Dr. Everett More’s sphere of influence on the agricultural scene extends far beyond his veterinary practice. Once arecipient of the Gerry Holmes Memorial Award as a volunteer for the Virden Indoor Rodeo & Wild West Daze Volunteer, now More has been selected for induction into the Manitoba Agricultural Hall of Fame Inc.
A practicing large-animal veterinarian for 44 years, More became the go-to veterinarian for horse owners. His work helped make Virden Animal Hospital a regional centre for equine dentistry, medicine, and surgery.
He was also known as the "The Voice of the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair", as announcer for the evening program in the main ring at the Keystone Centre for 20 years.
However, it was a surprising moment for More when he was approached about a year ago regarding the nomination by Larry Logan, Chairman of Virden Veterinary Services District. More recalls, “I looked at him like he was crazy for a minute, but he wanted to go on with it.”
Locally, both Logan and Jack and Kathy Welsh worked on the nomination.
As More went through the process, compiling a biography for the application process, it became evident he had a hand in nearly 20 community organizations far and wide; equine groups, cattle associations, and 4-H groups, including a stint on the church board.
More has always been a doer. “I enjoy being part of groups that contribute back to the community, either local or at large. I believe everybody needs to do their part.” Quoting a line of song, he says, “‘It’s great to be a part of something so good, that's lasted so long.’” And he says, “I think of that, every time we’re involved in producing Virden Indoor Rodeo & Wild West Daze - twenty years an announcer of the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair, same deal.”
This Virden veterinarian became the go-to doctor for horse owners; this, at a time when a burgeoning pregnant mare urine (PMU) industry meant a growing population of horses in Manitoba. As such, he was a member of the committee for “Code of Practice for the Care of Horses on PMU Ranches" since its inception in 1990, until the present.
When the PMU industry came into crisis, he was appointed as a member of the Equine Placement Fund (NAERIC managed) committee formed by Pfizer pharmaceuticals at the time of the downsizing of that industry. This committee was charged with the responsibility of overseeing the placement of surplus horses from the PMU industry, into productive homes. This committee was comprised of equine experts in various fields, from across western Canada and the northern half of the USA, and in the following years he continued on to support the placement of offspring of the P.M.U. herds.
More explains, “I was chosen to be on that committee ... being right here on the ground floor, having a reading of what was going on locally as opposed to people out of New York....”
Everett More was born and raised on a farm just a few miles east, at Deloraine. In the Virden area, he has been apurebred Simmental cattle breeder for over 40 years, active in breed associations. Along with his significant other, Irene Vanin, he received the Manitoba Simmental Association "Simmental Ambassador" award in 2013.
Reflecting on his early years, and his inclination toward animals and agriculture, More states,
“My dad ... was a great cattleman, a great horseman. He put me on good ponies and good horses right from the start. I was a member of 4-H beef club for 10 years. That was my grounding ... I showed my first pony at 10 years of age.”
More has supported numerous Ag Societies for over 50 years as an exhibitor of purebred Simmental cattle, Welsh ponies, Quarter horses, and Belgian horses.
He was Director of Virden Riding Club for approximately 10 years and president for a few years; also a director and the president of Virden Agriculture Society for about 17 years.
He has participated in agricultural endeavours at every level – from barn manager to heading up associations. He was the first president of Manitoba Team Penning Association, a director for half-a-dozen years and also won numerous year end awards including High Point Penner.
In his profession, More served a term as a provincial representative on the Western Canadian Association of Equine Practitioners, as well he served a term on the executive board of the Western Canadian Association of Bovine Practitioners.
More will be one of two inductees to the Manitoba Agricultural Hall of Fame honoured in a special ceremony to be held on Monday, Jun. 19, in Winnipeg at the Holiday Inn Airport West.
