By Sonia Meyer
Calgary Regional Trail Riders Donate to Trail Supporter Program
The Alberta Equestrian Federation would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the Calgary Regional Trail Riders for their donation on September 25 of $10,685 to the Trail Supporter Program.
Calgary and horses go hand in hand, and the Calgary Regional Trail Riders follow that tradition. They are a diversified and dedicated group of horse riders involved in recreational trail riding. Emphasis is on trail riding techniques, good horsemanship, and the proper care and training of horses.
CRTR also organizes parade entries and numerous social events for its members, for more information visit http://ca.geo cities.com/crtriders/.
The AEF Trail Supporter Program provides recreational riders the opportunity to support a funding initiative, which addresses local, regional and provincial needs. Equestrian trail riding, both local and in the backcountry, is becoming increasingly popular. This increased demand has created an additional need for new resources.
The Alberta government has reduced its financial commitment for maintaining and developing recreational staging sites and trails. If the equestrian community hopes to continue to have access to existing equestrian trails or to expect further development on new trails, the resources to realize these expectations will have to be funded by recreational riders.
The CRTR have made a significant contribution to help support this program for ongoing success and enjoyment of all recreational equine enthusiasts. This support is greatly appreciated. For more information on the Trail Supporter Program visit www. albertaequestrian.com.
Educational Scholarship
The AEF Educational Scholarship is a financial scholarship funded by the AEF Scholarship Fund, established and maintained through generous support of donations. Two awards of $500 each will be given out yearly to active AEF members who exemplify the objectives of the AEF, if there are suitable applications.
The scholarships will be applied towards an equine-related program at a Canadian educational Institute. It may be applied towards full or part time studies.
Candidates will be selected on the basis of information contained in their application form and letters of reference. Any candidate may receive this scholarship only once in their lifetime, however, an unsuccessful candidate may re-apply the following year.
The complete application package must be received at the AEF office by November 15 of each year. Only complete applications will be considered, late applications will not be considered. A complete scholarship package can be accessed at www.alberta equestrian.com/grants.asp or by contacting the AEF office.
Breeds & Industry
As we wind down the summer activities of 2007 and recall pleasurable hours on the trail, daily chores in nice and nicer weather, good competition in the show ring and the companionship of our equine friends, we now look forward to the blustery cold and preparation for a new year of involvement in the industry, sport and pleasure of the horse.
The AEF Annual Meeting Day will be March 15, 2008, and the morning of that day will include some informative and educational speakers. The Annual Horse Owners and Breeders Conference in early January 2008 is going to be as exciting as always. It is a must to attend. Equine Canada’s Annual General Meeting and Conference will be held in Calgary from February 4 to 11, 2008. A chance for the West to attend in large numbers.
Globalization has brought with it the increased movement of people, animals and animal products. The result is the amplified emergence and spread of disease that has no geographical border.
The reality is that Canada is ill equipped to prevent and respond to exotic disease outbreaks because its current animal health system does not integrate animal health with public health and ecosystem health. AEF is involved as a stakeholder representing the horse industry and our members in the Alberta Animal Health Strategy and the National Animal Health Strategy.
AEF is also involved as a stakeholder in the Alberta land-use framework studies and workshops. Resultant from AEF representation in these areas you can expect more education and information with respect to biosecurity, transportation of animals and many other issues.
It is because of your AEF membership and fees that representations are on your behalf and you are entitled to take part. Anyone with interests or concerns in these or other subjects, please contact Sonia Meyer, Executive Director, AEF.
Bill des Barres
Chair, Breeds & Industry
Alberta Stable Directory
A Stable Directory with in excess of four hundred stables is available on the AEF website. Not all of the stables in the directory are members of the new Alberta Stables Association. If a stable wishes to join contact information is available at www.albertastables.ca
If you are looking for a breeder, a place to ride, board a horse or take lessons this directory will help you to find a stable in your area. We have hundreds of stables listed from all corners of the province and all are interested in servicing your needs.
The Stable Directory is currently available on our website at www.albertaequestrian.com If you would like a copy mailed to you please contact the AEF at 1-877-463-6233.
If you are an Alberta stable owner, make sure your stable is listed in the directory. Send your stable name, address and phone number to coaching@alberta equestrian.com
2008 AEF Membership
The 2008 membership renewal forms will be mailed out to all 2007 members in November.
