The annual Stable Owners Seminar,startingat 1 p.m. on January 13, unofficiallykicksoff the Horse Breeders and Owners Conference,runningJanuary 13-15, 2012. The afternoon seminar offers valuable information for stable owners and operators of any size or discipline.
Since it began in 2007, this popular seminar has evolved into the only one of its kind in Canada and there have never been less than 110 delegates in attendance. “I attribute the consistent numbers of attendees to the quality of topics and credibility of speakers that are brought in to speak to this sector of the horse industry,” says Alberta Stables Initiative project co-ordinator, Heather Mitchell-Matheson.
“What those numbers say to us is that a seminar of this nature is needed in our industry,” says Les Burwash, manager of horse programs, with Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development.
Some examples of past speakers and topics include:
- ManagingRiskthrough Contracts and Agreements, Esther Schwab of Schwab, Schwab and Schwab, LLP
- Get the Leading Edge in your Stable Business, Tara Gamble, Certified Horsemanship Association
- Managing the Health of Client Horses, Dr. Dan French, Okotoks Animal Clinic
- Alternative Feeds for Stables, Dr. Bob Coleman, University of Kentucky
- Instructor Skills and Ethics, Peggy Brown, Centred Riding and Driving instructor and author, Ohio
In 2010, the Stable Owners Seminar evolved to be guided by the Alberta Stables Initiative (ASI). The ASI’s mission is to strengthen Alberta’s stables by promoting safety, animal welfare and sound business practices as well as providing support, education and marketing opportunities for the stable industry.
The ASI is an independent initiative under the direction of the Horse Industry Association of Alberta, Alberta Equestrian Federation (AEF), and Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development, with the goal of becoming a self-supporting service for stables. The ongoing success of the Stable Owners Seminar, however, does rely on the support from its partners and the stable industry itself.
“We continually strive to represent all sectors of the equine industry and are delighted to see the ongoing success of the Stable Owners Seminar, a seminar that has brought stable owners together to hear knowledgeable speakers deliver topics of extreme interest in this area,” says Dixie Crowson, president of the AEF.
This year marks another change in the ongoing history of the annual Stable Owners Seminar. For the first time ever there will be a fee associated for attending the 2012 seminar. There are some exceptions such as pre-registration to the 30th anniversary Horse Breeders and Owners Conference,whichincludes complimentary admission to the Stable Owners Seminar. Also, ASI participants will receive complimentary admission to what is quickly becoming their seminar. “We wanted the seminar to really begin standing on its own but like everything, there’s a progression and a need for some help along the way,” says Mitchell-Matheson.
Aside from hearing four quality speakers talk on relevant topics to stable owners and operators, there are some benefits associated with paying the low entry fee of $25. Perks include a complimentary in-room coffee, tea and water station, door prizes and 2012 ASI participation which includes an online listing at www.findalbertastables.ca and a listing on our stables map. There will be 2,500 maps printed in February 2012 and will serve as yet another resource to stables for those looking to enter in the horse industry.
“This will be the first year that we will actually charge admission for the Stable Owners Seminar so it will be interesting to see how that plays out. I am confident that we have built enough of a reputation over the past five years that we will see very little decline in delegate attendance,” says Mitchell-Matheson.
