By Jocelyn Adams Plasman, Marketing and Communications

Horse Council BC is proud to recognize the outstanding individuals who made a meaningful impact on British Columbia’s equine community in 2025. For 2025, HCBC introduced a broader awards program to better reflect the diverse ways members contribute across the province. These expanded categories celebrated outstanding volunteers of all ages who are driving progress and making a difference in every corner of BC’s equine community.

2025 HCBC Award Recipients:

• Sherman Olson Lifetime Achievement Award: Shirley Burr
• Community Volunteer of the Year: Jennifer Barnes van Elk
• Sport Volunteer of the Year: Alison Martin
• Recreation Volunteer of the Year: Scott Walker

HCBC would also like to extend a sincere thank you to everyone who submitted a nomination this year. We received incredibly thoughtful and inspiring nominations, reflecting the passion, dedication, and strength of the equestrian community across BC.

View more about the HCBC Awards and summaries of this year's winners here.

HCBC 2026 GRANTS

HCBC grants are open and accepting applications. Below is a summary of grants available at this time. For more information and to apply visit: Funding for HCBC Members

Infrastructure and Equipment Grants  

The HCBC Infrastructure and Equipment Grants support clubs, branches, and affiliates in purchasing equipment or completing projects that improve facilities and promote growth in the equestrian community. The grant aims to help clubs initiate projects, but they should seek additional funding to complete them. Eligible projects include equipment purchases (e.g., jump equipment) and facility upgrades (e.g., arena improvements). The grant covers up to 75 percent of the project cost, with a maximum of $5,000, and clubs must contribute at least 25 percent of the cost.

Eligible applicants are HCBC members in good standing for at least two years, with priority given to those who haven’t received funding in the previous year. Each organization can apply once per year, and ineligible projects include trail development and educational events.

Application Deadline April 30, 2026. 

Dusty Trail Riders in Prince George upgraded an arena and paddocks with Infrastructure and Equipment grant funding. Photos courtesy of HCBC

Grizzly Valley Saddle Club in Tumbler Ridge cleared years of accumulated material, levelled a new camping area for visiting riders, and improved safety by removing trees along their quonset and tree line for fire prevention. Funding was provided by a 2025 Infrastructure and Equipment grant. Photo courtesy of HCBC

Education Grant  

The Education Grant supports Affiliates, Clubs, and Branches in offering equine educational opportunities to their local communities. The grant can be used for classroom, demonstration, or mounted education, and is open to everyone in the community, not just HCBC members. The grant covers up to 50 percent of the expenses with a maximum of $500.  

To apply, the organization must be a current HCBC Affiliate, Club, or Branch member for at least one year. Only one application per year per organization is allowed for this funding.

BC Equestrian Trails Fund  

The BC Equestrian Trails Fund supports HCBC member clubs and affiliates in constructing or maintaining equestrian trails, trailheads, or horse camping sites in BC for public use. In 2024, the fund totaled over $25,000 and is annually increased by donations. The fund serves as “seed funding” to help secure additional grants.

Applications must be submitted by April 30, 2026 with a possible second intake by June 30 if funds remain. Eligible applicants are HCBC member clubs or affiliates in good standing for at least two years, or HCBC committees with qualifying projects.  

Eligible projects include new trail construction, upgrades, bridge construction, signage, trail rehabilitation, and horse camp facilities. The grant covers up to 75 percent of project costs with a maximum of $5,000, and all funds must be used by December 31, 2026.

Development Grants for Coach Candidates with a Disability  

HCBC, in partnership with viaSport, is offering $500 grants to coach candidates with disabilities to help them overcome challenges in the certification process. This funding can be used for training, resources, mentoring, evaluations (in-person or video), or cohort participation fees related to EC/NCCP coach or instructor certifications. Grants are available until the funding runs out. For more information, candidates can contact coaching@hcbc.ca.

Learn more about HCBC grants and apply here. 

Main Photo: Dusty Trail Riders in Prince George upgraded an arena and paddocks with Infrastructure and Equipment grant funding. Photo courtesy of HCBC.