This past weekend, the horse industry gathered in Red Deer, Alberta to take in the 27th annual Horse Breeders & Owners Conference. The exhibit hall hosted over 50 sponsoring businesses and organizations and 650 people were on-site for the socializing, seminars and networking opportunities afforded by this annual, mid-winter, equine educational event.

Friday night was the very popular “Open Barn” welcome reception hosted by the Horse Industry Association of Alberta. The exhibitors had their first opportunity to speak with delegates, and delegates had the chance to catch up with old friends, make some new ones, and explore what’s new and exciting in the horse industry.

Saturday started early, at least for the brave delegates who joined cutting competitor Marilyn Anderson for a winter morning run. The day saw a dozen sessions opening with returning conference favourite Hilary Clayton on developing strength and flexibility in horses, a session sponsored by Northlands. Athabasca horseman Josh Nichol enlightened delegates on better communication with our horses, Ray Kaplan brought us into the modern era of parasite control and Tara Gamble gave instructors some tips on improving their teaching techniques; and this was all before lunch! The afternoon continued the educational onslaught with equine body worker Van Harding filling the session and leaving them wanting more at the end of his presentation on saddle fit, and the day wrapped up with a walk down memory lane with legend Bill Collins as well as the popular and informative news hour session.

Saturday night’s presentation of the Alberta horse industry’s 10th Distinguished Service Award was to Eldon Bienert and Peggy MacDonald, owners of Dawnville Farms. Les Burwash took us through the many accomplishments of this pair over a lifetime in the horse industry. In addition to the award presentation, the evening offered a host bar, desserts, and an excellent musical presentation of the old west by Jim Reader, all compliments of event sponsor Horse Racing Alberta.

Sunday morning started off strong with international jumping expert Linda Allen giving an excellent presentation on equitation over fences. Van Harding was back for a second and longer session and still had to spill into the next room to continue answering questions from the enthusiastic crowd. Rounding out the first time slot of the day, Alberta veterinarian Roxy Bell educated the delegation on equine dentistry. After a coffee break generously sponsored by the Alberta Standardbred Horse Association and the Alberta Equestrian Federation, Dr. Robert Bowker shared his passion for the equine hoof with a packed room and, always a favourite at the conference, Lori Warren brought her research and insights on nutrition and the immune system.

Wrapping up the day with the very important SPCA Fred Pearce Memorial Lecture dedicated to the welfare of the horse, Dr. Eva Sondergaard of Denmark presented her fascinating research on temperament in horses and the influence of environment.

The Horse Industry Association of Alberta thanks all who attended, all who sponsored the event and the 20 presenters who brought their expertise and experience to Red Deer, Alberta. In the words of a multi-year conference delegate, “I have been coming to this event for 10 years. This year’s sessions were the best ever and really held you in your seat.”

The Horse Breeders and Owners Conference is an annual event organized by the Horse Industry Association of Alberta and sponsored by a generous group of equine organizations and businesses. For more information visit www.albertahorseindustry.ca