HBOC Celebrates 25 Years of Success

From its modest beginnings that, 25 years ago, attracted approximately 60 attendees to a breeder specific meeting prior to the University of Calgary’s two-day horse program, the Horse Breeders and Owners Conference (HBOC) has grown to a world-class event that attracts well over 700 equine enthusiasts each year. “As I remember, the conference started because those in the breeding business wanted an education program that met their educational needs,” says Bob Coleman, associate professor and extension horse specialist at the University of Kentucky, and one of the original members of the organizing committee. “At the time, the University of Calgary had a horse program that ran for a weekend, but the target audience for this program was the rider, not the breeder.”

As with any great idea, born from a recognized need, all that is needed to make it a reality is the enthusiasm of a group of people with a passion for the topic. And a passion for horses, breeding excellent mounts and pulling Alberta’s equine industry together is exactly what Doug Milligan, Les Burwash, Bob Coleman and Pete Fraser brought to the table. They brought together a group of breed representatives from the Arabian, Thoroughbred, Quarter Horse and Standardbred associations, met with them and discussed the program and speakers for the first HBOC.

“The concept and the timing were right. The breed clubs were on-side and excited about bringing world class speakers to Alberta to talk to them on topics and about issues in areas such as research, breeding, training and business aspects of the industry,” says Les Burwash, manager of horse programs with Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, Airdrie. “After that first conference, it was decided to build the HBOC into a stand-alone event and the venue moved to Red Deer, where it has been ever since.”

Each year the HBOC has grown, a thrilling testament to the effort that is put into bringing excellent speakers and designing a program that fits the needs of the industry. With the cessation of the University of Calgary’s program for riders, the HBOC expanded its mandate to include horse care, training and riding safety and information on the agenda. The organizing committee now includes representatives from government, academia, industry and breed associations.

“We’ve had conference guests from across Canada, the U.S. and overseas tell us that the HBOC is the best conference of its kind,” says Coleman. “That is a true compliment indeed, and the kind of compliment that keeps the organizing team committed to the event.”

The 2007 HBOC, being held in Red Deer on January 12 to 14, 2007, features 17 internationally recognized speakers. It is sure to be another interesting, informative and thought-provoking conference. As well as the excellent presentations, the conference includes an equine-related trade show that is always a highlight of the event.

“In 2000, a special recognition program was instituted for the first time – the Alberta Horse Industry Distinguished Service Award,” says Burwash. “This award is presented to Alberta horsemen and women who have distinguished themselves in the industry and dedicated their lives to horses and the horse industry in the province.”

The Distinguished Service Award has been presented at the HBOC seven times. Recipients include Bill Collins, Ron and Marg Southern, Hans Hansma, Joe Selinger, Bruce Roy, Dave Robson and Dr. David Reid.

The HBOC offers programs designed to fit a variety of equine interests. Conference participants can attend any of the sessions and receive printed materials from all sessions.

Conference pre-registration is $85 per person. The cost for additional individuals registered at the same time from the same farm is $60. Registration at the door is $85 per person, and no farm discounts will be available.

For more information about the 2007 conference, contact Teresa van Bryce, manager, Horse Industry Association of Alberta, (403) 948-8521 or Les Burwash (403) 948-8538. Information is also available on the Association’s website at albertahorseindustry.ca or by calling the Horse Industry Association of Alberta at (403) 948-8521.