There have been lots of folks talking about the ad by the Vancouver Humane Society that was run in the Calgary Herald last week. What do you think about it?
http://www.marketingmag.ca/english/news/media/article.jsp?content=20100705_150945_984
http://www.leaderpost.com/sports/Calgary+Stampede+draws+criticism/3255038/story.html
11 Jul 2010 Lynn 6 comments
I received this bit of news from a friend. I can’t say I have watched the videos as I have been intentionally trying to give myself a wee break from all the bad news lately but she pointed out that just because I am a little fragile right now doesn’t mean I couldn’t put this out to others who might be interested. The following is a statement from The World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA).
The World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) is appalled by evidence of grossly inhumane slaughter of horses taking place in Canada. We have been sent video footage that is stated to have been taken recently in Bouvry Exports Calgary Ltd slaughterhouse in Fort Macleod, Alberta and Viande Richelieu Inc./Richelieu Meat Inc. slaughterhouse in Massueville, Quebec. Continue Reading »
Red Deer, AB – Another successful show has just concluded at The Mane Event, and organizers estimate that approximately 45,000 people attended the equine expo.
“We’ve had an amazing time here in Red Deer,” said Gail Barker, president of The Mane Event. “The crowd was made up of knowledgeable and enthused horse people, so it makes for a really exciting event.”
Barker attributes the show’s success to the multi-disciplined nature of the expo, as the public can watch clinics, see demonstrations and purchase products for all aspects of the horse world. “When you go to a regular show, you’re only exposed to one part of the horse industry,” said Barker. “At The Mane Event, you can enjoy learning about any discipline and breed. It’s an exciting opportunity for people, and they often travel for hours to come here.”
Throughout the weekend, the public packed three arenas, a lecture hall and a demonstration area to watch over 100 hours of clinics provided by 14 world-class instructors. Canadian clinician Jonathan Field, who has presented at each Mane Event, was impressed with the Albertan attendance. “I’ve seen this show grow every year, and it’s incredible to have such a large group of horse-loving people together,” he said. “When people come to the clinics, they have their notepads in hand and they’re ready to learn.”
Clinic riders are a key element in The Mane Event and, while learning from top-level clinicians, the participants also benefit from riding in front of an audience. “It’s such a non-competitive and supportive environment,” Field said. “As the riders are working on different tasks, the audience is riding stride for stride with them. It makes for a very powerful learning experience.”
When not attending clinics or the Trainer’s Challenge, the public filled the Trade Show area, where over 240 exhibitors had booths featuring everything from horse trailers to clothing. Jim Townshend, a regular trade show exhibitor, feels The Mane Event organizers have developed an excellent show. “Red Deer is a great location for this event, because it has a small town feeling but you’re getting a big town product,” he said. “People come to enjoy themselves and learn and have fun – that’s really reflected in the positive and neighbourly feel throughout the weekend.”
The Trade Show offered the public a chance to see and purchase products, and it was also an important event for the exhibitors, who rely on sales to support their businesses. “We were very pleased because we substantially exceeded our goals for this show,” said Townshend. “Overall, this is the best run show that I’ve ever been to, period. The organizers, the Westerner staff and the public were all great to work with. That tells me that they’re really onto something special here.”
The Mane Event organizers are looking to their next show, which will be held from October 22 to 24, 2010, in Chilliwack, BC. In 2011, the expo will be returning to celebrate its 5th anniversary in Red Deer. The Red Deer show will run from April 29 to May 1, 2011.
For more information on The Mane Event, visit www.maneeventexpo.com.
30 Apr 2010 Lynn 0 comments
You could watch horse demos on Saturday from 9:30 in the morning until midnight. From the Trainers Challenge which had two goes for each of the contestants today to the big evening gala, there was fun, entertaining and educational talks and demonstrations all day long. I would recommend you head on over to the Mane Event Blog where there is lots of information about all the events and happenings. If you missed it this year, plan to come next year. If you like horses there is lots here for you to enjoy.
28 Apr 2010 Lynn 0 comments
A few interesting things I gleaned from the Roping The Web newsletter this week.
Unique Veterinary Medical Assistant Program at Lakeland College
From Paper to Podium with One Simple CD-ROM
On-Farm First Aid and CPR Training
Agricultural Societies Receive Additional Funds to Promote Farm Safety
22 Mar 2010 Lynn 0 comments
I was always taught that giving horses treats is usually a recipe for bad manners. Then we got a bunch of Grandkids. Then we got Buzz.
Buzz loves treats. His former owner Kathy somehow made me feel just a wee bit guilty when I would answer her query of “Do the Grandkids like feeding Buzz treats?” with “Well actually we just don’t feed Buzz or any of the horses treats.” And, of course, the Grandkids found out that horses liked treats – not from me but none-the-less I now had Buzz, the Grandkids and Kathy making me feel guilty. Continue Reading »
Winter Water…and we’re not talking about that white stuff
Horses require access to free choice, clean water at all times and in all seasons, and will drink an average of 30 litres of water per day. Many horses’ diets see an increase in dry feed matter, like hay, during the winter months. As a horse requires 3 litres of water for every kg of dry matter they eat, although horses drink less in cold weather, adequate water consumption remains a priority. Continue Reading »
Some safety tips. I hear there have been some folks coming back from their rides on STARS Ambulance instead of on their horses this summer. Perhaps a refresher on safety would be of help.
Horses are creatures of instinct and habit. Psychologically they are hard-wired to be wary of their surroundings and react to the slightest threat of danger. This comes from the days of their wild ancestors roaming the open fields keeping careful watch out for predators and other threats. Of course through the generations humans have created a domesticated animal, but the flight-or-fight tendencies still prevail when horses feel their safety is at risk. Continue Reading »
17 Aug 2009 Lynn 0 comments
I notice that folks who ride “western” tend to consider riding helmets uncool while my “english” riding friends all wear them. My children want my grandchildren to use them and, of course, they all insist that they love me just as much as they love their little darlings and therefore they have me wearing one now too. Actually just like when seat belts in cars arrived and we all thought that was such as nuisance and now most of us feel more comfortable with them done up, I have now got used to my helmet and actually feel safer wearing it. Continue Reading »
I hardly know a Ford from a Chev and couldn’t tell you what kind of truck any of my neighbours drive – I might know the color. And now I am faced with having to get a different truck to pull my horse trailer. I need some advice from some of you with trailer hauling experience
Really it wasn’t me who needed the new bigger, heavier trailer. It was Dave and Keeper. Keeper wasn’t really impressed with the lack of roominess in her stall and Dave kind of had the same problem. Then he saw this trailer on the Northernhorse Classifieds and soon we were off looking at it and he was telling me how our little 3/4 truck (with souped-up something or others that made it tougher) was going to be just loving to pull this thing. And it is only 3 feet longer. And we could get “air bags”. Continue Reading »
17 Jun 2009 Lynn 7 comments
