Joni Peters

 Current activities....

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The first function arranged was a hastily planned Benefit Dinner and Silent Auction on April 14th at the Schubert Center in Vernon. The response from friends, supporters and dressage enthusiasts was overwhelming! Close to 100 people attended from all over the Interior, double what was originally expected! The evening started with a Wine & Cheese, with a fabulous tasting of quality wines from several of our local wineries. Gourmet cheese supplied by Village Cheese and Armstrong Cheese was elaborately presented by the staff of the Schubert Center. A truly north Okanagan experience! And while guests were mingling and enthusiastically bidding on Silent Auction items, background music was played by Bailey's Beads from Calgary, who generously donated their services.

A fabulous buffet was prepared by Schubert with rave reviews by all that attended. With the meal cleared away our Master of Ceremony (who had just arrived from judging a horse show!) took over the microphone. Ellen Smailes (CEF approved judge, Senior Steward and long-time family friend) was thrilled to be asked to MC the evening for such a deserving and talented rider. Ellen entertained everyone with humorous accounts of Joni's life as a Pony Clubber in the 'North Country'.

Ruth Moore of the Vernon & District Riding Club presented Joni with a card from the membership wishing her great success as well as a cheque. And Ferne Johnson of Oakhill Farm and North Okanagan Warmblood Breeders Group presented Joni with a cheque on behalf of Hans Schoendorfer of Calgary.

Canadian Warmblood Horse Breeders Association, represented by Julie Pilon, took this opportunity to present Wilken with a striking black wool blanket with his name and the Warmblood logo, to be worn proudly in Germany! He has the distinction of being the FIRST Canadian born & bred Warmblood to go to Europe in the sport of dressage. As well, he was officially presented the Level 1 (Basic) Dressage Award for 2000 and the Level 2 (Medium)Year End Award for 2001 for CWHBA. And Joni was presented with a full ensemble of beautiful clothing with the CWHBA logo to wear proudly in Germany, a supply of pens to write & keep us posted and pins to give out to promote our breeding program here in Canada.

An exciting Silent Auction was a focal point of the evening with a splendid array of products and services donated by individuals and business' from around the province. Bidding was very competitive with many items going above retail value!

The evening was a tremendous success and a social event that was enjoyed by all. The magnitude of the generosity was overwhelming and Joni would like to thank every one for their support. She will do her best to make us all proud that she is Canadian.

Initially it was thought/hoped that Wilken and Joni's departure would be as soon as the 4 week quarantine requirements were met, but reality is that it just isn't quite that simple to arrange affordable transportation for a horse! Tentatively it is looking like the soonest available flight may be early July.

Fund raising will be on-going with plans for a Raffle this summer. If you would like information on how you can help out please call Cathie Cross at 250-546-8538 or check for up dates on on this site.  If you would like to add this site to your favorites just return to the homepage and press CNTRL D on your keyboard.

Contributed by Cathie Cross

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