$28.00 CDN plus tax per year or $42 US per year. (11 issues)
Reproduction of any materials without written permission from the editor is prohibited. Opinions and statements expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the editor.
Laureen James, Nicola Cocorocchio, Sloane Hammond, Britain Mills-Dawes, Patricia E. Skinner, Mad Barn Canada, HCBC, BCHBC
An extraordinary equine escape awaits you and your horses in Montérégie, Quebec. Nature lovers will appreciate this 42.3-acre property amidst towering trees with groomed trails for walking or horseback riding, which also connect to the coveted equestrian club Les Forestiers.
The main house is a charming country-style home, two-stories and finished with red brick. A fully finished basement has a separate entrance, ideal for teenagers, in-laws or guests. Plus, there’s an attached garage. Equipped with central heating, heat pumps, propane furnace with built-in humidifier, and a generator.
This house is tastefully updated with quality materials including new windows and an outdoor balcony. On the main floor find a kitchen, dining room, living room with a wood-burning fireplace, and an open-concept family room with large windows to overlook the wooded grounds and paddocks. A lovely terrace with retractable awning expands this living space to the outdoors. Finishing the main floor is one-bedroom, a full bathroom, and laundry room.
The second floor has two bedrooms which includes the master with ensuite bathroom and walk-in closet. Completing this floor is another full and renovated bathroom, office, and a large games room with a pool table and bar. Additional space in the developed basement has a fourth bedroom, full bathroom, secondary laundry room, multiple storage spaces, and an exercise room.
For the horses is a stunning and fully renovated stable with five stalls and a 28’ x 20’ room for hay or storage. This building is two-stories with a tack room, lounge and restroom on the main floor. Upstairs is a spacious apartment with one bedroom, one bathroom, a living room and kitchen. Just outside are triple and double horse shelters, seven paddocks and an outdoor training area. Electricity is available in some paddocks and wiring is available for installing an electric gate.
Outbuildings on the property include a summer pavilion with air-conditioning, kitchen, living room, dining area coupled with an in-ground, heated, saltwater, concrete pool. There’s another 21’ x 19’ building for farm equipment, a shed at the back of the property and covered gazebo. Recent improvements overall include new fencing, paddocks, outdoor lighting and more.
Offered at $3,550,000, it’s the home you and your horses should gallop toward and view. Connect with Broker Diane Daneau for more information or to book a viewing.
Diane Daneau
Licensed Real Estate broker Cel : (514) 244-3943 Royal LePage Urbain bur : (514) 787-1234
urbain.royallepage.ca
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Solid Foundations BACK TO BASICS
By Laureen James
Well, here we are in the off-season. Time to slow down and get back to the basics of horsemanship. Trainers call the basics the foundation work. The foundation training of horses consists of creating willingness, athleticism, control, lightness, suppleness, and knowledge for the horse. Professional horse trainers are always working on the foundations (basics) as they train horses. Without a strong foundation horses cannot truly move onto the more advanced manoeuvres in any horse sport.
Sarah has been training horses for the past decade. With a background in both English and Western, she uses a unique approach to focus on cow horse, reining, and barrel horse training. I had the opportunity to meet her and watch her train. As she rode, I asked many questions about improving horses’ basic training and why the foundation work is so important to good horse training, whether you’re a professional or an amateur, and whether you’re riding the trails or competing.
Q: Do you help amateur riders and their horses with foundation training?
Absolutely. Foundation training is at the heart of everything I do. I work with riders at all levels, and I’ve found that amateurs often benefit the most from solid foundational work because it gives them the confidence and tools to develop their horses safely and correctly. Many of the issues I am asked to help with trace back to gaps in basic training, so I am passionate about helping riders build those skills from the ground up.
Q: What constitutes foundation training?
Foundation training encompasses all the fundamental skills that create a safe, responsive, and willing partner. This includes leading manners, standing quietly for grooming and tacking, accepting pressure and releasing to it, understanding basic voice cues, moving away from pressure both on the ground and under saddle, and developing body awareness. It’s also about building the horse’s confidence and trust in their handler. These basics form the language you’ve used for everything else you do together.
Sarah Wolfs of Wolfs Performance Horses
Q: Do proper leading and ground manners need to be revisited each off-season for both rider/handler and horse to become more advanced in ridden work?
Many riders believe after the initial starting of a horse, groundwork doesn’t need to be worked on and improved. What advice would you give amateur riders training their own horses about revisiting basic horsemanship exercises from the ground and under saddle?
This is such an important question. Yes, groundwork should be revisited regularly, not just each off-season, but truly as part of your ongoing training program. Think of it this way: professional athletes never stop practicing fundamentals, no matter how advanced they become. The same applies to horses. Groundwork isn’t something you graduate from; it’s something you refine and deepen throughout the horse’s life. When you revisit these basics, you’re not going backward; you are creating suppleness, responsiveness, and connection. Every time I work with a horse, regardless of their level, I check in on the fundamentals. Before I ever get on any horse, I always bend them each way on the ground to ensure they’re soft through their body and yielding willingly. I also often lunge a horse to make sure they’re sound and moving evenly before I mount.
These aren’t just warm-up exercises; they’re diagnostic tools that tell me if my horse is ready to work or if something needs attention. This isn’t about drilling; it’s about refinement. Those few minutes of quality groundwork before mounting set the tone for your entire ride and help you identify any soreness, resistance, or confusion before you’re in the saddle. If a horse is stiff or resistant to bending on the ground, I know I need to address that before asking them to carry my weight and perform under saddle.
Q: Each time you train with a horse, are you concerned with making sure the most basic of foundation work, like leading, standing quietly to be groomed and tacked, and standing quietly while being mounted and between ridden exercises, is maintained? How about basics like leg, rein, and voice cue responses?
Before I ever get on a horse, I’m assessing: How are they leading? Are they respectful of my space? How do they respond to pressure? Are they standing quietly, or are they fidgeting and distracted? These small details tell me everything about the horse’s mental state and readiness to work. I’m a firm believer in consistent voice cues. I use "whoa" for the stop and "easy" in those big fast-to-slow transitions. The horses get used to the vocal cues, and the ones that have been with me for long periods of time almost need no physical cue because they get so tuned in to hearing me. Under saddle, I’m constantly checking that the basics are sharp. Can the horse move off my leg promptly? Do they soften to rein pressure? Will they stand when asked? If any of these responses are dull or inconsistent, that’s what we work on, not the more advanced manoeuvre I might have planned. The foundation always comes first, because without it, everything else crumbles.
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Solid Foundations
Continued with Sarah Wolfs
Q: Do you feel amateur riders and owners take the foundation training of horses and the upkeep of these skills seriously enough? Is slow, meticulous work the path to fast, accurate work come show or trail riding season?
Honestly, I think foundation work is undervalued in our current horse culture, and this is especially true in the cow horse world. There’s so much pressure to progress quickly, particularly with futurity horses. These young horses face immense time pressure to be ready to show at such a young age, and because of that, many people skip getting these horses truly trained in a specific direction. They don’t want to potentially open up a can of worms or encounter resistance that might slow down their timeline.
But here’s the thing: a truly trained horse means trained to do anything we ask them to do. Any manoeuvre should be taken with a good attitude, and the horse should be responsive and willing. When you skip those foundational steps, you might get by in the short term, but you’re building on shaky ground. I think a lot of amateur riders and owners want the results but often shy away from the work that’s required to get there.
Slow, meticulous work is absolutely the path to fast, accurate work. When you take the time to build correct responses and understanding everything else comes easier and quicker. A horse that truly understands how to yield to pressure, bend through their body, and trust their rider will learn flying changes, stops, or working a cow in a fraction of the time it takes a horse who was rushed through the basics. Plus, you'll have a safer, more enjoyable partner. The time you invest in foundation work isn't lost; it's compounded with interest in everything you do afterward, whether that's in the show pen or out on the trail.
Q: Can amateur riders learn and teach their horses the more advanced manoeuvres by slowing down and training one step at a time instead of rushing?
Yes, it is the best way to do it. Amateur riders often have an advantage here because they’re not under the same time pressures as professionals who need to produce sale horses or show horses on a deadline. Advanced manoeuvres are just foundation skills refined and combined. A flying lead change is just shifting weight and bending, things you teach from day one. A spin is just a turn on the haunches with more energy. When you break down any “advanced” movement into its component parts and train each piece slowly and correctly, suddenly nothing seems out of reach.
"The key is patience and feel. Take one small step, reward the try, and build from there. If you hit resistance or confusion, go back to something simpler until your horse says “yes”; then try again. This approach builds confidence in both horse and rider, and it creates a partnership based on understanding rather than force or confusion."
Additional Thoughts
I want to encourage every amateur rider to embrace the journey of foundation training and not see it as something to rush through to get to the real riding. The real riding is the foundation work; everything else is just a different expression of it. Be proud of doing simple things well. There’s profound satisfaction in having a horse that leads with perfect manners, stands like a statue for mounting, and responds to the lightest aids. These aren’t boring basics; they’re the mark of excellent horsemanship.
Remember your horse is always learning. Every interaction teaches them something. Make sure you’re teaching what you want them to do. Those few minutes of sloppy leading or accepting pushy behaviour might seem insignificant, but they add up. Consistency in the small things creates reliability in the big things.
Finally, don’t be afraid to go back to basics when something isn’t working. There’s no shame in it, it’s smart training. The best trainers I know are the ones who are humble enough to revisit foundation work whenever their horse needs it, regardless of that horse’s age or training level.
Sarah was amazing to talk to, she really believes that a strong training foundation improves a horse’s willingness, athletic ability, control, lightness, suppleness, and knowledge. When we take time to work on each step being correct and the horse’s understanding of each step, we can take a lot of stress out of the training process. We can have fun training, and our horses can have a great experience. It all leads to horses that enjoy being our partners. Remember, slow turns into fast. A solid foundation is the key to having a great horse.
Laureen James BCom, Journalist, EC/NCCP Coach Certification IOB. Laureen is an equine journalist who writes for many publications. She also writes for the pet industry and is a columnist for Unison 50+ News. She has covered rodeos and related events over the past few years as a journalist and photographer.
Photography by Britain Mills-Dawes
DISCOVER
9.56 ACRES IN SOUTH EAST KELOWNA, BC A property built for living fully immersed in nature where you can grow your own food, harvest lavender, grapes & honey! A place where family gathers, horses roam & evenings end poolside as the sun sets, all from your private 5,400+ sqft estate overlooking orchards, farmland & the valley below. Extensively updated, the home offers the perfect family floor plan with 4 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, a home office & full basement spread across 3 levels. Entertain from the kitchen with high-end SS appliances, enjoy tons of natural light & retreat to the main-floor primary bedroom with direct access to the backyard oasis. The outdoor living space features a saltwater pool, water fountains, putting green, stamped concrete patio, built-in speakers & stunning west-facing views. In addition to the triple garage, the property includes a detached 4-car shop with oversized doors attached to a spacious drive-thru barn with horse bays, wash station & radiant in-floor heating throughout. Enjoy a greenhouse, shelter for hay storage, 5 horse paddocks, premium fencing, honey apiary, lavender rows, extensive landscaping, & irrigation water + endless potential for your agricultural or equestrian vision!
From the Heart & the Oven
There is something deeply rewarding about creating treats for our horses with our own hands— especially when we know exactly what’s going into them. Using wholesome, natural ingredients, homemade horse treats can be both nourishing and delicious, made with the same care we bring to every aspect of our horses’ well-being. Whether you’re mixing up a batch for your own equine partner or packaging them as thoughtful gifts for your horse-loving friends, these little creations are a simple way to share love, health, and connection—one bite at a time.
As the holidays roll around, I always find myself in the kitchen baking some sweet treats for my horses and for all my barn friends, too. There is something so special about gifting a jar of homemade horse cookies tied with twine and maybe a sprig of rosemary. That feels far more meaningful than anything store-bought. Plus, it’s a fun (and deliciously scented) way to bring a little “barn magic” to the season. When it comes to ingredients, I like to keep things simple and natural—whole oats, grated carrots, a drizzle of molasses, and maybe a hint of cinnamon or mint. Horses don’t need much to feel spoiled; it’s the thought and the quality that count. Choosing real, nutrient-rich ingredients not only supports their health but also reflects the same mindful care we put into our well-being.
When it comes to making my horse treats, I love blending ingredients that are both healthy and heartwarming—the kind that makes the barn smell like comfort and care. Over the years. I’ve found a few favourites that always seem to please every horse and every horse friend I gift them to!
OATS - a classic base that gives treats that perfect hearty texture and crunch.
MOLASSES or HONEY - just a touch of natural sweetness makes every bite yummy- and helps bind everything together. I try to always use local honey if possible.
CARROTS & APPLES - fresh, vitamin-rich and always a favourite, grated or chopped. They add moisture and flavour that horses love.
CLEMENTINES - a little unexpected, but festive. I love adding them, chopped or even a little juice, during the holidays, for a bright, citrusy flavour.
FLAXSEED - a healthy boost for coat and digestion and adds a lovely nutty flavour.
CANDY CANES CRUMBLES - for a special occasion only- just a sprinkle for a hint of peppermint cheer (and a little festive touch). I like to think of each batch as a blend of wellness and joy, made with ingredients that celebrate and connect us to our horses in the sweetest way.
HolidayTreats for HappyHorses
Ingredients
2 cups rolled oats
1 large carrot, grated
2 tbsp. flaxseed
Carrot Oat Bites
2 tbsp. molasses or honey A drizzle of warm water (as needed to bind)
Instructions
1) preheat oven to 325°F
2) mix all ingredients in a bowl until a thick dough forms
3) roll into small balls and place on a baking sheet
4) bake for 25-30 min, until firm and golden brown
5) cool completely before serving or packaging
Holiday Spice Cookies with Peppermint Cheer
Ingredients
2 cups oat flour (or ground oats)
½ cup unsweetened applesauce
1 tbsp molasses
1 tbsp ground flax
¼ tsp cinnamon and warm water as needed
Instructions
1) mix dry ingredients, then stir in wet ingredients until the dough comes together
2) roll out and cut with cookie cutters (stars and hearts look adorable)
3) bake at 325°F for 20-25 minutes, until dry and crisp
4) cool and store in an airtight jar—place in a cookie tin and tie with ribbon for gifting
Clementine and Coconut Glow Treats
Ingredients
1 ½ cups rolled oats and ¼ cup shredded unsweetened coconut
1 chopped clementine
1 tbsp ground flax
2 tbsp honey, warm water if needed (should have enough juice from the clementine)
Instructions
1) combine all ingredients until a soft dough forms 2) press into small rounds and place on a cookie sheet 3) bake at 300°F for 25-30 minutes until dry and golden 4) cool completely before packaging
Layer treats in a mason jar or cookie tin. Attach a tag with the horse’s name and tie it off with natural twine or ribbon. If you like, you can also include a recipe card.
You can easily swap ingredients to suit what you have on hand or to match your horse’s taste and dietary needs. The goal is always the same: simple, natural,
Ingredient Swaps and Add-Ins
Sweeteners: For molasses - use honey or unsweetened applesauce, for honey swap out for mashed banana.
Binders/Texture Boosters: For flax seed - try chia seed or ground sunflower seed for omega-rich goodness. Oats - use barley flakes or crushed timothy pellets for variety. Water: Substitute herbal tea (like chamomile or peppermint) for a flavourful twist.
Fruits and Veggies: Carrots - try pumpkin, grated beet, or zucchini for colour and moisture. Apples - substitute pears, bananas, or berries (unsweetened and dried).
Clementine - switch for orange, apple juice, or fresh mint.
Healthy Extras: Coconut flakes - for coat shine.
A pinch of salt: For electrolytes.
Sprinkle in herbs: Like rosemary or parsley, for a digestive boost.
Toss in a handful: Bran or wheat germ for extra texture & nutrition.
It’s not about perfection or fancy presentation; it’s about the joy of giving something made by hand, with good ingredients and a good heart. So, the next time the barn smells like molasses and cinnamon, or you’re tying the last ribbon around a jar of homemade treats, take a moment to appreciate that feeling. It’s warmth, friendship, and harmony. The true spirit of every handmade creation… Wishing you and your horses a happy holiday season, full of tasty, wholesome treats!
Nicola Cocorocchio is a MMCP Equi-Verde Therapies Canadian Advisor, Healing Barn Movement nicola.cocorocchio@gmail.com
With love from Nicola & her horse Milly
Merry Christmas
Winter Maintenance
Carrot Stretches
For these stretches you will want to use your horse’s favourite treat as a lure.
Lateral Stretch
Lure their muzzle past their shoulder towards the girth area and repeat on the opposite side.
Neck Stretch
Lure their muzzle toward their chest.
Bow Stretch
Lure their muzzle between their front hooves.
Tools For the Job!
Equipment You Can Use
No lure is needed for the following
Sternum Lift
Place the fingertips of both hands on the horse’s sternum at the girth area and gently push up.
Buttock Tuck
Back your horse up to a fence or wall until they slightly tuck their buttocks under.
In-hand Exercises
Transition Poles
Set two sets of 2-3 poles at the appropriate distance for your horse’s walk stride, 75-90 cm (2.5-3’).
Place the two sets 4 m (13’) apart. If you have extra poles, add 2 guide poles lengthwise 1.5 m (5’) apart in the gap between the two sets to assist with straight reinbacks. Narrow the guide poles as necessary. Walk the horse, executing a halt or halt and reinback in the gap between poles, then continue in a walk over the second set of poles. This can be executed in both directions.
Staircase Poles
Set up 3 poles 75-90 cm (2.5-3’) apart with each pole set slightly higher.
Start with the highest pole below the mid cannon bone. You can raise the poles gradually to increase the difficulty, but keep the highest pole several inches below the horse’s knees. This can be executed in both directions.
Figure 8 Fan Poles
Set up two sets of 3 poles in a fan shape about 3-4 m (10-12”) apart so that the narrow parts of the fans are facing opposite each other.
Walk your horse in a figure of eight, going one direction over one set of poles, change the direction between the sets of poles, and walk in the opposite direction over
Set two sets of 3 poles in interlocking U shapes so that there is a zig-zag path half the length of your poles between each set of 3 poles.
Walk your horse between the first pair of poles and halt before the turn. Walk the horse around the turn and halt between the next pair of poles and halt a second time. Walk your horse around the third turn and halt before leaving the maze. Repeat in the opposite direction. You can also repeat walking through the straight parts and halting in the turns.
Ridden Exercises
Set a line of 3 poles down the centre line.
Starting at one end, change the direction over each pole. If you don’t have poles, you can use cones for this exercise and do serpentine loops around the cones.
Ridden Exercises
Clover Leaf
Set 4 poles in a cross shape in the centre of the riding area.
Ride over the pole facing you on the left side, ride a 10 m (33’) circle to the left, and ride over the next pole, repeat until you have ridden over all 4 poles, performing 4 circles to the left. Ride the pattern at a walk, and once you have learned it, repeat it at a trot. Practice the cloverleaf in both directions.
Walk Trot Circle
Set two sets of 3 poles on a 20 m (66’) circle opposite each other. One set of 3 for walk, 75-90 cm (2.5-3’) apart, and one set for trot, set poles 1.2-1.5 m (4-5’) apart. Practice transitions between walk and trot between the two sets of poles. Practice in both directions.
Winter is also an excellent time to desensitize your horse to objects that might have become a problem during the summer, like coats, plastic water bottles, umbrellas, balloons, and plastic bags. Obstacle courses can be fun to lead or walk around. The many different types of slow work activities are only limited by your imagination. Remember if you give your horse a month off that it will take 6-8 weeks to recover his fitness, particularly if access to turnout is limited during their time off. Festive fitness to one and all!
Weave (ridden)
Set 4-6 cones, depending on the length of your riding area, 10 m apart down the centre line.
Ride a narrow serpentine of 3 m from the centre line, changing direction between cones.
Sloane Hammond operates Gryphon Hollow Farms and offers Simply Joyful Riding clinics. She has developed A-circuit hunters, national eventers, and jumpers and coached national Young Riders in dressage, eventing, and show jumping.
All photos were thanks to Copper Pony Arena and Stable Equipment, you can find their products at COPPERPONY.CA
Stretch & Support 3 Horse Moves Made Easier
Belly Stretch TailPull
By Britain Mills-Dawes
In this article, I wanted to provide a step-by-step guide to some stretches you can do with your equine partner to help with tension and movement! When doing any stretches, our number one goal is YOUR safety. Positioning your body in a manner to avoid potential injury is very important, as is feeling comfortable with each stretch. If at any point you feel unsafe, Do Not continue with the stretch.
Exercise 1 - Carpal Stretch
In this exercise we are focusing on the range of motion within the carpal or knee region of a horse's two front legs. What is done to one side should be done to the other. When stretching the legs, we are attempting to keep the exercises bilateral (both sides) in order to maintain equilibrium.
Step 1 Keep your body parallel to the horse with your head facing their back end.
Step 2 Reach down and tap your horse's left or right front leg to get them to lift it, keeping your body parallel with the horse. Hold the horse's pastern on the outside.
Step 3 When you have the horse's leg, turn your body directly perpendicular to the horse with toes pointed towards their shoulder. At this time take your hand on the pastern and move it to the inside of the leg.
Step 4 Rotate your body once again to be parallel to the horse, toes pointed towards their head, with one hand on the inside of the pastern and the other holding the carpal region.
Step 5 Gently guide the leg inwards (towards the horse's other leg) with the hand on the pastern until you feel resistance. Pulse slightly and then gently guide the leg outwards (towards yourself) until you feel resistance and pulse slightly. Do this stretch about 3 times towards the inside and outside each.*Do Not attempt to exceed the resistance, as this is only a light stretch and is only meant to stretch between the joint space.
Step 6 Repeat steps 1 through 5 on the horse's other front leg.
Carpal Stretch
Exercise 2 - Belly Stretch
This stretch is done to engage the core, encouraging the horse to lift through the back and strengthen postural muscles for better top line support.
Step 1 Stand beside your horse just behind the front leg and in line with the belly—close enough to stay in the safety zone, but not directly under the horse. Face slightly toward the hind end.
Step 2 Locate the ventral midline—this is the soft area running along the underside of the horse’s sternum, right behind the girth area. Starting near the base of the chest, you’ll work your way back.
Step 3 Curl your fingers slightly, as if you’re about to gently scratch your horse. You’re not tapping or poking; using a gentle upward rubbing motion against the grain of the hair, slowly run your fingers up the midline. The change in your horse’s posture may be subtle, like a small engagement of the core or a slight lift in the back.
Step 4 Repeat 2-3 times
Exercise 3 - Tail Pull
Assess first if the horse is willing to do this stretch, and Do Not attempt if the horse says "no." You can assess the situation by lifting the horse's tail; if the horse tucks it tighter or underneath itself, this is an indicator that the horse is unwilling. Do Not attempt to stretch if this occurs. This is a gentle stretch used to help decompress the spine, realign the pelvis, and release tension throughout the horse’s body. A tail pull should never involve jerking or yanking. It should be slow, steady, and mindful.
Step 1 Assess if the horse is willing by checking if they are ok with their tail being lifted; if they are fine with it, continue to step 2.
Step 2 Position yourself close behind the horse's backend, keeping your hands on them so that they are aware of you being there. Keep your body and toes pointed towards the horse's head with one foot between their back legs and the other foot on the outside of their leg.
Step 3 Grab the horse's tail and slowly move backwards with a loose grip until you are near the end, (till you have most of the tail in your grip).
Step 4 Tighten grip and lean your weight towards your heels and hold for 5 seconds; repeat 3 times. As the horse gets more comfortable, you can hold up to 15 seconds. Note horses will often shift weight forward to help create a bigger stretch when they get more comfortable or are tight in their lumbar spine.
These are three easy maintenance exercises that will help your horse move easier!
Britain Mills-Dawes, owner of Stable Instincts—an equine wellness business specializing in bodywork and nutrition. She’s a practitioner, clinician, and speaker who’s presented at some of the largest Canadian equine events, such as the Calgary Stampede and Horse Expo. Britain also co-hosts her equine podcast Uncinched. Connect with her at stableinstincts.ca
HORSE AID CANADA
What is Horse Aid Canada all about?
Our goal is to protect horses from the slaughter pipeline with preventative measures. We accomplish this with our two grant programs. One is for gelding procedures to inhibit unwanted breeding and reduce unmanageable foal output. The second is for humane euthanasia; an option for horse owners instead of sending their horse to auction where risk of slaughter may be greater.
Who can apply for your grants?
We are here for any horse in Canada who needs our help. Therefore, our grants are accessible to individual horse owners and horse rescue organizations.
Tell us about a horse you helped with your grants.
Every grant application comes with a moving story. Some are of a well-loved horse reaching the end of their life and lack of funds for euthanasia. Or incredible rescue stories of stallions needing to be gelded. One special story is about a horse named Legacy. She was rescued from an auction in Alberta by Horse Heroes Alberta. They could see she was suffering, but unsure to which extent. After a vet visit with x-rays, it was discovered she had a broken stifle and her muscles had atrophied. Horses in Legacy’s condition sold at auction are typically sold for slaughter. Instead, our grant supported her humane euthanasia, the last act of kindness we can give our horses.
What is your application review process?
Grant applications are on our website. We verify all information on each application and confer with the designated vet clinic conducting the procedure to ensure legitimacy. Every effort is made to approve all applications as it makes a difference.
How are the grant funds distributed?
Once an application is approved and after the procedure has been completed, funds are sent directly to the vet. That way we are assured the grant is used for its intended purpose.
What have you accomplished so far?
Beginning in August 2024, we’ve helped 90 horses in 5 provinces. We’ve issued 35 gelding grants and 55 humane euthanasia grants. Most grants were for horses in BC, Alberta and Manitoba. An interesting lesson for us was discovering how many individuals rescue horses. Not as a nonprofit or charity, but just because they care. It is wonderful to see the love for horses.
How can people help?
Follow us on social media and help spread the word. The wider our reach, the more horses we can help. Donations are appreciated, and there are a few ways to donate.
Loving December
With the spirit of giving & gratitude for you and your pooch!
TIP OF THE MONTH Dog
I love the widespread thoughtfulness, gratitude, generosity, and compassion that December brings to people all over the world. I wish we could all enjoy the ‘spirit of Christmas every day of the year! Along with the beauty of the sparkling white season, we are uplifted by the colourful lights, decorations, cheerful music, greeting cards, social gatherings, gift-giving to those we love and ...all kinds of fabulous treats that become part of the Christmas experience.
Most of the animal lovers I know go out of their way to also give some type of special something to their horses, farm animals, and of course, their family dogs! Be it a new collar, cozy bed, fun toy, or yummy indulgence, most of us want to honour all those that we love in a unique way at Christmas time. So, what are some gift ideas that will be appreciated, especially by your dogs? Edible ones, of course!
This December, when you are stocking up on seasonal cookies or making that melt-in-your mouth batch of shortbread, delectable Christmas cake, or puddings for the people you love, why not dedicate a little entertaining kitchen time to create a few batches of special dog treats for your canine friends as well?! It’s fun to experiment with flavours, textures, and shapes, but it’s super exciting to then test your homemade healthy delicacies by tempting your dog’s pallet, to learn which are their favourites! Best of all, these incredible edibles are homemade, healthy, and have no preservatives or chemicals and...they are made with love, using your heart in your hands, for the dogs that you cherish! Here are a few of the wonderful recipes that are tried and true, for the dogs I know and love.
Recipes
Pooches Love
Meat Lover Dog �reats
• 2 cups finely ground oats (can be instant or regular)
• 1 cup minced organ meat—liver, heart, kidneys, turkey gizzards. (The best choice of meats is lamb, beef, or turkey)
• 1 egg
• 1⁄2 cup pumpkin puree
• Brown rice flour, pea flour, or almond flour, enough to bind
Seafood Lover Dog �reats
• 2 cups finely ground oats (can be instant or regular)
• 1 cup minced Salmon
• 1 can sardines, mashed
• 1 egg
• Brown rice flour, pea flour, or almond flour, enough to bind
Non-Meat Dog �reats
• 2 cups finely ground oats (can be instant or regular)
• 2/3 cup organic peanut butter (be sure it does not have toxic xylitol, Splenda, or Sweet'n Low, aspartame or any other chemical sweetener)
• 1/2 cup sweet potato (cooked and mashed)
• 1 egg
• Brown rice flour or almond flour, enough to bind
Extra Tips
Options to Add
Baking Directions
Coconut oil, bacon grease, omega or salmon oil, organic chicken broth, grated carrots, apples, blueberries, or bananas. Try different flavours using turmeric/black pepper, cinnamon or ginger.
Combine and play with the amounts of ingredients using brown rice, pea flour, or almond flour to bind together (avoid wheat flour) for just the right consistency and for rolling out.
Directions
• Roll out on parchment paper 3/8” thick and cut with your choice of fun doggie cookie cutters or just slice into bite-sized squares, appropriate for the size of your dog.
• Bake at 300 degrees F for approximately 25-30 minutes until dry and firm.
• Make in small batches. Without preservatives these recipes will last fresh for a week at room temperature, 2 weeks in the refrigerator, or you can store it frozen.
• As with all dog food, introduce new treats gradually.
• Have fun making these special nutritious dog treats—you might just find that your dog loves them even more than any other treat and asks for them throughout the year!
As the owner of Harmony Farm ‘custom care’ dog boarding kennel at Monte Lake, I can’t wait to enjoy the festive season spending heartfelt hours baking and writing unique greeting cards to send out (yes, I’m old-fashioned), finding those special Christmas gifts of appreciation for friends, family, and for my valued kennel clients, and ... I always have special homemade pleasures for everyone, including the amazing dog guests I have the honour to spend time with at Christmas!
Wishing you and your beloved pets a wonderful season full of love, laughter, and lots of tasty eats and treats all ‘round! Cheers!
Patricia Skinner-Porter is the owner/operator of Harmony Farm Kennel & Lamb at Monte Lake BC. Offering custom care boarding providing personal care, attention and daily exercise for ALL dog types, breeds and doganalities! Here she shares her vast array of experience with a beneficial monthly tip for you and your pooch to enjoy!
PETS
BC 250-295-7381 Quality Foods & Supplies for all your pets! See us on FB
Lake, BC 250-375-2528 “Custom Care” boarding welcomes ALL dogs!
OPEN ENROLLMENT FOR HCBC GROUP BENEFITS PROGRAM
GUARANTEED ACCEPTANCE
Great news for HCBC members! We’re offering another opportunity to enroll in the HCBC Group Benefits Program with guaranteed acceptance—no medical questions required—from November 1 to December 31.
Whether you’re a coach, trainer, or equestrian business owner, this is your chance to secure comprehensive health, dental, life insurance, and disability coverage without the usual health assessments. It’s the perfect time to join.
Why Should You Enroll?
• No Medical Underwriting: As long as you enroll between Nov 1 - Dec 31, you’ll receive automatic acceptance—no health questions to answer.
• Flexible Coverage Options: Choose between the Silver or Gold plan, tailored to it your needs and budget.
• Peace of Mind for You and Your Team: Whether you're an individual or a business owner looking to cover your employees, this program ensures that you and your staff have the health and wellness protection you deserve.
For Coaches and Trainers
We know that your profession demands long hours, a lot of physical work, and the responsibility of keeping both yourself and your clients healthy. This plan helps protect your well-being, so you can keep doing what you love without worrying about unexpected health costs.
For Employers
CALL FOR SPORT CHAIR – 55+ BC GAMES, KAMLOOPS 2026
Horse Council BC is seeking a Sport Chair for the equestrian events at the 55+ BC Games, taking place in Kamloops, September 8–12, 2026.
The Sport Chair works with the Host Organizing Committee and Horse Council BC to plan and oversee the equestrian competition. Responsibilities include coordinating volunteers, ensuring venue setup and takedown, managing schedules and equipment needs, and participating in key planning meetings leading up to the Games. This is an excellent opportunity to support equestrian sport and be part of a vibrant provincial multi-sport event! If interested, please email competition@ hcbc.ca
CHANGES TO THE EC BRONZE SANCTIONING APPLICATION PROCESS
To simplify the process and to avoid confusion for our BC show organizers, moving forward Horse Council BC feels it will be in the best interest for customer service to no longer administer Equestrian Canada Bronze Competition applications. BC organizers wishing to sanction an EC Bronze competition will be instructed to contact the competition department at Equestrian Canada to fulfill their requests.
Don’t Miss Out Enrollment Period Ends Dec 31
Equestrian business owners can extend these benefits to their employees—helping you retain great staff and show your team that their health matters.
Mark your calendar—this limited-time open enrollment period means guaranteed acceptance for all HCBC members. Be sure to sign up before the deadline to lock in your coverage! After Dec 31, enrollment will require a medical questionnaire.
To learn more or to request your enrollment invitation, visit acera.ca/ coverage/hcbc-benefits-plan
ADVENtURES
Top 7 Most Popular Equine Supplements Trusted
By
Canadian Riders
Thousands of horse owners rely on Mad Barn for science-backed nutrition and expert guidance from our veterinarians and PhD nutritionists. These are our top 7 best-selling products for performance horses.
By Dr. Priska Darani, PhD
1) All-In-One Nutrition Formula
Omneity® P - Pellets
Are hidden vitamin and mineral deficiencies impacting your horse’s health and performance? Gain confidence they’re getting everything they need with this complete, balanced formula.
2) Vet-Recommended Gut Support
2) Vet-Recommended Gut Support
Visceral+
Visceral+
748 Review
748 Review
Exercise increases your horse’s risk of stomach issues. Trusted by elite athletes, Visceral+ helps maintain a healthy gastric lining and hindgut, keeping horses comfortable and ready to perform.
Exercise increases your horse’s risk of stomach issues. Trusted by elite athletes, Visceral+ helps maintain a healthy gastric lining and hindgut, keeping horses comfortable and ready to perform.
4) Immune & Respiratory Care
4) Immune & Respiratory Care
Spirulina
Spirulina
421 Review
421 Review
Intense workouts, travel, and allergen exposure can challenge a horse’s immune system and irritate their airways. Spirulina is a nutrientdense algae that supports respiratory health and immune defenses.
Intense workouts, travel, and allergen exposure can challenge a horse’s immune system and irritate their airways. Spirulina is a nutrientdense algae that supports respiratory health and immune defenses.
6) Build Topline & Muscle Mass
6) Build Topline & Muscle Mass
Three Amigos
Three Amigos
129 Review
129 Review
Building a strong topline and powerful muscles takes more than just the right training.
Three Amigos provides essential amino acids to fuel protein synthesis and muscle growth.
Building a strong topline and powerful muscles takes more than just the right training. Three Amigos provides essential amino acids to fuel protein synthesis and muscle growth.
3) Omega-3 Oil for a Shiny Coat w-3 Oil
3) Omega-3 Oil for a Shiny Coat w-3 Oil
229 Review
229 Review
A healthy, shiny coat starts with nourishing your horse from within. W-3 Oil is a DHAenriched fat supplement to support coat quality, joint function, and cool energy for exercising horses.
A healthy, shiny coat starts with nourishing your horse from within. W-3 Oil is a DHAenriched fat supplement to support coat quality, joint function, and cool energy for exercising horses.
5) Natural Support for Active Joints
5) Natural Support for Active Joints
MSM
MSM
349 Review
349 Review
From training to show day, joint discomfort can hold your horse back. MSM supports connective tissue health so your horse stays sound, comfortable, and ready to compete.
From training to show day, joint discomfort can hold your horse back. MSM supports connective tissue health so your horse stays sound, comfortable, and ready to compete.
7) Advanced Hoof & Metabolic Support
7) Advanced Hoof & Metabolic Support
AminoTrace+
AminoTrace+
845 Review
845 Review
Excitable nerves and sore muscles can get in the way of a good ride. Reactive behavior or muscle tension may indicate your horse needs more magnesium in their diet.
Excitable nerves and sore muscles can get in the way of a good ride. Reactive behavior or muscle tension may indicate your horse needs more magnesium in their diet.
Vintage Riders EQuestrian club
Bragging rights f� oldsters
V�nt�ge Riders Club would like to present - THE CENTURY CLUB
A certificate will be awarded to each of our members whose ages plus the age of their horse, equal to 100 years or more.
We commend the lifelong dedication of several people in our club of 60 members, who meet this criteria. Below you will see their pictures and their names and their horses, of course! If they can, you can too! be with your horse!
Lorill Youell and Bud. 115 years combined. A solid, smart, and safe
canadian cowboy challenge
Gilmore and Cowboy. “He has enriched my life.”
Reta Eddleston and Lyric. Cherished memories of a horse of a lifetime.
Want to come and learn and play with us?
We are located in BC’s Lower Mainland. It is only a whole $42 a year. Need more info? vintageriders@mail.com
Shuswap 4-H
Adele Constable and River. Ages 83 and 17 “When’s the next clinic?”
club celebrates perfect end to a great year!
The Shuswap 4-H club celebrated our year-end banquet at the White Lake hall on November 9, 2025. The banquet was a lot of fun, and we ate a fantastic potluck dinner. We are based in Salmon Arm, BC. We have the largest club in the district, consisting of 41 members, 7 leaders, and 11 projects. The club has been running for 20 years. At the banquet, trophies were given to the members with the highest scores for Communications Day and record books.
Many members earned badges for their project successes! Senior member Emma M received the Honour pin, which is one of the highest awards 4-H can offer. Three senior members also earned 10-year belt buckles. At the end of the awards ceremony, we recognized senior members Juliana T, Emma M, and Chelsey S, who are heading off to college this year! The club had a very fun and successful year with members participating in club meetings, Communications Day at the club, district and regional levels, Show What You Know Day, District Rally Day, Salmon Arm Fair, IPE, Provincial Winter Fair, and BC Ag Expo!! We are looking forward to a great year in 2026; see you then!
Results are on the CCC website canadiancowboychallenge.com
The CCC AGM will be held on January 24, 2026, at 10:00 AM via Zoom.Wishing all a safe and joyful Christmas season and a new 2026 Challenge season.
The CCC Finals were held on September 20 at the Vegreville AG Society grounds, Alberta. Judging the finals were Al Bignell, from Alberta, and Melissa Zarubick, from Saskatchewan. Over 50 qualifying competitors were invited to attend the finals challenge, which proceeded on time and ran smoothly. The Year End Banquet, where year-end winners for both Alberta and Saskatchewan were announced and the final championship awards given out, was also held at the ag society facility. The food was great at the banquet, which then led to the presentation of awards. The evening went well and provided an opportunity for all to visit, socialize, and celebrate the end of another successful CCC Challenge season.
Finals first and second place in each division are: SS - Erica Wagner riding Chex. Y - 1) Peyton Nowicki riding Rip and 2) Bailey Black riding Red. OTD -1) Louise Saunders riding Dancer and 2) Alana Eaton riding George. N - 1) Sue Ambron riding Greg and 2) Taylor Medernach riding Shaw. R - 1) Kerry Salomons riding Jazz and 2) Ian Scully riding Charlie. NP - 1) Sarah Schumann riding Midas Touch and 2) Eric Frogley riding Archie. O - 1) Sarah Schumann riding Midas Touch and 2) April Hall riding Hank. BC -1) Denton Keith riding Little Baby Jerry Springer and 2) Vanessa Cote riding Taxman. EX - Tracy Hayday riding Jack.
Charlotte Ciccozzi & Mikey. Who still loves light liberty work.
Lillian Ewan and Starbuck. An inspirational member! Perhaps our most mature member at over 92.
Leslie
Karen McGregor and Kappi. A cheeky chappy, he dances on Karen’s last nerve.
trail buddy.
Addison Connolly, club Reporter, Shuswap 4-H. Age 11
Eric riding Archie Credit Sherry Ann Photography
Alana riding George Credit Sherry Ann Photography
Endurance Riders Association of BC
Max’s second ride took place at the Rainbow Trails in Merritt; this venue has been on the ride calendar for years and has hosted many memorable rides, including 100-mile distances. The terrain is a bit more challenging than the first ride of the season, with lots of hills to climb and descend. The dust has settled for Merritt Mountain Magic 2025, and it was a successful weekend all around! Max settled into camp like an old pro. He and Hero were able to go their separate ways at the ride start, as we wanted to go at different paces; we met up with Kari and Elton and happily went on our snorty way. Awesome ride, even though we had to boogie the last half of the second loop (Kari, we are NOT doing that again, please?). Despite having to race the clock, we made it in time, and the ponies pulsed down quickly; Max did take a couple extra minutes to pulse down but still came down (surprisingly to me) quickly—I guess I really should stop underestimating him. We came in 13th out of 21 starters. Because Max was sore and stiff after the last ride, we decided to dose him with some electrolytes to see if it would help. It seems to have worked, as the next morning he was happily snorting his way down the trail for a quick ride to try out some gear before trailering home. Mr. Maximus Thyme did great and is learning the ropes of this whole endurance thing. I think he's enjoying the adventure. Great job, Max! Also at this ride were some awesome athletes who all completed their first 75-mile ride! Congrats to Brenna, Saylor, Allison, and their amazing ponies!
While we get serious in our winter preparations, we're seeing a lot of posts online looking to buy and sell long ears and many buyers seem to be looking for herd guardian animals. Unfortunately, long ears really aren't suited to this purpose.
• Donkeys prioritize self preservation, not necessarily the safety of a herd. If a coyote is attacking a calf or lamb, the donkey may simply watch the event as it's not involving them directly.
• Aggression towards unfamiliar animals. There are several videos floating around online of a donkey running around with a goat in its mouth and people laughing. A donkey's instincts can lead to it causing serious harm or even killing the animals it's been unknowingly charged to protect.
• Dietary requirements. Long ears are exceptionally good at utilizing nutrients in their feed. Most livestock is fed nutrient-rich feed and pasture grass. Unfortunately this kind of feed does not bode well long term for a mule or donkey and they will become obese, laminitic and die. While we love that our beloved long ears are gaining in popularity, we want people to realize how capable they are of doing jobs: riding, driving, packing, hiking, etc. They are incredibly social, do best when they are in pairs or small herds, and have very minimal feed requirements. They are not horses. If you're considering adding a donkey or mule to your family, we'd love to be able to help you learn how to best care for them. The Alberta Donkey and Mule Club has several activities throughout the year that welcome not only long-ears, but all equines and their humans. - Cheers for the Ears!
CHILLIWACK RIDING CLUB
The Chilliwack Riding Club (CRC) had an action-packed weekend at the Chilliwack Fair, hosting gymkhana events, supporting youth leadership activities, and showcasing our talented riders and volunteers. Our CRC members made us proud with strong showings across every age division. Club members consistently placed in the top three, with buckle winners including:
The CRC Youth Leadership team had one of their busiest weekends yet, stepping up to bring fun and excitement to fairgoers of all ages. They hosted the popular stick horse races on both Saturday and Sunday, drawing more than 110 young participants. Thanks to the support of the Chilliwack Rodeo Association and the Chilliwack Fair Board, every child went home with a prize. During the rodeo intermissions, our youth volunteers handed out thousands of giveaway items to the crowd—another way CRC members helped keep the energy high and the audience smiling. This year also marked the launch of our brand-new Youth Drill Team, who wowed audiences with three performances throughout the weekend. Their teamwork, horsemanship, and spirit earned rave reviews from the stands. Well done, kids!
Several CRC members also competed in the rodeo arena. Congratulations to Emerson Van Leeuwen, Peyton Haan, Megan McKay, Tanya Thompson, and Hayden Thompson for representing our club with pride.
Our Year-End Awards Banquet were held on November 22 celebrating our riders, volunteers, and supporters. It was an evening of fun and community, reflecting on the year while cheering on our members. For details and results visit crchorse.ca
members—both in and out of the arena—and we want to give a huge thank you to our amazing sponsors who helped make this year’s Chilliwack Fair such a success. We couldn’t do it without your support! A special shout-out to Western Outfitters for sponsoring the prizes—your generosity put big smiles on our riders’ faces and made the weekend extra special. Here’s to wrapping up the season on a high note!
The Backcountry Horsemen of BC
A
New
As a trail rider, user conflict.
Message to Improve Trail Safety
Submitted by Sharon Pickthorne North Vancouver Island Chapter
have taught me the vast majority of trail users try to be courteous. We equestrians have a few things that make us the most difficult user type to interact with. Our mode of transport, for example, has its own brain and encounters with horses on trails can be few and far between. The standard trail courtesy messaging can be confusing. Think about those tiny triangular signs, with many arrows pointing in all directions, or the demanding ‘STOP! STAND! SPEAK!’ signs.
A couple of years ago I participated in an American Trails webinar with the Trail Partners Foundation, where they introduced their successful Slow & Say Hello program. The program was a collaboration between a bicycle coalition, a local horse council and a conservation league, all of which were located in high-traffic trails in Marin County, California. The overall message of “Slow & Say Hello” was trail safety and resource protection, and that resonated with me.
I contacted the Trail Partners Foundation and was connected to a volunteer named Curt Kruger. He provided names of several Canadian parks that had successfully adopted the program and offered to speak at a Back Country Horsemen of BC (BCHBC) Provincial Board meeting. He explained that all the use of the graphics, brochure, and artwork was free and available to be duplicated and edited for anyone to adopt. I decided to try this idea out at my local level first and, as the local BCHBC equestrian contact for the Regional District Parks Department, I contacted them first. They willingly shared their contacts for the local running group and the cycling coalition. Equipped with my laptop and some printed information, we met for coffee. Everyone liked the idea and we thought a joint banner would be a good start. A local company created a banner using the free artwork noted above, plus our three logos. Our groups held two collaborative events in our largest regional multi-use park. We brought horses, and each club had literature to hand out. We approached (i.e. gently accosted) trail users at the main intersection of the multi-user loop. We explained this simple idea – that ALL trail users should slow enough to say hello. We offered a gift card draw, and handed out lots of Horse Council BC brochures, pins, ribbons and unicorn duckies. (HCBC now offers grants for Trailhead events like this.)
The main message conveyed was please slow down and call out a simple “Hello” — from one trail user to another. The word hello is enough for a horse to realize that’s a friendly human. And “hello” certainly sounds better than “on your right” or, no greeting at all. We explained how horses are individuals, like humans, and some may need more time or space. And we conveyed the importance of using only one earbud when on a multi-use trail.
A very important part of a successful safe trail use lies with us – the riders. We can get our horses accustomed to bicycles by having a friend on a bike ride along with us. We can practice canine encounters by having a friend with their dog on a leash walk with us and intermittently pulling them off the trail out of sight. (Say, hello!) And we can practice how to deal with fast-paced joggers by having someone run towards and away from us with us when we ride. Finally, we should also set a good example for others and stop to say hello because this is a shared responsibility.
Promoting equine activities and knowledge in the south Cariboo with Shows, Clinics, Gymkhanas and more. President: Danita McLaren
Promoting therapeutic riding, equine-based therapeutic services, and para-equestrian activities throughout BC through networking, educational programming, and outreach activities.
BC CARRIAGE DRIVING SOCIETY
Pleasure, Combined, Recreation from Minis to Drafts, bccarriagedriving.com 926
BC PAINT HORSE CLUB
bcphc.com, Open Show & Competition Program, award sponsorships for local clubs, youth scholarship. maddy.shannon33@gmail.com 426
CONNECT VETERINARY SERVICES (Okanagan) 250-212-3513 Mobile Equine, Dr. Savannah Beavers, connectvetservices.com 326
INTERIOR VETERINARY HEALTH
SERVICES (Okanagan) 250-863-5996, Mobile Equine, Brytann Youngberg DVM, VSMT, College of Animal Chiropractors 326
ALL-IN ON ADAPTABILITY
The Kubota L Series sets new standards of performance, comfort, versatility and affordability. This compact tractor offers four engine options ranging from 23.3 to 48.4 HP to suit varied demands. Best of all, it works well with implements and attachments to handle different applications. Package this all up with signature Kubota quality and you have a hard-working tractor that gets it done and then some.
