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FROM THE EDITORS
October is a spooktacular month—it’s the perfect month to enjoy fall rides surrounded by stunning colours and crisp air. With the season transitioning and the new year around the corner, it brings a sense of renewal, recovery, and fresh opportunities.
Reflecting on an eventful show season, we’ve enjoyed many moments and are excited to share in this issue highlights from some of the events we attended in August and September. This month’s cover feature spotlights Purica and their Equine Recovery product—be sure to give them a look! The striking cover photo was captured by Jessie Campbell of Bluebird Photography, who joined our team at the Spruce Meadows Masters this year. Look forward to more of her work in our November issue.
Laureen James, Amber Zierath, Jess Fox, Britain Mills-Dawes, Danika McGuinness, Nicola Cocorocchio, Mad Barn Canada, Patricia E. Skinner, HCBC, BCHBC
Founder Nancy Roman 10
Wishing you happy reading and riding as you embrace the beauty of fall. Here’s hoping you carve out some time for recovery and renewal too!
Tass & Ruby
The Right Stuff with Purica
‘Pure’ and ‘Care’ – PURICA
Purica is derived from the words ‘pure’ and ‘care.’ Their symbol/logo represents balance of body, harmony of mind, flow of energy, and its centre is inseparable. All contribute to total wellness.
By Amber Zierath
There was a woman living on the island, and her horse had lameness issues in the hock and was out of the presentation. She gave her horse Recovery, and it eliminated the injury. This same horse also had COPD, and they were surprised to find that not only was the horse no longer lame but symptom severity of COPD had decreased. Said horse hadn’t been ridden in a decade, but after
One of Team Canada’s equestrian teams had a 12-year-old mare who came up lame. It was the oldest horse on the team, and they gave the mare the Recovery supplement. The horse did a full and 100% turnaround. After this, the whole team gave their horses Recovery and eventually went on to the world
ethic for doing things well and properly. As kids, the Watkin boys also worked with a veterinarian: cleaning the stables, walking the horses, and the general care of them.
As a young adult, Jason moved to Europe. “I was pursuing a career in medicine, and one objective was to study how connective tissue heals as we age,” said Jason. This objective led him to a collaboration with ballet companies in the Netherlands. The primary goal for this was to discover ways for helping dancers heal from injury faster. In time, Jason moved back to Canada and wanted to continue his study and research of healing.
Returning home, Jason didn’t have access to ballet dancers but rather many horses. He shifted his focus to study and research. Inevitably, this had Jason creating something simply referred to as the “stuff,” a supplement intended to aid in horses’ healing. In the beginning, it wasn’t meant for market; rather, it was a means for helping the animals and people closest to them to thrive, not just survive. The result of using the “stuff” was profound: healing and transforming the lives of those using it. Word of this spread, and soon others were asking for it for their own purposes.
A company was started in the Watkins family garage and funded by re-mortgaging the house. The “stuff” was branded, packaged, and sold, known on the market then and now as Recovery. Horses taking this supplement began performing far beyond the level they should have been, and veterinarians were promoting it for lameness issues.
“The Recovery supplement for both humans and animals can give you back what stress took away physically,” says Jason. “In the horse world, that’s many things that may lead to issues in the horses as they age. Purica Recovery can offer relaxation, have anti-spasm effects, and shift the vascular network for a more relaxed blood pressure.”
Profound healing with the Recovery supplement isn’t just happening for horses. People have experienced exceptional healing benefits from their human version. Also, videos have surfaced of dogs coming out of wheelchairs or running around like puppies again by using the animal recovery. Although, the big difference with Purica is that they do supplements for both human and animal and use the same human-grade ingredients in their animal lines all manufactured in the same nhpd certified GMP facility on Vancouver Island.
Recently, Jason Watkin became the sole owner of Purica so he can fully share and expand his vision of the brand. In the transition the company has undergone a rebranding and has relaunched their formulas with new innovations. The ingredient landscape is changing in the human and animal health side, and some ingredients are no longer available while others are providing new breakthroughs in health. After more than 25 years, Purica has found new ingredient breakthroughs, so it is more than just a label change for them. The change is in line with the company goal to be clear and transparent while having their products fit on the shelf of your veterinarian’s clinic, pharmacy, or local apothecary.
Purica is a fully Canadian company with all ingredients grown and all products manufactured in Canada. Each member of the team is passionate about the products and how they help those taking it. Everything they do is validated by research. There are several products created by Purica for animals and humans. Recovery is what started it all, decades ago, by two brothers and supported by their parents. Now, Recovery is a renowned, award-winning product, tried and true after a quarter century on the market.
“We are open-minded; if there is a new, better way to do things, we will find it.” To learn more about Purica and their products, visit www.purica.com
Amber Zierath, a Calgary-based, equine focused writer and the author of best-selling fiction novel Horse Karma. When she isn’t writing, you’ll find her with the horses; riding bareback in the mountains or spending time with the 60 geldings that inspire her. Learn more at amberzierath.com Photo provided by Purica.
WARMING UP WARMING UP
At The Spruce Meadows 50th Anniversary Masters
CPKC 'International' Grand Prix Presented by ROLEX
By Laureen James
I had a great three days at the Spruce Meadows Masters watching the world’s best show jumping talent.
One of my favourite spots at the world-class venue is the warmup rings for both the All-Canadian Ring and the International Ring.
So much can be learned by watching the athletes warm up in preparation to ride some of the most challenging courses. I had the opportunity to ask Klye King, Scott Brash, and Steve Guerdat a question during the press conference after the conclusion of the CPKC ‘International’ Grand Prix, presented by Rolex.
My Press Question to the Three Winners
I have heard that a class can be won or lost in the warmup ring. How do each of you feel about your warmup today, and did your warmup influence how you felt about going onto the course?
Kyle King, placed 2nd
Competes for the USA. His philosophy: “Listen to the horse—every one is an individual.” (FEI)
AMy warmup was perfect, in my opinion, today. The mare (Kayenne Z) just came out jumping amazing! I got the right warmup jump I wanted. I always like to warm up on the grass; some will warmup in the indoor, some in the outdoor sand. There are three different options here, and it just kind of fell into place today; everything worked out great.
In the second round my mare started jumping better, like she has all summer here. It was last second; I had just come out of the ring, and I decided not to go back down the hill; I didn’t want to spend her energy, and then—I heard that Scott’s horse had a shoe problem or something. It was like an ice kicker sitting there walking around, and I hate that I had to stay on her and only jumped two jumps in the little grass field. It was just one of those days for me that everything worked out perfectly. Sometimes it doesn’t. Sometimes you don’t get the right warmup jump and people are in your way. Today everything lined up.
Scott Brash, placed 1st
The Scottish show jumper riding the horse Hello Jefferson rode for Great Britain. Scott credits his hard-working team of grooms and support staff, his string of talented horses, and their dedicated owners, partners, and supporters for his success.
(Scott Brash Website Bio)
AI was very happy with my warmup. In my second last vertical before I went into the jump-off, I just didn’t get a good feeling, so I wanted to jump one more. He jumped a lot better, but he clipped a shoe on the takeoff, and then when he landed, I could hear that it just came slightly slack. I thought, “Bloody hell. Why did I jump another jump?” So yeah, I had to go to the farrier. Thankfully, the farrier was quick about it, and it wasn’t too much of a problem.
Other than that, I was very happy with my warmup. I also think we are very lucky here, as Kyle said, to have three different warmup options so there is space. The biggest problem with other shows is tight warmups: thirty horses in a warmup where there should only be eight. We are very lucky here at Spruce Meadows to have these facilities so that we can easily focus on our job and do our job properly, warm up correctly, and give our horses the best chance to do the best performance they can.
Steve Guerdat, placed 3rd
Jumps for Switzerland. In 2012, Steve became a top rider in the world rankings. He was riding Venard De Cerisy for his grand prix, placing 3rd.
AWe had a good warmup; he went very well and knows this place. He felt good all week, so I didn’t need to jump very much in the warmup. There are all the different possibilities to warm up so the horses can be very relaxed, and everyone has their own jump. It’s very nice to warm up that way. It’s much nicer for the horses.
It was a joy to spend three full days at the Spruce Meadows Masters watching the best riders at the top of their sport, giving the spectators thrilling and engaging performances. I still like to spend a good amount of time watching the warmups, and I wasn’t alone. Many enthusiasts watched alongside me as
Laureen James BCom, Journalist, EC/NCCP Coach Certification IOB. Laureen is an equine journalist who writes for many publications. She also writes for the pet industry and is a columnist for Unison 50+ News. She has covered rodeos and related events over the past few years as a journalist and photographer. Photos taken and provided by our writer and show correspondent Laureen James.
Laureen & Winner Scott Brash
Behind the Scences with the Jump Crew
2025 Calgary Stampede
Ross
Lady Warrior Champion Lakeisha
By Amber Zierath
Seventeen-year-old Lakeisha Ross
had planned to take the summer of 2025 off and relax. Then, she received a call from Viola and Charles Stone of the In It 2 Win It Indian Relay Team, which flipped that plan upside down. This team wanted Lakeisha to be their rider in the Lady Warrior Race at the Calgary Stampede; the young lady almost turned it down. Instead, she agreed to race for the team and won the event.
Q
How many horses did you ride in the races at the Calgary Stampede?
A
I rode four horses total, and they were all thoroughbreds. I had never ridden any of these horses before the Calgary Stampede, and two of them were brand new; never ridden in a warrior race and fresh off the racetrack.
Reedly, a gelding: he is a huge horse with a lot of muscle and power. This is the most powerful horse I’ve ever ridden in my life—all I could think while riding him was to just stay on.
Radacliff, a gelding: he and I were nervous for our first race together, but I kept talking to him and saying, “We got this, boy.” When the horn went, he didn’t know what to do, so he just trotted— once he saw the other horses racing, he took off.
One Find Day, a mare: I took in too much of this horse’s energy, and it made me nervous to the point where I couldn’t control my emotions.
Double Barrel Delight, a mare: the first time I rode her, we got a photo finish—a nose. She was my favourite horse to ride; we just clicked. I rode her the hardest.
Q
What was training like with these horses before the Calgary Stampede?
A Before training for the Stampede, I hadn’t ridden a thoroughbred bareback for nearly a year. During training with these horses, I ended up on a runaway—I can’t remember which one it was. I started galloping on the track, and the horse took off. I rode the runaway four times around the track, had blisters on my hands from pulling back, and I panicked a bit and squeezed my legs while trying to slow the horse down. Finally, I took a deep breath, relaxed, and thankfully didn’t fall off before the horse stopped. After this, I had renewed confidence to ride bareback at the Calgary Stampede.
Q
Aside from training practices with the horses, what do you do with/for them before races?
A I speak to the horses a lot before going out to race. From the second I approach the horse, as we move to the track, during the race, and until I leave them at the end of it all, I’m speaking to them. I like to look into their eyes and watch their ears so I know they’re listening. I also have my own prayer I say, which includes sage—this includes praying for all horses and riders on the track. I’ll also pat the horse down and say a prayer with/for them.
We also paint the horses before racing. In my own words, we do this, as each symbol painted has meaning, it’s not only for looks. Some of the symbols are Cree to represent strength, wisdom and humility. Also, dots may represent something about the team’s treaty number. Each symbol painted on a horse means something significant.
Q
Other than the Calgary Stampede, how else are horses a part of your life?
A I can’t remember the first time I sat on a horse because I was so young, likely just a baby. I now have two young horses of my own: one seven-year-old thoroughbred mare named Einstein, and a five-year-old Welsh Pony named Gismo. I can’t live without horses. It isn’t just a hobby for me; it is a lifestyle.
Winning the title for the Lady Warrior Race at the 2025 Calgary Stampede is an experience Lakeisha will never forget. Before racing in one of the largest rodeos and exhibitions in the world, she was encouraged to imagine the good, think of the good, and imagine how the race would go. It proved to be the winning strategy.
Do it scared; donʼt quit. – Lakeisha Ross
Amber Zierath, a Calgary-based, equine focused writer and the author of best-selling fiction novel Horse Karma. When she isn’t writing, you’ll find her with the horses; riding bareback in the mountains or spending time with the 60 geldings that inspire her. Learn more at amberzierath.com Photos provided by Lakeisha and Photographer Whelangeorge
PaInTYoUrHoRsE PaInTYoUrHoRsE ToAddUniqueDetails
By adding painted patterns or details to your horse, you can turn them into a whole different animal and tell a story through your costume.
Some important things to remember when you use paint on your horses are what type of paint you are using and where you are putting it. The best paints are ones made specifically for horses and other animals. These paints are washable and non-toxic. Although if you cannot find horse-specific paints or glitters at your local tack store; suitable alternatives are water-based paints, such as watercolour pucks. These paints can be easily washed off and will not irritate your horse’s skin like acrylic craft paints could.
Your Chestnut could become the Tiger to your Pooh with a few stripes. A Buckskin could transform into Bambi for your Thumper with some small polka dots. Or you could even turn your Paint into your pirate’s treasure map.
Jess Fox is a Calgary-based Fashion Designer focused on modernized western wear and sustainable production. When she isn't creating western inspired garments, she can be found working on elaborate costumes; with and without her horse! Learn more at jessfox.ca Photography by Jess Fox
Bones Bones
By Britain Mills-Dawes
Scapula (Shoulder Blade)
Why it matters: anchors key muscles for stride length and shoulder freedom.
Performance impact: a tight or sore scapula limits front-end reach, creating shorter strides, reducing jump height and causing stiffness in turns.
Thoracic vertebrae
Why it matters: this is the section of the spine that supports the weight of a saddle and rider.
Performance impact: pain or restriction here can show up as “cold-backed” behaviour, hollowing, reluctance to lift the back, or trouble rounding into collection.
Navicular Bone (Coffin Bone)
Why it matters: small but mighty—a key structure in the hoof that supports flexor tendons and shock absorption.
Performance impact: Problems here (navicular syndrome) often show up as persistent lameness, shortened stride, or toe-first landings.
Looking to learn more about anatomy and how the horses' skeletal structure influences their movements and abilities? Reach out at stableinstincts@gmail.com to schedule our new clinic: Inside Out
Why it matters: foundation of propulsion— where the hindquarters generate power.
Performance impact: alignment of the pelvis affects balance, collection, and thrust. Misalignment can cause uneven gaits, bucking, or difficulty engaging the hind end.
Cannon Bone(Metacarpal/Metatarsal)
Performance impact: stress or micro fractures here can end a season quickly. Proper conditioning and footing are essential for longevity. Why it matters: it bears a huge portion of concussive forces in every stride.
Britain Mills-Dawes, owner of Stable Instincts—an equine wellness business specializing in bodywork and nutrition. She’s a practitioner, clinician, and speaker who’s presented at some of the largest Canadian equine events, such as the Calgary Stampede and Horse Expo. Britain also co-hosts her equine podcast Uncinched. Connect with her at stableinstincts.ca
just
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“I’m not afraid to be seen trying.”
energy, Dustin took his time and never got worked up, just helped each colt work through the beans they needed to get out of them. By midday the first day everyone’s colt was saddled and getting a feel of softness in the aids from the ground.
The ranch horsemanship commenced mid-afternoon. Dustin has been doing clinics for the past 3 years, and I think the most popular question I got asked pre-clinic was, “What is Dustin Sippola’s Ranch Horsemanship?” At the basic level it consisted of just getting you and your horses ‘together,’ keeping them between your reins and your legs, and going where you go together as a unified team with forward motion.
How did we work on that? We started on 10 m circles and then rode straight lines to a destination, keeping your horse with you. There was the flag obstacle, riding our horses between a waving flag and a slicker hanging on a fence.
et’s Get Blending!
ur horses may not ask for aromatherapy, but if they could talk, I’m pretty sure they’d say, “Pass the diffuser, please!” Essential oils can help clear the air—literally— making the barn a fresher, easier place to breathe for our four-legged partners. Diffusing essential oils in the barn is a simple, natural way to help support your horse’s respiratory health, and yes, it can be just as relaxing for you as it is for them. The magic of diffusing is part spa day, part science, and all about helping horses breathe a little easier.
When it comes to supporting my horses' breathing, choosing the right essential oils is key. Some oils, like eucalyptus, peppermint, and lavender help to open up the airways and promote calm, easy breaths. Others may be too strong for your horse’s sensitive system. So, it is important to choose wisely and keep things gentle.
Diffusing is one of the safest ways to introduce essential oils to your horse—think of it as letting the aroma float through the barn like a soft breeze. A few drops in a diffuser placed outside their stall or in the tack room can go a long way in creating a healthier, fresher space for both of you. I have my diffuser going beside me during grooming, and I choose different oils based on each of my horses' needs.
Some of my go-to oils for diffusing, & your horses respiratory dream team!
EUCALYPTUS
The Fresh Air Specialist think of this oil as the barn’s own breeze machine. It helps open airways and makes breathing feel easy and clear.
PEPPERMINT
The Cool Refresher this oil brings that crisp, cool tingle—like a breath mint for your horses’ lungs. Perfect for perking up a stuffy barn.
LAVENDER
The Chill-out Buddy is not just for relaxation; lavender helps keep breathing smooth while also calming your horse’s mind. Double win!
By Nicola Cocorocchio
The Gentle Supporter, mild and grounding, copaiba is the “quiet achiever” that supports respiratory health in a gentle way. Super for air purification.
COPAIBA THIEVES
The Defender, warm, spicy, and full of character, thieves’ oil purifies and freshens the air while giving your horses’ immune and respiratory systems a boost.
Key Sa�ety Tips Be�ore Blending
Less is More horses have super sensitive noses, so stick with just a few drops per blend. Strong scents aren’t necessary for more benefits.
Never Trap the Aroma always diffuse in a well-ventilated area. Like outside the stall or in the aisle or the tack room.
2 drops of Eucalyptus + 2 drops of Peppermint + 1 drop of Lavender Breath of fresh air for your barn—light, crisp, and clearing.
2 drops of Lavender + 2 drops of Chamomile + 1 drop Copaiba
A soft and calming blend for stressful days, travel, or just when your horse could use a little extra peace.
2 drops of Thieves + 2 drops of Lemon + 1 drop of Eucalyptus
A spicy, citrusy defender that helps keep the barn fresh and the immune system supported.
2 drops Lavender + 2 drops Copaiba + 1 drop of Peppermint Gentle support blend during allergy season.
But, before you fire up the diffuser, let's talk barn safety—because a little know-how keeps aromatherapy gentle and horse approved.
Watch Your Horse every horse is unique. Keep an eye on them; if they seem restless, sneezy, or move away, turn the diffuser off.
Quality Matters use pure, horse-safe essential oils. NO synthetic fragrances, fillers, or mystery blends.
If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to consult your veterinarian for advice. Whether you try a few drops of Breeze Blend in the morning or a little Stable Calm after a long ride, diffusing essential oils can turn your barn into a breezy, happy, and healthier space. May your barn always smell like fresh air and happy horses. Now, let’s get blending!
Nicola Cocorocchio is a MMCP Equi-Verde Therapies Canadian Advisor, Healing Barn Movement nicola.cocorocchio@gmail.com
Can My Horse Eat That?
HORSE health with A Veterinarian's Guide to Safe Ingredients for Equine Treats
By Dr Madison Ricard, DVM, PhD, DACVP, PAS
All horses enjoy occasional tasty treats, and offering them can strengthen your bond with your equine companion. However, not all foods are safe for equine consumption. Feeding your horse an unsafe food can lead to digestive problems, colic, or even serious poisoning. Discover which common foods make safe treats for horses and which should be avoided to keep your equine companions healthy and happy. There are many treats that are safe for horses. Remember to feed all treats in moderation and stay mindful of feeding bite-sized pieces.
TREATS
SAFE Fruits for horses include:
Apples
Cut into small slices to reduce the risk of choking.
Berries
Horses can eat many types of berries, including blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries.
Bananas
Many horses enjoy bananas, but horses with HYPP should avoid high-potassium foods like these.
Citrus Fruits
Some horses enjoy oranges, tangerines, lemons, limes, and clementines.
Grapes & Raisins
Some horses enjoy grapes as a sweet snack. Raisins are also safe for horses.
Melons
All types of melon are safe for horses, including watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydew.
Pears
Horses with dental concerns may enjoy pears as a softer alternative to apples.
SAFE Vegetables, Legumes, and Herbs for horses include:
B
eans
Some horses enjoy green beans as a crunchy snack. They may also like soft, cooked pinto, kidney, or fava beans.
Carrots
Remember to break or cut carrots into small pieces to reduce the risk of choke.
Celery
Some horses enjoy the taste and crunch of celery.
Corn
This grain has been a staple of equine feed products for centuries. If you feed corn, ensure it is removed from the cob before feeding.
Cucumber
A safe and hydrating snack.
Herbs
Horses can enjoy many different types of herbs from the garden, including fenugreek, chamomile, mint, and oregano.
Peas
Snap or snow peas in the pod or loose can be a tasty and safe treat.
Squash
Pieces of pumpkin, squash, or zucchini flesh are safe for horses.
UNSAFE
Human Foods for horses include:
Bread Products
Bread and related products can be safe in small amounts, but they should not be a regular part of a horse’s diet. Flour-based foods are high in starch, which can contribute to health issues like laminitis, particularly in horses prone to equine metabolic syndrome.
Dairy Products
Feeding dairy products can cause digestive upset in horses because adult horses no longer produce the enzyme that breaks down lactose.
Chocolate, Caffeine, Cocoa, & Tea
These products contain toxins called methylxanthines that can cause excessive sweating, muscle tremors, incoordination, and heart arrhythmias.
UNSAFE Plants, Fruits, and Vegetables for horses include:
Acorns
In large quantities, acorns can cause colic, lethargy, bloody urine, and liver damage.
Avocado
Can cause cardiac arrhythmias. Horses can die rapidly after consuming the fruit, seeds, or leaves of the avocado plant.
Nightshades
Can cause irritation of the intestinal tract, lethargy, and heart arrhythmias. Plants to avoid include potatoes, tomatoes, eggplants, and peppers.
Brassica Plants
Plants in the Brassica family, such as cabbage, cauliflower, and kale, can cause irritation of the gastrointestinal tract, leading to diarrhea and colic.
Onions, Garlic, & Leeks
These plants contain compounds that damage red blood cells, resulting in anemia. Affected horses may show signs such as yellow gums, rapid heart rate, and red urine.
Oxalate-Containing Plants
These plants can cause gastrointestinal irritation and induce calcium deficiency. Plants to avoid include spinach, rhubarb, above-ground beet greens, prickly pear, purslane, Swiss chard, and star fruit.
Persimmon
The seeds of this plant easily compact together in the horse’s stomach, which can cause intestinal obstruction and lead to colic requiring surgical intervention.
Buttercups
Mild exposures can lead to blisters in the mouth or facial skin, swelling of facial structures. More severe reactions include colic, diarrhea, tremors, seizures, or paralysis.
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Helps maintain healthy airways and lung function
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The Ladies Breakaway Roping Association of BC FINALS
The Ladies Breakaway Roping Association of BC was happy to have had an excellent finals held at BCNE despite some damp weather. We had 52 entries and were able to award prizes and payouts to 7th place on the average. We were also able to pay out to fourth place in both the 1D and 2D rounds of the ladies finals.
First place in the average was Riley Beier, who was awarded an Irvine’s saddle, and second, Arlee Newsham was awarded a beautiful Troy Fischer buckle, along with many other great prizes for 3rd-7th place in the average. In the youth we had 4 entries and were able to pay out the fastest time in all 3 rounds as well as a buckle and payout for Chloe Gautron first in the average, and a halter and payout for Ainslee Meise, second in the average. The LBRABC is extremely grateful for our sponsors helping us give beginners and pros alike a chance to be successful.
Without our great sponsors, directors, stock contractors, and volunteers, our first finals would not have been the great success that we feel it was, so thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Here is to the new season and finals being bigger and better next year!
Ladies Breakaway Roping Association of BC - breakawaybc.ca
household are planning to intentionally alarm everyone around you!
The day of spooktacular celebrations can be fun for your dog too, IF they are prepared. All the shift of scene and energy for one day is definitely not something to avoid for your dog! Don’t be hiding them away or think they don’t know something weird is lurking like skeletons in the closets—they know! They just may not understand, and often they will react—and not in a good way!
Ways to prep your dog for the bizarre upcoming event, are appropriate preparations ahead of time. This is where I want to remind dog owners of what I refer to as ‘emotional stacking.’ This is when one emotional stimulus stacks on to another and another and another until your dog just can’t process anymore, completely loses their composure, and acts out in some way. Often owners only respond to the acting out rather than considering all the stimulus that built up to the behaviour outburst. This is when preparation becomes so important for your dog’s emotional development and overall stability, especially at such charged event days like Halloween.
If you are planning to play spooky, creepy music, start playing it a few days ahead of the day so your dog can adjust to the unusual stimulation. If you plan to have fake spiderwebs, skeletons, candles, jack-o'-lanterns, or other out-of-the norm decorations around, please do this gradually and long before the actual Halloween day when it all comes together (and usually not in a good way for dogs)! Bring the costumes out in the open and leave them out for your dog to smell and acknowledge thoroughly for at least a day before anyone puts them on. This is especially important if the costumes were borrowed or rented, as likely they smell like the last person that wore them and the containers they were stored in. Allow your dog to sniff them and give those costumes the once-over well ahead of the day. This might be a very good time to have dog treats set out along with the costumes! Try those costumes on a few times and gradually interact with your dog while wearing them. Move with your dog and sit with them to give your dog assurances that it is still you underneath it all.
Trick or treat? Once your dog is okay with your strange appearance, this is a great opportunity for tricks and...treats, dog tricks and dog treats, that is! Once you are in costume, and your dog’s acceptance is a-ok; this would be a great time to be feeding your dog and for extra dog fun and dog treats! Make sure that if there is face paint, masks, or wigs involved, that you and your kids have them on and interact with your dog long before all the costume is put together, and especially if more than one person is dressing up. It might be pure dog havoc if all of a sudden you and your friends present yourselves to your dog looking all different and all at once! "Eeeks--RUN, like a bat outta hell!!!” says Fido!!!
If you are not dressing up but otherwise plan to offer treats at your door for visiting people in costume (of all sizes and descriptions)—whoa, make no assumptions that this will be ok with your dog! Many dogs will become very frightened, agitated, and more protective and/or more defensive than ever when all of a sudden worrisome princesses, pirates, ghosts, goblins, vampires and witches (or worse) appear at their door!
Thinking about it from a dog’s perspective, the thought could be downright terrifying! Please be sure to make the most ideal and ‘sane’ choice for your own personal doggo! Basically, you have 2 choices to keep your dog stable at this disruptive Halloween time.
Put your dog in a back room with their bed and something to keep them busy, like a chewy kong, or bone. Ideally, play some nice 3⁄4 time music or have the radio or TV on for noise distraction, and be sure to leave them with something that smells like you for added comfort.
Keep your dog with you, tied to you or something solid close to you, preferably, and help them stay calm during all the unfamiliar shenanigans. Be sure your dog is sitting or lying down and CALM, positioned behind you, before opening the door to the stranger. Keep them contained and keep everyone safe first and foremost. If your dog seems friendly and inquisitive then allow them to sniff the stranger in costume, but please advise the visitor to allow your dog to approach them respectfully, rather than the person ever reaching out or approaching your dog. Let the ‘meets and greets’ be on you and your dog’s terms and only if calm and slow, otherwise just have your dog watch and observe at a distance, if they can. It is a wonderful opportunity to prove to your dog that you are in charge and they are actually much safer following your lead and your decisions. (It might be a good idea to put a sign out front letting people know that you have a dog ‘in training’ and to be patient for you to open the door). For your dog ... take the time it takes and use the opportunity to build courage, turning their fears into fascination.
And last but not least, please also be sensitive to your dog’s emotional and physical stability at Halloween. Many a dog’s worry and fear can respond in various ways, including shaking, nervous submission, scared stiff, or outright attacking aggression, depending on your dog’s self confidence and balance overall. If you think this may be a physical factor for your dog’s well-being, you might consider giving your dog some natural emotional support like Bach’s Rescue Remedy flower essence or CBD drops for dogs to help calm nerves. Other dogs take stress to their stomach—you could consider giving some probiotics or even some festive pumpkin with your dog’s October 31st meals to help support and soothe the physical responses to this stressful time. Putting your dog’s welfare first with prior and appropriate preparation...will help to ensure a Spooktacular outcome for the Halloween festivities for you and your doggo! Have fun and enjoy the toil and trouble of the dark days of Halloween!
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1 2 EVERYTHING PETS Princeton, BC 250-295-7381
Quality Foods & Supplies for all your pets! See us on FB HARMONYFARMKENNELANDLAMB.COM
Monte Lake, BC 250-375-2528
“Custom Care” boarding welcomes ALL dogs!
2026 MEMBERSHIPS AVAILABLE NOW
Renew online hcbc.online
NOMINATIONS OPEN – 2025 HORSE COUNCIL BC AWARDS
Renew or join today for the upcoming year. If you missed renewing for 2025, don’t worry—you can still take advantage of our extended membership option: receive the remainder of 2025 at a discounted rate plus your full 2026 membership.
2025/2026 Extended Membership Rates
2025/2026 Adult Membership: $102.50 + tax
2025/2026 Youth Associate: $75.84 + tax
2025/2026 Family Enrolment: $222.50 + tax
Additional Family Youth: $29.00 + tax
(Minimum/Maximum 3 people defined as parent(s) or legal guardian(s) and their minor children residing at the same address. Maximum 2 adults per family. Each member will receive their own number.)
2026 Membership Rates
2026 Adult Membership: $69.00 + tax
2026 Youth Associate: $49.00 + tax
2026 Family Enrollment: $159.00 + tax
Additional Family Youth: $19.00 + tax
(Minimum/Maximum 3 people defined as parent(s) or legal guardian(s) and their minor children residing at the same address. Maximum 2 adults per family. Each member will receive their own number.)
Horse Council BC is now accepting nominations for the 2025 Awards, including the Sherman Olson Lifetime Achievement Award and a newly expanded program recognizing excellence in Community, Sport, Recreation, and Industry. These awards celebrate outstanding volunteers whose contributions strengthen BC’s equine community— whether through local clubs, sport development, advocacy, trail access, innovative industry practices, or a lifetime of service.
Categories
Bob James Community Volunteer of the Year For volunteers making a lasting impact in local communities.
Sport Supporting athlete development and equestrian sport at all levels.
Recreation Advancing safe, accessible riding opportunities across BC. Industry Driving innovation and improving horse welfare.
Sherman Olson Lifetime Achievement Award Honouring a lifetime of exceptional dedication to BC’s equestrian sector.
Nominations
Open August 1 – November 30
Nominee must be an HCBC member in good standing. Requires 5 nominators (also HCBC members). Complete nomination package must be submitted by the deadline.
Nomination forms hcbc.ca/about/hcbc-awards
CONNECT WITH US!
Office Hours
Monday - Friday 8:30 - 4:30 pm
Executive Director administration@hcbc.ca Agriculture & Industry industry@hcbc.ca
Membership membership@hcbc.ca Coaching and Education coaching@hcbc.ca Marketing and Communications communication@hcbc.ca
HCBC.CA 1-800-345-8055
Recreation and Trails recreation@hcbc.ca Competition competition@hcbc.ca Community Development development@hcbc.ca
HCBC Bookstore bookstore@hcbc.ca Finance and Grant Funding finance@hcbc.ca
The Backcountry Horsemen of BC
When the senior park ranger for Golden Ears Park at the time mentioned the Menzies Trail washed out after the last atmospheric river; none of us quite grasped the scale of the damage. We had seen pictures of the Parkway, but what the force of water did to the little Viking Creek crossing on Menzies was truly astonishing.
Trail reps from the BCHBC Aldergrove Chapter and the Haney Horsemen met on-site. What was once a 20-foot creek bed had become a debris field stretching several hundred feet. The original creek bed was completely blocked by large tree trunks, forcing the water to carve a new path farther south. Sand, rocks, and boulders now covered the area, and the new creek banks were much steeper than before. Finding the trail on the other side was difficult, but establishing a new route would be the goal of the next work-bee.
A wise person reminded us to work smarter, not harder, so we looked for the path of least resistance!
The easiest path was not straight. It dropped below the original trail, crossed the creek at a more gradual spot, then climbed to reconnect near a large pile of tree trunks. The pile looked daunting, but we all agreed it was doable, so we started planning. Twelve volunteers came out to our April work-bee, which was coordinated by BCHBC and included members from both the Aldergrove Chapter and the Haney Horsemen. We divided into teams. Some started at the south end, brushing and raking where debris was light. Others used tall crowbars to pry loose large rocks and logs. Our chainsaw team tackled the large pile of tree trunks farther up the trail.
In under half a day, we had a new trail cleared through the washout. Just a bit of touch-up work to improve visibility and some flagging in less obvious spots remained after lunch. We felt proud of what we had accomplished and happily tucked into the doughnuts that Kim had so kindly brought up the trail for everyone. Thank you, Kim! A few weeks later, ten members from the Aldergrove and Yarrow chapters came together on the Dewdney Trail, starting from the Cascade Recreation Site in Manning Park. The goal: remove an old, rotting boardwalk bridge that had become a nerve-wracking crossing for many. We dismantled the planks and replaced them with rock gathered from a dry creek bed nearby. The job took a lot of elbow grease, but the results were worth it.
Helping with the job were Kim Hensen’s mules, Huggy and Stubby. Stubby, her pack mule, carried loads of rock from the dry creek bed to the site of the old log bridge. The mules also hauled chainsaw equipment, which was used to clear fallen trees blocking the trail on the way to the bridge. Farther up the trail, Val Owens and Brian Harder tackled a tricky cluster of already fallen trees that were lying horizontally, stacked across each other and suspended off the ground. These needed to be cleared to allow safe passage for riders later in the season. With careful planning, each cut brought the trees down just as intended—exactly how the first aid and safety person likes it.
We are so grateful to everyone who comes out to these work-bees. Volunteers like you make it possible to keep these trails open, safe, and accessible for all riders. If you are looking for more information about equestrian-friendly trails across BC, the HCBC Trails Database is a great resource. Happy trails!
FINDING THE PATH OF LEAST RESISTANCE TALES OF PATHFINDING, CROWBARS, CHAINSAWS, MULES, AND DOUGHNUTS
Submitted By Amelie Zunk – Aldergrove Chapter
TOP Menzies Trail Washout
LEFT Brian & Cole Loading Stubby at the Cascade Rec Site RIGHT Kim & Mules on the Dewdney Trail BOTTOM Wonderful Volunteers on the Job!
325
Promoting equine activities and knowledge in the south Cariboo with Shows, Clinics, Gymkhanas and more. President: Danita McLaren
Promoting therapeutic riding, equine-based therapeutic services, and para-equestrian activities throughout BC through networking, educational programming, and outreach activities. JOIN US! 326
BC CARRIAGE DRIVING SOCIETY
Pleasure, Combined, Recreation from Minis to Drafts, bccarriagedriving.com 824
BC PAINT HORSE CLUB
bcphc.com, Open Show & Competition Program, award sponsorships for local clubs, youth scholarship. maddy.shannon33@gmail.com 426
Smithers BC. Check out our website at northernsaddleclub.com and follow us on Facebook 426
VERNON DISTRICT RIDING CLUB (Vernon BC), check out our website at vernonridingclub.com or visit our Facebook & Instagram pages 326
VINTAGE RIDERS EQUESTRIAN CLUB (Fraser Valley BC), English/Western, lectures, clinics, socials, safe and fun, vintageriders@mail.ca, on Facebook 626
WILD ROSE DRAFT HORSE ASSOCIATION
www.wrdha.com. Barb Stephenson (Secretary) phone 403-933-5765 (8:00 am to 8:00 pm) 326 Canadian Cowboy Challenge A SPORT for the whole Family! Seven Divisions to accommodate all! For more info please call 403-828-2044 or visit www.canadiancowboychallenge.com
Events + Club Hub
EDUCATION. RECREATION. INSPIRATION.
Welcoming a diverse equestrian community by fostering an environment of enjoyment, development, and competition.
More details and dates available at kelownaridingclub.ca 3745 Gordon Drive, Kelowna BC
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
Feature Club NEWS NEWS
It's wonderful how fast the summer has gone! The club just had its annual Long-Ears Days in Didsbury at the end of September. This show was open to all equines and their owners, and it included games and obstacles for riders and (ground) drivers alike! Come join our clubs and shows; the show cost is $25 for nonmembers and free for members! Special shout-out to members in the community promoting our favourite animals—Brooklyn Bell has had Pete and Norman in parades and meeting the public at events, and Amanda Enmark has had Phillippe at the RCMP Musical Ride for a driving demo and has been featured recently on the Alberta Health Services' (Assisted-Living Alberta) social media platforms for their volunteer services. We're also currently collecting feedback for a new logo and location for our 2026 ADMC show! It's an exciting time to be a member!
Check out the ADMC website for more information. Alberta Donkey and Mule Club – Cheer for the Ears!
Adventures with
Phillippé got to live a lifelong dream recently! He met the RCMP Musical Ride team! WOW! What a great experience. Phillippe and some of his driving friends were invited to perform a demo at the Whitemud Equine Learning Centre Association's (WELCA) presentation of the RCMP Musical Ride! He showed his best moves with his friend Jed Howlett on the lines, and they were the crowd favourite!
Full Club News will be back in the December issue! To check out more EVENTS go to https://saddleup.ca/event/
BEDDING, HOG, FUEL, SHAVINGS
REIMERSFARMSERVICE.COM
(BC Interior) 1-855-737-0110 or 250-838-0111. Bulk Shavings, Sawdust, Bark Mulch and Hog Fuel. 4x4x4 Shavings Totes 326
EQUINE FIRST AID
EQUUSOUL EQUINE FIRST AID Courtney Gledstone 604-838-1182
Equine Emergency First Aid courses available for all ages & ability levels, CE credits avail.
FEED DEALERS
ASHCROFT HOME BUILDING CENTRE (Ashcroft) 250-453-2281 Otter Co-op Dealer & Pet Foods. You can find us on Facebook 326
HORSE BLANKET & REPAIR
HORSE BLANKET & SADDLE PAD WASHING & REPAIRS Clean used Blankets for sale Town Centre Dry Cleaners 250-546-0104 Armstrong 1025
TRAILER REPAIRS
PETERSEN TRAILERS LTD. (Langley) 604-533-4209 Service and Repairs. All makes. petersentrailers.ca 924
CONNECT VETERINARY SERVICES (Okanagan) 250-212-3513 Mobile Equine, Dr. Savannah Beavers, connectvetservices.com 326
INTERIOR VETERINARY HEALTH SERVICES (Okanagan) 250-863-5996, Mobile Equine, Brytann Youngberg DVM, VSMT, College of Animal Chiropractors 326
Stitches
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