Horse Council BC

12/02/2025

❄️ Winter Horse Care Essentials – Learn Online with !
Cold weather brings unique challenges for horse owners. Stay ahead this season with three targeted short courses designed to keep your horse healthy and happy through winter:

Introduction to Body Condition Scoring: Jan 19–26
Don't forget to check under that blanket! Learn how to assess fat coverage and monitor your horse’s condition all winter long.

Gut Health & Colic/Ulcer Prevention: Feb 16–27
Did you know impaction colic risk rises in winter? Discover how feeding, hydration, and management can reduce the risk of colic and ulcers.

🏇 Sport Horse Injury/Lameness Prevention & Care: Mar 16–27
Get a leg up on lameness prevention! Learn how to spot early signs, reduce risk, and support recovery for active horses.

All courses are online, flexible, and designed for horse owners, caregivers, and professionals.

👉 Save your spot now .ca
🎉 15% discount for HCBC members - an education partnership with Equine Guelph
🔗 www.TheHorsePortal.ca/HCBC

12/01/2025

We always love to see HCBC Grants hard at work! 2026 funding opportunities will be coming early in the new year.

A heartfelt thank you to Horse Council British Columbia for grant funding toward the main barn project. This upgrade improves safety, usability, and the day-to-day experience for riders of all ages. We’re grateful for your partnership! Horse Council BC

12/01/2025

🚨 1 Month Left!

Only 4 weeks remain to enroll in the HCBC Group Benefits Plan with no medical questionnaire. If you’ve been putting it off, now is the time to act!

Questions? We’re here to help.

🌐 https://acera.ca/coverage/hcbc-benefits-plan/

11/27/2025

EHV1 Free webinar form AAEP and EDCC recorded November 25 2025

This clearly presented information will give you an up to date understanding of the disease, exposure, current trace out and notification protocols, along with informative biosecurity practices for home and when traveling to outside facilities. Discuss vaccination routines and biosecurity with your veterinarian, they are your best resource for disease management on your farm

Watch the recording here: https://equinediseasecc.org/news/article/Learn-More-About-EHV-1

Reminders on biosecurity best practices can be found here: https://hcbc.ca/welfare/disease-animal-health/

If you weren't able to join the live EHV-1 Updates webinar last night, be sure to take advantage of our on-demand recording. Please remember that the situation is evolving rapidly and the best place to get up-to-date information is the Equine Disease Communication Center's website, or ask your local veterinarian!

You can find the recording here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0XzuuYmIEQY

Thank you to our speakers for joining us and providing all of this invaluable information.

11/27/2025

LAST CALLL: Our 2025 Fall Membership Survey is LIVE! This year’s questionnaire features new questions, a shortened format, and another chance to WIN one of five available participation prizes. The survey will remain open until November 30th, 2025 - so be sure to submit your responses before then.

Take the survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BRLCX8F

11/26/2025

Reminder! Nomination Deadline Approaching November 30th!

Celebrating Excellence in BC’s Equine Community

This year, we’re expanding our awards program to recognize the diverse ways HCBC members are making an impact. New categories will highlight outstanding volunteers of all ages who are driving progress and making a difference in every corner of BC’s equine world.

We will also continue to honour legacy and long-standing service with the Sherman Olson Lifetime Achievement Award—our highest recognition of a lifetime of dedication to the equestrian community.

More information: https://hcbc.ca/about-hcbc/hcbc-awards/

11/25/2025

🐴 What is your equine business’ point of difference?

💡 Learn how to craft a compelling Value Proposition by taking a self-paced online course from Equine Guelph this winter!

In Business 101, you’ll discover how to:
✅ Identify the benefits you offer
✅ Explain why they matter
✅ Understand your customer’s needs
✅ Link your value to their goals
✅ Stand out as the preferred provider

Learn this and more about creating or revamping a business plan in ’s short, online, on-demand course Equine Business 101 .ca

🕒 Available anytime with 1-year access

💻 https://thehorseportal.ca/course/equine-business-101/
🎉 Special 15% discount for HCBC members!
🔗 www.TheHorsePortal.ca/HCBC

11/24/2025

HCBC is happy to support Dusty Trail Riders with funding to refresh their main arena and help build new spaces like a warm-up arena, and paddocks. These upgrades will give the club more room to grow and keep their riders and horses learning and having fun. We can’t wait to see all the great things coming from this club!

11/24/2025

Member Spotlight: Why do HCBC members love the Group Benefits Plan?

"It’s affordable, easy to access, and fits my lifestyle. I finally have dental coverage without jumping through hoops!"

🗓️ Don’t miss out — open enrollment is open until Dec 31. No medical questions required.

🔗 https://acera.ca/coverage/hcbc-benefits-plan/

11/21/2025

Updated Information for Exporters - Vesicular Stomatitis in the United States. For more information on Vesicular Stomatitis Virus visit: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/cattle/vesicular-stomatitis

11/20/2025

Important information for those who are planning to travel or have recently travelled with their horses.

Reminders on biosecurity best practices can be found here: https://hcbc.ca/welfare/disease-animal-health/

Equine herpesvirus (EHV) is a family of equine viruses named by numbers including EHV-1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 with EHV-1,3,4 posing the most risk for domestic horses. EHV is a common DNA virus that occurs in horse populations worldwide. The two most common species are EHV-1 and EHV-4.

11/20/2025

Reminder: Our 2025 Fall Membership Survey is now LIVE! This year’s questionnaire features new questions, a shortened format, and another chance to WIN one of five available participation prizes. The survey will remain open until November 30th, 2025 - so be sure to submit your responses before then.

Take the survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BRLCX8F