By Jocelyn Plasman, Marketing and Communications

BC 55+ GAMES 2025

The 55+ Games will be held September 9-13, 2025 and will see 25 sports and activities offered for the 2500-plus anticipated participants. The 55+ BC Games are an important part of the BC sport system and the largest annual multi-sport gathering event in the province. The Games offer participants the opportunity to celebrate sport and active living with other participants from across the province, and to experience the hospitality of the host city. Each year the Games attract approximately 2,500 participants and require over 1,200 volunteers to stage and deliver the event in the host community.

Participant registration for the Nanaimo 2025 55+ BC Games is now open.

If you are interested in helping to bring the Games to Nanaimo as a volunteer, please visit the Volunteer Information Page.

Equestrian Competition will be held at Beban Park, Nanaimo.

Sport Chair: Jaqueline Pieters

Discipline Chairs

• Dressage/Western Dressage: Monique Fraser
• Driving Trials: Tina Knott
• Working Equitation: Jane Stone
• Working Hunter: TBD

Disciplines included in the 2025 55+ Games:

• Dressage/Western Dressage
• Driving Trials
• Working Equitation
• Working Hunter

Registration information at Horse Council BC.

HORSE COUNCIL BC PROVINCIAL RULES OFFICIAL (PRO) INCENTIVE FUND

Two years ago, HCBC launched the Provincial Rules Official (PRO) pilot program.

Why have a PRO attend your competition?

The HCBC Provincial Rules Officials attend provincially-sanctioned competitions to offer help and guidance with HCBC rules, assist show management with the development and rule content in prize lists, as well as help to address questions, concerns, aid management with any disputes or conflict resolution, and encourage a safe, friendly, and enjoyable competition experience for both horses and competitors.

This year, approved provincial competitions meeting the HCBC PRO Incentive Fund Criteria may apply for $500.00 in funding from HCBC to go towards covering the cost of having a PRO attend their competition. PROS will be assigned by the HCBC Office.

There are ten applications available in 2025.

Visit HCBC>Competitions>Organizers to find more information and for the application form.

If you would like more information or are interested in becoming a PRO please contact competition@hcbc.ca.

HCBC AND ACERA INSURANCE EXPAND PARTNERSHIP TO SUPPORT COACHING EXCELLENCE AND EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR BC MEMBERS

HCBC is pleased to announce the expansion of its long-standing partnership with Acera Insurance, which will provide valuable sponsorship for HCBC’s annual Webinar Series and the newly introduced Coaching Excellence Support Grant. This expanded collaboration aims to offer increased educational resources and financial support to HCBC members, helping to advance standards and knowledge across the province.

With generous financial assistance from Acera Insurance, HCBC is launching the Coaching Excellence Support Grant, designed to assist Equestrian Canada (EC) Instructors and Provincial Coaches as they pursue their next level of certification. This funding will also support EC Licensed coaches who are not yet certified, enabling them to participate in an EC Certification evaluation.

The goal of the grant is to promote coaching excellence by making it easier for coaches to progress through certification levels in disciplines such as English, Western, and Driving. Additionally, the grant will help uncertified British Columbia EC Licensed Coaches obtain their EC Certification.

In addition to the Coaching Excellence Support Grant, Acera Insurance’s sponsorship will enable HCBC to expand its annual Webinar Series. This will provide HCBC members with increased access to a wide range of educational opportunities across diverse topics, further enhancing the learning experience for equestrians of all levels and the organizations that support them.

Stay tuned for more information on upcoming webinars, and be sure to visit Horse Council BC for additional details and the Coaching Excellence Support Grant Application Form.