HORSE INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION OF ALBERTA
Opportunity for Stable Owners
Professional financial evaluations of 12 to 15 stables will be conducted by an agricultural business consultant to produce the document Economics of Operating a Stable.
Evaluations will provide stable owners with information on the strengths and weaknesses of their operations and opportunities for improvement.
The Economics of Operating a Stable study and documentation will provide comprehensive financial information on the operating of a stable to assist current and incoming stable business owners.
If you own a stable and would like to participate in the study, please contact the Horse Industry Association of Alberta office at (403) 948-8521.
Alberta Horse Industry Distinguished Service Award - 2008
Each year since 2000, the Alberta Horse Industry Distinguished Service Award has been presented in recognition of an outstanding individual who has made a significant contribution to the continued development of the horse industry in the province.
The award is presented to the nominee that has had the greatest impact on the growth and development of the horse industry in Alberta in one or more of the following areas: breeding, manufacturing, facilities, organization, education, auction sales, export sales, training people and horses, or communication.
The award was first presented in 2000 and the outstanding recipients have been: 2007 - John Scott, 2006 - David Reid, 2005 - Dave Robson, 2004 - Bruce Roy, 2003 - Joe Selinger, 2002 - Hans Hansma, 2001 - Marg and Ron Southern, and 2000 - Bill Collins.
Anyone can provide a nomination, which must include:
• Nominee’s name, address, phone number.
• Background information on nominee.
• Contributions to industry under the following categories: entrepreneurship, leadership, education or other.
• Describe how the Alberta industry has benefited from the contributions.
• How well known is the nominee through the industry.
• Outline the time frame of the influence, including the future.
• Three letters of reference addressing the four areas of evaluation: Significance of Accomplishments (40%), Public Benefit (30%), Industry Credibility (20%), Potential for Continued Contributions (10%).
If you would like to nominate someone for the 2008 Alberta Horse Industry Distinguished Service Award, please contact the Horse Industry Association of Alberta office.
Come and See Us!
Visit the Horse Industry Association booth at Equi-Fair during the Spruce Meadows Masters, September 5 to 9.
This year marks Spruce Meadows’ 25th year of presenting Equi-Fair, an annual showcase of the latest and greatest in the equine world.
The exhibits encompass over 55,000 sq ft in the Equi-Plex and Riding Hall and include breeders, trainers, artists, trailer manufacturers, therapists, veterinarians, equine organizations and a wide selection of feed, tack and apparel.
Alberta Horses…All ways
Each month, as part of Eye on the Industry, we feature an Alberta horse who has had an impact on Alberta’s horse industry. These may be champions of competition or champions in some less public way.
If you have or know of a horse that is a fine example of an “Alberta Horse,” tell us why, send us a photo, and each month we’ll feature one horse that stands out from the herd.
DEBUTANTE
These days when we think of dressage, our minds most often go to the Warmblood breeds, but there are some notable exceptions. One of these exceptions was a 16.1 hh Alberta-bred Anglo-Arab mare named Debutante.
At the age of 12, Shanna MacNeill was looking for a horse to pursue her passion of dressage. Her trainer at the time, Pat Oxtoby of Bearspaw Equestrian, found Debutante, and what was to be a long partnership was formed.
Debutante excelled in her new career and took Shanna to two North American Young Rider Championships, placing 18th in 1999 and 9th in 2001. She was twice long-listed to the Canadian Equestrian Team and earned at least a dozen championship titles.
Debutante’s favourite was freestyle. She loved to move to music, and she did her part in promoting the sport of dressage and the Anglo-Arab breed by giving freestyle demonstrations for Young Riders and for the Arabian Horse Association.
In 2005, Debutante competed for the last time at the Intermediare II level and was then retired from competition.
Her semi-retirement included a stint as a school horse for a Junior rider and many more hours of enjoyment for Shanna, who continued to ride her five times per week at Trakehner Glen where Shanna has been assistant trainer for the past six years.
Debutante was a barn favourite, always a friendly face, which earned her bunches of her favourite treat: bananas.
She passed away in June of this year, but will live on in the heart of a girl who found an amazing partner with whom to pursue her greatest passion.
Teresa van Bryce,
Manager HIAA
