SIGN UP TO RECIEVE THIS E-NEWSLETTER: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

SEND AN ARTICLE FOR THE NEWSLETTER: Submission Guidelines

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Special Edition ~ Feb. 3, 2012

Here is some time-sensitive news you need to know ...

Count Down to
 2012 Rendezvous

Mark your calendars for June 1 - 3, 2012, at 100 Mile House. New information and the Rendezvous registration form are now posted on the website under the RENDEZVOUS tab. Be sure to check back often for further updates! A reminder that all Chapters must contribute at least five items to the silent auction.
Questions? Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 250.395.6492.

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Article on Winter Horse Care

Download a PDF of this informative story written by BCHBC member Brigit Shutz

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Share Your Stories in Saddle Up Magazine



BCHBC has a regular feature in Saddle Up Magazine and all Back Country members are welcome (and encouraged) to consider submitting articles. Topics may vary from trail riding tips, trail 'reviews', general interest stories and more. Articles should be about 600 words and you need to submit at least four JPEG photos. Anyone interested in writing an article for Saddle Up! should contact BCHBC member This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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Trail Photos Wanted!

It is a BIG job ... but someone has to do it! We have a team who will be rebuilding our on-line Trail Database and we invite you to contribute! Considering that 'a picture says a thousand words', we would like to invite all BCHBC members to send us photos of their favorite trails. In our on-going efforts to foster collaboration and community spirit, please be aware that these photos may be shared with Horse Council BC.  Jack Breaks has set up photo uploads to Picasa and Drop Box. Email Jack This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to let him know you have photos to upload. If you want to create your own free Drop Box account, both you and Jack will get extra free storage space. Note that all photos must be in JPEG format and, to ensure accuracy, must be labeled with the name of the trail, not a generic number.

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Trail Development Grants

At the October 2011 Fall Board of Directors Meeting it was decided to set up a Grant for trails and access projects across BC that registered Chapters could apply for. Available funds will be allocated to projects at the Selection Committee's discretion. Following are some details that will help Chapters decide if their projects will qualify for funding. Complete details and a grant application are on the BCHBC website.

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Need Help with Trail Projects?

The BCHBC Trails Committee can help you get creative, get organized and get working! Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Educational Opportunities

At the last BCHBC Board of Directors meeting a motion was passed to reserve $300 as an educational grant for each chapter to use to develop an educational event for their members and interested equestrians. This is (for now) a one- time only offer that simply requires the submission of the grant application forms and the agreement by the Chapter to submit at the end of the event, pictures and a write-up report. Forms are available from our Education Chair,  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , or on the BCHBC website.

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BC Parks Wants Your  Input

As a valued contributors to BC Parks,  BCHBC members have been invited to help BC Parks develop a province-wide volunteer strategy at upcoming regional workshops.

In 2011, BC Parks celebrated its 100th Anniversary, commemorating the establishment of Strathcona Provincial Park in 1911 and celebrating the creation of almost 1000 parks and protected areas since then. This successful celebration would not have been possible without the valuable contributions from volunteers across the province, more than 2500 volunteers participated! Get the full story on our website: In The Spotlight.

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Watch this video!
Here is a tricky way to deworm a horse!

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Need a new saddle?
  Selling a horse?
Found a new trail?

FIND US ON FACEBOOK:

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EVENTS

Check out the Events Calendar on our website.

---------------END OF FEB. 3, 2012 E-newsletter---------------------

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2011 December BCHBC Newsletter

December 2011 Newsletter

Ty,a 13-year-old Tennessee Walker, gallops through the snow in Merville, BC.

Photo by VI Chapter member JC Daehler.

Dreaming of a white Christmas...

Welcome to the NEW
Back Country Horsemen of British Columbia
PROVINCIAL E-NEWSLETTER

December 2011

On behalf of the BCHBC's volunteer Board of Directors I extend heartfelt wishes for you, your family and your equine friends to enjoy a safe and happy holiday season. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone in BCHBC who has given so freely of their time, talents and expertise to help make this such a great organization. Your efforts -- past, present and future -- are much appreciated! We will wrap up 2011 with more than 750 members in 17 chapters province-wide. Running an organization of this size can be a challenge but, as the saying goes, "many hands make light work."

And, speaking of work, Aldergrove member Jack Breaks has been putting in countless hours to rebuild this website. We encountered some major security problems over the summer and fall, which resulted in the need for a complete re-build. Jack and Terri Perrin will be working on this project over the next six weeks. We appreciate your patience during this change-over and encourage you to visit the site -- still a work in progress -- for the latest news and updates. Be sure to check out the new events calendar feature and the forum. 

I hope you enjoy our new e-newsletter! Thank you to Vancouver Island chapter member, Terri Perrin, for stepping up to take on this task. And thanks to Sharon Pickthorne for getting her 'on board' and providing her with assistance In getting this first issue organized. Terri welcomes your comments, contributions and feedback on this and future e-newsletters so don't be shy... send her content please!

                                                       Jonathen Driesen ~ President

THIS IS YOUR NEWSLETTER!

Help us find a new name for it!

Do some brain storming at your next meeting, or while on your next group ride, and then submit your ideas for consideration. We may even be able to come up with a prize for the winning entry. :)

Note: The BCHBC e-newsletter will be produced quarterly. The next issue will be distributed March 15^th. Please visit the BCHBC website (after Jan. 1) for Submission Guidelines and send in Chapter Reports and news items by March. 1, 2012. You are also welcome to email any horse-related news, tips, favorite videos, or quotes. Email to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

COME HORSE AROUND WITH US!

There is a BCHBC Chapter near you!

Alberni Valley | Aldergrove  | Cariboo  | Kamloops | Kootenay  | North Okanagan | Northwest Okanagan | Powell River | Robson Valley | Shuswap | South Cariboo  |  South Okanagan | South Vancouver Island | Squamish | Vancouver Island | Yarrow |

CHAPTER contact information

SHARING THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT

Alberni Valley members celebrated the Christmas season in grand style during the annual McLean Mill Christmas Village Festival of Lights event on Sunday, Dec. 4. About a dozen horses and riders, plus a large contingent of participants on foot, sang carols and spread joy. (Actually, the horses didn't sing. They just stood there!) A team of miniature horses and Rosie,  a Welsh pony, pulling carts were a crowd favorite.

“I want to thank everyone for putting in so much effort to get their horses all Christmassy and for belting out the carols so well,” said Cathy Burkosky. “The horses looked so dapper and festive with their bows, bells, antlers and Santa hats. I think the visitors to the event really enjoyed our efforts.”

WINTER WARMER EDUCATION PROGRAM

Our Aldergrove and Yarrow Chapter members are 'hitting the books' as well as the Back Country trails this winter. They have organized a series of four day-long educational seminars that will run every second weekend starting January 15, 2012. This year’s events are mostly level 1 and 2 skills to accommodate newer members or those wishing refreshers. (Darn those knots anyway!) The events will be held at the Aldergrove Clubhouse, 494 256 Street, Aldergrove. The only cost to participants is some firewood for the wood stove and to bring their own lunch.

Topics for the first session include:

• What to take on a trail ride
• Safe group riding skills
• Trail etiquette
• Equine first aid kits
• and MUCH more.

Because Yarrow and Aldergrove chapters are so close to each other, they always make their events open to all.  And that means everyone!  If you happen to be in the area on any of the seminar dates, feel free to swing by and join the fun.  Last year, one visitor from Terrace attended a Winter Warmer. She really enjoyed all the interaction and networking. Feel free to use the topics in this series 'as is' or as a template to plan your own events.

For more information on the Winter Warmer program, visit the EVENTS PAGE on the BCHBC Website or contact Mary Huntingdon, 604.988.8442 - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. "> This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

CHAPTER REPORTS
Note: Not all Chapters submitted Reports this fall. If you would like to see news from your chapter in the next newsletter, please be sure to send something to the This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ">newsletter editor by March 1, 2011.

ALDERGROVE
 
We are working with the Langley Horse Federation, Mayor Rick Green, Al Neufeld (Parks Manager), and others to complete the South Langley Regional Trail. This trail was established in 1994 and was meant to connect both Campbell Valley and Aldergrove Lake Parks.The Township of Langley has approved the completion of the trail, but not the estimated $500,000 required to undertake the work.
 
We understand that we have a better chance of getting approval for the funds if there are other sources of money and are hoping Horse Council may support this project. The trail is heavily used by Langley and Aldergrove horsemen and, according to the response from our questionnaires; support is high for completion of it.

NORTH WEST
 
Janette Daly and Eric Becker are sitting at the table for the completion of the Bulkley TSA Summer Recreation Access Management Plan (RAMP). The completion process is in its initial stages and should be complete in the next six months. We are very pleased to be a voice for horse use of trails and areas in this important process.
 
We received grants from the Wetzink’wa Community Forest and the Bulkley Valley Foundation. As part of our ‘Adopt-a-Park’ commitment, this funding will enable the replacement of two bridges on the Lyon Creek Trail in the Babine Mountain Provincial Park.
 
Other activities include:
·        On-going discussions with our Recreation Sites and Trails BC officer, regarding building corrals at a local recreation site.
·        Active in the Telkwa Caribou Herd monitoring group.
·        Co-sponsored the Northern Trainers Challenge held at the BV Exhibition in August.

POWELL RIVER
 
We are a small but active chapter both socially and on trail maintenance and support. Socially we have special rides for Easter, birthdays, Remembrance Day and the like, as well as New Years, Halloween and Christmas parties.  We regularly maintain a huge trail area and are fortunate to work with other user groups such as the local ATV and Cycling Clubs.
 
We were grateful to have received a grant from the Horse Council Equine Trails Fund. This was for upgrades to several 100 feet of trail that had become unsafe for horses. Back Country provided the impetus, funds and some of the labour. The Powell River ATV Club has done most of the physical work due to their number of members and, of course, the ease of access with their equipment and trailers.
 
We also have two members who work with the Outdoor Recreation User Groups (ORUG) committee, concerning keeping access open on trails, forest roads, etc. We had lost access to much of the back country as a result of deactivation of logging roads to outside companies. ORUG, with the Regional District’s co-operation, developed a plan and its implementation has gained back most of the lost access. Those areas that are not accessible are being addressed for all users by developing separate routes. We appreciate the local tenure holders -- Goat Lake Forest Products, Westlake Woodlands, Western Forest Products, Fuller's Woodlot, Community Forest, Sliammon Timber Products, BC Timber Sales and Island Timberlands -- for their recognition of existing trails and their efforts to develop harvesting plans around them and rehabilitate trails. Doug Fuller, Westlake Woodlands and Fuller’s Woodlot, has been especially co-operative in voluntarily using horse friendly footing rather than shot rock on its logging roads.
 
ROBSON VALLEY

Our year-old Robson Valley chapter attended the McBride Pioneer days in June, with saddle and packhorses plus a team drawn wagon.

We received $5000 from HCBC Equestrian trails fund for a trail project in Mt Robson Provincial Park. The funds were used to fly corduroy material to the job site. About $4,000 was used from the funding, and the rest was returned to HCBC. Ruth Donald, from HCBC, was very helpful.
 
We also hosted three work bees this fall and installed about 240 linear feet of corduroy. We held our first annual Poker Ride, which had 44 riders, and have been working with the owner of a Hydro Project near McBride, which, if it proceeds, will affect one of our Back Country trails. We seem to be making progress! If, the project goes ahead, they would be willing to put in a proper trailhead facility as compensation.
 
SOUTH CARIBOO
 
Our youngest chapter currently has 35 members. They are working a trail network at Fawn Lake and Greeny Lake. The two projects have been GPS’d by the Province and we are currently getting the paperwork done with the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations. They will then register the trails, pay for signage, insurance and on our end we ensure that we will monitor the trails, clean up deadfall etc. Any danger trees are taken care of by them. If it is in their budget they will give us $1000 for each project.
 
VANCOUVER ISLAND
 
Salmon-Brewster Equine Trail and Campsites (located near Sayward) is our big project and we have received $5000 from HC Equestrian Trails Fund toward the project. That money will be spent on the Brewster Lake Campsite. The rest of the project is awaiting Ministry of Natural Resources approval.
 
YARROW
 
The Headwaters Corral Equestrian Campsite in EC Manning Park was officially opened on July 30^th, 2011. It was also a celebration of BC Parks 100^th Anniversary and Back Country Horsemen’s 20^th. Anniversary.
 
The biggest effort has been our volunteers’ efforts to finish the perimeter fence and install a ranch-style gateway. (Thank you!) Horse Council BC and their BC Equestrian Trails Fund have supplied the majority of the money needed, along with the Yarrow and Fraser Valley Chapters of BCHBC, the Hope Riding Club, TD Canada Trust, Tamahi Logging, and some private donations. Generous ‘In kind’ help was provided by BC Parks, Manning Park Resort, Super Save Disposal, Emil Anderson Highway Contractors and West Bridge Corporation.
 
We also hosted a Ride for Literacy where we partnered with New Page Human Resources of Hope, BC. Yarrow provided the Lead and Drag riders as well as put on a clinic on high-lining and ‘Leave No Trace.’ Funds raised will go to the Headwaters Corral info kiosk and maps.

FIND US ON FACEBOOK:

Yes, Back Country Horsemen has a Facebook page! Many thanks to Kelly Brooke Allan for getting this started and single-handedly managing our Group page for the past year or so. The newsletter editor is now the admin person for this group. Join the conversations, connect with other members, show your photos, sell your stuff, or brag about your great rides! 'LIKE' us at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/bchorsemanbc/
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COUNT DOWN TO RENDEZVOUS 2012
This year we will be convening at 100 Mile House. Details to come! Mark your calendars for June 1 - 3. Watch for updates on our Facebook page and the website forum.

Questions about Rendezvous? Contact: Peter Reid 250.395.6492
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IN THE SPOTLIGHT

DON'T LET THE NAME FOOL YOU!

A well-written piece about BCHBC on the Horse Council BLOG.

CBC TV REPORT

Watch this VIDEO featuring BCHBC member & RCMP Sargent Peter Thiessen.

BOOKS
Robson Valley member's book now available in softcover (hardcover, too!)
The Rescue of Belle and Sundance: A miracle on Mount Renshaw
By Birgit Stutz & Lawrence Scanlan
Available at chapters.ca or order an autographed copy from Birgit.
Email  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

BCHBC AD ON BC BACKROADS MAPS

Thank you to the North West Chapter for spearheading this important initiative!

With financial support from Provincial, a colour display advertisement was published on the newest BC Backroads Mapbooks map for the Skeena Bulkley region. These maps replace the old Forest Service Recreation Maps and will have a shelf life of three years. They are available for sale in retail locations province-wide, as well as on their website. A great value advertising and PR opportunity for BCHBC. 

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EVENTS

Check out the new calendar.

Note: In order to post new events, Chapter representatives must contact our webmaster, Jack Breaks, to obtain new log-in information.

Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Once your event is entered into the calendar, it will also appear on the home page of the BCHBC website. Be sure to post your events on our Facebook page, too!
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REMEMBERING...

BCHBC said 'farewell' to some very special people in 2011. Heart-felt condolences to the family and friends of these individuals.
 

Eternal Members:

Jason Robert Elliott ~ May 7, 1986 –  Feb 5, 2011 

Jason was born and raised in Smithers, BC. He worked as an engineering technologist for Dayton & Knight. Jason loved the outdoors and had a passion for trailing riding with his horses – Missy and Suzie – and snowmobiling. He is survived his parents Cindy and Vernon, and sister Samantha.  Had been a member of NW Chapter of BCHBC for 2 years.  Jason is missed by all, but especially by his family and riding partners, Carl Eddy and grandpa Bob Elliot.

Jerry Lynn Ridennoure ~ Nov 24, 1939 – July 17, 2011

Jerry was a true blue old cowboy. He started raissing paint horses 1982. He moved to Canada from Colorado in 1986 to follow his dream and raise Ridennoure Paint Horses.  Jerry was a member of NW Chapter for 10 years and hardly ever missed a meeting or event. He enjoyed showing and trail riding. He is survived by wife Jan and children in Canada and US.

Peter White ~ Dec 26, 1932 – August 21, 2011 

Peter grew up in Banff, Alberta where he learned to ride and wrangle from the Banff old time packers. Peter was wealth of knowledge and eagerly shared his Rockie Mountain horse adventure stories. The White Museum of the Canadian Rockies in Banff is named after his family. Peter rode a paint gelding named Cowboy and had been a member of the NW Chapter for about 9 years. He is survived by his wife Lois, daughter Sandra and extended family.

Doug Phye ~ Nov. 9, 1937 - March 13, 2011 

Doug grew up on a farm on Vancouver Island and started riding as a young boy. He took a break from horses while he raised a family and worked in the logging industry. He started riding again after his retirement in 1998. Doug was a member of the Vancouver Island Chapter of BCHBC. His reconnection with horses opened doors to many new friendships and great back country experiences, including fly-fishing and hunting. He also enjoyed cattle penning and sorting.  Doug is survived by his brothers Rick, Don and Dennis; sons, Butch and Greg; daughter-in-laws Sandy and Brenda; and grand children.

A horse doesn't care how much you know until he knows how much you care.
  - Pat Parelli