Whitemud Equine Learning Centre
Hoofbeats & Heartbeats
 
The monthly newsletter for the Whitemud Equine Learning Centre
 
Fifth issue 
April 2010
In This Issue
Feature Article
Greetings from the Chair
2010 Calendar of Events
Lesson Program News
Volunteer Profile
Horse Shows
Feature Article
 
Redevelopment of the Whitemud Equine Learning Centre - WELCA Board to Review Draft Business Case
 
One year from when the Redevelopment Steering Committee was first formed, they are getting ready to present the draft Business Case and the results of the Fundraising Feasibility Study to the WELCA Board of Directors on May 19, 2010.

On approval by the WELCA Board, the Business Case will then be presented to the City of Edmonton for review by the various departments overseeing development in the river valley.

The City's review process can take several months before it is determined whether or not the project is approved to the next phase.


Hello,
It looks like Spring is here to stay. We are busy prepping for horse show season and doing our spring cleaning - pens are scraped, fences are being repaired and painted, and lots of new horses are coming in over the next 6 to 8 weeks.

WELCA's volunteer fundraising committee is doing great work and there is lots of opportunity for you to get involved - helping out at the Teas, selling chocolates or working of some of their many projects.  To learn more, please check out the Volunteer section of our website by clicking here.


Sincerely,
Diane David
Newsletter Editor & Administrator
WELCA
Greetings from the Chairperson
Welcome to the fifth edition of Hoofbeats and Heartbeats

Linda & CaffiThis month, we welcome you to come out and be involved in our programs and enjoy the splendor of competitive equine sport at our show grounds.

On Sunday, May 9th, Mother's Day, Whitemud Equine Learning Centre volunteers will host our second fundraising Tea. The historic Keillor Cabin will be the venue. The tea will take place from 2 -4p.m. Tickets are available through Diane at(780)435-3597.
 
In May, the site will host three very popular horse shows, the Caledonia Classic Silver and Gold Horse Shows May 21-23th and May 24th. At the end of the month we welcome back to our site the Edmonton Classic Horse Show (previously the Northlands Horse Show), May 26-30th.  
The site is beautifully configured to accommodate spectators and there will be tents offering food and refreshments so it's a great family outing.  We wish the best of luck to all the show competitors.  

The Board and our committees continue to work on our major redevelopment project.  Later this month we hope to deliver our final business case to the City Administration for their review and comments prior to sending it to City Council for approval.

Regards,
Linda Olson-Lipinski
Chairperson
Whitemud Equine Learning Centre Association
2010 Calendar of Events
Calendar of Events
 
Programs, Shows and Events Scheduled at the Whitemud Equine Learning Centre and Show Grounds
  
May 9
Mother's Day Tea - Keillor Cabin

May 20 - 24

Caledonia Horse Show

May 25
Little Bits Therapeutic Riding Association AGM

 

May 26 - 30
 Edmonton Classic Horse Show

 

June 6         

Corporate Challenge - Bunnock

June 21

Summer Solistice at Keillor Cabin, 7-9pm
 
June 25
Horsemanship program ends

     

June 26 - 27  

Student Year End Show                    

Lesson Program News
Rider Levels, Photo Days, Year End Show, and Advance Registration for Fall

Equine Canada Rider Level badgeEC Rider Levels
Fifteen (15) students in the Horsemanship Program successfully undertook their examinations for Rider Level 1 and/or 2 certification in April. The examination is in 3 parts: riding, stable management and a written examination. Congratulations to them all!

Photo Days
Professional photographer, Linda Finstad, of A Sharper Image Equine Photography will be on site to take individual portraits of students with their favorite horse:
  • Monday, May 3: 4-7pm
  • Thursday, May 6: 3-7pm
  • Saturday, May 8: 10am - 5pm
Friday students are welcome to drop in on any of the scheduled days to have their portrait taken. Linda has graciously waived the $69 sitting fee and there is absolutely no obligation to purchase. Two weeks after the shoot, pictures will be available to view and purchase online here.

Year End Show
The Year End Show for students in the Horsemanship Program will be held on June 26 and 27. We will run a Boots & Breeches Swap Meet in conjunction with the show so please plan to bring those gently used boots, breeches and other riding gear that your rider has outgrown. Details on the show and the swap meet will be in next month's newsletter.
 
Advance Registration for Fall
Advance registration for our current Horsemanship riders will be May 31 - June 5, 2010. Details will be posted on the website and in the tack area by May 14.
Volunteer/Board Profile
Board Treasurer Michael Capus responds to our questions:

Mike Capus WELCA Board MemberHow did you get involved with Whitemud Equine Learning Centre Association?
Through an previous job - the owner was a friend of a Board member who passed my name along. I didn't actually expect to get that involved but I saw how passionate the Board members that I met were and was excited to get involved.
How long have you been a Board member?
I've been on the Board since 2006 - coincidentally the same time I joined KPMG.
What do you most value in your colleagues on the WELCA Board?
Their willingness to challenge and really think through tough decisions. I'm someone who believes that the higher the risk, the higher the reward, however, this attitude can sometimes cloud your judgement and make you forget some aspects which the others help to bring up.
What do you consider is the Board's biggest accomplishment since the amalgamation in 2007?
Definitely beginning the redevelopment process that we've be undergoing with the City. I think that the biggest milestone was signing the contract to complete the detailed business case - by far the most significant piece of WELCA has commissioned in many years.

See Mike's bio and those of other Board Members 

Lesson Horse Profile
DANNY
Danny the Lesson HorseDanny is a 26-year old Grade Appaloosa. He has been working in our programs since 2004. He stands 14hh and is chestnut colour with a white blanket (rumour has it Danny has some Shetland pony in him...).

When Danny came to us, his owner had 3 comments about his bad habits:
1. He will stop dead to reach down and scratch his nose.
2. He will stop dead to shake (like a dog) especially when shedding.
3. He is afraid of culverts.

Danny is quite a character and if he can get away with it he will try to run the show! He is loved by many for his kindness and his lovely smooth gaits. He is the only gelding in the mare's pasture which makes him feel pretty special.

Danny works in both the WELCA and the Little Bits Therapeutic Riding programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What everyone is asking us!
frequently asked questionsThe answer to the questions we are most frequently asked go here.   We invite you to provide us your suggestions for the FAQ section of the website and for our upcoming newsletters in the eNewsletter survey you'll find below.

What is a "grade" horse?
A horse of unknown parentage is considered a "grade" horse, or unregistered horse. Generally these horses are of lower value and quality or questionable background, as the horse has no papers showing previous ownership, age, or breeding. However, they may make superb lesson horses such as Danny, Joker and many others in our herd!

What is the difference between English and Western riding?
Western and English riding are two different riding and training techniques which have more similarities than they do differences. Both involve controlling a horse in a variety of environments, and require a high level of cooperation between horse and rider to accomplish an assortment of tasks.

Read more about the differences.

They're Back....
Whitemud Equine Learning Centre welcomes back three major horse shows in May - The Caledonia Classic Silver, May 21-23; Caledonia Classic Gold C, May 24; and the Edmonton Classic Horse Show, May 26-30.


Caledonia Classic

show jumping horseThe Caledonia Classic Horse Show is organized by Lee Kruger and Lynn Macyk of Caledonia Stables. The show features an Equine Canada Silver Competition May 20-23 and an Equine Canada Gold Competition on May 24.
 

Edmonton Classic Horse Show
The Edmonton Classic Horse Show (formerly Edmonton Northlands) is very happy to be back at Whitemud for the 2010 show May 26 - 30th.

We are preparing for up to 340 horses to compete in this year's competition with a very local base of competitors as well as some of the bigger names in show jumping that will come to compete in the Atco Cup and Edmonton Classic Grand Prix.

In years past the show has had competitors form all over Alberta, BC, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, the United States and Mexico.

As well as the big classes there will be lots of classes for ponies and young riders. The jumper ring will also host the Young Horse competition.  These horses are, for the majority, locally bred and are just embarking on their careers.

There will be pony rides for the kids on the weekend with vendors and concessions through out the show. Competition will start Wednesday May 26th.   The show will start daily at 8 am.

With the return to the Whitemud grounds there is tons of seats with great views on all the hills that surround the rings as well as the bleachers for all the horse enthusiasts and their families.  The Atco Cup will run Thursday May 27th at 6:30 pm and the Edmonton Classic will run Saturday May 29th  after the conclusion of the Jr. Am Jumper Stake.

We hope to see everyone out to watch the show, enjoy the horses and the location.

Thank you,
Holly Yelic
Edmonton Hunter Jumper Association
Where Are They Now?
Cathy Duquette
We thought it would be fun to check in on some of our alumni and see what they are doing now. First up is Cathy Duquette, who worked here as a Stable Management Instructor.

Now Cathy is operating Full Circle Stables, located 8 min. S.W., of Stony Plain, on RR# 15.  This is what Cathy says about her operation:  "It is a peaceful horse haven with trees and rolling hills.  The primary focus of our programs is "Natural Horsemanship."  This communication system is the foundation used,  for all styles of riding at Full Circle Stables.  Our goal is to teach people of all ages, skills and techniques to enhance their relationship with any horse.

Full Circle Stables offers a wide-range of well-rounded Programs and Lessons.  Some upcoming events are: Regular lessons, Horse Care Classes (3 sessions), First Aid for Horses, Natural Horsemanship Training Workshop, Professional Grooming Clinic, Horse Camp, Sun. May 23rd & Mon. May 24th , Summer (weekly July/Aug).  All lessons are facilitated by myself, Cathy Duquette, Eq. Sc.,  Riding Instructor, Trainer.  I am a professional Natural Horseman who has been practising for 20 years. Full Circle Stables "Where People Come to be Natural."

tea pot
MOTHER'S DAY TEA AT KEILLOR CABIN
Please join us and be a supporter of the first annual Mother's Day Tea, Sunday, May 9, 2010 from 2 to 4pm at the Historic Keillor Log Cabin on the grounds of the Whitemud Equine Learning Centre. This fund raising tea is an exclusive event to showcase spring in the river valley.

See more about the event and order your tickets.