2012 I ANNUAL REPORT

TRAIL BLAZERS

YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2012

Alberta Equestrian

Federation © contents

COVER Message from the aef president ...... 2 Riders at the first annual Wild Rose Ride at Rafter Six Ranch. Photo credit: Amber Perry 2012 board of directors

representatives

Committees

staff ...... 5

Vision and mission „ Equestrian Federation, January 2013 2012 quick facts ...... 6 The contents of this report may be shared freely in its original form provided that attribution is given to the Alberta Equestrian Federation (AEF). For more information about the AEF, the content of this report, or to share Wild rose trail ride ...... 8 your comments about it, please contact [email protected] or visit www.albertaequestrian.com. In a word I was a pioneer, and therefore had to blaze development of alberta equestrians ...... 10 This report is printed on recycled paper in support of the AEF’s commitment my own trail. Major Taylor to sustainability. Health and well-being of equines ...... 14 The AEF thanks all the photographers for their creative and valuable images of Alberta’s equine community. Most images were published in the 2012 issues of Alberta Bits . Wild rose competitions ...... 16

Canadian Interprovincial equestrian Championships ...... 18

statement of financial position ...... 20

statement of operations ...... 21

FACING PAGE

Harry and his 14-year-old fjord/Belgian cross mare, Annie, are regular competitors in combined events and shows around central Alberta. Photo credit: Rich Kyllo Photography

alberta equestrIan federatIon I 2012 1 alberta equestrIan federatIon l 2012 message from the aeF president

I feel privileged to have served the alberta equestrian on behalf of the board members, I would like to whole - federation (aef) over the past year, and to be part of heartedly thank the aef executive director and the the trailblazing efforts of our board, volunteers, staff aef staff for their dedication to the aef. they are out and supporters. there daily showing their commitment and hard work. they take care of the trail s–the work of the ae f– and In 2012, the aef board of directors supported the aef blaze new ones for members, volunteers and others. staff in their ongoing delivery of the high-quality services and programs aimed at both aef members the aef will be 35 in 2013, and I invite you and non-members. You will read more about the to join us in celebrating this significant milestone. successful year in this annual report. Please share with us your stories about the aef over the years. the aef board of directors also looked down new trails in 201 2–new ways of doing our work – and set higher as well, tell us what you think the aef should focus expectations about how we will travel down those on in the years leading to our 50th anniversary. We trails. We have worked our way out of the deficit and for are aiming far into the future to continue to trail blaze the past two consecutive years, we have had a balanced for horses, donkeys and mules and their riders, drivers, budget. We considered policy and best practices to owners and care givers. I am looking forward to the ensure that the aef is always working on behalf of its future and the new trails to come! membership. We initiated board restructuring and have included a new club membership that equalizes tara Gamble membership benefits and allows for a greater diversity aef President Tara Gamble. Photo credit: Terry Jorden of non profit equine groups to join. Members are the 2012 board of directors heart of the aef and we are committed to continuing to support them in with our efforts.

FACING PAGE

Newly established Mounted Search and Rescue training day at Anchor D Outfitters. Bert Johnson, ATV operator and Wendy Carson, rider. Photo credit: Lucy Phillips

2 alberta equestrIan federatIon I 2012 3 alberta equestrIan federatIon l 2012 2012 board of directors representatives committees staff

Elected by the AEF membership Appointed as provincial association representatives Alberta Bits sonia dantu, executive director norma Cnudde, Membership Coordinator tara Gamble, President alberta 4-H Provincial equine advisory Committee biosecurity erin lundteigen, Coaching administrator Kippy Maitland-smith, Vice President alberta association bylaws sophie beaufils, Competitions Coordinator Juliet franke, secretary alberta donkey & Mule Club Canadian Interprovincial equestrian Championships nicole Worthylake, Marketing and Program support les oakes, treasurer alberta association rita bernard, finance and support finance Gary Millar, Chair – sport alberta association Internal audit Committee brian Irving, Chair – recreation alberta friesian Horse association Great discoveries and improvements invariably nominations trish Mrakawa, Chair – education alberta Horse trials association involve the cooperation of many minds. I may be Public relations given credit for having blazed the trail, but when I bill desbarres, Chair – breeds & Industry alberta Miniature racing association look at the subsequent developments I feel the rebecca Munoz, Chair – Public relations alberta Morgan Horse Club scholarship credit is due to others rather than to myself. Alexander Graham Bell alison douglas, Individual alberta association strategic Planning Committee lewis Hand, Individual alberta Walking Horse association Wild rose trail ride

Ken schmuland, Individual american saddlebred Horse association of alberta laura stenhouse, Individual Canadian Challenge association Thank you to the AEF Volunteers dena squarebriggs, Individual endurance riders of alberta

Horse Industry association of alberta the aef board of directors and the aef staff extend a hearty and warm thank you to all of the volunteers Jump alberta society who supported the aef mission in 2012. You have trail riding alberta Conference made a difference that would not have happened without the generous gift of your time and effort. Welsh Pony & Cob society of alberta l-r AEF staff: Sonia Dantu, Rita Bernard, Norma Cnudde, Sophie Beaufils, Erin Lundteigen, Nicole Worthylake and president Tara Gamble. Photo credit: Just for Kix Photography

4 alberta equestrIan federatIon I 2012 5 alberta equestrIan federatIon l 2012 Vision and mission 2012 quick facts

Vision 2011 2012 the voice of equine alberta Individual members - junior 3,992 4,710 the premier source for education, information and Individual members - senior 8,643 10,976 support for the entire equine community. association and affiliate members 94 101 Mission business members 54 54 to assist in creating a positive environment for the enjoyment of equines. ride and drive registrants 138 198 Whenever the pressure of our complex city life thins my blood and numbs my brain, I seek relief through our leadership and proactive approach we live outside the box participants 42 29 in the trail; and when I hear the coyote wailing promote, facilitate and co-ordinate equestrian related trail supporters 164 145 to the yellow dawn, my cares fall from me – I am activities for alberta. happy. Hamlin Garland Provincially approved officials 33 37

Wild rose Competitions 29 33

educational and coach training sessions 22 31

scholarships granted 9 8

Certified coaches 137

FACING PAGE

Valerie Patterson and Hitch at a competitive trail ride, completing her 1000-hour milestone in the Ride and Drive program. Photo credit: Peter Vogelaar

6 alberta equestrIan federatIon I 2012 7 alberta equestrIan federatIon l 2012 Wild rose trail ride

on a sunny and fresh day in september, the aef hosted the first-ever fundraising trail ride at the world- famous rafter six ranch in Kananaskis country. seventy-five riders raised $1,500 for therapeutic riding groups. the member groups that received this financial support in 2012 were:

G little bits therapeutic riding association

G opening Gaits therapeutic riding society

G Journeys therapeutic riding society I could never resist the call of the trail. Buffalo Bill

Images from the Wild Rose Trail Ride. Photo credit: Just for Kix Photography

FACING PAGE

Riders returning to the ranch at the Wild Rose Trail Ride. Photo credit: Just for Kix Photography

8 alberta equestrIan federatIon I 2012 9 alberta equestrIan federatIon l 2012 development of alberta equestrians

P’tit Trot Day Camp Scholarships

the aef offers the P’tit trot program to introduce the aef scholarship recipients for 2012 were all children to the equestrian world. In 2012, it hosted a young women who are career-bound in the equine day camp based upon the program. the camp was a industry. Congratulations to these students for their safe introduction and built confidence in riding and commitment to alberta’s equine world. what we need to know at the barn. Games kept the young participants engaged and learning. Rebecca Barber is 20 and completing her second year of a bsc in animal health at the university of alberta. she Live Outside the Box plans on a master’s degree based on equine nutrition and to use her knowledge towards the betterment of live outside the box (the box being tV and computer) the sport in alberta. promotes healthy and active living for youth aged 7 to 15 and encourages equestrian development. Kaitlin McDonald is 25 and in her second year in veterinary medicine at the university of Calgary. she In 2012, the highest number of horse time was awarded plans to work in alberta as an equine practitioner with to 12-year old Abbey Alexande r. abbey and her horses, a focus on sport horse and rehabilitation medicine. Goose and rosalee, enjoy Western riding, english riding and jumping. Lindsay Nakonechny is 21 and finishing her bsc in LEFT, CLOCKWISE animal health at the university of alberta. after a the lowest number of hours of screen time was P’tit Trot day camp participants. Photo credit: Erin Lundteigen master’s in equine welfare and a Phd in a related awarded to 13-year old Emma Quinn , who enjoys equine field, she hopes to be involved with equine Live Outside the Box: Lowest number of hours of screen time, Emma dressage with her horse, Penny. they also participate Quinn and Penny. Photo credit: courtesy Emma Quinn educational programs. in parades. $1,500 scholarship recipient, Lindsay Nakonechny. Photo credit: courtesy Sarra Brown is 18 and a horse trainer and volunteer. Lindsay Nakonechny the highest consecutive screen free days was awarded she will pursue her educational development by taking $750 scholarship recipient, Jenna Knudslien. Photo credit: courtesy Jenna to 10-year old Rebekah Ferguson . rebekah and tibbs an english horsemanship course. Knudslien like trails rides, 4-H and swimming, and go Western or english. FACING PAGE

Andrea Douaire and Hershey competing in a Triple “R” Riding Club event . Photo credit: Mackenzie Szabo

10 alberta equestrIan federatIon I 2012 11 alberta equestrIan federatIon l 2012 Hannah Ferguson is 19 and has completed her first year AEF Conference in animal health technology at olds College. she aims to work at a vet clinic to put her enthusiasm for animals In november, the aef hosted the 2012 educational to good use. conference in Calgary. Presenters were warmly welcomed by the attentive audience of riders, drivers, Jenna Knudslien is 18 and has completed her first year trainers, coaches, owners and others interested in the of a university studies program at Portage College. equestrian world. topics ranged from the practica l– she has applied to the animal science program at the equine safe handling, athlete development, university of alberta. backcountry first aid, insuranc e – to the inspirationa l– be the better horse, great customer service. thank you to Capri Insurance for their generous financial contribution to the aef scholarship program, thank you to the platinum conference sponsor, Capri the donors to our scholarship fund and those who Insurance and all the conference sponsors for their purchase our aef pins for making these scholarships support: possible. • synergy apparel

Charlene Baker scholarship – Pat Ross • saddle up Magazine

It is presented to the Western rider who has achieved • Horse savvy LEFT, CLOCKWISE the highest average score of the level 4 test in the • Horse Publications Group l-r Gold medal team : Lee Hutten on Parker AES, Jessica Western rider development Program. Yavis on Jahlad (Alberta) and Emma Webb on Serloki at the Adequan FEI • the Visions West studio North American Junior and Young Riders Championships. Photo credit: Allen MacMillan/MacMillan Photography, [email protected] English Rider scholarship – Kim Aasman • equine Guelph l-r Team Appaloosa wins the Spruce Meadows Telus Battle of the Breeds: It is presented to the english rider who has achieved the Sheri Gresko and Shady Drifter, Lynn Johnson and Cash Sirtificate, the silent auction raised just over $2,000 to help Laura-Gene Haga and Texcel,Kaylee McLachlin and Amigo TRT. highest average score of the level 8 test in the Photo credit: Rob Stratton support the live outside the box program; the aef english rider development Program. thanks all the sponsors and bidders. l-r Canadian team wins in Europe: Renee Hicks, William Horne, Isabelle Ladiges, Lance Davison, Kayla Hicks, Allen Hicks. Photo credit: Brande Strachan FACING PAGE

Northern Exposure, Morgan World Champion Western Trail, shown by Team Eiry Spence and Ben Poltorak geocaching in the first ever Amazing Kathy Padgham. Photo credit: www.howardschatzberg.com Back Country Race. Photo credit: Eiry Spence

12 alberta equestrIan federatIon I 2012 13 alberta equestrIan federatIon l 2012 Health and well-being of equines

In 2012, the aef wrapped up its highly successful, multi-year equine biosecurity project. this project was done in partnership with the alberta Veterinary Medical association with funding from the alberta agriculture and rural development, Growing forward biosecurity Program.

a guide to biosecurity best practices has been produced and distributed, and numerous biosecurity workshops and presentations were given throughout the province. the aef and its partners can be very no hour of life is wasted that is spent in the proud of this project because it has inspired other saddle. Winston Churchill provinces, states, universities and colleges to promote and educate many audiences about biosecurity.

the aef is involved through alberta agriculture and alberta farm animal Care in a program to bring more awareness to the need for preparedness against natural disasters, fire, drought and other incidents that could endanger property, animals and people. the aef also participated in the establishment of five emergency response trailers for alberta.

the aef continues to work closely with other organizations, such as the Horse Welfare alliance of and the Horse Industry association of alberta, to provide opportunities for education, welfare FACING PAGE education, industry monitoring and promotion of the Dr. Kelsey Shacker DVM examining a horse and doing a flexion of equine industry. the carpal joint at a prepurchase exam (PPE). While a PPE is not a guarantee/prediction, it provides a qualified opinion and evaluation. Photo credit: courtesy Kelsey Shacker

14 alberta equestrIan federatIon I 2012 15 alberta equestrIan federatIon l 2012 Wild rose competitions

In partnership with others across the province, the aef the aef continued to host coaching and judging hosted 33 Wild rose Competitions from March to clinics throughout 2012 as part of its commitment to december 2012, a slight increase from the 2011 year. developing excellence in alberta equestrian sports. there were 13 hunter/jumper Wild rose sanctioned dressage judging clinics were held in april 2012 and shows, 9 dressage shows, 4 shows, 3 driving october 2012, and a general performance judging clinic shows and 4 general performance shows. in october 2012.

Plans are underway to grow the Wild rose circuit, so that there are more shows of more disciplines everywhere in alberta, not just in the Calgary area. the aef surveyed existing Wild rose show organizers, new stables/organizations and non-Wild rose sanctioned show organizers for their input about the program. It is for them that the aef creates these programs in the first place.

the survey found the main reasons why organizers did not sanction their show with the aef were that riders were not aef members and there were very few LEFT, CLOCKWISE hunter/jumper provincially certified judges available to Alan Wedge at a Wild Rose event. He is an AEF provincial dressage officiate. the aef also found out that the fees were very judge. Photo credit: Michele King reasonable and that cost was not a factor. In response, Samantha Lethbridge and Pia won the volunteer recognition program the aef will continue to develop its new Provincial three times. Photo credit: Andy Lethbridge officials Program. Lesley Scheible and daughter, 13-year old Jamie Scheible, were recognized as show volunteers at the BRAVE shows, Highland Ridge Stables. Photo credit: Tammy Arch

Jessica Deak, 12 years old, with Denver was Capri’s Win Your Entry at the BRAVE April Fun Show. Photo credit: Sarah Papke FACING PAGE

At the ’s Horse Haven, Equine Canada and AEF coach Lisa Denyer and fjord “Heidi,” owned by Angela Willberg doing a demo. Photo credit: Raegen Sapieha

16 alberta equestrIan federatIon I 2012 17 alberta equestrIan federatIon l 2012 canadian Interprovincial equestrian championships

the Canadian Interprovincial equestrian Championships (CIeC) is an equine Canada sanctioned event and was held for the second time in 2012. nine provinces gathered in bromont, quebec to participate in dressage, jumping and classes for both junior and senior riders. Jump alberta and the aef sent an alberta team of 4 jumper riders, 1 chef d’equipe, 1 discipline coach, 1 team coach.

the alberta team jumpers were augusta Marit, alanna Marsden, Kristy Mytrash and Meagan beunder. do not go where the path may lead, go instead team alberta received 7th, 9th and 10th place ribbons where there is no path and leave a trail. riding leased horse. Meagan beunder received the Ralph Waldo Emerson sportsmanship award for the CIeC.

alberta submitted an expression of interest to host the CIeC for 2013 in alberta.

TOP, CLOCKWISE l-r Team Alberta at the Canadian Interprovincial Equestrian Championships (CIEC), September 21-23, 2012, Bromont, QC. Augusta Marit, Alanna Marsden, Kristy Mytrash and Meagan Beunder. Photo credit: Kristi Beunder

Meagan Beunder on course at the 2012 CIEC. Photo credit: Kristi Beunder l-r Alberta Team members in Sacramento, 2012: Shelby Edwards, Jenna Macoun, Mariola Slawinski and Laurel Chad. On the ground is chef d’equipe Trish Mrakawa. Photo credit: Lori Edwards

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l-r Jump Alberta formed in 2012. Kylina Chalack and Ulterra’s Melody and Janna Tymstra riding Bonaire. Photo credit: Natalie Pretty

18 alberta equestrIan federatIon I 2012 19 alberta equestrIan federatIon l 2012 statement of financial position statement of operations as at deCeMber 31, 2012 as at deCeMber 31, 2011

2012 2011 2012 2011 2012 2011 2012 2011

assets lIabIlItIes reVenue eXpenses Grants $ 81,305 $ 81,305 salaries & employee benefits $ 290,815 $ 252,394 CURRENT CURRENT Memberships 488,461 386,663 Member & director insurance 107,190 87,882 Cash $ 201,361 $ 180,472 accounts payable & accrued liabilities $ 15,510 $43,082 sport 16,742 14,763 education 66,400 37,169 accounts receivable 5,882 7,369 unearned membership fees 231,958 195,312 trail support 869 13,097 advertising & promotion 128,625 88,915 Goods & services tax receivable 4,391 4,233 deferred contributions 43,505 33,508 education 62,816 33,785 office administration 123,542 71,152 Inventory 7,185 10,996 290,973 271,902 breeds & industry 48,657 39,319 sport 14,687 7,408 Prepaid expenses 15,158 15,033 advertising 35,034 40,348 trail support 869 13,097 sales 35,939 17,044 rent 48,182 47,856 233,977 218,103 DEFERRED REVENUES 31,544 18,891 administration 17,862 14,560 Provincial Group - 1,176 CAPITAL ASSETS 16,590 18,609 322,517 290,793 other income 17,679 10,557 Cost of goods sold 26,348 8,245 recreation 7,281 4,172 Professional fees 14,092 22,106 INVESTMENTS 103,097 102,073 Casino 58,058 54,554 Meetings 5,130 3,613 $ 353,664 $338,785 recreation 4,885 4,370 net assets 870,703 710,167 breeds & industry 50,291 51,622 NET ASSETS 31,147 47,992 Casino 2,345 2,090

$ 353,664 $338,785 883,401 699,095

(deFIcIencY) eXcess beFore amortIzatIon and eXtraordInarY Item (12,698) 11,072

amortIzatIon 4,147 4,652

(16,845) 6,420

eXtraordInarY Item - 85,717

(deFIcIencY) eXcess oF reVenue oVer eXpenses $ (16,845) $ 92,137

20 alberta equestrIan federatIon I 2012 21 alberta equestrIan federatIon l 2012 Alberta Equestrian Federation www.albertaequestrian.com

It’s the way you ride the trail that counts. Dale Evans

With generous support from

Alberta Equestrian

Federation ©