CANADIANS DOWN SOUTH

Dreams came true for a few worthy Canadians in 2021, as they reached some major milestones in big, international competitions. By Jenn Webster

Waltenberry

JESSE BECKLEY & TRASHINYURDREAMS

2021 NRHA Level 3 & 2 Open Futurity Champions

For professional reining trainer Jesse Beckley of Cranbrook, BC, making the finals of the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Futurity Level 4 Open Finals was something he dreamed of for a long time. Having come very close a few times, only to miss it by a halfa-point, was something he was eager to put behind him. Aboard the special horse named “Donald,” Beckley was able to do just that.

Trashinyurdreams is sired by NRHA Five Million Dollar Sire Gunnatrashya out of This Chicsdundreamin, and owned by Norma Siebert. The pair did consistently well in the go-rounds of the NRHA Futurity held in Oklahoma City, OK, making a 220 each time. In the finals, Beckley and Donald marked a 222.5, advancing to the win of Levels 2 and 3, and placing fifth in the Level 4 Open. This earned the duo a total of $120,652.

Both Jesse and his wife Deanna, had been very vocal on social media as the events took place, and the whole of Canada was excited to witness their dreams unfold.

After the win, Jesse would state, “2021 What Dreams Are Made Of! What a year it’s been! It started out a little slow, with some of our shows canceled again just as they were in

2020. But I had a horse that would carry me to accomplishing a lifelong dream of mine. I know this horse inside and out and he was there every single time I called on him. He is nothing short of my best friend. Big thank you to my sponsors, owners, vets, farrier, family and friends for helping Donald and I get to this point. Cheers to a year I will never forget and onward to 2022.”

JADE WHITMARSH & NORTH SAIL SOLITAIRE

Intermediate Non-Pro NAAC Champions

Jade Whitmarsh of Cochrane, AB, and North Sail Solitaire had a heck of a showing at the 2021 Adequan® North American Affiliate Championships (NAAC), held in conjunction with the NRHA Futurity in Oklahoma City, OK. Sired by Top Sail Whiz and out of Solitary Gunner, North Sail Solitaire is owned by the Whitmarsh family / Willow Acres Quarter Horses. At the NAAC, the pair tied three ways for eighth place in the Bob’s Custom Saddles Intermediate Non-Pro Showdown with a score of 210.5. A run-off was used to determine the winner and in it, Whitmarsh and the 2013 sorrel stallion she refers to as “Cruz,” bested their original score by five points. The pair won the highly contested championship and a cheque for $5,000.

“I would like to thank my parents for always supporting my dreams and to Austin Seelhof for the supportive coaching that got me in the pen,” said Whitmarsh.

“I would also like to salute Cruz and his ability to always go in the pen with the most try and biggest heart. It was truly a dream come true!”

Jade Whitmarsh and North Sail Solitaire NAAC Int. Non-Pro Champions. Waltenberry

LINDSAY SODERBERG GEIGER & WITHOUT

PERMISSION World Champions AQHA Level 2 Senior Hunter Under Saddle

Professional rider Lindsay Soderberg Geiger of Red Deer County, AB, was able to cross one of her lifelong goals off her list when she won the World Championship of her Level 2 Senior Hunter Under Saddle class at the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) Adequan Level 2 World Championships, held in Oklahoma City, OK. The event held October 28 to November 20, 2021 at the Oklahoma State Fair Grounds, features the epitome of Quarter Horses and their riders who have strived to be the best in their class all year long. Riding the 2015 gelding, Without Permission (barn name “Noah,”) Soderberg Geiger was able to secure the championship and coveted championship

Lindsay Soderberg Geiger and Without Permission.

right: Lindsay Soderberg Geiger and Without Permission. Shane Rux

bronze. Noah is sired by The Ultimate Fancy and out of My Favorite Uncle 08, and owned by Stacey Stinson.

TYLER DARROCH & LSR ADDAROSA RIO

NCHA World Top 15, 5th Place 5,000 Novice Horse

Professional trainer Tyler Darroch made the long trek from Yorkton, SK, to Fort Worth, TX, back in December 2021. Along with the mare, LSR Addarosa Rio (better known as “Rosa”), it wasn’t the first time the pair had put the miles in to achieve their goals.

As there weren’t very many cutting shows in Saskatchewan in 2021, the duo travelled a fair amount to Alberta. They also hauled to British Columbia, South Dakota and finally, Texas after qualifying for the 5,000 Novice Horse division, held at the National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) World Finals. Then, in the second go of the 5,000 Novice Horse World Finals, Rosa and Darroch placed fifth which raised their overall world standings to 13th.

Sired by Bobs Hickory Rio and of the mare, Starlit Oaks, Rosa is a home-bred mare and owned by Jill Rennie.

“This mare is pretty special for two reasons,” explains Tyler’s wife, Nikki. “Tyler’s uncle, Neil and aunt, Louise raised Rosa – so they’ve been a big part of the journey with Tyler phoning Neil on the way home from every show for the past three years to give him updates.

“This is also Rosa’s owner, Jill’s first cutting horse. Jill has been so supportive and encouraging throughout this entire journey and we can’t thank her enough for the opportunity she has given us. Of course, all the guys who have turned back throughout the year. Our vets for keeping Rosa feeling her best (Momentum Equine and Twin Valley Vet) and our farrier, Jim McDonald. Lastly, big thank-you to my mom, Marj for overseeing everything at home while we’ve been on the road.

Tyler Darroch and LSR Addarosa Rio

MORE HIGHLIGHTS:

CHAMPIONS L3 Team Penning 2021 AQHA World Championship Show:

Jitters Time, 2009 gelding (by One Time Pepto and out of Jitters Brown) Rider: Remy Greer, Hemet, CA. Mates Gone Wild, 2012, gelding (by Wild Haired Cat and out of Martina Mate) Rider: David Ruby, Didsbury, AB. Sheyken Them Bones, 2009, gelding (by Smooth As A Cat and out of Sheyssmartlittlelena) Rider: James Greer, Hemet, CA. All three horses are owned by David Ruby, Didsbury, AB.

Shane Rux