 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 for your advertising needs and reach a significant part of the equine community in Alberta. Get membership discounts on multiple ads and ask about partnership and sponsorship opportunities in support of 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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ONLY A FEW LEFT!
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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Red Velvet Cake
Red Velvet Cake:
2 1/2 cups (250 g) sifted cake flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons (15 g) regular or Dutch-processed cocoa powder
1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 1/2 cups (300 g) granulated white sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk
2 tablespoons liquid red food coloring
1 teaspoon white distilled vinegar
1 teaspoon baking soda
Cream Cheese Frosting:
1 - 8 ounce (227 g) cream cheese, room temperature
1 - 8 ounce (227 g) tub of Mascarpone cheese, room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup (115 g) confectioners' (icing or powdered) sugar, sifted
1 1/2 (360 ml) cups cold heavy whipping cream (double cream) (35-40% butterfat)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and place rack in center of oven. Butter two - 9 inch (23 cm) round cake pans and line the bottoms of the pans with parchment paper. Set aside.
In a mixing bowl sift together the flour, salt, and cocoa powder. Set aside.
In bowl of your electric mixer, or with a hand mixer, beat the butter until soft (about 1-2 minutes). Add the sugar and beat until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes). Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add the vanilla extract and beat until combined.
In a measuring cup whisk the buttermilk with the red food coloring. With the mixer on low speed, alternately add the flour mixture and buttermilk to the butter mixture, in three additions, beginning and ending with the flour.
In a small cup combine the vinegar and baking soda. Allow the mixture to fizz and then quickly fold into the cake batter.
Working quickly, divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans and smooth the tops with an offset spatula or the back of a spoon. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 25 - 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cakes comes out clean. Cool the cakes in their pans on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Place a wire rack on top of the cake pan and invert, lifting off the pan. Once the cakes have completely cooled, wrap in plastic and place the cake layers in the refrigerator for at least an hour (or overnight). (This is done to make filling and frosting the cakes easier.)
Cream Cheese Frosting: In the bowl of your electric mixer, or with a hand mixer, beat the cream cheese and mascarpone cheese until smooth. Add the vanilla and confectioners' sugar and beat until smooth. Using the whisk attachment, gradually add the heavy cream and whip until the frosting is thick enough to spread. Add more sugar or cream as needed to get the right consistency.
Assemble: With a serrated knife, cut each cake layer in half, horizontally. You will now have four cake layers. Place one of the cake layers, top of the cake facing down, onto your serving platter. Spread the cake layer with a layer of frosting. Place another layer of cake on top of the frosting and continue to frost and stack the cake layers. Frost the top and sides of the cake. Can garnish the cake with sweetened or unsweetened coconut. Serves 10 - 12 people.
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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 The Staff and Board of Directors of the Alberta Equestrian Federation would like to wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
We thank you for your continued support and involvement with the AEF. We have some great plans in the New Year for our youth members, as well as some new and exciting educational series of workshops, clinics and events. We look forward to serving you.
Don't be shy! If you have a question, suggestion or would just like to come and meet the dedicated staff, please stop by and say "Hi" or if you prefer, book an appointment with the appropriate staff member
The Office will be closed
December 26 - January 3, 2012
Help us Grow our "Herd" of Programs
When you are considering your gifts in this season of giving, please consider a financial gift to the AEF. Every dollar counts, every gift matters a lot to the AEF. Any donation makes a difference to our programs and to you, our members.
The AEF will apply for a matching government grant, which effectively doubles any contribution from an individual. Help us reach our goal of raising $10,000 in cash donations this year.
Help us grow our "herd" of great programs. Together we can make a difference in Alberta for our equine community.
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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. Remember that your 2011 membership expires on December 31, 2011
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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Alberta Sport, Recreation, Parks and Wildlife Foundation
As 2011 comes to a close, it is time to reflect and recognize the amazing accomplishments of Alberta's athletes and teams.
The Alberta Sport, Recreation, Parks and Wildlife Foundation is proud to once again be recognizing the 2011 Athlete and Team of the Year Awards at the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame Induction Banquet on May 25, 2012.
Awards will be presented for the following categories: Junior Male, Junior Female, and Junior Team of the Year (under 21 years of age) and Open Male, Open Female, and Open Team (21 years of age and over). We would encourage you to take a look at the athletes and teams that your organization has recognized for the 2011 calendar year and forward their nomination for consideration of the Alberta awards.
Nomination Forms and Criteria may be found at http://www.asrpwf.ca/news-events/awards-programs/athlete-team-of-the-year.aspx. The deadline for nominations will be February 29, 2012.
Please contact me if you have any questions.
Steven Patrick Consultant, Sport Development Branch Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation Alberta Sport, Recreation, Parks and Wildlife Foundation
903 Standard Life Centre | 10405 Jasper Avenue
Edmonton, AB | T5J 4R7
(780) 644-4897 (B)
(780) 427-5140 (F)
www.tpr.alberta.ca
www.asrpwf.ca
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Trans Canada Trails Launch New Website!
TCT has just announced the launch of their brand new Trans Canada Trail website.
The Trans Canada Trail is one of Canada's truly great endeavours. It's a vast network of local trails, developed and promoted by a non-profit registered charity and maintained by proud volunteers across the country. Our goal is to connect the Trail from coast to coast to coast by 2017, the 25th anniversary of the Trail and Canada's 150th anniversary since Confederation.
The Trans Canada Trail is a great story in the making, and it's yours to explore right now. Experience Canada's legendary wilderness. Explore our capital cities. Canoe the routes of early explorers. Cycle historic rail trails. Picnic in urban parks. The possibilities are endless. |
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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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Canadian Reining Committee to Establish the Kaylynn Malmberg Young/Junior Riders Reining Award
In memory of a very special young lady, the Canadian Reining Committee is establishing the Kaylynn Malmberg Young/Junior Riders Reining Award. The award will be presented to a young member of the reining community that most exemplifies Kaylynn's love of horses, determination, courage and inspiration. Nominee submissions will be requested each year and the award will be presented to the person who has shown courage and determination to overcome the most difficult of obstacles and distress to accomplish their horse related dream; has unselfishly provided support by helping wherever required, cheering and encouraging for that something extra; inspires by example - even at the most difficult time exhibiting a positive attitude, putting that extra effort into the activity; and goes above and beyond what is required for self or others regardless of any personal situation.
Kaylynn Malmberg was a strong young lady who in 2010 left an Alberta hospital after chemotherapy following brain surgery and flew to Lexington, Kentucky to compete with her team in the North American Junior and Young Riders Championships in Reining. During the week long competition she became a celebrity, not only because she was a member of the gold medal winning Alberta team, but also because of the person she was.
"There is no greater tragedy in life as that of a young person taken far before her time," said Gary Yaghdjian, chair of the Canadian Reining Committee. "With that in mind we are able to honour Kaylynn Malmberg's courage, determination, and her ability to overcome adversity by offering the Kaylynn Malmberg Young/Junior Riders Reining Award."
Watch for more details on the Kaylynn Malmberg Young/Junior Riders Reining Award in the next few weeks.
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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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