Digital Coverage CANADA’S NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
lifetime AWARD THE KHANQUISTADOR
“Awarded to the oldest horse at Canada’s National Championship show to honor and show respect for our beloved Arabian companions.”
“This year of 2024 marks the inaugural Khanquistador Lifetime Achievement Award,” shares Arianna Bell. “Khanquistador was a remarkable 20-year-old Arabian gelding who truly embodied the most important characteristics of our beloved breed. He spent his entire life-bred, raised, and solely owned-in Canada, and was not only an incredible athlete but an even better friend. Sadly, we lost him last year to colic. What was to be his final year in the arena has now become a tribute to all horses out there who love their jobs well into their senior years.
“Throughout his impressive 16-year career in the show arena, Khanquistador earned over 70 champion and reserve champion titles at the Canadian, Youth, and Sport Horse Nationals. He competed in 15 disciplines, ranging from Hunter Pleasure to Over Fences, English Trail and Ranch Riding. Not only did he compete on the Arabian circuit, but also the open hunter circuit and three-day eventing, and worked with Stollery hospital programs for children with special needs, serving as an ambassador to the breed.
“He was cherished by his family and was my best friend. Beyond his outstanding show record, he was loving and loyal, always giving 100% of himself. He carried me from walk-trot classes to the beginning of my journey in the adult amateur ring, navigating every challenge we faced together. There are too many highlights in his lifetime for me to possibly recount. He was too much horse for me when I was young, but we stuck it out. We went from being a moderate disaster nearly every ride, to a team who seemed to communicate through thoughts alone.
“He did everything for me and gave it his all. Without him, I don’t know that I ever would have grown into the horsewoman I am today. He inspired it all. He was with me when I was with my other horses, and a connection to so many incredible people. We spent more than 15 years of our lives together and the bond we share is one I’ll always carry. “
When asked what this award reflects, Arianna says, “The Arabian horse is renowned for its remarkable longevity and unwavering spirit, exemplifying a legacy of strength and loyalty that transcends generations. From its origins in ancient deserts to its modern role as a cherished companion, Khanquistador embodied the timeless qualities of endurance, steadfastness, and lifelong devotion. His legacy inspires us to recognize and honor those horses who continue to show us love, loyalty, longevity, and dedication throughout their lives.
“This award is dedicated to celebrating those special horses who give their all to us; who help us grow and nurture and teach us. While no horse is with us forever, the lessons, memories, and love they leave behind lasts a lifetime.”
Eclipse ... GOES TO
It began with a phone call to Tim Wigren from a friend who runs a rescue for horses.
A gentleman facing severe health issues reached out to him to rescue his horses from their current dire straits. Tim being one of his calls, went to help. In the mix was Tuhotmidun Eclipse, a cute 2001 black and white Half-Arabian gelding, who from the moment he arrived at the Wigren’s farm, made it clear there was something special about him. He wasn’t the biggest, most talented, or the fanciest mover, but he was kind and patient. He had a knack with making kids feel comfortable with riding and he was a catalyst for making challenges seem like nothing.
His current rider, Maddox Swenson, has overcome his own challenges with Autism and he and Eclipse, having started in walk-trot at Pinto shows, have now won a reserve championship and top three at Canada’s National Championships their first (and last) year as a team, in Saddle
Seat Equitation JTR 18 & Under and Half-Arabian Country Pleasure JTR respectively. They even entered the open country pleasure classes when Maddox found out he got to hand gallop, and he and Eclipse both enjoyed it enthusiastically.
As many of our senior horses do, Eclipse looks after his riders, giving them the confidence they need to ride. At 23 years young, Eclipse will now spend his days with a full roster of loyal students, including helping one of Tim’s past equitation riders who suffered the loss of his left hand. Eclipse has been able to help the young man get his confidence to ride in the full bridle again and return to competing in the local shows-from rescue to roses.
Being the first horse to receive the Khanquistador Lifetime award, and it being his last show, in honor of Q who didn’t get his moment, Eclipse was backed out of the arena after his final class. n
