NOTICE: Replacement of Bridge on Louise Poole Trail

The bridge on Louise Poole Trail (where it crosses the ditch from the forest to the street) has been replaced with a culvert and gravel topping. In the opinion of the HHA Trail Committee, this is a safe and low-maintenance solution to the old structure.

Replacement Culvert for Louise Poole Bridge
New Culvert for Louise Poole Trail

Thank you, HHA Community!

Thank you to all who participated in the HHA’s annual Food Bank Fundraiser & Xmas Ride during December 2020.

Together, we raised $300 for the Friends in Need Food Bank!

 

The winner of the event’s Prize Draw will be random-drawn from the entries on January 14th, live, during our HHA monthly meeting (on Zoom; meeting details will be sent to members via email).

NOTICE: Bridge Closures on Two Trails

During a recent inspection of the bridges on Frenchie’s Trail and Louise Poole Memorial Trail, City of Maple Ridge Parks crew members had concerns about the bridges’ safety for horses. Pending an in-depth inspection, these two bridges are now closed to horse traffic. “Closed” signs have been erected.

HHA Food Bank Fundraiser & Xmas Ride

Haney Horsemen member dressed for Xmas
For the month of December 2020, the Haney Horsemen invite you to participate in our safe and fun holiday event with your horses. The HHA Xmas Ride/Drive/Walk event will be supporting the Friends in Need Food Bank.

Everyone who registers has a chance to win the Xmas Ride prize basket ($100 value)! Registration form, event and Prize Draw details can be found at:
https://forms.gle/YSXPRB9pehuyVkhRA

ALL FUNDS collected will be submitted to the Friends in Need Food Bank.

COVID-19 Precautions: Please follow the BC Provincial Health Officer’s COVID-19 safety recommendations if riding with any companions.

Special Presentation for HHA Members on Nov. 12

Thursday, November 12th HHA Meeting & Special Presentation

GUEST SPEAKER: Shelagh Niblock, P.A.S., Equine Nutritionist

Topic: Practical Guidelines for Successfully Feeding your Horse in the Winter

Duration: 1.5 hours; start time approximately 7pm

Members will receive the Zoom meeting link via email, along with the precise start time.

Successful winter feeding for your horse in our wet west coast environment can be easy if you have some basic understanding of why we feed our horses the way we do. Learn about some basics of equine nutrition and how to apply them to the feeding program in your barn this winter.

About Shelagh Niblock, Professional Animal Scientist
Shelagh Niblock, P.A.S., is an equine nutritionist with an extensive background in both ruminant nutrition and forage science as it relates to both horses and ruminants. She has spent more than 35 years in the feed industry in British Columbia and her lengthy experience working initially as a dairy nutritionist piqued her interest in the nutritional contribution made by forages to the diets of our horses. Her work in ruminant nutrition has given her some unique insights into equine hind gut health and its impact on equine performance and health. Shelagh currently practices as an equine nutritional consultant offering advice on the successful feeding and husbandry of horses. Shelagh also teaches Equine Production as well as Ruminant Health at the University of the Fraser Valley.
Shelagh is also a horse owner herself and an enthusiastic pleasure rider who is especially interested in the disciplines of mountain trail, dressage and three-day eventing.
A 4H horse leader for many years, Shelagh is still active as a volunteer in the 4H program in BC, as well as BC Pony Club. She is a member of the Equine Science Society, the American Dairy Science Association, American Society of Animal Science and the American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists.

 

Fall 2020 New Membership Special

Riders enjoying Horsemen's Park
NEW MEMBERS:
Join now for the remainder of 2020 and enjoy automatic renewal through to December 31, 2021 for just $20 (individual) or $40 (family).

ATTN: Join before November 12 to receive your invitation to the members-only presentation for November.  Next week, Shelagh Niblock, Equine Nutritionist, will be speaking to HHA members on the topic of Equine Nutrition for the Winter Months.

Visit the membership page for application & payment details.

NOTICE: Golden Ears Park Update

Starting October 2, you no longer need a day pass to access the East Canyon parking lot (adjacent to Gold Creek) in Golden Ears Provincial Park. This will make it easier to plan a ride to Horsemen’s Beach at the north end of East Canyon Trail, a beautiful destination any time of year.

Bear in mind it is still a good idea to arrive early in the day if planning to use that parking lot on a sunny weekend. It fills up quickly.

Horseman's Beach at Gold Creek, in Golden Ears Provincial Park
Horsemen’s Beach along Gold Creek, at the north end of East Canyon Trail

City of Maple Ridge seeks your input on Thornhill

The City of Maple Ridge has begun a public consultation process regarding the use and future of the trails in the Thornhill area. Please give your feedback ASAP.
 
The HHA encourages its members and all other equestrians who cherish the Thornhill area trails to share your thoughts and your passion for these trails by filling out the comment form on the City’s website ASAP (deadline is October 2): (https://documents.mapleridge.ca/Forms/ThornhillTrails).
 
Questions and comments can also be directed to Chad Neufeld, Manager of Parks Planning & Development, at 604 467-7338 (ext. 2) or by email to cneufeld@mapleridge.ca
 
ALSO, the city will also be hosting two public information sessions on September 9 and 22, at Whonnock Lake Centre. If you would like to attend and ask questions of Parks staff in person (physically distanced), please RSVP to cneufeld@mapleridge.ca to book a 15 minute appointment time during the following dates and times:
Date: Wednesday, September 9, 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Date: Tuesday, September 22, 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Location: Whonnock Lake Centre (27871 113 Ave, Maple Ridge)
 
Members of the local equestrian community and the HHA are encouraged to attend the information sessions or send written feedback to ensure our concerns are represented to the City.
Quiet horseback ride on Bear Ridge Trail in Thornhill
Quiet horseback ride on Bear Ridge Trail in Thornhill
 

New Affiliations with Trails BC and Outdoor Recreation Council

Haney Horsemen Association is a proud new member of Outdoor Recreation Council of BC and Trails BC!
 
Outdoor Recreation Council of BC  is a nonprofit organization promoting access to lands and waters for outdoor recreation and education about responsible outdoor recreational use. ORC presents the interests of the community to government and industry, and builds bridges between outdoor recreation groups.
 
Trails BC is a volunteer organization that facilitates development and advocates for non-motorized greenways trail networks including The Great Trail which used to be known as the Trans Canada Trail.
 

NOTICE: Rainbow Ridge Trail Reopened

The damaged bridge that had caused the closure of Rainbow Ridge Trail was replaced this week by the City of Maple Ridge. The trail is once again open for riding!

Wellman Bridge on Rainbow Ridge Trail
Newly-built Wellman Bridge on Rainbow Ridge Trail