From the Jan 7, 2008 issue of Agri-News published by Alberta Agriculture & Food

The news hour is a special feature at the Horse Breeders and Owners Conference (HBOC) that gives attendees a chance to hear about new research and receive updates on all manner of issues that affect the horse industry in Alberta.

The 2008 news hour panel of speakers and their topics for discussion includes:

  • Honourable George Groeneveld, Minister of Alberta Agriculture and Food – Horse industry address
  • Dr. Renaud Leguillette, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary – research on heaves in Alberta horses
  • Dr. Gerald Ollis, Chief Provincial Veterinarian – provincial regulations in review, Animal Health Act, biosecurity initiative, animal health strategy
  • Dr. Doug Colwell, University of Lethbridge – tapeworm incidence in Alberta horses
  • Dr. Larry Frischke, Wyeth Animal Health – update on West Nile prevalence in Alberta
  • Susan Church, Alberta Farm Animal Care (AFAC) – CFIA animal transportation regulations proposed changes
  • Rick Fredrickson, Alberta Agriculture – update on animal identification in Canada

As well as the news hour, a special feature of the 26th annual HBOC, the conference agenda includes 15 international speakers. Each year, the conference invites equine experts to speak on issues, current topics and subjects that are of specific interest to Alberta horse owners and breeders. The conference is being held at the Capri Centre in Red Deer on January 11 to 13, 2008.

The conference begins with an ‘open barn’ reception at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, and the first session begins at 8:40 a.m. Saturday. Registration opens at 6:00 p.m. Friday, Saturday at 7:30 a.m. and Sunday at 8:00 a.m. The full conference schedule is available on the association website.

Registration for the conference is $95 per person. For farm families and farm groups planning to attend, registration is $95 for the first farm member and $80 for each additional registrant from the same farm. The registration fee includes the Friday and Saturday night receptions. All registrations received before December 14, 2007, will be entered into a draw for the early bird prizes.

This year, the Horse Industry Association of Alberta offers online registration (three per cent processing fee). Visit the association’s website to register online or to download a mail-in registration form. Registration forms are also available by calling the association at 403-948-8521.

Contact:
Teresa van Bryce 403-948-8521
Les Burwash 403-948-8541