2006 Saskatchewan Horse Federation Directory Being Compiled

Source: Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food

If you are part of the Saskatchewan horse industry and you want to let the world know about it, there is no better way than to ensure your operation or business is listed in the 2006 edition of the Saskatchewan Horse Federation (SHF) Directory.

“We started the directory to develop and promote the horse industry, and spread the good word far beyond as a vehicle for the industry,” Saskatchewan Horse Federation executive director Mae Smith said. “It has come to the point where a lot of the members are finding a lot of value in it.”

The previous edition of the directory was circulated through international trade fairs and equine shows in Germany, France and Spain. The directory has also been distributed in Australia and the United States, and at Agribition and Farm Progress Show in Regina.

Smith believes the growing popularity of the directory is due to the growing importance of the horse sector in Saskatchewan’s economy.

“We know that there are in the neighbourhood of 100,000 horses in Saskatchewan, and we are the third largest horse producing province in Canada” Smith said. “I think the horse industry is very viable in Saskatchewan because it has so many spin-off benefits to it. There is a huge recreation component with the competition and sport part of it. It’s an enormous economic vehicle when you look at it in that manner.

“The directory is a resource that is very valuable in marketing. Breeders, and businesses associated with the horse sector – for example, those dealing with insurance, vehicles, trucks and trailers – are included in the directory. Many of our exhibition associations advertise in there.”

The SHF has more than 6,000 members in 140 clubs and affiliate member associations. Members, and other agencies like the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, are contacted to collect their information for the directory. The SHF also publishes a bi-monthly magazine called Show Trail in which people are invited to participate.

The SHF is increasing the number of copies of the directory published this year. It will be distributed to all SHF members, and will also be available at tack stores, feed suppliers, and Canadian Western Agribition. The directory, provided as a service to SHF members and the horse industry, is free to anybody interested.

“One of the things we want to do with this publication is circulate it to our membership,” Smith said. “A recent horse industry study indicated that between 75 and 80 per cent of all the horses in Saskatchewan are bought and sold within the province. So for the producer, there is a very strong market right here in their own backyard. It is important to reach out to them.”

Anyone interested in participating in the directory has until the end of August to submit content to the SHF.

For more information, contact:

Mae Smith
Executive Director
Saskatchewan Horse Federation
(306) 780-9244
SHFDirector@sasktel.net