President Report
Alberta Lure Coursing Association – September Fall 2015 Show and Go!
The sun shone, the wind blew and the rain was torrential but our dear hounds coursed with the heart and soul of true champions.
As President, this past weekend was a celebration and a testament to the best Western Canadian sighthounds in the conformation ring and on the lure-coursing field.
In my opinion, the combined event provides a balance in measurement. It is the objective means of qualifying the best-considered genes, the most willing of the hounds, and the greatest nurtured environment possible from birth throughout their life. Well done to all hounds and breeders who met this challenge!
This past weekend Alberta Lure Coursing Association (ALCA) held its September lure coursing field trial and conformation show with great success. During this weekend the Ibizan Club of Canadian hosted their National Specialty, a well-organized event showcasing outstanding “Beezers”. In both events, competitors came from across the country. Although the weather was a challenge, the events were very successful. Both clubs, provided the best experience possible in 7-degree weather, continuous rain and strong winds that Sunday presented.
Overlooking a big Alberta sky, the field is situated on a Strathcona historic site - Bremner House with approximately 80 acres of land. The old mansion is a graceful lady with a history and many secrets held in her walls. The site has an orchard, garden plots and four designated fields. The main club that takes care of the property is the Strathcona Vintage Tractor Association (SVTA). Out in one of the field is an array of vintage tractors and equipment certainly of another era. The place is magical and everyone who sets foot on the property understands this immediately! Our designated coursing field was brilliant. The other field was used for parking and for warming up and walking out our dogs. On the coursing field, the lure operator and the judging panel were situated on the hill over looking the entire property. A big thank you to our dedicated and experienced field judges: Lynda Webster, Regina Salzmann, Pat Ingram and Karen Douglass. Thanks to the clubs volunteer efforts we were able to purchase new stairs for our 12- foot scaffolding platform – no more ladder acrobatics for the judges. The coursing field had just been cut for hay with a nice new growth, no holes and no little prairie dogs poking their head out to see what all the fuss was about. The course design was by Ed Molloy our Field Trial Chair. This was a challenging design for many of the hounds but all went home tired and satisfied with only minor scrapes and scratches. To the ALCA Field Crew – you were all amazing!
Keeping our hounds safe and the bag under their noses was Cherie Hunchak – in my opinion one of the most difficult and important roles on a lure coursing field is taking the responsibly of running the lure. Every time you released your dog it was this lady who did her very best to keep the hounds safe and hungry for more– just a super job Cherie!
The Strathcona Vintage Tractor Association (SVTA) is a special group of people who take care of this field. A special thank you to all the members of the SVTA for their contribution of stands, tables, chairs and a dry shed for our Field Secretary and Volunteers. Your help and support mean so much to our little club.
After an excellent day of coursing, ALCA held its Field Trial Conformation Show. So hounds got polished up, removing grass stains from heads to hips and muddy feet were washed and wiped. Slip leads where exchanged with show leashes and the owners changed into fancy attire. It was interesting to see the hounds switch gears and perform in the show ring. Our conformation Judge - Ms. Nancy Popovich came early to watch the coursing and cheer on these talented athletes. Thank you Ms. Popovich for joining in our field adventure!
Small clubs like ALCA function best when everyone has shared focused goals and objectives, when they feel welcomed and encouraged, and a willingness to put in time and effort. When they respond with great communication and a driven passion for the legacy they want to leave for the next generation. Has ALCA met all these goals? - No – but we really try hard to create the best coursing experience for all. We try to provide support and education to new people that have been bitten by the coursing bug and lend a supporting hand to experienced colleagues. Most importantly we try to host a warm and friendly competition that is lead with good sportsmanship. It is because of our members we can achieve so much and we are very proud of our accomplishments. It is because of all volunteers’ efforts our trials run so smoothly. On the other hand, a great turn out from participants with their hounds completes the success. Thanks to everyone who entered and drove many miles to attend and support these events.
I want to thank and acknowledge everyone for their contribution:
Field Trial Chair and Crew: An amazing team – well done! Ed Molloy you lead a super team and providing excellent knowledge and expertise. Brendan Molloy, Piet Woestenburg, Shaun Maxwell, Rob Shaw, Dayce Terry, Henry van Elst and Dimitri – great job. Robyn Holowach for your battery charger. Rob/Susan Shaw for your quad – it makes life easier! Lure operators - Cherie Hunchak and Ed Molloy.
Field Trial Secretary and Field Clerks: A special thanks to all who ensure our paperwork is accurate and on target - Elizabeth van Husen – Field Secretary along with Karen Steinbring as apprentice. Ivy Molloy – Field Clerk and Kendra Jones and Miriam Woestenburg as apprentices and our new volunteer Catherine. Thanks to Linda Smith and Miriam Woestenburg - Roll Call inspection! Cindy Kremer you got us all to the line on time with a smile. Thanks to all for working in the worst rain and cold conditions in years.
Donations/Prizes: Thanks to all who contributed to excellent prizes listed in our premium list! Your contribution is so important for our clubs ability to reward excellent hounds. Thanks to Ivy Molloy for coordinating these contributions!
Chow Hound Cafe: Thanks to Robyn Holowach who kept our tummies satisfied and full! Several others helped in the concession with burgers and hot dogs – Thanks Dwayne Yuzik and Jim and Priscilla McLeod.
Conformation Show Set up: David Fincham, Karen Douglass, Ivy Molloy, Elizabeth van Husen, Dayce Terry and Karen Steinbring. Special thanks - Kathy Hawker for taking on the role of conformation ring steward. Thanks to Karen Steinbring and family for the colorful flowerpots of mums at ringside.
BBQ – Coordinators – Val Kulchisky and Ivy Molloy
Photographers: Robyn Holowach, Bev Holoboff and Susan Nordstrom. Check out their work on Facebook!
Strathcona Vintage Tractor Association (SVTA) – Special thanks for all the equipment and support of the lovely field.
Strathcona County – Thanks for the support and providing the license for the events.
At the end of the day all dogs were winners in the hearts of their owners, ribbons were placed on the dashboards and as friends and family we all sat down for a succulent authentic southern bar-b-que. We dined on smoke ribs, pulled pork, BBQ turkey and beef brisket with sweet and hot sauces. We devoured the most amazing baked beans dripping in a savory sauce. Side dishes were brought out by everyone included: slaw, potato salad, sweet potato casserole, corn bread, marinated bean, various salads and buns. If that was not enough you could feast on homemade pies, delicious squares, rice crispies, lemon bars, and pecan butter tarts and other sugar delights. With cheers and toasts to all, smiles and bragging rights set down for another day, many new members made friends for life while other enjoyed the comfort of colleague’s and friends make a decade or two ago.
On Sunday, the winds roared and the rain never stopped but the hounds ran well with mud flying in all directions. It is a credit to all who fought through the weather, flu and coughs to make sure we finished our trial. The Ibizan Club of Canada held their National Specialty and found the same courage to hold their event on this miserable day. No rain, wind or a blue moon could stop the making of another historical record for ALCA. Miss Willow the “Silver Bullet” – Italian Greyhound owned by Dayce Terry and loved by Karen & Daniel Steinbring made history this weekend, being the first IG female to achieve a Canadian Field Champion under CKC. Congratulation from your best buddy and coursing partner in crime San. In the end, new titles were made, owners shiver with a smile on their face and the hound wanted to do it all over again.
To all - ALCA wishes to thank you!
Mark your calendar for the famous Turkey Trot Lure Coursing Trial - October 10th with a full turkey dinner on the field!
Bobbi Westman
President, Alberta Lure Coursing Association
Alberta Lure Coursing Association – September Fall 2015 Show and Go!
The sun shone, the wind blew and the rain was torrential but our dear hounds coursed with the heart and soul of true champions.
As President, this past weekend was a celebration and a testament to the best Western Canadian sighthounds in the conformation ring and on the lure-coursing field.
In my opinion, the combined event provides a balance in measurement. It is the objective means of qualifying the best-considered genes, the most willing of the hounds, and the greatest nurtured environment possible from birth throughout their life. Well done to all hounds and breeders who met this challenge!
This past weekend Alberta Lure Coursing Association (ALCA) held its September lure coursing field trial and conformation show with great success. During this weekend the Ibizan Club of Canadian hosted their National Specialty, a well-organized event showcasing outstanding “Beezers”. In both events, competitors came from across the country. Although the weather was a challenge, the events were very successful. Both clubs, provided the best experience possible in 7-degree weather, continuous rain and strong winds that Sunday presented.
Overlooking a big Alberta sky, the field is situated on a Strathcona historic site - Bremner House with approximately 80 acres of land. The old mansion is a graceful lady with a history and many secrets held in her walls. The site has an orchard, garden plots and four designated fields. The main club that takes care of the property is the Strathcona Vintage Tractor Association (SVTA). Out in one of the field is an array of vintage tractors and equipment certainly of another era. The place is magical and everyone who sets foot on the property understands this immediately! Our designated coursing field was brilliant. The other field was used for parking and for warming up and walking out our dogs. On the coursing field, the lure operator and the judging panel were situated on the hill over looking the entire property. A big thank you to our dedicated and experienced field judges: Lynda Webster, Regina Salzmann, Pat Ingram and Karen Douglass. Thanks to the clubs volunteer efforts we were able to purchase new stairs for our 12- foot scaffolding platform – no more ladder acrobatics for the judges. The coursing field had just been cut for hay with a nice new growth, no holes and no little prairie dogs poking their head out to see what all the fuss was about. The course design was by Ed Molloy our Field Trial Chair. This was a challenging design for many of the hounds but all went home tired and satisfied with only minor scrapes and scratches. To the ALCA Field Crew – you were all amazing!
Keeping our hounds safe and the bag under their noses was Cherie Hunchak – in my opinion one of the most difficult and important roles on a lure coursing field is taking the responsibly of running the lure. Every time you released your dog it was this lady who did her very best to keep the hounds safe and hungry for more– just a super job Cherie!
The Strathcona Vintage Tractor Association (SVTA) is a special group of people who take care of this field. A special thank you to all the members of the SVTA for their contribution of stands, tables, chairs and a dry shed for our Field Secretary and Volunteers. Your help and support mean so much to our little club.
After an excellent day of coursing, ALCA held its Field Trial Conformation Show. So hounds got polished up, removing grass stains from heads to hips and muddy feet were washed and wiped. Slip leads where exchanged with show leashes and the owners changed into fancy attire. It was interesting to see the hounds switch gears and perform in the show ring. Our conformation Judge - Ms. Nancy Popovich came early to watch the coursing and cheer on these talented athletes. Thank you Ms. Popovich for joining in our field adventure!
Small clubs like ALCA function best when everyone has shared focused goals and objectives, when they feel welcomed and encouraged, and a willingness to put in time and effort. When they respond with great communication and a driven passion for the legacy they want to leave for the next generation. Has ALCA met all these goals? - No – but we really try hard to create the best coursing experience for all. We try to provide support and education to new people that have been bitten by the coursing bug and lend a supporting hand to experienced colleagues. Most importantly we try to host a warm and friendly competition that is lead with good sportsmanship. It is because of our members we can achieve so much and we are very proud of our accomplishments. It is because of all volunteers’ efforts our trials run so smoothly. On the other hand, a great turn out from participants with their hounds completes the success. Thanks to everyone who entered and drove many miles to attend and support these events.
I want to thank and acknowledge everyone for their contribution:
Field Trial Chair and Crew: An amazing team – well done! Ed Molloy you lead a super team and providing excellent knowledge and expertise. Brendan Molloy, Piet Woestenburg, Shaun Maxwell, Rob Shaw, Dayce Terry, Henry van Elst and Dimitri – great job. Robyn Holowach for your battery charger. Rob/Susan Shaw for your quad – it makes life easier! Lure operators - Cherie Hunchak and Ed Molloy.
Field Trial Secretary and Field Clerks: A special thanks to all who ensure our paperwork is accurate and on target - Elizabeth van Husen – Field Secretary along with Karen Steinbring as apprentice. Ivy Molloy – Field Clerk and Kendra Jones and Miriam Woestenburg as apprentices and our new volunteer Catherine. Thanks to Linda Smith and Miriam Woestenburg - Roll Call inspection! Cindy Kremer you got us all to the line on time with a smile. Thanks to all for working in the worst rain and cold conditions in years.
Donations/Prizes: Thanks to all who contributed to excellent prizes listed in our premium list! Your contribution is so important for our clubs ability to reward excellent hounds. Thanks to Ivy Molloy for coordinating these contributions!
Chow Hound Cafe: Thanks to Robyn Holowach who kept our tummies satisfied and full! Several others helped in the concession with burgers and hot dogs – Thanks Dwayne Yuzik and Jim and Priscilla McLeod.
Conformation Show Set up: David Fincham, Karen Douglass, Ivy Molloy, Elizabeth van Husen, Dayce Terry and Karen Steinbring. Special thanks - Kathy Hawker for taking on the role of conformation ring steward. Thanks to Karen Steinbring and family for the colorful flowerpots of mums at ringside.
BBQ – Coordinators – Val Kulchisky and Ivy Molloy
Photographers: Robyn Holowach, Bev Holoboff and Susan Nordstrom. Check out their work on Facebook!
Strathcona Vintage Tractor Association (SVTA) – Special thanks for all the equipment and support of the lovely field.
Strathcona County – Thanks for the support and providing the license for the events.
At the end of the day all dogs were winners in the hearts of their owners, ribbons were placed on the dashboards and as friends and family we all sat down for a succulent authentic southern bar-b-que. We dined on smoke ribs, pulled pork, BBQ turkey and beef brisket with sweet and hot sauces. We devoured the most amazing baked beans dripping in a savory sauce. Side dishes were brought out by everyone included: slaw, potato salad, sweet potato casserole, corn bread, marinated bean, various salads and buns. If that was not enough you could feast on homemade pies, delicious squares, rice crispies, lemon bars, and pecan butter tarts and other sugar delights. With cheers and toasts to all, smiles and bragging rights set down for another day, many new members made friends for life while other enjoyed the comfort of colleague’s and friends make a decade or two ago.
On Sunday, the winds roared and the rain never stopped but the hounds ran well with mud flying in all directions. It is a credit to all who fought through the weather, flu and coughs to make sure we finished our trial. The Ibizan Club of Canada held their National Specialty and found the same courage to hold their event on this miserable day. No rain, wind or a blue moon could stop the making of another historical record for ALCA. Miss Willow the “Silver Bullet” – Italian Greyhound owned by Dayce Terry and loved by Karen & Daniel Steinbring made history this weekend, being the first IG female to achieve a Canadian Field Champion under CKC. Congratulation from your best buddy and coursing partner in crime San. In the end, new titles were made, owners shiver with a smile on their face and the hound wanted to do it all over again.
To all - ALCA wishes to thank you!
Mark your calendar for the famous Turkey Trot Lure Coursing Trial - October 10th with a full turkey dinner on the field!
Bobbi Westman
President, Alberta Lure Coursing Association