Photography by: Coralie Nairn, Connie Ellis and Photos by Jess
About the BC Bridlehorse Heritage Association
BC Bridlehorse Heritage Association is a registered, incorporated association, recognized by the government of B.C. and as such is run by an elected board of directors who are listed here on this page.
Pulling our inspiration from what Bruce Sandifer has done south of the border in Santa Barbara, CA with The International Association for the Preservation of Early Californio Bridlehorses and Stockmanship (IAPECBS), doing business as The Californio Bridlehorse Association (CBA), the B.C. Bridlehorse Heritage Association is dedicated to preserving and promoting a style of horsemanship and stockmanship that is both unique and worthy of preservation.
This style of horsemanship and stockmanship was brought from California to Canada along with the cowboys and vaqueros who made the journey north in the mid 1800s. Their horse and stock handling methods and practices were considered to be some of the best in the world and were shaped by the land, the people and the tasks required of them as they branched off into different areas of B.C. As a result of these various influences, a number of interpretations evolved. Although the B.C. Bridlehorse Heritage Association understands that these interpretations all have value, we have focused our attention on the slow quiet methods that have become known as Californio style bridlehorsemanship and stockmanship.
Due to the value of a good stockman or "vaquero" and as a form of job security, these methods were not openly shared at that time and, without an effort being made to preserve these techniques, they could become lost forever.
To find someone in your area who can help you please visit our resources page!
Photo by Audrey May
BCBHA Elected Board of Directors
BCBHA President - Judy Bird
BCBHA Vice President #1 - David Ciriani
BCBHA Vice President #2 - Christa Miremadi
Secretary - Amelie Zunk
Treasurer - Jasmine Bedford
Communications Director - Christa Miremadi
Communications Team Members:
~ Devanee Cardinal
~ Lindsay Craig
~ Brenda Winpenny
Membership Director - Genevieve Fraser
Director at Large - Devanee Cardinal
Director at Large - Buddy Cardinal
Director at Large - Kimberly Ann Taylor
Director at Large - Craig Bird
Director at Large - Brock Herman
This association is dedicated to doing what we can to to both preserve these methods and traditions for future generations as well as promoting the benefits of these methods for the horses, the livestock and the people who use them through education, support and community.