DECEMBER 2011
INSPIRED BY PEOPLE AND HORSES
$2.50 VOLUME 34, ISSUE 12
DECEMBER 2011
Presents…
Lindsay Sears is only Canadian headed to NFR > PAGE A8
· SPECIAL FEATURE ·
> PAGES B1-8
www.horsesall.com
Deep western roots influence 40-year career > PAGE A9
PHOTO BY WENDY DUDLEY
Hickstead, 1996-2011. He was the world’s top show jumping horse and ridden by Canada’s Eric Lamaze, the world’s No. 1 rider. Together, they won an Olympic Gold medal and team Silver, as well as numerous other international Grand Prix wins. They medalled at Pan Am Games, the World Championshps and the World Cup. In 2010, Hickstead was named Best Horse at the World Equestrian Games, as he turned in four perfect rounds in the finals.
PHOTO BY WENDY DUDLEY
Eric Lamaze and Hickstead had perfect chemistry and shared similar personalities, says Lamaze. He never failed to give the stallion credit for winning, pointing at him after every flawless round. The international equestrian community has agreed there will never be another horse like him. He was considered small for the sport, and could be difficult to control. But in Lamaze’s hands, he became a legend.
The world grieves for Hickstead By Wendy Dudley
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his is not a story I ever wanted to write. Just three short months ago, I stroked Hickstead’s muzzle and the side of his neck. I knew I was in the presence of greatness. Looking up at Eric Lamaze, who was seated on the stallion’s back wearing the gold medal he’d just won in the $1 million CN International Grand Prix, I couldn’t help but think what a party it would be the day he retired this mighty horse. He would bow out in great style, his neck arched to our applause. How was I, or the world, to know it would be the last time I would touch and photograph this show jumping legend. That this would be his last Canadian appearance ever. But, as we all know, Hickstead died November 6, after completing an almost flawless World Cup qualifying round in Italy. Before
he could exit the ring, he collapsed, the result of an acute aortic rupture causing heart failure. At that moment the entire equestrian world went into shock. We wept, whether we were horse owners or reporters who had the thrill of watching and writing about this magnificent stallion who proved time after time to be unbeatable. Speaking from Toronto’s Royal Winter Fair horse show, Calgary’s Jenn Serek, who rode against Eric and Hickstead, said riders were stunned when word broke. “We were in shock. Time will make things easier, but the relationship Eric had with that horse was one in a million.” He was simply magical, added Olympian Jill Henselwood, who had the privilege of riding Hickstead for three days while waiting for Eric to arrive in Hong Kong for the 2008 Olympics. Those were Walt Disney moments, she said. Ecstasy that for the time being
has turned to agony. “Hickstead can’t be replaced,” she said. “He just can’t.” His resume was outstanding: the only Canadian horse to ever win individual gold at an Olympics; the only horse to jump four perfect rounds in the 2010 World Equestrian Games final, winning Eric a bronze medal and the title of Best Horse in the world; winner of two $1 million CN International Grand Prixs at Spruce Meadows (2007, 2011); the Grand Prix of Aachen in 2010; a silver in the 2011 World Cup Final; team silver and individual bronze in the 2007 Pan American Games. Countless Grand Prix victories and Nation’s Cup double-clears. Not always is the world’s top horse paired with the world’s top rider, but these two ruled the rings, and were on track to defend their Olympic gold medal this coming summer at the London Games. They brought awareness
to the sport, packing the stands at Spruce Meadows with recordbreaking crowds. Hickstead was our Canadian hero. The chemistry between Eric and Hickstead was no like other, each reflecting the other’s boldness and bravery. Eric had a rocky start in life, always the underdog and working his way up the ranks from a groom to a catch rider to an international champion. Hickstead was a misfit, overlooked by many, believed to be Publication Mail Agreement 40069240
a runt with a bad attitude. But both were fighters, and together they showed the world how wrong it had been. Eric knew this horse had changed his life, and he never failed to point his finger at Hickstead, and lean forward to give him a hug after every successful run. The two had immense respect for one another, and at an emotional press conference held in Hickstead
continued on page A6
Presents
STANDINGS o e d o R
CURRENT
As of Ocotber 20, 2011
Canadian Cowboys Association
Alberta High School Rodeo Association BAREBACK - District 1 1 LINDEN WOODS 2 WYATT MAINES 3 DANTAN BERTSCH BARRELS - District 1 1 TARA WILKINSON 2 LINDSAY WOOLSEY 3 WREN LONGEWAY 4 ERYN COY BOYS CUTTING - District 1 1 SLOAN SMITH 2 LOGAN BIRD 3 RYLEY JENKINS 4 SAM MITCHELL BREAKAWAY - District 1 1 LAKOTA BIRD 2 DARBY WILKINSON 3 RAYNA LONGEWAY 4 TARA WILKINSON BULL RIDING - District 1 1 COOPER ZUR 2 .JORDAN GLAICAR 3 WILLIAM MACZA 4 GREYDEN EISERMAN GIRLS CUTTING - District 1 1 SHELBY STEWART 2 LAKOTA BIRD 3 DANIELLE TRESIDDER 4 TORI JUHASZ GOAT TYING - District 1 1 KIPTY WATT 2 LAKOTA BIRD 3 NATALIE BEVANS 4 NICOLE COY POLES - District 1 1 LAKOTA BIRD 2 NICOLE COY 3 TARA WILKINSON 4 BREANNA GREEN
TIE DOWN ROPING - District 2 1 BLAIR SMITH 2 KOLTON SCHMIDT 3 COLTEN FOSTER 4 CONNOR MCCOMISH
BAREBACK - District 2 1 KODY LAMB 2 LANE JAMIESON 3 CASSIEN HAUDEGAND 4 COLE NICHOLSON
BAREBACK - District 3 1 TANNER YOUNG
BARRELS - District 2 1 SYDNEY DAINES 2 JESSA GALLOWAY 3 CAITLIN STARK 4 RACHEL MADSEN BOYS CUTTING - District 2 1 SHAYL LAND BREAKAWAY - District 2 1 MAKAYLA BOISJOLI 2 JAYNE LAUWERYSSEN 3 BRITTAINY SMITH 4 JESSA GALLOWAY BULL RIDING - District 2 1 SHANE PETERS 2 BRANT JONES 3 CODY LANE 4 CAWL BRAITHWAITE GIRLS CUTTING - District 2 1 KEELY STEINMAN 2 RYLEE STEINMAN 3 TAMARA DAVIES 4 BRITTAINY SMITH GOAT TYING - District 2 1 DANI POTTER 2 ALLIE HIEMSTRA 3 JAYNE LAUWERYSSEN 4 JESSA GALLOWAY SADDLE BRONC - District 2 1 LAYTON GREEN 2 COLEMAN KELTS 3 BRADFORD TRENERRY 4 CHASE ZWEIFEL
SADDLE BRONC District 1 1 KEENAN REINHARDT 2 WILLIAM MACZA 3 DANTAN BERTSCH 4 STETSON ROBERTS
Circuit: All rodeos including St Rose, MB Wapella, SK, Central Butte, SK.
TIE DOWN ROPING - District 1 1 LOGAN BIRD 2 KYLE LUCAS 3 SLOAN SMITH 4 JUSTIN HATCH
STEER WRESTLING - District 1 1 SHANE KRYWCUN
STEER WRESTLING - District 2 1 LEVI LLOYD 2 KLAY ROWLEY 3 COOPER MCLAREN 4 LANDON BEARDSWORTH
TEAM ROPING (Header) - District 1 1 SLOAN SMITH 2 CLINT WESTON 3 JACE DOENZ 4 KEENAN REINHARDT
TEAM ROPING (Header) - District 2 1 GRADY BRANDEN 2 COLE SCHMIDT 3 RILEY CHALACK 4 WALKER GALLOWAY
TEAM ROPING (Heeler) - District 1 1 LOGAN BIRD 2 LUC DURFEY 3 KYLE LUCAS 4 COLE ROBERTSON
TEAM ROPING (Heeler) - District 2 1 KOLTON SCHMIDT 2 DYLAN KNAPP 3 BEN LAUWERYSSEN 4 CLAYTON SMITH
“CANADIAN HIGH POINT AWARD 1 BROWN SHANE 2 SWITZER MATT 3 DAVIES BRAIDY 4 KRAFT DALTON 5 SIGFUSSON SCOTT SADDLE BRONC 1 O’DEMPSEY MARK 2 CALDWELL ANTHONY 3 HOUSTON RICHARD 4 GILCHRIST ADAM 5 THOMPSON KIRK 6 KREUTZER ROSS 7 COX CLINTON 8 FITZPATRICK RHET 9 BERRY JIM 10 HARDEN JOSH 11 6487 HUGHSTON MILES MCBAIN, MI
BARRELS - District 3 1 VICKI KENWORTHY 2 EMMA HAWLEY 3 KATE OCHRAN 4 JESSLYN ALGUIRE BREAKAWAY - District 3 1 VICKI KENWORTHY 2 KOURTNEY BJORKLUND BULL RIDING - District 3 1 JOEY LILLICO 2 TYRELL YOUNG 3 WILLIAM LILLICO
BAREBACK 1 BERTRAM BRADY 2 DYCK BRADLEY 3 KOOPMAN MONTY 4 DERIDDER STUART 5 BANNOW COLTER 6 KMITA JONATHAN 7 MCCORMACK REVEE 8 ADAMS COLIN 9 STRUTT CLAYTON 10 BALL ROBERT 11 COLLINS LANE
GOAT TYING - District 3 1 JESSLYN ALGUIRE 2 KATIE KENWORTHY 3 TORIE HECK 4 VICKI KENWORTHY POLES - District 3 1 VICKI KENWORTHY 2 JESSLYN ALGUIRE 3 KAYLEE HAWLEY 4 KATE OCHRAN SADDLE BRONC District 3 1 BRENNAN WATSON 2 CLAY MADSON STEER WRESTLING - District 3 1 BRENNAN WATSON 2 TANNER YOUNG 3 CLAY MADSON TEAM ROPING (Header) - District 3 1 WESLEY KINGDON 2 TANNER YOUNG 3 CLAY MADSON TEAM ROPING (Heeler) - District 3 1 BRODY MCMURPHY 2 KOURTNEY BJORKLUND 3 BRENNAN WATSON
BULL RIDING 1 COVERCHUK CODY 2 LEHMANN DUSTY 3 BUTTAR DAKOTA 4 GINNIS KORY 5 THOM WILLIAM 6 STEVENS BOBBY 7 PARSONAGE JARED 8 LAWRENCE STETSON 9 GLENN DEREK 10 LAVENTURE JORDAN 11 FLOYD CODY TIE DOWN ROPING 1 SWITZER MATT 2 SWITZER BLAINE 3 WARREN RILEY 4 WILLIAMSON SHAWN 5 ROOD CODY 6 DUNHAM BRUCE
Chinook Rodeo Association
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STEER WRESTLING 1 CARAGATA DUSTY 2 WALKER DUSTIN 3 SIGFUSSON SCOTT 4 BROWN SHANE 5 WILLICK TYSON 6 REAY TRAVIS 7 STORY GARRETT 8 HANTLEMAN CHAD 9 MCPHEE JR. BRIAN 10 KLOVANSKY WYATT 11 HOPKINS COREY LADIES BARREL RACING 1 DINIUS DANNIELLE 2 MATHER STEFFANIE 3 SWITZER BAILEE 4 MCCANNELL BAILEY 5 MOEN JANET-LYNN 6 WARREN KAREEN 7 QUAM RUSTY 8 THIESSEN MELISSA 9 CROSSMAN KATIE 10 LEYZAC STEPHANIE 11 STOJAN JACQUELIN TR HEELER 1 CHAPPEL BRADY 2 KRAFT DALTON 3 LARSON KEVIN 4 DRAKE KENT 5 TUNKE TRENT 6 ELFORD LEVI 7 SMITH ADAM 8 BRODOWAY JOSEY 9 KORNFELD DALLAS 10 FLETCHER KURT 11 MCLEOD SCOTT TR HEADER 1 DAVIES BRAIDY 2 CHAPPEL KYLE 3 TRAYNOR VINCENT 4 NICKOLSON TRAVIS 5 TURNER KEVIN 6 SWITZER BEN 7 CROMARTY DUSTIN
8 MCLEOD TUFTIN 9 BEVANS COLE 10 ROY RILEY 11 PAICU RANDY JUNIOR BULL RIDING 1 MOEN JB 2 WRIGHT DALLAS 3 MORRIS LANE 4 MCMAHON SCOTT 5 PLAISIER BAILEY 6 IRELAND TY JUNIOR GIRLS BARREL RACING 1 GILBERT COLBY 2 MCCANNELL BAILEY 3 PANA NICOLE 4 SCHICK MIKAELA 5 DOENZ JODI 6 BOS MORGAN AMATEUR BAREBACK 1 LIPSETT TIM 2 BERTSCH DANTAN 3 STENBERG TYVAN AMATEUR SADDLE BRONC 1 LARSEN KANE 2 LEWIS CODY 3 BERTSCH DANTAN AMATEUR BULL RIDING 1 TALLIS BEAU 2 EISERMAN GREYDEN 3 FLOYD CODY PERMIT 1 ELFORD JESSE 2 OELSCHLAGEL JESS 3 COOK AMARRA 4 LIPSETT KEITH 5 HUMPHREY SHELLEY ROOKIE 1 MCCANNELL BAILEY 2 DERIDDER STUART 3 FLOYD CODY 4 TURVEY ANDREW 5 LIPSETT TIM
TIE DOWN ROPING - District 3 1 WESLEY KINGDON
Canadian Senior Pro Rodeo Association
Up to including KYLE
Final results
NOVICE RIDING Dylan Bilton - Season Leader, Finals Champion
CALF ROPING Riley Warren - Season Leader Shawn Miller - Finals Champion
JUNIOR BARRELS Jodi Doenz - Season Leader, Finals Champion
STEER WRESTLING Tyler Turcato - Season Leader Russ Sommerfelt - Finals Champion
SADDLE BRONC Richard Houston - Season Leader Stetson Roberts - Finals Champion
LIL RASCALS Kelby Terry - Season Leader Quinn Leslie - Finals Champion
BAREBACK Revee McCormick - Season Leader Stuart DeRitter - Finals Champion
TEAM ROPING HEADER Tel Flewelling - Season Leader DJ Woodward - Finals Champion
JUNIOR BULLS Tristian Carlier - Season Leader, Finals Champion
BREAKAWAY ROPING Sloan Smith - Season Leader, Finals Champion
TEAM ROPING HEELER Riley Warren - Season Leader Ty Cahoon - Finals Champion
BULL RIDING Ben Foster - Season Leader, Finals Champion
STEER RIDING Dayton Johnston - Season Leader, Finals Champion
LADIES BARREL RACING Bailey Hughson - Season Leader Maxine McKenna - Finals Champion
Watch
7 GETZ TYLER 8 BROWN SHANE 9 SIGFUSSON SCOTT 10 KRAFT DALTON 11 POPESCUL JESSE
BAREBACK 40-49 2011 CHAMPION: DEAN MCLEOD
CALF ROPING 40-49 CHAMPION Dennis Dimion
BAREBACK 50+ 2011 Champion RANDY KIRKLAND
CALF ROPING 60+ Arnie Johnson
BULL RIDING 40-49 2011 CHAMPION RUSSELL FRIEND STEER WRESTLING - 40-49 & 50 + 2011 CHAMPION 40-49 Jimmy Stevens 2011 CHAMPION 50+ Leon Laye CALF ROPING 68+ Champion Art Hop
LADIES BARREL RACING Champions 40-49 Kari Bloor 50-59 Monica Wilson 60+ Laurette Cockburn Ladies BreakAway Champion Shawna Burton Mens BreakAway Champion Jack Hicken
Ribbion Roping Champions 40-49 Laurel Thompson & Bruce Robinson 50-59 Carol Crawford & Neil Howard 60+ Carlene Giesler & Scott Lynch Team Roping Champions 40-49 Guy Perozak & Shane Buksa 50-59 Rob Tennant & Bruce Romeo 60+ Bruce Klassen & Lawrence Simmons
for more rodeo results www.horsesall.com
DECEMBER 2011
Volume 34 • Number 12 • December 2011
www.horsesall.com Editor: Sherry Butt sherry@fbcpublishing.com Sales Manager/Major Accounts: Craig Couillard (403) 200-1019 craig.couillard@fbcpublishing.com Alberta/Classifieds: Crystal McPeak (866) 385-3669 (toll free) crystal@fbcpublishing.com Sask./Manitoba/B.C.: Tiffiny Taylor (204) 228-0842 tiffiny.taylor@fbcpublishing.com Ontario/Quebec/National Accounts: Lisa Graham (519) 836-4072 lisa.graham@producer.com Ontario/Quebec/National Accounts: Denise Bott (519) 836-4072 denise.bott@producer.com Publisher: Bob Willcox bob@fbcpublishing.com This month’s contributors: Cynthia Bablitz, April Clay, Wendy Dudley, Dianne Finstad, Bob Goddard, Heather Grovet, Dessa Hockley, Robyn Moore, Amie Peck, Jody Seeley, Carol Shwetz, Glenn Stewart and Carol Upton. Published Monthly by: Farm Business Communications 1666 Dublin Avenue Winnipeg, MB R3H 0H1 Advertising Deadline 10th of the month prior to publication date. Editorial Deadline 5th of the month prior to publication date. Subscription Rates (includes GST) 1-800-665-0502 One Year: $27.30 Three years: $60.56 One Year Overseas & US: $62.00 Make cheques payable to Horses All.
From the editor
W
hat a year we’ve had at Horses All! It’s been a great ride and I’m looking forward to another successful year in 2012. During 2011, we published many stories about the people, horses and places that make Alberta’s equine industry so vibrant. We know there are many more great stories out there to tell and we would like your help in digging them up. Several months ago, our editorial team came up with eight regular “feature categories.” Every issue, we will write a story about a person, place or horse in each category. Take a look at these categories listed below. Hopefully they’ll tweak the name of a person, horse, business, ranch or other story that should be featured. If you come up with something please send me an email to sherry@fbcpublishing. com and let me know. • Doing it my way: profiles of people who have made or are making an impact in the horse industry (working cowboy, senior, youth, volunteer, trainer etc.) • It’s our way of life: profiling people or places making a living in the horse Please send industry. • In it to win it: competitor your comments profiles (any discipline) • Inspirations: profiles of and questions western artists. • Women of the west: proto sherry@ files of western Canadian fbcpublishing.com horsewomen. • Horse Heroes: profiles of exceptional horses. • Going down the trail: stories about various places and events to visit. • Going in style: living the western lifestyle (feature about things like western clothing, furniture, home decorating, tack or jewellery) December is a great time to take a step back, review what’s happened during the year and make plans for the year ahead. As the saying goes: “if you fail to plan, you plan to fail.” I couldn’t agree more. I find that if I take the time to write down my goals, (make sure they are specific and measurable) and review them on a regular basis, I am much more relaxed and positive even when things go sideways. It’s easy to remember when we screw up, but if you make a point of reviewing your journey to achieving your goals on a regular basis, remembering the positive stuff becomes much easier. As always if you have any comments or questions about what you’ve read in Horses All please send me an email to sherry@fbcpublishing.com.
We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund (CPF) for our publishing activities.
US Postmasters HORSES ALL (ISSN 0745-7294) is published monthly for $62.00 per year by Farm Business Communications. c/o U.S. Agent, Transborder Mail, 4708 Caldwell Road E, Edgewood, WA, 98372-9221. Periodicals Postage Paid at Puyallup, WA, and additional mailing offices. U.S. POSTMASTER: Send address changes (cover only) to Horses All c/o Transborder Mail PO Box 6016, Federal Way, WA. 98063-6016, U.S.A. None of the material, written or artistic, may be reprinted or used in any way without the specific permission of the editor. The opinions and statements expressed in the articles and advertisements found in Horses All are not necessarily those of the staff or owners. Therefore, HORSES ALL will not be responsible for those opinions or statements included in the articles or advertisements. However, the staff and owners of HORSES ALL would appreciate written notice of false advertising. The publisher reserves the right to refuse any advertising. While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of material published, no responsibility will be assumed for advertising received by telephone and in no case will liability be assumed for greater than the cost of the advertising when errors or omissions have occurred. HORSES ALL may not be held responsible for the loss or damage of any photographs, drawings, logos, manuscripts, etc., that are sent or brought to the office.
Notice of Copyright Full, complete and sole copyright in any advertisement or editorial content bought or produced by HORSES ALL is vested in and belongs to HORSES ALL. No copyright material may be reproduced in any form with out the prior written consent of HORSES ALL. Horses All does not accept unsolicited manuscripts. Those received will not be returned.
DECEMBER 2011
The world grieves for Hickstead Eric Lamaze’s Olympic horse dies suddenly .........................................................
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Dick McPeak: Canadian rodeo’s living legend .........................................................
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Bronze sculptor finds inspiration in the everyday ......................................................
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Horses All presents: A Christmas Gift Guide ....................................................
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Alberta seamstress creates ‘The Whole Bit’ .......................................................... C1
ASSOCIATION AND CLUB NEWS
Published Monthly by Farm Business Communications ISSN 0225-4913
Canadian Postmasters Return undeliverable Canadian addresses (covers only)to Circulation Dept., P.O. Box 9800, Winnipeg, MB R3C 3K7. Return undeliverable US & foreign addresses (covers only) to Circulation Dept., P.O. Box 9800, Winnipeg, MB R3C 3K7.
contents
Fan favourite mule, ‘Horse’, passes in accident Alberta Donkey and Mule Club ................................................. C10
Departments Association news ................................... C10/11 Bits and Bites ............................................. A4 Calendar of events ..................................... C12 Doing it my way ........................................ A7 Eye on the industry ................................... A5 Get a grip ................................................... C5 Going down the trail ................................. C4 Going in style ............................................ C1 Hands on horsekeeping ............................. A11 Horse feathers ............................................ C8 Horse health .............................................. C8 Horse heroes .............................................. C12 In it to win it ............................................. A8 Inspirations ................................................ A10 It’s our way of life ...................................... C2 My tunes..................................................... C7 The thinking rider ..................................... C7 Time to chill .............................................. C8 Women of the west ................................... A9 www.horsesall.com
Saskatchewan-bred stallion named Supreme Champion Wild Rose Draft Horse Association ............................................ C10 Recipe to win Hi-Point saddle Chinook Team Penning Association .......................................... C10 Driving just for the fun of it High Country Carriage Driving Club ........................................ C11 Obstacles proved challenging at Eagle Ridge Show Stone Bridge Carriage Driving Club . ......................................... C11 Club well represented at World Show Appaloosa Horse Association of Alberta .................................... C11 Plenty of awards for AHTA members at AGM Alberta Horse Trials Association .................................................. C11 A look back at the year in miles Trail Riding Alberta Conference .................................................. C11
More Association and Club News Online at www.horsesall.com A3
and Bites
Beth Underhill’s Monopoly passes away NOVEMBER 17, 2011
Breaking Dawn and Holzer dance to victory NOVEMBER 10, 2011
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ttawa, ON—For the second day in a row Ashley Holzer of Toronto, ON and Breaking Dawn captured first place in the dressage competition at CDI3* Royal Agricultural Wi n t e r F a i r, p r e s e n t e d b y Dominion Regalia, November 9 and 10, 2011. With a score of 73.475%, Holzer and Breaking Dawn, a 10-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding sired by Akribori and co-owned by Holzer and P.J. Rizvi, were declared the winners following the Grand Prix Freestyle. Choreographed to the movie soundtrack from How to Train Your Dragon, their dynamic, crowd-pleasing freestyle resulted in applause from the audience throughout the test. “I am over the moon about our performance,” said Holzer. “He was just doing Prix St. Georges just three months ago, and he has really been on the accelerated program to become a Grand Prix horse. “The fact that he could go in the ring with that kind of atmosphere and just soak it in and love it is fantastic,” she added. Riding Proton, Cindy and Neil Ishoy’s 17-year-old Baden-Wurttemburger gelding,
PHOTO BY CEALY TETLEY, WWW.TETLEYPHOTO.COM
Ashley Holzer of Toronto, ON and Breaking Dawn captured first place in the Grand Prix Freestyle at CDI3* Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, presented by Dominion Regalia, November 10, 2011.
Victoria Winter of Toronto, ON earned a score of 69.400% for second place for their freestyle which was highlighted onehanded tempi changes and piaffe and passage at the end of their test. Third place was awarded to Jacqueline Brooks of Mount Albert, ON and her long-time partner Gran Gesto, the 16-yearold Oldenburg gelding owned by
Brinc Ltd and Anne Welch, with 68.925%. The Royal Horse Show is part of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, which runs for 10 days every November. It is considered the wrap-up event of the season for the competing disciplines. The CDI3* was presented by Dominion Regalia, a supplier of ribbons to the Royal since the Fair’s inception in 1922.
River City Round Up brought out the west within
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ity slickers turned cowboy to celebrate River City Round Up — a city-wide festival celebrating Edmonton’s agriculture and western heritage from November 4-13. Northlands’ Farmfair and the CFR helped Edmontonians find the west within with cattle shows, horse sales, and some of the best rodeo contestants in the country. The 10-day festival started with a River City Round Up kick off celebration in Sir Winston Churchill Square on November 5. There was entertainment, a caravan of covered wagons, cultural displays, family activities and the evening concluded with a fantastic fireworks display. Northlands’ EXPO centre was full of agriculture education, entertainment, commerce and competition at Farmfair 2011. This year, more than 93,600 guests took part in equine events, cattle sales, the Heritage Ranch Rodeo, RAM Country Marketplace and much more.
SOME OF THE HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: The Heritage Ranch Rodeo presented by Edmonton Kubota and Pfizer Animal Health was a big success at this year’s Northlands Farmfair. Thousands turned up to
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take in three consecutive days of rodeo showcasing how ranchers did it the traditional way by displaying lifestyle and skills associated with the cattle ranching industry. After competing in six events nightly, the Gang Ranch Ltd. from Gang Ranch, B.C. beat out 15 western Canadian ranches by accumulating a total score of 49 points. The second and third placed ranches, High Plains Ranch and Douglas Lake Cattle Co., finished with scores of 47 and 43 points. Northlands’ Draft Horse Pull crowned champions in three categories. Congratulations to the light weight winning horses, King and Chris, owned by Dennis Weinberger of Calgary, that pulled 6,377 pounds. In the middle weight category, the duo of Cap and Red, owned by Ron Sebastian of Lumsden, SK, came out on top by pulling 5,106 pounds. And in the heavy weight category, the big winners were Prince and Barney, owned by Dennis Weinberger, that pulled 5,567 pounds. Weights were increased after each round of competition. With some horses pulling up to three times their own weight, this event was a sight to see! In addition, 10 per cent of the Draft Horse Pull auc-
tion proceeds were donated to Make-A-Wish Northern Alberta. A total of 91,174 guests enjoyed the 38th edition of the Canadian Finals Rodeo which brought world-class athletes to Rexall Place. Competitors were vying for bragging rights, national titles and money — close to $1.4 million was taken home! This year’s Miss Rodeo Canada was also crowned. Arleta Bowhay from Sundre, AB, will travel the world as an ambassador for the sport of rodeo. Rodeo highlights include Tyson Durfey tying the arena record for tie down roping at 7.1 seconds. Dufrey was also the overall tie down roping champion at this year’s CFR. During the two performances on Saturday, bull rider, Chad Besplug, had three re-rides for a total of five different rides that day alone. His decision to take the re-rides with the hopes of getting a higher score was worth it. Besplug came out on top and was declared the overall champion bull rider with total earning of $73,790.14 for the season. For full CFR results, visit CFR. ca. The 2012 CFR will take place November 7-11, 2012 at Rexall Place. For more information on Farmfair, please visit Farmfair.ca. www.horsesall.com
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ttawa, ON—Equine Canada and the Canadian Equestrian Te a m e x t e n d o u r h e a r t felt condolences to Beth Underhill and to everyone at Beth Underhill Stables on the passing of Monopoly. Born in 1979, Monopoly, a Hanoverian Thoroughbred cross gelding, was imported from New Zealand by the Ierullo family for their daughter, Skye. In 1989, Monopoly was sent to Terrance Millar for training and his student, Beth Underhill, became Monopoly’s rider the following season. The pair made their Canadian Equestrian Team debut in 1990 when they were members of Canada’s winning Nations’ Cup team at the Royal Winter Fair in Toronto, a feat they repeated in 1991 and 1992. “Beth and Monopoly were crowd favourites for Canada and beyond,” said chef d’équipe, Terrance Millar. “Their many accomplishments inspired many young equestrians to pursue their dreams. Beth gave Monopoly many years of wonderful retirement that one could only wish for.” Beth and Monopoly also won both the team and individual silver medals at the 1991 Pan American Games in Havana, Cuba. The following year, they were part of the Canadian Equestrian Team at the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games and represented Canada at the 1994
World Equestrian Games in The Hague, the Netherlands. In 1993, Beth rode Monopoly when she became the first woman to win the Canadian World Cup League, and, in 1994 and 1996, Beth and Monopoly wonNCanadian Show Jumping Championship titles at Spruce Meadows. The Ierullo family donated Monopoly, at the height of his international career, to the Canadian Equestrian Team in 1993. Monopoly won his last grand prix, $100,000 Treatwells Grand Prix at HITS V Ocala Winter Finals in Florida, at the age of 20. “Monopoly will always have a special place in the history of the Canadian Equestrian Team,” said Akaash Maharaj, CEO of Equine Canada and the Canadian Equestrian Team. “He is the most successful horse ever donated directly to our team itself, and his pairing with Beth Underhill was a great boon to our team, to him, and to Canada’s performance on the international stage. We are saddened by his passing, but celebrate his long and happy life and his partnership with Beth.” Monopoly was officially retired from competition in 2001, and enjoyed his wellearned years of retirement at Beth’s farm in Schomberg, ON. All of Monopoly’s fans are invited to visit the Equine Canada website to post their thoughts and sentiments on his tribute page at http://bit. ly/v4OzxF.
Beth Underhill’s champion Hanoverian Thoroughbred cross gelding, Monopoly, passes away at the age of 32.
DECEMBER 2011
Conference celebrates 30 years Eye on the industry News from Alberta’a equine community
By Robyn Moore
T
he Canadian Warmblood Horse Breeders Association Fall Classic Sale in Olds on October 15-16 saw some great horses go for top dollar. The two-day event included chute jumping demonstrations and a gala before the auction on Sunday afternoon. T h i s y e a r, 8 4 q u a l i t y Warmblood horses were consigned to the sale, with 66 of them being offered on Sunday. Horses ranged from weanlings to seasoned performance horses. And 38 of those horses found new owners with an average sale price of $6,838. Although the average is down from last year, buyers always have money to spend on great horses, despite the economic downturn. A twoyear-old prospect, MJ Salsa bred by MJ Farms in Olds, was sold for $16,500 to a buyer from Kansas City, Missouri. The top selling horse was Cavaluna, a four-year old performance horse bred by John van den Bosch from Red Deer, which sold for $23,000. The
total gross sale amount was $259,850. The sale drew hundreds of people including online and telephone bidders. An amazing 13 horses were sold to buyers outside of Alberta. Buyers from B.C., Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Nova Scotia and the U.S. all returned to their hometowns with new, quality Alberta-bred horses to continue showing, breeding, or training.
Horse Breeders and Owners Conference — 30th anniversary! The Annual Horse Breeders and Owners Conference is celebrating its 30th anniversary this January. The annual conference was first run by the University of Calgary under the guidance of Ron Cole. Since that time, the conference has grown from offering one speaker at a time, to offering three at a time, and from having two sponsors, to having a trade show area with 65 sponsor booths. Over the past 30 years, there have been many great speakers. Some notable examples include Dr. Marvin Beeman, Dr. R. M. Miller, Dr. Bill Pickett, Cherry Hill, Bill Collins, Patti Colbert, D o u g H o u s e h o l d e r, J a n i c e Swanson, Julie Thorson, Wayne McIlwraith, and Greg Darnall. This year is no exception with great speakers coming in from all over Canada and the U.S. Some highlights of this
Sergeant Derrick McGougan of the Calgary Police Service Mounted Unit, will be giving a seminar on bombproofing at the Horse Breeders and Owners Conference in Red Deer, in January.
year’s conference include a presentation of how to “bombproof” your horse by Sergeant Derrick McGougan; two presentations on teaching ground manners and resolving trailer loading problems by Dr. Andy Anderson; feeding the equine foot by Dr. Connie Larson; and a presentation about the horse
entertainment that evening. The conference continues until Sunday afternoon, which closes with the Fred Pearce Memorial lecture. Tickets are $95, $80 for any additional registrants from the same company or farm. Register online at www.albertahorseindustry.ca. t
market by Katie Tims, editor of the Quarter Horse News. The conference starts on Januar y 13 with an “Open Barn” reception in the Exhibit Hall at 7 p.m. The first session starts at 8:40 a.m. on Saturday with a chance to network and enjoy wine, dessert, awards and live
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A5
Calgary fondly remembers Hickstead By Wendy Dudley
H
ickstead was cheered around the world, but probably never so much as in Calgary, his Canadian home. After his win in the 2008 Olympics, Lamaze’s only appearances on the famed Dutch Warmblood stallion in Canada were at Spruce Meadows. When Hickstead was among the entries, the stands were packed with record crowds of up to 60,000. So it was not a surprise that Spruce Meadows’ phones began ringing, with fans asking what they planned to do to honour the horse’s memory after his untimely death from a ruptured aorta on November 6. Within hours, the venue had erected a tribute to the 15-year-old legend, with mounted posters, a condolence book, and a huge video screen playing highlights of Hickstead’s career. Over the days, fans left heartfelt messages in a book to be passed on to Lamaze. There were roses, apples and carrots, with one touching note saying: “You died with your boots on, which I believe is how a guy like you would have wanted it. Enjoy heaven, and make sure you frolic with Big Ben.” There were even suggestions that a statue of Hickstead be made and displayed at Spruce Meadows, an idea that appealed to Lisa Roberts of Calgary. “I think that would be a great idea,” she said, while writing her condolence. “After all, he was No. 1. He was ridden by a Canadian, and co-owned by a Canadian. We should be thrilled to have this in our history. And this is
Hickstead
photo by wendy dudley
Lisa Roberts of Calgary signs the condolence book in memory of Hickstead. The tribute was at Spruce Meadows, the only venue in Canada where the stallion jumped. The book will be presented to Eric Lamaze.
wanting to contribute to the fund, said Dr. Greg Andrews. Discussion on how to accommodate those wishes is underway, and further information will be posted on the clinic’s Facebook site. One vet who watched Hickstead for years was Dr. Wayne Burwash, who owns Burwash Equine Services in Springbank near Calgary, and acts as an FEI vet during Spruce Meadows’ major tournaments. He has examined Hickstead numerous times in his jogs and watched him compete ever since the horse first jumped at the venue. “He was the most incredible horse I have ever seen in terms of his consistency for such a long time. It came down to his desire and physical ability. To do it time after time, this guy had it.” t
photo by wendy dudley
Fans left roses, carrots, apples and floral bouquets at a memorial tribute for Hickstead, which was set up at Spruce Meadows following the stallion’s sudden death on November 6.
from page A1
Toronto four days after the tragedy, Eric indicated that he believed Hickstead purposely rolled away from him when he collapsed, so as not to injure him. The final gift Hickstead could give the rider who rode him to the summit of their sport. When Hickstead died, the two were still ranked No. 1 in the world. “The best horse in history,” said Eric who returned home to Canada to honour Hickstead at the Royal horse show which held a special tribute and has since renamed its World Cup event the FEI Hickstead World Cup Grand Prix. Members of the jump crew wore black arm bands bearing Hickstead’s name, and a special one with silver trim was made for Eric who wore it in the ring, before a standing ovation. Demand for the bands has skyrocketed, with proceeds going to a charity of Eric’s choice. Thousands of condolences have appeared on Eric’s Facebook and various websites. And in Calgary, a condolence book was set out at Spruce Meadows, as part of a special Hickstead memorial display. Its pages were filled with emotional messages, written in various languages. Within hours of his passing, all of Hickstead’s frozen semen was sold, with breeders giving their credit card numbers and saying they didn’t care how much they had to pay. Before his death, his semen sold for $5,500. He already has foals on the ground, but all are too young to yet show if they have inherited their father’s greatness. In time, grief will turn to warm memories, but we’re not there yet. A6
where he jumped in Canada, here in Calgary.” Spruce Meadows intends to honour Hickstead next year during its summer tournament season, when Lamaze will compete on his other horses. “As fans we can be thankful that some of their greatest moments together took place at Spruce Meadows, including their incredible 2011 season, where they firmly established themselves as No. 1 in the Rolex Rankings,” said Spruce Meadows vice-president Ian Allison. “Hickstead and Eric Lamaze are truly one of the greatest combinations in the history of our sport. The fans, sponsors, media, and competition all realized they were watching greatness, and came to expect it. Eric and Hickstead seemingly always answered the bell,” Allison added. “Grand Prixs, Nations Cups, World Cups, Championships, it really was a privilege to see one of the greats of all time so often. We never took it for granted, however. Nor did Eric. He always paid tribute to the great stallion, his heart, character and their remarkable chemistry. The passing of Hickstead is not only a loss for Eric, it’s a tremendous loss for our sport. He was a celebrity (as in he was celebrated) for all the right reasons.” Moore Equine Veterinary services, of the Calgary area, announced it would donate funds in memory of Hickstead to research on equine heart health to be conducted by the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. It has been inundated with emails from people
photo by wendy dudley
To touch Hickstead was to touch greatness. Here, his longtime groom Delphine Roustan prepares to pat his muzzle.
Not only has his passing left a hole in our hearts, it has left a cavern in the Canadian show jumping team. “We’re in serious trouble without him,” said Jill Henselwood, a member of the 2008 Olympic silver medal team who just retired her Olympic horse Special Ed. “Hickstead was an incredible force, the way he jumped, the energy he put into it. We needed him.” Eric is still mulling over what he will do next. He has a strong string of horses in his stables, all that have helped him earn that No. 1 world ranking. But none are ready for the calibre of jumping needed to conquer an Olympic course. If he is to find a horse that could succeed at that level, he must, according to Olympic rules, do so by Dec. 31. The sad fact is, even if he finds a horse, no one will be able to watch without thinking he was supposed to be there with his bay buddy. It will be heart-breaking, no matter the outcome.
During the press conference, Eric stated his final career goal was to do another Olympics, for Canada. Now, he said, he has two options. “I can pack it in, or fight it out. I’m not ready to go yet.” Canadian jumper Chris Pratt can empathize with how Eric is feeling. Last year, he lost his horse, Union, in a devastating freak accident. Waking up to that empty stall is tough, he said. “You just don’t want to get up, and it makes you question all your efforts. But we do go on. And we start again to look for that next great horse. That is what it is all about.” For me, I have the message Eric sent me after he won his Olympic gold medal, and I have umpteen photographs of him riding the little horse that could, and did. But what I would have cherished more than anything would have been the chance to write about his retirement ceremony. As Eric said, “He deserved that.” www.horsesall.com
photo by wendy dudley
There is a horse for every rider, and a rider for every horse. Such was the friendship between Eric Lamaze and Hickstead. He never failed to lean forward and give the stallion a hug, after a good round.
For Eric, his best career memories will be of Hickstead, the horse that made him, the horse that turned his life around, the horse that became like family. “There were those moments that he was unbeatable. I think of Calgary this year, and he was unbeatable. The Olympics, he was unbeatable. Aachen, he was unbeatable. There
were those times that he was just that good,” he said before fighting back tears and thanking everyone who helped Hickstead jump to glory. And in return, all we can do is remember not how Hickstead died, but how he truly lived. How he made us happy. “Thank You, Hickstead, Thank You.” t december 2011
Dick McPeak: Canadian rodeo’s living legend I did it my way Personal profile By Amie Peck
D
ick McPeak was born in Nanton in 1931, one of three children who grew up on a large cattle ranch on the sprawling prairie bordered by the magnificent foothills and mountains of southern Alberta. He could ride before he could walk and his only form of a baby-sitter was an equine companion. He is an original cowboy, back when ranching was all you did, from sun up to sun down, seven days a week. He was raised in the days of riding horses to school (which included racing the weekly Greyhound bus for fun) and then riding for over 20 miles to check cows. His name is well known in rodeo circles all across western Canada and for good reason: Dick McPeak is a living legend in the sport of rodeo in Canada. It is hard to find an aspect of the sport that he hasn’t tried, mastered or mentored. From calf roping, riding broncs, wild horse races, steer wrestling and even steer decorating, McPeak has been involved in rodeo since 1949 with an impressive list of winnings to his name. “I started calf roping in small rodeos around Nanton first when I was about 15 years old,” McPeak recounts. His teachers included respected cowboys Jack Cochlan and Billy Collins, both of whom McPeak credits for making him a cowboy. “I started riding broncs and bulls around that time too, although I only got on seven or eight bulls because I always wound up underneath so I figured I better quit.” McPeak’s list of accomplishments in the rodeo arena are too numerous to count over the years. In 1969 he won the steer wrestling event at seven PRCA rodeos, even recording a time of three seconds flat at the Edmonton Spring Rodeo — no easy task considering that steers in those days were much heavier and the barrier was longer. That same year, McPeak was just $65 shy of qualifying for the Nationals Final Rodeo and had returned home to Alberta to begin harvesting, unaware that he had not fully met the qualifications. He competed at the Calgary Stampede, and was runner up for the calf roping and steer wrestling titles several times, and won the Edmonton Finals. He has won events at almost every single rodeo across western Canada and has been doing it for decades. In fact, his rodeo career spanned 27 years. McPeak has also led an active role in the horse industry as well. He was a teenager when he started training horses on his father’s farm and learning how to rope. “My father didn’t like us roping his calves so we had to rope early in the morning before he was up,” McPeak chuckled. He started selling the horses that he raised and trained himself to many professional cowboys who enjoyed immense success with them, including Canadian and world titles. Well-known calf roper, Jimmy Gladstone, bought a horse from McPeak that he used
DECEMBER 2011
Dick McPeak, aboard his horse Dean, goes for it in the Steer Wrestling event at the Calgary Stampede in 1969, with Matt Schriker, hazing.
McPeak family members proudly showcase their set of matching golden Palominos in the Calgary Stampede Parade — some of the first registered Quarter Horses in Canada. Dick is the fourth rider on the right.
McPeak relaxing at home in his golden years.
as a practice mount prior to him winning a World Championship. Not only was McPeak known for training and competing excellent rodeo horses, they brought home paycheques for everyone who rode them, a true sign of a talented horseman. Horses were an integral part of life for McPeak, intertwined into every day and every memory. He fondly remembers riding with his family in the Calgary Stampede Parade on a stunning set of matching palominos — among the first registered Quarter Horses in Canada. His soft spot, however, was always for his first horse. “My first horse was a big sorrel TB/ Percheron cross gelding named Prince who lived to the age of 34. He was my companion since I was a small child, and maybe the best horse I every put a saddle on.” Another stand-out mount was Dean, a sorrel Quarter Horse gelding purchased from Dean Oliver, who was a trusted steer wrestling horse until the age of 20. “Dean was still winning at the last rodeo I took him to,” remembers McPeak. “He certainly didn’t feel like retiring!” However, McPeak didn’t just compete at rodeos. He hauled rodeo stock from Alberta to Oklahoma City for the National Finals Rodeo, making the trip 12 years in a row. He was also running rodeos, usually in charge of the timed events and sometimes judging. He worked at the Edmonton, Ponoka, Swift Current, Wainwright and Kamloops rodeos to name a few, from 1956 to the early 1980s. He was also instrumental in the creation of the Canadian Finals Rodeo, held in Edmonton every fall since 1977. His involvement with rodeo was broad in spectrum and he loved every single aspect of the sport. There was also a financial upside to working the rodeos that he attended as well. “The thing about running the rodeos was that
you were always sure to pull a cheque,” says Crystal McPeak, his daughter. “He could earn $100 a day in the 1950s or ’60s which was a good paycheque for a man with a family to feed.” As a valued figure in rodeo for three decades, McPeak was also known for mentoring others in the sport and offering his facilities and time for others. Greg Butterfield, multiple CFR champion in Steer Wrestling, remembers McPeak helping him as he learned the ropes. “I can’t remember if I rode his horse or if he was hazing for me the first time I met him. The thing about Dick is he was always helping people, doing whatever he could.” In fact, Butterfield recalls how Dick would sometimes become too focused in running the chutes at a rodeo. “One time in Edmonton he was helping out, loading the steers. Somebody said, ‘Hey Dick, this is your steer!’ He didn’t even have his horse ready — he was too busy helping out that he forgot about his own go!” Multiple rodeo champion Guy Perozak worked and practiced with McPeak as a teenager, and credits him with improving his steer wrestling. “He taught me everything about steer wrestling. Run after run he would tell me what to do here and there to improve. If he had a horse that was the best opportunity to win at a particular rodeo he would always let me take it, no questions asked.” While he is no longer competing or running rodeos, the cowboy days are not entirely over for McPeak. Though pushing 81 years old, he is still talking about a new colt of his that needs to be started. His impressive career is behind him, but he has some amazing memories of the competitions, cattle, horses and friendships that made him who he is — a prominent and respected name in rodeo. t www.horsesall.com
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A7
Lindsay Sears is only Canadian headed to NFR In it to win It Competitor profile By Dianne Finstad
T
o stay competitive in the world of pro barrel racing, it’s almost a necessity to have more than one great running horse. With the gruelling demands of the event itself, the travel, and varying ground conditions, injuries are part of the territory. And if there isn’t another option back in the trailer or at home on the ranch, a great season can come skidding to a halt. Lindsay Sears has redefined success in Canadian barrel racing. In 2008, she became the first Canadian to win a world championship. While that’s a huge feat on its own, it’s Sears’ consistency in the winner’s circle that is even more impressive. She was reserve world champion in 2007 and 2009, and finished third last year. And in 2010, she also surpassed the one million dollar mark in career earnings. While the famous Martha has been her number one gunner, Sears had to rely on her back-up choice as her main mount in 2011, and he rose to the challenge. The always amazing Sugar Moon Express, “Martha”, was named AQHA/WPRA barrel horse of the year in 2008, and was edging Sears ever closer to another world title last December when a slip on the floor of the Thomas and Mack in Las Vegas last winter badly injured her stifle. Sears knew it was an injury that would take time to heal, so if she wanted to compete in 2011, she would have to go to plan ‘B’. Although many might think of the southern Alberta cow-
photo courtesy northlands
Lindsay Sears on Moe, competing at the Canadian Finals Rodeo in November in Edmonton.
girl as ‘Martha’s rider’, Sears has jockeyed and trained many horses over her barrel racing career, which got rolling at the Nanton Night Rodeos when she was just a youngster. With Martha healing, her eight-yearold bay gelding, Moe, got the call. Moe’s real name is Ima Guy of Honor, and he’s a son of Frenchman’s Guy, and out of an owned daughter of Jet of Honor. Sears bought him in the spring of 2009. “I have to thank my friend Courtney Cantrell for making me try him,” laughed Sears. “She always tricks me into riding something. When I got on him and rode him around at her place in Texas, I knew (he would work for me).”
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But while Moe logged a lot of miles on the rodeo trail, it was always Martha in the spotlight, until this year. Switching gears meant some adjusting on Sears’ part. “I think what happened is when he was the backup horse, you don’t have expectations,” Sears explained. “When he went to number one, the game plan and expectations changed. We had to meet in the middle. I did some tuning, and changed his style a little more to my liking. But I got on him and stayed on him this year. He was it.” “Horses know when they’re the backup, and when they’re number one. They’re intuitive. My frame of mind changed, and we had better communication,” says Sears. “Moe is not Martha. They definitely have two different styles. With Moe, I have to ask for every inch, and if I don’t ask, he won’t give it. Martha goes fast everywhere, and she has no ability to back off.” A big part of being a horse trainer, like Sears, and a successful barrel racer, is being able to read your horse, and tap into what makes it tick. While Martha is such a natural runner, and aggressive in her style, by giving her whole heart every run, it can increase the risk of injury. Moe is proving to be sturdy. “The more I haul him, the better he gets,” explained Sears. “He needs to be a bit tired when I go to the arena. Otherwise he’ll look around, check out the crowds, the banners. He’s easily distracted.” Managing those traits saw the duo reach new realms of speed together. “Moe was great this winter, at San Antonio, Houston and Tucson. We won Jackson, Mississippi and that’s big money; Red Bluff, California, and fourth in Greeley. He made great runs when he needed to, and that’s the difference between an average, and a great horse.” The earnings began to add up, and when Martha was healthy enough to return to competition in June, Sears now had www.horsesall.com
photo by mike copeman
Lindsay riding Moe at Lea Park in 2009.
photo by kenneth springer
Lindsay Sears
choices. She could pick which horse would fit where, and have it work with her travel plans. For instance, it was Martha that Sears rode to win the Finals at the rich Ponoka Stampede, and Moe during all but Showdown Sunday at the Calgary Stampede. During the Cowboy Christmas run of rodeos this summer, Sears won the most money of any barrel racer in the world for the second straight year, collecting almost $24,000. After that, making it back to Las Vegas began to look very possible. “I had no idea when the year started,” Sears admitted. “I wasn’t sure Martha would return. I knew if I was going to make the NFR, I’d have to do it on Moe. I had been spoiled. I could get to the NFR by going to about 25 rodeos on Martha. But I had to change my attitude this season. I had to rodeo harder, and go to ones I’d never been to. I was out of my realm, in a situation that was not comfortable, so it was great in that sense. I had to prove to myself I could do it on another horse.” Sears has struggled with some health issues and injuries herself, over the last few years, but this season, she was also able to get on top of those. “I felt much healthier, and it showed up in my riding. It’s hard to be competitive when you don’t feel well.”
Sears prides herself not only on her horsemanship, but also her style. She likes to show fashion fits the rodeo world, and has enjoyed a deal with Panhandle Slim this year, showcasing the company’s Rock and Roll Cowgirl line whenever she competes. After a long season of travelling, it’s now the bonus time of the year, with both the Canadian Finals Rodeo and the National Finals Rodeo. In Edmonton, Sears called on both Moe and her other go-to horse in the pen, DJ. Sears won the opening round on Moe, and picked up two other placings as well, to earn $16,780 at the CFR. She finished her year fourth in the Canadian standings, with earnings of $35,683. Next it’s off to Las Vegas, where Sears will be the only Canadian competitor in the line-up this year. She comes into the hunt for a world championship in the number two position, with earnings of $105,306 on the season. That’s just $10,000 behind leader Brittany Pozzi, which is only a go-round placing or two at the rich NFR. And which horse will get the call? Sears says that will be a game-time decision. But she knows she has options. Understandably, the talented rider is passionate about the need for good ground conditions for barrel racing, and that’s not always what the racers have to work with, so again, she adapts. “I’ve made some changes to Martha and her equipment. We’ll approach it differently this year. Martha is in a lot better condition, and I’ve done a lot of work preparing her stifles.” Lindsay Sears knows Canadian rodeo fans will be cheering her on, and she’s got high expectations for herself, with both her superstar horses at her fingertips. But the approach to her sixth NFR is unchanged. “It’s ‘do what you can do’, and ‘do the best you can do’,” she smiled. “My game plan is the same.” t
DECEMBER 2011
Deep western roots influence 40-year career Women of the west Personal profile By Cindy Bablitz
W
ith roots going back to a great grandfather who travelled west across Canada in a covered wagon, it’s not so much of a stretch that Dee Butterfield’s life has been a journey of true western heritage. “My mother’s grandfather wrote a book called The Immigrants of the Northwest. They first homesteaded in the Calgary area, and then went to B.C. and started a dairy in Big Creek,” says Dee. “In those days, it was a half day’s trek to get the milk to market!” The western pioneering spirit was in the bloodline. “My dad’s dad and my mom’s mom had two of the earliest Arabian stallions brought into Canada, and mom and dad were showing Arabians when they met.” Married at 19 and 21, Dee’s parents bought a remote ranch west of Williams Lake, BC and there raised Dee along with her two brothers and two sisters. “Very few people could really have any idea what it was like, growing up when and where I did. In the winter time, we didn’t have running water. We never had any power; we had a generator we used a couple hours a day — some of the time — when the generator was working,” Dee recalls. “Our ranch was a family run operation and it was hard work, but a great life! I would not trade the life I had for anything. We might not have had much in the way of material things, but we were close as a family, and we all grew up with a strong work ethic
and have each gone on to be very successful and happy with what we’re doing.” Including Dee, who last year celebrated four decades of teaching barrel racing to generations of riders in an anniversary bash that saw some 400 entries in the barrel racing exhibition dubbed the 40th Anniversary Alumni Classic held at the Ponoka Stampede Grounds, July 8-10, 2010. In her illustrious career, Dee has won countless association championships and futurity titles, earning the distinction of being one of the first Canadian barrel racers to qualify for the National Finals Rodeo in 1975. In her tenth year of qualifying for Canadian Professional Rodeo’s season end showdown, Dee won the Canadian barrel racing championship title in 1992. But her reputation as a remarkable woman of the west is about so much more than ribbons and competition accolades. Dee has built a legendary standing as a horsewoman of note by breeding and raising winning horses for some 30 years. It’s been a pursuit of passion as much as a natural progression of the cowboy lifestyle she was raised up in. “We used horses for haying, for farming, for recreation — horses were what it was all about. Both of my parents were very much into horses, and we learned early how to cowboy all day long,” says Dee. “I went on my first cattle drive at four years old. I remember I liked to ride bareback, but my dad made me use a saddle, and I was very PO’d. I did a 50-mile ride for a centennial celebration when I was just five or six years old. “In those days, we had everything. A lot of our ranch horses had Arabian in them … good hardy horses that could take a solid day’s work. The breeding wasn’t what mattered, what mattered was having sound, hardy horses that could take a good day’s work. They had to be strong for work and play,
able to handle going over bogs, windfalls, and anywhere else we took them. Today though, I strictly breed Quarter Horses.” Horsemanship was all in the family. Dee’s maternal grandmother had the first English riding academy in western Canada, in Mapleridge, BC. Dee herself offered her first horsemanship clinic at the ripe old age of 18. Since then, she’s been instructing the fundamentals of barrel racing, riding skills, horse care, equipment essentials and mental preparation and winning attitudes in clinics regularly across western Canada and as far away as Hawaii and Australia. Dee’s students have ranged in age from four to 65 — one student attending clinics on and off for some 34 years — and
some have went on to become provincial, state and national champions in their own right. Though she speaks humbly of her accomplishments, there’s no doubt that Dee has been a major influence in western Canada’s horse community. “I’ve always had a major interest in figuring out what it took to excel at the sport I love, and the breeding program I have now has been developed over 30 years. The big thing is having the attitude of always trying to improve on what you have … there’s a plan of observation and learning. These things don’t come by chance,” Dee says. “There’s no end to what we can learn. I learn something from every horse I ride, and every student I teach. That’s the excitement of it,
to me: the excitement of learning. I would think that the enthusiasm and the interest and the enjoyment would come to an end if you felt there wasn’t any more to learn.” With some melancholy, speaking to an honest career of ups and downs, Dee says, “You wouldn’t enjoy the highs if you didn’t have the downs. You have to learn to take it all, to do the best you can with your heart in the right place. “I just hope I live long enough to become more knowledgeable.” For more information on this remarkably accomplished competitor, teacher, breeder and inspiring mentor, and to check out where and when you can catch her next clinic visit www.deebutterfield. com.
PHOTO BY COPEMAN HOTO
Dee Butterfield was one of the first Canadian barrel racers to qualify for the National Finals Rodeo in 1975.
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Solid welded box stall frames - Smooth & silent rolling doors Visit our website for details on our full range of equine products Emcee Cori Dixon (left) shares a moment with Dee Butterfield at her 40th Anniversary Alumni Classic held at the Ponoka Stampede Grounds in July 2010.
DECEMBER 2011
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Bronze sculptor finds plenty of inspiring ideas in the everyday Inspirations Artist profile By Cindy Bablitz
D
onna Wilson, bronze sculptor, has been creating art since she was a little girl. “Nobody gives you art. You don’t inherit it from your grandmother … you don’t just magically fall into a puddle and come out an artist,” she says. “I’ve always drawn. My mom was an artist, and we were always encouraged to sing, dance and write poetry. I have three older brothers and they’re all very creative too,” Donna adds. “I used to wander around the western art show and look at bronzes and think, ‘I could do that.’” So, she did. And that’s where the defining moment of a true artist is born. Artists, Donna says, are often perceived as somehow different from the rest of us, as though, what artists do is so beyond the scope of common ability that there’s something almost magical about the process of creating art. “I hate to demystify art … because lots of us artists enjoy being that magical, mystical person … but the truth is, we’re simply the ones who keep doing the work. Art is 10 per cent talent and 90 per cent showing up. You have to have an aptitude, and then you just have to keep practicing the same things over and over and eventually you get better.” Creating bronze art isn’t something Donna trained for. “I did go to the Alberta College of Art, and though I learned a lot more about design, it really wasn’t going to
change the way I approached art very much,” she says. But when the opportunity came up to help a fellow artist with some monument pieces, she jumped at the chance. Then, when her dad passed away in 2001, inspiration struck, and the first Donna Wilson bronze sculpture, The Old Rugged Cross, came to life in a memorial tribute. Yet, after insisting there’s nothing profoundly complicated about creating art, she casually drops, “I find sculpting is just like drawing, except you’re drawing all four sides of the subject,” and you know, there is something a little bit magical about the way an artist creates. “Whether you use two dimensions or three, you use a lot of the same principles. Design elements, scale, proportion … and, if you’re a realist like I am, you have to follow the rules of good anatomy, being observant of what you’re trying to create. “For me, the subject is always a challenge to recreate. But, I’m not a tormented artist. I love what I do. I just have something to say and I’m way better at saying it in a piece of art than yakking on about it.” Bronze art is a multi-step process beginning with a sculpture in clay, wax or wood. Clay and wax are the most common mediums for this part of the process, and what Donna uses. A plaster of paris mould is made of the original sculpture and then a wax pattern is cast. Next, a slurry of silica is coated onto the wax cast, and various grades of sand which are then left to dry and harden. The piece is next heated in a forge until the wax cast melts away, leaving a shell into which molten bronze is poured. Most bronze sculptures are comprised of many different parts, each piece undergoing the same incredibly labour intensive process. Finally, after the bronze is cooled, all the individual pieces are
polished and cleaned and welded together according to the exact originating intention of the artist’s initial sculpture. Lastly, a multistepped process of patination is applied, with varying kinds of patinas giving the finished piece its personalized character. And then the finished sculpture is mounted, and polished and cleaned again. Some artists participate in every painstaking step of the foundry process, though it is common for bronze artists to leave the casting of their creations in the talented and skilled hands of art foundry technicians. “I mostly just want to sculpt,” she says. Still, Donna says the creation of art remains an accessible process to anyone willing to try. “I’ve always thought art is very attainable. When you’re a little kid, and you create things, you do that so joyously. But when your teacher says it’s not right, or your creation is laughed at, or dismissed, or judged harshly, it crushes you. Lots of fear goes with creating art. Most people have the ability to do a lot more with art than they think, but they’re too afraid to try.” Maintaining that childhood innocence of joyful creation is where Donna continues to draw her inspiration. La Primera, (“The First”) a heart stopping piece of a horse galloping out of a cloud held in two outstretched hands, came simply from a famous Bedouin legend: “God took a handful of southerly wind, blew his breath over it, and created the horse.” “I read the Bedouin line many years ago, in a coffee table book, and I remember it gave me little goosebumps. When I decided to do a piece of art about it, I was doing a lot of conservation pieces, more geared toward conservation issues and I was ready to do something pretty, purely for the aesthetics, for me.”
Viewers of La Primera often have the same reaction, goosebumps, and tears, that Donna remembers having the first time she read the Bedouin legend. “I like to evoke a connection with people when they look at my art. I like my art to speak to something in the person who’s viewing it … whether
it’s an emotion, or a memory, or experience, or concept … it makes me feel the piece was successful when people who enjoy my art can appreciate a communication long after the artist has left.” To view more of Donna Wilson’s artwork, visit www.anchorbarbronze.com
Donna Wilson’s first bronze sculpture, The Old Rugged Cross, was a tribute to her dad who passed away in 2001.
La Primera (the first) was inspired by a famous Bedouin legend that said, “God took a handful of southerly wind, blew his breath over it, and created the horse.”
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Donna Wilson didn’t train to be a sculptor. She discovered her passion after helping a fellow artist with some monument pieces.
DECEMBER 2011
When the mercury drops, keep to a walk or trot Hands-on horsekeeping Horse care advice
By Wendy Dudley
I
t’s winter, and the weather outside is frightful — at least that’s what weather forecasters are predicting for much of the prairies this season. So when is it too cold to saddle up for a dash through the snow? When it comes to physiology, the horse is actually well equipped to handle freezing temperatures, said Dr. Greg Andrews of Moore Equine Veterinary Centre. Because it is a prey animal, it is suited to fleeing from predators, no matter what the temperature, he added. Outside air has a long way to travel from the nostrils to the lungs, and is being heated and moistened as it travels through the airways, down the windpipe to the lungs, he explained. “So by the time the air hits the lungs, it isn’t minus 30.” But that doesn’t mean a rider should feel it’s safe to canter or gallop a horse a long distance in the cold. “In obvious extremes, the mechanisms would break down, depending on the level of activity of the horse,” Andrews said. “So if it’s minus 35, and you run down the road for a couple of miles, you’ve then gone over the limit because a horse would not do that in the wild, because a predator would not do that.” Working a horse at a walk or jog is reasonable, and in most cases, the rider will feel the effects of cold weather long before a horse will, Andrews noted. However, there are exceptions, such as the horse that may already have airway issues. “If a horse has had heaves, you are going to want to be more careful.” Just how hard a rider can work an individual horse is common sense, Andrews said. “Once it’s below minus 20, people should be prudent as to how they exercise their horses. You can go for a ride and light jog, but you shouldn’t go wild and crazy.” Some horses may be more sensitive to the cold, especially if they have pre-existing conditions, like heaves, he said. “The mechanism is already compromised, so the horse will have to be handled more carefully. Pay attention to your horse, listen to it. They’ll tell you if you’re pushing too hard. Their breathing may be laboured. If your horse does have (breathing) issues, it is best to ask your vet about how hard it should be worked in the cold.” But in general, horses were designed to handle the cold. Racing Standardbreds, for example, seem to have little issue with frigid temperatures, said Andrews who worked at the track for almost 12 years. “They would jog in minus 30, then train on the rail for a fast mile. It always amazed me.” Not a lot of scientific research has been done on cold air and lung health in horses, but one study by researchers at Oklahoma State University revealed that exercising horses at a slow canter in subfreezing temperatures with low humidity failed to fully warm the inhaled air, said Dr. Renaud Leguillette, a respiratory researcher in the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. DECEMBER 2011
photo by wendy dudley
Horses can tolerate cold weather, if exercise is kept to a walk or light jog. Galloping long distances should not be done once the temperature drops to minus 20, as it could cause airway damage.
In an earlier study, similar effects on lung function were discovered when the horses were galloped faster at temperatures above freezing. However, cold air at rest should not be a problem, said Leguillette. “It may be a problem only if horses are exercised a lot in cold air.” If air is too dry or too cold by the time it reaches the lungs, it could trigger bronchoconstriction, closing of the small tubes conducting air in the lungs, Leguillette said. “The bronchoconstriction does not happen during exercise, but a few hours after, up to 24 and 48 hours. So chronic exposure to cold air may be a problem.” Repeated exposure to cold air during exercise may induce chronic inflammation in the lungs, he added. “It is possible that this induces heaves over the long term, but we do not know. The inflammatory factors released after cold air exposure are however quite similar to the ones found in horses with heaves.” Acute exposure to cold air is rarely a problem and the horse would be unlikely to show any clinical signs, he said. Symptoms of a horse that is suffering from chronic exposure, as in a severe case of bronchoconstriction, would be an increased respiratory rate or even laboured breathing with nostrils flared. “But this is rare,” said Leguillette. Prevention is the best approach, but treatment of an affected horse may include antiinflammatories, he added. National champion reiner Clay Webster, who trains reining and working cow horses at his facility in Carseland, AB, practices prevention when working horses at subfreezing temperatures. “If I bring a horse in and there’s frost built up around its nostrils, then I don’t work it because inside in a warmer environment it’s breathing that moisture into its lungs.” If the horse is already stabled inside, and Webster wants to work it in his unheated arena, then he will work on the basics up to minus 20 degrees Celsius. At minus 10, he is comfortable working the horse on cattle, putting it in a lope, and doing stops. “But once it’s minus 20, I slow down so we’re not working real heavy. I don’t get them puffing. If I see any condensation around their nostrils, I take the pressure off.” As an asthmatic, Webster is sensitive to the environment in which he works. “If I’m having laboured breathing because of the temperatures, then I figure it’s having an effect on the horse. If the head is down and you hear a dry cough, then you know you’ve gone overboard.” t
photo by wendy dudley
The airway system in a horse is designed to adequately heat inhaled air before it reaches its lungs. But this mechanism could break down if the horse is exercised hard and for a long time in extreme cold.
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A11
New From Glenn Stewart Master Horsemanship Series: Part 1 Do You Remember Why You Got Into Horses?
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Merry Christmas
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A12
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DECEMBER 2011
DECEMBER 2011
Presents…
· SPECIAL FEATURE ·
What’s on your favourite horse’s Christmas wish list this year?
D
essa Hockley, who wrote the book, Is Your Horse a Rock Star? Understanding your Horse’s Personality, checked in with her horses and found some unique things on their Christmas list. People who work or share their lives with horses, are well aware that like people, each horse has his or her own unique personality. The four traits listed after each personality type below, are a combination of eight personality traits — Dominant or Submissive, Energetic or Lazy, Curious or Afraid, Friendly or Aloof — that will help you do a quick assessment of your horse. If you want more information on determining your horse’s personality, take the short online quiz at www.horsepersonalities.com. For a more indepth look, you can order the book from the website or from amazon.com. Twas the month before Christmas, And the horses were talking About what they might find In their socks or their stockings.
THE RELUCTANT ROCK STAR (DLCF: dominant, lazy, curious, friendly) “I’ve got it. I know what I want this year. You know how they have these Santa Claus parades? Well, I want to be in it. No, not just in it, maybe lead it. Oh yeah and I don’t mean pulling a cart like some of the other poor equines, I mean riding on the float and all my fans will line the sidewalk and cheer as we pass by. Ahhh … I can see it now.”
THE MACHO MAN (DECA: dominant, energy, curious, aloof) “Christmas! Bring it on. I can do the parties and I can do the work. And I can do it bigger and better and longer and later than anyone else. Presents? Don’t pander me. I look after me and I can get whatever I want. If you must get me something, how about one of those bitless bridles, it’s not that I listen to you anyway.”
THE ACCOUNTANT (DLAF: dominant, lazy, afraid, friendly) “I would like a calendar this year. It can have lovely pictures of wild horses on it or kittens for that matter, but I would like my owner to put it up in the tack room and write on it what we might be doing in the upcoming year. Some schedule, some routine, some heads up on what’s coming. I’ve even had to buck them off to get that point across. When will they figure out that I do not like surprises, and I feel really bad when I have to do things like that. So hopefully this year we can start off on a fresh foot with a well organized plan. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.”
So we went out to the herd to find out what each unique personality would like for Christmas. Here is what we found out:
THE ROCK STAR (DECF: dominant, energy, curious, friendly) “I love this season! What’s not to love — people, parties, presents. I can go to three parties a night and never play out. And, I look good in black tie. OK, the work the next day might suffer a little. I really like music. Do you think I could have an iPod so I can work on my dance moves in my stall at night? I’ve heard you saying that my stall always looks like I have been partying all night — maybe I should.”
THE SKEPTIC (DLAA: dominant, lazy, afraid, aloof) “Why would I get excited about this Christmas? (said in his usual slow, Eeyore, monotone voice). Nothing ever changes. I’ll probably just get a lump of coal in my stocking. When will they start to listen to me and realize I have a lot of good ideas? So much chatter — when will they quiet down so they can hear me?”
THE WILD CARD (DEAF: dominant, energy, afraid, friendly) “Hmmm! What would I like for Christmas? How about games? I love playing them. I keep my owner up nights trying to figure out which game we will be playing tomorrow when she comes out to ride. Sometimes I am big and bold and full of confidence and just when she starts to trust that, I am suddenly totally terrified of that little thing in the corner. Then when she gets really frustrated with me, I bring out the cute and cuddly guy that she can’t resist and all is forgiven. What fun!”
THE BOSS (DEAA: dominant, energy, afraid, aloof)
THE PRIZEFIGHTER (DLCA: dominant, lazy, curious, aloof)
“Hum Bug! There is work to be done here, we have no time for all this hullabaloo — and that means you. Fine, you can call me the Scrooge of Christmas if you like, but someone has to take care of business.”
“I want some piercings, some dreads, maybe a few tattoos. Oh yeah, I play hard. I need to do all I can to keep up my tough guy persona, because I really do not want anyone to see the real me — the sensitive shy guy that tries really hard.”
ILLUSTRATIONS BY DAVE ELSTON
Christmas List
continued on page B2
SPECIAL FEATURE
Christmas List
THE STEADY EDDY (SLCF: submissive, lazy, curious, friendly)
from page B1
THE GODDESS (SECF: submissive, energy, curious, friendly) “I’m so excited. Where can I begin? Well, I’d really like a new blanket, not one of those drab canvas things, how about something in a pink and purple plaid. I’d like a new bridle and let’s have a little bling — maybe a rhinestone brow band. I’d like to live in a fine stable at night as I really hate when my coat gets long and shaggy. I’m not really your pasture horse kind of girl. And of course I’ll have to have my girlfriends in with me. I’d like a new brush, maybe one of those mohair really expensive ones, because I am worth it.”
THE WORKER BEE (SECA: submissive, energy, curious, aloof) “I like toys. Fun things that I can play with — balls to roll around. I’d like a Lickit. I’m not much into the social scene with all the parties, the office party will be enough for me. I think I could even figure out electronic toys because I am pretty smart and I have a lot of energy to work at things. I’ve been pigeon holed. People think all I ever do is work but I like to be creative and have new, interesting things to figure out.”
THE PERFECTIONIST (SEAA: submissive, energy, afraid, aloof) “I would like for my owner and I to get one of those 10 DVD training sets for Christmas, one that has that slow progressive stepby-step method, that so many of the other personalities hate. I am not like them at all. I get stressed and confused in training because my rider doesn’t stay consistent. This might help us. I like to repeat things until I am doing them really, really well before we move on to new things.”
THE PEOPLE PLEASER (SEAF: submissive, energy, afraid, friendly)
“I really like my family so we could just have a quiet, stay at home, eat a lot kind of Christmas. Let me repeat — eat a lot. Or maybe a beach holiday with food, drinks and lounge chairs. No galloping on the beach for me, thanks. Or how about a new trailer, the kind with living quarters, as I like to go places and see new things, especially looking out my window. We could camp. You could cook. I could eat. Christmas morning, we can start with a stocking filled to the brim with apples, carrots (not so big on the Christmas oranges or nuts) and your home made cookies full of molasses and oats.”
“Don’t even think about getting me a P90X for Christmas or any other kind of fun work out stuff, I like my figure as large as it is. I do like books. A good mystery is fun to solve. And puzzles, especially mensa. By spring I will have found 10 new ways to frustrate my rider. I have a great sense of humour, if I do say so, and I like those Garfield books. I actually see myself as the Garfield of horses. Most other horses are like Odey, always bouncing around trying to please their owners. Really!”
THE WALLFLOWER (SLAF: submissive, lazy, afraid, friendly)
“If I could have anything in the world, I think what I would like is a sweet, little girl that would love me and play with me. Someone who wouldn’t be bossy or demanding, those kinds of riders make me sooo anxious — a little friend that would come out to the barn and braid my hair and brush my coat and sit on me bareback. Wouldn’t it be fun if she could be in my stocking with a red ribbon around her neck?”
“I might like some warm slippers and a teddy bear and a flannelette blanket — I need my security blanket wherever I go. I’d like to just stay home and cuddle in with my special, close friend. We could watch movies and eat oat snacks. I don’t mind watching TV, especially those Spruce Meadows specials. It amazes me the kinds of things those other horses do. Oh my!”
THE LONE WOLF (SLAA: submissive, lazy, afraid, aloof) “The holiday season is too much. Could I just be left alone? What part of ‘lone’ don’t you understand? OK, if I have to pick something could we just spend some quiet time together out in the field. I do love it when we are quiet together, without a lot of talking, or touching … let’s just BE together this season.”
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B3
SPECIAL FEATURE
Online shopping offers limitless selection By Heather Grovet
T
HERE ARE SOME POPULAR WEBSITES THAT OFFER A HOST OF HORSE-RELATED ITEMS.
his holiday season, why not forego the crowded malls and packed parking lots and shop when it’s convenient for you with a simple click of your mouse. Online shopping has come a long way. There is more selection, more security and many other benefits:
e B a y. c o m : e B a y i s a n online auction site selling every imaginable item under the sun. You can find saddles, tack, training DVDs, books and show clothing.
SHOPPING ONLINE CAN SAVE YOU MONEY In case you haven’t noticed, horse tack, accessories and show clothing are expensive! Shopping online offers you the chance to compare prices on hundreds of new, brand name items. And sites such as eBay and TackTrader also sell second-hand or consignment items at even greater savings.
Equine.com: Equine.com is a North American classified site that sells horses as well as various tack and clothing, most coming out of the United States.
SHOPPING ONLINE OFFERS MANY ITEMS NOT AVAILABLE LOCALLY Would you like to buy your daughter a royal blue showmanship jacket in extra-small? It’s unlikely you’ll find such a specific item at a nearby tack store. But online you’ll find hundreds of new and used showmanship jackets in every size, colour and style imaginable. And if that isn’t enough, many sites will link you to professional seamstresses who will gladly sew you a jacket to your exact specifications. Likewise, equine items such as show tack or training videos can be difficult to locate in Alberta; shopping online solves that problem.
There can be a limited selection of good quality show clothing locally, but the Internet offers an unlimited selection of items such as show chaps, shirts and jackets in every colour, size and style imaginable, either new or second-hand!
to browse when it’s convenient for you. Many of us are afraid of online shopping, but when used properly the Internet is no more dangerous than shopping in a store or at the mall. Here are a few tips on how to avoid some common hazards: • Carefully assess the item you’re looking at. It can be difficult to evaluate items such as leather goods if you haven’t seen them in person, so do your homework. If possible, purchase brand name items you’re familiar with, and stay away from no-name leather tack, especially if the price seems too good to be true. A $40 show
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halter might seem like a good deal initially, but it’s probably made of flimsy leather with brittle fittings. Ask for photographs of each item, and study them carefully. Also, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the online store’s return policy, especially if you’re purchasing a gift. • Check the seller’s reputation. Sites such as eBay allow you to check the seller’s reputation. Try to opt for a seller that has sold at least 10 items, preferably ones similar to your interests, and ensure they have a high satisfaction rating. Take a few minutes to read the customer’s feedback. And pay close attention to the seller’s responses when you correspond with them. A seller that is slow to respond (within reason, they all have lives!), abrupt, vague or impolite is not likely to improve after you purchase an item from them. • Be careful when sharing your credit card information. Many people are nervous of sharing their credit card information over the Internet, but credit cards actually have some advantages. Most credit cards can help with purchase disputes, and even potentially reverse them if necessary. When paying with your
credit card, check for signs of site security such as a gold paddock logo, and the letter “s” after the “http” in the site’s address. And don’t give unnecessary private information such as your date of birth or social insurance number. • Try PayPal if offered. PayPal is a financial middleman. You give PayPal your financial information, and then when you buy an item they pay the merchant without displaying your personal details. PayPal also has a dispute process in case you have problems with a seller. • Insure expensive items. It will cost you only a few dollars to have an item insured before being shipped. This price could literally save you thousands if your expensive item disappears or is damaged in transit. Also, ask the seller to provide tracking abilities on any parcels being shipped to you. • Lastly, know your obligations as a buyer. If you agree to buy an item on eBay, you have entered into a financial agreement with the seller and are legally bound to buy it, even if you change your mind later. Also, keep in mind all your other expenses that come with purchasing over the Internet such as shipping, duty and taxes.
Take the challenge to Save money, save time, and reshape your body!!
Henriette Chomiak • 780-603-4772 • chomiak@digitalweb.net
www.harmonymeadows.ca
Hobbyhorseinc.com: Hobby Horse Clothing Company sells a large number of off-the-shelf and limited-edition clothing items at mid-range prices. It has an annual “Broke Hearts” sale each fall, which is worth checking out. Karenskustoms.com: This U.S. site sells top-end new and consignment items such as chaps and tack. Kijijialberta.com: Kijiji Alberta is a local classified site that sells everything under the sun, including clothing and tack. Prices are often reasonable, but because this site is not specifically equestrian, you can expect to deal with non-horse people, who might not understand the difference between a barrel racing saddle and a show saddle. Northernhorse.com: Northernhorse specializes in horses, but you can also find tack, trailers and other equine equipment, mostly located in western Canada. Showmeagain.com: This Arizona based site carries a large number of good quality consignment items such as chaps and showmanship outfits. Showtimeshowclothing. com: Showtime is a top-end show clothing manufacturer located in the U.S. Much of its site displays new clothing, but it also has a consignment area with good quality photos of top brand name items. TackTrader: TackTrader offers a large selection of new and used equestrian items of every sort, including saddles, show clothing and headstalls. Most sellers are horse people, so they are knowledgeable and should be able to answer your questions.
PROUD TO Be YOUR SOURce fOR SUPeRiOR QUaliTY anD cUSTOm fiT A Full Line of Horse Blankets, Coolers, Show Sheets and Hoods Also available • A wide selection of Bags for Sport Equipment, Tack and Clothing • Stall Drapes, Valances and Stall Guards NEW - Embroidery, and Home Décor
1-888-245-8088
www.pegasusequine.com Quality Products Built to Fit Your Horse and Fit Your Lifestyle!
B4
Leather items such as saddles and headstalls can be difficult to evaluate without seeing them in person. Ask detailed questions from the seller, study photographs carefully, and try to stick to good quality brands that you are familiar with.
www.horsesall.com
DECEMBER 2011
Buffalo Girl Studio Maureen Janssens is a self-taught Canadian Artist who resides in Southern Alberta. She is drawn to the “majestic landscapes” that surround our extraordinary countryside. Inspired by the pallet of color that “mother nature” provides with each new sunset, sunrise and the changing seasons, Maureen’s artistic eye and passion for color are translated to canvas. Her abstract, impressionist paintings offer viewers a look at the world through her eyes, as well as an insight into her introspective journey-one charged with enthusiasm and curiosity. When first viewing Maureen Janssens jewelry collection one is struck by the sheer brilliance and magnitude of her designs. Upon adorning one of her creations, whether it is funky, classical, contemporary, spiritual or south-western one feels strongly complete. The positive energy and unabashed creativity is obvious in each of her designs. Each piece is a treasure of colour and light that has utilized high quality semi-precious gemstones, sterling silver, original artisan designed pendants and unique beadwork. Like a pearl comforted in its own shell, each one of Maureens designs tell their own tantalizing story. Each morsel is an artistic sculpture that is truly infectious!
STOCKMAN’S EDITION
Quality should not have to come at a premium, Buy this trailer for the low low price of
17,995 + GST
$
STOCK TRAILER • All aluminum frame and structure
• Calf gate • Escape Door • 20 Feet of floor • 2 Interior lights • Interlockin Rumber flooring • Exterior horse ties material • 7000 lb Axles • Slider Gate rear door • No exposed wiring • Center cut gate • Light weight and durable
• Load light • All LED lights • Spare tire • One piece Aluminum roof skin • 7 Year Warranty on Frame and structure
25 Alberta Road Claresholm, AB
Phone: (403) Fax: (403)
625-4466 625-4744
www.shadowtrailers.ca
Anchor BAr Bronze Donna Wilson
www.anchorbarbronze.com
403-646-5714 DECEMBER 2011
403-998-5586
EASY TO WISH FOR AT THESE PRICES!
Come in and see why a new Shadow trailer should be your next trailer!!!
CAM CLARK TRAILERS
2011
Maureen Janssens www.buffalogirlstudio.ca
2011 Sooner Ranch 7 x 24 Stock.
18,460
$ T2179
Slight hail damage on roof
2012 Exiss 7408 LQ 8’ SW, awning, AC, sofa.
37,957
$ T2211
Check our website for current inventory:
1-888-948-6660 FINANCING AVAILABLE
www.camclarktrailers.com Bay 1, 925 Veterans Blvd. NE Airdrie, AB
MAKE YOUR KIDS CHRISTMAS THIS YEAR WITH OUR NEW COWGIRL FINESSE KIDS CLOTHING LINE Contact us for our amazing line of great Christmas ideas
www.cowgirlfinesse.com or 780-842-4339
www.horsesall.com
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SPECIAL FEATURE
E
veryone has a special wish at Christmas so we’ve put together a few of the things our Horses All staff have asked Santa to put under the tree. Here’s wishing you all a happy holiday season!
Carnelian rhombic carved sterling silver pendant, natural turquoise and natural carnelian, handmade by self-taught Canadian artist, Maureen Janssens, Buffalo Girl Studio, www. buffalogirlstudio.ca. $300.00.
From Rustic Ranch, its most popular table, now available in dark wood finish. Comes in two heights — standard and gathering height — can seat up to eight people, the middle acts as a lazy susan, and is adjustable up and down. Table: $1949.99. Chairs: $239.99 each. Visit www.rusticranch.ca
The Ice Turtle Premium Turnout Rug: maximum protection for extreme winter environments. Designed to protect your horse in extreme weather conditions and give you many years of service. This turnout has all of TurtleNeck Premium Horse Clothing’s patented features and much more. It is incredibly tough yet flexible and comfortable. This rug offers you the best fit and protection you can buy for your equine companion. Satisfaction guaranteed. Available at Jones Boys Saddlery & Western Wear in Red Deer and Ponoka. Visit www. jonesboyswesternwear.com
Buck is one of the biggest documentary hits of the year. The DVD follows Buck Brannaman from his abusive childhood to his phenomenally successful approach to horses. Winner of the Sundance film festival, critics choice and many more. Available at Jones Boys Saddlery & Western Wear in Red Deer and Ponoka. $39.95.
WE MAKE
Perfect Scents
Montana Silversmith’s statue for this season. The piece is titled “The Crossroads” and depicts a cowboy kneeling in prayer alongside his trusty steed. The design is from Paul Cameron Smith, and retails at $99.95. Available at Lammle’s Western Wear & Tack.
Enjoy 80+ Scentsy Fragrances
Scentsy Wickless candles are wickless, flameless, smokeless, and lead-free. The exclusive Scentsy wax bar is melted in one of our unique decorative warmers by a low-watt light bulb. Scentsy Wickless candles are safer, stronger, and longer lasting than wicked candles.
Advanced Agri-Direct Inc Phone: 1-866-789-3336 • Fax: 780-789-2447
www.cancrete.com Email: monty@cancrete.com
GerriLynn Cromarty
STOP BY AND SEE US DURING
Scentsy Independent | Star Director
Shop online at: www.gerric.scentsy.ca
Email: rickngerri@telus.net
1-888-214-0960 • 1-780-209-4415 B6
BUY | HOST | JOIN www.horsesall.com
Agri Trade Expo – Red Deer AB Agribition – Regina SK DECEMBER 2011
Horse Breeders & owners ConferenCe Internationally recognized speakers on a wide range of topics of interest to horse owners, breeders and professionals, including: Terry GranT (Alberta)...................Tracking with Terry Derrick McGouGan (Alberta) . “Bombproofing” Your Horse Lori Warren (Florida) ....................What’s New in Equine Nutrition and Conditioning with Cross Training SuSan HarriS (NewYork) .................. Understanding Athletic Movement in Horses anDy anDerSon (Oklahoma) ...... Respect Begins on the Ground and How to Load Your Horse JaSon BrueMMer (Colorado) ............. Reproductive Technologies for Stallions eD PaJor (Alberta).................................. Animal Welfare and the New Social Ethic Frank anDreWS (Louisiana)............. Management Practices to Reduce the Risk of Colic in Horses Vern Baron (Alberta)..........................A Common Sense Approach to Managing Fructans and Laminitis cHarLeS BriGGS (Alberta) ................ Medications and Soundness in the Competition Horse ron anDerSon (Alberta) ................. Bits and Bitting connie LarSon (Minnesota) ........ Feeding the Equine Foot anDreW caMPBeLL (Ontario)..... Social Media for Horse Owners kaTie TiMS (Mississippi)................... The New Realities of the Horse Market JaMeS carMaLT (Saskatchewan)....New Technologies in Diagnostics
The opening speaker on Saturday morning is Terry Grant, famous for apprearing on the popular show “Mantracker”! Discounts for multiple advance registrations from the same farm!
Ride the “Conference Shuttle” from Grande Prairie and points en route
ALBERTA HORSES
anDreW caMPBeLL (Ontario) ...... Social Media for Stable Owners neTTie Barr (Alberta)......................... Positive Networking DarreLL DaLTon (Alberta) ......... Biosecurity for Stables ron anDerSon (Alberta) ............Bits and Bitting for Lesson Plans
Horse Industry Association of Alberta
January 13-15, 2012 • Red Deer, Alberta
DECEMBER 2011
• Equine trade show of sponsor exhibits • Friday evening “Open Barn” Welcome • Saturday reception, Distinguished Service Award presentation, live entertainment and social.
Presented by:
Stable Owners Seminar - Friday, January 13
For more information or to register:
Plus...
Horse Industry Association of Alberta 403.420.5949 hboc@albertahorseindustry.ca
www.albertahorseindustry.ca www.horsesall.com
B7
YOUR ONE STOP
CANADA’S
LARGEST
FEED STORE NOW OPEN
WESTERN STORE
Take your sleigh, drive, ride, walk to Irvine’s
Christmas Open House December 3rd & 4th IN STORE SPECIALS ★ ALL WEEKEND ★
10 OFF
$
HAM on a BU N
MEN’S & LADIES WRANGLERS
PLUS CHRISTMAS TREATS AND REFRESHMENTS!
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Home Furnishings ★ Pictures & Wall Hangings ★ Lighting ★ Bronzes ★ Montana Silversmith ★ Books, DVDs Toys ★ Gift Cards ★ Clothing & Accessories Q~BABY
• LARGE SELECTION of BITS • GREAT SELECTION of ROPES • HUGE SELECTION in HOME DECOR Something for every room in your home!
Dale Chavez Show Saddles
FREE SHIPPING CANADAWIDE!
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK: MON. - SAT. 9-9, SUN. 9-7
WE’RE EASY TO FIND: EXIT 305 CROSSFIELD DIRECTIONS: Take Exit 305, off the QE2, 3 Km East, 2 km North. Just minutes off the QE2. Lots of truck & trailer parking available.
CAMPING AVAILABLE
Tel: (403) 946-4246 or 1-877-946-9494
Shop online: www.irvinetackandtrailers.com
B8
www.horsesall.com
DECEMBER 2011
DECEMBER 2011
YOUR WESTERN LIFESTYLE RESOURCE
< Get a grip / Page C5 > Time to chill / Page C6 > The thinking rider / Page C7
www.horsesall.com
Alberta-bred horse takes home the Canadian Derby > C12
Alberta seamstress creates ‘The Whole Bit’ Going in style Living the western life By Wendy Dudley
J
anet Sealey likes to dress up horses. But not just any garment will do. It has to be safe. But there’s even more to it, says the ambitious horsewoman whose home office on her acreage near Blackie, AB, is built around her sewing machine. “I like pretty and I like perfection. It’s all about quality and attention to detail. And it’s about what is comfortable for the horse.” Her frustration at not finding quality garments for horses began around 1990, as she watched her riding friends return home with beautiful and wellmade horse blankets, coolers and chaps purchased at horse shows in California. “I was angry that I, from a meagre background, could not find good products at reasonable prices,” Sealey said. “Nothing fit my big mare. She had shoulder rubs everywhere. So I started to rip things apart to see how they were made, and then put them back together to improve them. If I couldn’t find what I liked, I figured I would make it myself.” Twenty years later, working under the name The Whole Bit, Sealey is still focused on improving saddle pads, coolers and blankets, so that the garments fit properly, allowing the horse freedom of movement but without shifting and rubbing the hair. She pops out seams, like darts in women’s shirts, so they don’t rest against the hair, and she includes back seams so the blankets don’t roll around like a tube top. When it comes to leg straps, she lines up the D-rings so that double-blanketed horses still only require two hind-leg straps. And they are elasticized to allow movement while still providing safety. “You want the straps tight enough so they don’t get caught up in them if they go to lie down or roll, but you also want some give so that they have the freedom to run and buck without breaking the strap. The most common repairs in regular blankets are broken straps.” While Sealey’s horse accessories are functional, they are works of art, with hand-stitching, piping and hand-braided hip ornaments and tail cords. “I like everything to
be the best of the best. It’s funny because I failed sewing in high school.” She sources top-quality threads, fabrics and webbing. Most of her work is custommade, with clients wanting everything from scrims, quilts, and show sheets to coolers and turnout blankets made in their barn colours. One client is show jumper Lindsay Wendt of High River, AB, who decks out her horses in her royal blue, red trim and white piping barn colours. “Lindsay likes it because she can see when the groom is bringing her horse to the ring,” Sealey said. “They may be too far away to recognize but she can spot the barn colours.” Sealey’s work comes by word of mouth, her attention to form and function attracting such customers as Sue Grange of Lothlorien Farms in Ontario — one of the top private jumper barns in Canada. Grange owns Ian Millar’s horse, In Style, and Yann Candele’s horses, Game Ready and Pitareusa. Lori Green, barn manager for the Canadian equestrian team and a former groom for Millar and Calgary’s Tani Zeidler, is a huge fan of Sealey’s handiwork. “I’ve had horse clothing made in Germany, England, and the U.S., but it is her quality and craftsmanship,” Green said. “How she makes them fit is extraordinary. She understands anatomy, so you never get shoulder or wither rubs.” Sealey is currently finishing rain coolers for the Canadian team to take to the 2012 London Olympics, and she outfitted them for the World Equestrian Games held last year in Kentucky. Calgary’s Jonathan Asselin, a member of the Pan Am Games team, also uses her products. “It’s great to be able to support a Canadian producer,” said Green. Sealey goes out of her way to source fabrics, leather and webbing carried by Canadian distributors, and for stitched logos and names, she uses Trace Embroidery in Calgary. Her scrims start at $185, with basic rain coolers priced at $295 and indoor blankets tagged at $250. While that may seem high compared to sheets and scrims that can be purchased at large retail outlets for less than $80, Sealey believes her products last longer because of their quality thread and material, and strength of stitching. Working at home helps keep costs down, and allows her to be there for her 13-year-old son who helps design her brochures. She tests her product on her three
PHOTO BY WENDY DUDLEY
Sealey tests all her products on her horses. Her decision to make horse clothing came from a passion for horses and a desire to dress them comfortably and safely.
horses, and is still using blankets that are almost 20 years old. “I make things to last. I’m fastidious and a perfectionist.” Making horse blankets comes from Sealey’s love of the horse, a passion she has had since age seven, when a naughty Arab/Quarter Horse pony taught her resilience. “He’d blast through walls, or he’d buck me off in the ditch and run off.” She later graduated to hunter jumpers and a black Thoroughbred mare that carried her over many courses. “It was always her way or the highway, but she could jump out of her skin.” When Sealey moved from the B.C. coast to Alberta in 2002, she adopted western culture, riding both Western and English, and buying a Quarter Horse, Boots, who has carried her to two national championships in equitation. “I just love it here, the big sky and the sunshine. Even if it’s minus 40, I’m outside chipping manure.” She also began making home decor with a western flair, such as leather cushions, table runners, wall hangings and cowboy boot Christmas stockings. While her clientele for horse coolers and blankets is largely English — she finds they are more fussy about what their horses wear — her chaps and art decor appeal to western riders. Her home furnishings are carried by Boot Hill Gallery in Okotoks. Sealey can be contacted by email at thewholebit64@gmail.com.
PHOTO BY WENDY DUDLEY
Sealey works in her home-based office on a rain cooler with braided decorative ornaments. She uses top quality fabric, thread and piping.
PHOTO BY WENDY DUDLEY
Sealey is known for her perfection and attention to detail. The decorative piping and tail cords are hand-done. She sources all her materials from Canadian distributors and uses only quality fabrics, thread and webbing. She is outfitting the Canadian show jumping team for the 2012 London Olympics.
DK Saddlery: fit to perfection Our way of life Making a living with horses By Amie Peck
F
Combining a desire to eliminate traditional saddle fit issues with years of research and experience, Danny Kroetch created DK Saddlery. The business offers custom, innovative designs for all disciplines.
rom the first time he started fitting saddles on horses, Danny Kroetch knew he had found what he loved to do. For more than 20 years, the Bearspaw, AB resident has been travelling North America and beyond, finding the right saddle for each horse he meets. In fact, Kroetch estimates that he has fitted close to 60,000 horses in his career so far, and there is no sign of him slowing down any time soon. Kroetch started his career working for other prominent saddle makers and fitters but credits his education to the horses themselves. In 2003 he decided to branch out and create his own company, DK Saddlery, based out of the equestrian facility he runs with his wife Crystal. The first products were entirely English saddles designed for dressage, jumping and pleasure, and the company is now the largest exporter of English saddles to Europe. And, Kroetch has recently expanded into western saddles for all disciplines. They are the first fully adjustable western saddles on the market. The saddles are custom made according to the conformational specialities of each horse and rider. The tree on each saddle is adjustable, allowing the rider to use it on another horse down the road, or to allow for adjustments as the horse grows and changes. Those who have purchased a DK saddle call them the “forever saddle.” Kroetch attributes his immediate success with DK Saddlery to his years of fitting saddles under other companies. “I had built up a large clientele already with contacts in Europe, Asia and the U.S. so it was fairly easy to make the transition to my own company. I had garnered a reputation for being able to fit the most challenging horses, so my product
had a market before it was even produced.” Realizing that the need for precise saddle fit and design was an element lacking in the current market, Kroetch created demand for DK saddles. There are several other reasons that DK Saddlery has enjoyed continued growth through the years, including product demonstrations and reliance on medically proven statistics. Kroetch is the only saddle fitter to be published in Veterinary Journals on his study of saddle fit. He demonstrates this knowledge to new customers time and time again. “I have spent the last decade doing research on saddle fit and learning equine biomechanics. This has taught me how to give the horse true freedom of movement. I tell people that they have never felt their horse at its best until they try a product which eliminates the physical problems that traditional saddles pose.” In fact his wife, Crystal, just won a team silver medal in the Pan Am Games astride her DK Saddle, and was proud of the fact that the team veterinarian never had to treat her horse for any signs of soreness. Kroetch’s advice for other’s starting out in the horse business is to remember that you are not alone. In fact, he has a theory about the “circle of influence” that exists outside every client and includes the trainer, farrier, veterinarian and other equine specialists. “You can’t create a business yourself — it is important to align yourself with others in the horse industry. In the end we are all trying to do what is best for the horse.” Besides corresponding with other horse care professionals, Kroetch has been successful because he is able to simply and effectively communicate the needs of the horse to his customers. What gets Kroetch out of bed every morning — and travelling on the road to lecture and fit horses for 300 days a year — is ultimately his passion for horses. “I believe that I am improving the quality of life for each horse — it is something I love and it is my calling. From the first day I started fitting saddles I knew this is what I should have been doing my whole life.” More information on Danny Kroetch and DK Saddlery visit www.dksaddlery. com. t
Record attendance at The Mane Event, Chilliwack
T
he Mane Event Equine Education and Trade Fair closed its doors at Heritage Park in Chilliwack on Sunday, October 25th after its most successful event in its eight-year history. Over 25,000 equine enthusiasts took advantage of the clinics conducted by the international equine experts who shared their knowledge of everything from reining, horsemanship, and barrel racing to dressage, show jumping, extreme trail, equine nutrition and horse care. “We are pleased that interest in the Mane Event just keeps getting stronger,” said Gail Barker, spokesperson for the Mane Event. “It’s nice that people come from afar, as well as locally, to take advantage of all that we have to offer. We were happy to talk to several new attendees here this year, and several new exhibitors. A number of our vendors reported high Friday sales, which pleases us of course.” Over 160 booths filled the trade fair this year. The popular Trainers Challenge ended Sunday with Kade Mills awarded the championship after going head-to-head with Jon Ensign and Steve Rother. In the final, all three trainers successfully completed all the mandatory challenges with the colts C2
they had been working with since Friday. The young horses were again brought in by Douglas Lake Ranch. Another weekend highlight was the appearance of two of the stars from the hit family television drama, Heartland, on Saturday afternoon. Fans lined up to meet and have their photos taken with cast members, Jessica Amlee (who plays Mallory Wells) and Kerry James (Caleb Odell). The Mane Event opens again in Alberta at Red Deer’s Westerner, April 27-29, 2012 and returns to Chilliwack October 19-21, 2012. Clinicians lined up for the Red Deer 2012 expo include Mike Kevil and Martin Black in the Trainers Challenge with the third trainer to be confirmed in the next few weeks. Also, confirmed for the Red Deer expo to date are Michael Richardson, Jonathan Field and Liz Graves. Richardson is a former competitive hunter/ jumper rider who became a paraplegic after a jeep accident in 1986. Michael has been involved in the NARHA and will be presenting horsemanship clinics at the expo. Michael says the biggest change since his accident has been in his attitude toward training the horse. “When I was able-bodied, I could depend on my strength to accomplish things I should have been accomplish-
Popular clinician, Johnathan Field, a regular performer at The Mane Event expos, has been confirmed for the Red Deer Mane Event, April 27-29, 2012 at Westerner Park.
ing through training. My injury prevents me from using this short cut. Now I have to think through problems from both my standpoint and from the horse’s standpoint and then patiently find the best way for both of us www.horsesall.com
to accomplish goals without the use of force.” Stay tuned for more clinicians to be announced shortly or visit www.maneeventexpo.com for details. Also, visit the Mane Event on Facebook to keep up-to-date on
all clinicians and trainers as they are announced. Opportunities to ride with several of the clinicians will be announced early in the new year and applications can be submitted via fax or email. t
DECEMBER 2011
Exceptional two-year-olds steel the show at Fall Classic Breeders’ Sale
T
he 2011 Fall Classic Sale had terrific weather, full spectator stands and many tryouts. The horses came with great pedigrees and good presentation, particularly the twoyear olds. From this exceptional group of two-year-olds, three were sold to Kansas City, Missouri — Air-O–Matic, a very talented jumper son of Air Jordan; MJ Salsa, showing exceptional dressage potential, a daughter of Whirlwind II; and Grandus W, a nice jumping son of Gervantus II. The high selling Section A horse, sponsored by Sparks Innovations, was Upstart, a weanling son of Uphill x Royale x Why Not G, bred and owned by Key Warmbloods and purchased by Donald Toney of Lethbridge. The high selling Section B horse, sponsored by Victory Tack Shop, was Cavaluna, a CWHBA mare by Silverstone x Riviera x Ferro, bred and owned by John and Jacqueline van den Bosch and sold to Nathalie Green of Lawrencetown, NS. In 2011, the Fall Classic Sale reflected the stock market — up and down and all around. All averages were down except the two-year-old category, which slightly increased over 2010. The biggest average decrease was in section A, falling from a high of $12,875 in 2010 to $4,750 in 2011. This section offered some good horses but no special addition to drive up the average, like the Contender daughter, Contikki, offered in the 2010 sale. Buyers seemed very specific about the horses they wanted and were reluctant to pay over $10,000/horse, with only six reaching this threshold. Despite the prices, 58 per cent of consignors were motivated to sell. The Unigroup Gala played to a full house once again this year. This popular event, cosponsored by Unigroup and JLT Insurance, started with a battle of the breeds scurry driving competition, won by Judith Orr-Bertelsen and her Haflinger gelding, Masterpiece. Following the driving, a fabulous demonstration of dressage movements up the progression to Prix St. George was present-
ed by Lois Girard on her lovely CWHBA stallion Riolized. Then it was on to the big event, the young horse 3-bars jumping competition. Attended
this year by seven competitors, a number of them sale grads, the excitement created a hotly contested Young Breeder Calcutta. The final jump-off at over five
High selling Section A horse, sponsored by Sparks Innovations was Upstart, seen here with breeders, Doreen and Bernie Kulcsar, buyer Donald Toney and sponsors, Allan and Joyce Sparks.
Horses All
Lovers on your Christmas List...
20
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High selling Section B horse, Cavaluna, a CWHBA mare, seen here with breeders Jacqueline and John van den Bosch.
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Classified Advertising
of the ring, DJ (and 3-bars competitor) Lyle Peterman started the music and much “dancing in the dirt” followed. A good time was had by all.
Something Special for the
Gift #3
Crystal McPeak
feet went to Belvedere, a sale grad and son of Beach Boy, bred by Touchstone Farm and owned and ridden by Erin Okada. Once the horses and jumps were out
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Enjoy the gifts of winter: hitch a sleigh ride Going down the trail Places and events of interest By Heather Grovet
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ravelling during Canadian winters can be unpleasant if you have to deal with blowing snow, slippery roads and f r e e z i n g t e m p e r a t u r e s . Consider these same winter conditions 100 years ago when a one-horse open sleigh wasn’t always a romantic and charming way to travel, especially during a snow storm! Canada’s history of snow sleds began long before Europeans settled the area. Native tribes such as the Cree and Ojibway used toboggans; wooden snow sleds with a curved front. These toboggans weren’t children’s toys, instead they were used to transport heavy loads across the snow and were pulled by either humans or teams of dogs. Through the years these sleds were slowly modified for various uses such as the cariole, popular with early fur traders with its enclosed sides and back. With the appearance of the horse in North America, large loads could now be more easily pulled. Various types of sleds and sleighs were brought from Europe or made locally including lightweight racing cutters, business sleighs with removable seats, or multi-use bob-runners. Canadians often needed to be creative when dealing with winter travel. Many farmers made their own sleds and sleighs out of necessity, using common materials or even recycled items, such as vehicle hoods. Sometimes homebuilt cabooses were created to protect travellers from the wind. These cabooses were basically small buildings on runners,
This photo shows the writer’s husband and friends enjoying a winter sleigh ride on Boxing Day 2010. While you might not have friends or neighbours with a sleigh, you can always contact a local outfitter who provides such rides, often accepting groups of two to 130 people.
and were used to transport children to school, or even as winter ambulances. Many of the larger cabooses had a stove inside to provide warmth. Sleigh riding is now a relaxing hobby or excursion, and not a freezing endurance trip. Last year my husband and I were able to enjoy a rare treat on Boxing Day; a winter sleigh ride at a friend’s place! It was a sunny afternoon and we enjoyed every minute of our ride. Even our hosts were grinning as their team of Norwegian Fjords trotted briskly through the snow, their sleigh bells ringing merrily. Enjoying a sleigh ride experience is closer than you think. Travel Alberta lists 36 outfitters that provide sleigh rides to the
public all across the province. Some offer intimate rides for couples (a perfect way to get engaged this year!) while others are geared to families or large groups. Sleigh rides can be arranged for the day or evening, and may be followed by a bonfire, cowboy barbeque or even barn dance depending upon the outfitter! Dick Laurin’s Horse Drawn Hay and Sleigh Rides located near Sherwood Park, AB, is an outfit that can offer sleigh rides to groups from two to 135. Dick owns three teams of sturdy Belgian horses, with his biggest sleigh capable of carrying 50 people. His business operates year-round, using wagons in the summer and sleighs in the winter. Half of his business
occurs at home base, where guests of all ages enjoy an hour long ride. “We don’t just sit in the sleigh for an hour,” Dick explains. “Instead we have a lot of activities to keep everyone active and warm. We’ll ride a short distance and then stop to play (a game). Then we’ll ride some more, and stop at Joke Corner. Guests can get out and walk over a scenic footbridge, or they can stop and make snow angels.” Dick also transports his teams to other locations, where he provides guests with unique sleigh rides. “We can take people to their Christmas party, or carolling,” he says. “We’ve given over 500 people rides in a single afternoon, and can work out of school yards, parks,
golf courses or even mall parking lots.” Safety is a priority to Dick; his teams are well broke and regularly worked. “We use our horses year round for everything,” he says. “I even farm with them. Plus we’re insured, and our drivers follow safety rules. For example, we don’t mind children running and playing behind the sleigh, but we never allow anyone to run in front of the team. We’ve never had an accident, and we want to keep it that way.” For more information about Dick Laurin’s sleigh rides visit www.hayandsleighrides.ca or to find a sleigh ride outfitter in your area visit www.travelalberta.com and then look under “Things to do/Skiing and winter fun/sleigh rides.” t
It’s a wrap for the Calgary Stampede
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Runt and his workhorse. A Jack that trumped the deck. Dodge horsepower. A California gold rush. As 2011 draws to a close, there’s no shortage of Calgary Stampede horsespecific highlights to choose from over the past year. “We saw really outstanding times and scores this year … and those were a good indication of the calibre of the horses and riders competing here at the Stampede,” reflected Hans Kollewyn, chair of the Stampede’s Western Performance Horse committee. “When you combine the excellence in horses and riders from both sides of the (CanadaU.S.) border, it’s most impressive.” We won’t soon forget the west coast family trio of George De Jonge, daughter Cathy Sinclair, a n d g r a n d d a u g h t e r Ta y l o r C4
Sinclair, who captured the 7 Class championship together during the Stampede’s Team Cattle Penning Competition on July 11. “Every penning we go to, we ride as a family,” said De Jonge. “And we did it. We finally did it.” William (Runt) Rageth, meanwhile, a ranch foreman from Harris, Missouri, won the Stampede’s second annual Cowboy Up Challenge on July 11 — on his 10-year-old Grade gelding Burdock, who has no pedigree but plenty of heart. “I don’t know anything about his lineage at all. I paid $750 for him, and it’s the best $750 I ever spent,” said Rageth. “Every time you ask him to do something, he just does it.” Over in the Stampede’s Heavy Horse Pull competition, held from July 15-17, Randy Dodge of Albany, Oregon, was the winning teamster in all three weight divi-
“When you combine the excellence in horses and riders from both sides of the (Canada-U.S.) border, it’s most impressive.” — Hans kollewyn
sions — claiming the lightweight and middleweight crowns with his own Belgians, and prevailing in heavyweight with a stout pulling pair from Soderglen Ranches of Airdrie, AB. “An amazing feeling. I didn’t think it would ever happen, but it did. That’s hard to do, win three (divisions) at Calgary. Les Jack of Rocanville, SK, continued his domination of the Non-Pro events at the Stampede’s fall Cutting Horse Futurity, winning Non-Pro Futurity aboard Im No Average Blonde on October 16. By Jack’s count, it was his www.horsesall.com
eighth Calgary Futurity title over the years, including a Non-Pro Futurity and Non-Pro Derby daily double in 2009. Great equine tales forged down on Stampede Park in 2011 are sure to be told and retold through the years. Some others at the top of that list? Well, surely that Golden State gold rush in the Cutting Horse Competition on July 14, with Russ Westfall of Los Olivos, California, winning the Open on Lil Bit Reckless, Carol Ward of Rancho Murieta, California, taking Non-Pro aboard Lil Dulce Lu,
and Russ’s son Brandon Westfall, 11, winning Youth on Lil Dusty Lola. And let’s not forget John Swales of Millarville, AB, continuing his supremacy in the Working Cow Horse Classic, climbing aboard Maximum Echo and winning his fourth straight Open Bridle title on July 17. And as we cast our eyes ahead to the Stampede’s 2012 Centennial, there’s a golden chance to ride in style. The Stampede’s Western Performance Horse Committee has commissioned the production of up to 100 identical Vic Bennett custom all-round saddles, handcrafted exclusively for the Centennial and available for sale to the general public. Interested in purchasing one of these limited-edition keepsakes? Call Stampede agriculture program co-ordinator Tracey Foster at (403) 261-0127, or email saddle@ calgarystampede.com. t
DECEMBER 2011
Does your horse seek your approval? Get a grip Ask the trainers By Glenn Stewart
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here was a time when I didn’t know that a horse would seek your approval, or that could even happen. In a predator such as a dog, it is very easy to see them seeking and enjoying your approval. They make it very clear, their tails wagging and jumping up and down. Horses on the other hand are not nearly as visible and easy to read. They are much less interested in our approval, not because they wouldn’t like to have it but because sometimes our approval comes in a form they don’t enjoy. For example, when people are really pleased with something their horse just did, they give it a good patting on the neck, ribs, or hip. Sometimes one good smack, and other times a bunch when the person is real happy. Horses don’t enjoy a good smacking but over time they realize that their humans are happy and they are about to get another good smacking. Anyone who has been around horses for more than a day knows that if they are getting up to a horse for the first time and it has never been caught, the last thing you would do is start slapping it on the neck as soon as you got within reach. The horse could whirl and you might even get kicked. Many people instinctively know that you need to stroke horses real careful and with a lot of feel or they’re leaving. Also, most seem to know to stroke with the hair and not against it so you have a much better chance of getting it haltered. The reason horses enjoy a rub rather than a pat is because that is the first thing the mare does with her tongue when the foal is born. It’s comforting, familiar and natural to the horse. This bay horse, Kahlua, (photo 1) is receptive to being given approval. She asked for it, earned it, and had enough respect, understanding, relaxation, and lack of fear to appreciate it once it is offered. If you go up to your horse to pet him, and he knocks your hat off, hits you with his head when you get there or moves away that’s a sure sign he wasn’t looking for your approval. To compound things, patting can be very confusing to a horse. Often people will pat their horse for approval and also pat their horse when they want him to move over in a box stall or in a trailer or when tied to the fence and they’re trying to get to the saddle. One time the horse is supposed to stand and understand he is being praised, the next time he’s supposed to move. Rhythmic pressure, which is another way of saying patting, can and is used to move horses, and is one of the ways horses move each other in the field. Using rhythmic pressure in phases, starting softly and slowly increasing the rhythm is one great way to teach a horse to move the parts of the body you need them to move. After you get the feet to move for you, then a stroke or five lets the horse know you approve, ending the confusion and gives the horse a reason to start looking to you for that approval and know when he’s getting it. This is a very simplified example, but it gives you the idea. Horses are all born with different “horseanalities” and some are more people-friendly than others. Some are very much wanting to know when they did well and others are very aloof and indifferent to whether we approve or not. They can be born this way and they can be created with poor handling. You want your horse to want you to approve, and know when you do. This way they can relax and enjoy what they just learned or did. This relaxation in turn gives them confidence, which is where softness and responsiveness lives. These are two of my horses (photo 2), Jet is the sorrel, and Dealer is the black. Dealer is a horse that was treated poorly prior to my owning him. He has issues with cinching, trusting people, and he does not look to them for solutions to his problems or seek approval. His self
DECEMBER 2011
preservation skills are very high, and he does not like to move his feet for people or other horses. When I am saddling up Dealer here (photo 3), he is not happy. Some of what could be noted is the tension in his body, head up, eyes hard, tail tight, nose kind of tipped towards me and a little cocked, ears back, belly sucked up and his weight is even on all four legs and his hide is rigid. Dealer is worried about the saddle and the cinch (photo 4). He does not want to move his feet (photo 5). Sticky feet usually mean bucking might not be very far away. The goal is to get him to relax, get him free with his feet and to do that I will need to get him free in the mind so he is willing and looking to me for the answer. Note the hump in his back and how he has lifted the back of the saddle (photo 6). You can see the tension and if you were to walk over and touch him anywhere you would feel the tension in his body. Once his feet did move, instead of for-
ward they go up (photo 7). This is some baggage that unfortunately was put in when the first fellow attempted to train him. A previous trainer had a go at Dealer for three months and then said he was untrainable. However, I can tell you that he learned a lot in that three months — how to be bracey, worried, untrusting, hard to catch even in a box stall, bad with his feet, wouldn’t accept the saddle or rider and so on. He learned how to deal with poor handling. At this point his reaction to the saddle was mild compared to our first sessions and he was learning to think sooner and his reactions were smaller and ended sooner. Here Dealer is softening and freeing up (photo 8) and moving in both directions (photo 9). Here, finally, I get a much better look (photo 10). He stops, faces me, lowers his head a little and licks his lips. A horse that does not seek approval is much more time consuming to work with. For Dealer, humans didn’t have anything he wanted, only things he didn’t want. You
have to know what horses value so you can get them to want your approval and they will put some try in so everything won’t feel forced. Horses that seek approval are willing, happy horses. They will look to you as a leader rather than a drill sergeant or the other side of the coin, someone to walk on. Enjoy your horse and be sure your horse enjoys you. t Glenn Stewart travels extensively conducting clinics, demonstrations, and colt starting sessions, and also offers camps and a threemonth horsemanship course at his home, The Horse Ranch, in Baldonnel, BC. Glenn is the 2010 Calgary Stampede Cowboy Up Challenge champion and has been chosen as one of the Canadian representatives in the 2012 Road to the Horse, the World Championship of Colt Starting in Murfreesboro, TN. For more information call 1-877-728-8987 or visit www.thehorseranch.com.
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Time to chill Book and movie reviews
Spirit in the Genes The Ken Mcleod Story By Ken Mcleod DVD, 2011, $20.00 ISBN: 83629-25657-3 Available on Amazon Reviewed by Carol M. Upton
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en Mcleod is an expert on Canadian wild horses. His earliest memories were of his father catching, training and selling wild horses near the Alberta foothills, and he trained his own wild horse when he was 12 years old. Now, his intriguing film combines excellent footage of the Alberta/Saskatchewan wild horses, bears, and wolves with stills of homesteading life on the typical prairie ranch from 1920 to 1940. Mcleod took up his late father’s dream of preserving the wild horses, just as ranchers and the government were threatening to shoot them. He offered to capture them instead. He turned an old school bus into a camper and drove it into the Bronson Forest near Lloydminster. Here, he counted the horses, studied, and caught them, without injury or mistreatment, using blind corrals. He trained and sold them, citing their superior intelligence, stamina and versatility as ranch animals. Mcleod created the Western Wild Horse Association, travelling across the prairies with his wild horses, telling their stories, and sharing his knowledge of feral horse origins. His opponents shot
holes in his bus and generally persecuted him, but he never gave up. In 2009, the Bronson Forest horses were officially protected. The film’s final section is devoted to Mcleod’s proposal for protecting the wild horses of the
“Our wild horses are part of the eco-system, a symbol of freedom, and should be left in the wild, belonging to all Canadians.” —Ken Mcleod
Alberta foothills. He envisions a Banff-quality tourist attraction offering employment creation, cabins and tours. Mcleod is a natural and inspired storyteller. This film honours the traditions, people and horses of the western prairies. It is an excellent gift for the cowboy history enthusiast or anyone who cares about preserving the last Canadian wild horses. Born in High River, Ken Mcleod has worked tirelessly for the past 30 years to save the wild horses of Western Canada. To this day, people the world over contact him, asking for tours.
Ranch-Horse Versatility A Winner’s Guide to Successful Rides By Mike Major with Fran Devereux Smith A Western Horseman Publication Soft Cover, 2011, $23.00 ISBN: 978-0-7627-7335-0 Available on Amazon Reviewed by Carol M. Upton
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“My philosophy: Show the horse what I want him to do without it being a nightmare for him, so he enjoys doing it. This is simple enough that anybody can do that and get a lot done with horses.” —Mike Major
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ong before Versatility Ranch Horse became a competition event, developing a multi-purpose horse was the cowboy’s ultimate goal. This horse could do it all, from reining performance to cattle, and work as a trail partner. Mike Major is definitely one of the few experts in this field of horsemanship. Major recommends basic horse handling before anything else. He emphasizes respect, communication, and remembering that problems on the ground lead to problems in the saddle. Riding is as much about the rider’s skills as those of the horse. Major believes that everyone can improve their skills, helping the horse develop responsiveness in all situations. There is an excellent chapter on gaits, transitions and ranch riding, where Major describes how his steady approach creates a top working and versatility event horse. The chapter
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on ranch trail explains how to develop confidence in the horse, so that he will be relaxed around any obstacle he encounters. Excellent photos and illustrations enhance each new topic. This book will top the holiday gift list for anyone who wants to develop a good mind and strong athletic ability in a horse, whether for top-level work in the arena, the pasture or on the trail. Ranch-raised in New Mexico, Mike Major grew up working cattle and riding everything from racehorses, saddle broncs and bucking bulls to cutting and roping horses. He and his wife Holly own and operate Major Cattle Company. Fran Devereux Smith is book-publishing director for Western Horseman’s book division. She has a broad background in the equine industry coupled with many years training horses and participating in family cattle work.
DECEMBER 2011
My tunes Music reviews By Jody Seeley
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or this all girls trio, their name says it all — Genuine Cowgirls. There are no wannabes or fakers here — these girls live the life. Song writer Lynda Thurston and her rodeo family ranch outside of Big Valley, AB. She is married to six-time NFR saddle bronc rider, Skeeter Thurston from Nebraksa. Texas-born Robyn Armstrong also ranches outside of Big Valley with her husband, Kelly Armstrong, a professional bull rider and stock contractor. Rounding out the trio is Genuine Cowgirls’ vocalist and mandolin player, Lori Gordon. The Nebraska native is a rancher and saddle maker (she even designed a custom saddle for trick rider Jerry Duce Phillips). She’s also the fire chief for the Big Valley fire department. Lynda fondly
The ladies are ‘Genuine Cowgirls’ refers to the band members as “half and half” — strong ties to the U.S. combined with their love for the lives they’ve built in Alberta. Songs from the Saddle Shop is Genuine Cowgirls first CD. The title is a reference to Lori’s Leather & Repair — her saddle shop in Big Valley where the band comes together to play. The album was recorded in Nashville, a great experience for the newcomers. Their lives supply endless fodder for the album including goings on at the leather and repair shop (had to have one about where the magic happens right?) country love, love gone wrong, the cowboy life and even about their faith. Each song on the traditional country album has its own flavour, brought out by the Cowgirls’ strong musical talents and a unique combination of instruments (there are 17 different instruments listed on CD
jacket). For example, Dally Welte has a southwest/Mexican sound with its use of trumpet and classical guitar. The three have stuck with their own sound and their own experiences to sing about. You can hear their raw passion coming through each song and every time you listen you discover something new about the Cowgirls. While no single song has been selected for regular “radio play”, Genuine Cowgirls has been featured on a number of Alberta radio stations already, including Made in Alberta on Sun Country 99.7 and AM 1140 in High River, 96.5 FM in Olds, Spirit of the West with Hugh McLennan, CKUA, and on Q14 in Stettler. The band has also been featured on stations in Saskatchewan and the U.S. Follow Genuine Cowgirls on Facebook or check their schedule anytime at www.genuinecowgirls.ca.
Banish the ‘Chicken Littles’ and turn worry into enjoyment and confidence The thinking rider Horse sport psychology By April Clay, Psychologist
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emember the story of Chicken Little? That fretful fellow who felt an acorn fall on his head but assumed it was the sky falling? Ultimately, his worrisome nature led himself and his friends to an unfortunate demise. Sometimes you might feel a kinship to this little fellow, particularly those times when you run through every possible doomsday scenario in your head, while dragging your poor unsuspecting horse along for the ride. We all worry to some degree or another. But out of control worry can really interfere with your ride. When you are in the grip of worry, you are either locked in the past with things you regret or stuck in the future trying to prevent disaster. Unfortunately, this means you are not in the one place you need to be for your sport — in the present. Since worry is a form of anxiety, you end up with some degree of those fun physical sensations that go along with being stressed. Usually this amounts to some low-grade tension that can slip underneath your radar. You may think, after all, that your thought processes are not destructive, but instead careful and preventative planning. Your horse, however, being the conscious being he is, is all too aware of the changes in your body and often doesn’t like them one bit. Amateur rider Jana, knows all
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too well the spirit of Chicken Little. He seems to inspire many of her rides, especially when outside. She usually goes through a certain checklist in her head: “What if my horse spooks and I fall off, what if he is too fresh and I can’t manage him, what if he runs off with me and we crash into a jump?” Jana did not realize that these thoughts changed her ride. Instead of riding according to what was happening, she was riding as if the worst had already occurred. Before her horse even had a chance to respond to his environment, she stiffened and anticipated his possible freshness. Her tight muscles confused her mount and he responded, you guessed it, with tension of his own. Why do we love to worry? Quite simply it’s a form of control. We figure if we can jump ahead and get a handle on all the possible scenarios, maybe we can be prepared. Sort of like getting to know all the answers on a test. It can also be a way of protecting your ego. Thinking of the future can feel like a form of damage control. If you already know the worst, then maybe you won’t be disappointed or feel foolish.
GET SPECIFIC Worry has a way of getting general and jumping to the worst conclusions. Jana had multiple possibilities running through her mind, so she first had to sit down and name her fear. I asked her to write down a list of the thoughts she had about riding outside. When she stepped back from this list, she was able to see a common theme. Jana did not trust her skills would enable her to cope, and as a result the possibility existed of getting physically hurt. When asked to estimate the probability this would happen, she had to concede it was lower
than she initially thought. She had a horse who, although spooky, seldom responded in a way that could unseat her. More probable was that he would get fussy, look around, not pay attention and hollow his back. This gave Jana the feeling she was out of control, and her mind jumped to the worst conclusion. Now she had more clearly identified her real concerns, and was in a better position to do something about them. Interestingly, she noted that her anxiety about the situation had begun to dissipate already.
MAKE A PLAN Once you get clear about what your worry is, the next step is to make a plan. In doing so it is helpful to make a distinction between what is in your control and what is not. Fortunately for Jana, in her situation there was a great deal she was in control of, namely herself. After talking it over with her trainer, they came up with a warm up plan that would enable her and her horse to have a chance to acclimatize to their surroundings. Crucial to this warm up was Jana redefining her expectations and allowing her mount some leeway in his behaviour. Instead of labeling these behaviours as bad or dangerous, she was able to see them as a normal part of her horse’s need to quiet his mind for work. Her job then became to be a consistent leader in this process, patiently guiding him until his focus became clearer. Jana and her trainer also decided to review the skills of emergency stops and dismounts to add to her coping repertoire. This way, if the worst did happen, Jana knew how to proceed to best reduce her chances of getting hurt, Now Jana was in a position not to be a helpless victim of her worry, but rather a problem solver ready for action. www.horsesall.com
There is nothing quite like action to lower feelings of anxiety and nervousness.
USE BACK-UP STRATEGIES A habit is a reoccurring behaviour that often slips out of the range of consciousness. Worry is definitely a habit. Many find it a difficult one to break, simply because of the illusion of control it offers. If your goal is to reduce your worry, be prepared to put some work in, and expect some slips. If you are a worrier outside of riding, you may consider setting up a “worry time.” This is a specific time during the day when you sit down, uninterrupted, and worry. Really go for it. Make sure it is not a place where you would like to associate with rest, like your bed or a favourite chair. Rather, pick or create a space that is neutral. The idea here is to put limits on your worry. You are allowed to consider these thoughts, but only for a specified amount of time. As well, if you catch yourself in the act during the day, you make a note of what you’re thinking, and promise yourself to consider it at your chosen time. This strategy has several advantages. First it assists in increasing your awareness of when and how much you worry. Second, when you really sit down and go at your worrying an interesting thing starts to happen. You tend to see some of the exaggerations in your thinking. You might even start to throw out some of the “what ifs” you used to entertain before. “What if” thinking is very common to the Chicken Little syndrome. The problem of course is that “what if” lists are infinite. A never-ending story of tragedy. When you become proficient enough in your awareness to catch this spiral, it can be helpful to be
ready with a cue to bring you back to the present. The phrase “what is” can be a handy reminder. This directs your focus back to what is happening in the here and now. Experiment with different words phrases that can become your prompt to get back to the conversation with your horse. Another type of cue you can condition yourself to use involves using your senses. Being in the now means you are reading what is coming in through your five senses of taste, touch, hearing, smell and sight. You can direct your attention to one of these information processors, and it can help bring your focus back to where it needs to be. You may be wondering, is there ever a time when worry is helpful? Is there such a thing as good worry? Well, yes. If thoughts about what may go wrong alert you to initiate a problem solving plan. More often, however, what we consider worry is just a rumination on negative possibilities. So get used to asking yourself: how soon are my thoughts about this situation translating to action? With some practice, you can develop the skill to reduce the worry in your riding, and other life. Think of the energy you’ll save, and the pleasure you will bring back to your experiences. This is the worst consequence this type of thinking carries — robbing you of really enjoying experiences as they unfold. In the science fiction classic Island by Aldous Huxley, mynah birds populated the island and intermittently shrieked out “here and now!” to bring people back to the present moment. So the next time you feel consumed by worry, consider pitting bird against bird. Chicken Little won’t be any match for a chorus of insistent mynah birds!
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The man who horses ignore Horse feathers Equine humour By Bob Goddard
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bought my daughter Jamie a copy of Monty Robert’s book The Man Who Listens to Horses for Christmas. She already read a copy she borrowed from a friend, but I knew she wanted one of her own. It’s all she talked about for two months. “Monty Roberts says this.” “Monty Roberts says that.” “Monty Roberts knows everything.” Apparently Monty Roberts operates on a higher plane than the rest of us. Like the Dali Lama. Or Albert Einstein. Or Peyton Manning. Now she has
her very own copy. She can put it by her bed and read a passage every night or whatever. So now we got a guy who claims he hears the horses talk. That’s okay. Many of us hear The Voices. At least Monty Roberts has an idea of where they’re coming from. Jamie says it’s not like that. She insists it would be a good book for me to read, even if I’m not an actual horseperson. So far all I’ve done is look at the cover. It’s a photograph of Monty Roberts standing in the middle of the road. He’s smiling. But he wouldn’t be if he saw what was coming up behind him. It’s a horse. A horse is sneaking up behind Monty Roberts. “Look out Monty Roberts! You’re gonna get knocked over!” But Monty Roberts doesn’t have a clue. He just stands there like he doesn’t have a care in the world. Apparently the man who lis-
tens to horses didn’t hear this one coming. Actually, The Man Who Listens to Horses is a very popular book. Horsepeople admire Mr. Robert’s philosophy. Apparently, he is blessed with an unusual ability for non-verbal communication. This has enabled him to develop a humane but highly effective method of working with horses. His story has been described as “awe-inspiring” and “heartopening.” So okay! All right! I’ll read the book … I suspect Monty Robert’s story says a great deal about our knowledge of horses and their behaviour. But I’m hoping it will also provide a little insight into what they know about us. I’ve always wondered about this kind of thing. How much do they really know about us? For instance, do they distinguish one person from another? Do they know you as an individual?
Do certain horses like certain people more than others? I suppose that for most horse people, the answer is obvious. I don’t think any of them really want to believe their horses don’t know the difference between them and the motorcycle gang next door. For me it’s not so clear. Mainly because most of the horses I’ve been around pretty much act like I don’t exist. I would like to say they ignore me, but in order to ignore somebody, you have to know they’re there. It’s more like they aren’t even aware that I’m standing there. They just keep eating. No, Jamie assures me, the horses are very much aware of my presence. They know when anything comes around. It’s a survival thing for them. They have that “eyes on the side of the head” kind of peripheral vision. This allows them look at you when it seems like they’re not. It’s
kind of like a husband’s ability to look directly at his wife and not hear a word she’s saying. The “eyes on the side” phenomenon is typical of species of predation. Helps keep them alive and it irritates the predators. On the other hand, predators — such as dogs and cats and humans — have eyes in front. This makes us better hunters. We humans, of course, use this frontal vision to ruthlessly and efficiently search for the nearest Burger King. So it seems that these sneaky beasts are ignoring me after all. If I were an insecure kind of predator, my pride would be wounded by the fact that they don’t run away when they see me coming. But I’m glad they’re not afraid of me. If they looked upon me as a hungry wolf or something, I’d never be able to catch them when I had something to tell them. Monty Roberts wouldn’t like that. t
Like humans, horses suffer obesity epidemic too Horse health Expert advice By Carol Shwetz, DVM
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eight is an important factor that plays into the health of your horse. Nutritional management and meaningful exercise are key to maintaining your horse at ideal body condition. It is important to distinguish between “fit” and “fat,” because weight gain can be confused with muscle conditioning and roundness. To further complicate matters a degree of obesity is often judged to advantage in the show ring, acceptable and even desirable. Obesity is a developing problem in the equine population that contributes to a number of serious illnesses. Contemporary horse-keeping practices are characterized by provision of energyrich rations to physically inactive horses. Owners expend considerable financial resources following the wooing of attractive advertising for refined, energy-dense rations which far exceed the animal’s protein and energy requirements. Horses have evolved eating grasses and shrubbery that contain much more fibre and much less sugar than present-day diets. A horse’s natural habitat is free-choice browsing and grazing of native savannah environments. The lush improved grass fields of the modern pasture contain forages relatively high in sugars and starches, and designed to promote weight gain, growth and lactation in food animals. This is a very different nutritional repertoire from which horses have been genetically adapted. Obesity forebodes illness. Many of the health risks associated with obesity pertain to C8
phtot by laura rance
A horse’s natural habitat is free-choice browsing and grazing of native savannah environments.
chronic diseases and the connection of obesity to illness is often disregarded. Excessive weight and its accomplice, overnutrition, strains every body system in every age group of horses. Laminitis/founder, endocrine and metabolic dysfunctions like insulin resistance and equine metabolic syndrome, and developmental bone diseases share this common offender. Excess weight taxes hooves, joints, limbs, and soft tissue, creating, accelerating and compounding arthritis. Horses carrying fat stores on the outside of their bodies must also carry fat deposits within and around internal organs like the liver and kidneys, interfering with proper functioning. Body condition scoring (BCS) is a valuable tool equine owners and professionals use to evaluate ideal body weight. The ninepoint scoring system is based on
a system that uses visual appraisal and touch to assess the degree of fleshing/ fat cover over six key conformation points. These key areas include the neck, withers, crease of the back, the tail-head, ribs, and behind the shoulder at the girth. Horses that score in the moderate (5) to moderately fleshy (6) are generally considered to be in healthy body condition carrying a comfortable body weight. Their ribs cannot readily be seen yet are easily felt with slight pressure and the top line of their back is level, with neither a crease or a ridge. Recognizing your horse is overweight is key. If your horse is overweight it did not occur suddenly nor will weight reduction occur suddenly. Changes in diet, exercise and living conditions are best made gradually. Be patient, for weight reduction is a slow, steady process that will not stress you or your horse. Initially change the type and amount of www.horsesall.com
feed 10 per cent a day over a 10-day period. Quality mature grass hays will be the mainstay of all equine diets. Consider limiting pasture access and grazing your horse in the early morning when the pasture sugars are low. It can be as simple as limiting available calories. Ensure access to clean fresh water, salt, and free-choice minerals. Measure feeds by weight rather than volume to determine rations and adjust the horse’s diet according to age and activity level. A sacrifice area where your horse has freedom to move yet does not have access to grass can be useful. Spread hay out in multiple locations or place horses in an area designed to make them move for food and water. Simple turnout on a dry lot or depleted pasture is helpful but not enough. Exercise increases metabolism and mobilizes fat
stores. Bringing more movement or exercise into your horse’s life, respecting its fitness level, is vital. Consistent exercise will continue to be a key component in keeping horses healthy. In nature, a horse’s weight fluctuates with the seasons. Under human care horses are fed generously year round, negating the seasonal influence that allows them the opportunity to lose weight. Supervised pawing on well-stocked winter pastures can benefit many horses for the weather washes out the sugars of standing forages and the daily exercise accompanying foraging is of great value to the horse. The winter season presents a favorable period to reduce a horse’s weight as it is in concert with nature at a time when it is most natural to shed pounds. t Carol Shwetz is a veterinarian specializing in equine practice at Westlock, AB.
DECEMBER 2011
ADVERTISING FEATURE
Barn Pros knows what works for horses By Heather Grovet
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ustin Harries, business director at Barn Pros Inc. in Monroe, Washington, got into the barn-selling business after a property evaluation of his own equine facility. “A barn is an investment on your farm, if it’s the right type of barn,” Justin says. “Before I worked for Barn Pros my wife and I ran a hunter/jumper training facility. When we sold our property the assessor had many positive comments, but he shook his head when looking at our steel barns and explained they were worth considerably less than we had hoped,” he explained. “‘Timber framed, more traditional type barns hold their value,’ the assessor told us. ‘These ones don’t.’ That’s one of the reasons I’m now employed by Barn Pros — (the company) produces barns that are horse and rider friendly, safe, long lasting and retain their value.” Many of us would like a new barn, but why should we consider buying a barn or arena kit from a business located in the United States? Do they understand what our Canadian winters are like? And won’t they be more expensive than others barns by the time you pay for shipping? “Barn Pros packages are all manufactured in standards completely relevant to Canadian weather,” Justin says. “Our structures are engineered to meet and exceed our client’s building site requirements. We’ve sold barns all across the states, Canada, Europe and Japan. We have barns in the Rocky Mountains, where they see huge snow loads — some that exceed 180 lbs./ sq. ft. — and we have barns in the east that have survived hurricane winds of 140-170 mi/hr. And all of our barn packages can be insulated if customers desire. So Canadian winters are not a problem.” Justin notes that shipping is not a huge factor in costs when buying from Barn Pros. “We’re located in Washington, only about 70 miles south of
Vancouver, BC, so we’re actually closer to Alberta than a manufacturer in eastern Canada. Also, we offer substantial shipping incentives to Canadians. Kits are shipped by semi-truck, and can be at the customer’s door in as little as two weeks from the order date. Since the Canadian dollar is so high now, you can often purchase the buildings cheaper than we can!” Barn Pros is a 24-year-old business that offers all types of timber framed packages. These include barns, barn houses, arenas, garages and shops in every shape and size. “And we can custom-make buildings easily for our customers,” Justin says. “For example, recently we had a client who wanted a small barn with two stalls for her horses, and the other half of the building converted to a wood shop for her husband. We sent her a kit to those exact specifications and they were thrilled with it. And if this woman wants to add onto her barn in the future, we can help there as well. She could order another two or four stalls a few years later, and the building would not look like an add-on, but instead would be seamless. “Many building manufacturers don’t understand horses,” Justin continues. “They don’t know what type of stall fronts to offer, and they can’t tell a good stall mat from a bad one. We’re different, we’re horse people and we know what works for horses.” Barn Pros sell stall packages in sizes 12’ x 12’ to 14’ x 14’ with a huge variety of doors — sliding steel doors, drop down doors, yoke-style doors, European low rise doors or even metal mesh doors. Wash racks and tack rooms are easily added to barns, and many have hay lofts or even approved apartments in the loft. “Timber framed buildings are ideal for horses,” Justin says. “For one thing, our buildings are site-adjustable, meaning you don’t have to pour an expensive concrete slab floor if you don’t want to. You can use concrete if you wish, but you can also use
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or concrete walls there is no give and the horse can easily be injured. Wood is less harmful to the horse, yet remains resilient. To outfit your barn with the final touches Barn Pros offers prod-
ucts that range from feeders to waterers to compost systems and exercisers. For more information contact Barn Pros at 1-866-844-2276 or visit www.BarnPros.com.
How do you define Success? R
Play for a world-leading team today. If you enjoy teamwork, a healthy environment, making a difference and taking pride in what you do - why not consider Spruce Meadows?
Practical strategies to help you and your child get the most from their sport experience April Clay, Registered Psychologist
Spruce Meadows has immediate opportunities in full-time positions including: Carpenters, Jump Crew & Grooms.
Sport Parents, sharpen your mental game! What’s Inside: • How to help your child deal with pre game jitters • Instilling a confident mindset in your child • How to talk to your child about a difficult performance • Dealing with negative coaches • Featuring bonus interviews with: Debbie Muir, Mark Tewksbury and Patti Sale!
Agricultural, Technical and Creative Expertise all contribute to Spruce Meadows’ success in making it a world leader.
For ordering information: april@bodymindmotion.com or (403)283-5525 • www.bodymindmotion.com DECEMBER 2011
crushed granite or dirt if that’s your preference. And wood is a natural insulator; it doesn’t absorb heat or cold the way metal does.” Justin also notes that when a horse kicks steel
For information visit: www.sprucemeadows.com/careers/ www.horsesall.com
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Association News Fan favourite mule, ‘Horse’, passes in accident alberta donkey and mule club www.albertadonkeyandmule.com
Submitted by Marlene Quiring
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e have very sad news to report from south of the border. If there was one mule that has really made an impact on the acceptance of mules and donkeys in Canada, it would be Horse, beloved partner of the late Deloit Wolfe of Missoula, Montana. His son Deloit Wolfe Jr. and partner Deanne Martin of Monroe, Washington, caretakers of Horse since Deloit Sr’s passing share with us some of their thoughts: “It is with a very heavy heart that we inform you that this morning October 22, 2011, Horse was hit and
Deloit Wolfe Sr. and Horse on their last appearance together at Spruce Meadows. instantly killed by a SUV, when she and her sidekick Pony escaped from their pasture. Thankfully no one in the vehicle was hurt.
Horse touched everyone that met her in the many years she had with Deloit Sr. and her short time with us. She taught us so much. Having her
in our lives, allowed us to meet the best “mule folks” there are. We are very proud of Deloit Sr. and the people he knew which became very evident by the honour that was given to his passing at each event we attended with Horse. Deloit, Allie and I loved to educate folks about mules and talk about her and Deloit Sr.’s amazing accomplishments and awards. Horse was always there to perform whether it was her return trips to Spruce Meadows, Tees Longears Days, or Mule Mania Dayton, Washington. As we travelled this summer she was always the star of the show, not always placing in events but was surely the fan favourite. Horse’s final event this year was pulling our 1900 John Deer Doctor’s buggy in the Evergreen State Fair Parade. When the parade was over, Deloit climbed in the buggy with Allie and I and we took the long detour back to the truck and trailer. It was the highlight of my day trotting down the middle of the road waving to every bewildered resident
that came out to gaze at the sight of us. Horse slowed her pace just as we passed a retirement home and it brought tears to my eyes as I watched the senior citizens smile at us. I am most sure we stirred up a memory of horse and buggy days from their past. I just wanted to continue down the road forever and told Deloit to just keep going right into the sunset. At 30 years of age, we figured Horse deserved to spend her remaining time playing in her pasture. We will miss her dearly and there will truly never be another mule like her. It’s been very hard to stand in the barn and look around at the carts, buggy, giant rainbow ball and everything that has her blonde hair attached to it. It’s going to be tough looking out to her pasture and not see her sweet face covered in the mud she so loved to wear. We know in our hearts that Deloit Sr. and Horse are together again riding in greener pastures.’’ Deloit Jr, Deanne and Allie
Saskatchewan-bred stallion named Supreme Champion wild rose draft horse association www.wrdha.com
By Bruce A. Roy
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orses bred in western Canada, shown at the 2011 World Clydesdale Show, made it three on the trot. The coup was without precedent, for over 600 head of Clydesdale horses vied for these honours. Breed enthusiasts from Scotland, England, Northern Ireland, Germany, Sweden, the Republic of Ireland, Australia and New Zealand were ringside with Americans and Canadians. The spectacular breed show, held at Madison, Wisconsin, October 20-23, drew horses, horsemen and spectators in record number. Anheuser Busch, Inc. was the leading sponsor. The Supreme Champion Clydesdale was Donegal Mr. Pepper, the Grand Champion Stallion. Purchased from his breeder, Gregg Gallagher of Canora, SK, a year ago,
he was shown by Bob and Laura Gookin of Boulevard, California. A big, black horse, wearing a great front, he made a powerful impression. Few horses can flash their steel shod bottoms as he can. His feather flew when he moved. A superb athlete, shown in tremendous bloom, Gallagher bred his sire and the first three mares in his pedigree. He topped the classic breed entry to the ringing cheers of Clydesdale enthusiasts from around the world. Willow Way Jolie, a bay filly, Wes Gordeyko of Ohaton, AB, bred and exhibited, was Grand Champion Mare. She topped a class of 33, twoyear-old fillies before advancing to the Junior Championship. Nigh perfect in design, she was shown in great hair. Not one hair that furnished her feet and legs was broken. Beautifully turned over her top, sweet about her head and neck, she travels true, flexing her knees and hocks. Her homebred dam, Willow Way Chanel, was Reserve Grand Champion Mare at the 2005 Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. Gordon Reinhardt of Didsbury, AB, bred the Grand Champion Gelding. Sadly, Reinhardt passed away in July. How proud he would have been, had
he lived to see his home-bred gelding top the powerful entry of hitch horses. The handsome Reinhardt gelding is fielded by Darryl Cobbs and Family of Huntington, Indiana, in their champion six-horse hitch of black geldings. Reg and Carol Madsen of Hamiota, MB, had Reserve Grand Champion M a r e w i t h W. V. G r e e n d y k e s Charismatic Finale; while Boulder Bluff Lynne, the Reserve Grand Champion Gelding, was bred by Calvin and Jane Martin of Strathclair, MB. He was sold to California. Saskatchewan breeder, Delvin Szumutka of Stockholm, had a heart attack, while preparing a three-yearold gelding for his class. Fellow exhibitors rallied, to ensure his horse was shown, while Szumutka was rushed to a nearby hospital. This Saskatchewan breeder owes his life to the quick care he received. His gelding, Crack A Dawn’s Red Rock, a horse Calvin Mason of Saskatoon, SK, bred, won his class of 24! There was a bouyant private trade for Clydesdales in the barns stabling the massive entry. Breeders reported handsome five figure offers, for international buyer interest was without precedent. t
Donegal Dr. Pepper, Supreme Champion Clydesdale, Grand Champion Stallion at the 2011 World Clydesdale Show at Madison, Wisconsin. This Saskatchewan-bred stallion topped a classic entry of over 600 Clydesdales shown in the Alliant Energy Center.
Recipe to win Hi-Point saddle chinook team penning association www.chinookpenning.com
By Lillian Dalton Recipe for Bob’s custom “Chinook Penner” Hi-Point saddle: • One large dose each of: enthusiasm, teamwork, commitment • Add several very generous sponsors • Hope for cooperative cows • Send thanks for a pinch of luck
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Combine all of the above and, at the annual year-end awards banquet, any Chinook Member has an opportunity to take home the finished product! This year, the lucky riders were: Open Class, Jen Robson; #10 Class, Kelly Applebee; #7 Class, Tammy Evans; and #5 Class, Doug Ohlmann. Of course, every prize winner knows they weren’t earned unaided and their thanks go to all their partners — four-legged and two-legged! A complete list and pictures of all the year-end Hi-Point team prizes from first to fifth place is available at chinookpenning.com. t
The Mill Store Open Class Hi-Point Saddle Winner: Jen Rolling Mix Concrete #7 Class Saddle Winner: Tammy Robson with presenter, Ray Antony. Evans with sponsor Tony DiStefano.
www.horsesall.com
DECEMBER 2011
Driving just for the fun of it
TRAIL RIDING ALBERTA CONFERENCE
HIGH COUNTRY CARRIAGE DRIVING CLUB
www.trailriding.ab.ca
A look back at the year in miles
www.highcountrycarriagedriving.org
Submitted by Lois Garrett
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“fun day” of driving does not begin to describe just how fun the day was! Imagine Mr. Toad’s wild ride (Wind in the Willows), over hill and dale and through obstacles with speeding horse and cart, amid spectacular fall colours, and stunning mountains, prairie and city views. Add a group of cheerful volunteers and just enough competitiveness to make it interesting, and you’ll have a sense of the day we had at the Sicherman’s on Saturday, Oct. 22. Nine competitors took on the challenge, representing “all makes and models” of equine companions — Halflingers, Hackneys, Arabs, Morgans, Fjords and Falabelas (there ain’t nothing we can’t drive!). One competitor drove her Fjord gelding 10 km down
PHOTO
CREDIT:
RICK KROLL PHOTOGRAPHY
High Country Club members smile for the camera at the end of a seriously fun day of driving. Pictured are: Ron Platt, Sharon Davis, Richard Cooper and Deb Smith, Kathleen Winfield, Barbara Murphy, Jay Winfield, Chlorus Short, Donna and Harold Sicherman, Lois Garrett, Gary Zorn and navigator, Ken McLennan. the road just to start the competition! A pair of Hackneys competed with a pair of Morgans: hooves thundering through the games as forces to be reckoned with. I was a little worried showing up for the first time with my chubby mini, Boo (who really needs to lose three dress sizes), but I was kindly shepherded by the Winfields, each driving a mini of their own. The three of us tore up the course, reminding me of the mini cooper scene from The
Italian Job. I don’t want to tell stories out of school, but I witnessed a fierce competition between husband and wife mini-drivers, Jay and Kathleen. The final scores left Kathleen’s reputation intact and Jay was provided a ride home after all. The games were an absolute hoot: obstacles, cones course, serpentine dunk, gamblers choice, braid and cloverleaf. I laughed myself silly, and thought I should be getting into trouble for having so much fun. A Poker
Rally rounded out the day, which was the only part of the competition I won, involving absolutely no talent. I waived my prize of a kiss from the hostess although, I really do want to give her a hug for putting on such a wonderful day for all of us. A day to polish and keep! For more information on how to get involved in the High Country Driving Club and its activities, contact Ted Swenson at (403) 256-7171 or at yvettes@platinum.ca.
Obstacles proved challenging at Eagle Ridge Show Submitted by Karen Pratt STONE BRIDGE CARRIAGE DRIVING CLUB www.stonebridgedrivingclub.com
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he Eagle Ridge Show at Judy Berthelson’s was a great weekend followed by a lot of people taking lessons with Jane Anne Merrit. The winning placing’s dominated by the VSEs. It seemed that the obstacles in the marathon got the better
of a lot of competitors — this was where many of the eliminations happened. The results are as follows: • VSE Level 1: 1st, Marilyn Clarke; 2nd, Victoria Dubard; 3rd, Sandy Clark • VSE Level 2: 1st, Tammy Laybourne; 2nd, Kendra Gale; 3rd, Peter Holt
• VSE Level 3: 1st, Cheryl Byers • Horse Level 2: 1st, Julie Hickie; 2nd, Logan Pratt (Jr); 3rd, George Jeager • Junior: 1st, Logan Pratt Also Marilyn Clarke won the Eagle Ridge Best Overall Dressage award with her mini Knight.
Club well represented at World Show APPALOOSA HORSE ASSOCIATION OF ALBERTA www.ahaa.ca
By Stephanie Dewes
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e hope everyone had a great show season and enjoyed the beautiful summer weather! We would love to congratu-
late our members who worked very hard to show at Appaloosa Worlds in Fort Worth, Texas this October. Our members represented our club well: the Dewes family, Tarah Aitkens, Amanda Brown and Laurie Knox did very well in many classes. Amanda Brown riding Im Her Alibi placed fifth in Novice Hunter Under Saddle. Laurie Knox’s Scared Details won Hunter In Hand Two and Three Stallions, Reserve Non Pro Hunter In Hand Stallions, Reserve World Sale Incentive Hunter Under Saddle, and Fourth World Sale Incentive Open Halter. Classically Detailed, also bred by Knox Appaloosas won World Champion Yearling
Hunter In Hand Fillies, Reserve Hunter Lungeline, Fifth Non Pro Hunter Lungeline, and Eighth Non Pro Hunter In Hand Mares. Tarah Aitkens won Reserve Novice Western Showmanship, Eighth Novice Hunter Under Saddle, Tenth Non Pro Western Horsemanship. Congratulations to everyone, we hope to see you showing your spots next year! “Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Mistakes are means to an end. It is what we do with these mistakes and how we overcome them that matters. That is where success and learning truly starts!” Keep riding and smil ing!
Plenty of awards for AHTA members at AGM ALBERTA HORSE TRIALS www.albertahorsetrials.com
a few new board members as a few have decided to put themselves “out to pasture.” We’re hoping we can get them back from retirement soon. Lots and lots of awards and prizes were handed out at the banquet that followed the AGM. Here are a few of the highlights:
By Nancy Watson
AHTA PROVINCIAL CHAMPIONSHIP WINNERS:
ow, that seemed like a really quick season. I hope you got out there and had fun with your horse. We had a great turnout for our AGM in October. Members actually outnumbered board members. Thanks so much to all of you who came out to support our association and our board. We’ve elected
Preliminary Open Champion: Erica Ingraham, Zacky Vengeance Reserve: Kayla Bushell, Malibu
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DECEMBER 2011
Training Open Champion: Rebecca Lee, Mardigrks Mardigras’ Reserve: Denise Nitschke, Andante Training Regular
Champion: Abbey Busch, Klondike Mike Reserve: Donna White, Cortez
Champion: Hunter Trombley, Montego Bay Reserve: Stephanie Stafford. Ice
Pre Training Open Champion: Susan Bercha, Wyndira Reserve: Karen Nyrop, Binger
Starter Champion: Burke Simpson, Just a Jolly Molly Reserve: Kelly Stasiuk, Prime Time Scooter
Pre Training Regular Champion: Shelby Friesen, Heathcliff Reserve: Heather Gnenz, Elusive Entry Regular Champion: Kendyl Stretch, Fear Factor Reserve: Courtney Benton, Lexus Pre Entry Open Champion: Erika Andrews, Jazzette Reserve: Melissa Stephen, Idle Time Pre Entry Regular
www.horsesall.com
While you are working hard on your dressage and show jumping over the winter, the board of directors will be busy preparing for the 2012 season. We look forward to seeing you out there in 2012. Please feel free to contact any of our board with any comments or suggestions. We are here working for you!
By Mary Boulware
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he 2011 TRAC competition season has come to the end and our AGM and awards banquet, January 21, 2012, is fast approaching. This means it’s time for me to update our members and horse mileage for those that completed rides this past year. Members receive Rider Achievement awards for these miles. Horses that have been registered with TRAC also receive Horse Achievement awards (competition miles) each year. Horses can be registered with TRAC for life no matter the owner or rider. Mileage from other sanctioned bodies that are recognized by TRAC are also accepted. Mileage has been recorded since the 1980s and as I review these files, I think about my many years of involvement in TRAC. I realize these members are like my competitive trail riding family — many good friends over the years to new ones just starting the sport. Some are no longer with us but remembered fondly. Some no longer compete but are still involved and support the club in other areas as board members or volunteers at rides and some manage rides every year. Without their dedication and spirit we would not have a sport. I admire these people and they make our sport what it is and keeps me coming back! The care and dedication riders have for this sport and their horses is shown with many of our members passing the 1000 mile mark and some chasing their 12,000 competition mile on some of the most beautiful trails we may never have been able to see otherwise! Many have collected these miles over the years on as few as one to three horses. Several horses have reached over 5000 miles. Not only is this a great accomplishment but it shows us the great care and bond we can have with our equine partners. Vast knowledge in Equine management, conditioning and health research has been gained from horses that compete in long distance sports over the years that has benefited horses in many fields. As competitors and owners we eat up this knowledge to help us give the care they deserve and willingly share with our fellow competitors. The only down side to all this is these days we often hear the Veterinary Judges at rides actually complain that riders have done such good job conditioning and caring for their mounts it is increasingly difficult for them to find fault in the final placing. This is the best complement an owner/rider can hear and what our sport is built around; “to finish with the best conditioned horse.” For information on TRAC please check our website at www. trailriding.ca.
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Canadian Derby winner was only Alberta-bred horse in race Horse heroes Profiles of exceptional horses By Robyn Moore
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reedoms Traveller, a beautiful grey gelding, collected speed as he galloped around the track at Northlands Park on Saturday, Aug. 20, 2011. With a mile and a half to go, the patient jockey, Rafael Zenteno, made his move. With the finish line in sight, the gelding overtook all the other horses to finish first by five and a quarter lengths. And that’s how the 82nd Canadian Derby was won. Known as the richest Thoroughbred race west of Toronto, the Canadian Derby is run each year at the end of August in Edmonton. The derby features three-year-old Thoroughbred horses running a distance of 1 3/8 miles. This year’s winner claiming the $300,000 prize was Freedoms Traveller, the only Alberta-bred horse in the race. “Travis” is owned and bred by Randy and Donna Feddema of Carstairs, AB. Randy caught the racing bug early. At a very young age he would go to Stampede Park with his grandparents where they would place small bets for him. The racing gene also runs in Randy’s blood. His uncle was Jackie Fosier, who jockeyed from 1949-1960. The two would talk for hours about Fosier’s love for his job and the horses he rode. After meeting Donna in 1978, the couple enjoyed going to Stampede Park together to bet on the horses. One day they decided it might be nice to own one. “We got one, then another, and here we are,” says Randy. Freedoms Traveller is by Peacenfreedom and out of Lunar Gem. The Feddemas brought Peacenfreedom up from California. The stallion unfortunately had foot problems that would prevent him from racing but not from breeding. Peacenfreedom’s sire was Horse of the Year in California and was a major competitor in the Kentucky Derby, The Preakness and the Belmont Stakes. “We figured with a background like this we must have something in Peacenfreedom and we should try and see what we could do with him,” says Donna. They bought some mares and the result was a Canadian Derby winner! Freedoms Traveller was born April 11, 2008 at Albert and Michelle Brewster’s farm in Bowden, AB. Randy and Donna immediately knew he had potential. When the day of the Canadian Derby came, Randy and Donna knew he had a shot but did not know that he would win. “Just being in the Canadian Derby was an honour and to win was a dream come true. The rush and the excitement is unreal — actually quite unexplainable, we are very proud of (Travis) and his accomplishments.” The win was even more special due to the loss of their previous C12
trainer, Barry Brown, who passed away from cancer a few months prior to the race, in May. “We miss Barry Brown, he was a very good person as well as an excellent, honest trainer, very kind to his horses. We now have his life partner Lianne Knechtel training for us and we are very happy with her skills and knowledge of our horses,” the Feddemas say. Lianne came to Alberta to race ride in 1975. She worked alongside Barry for many years. Although winning the race without him was emotional, she says “He sort of missed the Derby experience but not really. I knew he was there even if just in spirit.” It was the big grey gelding that made it all come together. “Well we think he’s super,” Donna says, “he’s feisty, friendly, has lots of heart, loves to run, and likes to win!” With the will to win and a colourful personality, Travis is a barn favourite. “Freedoms Traveller is a very special horse but in my barn they are all special. We try and bring out the individual personality and ability for each horse. They all get treated as best we can and it does not matter what level they run at,” Lianne says.
photo by ryan haynes
Rafael Zenteno, aboard Freedoms Traveller, “Travis”, goes for the win at the Canadian Derby, run in August at Northlands in Edmonton. Travis, earning the $300,000 prize, was the only Alberta-bred horse in the race.
“We figured with a background like this we must have something in Peacenfreedom and we should try and see what we could do with him.” — donna feddema
“However, Travis is quite a character. We have to be careful with him because he reacts to lots of things. But he just feels so good most of the time. He will buck and play in his stall and when out walking will try and go in every direction! We are very careful to not put him a position to hurt himself.” Shortly after the derby, that fear was realized when the vet found a hairline fracture. However, recent x-rays show that it has healed. Freedoms Traveller will race again next year after some rehab and spring training. The 82nd Canadian Derby not only showcased a great horse with the talent and temperament to push himself for a win, it also showed the whole racing community the stuff that Alberta horses, trainers, and owners are made of. Lianne explains the importance of Freedoms Traveller Canadian Derby win: “The significance of Travis winning the Derby becomes so important for Alberta racing because (he’s) Alberta bred. More than that, that dam and sire are owned by Albertans. It helps the industry upgrade its profile … and because Barry is also from this province it makes it even more important. Someone who is not from here and looking in at our racing world will see how passionate we are about our sport and provides a great story to tell.” t
photo by ryan haynes
Freedoms Traveller’s owners, Randy and Donna Feddema along with trainer, Lianne Knechtel (far right) at the Canadian Derby.
Freedoms Traveller as a yearling.
www.horsesall.com
DECEMBER 2011
Calendar of Events Send your announcements by email to ltkdbell@yahoo.ca and we’ll include your event or announcement free!
CLINICS & SEMINARS
The Month Ahead:
DRESSAGE SCHOOLING SHOW DECEMBER 18 Eversfield Equestrian
EQUINE EVENTS
SHOWS & COMPETITIONS
DECEMBER
DECEMBER
FEBRUARY
DECEMBER
8-11 Langley, BC Dominique Barbier Clinic at Highpoint Equestrian Centre. For details, contact Burgi at burgi_rommel@hotmail.com
16 Kamloops, BC Cowboy Christmas Concert at the Calvar y Community Church. For details, call: 1-888763-2224 or visit: www.bcchs. com
11 100 Mile House, BC Cowboy Concert. For details, call: 1-888-763-2224 or visit: www.bcchs.com
18 Okotoks, AB Dressage Schooling Show at Eversfield Equestrian. For details, call: 403-862-1591, email: davidbarnes9@aol.com or visit: www.eversfieldequestrian.com
FEBRUARY 18-19 Madden, AB Reining Alberta Open Rider C l i n i c a t P r airie Mountain Ranch featuring Jordan Larson. For details, visit: www.reiningalberta.net
JANUARY 3-18 Los Angeles, CA Spirit of the West Cruise from LA to Hawaii. For details, visit: www.hugh-mclennan.com
17-19 Saskatoon, SK Saskatchewan Equine Expo at Prairieland Park. For details, call: 306-931-7149 or visit: www.saskatchewanequineexpo. com
21-22 Richmond, BC Equine Education Conference at the Delta Vancouver Airport Hotel. For details, contact Kelly Coughlin: industry@hcbc.ca
www.eversfieldequestrian. com
New trails near Bragg Creek set to open in 2012 ALBERTA EQUESTRIAN FEDERATION www.albertaequestrian.com
By Sonia Dantu WELCOME AEF’S NEW COACHING ADMINISTRATOR We are pleased to announce Erin Lundteigen as the newest addition to the AEF staff. Erin is the contact for your coaching needs and will be the coordinator of the variety of western and English rider development, instructor and coaching programs that the AEF offers as well as Live Outside the Box, Ride & Drive and the Trail Supporter program. Erin has a broad background in equestrian activities, with experience in dressage, vaulting, gymkhana and polo. She trains and competes in the hunter over fences with her eight-year-old Warmblood mare, Sisha. If you have any questions or comments about the above programs or you would like to be involved, please contact Erin at coaching@albertaequestrian.com or 1-866-462-6233 ext 3. Visit the AEF website to view the list of certified instructors and coaches in Alberta and for current news on the programs that Erin will be handling.
MORE TRAILS IN WEST BRAGG CREEK, KANANASKIS COUNTRY! The Greater Bragg Creek Trails Association is currently building over 40 km of new multi-use trails in the west Bragg Creek area of Kananaskis Country. Included and of great interest to equestrians are dedicated trails! Slated to open by mid-summer, 2012, these trails are being built through private and public donations and thousands of hours of volunteer time. If you wish to donate or help build these trails, contact Eric Lloyd at (403) 949-2696 or email
DECEMBER 2011
elloyd@davincibb.net. You can also provide a donation through the AEF Trail Supporter program. The AEF provides recreational riders the opportunity to support trail development and maintenance of equestrian facilities through the Trail Supporter program. Your financial or volunteer investment in the continued growth of the fund will ensure that trail development, signage, repairing flood-damaged trails, hitching posts, tie stalls, campgrounds, high lines, outhouses, fire rings, and manure pits are built or maintained, and more. For more information, and to join the Trail Supporter program contact the AEF office or visit our website.
2011 LIVE OUTSIDE THE BOX WINNERS Each year, the AEF offers its Live Outside the Box program to reward youngsters (aged 7–15) who spend time with their horse, rather than in front of a TV or a computer. In 2011, the following youth were the top three in each category. The program runs from April 1 to September 30, each year. Great prizes are offered. You don’t even have to own a horse to participate! If you want to Live Outside the Box, contact our office or check the website. There is no charge to participate in this program other than being a current AEF member!
HIGHEST NUMBER OF HOURS OF HORSE TIME: 1. Katelyn Golka, 11, Androssan, AB 2. Lindsey Stevenson, 13, Red Deer, AB 3. Deshann Valentine, 11, Sundre, AB
LOWEST NUMBER OF HOURS OF SCREEN TIME: 1. Christ-Lee Ferguson, 14, Edson, AB 2. Carlie Wells, 10, Strathmore, AB 3. Jesse Linderman, 13, Blairmore, AB
HIGHEST CONSECUTIVE SCREEN-FREE DAYS 1. Rebekah Ferguson, 9, Edson, AB 2. Emma Quinn, 12, Calgary, AB 3. Mirthe Hazenberg, 15, Thorchild, AB In recognition of Charlene Baker’s work and dedication to Equine Canada’s Western Rider and Coaching programs in Alberta, the AEF provides a $500 scholarship annually to the western rider who has achieved the highest average score of the Level 4 test in the Western Rider Development program. In 2011, Ashlea Bohn was the recipient. Ashlea grew up in Duffield, AB and always had her heart set on a future in the horse industry. At age 11, she got Whisper, a sorrel pony that her grandma picked out. Later she worked at different barns in the summer until old enough to drive and haul her own horses. Reining horses got her hooked and she spent summers at Kim and Lisa Smith’s facility in Fort MacLeod, training a two-year-old Quarter Horse mare. She’s interested in various disciplines: ranch roping, barrel racing, cattle penning and reining. In the past two years, she has been completing the western rider and mentoring program. She feels fortunate to have met her coach, mentor and friend, Ruth Wagner. She currently has four horses, two she is training, and is looking forward to a successful future involved in teaching, training and competing in shows. Ashlea has set many new goals for herself and is confident that that she will be able to pass along her knowledge to future students.
ONLINE STORE ADDITION T h e n e w We s t e r n R i d e r Handbook, Level 1 is available. Contact Norma for details. Cost is $9.95, plus GST and shipping and handling. There are new items available all the time at our online store, from books to signs www.horsesall.com
Erin Lundteigen, AEF’s new coaching administrator with her eight-yearold Canadian Warmblood Mare, Sisha.
and apparel, visit our online store today!
A GREAT HOLIDAY GIFT FOR THE HORSE OWNER! The new The Horse Savvy Annual Planner 2012 is now available. The AEF is offering this handy, helpful daytimer and equine health planner to its members to help manage their horse’s care, health and events. When you buy a copy, some of the proceeds go toward helping support AEF’s ongoing programs in education and other projects. Order yours today on your membership form for only $30 (GST and shipping included) or visit our online store to purchase.
RENEW YOUR AEF MEMBERSHIP FOR 2012! Be part of the “voice of equine Alberta.” Affect change for the benefit of you and your horse whether you are a recreational rider, competitor or equine business owner. The AEF offers many diverse programs for children and adults. You’ll find our organization a good place to think, learn, and enjoy a bit more about your horse. We’re a “doing” type of organiza-
tion and look forward to your involvement and help making Alberta a great equine community. The fastest way to renew is to visit our website. Otherwise, memberships can be renewed either by mail or fax or visit us, and renew during regular business hours. Memberships renewed online or by fax can be paid by Visa or Mastercard. If mailing in your renewal form, you can pay by credit card or cheque. If you have any questions, contact us. The AEF membership renewal forms were mailed along with our fall issue of Alberta Bits, if you have not received your copy or your renewal form, please contact our office. For more information visit our website at www.albertaequestrian. com, phone our office, or feel free to come in and say hello, we encourage members to come to our office and renew as well, we are here to serve you! The AEF’s mandate is to assist in creating a positive environment for the enjoyment of equines. Our mission, through leadership and a proactive approach, is to promote, facilitate, and co-ordinate equestrian-related activities in Alberta.
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Classifieds To place an ad call toll free 1.866.385.3669 | email: crystal@fbcpublishing.com Advertising rAtes & informAtion Regular Classified • Minimum charge — $8.25 per week for first 25 words or less and an additional 33 cents per word for every word over 25. GST is extra. $1.50 billing charge is added to billed ads only. • Terms: Payment due upon receipt of invoice. • 10% discount for prepaid ads. If phoning in your ad you must pay with VISA or MasterCard to qualify for discount. • Prepayment Bonus: Prepay for 3 weeks and get a bonus of 2 weeks;
sADDles
Tributes/Memoriums Announcements Antiques for Sale Antiques Wanted Arenas Clothing: Western & Specialty Wear Collectibles Driving Equine Services Equine Breeders
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Display Classified • Advertising copy deviating in any way from the regular classified style will be considered display and charged at the display rate of $30.10 per column inch ($2.15 per agate line).
tRAileRs
INDEX
sPeCiAlty WeAR
Equine Clinics Equine Consignment Equine Massage Horse Boarding Horse Hauling/Transport Horse Trader Horse Trailers Stallions at Stud Tack/Saddles Trainer Services English Trainers Western Trainers Various Equine Services Marketplace
Horse Auctions Sales Horses American Saddlebred Appaloosa Arabian Belgian Canadian Clydsedale Draft Donkeys Haflinger Miniature Morgan Mules
ANNOUNCEMENTS
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Presents
Small Spurs Rodeo Results Nov. 19th 2011 - 2012 (Partial listing) Steer Riding Zur, Cooper Brown, Kyle Biever, Logan Wolf, Joey
Barrels 6 & Under Day Chief, Jayton Scheller, Shayanna Borsy, Kasha Dingreville, Morgan
Team Roping 14 & Under Schlosser, Stran Christianson, Lochlan Whiteside, Kylie Whiteside, Bradi
Poles 6 & Under Scheller, Shayanna Statham, Kellan Day Chief, Makeisha Dingreville, Morgan
Barrels 7-8 yrs Powelson, Maysa Statham, Kenda Black Water, Shaina Day Chief, Kale
Barrels 9-10 Yrs. Schlosser, Reata Stevenson, Alisha Powelson, Talia Akune, Brooke
Poles 7 -8 yrs Crombez, Justise Statham, Kenda Powelson, Maysa Day Chief, Kale
Breakaway 13-14 yrs. Park, Caitlin Burwash, Jake Aleman, Austin Nelson, Fallon
Barrels 11-12 Yrs. Kielstra, Chrissy Berreth, Logan Savage, Reili Whiteside, Kylie
Goat Tail Untying ( 7 & Under) Day Chief, Jake Powelson, Maysa Smith, Shelby Berreth, Garrett
Breakaway 11-12 yrs. Thomson, K’s Christianson, Lochlan Park, Simone Stevens, Hayze
Barrels 13-14 Yrs. Tremblay, Nicole Zur, Abby King, Dereka Lloyd, Matea
Breakaway 10 & Under Nunn, Hanna Whiteside, Bradi Christianson, Kade
Poles 9-10 Yrs. Schlosser, Reata Akune, Brooke Powelson, Talia Weltz, Shelby Poles 11-12 Yrs.
Goat Tying 8 & Under Statham, Kenda Crombez, Justise McAllister, Terris Aleman, Avery
• Minimum charge $30.10 per week. • Illustrations and logos are allowed with full border. • Advertising rates are flat with no discount for frequency of insertion or volume of space used. • Terms: Payment due upon receipt of invoice. • Price quoted does not include GST.
bonus weeks run consecutively and cannot be used separately from original ad; additions and changes accepted only during first 3 weeks. • Your complete name and address must be submitted to our office before publication. (This information will be kept confidential and will not appear in the ad unless requested.)
All classified ads are non-commissionable.
Advertising Deadline – NOON on the Wednesday following 10th day of the month for publication.
bReeDeRs Norweign Ford Paint Palomino Percheron Peruvian Pinto Ponies Quarter Horse Shetland Sport Horses Standardbred Tennessee Walker Thoroughbred Warmblood
KEEN RIDGE EQUINE CENTER Newly opened 90x160 Riding Arena 15 mins west of Morden,MB Now Available to rent for any event Contact: Terry at (204)246-2212 Email keenridge@hotmail.com
The Sam Steele’s Scouts Commemorative Troop honours the events of 1885 and of Inspector Sam Steele of the N.W.M.P. Recruits are welcomed and wanted. www.steelescouts.ca
Poles 13-14 Yrs. Smith, Shelby 13 McElhone, Cheyenne Passey, Sierra Tremblay, Nicole Goat Tying 9-11 Yrs. Whiteside, Kylie Nunn, Hanna Nelson, Jade Kaenel, Payton Goat Tying 12-14 Yrs. Coy, Eryn Lloyd, Matea Savage, Reili Olsen, Payden
Welsh Various Horses For Sale Horses Wanted Real Estate Acreages/Hobby Farms Community Calendar Community Calendar – BC Community Calendar – AB Community Calendar – SK Community Calendar – MB Careers Help Wanted Employment Wanted
ANNOUNCEMENTS
WANTED - RIDERS Bodkin, Carlee Stevens, Destiny Keeley, Kelby Park, Simone
COlleCtibles
Come Ride With Us Contact: Rob Orser, Troop Sergeant 403-932-7361 Cyrille Chabot, Chief of Scouts 403-938-2014
Place an ad in our classified section by calling: Crystal at 1-866-385-3669
The largest online selection of ag equipment and machinery. Thousands of searchable, local and national listings added every week… Find it fast at
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www.horsesall.com
DECEMBER 2011 january 2010
january 2010
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GEORGE’S HARNESS & SADDLERY, makers of leather & nylon harness, custom saddles & tack. Box 29, Ryley, AB T0B 4A0, 780-663-3611. www.georgesharnessandsaddlery.com
MINIATURE 2 AMHA Miniature Weanling fillies for sale. Foals at 25 inches at 6 months. phone Debbie at 204-734-4005 NIMETZ Miniatures, Kenville MB
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ACREAGES/HOBBY FARMS LAND FOR SALE BY PRIVATE AUCTION! The undersigned will accept written opening bids (excluding all mines and minerals) on the following parcels of grain land located in the RM of Arthur near Waskada, MB: 1.) NE 23-02-26-W1, 2.) NW 24-02-26-W1, 3.) NE 24-02-26-W1. Bidding parties must rely on their own inspection of properties for sale. Bids must be per quarter. A $5000 REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT MUST ACCOMPANY EACH OPENING BID! Individuals wishing to purchase multiple parcels must submit an individual bid for each parcel of interest. Bids received on combinations will not be accepted. ALL OPENING BIDS MUST BE RECEIVED BY NOVEMBER 30, 2011, 12:00PM. All bidding parties will have the opportunity to increase their bid by private confidential auction to be held on December 1, 2011 @ 1:00pm. All parties submitting bids will be notified of their bidding position and given the opportunity to increase their bid until they no longer wish to do so. Acceptance of final bids is at discretion of seller. Highest or any bids not necessarily accepted! PLEASE REMIT BIDS & MAKE DEPOSITS PAYABLE TO: Downey & Crowe Auctions Box 598 Deloraine, MB R0M 0M0. For more information visit www.downeycroweauctions.com or contact Peter Downey (204)522-5883 or Brent Crowe (204)522-6224
HORSES ALL - The monthly newspaper for equine enthusiasts covering all horse disciplines. Call Karla or Kathleen toll free at 1-800-665-0502 to subscribe today.
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Subscribe to Horses All weekly enews for FREE! Go to www.horsesall.com and click on the Horses All Enews button at the top left. Inspired by people and horses
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DECEMBER 2011