2020 AEF AWARD WINNERS

2020 Annual Provincial Award Winners

Congratulations to these outstanding individuals!

Each year, the AEF is pleased to offer Provincial Awards that recognize outstanding members of the Alberta Equestrian Community.

With over 100 nominations submitted by community members, the AEF Awards Committee was excited to be given the difficult, but rewarding task, of selecting this year’s award recipients – they even selected two recipients for the Instructor/Coach award because both are so incredible!

The AEF would like to thank everyone who took the time to nominate a deserving equestrian. We would also like to extend a special thank you to our official AEF Annual Provincial Awards partner, CapriCMW Insurance Services Ltd.

Above and Beyond SHIRLEY PICKETT

“I am a simple ranch girl with a love for all things horse. My obsession was with me from birth and is happily incurable. Growing up on a cattle ranch I rode, trained, did 4-H and local showing. I love learning and sharing knowledge.

I am married, have three children, my two girls have inherited my addiction, and their love of Pony Club has led to my involvement there. My natural tendency to talk ‘horse’ has me sharing with anyone who will listen. 4-H, Pony Club, friends, relatives – all have been resigned to my rhetoric. I also enjoy helping plan and coordinate events.

Thank you for this recognition. I know there are so very many others who are worthy and the horse community is the better for it.”

NOMINATOR QUOTES:

Shirley Pickett is a wonderful candidate for the Above and Beyond Excellence Award. Shirley has been involved with farming and ranching all her life. She has extensive experience with horses and is very passionate about sharing her knowledge and love of horses. Shirley has been involved with Pony Club for many years, is extremely dedicated to the program and it shows. She has volunteered countless hours and always goes above and beyond to support and encourage each member. During this uncertain year, Shirley has gone above and beyond to keep our Pony Club program going. Together with her daughter, they accommodated recommended precautions and safe practices for riding during COVID. We did have a shortened season, but there was no doubt that Shirley and her family made it possible for the young riders to stay active and riding.

Athlete ALLISON REID

“My horses mean the world to me, and I feel so fortunate to ride in Alberta, as there are amazing competition venues and there is the ability to watch and learn from the best in the

world. I am so thankful for the amazing team around me, including my coach Joe Ifko, my horsemanship mentor Anne Stone, my parents, my friends, and my horses, Free Association (Freeda) and Ridgetop Contierra (Conti). I would not be the person I am without my horses, and I look forward to spending the rest of my life riding and competing.”

NOMINATOR QUOTES:

1: Allison constantly shows tremendous passion to the sport and her horses who she gives the utmost care. I have never met someone who is more determined than Allison to ride and be with her horses. Not only is Allison extremely determined, but every time she goes to a show she does her absolute best; and is consistently in the top placings. The smile that appears on Allison’s face when she is riding truly shows how much she loves this sport. She would do anything to be around her equine girls and continue growing her showjumping passion. Furthermore, Allison is an amazing team player. She is always cheering everyone on and ready to lend a helping hand whenever she can.

2: Allison is the most deserving, dedicated, accomplished Athlete/Rider. Allison has a retired mare and also leases a competition mare. Both horses are cared for and loved immensely. Their health is always a priority and should horse injury or maintenance be required, the vet is called immediately.

She always came into the barn cheerful and always asked me first how my seriously ill horse was and how I was doing and if there was anything she could do for us. During the final weeks of my horse’s life, I was spending 24 hours a day at the barn. Allison would offer to watch him so I could go home, shower, eat and regroup. During the two hours I would be gone, she would text me and send me photos so I wouldn’t worry about my horse. She was always there for both of us.

I could go on and on about the many classes and champion awards, and top 10 placings Allison has won at Spruce and RMSJ but that is all available online to peruse. Her important accomplishments in my view, is her enduring spirit, her love and exceptional care for her horses and her kind and caring, generous attitude towards her fellow barn mates and competitors. passionate about all things equine related and have built a foundation on the love we share for horses, riding, and the relationships built along the way.”

Facility SPIRIT HORSE STABLES

“Spirit Horse Stables is an equine facility offering the highest quality indoor and outdoor boarding, riding and multi discipline coaching to Edmonton, AB, and area horse owners. Our goal is to provide a welcoming and safe environment to encourage learning and joy for all – whether it be in the competition ring or in the back field. We are

NOMINATOR QUOTES:

I have been a boarder at Spirit Horse since it opened and have always been extremely happy with the service and care they provide for my horse as well as me as a boarder. The property is absolutely beautiful and much time and effort goes into improvements on the property keeping in mind the safety of the horses and riders as number one priority.

Spirit Horse provides a sanctuary for all riders and supports many disciplines – everyone is welcome from beginner to advanced, providing coaches for all skill levels and disciplines. Everyone is encouraged to pursue their passion by Spirit Horse Management and staff. The environment promotes safety and confidence through learning and everyone is encouraged in a positive manner and we all celebrate each other’s successes, big or small.

The property is kept clean and boarders are encouraged to voice any concerns with safety on the property, SHS will address any concerns immediately. The staff and management encourage participation, suggestions and areas of concern from all boarders and foster an open communications environment. The staff are approachable and more than willing to help out riders with any questions or care concerns they may have regarding their horse’s health.

A year like 2020 is a perfect example of how SHS goes above and beyond for their boarders. All rules pertaining to covid safety were put in place immediately and these best practices communicated to riders in an expedient manner. The riders and horses have been kept safe throughout the year following the strict and knowledgeable protocols put in place.

Horse BUENA (Asking For Trouble)

“Buena, is ‘One in a Million!’ While she has true grit and determination, she isn’t your typical ‘red headed mare’ and the easiest horse I have ever trained. Any individual can hop on her and I feel 100% confident she will take care of them – whether out in the mountains, training in the arena (western or English) or in the show pen. This mare has won a ton of red ribbons, yet climbed a ton of mountains, literally. She also has helped with Equus Physio’s equine rehabilitation programs, as a perfect practice partner. A true HEART HORSE!”

NOMINATOR QUOTES:

1: Buena exhibits daily undeniable excellence through care for her riders. She has taken multiple non-riders of all ages around the ranch, on the trails or through beautiful terrain in Blue Rock, AB, giving them the most memorable experience.

Buena not only thrives in the relaxed trail environment, but also shines in competition – frequently a crowd favorite. She excels in multiple other disciplines such as western pleasure, cowboy challenge, barrels, hunters, in hand and halter. Buena is an all-around athlete that excels in any environment.

Buena has taken on a role with younger horses in the barn being a mother-figure and great role model for up-and-comers, showing them the ropes with trailering and proper behavior in public. 2: Buena has competed in many places, including the Armstrong International Provincial Exhibition, Salmon Arm Fair, Cochrane’s Horse Trials, Millennium and Paramount. I have watched her compete in and experienced first-hand how she charms a crowd.

Buena takes care of her riders, adjusting easily to every level of experience. Her good nature makes her a barn favorite, even the barn cat loves her and frequently sleeps on Buena’s back.

Instructor/Coach ASHLEY BISHOP

“Ashley Bishop is an Equestrian Canada/NCCP Certified Competition Coach working out of Cointreau Stables near Daysland, AB. She is a coach, mentor, EC Rider Level Evaluator, Green Certificate evaluator, Rookie Rider Facilitator and Provincial Hunter Judge. Ashley also holds her Bachelor of Business Management Degree and Community Service Learning Certificate from the University of Alberta.

Ashley spent her formative years showing Hunter/Jumpers on the A circuit, with multiple championships. After having children, Ashley began riding Dressage full time. She is now an FEI level Dressage competitor and rider, with a Grand Prix Horse she currently competes on. She has shown across North America and most recently won Reserve Supreme Champion at the Andalusian World Cup. She is also an internationally ranked Working Equitation competitor.

Ashley coaches students of all levels and various disciplines at Cointreau Stables. Ashley’s students have gone on to be champions at high profile venues such as Spruce Meadows and the Alberta Dressage Provincials. Ashley loves developing riders and is passionate about sharing her love of horses with them!”

NOMINATOR QUOTES:

Ashley Bishop is a natural born teacher, always smiling, patient, and able to explain concepts clearly. She has the uncanny ability to know when to push me and when to hold back. In addition to that, knowing she has taught me the skills to set me up for success, I trust her completely when she presents me with a new skill to learn that is WAY out of my comfort zone!

We are all asked to set goals for ourselves. It doesn’t matter whether your goal is competition, pleasure riding or overcoming fear, she gives equal importance to each student. No matter how hectic a show day becomes, Ashley is always the calm in

the storm, settling nerves, making sure each rider is ready and emphasizing that showing should be fun.

She held Ladies Evening events at her stable to allow moms to gain knowledge and experience with horses so they can help out their children that are in the lesson program. I am completely in awe of how much of herself that Ashley gives to the horse, horse lovers, her students and the community at large. at Alhambra back in the summer. Before working with Brenda, I was afraid to jump; I had no confidence that I could do it again. We started with trot poles and then cross rails to small verticals and then on to small courses and now I am confidently jumping 2’6” courses, schooling 2’9” and able to head out on the cross country course. Brenda built me a program that only progressed as I felt comfortable.

My take on things – I believe Brenda has a “the horse does no wrong” policy. It is on the handler/rider to do right. She also is very cognitive of how our emotions can affect the horse. If you are in a bad mood and it is affecting your horse, Brenda will strongly suggest that you return your horse its paddock and come another day or do something as simple as go for hack today, “you both need that.”

Instructor/Coach BRENDA THOMPSON

“Working with horses has always been my passion and most of my life has involved horses, with the equine industry being the main focus of my career. My favorite part of coaching and training is helping horses with their people.

I was encouraged to get involved with what was then, the CEF (Canadian Equestrian Federation) Coaching program in 1989, under the encouragement of Joan Coates, while I was involved with Red Deer Pony Club as an instructor. I received my first certification in 1999. Through my involvement with the program I had the opportunity to sit with the board of the AEF as the English Provincial Coaching Coordinator for Alberta. I was also happy to accompany teams to Alberta Summer Games competitions on two occasions as the team coach and coordinator. These experiences gave me the opportunity to meet many great people and lead some great young riders on fun adventures.

Born and raised in Red Deer, AB, I still live here and continue to operate as a full-time coach with a small lesson program as well as coaching competitive riders.”

NOMINATOR QUOTES:

Brenda gives her time freely, always there to lend a hand with her knowledge, experience and skill, whether in lesson or riding on your own. People respect Brenda as she never cuts corners in care, safety or instruction.

Brenda has brought me back to a wonderful place after having a bad accident a few years ago. With her support and coaching, I competed in my first Horse Trial with confidence,

Personnel JACQUELINE LAIRD

“I have maintained a lifelong interest in all things equine. I have been fortunate to have a career doing what I enjoy –working with and caring for horses. This has included various roles, disciplines, and facilities ranging from barn work to summer camps, education to guiding, all of which have been rewarding adventures.

My passions include learning and expanding my knowledge, as well as sharing experience and enthusiasm for horses and the outdoors. Trail riding is my favourite horseback activity, and I can often be found exploring the mountains.

I am thrilled and honoured to receive this award, thank you!”

NOMINATOR QUOTES:

Jackie has been working in the industry in Alberta since 2011, starting as a wrangler and moving through several positions in outdoor recreation facilities and equine tourism facilities. Jackie was the horse program director at YMCA Camp Chief Hector

in Exshaw, AB; she held this position for four years developing the lesson and experiential trail riding programs and managing 80 head of horses. This role was particularly challenging with the need to provide kid-safe horses that were sound and able to provide safe trail rides to youth aged 7-17.

Jackie is a strong advocate for introducing youth to the equine world who otherwise would not have the opportunity; she firmly believes in the benefits of horses to youth development. In her current role, Jackie provides high quality care to dressage athletes and the facilities at Kestrel Ridge; she is a favourite among the staff and borders and delivers a high standard of customer service and care.

Sportsmanship AMY & ELLWOOD SAWBY

“We moved from Calgary in 1978, with a very young family, after buying 80 acres just outside of Airdrie, AB. We had been boarding three registered Quarter Horse mares since buying them in 1976. Our first foal crop arrived at our new home that spring. We went on to raise and train four foals a year with the help of our children, who began riding and competing in 4-H and in local riding clubs. Amy was assistant leader of the Airdrie Flying Hooves 4-H Club for three years.

We both started penning in 1987. Ellwood has been President of the Canadian Team Cattle Penning Association, the Chinook Team Cattle Penning Association, the Central Alberta Team Penning Association and he started the Alberta Team Sorting Association (ATSA) in 2014. ATSA had 562 two-person teams at the 2020 Finals.

We have won multiple saddles and many buckles in both sports. Amy won a high point saddle at the Canadian Penning Finals in 1999. Ellwood won a buckle at the United States National Penning Finals in Amarilo, TX, in 2004.

We’ve enjoyed our last few winters with our horses in Arizona competing in Sorting.”

NOMINATOR QUOTES:

Ellwood and Amy are an amazing couple, who are now in their 80’s and still ride and compete at Sorting and Penning events in Alberta and Arizona. They are huge ambassadors in the Sorting and Penning circles, having sat on many different club boards, and always volunteer to help.

They live on an acreage, and have raised quality Quarter Horses over the years. They welcome friends to come and ride and practice at their arena on the acreage. They are just a wonderful couple who are kind and generous. They exemplify sportsmanship, horsemanship and respect to all participants when they are attending. They love to win, but also wish the best for all the competition.

Volunteer DARLENE BROUWER

“Thank you to the AEF for this award, I am very appreciative to be recognized as ‘Volunteer of the Year.’

The horse world is a collection of people who love the lifestyle and satisfaction that our horses bring us. The volunteers are the ones who put in the time to produce our events where we can gather to show and enjoy our equine companions.

Thanks to everyone who chooses to volunteer and help preserve our way of life!”

NOMINATOR QUOTES:

Darlene is a well-known presence in the Alberta horse world and breed show scene. She has been a show manager and volunteer at two prominent Arabian events for many years where her honesty and commitment to both human and equine athletes is unmatched– she will always go the extra mile!