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Kelly Allen,
Hoof Geeks, Chris Miller, Patricia E. Skinner, and all of our ‘Club News’ authors – thank you!
ello, Saddle Up readers and riders! We hope you have had a great summer riding out, showing, going to clinics, and just hanging out with your horses. This month, we attended various horse shows and events and were able to make it to the 2024 Canadian National Show of the Peruvian Horse Association of Canada. We had a really enjoyable time watching the show, meeting new people, horses, and competitors who even came from Oregon and California. We also met up with our Canadian and local competitors and Peruvian breeders from Paradise Ranch and Ringstead farms. We have some teaser photos on our Out & About page and will post more on our website blog. We have articles this month on horses and dehydration, horse play, some show results, a fascinating article looking into the relationship between wild horses and wolves, and a lot more good reads!
This month on our cover, we are featuring ALFA TEC and, of course, a couple of very happy horse models eating tasty Alfa Tec Hay Cubes. Alfa Tec provides a variety of products for your horse, from dehydrated Alfalfa pellets to Timothy grass pellets and Alfalfa cubes to Timothy Alfalfa cubes. For more information, read our Q&A with Alfa Tech on page 19 and check out their website at alfatec.ca
Don’t forget to Enter to win their CONTEST by scanning the code on page 5. The winner will be announced in our November issue. We have a busy month ahead of events and shows, so we hopefully we will see you at one of the many horse events happening in our communities! Happy reading and riding!
Tickets $50 each or 3 tickets for $100 Tickets $50 each or 3 tickets for $100
Only3200 tickets available!
COVER FEATURE
Horse Health
Wowza, it’s been a hot one! This summer’s unprecedented heat wave has caused soaring temperatures, making everyone reach for drinks and seek shade. Then it got me thinking about our horses. While we are trying our best to keep ourselves hydrated, our horses getting dehydrated can sneak up on us! This realization inspired me to dive into the hidden dangers of dehydration, what signs to look for, and share tips to keep their water intake up! Let’s explore how we can ensure our horses stay refreshed, happy, and healthy during these sizzling summer days.
Understanding Dehydration
Dehydration arises when there is an excessive loss of body fluids. This condition disrupts the homeostasis of the body, which is necessary for numerous physiological functions, making it vital to understand both its causes and dangers. Water is a fundamental component of a horse’s bodily processes, playing a key role in digestion, nutrient absorption, temperature regulation, and the lubrication of joints. When a horse does not receive enough water, these processes can become compromised, leading to decreased performance, increased injury risk, and potential digestive issues. The most common reason for a dehydrated horse is inadequate water consumption. This can happen due to a multitude of factors, ranging from insufficient supply all the way to illness or medical complications. The true danger of dehydration is how swiftly it can set in and escalate from mild to severe.
Common Causes
Weather conditions, particularly heat and humidity, are usually the primary culprits for dehydration, as horses lose significant
Hidden Dangers of Dehydration
water through sweat. Physical exertion, such as training, competition, or work, in these weather conditions further accelerates this water loss, increasing the risk of dehydration. Dehydration may also occur simply because your horse refuses to drink, which they may do for a variety of reasons, such as finding the water unpalatable. Just like us, horses often don’t enjoy drinking warm water or when it is too chlorinated, so if you notice less water intake, try to see if some of these things are influencing their lack of consumption. Illnesses can also influence fluid loss as well as decrease water consumption. Side effects of illness such as diarrhea, fever, or infections can dehydrate a horse quickly, and not feeling well can cause a horse not to feel like drinking. Disruptions in everyday life can also disrupt normal drinking patterns, causing dehydration. Things to factor in include travel, changes in routine or training, and unfamiliar environments.
Subtle symptoms and early signs
Reduced skin elasticity When doing a skin pinch test (in the neck is the easiest), the skin takes longer to return to its normal position. If it takes longer than a second, then your source needs more liquid!
Dry mucous membranes Checking a horse's eyes and running your hand on their gums can help indicate dehydration.
Reduced or more concentrated urination Less frequent urination or darker coloration are early signs of dehydration.
This can progress to more obvious symptoms
Decreased productivity & performance Dehydration effects energy levels & stamina. Lethargy Dehydration effects energy levels.
Increased heart and respiratory rate The body struggles to maintain normal physiological functions, leading to the body working harder.
Behavioural changes Increased agitation, depression, and being less willing are all good indicators of water loss.
The severe consequences of dehydration in horses can be dire, with potentially lifethreatening outcomes. Dehydration can lead to colic and gastrointestinal distress, as it disrupts normal digestion and gut motility. This condition can also cause kidney failure and metabolic imbalances, severely impacting the horse’s overall health and potentially causing permanent damage. In extreme cases, dehydration can escalate rapidly, resulting in critical situations that require immediate veterinary intervention to save the horse’s life.
Best Practices for Prevention
Ensure consistent water intake by providing clean, fresh water, using strategies like flavouring or warming water in cold weather or keeping it cool in warm water, and monitoring consumption. Use dietary measures, incorporating electrolytes, salt blocks, and waterrich foods like soaked hay, and making the grain more sloppy to encourage hydration. Manage environments by providing shaded areas, proper ventilation, and adjusting exercise schedules in extreme weather to prevent overheating and excess water loss.
Article by Britain Mills-Dawes , stableinstincts.ca
Out & About Saddle Up
Saddle Up Was Out And About Enjoying
The 42nd Annual Canadian National Peruvian Horse Association Show with Honourable Judge Pico Castillo At The Armstong Agriplex, Armstrong, BC.
Learn More About The Peruvian Breed, Showing, and Breeding at The Peruvian Horse Association Of Canada’s Website, Phac.ca
Watch For The Official Results To Be Posted Soon!
Canoa Farms Show RESULTS
Mountain Trail / Ranch Horse Trail Show
July 19th to 21st, 2024
This was one of the most successful Mountain Trail shows yet in British Columbia. We did more than 200 rounds of Mountain Trail each day with 14 regular classes and 2 special classes.
Our judges were Jodie Moore from Langley BC, Mary Lou Barker from Oliver BC, and Susan Mathews from Lone Butte BC. Our classes ranged from first timers in the "Green as Grass" class with over 28 entries, our Green divisions had over 30 entries, Novice divisions had 10 to 15 entries, and Open divisions had 5 to 7 entries. Each and every class at the end of 3 days was awarded high point Molly's Silver Buckles and rosettes and Reserve Champions received beautiful custom pottery from Spotted Horse Studios plus large rosettes.
Friday our special class was Leadline, where your child had to be under the age of 10. The children could ride alone, with an adult, or be led by an adult over four really cool obstacles. Every child got a nice rosette and a prize.
Canoa Farms Mountain Trail Leadline winners
#1 Raedyn Robertson (Molly's tiny tot Buckle)
#2 Avery Harrison (custom-made X+0 game)
#3 Skylar Grundmann
#4 Amelia Reimer
#5 Emerson Johnston
#6 Hanna Puetz
#7 Brooklynn Puetz
#8 Nevada ST Pierre
#9 Avison Francis
Gamblers Choice Trail Challenge winners
#1 Deanna Nemeth ($500)
#2 Judy Rochette ($400)
#3 Elana Wharry ($300)
#4 Brandie Thom ($200)
#5 Emily Lomas ($100)
#6 Megan Dembroski ($75)
#7 Annette McQueen ($50)
#8 Skylar Grundmann ($25)
#9 Tersea Jacobson
#10 Donna Cooke
and Custom Mugs to 10th place plus rosettes. Thank you to our sponsors: S&S Paving in Vancouver, Ranch Horse Revolution Club, Christopher Monette Horse Transportation, Lori-Jo Balachanoff & Canoa Farms.
We had ribbons to 7th place and custom pottery to 3rd. Everyone had fun in the extreme heat, thankfully, our course had lots of shade for the judges and riders. We did not charge any entry fee for juniors 17 years of age or under. We had lots of youth entries, so next year we will be adding youth classes as well as the leadline class. There will be no charge for any youth or leadline classes in 2025. Our show is made to encourage young riders and have fun, safe courses for people just starting Mountain Trail. From the very beginners to advanced riders.
Article by Kelly Allen
www.canoafarms.com, you can also find Canoa Farms on social media; we have a Facebook group, as well as a Facebook page; we are also on Instagram and TikTok; just look for Canoa Farms Merritt BC
W ildly Clever remaining elusive for survival requires intelligence
Nestled deep within a diverse landscape of densely packed trees, logged corridors, muskeg, and open meadows is a home most classify as wild. Blending in with gnarly tree bark and tall prairie grasses are communities, often misunderstood, including some who’ve adapted to this environment that was not originally meant for them. Drawing wisdom from their ‘wild’ counterparts to sustain life are herds of wild horses.
One woman says she never would have found them without her greatest investigative partner, an intuitively smart and domestic chestnut Quarter Horse mare named Hope. Maureen Enns, a woman who casually refers to herself as an investigative artist, spent several years in the wilderness west of Calgary, Alberta, studying and documenting wild horses. Once you read her book, Wild Horses, Wild Wolves, however, you quickly understand that she is a brilliant trailblazer equipped with extensive knowledge of misunderstood animals, particularly grizzly bears, wolves, and wild horses.
When Maureen’s research on wild horses commenced, she couldn’t locate them for an entire summer, even though she knew they were certainly there. Maureen and her horse Hope would walk by stud piles, remnants left by her research subjects, telling her as much. The wild horses were hidden. In the first year of her research, Maureen and Hope would walk down a trail, and Hope would stop without instructions to do so. At first, Maureen couldn’t find cause for her horses’ behaviour, dismissed it, and moved on. But as the months passed and the rides out into the same area of wilderness increased, Hope consistently repeated this tactic of stopping for no apparent reason. Maureen admits that she doesn’t look for the facts and rather allows knowledge to come to her, and after some time she considered that Hope must be stopping curiously for a reason; perhaps Hope knew something Maureen did not.
During one ride, Maureen decided that instead of prompting Hope to move on after stopping, they’d instead move from that point and around in a large circle to investigate the area. Low and behold, within the perimeter of that circle, Maureen spotted the swish of a tail. She paused and was pleased to have found horses watching Maureen and Hope frozen behind a cluster of trees. From this encounter, it had occurred to Maureen that the lead mare or stallion of the wild horse herd was signalling the horses not to move but to freeze, knowing they were in the presence of unfamiliar beings. Maureen deduced that Hope must have been picking up on that transmission from the wild horses and, therefore, freezing like her equine counterparts. This encounter further solidified Maureen’s belief that horses must have an innate ability to transmit messages amongst one another that humans can’t detect. Horses seem to communicate in ways we cannot and in ways we don’t fully understand.
Prior to studying wild horses, Maureen recognized that her domestic horse could decide when an animal was dangerous and when it wasn’t. This realization began with a horse she rode, a gelding named Spud, when studying grizzly bears in Banff National Park. Maureen and Spud were riding up a hill one day when they happened upon a mother grizzly hunkered over an elk she had killed, along with her two cubs. Her gelding didn’t move but instead turned sideways, and the cubs and their mother moseyed along closely in front of Spud, and the horse wasn’t afraid. The encounter of grizzly bears while riding Spud isn’t the only time she and a horse came within proximity of a predatory animal. During an early fall ride, Maureen, atop her mare Hope,
spotted what she thought were black Angus cattle. Upon closer inspection, she discovered they were four black wolves. Maureen’s heart pounded with excitement, for with Hope, she wasn’t worried about the wolves at all because her mare was calm, instinctively knowing the wolves weren’t after her. She says, “If your horse is relaxed, you can relax.” This meeting with wolves would become the first of many, which Maureen details with the accompaniment of stunning pictures in her book. While collecting all that she could on horseback, Maureen decided to enhance her research on the wild horses by installing capture cameras within their usual habitats. This divulged an entirely different angle to how wild horses were interacting with the other members of their wild community.
Deer
Maureen believes the deer have been “wild mentors” to the wild horses by teaching them survival techniques. A deer will freeze in the forest if it senses danger and does not move. Wild horses seem to have copied that behaviour of the deer by freezing in place behind trees. When Maureen first started her research and couldn’t find a wild horse, she believed they were mimicking the survival behaviours of the deer.
Wolves
When Maureen was out and in the areas of the wild horses, she would continually see the tracks of wolves alongside the horses. The incredible thing was that she could tell by the tracks that neither the wild horses nor wolves were running, an interesting dynamic for these two species. A pivotal moment to enhance the theory of wild horses and wolves potentially co-existing happened with one of Maureen’s capture cameras. It showed a black wolf in the snow and in the stance of play mode, along with a stallion Maureen recognized and had named Kit. The stallion didn’t want to engage in play, but he turned sideways to the wolf, which, among wildlife, typically indicates trust. The wolf understood, laid down, and went to sleep as the stallion walked by it on its way. Maureen says, “Once you see something, you see it more often.” Another capture camera photographed wolves walking through a herd of wild horses, which had mares and their foals. There is also a picture of a pack of wolves with horses casually standing with them. Maureen wondered why the wolves seemed to consistently move with the wild horses. She believes that the wolves were cunning enough to understand that deer trust the wild horses, and if traveling with the horses, it offered them easy access to an easy food source, the deer. Wolves are particular hunters; they tend to appreciate killing what’s easiest.
Wild horses weren’t always "wild." There was a time in Canada when people couldn’t feed their horses or sell them. The most humane approach to this crisis was thought to be to release the horses and allow them to roam free and forage. Wild horses have some incredible breeding—some of them thoroughbred. In the beginning, some of the wild horses were very good-looking. Incidentally, this created a new collection of horses, which we refer to in present day as the Wild Horse. Maureen calls it re-wilding, which means horses once of domestic origin have learned to live as wild animals—they learn how to eat and get out of the way of predators. Maureen has been around horses her entire life. Her family were ranchers, and they had an array of different horses, some of which she learned were rideable and some were not. Maureen has the ability to look a horse in the eye and trust or not trust them. With several decades of life experience, Maureen Enns knows a lot about horses.
Maureen still observes the wild horses in the same area where she documented them years ago. However, Maureen and Hope no longer investigate beyond their own backyard. At the age of 26, Hope doesn’t have much life left. Although she doesn’t have a horse to ride out, it doesn’t stop her from visiting the enchanting beings that capture her fascination. Instead, Maureen hikes out and feels fortunate to see a herd of wild horses each time she goes. She says, “I have a unique trust in animals rather than allowing my own head to interfere. Animals are always willing to teach me if I’m willing to allow them to.”
Maureen Enns is an internationally renowned artist, educator, conservationist, and author. Her book, Wild Horses, Wild Wolves, is published by Rocky Mountain Books and was the inspiration for this article. It is packed with stunning photos, art pieces, and incredible insights on wild horses. It is a phenomenal piece of work for any horse or animal lover.
Article by Amber Zierath
A Calgary-based, equine-focused writer and the author of the best-selling fiction novel Horse Karma. When she isn’t writing, you’ll find her with the horses; riding bareback in the mountains or spending time with the 60 geldings that inspire her. Learn more at amberzierath.com
Tip of the month by Hoof Geeks
When your hoof care provider asks you to walk your horse so they can assess how your horse is moving, not only are they checking for overall soundness, they are also looking to see how your horse is using their feet. Are they landing square with a committed, self-assured, comfortable, predictable heel first landing? Or do they hesitate and try to avoid touching the ground with the heel of their hoof and opt to land on their toes instead? We must not get the bulbs of the heels confused with the heel horn; horses should not be landing on the bulbs of their heels at any point. The bulbs of the heel of the horse's hoof are actually a widening of the coronary band that covers and protects one of the most important structures in the horse's hoof, the Digital Cushion.
A very robust, healthy digital cushion should feel like a tennis ball—strong, firm, yet capable of compression under pressure. This is the crucial shock-absorbing, vibration-dampening, coffin, and navicular bone protecting vital soft tissue cartilage. Without a healthy digital cushion, the hoof simply cannot function correctly. When we see various lamenesses in horses, 90% of them can be traced back to the breakdown of the digital cushion. Fixing unhealthy digital cushions is possible, and coincidentally, the remedy for this is the same for keeping them healthy from the get-go.
» Movement, and LOTS of IT! Especially in foals and young horses!
» Ensure your frogs are healthy and free from any thrush.
» Short trim cycles, between 3 and 4 weeks, to ensure balanced feet and allow ideal hoof mechanism.
» Nutrients that help support and build cartilage, vitamins, and minerals free from fillers and excessive amounts of nonessential nutrition.
» Low-sugar, high-fibre diets.
» Barefoot is always best when trying to develop a healthy digital cushion. But sometimes horses need a bit of support as they are in the cushion rehab stage. This is where hoof boots and glue-on polyurethane composites shine!
» And, last but not least, MORE MOVEMENT So with this hoof tip in mind, go out and start squeezing some digital cushions and see where your horse's hoof health is at.
The black hoof shows a very atrophied digital cushion; the heel bulbs have collapsed, and there is less than ½ inch of cushion height. When you palpate this cushion between the heel bulbs and the frog, it feels somewhat like a balloon full of water. In comparison, the white hoof has a whopping 2½” of digital cushion height and, when palpated, feels strong and firm like a tennis ball.
Christine and Francine offer amazing clinics and are heading east next year to expand their reach. Watch for updates online for Western Canadian learning opportunities in 2025 and more Hoof Geek monthly tips in Saddle Up! Learn more at hoofgeeks.ca facebook.com/hoofgeeks
Horsing Around the Importance of Play
Discipline, consistency, focus...these are words that come to mind when thinking about working your horse. In our busy lives, it’s so easy to become overly focused on goals and tasks, losing sight of the simple joys of just being with your horse. It’s so easy to get caught up in the monotony of training schedules, competitions, and general routines, forgetting WHY we fell in love with horses in the first place. Something that often isn’t thought about is play, but it is integral to creating a solid foundation of mutual trust, respect, and balance with your horse! It’s a way of creating a well-rounded relationship that enriches and challenges your equine companion while also giving them an outlet to have fun with you! With that being said, it's time to take a step back, remove the pressure, and remember the euphoria of sharing time with these giving animals. Through the act of play, you will experience their unique personalities and quirks, reminding you of the pure, unfiltered love we have for them.
Let's explore the physical and mental benefits of play, not just for them but for you as well. From enhancing fitness to fostering emotional connections, we’ll delve into why your horse needs more than just riding and share some fun and engaging games along the way. Get ready to discover how horsing around can transform your relationship.
Physical Benefits
How does playing influence a horse's physical state, you may ask? Well, to put it simply, it allows for improved fitness, better coordination, and even injury prevention! Play helps to improve a horse's cardiovascular system and muscle development, similarly to training! It builds stamina and muscle tone because it gets your horse moving in different ways. Engaging in play also increases a horse's body awareness, which in turn improves their coordination and balance, which will be beneficial to their performance. These improved motor skills will help reduce injuries, as ligaments and tendons are being strengthened through changed movements. Additionally, playing can help reduce obesity, as it's easier to lose weight or maintain it when you are enjoying the activity! Physically playing also improves our own body awareness! We have to be much more aware of our stance, body engagement, and how it impacts our horse's movement and interactions. The physical activity of play also allows for the release of endorphins for both the horse and rider! Physical exertion with no expectations is a great stress reliever that can help you both feel rejuvenated!
MentalBenefits
Mentally, play gives a horse room to make mistakes, emotionally regulate, and mentally release while still providing stimulation. Play is meant to engage a horse's curiosity and prevent boredom in order to avoid destructive behaviours. It allows for better emotional regulation by giving them an outlet to be themselves and just enjoy being a horse in a fun setting. It can help reduce stress and/or anxiety and foster a sense of safety, which translates to a happier, better relaxed, and more willing horse. An engaged and properly stimulated horse is much less likely to develop unwanted behaviours due to boredom and/or anxiety. Just like with a horse, playing can be beneficial to you by creating a safe environment to break from training and just enjoy your horse's quirks! The bond formed through play can be a powerful antidote to the pressures of everyday life. It also fosters a deeper bond, making your relationship more enjoyable and rewarding.
Safety First
Playtime should be a positive and enjoyable experience for both you and your horse. Remember, the goal is to create a fun and enriching environment that supports your horse’s natural instincts and promotes relaxation and fun, so safe play is essential! Creating a safe environment is the most important part of contributing to effective play. Ensure the play area is spacious and free from hazards like sharp objects, holes, or slippery surfaces. Use proper equipment that is safe and suitable for your horse’s size and strength. For example, when using foreign objects for play, they should be durable and large enough to prevent accidental swallowing or choking. Understanding your horse’s play style is also crucial for safe and effective play. Begin by observing your horse’s behaviours, noticing how they play on their own or with other horses. Do they enjoy running, chasing, exploring, or interacting with objects? From there, tailoring activities to their preferences ensures they remain engaged and enjoy the experience! Always supervise your horse during play to prevent accidents. If your horse becomes too excited or stressed, calmly guide them to a more relaxed activity. Make sure to introduce new games and equipment gradually to avoid overwhelming them. Last but not least, be kind to your horse; this is supposed to be fun for everyone. Leave all expectations at the door! Part of that kindness is making sure your horse is physically capable of actively participating when choosing the form of play. The goal is connection and stimulation without expectation or discomfort.
FUN GAMES
Obstacle Course Set up cones, poles, and barrels in a safe area. Guide your horse through the course, allowing them to investigate each obstacle. Gradually increase the difficulty by adding more obstacles, changing their arrangement, or asking them to do different gaits and motions. This improves your horse’s flexibility, coordination, and trust while providing a good physical workout. Hide-and-Seek with Treats Hide treats around a secure area and encourage your horse to find them by guiding them to it. Start by walking them to "lead" to the areas and using gestures to guide their muzzles towards the hidden treats. Then start running and slowly move away from needing to use a lead rope! This game stimulates your horse’s mind, engages their curiosity, and prevents boredom. Follow-the-Leader In a safe, enclosed space, start by walking with your horse on a lead rope. Once they are comfortable and focused on you, remove the lead rope and encourage them to follow your movements. Use verbal cues and body language to guide them, enhancing your connection and communication. Equine Balls Introduce a ball to your horse, allowing them to sniff and investigate it. Encourage your horse to push the ball with their nose or hoof. Engage in a game of pushing the ball back and forth, promoting physical activity and fun. Introduce different sizes or types of balls to keep the game interesting and reward players with praise when they interact with them. Exploring New Trails Together Plan new, safe trails to explore. Start with familiar paths to build your horse’s confidence, then gradually introduce new trails. This activity not only builds your horse’s confidence but also strengthens your bond through shared adventures and exploration.
I challenge you as riders to truly take a minute to forget about all the things you need to do with your horse, forget about the work, the training, and the frustrations of life, and just have fun horsing around. Take a moment to savour your time with horses, create memories, and appreciate the journey, not just the goal.
Article by Britain Mills-Dawes the owner of Stable Instincts, an equine business dedicated to equine wellness. Specializing in soft tissue manipulation, Britain brings a meticulous and professional approach to her work, ensuring the highest standards of care and business. In addition to her practice, Britain is a well-versed public speaker, sharing her insights and knowledge through digestible clinics, demos, and presentations. Britain has been a speaker and demoist at some of the largest equine events in western Canada, including the Horse Expo and the Calgary Stampede. To work with Britain, contact her at stableinstincts@gmail.com or visit her website at www.stableinstincts.ca
UP & COMING RIDERS
Team Canada at the 2024 APHA Youth World Games
Coaches Chris and Melissa are very proud of Team Canada and their efforts in competing at the 2024 APHA Youth World Games on June 21- July 7, 2024, in Fort Worth, Texas. Every other year, youth exhibitors from around the world team up in friendly competition for personal awards and team accomplishments. All exhibitors are paired with talented Paint breed horses that are donated for their use in this special event. Exhibitors randomly selected their mounts and practiced just once before their events. The categories for the competition were ranch riding, hunt-seat equitation, showmanship, and western horsemanship. Once completed, individual class results and overall team placings were compiled.
This was an incredible opportunity for Team Canada, creating memories of the experience that will last a lifetime. Several team members are already in the works to attend the world show in the very near future as regular competitors. The APHA association was very warm and welcoming, and the APHA Youth World Games event coordinators did a fantastic job! It was such an incredible opportunity for all the youth from across the globe. We loved seeing the crowds support the event, getting dressed up in their country colours and cheering on their respective teams and fellow teams. The horses donated to the Youth World Games were all amazing horses, and all the owners/trainers and riders were very helpful and supportive during the very brief 30-minute pre-ride the day before the event, as well as preparing the horse for show day and offering the teams incredible help, guidance, and support. Without the incredible donated horses, none of this would be possible! Thank you to our team’s donated horses! Team Canada overall tied for 3rd with Team Netherlands but lost to the tiebreaker event and ended up 4th overall.
Horse and Rider Team Canada
Heza Hugable Jet, Horsemanship with Erika Garost
HotRod Machine, Showmanship with Caitlyn Spratt
Just Enuff Shine, Equitation with Chloe Price
A Little Gunna Glory, Ranch Riding with Tavianne Yoder
Team Canada Individual Placings
Tavianne Yoder, 2nd overall
Erika Garost Horsemanship, 4th overall
Chloe Price Equitation, 5th overall
Caitlyn Spratt Showmanship, 7th overall
Official Overall Team Results from the APHA website for the 2024 Youth World Games
Champion Team: Team USA
Mia Pendrick
Makenna Noon
Izzy Hostetler
Awbrey Alvarado
Peytyn Goodin
Reserve Champion Team: Team France
Clara Lasbleiz
Maeva Tridon
Shawna Tartarin Bony
3rd Place Team Netherlands
4th Place Team Canada
5th Place Team Ireland
6th Place Team Germany
7th Place Team United Kingdom
8th Place Team Scandinavia
9th Place Team China
Sportsmanship Award Nissa Claesen of Belgium
Most Valuable Paint Just Enuff Shine
Intentionally selected beads are affixed whimsically into ornate designs by the hands of artist Julie Teunissen, injecting character into a simple horse halter. Creations by family-owned D & J Custom Halters have the appearance of jewelled crowns rather than that of twisted rope. In the way art speaks and shares stories, so do the more than one thousand intricately hand-beaded equine accessories. The process of beading a customized halter begins with a discussion with the client. Once halter specifications have been decided, the client is next asked about preferences of pattern or design. Most clients, knowing Julie’s creative talents, allow the artist free rein of the design. She hand-beads each unique piece on a loom, which her husband and business partner, Don Teunissen, fabricated. Don also hand sews leather sidepulls and headstalls for our clients.
Some of the halters tell a story. One of the most meaningful patterns Julie designed was for her daughter’s horse, a Friesian Sport Horse named Thor. Julie & Don’s daughter was riding with a group of fellow riders near Banff, Alberta, when all horses were spooked and threw their riders. The horses all took off into the dense forest. Most of the horses were quickly found, except Thor and one other. These two horses were found late on the following day. To commemorate this emotional moment, Julie created a halter with bear footprints, Mount Yamnuska with two horses at its base, and six hearts representing the people that searched for two days for the beloved souls that were missing.
A Tiny Medium Creates Huge Impact Artists Corner
The journey of D & J Custom Halters started in 2013. Don bought Julie a horse, Levi, for her birthday, and the halters they purchased didn’t fit properly. Don decided to hand tie and custom fit a rope halter for Levi, but Julie found the halter boring and decided to bead the noseband. Everyone at the barn where Levi was boarded asked where Julie purchased the halter, and when they found out she made it, they began asking if she could make them one too, and it took off from there.
Also available at D & J Custom Halters
many other hand-beaded items
• Beaded web & hand tied rope halters (double braid polyester rope)
• Leather sidepull and headstalls
• Rope reins, lead ropes, mecates (double braid polyester rope)
• Cowboy boot & soft leather purses
• Leather bow barrettes
• Beaded cowboy hat brims, hat bands, beaded ball caps
• Beaded fringe earrings, leather earrings, necklaces, beaded chokers, beaded cuffs, and more
• Beaded poppies proceeds going anonymously to our local legion
Julie accounts for hand-beading more than 5000 items since business began and averages 40 halters per year. She’s always beading something or visualizing the next project. D & J Custom Halters was commissioned to make a beaded halter for a prop appearing on the popular TV show Heartland, worn by a pony named Donut. D & J Custom Halters doesn’t have a website, but orders can be made via Facebook (@D&J Custom Halters) or Instagram (@ DandJcustomhalters). They have and are willing to ship internationally. Article by Amber Zierath
Q&A WITH ALFA TEC
Q Tell us about ALFATEC.
A ALFATEC is a line of forage products made by Legal Alfalfa, which is just outside of Legal, Alberta. We are the last dehydrating alfalfa plant in Alberta, and the production of forage products is all that we do. We are a single ingredient facility, with forage being that single ingredient. We have four products on the market: ALFATEC Alfalfa Cubes, ALFATEC Timothy Alfalfa Cubes, ALFATEC Dehydrated Alfalfa Pellets, and ALFATEC Timothy Grass Pellets.
Q What is the difference between your cubes and pellets?
A Cubes are considered long stem fiber forage, so they can be used to replace hay in a forage diet. Any animal that consumes forage, either fresh or in hay form, can consume our cubes. For simplicity, 1 lb of cubes equals 1 lb of hay or forage. If you make your own hay and are short 50% of your typical hay crop, our cubes could be the other 50%. If your pastures are dry, cubes can be your sole forage source. When traveling, cubes are a very convenient forage source. Cubes can be 1–100% of your animals’ forage source. Pellets, however, are used to supplement your forage. If your forage is lacking protein, our ALFATEC Dehydrated Alfalfa Pellets are high in protein and can help increase the amount of protein your animal is consuming. If your animal performs better on Timothy, we have our ALFATEC Timothy Grass Pellets to supplement your forage.
Q What are your products made from?
A Our ALFATEC Alfalfa Cubes are made from 100% alfalfa hay. Our ALFATEC Timothy Alfalfa Cubes are made from a minimum of 40% alfalfa hay and 40% timothy hay. The other 20% is a mix of timothy and alfalfa. We must have a minimum of 40% alfalfa in our cubes to keep them together, as alfalfa is our natural binding agent and keeps our cubes together. Our ALFATEC Timothy Grass Pellets are made from 100% timothy grass hay, and our ALFATEC Dehydrated Alfalfa Pellets are made from freshly chopped alfalfa, all grown within 40 km of our plant. We work with landowners in the area to grow alfalfa, and we take care of the rest. We mow it down, chop it, haul it to our plant, and dehydrate it before turning it into a pellet within 24 hours. This captures the nutrient value of the alfalfa and is the reason why our ALFATEC Dehydrated Alfalfa Pellets are so nutritious!
We caught up with Jacob Onyschuk, Sales and Marketing Manager with ALFATEC to discuss some frequently asked questions about their company and products.
Q Do you need to soak your products?
A I like to say: animal preference first, owner preference second. Our products are all designed to be fed dry; however, when it comes to the cubes, most folks do soak them. If you soak your cubes, warmer water soaks cubes faster, and you just need to cover the cubes in your bucket with water. Also best not to soak cubes for more than 12 hours, as longer soaking times create higher chances for bacteria to develop. Soaking also makes it easier for older animals to chew the cubes, encourages water consumption, and decreases the chance of choking. With the pellets, most feed them dry, but soaking can be strategic for mixing in supplements.
Q Are your products low-sugar?
A Alfalfa is much lower in sugar than timothy; our dehydrated Alfalfa Pellets are low in sugar with an average of 5.5% NSC. Our Alfalfa Cubes are on average 7.8% NSC, our Timothy Alfalfa Cubes are on average 8% NSC, and our Timothy Grass Pellets are on average 13% NSC. These numbers are expressed on a dry basis. If you’d like a current, detailed analysis of our products, you can email us at info@alfatec.ca
Q Where can I buy ALFATEC?
A Our products are available at a variety of different retail locations throughout Western Canada. We have a locations tab on our website where you can zoom into an area and find all retailers. The pin includes the location's phone number, and if the store has the capacity to handle totes, there will be a note on the pin saying, “Totes Available.”.
Q Are there any other interesting facts you would like to share with us?
A With weather being unpredictable these days, having a stash of cubes and pellets ready to go at a moment's notice is a great idea to incorporate into your emergency response plan. When stored in a wellventilated and dry area, our products have a two-year shelf life. If ever a call to evacuate comes, knowing you have feed ready to go for a few days can help manage a stressful situation.
Dog Tip of the Month
Those infamous doggy hot spots!
As a custom-care dog boarding kennel, caring for many thousands of dogs over the past 15 years, I see all kinds of special needs. But, at this time of year, wow, the heat and humidity can wreak havoc on those fine-haired, thick-coated, thinskinned, super sensitive, often called 'swimmer’ breeds, especially Golden Retrievers, English Setters, Irish Setters, St Bernards, German Shepherds, Newfoundlands, and livestock guardian dogs that typically live outside full-time. These types of dog breeds typically tend to be prone to 'moist dermatitis’ or what is called ‘hot spots’ or ‘summer sores’. These dogs can be just fine one minute and then blamm, not ok! Literally, within a very short time, they can have nasty exposed raw and reddened skin and painful open wounds. They can have one sole hot spot or multiple areas. Hotspots can range in size, enlarge and/or spread quickly if left untreated. Of course, insects and flies are magnetically drawn to open wounds, and even worse, the dogs themselves and/ or their doggy friends are driven to incessantly lick and antagonize! Yup, heat, moisture, and irritation equal THE perfect conditions for skin bacteria to thrive! To make matters worse, some dogs have to itch and roll, scratch and paw, nibble and gnaw, yet further increasing the possibility of infection – poof, all of a sudden, your dog has a major skin disruption!
So the very first thing is to be observant. Know what is normal behaviour for your dog and notice when they seem abnormally distracted with some particular part of their body. Life can get so busy … did you notice that each time you pass by they seem to be licking or chewing at that same hock or paw with more focus than usual? Hot spots can start in a naturally warm location like the muzzle, ears, toes, genitals, or underarms; however, they can erupt anywhere. They can be brought on by stress-induced scratching or licking, an allergic reaction, an insect sting, swimming without drying thoroughly (down to the skin), or something as simple as nose digging, dirt bathing, getting scratched while roughhousing with another dog, or itching an insect bite. That's all it takes to develop into what is commonly known as a ‘hot spot’. Sounds simple, right? Not at all. What starts out as a reddened, hairless spot can soon worsen, spread, and become very painful, further increasing the dog's stress and irritation. If the area is being licked constantly and stays damp, skin bacteria will take off. Nosee-ums and flies can be drawn into the raw area and can worsen the situation with ‘fly strike’ (laying eggs in a raw wound). If the dog rolls in the dirt or itches with their dirty nails, raw areas will be infected and bacteria will spread further, seemingly out of control, in a matter of hours.
What to do! First, you may need to clip the area and surrounding long hairs to be able to really clean the specific area to reduce heat, help dry, and prevent serum matting with hair. Clean, clean, clean, and keep clean! Use a cotton baton or a lint-free type pad (swipe only once with each pad to keep from re-infecting) using an antiseptic lotion like Nolvasan, diluted betadine, or colloidal silver solution. If you don’t have an antiseptic like that, then clean thoroughly with soothing saline solution or cool chamomile tea (never use vinegar, tea tree oil, or peroxide on open wounds). The key is to keep the area clean of discharge (minimize fly attraction), stop the irritation, and encourage drying to the affected area. Cover wounds gently rubbing with a topical antibiotic ointment that will override the bacteria.
If the dog is driven to paw or scratch, you may need a donut collar made with a rolled towel or a bonnet to keep them from making things worse. Keep the dog in a cool, clean area without any bugs, dirt, or any other dog company that will want to lick to ‘clean it up’ (not helpful!) You should see huge improvement daily; however, if it continues to spread and starts to smell bad, if you see pustules or infection forming, please take your dog to the veterinarian, who will possibly prescribe antibiotics and/or a fast-acting, strong anti-inflammatory like Prednisone, to rectify the situation for the most rapid healing. Hot spots can affect any breed, any dog, at any age, in any environment, and at any time; however, they are seen more often during the hot summer months. And…it’s a dog thing, so no, it’s not your fault! This type of heat issue is much easier to prevent than to treat, but if and when it happens, the key is to be observant and catch it as early as possible, taking action quickly to resolve it with the least amount of anxiety and stress to both you and your sensitive pooch!
Patricia Skinner-Porter is the owner/operator of Harmony Farm Kennel & Lamb at Monte Lake BC. Offering custom care boarding (non-dog park style) Patricia provides personal care, attention and daily exercise for ALL dog types, breeds and doganalities! She also offers one-on-one dog-owner training, helping individuals to create healthy happy relationships with their dogs. Here she shares her vast array of experience with a beneficial monthly tip for you and your pooch to enjoy!
HARMONY FARM KENNEL AND LAMB.com, Monte Lake BC, 250-375-2528. “Custom Care” boarding welcomes ALL dogs!
Book of the Month
Colouring Equine and Canine Physiology Horse + Dog Anatomy Colouring Book: 2-in-1 Compilation, Incredibly Detailed Self-Test Equine & Canine Anatomy Color Workbook, by Anatomy Academy (Author) Have fun colouring and learning about the anatomical structures of the horse and dog! For adults and kids!
For your pet needs contact:
EVERYTHING PETS (Princeton BC) 250-295-7381
Quality Foods & Supplies for all your Pets! See us on FB
Herding and Stock Dog Events for British Columbia, Alberta, & Saskatchewan
British Columbia
See https://www.bcstockdogassociation.ca for September dates
Sep 7-8
Sept 14-15
Sept 21-22
Burns Lake Sheep Arena, Trial BC
Darhl Paley Clinic, Redstone BC
Ed Weibe Clinic, Quesnel BC
Alberta & Saskatchewan
See http://www.albertastockdog.com/trials.html for complete locations and times
Aug 29-1 Hill Top SDT, Mankota, SK
Sept 7-8
Sept 15
Sept 21-22
Sept 28-29
Farm Dog of the Month Adventures
South Side Ranch SDT, Whelan, SK
Drayton Valley Field Trial, ASDA sanctioned Novice & Pro Novice
Alberta Finals SDT, ASDA sanctioned, Valleyview, AB
Drayton Valley Nursery Trial, ASDA sanctioned
with Phillippé
We just got home from Westerner Days in Red Deer. Phillippé participated in the parade as well as the daily demos. He got to meet loads of new friends in the Agventure Pavilion and introduced some new friends to the fun of driving tiny donkeys!
My name is Woofster. I am a one-year-old American bulldog crossed with a black lab. I live in Cranbrook, BC. I was rescued, and now I live with Finn and Murphy. My favourite food is cake and pepperoni sticks. My main job is to look out for bears while Finn and Frank are on trail rides. From Finn Hols (age 8)
Send us a photo of your favourite pooch!
Tell us the dog’s name, breed, and up to 50 words about him/her. We will print your first name (or initials) and your city/province. E-mail to hello@saddleup.ca and put in subject line: TOP DOG OF THE MONTH. Photos will be printed on a first come first serve basis.
The Canadian Cowboy Challenge
CHALLANGE CATEGORIES:
Shooting Sprouts (SS) Older Than Dirt (OTD) Novice (N)
Rookie (R) NonPro (NP) Open (O)
Bucking Crazies (BC) Youth (Y)
July 6, Carstairs Classic, judged by Hans Kollewyn SS; 1: Bailey Black riding Red, 2: Bailey Black riding Black Jack, OTD; 1: Shane Goltz riding Jazzy, 2: Eric Frogley riding Archie, N; 1: Brian Hill riding Itchy, 2: Tricia Melanson riding Party Girl, R ; 1: Ian Scully riding Charlie, 2: Jennifer Frogley riding Charm, NP; 1: Shane Goltz riding Jazzy, 2: Angela Spear riding Molson, O; 1: Janet Goltz riding Mr Red Pines, 2: Denton Keith riding Nash, BC; Lynn Boake riding Remi, 2: Anne Brunet Burgess riding Rowdy
July 7, Carstairs Classic, judged by Hans Kollewyn SS; 1: Bailey Black riding Red, 2: Bailey Black riding Black Jack, OTD; 1: Shane Goltz riding Jazzy, 2: Eric Frogley riding Archie, N; 1: Brian Hill riding Itchy, 2: Tricia Melanson riding Party Girl, R ; 1: Jennifer Frogley riding Charm, 2: Judy Hill riding Itchy, NP; 1: Shane Goltz riding Jazzy, 2: Angela Speer riding Molson, O; 1: Janet Goltz riding Mr Red Pines, 2: Angela Speer riding Molson, BC; 1: Lynn Boake riding Remi, 2: Heather Moss riding Reese
July 20, YKnott Double Header, Alberta, judged by Janet Goltz
July 21, YKnott Double Header, Alberta, judged by Janet Goltz
SS; 1: Bailey Black riding Red, Y; 1: Peyton Nowicki riding Rip, 2: Kinley Hewlett riding Coffee, OTD; 1: Alana Eaton riding George, 2: Darcy Allen riding Apple, N; 1: Kaitlyn Marsh riding Daisy, 2: Cindy Speer riding Tillie, R ; 1: Michael Ambron riding Bender, 2: Shelly Knott riding Josie, NP; 1: April Hall riding Hank, 2: Korean LeVoir riding Shadow, BC; 1: Heather Moss riding Reese, 2: Lynn Boake riding Remi
CARTSTAIR CLASSIC
Picture 1: In the open division, the start line was the first obstacle. It was on grass but slightly downhill with a dirt wet spot at the bottom before the ground became level to more grass and the rest of the course. Pictures 2 & 3: The approach is level, but there is a small ditch before the team goes up a small incline to the rope gate, which was placed on a ledge. Picture 4: The approach was level and on grass until the team had to turn and manoeuvre a 20-footlong, narrow natural wet spot. Horses only sank down into the wet dirt an inch or so; it was not boggy
As natural as all three of these obstacles were (as you would find them on the trail or pastures), some of the teams were challenged to manoeuvre them. It was a great opportunity as a judge to score how well (or not) the team worked with each other to enter, execute, and exit these obstacles in the open and Nonpro divisions.
Alberta Back Country Horsemen
Eestablished in January 2024, Alberta Backcountry Horsemen (ABH) is the province’s newest equestrian organization. Now with over 3,000 followers on Facebook and a growing membership, the group is comprised of equestrians who are dedicated to preserving and improving access to trails and equine campsites on public lands.
“Technically speaking, yes, we are trail riders,” explains Society president Stephen Gibson. “However, our mission is to preserve our national horse heritage through the care and upkeep of historic trails, trailheads/staging areas, and equine campsites. As we grow our membership base, we will focus on backcountry equestrian community initiatives and projects in collaboration with various stakeholders.
“Our goal is to create ABH chapters province-wide that will operate under the umbrella of the provincial body,” adds Gibson. “We aren’t focused on any particular
geographic region. Chapters may be completely new start-up groups or smaller community- or regionallybased groups that want to benefit from the collective grant-application power and voice of a larger organization.”
ABH welcomes both Western and English trail riders, or combination thereof. We’ll never judge anyone on their choice of tack or style. You and your horse’s comfort and safety are all that matter to us. And we ride horses, mules, and ponies of every conceivable breed, size, and colour. Even those who drive teams (like the one pictured here) to bring supplies to backcountry adventurers are potential members.
Brian Hallock’s team of Percherons, Digger and Dan, with Raz the dog riding in a covered wagon, are a regular part of his backcountry excursions.
Photo taken by Brian Hallock at Clearwater, near Timber Creek Camp, AB.
Vernon District Riding Club
The Vernon District Riding Club has had a fantastic season so far, and we have been extremely busy with the club’s events and shows, all the while working tirelessly at the upgrades and improvements we have been striving towards. Crony Club wraps up their season in June with miles of smiles. Lots learned on the ground and in the saddle with their coach Claudia Zurmuhle. New members are always welcome, and we are looking forward to the 2025 edition!
A Celebration of Dressage riders and volunteers alike shared the sentiment that it was a great event with an unmistakeable friendly and welcoming atmosphere. A wine and cheese event tied the weekend all together and was perfect timing to watch and support our young dressage riders ride their tests with the Rising Stars Youth program, a program originated in the lower mainland to create more participation of youth in dressage. Percentage Day with local judges Monique Hubs-Michel and Mark Ishoy took place on June 29th. Riders enjoyed a relaxed, quiet environment, were very appreciative of our judges efforts, and found the experience very encouraging.
The Hunter/Jumper riders have had two more shows. The Lois Phelps Memorial Show was a very full show with a ton of action, including a Derby complete with a BBQ attended by 200 people. The weather was perfect, and all ages with their equestrian partners rode their hearts out.
The last H/J show of the season was the Interior Desert Circuit Show in July in between heat waves, complete with
an ice cream social and pancake breakfast. How lucky can you get! In between shows, there have been a few H/J schooling nights organized by some of our young riders, Ginger and Andi. We are extremely proud of these young riders and their willingness to organize these events! There has been a lot of hard work to make improvements at our club. Our thanks to the generous sponsors and volunteers who go above and beyond. Just to name a few of our improvements: a portable judges booth was made and reinforcements done on the old ones; upgrades to our irrigation and sprinkler system; and wash racks renovated with mats/footing and safety guards. We take great pride in our beautiful riding club. You support us by participating in our events and shows, donating financially, or by volunteering. We always welcome volunteers to continue to help us make it happen and keep our one-of-a kind beautiful club in existence.
The VDRC honours all victims and their animals affected by the wildfires and acknowledges the displacement and all stresses associated with a natural disaster. If you need mental health support, anyone is welcome to call the BC mental health support line for free at 310-6789. If you are an evacuee, the VDRC is able to accommodate horses, farm animals, and their people. Please call ahead if possible. Contact us for more information at info@vernonridingclub.com
Photos by Laura Blain
Alberta Donkey and Mule Club
July has been a whirlwind of activity for the club!
First and foremost, a huge congratulations to our member, friend, and one of our biggest long-ears promotors, Melissa Glowinski, and her stellar mule, Jessica Rabbit, for their successful rides at the Calgary Stampede’s Cowboy-Up Challenge! No doubt, they were crowd favourites and showcased just how talented mules are. We couldn’t be more proud of you!
Also participating in the Calgary Stampede were Karina and Anna Trudel with Rosie, the miniature donkey, as part of the Miniature Donkey Showcase in the Brandt Agricultural Zone. Thousands of people got to pet Rosie and fell in love with the special little Jenny.
Another team spent time in Red Deer for Westerner Days, participating in the parade and daily demos with the Adventure Pavilion. Thanks to Amanda Enmark with Phillippe, Jed Howlette with Jasmine, Sandra Harper with Calypso, Louise Givens and Michelle Colby with Dixie and Lisa, Robyn Ramey with Chili and Denny,
Mike Pineo with Edith, Shirley Quintilio with Wildthing, Carlo and Jennifer Towes with Major, and Katherine Cook with Dixie the jumping mule for your participation! The ADMC hosts a number of clinics, shows, and events throughout the year, including demo opportunities. You don’t have to have long ears to get involved with us, either!
By Amanda Enmark
Upcoming Events
September 15 - ground/green driving clinic with Jed Howlett at Parkland Equestrian Centre. September 28-29 - Didsbury Weekend, an event to try different things with your animal, like games, ground driving, obstacles, and loads of fun!
Check out our website: Alberta Donkey and Mule Club: Cheer for the Ears!
The Lois Phelps Memorial H/J Show
The Crony Club
The new dressage booth
WestCoast Working Equitation
PART 4, WHAT IS WORKING EQUITATION ALL ABOUT?
Let’s talk about immobility: the state of not moving, motionless. Where do we see this in equestrian sports? Why is it important? In working equitation there are a number of obstacles that require the horse to stand calmly, precisely, and stylishly immobile while the rider performs a task. For the Jug, the rider will halt beside a table, raise a jug above his/her head, replace the jug, and ride on. The Switch Cup requires a halt between two poles, the rider to remove a cup from one and replace it on the other, and then ride on. The Bell Corridor may be set up as a straight ride in/halt/ring bell/back out, or as a Rein-back “L.” Rounding posts are especially fun! The rider advances straight through the corridor, halts between the end posts, picks a cup off one post, then reins back in a reverse slalom around the middle post, halts between the entrance posts, deposits the cup on the post, and completes the rein-back to fully exit the corridor.
In the scoring for each of these obstacles, under the category of “severe mistakes,” you will find “lack of immobility in the halt.” At first glance, each of these tasks appears quite simple. But to ride them calmly, precisely, and stylishly requires planning and patience. As you perform the halt, don’t immediately lunge for the obstacle. Take a breath, relax, and show the judge how relaxed, attentive, and cooperative your horse is. Calmly, precisely, and stylishly complete the requirement. Calmly, precisely, and stylishly exit the obstacle.
Where else in equestrian sports do we see a requirement for immobility? Dressage begins and ends with a halt/salute that should be a minimum of 3 seconds. I can think of no other discipline where
a halt is seriously valued. Can you? But in our daily riding, a reliable halt at the mounting block is a safety issue. A patient halt on the trail while we dismount to move a fallen branch or retrieve a dropped item is invaluable.
Why do we care so much about working equitation? Again, back to the origins of the sport on working ranches with aggressive cattle, on wide open ranges or in tight quarters at the pens. The horse has to have complete trust in his rider that he will not be put in a dangerous position. The rider must have complete trust in his horse that he will respond appropriately and immediately if asked to move or stand still. The team risks injury to themselves and losing the cattle if the horse won’t stop and stand when needed.
We can use these multiple instances of immobility in a Working Equitation competition to demonstrate calmly, precisely, and stylishly the great partnership we have developed with our horse.
By Karen Gallagher
Vintage Riders Equestrian Club
Take what you have and make it better. Carry that thought with you always! In your life and your time with horses. In times of “too much input,” be good to yourself. Make time to process what is on your mind and on your list of things to do. Even if you don’t feel up to it, progress can still be made. See your dear horse and have a ride. Pick one thing that you can do, such as the walk. Take that slightly wobbly, crooked, and unrhythmic gait and focus. Ask for short steps, long steps, and stops. Spot a fence post, look at your horse’s neck, then head and beyond the fence post, to keep a straight line. Pretty soon your legs will be following the movement of the shoulders of the horse. Your hips begin to move, and your back and arms will soften. And you will breathe. Build a castle brick by brick. Allow the walk to unlock your thoughts. Think of how much more you can do to reveal your potential. Keep adding to the collection of your skills.
Vintage riders are having social casual fun at the series of Working Equitation drop-in days. Flora B is
• Copy and keep inspirational quotes
• Find pictures you admire and can aspire to
WHAT’S COMING UP
JANE STONE WORKING EQUITATION CLINIC SEPT 28-29, 2024 CONTACT INFO@WESTCOASTWE.COM
The glorious memory-making days of summer are happening, take time to enjoy and ponder a beautiful day!
• For courage, read: INVICTUS, the poem by Wiliam Ernest Henley, and HOPE, by Nikki Banks
kindly guiding us, and we are grateful for the use of the covered arena at Rita R’s house. Next we begin on a series of drop-in gymnastic exercises over a pole course. Looking forward to that as the weather cools into the fall. Featured are photos of our members and their horses happily playing together. Here are: Majestic Sophia and Carol A. Flora, Bonnie, and Solana. Solana is skilled at the pen. Brian and Vivian H calmly request their horses to come to the mounting block as willing partners. Winchester and Dude oblige. Nobleheaded Sophia, taking it all in and doing a good job. Rita is our host with Bonnie and Vivian. And Flora B. In her happy place. Pretty confident this epitomizes “living the good life.” Do more of that which makes you smile….
Sincerely, Kendra K
The Back Country Horsemen of BC
BACK COUNTRY HORSEMAN OF BC IN THE HIGH COUNTRY AT VALEMOUNT BC MOUNTAIN ECHOES OF RENDEZVOUS 2024
It was most certainly backcountry in the high country! Living up to its name, our 2024 Rendezvous was held at the Canoe Mountain Rodeo Grounds, nestled amongst the Rocky and Monashee Mountain ranges, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding snow-covered peaks and cooler weather. The grounds were delightfully rustic, requiring a work party to spruce up the site before the expected crowds arrived. And arrive they did! Never have we had a Rendezvous sell out, let alone BEFORE the “cheap ticket” date passed! The organizing committee had a bit of scrambling to do as a few of their vendors and volunteers hadn’t even managed to get their own tickets yet! With limited corrals, efforts were made to provide ample hitching spaces for campsites as well as opportunities to high-line the stock. The camp area was spacious, grassy, and flat, allowing groupings of friends and chapters to camp together and making it easy for visiting from site to site. Activities were many, varied, and so much fun to watch or participate in. A constant draw for participants and onlookers alike was the Cowboy Challenge, run by Tom Ryan and Trevor Mertes. This was a highly popular activity all through the weekend, as was the Packing Clinic run by Wes Phillips, Jeff Eastwood, and Reg Marek. The Scavenger Hunt (and a hunt it was, searching for all kinds of wee objects and money in the bushes along the trails) and the Poker Ride were great excuses to saddle up and explore the fabulous trail systems around the grounds. The scenery
did not fail to impress those who gave up time playing in camp to get out and ride.
I must admit the mountain air sure worked up the appetites! But the potluck dinner organized by Susan Shumey and her crew and augmented by the Dutch oven offerings kept hunger at bay for Friday, while Judy Lestander and her ladies from Barriere whipped up a most satisfying Saturday night supper of roast beef with all the fixin’s. But back to the Dutch ovens. Under the wing of Ross Walker and his huge volunteer crew, who had far too much fun cooking 40 chickens in almost as many ways, made up an incredibly varied main course for the potluck feast, and it truly was a feast! Several tables long, already groaning with salads, breads, and sides, easily fed the mob of over 200 people, plus a few dogs laying
in wait under the tables! Vendors, mostly local, supplied an amazing variety of items that easily parted most members from their money. Even the Logo Wear booth, manned by Joan Swetlikoff, was able to disperse the last of the old stock in preparation for BCHBC Logo Wear going live online. Can’t wait for that! The Silent Auction run by Deb Ralston and Carolyn Scott narrowed down to some heated bidding at the end, but all items found new owners ready to put them to good use.
Of all the sights that weekend, I think the most memorable for all was the Parachute Tent. The layers of undulating army-green silk, 100 feet wide when unwrapped from the centre pole, were a most incredible venue that easily accommodated our meals, auctions, AGM, poetry contest, and the Saturday night dance, which featured a hot local band, Roadside Splinter. They sure kept us hopping! Our members said it best: “My first Rendezvous! I thoroughly enjoyed it. Had fun volunteering alongside old and new friends, met some great people, beautiful horses, and lovely dogs.” “200 attendees, 125 horses, lots of educational information!” “I’m blown away by how amazing the weekend was! There is nothing better than this group of like-minded people!”
Massive thanks to the executive and all the volunteers who made it possible! See you all next year!
By Mary Huntington, Kamloops Chapter
RV Committee/ L-R Eileen MacDonald, Ken Matthews, Terry Reynolds, Brian MacDonald, Claudia Zamprogno, Richard Christensen, and Brian Harder
New members of the One Minute Club
Rendezvous Campsite, photo credit Erik Becker
Events + Club HUB
Eventing
Aug 30 - Sept 1
Island 22 Horse Trials - BC Eventing Championships, Chilliwack, island22horsepark.com
contact: go_event@smartt.email
Sept 7
Heather Bradshaw Memorial Endurance Ride, Summerland Rodeo Grounds, enduranceridersofbc.com
Play Days • Clinics • Shows • Trail Rides • Community Events • Knowledge Sharing High Point in Competitive and Recreational Categories albertadonkeyandmule.ca 325 625
bctherapeuticriding.com Promoting therapeutic riding, equine-based therapeutic services, and para-equestrian activities throughout BC through networking, educational programming, and outreach activities.
Canadian Cowboy Challenge A SPORT for the whole Family! Seven Divisions to accommodate all! For more info please call 403-828-2044 or visit www.canadiancowboychallenge.com 325
Visit us online: cantra.ca
Email: ctra@golden.net
Phone: (519) 767-0700 Since 1980, Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association has been the leader in Canada for therapeutic riding and is recognized as such by HETI (Horses in Education & Therapy International).
• Certification of therapeutic riding instructors - basic to senior level
• Prerequisites through Equestrian Canada
• Equine assisted wellness, learning, team building & personal development
• National accreditation of therapeutic riding programs
• Partner with Equine Guelph
Welcoming a diverse equestrian community by fostering an environment of enjoyment, development, and competition. Introducing the 2023 Interior Desert Hunter/Jumper Circuit Show Series More details and dates available at kelownaridingclub.ca 3745 Gordon Drive, Kelowna BC
Watson, President • 403-378-4323 cbwatson@cciwireless.ca equinefoundationofcanada.com
BC INTERIOR MORGAN HORSE CLUB
See our FB page. Pres: Bev Routledge email: bcimhcinfo@gmail.com Activities: trail rides, obstacle fun day, barn tour/pot luck. 724
BC PAINT HORSE CLUB
www.bcphc.com, Open Show & Competition Program, award sponsorships for local clubs, youth scholarship. cathyglover@telus.net 425
CANADIANEQUESTRIANARTSACADEMY.COM , French Classical dressage, coaching, clinics, sales. Standing Xihao AR, Lusitano stallion. Sarah Southwell 403-915-0616 524
SANDY LANG HORSEMANSHIP (Abbotsford BC) 778-344-3804, Foundation Focus
STALLIONS & BREEDERS
APPALOOSAS: WANT TO CONNECT WITH FOLKS who are raising Appaloosa horses, or are interested in raising Appaloosa Horses. Please contact Howard Jackson 250-963-9779, appaloosacentre@telus.net (Prince George BC) 924
APPALOOSACENTRE.COM
250-963-9779 Real Appaloosas for Today and the Future! 924
VETERINARIANS
ANIMAL CARE HOSPITAL Williams Lake 250-392-5510 / Quesnel 250-747-3053 Drs. Magnowski, Scheidt, Thompson, Jordan, Deitrick, Johnston, Wurzer 625
CONNECT VETERINARY SERVICES (Okanagan) 250-212-3513 Mobile Equine, Dr. Savannah Beavers, connectvetservices.com 325
INTERIOR VETERINARY HEALTH SERVICES (Okanagan) 250-769-4217, Mobile Equine, Brytann Youngberg DVM, VSMT, College of Animal Chiropractors 325
WANTED
BC APPALOOSA CENTRE HAS AN OPENING FOR TWO RANCH HAND INTERNS Main duties will include checking foaling pasture and handling, and riding young ranch-raised horses in training under the guidance of the old guy who has 60 years experience in the commercial horse business. Can lead to full time, paid job after 90 days successful internship. Accommodations and food provided. Please contact Howard 250-963-9779, (Prince George BC) appaloosacentre@telus.net 924
Stunning Island Acreage!
Quadra Island home and shop on peaceful 5 acres, on the east side of the island! The two level home features many recent updates and a main level entry with 2 bedrooms & 3pc bathroom on this level. Upstairs is a spacious loft currently set up as guest bedroom & office, with 3pc bathroom & balcony. The 30’x36’ shop is over-height with 2 bays & separate 200 amp service. The 5 acre property boasts established fenced gardens with good producing fruit trees & berry plants, a pond & trails that wind through the mature forest. Located at at the end of a no thru road, close to hiking trails & the public beach access on Wawakie Rd. Contact us to book your viewing of this wonderful property!
782 Fir Drive $990,000 MLS® 967027 Contact Bill Bradshaw or Sarah Bradshaw,
