About Marnie Somers

Employment History:

I started my own business, Carberry Sandhills Consulting in 1999, after taking early retirement from thirty-five years of program management in the public and private sectors in Ontario and Manitoba.

I have been a freelance writer since 1993, regularly published in numerous North American light and heavy horse periodicals, breed journals, industry magazines and agricultural community newspapers. Writing and consulting services to the Canadian horse industry comprised the services offered by Carberry Sandhills Consulting, since 1999.

Technological Skill Development:

In the fall of 2006, I decided to return to school full time to acquire new technological skills to offer my clients. I enrolled full time at Assiniboine Community College in the Web Design diploma course, where I took courses in Web Design, Digital Imaging and Graphics, Visual Design, Digital Audio, Flash, Dreamweaver, and Computer Operating Systems.

Since that time, I have been designing web sites and offering Internet marketing strategic advise to my clients, in addition to continuing with event coverage and freelance writing assignments. Most recently, I have been learning to blog so that I can better utilize my web design, marketing and communication skills on behalf of my clients and myself.

Volunteer Service:

I am deeply involved in the Canadian horse industry. First elected In 1996, I continue to serve as a Director-At-Large on the Board of Directors of the American Quarter Horse Association, attending annual AQHA meetings in the U.S.A., and Canada.

I am the 2010 President of the Canadian Quarter Horse Association an elected position held since 2000. I was instrumental in establishing the CQHA's web site in 2002 and currently serves as its web master. From 2000 to 2003 I served as an elected Director-At-Large on the Board of Equine Canada,the national governing body for all things equestrian in Canada. In 2010 I was appointed to the Equine Canada Board of Directors for a two year term, as the representative of Equine Canada's Breeds & Industry Division.

I am a past president of the Manitoba Quarter Horse Association, currently serving on MQHA’s Board of Directors as Chair of the Public Relations and Equine Welfare Committees. I designed, implemented the MQHA's web site, and currently serve as its web master.

Personal Situation:

Since 1974, I have owned, bred and trained American Quarter horses which I havs shown competitively at open and breed shows in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and north western Ontario.Currently I own one registered Quarter Horse, who serves me well as a very handsome pasture ornament. I live on an acreage near Carberry, Manitoba, Canada with my partner, Wilf Davis, and one very spoiled house cat.