Chipman Harvest Ride

Chipman Harvest Ride

Emily Mailhot Reporter – Vegreville News Advertiser

At the 2019 Chipman Harvest Ride and 2nd annual Farrier Competition, the Chipman Agricultural Society presented yet another successful event.

The Farrier Competition, held indoors this year due to weather concerns, saw 8 farriers who attended from as far as Calgary to show off their shoeing skills received feedback from a senior in the industry.

“We all get to be judged by someone who’s been through it, today,” explained organizer Jessie Robinson. “We don’t often get the opportunity to get out there and meet with other farriers, let alone have them review our work and it’s a real chance to grow our skill as well as our network.”

For the competition, the farriers were required to replicate specimen shoes built by the judges on a 60-minute time limit. After the allotted time, each competitor placed their set of shoes on the table to be judged in reference to the specimen.

“It makes you more efficient,” said Robinson. “All of these shoes have elements in them that require different skills, and they are probably shoes you see every day. At the end of the day, we’re all going home more efficient, and with a few more tricks up our sleeves.”

The trail ride, led by trail boss Bruce McGregor, took participants on both wagons and horseback through Chipman and on approximately 4 kilometres of trail.

Chipman Agricultural Society President Scott Reid says that the event is becoming a tradition that they hope to continue honouring in the future. In addition to the regular Best Outrider and Best Wagon/Team awards, the contest for Best Costume was added in the spirit of Halloween.

“It’s good to see everyone come out for a day like today,” he said, “And of course it would never be possible without the help of our dedicated volunteers and generous sponsors.”