 Do you have a photo for the Cover of the Spring Issue of Alberta Bits?We're looking for an unusual, fun shot of humans and horses in English tack. Not necessarily a show shot, but an image that is an 'in the moment' shot, not staged.
To be a cover shot, the image must be high resolution (jpged to email) and be a vertical (or portrait) format. If you look at previous covers, the top has the masthead, the bottom the publishers box and a place to put, "inside this issue:" If you have any questions, contact albertabits@albertaquestrian.comLooking for articles for Alberta Bits!
Is your association having a significant anniversary? If it's over 25 years, we'd like to hear about it. Have you and/or your horse been awarded or achieved a milestone on a provincial, national or international level? Tell us what you're up to on the bigger stage. Are you or your organization super volunteers? Tell us what you've done, how your horses have been involved, how much you've raised and for what cause. If you have an issue or idea you'd like to present in Alberta Bits, contact the editor. There are many great stories, many great ideas and many great solutions that members have that we'd like to hear about. Spring 2012 Issue Advertising
Contact the office today on your advertising needs that reach a significant part of the equine community in Alberta. Get membership discounts on multiple ads and ask about our partnerships and sponsorships for our many great programs in 2012. Deadline for booking advertising is: February 1, 2012 with material to Alberta Bits no later than February 8.
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Attention AEF Business Members, Provincial Associations and Affiliate Organizations
The AEF is always exploring ways to bring educational clinics to local riders throughout Alberta.
The AEF welcomes the opportunity to partner on an existing clinic or to support a new clinic. The AEF can help with developing ideas, registering participants, providing educational handouts, promoting the event and so on. As members, your event will be publicized to thousands of AEF members.
Please contact Wendy in the AEF Office if you are interested in a mutually beneficial partnership in support of education.
Help the AEF enhance the well-being of Alberta equines and their riders.
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Horse Savvy Dayplanners
are selling FAST!
Make sure you get your copy today before they are all gone!
The AEF is pleased to announce that we have now received our SECOND shipment of the Horse Savvy Day Planners. These planners have room for all your information and details from a contact list, veterinarian and farrier records, expenses, show results and much more!
You can go to our online store to order your copy today or include it on your membership form with your annual renewal.
Our Price: $ 30.00 (includes GST and shipping & handling)
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Equine Biosecurity
Workshops
Protect your horses by developing and implementing a disease control and prevention program. Attend a free AEF Equine Biosecurity Workshop to learn the importance of risk assessments, complete a risk assessment form and discuss risk management strategies with a veterinarian with your horses in mind!
Workshop participants will be entered to win a Mobile Biosecurity Kit, stocked with supplies to help you manage disease risk while away from home. Registration closes 7 days prior to the scheduled workshop. Please visit the website for more detailed information on these upcoming workshops. Click here for more information and to view the workshop schedule and register. Funding for this project was made available through Growing Forward, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative. Together, the governments of Canada and Alberta are investing $273 million over five years (2009-2013) for flexible and innovative programs for Alberta's agriculture industry.
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Candy Cane Cookies
2 1/2 cups (325 g) all purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, room temp
1 cup (120 g) icing sugar
2 large egg yolks
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon pure almond extract
1/2 teaspoon red liquid food coloring
In a bowl, whisk the flour with the salt.
In the bowl of your electric mixer (or with a hand mixer), beat the butter and sugar until creamy. Add the egg yolks and vanilla and almond extract and beat until combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Add the flour mixture, in three additions, and beat until you have a smooth dough.
Remove half of the dough from the mixing bowl. To the remaining half add the red food coloring and beat on low speed until well blended. If you find the dough too soft, cover and refrigerate for 30-60 minutes.
Take a walnut sized piece of red dough and a walnut sized piece of white dough. Separately, roll each color on a lightly floured surface, into a 4-5 inch (10-12.5 cm) long rope. Place the two ropes side by side, gently press together, and twist the two ropes to form a spiral. Place the cookies on a parchment lined baking sheet, spacing the cookies about 2 inches (5 cm) apart. Shape each cookie into a cane shape by bending one end into a hook shape. (If you find the cookies a little soft, place the baking sheet (with the unbaked cookies) in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes before baking.)
Preheat oven to 375 F (190 C) and place rack in center of oven.
Bake cookies for about 8 - 10 minutes or until set and the edges of the cookies are just starting to brown. Do not over bake. Remove from oven and let cookies cool completely on baking sheet. Cover and store in an airtight container for about a week. These cookies can be frozen. Makes about 30 cookies.
Receipe credit: The Joy of Baking
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MARK YOUR CALENDARS:Office will be closed Dec 26 - Jan 4, 2012 AEF Annual AGM: March 17, 2012 AEF Wildrose Ride: Sept 22, 2012
AEF Annual Conference: Nov 16-18,2012 Happy Trails!
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Alberta Equestrian Federation
Suite 100, 251 Midpark Blvd SE
Calgary, AB T2X 1S3
403-253-4411
1-866-463-6233
Fax: 403-252-5260
www.albertaequestrian.com
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"Bread may feed my body, but my horse feeds my soul" Credit: Unknown |
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What's New and Exciting
RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP ONLINE It's easy, convenient and FAST! You can renew your membership and print each family member's card immediately. Click here to login and sign up now.
AVAILABLE FOR ONLINE USERS:
The AEF is pleased to announce that the Alberta Horse Trials Association (AHTA) and the Alberta Equestrian Vaulting Association (AEVA) have partnered with us in a new one-year membership processing pilot program for the 2012 membership year. Available beginning in mid-December AHTA and AEVA memberships will only be available to purchase through the AEF online system. This program is designed to facilitate the process of purchasing multiple memberships, offering a one-stop membership option for members of these organizations.  
Individuals wishing to either purchase or renew a membership with either the Alberta Horse Trials Association or the Alberta Equestrian Vaulting Association will have the opportunity to do so through the AEF online membership system. Individuals who wish to use this system, must either have a current AEF membership or be purchasing one at the time of purchasing either additional association membership option.
Individuals with access to the AEF membership verification database will be able to verify not only an individual's AEF membership status, as before, but soon, also AEVA and AHTA memberships that are purchased through the AEF.
Alberta Bits Member Magazine
Watch for the Winter issue coming to your mailbox before Christmas! If for any reason you have not received your copy please contact Wendy at the Office.
AEF members save! Click on the logo to take you to the listing of AEF business members that offer great discounts for AEF members. Help support our business members and save money at the same time!
New for Business Members - the AEF is now offering membership for your business to run year to year vs calendar year memberships! This is a very exciting addition to the membership benefits. For more information and to start receiving your member benefits, contact Wendy at
We have also made shopping with the AEF easier for you and are excited to launch our improved Online Store!! Watch for new products coming soon.
Donations Made Easy
Please consider a donation to the Alberta Equestrian Federation in any amount. Each year, the AEF can apply for the Alberta Community Spirit Donation Grant to match your donation.
The donation grant provides an opportunity for eligible non-profit organizations to receive a provincial grant. The grant is based on total annual cash donations from individual Albertans that have been received by an eligible organization over a 12-month fiscal period. The grant can be used to support an organization's operations, programs and/or capital projects. The maximum grant available is $25,000 up to a maximum of $50,000 over three years. A minimum total of $1,000 in eligible cash donations needs to be received prior to applying for a grant.
This grant goes toward supporting our programs and educational scholarships given out each year to AEF members.
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Western Rider 2 is HERE!
You can purchase this NEW book at the AEF Office or go to our Online Store to order your copy today.
If you have any questions about the Western Learn to Ride Program please contact Erin, Coaching Administrator.
 The Western Learn to Ride Program was developed for those individuals who wish to learn safe horsemanship skills and practices on a national standard under the guidance of a certified Equine Canada Western Coach. The purpose of this program is to provide new riders with a safe and knowledgeable introduction to Western riding. The Western Learn to Ride Program was developed following definite objectives set forth in order to organize basic western riding skills and to assure a standardization of these same skills. RIDER 2 Candidates will be taught:
- The proper riding position with the use of one hand and two handed positions
- How to post on the correct diagonal and change diagonals
- How to maintain a proper riding position of the:
a) Body
b) Legs
c) Hands - Variation of speed at the lope
- How to execute transitions of the gaits
- How to name and demonstrate the effects of the indirect rein and the neck rein
- How to identify the correct lead (within 5-6 strides)
- How to correctly execute all practical work referred to in Rider Level 1
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Great Gift Idea!
Alberta's History in a Calendar format! These Calendars are an amazing collection of photos and stories of how the Province and Canada was built using horse power!!
This is sure to become a keepsake.
Limited quantities available at 20.00/each plus shipping and GST, for pickup in the Office please email your order or go to the online store to order your copy for Christmas!
 
Produced in partnership with the Road Builders and Heavy Construction Heritage Society of Canada (RHHS), Canada's Work Horses is a beautiful, full format, 16-month calendar that tells the story of early construction in Canada. With 44 pages of 100 rare, vintage photographs, compelling articles and history timelines, it offers a unique visual and textual record of the industry's history.
Achievements in infrastructure were made without the benefit of the heavy machinery we're used to today - they were achieved by the sweat and sheer determination of working people and animals. With a special combination of docility and power, horses provided the muscle power that drove many of these projects. Canada's Work Horses celebrates the working horses that helped pioneers transform Canada from wilderness to a modern country in a time when these animals were often family members, companions and employees.
 Produced in collaboration with the Leduc No.1 Energy Discovery Centre, Canada's Petroleum Pioneers documents the fascinating lives, adventures, innovations and outstanding successes of the companies and individuals who made our oil and gas industry what it is today. With a focus on the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin, this Showcase is a beautiful, full format, 16-month calendar featuring:
* Over 100 rare, vintage photographs from the industry's past
* Compelling historic articles and timelines
* Key industry milestones and anniversaries
* Resources for further reading
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Find your perfect Christmas tree in Alberta's Wilderness
Search for your family's perfect Christmas tree in one of Alberta's many forests this season. Permits are available to cut up to three Christmas trees on Crown land, and at Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park near Medicine Hat.
A permit to cut down a tree on Crown land is available for $5 plus GST at Sustainable Resource Development forestry offices throughout the province. They are also available at Bow Habitat Station in Calgary, which is open Tuesday through Saturday.
Staff from local forestry offices will direct permit-holders to the most appropriate areas to cut trees. Tree-cutters must be on Crown land and not private property, and should avoid areas where forests are in early stages of regeneration. Tree-cutters are encouraged to search out a small tree - up to two metres - and avoid the waste of cutting trees that tower six metres or higher and are later trimmed to fit inside a house.
Cutting a tree without the proper permit on Crown land is subject to a minimum fine of $100. Permits are valid for 30 days. More information about tree-cutting permits is available at www.srd.alberta.ca under the Recreation and Public Use tab. Contact information for forestry offices is under the About Us tab - click on SRD Contacts on the left-hand side.
New this year, you can also search for your Christmas tree at Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park. To prevent trees from further encroaching on fescue grassland, tree cutting is available in select areas of the park from December 1 to 23. Begin your adventure at the Visitor Centre, where you can obtain a permit to cut down your tree. Donations will be accepted and used to purchase outdoor equipment like skis and snowshoes for park visitors.
Within the park, Christmas tree cutting is available at Murray Hill Road between Highway 41 and Spring Creek Trailhead/ Shelter; Reesor Lake Road between Highway 41 and Reesor Lake Viewpoint; and Spruce Coulee Road between Reesor Lake Road and first cattle guard. Cutting a tree on park land without a permit or in a non-designated location is subject to a fine of $287 under Section 10 of the Provincial Parks Act.
Approximately 30 minutes southeast of Medicine Hat, Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park is a year-round recreational area, including Hidden Valley Ski Hill, cross-country skiing and snowshoe trails. For more information on the park, visit
www.cypresshills.com or call 403-893-3833. |
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NCCP Equestrian Specific Theory Course
Alberta Equestrian Federation is pleased to be holding our first NCCP Equestrian Specific Theory Course for 2012 in March. This course is highly recommended prior to Coach/Instructor Evaluation. The course will include the following topics:
Teaching and Learning
Lesson Planning
Analyzing Performance
Making Ethical Decisions (MED)
This course will be held on March 3 / 4, 2012 at the AEF office located in Calgary.
If you are interested in registering for this course please contact Erin Lundteigen, Coaching Administrator, at coaching@albertaequestrian.comor 403-253-4411 ext 3 for more information.
We look forward to your participation!
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Livestock Care Alert Line
The Livestock industry working together for responsible animal care - Call if you have livestock care concerns.
The Livestock Care ALERT Service is:
- A confidential alternative for producers and the public to report any concerns regarding the care of livestock.
- Involved before neglect becomes abuse; thus preventing an incident from becoming a crisis.
- Available for self-reporting to assist and counsel producers who are experiencing management problems.
- Working with Alberta SPCA and RCMP.
- Working to reduce the number of cases of inhumane treatment of livestock. (Situations involving obvious neglect and abuse are handled by the Alberta SPCA).
The Resource Team Members are:
- Trained volunteers, producers and an on-call veterinarian, who offer solutions to help producers and their livestock.
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About Us The Alberta Equestrian Federation (AEF) is a member driven, nonprofit Provincial organization responsible for organizing, coordinating, sanctioning and administering equine sport and recreation in Alberta since 1978. Membership is in excess of 12,000 individual members as well as over 100 member equine Provincial organizations and industry partners. The AEF is the only Equestrian Body recognized by Alberta Sport, Recreation, Parks and Wildlife Foundation. As such, we are the only body to directly receive funding and to have a voice within the Alberta Government on behalf of all equestrians in Alberta.
Vision
The Voice of Equine Alberta. The premier source for education, information and support for Alberta's entire equine community.
Mission
To assist in creating a positive environment for the enjoyment of equines through leadership and a proactive approach we promote, facilitate, and coordinate equestrian related activities in Alberta. |
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