially during spring and summer months, as it can be used as a fertilizer, soil amendment, or mulch. The Manure Link service provides a platform for manure producers to connect with those seeking composted manure. By posting an ad on the site you can avoid hauling fees and provide your manure to someone who can put it to use. The home page has quick access buttons to the Manure Link program, or it can be reached using the tabs along the top of the page. Those who are looking to post an ad for their composted manure can click the “I have manure button” and those who are looking to obtain it can click the “I want manure” button.

the Fisheries Act of Canada prohibits the addition of any deleterious substance to any water that would degrade water quality and render it deleterious to fish or fish habitat. It may not be apparent that sensitive ecosystems are nearby, but water is everywhere and has the ability to carry materials across landscapes.

In order to avoid environmental harm and to comply with provincial and federal regulations, manure must be actively managed. Composting is becoming increasingly accepted as the best management practice for manure. It can decrease the volume of manure by up to 50%, eliminate the smell, reduce insect populations, and turn manure into a valuable resource.

You may be surprised at how quickly composting can become part or your horse-keeping routine, and with a one-time investment you can eliminate the need to purchase chemical fertilizers and pay haul away fees.

The basics of composting

Why it’s important Manure management is a major concern for horse farms of all sizes. The accumulation of raw manure can be a nuisance for horse owners as well as the surrounding community. The sight of manure piles are aesthetically unpleasing, and the smell can be offensive. Renting manure storage bins and haul away fees can cost thousands of dollars every year, and poor manure management can cause an ecological imbalance resulting in environmental damage. When manure run-off reaches water ways it can harm fish and aquatic insects, and manure leachate can contaminate drinking water supplies. The British Columbia Agricultural Waste Control Regulation under the Environmental Management Act states that agricultural waste must be stored

Finish manure compost should not drip, but also should not be dry and crumbly.

Turn your horse manure into a valuable resource.

and handled in a manner that does not cause pollution, and

There are four main components of an ideal compost system: cover, a base, siding, and location. Because manure generally cannot be spread six months out of the year due to frozen ground and high levels of rain fall, it is important to design for six months of storage. A cover will not only help you to comply with regulations and avoid environmental pollution, but it will allow for composting to occur more effectively. If a roof is not in your budget, a tarp will suffice. A concrete base is ideal for a compost system as it will prevent harmful leaching and allow for machinery access without damaging the ground. Compost system siding allows for more material to be piled up and allows for heat retention; helping the material degrade more quickly and evenly. When choosing a location many factors must be considered including distance to barns, fields, neighbours, infrastructure, and possibility for expansion. In order to avoid water contamination, the Agricultural Waste Control Regulation www.hcbc.ca | 15

SPOTLIGHT recommends that compost systems be located 30 meters from any wells and at least 15 meters from any water source.

There are also four factors that must be monitored in order to compost effectively: temperature, moisture, aeration, and the carbon to nitrogen ratio. Temperature is important as is it an indicator of microbe activity. Compost temperature should reach up to 55-65°C and maintain that for 2-3 weeks to ensure that weed seeds and pathogens are destroyed during the composting process. Manure compost should not be soggy, or dry and crumbly. The ideal moisture content is between 4060%. This ensures that the microbes which do the composting have a suitable environment that is moist but still oxygen rich.

Composting occurs more efficiently when the materials in it are uniformly distributed. This can be achieved by mixing the compost, which will also help to distribute temperature and moisture, as well as proving aeration. In order to reduce smell and ensure rapid decomposition, adequate oxygen is required. Regular turning can help achieve this as well as the insertion of perforated PVC pipes. Keep in mind that too much oxygen may cool the pile down and slow down the composting process. Efficient composting requires a C:N ratio of 25:1-50:1.

Horsemanure on its own is the ideal ratio so it is important to manage other materials that go into the compost. Bedding is a material that is high in carbon, so to offset this, nitrogen rich materials, such as fresh clipped grass or kitchen scraps, must be added to the compost. A proper C:N ratio is essential for microbe functioning, and therefore for successful composting.

drainage and weed suppression. When compared to spreading raw manure, spreading composted manure has several benefits including the fact that it contains less moisture which results in less clumping, more uniform spreading, and a lighter load for hauling. Composted manure also lacks the presence of parasites and weed seeds as a result of high compost temperatures, and it poses less environmental risks. Because the organic material within manure has already been degraded during the compost process, it is less likely to deplete soil nitrogen and take nutrients from crops and pasture plants.

Many horse owners are proud of their composted manure, and often refer to it as “black-gold” due to its proven ability to enhance plant growth in their gardens and pastures. Visit the Manure Link website to help you develop your personal manure management program and to turn your horse’s manure into black-gold.

Composted manure is an excellent supplement for gardens.

Mackenzie Irwin is an intern with Langley Environmental Partners Society and holds a degree in Natural Resource Sciences from Thompson Rivers University. She is extremely passionate about sustainable agriculture and land management practices and is pursuing a Master’s degree as well as a designation as a Registered Professional Biologist.

Use composted manure on your pastures to enhance grass growth.

Creating “black-gold” Composted manure is an excellent soil amendment, as unlike synthetic fertilizer which only considers the chemical aspect of soil, it considers the chemical, physical, and biological aspects. It acts as a fertilizer for garden and pastures plants and enhances soil structure allowing for moisture retention, 16 | Equine Lifestyles Spring/Summer 2017

Get more information at www.manurelink.com

INDUSTRY & AGRICULTURE

Premise I.D.

Important for Safeguarding BC’s horses The British Columbia Premises Identification Program was established to reduce the impact of livestock disease or natural disaster emergencies by gathering and organizing information about the location of animals, the types of animals at each location and how to quickly contact those responsible for the health of those animals.

• • • • • •

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is currently developing regulations for both premise identification and animal movement which are expected to become mandatory in all provinces across Canada by 2018.

• •

What is a Premises ID? A Premises ID is a unique nine character code assigned to a single legal land description or land use permit. In British Columbia, all Premises ID numbers start with BC (for example: BC449GP7N). Use of the Premises ID eliminates confusion for emergency responders caused by multiple addresses, complicated legal land descriptions, and duplicate or changing farm names. These purposes are limited to animal disease responses or environmental disasters affecting animal health, and disclosure is only permitted to other government agencies involved in the emergency response.

Protection of personal information is a primary objective of the Premises Identification program. Per the Animal Health Act, personal information cannot be disclosed for any purposes except those prescribed in the Act. A premises is a parcel of land where animals, plants or food are grown, kept, assembled or disposed of and includes such places as:

Farms/stables Hobby Farms Feedlots Pastures Community pastures Auction/Livestock sale facilities Hatcheries Abattoirs

• • • • • • • •

Assembly yards Rendering plants Zoos/petting zoos Exhibition/fair grounds Race tracks/competition facilities Veterinary hospitals/labs Insemination centres Research facilities

Premises Identification • • • • • •

Allows for rapid notification of livestock and poultry stakeholders Helps prepare for animal health, natural disaster and food safety emergencies (for example, livestock disease) Facilitates rapid evacuation of animals in a natural disaster emergency (for example, floods or fire) Helps track animals in an emergency Reduces the impact of an emergency Helps maintain or provide for greater market access

Livestock and poultry owners can provide basic land and contact information for their premises and will receive a Premises Identification Number that is unique to the parcel of land.

If you have Farm Status (for property tax purposes) your PID number can go right on your Famer ID card, keeping it accessible. You do not have to have Farm Status to register your property.

All properties with one or more horses (including donkeys and mules) on them must register. If you own an animal that is only www.hcbc.ca | 17

INDUSTRY & AGRICULTURE kept at locations controlled by someone else (e.g. boarding stable) and that animal will never be kept at a premises under your care and control (e.g. your own farm or acreage), you are not required to register for a PID Account. However, you should ask for the PID Number from the operator of the boarding/ training facility and keep it for your own records.

If previously registered, make sure your details are up to date with new phone numbers or changes in the number or type of animals on a site. This information is critical during an emergency when owners need to be informed and livestock may need to be moved. 

How do I register my Premises?

What does it cost to register?

There is no financial cost to register your premises.

Premise Identification is a positive step for equines. The program’s benefits include mitigating loss from disease outbreaks and natural or man-made disaster. Some of the statistical data (how many horses are in the province, for instance) may be provided for researchers. This data will not include personal information about the premise owner. Accurate data on horse numbers is critical to maintain and receive support for continued access to facilities, trails, land use and the right to keep horses.

You can register and update your premises online:www.gov. bc.ca/premisesidprogram You can also mail, email, or fax a paper registration form to the Ministry. Instructions and a link to download the paper registration form are available on the program website listed above.

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COACHES CORNER

On The Horizon The Responsible Coaching Movement, Return to Play Guidelines, and a declaration to stop bullying are currently being promoted by the Coaches of Canada, Via Sport, HCBC and Equestrian Canada.

The Return to Play Protocol is an initiative to implement official, sport specific guidelines on return to play protocols for athletes with concussions or suspected concussion. Equestrian Canada (EC) is one of the first National Sport Organizations (NSO) to implement this policy. Coaches who train and coach competitors for nationally sanctioned competitions should make sure that students and their parents are aware of the protocol.

Key components of the Return to Play Protocol include the following: • In the event of a fall/accident where a concussion can be reasonably suspected, the competitors must receive medical clearance by qualified medical personnel onsite before continuing to compete.

• The competitor is solely responsible for ensuring the onsite medical assessment takes place. Should a competitor refuse to be evaluated, they will be disqualified from the competition.

• If onsite qualified medical personnel suspect a concussion or believe the competitor may be at risk of concussion due to the nature of the fall or impact, the

• •

competitor will be suspended from competition and placed on a Medical Suspension List until medically released.

Competitors will remain on the EC Medical Suspension List until they submit an EC Return-to-Play Form, signed by a licensed physician, to EC. No competitor shall compete at EC sanctioned competitions while on the EC Medical Suspension List and competition organizers may refuse entry to anyone currently on the list.

To read the complete rules and guidelines go to www. equestrian.ca and look up EC Rules, Section A, General Regulations. Article 101. This rule came into effect January 1, 2017 for all EC Sanctioned Competitions in Canada.

EC Certified Coaches are trained in First Aid and have many opportunities to increase their knowledge of signs and symptoms of concussions. Coaches and Instructors are also asked to complete the Making Headway Concussion Training at the Coaching Association of Canada website (www.coach. ca). This is a free training course that anyone can participate in. Additionally there are several very good resources listed on the EC website as well as the HCBC site. Parents and athletes could also take advantage of these free resources so that they can recognize the symptoms of a concussion. www.hcbc.ca | 19

COACHES CORNER

Responsible Coaching Movement Rule of Two This rule serves to protect minor athletes in potentially vulnerable situations by ensuring that more than one adult is present. Vulnerable situations can include closed doors meetings, travel, and training environments.

Ultimately, the Rule of Two states that there will always be two screened and National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) trained or certified coaches with an athlete, especially a minor athlete, when in a potentially vulnerable situation. This means that any one-on-one interaction between a coach and an athlete must take place within earshot and view of the second coach, with the exception of medical emergencies. In the event where screened and NCCP trained or certified coaches are not available, a screened volunteer, parent, or adult can be recruited. In all instances, one coach/volunteer must reflect the genders of the athletes participating or be of an appropriate identity in relation to the athlete(s). The BC Summer Games will be an event where the Rule of Two will apply. This rule is being promoted to protect minor athletes in potentially vulnerable situations. It also provides a degree of protection for the coach as well.

A sport environment in which participants - athletes, coaches, volunteers and officials – are exposed to negative experiences, such as bullying, can be harmful and cause individuals to quit, and viaSport and the Government of B.C. want to ensure participants at every level of sport are aware that bullying of any form cannot be tolerated.

To achieve this, the B.C. sport sector is committed to promoting positive, respectful, engaging, accessible and inclusive environments for all participants, and to ensuring a safe, welcoming and positive sport culture and environment for all British Columbians.

The #ERASEBULLYING campaign is an important part of this initiative.

PURPOSE

Background Screening (Including Criminal Record Checks) The background screening process involves using a number of different tools to ensure coaches and volunteers meet the necessary security requirements to coach or work with athletes.

Respect and Ethics Training Increasing coaches’ ethical conduct and ethical behaviour toward athletes requires that coaches be trained to understand what it means to act ethically. This training would include the Make Ethical Decisions module within the NCCP, as well as training in abuse and harassment prevention, such as Respect in Sport, before and during their coaching career. All coaches must complete the Make Ethical Decisions online assessment to be considered current. Sport organizations may also determine their own additional standards of ethical behaviour for coaches and volunteers in their organization.

Horse Council BC has a Coaches Discipline Policy that all Coaches must sign before being listed as a Coach or Instructor.

The end goal of the Responsible Coaching Movement is to make sport safer for children, athletes and the vulnerable sector.

Bullying Bullying is unwelcome or aggressive behaviour that involves a real or perceived power imbalance and can take many forms including physical, verbal, emotional or other types of intimidating or humiliating behaviours. The behaviour is often repeated and can occur on or away from the playing field, court or arena.

20 | Equine Lifestyles Spring/Summer 2017

All of these new initiatives are in varying stages of completion and implementation. This article is meant to give a heads up and background as to what Coaches and Instructors will be hearing about in the near future. Horse Council BC will also be working towards integrating the initiatives into our programming. Coaches and Instructors can have a conversation with parents and athletes about the Return to Play rules, discuss the Rule of Two or just have a chat about Ethics, Fair Play and sign the #Erasebullying pledge to help stop bullying in sport.

Of course, many of these initiatives are not of a nature that can be mandated, however through education, it is hoped that all athletes can enjoy equestrian sport in an inclusive supportive environment.

The 55+ BC Games is an annual multi-sport event produced by the BC Seniors Games Society for the availability of the “Active for Life” community to participate in the 27 individual sports. The average participation is 3,500 people, leaving behind a $3.5 M economic impact in the community.

PARTICIPATE IN THE Games!

Equestrian Competition: Wednesday, September 13th, 2017 to Saturday, September 16, 2017.

Venue: Armstrong Fairgrounds, 3371 Pleasant Valley Rd, Armstrong, BC V0E 1B0 55+ BC Games Website: http://www.55plusbcgames.org/ 55+ BC Games 2017 Vernon & Area Website: http://www.55plusgames.ca/ Sport Chair Equestrian: Carolyn Farris – Email: c.farris@hcbc.ca P: 250-546-6083 For more information contact Horse Council BC – Email: competition@hcbc.ca P: 604-856-4304 ext. 1005 F: 604-856-4302 TF: 1-800-345-8055 x 1005 **Equestrian Events will be governed by the 2017 HCBC Rule Book** Exhibitors may register for more than one sport discipline at the 55+ BC Games, however cross entry will be limited to a maximum of two divisions.

2017 DISCIPLINES

How To Enter

Dressage: First Level and Second Level – EC Tests 2 & 3 Western Dressage: Training Level and First Level – HCBC Tests 2 & 3 Mountain Trail Horse: Open Western Performance: Ranch Riding Horse & Ranch Trail Horse Driving: Pleasure Driving & Arena Driving Derby

Please complete all of the following entry forms: 55+ BC Games Equestrian Sport Form Cost $20.00 BC Senior Games Society Membership Form Cost $20.00 55+ BC Games Registration Form Cost $50.00 Waiver Form - signed, dated, witnessed GST $5.00

Total Entry Fees = $95.00 (includes GST)

HCBC members may submit complete registration forms with payment by cheque or credit card to Horse Council BC. HCBC will submit all entry forms with payment to 55+ BC Games Zone Representatives.

Registration Deadline is June 30th, 2017 HCBC MUST RECEIVE ALL ENTRY FORMS AND PAYMENT NO LATER THAN THE ABOVE DATE.

TRAILS & RECREATION

Ride On! The Ride & Drive Rewards Program

Celebrating its 13th anniversary in 2017, the Horse Council BC Ride & Drive Rewards Program offers our recreational members an extra opportunity to benefit from hours spent in the saddle or pleasure driving, with a multi-tiered rewards program based on accumulated hours.

Administered by HCBC’s Recreation Coordinator, the program is fun and easy to use. Members use our official log sheets to start receiving desirable awards at the 25 hour level, and continue to do so through a series of milestones all the way up to the 5000 hour level.

Photo Credit: Jennifer Jones

(You will find more information on joining the program and a complete list of logged hour milestones and their respective rewards at: http://www.hcbc.ca/index.php/programseducation/ programs/ride-drive-rewards-program/0.)

In addition to earning great rewards, the program offers a chance to set mileage goals and see just how much time you spend on your horse or in your equipage in a day, a month or a year. Paired with your training notes, the log system can be useful in measuring the time you need to teach your horse new skills.

but never kept track of how much time, and a friend suggested that I sign up for the program to see how I compare to other riders in BC. EL: Do you think recording your hours for rewards motivates you to get in the saddle more often?

CC: Yes, recording of my hours has definitely compelled me to spend more time riding, not as much for the awards but to increase my hours year over year. This year I logged 619 hours, the next goal is 750. I’m going to try hard but I think I would have to retire to obtain the next level.

EL: Has your experience motivated your riding buddies to get in the saddle more often?

CC: The time I spend riding has definitely motivated others; over the last few years I’ve had several groups trailer to Slocan for weekend and day rides. I’m very lucky to live where I do, we’re at the north end of the Slocan Valley Rail Trail as well as at the foot of Little Slocan and Springer Creek forestry roads - this opens up a lot of the local mountains. I’m also fortunate to have Slocan Lake and River in my back yard and they offer some great places to cool off the horses after a long ride.

Not only great trails - I also have the Slocan Valley Outriders grounds minutes from my door.

EL: What is a highlight of the program for you?

CC: Motivating others to spend more time in the saddle.

The program welcomes all ages and disciplines – we have active members ranging in age from 10 to 75.

Equine Lifestyles caught up with Ride & Drive frequent-miler Carla Card, pictured in the above photo, to get her take on this popular program: Equine Lifestyles (EL): What drew you to the Ride and Drive program, Carla?

Carla Card (CC): I’ve always spent a lot of time in the saddle 22 | Equine Lifestyles Spring/Summer 2017

Join Carla and many others logging hours and earning rewards!

Enroll in the Ride & drive Rewards program today and earn great rewards for the time you spend in the saddle.