Horse Council BC News for Summer 2026

By Bree Patterson, Marketing and Communications

KAMLOOPS 2026 55+ BC GAMES 

As BC prepares to welcome athletes from across the province for the Kamloops 2026 55+ BC Games, HCBC is pleased to confirm that equestrian sport will once again be part of this celebrated provincial event. Equestrian competitions will take place September 9–12, 2026, at the North Thompson Fairgrounds in Barrière, BC.

The Barrière venue was chosen after careful consideration to best support horses, athletes, officials, and spectators. 

The 55+ BC Games are the largest annual multi sport gathering in the province, welcoming more than 2,500 athletes across over two dozen sports. While competition is a key focus, the Games also celebrate active living, volunteerism, and the lifelong joy of sport — values that align naturally with equestrian participation.

Equestrian sport holds a unique place within the 55+ BC Games. Riders aged 55 and over bring decades of horsemanship, experience, and partnership to the arena, offering a powerful reminder that passion for horses — and for sport — has no age limit.

Equestrian Disciplines at the 2026 Games

The equestrian program showcases the diversity of BC’s horse community, with:

• Dressage and Western Dressage
• Driving Trials
• Ranch Horse
• Mountain Trail

Registration for equestrian athletes opened March 16, with full details available through HCBC. Riders from all 12 provincial zones are welcome to participate, and no qualifying events are required, ensuring participation is accessible across the province.

Learn more about the equestrian component of the 55+ BC Games.

OFFICIALS DEVELOPMENT CLINICS AT THE 55+ BC GAMES

In addition to competition, HCBC is proud to offer two Officials Development Clinics, held alongside the equestrian events at the 55+ BC Games. These clinics provide valuable education opportunities for riders, officials, and equestrian enthusiasts interested in gaining deeper insight into judging and performance standards.

Through the Eyes of a Driving Judge

September 11–13, 2026 — North Thompson Fairgrounds

This three day clinic is led by FEI 3* Driving Judge Francois Bergeron and offers a judge’s eye view of what defines a successful driving performance. Participants will gain practical insight into how performances are evaluated, what details matter most, and how to present an effective turnout.

Highlights include:

• Post competition Q&A sessions on Friday and Saturday
• A full day of judging, demonstrations, and discussion on Sunday
• Live learning held alongside the 2026 55+ Games Driving competition

Participation is free for competitors entered in the 55+ Games Driving Competition, and $150 for all other participants.

Through the Eyes of a Ranch Horse Judge

September 11–13, 2026 — North Thompson Fairgrounds

Led by respected multi carded judge Jodie Moore, this three day clinic offers clear insight into what judges look for in ranch horse competition, including correctness, manoeuvre quality, authenticity, and overall presentation.

Highlights include:

• Post competition Q&A sessions on Friday and Saturday
• A full day of judging, demonstrations, and discussion on Sunday
• Hands on learning alongside the 2026 55+ Games Ranch Horse Competition

Participation is free for competitors entered in the 55+ Games Ranch Horse Competition, and $150 for all other participants.

INTRODUCING HCBC’S NEW ONLINE LEARNING PLATFORM

HCBC is also excited to announce the launch of its new online learning platform, a central hub where members can access educational content anytime, anywhere, and at their own pace.

As part of the launch, all sessions from this year’s February Field Knowledge Webinar Series are now available on demand. Recordings from last year’s March Madness Sessions are also accessible, with additional content to be added throughout the year.

Available topics include emergency preparedness, equine health and nutrition, horse welfare and safety, and best practices for equine care and management. Step by step login instructions are available here, along with a short instructional video to help members get started.

HCBC hopes this new platform becomes a valuable and lasting resource, supporting continued learning and preparedness across BC’s equine community.