| | Twenty-five years ago, the Horse Breeders and Owners Conference (HBOC) was held for the first time and attracted approximately 60 attendees to a breeder-specific meeting prior to the University of Calgary’s two-day horse program. From this modest beginning, the HBOC has grown to a world-class event that attracts well over 700 equine enthusiasts each year.
“As I remember, the conference started because those in the breeding business wanted an education program that met their educational needs,” says Bob Coleman, associate professor and extension horse specialist at the University of Kentucky, and one of the original members of the organizing committee. “At the time, the University of Calgary had a horse program that ran for a weekend, but the target audience for this program was the rider, not the breeder.”
As with any great idea the HBOC was born from a recognized need, and all that was needed to make it a reality was the enthusiasm of a group of people with a passion for the topic. And a passion for horses, breeding excellent mounts and pulling Alberta’s equine industry together is exactly what Doug Milligan, Les Burwash, Bob Coleman and Pete Fraser have in common. They brought together a group of breed representatives from the Arabian, Thoroughbred, Quarter Horse and Standardbred associations, met with them and discussed the program and speakers for the first HBOC.
“The concept and the timing were right. The breed clubs were on-side and excited about bringing world class speakers to Alberta to talk to them on topics and about issues in areas such as research, breeding, training and business aspects of the industry,” says Les Burwash, manager of horse programs with Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, Airdrie. “After that first conference, it was decided to build the HBOC into a stand-alone event and the venue moved to Red Deer, where it has been ever since.”
The growth that has been experienced is a testament to the efforts that bring excellent speakers to the conference and ensures that the program is designed to fit the needs of the industry. Over the years, the HBOC expanded its focus to include horse care, training and riding safety and information on the agenda. The organizing committee now includes representatives from government, academia, industry and breed associations.
“We’ve had conference guests from Canada, the U.S., and overseas tell us that the HBOC is the best conference of its kind,” says Coleman. “That is a true compliment, and the kind of compliment that keeps the organizing team committed to the event.”
The 2007 HBOC, being held in Red Deer on January 12 to 14, 2007, features 17 internationally recognized speakers. It is sure to be another interesting, informative and thought-provoking conference. As well as the excellent presentations, the conference includes an equine-related trade show that is always a highlight of the event.
“At the 2000 HBOC, the Alberta Horse Industry Distinguished Service Award was presented for the first time,” says Burwash. “This is a special award that is presented to Alberta horsemen and women who have distinguished themselves in the industry and dedicated their lives to horses and the horse industry in the province.”
The Distinguished Service Award has been presented at the HBOC seven times. Recipients include Bill Collins, Ron and Marg Southern, Hans Hansma, Joe Selinger, Bruce Roy, Dave Robson and Dr. David Reid.
The HBOC offers programs designed to fit a variety of equine interests. Conference participants can attend any of the sessions and receive printed materials from all sessions.
Conference pre-registration is $85 per person. The cost for additional individuals registered at the same time from the same farm is $60. Registration at the door is $85 per person, and no farm discounts will be available.
For more information about the 2007 conference, contact Teresa van Bryce, manager, Horse Industry Association of Alberta at (403) 948-8521 or Les Burwash at (403) 948-8538. Information is also available on the Association’s website or by calling the Horse Industry Association of Alberta at (403) 948-8521.
Contact:
Les Burwash (403) 948-8538
Teresa van Bryce(403) 948-8521 |
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