Alberta Horse Improvement Program

  
   
 
Program Information
 
 
 

Agency:

Alberta Agriculture and Food

For Further Information Contact:
Tel: 403 948 8541 Fax: 403 948 2069
Email: les.burwash@gov.ab.ca
 
Eligibility
Alberta-bred horses (see details below)
 
 

 
Program Details
 
 
  The Alberta Horse Improvement Program (AHIP) is a systematic evaluation of horses bred in Alberta, with the aim of identifying superior animals within each breed. The evaluation focuses on form (conformation) as it relates to function (performance), with strong emphasis on the athletic ability of the horse.

The objectives of the AHIP are to:

  • Improve the quality of Alberta-bred horses.
  • Identify and advertise the superior horses and breeders in the province.
  • Establish markets for Alberta-bred horses.

AHIP evaluations are scheduled each year and are coordinated by a committee of representatives from participating breed associations and the Horse Industry Section of Alberta Agriculture. Depending on age and breed, horses will be evaluated in conformation or performance classes. All breeders are encouraged to submit their Alberta-bred horses for evaluation during the annual event.

Participation eligibility

  • All horses must be Alberta-bred and have been foaled from a mare owned by an Alberta resident at the time of foaling. The lease of a mare at the time of foaling is considered the same as ownership, provided the breed registry recognizes the lease agreement.
  • The term "breeder" on the entry form is defined as the person owning the mare at the time of foaling.
  • All horses must be registered within the recognized breed or registry of the class entered. Only Canadian registration papers are accepted for Morgans and Welsh Ponies. Arabians and Appaloosas with Canadian registration papers will be identified with the Canadian papers.
  • A horse may enter under only one breed classification and may not cross-enter in a different breed class.
  • The age of the horse will be that accepted by the respective breed association.
  • Performance classes may be entered each year the horse is within the specified age group (3 to 5 years of age).
For more information
For more details about the program, go to Alberta Horse Improvement Program or call:

Light Horse Improvement Program:

Vern Baron
(403) 782-8109
 
Les Burwash
Horse Industry Section, Alberta Agriculture
(403)948-8538

Draft Horse Improvement Program:

Bruce Roy
(403) 337-2342
 
Les Burwash Horse
Industry Section, Alberta Agriculture
(403)948-8538

 
 
 
  For more information about the content of this document, contact Ag-Info Centre.

Last Reviewed/Revised on February 21, 2007.