T R A I L B L A Z E R S

2012 I ANNUAL REPORT

YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2012

AlbertaEquestrianFederation ©

contents

1 a l b e r t a e q u e s t r I a n f e d e r a t I o n l 2 0 1 2

In a word I was a pioneer, and therefore had to blazemy own trail. Major Taylor

a l b e r t a e q u e s t r I a n f e d e r a t I o n I 2 0 1 2

„ Alberta Equestrian Federation, January 2013

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that attribution is given to the Alberta Equestrian Federation (AEF). For

more information about the AEF, the content of this report, or to share

your comments about it, please contact info@albertaequestrian.com or

visit www.albertaequestrian.com.

This report is printed on recycled paper in support of the AEF’s commitment

to sustainability.

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.

Message from the aef president ....................................................... 2

2012 board of directors

representatives

Committees

staff ................................................................................................................. 5

Vision and mission

2012 quick facts ........................................................................................ 6

Wild rose trail ride .................................................................................. 8

development of alberta equestrians ............................................. 10

Health and well-being of equines ................................................... 14

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 regularcompetitors in combined driving events and pleasure driving showsaround central Alberta. Photo credit: Rich Kyllo Photography

COVER

Riders at the first annual Wild Rose Trail Ride at Rafter Six Ranch. Photo credit: Amber Perry

3 a l b e r t a e q u e s t r I a n f e d e r a t I o n l 2 0 1 2

I feel privileged to have served the alberta equestrian

federation (aef) over the past year, and to be part of

the trailblazing efforts of our board, volunteers, staff

and supporters.

In 2012, the aef board of directors supported the aef

staff in their ongoing delivery of the high-quality

services and programs aimed at both aef members

and non-members. You will read more about the

successful year in this annual report.

the aef board of directors also looked down new trails

in 2012 – new ways of doing our work – and set higher

expectations about how we will travel down those

trails. We have worked our way out of the deficit and for

the past two consecutive years, we have had a balanced

budget. We considered policy and best practices to

ensure that the aef is always working on behalf of its

membership. We initiated board restructuring and have

included a new club membership that equalizes

membership benefits and allows for a greater diversity

of non profit equine groups to join. Members are the

heart of the aef and we are committed to continuing

to support them in with our efforts.

on behalf of the board members, I would like to whole-

heartedly thank the aef executive director and the

aef staff for their dedication to the aef. they are out

there daily showing their commitment and hard work.

they take care of the trails – the work of the aef – and

blaze new ones for members, volunteers and others.

the aef will be 35 in 2013, and I invite you

to join us in celebrating this significant milestone.

Please share with us your stories about the aef over

the years.

as well, tell us what you think the aef should focus

on in the years leading to our 50th anniversary. We

are aiming far into the future to continue to trail blaze

for horses, donkeys and mules and their riders, drivers,

owners and care givers. I am looking forward to the

future and the new trails to come!

tara Gamble

aef President

2012 board of directors

message from the aeF president

2 a l b e r t a e q u e s t r I a n f e d e r a t I o n I 2 0 1 2

FACING PAGE

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

Tara Gamble. Photo credit: Terry Jorden

sonia dantu, executive director

norma Cnudde, Membership Coordinator

erin lundteigen, Coaching administrator

sophie beaufils, Competitions Coordinator

nicole Worthylake, Marketing and Program support

rita bernard, finance and support

staff

5 a l b e r t a e q u e s t r I a n f e d e r a t I o n l 2 0 1 2

Great discoveries and improvements invariably involve the cooperation of many minds. I may begiven credit for having blazed the trail, but when Ilook at the subsequent developments I feel the credit is due to others rather than to myself. Alexander Graham Bell

Elected by the AEF membership

tara Gamble, President

Kippy Maitland-smith, Vice President

Juliet franke, secretary

les oakes, treasurer

Gary Millar, Chair – sport

brian Irving, Chair – recreation

trish Mrakawa, Chair – education

bill desbarres, Chair – breeds & Industry

rebecca Munoz, Chair – Public relations

alison douglas, Individual

lewis Hand, Individual

Ken schmuland, Individual

laura stenhouse, Individual

dena squarebriggs, Individual

Appointed as provincial association representatives

alberta 4-H Provincial equine advisory Committee

alberta Carriage driving association

alberta donkey & Mule Club

alberta dressage association

alberta equestrian Vaulting association

alberta friesian Horse association

alberta Horse trials association

alberta Miniature Chuckwagon racing association

alberta Morgan Horse Club

alberta trail riding association

alberta Walking Horse association

american saddlebred Horse association of alberta

Canadian Cowboy Challenge association

endurance riders of alberta

Horse Industry association of alberta

Jump alberta society

trail riding alberta Conference

Welsh Pony & Cob society of alberta

Alberta Bits

biosecurity

bylaws

Canadian Interprovincial equestrian Championships

finance

Internal audit Committee

nominations

Public relations

scholarship

strategic Planning Committee

Wild rose trail ride

Thank you to the AEF Volunteers

the aef board of directors and the aef staff extend

a hearty and warm thank you to all of the volunteers

who supported the aef mission in 2012. You have

made a difference that would not have happened

without the generous gift of your time and effort.

2012 board of directors representatives committees

4 a l b e r t a e q u e s t r I a n f e d e r a t I o n I 2 0 1 2

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

7 a l b e r t a e q u e s t r I a n f e d e r a t I o n l 2 0 1 2

Vision

the voice of equine alberta

the premier source for education, information and

support for the entire equine community.

Mission

to assist in creating a positive environment for the

enjoyment of equines.

through our leadership and proactive approach we

promote, facilitate and co-ordinate equestrian related

activities for alberta.

2011 2012

Individual members - junior 3,992 4,710

Individual members - senior 8,643 10,976

association and affiliate members 94 101

business members 54 54

ride and drive registrants 138 198

live outside the box participants 42 29

trail supporters 164 145

Provincially approved officials 33 37

Wild rose Competitions 29 33

educational and coach training sessions 22 31

scholarships granted 9 8

Certified coaches 137

Vision and mission 2012 quick facts

6 a l b e r t a e q u e s t r I a n f e d e r a t I o n I 2 0 1 2

Whenever the pressure of our complex city life thins my blood and numbs my brain, I seek relief in the trail; and when I hear the coyote wailing to the yellow dawn, my cares fall from me – I amhappy. Hamlin Garland

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

9 a l b e r t a e q u e s t r I a n f e d e r a t I o n l 2 0 1 2

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:

� little bits therapeutic riding association

� opening Gaits therapeutic riding society

� Journeys therapeutic riding society

Wild rose trail ride

8 a l b e r t a e q u e s t r I a n f e d e r a t I o n I 2 0 1 2

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

11 a l b e r t a e q u e s t r I a n f e d e r a t I o n l 2 0 1 2

P’tit Trot Day Camp

the aef offers the P’tit trot program to introduce

children to the equestrian world. In 2012, it hosted a

day camp based upon the program. the camp was a

safe introduction and built confidence in riding and

what we need to know at the barn. Games kept the

young participants engaged and learning.

Live Outside the Box

live outside the box (the box being tV and computer)

promotes healthy and active living for youth aged 7 to

15 and encourages equestrian development.

In 2012, the highest number of horse time was awarded

to 12-year old Abbey Alexander. abbey and her horses,

Goose and rosalee, enjoy Western riding, english riding

and jumping.

the lowest number of hours of screen time was

awarded to 13-year old Emma Quinn, who enjoys

dressage with her horse, Penny. they also participate

in parades.

the highest consecutive screen free days was awarded

to 10-year old Rebekah Ferguson. rebekah and tibbs

like trails rides, 4-H and swimming, and go Western

or english.

Scholarships

the aef scholarship recipients for 2012 were all

young women who are career-bound in the equine

industry. Congratulations to these students for their

commitment to alberta’s equine world.

Rebecca Barber is 20 and completing her second year of

a bsc in animal health at the university of alberta. she

plans on a master’s degree based on equine nutrition

and to use her knowledge towards the betterment of

the sport in alberta.

Kaitlin McDonald is 25 and in her second year in

veterinary medicine at the university of Calgary. she

plans to work in alberta as an equine practitioner with

a focus on sport horse and rehabilitation medicine.

Lindsay Nakonechny is 21 and finishing her bsc in

animal health at the university of alberta. after a

master’s in equine welfare and a Phd in a related

equine field, she hopes to be involved with equine

educational programs.

Sarra Brown is 18 and a horse trainer and volunteer.

she will pursue her educational development by taking

an english horsemanship course.

development of alberta equestrians

10 a l b e r t a e q u e s t r I a n f e d e r a t I o n I 2 0 1 2

LEFT, CLOCKWISE

P’tit Trot day camp participants. Photo credit: Erin Lundteigen

Live Outside the Box: Lowest number of hours of screen time, EmmaQuinn and Penny. Photo credit: courtesy Emma Quinn

$1,500 scholarship recipient, Lindsay Nakonechny. Photo credit: courtesyLindsay Nakonechny

$750 scholarship recipient, Jenna Knudslien. Photo credit: courtesy JennaKnudslien

FACING PAGE

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

13 a l b e r t a e q u e s t r I a n f e d e r a t I o n l 2 0 1 2

Hannah Ferguson is 19 and has completed her first year

in animal health technology at olds College. she aims

to work at a vet clinic to put her enthusiasm for animals

to good use.

Jenna Knudslien is 18 and has completed her first year

of a university studies program at Portage College.

she has applied to the animal science program at the

university of alberta.

thank you to Capri Insurance for their generous

financial contribution to the aef scholarship program,

the donors to our scholarship fund and those who

purchase our aef pins for making these scholarships

possible.

Charlene Baker scholarship – Pat Ross

It is presented to the Western rider who has achieved

the highest average score of the level 4 test in the

Western rider development Program.

English Rider scholarship – Kim Aasman

It is presented to the english rider who has achieved the

highest average score of the level 8 test in the

english rider development Program.

AEF Conference

In november, the aef hosted the 2012 educational

conference in Calgary. Presenters were warmly

welcomed by the attentive audience of riders, drivers,

trainers, coaches, owners and others interested in the

equestrian world. topics ranged from the practical –

equine safe handling, athlete development,

backcountry first aid, insurance – to the inspirational –

be the better horse, great customer service.

thank you to the platinum conference sponsor, Capri

Insurance and all the conference sponsors for their

support:

• synergy apparel

• saddle up Magazine

• Horse savvy

• Horse Publications Group

• the Visions West studio

• equine Guelph

the silent auction raised just over $2,000 to help

support the live outside the box program; the aef

thanks all the sponsors and bidders.

12 a l b e r t a e q u e s t r I a n f e d e r a t I o n I 2 0 1 2

LEFT, CLOCKWISE

l-r Gold medal team endurance riding: Lee Hutten on Parker AES, JessicaYavis on Jahlad (Alberta) and Emma Webb on Serloki at the Adequan FEINorth American Junior and Young Riders Championships. Photo credit:Allen MacMillan/MacMillan Photography, photo@looncreekenterprises.com

l-r Team Appaloosa wins the Spruce Meadows Telus Battle of the Breeds:Sheri Gresko and Shady Drifter, Lynn Johnson and Cash Sirtificate,Laura-Gene Haga and Texcel,Kaylee McLachlin and Amigo TRT. Photo credit: Rob Stratton

l-r Canadian polocrosse team wins in Europe: Renee Hicks, WilliamHorne, Isabelle Ladiges, Lance Davison, Kayla Hicks, Allen Hicks. Photocredit: Brande Strachan

Northern Exposure, Morgan World Champion Western Trail, shown byKathy Padgham. Photo credit: www.howardschatzberg.com

FACING PAGE

Team Eiry Spence and Ben Poltorak geocaching in the first ever AmazingBack Country Race. Photo credit: Eiry Spence

15 a l b e r t a e q u e s t r I a n f e d e r a t I o n l 2 0 1 2

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

proud of this project because it has inspired other

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

Canada and the Horse Industry association of alberta,

to provide opportunities for education, welfare

education, industry monitoring and promotion of the

equine industry.

Health and well-being of equines

14 a l b e r t a e q u e s t r I a n f e d e r a t I o n I 2 0 1 2

no hour of life is wasted that is spent in the saddle. Winston Churchill

FACING PAGE

Dr. Kelsey Shacker DVM examining a horse and doing a flexion of 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

17 a l b e r t a e q u e s t r I a n f e d e r a t I o n l 2 0 1 2

In partnership with others across the province, the aef

hosted 33 Wild rose Competitions from March to

december 2012, a slight increase from the 2011 year.

there were 13 hunter/jumper Wild rose sanctioned

shows, 9 dressage shows, 4 eventing shows, 3 driving

shows and 4 general performance shows.

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

hunter/jumper provincially certified judges available to

officiate. the aef also found out that the fees were very

reasonable and that cost was not a factor. In response,

the aef will continue to develop its new Provincial

officials Program.

the aef continued to host coaching and judging

clinics throughout 2012 as part of its commitment to

developing excellence in alberta equestrian sports.

dressage judging clinics were held in april 2012 and

october 2012, and a general performance judging clinic

in october 2012.

Wild rose competitions

16 a l b e r t a e q u e s t r I a n f e d e r a t I o n I 2 0 1 2

LEFT, CLOCKWISE

Alan Wedge at a Wild Rose event. He is an AEF provincial dressagejudge. Photo credit: Michele King

Samantha Lethbridge and Pia won the volunteer recognition programthree times. Photo credit: Andy Lethbridge

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 theBRAVE April Fun Show. Photo credit: Sarah Papke

FACING PAGE

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

19 a l b e r t a e q u e s t r I a n f e d e r a t I o n l 2 0 1 2

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 reining

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.

team alberta received 7th, 9th and 10th place ribbons

riding leased horse. Meagan beunder received the

sportsmanship award for the CIeC.

alberta submitted an expression of interest to host the

CIeC for 2013 in alberta.

canadian Interprovincial equestrian championships

18 a l b e r t a e q u e s t r I a n f e d e r a t I o n I 2 0 1 2

do not go where the path may lead, go insteadwhere there is no path and leave a trail. Ralph Waldo Emerson

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 ischef d’equipe Trish Mrakawa. Photo credit: Lori Edwards

FACING PAGE

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

2012 2011

reVenueGrants $ 81,305 $ 81,305 Memberships 488,461 386,663 sport 16,742 14,763 trail support 869 13,097 education 62,816 33,785 breeds & industry 48,657 39,319 advertising 35,034 40,348 sales 35,939 17,044 administration 17,862 14,560 other income 17,679 10,557 recreation 7,281 4,172 Casino 58,058 54,554

870,703 710,167

2012 2011

eXpensessalaries & employee benefits $ 290,815 $ 252,394 Member & director insurance 107,190 87,882 education 66,400 37,169 advertising & promotion 128,625 88,915 office administration 123,542 71,152 sport 14,687 7,408 trail support 869 13,097 rent 48,182 47,856 Provincial Group - 1,176 Cost of goods sold 26,348 8,245 Professional fees 14,092 22,106 Meetings 5,130 3,613 recreation 4,885 4,370 breeds & industry 50,291 51,622 Casino 2,345 2,090

883,401 699,095

(deFIcIencY) eXcess beFore amortIzatIonand 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

statement of operationsas at deCeMber 31, 2011

21 a l b e r t a e q u e s t r I a n f e d e r a t I o n l 2 0 1 2

2012 2011

assets

CURRENTCash $ 201,361 $ 180,472 accounts receivable 5,882 7,369 Goods & services tax receivable 4,391 4,233 Inventory 7,185 10,996 Prepaid expenses 15,158 15,033

233,977 218,103

CAPITAL ASSETS 16,590 18,609

INVESTMENTS 103,097 102,073

$ 353,664 $338,785

2012 2011

lIabIlItIes

CURRENTaccounts payable & accrued liabilities $ 15,510 $43,082 unearned membership fees 231,958 195,312 deferred contributions 43,505 33,508

290,973 271,902

DEFERRED REVENUES 31,544 18,891

322,517 290,793

net assets

NET ASSETS 31,147 47,992

$ 353,664 $338,785

statement of financial positionas at deCeMber 31, 2012

20 a l b e r t a e q u e s t r I a n f e d e r a t I o n I 2 0 1 2

Alberta Equestrian Federationwww.albertaequestrian.com

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

AlbertaEquestrianFederation ©

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