Ride & Drive Hour Rewards Extended!!
We have now extended our Ride and Drive Program to reach 2000 hours. New Hour levels and prizes have been added for those that reach 1300, 1600, and 2000 hours!
Participants whom have already achieved the 1000 hour level are welcome to continue their venture with the Ride and Drive program from the 1000 mark to reach these levels.
New members joining the Ride and Drive Program, are encouraged to begin and continue their venture with new great prizes being added to the program and a higher landmark to reach, extending the programs fun and enjoyment!
For those whom need additional log book pages to record hours and new hour submission forms, they can be accessed on our website at the following link: https://www.albertaequestrian.com/Recreation-Ride-Drive
For any questions regarding the program, please contact the Coaching Administrator at coaching@albertaequestrian.com or 403-253-4411 ext3.
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 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
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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Akaash Maharaj
Stands Down as CEO of Equine Canada
(reprinted from EC Newsletter)
It is with sincere regret that Equine Canada reports that Akaash Maharaj has announced his decision to stand down from his post as our Chief Executive Officer. Akaash accepted the position of CEO in 2008, stating that he would remain in the role for one quadrennial cycle. "The years have rushed by faster than I could ever have imagined," said Akaash. "It has been a time of many joys and friendships, and leaving is more difficult than I had expected. In a life blessed beyond my deserts, one of my greatest privileges has been the opportunity to serve my country and my sport by helping to build Equine Canada into a national institution worthy of its name. But I feel as strongly today as I did when I began, that for any institution to progress, it must periodically rejuvenate itself with new leadership, new perspectives, and new blood." Before joining Equine Canada, Akaash rode for Canada in Equestrian Combat Sports, and was a triple gold medallist at the International Championships in the FEI regional discipline of Tent Pegging. He is the first national equestrian athlete to serve as the professional head of the federation. As Akaash arrived as our CEO, Equine Canada achieved Canada's greatest Olympic medal results and our greatest Paralympic medal results of all time, and as his tenure continued, we achieved our largest number of FEI World Equestrian Games medals of all time. Equine Canada also secured our highest private revenue, our highest public revenue, and our largest membership of all time. Simultaneously, the federation implemented a series of fundamental constitutional and organisational reforms, to strengthen our institution, to professionalise our services, and to increase direct accountability to our individual members. While carrying out these reforms, Akaash was invited by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) to chair its worldwide Constitutional Task Force, and invited by the Canadian Olympic Committee to serve on its national Ethics and Governance Committee. "Akaash rode into the world of high performance sport as a breath of fresh air, in what is often a turbulent and conflicted place," said Chris Rudge, former CEO of the Canadian Olympic Committee. "His calm demeanour, gentle comportment, unparalleled intellect, and mastery of the nuance of his sport quickly raised the profile of Equine Canada, and moved his federation to a position of leadership among Canadian national sport federations. He stood out as a leader among his peers, and his integrity and principle set him apart in a world that is all too often distorted by the intoxication of power. He will be missed by all sport in Canada, and his legacy will endure beyond the exceptional achievements of equestrian sport on the international stage during his tenure." "It has been a pleasure to work with Akaash for almost four years," said Mike Gallagher, president of Equine Canada. "I think his most positive asset has been his tremendous public speaking skills that have helped Equine Canada present their position at several forums." "I intend to take pause to catch my breath after the whirlwind pace of governance of the national equestrian system," said Akaash, "and I am looking forward to having some time of my own again, to ride my horse and to reflect before beginning the next chapter of my life. The moment has come for me to ride off into the sunset, and I hope that Canadians will judge that I leave Canadian equestrianism stronger than when I arrived."
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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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MARK YOUR CALENDARS:
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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A Great Big Thank You to All of Our Casino Volunteers
On behalf of the Alberta Equestrian Federation, we would like thank you for your recent contribution at the AEF Casino Dec 30 & 31, 2011.
This event could not have been a success without the help of you and the many other volunteers who donated their time.
As an organization we would not be who we are, without the help of our tireless and selfless volunteers.
Once again, the Alberta Equestrian Federation thanks you for your efforts and contribution!
Happy New Year to you and your family.
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Help us Grow our "Herd" of Programs
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.
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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The Alberta Equestrian Federation needs you!
We are seeking individuals wishing to actively serve on the Executive Board and as Individual Directors of the AEF.
The AEF has grown significantly over the past few years and covers a wide range of equestrian interests in the Province of Alberta. In 2011, the AEF embarked on dozens of initiatives that have connected more people to the AEF.
* The website was updated to assist members connect with one another in the equine world and provide valuable resources for members and non-members
* We have continued liaisons with universities and agricultural societies, everyone is part of the industry in some way or another and we are proud to foster those relationships
* With active participation in the Horse Welfare Alliance of Canada, we again have been able to grow our communications, educational resources and sharing of ideas across the country
* Biosecurity continues to be a very important issue that we continue to promote and educate to all equines
Some of the initiatives for 2012 will again provide growth for our organization:
* The AEF has set a goal to raise $10,000 in individual donations; these funds are used for educational purposes including, but not limited to, AEF Scholarship fund, Live Outside the Box youth program, Trail Supporter program, Wild Rose Ride (September 22, 2012) and the 35th AEF anniversary celebration (2013). Donations can be made at our websiteor on your membership form
* September 22, 2012 will be our first Annual Fundraising Trail Ride! Join us for the Wild Rose Ride where you can ride it or drive it at West Bragg Creek, Kananaskis Country. Visit with old friends and meet new ones! This day will be full of adventure and fun for the whole family. The proceeds from the Wild Rose Ride will go to support programs for under-represented groups
* A NEW annual conference, November 16 - 18, 2012, will provide more educational resources for members and non-members as well as opportunities for equestrian related businesses to connect with potential customers of the AEF. Be sure to join us at the Delta Calgary South for this exciting weekend
* Continued partnership projects with AFAC, AVMA and the University of Calgary
* Promote and educate our members on Trail Riding in Alberta and trail projects
* Include equestrian education related courses and information from our web site
The Executive Board meets approximately five times each year and the entire Board meets approximately 4 times a year. Most in person meetings are held at the AEF office in Calgary or at the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame in Red Deer Alberta, many meetings are scheduled via conference calling to save on travel, budget and precious time.
If you or someone you know, wants to make a difference and assist in the progressive growth of our vibrant organization, please contact Sonia Dantu, Executive Director at execdir@albertaequestrian.com
Download your Nomination form or you can obtain a form by visiting our website and clicking on business and bylaws. All nominations must be accepted no later than March 9, 2012.
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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 expired 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. Now Available! AHTA and AEVA memberships are 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 Spring issue coming to your mailbox in March! Want to reach over 15,000 AEF members? Alberta Bits can meet all your advertising needs PLUS AEF members recieve reduced advertising rates.
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.
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January 12 Last Day to Vote for 2012 Equine Canada Director-at-Large Election
Voting is now underway for the 2012 Equine Canada Director-at-Large election. Members of Equine Canada in good standing are eligible to vote for the Director-at-Large position, provided that individual is 18 years-of-age or older in the year of election. All 2011 Equine Canada Sport License holders and 2011 senior members are eligible to cast one ballot. To vote, members must visit the Equine Canada website at www.equinecanada.ca and login using their Equine Canada username a password to register to vote and immediately complete the voting process. If a member does not have a personalized Equine Canada username and password to logon, they will need to complete the online self-registration form at to request a Register to Vote Form before the January 10, 2012 deadline. Once registered, the member will receive an election package and election ballot either by mail, fax or e-mail as per their request. Voting for the 2012 election will close on January 12, 2012. to view the candidates seeking election. Members may contact Louise Ross at lross@equinecanada.ca with any questions regarding the 2012 Director-At-Large election. The successful candidate will be announced to the membership at the Equine Canada Annual General Meeting, February 3, 2012, as part of the 2012 Convention to be held at the Sheraton Hotel Newfoundland, in St. John's, Newfoundland. Each year the Equine Canada Nominations Committee has the responsibility of presenting a slate of candidates to the membership for the election of a Director-at-Large. The Equine Canada Board of Directors consists of three Director-at-Large positions, which are elected by the membership. One Director-at-Large position is elected each year and serves a three-year term. |
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Kidsport - so ALL kids can play! We believe that no kid should be left on the sidelines and all should be given the opportunity to experience the positive benefits of organized sports. KidSport™ provides support to children in order to remove financial barriers that prevent them from playing organized sport. For more information on how this program works click here.
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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 Evaluation and is a requirement prior to 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.com or 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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