Whitemud Equine Learning Centre
Hoofbeats & Heartbeats
 
The monthly newsletter for the Whitemud Equine Learning Centre
 
Issue No. 7
Summer 2010
In This Issue
Strategic Plan
Greetings from the Chair
2010 Calendar of Events
Lesson Program News
Volunteer Profile
Notes from afield
WELCA Strategic Plan 2010-2013

On June 16, 2010, the WELCA Board of Directors approved a three-year strategic plan for 2010 to 2013 as a framework for achieving its vision of:

"a cherished asset for our city; environmentally sustainable and community-enhancing, an unparalleled equine learning centre that is a landmark and a source of pride for all who use it."

The strategic plan provides a hands-on way for the Board, Management and Members to increase our ability as an organization to anticipate and respond to changing political, economic and social conditions. It solidifies how we envision our future and develops tactical approaches on how we can move forward.

To read the Strategic Plan, please click here.
Happy Trails,
You know it is summer at the stable when our riders gather for the annual year-end fun show. It is an opportunity for our riders to experience a horse show without the pressure and with all the fun!

This year's show was even more exciting because we revealed the top prize winner in our Hay for Horses Pledge Drive. Congratulations to Susan Hillerud, who earned 4 behind-the-scenes passes to the RCMP Musical Ride on August 23 and to Sarah Pemberton who earned the 2nd prize of a beautiful framed print of the RCMP ride. In all, the pledge drive brought in just over $1900 which will benefit students, lesson horses and help maintain the facilities for community use.

In the July billing, we asked Boarders to respond to a survey. Click here to see the results. The survey will remain open for response until July 31. Then, the results will be studied and responded to by the Annual General Meeting in October.

Enjoy your summer!

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

Linda & CaffiJuly has been a beautiful month at Whitemud.  Summer camps are running throughout the summer with many youngsters learning new skills and enjoying time around horses and the peace and tranquility of Edmonton's river valley.

The River Valley Horse Show enjoyed fine weather from July 22-25 with horses competing from all over western Canada.  Thank you to all competitors, sponsors and spectators.  We appreciate your patronage.

This month we welcome several new boarders and their horses to the barn. 

In preparation for the coming year, the Board of Directors are recruiting new Board members. Please contact me if you are interested in sharing your talents, skills and energy on the Board toward the betterment of the facility.  Our primary focus is an exciting project to do a multi-million dollar major capital redevelopment of Whitemud with a vision to create a community Equestrian Centre with world class standards, supporting horse activities in the region.

In August we will continue to welcome students for our regular summer camps in addition to the Advanced Summer Camp and the Equine Massage and Chiropractic Clinic.

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


August 2 - 6

WELCA Advance Camp - FULL


August 23 - 29

Equine Massage & Chiropractic Clinic


August 23

RCMP Musical Ride (private event)


August 25

6-9 pm, Volunteer Orientation for Little Bits Therapeutic Riding program.


September 4

Fall Riding Programs begin


September 12

Little Bits Therapeutic Riding Programs begin

           

Lesson Program News
Sporty is back

Heartland promo photoThe Triumphant Return of Sporty the Equicizer!
On July 15, word quickly spread throughout the stable that Sporty was back from spending time on the set of the tv show, Heartland. The 36 summer campers and 12 volunteers, all girls between the ages of 8 and 16, were quite excited. One little girl came running up to the Instructor gushing because she had found a hair on Sporty that she was convinced came from one of the actors and asking:  "How will I keep it safe until I get home?" So, we taped the hair on a piece of paper which she proudly showed to everyone and soon the rest of them were busy combing over Sporty looking for more hair! Obviously, Heartland has more than a few fans at Whitemud!

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
Volunteers are needed to tack, groom, and lead during the following events in August:
August 21:  4:30 - 6:15pm Birthday Party
August 26: 10:00 - 4:00pm Field Tour
August 27: TBD Tour
Volunteer/Board Profile
Meet our Board Member, Al Skorekyo:

Al Skorekyo

Alan is a seasoned entrepreneur, experienced in business turn-arounds, and project delivery and management. He is particularly known for his business acumen and ability to assess the critical issues facing a business enterprise...


See Al's complete bio and those of other Board Members 

Lesson Horse Profiles
BUCK
BuckBuck is a 34 year-old buckskin gelding with a star marking on his forehead. He is 16hh. Buck was once a trail horse in the mountains around Jasper. He was very brave and would go anywhere his rider asked. Now, Buck prefers to be a follower instead of a leader. He is a steady presence in the summer camp program and likes to go out for a short trail ride.

FROST
FrostFrost is a 27 year old skewbald paint gelding. At 14.2 hh, he is a pony. Frost has done many interesting things in his life such as pony club, cross country, dressage and stadium jumping. His show name is Butterscotch Ripple. Frost is owned by Lynda Tennessen, Lesson Program Manager and leased for our use in both lessons and Little Bits.
Notes from Afield
Whitemud Equine Learning Centre shares some news of the comings and goings of people and horses.

Frances with Zappy in Lake LouiseFrances W is enjoying her summer working as a trail guide for Timberline Tours in Lake Louise. She is shown in the photo with her horse, Zappy, a Paso Fino.

Flossy
is enjoying retired life at her new home - lots of grass to eat, room to run and a new friend named Huck.

Congratulations to the following 24 riders on passing their EC Rider Level exams:
 
Level 1&2:  Ola F, Dora G, Morgan H, Cassie L, Sarah M, Gina M, Debbie P, Jamie P, Madelina P, Amy P, Jean S, Rachelle S, Rachel T, Rebecca W, and Andrea W
Level 1, 2, 3, 4:  Sally R, Stacy V and Ella W
Level 2:  Kay B and Susan H
Level 4:  Kat C and Romy W
Level 5&6:  
Kate S and Christine W

Thanks to everyone who attended the baby shower for Lisa D (TA). Baby is due in October and should be riding by January!


Congratulations to Danielle G on attaining her Instructor of Beginners Certificate from the AEF.
Bouquets
Whitemud Equine Learning Centre would like to thank the following people for their generous contribution to WELCA:

Sarah Pemberton - bulletin boards for the Hay for Horses Pledge Drive.

Centennial Drill Team - saddle blankets and cowboy hats.

paddock boots
WANTED: GENTLY USED RIDING BOOTS
Every summer, we run summer camps in conjunction with the City of Edmonton River Valley Day Camp program. Many of the children ages 8-14 are from group homes and do not have the resources to purchase suitable boots for riding. If you have gently used boots that you would be willing to donate, please contact us at 780-435-3597. We are particularly in need of larger sizes.