Farewell to a long-time member of the British Columbia Quarter Horse Association (BCQHA) and the Lower Mainland Quarter Horse Association (LMQHA). Andy Hellqvist is leaving British Columbia for the mountains and flatlands of Alberta! He is following his popular horse, Cash (Blazing Hot Money), to Strathmore, where Cash resides with his trainer, Mellissa Buckley. Andy's departure leaves a significant void on the BCQHA Board, where he served as the BC representative on both the AQHA and CQHA Boards. Thank you, Andy, for all your hard work and dedication to the Quarter Horse organizations.
Andy has been an incredibly dedicated board member, working tirelessly to level the playing field for AQHA show competitors not only in Canada but internationally, including the USA. His efforts have finally caught the attention of the AQHA Show Committee, which is now considering his proposals. Additionally, Andy has been an active member of the LMQHA Board and an integral part of the Bazaar Team over the years.
Many of you have seen Andy and Cash in the show ring, perhaps even competed against them, witnessing their success at local and provincial shows, as well as the Canadian Championship in Red Deer and the Novice Championships in Las Vegas. For Andy, his horse always comes first, evident in the special bond they share. Before his involvement with Quarter Horses, Andy had a special Paint, Sonny (Master Son), who took him to Reserve World Champion in Trail.
Andy will be greatly missed, but we know a part of his heart will always remain in BC. We wish him all the best in his new endeavors and look forward to seeing him in the show ring.
All the best, Andy!
This year has certainly been another difficult and challenging year in BC. COVID continues to be a prominent factor in our lives. Global warming has shown us what to expect in future years with the incredible heat wave we had followed by devastating forest fires and recently the unbelievable floods in the Fraser valley. These events have touched us all and it is incredible to see how the communities have come together to help each other during these unusual times.
It has also a very difficult year for the Equine industry with limited showing possibilities, cancelled events and long traditions being put aside once again. The Quarter Horse Industry in BC has suffered hardships as well yet it has been extremely gratifying to see the different zones work hard to produce some interesting and fun events to encourage one and all to participate with their equine partners. This is made more difficult the past couple of years due to the limited volunteers and helpers and very discouraging with the small numbers attending any of the Zone and BCQHA meetings.
BCQHA is here for the Equine community, quarter horse owners and lovers and I strongly encourage everyone to attend meetings and voice your opinions and suggestions to help the organization grow. Again this year, many people have come to realize the importance of activities held in their own communities and the need to support local clubs if you want to continue having clinics, shows and other equine related events in British Columbia. The Lower Mainland, South Central and Vancouver Island Quarter Horse Associations continue to work hard for their members and have some very enthusiastic and skilled presidents at the helm, please support them any way you can.
It has been my great pleasure to have served as your President the past 4 years. It has been challenging and frustrating at times but very rewarding and I know your new President Carolyn Farris with her many years of experience and knowledge will serve the organize well. There have been many people that I have relied on and sought help from these four years to which I owe my extreme gratitude and heartfelt thank you. To the BCQHA members I also want to thank you for your continued support, assistance when needed and kind words whenever we have been together.
I’m looking forward to an promising and exciting 2022 with opportunities to come together with friends and enjoy the love of our equine partners. Please continue to follow the health guidelines as set out by officials and stay safe!
I wish you all a healthy Merry Christmas and Happy Year.
Sincerely,
Pia Petersen, President
BCQHA
BCQHA
PRESIDNTS REPORT
DECEMBER 2022
I would like to wish all BCQHA members and supporters a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Please take time to relax and enjoy time with family, friends and of course your equines.
The Board met in person in Aldergrove in October. They agreed to continue the program for renewing members to sponsor a new member to encourage people to become part of BCQHA. As well the travel assistance program was also renewed for another year. Contact your zone Treasurer/President or myself if you would like to talk about either of these programs.
Zones are slowly getting back to providing events now that we are getting back to our new normal after COVID. Plans are underway for clinics, shows and social time so watch for announcements and support the efforts of your zone volunteers.
The AGM will be held virtually to ensure anyone interested is able to attend. Please come out and let the incoming board know what your priorities are and help us grow BCQHA. We currently have 60 members but there are over 20,000 registered quarter horses in BC. We need to find ways to get all these owners involved and supporting BCQHA as we lobby AQHA and work with HCBC on local issues.
Be safe in the current snowy conditions and I hope everyone is making plans for their adventures/activities as spring is just around the corner.
Carolyn Farris
BCQHA President
BCQHA is very pleased to Spotlight our own Ellie Gerbrandt of Roberts Creek. This 18 year old has had a very accomplished equine career in her young life highlighted by achieving her goal of attending the 2020 Youth World Cup. She placed Top 30 in Trail and a Finalist in Horsemanship and Showmanship in some extremely large classes. At the same time she was also a NSBA Bronze World Champion in 14-18 Hunt Seat Equitation and NSBA 8th in 14-18 Horsemanship. She was also a 2018 and 2020 Team Canada member for the AQHA Youth World Cup.
Ellie’s Quarter Horse Achievements have been very impressive including Top Ten at the 2016 and 2018 All American Quarter Horse Congress in Hunt Seat Equitation, as well as Top Ten in Showmanship in 2018. In 2017 she earned All Around Hi-Point Youth at the AQHA Novice Youth Championships West in Las Vegas. In 2019, 2018 and 2017 she has earned numerous Championships, Hi-Points and Reserve Hi-Point in California, Oregon, Arizona, Washington and British Columbia. She has also been a BCQHA and LMQHA Year End Youth Hi-Point winner. In 2019 Ellie was Canadian Quarter Horse Youth of the year runner up.
While focusing on her Equine activities she also spent many years in Dance as well as playing Soccer and Volleyball including making it to the Provincial Volleyball Championships in 2016. That’s not all; she participated and volunteered in Vaulting as well as a junior volunteer for the Sunshine Coast Healthcare Auxiliary. Ellie managed to achieve all this while maintaining over a 90% grade average in school. Recently, Ellie was recruited by the prestigious Texas A&M NCAA Division 1 Equestrian team and has given her verbal commitment to ride for the team starting in 2021.
None of this could have been accomplished without the love and support of her mother Amanda and grandparents Barb and John Hopkins lon time supporters of LMQHA and BCQHA. We are extremely proud of this young British Columbian and know that this is only the beginning of a long and successful future for Ellie.
BCQHA
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
Happy New year and best wishes for a happy, healthy and prosperous 2023. I hope everyone is busy enjoying or making plans to enjoy their registered Quarter Horses and other equines.
Please mark your calendar for the BCQHA AGM. It will be held via Zoom at 7:00 PM on Sunday March 19, 2023. It is important that you sign in as we need a quorum to ensure the society can continue.
The board approved the continuation of the sponsor" a new member program for another year". Any member renewing their membership can submit an application for a new member ( adult family, friend or riding partner) for a one year membership. The hope is they will like what we do and continue to renew their membership in the coming years. No one can be sponsored more than once or be a recent member returning.
The travel assistance program is also continuing for 2023. Each zone is allocated $500 to be divided among the member applicants from the zone. A maximum of $100 will be given to any one person. Travel needs to be outside your zone and to attend a BCQHA approved event. (clinic, open show, breed show). To apply simply send an email or letter to your zone Treasurer showing date of travel and purpose. Each participant can apply if a group is sharing rides or trailers.
Please send in photos of new babies or riding adventures for the website & newsletters. It is a great way to share your excitement and pride.
Carolyn Farris
BCQHA President
