First Annual Horse Expo Canada

By Elisha Bradburn

Clinician Glenn Stewart with his Lusitanos Az & Avero

Mounted Shooters put on an impressive display

The Horse Expo Canada took place at Westerner Park in Red Deer, Alberta April 15-17, and was a truly celebratory event. Horse enthusiasts from every discipline gathered to learn, shop and be entertained!

The long awaited return of a world class horse event to Red Deer did not disappoint as Horse Expo Canada hosted a 3-Day colt starting challenge. The Trainer’s Showdown featured an all-Canadian trio of talented horsemen, Kade Mills, Jason Irwin and Trevor Mertes. All three gentlemen put forth an amazing display of horsemanship with three previously untrained 3-year-old colts provided by Rocking Heart Ranch, in 5 sessions, over the 3 days.

The colts went from barely being halter trained, to being saddled and ridden, and walked, jogged and loped through an obstacle course. Trainer Jason Irwin was so confident in the foundation he had on his colt, he was able to stand on his saddled colt’s back cracking a bullwhip! Seasoned colt starter Kade Mills ended up with the win, earning 1298 of the possible 1650 points. The rigorous judging process was done by a panel of 3 experienced judges, who judged confidentially and independently of each other. Judging was focused on how successfully the trainers could work through challenges and communicate with their colt. There was emphasis on recognizing, through body language, where the colt is at mentally, and prioritizing leaving them in a good place at the end of each session. All of the trainers put forth a truly impressive performance of their skills under pressure.

Along with the Trainer’s Showdown showcasing some amazing horsemanship, there were many other opportunities for expo attendees to soak in some learning. World-renowned clinicians, including Glenn Stewart, Barbara Schulte, Hugh Graham and Cindy Ishoy, presented on various fascinating topics over the weekend. There were also a variety of educational demonstrations to take in from saddle fitting, to alternative forms of sports therapy and body work for horses, to breed displays. Along with all the knowledge being shared, there was a bustling exchange in the shopper’s paradise of all things “horse” in the Trade Show. The Trade Show featured everything from

Expo organizers Marg Schulz & Ryan Gordon with Trainer's Showdown Winner Kade Mills

a tremendous selection of quality leather goods and tack, to everything fashionable and fun for both horse and rider, to revolutionary horse feeds, and surprisingly delicious jerky!

The organizers and life force of Horse Expo Canada, Marg Schulz and Ryan Gordon, would like to extend their heartfelt thank you to all the sponsors, clinicians, exhibitors, and you the horse lovers that all made the event a huge success. Horse Expo Canada looks forward to welcoming horse lovers back to an even more exciting Expo next year, featuring evening entertainment and an expanded Trade Show for even more shopping fun!

Remember, Horse Expo Canada is your show, so we welcome your ideas and suggestions on how we can make it an even better experience. Please join us again April 28-30th 2023 at Westerner Park in Red Deer for another inspiring and entertaining weekend of horse-filled fun!

Trainer Jason Irwin standing atop his colt and cracking a bull whip during the finale A Shopper's Paradise in the trade show

Hickman's Saddlery's extensive leather goods selection in the trade show

Miss Rodeo Canada with Horse Expo Easter Basket winners the Greendyks Trainer Trevor Mertes encouraging his filly through the obstacles

QR Code to Horse Expo Canada 2022 Photo Gallery

Saddle Up was happy to be back in Red Deer - we took some photos too! A great first show - congratulations to Ryan and Marg!

Clinican Hugh Graham

Jim Greendyk leading Cowboy Church

Lynette & Doug Mills with the grandkids (out to support son Kade in the Showdown)