Commercial stable keepers are proposing an industry association to address the growing horse business in Alberta.
“There is $30 million worth of horse business that goes on in Alberta,” said Jeanette Coote, who is part of a group hoping to develop an association to build consistent business and safety standards as well as improve communication with the general public who are interested in boarding, riding or owning horses.
“As professionals in this business, at this point we don’t have any standard.”
Alberta has more than 300 stables in Alberta and the number could double with the proper support, said Les Burwash of Alberta Agriculture.
Read Also
Port’s project list omission decried
Grain farmers weren’t necessarily expecting the port of Vancouver to be on the list of recently-announced major projects, but had hoped for at least a mention.
A major shortage of stable space exists in the province, especially near urban areas. It is hoped that a professional association could help share information with the public on starting and promoting a facility. Association members could negotiate preferred rates for liability insurance and equestrian supplies.
The group could also promote animal welfare and sound business practices as well as providing support, education and marketing opportunities to the stable industry. Other goals include joint marketing and a website listing all stables.
The group’s next meeting is Feb. 2 at Agriculture Canada’s research centre in Lacombe, Alta. For more information, contact Teresa Van Bryce at 403-948-8521 or e-mail tvanbryce@albertahorseindustry.ca.
Commercial stable keepers are proposing an industry association to address the growing horse business in Alberta.
“There is $30 million worth of horse business that goes on in Alberta,” said Jeanette Coote, who is part of a group hoping to develop an association to build consistent business and safety standards as well as improve communication with the general public who are interested in boarding, riding or owning horses.
“As professionals in this business, at this point we don’t have any standard.”
Alberta has more than 300 stables in Alberta and the number could double with the proper support, said Les Burwash of Alberta Agriculture.
A major shortage of stable space exists in the province, especially near urban areas. It is hoped that a professional association could help share information with the public on starting and promoting a facility. Association members could negotiate preferred rates for liability insurance and equestrian supplies.
The group could also promote animal welfare and sound business practices as well as providing support, education and marketing opportunities to the stable industry. Other goals include joint marketing and a website listing all stables.
The group’s next meeting is Feb. 2 at Agriculture Canada’s research centre in Lacombe, Alta. For more information, contact Teresa Van Bryce at 403-948-8521 or e-mail tvanbryce@albertahorseindustry.ca.
