BC Equine Lifestyle Magazine Fall/Winter 2020

The Official Member Magazine of Horse Council BC

BC’s

Equine Lifestyle

FALL/WINTER 2020 www.hcbc.ca

40th anniversary photo contest Starting endurance with erabc

about the bcetf

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In This Issue

BC’s

Equine Lifestyle Fall/Winter 2020 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 KAREN SWANTJE President 604-897-4556

SUSAN HARRISON Officer of Competition 250-416-0094

SHARON PICKTHORNE Secretary/Treasurer 250-337-1818

TERRE O’BRENNAN VP Recreation 604-940-6958

NANCY OLSON-BEAULIEU

TRACY CARVER VP Membership & Marketing 778-999-7400

Officer General 604-671-0707

SUSAN THOMPSON

Officer Officer Specializing in Coaching

604-943-8155

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 SARAH ALLISON Recreation Coordinator recreation@hcbc.ca ext.1009

4

President’s Message

NEWS 6 6 7 8

On the Cover: Photo by Sarah Hancock submitted to the HCBC 40th Anniversary Photo Contest

Membership News HCBC Awards CapriCMW 40th Anniversary Photo Contest

LYNDA ATKINSON VP Industry 250-747-3700 SANDY UNDERWOOD Sport & Community Development development@hcbc.ca ext. 1010 JOCELYN ADAMS Marketing & Communications Coordinator communication@hcbc.ca ext.1003

Photo: Isabella Phillips

TRAILS & RECREATION

LYNN WALLDEN Finance & Grants finance@hcbc.ca ext. 1007 GENERAL INQUIRIES Reception info@hcbc.ca ext. 1000

LYNDA ECKSTEIN Membership Coordinator membership@hcbc.ca ext. 1002 FOR A MEDIA KIT AND/OR RATE CARD PLEASE CONTACT COMMUNICATION@HCBC.CA. All material is copyright 2020.

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.

14 About the BC Equestrian Trails Fund

SPOTLIGHT 10 Starting Endurance with ERABC

COACHES CORNER 12 Equestrian Canada Learn to Ride/Drive Program

INDUSTRY & AGRICULTURE 16 New Learning Opportunity for Equine Caregivers and Professionals

UPCOMING PUBLICATION DATES Spring/Summer 2021 | April 2021 Fall/Winter 2021 | October 2021

Photo: Danielle Maher

COMPETITION

Horse Council BC gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture

18 Why Sanction Your Horse Show?

Photo: Lisa Rawn

www.hcbc.ca | 3

President’s To All My Fellow Horse Council BC Members: As I write this, many parts of British Columbia are dealing with significant air quality problems and restricted visibility due to the smoke from forest fires. Although British Columbia did not escape the fire season unscathed, in comparison to our neighbours to the south, we must consider ourselves fortunate.

The reports and visuals from Washington, Oregon and California are disturbing and heart wrenching.

Our thoughts, and best wishes are with all those affected.

As you are likely aware, British Columbia entered Phase 3 in our Return to Sport on August 24, 2020. The guidelines for Phase 3, which may be in effect for an extended period of time, depending on the rate and locations of new cases, can be found on ViaSport’s website. It is a lengthly read, but ViaSports’ FAQ section of their website does provide useful information relating to Phase 3.. As always, HCBC’s website provides links to this, and other websites providing accurate and relevant information.

Sports in BC have been broken down into 4 groups, A – D, depending on each sport’s ability to safely increase activities, determined by level of contact. Equestrian falls into group A – the least restricted category. For groups A and B the cohort group size is now 100. However, the Provincial Health Authorities’ directives take precedent over all other guidelines – so the maximum group size at any one location, at any one time, is still 50.

Coaches and officials, who are able to maintain physical distancing, are able to be in several cohort groups. Moving forward in Phase 3, strict adherence to maintaining accurate contract tracing information of all participants at any event is strongly recommended. “Field of play” is a phrase being used to address the physical limitations of any sports facility in use – depending on access points, size of venue and things like changing room facilities, the maximum group size of 50 may be further restricted.

For any member affiliates or clubs who use regional or municipal facilities, there is a requirement for updated safety plans.

Municipalities and regions have laid off staff since the pandemic began, and have also suffered financial reversals. The reopening of facilities operated by municipalities and regions will depend on the local councils, as well as the regional health authorities.

Any localized outbreaks will be handled locally, initially, and event organizers will need to stay informed about what is occurring in their municipality/region.

ViaSport is the government appointed organization assigned the task of implementing BC’s “Safe Sport” initiative. As part of the Safe Sport rollout, staff and directors of provincial sport organizations are now required to complete the “Commit to Kids” certification. This involves on line training, and testing. So far, HCBC’s staff and members of the executive committee have completed this training, and the full board will likely be asked to do this in the near future. ViaSport estimates that between 2 and 8 percent of children and youth in sport are victims of abuse and/or harassment in sport. I cannot imagine anyone not wanting to see an end to this. As with so many things, the devil 4 | Equine Lifestyles FALL/WINTER 2020

Message

will be in the details. So many of us life long equestrians and horse lovers have become that because we spent many happy hours, in our childhood, as “barn brats”. We know how much is gained by access to, and time spent with horses and in stables – being “underfoot” and learning so much by helping with all types of chores. Let’s do everything in our power to ensure a safe experience, physically and mentally, for all participants, of any age, in equestrian activities, without jeopardizing the future growth of our industry.

COVID19 liability or potential liability has been on many people’s minds. I am happy to provide a positive update on this issue.

Earlier this year, a Ministerial Order (M183) was passed, under the Emergency Program Act, to protect staff and volunteer board members of not for profit provincial sport organizations (PSOs) from liability related specifically to “being or likely being infected by COVID19”, except in the case of gross negligence.

This Ministerial Order was rescinded, and, on August 6, 2020 was replaced by COVID Emergency Related Measures Act, Order in Council 459. This order in council was made retroactive to the start of 2020, and is valid to the end of the year. The protection offered has been expanded to include among other things, and quoting from the ViaSport website, “the provision of community recreation or leisure activities”.

This includes for profit, as well as not for profit participants. Again, adherence to Health Authority protocols is implicit, and “gross negligence” would nullify any liability protection.

Lisa Laycock, HCBC’s Executive Director, and her staff have close relationships with government and with ViaSport, and have been included in discussions around this issue and many other concerns that have arisen since the outbreak of the pandemic.

The ongoing work done by staff to foster these contacts and to build solid relationships with government and industry have, and continue to serve all Council members well. We are “at the table” for many discussions, and an important part of many brain storming and problem solving discussions. Frankly, as I learn more about the day to day operations of Horse Council, I have been surprised with the breadth of issues in which Horse Council is involved. The pandemic has added exponentially to the work load. We all owe a significant debt of gratitude to Horse Council’s amazing staff, and they have my very sincere thanks for a job well done, under difficult circumstances.

I would be remiss not to acknowledge the work of ViaSport, especially since the outbreak of the pandemic. The staff at ViaSport, like ours, has risen to the challenge of dealing with the unknown, and have been helpful and cooperative every step of the way.

Lisa Beare, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, issued a press release in the summer announcing that British Columbia had secured 3.4 million dollars from Sport Canada, as part of the federal government’s COVID19 response, called Canadian Heritage’s Emergency Support Fund for Cultural, Heritage and Sports organizations. Subsequently, the federal government increased the funding to BC to a total of 3.9 million dollars.

NEWS “Funding allocations are based on a Ministry approved formula, which takes into account contribution agreement allocations, as well as financial need, based on the detailed financial data submitted by each organization”. Lisa and her staff submitted the detailed information required to potentially be considered for a share of these funds for Horse Council. Subsequently, Lisa, Sharon Pickthorne, our treasurer, and I were invited to a lengthly interview with ViaSport’s CEO and CFO. I am pleased to report we have been notified that Horse Council BC will be receiving a significant contribution of funds, to help support our operations. This is very good news in these turbulent times, with so many unknowns.

Fall is always a busy time at Horse Council, and this is particularity so this year. We are trying to resume “normal” business, which slowed, dramatically in some areas, due to COVID. In some cases the resumption of activities will have to remain virtual for the time being.

We have been in constant touch with all the Provincial and Territorial Sports Organizations (PTSOs) and Equestrian Canada.

The focus is now shifting back to projects of importance and benefit to HCBC, and all the parties at the table. With 12 groups involved (10 provinces, Yukon and Equestrian Canada) achieving consensus is challenging.

Meeting will take place, virtually, on November 7, 2020. Please mark your calendars and plan on “attending”. We are celebrating Horse Council’s 40th Anniversary, and you are the reason for our existence. Your participation is not only important, it is welcome.

As all the plans to celebrate Horse Council’s 40th Anniversary in person had to be postponed, staff came up with the wonderful idea of the Photo Contest, which has been promoted for several months. As one of the three judges, I was delighted to see SO many terrific pictures. When I was asked to be a judge, I had no idea how difficult choosing 5 photos in each category would be, and I suspect that my fellow judges have had the same difficulty.

To all the members who sent in these fabulous snapshots of equine life – many thanks. All of us will enjoy seeing the five “winners” in each category, but, personally, I thought all of the photos submitted were winners, and they all illustrate that 40 years as BC’s equine sport organization is worth celebrating!

We are now into the last quarter of 2020. It has been quite the year. Let us look forward to 2021 as the year we can resume all our favourite horse related activities. In the meantime, I wish you and yours continued good health.

Karen Swantje HCBC President

You will probably have noted that Horse Council’s Annual General

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www.hcbc.ca | 5

NEWS

MEMBERSHIP NEWS As we come into the fall season and new school year, the extended memberships are now available for the 2020-2021 year. The 2021 family membership will be available by MidSeptember. If you are having any troubles with the membership database system, please let us know. We can do memberships over the phone and the office is once again open if you would like to come and renew your membership in person.

There have been some changes to the membership database.

One of the exciting new options is that the system can generate wallet cards for both Apple and Android phones. In May of this year, we launched an Apple and Android wallet card application to keep it easier to locate your card on your phone. It will be attached to your confirmation email at the bottom. You will have an option to make the choice that is right for your phone.

The following instructions are a quick view of how to get the Android or Apple wallet card application onto your phone: Android Phones Users Once you have registered with Horse Council BC you will receive an automated email confirming your registration along with your membership number.

You can choose to add a digital membership to your smart phone.

Passes are added to your digital wallet. If Horse Council BC changes a member’s information, or renews their membership, the membership card will be updated in real time.

You may have to download Google Pay to your phone. It is usually located under the Google Play folder. Once you have placed the HCBC Digital Card into Google Pay, it will ask to

save this card. Click on save. When you open your phone to Google Pay, it will reside under the passes folder.

Apple Phone Users Once you have registered with Horse Council BC you will receive an automated email confirming your registration along with your membership number.

You can choose to add a digital membership to your smart phone.

Passes are added to your digital wallet. If Horse Council BC changes a member’s information, or renews their membership, the membership card will be updated in real time.

You simply click on the button on the bottom of the email confirmation and the next step is to click the next button that appears and it will automatically download your digital membership card into your digital wallet.

Auto-Renewal for 2021, renewing or new memberships If you are looking to have seamless membership coverage, auto renewal is the way to go! It is one click and you will not have to worry about remembering to renew for the following year. You will get a renewal notice about a month ahead of the renewal and another notice one week ahead of the renewal date. You can select the auto-renewal option at the end of the membership walk through. You will find it as a check box above the area where you enter your credit card details. The renewal will be for the 2022 membership year and it will renew around December 10, 2021. We will be in the office until December 23, if you have any questions or concerns regarding your membership, please email membership@hcbc.ca or call the office at 1-800-345-8055.

2020 hcbc awards 2020 nominations are open for the following categories:

Coach of the Year Bob James Volunteer of the Year Sherman Olson Lifetime Achievement Award

Horse Council BC’s annual awards serve to honour outstanding 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.

Nomination forms and more information can be found at hcbc.ca > about > HCBC Awards 6 | Equine Lifestyles FALL/WINTER 2020

NEWS

OPTIONAL INSURANCE OFFERS MORE VALUE TO YOUR HCBC MEMBERSHIP CapriCMW Insurance Services Ltd. is a long-time and trusted partner of HCBC, providing a range of risk management and insurance services to members.

As we look forward to the 2021 membership program, we wanted to remind you that in addition to the personal liability and accident insurance included in your annual membership dues, we offer some terrific optional insurance products; OPTIONAL Accidental Death and Dismemberment Enhanced Accidental Death & Dismemberment coverage provides an additional $50,000 Principal Sum AD&D to your included coverage, fracture benefits of $7,500/$2,500 principal sum (helmet/no helmet) and Dental benefits of$5,000 principal sum. Under 75 Years of Age Only. Not available to US Residents.

OPTIONAL Members Named Perils Horse Insurance Covers the death of an owned horse resulting from fire, lightning and collision/overturn of a conveyance in which a horse was being transported. Coverage also extends to windstorm/hail, earthquake or flood, attack by a dog or wild animal, collapse of building, result of government authority and more. This policy insures up to a maximum of $10,000 which can be applied regardless of the number of horses owned.

Losses are restricted to one claim per year. Not available to US Residents.

Weekly Accident Indemnity Insurance Member Only This exclusive insurance policy provides income replacement in the event you are unable to work due to an accident. Coverage is in force 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week and includes (but is not limited to), injuries arising from an equine related incident.

The policy will provide up to $500.00/ week in income replacement for up to 26 weeks. (Some restrictions apply) To qualify for this special program and be eligible for benefits, you must meet the following minimum requirements: 1. Be a resident of Canada.

2. Be a member in good standing of your provincial equine association; 3. Be employed full time (minimum of 25 hours a week with a single employer); and 4. Be under the age of 70 years old; and 5. Filed an income tax return to Canada Revenue Agency in the most recent year.

The combined benefit from this policy and all other benefits available to you (WCB/WSIB/CPP/ Employer Group Programs, etc.) cannot exceed 75% of reported gross income to Canadian Revenue Agency in the most recent taxation year.

More information is available on the HCBC website or by calling us toll free at 1-800-670-1877.

Members Tack Insurance Insures tack and equipment from loss or damage anywhere in North America. Limit – .$10,000 ($500 deductible). Does not cover clothing or protective equipment worn by riders, wear & tear/abuse, mysterious disappearance or horse drawn vehicles.

Not available to US Residents. www.hcbc.ca | 7

NEWS NEWS

40th anniversary

photo contest

We recieved so many wonderful photos from all over the province! We would love to feature them all, but here are some of the photos we recieved.

Dani Goldenthal

Jayme Anderson

Deanna Cook 8 | Equine Lifestyles FALL/WINTER 2020

Ariel Norman

Pat Lee

Elizabeth Purkiss

Elina Yun

Cheryl Zurawski

Dale St. Hilaire

Wendy Forsyth Alexa Matthes

Jackie Emary

Gerda Knuff

Nancy Carr-Hilton

Shayla Pukas

Amy VandenDungen

Laura Van Den Boogaart

Lee Van Passen

Daneal Burdick

Rachael Unger

www.hcbc.ca | 9

SPOTLIGHT

Starting endurance ERABC, Endurance Riders Association of British Columbia Submitted by: Lois McCabe Endurance Riding is an active equine sport in BC that exposes the rider and equine partner to experiences, environments, and challenges at many levels. The premise of the competition is the first horse and rider to finish and is fit to continue, wins.

The nuances of the sport are embodied in the slogan: “To Finish Is To Win”, and our club’s motto ‘Start to Finish!’

And what a thrill to finish! From my first ride at High Sage riding my 18 year old Standardbred gelding, wearing my Wranglers and not wearing a sports bra, coming in with 10 minutes to spare after 6 hours on the trail and covering 25 miles, was a completion and a victory for me! Four years later at Cariboo Gold Rush ride, coming in 5th in the 50 miler with my Arabian gelding Shy was a triumph for me. I finished with time to spare!

My horse was happy and sound!I was exhausted, but some prescribed cooling (dunking my head in the water trough), a nap, and a beer (or two), tuned me up nicely to get to the potluck dinner and awards. And I won a prize! A completion award goes home with every rider who completes the course within the time allotted (6 hours for 25 miles, 12 hours for 50 miles, 24 hours for 100 miles), and whose horse is examined by the ride veterinarians and found to be ‘fit to continue’. Other categories are Top 10 Finishers, Best Conditioned Horse - the ultimate - but the prize is really the ride, whether an attempt or a completion.

10 | Equine Lifestyles FALL/WINTER 2020

Endurance riding is a sport with allure for riders who like to spend time on the trail and camping with their horse and friends. Endurance has given me an opportunity to expand my adventures exponentially. New trails and territory, new challenges. But what really draws people to Endurance Riding?

Everyone has their own powerful persuasions but allow me to list a few that I know to be true: • “I’ve done many disciplines from dressage to cutting but endurance is the only one where I get to spend lots of time on my horse. Not a few minutes in an arena and waiting and waiting” • “I used to do 50’s (miles) all the time. Now I do the fun ride (15 Miles) because I still love to come out to the ride but can’t do the distances any longer” • “I am aiming to complete the Tevis Cup in 2019” (Toughest 100 mile ride on the planet) • “I love to ride fast and far!”

• “I love riding new trails” • “I like the people.”

• “I can do it.”

• “I ride with my children.

• “I ride with my Grandma.”

• “It’s amazing what I can learn about horses’ health and fitness, and my own abilities.”

How to begin? Ride your horse, slow but steady, gradually increasing, one at a time, distance, speed, and terrain (hills!).

Most horses, when conditioned, can complete and compete in 25 mile events. While Arabians dominate the sport, loving the job they are born for, many other breeds are capable too.

You need to be able to get your horse to the ride site, which is usually off the beaten track, and have the equipment for horsecamping before, during and after the event.

Please visit our website at www.erabc.com or facebook page for more information, and know that members and mentors are available to answer your questions and encourage your participation. See you at camp!

it’s time to renew!

2021 memberships are available now! www.hcbc.ca | 11

COACHES CORNER

The Equestrian Canada Rider/ Driver levels Horse Council BC is responsible for the administration of the Equestrian Canada Rider/Driver levels within the Province of British Columbia. The Rider Levels are a National Program and can be completed in any Province and the levels obtained recognized throughout Canada.

Driver 1-13

Equestrian Canada developed the program for individuals who wish to learn safe horsemanship skills and practices that meet a National standard under the guidance of an EC Certified Coach or Instructor. The purpose of this program is to provide a systematic process for new riders to experience a safe and knowledgeable introduction to riding. Additionally, the Rider levels are used for goal setting, certification preparation, personal challenging or confirmation of riding ability. Some students are working through the program in preparation for an Instructor of Coach certification. This program is student led and coach driven. There is no set time frame within which the student must obtain a level or is given to complete all of the levels.

Riders and Drivers can be of any age and do not need to have a fancy horse in order to work through the program. Riders with some experience can enter the levels at the level that matches their current ability, they do not need to start at Rider 1. Drivers have a slightly different program that is not progressively difficult at each level, so Drivers will need to start at Driver 1 and work to Driver 13.

The EC Long Term Equestrian Development model uses the Rider levels throughout the guide, with levels matching a rider’s competition or development stage. You can download a copy of this booklet here: https://hcbc.ca/coaching/long-termequestrian-development/ Each level, regardless of discipline consists of a written test, and oral and demonstrative Stable management test and a riding test.

English Rider 1-10 Program The English Rider program consists of 10 levels, Rider 1 being the fundamental level up to Rider 10 where a high level of skill and knowledge is required. The levels are progressively more difficult as the rider moves through the program.

Western Rider 1-5 Program The Western Rider program consists of 5 levels, Rider 1 being the fundamental level and Rider 5 (or the Intermediate Rider) consisting of several specialties including Basic Training, Reining, Speed Events and General Component. The levels are progressively difficult.

12 | Equine Lifestyles FALL/WINTER 2020

The Learn to Drive program is written in modules that the student can complete in order or complete several levels at one testing.

To take part in the Rider/Driver levels the student must be a current Horse Council BC member. The testing coach must be an EC Trained, Certified and Current Instructor (for the lower levels) or an EC Competition Coach or HP Coach. Training is provided to the coach so that they teach and test the levels at a National standard. To find a Coach who is able to train and test go to the “Find A Coach� page on the HCBC website https:// hcbc.online/Find-a-Coach. All of the coaches who are able to test have this ability designated on their listing.

To set up training and testing the student should contact a certified and current coach of their choice who is trained and able to test riders/drivers (listed on the Find A Coach section of the HCBC website). A mutually agreed upon date, time and location is chosen and the testing components are administered. The coach will then give the student the results.

Successful students will receive a certificate from HCBC to celebrate the completion of each level. Please note that the testing coach is responsible to send in the completed testing forms and payment for each level they test. At the time of writing this article, the English and Western tests are $21.00 each payable to HCBC and the Drive tests are $15.00 each payable to HCBC. The student and the coach discuss and set the fee payable to the coach for testing.

COACHES CORNER High School students that are working through the levels for English and Western have the added bonus of High School credits for completing levels. Through the Occupational stream, BC High School students can earn credits that are awarded on their transcripts and used to complete graduation requirements.

Western Level 1 = 2 Grade 10 Credits Western Level 2 = 2 Grade 10 Credits Western Level 3 = 4 Grade 11 Credits Western Level 4 = 4 Grade 12 Credits English Rider 1 and 2 = 2 Grade 10 Credits English Rider 3,4,5 and 6 = 4 Grade 11 Credits English Rider 7 and 8 = 4 Grade 12 Credits The jumping components of the English Rider program cannot be bypassed for the purposes of High School credits. Each student must complete all of the levels for each grade in order to receive credits.

The books and manuals to support riders through the program are available through the HCBC bookstore: https://horsecouncil-bc-store.myshopify.com/collections/books/equestriancanada.

The rubrics and standards for all levels are available on the HCBC website. https://hcbc.ca/programseducation/programs/ equine-canada-rider-levels-program/ The Equestrian Canada Rider Programs are a great way to learn to ride, improve horsemanship, goal set or prepare to become an Instructor or Coach. For more information contact coaching@hcbc.ca.

www.hcbc.ca | 13

TRAILS & RECREATION

About the BC Equestrian trails fund Around about 2011, Horse Council BC, with input from Back Country Horsemen of BC members, started thinking about a way to financially support trail builders. How could we support the work member clubs were doing, which benefitted all trail users?

Drawing from HCBC funds, a basic fund was created. Next, a portal for anyone who wished to support this important work by individual donation was developed for the membership database. These individual donors are the heroes of the BCETF. From the original 2011 Statement of Purpose: “The BC Equestrian Trails Fund has been established to provide support for HCBC member clubs and affiliates who have researched and planned a specific project related to the construction and/or maintenance of an equestrian trail, trailhead or horse camping site in British Columbia for public use. Donations of any amount to the fund from individuals and corporations are appreciated, and may be made through the HCBC website. The fund for 2011 consists of individual and corporate contributions, plus amounts contributed by Horse Council BC. Wherever possible, the BCETF money is used as “seed funding” to obta additional funding from other granting agencies. A review committee appointed by HCBC will receive, review and approve specific funding proposals.”

Since 2011, $175,000 has been granted to trail projects large and small via the fund.

BCHA Yarrow Chapter 2016 14 | Equine Lifestyles FALL/WINTER 2020

The money has been used for vital projects like the rehabilitation of historic trails: The Collins Overland Telegraph Trail in the Cariboo, and the Hudson Bay Brigade Trail in E.C. Manning Provincial Park.

Member clubs have built horse-friendly trailhead areas, erected kiosks, built or restored bridges, cut brush, removed deadfall, restored footing, built camp pens, and in the case of the recent Kane Valley Camp project, created an entire horse camp in the space of a few weeks.

It is in the shared commitment of donors and builders that we see great things happening for trail users around our province.

The BC Equestrian Trails Fund looks forward to many years of supporting this important work.

To all our donors and builders: Thank you! You’re making it happen.

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www.hcbc.ca | 15

INDUSTRY & AGRICULTURE

New Learning Opportunity for Equine Caregivers and Professionals Free online training is the latest initiative out of the gate to raise awareness about Canada’s standard of care for horses, ponies, donkeys and mules.

The Horse Welfare Alliance of Canada (HWAC) has launched an online training program in an effort to increase awareness around nationally developed guidelines for the care and handling of equines.

“This new video series provides a timely refresher about the most current management and welfare practices for the animals in our care,” says project coordinator Mikki Shatosky.

“Be it housing, health management, transportation or other animal husbandry practices, there are requirements and recommendations that must be part of our everyday animal care routines.”

Structured around the 10 sections of the Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Equines, the video series includes the latest science based information on equine care.

“The online program is designed for participants to work through each section at their own pace,” adds Shatosky. “The modules vary in length from five minutes to approximately 40 minutes each for more in-depth topics such as health management and husbandry practices.”

Recognizing that learning goals and priorities may vary, HWAC offers two convenient training options. Participants can choose to explore individual components and move through training units on the HWAC website at no cost. Those looking for a more structured approach and certification may opt to access the training via the HWAC learning portal for a fee of $25. The latter path includes testing upon course completion as well as a formal certificate.

“The videos are consistent across both programs,” explains Shatosky. “The main difference is the ability to evaluate your 16 | Equine Lifestyles FALL/WINTER 2020

progress and receive documentation of completion with the paid version.”

In addition to the informative videos, HWAC has also developed a number of tailored assessment checklists to assist owners, custodians, industry specialists and professionals. The content will inform and educate authorities involved in welfare inspections, cruelty investigations and aid in determining outcomes for accepted standards of care.

“The intent of our support tools is to provide an opportunity for everyone to have access to the latest information while encouraging the highest quality care,” she adds. “Not only do our checklists prompt owners to ask key questions before a care arrangement is established, they also facilitate continuous quality improvement within the industry itself.”

Footnote Farm

in South Langley

Established in 2008, HWAC has a proven track record of working within the equine sector to educate and promote humane care, handling and welfare of equines throughout their lifetime. The Alliance includes provincial equine organizations, farm animal care groups and other segments of the animal agriculture industry.

“Anyone who has experienced the joys of equine knows it is a great privilege and enduring responsibility,” she adds. “These are special connections that often last for many years, so it’s important to confirm your practices are keeping pace with evolving care and handling techniques.”

Visit www.horsewelfare.ca/equine-code-training for more information and to begin training.

The Equine Code of Practice Awareness and Education initiative is managed through the Horse Welfare Alliance of Canada and funded through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership’s AgriAssurance Program – a federal, provincial, territorial initiative.

Riding Lesson Center Certified Instructors and great horses for all levels

Footnote Farm Fjords Bred for performance and built to last

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Contact: Mikki Shatosky 403-870-8784 design@declercq.ca

www.hcbc.ca | 17

COMPETITIONS

2020 has definitely proven to be a year of challenges.

more opportunity to increase entries at your competition.

Horse Council BC recognizes that many of our provincial competitions have or will be impacted by COVID-19.

Looking ahead to 2021, the qualifying period for BC Games 2022 in Prince George starts January 1st. Qualifying for BC Games must be done at a sanctioned competition.

HCBC would like to take this time to congratulate and appreciate the show organizers that were able to find a way to safely offer competitions, the new “normal” way.

To those organizers who just couldn’t return to hosting competitions we would like to offer our full support and assistance looking towards a better competition year in 2021.

Looking towards 2021 we feel that this might be a great time to remind competition organizers the value in sanctioning your horse show.

Why Sanction your Horse Show?

The fundamental reason for sanctioning a competition is to ensure that Competition Organizers have the tools and support they need to operate, within the recognized sport framework, follow current safety rules and guidelines and are aware of risk management that is necessary and of the upmost importance for hosting a well planned, successful competition.

HCBC sanctioned competitions have the support of, and are governed by the current Horse Council BC Rule Book which can be found by visiting www.hcbc.ca.

Through the HCBC Officials Program, we have also developed a deep pool of well trained and knowledgeable officials. Having qualified, quality officials at your horse show is of the upmost importance to the success of your competition. Licensed or approved officials are required at all provincially sanctioned shows which aides and provides competitions with the ability to consistently maintain a fair and level playing field.

It is also important to know that Sanctioning equestrian competitions allows us to capture the activity that demonstrates the value of equestrian sport to government at all levels.

To help support and promote our equestrian events and competitions, all approved sanctioned competitions, are listed on the Horse Council BC calendar of events.

Sanctioning your competition and designating it as a Summer Games or Provincial Championship qualifying show will provide 18 | Equine Lifestyles FALL/WINTER 2020

Please remember, there are only so many dates/ weekends in a show season. To keep from stepping on each other’s show dates, a suggestion might be to reach out to the other show organizers in your areas to form a community calendar of sorts. It’s times like these we need to work together, conflicting with each others dates, in the same community will only hurt everyone’s entries.

Horse Council BC welcomes and encourages all grass roots and entry level competition organizers to sanction their show with us. By doing so we can work together to ensure a fun, safe environment within a fair playing field that will aide towards the growth and success of the sport we all love. This collective effort will positively impact the strengthening and rebuilding of our competition structure as we learn to exist in the “new normal” way of continuing to enjoy our Equestrian sport.

If you would like more information on sanctioning your competition,please contact competiton@hcbc.ca.

Are you a BC Equestrian or Para Equestrian athlete between the ages of 12 and 18? Do you compete in Dressage, Para-Dressage, Eventing, Jumping or Vaulting?

The 2022 BC Summer Games will take place in Prince George BC, qualifying starts January 1 2021!

Why not get in the game?

The BC Winter and BC Summer Games are British Columbia’s biennial celebration of sport and community.

The purpose of the BC Games is “To provide an opportunity for the development of athletes, coaches, and officials in preparation for higher levels of competition in a multi-sport event which promotes interest and participation in sport, sporting activities, individual achievement and community development.�

The BC Winter and BC Summer Games are a milestone event that people count as an experience of a lifetime where memories, friendships, spirit, and pride are abundant.

Looking for the perfect thing to keep the little horse person in your life busy & learning?

The Pony Tails Book of Coloring Fun & Horsey Facts is available NOW through the HCBC bookstore Do you know a horse crazy kid?

Horse Council BC’s Pony Tails Kids Club is free and open to kids of all ages!

Follow the adventures of Alice the Pony and her friends, Oliver, Panama and Howdy and learn all about horses and ponies.

For more info on Pony Tails Kids Club or to order your copy of The Pony Tails Book of Coloring Fun & Horsey Facts visit www.hcbc.ca today!