AHT Vol. 52 No. 12 - Canada's National Championship

CANADA'S

NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP FEATURED

IN ARABIAN HORSE TIMES VOL. 52, NO. 12

CANADA’S NATIONAL ARABIAN CHAMPIONSHIP

… From Vision To Reality

There was considerable uncertainty for most coming to Canada’s National Arabian Championship September 27- October 2 in Alberta’s Red Deer in terms of what to expect. Successfully putting together a horse show in itself is no small feat, but to take the leap to create your own National level show in eight weeks is a valiant effort. Canadian owners, trainers and exhibitors have had the odds stacked against them for three years now as a result of the pandemic, but thanks to Tex Kam, Murray Popplewell, Dana Romijn, Bob Wasylyk, Gary Millar and the Carrot River Valley association, who were integral to putting this show on, and an experienced group of volunteers, many with over 40 years of horse show and prior Nationals experience, and a whole lotta’ grit and determination, Arabian horse enthusiasts were excited to have not only a show to finally attend, but a National show at that. They were once again given the opportunity to vie for the coveted rose garland, and even for those whose rides didn’t quite earn them a top six ribbon or better, every single exhibitor radiated gratitude throughout the week because a group of people felt that they were worth the seemingly impossible task and daunting hours it would take to put on this show.

Between the perfect weather and optimistic atmosphere, it was impossible to have anything but a smile as just under 200 exhibitors joined those who stopped at nothing to give them the opportunity to enjoy a National Show in Canada again. “It was most definitely a feeling of unity and gathering,” says Murray, “there were no VIP sections, as we were all VIP’s.”

The decision to hold this new show in Red Deer, Alberta opened the door for many barns who were unable to make the multi-province journey years prior in Brandon, Manitoba. Often deemed as the heart of the Arabian horse industry in Canada as it’s easily accessible and within close proximity to many Arabian horse owners, breeders, and trainers, it is equally close to two major cities, Edmonton and Calgary, and is surrounded by plenty of hotels, shopping and dining options. Westerner Park is just on the edge of the city while providing urban hustle and bustle just minutes away. It also has excellent proximity to two major airports, is four hours north of the U.S. Border, and is at a facility that is scalable to accommodate whatever number of horses enter (within reason). “It is also a facility that we (and many Arabian shows) have rented previously and held events at for many years,’ says Tex, “so, we are very familiar with its capabilities and facility management.”

With just two months to plan and execute, 169 youth, amateur and open, dressage, sport horse, halter and all other performance classes, including Ranch Rail and Riding, were available to exhibitors, including fantastic vendors who wanted to see the show to succeed as well.

The Canadian National show has always had a wonderful relaxed, no pressure environment. Exhibitor parties and meet-and-greets almost every day were hosted and organized by local clubs and volunteer committees, ranging from breakfast burritos to a large Mexican Fiesta (complete with a piñata, margaritas and a live country band). The exhibitor party the first day before the show even started was standing room only, and a local pizzeria fed the entire showgrounds with 60 large pizzas for free one evening, while various musicians played over 2-3 days during the events. The opening ceremonies had a pipe band and aboriginal band to entertain spectators and exhibitors alike, and a coffee cart made early morning rounds to the stalls to ensure all were caffeinated and ready to hit the ground running from the moment the arena gates opened.

Among the memory-making moments of the show, a few stood out, including Hillary Booth-Weller and her family from Santa Ynez, who traveled the farthest distance to the show. “I asked her if she could be our flag bearer for our opening ceremonies,” shares Tex. “Not only did she say yes immediately, but her horse, DF Khontraban, had never carried a flag before. They practiced the night before, opened our ceremonies with the U.S. colors, then showed in and earned a top ten in the Senior Stallions and took the Champion roses in Western Pleasure Open— all back-to-back. Hillary’s mother, Sarah, also won the Western AATR Select on Khontraban. The effort from this family to help out the show and the desire to compete 2,000 miles from home really stands out among so many great memories.”

Also impressive was Arianna Bell, a young lady who although struggles with severe health problems, continues to show her horses with a smile on her face and a grace rarely seen in today’s world. She impressed many with her courage and strength to compete all year.

Other emotional moments included long-time Canadian breeders, the Ray and Marlene Peets Family, on hand to present a trophy in the Open Western Pleasure class that honored their daughter, Sharlene Peets, who had recently passed away, and Murray shares, “Seeing three generations

(grandmother, daughter and granddaughter) all with tears streaming down their faces as the youngest exited the arena wearing Canada’s National Arabian Championship roses … that’s the payday of any show.”

The Arabian horse community is a family, but Canada’s National Arabian Championship show portrayed an unrivaled level of sportsmanship and sincerity to all. A tri-colored ribbon may put a smile on a competitor’s face, but no material item will compare to the lighthearted and hospitable atmosphere that this show brought to exhibitors and supporters alike. Atmosphere, camaraderie, kindness, support, and friendly equals togetherness. Being reunited with Canadian friends for the first time in several years was sensational, and as horse shows have become far too serious and conventional lately, the opportunity to attend a national level show with such a tranquil environment is one that will have many returning for years to come.

Tex seconds the notion. “It is a show that harkens back to the day when you socialized with everyone at the show. I believe everything starts at the top, including setting the tone. Our management group is one who subscribes to fun, first and foremost. To be blatantly honest, we are competing for everyone’s leisure dollar. It’s got to be fun … and we bent over backwards to ensure it was that, as well as competitive and made to feel like a National show of old. The level of camaraderie we saw was unlike any we’ve seen for the last 30 years. It was like when I personally got into the business in the 70s. I joked that even people that don’t like each other, sat around tables all week joking, laughing, and swapping stories like it used to be!”

The show has already confirmed that the 2023 event will be bigger, better and more competitive, and held in the newly remodeled Centrium at Westerner Park–a beautiful, two-tier facility which will only add to the prestigious atmosphere of the show. With the recent lifting of mask and vaccine mandates for non-Canadian citizens, it is hopeful that the 2023 show will attract the U.S.-based farms that have ventured to Manitoba in years prior, while the new location in Alberta can continue to accommodate the Western Canadian supporters who made this show such a great success in 2022.

2022 CANADA’S NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP LEADERS

OVERALL WINNERS

7x Champion/2x Reserve (Sport Horse/Dressage) 2. WT Studebaker

5x Champion/4x Reserve (Sport Horse/Dressage)

3x Champion/3x Reserve (Perf. Halter/Western Pl./Specialty)

Western/Dressage)

Western/Specialty)

3x Champion/2x Reserve (Sport Horse/Dressage)

3x Champion/2x Reserve (Hunter Pl./Sport Horse) Solmate

SIRES

9 Championships/6 Reserves (Halter/Perf. Halter/Hunter Pl./Sport Horse/Dressage) 2. Surokhan

Championships/6 Reserves (Working Western/Sport Horse/Dress./Working Hunter-Hack)

7 Championships/3 Reserves (Halter/Hunter Pl./Sport Horse)

4 Championships/6 Reserves (Hunter Pl./Specialty/Sport Horse/Dressage)

WESTERN PLEASURE WINNERS

WESTERN PLEASURE SIRES

1. DF Khontraban

2x Champion/2x Reserve 2. Sante Fe Cool ................................................................. 3x Champion

WESTERN PLEASURE EXHIBITORS

1. Khontroversy PGA ............................... 2 Championships/2 Reserves 2. HJ Gold N Fame ...................................................... 3 Championships

WESTERN PLEASURE OWNERS

1. Erica Milligan

Champion/1x Reserve 2. Sarah Boothe

HUNTER PLEASURE WINNERS

1. Sarah Boothe .............................................. 2x Champion/2x Reserve 2. Tatjana Kelch ................................................................ 3x Champion

HUNTER PLEASURE SIRES

1. PA Palitrinkha

2x Champion/2x Reserve 2. About Last Knight

HUNTER PLEASURE EXHIBITORS

1. Mariachi WA ......................................... 3 Championships/1 Reserve 2. PA Kid Khan ........................................ 2 Championships/2 Reserves

HUNTER PLEASURE OWNERS

1. Caroline Reid

SPECIALTY WINNERS

2x Champion/1x Reserve

2x Champion/2x Reserve 2. Maegan Friesen

1. Caroline Reid ............................................. 2x Champion/4x Reserve 2. Arianna Bell .................................................................. 3x Champion

SPECIALTY