Prince Edward Island Report
with Andy Robb

Spring planning

Well, it's officially spring. As I write this in late March the proof is in a brave little clump of crocuses pushing up through the soil in a sheltered southern exposure at our place. Of course they might yet have a snowdrift cover them up with the "poor man's fertilizer" as Island tradition puts it. Each spring brings anticipation of a new cycle with green grass, foals, and the promise of another outdoor riding season. It's a season for planning, then planting.

Jana Hemphill at Storybook Stables had a busy March break. She ran a horsemanship day camp and a rider fitness camp. The three-day fitness camp included classes in yoga, pilates, and general fitness activities in addition to daily riding. She is getting plans together for summer programs as well. You can reach her at storybookstables1@hotmail.com.

Fitness is also on the agenda at the Hughes-Jones Centre in Cornwall, reports Ellen Jones, who is offering fitness and social sessions for women. The Ladies' Nights come complete with wine and cheese gatherings. Her Centre is also running a youth program with the John Howard Society for kids who would not otherwise have a chance to interact with horses. Its website has details of both programs. Contact rejones@thehughesjonescentre.ca.

The Western Horse Association (WHA) is gearing up for another busy show season. Board Chair Ellen McCloskey (ejmccloskey@edu.pe.ca) held a general meeting on March 26. On the 28th the WHA held a tack sale at Joanie Livingstone's stable in East Royalty. As soon as show plans are in place they will be on the Association's website, follow the link at www.AtlanticFarmer.com.

Beth Smith of Briarrose stables near Kensington is planning a second Parelli Natural Horsemanship clinic in late August. Clinician Ron Pyne will return to offer the clinic. They will hold a demonstration on Aug. 30 that will be well worth taking in, so mark it on your calendar. If you are interested in participating, call Beth at 902-836-4264 or reach her at beth@compel.pe.ca.

The Joyriders Therapeutic Riding Association will hold a training session for new volunteers on April 25. The organization offers therapeutic and recreational riding to kids and adults with a wide range of disabilities. It is always seeking new volunteers. Sessions are held on Saturday mornings and on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. If you think you'd like to help, email deena-robb@gmail.com or check out the website by following the link at www.AtlanticFarmer.com.

Kim Saville of the Charlottetown Pony Club passed along news that there will be a two-day open show at the Crapaud Agriplex on June 13-14. This is a special anniversary show for Canadian Pony Club and there will be a banquet on the evening of the 13th. Riders from across the Maritimes are invited, along with anyone who has contributed to Pony Club in the region over the years. She would also love to have copies of pictures or other memorabilia for the occasion. You can send them along to her at RR 1, Hazelbrook, PE C1A 7J6. Her phone is 902-892-1445. Or you can email Tracy Singleton at tssingleton@pei.sympatico.ca.

Yogi Fell's Trailblazers group got going for the year in February with what Yogi calls "Barn Management 101." The Trailblazers participate in a wide variety of horse-related activities, including the Duke of Edinburgh award program.
As most people will know, last year wasn't a great one for hay on the Island and Yogi is looking for round bales for her herd. Can anyone help out? Contact 1yogi@pei.sympatico.ca.

TROT, the Island trail-riding group, has ambitious plans for a fall fundraiser this year. Angelia MacKay reports that they will organize the third annual tip-to-tip ride. This year they will be raising money for the Children's Wish Foundation. They begin in Souris on Oct. 10, and finish up in Tignish on the 18th. They figure they will cover about 268 kilometers. Connie Gaudette, Darlene Bernard, and MacKay are heading up the planning. They hope, although it is not yet confirmed, that they will be able to use the Island Trail for the ride. It will be a spectacular time of year to ride the trail for a good cause. The minimum pledge to participate is $100. Email angelia85@hotmail.com for more information.

The P.E.I. Cattle Penning Club (PEICPC) is putting together seven events at four locations for the show season. Four of the shows will be designated as qualifiers for the Old Home Week competition in August. Jamie Ellis (jellis@pei.sympatico.ca) is the contact, or follow the PEICPC link at AtlanticFarmer.com for more information and entry forms.

All members of clubs belonging to Island Horse Council are also members of Equine Canada (EC). The national organization's new president is Michael Gallagher of New Brunswick. Gallagher is well known to Island eventers as a cross-country course designer and clinician at Strathgartney Equestrian Park. He has served as chef d'equipe for the Canadian equestrian teams at two Olympics and the PanAm Games, and has also headed up Horse Trials Canada. He joins Rob Stevenson, also of New Brunswick, and Barbie Lewis of Nova Scotia on the national board of EC. We wish him well in his new and challenging job.

The dressage, horse trials, and hunter/jumper people are also busy planning their summer activities. Things will get underway for them in June, and I'll have details for the next issue of Horse & Pony. Deadline for that issue is May 2. Enjoy spring!

Share your news from Prince Edward Island: your club activities and tidbits about P.E.I. horses, owners and riders. Write to Andy Robb at Box 5223, RR 5, Charlottetown, PE C1A 7J8,or contact him by phone at 902-894-5750, fax 902-628-4323, or by email to arobb@pei.sympatico.ca.

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