IMPORTANT:  Read on for the MHC President's letter to all MHC members
primarily regarding recent developments with Equine Canada.

Dear Manitoba Horse Council Membership,  

Manitoba Horse Council (MHC) would like to provide you with an update on recent developments and give explanation to some of the issues MHC is facing at this time.  

New President 

As many of you may be aware, Dave Myers has resigned as President of the Manitoba Horse Council. I, Geri Sweet, have been asked to act as President until a search has been completed and a new President elected at the MHC Annual General Meeting (AGM) in April 2010. There is no question that my first task is to thank Dave for his leadership over the last 4 years and to express, on behalf of the MHC Board, appreciation for all the very hard work Dave has done as President.  

Normally the position of President would be filled by the incumbent Vice President; however there is no Vice President of MHC at this time. I would like to ask the membership in its entirety to help the present MHC Board by suggesting a candidate(s) to run for the position of President and Vice President, and any other positions on the Board in time for an election in April 2010. Suggestions and input can be directed to the nominating committee or any member of the MHC Board. 

Equine Canada Proposal 

I would like to make sure that all MHC members, whatever their equestrian interests, are fully aware of Equine Canada’s proposals with respect to membership with both Equine Canada and the Provincial Sport Organizations (such as MHC) across the country.  

Some history as follows: 

When the Canadian Equestrian Federation transitioned into Equine Canada (EC) several years ago, included in the restructuring process was an attempt to encourage as many Canadian horse people as possible to become members of the organization—that is, Equine Canada. It was decided then that anyone belonging to an affiliate – such as a Provincial Sport Organization (PSO) like MHC - would automatically be an EC member. Initially there was no additional fee for this membership with EC, but it did mean that EC was no longer simply a “competitive” or sport organization and could boast a vastly increased membership. This larger membership was to give EC a greater voice with government, and so on. An effort was made to include the huge number of recreational riders, breeds and industry, and even equine-related groups with limited success. 

Other than “competitive” members of EC, who purchase a Sports License from EC as well, many people do not seem to have been aware they are members of EC, nor the advantages of being so.  More recently, EC has proposed that more needs to be done to include the non-competitive members by means of active incentives. For example, more support for the development of equine trails, or basic non-discipline clinics. Presently, most of the funding passing through EC comes from the various competitive disciplines and is in turn used by those disciplines, from the grass roots level to national and international competition. As a result of this imbalance, EC has presented the following proposal to the PSO’s that includes, in no particular order: 

• That a yearly fee for EC membership be added to and included in the PSO (MHC) membership fees      
  • This would be applicable to all MHC members, and is not related to an EC Sports License required for competitive members
• That money raised from such a fee will be used to initiate non-competitive programs for EC/PSO members
• That EC be allowed access to PSO membership lists and PSO member contact details   
• That EC have a Service Agreement with the PSO’s in which EC will pay the PSO for providing some services to its members (MHC and therefore EC members) 

To further clarify:  EC wants PSO member details in order to have better contact with its members (PSO members and therefore EC members). EC wishes to charge an extra fee to help better support and service non-competitive and recreational riders/drivers across Canada, for whom currently there is little support. EC wants a more even support system for both sport and recreational riders/drivers. Nothing else will be changed as a result of remaining a PSO connected to EC. 

The PSO’s themselves are members of Equine Canada and act as partners, service providers, and facilitators for EC. Presently, the MHC Board has opted to accept, in principle, the proposals presented by EC. The other Provinces that have also chosen to be “compliant” at the time of writing are BC, Ontario, and New Brunswick.  

The MHC Board cannot and will not make a final and formal decision on this proposal until MHC by-laws are changed and a formal mandate taken from those eligible to vote – MHC’s Club Representatives. This matter will be open to vote at the coming Council of Clubs meeting on January 13, 2010. It is suggested that the each Board of MHC’s Member Clubs meet prior to this Council of Clubs meeting to reach a decision on which option will be voted for. Please represent your Club’s membership, and therefore a portion of MHC’s membership, as fairly as possible in your decision.  

Club Representatives: please attend the Council of Clubs on January 13, 2010 and be sure your Club’s voice is heard. 

I appreciate your taking the time to read this. Below are some FAQ’s from PSO’s and members regarding the EC Re-Structuring process. Please feel free to contact me, any member of the MHC Board, or the MHC Office with questions or concerns. 

Geri Sweet
President
Manitoba Horse Council
 

FAQ’s 

Why would MHC want to remain a participating, “compliant” Province and a member of EC?
Should MHC remain a compliant Province with EC, MHC will be able to continue to administer individual and Club insurance without competition from EC, administer Officials, Coach, and Rider Level programs, and administer EC-sanctioned competitions. 

What would happen if MHC were not a compliant Province with EC?
EC would be able to compete with MHC on many levels and MHC would have a greatly reduced role in not being able to offer National programs to its Coaches, Riders, and Officials. MHC would be able to develop its own competition system. This system would not be Nationally recognized for points and the like.  

Why would individuals want to continue to be an EC member (obtained automatically by joining MHC)?
EC members are to have a voice for all things equine. EC’s Members First program offers financial benefits and discounts from John Deere, Office Depot, Toshiba, Sherwin-Williams, etc.  

Who cares if EC wants to provide for recreational riders?
EC is attempting to reach members that are not only competitive. As far as trails go, Manitoba has trails in Spruce Woods, Mars Hills, Sandilands, Birds Hill, etc. 

Doesn’t EC want the Provincial membership lists only so they can use them to compete with the Provinces?
EC has made it clear that this will not be the case, especially if the Province is a compliant Province with EC – there would be no reason to compete. 

In the past EC has sold such lists; couldn’t this happen again?
It is true that this did happen; a guarantee that this will not happen again has been included in the proposals. 

Isn’t EC just trying to phase out the role of the Provinces?
EC would much prefer that the Provinces handle and continue to handle many aspects. EC would like there to be a standard across all provinces so members can travel from place to place and be met with the same standards.