Notes from the Prez - September 2010

Read on for the latest update from Manitoba Horse Council President, Geri Sweet.

Notes from the Prez

Well here it is in September.  Once again I wonder where the summer has gone.  I hope you have all had as much fun and worked as hard as I have. 

As you all know our office has undergone some changes, while we have all been busy with our horsey pursuits.  In the spring you elected a partially new Board and I am very pleased to report that our new additions have proven to be real assets to the group.  Ian Brandt has ably filled the Equestrian Centre Chair shoes and as a result we have the new well system in place, a new show office up and running and a great new tractor keeping the site groomed.  Our second new board member Todd Kanik (Special Events) has jumped in with both feet and is planning to turn the Atco trailer into a work of art, at the same time as working with the Marketing committee on plans for the Manitoba Equestrian Championship (East vs. West).  Of course the rest of the Board has been working away at various projects.  The Coaching committee sent 2 of its members to a major Equine Canada upgrading coach clinic. Several officials have attended clinics for upgrading and maintenance and Jan Stephens is off to Kentucky to work at the World Equestrian Games (WEG).

Perhaps most importantly our new Executive Director, Bruce Rose has been working very hard to understand all the ins and outs of many equine clubs and at least 10 different disciplines.  When we lost Sheryl, after just getting used to her, the board was quite panicked!! But thanks to Danica Loewen, our Business Coordinator, and Carolyn Lintott who stepped in as interim Executive Director, the transition was relatively smooth.  My particular thanks to John Biron, Maureen Demkey and Bob Parker for their work on the Human Resources committee.  So far Bruce has not thrown up his hands in dismay! –at least not in my presence –and Danica has been able to guide him through the maze.

I know a number of you are going to the WEG to see various disciplines, and I hope you have a great time. 

Did you know that Manitoba sent a reining team to the North American Junior & Young Riders Championship this year for a second time?  They were great representatives of their discipline and their province.  Congratulations to Kylie Wasiuta, Megan Robinson, Christine Simpson, and Kelsey Wiens.  In addition, congratulations to Sarah Loewen, a member of a Canadian Junior Dressage team and Samara Heinrichs, who was on a Western Canada Show Jumping team.  All I can say is WOW!

Our Marketing committee is working hard to find funding for our Equestrian Centre at Birds Hill Park.  You will be pleased to note that our lease with the province for that site has been extended to 2031.  Now we need to be able to improve it and make it friendlier to more disciplines.  You may remember I sent out a survey, when I was Equestrian Centre Chair.  Didn’t get much of a response, so I am going to ask Ian to try that again. 

We have more and more young athletes in our province and have a great need to find them the necessary sponsorship to continue their participation.   Do you know how to be a sponsor for an athlete?  For a programme for athletes?  Did you know that not only companies, but individuals can claim programmes on their taxes?  Just get in touch with MHC or Sport Manitoba.

Lastly…. Because this is running on a bit… Plan a trip to Birds Hill Park the weekend of September 25/26.  Mark your calendars for the equine event of the season.  The second annual Manitoba Equestrian Championsip (East vs. West) hits the ground running.  Last year we had 3 disciplines; well they are back along with 5 more!! Barrel Racing, Competitive Trail, Cutting, Dressage, Driving, Endurance, Eventing, and Show Jumping. All at the same venue over 2 days.  Come and learn something about each and any of these sports and cheer on your favourites. For more information check the website, call the office, watch community events on TV or call your friendly Board member, but most importantly, COME.

I know I have missed important news.  Please do not feel excluded and let me, Bruce, or Danica know if there is something important and or interesting that we can highlight.

Geri Sweet

President
Manitoba Horse Council