32 - Sunday, August 22, 1993 -

A SHORT canter down the hill from Capilano College the scunds of the highway traffic fade.

By Martin Millerchip Contributing Writer

In fact, as you drop down the driveway at 1301 Lillooet Rd. and the outdoor rings and paddocks come into view it is easy to imag- ine that you have left the city behind.

The seven acres of the North Shore Equestrian Centre (NSEC) are compact and functional, but the prospect from this hillside retreat in the middle of North Vancouver is all green.

Only the relentless hydro lines and glimpses of a baseball dia- mond serve as a reminder that the world has changed faster than the horse.

At the entrance to the stables, farrier Trevor Rupert is working up a sweat in the sunshine as he pounds a reluctant shoe into sub- mission.

What looks like a fit that would satisfy Prince Charming takes another three or four minutes’

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work before Rupert is satisfied and the nails are tapped home into a surprisingly softehoof.

“More quality horses here than any other barn in the Lower Mainland,"’ he states emphatically while taking a break.

Rupert speaks from experience since his work takes him from Chilliwack to Gibsons.

“See that brand,’’ he says, as his next customer, a pretty grey, is led into view. “The Bar CP. That's the first registered brand in Canada. Probably bought at Spruce Meadows."’

Which explains how a_ horse from the Cochrane ranch in Alberta got to North Vancouver.

NSEC sent four horses to Spruce Meadows, Calgary, this year. It was the first time it had competed at this level.

The whole barn seems to take collective pride in the achieve- ment. Four young riders take less than an hour to tell a News reporter of the group fundraising efforts that took place.

Almost everyone refers NSEC as “‘this barn’’ decidedly western term for an outfit that emphasizes English riding skills.

In a stable of some 75 horses

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there are only four owners who tide the trails in the Seymour Demonstration Forest on a regular basis or trailer out to the valley.

“We who are older do it purely for pleasure and relaxation,’’ says one, as he unstraps one of the few western saddles in evidence.

Certainly the schooling offered looks like hard work.

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In the large indoor arena there is a class going on that includes among its pupils two of the NSEC instructors.

Already certified by the Cana- dian Equestrian Federation, they strive for personal improvement under the watchful eye and quick tongue of Sandy Alexander, NSEC’s resident trainer.

Minute movements of hand, elbow or foot are examined, ex- plained, corrected and occa- sionally approved.

Close your eyes and it’s like

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a ballet class where ail the dancers slobber; open your eyes and there is no mistaking the commitment.

Alexander has overseen the lesson program since owner Denise Kinvig and her husband took over the stables some seven years ago. A caseful of cups with 12 shows still to go in the season attests to the barn’s rising status.

A rider for more than 30 years

with a formal dressage background, Alexander has “shown every breed there has’: been in the world.”’ .

Like any talented teacher he ac- knowledges the need to constantly adapt the words he uses.

“The meanings change as ihe rider matures and improves. How do you find the language of un- derstanding?’’ he asks.

NSEC offers lessons from basic _ torsemanship to a hunter/jumper discipline and has recently added a small dressage group.

Winter clinics can offer Olym- pic-level knowledge - or an. in-, troduction to equine science.

“It's a wonderful sport but it’s also recreational,’’ _ enthuses Alex: ander. . ‘

“Parents have their children” here rather than at the mails.

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