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The Saskatchewan Horse Federation Inc.
In working toward the achievement of its objectives, the Saskatchewan Horse Federation will promote the breeding and raising of better quality horses in Saskatchewan, promote and encourage more equestrian activities, especially among young people, promote equestrian shows and competitions in Saskatchewan and strive to raise the performance standards therein. The Saskatchewan Horse Federation in representing the horse industry is dedicated to promoting equine excellence and upholding the welfare of Saskatchewan horses - in recreation, in sport and in the horse industry.
The formation of the Saskatchewan Horse Federation evolved from the diversification of the horse industry and the need for a provincial body to represent it and speak as one voice for common interests and concerns. In addition, as the sport field grew, an umbrella group was needed to oversee and advance aspiring athletes - both human and equine - in their pursuit of excellence. October 19 & 20, 1973 witnessed the Founding Convention of the Saskatchewan Horse Federation at the Vagabond Motor Inn, Regina. The first annual meeting of the SHF was held in Regina at the Saskatchewan Livestock Convention, January 23, 1974, and this group laid the plans for the first Annual Meeting and Constitution development. Dr. Fred Gathercole, an eminent Saskatoon educator, was elected as the first President. The Constitution was written, then presented and voted into existence at the January 1975 SLA convention meeting. Over a two year period much organizational effort resulted in official registration under the Societies Act as a non-profit organization on January 23, 1976. Mr. Lou Hough, Saskatoon, was the elected President at Incorporation in 1976. The Founders From the original 21 Founding Corporate Members the S.H.F. has grown to over 125 Corporate Member clubs representing a broad sector of the horse industry of Saskatchewan and includes agriculture societies, provincial breed associations, therapeutic riding organizations, provincial racing, other provincial horse affiliates, youth groups, provincial sport disciplines, roping clubs, High School Rodeo and a plethora of local riding and driving clubs. In all, the present day Federation has some 6,000 members located in every inhabited area of the province. Of the original 21 founding Corporate Clubs, 14 are still members of the SHF. As the sport
field grew and became more advanced in this province this umbrella
group was needed to oversee and advance aspiring athletes - both
human and equine - in their pursuit of excellence in their chosen
sporting discipline. Whether we examine the achievements of Dressage,
of Eventing, of Show Jumping or in the Western fields of Reining
and Cutting, or even the stretch of the racetracks, Saskatchewan
athletes have excelled over the past twenty five years. Although
a small province of under a million residents, Saskatchewan has
had athletes at every Olympic games from 1976 to 1996. Also, as
sport grew so too did the fields of recreation and industry. The
horse events at the Canadian Western Agribition attract the largest
of the crowds at that event with the annual Ranch Horse Competition
and Sale filling the stands of the Agridome in Regina each year.
The number of horses in the province has increased from the recorded
65,000 in 1990 to over 95,000 in 2001. The present
day Federation boasts over 6,000 members across the province and
spilling into Alberta, Manitoba and the United States. Administratively,
the SHF began as a volunteer organization working from the traditional
kitchen tables of the members. Sheila Gawley, Saskatoon devoted
countless months of her personal life as secretary of the Federation,
applying for grants, keeping the records, and handling the invoicing
for the Board. In 1982, under the expansion allowed through affiliation
with Sask Sport and the Lotteries funding, the office was moved
to Regina where a 2/5 time administrator was hired in the person
of Rose Gilks. In October 1984 Mae Smith joined the Federation as
the Executive Director and serves in that capacity today. An administrative
assistant, Shawna Paicu, was added to the staff in 1988, and the
part-time communications co-ordinator, Gillian Smith, in 1990. In
1991 this became a full time position. In 1993 the administrative
staff position became a secretarial one. The staff presently consists
of the Executive Director, Administrative Secretary, Communications
Co-ordinator (contract position), and Office Assistant. The Federation
publishes a bi-monthly magazine, ShowTrail. ShowTrail is the voice
of the SHF and has had a long and successful career since its early
days under such volunteer editors as Janet Keith, Judy Kerr, Sherry
Pultz, Sheila Gawley and Earla Gardner. The first Federation
newsletter was started in 1976 by J.W. "Jock" Campbell.
In 1979, the SHF assumed responsibility for a small grassroots newsletter
called ShowTrail, developed by Hilda Guina of Radisson, SK. and
distributed throughout west-central Saskatchewan during the late
'70's. It was incorporated with the SHF provincial newsletter into
a newsprint style of publication with this format lasting until
1990. The glossy format
of the magazine was added in 1990 by editor Donna Cutler, and taken
to its modern day appearance by Gillian Smith, the editor from 1991-1998.
The Communications co-ordinator became a full time staff position
in 1992. Colleen Hawkesford continued this position in 1999 - 2001,
and the current editor and communications coordinator is Carla Windl. The Federation works in cooperation and partnership with its member clubs, SaskSport, the provincial departments of Culture and Recreation, Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food and Rural Revitalization, Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation, the Saskatchewan Veterinary Medical Association, Equine Canada and other provincial equestrian federations across Canada, and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency of Agriculture Canada, the animal welfare agencies of SSPCA and FACS, and Saskatchewan Societies of Agricultures and Exhibition Associations. Of special benefit and with much appreciation is the liaison with the Western College of Veterinary Medicine and its equine health and research division.
The Saskatchewan Horse Federation represents the horse sport, recreation and industry of Saskatchewan. The Saskatchewan Horse Federation is dedicated to promoting the breeding and raising of better quality horses, of promoting and encouraging more equestrian activities - especially amongst the young, and to promoting equestrian shows and competitions and striving to raise the performance standards therein.
OBJECTIVES OF THE SASKATCHEWAN HORSE FEDERATION (a) To provide leadership among recognized equine and equestrian organizations in Saskatchewan that each may be helped to achieve the highest level of success for its members. (b) To co-ordinate the activities of the recognized equine and equestrian organizations in Saskatchewan so duplication of effort and conflict of purpose may be avoided. (c) To provide liaison with similar equine councils and the Canadian Equestrian Federation. (d) To serve as an educational medium for members by distributing information relative to the horse industry and equestrian activities by bringing speakers of authority to meetings of the Federation, and by organizing seminars and clinics. (e) To serve as a medium through which the provincial government and other agencies may make funds available to support equine and equestrian organizations and activities in Saskatchewan. (f) To raise the standards of care, of handling and of working horses in Saskatchewan.
STRUCTURE The Federation
is a non-profit, volunteer organization with an elected Board of
Directors and volunteer committees who are responsible for the planning
and formation of policy to be implemented by its professional staff. The Federation publishes a bi-monthly magazine, Show Trail: "Informational, Educational and Promotional". The first Federation newsletter was begun in 1976 by J.W. "Jock" Campbell and the present editor is Carla Windl. The Annual Convention and Awards presentations of the S.H.F. are held in March of each year - usually the first week-end. At that time many of the committees, members and sponsors come together for educational purposes, for the social pleasures and for the opportunity to recognize with awards the achievements of the members over the past year. Since 1986, the Saskatchewan Horse Federation Volunteer Recognition Awards have been presented at the Annual Convention. We are proud to recognize those individuals who have contributed so significantly to the development of our horse industry in Saskatchewan. Two members have received recognition from Sask Sport for their outstanding work as equestrian volunteers - Earla Lardner (Saskatoon), for her many years as a volunteer editor of Show Trail, and Marj Shire (Kelso) for her amazing work with Recreational Riding - in mapping out and herself riding the 'cross Saskatchewan trail for Canada 125 and again two years later for another Canadian trail challenge (the distance was over 400 miles of the most outstanding trails across southern Saskatchewan each time). As well as the Saskatchewan Hall of Fame Inductees, many of our members have received accolades for their achievements. Werner Paysen of Central Butte was inducted into the Canadian Appaloosa Hall of Fame for his long standing service to that industry. Ray Remmen is inducted in both the Canadian and US Horse Racing Halls of Fame. Many other members have achieved greatness through their work in the world of horses The Federation, under the leadership of its Presidents, Boards and Committees has worked tirelessly for the benefits of the membership in developing programs and strategies to lead it into the 21st Century. Much of this work has been in partnership with the various liaisons it has established over the years in the conduct of its affairs. The Federation works in co-operation with its member clubs, with Sask Sport Inc., the Provincial Departments of Municipal Government, Agriculture, Parks & Renewable Resources,the Sask. Veterinary Medical Association, the Federal Department of Agriculture & Agri-Food; the Canadian Equestrian Federation; and the like provincial federations across Canada. Of special benefit and with much appreciation is the liaison with the Western College of Veterinary Medicine and the Equine Research division. For our future is our horses, and their health and well being takes precedence over all other matters. Saskatchewan. It's a province of wide spaces and brilliant skys, of wheatfields, grasslands and forests, where wildlife proliferates and the horse industry flourishes and expands. We welcome any and all enquiries to our offices. We are privileged and proud to serve our members in the development of their horse pursuits.
The Saskatchewan Horse Federation asserts that equine sport, industry and recreation is based on a partnership between horse and human. It is the right and responsibility of any member who owns or uses horses to uphold their welfare, regardless of value, and to ensure they are not subjected to abuse, neglect or mistreatment. SHF
motto: [used on letterhead, brochures, etc.] MEMBER'S PLEDGE: (back of Individual membership card): The Saskatchewan Horse Federation asserts that equine sport, industry and recreation is based on a partnership between horse and human. As a member, it is my right and my responsibility to uphold the welfare, regardless of value, of horses I own or use or are in my care, and to ensure they are not subjected to abuse, neglect or mistreatment.
Preamble: We believe that equine sport, industry and recreation is based on a partnership between horse and human. We believe
it is the right and the responsibility of the Saskatchewan Horse
Federation to set standards in matters of ethics, sportsmanship
and the welfare of the horse and in all matters under its jurisdiction.
INTRODUCTION The Code of Ethics of the Saskatchewan Horse Federation is designed to provide a general guideline to members of the Federation regarding the appropriate and accepted conduct of a member in various situations related to his/her activity as a member. This preferred mode of conduct exceeds what is generally required by law. The code gives members an educational framework from which desired conduct may be understood and promoted. The Code will guide members in understanding and encouraging ethical behaviour on the part of athletes, coaches and trainers, officials, horse owners, volunteers of any kind in the horse community and professional administrators and employees. The Code of Ethics is a series of principles and value statements. Each set of value statements considers individual ethical behaviour, organizational duty, and societal responsibility From time to time the Guidelines will be modified in the light of changing circumstances but the principles themselves should be constant. PRINCIPLES COMPETENCE: Value Statements: 1. All members
will enhance their own level of expertise in equine pursuits; JUSTICE: Value Statements: 1. A member
will respect and treat with dignity the rights of all individuals
engaged in the administration and performance of equine activities
in the fields of sport, recreation and industry; RESPONSIBILITY: Value Statements: 1. Members must
be accountable for their own behaviour as decision makers in the
equine field; INTEGRITY: Value Statements: 1. Members must
ensure their behaviour is beyond reproach in terms of what the Saskatchewan
Horse Federation deems right and good; LEADERSHIP: Value Statements: 1. Members must
demonstrate ethical, educational and technical guidance in their
capacity as leaders in equine fields of sport, recreation and horse
industry; EQUALITY: Value Statements: 1. Members will
treat all individuals, without exception, as equal partners in the
pursuit of equine activity; CO-OPERATION: Value Statements: 1. Members will
develop and maintain active relations with other allied organizations; GLOSSARY Ethics for the lay person ethics and morality are synonymous. The term refers to "right" conduct that is desired by the society in general. Academically, ethics refers to the study of morals. Morals as above. In an academic sense, morals are specific codes, rules and/or regulations of "right" conduct. Competence to be properly skilled/qualified to do one's appointed task. Justice the exercise of authority in maintenance of right, of fairness. Integrity to be honest and upright. Responsibility to provide guidance and vision to followers, to develop and maintain a positive organizational culture. Equality to treat all individuals on equal terms. |
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