A dull grey sky threatened rain on the parade of horse and riders who arrived at Otter Park in Aldergrove at noon on Saturday, May 10. The event, a Horse and Rider Education Day, was co-hosted by the Aldergrove chapter and neighbouring Fraser Valley and Yarrow Chapters. We even had the pleasure of the participation of one rider who travelled all the way from Bowen Island to be here. Vivian Pearce arrived with Finn, her trusty Fjord steed.

To get an idea of all the fun activities that occurred, please read the list of 'thank-yous' written by  Mary Huntington, director of education, who also was much involved in the planning and running of this most successful event.

Susan Shumey, Vivian Harder and Gail Robinson for the initial brainstorming and planning session.

Vivian Harder for getting everyone on board and for all the great signage around Otter Park as well as assisting so many riders during the games sessions.  Also for lending her bridge and teeter totter that so many riders challenged themselves on.

Susan Shumey, who actually started this whole thing with her wish to reach out to both chapters for events. For her assistance in the initial organization of the Potluck, her assistance during the games sessions, and for all her help getting the information out to everyone in all 3 chapters.

Gail Robinson for her assistance at the games sessions and for stepping in at the very last minute to take over organizing the Potluck, the campfire and for keeping an eye on all our “stuff” at the Shelter.

Penny Rowley and Carleigh Paterson for bringing much of their personal equipment to equip the games stations as well as assisting riders at various stations. And a big thank you to Penny for running the Synchronized Musical Rides. It was exciting to watch!

To Hugh Martell, for gathering music for the Synchronized Musical Ride and for taking photos of the event.

To Jim McCrae for once again taking the time to give us such an informative and interesting talk and demonstration on Safe Highlining.  We’re very fortunate to have that kind of experience to tap into!

To Brian Harder and Dan MacDonald for leading the Group Rides and taking on the Leave No Trace at short notice and helping put up the high lines for all the horses that came!

To Tom and Liisa for bringing the pole and mounting block for two of the riding stations.

To everyone who performed possibly the quickest clean up ever of the field then later the shelter site and firepit.

It simply couldn’t have been done without everyone taking on bits of this big task. 

To view the photos taken, please click on the "Galleries"  button above and select " Galleries 2"

Thank you.

Hugh Martell