Saddle Up February 2022 by Saddle Up magazine

FEBRUARY 2022

SADDLEUP.CA

FREE

JJ Castiel

Where

have s dream no limits

Publications Mail Reg. No. 40045521 Printed in Canada

FEBRUARY 2022

SADDLEUP.CA • 1

2 • FEBRUARY 2022

SADDLEUP.CA

STRUCTURES LTD. Let us know you saw it in Saddle Up!

Barns

Riding Arenas

Natural Light

Hay & Equipment Storage

Customizable

SpanMaster Structures will provide you with a uniquely pleasant and environmentally sound building experience by providing thoughtful guidance and the highest quality workmanship, without compromise! Britespan Buildings Dealer of the year 2018-2019

No one offers more than SpanMaSter STRUCTURES LTD.

www.SpanMaster.ca

CALL TODAY FOR A FREE QUOTE

Tel. 866.935.4888 FEBRUARY 2022

SADDLEUP.CA • 3

From the Editor… HAPPY NEW YEAR everyone! May this be (can this be?) the year things get better for us all! ALSO AVAILABLE DIGITALLY

HCBC 2010 Business of The Year 2014 A/S Chamber President’s Choice Award Publisher/Editor Nancy Roman MAIN OFFICE TOLL FREE 1-866-546-9922 250-546-9922 nancyroman@saddleup.ca www.saddleup.ca MAILING ADDRESS Saddle Up magazine PO Box 371 Armstrong, BC, Canada V0E 1B0

e saw the tragedies many faced in our province, and the rescue efforts and pleas for help that were all over Facebook (and the TV news)! And some are still suffering and waiting to return home (or re-build their home). Horse Council BC has a Disaster Relief Fund in place and their members can inquire as to what is available to them. Centurion Supply in Ontario contacted HCBC and offered to help with product as well… see the story on page 13. And donations to HCBC are still being accepted if you want to help. Although I did manage to have a bit of time off over the holidays, I still didn’t get everything accomplished that I had wanted to do. And our web site and Facebook page is not complete… still a work in progress. Thanks for your patience. Was sad to hear about Don Loewen’s passing – as I had known Don since I started Saddle Up, and always met up with him at the trade shows. And Jack Daines’ passing, that voice… I spoke with him on the phone many times over the years. My condolences to their families. Stay safe everyone – and Happy Valentine’s Day to you all!

Printed In Canada produced by OKANAGAN PRINTING a division of

EPublishing in Armstrong, BC 250-546-6477

ON THE COVER: Gypsy Dreams, www.gypsydreams4.wix.com/gypsydreams CONTRIBUTORS: Sandy Lang, Patricia E. Skinner, Julie Ratcliffe, Elisha Bradburn, Glenn Stewart, Elisa Marocchi, Birgit Stutz, Lisa Wieben, Cindy Perry, Russ Shandro

OFFICIAL VOICE FOR: Back Country Horsemen of BC MEDIA PARTNER WITH HORSE COUNCIL BC

FEATURES DEADLINE 5TH OF EVERY MONTH SUBSCRIPTIONS $24.00 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.

4 • FEBRUARY FEBRUARY 2022 2022

SADDLEUP.CA SADDLEUP.CA

PHOTO CONTEST Come Hell or High Water Horse Pulls Back? Part 1 The Przewalski’s Horses Goodness HCBC’s Horse Rescue Are you Grounded? My Rescue Horses’ Story Can-Am heads West! In the Driver’s Seat with Elisa Groundwork (Rider) Exercises The Joy of Play

OUR REGULARS 5 6 8 10 12 13 14 16 17 18 22 24

Top Dog!

What’s This?

KIDS

Horse Council BC

Back Country Horsemen of BC 33 Clubs/Associations

What’s Happening? Let’s Go!

Business Services

On the Market (photo ads)

Stallions/Breeders

Shop & Swap

Rural Roots (Real Estate)

Saddle Up's Facebook

February Photo Contest Theme should be LOVE… Valentine’s Day of course! On Saddle Up’s Facebook page post your photo… showing us the LOVE! Photo must have a person/ people in it with a horse(s) and/or dog(s). You have until February 28th, 2022 to enter. Don’t do Facebook? You can email directly to nancyroman@saddleup.ca. Our prestigious judges will choose the winner!

https://finnandfletcher.com

What Can You Win?

December’s PHOTO Contest Winner was: Katya Campbell, Queens Bay BC

November’s SILLY SELFIE Contest Winner was: Kelly Dugay, Killam AB

Supplying Your Pets with NEW and Unique Products!

Our generous sponsor, The Finn & Fletcher Co., has the following prizes for the winner: Goliath Regular Neck Turnout, 600D/200gm fill, waterproof and breathable (all the bells and whistles!) Retail Value $175.00. Also included will be some Rheo Thompson Mint Smoothies Chocolates - Stratford Institution for Generations! GOOD LUCK! Contest is open/shipping to Canadian residents only.

Gypsy Dreams is a family run business near Edmonton. Owners, Jennifer Abraham, Shannon Kuzik and their son, Hunter, take great pride in their herd and the quality they have focused on and strived to preserve. Never sacrificing on temperament or quality, providing unique and diverse colours in traditional bodied Gypsy Cobs (Vanner). From traditional colours of black and white to silver dapple, roans, sabinos and more, their herd can produce something for everyone. Several in the Gypsy Dreams’ herd have been imported from England calling Canada home for many years now. Five stallions currently reside on the ranch along with several stunning mares. You will often find Hunter out caring for the horses right alongside mom and dad, or you will see them mentoring new people to the breed, always answering questions and helping guide and support others in the Gypsy community. Not only have they been an established breeder for many years now, they are also a Canadian distributor of Galloping Goop and Equiderma products! From skin problems, wounds, fly spray to show-ready products they can help with it all. Contact them via email or on Facebook. Gypsy Dreams is having a big year in 2022, expecting 7 foals by stallions: JJ Castiel, GD Sterling Silver and SRS Poseidon. That’s not all… they have a few more big announcements to make this year, so be sure to follow them on their Facebook page at GypsyDreams (@gypsydreams.jk). Jennifer, stallion SRS Poseidon, Shannon Maureen Noce Photography

780-905-4333 • Edmonton AB E-mail: gypsydreams@outlook.com gypsydreams4.wix.com/gypsydreams

Yes, dreams do come in colours!

Danielle C Photography

Up and coming stallion, Gypsy Dreams Sterling Silver

Danielle C Photography

FEBRUARY 2022

SD Miss Maple and Hunter Maureen Noce Photography

SADDLEUP.CA • 5

Come Hell or High Water! Are Your Horses Ready to Load? By Patricia E. Skinner

July 13, 2021

The moment I heard that BC Wildfire Service barred locals from attacking the White Rock Lake wild fire the day that it started, I panicked. Even though the fire started only 10 acres in size and was about 40 km away, I instantly had a knowing that if it came down to evacuating my farm, I would logistically not be able to both relocate all my animals, and prepare my farm for the worst. I needed many hands on deck to get ready ASAP.

y list was a mile long and there was no way I could do it all alone. Everything else went on hold and six of the biggesthearted angel friends that a horsewoman/sheep farmer could have came from far and wide to help. I had taken a Farm/Ranch Firesmart Course (highly recommend!) after the 2017 Monte Lake fire scare and checked my notes for reminders. We put in unbelievable hours day in and day out for weeks preparing for the worst: cutting out seemingly endless loads of cedar and juniper bushes (gasoline) from everywhere on the farm (including about 75 feet into the neighbouring forested property); weed eating every blade of grass and spreading gravel around the house, barns, arenas and round pens; cutting branches 6 feet up on all trees within 100 feet of buildings; moving flammables; covering hay and bedding; tuning up generators... on and on. We rigged up every spare irrigation pipe I could find and bought every sprinkler there was available to enhance the gravity-fed irrigation. We had water running everywhere possible; the curtain of humidity created within the core of the farm was very evident and, as history will tell, our preparation saved (my) Harmony Farm and all within. “Need Help... Now!” Two days after the fire started it was classed rank 4 “out of control” and had spread 14,500 ha towards Westwold and Falkland. Dusk, July 16th, I got an emergency call from an old friend who lives on Douglas Lake Road. She was ordered to evacuate and had 3 horses that desperately needed a trailer ride out of there “now!” I quickly hooked up my 3-horse angle haul gooseneck trailer and headed out. It was dark when I got there and as she haltered her horses passing them

6 • FEBRUARY 2022

SADDLEUP.CA

to me with short worn lead lines, she mentioned that it had been years since two of them had been on a trailer and that was a stock trailer. One of them hadn't been off her property ever and... had never seen a trailer. Even having extensive experience it took my more effective equipment and a couple hours for me to get her 3 horses loaded, but it wasn't relaxed or easy and the process beat me up pretty good. My friend thanked me profusely, stating that she herself could physically never have been able to get them loaded that night, especially feeling as scared and as desperate emotionally, with the fire so close. “I Won't Leave Him Behind!” August 2nd, I saw a post on the Falkland FB community page by a gal that had one horse, was in the line of fire and after having many horse people fail to load her horse, she was desperately reaching out for help, stating that she would never leave him behind if she got the order to evacuate. I heard her plea and carved out the time to help. Eleven years young, not started or handled much, her gelding had only been in a trailer as a weanling and besides having zero motivation to get on a trailer... was loved beyond the pale. I trailered over and took considerable time to work with her and her horse and, got him loaded. We loaded and backed him out of the trailer many times and I taught her the short version to load him herself so that if the time came to have to leave she'd know what to do. Well, only 2 days later on August 4th, her evacuation order came. She got packed and had a friend come with a horse trailer. She tried and tried but this time, fear driven and with high emotion, she just couldn't get her horse loaded onto that dark cave on wheels, nor

Patricia Skinner

could her friend. Exasperated, at 1 AM she called me in desperation, accepting the risk to stay with him through the fire if she couldn't load him. Right away I rushed to help. By headlamp, I quickly got him in the trailer but... I can honestly say that even after 35 years of teaching professionally both traditional and natural horsemanship (including trailer loading/hauling/unloading) and having loaded many horses out of all kinds of emergency situations, I have never seen any horse so stressed as that night hauling that beloved horse to safety. He was terrified, claustrophobic beyond belief, tried his best to tear up my trailer and was totally soaked in lathered stress once we parked. So scared, he was frozen and unable to back up out of the trailer for over an hour. I was exhausted and felt so awful, wishing he had the preparation and trust in place, especially for such an urgent event. Believe it when I say, the wrath of a wildfire and other sudden forces of nature do not wait for you to take hours to teach your horse to load! On that day, you barely have time to think, get your most important papers and cherished belongings packed, pets loaded, and run! There is no time to find someone to help, no time to cry, no time to worry. Panic serves no one and there certainly is no time for anyone or any horse to struggle, or anyone to be injured when a horse refuses to cooperate. It doesn't have to be that way!

of all and prepare them for urgent calls to action whether that be from environmental threats like wildfires, flooding, mudslides, tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, or even a sudden medical emergency that requires urgent trailering. Every horse should be able to get safely and calmly loaded, travel and then get out of any trailer, any time, for any reason, just because you ask. It should be a comfortable easy choice and happen calmly and safely without hesitation, force, fear or stress! You will be ever thankful for your preparation and your horses will be there, by your side, safe, sound and grateful.

Are You Ready? Prior preparation really does prevent stress, desperation, panic, fear, trauma and even heart wrenching sorrow, for both horses and owners, every time. Living through such a devastating event is hard enough without the consideration of having to leave beloved animals behind. During many personal rescues to evacuate horses from wildfires and natural disasters in Colorado, California, Idaho, Nevada, Florida and now BC, I have witnessed unnecessary horrors due to horses not being prepared to be trailered. I have seen horses force themselves through trailer windows, mangers and side access doors; throw themselves over backwards and over dividers; rear up through the roof and turn around in spaces far too small, breaking their neck and pelvis. I have seen people seriously injured by right-brained terrified horses, and I have watched people give up the fight and, in tears, turn their horses loose and pray for the best. Horsemanship cannot pressure a horse into performance in the heat of the moment, and your horse's life versus certain death should never be a choice forced on you simply because your horse hasn't learned to trailer. Creating respectful leadership and effective communication principles that your horse can understand, trust and rely on for whatever purpose is a process; it takes desire, it takes a decision, it takes action and it takes some time, well before performance can be expected. Please, for the love of your horses, and for your own emotional wellbeing, make time for the greatest service

Don't Wait! Winter is upon us and now is the time to get prepared for what the years ahead may have in store. Please, don't wait for an emergency to realize your horse doesn't load! Weather is unpredictable, emergencies do happen, and often life isn't fair, but you have the choice to be prepared in the best possible way to keep you and your horses safe. I would be honoured to help you and your horses confidently, safely and effectively accomplish that goal.

Wake Up Call... This past summer was a wake-up call for me. My friends and I saved my farm. The fire came literally 50 feet from my house and 10 feet from my irrigation line! Preparation saved precious animals, including 100 hair sheep breeding stock, 10 horses, dogs, cats, chickens and a guardian llama, as well as my lifelong investment and livelihood. All around my farm 32 homes burned to the ground. I cannot express my gratitude for getting prepared. Now... I feel compelled to offer help with a lifetime of professional horsemanship experience to any horse owner who is unsure whether they are prepared to load, haul and unload their horses at a moment's notice. I want to help you be sure... well before it's needed!

One on one and group workshops available. Rates upon request using my trailer or yours, your place or mine. Thank you for the opportunity! Call 250-682-8538.

Patricia was among the first to become a Certified CEF English Equestrian Coach in 1982. She taught English riding disciplines traditionally in the lower mainland until 1994, when she fell in love with Natural Horsemanship. Ever since, she has been a devoted NH Instructor/Clinician throughout the US and Canada. Passionately dedicated to empowering horse lovers to create the horse of their dreams, she offers beginner to advanced learning in a variety of workshops: Liberty, Trail, Bareback, Dressage, Jumping, Trailering, Problem Solving, Overcoming Fears and 'From The Hoof Up' Ground School. In her spare time she also trains dogs and operates a 'custom care' dog boarding kennel at her Monte Lake farm. (See her farm listing in our Top Dog! section under PET CENTRAL)

FEBRUARY 2022

SADDLEUP.CA • 7

What can You do to Help a Horse that Pulls Back? (Part 1 of 2) By Glenn Stewart

Contrary to some people’s way of thinking, horses do not enjoy, like, or think it is fun to pull back. It hurts and they are very worried, scared and claustrophobic feeling when they pull back. It is much more difficult to teach a horse not to pull after he has started pulling than to learn some exercises and then use them with your horse to avoid the pulling in the first place.

he exercises that I would use to help a horse overcome their pulling are almost the same as I would use before they started pulling. They are the exercises that prepare a horse for being tied. It is important to always ask the question WHY they are doing what they are doing before trying to figure out a way to help them. If you don’t come up with the real WHY then you won’t be able to come up with a real solution. We know that they don’t pull because they like it, so we can get rid of that idea. There are generally three basic areas I use to answer the question WHY. I keep it simple and ask myself if the reason they are pulling back is a respect issue, a confidence issue or an understanding issue. Sometimes it can be some of each of these areas. Once I have the answer to why then I can either build their confidence, earn their respect, or get a system of clear communication established that the horse understands. Usually it falls under a confidence issue. So we build their confidence. It also usually has something to do with respect as in they probably don’t yield to the pressure of the halter very well, and certainly not when they are pulling. It also has something to do with understanding. If they understood that they had nothing to fear and that yielding to the halter was best, there would be much less chance of pulling. 8 • FEBRUARY 2022

SADDLEUP.CA

So how do we build their confidence and get them yielding to the halter better? The very first thing I would check is to see if my horse enjoys my touch all over his head, not just accepts, but enjoys. He needs to be completely comfortable being rubbed everywhere on his head, eyes, ears, poll, nose, lips and so on.

Having the whole horse enjoying a rub would be better yet, if not, you use approach and retreat. Approach by rubbing towards the areas that worry him, moving as close as he can handle, rubbing there and getting him braver, then look for any sign that he is trying to relax then retreat. Keep rubbing your way in and then away from the area until you have convinced the horse there is nothing to be worried about. I would do the whole procedure again with my halter. Sometimes they will accept the touch of a hand but not a rope.

Anytime you can send, by that I mean stand still and put some feel on the rope and ask your horse to follow the feel and go where you send him. This is one way to see if your horse understands how to follow a feel and that he has been taught to respect the feel of the halter and yield to the pressure being applied. They sometimes throw their head around trying to shake your hand off. Don’t move so close or as fast to his area of worry. If he can shake your hand away, he will perceive this as a release and try again the next time you try to rub. Take your hand away when the head quiets. It may only happen for a second to begin with so be ready to release. While I was checking these things out and making sure there were no issues with being touched and rubbed I would keep in mind that horses are claustrophobic by nature, some more than others. Once I was sure there were no issues of being handled around the head I would start helping them get braver in small spaces. I would see how many places I could lead, back and send my horse. Find places that my horse has to go through, under and over sometimes separately and sometimes all at the same time. Always start with the easier things like leading through a gate, then maybe back him through, then send him through.

There are many things you can use to help with this such as going into the barn, in and out of the trailer, between, under and over trees. Use your imagination and if possible send, lead and back through the areas that allow it. To be continued next month… Glenn Stewart travels extensively conducting clinics, demonstrations, and colt starting sessions, and also offers Camps and a 3 month Horsemanship Course at his home The Horse Ranch, as well as the Horsemanship Learning Adventure Series; two completely different experiences, High & Wild in the Northern BC Rockies, and Working Equitation with Lusitanos in Brazil. He rides 30-60 client horses per year, including young horses, restarts, challenging horses, and foundation training. For more information visit www.thehorseranch.com. (See his listing in our Business Services section under TRAINERS)

100 MILE HOUSE BC

OFFERED AT $2,650,000 MLS® R2614723

Property Features

WAITING FOR YOU IS A FABULOUS ESTABLISHED EQUESTRIAN CENTRE ON 30 ACRES! For more information please contact: Gisela Janzen, Personal Real Estate Corporation E-mail: Sold@100MileHomes.com Cell 250-706-1186 / Office 250-395-3422 100milehomes.com

Within 15 minutes to 100 Mile House, this beautiful 1,910 sq. ft. 3 bedroom, 2 bath ranch-style home offers views of the barn, stables and arenas. The layout of the property is so well-designed to make for a very smooth and efficient operation. At present there is a boarding capacity for 27 horses - all with individual stalls and runs. A fabulous 70’x160’ indoor riding area with energy efficient lighting allows for evening riding which is a main draw for this location. Many outbuildings including 3 large hay barns to hold 4,000 bales of hay, main barn, a club house, 9 12’x24’ double stalls & 3 12’x12’ singles. A 100’x200’ outdoor arena, plus a 50’ round pen and so much more. Turnkey operation built up by present owners who are ready to retire now. FEBRUARY 2022

SADDLEUP.CA • 9

Zookeeper Dannielle with Naploeon

The couple (Kathleen Fisher Photography)

The BC Wildlife Park is home to two Przewalski’s horses, Takhi and Napoleon

And with Tahki

Takhi (mare) was born at Quebec’s Granby Zoo on May 7, 2007, and Napoleon (stallion) was born at Ontario’s Toronto Zoo on July 4, 2008. Napoleon was eventually transferred to the Granby Zoo, where the pair has been coupled since 2010. After a 2-day journey across the country from Quebec, they arrived at the BC Wildlife Park in Kamloops on November 5, 2020, and are a part of the Species Survival Plan (SSP) that intensively manages the care, movement, and breeding of Przewalski’s horses in captivity around the world.

he Przewalski’s horse is native to Central Asia, and is the only truly wild horse in the world. Modern day “wild” horses such as mustangs that roam freely in herds in the United States, are really feral ancestors of once domesticated horses. Przewalski’s horses are genetically distinct from the modern domestic horse with 33 chromosome pairs, compared to 32 for domestic horses. It is believed their ancestral lineages split some 38,000 to 160,000 years ago. In the 1960’s only a handful of Przewalski’s horses were found in the wild. By 1969 one single stallion was observed in its native habitat. Further expeditions after this failed to locate any horses and the Przewalski’s horse was designated “extinct in the wild.” The main cause for their decline was attributed to habitat loss, competition from livestock, hunting, and harsh winters. After World War II only 12 breeding horses were left in the world’s zoos. One additional wild caught mare was added to this population in 1957. All Przewalski’s horses found today are decedents of these 13 animals. To ensure the survival and genetic diversity of the species, these horses continue to be bred in human care around the world. Today, several populations have now been released 10 • FEBRUARY 2022

SADDLEUP.CA

into Mongolia and the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone. In 2019 the estimated population in Chernobyl was over 100 individuals. Although population stability is a long way off, this species was brought back from the brink of extinction because of worldwide conservation efforts made by zoological facilities like the BC Wildlife Park. Although unsuccessful thus far, we remain optimistic that our pair will eventually defy the odds and successfully breed and produce a foal. Carefully managed breeding in human care aids in maintaining a level of genetic diversity, but the challenge remains that due to their low numbers the gene pool is small and birth rates are inevitably low. Husbandry is an integral component of their care at the BCWP, which includes positive reinforcement training through protective contact. As with all Park animals, Takhi and Napoleon always have the choice to participate in training sessions, and are always positively rewarded should they chose to join in. Since their arrival, Zookeeper Dannielle has dedicated many months of training with this pair: focusing on target training, positioning for voluntary injections, x-rays, and hoof presentation and filing. These

Horses sedated for trimming

A papier-mache wolf for enrichment

training behaviours allow the horses to be active participants in their own routine health checks, and this reduces the stress for the horses, their health care team, and their zookeeper. Przewalski’s horses in human care are known to be difficult to anesthetize in order to perform medical procedures. Recently, the pair successfully underwent sedation for hoof trimming, dental care, vaccination, and physical examination. It required a team of 9 dedicated professionals, extremely precise assessments, and an abundance of patience to sedate and perform the necessary procedures. The training efforts made by Zookeeper Dannielle which allowed for these procedures to take place are considerably impressive, as Przewalski’s horses are often known for their very high strung and aggressive temperaments and behaviours. True to their species, the pair are extremely smart, tough, and rugged. They are welladapted to our cold winters and hot summers. Like a good mare, Takhi is by far the spicier, more aggressive one that is very much in control of situations, and is more aware of her surroundings. She is also the larger of the two horses and stands at approximately 14 hands. During feeding times they can be exceptionally aggressive with each other if they have to wait for food or attention. Double barrel kicks delivered by Takhi, and bites to the neck by Napoleon are not uncommon, which is why protective contact between zookeepers and the pair is so important for safety, and is always maintained. During the occasional calm moments, they both seem to enjoy scratches. When Takhi is occupied, Napoleon enjoys his cheeks, mane, and neck being scratched while he rests his head on Zookeeper Dannielle’s shoulder. Providing enrichment for Park animals is an integral part of their care. Enrichment for the Przewalski’s horses is often scent-based and can include things like urine from another animal. Otherwise, cognitive enrichment like hay feeder balls to challenge them during their meal times tends to provoke more participation and interest. Last summer a papier-mâché wolf was created as an enrichment piece for Takhi and Napoleon. Keepers were curious to see if this new item inside their habitat would evoke the stallion’s natural response of protecting the mare from a predator by kicking, biting, or striking it. We didn’t have the reaction we thought we’d get, and the pair was only slightly curious of this new item and it was mainly ignored. Thinking of new enrichment pieces is always a fun experience for their zookeepers. The BC Wildlife Park is honoured to have been given the opportunity to provide a permanent home to Takhi and Napoleon. To learn more about the BC Wildlife Park, and the important work we do, visit www.bcwildlife.org and stay in touch through our Facebook page. We are a non-profit charity dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of British Columbia's wildlife. The majority of the Park animals are rescued. It is our mission to encourage the appreciation of and respect for BC's wildlife and to assist in preserving biodiversity through education, research, captive breeding and rehabilitation services.

FEBRUARY 2022

SADDLEUP.CA • 11

Goodness

By Elisha Bradburn

Boone gives me wings!

Have a bad day?

Someone you love disappoint you?

ou know it will all fall away once you get out to the barn and breathe deeply the smells of horses and fresh air. You know you will feel understood and soothed by the compassion of a silent listener when you see those big brown eyes looking back at you. There is something so healing about the goodness horses show us, and that we can extend in return, that it is worth discussion. I think that the soothing affect that horses have on us stems from their goodness in the form of purity. It is something that has always comforted me about animals, their pure hearts. They are pure, in the way that they are generally a reflection of their environment. You must have heard some great horseman say, “the horse is a mirror.” If we are kind, generous, and a half decent hand, horses are generally kind, generous, and good to us in return. A lot can be learned about a person when an experienced horseman looks at their horse. I know at some of my most challenging times in life, my horses seemed to pick up on my struggles. I could see myself in them. I could feel their compassion as they were seeking to understand me, but they could only be as good as I was. They can’t help but be pure. The goodness of animals and nature has a profoundly calming, healing and head clearing effect on us. This is unmistakably by design I believe, and no coincidence. They are an unadulterated reflection of love, and are a perfect gift to us in so many ways. The way horses are so compatible, so joy invoking, so awe inspiring, just can’t be by accident! Just the fact that we can so perfectly ride a horse, the proportions all make sense, tells me it was all part of a grand plan. May I propose that the way their beauty captures our hearts, with flowing manes and tails, and coming in a multitude of colours and markings to catch anyone’s fancy, is not just serendipitously delightful? Not to mention the fact that over the centuries they have made all sorts of jobs possible by being our sturdy mounts and hard-working companions. Their adaptability, power, and majestic presence is truly awe inspiring! There is also something very grounding about being around horses. Just the work involved in owning such a large animal is enough to help us get back to what is real, if we will let it. It helps keep us fit, and getting dirt under our nails can be good therapy. The mindless sifting through a stall or paddock while we contemplate the cares of life is good medicine for a person. It gives one the time and space required to sort through some of life’s biggest questions and issues. It is this time required to care for, and be good with horses, that can mold us into a better human. I was struck by legendary horseman Tom Dorrance’s words on the

12 • FEBRUARY 2022

SADDLEUP.CA

Goodness is a quality possessed by good horsemen, but it is actually a quality we can learn a lot about from horses.

Frustrations at work?

benefits of looking for goodness: “The last 89 years have been good to me, and good for me. In looking back through all these many years, I have experienced a great life. Looking for the good in people and animals has helped me get a better understanding of life in general.” This wise reflection reminded me that we could choose to look for the goodness, in both horses and humans, and choose to focus on it. This simple choice to focus on goodness can make life much more enjoyable. Yet another quality pointing to the goodness of horses is their willingness. If we can truly go about horses, seeking first to understand, then to be understood, as is one of Steven Covey’s amazing 7 Principles (Covey, S.R. (2017). The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. New York, N.Y.: Simon & Schuster Inc.) then horses are pretty willing to do almost whatever tickles our fancy. They will jump jumps, herd cattle, fight wars, dance and spin. To seek to understand a horse means we must first learn to think like a horse, and then teach them what we want, from their perspective. When you think about a horse’s size and power, they are very good to allow us the many pleasures they afford us. If we were half as willing to do for each other and our animals what horses are willing to do for us, the world would be a better place. Best of all horses’ goodness is consistent, something we can count on in this world full of uncertainty. Yet another quality associated with horses’ basic goodness we can add to our own arsenal. We can learn to be consistently trustworthy, patient, and empathetic, the kind of leader worth following. God definitely knew what he was doing making animals, and it is no coincidence the comfort and joy they bring us. So, next time you feel a little down, like you could use a listening ear and a warm friend, head on out to the barn and wonder at the goodness you’ll find. Enjoy being and soaking up the goodness friends. Elisha Bradburn and her husband, Clay, own Faithful Farm, an equestrian center in the Fraser Valley. Elisha’s passion with horses lies in psychology based horsemanship, with a strong consideration for the horse’s point of view. Elisha is available for clinics and speaking engagements and can be followed on her Legacy Horsemanship pages on Facebook and Instagram or e-mailed at legacyhorsemanship@shaw.ca (See her listing in our Business Services section under TRAINERS)

If Horses could Fly… Horse Council BC’s Animal Disaster Relief Fund was utilized to facilitate a daring equine rescue of three horses stranded in Spences Bridge. The severity of the flood damage caused a massive highway collapse on both sides of the residences and farms. This meant the only way out for these horses was via helicopter.

orse Council BC received a call for help early Thursday morning November 18, 2021. Time was critical! With the help from a quick acting Vancouver flight crew on November 19th, Horse Council BC was able to get rescue equipment to Kamloops including the Anderson Sling. The sling is the only equipment capable of this type of rescue and was previously purchased by HCBC. Volunteers were on scene to harness the horses with the Anderson Sling and ensure the journey was as stress free as possible. The successful rescue saw all three horses flown to safety where they will be cared for at Sageview Rescue in Kamloops. Horse Council BC would like to thank everyone involved, the generosity and compassion shown is humbling. Summit Helicopters generously subsidized much of the cost of this rescue. Their amazing pilot was instrumental in ensuring everything went as well as it did. The Horse Council BC Animal Disaster Relief Fund was established to help supply volunteers that are housing displaced horses and other livestock, due to the current emergency. Donations can be made at: https://hcbc.online/Donate. If you are requiring assistance for your equines due to the floods and fires, please email industry@hcbc.ca or see www.hcbc.ca. Horse Council BC is a membership-driven not-for-profit association representing the interests of the equine industry in all sectors throughout British Columbia. Horse Council BC actively represents the equine industry in agriculture, industry, sport, and recreation through education, grant funding, club support, government advocating, liability insurance, and participant programs. Centurion Supply provides assistance for BC animals and owners (update January 7, 2022) Shipment is on its way to Merritt BC to assist in Horse Council BC’s Disaster Relief Fund! Centurion Supply in Ontario, along with about a dozen of their corporate partners and suppliers (from the U.S., U.K., and Canada) have made very generous donations and commitments to help in this cause. They are providing 115 assorted turnout blankets, grooming products, hoof supplements, horse treats, fly products, ointments, wraps, hay savers, and salt products. Ron Ranney, President of Centurion Supply says, “After watching the unbelievable destruction that was taking place, the chaos and conditions that these poor animals were enduring along with their owners, was very hard to watch. I couldn’t just sit back saying how terrible this all is, instead I did something useful about it. Having been in the industry since 1986 I have been blessed to have made many contacts and friends worldwide. It was time to call in some chips… and for Centurion to go big on donations ourselves.” Coordinated by Horse Council BC, members of the Nicola Valley Rodeo Association (NVRA) will oversee the distribution of Centurion Supply’s products once they have arrived at the rodeo grounds in Merritt. NVRA’s Gert Leslie says, “Many of our horse owners along the river are still working at rebuilding fences (and homes and outbuildings) damaged by the floods, before they can even bring their horses home again. The extremely cold weather and substantial snow accumulation here in the last couple of weeks certainly has not helped matters. Thank you again for all the efforts, and a huge thank you to all those contributing so generously. We will be sure to distribute the goods to those most in need. Best wishes to all for 2022.” Anyone wishing to donate can contact Horse Council BC Disaster Relief Fund, www.hcbc.ca. FEBRUARY 2022

SADDLEUP.CA • 13

ARE YOU GROUNDED? Stomach points

By Lisa Wieben

Kidney 1 Point. The location of this point will vary from person to person, but massaging around the area will cover it.

Electricity needs to be grounded. Our

body energies also

need to be grounded. When we talk about grounding, we are

bringing awareness to that feeling of

stability, security, or calm that gives us the ability to deal with life’s ups and

downs more easily. Grounding your

internal energy while walking barefoot on grass or spending time at a beach

are great ways to

ground and connect with the earth, and unfortunately not

always available. But, there are simple

ways to affect your energy.

14 • FEBRUARY 2022

SADDLEUP.CA

iredness, irritability, forgetfulness, insomnia, feeling ‘spacey’, difficulty focusing on a task, being off-balance, as well as sore feet could be signs that you are un-grounded. When we are stressed our energy moves up and we can ‘get stuck in our head’ with neverending chatter. We are no longer feeling our way through situations, but reacting to them. Our energetic body shifts from a state of balance and our horses can pick up on this shift in us and may become worried, spooky, or nervous. We are no longer a secure figure in their life, but something that causes them to worry or be nervous. Horses can certainly be a mirror! The easiest way to think about grounding is to picture a tree. The roots of trees spread out wide and deep to support the tree above. The roots bring in nutrients from the soil and move them up the trunk to the branches and leaves. Then the leaves bring in nutrients from the sun, rain, and the environment. As the wind blows the tree stays grounded. Now imagine your body is the tree. As you ground you are bringing in the beautiful yin energy of the earth, which moves up through the body, and then the yang energies from above move down through the crown chakra and down the body into the earth. There is a constant exchange of energy up and down and throughout your body. Now, as you do this, be sure to take slow, deep, cleansing breaths. Perhaps imagining the energy coming in on the inhale, and then releasing anything you don’t need, to the earth on the exhale. When we are ungrounded this flow of energy is blocked in some way. First we will address the feet since this is our connection to the ground. Massage each foot, top and bottom. Run your fingers down from the ankle to the toes between the tendons giving any sore spots some extra attention. On the bottom of the foot, pay particular attention to the middle of the foot, down from second toe and across from the widest point of the foot. This point in Centered Riding and Tai Chi is called the ‘Bubbling Spring’ and is a balance point of the foot. In Chinese Medicine this point is the first point on the kidney meridian where the earth energy enters the body. Massaging this point is said to ‘calm the spirit’. The sides of the foot and top of the foot also contain the spleen, bladder, gallbladder, stomach, and liver meridians, so massaging the foot helps to send energy throughout the body. Now imagine your body is like a battery. Cells have + and - charges and our body has a north and south polarity. Rub your hands together briskly then slowly take them apart and closer together without touching. Can you feel a resistance between your hands? Your hands are like magnets with the palm being the south side of the magnet and the back of the hand being the north. Like repels like so after you have built the charge your hands will repel each other. Energy practitioners move energy with their hands. When we are ungrounded the polarity of the body may flip or be the same charge top and bottom. An easy way to ground is by rubbing the feet with a stainless steel spoon (one that a magnet will stick to). This realigns the polarity.

Position of foot in stirrup. The stirrup iron is perpendicular to the horse and the foot is on a slight angle to prevent tension on the knees

Use one or two hands above the head of the tail. This is an Endorphin Release Point.

Rub the bottom and top of the foot. Keep a spoon by your bed so you can spoon your feet quickly in the morning and/or at night. A simple way to bring your energy back down after a long day. One more way to ground is to tap the stomach meridian points just below your cheek bones and in line with the middle of the eye. This is the second point on the meridian and it sends energy around the face and back down the body to the second toe effectively sending the energy to the ground. Take 3-4 deep breaths while tapping. While horses are naturally very grounded animals, they are no longer living ‘naturally.’ Their living arrangements, stress from competitions and travel, can lead to them being ungrounded. I have seen this, as well, when horses are dealing with emotions such as grief or worry. If our energy is ‘up in our heads’ when working with them, the more sensitive horses can react by becoming ungrounded. They may be seen as nervous, spooky, unsure, or in the case of grief, withdrawn. Doing the tree visualization above and tapping cheekbones while with your horse, while taking some long deep breaths can help you both become more grounded in the presence of one another. Also, holding both of your hands over the head of the tail, also known as an endorphin release point, while imagining that energy coming up from the earth into the horse and then moving back down deeply into the ground can also ground your horse. When riding, keeping your ‘bubbling spring” point (kidney point) balanced on the stirrup (widest part of the foot on the stirrup) will help you to keep the feeling of stability while in the saddle. You do not need to press down on the stirrup, but just imagine that the foot is supported by the ground. We do not push down into the ground to stand, so we do not need to push our foot down to ride (post, etc.) Practice posting while standing on the ground to see how it feels before mounting up next time. See if you can find the same feeling as you ride. After doing these exercises you may feel a change right away or it may take a few days. Be consistent and notice any differences in yourself and in your horse. Enjoy!

Lisa Wieben is a Bach Flower Level 1, an Essential Somatic Clinical Practitioner, an Eden Method Clinical Practitioner, a Centered Riding Instructor, Equine Canada Competition Coach, and Irwin Insights Level 7 Coach. Her passion is developing Confident Healthy Riders. www. somaticrider.com (See her listing in our Business Services section under TRAINERS)

“Get yourself grounded and you can navigate even the stormiest seas in peace.” - Steve Goodier

FEBRUARY 2022

SADDLEUP.CA • 15

MY RESCUE HORSES’ STORY By Cindy Perry (from summer of 2021)

According to the Humane Society, in the US "over 100,000 horses are sent to slaughter each year, and the vast majority would be rehomed; not every horse going to slaughter needs to go to rescue. The USDA documented that 92.3 percent of horses sent to slaughter are in good condition and are able to live out a productive life. These horses would

Magic

be sold, donated or otherwise rehomed; however, kill buyers outbid legitimate horse owners and rescues at auctions, robbing horses of ever having a second chance at life." Most horses are shipped either to Mexico for slaughter or to Quebec or Alberta for slaughter or shipped overseas to be slaughtered for food.

Wendy

Joey 16 • FEBRUARY 2022

SADDLEUP.CA

n April of 2021, three horses started their journey's north to Canada. The first horse, a Thoroughbred stallion named Joey's Mizzen Mast, came from Texas. He was in deplorable condition but the look in his eye convinced me to pay his bail, a whopping $1,150 US. His body condition was a 1 out of 9 only because it couldn't go lower. Joey survived the trip from Texas to quarantine in Washington but died in his stall on his second day. He was too weak to get up and there was nothing that could be done to save him despite the best efforts of the vets and the care from BB Stables. In the last 3 weeks of his life he had food, clean water and people around him that cared for him. Joey weighed 800 pounds and should have weighed around 1300 pounds. Not to be deterred in the search for a gaited horse, a couple more kill pen horses were located in Louisiana… a 9-year-old registered Tennessee Walker gelding and a single-footing mare named Wendy. Their bail was paid and then the 3 month journey began to get them home to Salmon Arm BC. In the process, the horses were "horse-napped" and ended up in Texas. The horses were skinny, dehydrated and had multiple bite and kick marks on them when they were finally located about 2 weeks later. Fortunately contacts had been made in Texas with Joey and a trusted hauler was able to go pick them up as soon as they were found. The USDA, SPCA and law enforcement were involved and both the kill pen owners and the person they had given the horses to were investigated and that hauler has since lost his license. Barb Hento from BB Stables again took in these horses for quarantine once they arrived in Bellingham WA. In the 2 weeks the horses were missing, their body condition deteriorated and they needed time and food before they would pass inspection for importation into Canada. Barb and her staff put their hearts and souls into nursing them back to health. Barb had been an international judge earlier in her career and thinks that Magic (the TWH gelding) had been a show horse somewhere along the line. After almost 2 months there, the horses finally arrived in Canada on July 7th. The horses have come a long way both literally and figuratively in the past 4 months. They both still need to gain another 100-150 pounds but they are bright-eyed and nicker when you go out the door. When going out to feed or clean their paddock, they are right there looking for a scratch. There were many people involved in getting these horses to Canada and much like it takes a community to raise a child, it takes a community to accomplish these rescues. Both horses still have a ways to go. We can't save every kill pen horse but for these two amigos, it has been worth the blood sweat and tears, time and dollars spent.

Can-Am All Breeds Equine Expo coming to Chilliwack in April The Can-Am All Breeds Equine Expo is bringing Canada's premier equine event to the Chilliwack Heritage Park on April 22-24, 2022! The horse fair and country lifestyle show brings together thousands of horse lovers and industry partners all under one roof for a great weekend for everyone from the seasoned horse person to the weekend rider and everything in between.

an-Am has something for everyone and features 3 days of international clinicians, family-fun entertainment, horse breed showcases, all indoor shopping and kid-friendly interactive attractions. Visitors will have a large array of clinics to choose from that address the needs of horse owners, riders and enthusiasts that are all FREE with admission! World-renowned Australian horseman, trainer and entertainer, Guy McLean will be educating audiences on the importance of starting a young horse using natural horsemanship skills. Olympic showjumper Beth Underhill, has a specialty in developing all levels of hunters and jumpers and will be sharing her knowledge and experience while guiding participants through clinics all weekend long. Team Canada’s dressage bronze medal winner Cindy Ishoy, will be educating audiences on the importance of dressage and how it can be applied to all horse disciplines. Along with these top clinicians, there will be several professionals in their field educating visitors on other important aspects of horses including hoof care, feed, biomechanics, saddle fitting, veterinary specialties and more! One of the main features of the Can-Am Equine Expo is being able to shop the latest trends in the industry. It’s your one-stop-shop for all things horse and country lifestyle related from apparel, tack, feed, supplements, saddles, trailers and more! Our previous years’ record-breaking attendance reflected on sales for vendors and with an overwhelming response we have many spots filled! The weekend will also feature a very exciting special guest appearance by the star of Heartland on CBC, Amber Marshall. As an avid horse lover, she is no stranger to the Can-Am Equine Expo and has attended the shows in the past to interact with fans and others passionate about horses. Amber will be co-hosting the Evening Extravaganza shows on Friday April 22 and Saturday April 23 at 7 p.m. The Evening Extravaganza is a non-stop variety show offering a dazzling display of equine versatility and brings into clear focus the power of horses to amaze and entertain. The 2022 Can-Am Equine Expo at the Chilliwack Heritage Park on April 22-24 is shaping up to be our most successful show to date! So come and join us for a weekend of fun, entertainment, education and get in touch with your country roots! For more information, visit canamequine.com or LIKE us on Facebook at ‘Can-Am All Breeds Equine Expo’.

(Editor’s note: Readers… the Can-Am All Breeds Equine Expo has been operating for 16 years, they are a privately-run company and based in Ontario. They have decided to host a show for us in the west!) FEBRUARY 2022

SADDLEUP.CA • 17

with Elisa Marocchi Introducing Your Horse to Driving – Part 2 Last month we looked at what to consider if one wishes to

start their own horse or pony in

harness. This month, I’ll introduce the first step on the journey to

enjoying driving with your equine partner. The goal of this lesson is

for your horse to consistently and promptly obey voice commands Elisa winning the FEI 1* at the 2018 Katydid CDE in South Carolina. Photo credit Picsofyou.com.

irst though, a reminder that ideally, this work should be undertaken in partnership with an experienced driver – preferably someone who trains driving horses regularly. The actual first hitch and early drives should be with the assistance of a professional, or a seasoned driver. The steps outlined here and in subsequent articles provide an overview only. More detailed explanations can be found in my publication “Introducing your Horse to Driving” (available at www.wildwoodfarm.ca) or in any number of excellent books available on the subject. OK - let’s get started! Non-slip, sturdy footwear and leather gloves are a must and some readers may want to wear a helmet. A round pen or fenced arena is helpful, but not required. While you’ll eventually need to have a full set of harness on hand, for the first lesson all you’ll need is a

18 • FEBRUARY 2022

SADDLEUP.CA

for walk, trot, canter and halt on the single lunge.

regular bridle with a snaffle bit, a single lunge line and a lunge whip. If you read my article on the importance of walk work, you’ll know that we will start off in this gait. This allows your horse to relax and be in a mindset where he can listen and learn from you. With the lunge line attached to the bit or headstall (attached in whatever manner you prefer, providing it is safe and comfortable for you and your horse), begin by introducing a simple, consistent verbal cue to ask your horse to walk. I use “walk up” with an upward lilt to my voice and the emphasis on the word “up.” Ask once in a clear, firm voice, raising your lunge whip and pointing it at his hip as you speak. If your horse doesn’t promptly walk on, repeat the command but this time raise your voice and lightly apply the lunge whip to his hip. The goal is for your horse to respond right away to the initial voice command so be firm

All you need to get started. Photo by Gabrielle Schoemaker.

and clear in your instructions. While your horse may need several tries to get this right, if you ask tentatively, are unclear or don’t follow up with a firmer aid, you’ll have to give the command over and over again before he responds. Remember, your goal is a prompt and consistent response to your request every time. Working at the walk, ask for a downward transition to halt. I use “and...whoa” with the word “and” drawn out a bit and a downward tone to my voice. It doesn’t matter what cues you use as long as you keep them simple, short and easy for the horse to discern from other commands. Once your horse is walking and halting consistently, add in the request for trot (“trot ON” with an upward lilt to your voice) and canter (“canTER!”) with frequent transitions between gaits. When asking, for a downward transition from trot to walk, I will say “and...walk” with a downward tone to the word “walk.” Again, use whatever commands you can remember easily. If your horse disobeys your request for a downward transition, point your chest towards a spot ahead of your horse’s path and take a step in that direction. A light tug on the line can make your intention clearer. If he still ignores you, make the circle smaller by shortening the lunge line and pointing the whip in front of his chest. If moving at a faster gait is too exciting and causes your horse to bolt on the line or to rush, return to walk work for a few minutes. If he begins to buck, correct him immediately with a few firm tugs on the line and a sharp word so he understands this behaviour is not desirable. My belief is that the horse should understand that once he is wearing any equipment, it’s time to work. While a few exuberant bucks aren’t going to hurt anything and there’s no need to harshly or unkindly correct him, it shouldn’t become a habit. Be very consistent in your commands and it won’t take long for your horse to understand them. Change direction often and keep your sessions on the shorter side, ending on a positive note. As with every step of the process, ensure you have reliable, solid responses from your horse before moving on to the next new learning task – introducing the double lunge. Safe driving! Elisa Marocchi is an Equestrian Canada licensed driving coach and a member of the EC Driving Committee. She owns and operates Wildwood Farm, a full service driving facility near 100 Mile House BC. An active driving coach since 2000, Elisa offers clinics and lessons in a safe, supportive and fun manner both on and off the farm. As a combined driving competitor, Elisa has successfully competed throughout North America with both her own homebred horses and those of clients. (See her listing in our Business Services section under TRAINERS)

For more information on these and other properties contact: ROBBI-LAYNE ROBERTSON 250-453-9774 E-mail: rlr@bcfarmandranch.com / www.bcfarmandranch.com

• 5,620 sq. ft. 6 bedroom, 4 bathroom executive home • Outdoor pool & hot tub with patio and landscaped yard • 161 acres, 60 acres irrigated, fenced & x-fenced • 140’x240’ outdoor arena with heavy duty panels, automatic chute help equipment, LED flood lights • Barn, pole barn, airplane hangar, equipment shed and storage containers

$1,889,000 MLS ® 161659 Broken Diamond Ranch, Cache Creek BC

• Log Home with expansive view overlooking the lake • 160 acres in the ALR • Outbuildings and fenced for livestock • Heated by natural gas

$856,700 MLS ® 2630376 3877 Highway 97, Lac La Hache BC

• Custom 4,200 sq. ft. home on 32 acres • Recreation Commercial 2 Zoning • Home was laid out for future use as a B&B, lodge or training facility • Steel frame covered 90’x140’ riding arena with 4 stalls

$1,240,000 MLS ® 2599204 775 Shelby Road, McBride BC

• Equine Complex: 165’x70’ indoor arena with mezzanine, night watchman quarters, community room & kitchen • 18 box stalls, 12 oversized paddocks, outdoor arena • Strong boarding business and clinic rentals • 27.60 acres and a new 1,800 sq. ft. modular home • Rural 2, Small Holdings, Country Residential Zoning, allowing for many uses

$1,324,500 MLS ® 2618442 15470 Miworth Road, Prince George BC

FEBRUARY 2022

SADDLEUP.CA • 19

Dave Batty selected as the recipient of the Zane Schulte Award The National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) would like to congratulate Dave Batty of Coldstream BC on being selected as the 2021 recipient of the Zane Schulte Award.

he Zane Schulte Award was established in 2001 in honour of the late Zane Schulte, son of Tom and Barbra Schulte. Now in its 21st year, this award is presented annually to a professional trainer who exemplifies the character by which Zane himself is remembered: integrity, service, values, respect of their peers, contribution to the industry, and excellence in the arena. “We are thrilled that Dave Batty is this year's recipient of the Zane Schulte Award,” said Barbara Schulte, member of the selection committee. “Dave has spent a lifetime contributing to our industry in Canada and the United States. His character is exemplary of all this award represents.” Batty, an NCHA member since 1965, has been instrumental in the growth and development of the sport in Canada. Batty paved the way

for Canadian cutters to compete in major events in the United States and has served the NCHA and Canadian Cutting Horse organizations in multiple capacities. Batty has spent his career pursuing what is best for cutters on both sides of the border, while always encouraging members forward. “I’m very humbled and very honoured to be up there with the other 20 people who have received this award,” Batty said. “Most of the [past recipients] are friends of mine, and I’m very honoured to know them and have shown with them. I’m still at a loss for words. Cutting has been my life, my whole life. I’m in the NCHA Members Hall of Fame, and that was quite an honour, but the Zane Schulte Award is a huge honour to be up there with your peers.” Batty was presented with the Jan Mapes sculpture during the 2021 NCHA Metallic Cat World Championship Futurity in Fort Worth in December.

Shannon Burwash Scholarship Recipients Announced

he Calgary Foundation is very pleased to announce the following scholarships have been awarded from the 2021 Shannon Burwash Memorial Fund.

$2,000 Leadership Award to Melissa Gablehaus Melissa is in her fourth and final year in the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program at the University of Calgary. She is very passionate about equine medicine and the equine industry. Outside of school, Melissa volunteered for several years with VetPD, which is a program that provides continuing education for veterinarians. This opportunity allowed Melissa to participate in a variety of topics within equine medicine and surgery and to take part in the hands-on portions of these conferences. Melissa enjoys riding and competing on her American Quarter Horse, Docs Stitch N Velvet. When she is not in school or spending time with Stitch, she spends the remainder of her time on her fiancé’s dairy farm. Upon graduation from veterinary school, she plans on working in a mixed animal clinic, with a special interest in equine medicine. $1,000 Encouragement Award to Jocelyn Leclaire Jocelyn is a third-generation Clydesdale enthusiast and breeder from Didsbury Alberta. She grew up on her family’s “funny” farm northwest of town, “where we owned cows, sheep, goats, a llama, but best of all, horses. Horses have taught me the most important lessons I have ever learned, determination, compassion, respect, friendship, and trust, to name a few. The importance

20 • FEBRUARY 2022

SADDLEUP.CA

of horses in my life is immeasurable. I cannot imagine a career where I did not enjoy their presence, hence why I am pursuing veterinary medicine. After beginning my practice, I would like to specialize in equine reproduction. I am genuinely grateful for the Shannon Burwash Memorial award’s contribution to my education, as it is one step closer to pursuing my childhood dream.” $1,000 Encouragement Award to Holly Frijters Holly enrolled at the University of Alberta in the Fall of 2021 to start her undergraduate program of Bachelor of Science in Animal Health, with a Major in Companion and Performance Animals. Holly’s goal is to further study veterinary medicine at the University of Calgary or potentially abroad and eventually become an equine vet working with high performance horses. With her education, Holly wants to further her knowledge and give back to the animals and community that greatly influenced her life and career aspirations. Holly’s work as a stable hand included caring for over 30 horses and meeting their individual daily needs. Most recently Holly worked as a technician assistant at the Southern Alberta Veterinary Emergency (SAVE) hospital where she got to firsthand experience veterinarians doing their amazing work. All of these experiences have helped to solidify Holly’s dream of becoming a vet herself. “Again this year, we were extremely impressed with all of the scholarship applicants,” said Dr. Wayne Burwash. “This is the seventh year that The Calgary Foundation has awarded the scholarships since Shannon’s passing in 2013, and we have now awarded $27,000 in scholarships. Congratulations to all the recipients and best wishes for rewarding careers involving the horse.”

20th Annual Horsey Ladies Raises $5000+ The 20th annual Horsey Ladies Okanagan fundraiser took place online through Facebook for the second year due to Covid.

etween the generosity of our sponsors, and including donations from our own committee members, we were able to offer 12 prize buckets this year. Anyone could buy a $20 ticket towards a prize bucket of their choice with items such as the Wine & Chocolates Crate, the Lucky Lotto Basket, golfing, gift certificates and more. We held the prize draw at Spallumcheen Golf Course on November 20th, where we normally would have had our dinner banquet for 132 Horsey Ladies, but not since Covid. We made a video (thank you to Meghan!) of our prize draws and announced the winners. Of our 12 winners, one was from Alberta, one from 70 Mile House, and the others from the Okanagan/Shuswap. The video was uploaded in two pieces (thanks to Addison at Spall!) and can be seen on our Horsey Ladies Okanagan Facebook page. Our volunteer committee was very pleased that $5,040 from ticket sales was raised and given to this year’s chosen recipient… Angie Ioakimidou and Ron Hopkins of Forever Home Sanctuary located in Lavington BC. Their vision: “To create a farm animal sanctuary in order to care for and act as advocates on behalf of farm animals. To educate and create a healing and bonding environment between them and the public.” To date the Horsey Ladies Okanagan have given out over $119,300 to deserving groups and charities. We are so hoping to have an actual sit-down banquet in 2022 at Spallumcheen Golf Course with 132 Horsey Ladies returning to take part in our auction events. Cross our fingers! Thank you to everyone who participated this year! Also, we have “I’M A HORSEY LADY” decals for sale through www.equimage.ca in Falkland BC. Support us and put one on your vehicle, your horse trailer or your fridge! Owner Tammy has offered to donate $4 from each one sold towards the annual fundraiser. THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS: Lynn Higginbotham Lammle’s Western Wear Timber Ridge Trails Spallumcheen Golf Course Noble Outfitters Canada Pine Ridge Feed & Tack The Finn & Fletcher Co. Olive Us Oils Maritime Travel Carol Paetkau

FEBRUARY 2022

SADDLEUP.CA • 21

GROUNDWORK (RIDER) EXERCISES WITH TRANSITIONS By Lisa Wieben and Birgit Stutz

It’s the time of year when the cold weather may be limiting your time with your horse and increasing your time inside. Since both Birgit and Lisa have recovered from injuries during their careers they would like to share some of their exercises that helped them regain their strength, balance, and flexibility as well as keeping fit during off times.

hen coming back from an injury or starting a new workout plan it is important to make changes slowly and work within your own limitations. Riding is a sport where balance is key so finding exercises that help you work both sides of the body and that allow you to develop more core stabilization are important. While strength training has been part of their programs it is important to bring in some form of flexibility/mobility exercises. Building muscle can be a cause to tightness in the body if the body has not been trained to release tension. When riding we need to have the ability to use a muscle when necessary, but then be able to release the tension when the required task is completed. If you have one hip that does not move as easily as the other there may be tension in that hip that needs to be released. Lisa and Birgit like Somatics for this reason. Through simple movements you can train your body to release muscle tension that has been held by your unconscious mind (see our three-part series in Saddle Up issues November 2018, December 2018, and February 2019, on the Saddle Up website under the ‘Archive’ tab). Cardio is always a great place to start, with walking being one of the best forms of cardio exercise. Find an app that counts your steps/day and build up each week. 10,000 steps/day is the recommended number of

Outer thigh

Kick back

steps for health and fitness. If you are currently recovering from an injury you may be starting off with much fewer steps; if you own a barn you may be used to doing much more. During the winter you can use a treadmill, elliptical machine, or stationary bike for a convenient workout. One of Lisa’s favourite ways to exercise at home is with a minitrampoline. Likely you’ve had one in your home at some point in your life. Walking or bouncing on the mini-trampoline is working on your balance as well as cardio. Turning while bouncing brings awareness to the inside knee of the turn rotating more open in order to step in the new direction, much like one would do when riding. Rotate in both directions and see if one direction is easier to do. Jogging on a mini-trampoline is much easier on the body than running on a hard surface and helps increase lung capacity and lowers blood pressure. It also has proven benefits for the body’s lymphatic system which fights bacteria and viral infections and transports waste products. Lymph fluid relies on muscle contractions to move around the body and rebounding is one of the best exercises for this because so many muscles are involved. Because people tend to hold themselves straighter, without leaning forward this is also a great way to strengthen the back. If bone mass is an issue for you, a NASA study of astronauts showed that rebounding was the best exercise to rebuild the

Push up

Arch

Squat Inner thigh 22 • FEBRUARY 2022

Plank SADDLEUP.CA

Flatten

Lunge with leg lift

Stationary lunge

bone mass lost while in space. A great way to prevent and actually reverse osteoporosis. Another benefit is it can help strengthen the pelvic floor. Tightening of the pelvic floor occurs without really thinking about it. What a wonderful, inexpensive tool to keep you fit in your off time. Here are a few body weight exercises you can do for a quick workout before or after you cardio or on alternating days. Doing Somatics or yoga after your workout will help keep you supple and prevent an excess of muscle tightness that can come from strength training. With all of the exercises start with a number of reps you are comfortable with (8-12, then work up to 20). Do 2-3 sets. Side lying leg lift - Lay on one side and lift the top leg toward the ceiling. Works the outer thigh. Side lying leg lift - Lay on one side and lift the lower leg toward the ceiling. The upper leg is bent with foot either in front of or behind the lower leg to balance. Works inner thigh. Any of these exercises could also be done with an ankle weight for added resistance. Seated on floor with legs directly in front, rest upper body back on elbows. Lift one leg toward ceiling and slowly lower. Works the quardiceps and core. Hands and knees on the floor, back level. Kick back one leg to straight. For added resistance you can use a band held in your hands and positioned around your foot. Repeat all reps on one side then repeat on other side keeping the back flat throughout. Works glutes and hamstrings and core. Squat - standing, lower your seat back as if sitting on a chair then return to standing. Keep your knees over your ankles. Squat with leg lift - repeat squat but as you return to standing balance on one leg and lift the other. Be careful not to arch your back or lean the upper body in the direction of the leg lift. Alternate sides each time. Push-ups - either on knees or toes. Triceps dips - either from a chair or on floor. Core work - Lie on back with knees bent. Inhale and arch your back slightly while allowing the pelvis to roll forward and bringing the

Horse exercise: Kyra Tyerman leads Spartecup, a 5-year-old Warmblood gelding over cavaletti. Notice how the horse is stretching nicely over his back. This picture was taken during a different exercise, but the setup could easily be adjusted by placing four or more cavalettis in a row. Picture by Birgit Stutz. chin toward the chest. On the exhale slowly lower the back to the floor and melt down allowing the pelvis to roll up and back and the chin to lift toward the ceiling. Bringing the awareness to the ribs as you do this exercise greatly improves the range of movement. Place both hands on the sides of the ribs. As you inhale and arch feel the ribs expand and lift up, the space between the pubic bone and bottom of ribs will lengthen. On the exhale feel the ribs lowering down toward the belly as the pelvis lifts and chin lifts. The back will flatten more. The space between the pubic bone and bottom of ribs becomes smaller. It is this mobility that is required when following the walk, sitting trot, and following a lope. Exercise for your horse For a quick, easy exercise that will help your horse during shorter sessions, lead over raised poles. Set up 4 or more poles that are raised at least 6”. As the horse lifts up over the poles he will be working his back and core. Be sure to keep the head low to level. If he wants to look at the poles as he goes over, even better. This is a nice stretch over the topline and improves core stability. Enjoy your downtime and be ready to feel a difference the next time you mount up! If you are unsure of where you are heading it is always a good idea to connect with a coach that knows the sport you want to prepare for. We (Lisa and Birgit) are both available for online and in-person lessons. Be sure to send your questions to nancyroman@saddleup.ca as we will answer another reader question next month. Lisa Wieben’s passion is empowering women in becoming confident and healthy riders. As an Energy Medicine Practitioner and Clinical Somatics Practitioner she addresses pain, tension, hormones, stress, and the issues that appear as a result. As a Centered Riding Instructor and Irwin Insights Master Level 7 Trainer she works with riders incorporating awareness exercises both on and off the horse. Balance the rider, balance the horse! Book a clinic that incorporates all the modalities! www.somaticrider.com As an Irwin Insights Level 6 Master Certified trainer and coach, Birgit Stutz helps riders of all levels and backgrounds advance their horsemanship skills by developing personal and situational awareness, focusing on indepth understanding of equine behaviour, body language, psychology and biomechanics. Driven by her passion for both equine welfare and performance, Birgit believes that facilitating effective communication between horse and rider is an approach that fulfills our responsibilities to the horse and elicits great results. www.fallingstarranch.ca. (See their listings in our Business Services section under TRAINERS) FEBRUARY 2022

SADDLEUP.CA • 23

The Joy of Play By Sandy Lang

Like children who are well taught, horses who are allowed to play and explore their curiosity soon appear more intelligent than those who are subjected to conventional training along fixed lines aimed at standard accomplishments. To dominate the will of a horse and to stifle initiatives, however kindly meant, a cruel deprivation — and all too commonplace. (An exert from the book ‘Gallop to Freedom’, by Magali Delgado & Frederic Pignon)

teach Working Equitation with focus on Foundation, but it doesn’t matter what discipline you gravitate to, the basic needs of a horse are the same: well-being in mind, body, and soul. If we put the relationship first, this alone can help us think laterally enough to make sure we train in a holistic manner, considering the needs of our horse emotionally, mentally and physically. Training goals have their place, but if we come from our horse’s point of view, these goals become yours, not theirs. How do we achieve goals and have our horse feel fulfilled and happy doing their job? Drilling is a teaching approach that works well and is useful in our training program, however if we haven’t thought laterally to figure out what makes our horse feel fulfilled and happy, we may get an obedient soldier who follows orders, but yet is not fulfilled in doing his job. When I googled “Play,” an important element in working with our horses, several fun synonyms popped up. For example: dalliance, frolic, frolicking, fun, fun and games, recreation, rollicking, sport. Next, when I googled ‘The benefits of play,’ several notable responses came up. Google suggested that play helps: • Relieve stress… • Improve brain function… • Stimulate the mind and boost creativity… • Improve relationships and your connection to others… • Keep you feeling young and energetic… • Play helps develop and improve social skills… • Play teaches cooperation with others… • Play can heal emotional wounds. When we think of how play can be beneficial and natural, we are reminded of the age-old phrase: child’s play. When we think of how some horses struggle with anxiety and who may feel stifled during a 24 • FEBRUARY 2022

SADDLEUP.CA

training session, it may be beneficial to ask what could happen if we brought more fun and playful activities into our horses’ lives. We could bridge the gap between training towards our goals and playful frolic. What would this look and feel like? Bring out the sparkle in your horse’s eye The Oxford English Dictionary (O.E.D) defines fun as “amusement, especially lively or playful.” Successful horsemen and women, like Philippe Karl, Frederic Pignon and Magali Delgado, are but a few who stand out and talk freely on how play is an important element in their programs, providing a refreshing outlet for their horses. They are well aware that play offers a sense of self confidence and the desire for more. The horse gets something out of the deal: success. Like us, if a horse feels even a little bit of success, it spurs them forward, helps them try harder, becomes engaged, asks questions, and wants to be part of a team. They start having fun. I feel the same way when I’m working with my horses. There are difficult days, of course, however, if I look for that 1% of improvement, I’m feeling a bit of success. Success builds on successes. It feels good, and I want more of the same feeling. But it all begins when we start having fun. Dealing with the recent and ongoing (2021) pandemic, and chaos falling out from heat waves, fire, flooding, and generally uncertain times, having my small herd of horses gives me great joy. I have used play in my program for years. Now, more than ever, I am learning new things in a playful manner, which seems natural and yet it is progressive. Playing games, allowing my horses to converse and have an opinion, creates a thinking, curious horse full of wanting to please. I watch how they seek out obstacles, and engage their brains to think and process without adding any extra pressure. This doesn’t mean our horses are perfectly brave, and respond with

complete confidence, but it does mean, they have a say when we make things fun. It becomes easier for them to learn, listen, and move forward in their training. Their trust and confidence is at its peak. When I’m teaching something new, and I anticipate my horse is going to get worried, I ask them to be a little bit brave. This means I’m asking them to go out on a limb, to trust and follow me. I exclaim that we can do it together and have a bit of fun along the way. Once they give that try, I thank them and we have a party! How do we bring the spirit of playfulness into a clinic or show? I want my horses to move up the ladder in Working Equitation (WE), but not at the expense of their emotional and mental fitness. I preach in my own clinics how important it is to create ‘sweet spots,’ rather than push through thresholds, or force a horse when introducing a new obstacle. By using the principle of ‘sweet spots’ with obstacles, trailer loading, a lesson, or anything new, we take away the pressure and replace it with a playful attitude and approach. A horse has the opportunity to be curious and think through her fear or skepticism. It’s up to us how we present a lesson. If we stick to the principle of ‘sweet spots,’ we won’t fall into the trap of forcing, then punishing our horse when they refuse a request. This is especially relevant when teaching horses how to navigate WE obstacles. An excerpt from the book, ‘Gallop To Freedom,’ states that “horses who are allowed to play and explore their curiosity soon appear more intelligent,” showing us that if we encourage our horses to explore without force, their natural curiosity will take over and they will figure out the game on their own accord; the obstacle isn’t as scary or stressful as they first thought. Be aware, though, that even with the best intentions, without understanding how to offer play in a way that includes the horse as a willing partner, this alone can alter your relationship along with any potential for a strong partnership. The Play Factor Posted in my arena is a sign exclaiming, “Light Heart, Light

Hands, Light Horse.” This saying encourages me to strive for lightness in everything I do with my horses. When I’m light hearted, I tend to gravitate to playful activities. Light hands tells me to be gentle in my approach in-hand and riding. The result of light hands and light heart is the ultimate goal, a light horse. This kind of horse is one who moves not only with grace, agility and dignity, but she becomes a horse whose mind and emotions are light hearted. In my program, I use the magic of liberty, in-hand exercises, sweet spots, walks through the woods, obstacles, cones, big ball, barrels and ground poles. I even help my horses think trailer loading is fun. Lessons that have a fun component can bring out play that encourages a horse to feel included and successful. I personally don’t want a robot horse. I do, however, want a horse who gives me feedback when she’s worried, so I may help her get back on track. When she enjoys her job, she’ll be the one at the gate saying, “pick me!” What type of horse benefits from play? All horses benefit from play. Left Brain Extroverts love the freedom; Left Brain Introverts enjoy variety and having a say; Right Brain Extroverts find they learn to be braver and less reactive; Right Brain Introverts become braver and more curious. The bottom line is, when we infuse joyful play into our lesson plan, our horse has the opportunity to feel more connected, have more fun and feel fulfilled. Isn’t this what we should all be wanting with these incredibly amazing gentle beasts? About Sandy Lang: I’m a foundation specialist with focus on Working Equitation (WE), a new and exhilarating equine sport. I live in the lush Fraser Valley of BC with my husband, and a small herd of exceptional horses. My goal is to help horse and human realize how a solid foundation is the key to a successful WE journey. I teach Foundation and WE lessons and clinics at my facility in Abbotsford BC. (See her listing in our Business Services section under TRAINERS) FEBRUARY 2022

SADDLEUP.CA • 25

TOP DOG!

A DIVISION OF CENTURION SUPPLY

Supplying Your Pets with NEW and Unique Products! https://finnandfletcher.com

Marigold and Clover’s journey to a forever home (Courtesy of spca.bc.ca)

arigold, an Anatolian Shepherd mix and Clover, a German Shepherd mix, were found living loose on a property. They had never been inside a home and were not socialized. When they first arrived at the Victoria BC SPCA more than three months ago, Marigold and Clover were hand-shy and untouchable. “They are still quite new to being touched and Clover in particular is still getting comfortable being petted on her back,” says Blaze Fullbrook, shelter attendant – animal behaviour, Victoria BC SPCA. “Marigold tolerates petting on her back, neck, chest, and around her ears. We used desensitization and counter conditioning to pair treats with the approach of hands and eventually with touch so that they associate the yummy treat with hands approaching them.” Desensitization and counter-conditioning is a type of training that involves finding a level of the trigger a dog can tolerate and repeatedly pairing exposure with something positive like treats, play or attention. “When dogs grow up isolated from people, it can be a challenge to get them comfortable living in a typical home environment,” says Karen van Haaften, BC SPCA’s senior manager, behaviour and welfare. “Undersocialized dogs often require a lot of time, and slow, careful rewards-based training to help them build trust with people and become comfortable with everyday experiences such as handling, leash walks, and car rides.” These girls have been in the care of the BC SPCA for over three

months now, which is a relatively long time for dogs to be in a shelter. “Special needs dogs may need longer shelter stays to get them ready for adoption,” says Fullbrook. They are making it as easy as possible for Marigold and Clover by housing them in a separate wing of the shelter so they aren’t exposed to barking. The dogs have a strict routine and schedule to give them structure. An enrichment program provides them with daily novelty and a variety of volunteers interact with Marigold and Clover to help them get

Tip of the Month - Courtesy of Harmony Farm

STAY CONNECTED

Ever hear that if your dog is lost or missing, to leave something out that smells like you, where they were last sighted? It is very effective!

ogs are usually ruled, first and foremost, by their nose so it works well by providing a direct scent association for your dog to covet. The same principle is very effective when you purposely leave your dog somewhere else when you go away. It doesn't matter how long a duration you are apart or whether you leave them with family, a trainer or a boarding kennel, be sure to leave them with their regular bed, regular food, (toys and treats if allowed) and most importantly, something that smells like you, to maintain their connection with 'their person'. If it is too cumbersome to leave an extra article for your dog separately, then perhaps you can put the pillow part of their bed inside your t-shirt, pillow case or a sweater. Another simple way of sending your scent with your dog is to put a few socks inside the zipper section of your dog's bed. It doesn't have to be a large article just something with your scent (the fresher the better!).

26 • FEBRUARY 2022

SADDLEUP.CA

Your dog's anxiety will be substantially less and their ability to adapt with confidence to new environments will be much easier... even better, YOU will worry less leaving them behind, knowing they have a piece of you by their side to remain 'connected' while apart. •••••• Patricia Skinner-Porter is the owner/operator of Harmony Farm Kennel 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! See her listing on the next page under Pet Central)

TOP DOG!

Supplying Your Pets with NEW and Unique Products! https://finnandfletcher.com

A DIVISION OF CENTURION SUPPLY

used to people with different physical characteristics. “Marigold and Clover have come so far,” says Larissa Johnston, assistant manager, Victoria BC SPCA. “We can totally see their potential.” They are working on getting the girls accustomed to playing by introducing them to toys, which are new to Marigold and Clover. “We leave toys in the kennel for the dogs to explore at their own pace,” says Fullbrook. “Eventually Clover started to chew on toys and then engage in play with Marigold.” Fullbrook says that shortly after that Marigold also started playing with toys when she was alone. Their favorite game is to play in the gym and Clover plays ‘keep away’ with the toys, making Marigold chase her. When they are ready for adoption Johnston says they will need a guardian who understands and respects Marigold and Clover’s boundaries. They will need to be patient, gentle and above all kind. The dogs are not used to being around bikes, buses and cars and their forever home will need to expose them to new people, places, and things slowly and to continue positive reinforcement training as they get used to all of the sights and sounds on streets and in homes.

TOP DOG! OF THE MONTH “Sadie” is a sweet little Border Collie, born July 5, 2020. She has been in the family for a little over a year now. Her favourite thing to do is play with her friend Lilly, go on quad tours, and run along with the horses on trail rides. Above all, she loves giving hugs! Sage V., Bridge Lake BC

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 nancyroman@saddleup.ca and put in subject line: TOP DOG OF THE MONTH. Photos will be printed on a first come first serve basis.

Pet Central EVERYTHING PETS (Princeton BC) 250-295-7381 Quality Foods & Supplies for all your Pets! See us on Facebook. 10/22 HARMONY FARM KENNEL AND LAMB.COM, Monte Lake BC, 250-375-2528. “Custom Care” boarding welcomes ALL dogs! 12/22

Do you offer a dog service or training business? Sell pet feeds and supplies? You can advertise here! Prices start at only $250 per year (11 issues).Call 1-866-546-9922 or e-mail nancyroman@saddleup.ca

Canine Capers SPONSORED BY Your one-stoP Pet shoP Farm, Fencing & Horse Supplies Pet and Livestock Feeds 604-894-6740 Pemberton BC

5/19 2/22

For more information on any of these events go to www.canuckdogs.com unless another website is provided

DUE TO THE CORONA VIRUS, EVENTS MAY BE CANCELLED - CALL AHEAD

FEBRUARY

5 11-13 13 19-20

AAC AGILITY FUN MATCH, Abbotsford BC AAC AGILITY TRIAL, Abbotsford BC OBEDIENCE & RALLY FUN MATCH, Abbotsford BC NAFA TOURNAMENT, Chilliwack BC, Lynda 604-308-2195, www.flyball.org

MARCH

3 4-6 5 5-6 10-13 19 19 19-20 19-20 20 25-27 31-Apr 3

FIELD DOG TEST for Pointers, Duncan BC AAC AGILITY TRIAL, Abbotsford BC CANINE GOOD NEIGHBOUR TEST, North Vancouver BC CKC SCENT DETECTION TRIALS, Lake Country BC SHOWS, OBEDIENCE & RALLY TRIALS, Chilliwack BC BARN CLEAN-UP, Kelowna BC, www.codac.ca CANINE GOOD NEIGHBOUR TEST, Abbotsford BC CKC FIELD TRACKING TEST (TDX & TD), Comox Valley BC CKC OBEDIENCE & RALLY TRIALS, Abbotsford BC MINI INDOOR TRIAL, Kelowna BC, www.codac.ca AAC AGILITY TRIAL, Abbotsford BC FIELD DOG TESTS & TRIALS & WATER TESTS for Pointers, Nanoose Bay BC

APRIL

1-3

CKC AGILITY TRIALS, Kelowna BC

Do you have a WORKING DOG event coming up? Let us know! Call 1-866-546-9922 or email nancyroman@saddleup.ca

FEBRUARY 2022

SADDLEUP.CA • 27

IN MEMORIAM

t is with great sadness that we announce the death of Donald Thomas Loewen (Kamloops BC), who passed away on November 27, 2021, at the age of 62, leaving to mourn family and friends. Don was born to Tom and Mary Loewen in the beautiful Nicola Valley, where his early years were spent ranching and building the foundation of his faith. Don worked as a tree faller, rancher, cowboy, forest fire fighter and saddle maker. All these things he did with Jody by his side and the deep revelation of who God is and that he was put on this earth to love people exactly where they were at. He was loved and cherished by many people including : his parents, Tom Loewen and Mary Loewen; his wife Jody Loewen; his children, Ashley Fairfield (Mark) of Burnaby BC, Benjamin Loewen (Sabrina) of Fort St John BC, Katie Loewen of Merritt BC, Levi Loewen (Valerie) of Montreal QC, Caleb Loewen (Eileen) of Merritt BC and Zachariah Loewen of Port Coquitlam BC.; his grandchildren, Ireland, Maverick, Joshua, Emily and Sawyer; and his brothers, Jonathan (Christine) and Gordon (Leandra). In lieu of flowers, please give to the Merritt Disaster Relief fund through Crossroads Community Church – specify "Relief fund". Email:admin@merrittcrossroads.ca, subject "Don's Memory." A Celebration of Life & Worship Service was held November 28, 2021 at the Motion Church in Kamloops.

DONALD THOMAS LOEWEN 1959 - 2021

n loving memory, we share the news of Jack Daines passing on Tuesday, December 28, 2021 at the age of 85 years. After spending a wonderful afternoon with family, Jack peacefully passed in his sleep. Born on May 18, 1936, Jack was the second of seven sons born to parents, Snowden and Ethel Daines. His roots in farming nurtured his true passions; a strong faith, western life, family, and community. Jack was a cowboy from the day he was born. At a young age, Jack started his career as a competitor, announcer, promoter, and organizer/builder. He founded and grew the Innisfail Professional Rodeo into a top rodeo in Canada. Jack invented “Mutton Bustin” to include kids in rodeo - an event now celebrated at rodeos throughout North America. Jack was a pillar in the Cattle Industry. As the patriarch of a renowned family-owned business, the Innisfail Auction Market, was Jack’s second home. Celebrating sixty-five years in 2020, the market is a testament to Jack’s livelihood as it continues to be a thriving family business. He was a promoter of rodeo wherever he went, and served on the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association Board of Directors. He loved supporting local; whether it was 4H clubs, volunteering at community live auctions, or making it his personal mission to raise funds for local families in need. Jack’s numerous awards and honors demonstrated his dedication and service. In 1957, Jack married Audrey Severtson and the same year they bought their first and only home quarter outside of Innisfail. Throughout their sixty-four years of marriage, they raised three children, Duane (Cheryl) Daines, Brenda-Lee (Noel) Fader, and Joanne (Tom) Wallace. Family was at the heart of everything Jack did, and he was so proud of his seven grandchildren, Jenni (John), Bailey (Jeremy), Jaclyn, Shelby, Laura, Sydney, Davis and his great grandchildren, Max and Cameron. Jack will be lovingly remembered by the immediate family members listed above and his Daines brothers, Norman, Ivan, Franklin (Shirley), Danny (Dusty); his sisters-in-law, Marilyn, Kay, Donna, and Carol; his brothers-in-law, Dale (Glenda) and Gary (Janet); as well as many nieces and nephews that he loved dearly. Jack was predeceased by his brothers, Jim and Glen Daines, a nephew, Darcy Daines, a niece, Stacey Greig, a sister-in-law, Bev Severston, and a brother-in-law, Ken Severtson. In lieu of flowers, if desired, Memorial Donations in Jack’s honour may be made directly to St. Marks Anglican Church, Box 6126, Innisfail AB T4G 1S8; to the Canadian Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame, Box 18069, RPO Shawnessy, Calgary AB T2Y 0K3; or to a Charity of the Donor’s choice.

We’re going to give you more time to figure this one out. Stands 10” high x 12” long. Weighs 2.5 lbs. Vertical lever adjusts to accommodate different size items on the right, at the end of the bolt. Congratulations (so far) to: Lynda Norris, Spallumcheen BC Norm Moisey, St. Albert AB From the November issue It was a hat stretcher. Congratulations to: Ray & Carol Cody, 70 Mile House BC Cierra Hauber, Webster AB

JACK DAI NES 1936 – 2021

28 • FEBRUARY 2022

SADDLEUP.CA

This is 36” tall, 24” diameter, and weighs 40 lbs. Good luck! READERS – What’s your guess? Discuss this item with your friends and send your guess to usedandunique2018@gmail.com

Do include your city and province please. Saddle Up will print names (and location) of those with the correct answer in a future issue. GOOD LUCK! If you or your company would like to sponsor this monthly brain teaser, do call 1-866-546-9922 or email nancyroman@ saddleup.ca for details.

u o Y e r A at Kids... Wh Your Horse? th Doing Wuri turn to tell us It 's y o out YO U ! ab

Mickey. My dau ghter Pey ton and her new horse filly She got Mickey a 1.5 yea r Qua rter Horse g her for her 10th birthday. We plan on trainin tog eth er. She’s one hap py girl ! - Pey ton , age 10, Lum by BC

GI is my thisD My nam e is Jellybean, and D best friend Lyn dey ! I am a 28-yea rre. I old Welsh x Paso Fino maY ado pted Lyn dey in 2020. We go for a Ue.P ride every day, rain or shin - Lyn dey, age 11, Saa nichton BC

N o ve m b e r n I . d n la e r I is H i, my nam e rama’s in N elso n a n d G y I was at m o n h er h o rse Ho lly. I p I g ot to sit u ited . N ext su m m er I xc was p retty e ke a ride. ta am g o ing to 3, Co ldstream BC e - Irela n d , ag

It's all about the kids! This Could Be You! Send in ONE photo with a caption (no more than 40 words). Include your first name, age, city/province. Photos will be printed on a space availability basis. Email to nancyroman@saddleup.ca with the subject line “KIDS”

29 • FEBRUARY 2022

SADDLEUP.CA

FEBRUARY 2022

SADDLEUP.CA • 29

Horse Council BC - Notes from the Office MARCH MADNESS WILL BE BACK FOR 2022! Every Monday evening for the month of March at 7:00 p.m., Horse Council BC will be hosting science-based educational webinars, presented by leading industry experts. We have some amazing presentations in mind, but would like to know which topics our Equine Community would be interested in. If you have topic you would like learn more about and to have included, please contact Sandy at development@hcbc.ca. We are looking forward to receiving your thoughts and ideas! Remember to Save the Dates: March 7, 14, 21, 28 at 7:00 p.m. Snacks and wine are optional! CALLING ALL CLUBS AND BREED ORGANIZATIONS Here’s your chance to showcase your organization. Can-Am Equine All Breeds Expo is coming to Chilliwack Heritage Park. Applications for booth space are being accepted NOW! Don’t miss this opportunity to promote your Organization or Breed. Never before has there been such “pent up demand” to bring the horse industry together. Coming out of the pandemic, the Can-Am All Breeds Equine Expo is excited to bring horse people together again. With over 15 years producing the Can-Am All Breeds Equine Expo in Canada, the Can-Am team is excited to welcome everyone back for 2022. Can-Am will head west to the Chilliwack Heritage Park in British Columbia on April 22-24, bringing together thousands of horse lovers and industry partners all under one roof for a great weekend. Please visit https://canamequine.com/ or development@hcbc.ca Horse Council BC is proud to partner with this great event!

SANCTION YOUR HORSE SHOW WITH HCBC! The fundamental reason for sanctioning a competition is to ensure that Competition Organizers have the tools and support they need to operate, within the recognized sport framework, follow current safety rules and guidelines and are aware of risk management that is necessary and of the upmost importance for hosting a well-planned, successful competition. Horse Council BC welcomes and encourages all grass roots and entry level competition organizers to sanction their show with us. By doing so we can work together to ensure a fun, safe environment within a fair playing field that will aide towards the growth and success of the sport we all love. While we transition to the new online sanctioning system, please contact competition@hcbc.ca to sanction your 2022 horse shows.

BC SUMMER GAMES, JULY 21 to 24 2022 The 2022 BC Summer Game in Prince George will be here before you know it! Just a reminder to Equestrian Athletes the deadline to declare for the 2022 BC Summer Games is May 31. If you declared for the cancelled 2020 Games in Maple Ridge and wish to bring your declaration forward for the 2022 BC Summer Games Equestrian Team, please contact competition@hcbc.ca and confirm your intent to be considered for the 2022 Team. For more info on how you can be a part of the BC Summer Games Equestrian Team for the 2022 Games in Prince George, please visit https://hcbc.ca/competitions/bc-summer-games/ Not quite ready for the 2022 Games? Start preparing for future Games now, contact Sandy at competition@hcbc.ca to be included on the Equestrian Team prospects list and receive information on Summer Games Athlete Development programs. • Maple Ridge 2024 BC Summer Games, July 18–21, 2024 • Kelowna 2026 BC Summer Games, July 23–26, 2026

2021 Memberships expired December 31st! The easiest way to renew is online. Go to http://hcbc.online. Select your 2022 membership, pay using a Visa, MasterCard or Visa Debit. OR…. mail your 2022 renewal with a cheque, money order or bank draft to: HCBC, 27736 Fraser Highway, Aldergrove BC V4W 3N5 Thank you for your continued support. Horse Council BC • How to Reach Us Office hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. • Address: 27336 Fraser Highway, Aldergrove, BC V4W 3N5 604-856-4304 or Toll Free 1-800-345-8055 • Fax: 604-856-4302 • www.hcbc.ca

30 • FEBRUARY 2022

SADDLEUP.CA

Canadian Cowboy Challenge

By Hans Kollewyn

beautiful Bar U Ranch this past summer. There is a bridge-water box combination that shows up often in CCC events. In all these years, we have never mastered it. The first day of the challenge, in our Non Pro and Open classes, we attempted it poorly, approached it and rode around it, or avoided it all together. I was afraid, and in my head, was thinking we just couldn’t do it. I was thinking George was afraid, George would never do it. I watched others cross over it with no issues. I listened to a novice rider talk about how she changed her mindset and her horse did an obstacle he had refused before. On the second day, I made up my mind we were doing that bridge combination. I set my intentions, approached with confidence, looked to the opposite side of the arena and rode straight Alana has expressed what she would like through and over the obstacle. We did it. It didn’t to experience and accomplish with her equine Sue Anne Wearmouth matter to me if we did anything else that day. I set a partner in the future. Alana continues to add to her knowledge on her journey in the learning process. I think for the most goal and rode with that goal in mind. Having a trusting partnership is part, many of us have similar expectations with our equine partners what this sport is all about. All winter long, as I look forward to future events with George, and and Alana is comfortable sharing this journey with others. I will let the supportive friends I have made and continue to make through the Alana take over from here… CCC over the years, I set myself more goals. I continue to do playdays “I started my Canadian Cowboy Challenge journey in June of 2015 as often as the roads and the weather allow, and challenge myself to with Janet and Shane Goltz and their Pine Rock Ventures challenge. try executing the familiar obstacles with more precision, and the new There was a clinic on the Saturday and a challenge on the Sunday. I obstacles with a plan in mind for approach, obstacle and departure. entered the Novice division with my gelding George. To my surprise, we I am learning to ride George English, which is helping both of us to won, with a score of 57.63 on the 8 obstacles. That was the awakening grow as a team. While my scores are higher on the obstacles, my of my passion for obstacles. Since then, I have ridden George in many, horsemanship is still often the same as it was in 2015. Everything I do many playdays and clinics, and have competed in a total of 61 challenge this winter is to help me accomplish a goal - be a better rider, a better events. My most recent score was a 96.25 on 13 obstacles in the Open partner, and earn a higher horsemanship score!” class. Every event gives me a chance to learn new things and imagine new goals! This association is made up of the most supportive group of horse people you Alana and George could ever ask for. At playdays and clinics, competitions or fun rides, co-competitors offer helpful suggestions and share their strategies and tricks for doing the obstacles. Having an opportunity to participate in a playday prior to an event helps a great deal to introduce your horse to some of the obstacles that might be in the event the following day. Listening and watching others navigate obstacles and make suggestions helps to formulate my own plan for executing the obstacle in competition, and helps to calm the nerves of both horse and rider. Because of my involvement in the Canadian Cowboy Challenge association, I am constantly striving to be a better partner for my horse, taking in suggestions from clinicians, judges and other members. No matter what level competitors are riding in, you can learn from them! One example of how it pays to watch and listen to others is from the challenge at the t is the beginning of a New Year and hopefully everyone had a pleasant holiday season during this past Christmas. With another Challenge season approaching, I have asked Alana, a Canadian Cowboy Challenge (CCC) member since 2015, to share her experience and how she is preparing herself and her horse for the upcoming season. However, before Alana tells her story, I need to regretfully share the passing of Sue Anne Wearmouth, of Cochrane, Alberta, in late December of 2021. Sue Anne was an avid competitor and volunteer within the equine world. She will be dearly missed by those who knew her and by the CCC community.

FEBRUARY 2022

SADDLEUP.CA • 31

The Canadian 40th Anniversary Event By Windi Scott

his coming summer, one of the happenings related to the Canadian Registry of the Tennessee Walking Horse’s 40th Anniversary, is a party of sorts. The kind of party you show up at with your friends and your horse expecting to have a really fun time. No stress, no pressure, just pure enjoyment. A little of this, a little of that. Something to get excited about! So keep August 5, 6, 7, 2022 open on your calendar. We will be expecting you!! Can’t wait! ALL GAITED HORSES WELCOME! To be held in Thorsby, Alberta. Games, classes, demonstrations, tack and art sales, social time. Check crtwh.ca in the coming months for info. Sponsors welcome.

Our show judge Diane Sept

Vintage Riders Equestrian Club… for the love of horses! By Karen Gallagher

The club laid a wreath on Remembrance Day

s another year came to a close, still under the thumb of COVID-19, our AGM was again held in virtual format. While we were sad to release four of our dedicated executives to focus on other things, that left room for four more fearless members to step up - and step up they did! We’re looking forward to tackling whatever 2022 has in store for us, as a motivated, vibrant group of horse lovers. Congratulations to Elena Kau, our Inspirational Member for 2021! Her award was presented virtually, by last year’s winner, Norma. A wreath in honour of the horses and mules that were conscripted into war was laid on our behalf at the Remembrance Day ceremony in Fort Langley. Our annual Christmas Party was also held via ZOOM again. Twenty-five members enjoyed the fun of surreptitiously delivering secret Santa gifts and watching each other open them. Our techy wizard, Elena, again prepared our year-in-review slideshow - always a huge hit - and posted on our Facebook page for all members to enjoy. With the weather in December more frightful than delightful, our Jingle Bell ride was cancelled. However, we have many enthusiastic trail riders who continue to squeeze in rides as often as possible. Our Rec Rider Program saw members achieving awards for 750 and 1500 hours! Thanks to member and manager of Greenhawk, Susan Balcom, we had a great turnout for another fun and productive club shopping night at Greenhawk. With so many hit hard by a series of natural disasters this past year, culminating in huge losses on the Sumas Prairie and other areas of the province, we directed our annual donations to flood relief assistance, including one to the Horse Council of BC Animal Disaster Relief Fund. The rescues that the fund contributed to were nothing short of miraculous! Also we extend our sincere thanks to those of our members who were willing and able to help relocate horses from the Sumas Prairie, and others who put together donations of food and supplies for families who had been flooded out. Vintage Riders Equestrian Club… for the love of horses! We are a gathering of horse enthusiasts within the Fraser Valley. Anyone over the age of 21 is welcome. We meet the 3rd Tuesday of the month in Fort Langley to enjoy fellowship and a speaker and host a variety of clinics according to PHO. Find us on Facebook at Vintage Riders Equestrian Club – public, email: vintageriders@shaw.ca

32 • FEBRUARY 2022

SADDLEUP.CA

A truckload of donations

Our Christmas ZOOM party!

Members Rita, Karen, Kathy and Susan in their new spirit wear at our Greenhawk shopping

The Back Country Horsemen of BC Earth Day & BCHBC’s Commitment to ‘Leave No Trace’ CVI Chapter members collaborate to clean up the Nanaimo Regional District on Vancouver Island. By Jim Fiddick, Central Vancouver Island chapter Trails Coordinator

ou won’t see many horses in the photos accompanying this story… but you will see members of the Back Country Horsemen Society of BC hard at work cleaning up the mess in the forest left by others! While this event was planned for Earth Day, it also is an excellent example of our organization’s and our 850+ members’ commitment to and affiliate partnership with the nation-wide ‘Leave No Trace’ environmental stewardship program. (See below) The project featured in this story is just one example of the hundreds of workbees hosted by BCHBC Chapters across the province. Since the year 2000, our volunteer efforts have contributed over $1.6 million in value to our provincial trail networks and equine campsites. BCHCB chapters secure funding for projects from membership fees, chapter fundraisers, various grants, government agencies, corporate and private businesses and initiatives like our annual Rendezvous event. We appreciate and acknowledge the support received over the years from Horse Council BC through their BC Equestrian Trails Fund. We also recognize and wish to bring awareness of the value our local community businesses bring through their generous support through discounts and/or in-kind donations. We recognize that collaboration is key and ‘many hands make light work.’ CVI Chapter celebrates Earth Day with a workbee On Saturday, April 24th, 2021 our CVI chapter and the Ladysmith Sportsmen Club got together in a spirit of collaboration with other community stakeholders to remove garbage in the Spruston Road, McKay Lake area. CVI identified over 20 sites where illegal garbage was located. The majority of these sites were on Crown Land. All were within 4 kms of the CVI Spruston Road Recreation Staging Area. Located near Ladysmith and Nanaimo, on Vancouver Island, the Spruceton Road Recreation Site is a 3-acre horse trailer parking and camping site to access the trail system on Crown Land and the Trans Canada Trail. This site is maintained and operated by the BCHBC Central Vancouver Island Chapter. Learn more on the HCBC website Trials Database. (https://hcbc.online/Trails) Approximately 50 volunteers registered for this workbee. Each group of volunteers was given a map showing location of garbage

dump sites and were assigned a specific numbered site. Once collected, all trash was brought to a central site and loaded into dumpsters. Mosaic Forestry sent a large excavator and an operator for the removal of debris found heaved off a small rock bluff. It was then loaded into gravel trucks and dumpsters. The five dumpster loads— totaling a whopping 24,155 kilograms (26 tons)—were then transported to the Cedar Road Landfill. The tipping fees, valued at almost $3,200, were waived by the Regional District of Nanaimo. In addition to the tons of trash that could be picked up by hand, there were six burnt derelict pickup trucks and two wrecked RVs removed from the site and taken to the metal recycling facility at nearby Duke Point. A special thanks to all the individuals and community groups that worked to make this Earth Day clean-up effort a huge success. Earth Day 2022 is April 22—How can YOU get involved? Individuals, families or organizations may register to host an Earth Day event, or just go out and do something ‘unofficially’. Every action—however large or small—makes an impact. BCHBC challenges its various chapters and other equine organizations to get involved this year. Learn more at: www.earthday.org

Leave No Trace Canada is a national non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and inspiring responsible outdoor recreation through education, research and partnerships. Leave No Trace builds awareness, appreciation and respect for our wildlands and takes the lead role in addressing and mitigating recreational impacts on Canada’s wilderness and natural area recreation resources.

What is ‘Leave No Trace’? LeaveNoTrace.ca

Leave No Trace 7 Principles: • Plan ahead and prepare • Travel and camp on durable surfaces • Dispose of waste properly (Pack it in. Pack it out.) • Leave What You Find • Minimize campfire impacts • Respect wildlife • Be considerate of other visitors

Back Country Horsemen of BC – serving BC trail riding enthusiasts since 1989!

Check out our beautiful website at https://bchorsemen.org / Questions? Contact info@bchorsemen.org

FEBRUARY 2022

SADDLEUP.CA • 33

Clubs & Associations Join the Canadian Quarter Horse Association Membership is FREE!

www.AlbertaDonkeyandMule.ca

members from across Canada and the US 5/22

ARMSTRONG ENDERBY RIDING CLUB Schooling Shows (Eng/West/Games), Armstrong Fairgrounds, April to Sept. www.armstrongenderbyridingclub.ca 10/22

The CQHA is the Canadian affiliate of the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA), and representative of the largest breed population within the Canadian herd. Visit us at www.cqha.ca.

12/22

31 Years of Celebrating Long Ears

NOW YOU DO HAVE A CHOICE. CRHRA is a voice for the Recreational Rider.

Our low cost membership includes $5 Million and $30,000 Accidental Death and Dismemberment. Check out our web site for more information www.crhra.ca 4/22

11/22

BC CARRIAGE DRIVING SOCIETY, Pres: Ellen Hockley 250-572-7516, Pleasure, Combined, Recreation from Minis to Drafts, www.bccarriagedriving.com 6/22

BC Equine Arena 2 Trail Association

Working with obstacles to overcome obstacles Building confidence, patience, respect and trust in your equine partnership! bcearena2trail.com facebook.com/BCEA2T 4/22

2/22

CANADIAN THERAPEUTIC RIDING ASSOCIATION CanTRA promotes the benefits of therapeutic riding across Canada through awareness, education, and setting standards for therapeutic riding instructor certification, centre accreditation, hippotherapy, and equine-facilitated wellness.

Contact: ctra@golden.net • Website: www.cantra.ca

BC INTERIOR ARABIAN HORSE ASSOC. Pres: Wally Goertz 250-546-6004 11/22 asmarawg@telus.net, clinics, Recreational riding programs, Awards/Social Activ. BC INTERIOR MORGAN HORSE CLUB see our FB page. Pres: Michelle Kozyn e-mail: akylles3_kozyn@hotmail.com, Trail Rides, Pot O Gold Show, Poker Ride 5/22 BC PAINT HORSE CLUB www.bcphc.com, Open Show & Competition Program, award sponsorships for local clubs, youth scholarship. cathyglover@telus.net 3/22

FRASER VALLEY’S OWN ‘GRASSROOTS’ CLUB dedicated to promoting the sport of cutting to enthusiasts of all levels See us on acebook & Instagram

www.bcrcha.com

CHILLIWACK RIDING CLUB, Drill Team, Horse Shows (Heritage Qualifiers), Gymkhana, Trail Rides, Clinics, Open Ride, Socials, www.crchorse.ca 12 /22 Equestrian Canada (EC) is the national governing body for equestrian sport and industry in Canada, with a mandate to represent, promote and advance all equine and equestrian interests. 1-866-282-8395 | inquiries@equestrian.ca | www.equestrian.ca

BC QUARTER HORSE ASSOCIATION, www.bcqha.com Contact Carolyn Farris, email cfarris@telus.net 8/22

6/22

7/22

10/18 2/22

Want to enjoy miles of beautiful new trails with your equine partner in BC? Try Endurance Riding! We welcome all levels of riders and all breeds of equines.

Info on clinics and events at www.erabc.com

12/22 6/16

or e-mail: bcrcha@gmail.com

Team Cattle Penning is a race against the clock to have 3 riders pen 3 of 30 numbered head of cattle. Each rider is rated to their current abilities and the three riders on a team make up the maximum allowed number for the division they are riding. Example: a 10 Class is made of a 4-rated rider and two 3-rated riders. The herd is on one end of the arena and the foul line is usually 1/3. DON’T BLOW OUT!! YEE HAW!! www.bctcpa.net

3/22 11/18

A charitable equine organization funding veterinary colleges and students, and other worthwhile equine causes.

DONATIONS WELCOME PEOPLE HELPING PEOPLE HELPING HORSES

Bob Watson, President 403-378-4323 cbwatson@cciwireless.ca www.equinefoundationofcanada.com

4/22

11/22

BC WELSH PONY & COB ASSOC. (see Facebook) Pres: Rosanne 604-302-7650, bcwelsh@shaw.ca. Breed promotion program throughout the province. 4/22 BOUCHIE LAKE GYMKHANA CLUB (Quesnel BC). May to September. All info on our Facebook Page: B LAKE Gymkhana CLUB. Tel: 250-249-9667 11/22 BOUNDARY HORSE ASSOCIATION (Grand Forks BC), Offering shows, gymkhanas, clinics & more. See us on Facebook, 250-443-3191, kmespenhain@telus.net 4/22

Canadian Cowboy Challenge 12/22

A SPORT for the whole Family! Seven Divisions to accommodate all! For more info please call 403-828-2044 or visit www.canadiancowboychallenge.com

D E A D LI N E 34 • FEBRUARY 2022

SADDLEUP.CA

10/22

INTERIOR CUTTING HORSE ASSOCIATION www.ichacutting.com New cutters always welcome. Lee Poncelet 250-938-2034 9/22

5th of each month

Clubs & Associations LANGLEY RIDERS SOCIETY, www.langleyriders.com. English/Western, Games, Jumping, Drill Team, Rodeo. 604-530-5981 11/22

Peruvian Horse Club of BC Smooth • Versatile • Intelligent www.phac.ca/BC/index.html

LOWER MAINLAND QUARTER HORSE ASSOC. Pres: Tamara Jameson, tamarajameson@hotmail.com, http://bcqha.com/index.php/LMQHA 12/22 NORTH OK THERAPEUTIC RIDING ASSOC. 250-549-0105 www.notra.info Providing therapeutic horseback riding for children and adults with disabilities 9 /22 OKANAGAN POLO CLUB (Kelowna BC), new members welcome, weekly gatherings, annual tournament, and fun! www.okanaganpoloclub.com 9/22

100 Mile & District Outriders

9/22

PRINCETON RIDING CLUB, Pres: Stephanie Antonick, santonick@hotmail.com See us on Facebook. Offering shows, clinics and more! 2/22 RUSTY SPURS 4-H HORSE CLUB (Abbotsford BC) Open to Youth 6-19, Rustyspurshorse4h@gmail.com & Find us on Facebook! 12/21

7/18 11/22

Promoting equine activities and knowledge in the south Cariboo with Shows, Clinics, Gymkhanas and more. Harvey President: Adam Mike Kidston E-mail: info@outriders.com ~ www.100mileoutriders.com

PEACHLAND RIDING CLUB, Pres: Kevin Froese (Kevin.leroy.froese@gmail.com). Info, Gymkhana dates & events at www.peachlandridingclub.com 6/22

SOUTH CENTRAL QUARTER HORSE ASSOC., Host of April Fuzzy Horse Show and September AQHA Circuit Show, http://bcqha.com/index.php/scqha 12/22 VINTAGE RIDERS EQUESTRIAN CLUB (Fraser Valley BC), English/Western, lectures, clinics, socials, safe and fun, vintageriders@shaw.ca, on Facebook 4/22 WILD ROSE DRAFT HORSE ASSOCIATION, www.wrdha.com. Barb Stephenson (Secretary) phone 403-933-5765 (8:00 am to 8:00 pm) 6/22

Clubs - you should be listed here Non-profit rates start at only $100 per year and includes a FREE web link for one year!

What’s Happening? Let’s Go!

2022 Events? LET US KNOW – THIS IS A FREE SERVICE FOR NON-PROFIT EVENTS. REQUIRED FORMAT FOR EACH DATE:

Jan 1-3 OPEN HORSE SHOW, Smith Arena, Smithsville, BC, John 604-123-4567 johnsmith@smith.net, www.smithshow.com

DUE TO THE CORONA VIRUS CALL AHEAD TO SEE IF THE EVENT IS STILL HAPPENING. BE SAFE EVERYONE!

FEBRUARY 14-20

CWHBA STALLION SERVICE AUCTION, www.canadianwarmbloods.com

MARCH 24-27

25-27

ROAD TO THE HORSE Colt Starting, Glenn Stewart (for Canada), Kentucky, www.RoadtotheHorse.com, or 1-800-514-3849 AQHA CANADIAN SUMMIT & CQHA AWARDS GALA, Keystone Centre, Brandon MB, www.cqha.ca

MAY 13-15

21-22 23

JUNE

APRIL

3-26

22-23

8-11

15-17

22-24 24-25

HORSE EXPO CANADA, Westerner Park, Red Deer AB, 403-629-0434 or 1-833-425-1799, exhibitors@horseexpo.ca STAGE 1 HORSEMANSHIP CLINIC w/Glenn Stewart, Mission Acres Arena, Cochrane AB, 250-789-3072, sandy@thehorseranch.com CAN-AM EQUINE EXPO, Heritage Park, Chilliwack BC, www.canamequineexpo.com STAGE 2+ HORSEMANSHIP WORKSHOP w/Glenn Stewart, Mission Acres Arena, Cochrane AB, 250-789-3072, sandy@thehorseranch.com

HORSEMANSHIP CLINIC w/Dustin Drader, Grassland Grazers Ranch, Beaverdell BC, www.elcentroequine.com DRESSAGE & JUMPING CLINIC w/Dale Irwin, Vernon District Riding Club, Vernon BC, Ruth 250-542-2106, ruthless6@shaw.ca PERCENTAGE DAY w/ Dale Irwin, Vernon District Riding Club, Vernon BC, Ruth 250-542-2106, ruthless6@shaw.ca

3-6

10-12

HORSEMANSHIP FOUNDATION COURSE (4 parts) w/Glenn Stewart, The Horse Ranch, Baldonnel BC, 250-789-3072, sandy@thehorseranch.com STAGE 1 HORSEMANSHIP CLINIC w/Glenn Stewart, The Horse Ranch, Baldonnel BC, 250-789-3072, sandy@thehorseranch.com STAGE 1+ & 2 HORSEMANSHIP CLINIC w/Glenn Stewart, The Horse Ranch, Baldonnel BC, 250-789-3072, sandy@thehorseranch.com HORSEMANSHIP CLINIC w/Dustin Drader, Grassland Grazers Ranch, Beaverdell BC, www.elcentroequine.com

MORE DATES AT SADDLEUP.CA FEBRUARY 2022

SADDLEUP.CA • 35

Business Services FARRIERS & SUPPLIES

9/22

ARENA MAINTENANCE

3/22

BEDDING, HOG FUEL, SHAVINGS

• Horse

WWW.REIMERSFARMSERVICE.COM (BC Interior) 1-855-737-0110 or 250-838-0111. Bulk & Bagged Shavings, 4x4x4 Totes, Sawdust, Bark Mulch

FEED DEALERS ASHCROFT HOME BUILDING CENTRE (Ashcroft) 250-453-2281 Otter Co-op Dealer & Pet Foods. You can find us on Facebook 11/22

12/22

100% Canadian

ABBOTSFORD DUNCAN KELOWNA LANGFORD NANAIMO PARKSVILLE SANNICH SALMON ARM WEST KELOWNA

31852 Marshall Place 5410 Trans Canada Hwy. 103-1889 Springfield Rd. 975 Langford Parkway 1-1227 Island Hwy. S. 587 Alberni Hwy. 1970 Keating Cross Rd. 1771 10th Ave SW 2565 Main St.

556-7477 748-8171 860-2346 940-4499 753-4221 248-3243 652-9188 832-8424 768-8870

7/22 6/21

Ph: 250-503-7432 NATA FARMS Serving BC’s Interior including South Okanagan

11/22

5/22

Shavings • Hog Fuel • Bark Mulch • Compost

FENCING

DEAD STOCK REMOVAL THE BLUE GOOSE CATTLE CO. (Ok/Shuswap) 250-309-0629 or 250-838-2157, Providing prompt dead stock removal service when the decision has to be made. 4/22

Gates, Panels, Feeders, Continuous FenCe deer & Farm FenCe installations

EDUCATION

Custom built and installed to your needs

GRK Fasteners Dealer * Customized Bale Spikes * Custom Welding * Horse Trailer Repairs *Serving BC/AB/WA for over 10 years

Wanted Wranglers / Trail Guides

Alan Cossentine, Oliver, BC • 250-490-5662

Guide on Guest Ranch / Horse pack trips www.chilcotinholidays.com

8/19 11/22

alc@cffence.com • www.cffence.com

3/22

12/22

EQUINE HEALTH

3/22

WHOLESALE PANELS & GATES countrywestsupply.com ARMSTRONG 250-546-9174

CHILLIWACK 1-877-847-3735

NANAIMO 250-912-0095

GUEST RANCHES 2/22

5/22

FARM SUPPLIES DAWSON CO-OP HOME & AGRO CENTRE, 250-782-3371 10020 Parkhill Drive, Dawson Creek BC, www.dawsonco-op.crs

12/22

HORSE HAY SALES (Calgary AB) Meadow Brome Grass/Alfalfa mix, tested, mghorse7@gmail.com, 403-325-5556 2/22

D E A D LI N E 5th of each month

36 • FEBRUARY 2022

SADDLEUP.CA

Business Services GUEST RANCHES

TRAINERS/COACHES Close to nature Far from crowds 8-10,000 acres & private lake

ELISA MAROCCHI (100 Mile House BC), EC Licensed Driving Coach 250-706-2824 Clinics, Lessons, Training on/off farm, www.wildwoodfarm.ca 5/22 7/22

Spring Lake Guest Ranch

10/22

www.springlakeranch.com • 250-791-5776 (100 Mile House BC)

International Clinician and Horseman 1-877-728-8987 www.thehorseranch.com

LESSON PROGRAMS WWW.FOOTNOTEFARM.COM (Langley BC) 778-822-3276 Certified instructors, safe & sound horses, curriculum followed, privates for beginners. 5/22

LEE PONCELET TRAINING STABLES (Vernon, BC) 250-938-2034 Starting Colts. Training all levels. Specializing in Cutting/Cowhorse. www.lpperformancehorses.com 8 /22

REALTORS

WESTWIN REALTY

5/22

CASIE MENHINICK REALTOR®

HORSE FIRST HORSEMANSHIP Specializing in BC’s Rural Communities

778-209-0305 E-mail: casie@royallepage.ca Follow me on social media @kamloopsandruralrealestate

TACK/CLOTHING SHOPS DIAMOND H TACK INC. (Kelowna BC) 877-762-5631 English & Western Saddlery, Clothes, Farrier, Feed, Blanket & Leather Repairs 10/22

TRAILER REPAIRS PETERSEN TRAILERS LTD. (Langley) 604-533-4209 Service and Repairs. All makes. www.petersentrailers.ca 7/22

TRAILER SALES KITT EQUIPMENT TRAILER SALES, (Chilliwack & Aldergrove), 1-877-823-7199, Horse ~ Stock ~ Utility ~ Dump ~ Flatdecks, Kittequipment.com 4/22

TRAINERS/COACHES ALICIA HARPER of Hylee Training, EC Comp. Coach/Trainer. Specializing in Western, available for training, lessons/clinics, www.hyleetraining.com 2/22

7/22

Build Something Lasting

Elisha Bradburn is available for Clinics & Events Based out of Faithful Farm in Langley, BC Follow Legacy Horsemanship on Facebook and Instagram E-mail inquiries to legacyhorsemanship@shaw.ca

SANDY LANG HORSEMANSHIP (Abbotsford BC) 778-344-3804, Foundation Focus Working Equitation, Natural Horsemanship, www.sandylanghorsemanship.com 9/22 SOMATIC RIDER AND ENERGY MEDICINE - Lisa Wieben (Vernon BC) Balance the Rider, Balance the Horse, www.somaticrider.com, 403-335-5993 7/22 THE ROCK’N STAR RANCH (Pritchard BC) Natural Care Boarding. Training. Education. Offering quality care, horsemanship support & education. therocknstarranch.com 3/22 WILDHORSE VENTURES AT MERSTON CREEK RANCH (Quesnel BC) 250-249-9613, Horse Training & Clinics, Horses & Cariboo Mountain Dogs for sale. See us on FB 12/22

VETERINARIANS ANIMAL CARE HOSPITAL Williams Lake 250-392-5510 / Quesnel 250-747-3053 Drs. Magnowski, Scheidt, Thompson, Jordan, Ree , 4/22 INTERIOR VETERINARY HEALTH SERVICES (Okanagan) 250-769-4217, Mobile Equine, Brytann Youngberg DVM, VSMT, College of Animal Chiropractors 9/22

KAMLOOPS LARGE ANIMAL VETERINARY CLINIC

DAWN FERSTER (Kelowna BC) Coaching/Training/Workshops 250-808-0738 Mountain Trail/Western/Dressage, see Damarhe Training on FB 3/22

9/22

BIRGIT STUTZ, Irwin Insights Master Level 6 Cert. Trainer, www.fallingstarranch. ca, Training/lessons/clinics/student programs, Dunster BC, 250-968-6801 10/22 WALES EQUINE VETERINARY SERVICES (Okanagan) 250-258-2299 Drs. Alex Wales and Dr. Susan Wales, www.walesequine.com 9/22

YOUR BUSINESS SHOULD BE HERE!

LISTINGS START AT ONLY $250 PER YEAR (FOR 11 ISSUES);

PLUS WE CAN ADD A WEB LINK FOR JUST $50 PER YEAR. SEE PAGE 4 FOR CONTACT INFO. FEBRUARY 2022

SADDLEUP.CA • 37

On The Market (Private Sale) The Peruvian Horse

The smoothest riding horse in the world! For Pleasure, Trail, Show, Work... Discover the versatile Peruvian Horse at PHAC.ca!

Looking to the future with:

Aaron & Colleen Wangler 250-843-7337 (Dawson Creek BC) oldbaldy@hotmail.ca www.northernhorse.com/oldbaldy

Horse”

We breed and train GYPSY COBS AND VANNERS Aimee & Luc Beauchamp 250-438-1066

8/22 3/17

11/22

Fell Ponies and Friesians

Glynn Irish Sport Horse

Mick

Quality Youngsters. Approved UK imported Fell Stud.

www.DragonflyAcres.ca Email: Lisa.dragonflyacres@gmail.com

4/22

403-325-5556 mghorse7@gmail.com

Stallions & Breeders APPALOOSACENTRE.COM 250-963-9779 Real Appaloosas for Today and the Future! 9/22 FOOTNOTE FARM FJORDS (Langley BC) 778-822-3276. Registered & imported breeding stock. Bred for performance and built to last. www.footnotefarm.com 5/22 OLD BALDY RANCH (Dawson Creek) 250-843-7337 SS: Breeding AQHA/NFQH Grullo & Blue Roan, www.northernhorse.com/oldbaldy 12/22 SUNSET VIEW RANCH (West Kelowna BC) 250-707-7271. Top Performance AQHA/APHA bloodlines, Breeding & Sales. SS: Dunit Canadian Style 3/22

38 • FEBRUARY 2022

SADDLEUP.CA

BREEDERS YOUR LISTING SHOULD BE HERE.

ONLY $250 PER YEAR PLUS A WEB LINK AT JUST $50 PER YEAR

2/22

Visit PHAC.ca for more Information on this Incredible Breed!

(Princeton BC) ponderosaridgeranch@outlook.com PonderosaRidgeRanch.ca

12/22

AW Blue Fire N Te AQHA Blue Roan AW Poco Kintaro | AQHA/NFQH 98% Palomino with dun dilution Axels N Steel Dust | AQHA/NFQH 98% Grullo

If you’re looking for your “Heart look no further!

Shop & Swap! HORSE BLANKET LAUNDRY & REPAIRS

MISCELLANEOUS

HORSE BLANKET & SADDLE PAD WASHING & Repairs. Clean used Blankets for sale. Town Centre Dry Cleaners, Town Centre Mall. 250-546-0104 (Armstrong BC) 4/22

You You had had me me at at Hay! Hay!

Leather & S titches Custom Sewing

Th e Le a t h er La d y

12/22

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Leather Hats, Belts, Moccasins Holsters, Knife Sheaths Upholstery Work & many Repairs Sherri DeBoer 250.838.0778 theleatherlady95@gmail.com Box 62 Grindrod BC, V0E 1Y0

DEEP CREEK GENERAL STORE ARMSTRONG’S GENERAL STORE

that has a little bit of everything Dealer for

Pet Food & Supplies Wood Shavings and MORE

250-546-3955

3455 Pleasant Valley Rd. Armstrong, BC

AD DEADLINE 5th OF EACH MONTH prior to the next month’s publication

Rural Roots REALTORS, YOUR LISTING SHOULD BE HERE ADS ARE ONLY $90 OR LESS!

1-866-546-9922 for more info FEBRUARY 2022

SADDLEUP.CA • 39

40 • FEBRUARY 2022

SADDLEUP.CA

Saddle Up February 2022

Articles inside

Groundwork (Rider) Exercises

In the Driver’s Seat with Elisa

My Rescue Horses’ Story

Come Hell or High Water

HCBC’s Horse Rescue

Are you Grounded?

Can-Am heads West

The Przewalski’s Horses

Goodness