With funding from this program, I hosted a mini symposium for horse owners and riders in North Vancouver Island communities. Hosted at my barn in Sointula, we welcomed 15 participants from across Malcolm Island as well as Port McNeill. Our presenters were two of the top professionals in their field in Western Canada: Alex Hamilton, a certified farrier and president of the Western Canadian Farrier Association, and Dr. Kaitlin McDonald, a top-tier veterinarian working with multiple practices in South Vancouver Island.
Alex presented on hoof care and protection options (boots, shoes, etc.), and Kaitlin discussed colic (prevention, symptoms, response). These presentations were a combination of lecture, demonstration, and hands-on learning about how to treat hoof abscesses with poultices and how to take vitals (pulse, respiratory rate, capillary refill, gut sounds, etc.).
Although we were challenged by an ill-timed power outage that day and the usual nonsense of our half-capacity ferry situation, most registrants were able to make it, and the generator made sure that the lights stayed on and warm drinks were served to everyone.
This was a lovely event for all of us, especially the kids and older horse owners/riders relatively new to the world of horse care. The theme of proactivity and health through good stable management was very important for our area, where veterinary and farrier care is a 3 + hour trailer drive south, plus a ferry for some, assuming you have access to a horse trailer.
It was also an amazing opportunity to meet new faces (especially the horse owners/riders who came over from Port McNeill), and share some snacks and good laughs while developing our knowledge. Everyone came with great questions, knowledge to share, and enthusiasm.
