OUR MISSION
To provide a unified voice for the Alberta horse industry and strengthen it through advocacy, education and research.

OUR VISION
A growing, profitable, united Alberta horse industry, recognized nationally and internationally.

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News Archives

2008
The Equine Foundation of Canada Celebrates 25th Anniversary
In the early 80 ’s, a horse owner and native Nova Scotian had a vision of forming a group which would benefit the welfare of the horse, unbiased as to breed or area of the country. George Wade spent much time and energy having the Morgan Horse Foundation registered as a charity with Revenue Canada. In the early years, the Foundation, recognizing the growing shortage of equine vets, mainly provided scholarships to veterinary students who were going into equine practice. These students were at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, the Equine Research Centre at the University of Guelph, the University of Montreal Equine Centre, and the Atlantic University Vet College. Read more...

July 15, 2008
Humane Handling Guidelines for Horses
To reinforce the importance of caring for horses at all stages of their lives, the Alberta Equine Welfare Group has issued standards for the acceptable care and handling of horses to be transported.

The purpose of the new booklet is to provide horse owners and handlers with a decision making tool to ensure only fit horses are transported. It is unacceptable by law for unfit animals – those that are sick, injured, aged, fatigued or would suffer unduly if not handled properly – to be transported. Clear, defined guidelines have been developed by the industry stating what is humanely acceptable to load on a truck and what is not. Read more...

2008
Nutrition & Feeding Management for Horse Owners
The new manual on Nutrition & Feeding Management for Horse Owners is now available from Alberta Agriculture. Written by Susan Novak and Anna Kate Shoveller, this publication covers evaluating your horse’s condition, digestive physiology, nutrients and their functions, water, energy, protein, minerals, vitamins, feedstuffs, and feeding management. To order your copy, visit www.agriculture.alberta.ca/publications.

2008
Transporting Horses in Canada:  Is That Animal Fit For The Trip?
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is reminding horse owners, and those who transport horses, of the federal regulations that govern the humane transportation of animals in Canada. Read more...

2008
Microchipping of Foals - Agreement Reached on New Rules Covering the Identification of Equiade
EU Member States have reached agreement on a new European Regulation that will revise existing equine identification [Horse Passport] legislation. The main new requirement is the compulsory microchipping of foals born after 1 July 2009. Read more...

April 6, 2008
Animal Welfare Experts Highlight Livestock Care Conference
New trends, the latest research and leading strategies on farm animal welfare attracted record numbers to the Livestock Care Conference, April 4 in Red Deer. The annual conference, featuring international heavyweights in the field, is hosted by Alberta Farm Animal Care (AFAC), a partnership of Alberta's major livestock groups, with a mandate to promote responsible, humane animal care within the livestock industry. Read more...                         

April 6, 2008
Alberta Livestock Care Leaders Honoured
Creating a strong future while addressing today’s issues was the theme that tied together two recipients of an award presented by Alberta’s livestock industry to recognize people making a difference in promoting humane livestock care.

The Awards of Distinction were presented at the Livestock Care Conference, April 4 in Red Deer, hosted by Alberta Farm Animal Care. Read more...

March 12, 2008
Foundation Formed to Aid 100 Horses Seized by SPCA
100 horses seized by the Alberta SPCA near Andrew, Alberta, were scheduled for auction on March 9 but instead have been moved to an Edmonton area farm by the newly established "Rescue 100". Under the guidance of the SPCA, the group will aid the horses in recovering from their neglect before offering them for adoption. For more information on Rescue 100, visit their web site at www.rescue100.com

March 3, 2008
Humane Treatment of Horses is a Top Priority
Humane treatment of horses throughout their lifetime and at death is a priority, states the Equine Welfare Group. This industry group has made it very clear that it does not tolerate any neglect or undue suffering. Read more...

February 26, 2008
Alberta Horse Welfare Report Released
A report on horses as food producing animals has been completed by the Alberta Equine Welfare Group. It presents facts on the humane treatment of horses processed in Alberta and Canada for food, identifies areas that need improvement and spells out the impact of the closure of horse meat plants in the US. The aim is to provide a base of information to encourage constructive, open communication on a sensitive issue and address ways to continually improve horse welfare.

The Alberta Equine Welfare Group is comprised of representatives from Alberta Equestrian Federation, the
Horse Industry Association of Alberta, Alberta Veterinary Medical Association, Alberta SPCA, the RCMP,
meat processors, feedlot owners, horse buyers and Alberta Agriculture and Food. Most are members of Alberta
Farm Animal Care (AFAC), the organization providing project management services for the group. ...read more of Executive Summary

Click here for the full Alberta Horse Welfare Report.

January 14, 2008
2008 Horse Breeders & Owners Conference
Once again the Alberta horse industry travelled to Red Deer to take in the Horse Breeders & Owners Conference. The exhibit hall hosted over 60 sponsors, a record for the event, and 660 people were on-site for the socializing, seminars and networking opportunities afforded by this annual mid-winter equine event. ...read more

January 14, 2008
150 Attend 2nd Annual Stable Owners Seminar
On Friday, January 11 a complimentary afternoon of education was offered for those in the stable industry. 150 stable owners, managers and staff were on-hand to learn from four presenters: Dan French, Okotoks Animal Clinic, on Managing the Health of Client Horses; Christina Weese on Web Sites for Stable Owners; Rob Mulloy, Calgary Health Region, on Equestrian Injuries - Incidence, Patterns & Risk Factors; and Heather McInnes, MD of Foothills, with Development Considerations for Stables.

January 13, 2008
Volunteers required to participate in an online questionnaire on Equine Respiratory Health. Healthy horses and those suspected of having respiratory issues are needed. The results of this study will allow researches to assess the prevalence, risk factors and cost of respiratory diseases (like heaves) in Alberta. To participate, go to www.ucalgary.ca/heaves to fill out the online questionnaire or email heaves@ucalgary.ca for a questionnaire invitation.

November 19, 2007
Making an Equine Addition to the Green Certificate Curriculum
Alberta’s Green Certificate program is looking for Albertans actively involved in or associated with the horse industry who would be interested in helping create the curriculum for the Green Certificate Equine Project. ...read more

July 10, 2007
Spruce Meadows Not Moving ...read more

June 7, 2007
Alberta Equine Students in International Winner's CircleOlds College is buzzing with excitement, as students from the Equine Science program celebrate multiple wins from their first international competition. Read more...

May 25, 2007
Livestock Identification and Commerce Act Receives Royal Assent
The Livestock Identification and Commerce Act (Bill 38) received Royal Assent on May 24, 2006 after four years of consultation with several sectors of the livestock industry, related service providers, and government. For more information visit the LIS "Outrider" newsletter.

May 16, 2007
The Alberta Invitational Warmblood Sale will be held in Red Deer on June 23 & 24, 2007. For more information, visit the sale web site at www.warmbloodauction.com

May 12, 2007
Represent Equestrian Interests - New Land-use Framework for Alberta - Albertans will have an opportunity to provide feedback on the future of land use in Alberta at a series of open house-style public information sessions. Input can be provided through a workbook questionnaire at the sessions, online at www.landuse.gov.ab.ca, or by mail. For more information, call 310-4455 toll-free from anywhere in the province. The deadline for public input is June 15.

April 30, 2007
Alberta Team represents Canada at 2007 Polocrosse World Cup
Fan support for the underdog Canadians' final game against the USA was awesome. The closely contested match saw the lead change sides several times before the final score of 14-11. “If we get 100 people out to watch our annual tournament Stampede week we are thrilled. To play here at night under the lights at Morgan Park in front of 10,000 cheering fans, most pulling for Canada, is a once in a life time experience. Canadians competing against Australia in Polocrosse is like Australians coming here to compete in a Mac's Midget Tournament or better.” ...read more

April 12, 2007
Alberta Stables Association Formed
The Alberta Stables Association was officially formed at a meeting on Wednesday, April 11, at the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame in Red Deer. This association is open to all stables in the province and will provide educational, networking and promotional opportunities. For more information on the Alberta Stables Initiative, click here.

February 28, 2007
The new Livestock Identification and Commerce Act that has been talked about this past year is in its final stages of development. Regulations are currently being drafted, with the deadline for changes March 16, 2007. The Act will be proclaimed into force when the regulations have been finalized. The new Act includes some changes that will affect the transportation requirements for horses. For more information, visit the LIS web site.

February 2, 2007
Canadian horse specialist, Bob Coleman, chosen as Equine Education Program Leader. The University of Kentucky College of Agriculture is set to launch an undergraduate equine education program this fall and officials have tapped a trusted, familiar face with a wealth of experience to take the reins. Bob Coleman, formerly the college’s Extension horse specialist, has assumed the role of associate director for undergraduate education in equine science and management. ...read more

February 6, 2007
Deadline for Hay and Pasture Insurance is February 28 Farmers Must Decide Soon - With the deadline fast approaching, Alberta farmers and ranchers have only a few weeks left to decide whether to insure their hay and pasture this year...read more

January 15, 2007
Alberta Horse Industry recognizes John Scott
Many dream of going to Hollywood to seek their fame and fortune, it took a cowboy to turn that dream around and bring Hollywood to Alberta instead...read more

January 15, 2007
25th Annual Horse Breeders & Owners Conference Wraps Up .... read more

January 15, 2007
A Seminar for Stable Owners and Managers was held Friday, January 12 at the Capri Centre in Red Deer, AB.... read more

October 26, 2006
Seminar for Stable Owners and Managers scheduled for Friday, January 12 at the Capri Centre in Red Deer, Ab....read more

October 25, 2006
FEI World Children’s Final at Spruce Meadows - Local Riders Up Against the Best from Around the World..... read more

September 5, 2006
Horse Industry Association Launch - In conjunction with the 2006 Spruce Meadows “Masters” Media Day, the Horse Industry Association of Alberta (HIAA) held a news conference to launch its branding campaign and announce its new initiative for the horse industry. ..... read more

Sept 1, 2006
Growth and Development Plan for Alberta Commercial Stables Proposed by: The Horse Industry Association of Alberta, the Alberta Equestrian Federation and Alberta Agriculture Food & Rural Development.....read more

May 3, 2006
Industry Group Formed to Work With AVMA to Develop a Revised Definition of Veterinary Medicine. .....read more

Jan 14, 2006
Changes Proposed to Livestock Identification and Commerce Act
If you transport horses or other livestock, these changes may affect you. .....read more

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