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Contributors
BAR XP Photo
Canadian Professional Rodeo Association
Gralyn J. Photography
Jonny Hawkins, Laureen Heggie
Tim Hiller, Kathie MacKenzie
Debbie MacRae, Aidan Nicholson
Rod Sinclair
SV Equine Photography
Tara McKenzie Fotos
TSK Photography / Cheyenne Meijers Wild Mane Photos
Published five times a year by: WESTERN PERFORMANCE PUBLISHING INC. 235, 3545 - 32 Ave. NE, Unit/Box #814 Calgary, Alberta T1Y 6M6 (403) 250-1128 editorial@westernhorsereview.com www.westernhorsereview.com
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Remembering the legendary Bob Avila.
Western Culture
Bring home all the Merry with these stocking stuffers, barn necessities and thoughtful gift ideas for both Cowboys and Girls!
Even with the demolition of their historic grandstand, Canada’s oldest rodeo makes a comeback for the future.
46 REINING ALBERTA RECAP
44 CFR50 HIGHLIGHTS
Records were set and champions crowned at the golden anniversary of the Canadian Finals Rodeo.
48 CTCPA NATIONAL FINALS
With more than 1,300 teams, the Canadian Team Cattle Penning Association National Finals was a big hit.
52 CANADA’S GREATEST COWGIRL
The inaugural episode of this event that featured four events and only allowed female riders to enter, was an exciting addition to the Canadian cow horse lineup.
This was a year of change for Reining Alberta, still, the association celebrated huge entry numbers and a lot of enthusiasm for the sport of reining.
50 WILL RIDE FOR FOOD
A quirky gelding who had better ideas than being longed and the poor assistant trainer who didn’t stand a chance.
Photo by BAR XP PHOTO
Tara McKenzie Fotos
A YEAR OF LOSS & GROWING
Bob Avila stands with my husband, Clay Webster, for a photo-op in 2010. The world mourns Avila’s loss this year, as he was an outstanding horseman and mentor to many.
It’s that time of year again.
2024 was an outstanding year for my family and I, but also one that came with a lot of hardships. My kids earned themselves some outstanding accolades in reined cow horse and reining events. However, those special moments were balanced out with the loss of several loved ones throughout the year as well. We said goodbye to grandparents, friends and mentors.
It was a stark reminder of how fleeting life is and to take those precious moments whenever you can get them. Arriving back at a horse show and seeing our friends do well, cheering them on and roasting marshmallows around a campfire when the day had settled also reminded us that we have another family too – one that is not blood-related. The horse community continues to bring my family a great amount of joy. The people we ride with. The people who have lent us a mane brush in the hitching ring. The announcers. The show secretaries – Kathie MacKenzie and Shawna Husted – I honestly don’t know how you do it sometimes! Thank-you for guiding us through the roller coaster of memberships and paperwork and putting up with us at times! And thank-you
to our horse community, our extended family. You have been there for us for so many years. You have helped my children grow. And we can’t wait to see you all again next year!
In saying that, this issue of WHR is also our annual championship edition so take a peek at many of the amazing titles earned this year, starting on page 42.
In this edition, you can also check out Laureen Heggie’s editorial about the Raymond Stampede. Here’s how Canada’s oldest rodeo rose from the ashes this year, to ensure the great tradition of their rodeo will continue for many more years to come.
If you enjoy Dutch Oven cooking, Tim Hiller shares his “Cowboy Lasagna” with us on page 17.
Also! If anyone has any great, funny stories you want to share with us for our WILL RIDE FOR FOOD column, please email us at: editorial@westernhorsereview.com. Our writer can even change the names, details and make characters anonymous if need be! After all, who doesn’t love a good chuckle?
As always, we hope you enjoy the issue.
~ Jenn Webster
SILVER LININGS
At six weeks of age, Lil Hott Dancer became an orphan foal. No one saw it coming but one evening the owners of the filly’s dam, Lil Private Dancer, noticed their mare wasn’t doing well. Lil Private Dancer was a favourite of the Perkins family (Kamloops, BC,) and as her filly was sired by the family stallion, Red Hott Cat (RHC), there was a lot of sentimental value wrapped up in the pair.
Rick Perkins quickly called the veterinarian, had the mare assessed and treated and as they turned in for the evening, everyone thought she was in the clear. However, after numerous checks that evening, Lil Private Dancer succumbed to
gas colic and was found in deceased in her stall at 6 am the next morning. Her filly (barn name “Sista,”) had been attempting to nurse off of her mother, unsuccessfully.
“After the initial shock, many tears and the burial of her dam in the upper field, we started scrounging to find a nurse mare,” tells Chelsey Romano, daughter to Rick and breeding manager of the filly’s sire, Red Hott Cat.
“The Facebook post I made was shared hundreds of times but due to it being so early in the foaling season, we were not able to find a nurse mare locally or within the province.”
Luckily, the Perkins family had another
mare who had given birth to a colt, a couple weeks prior. The family came up with the idea to try and get her to nurse Sista as well.
“The mare obviously, was not super happy about that,” tells Romano. “But we got it done. Luckily, Sista had her teeth at this point so we started supplementing her with Hoffman’s Milk Bits as well.”
The family was worried the filly wasn’t getting enough milk from their other mare and they didn’t want to compromise the colt’s health. With the extra supplements, Sista stayed beside her foster dam and brother until they were all ready to head out onto pasture. Once on pasture she was accompanied by other mares, and later
Sista and Gonnet at the Black Elk Cutting Futurity.
another foal. Rick installed special feeders in the pasture shelters so Sista could get her Milk Bits when she wasn’t out grazing.
“She grew up in a herd setting where she played with her half-siblings and learned to respect other horses. She wasn’t overly friendly at first, stand-offish with people, even – but we knew she would eventually come around.”
Sista had a little pot belly and the family wondered if she would mature into a competitive horse. Lil Private Dancer had offspring earnings well over $100,000 at the time of her passing, and Sista was her last foal.
“We all hoped and prayed one day that she would,” Romano admits.
When weaning time came around, Sista handled it better than her half-siblings. The foals were put out in a different pasture from the mares and kept each other company. And during winter, Sista’s personality really began to shine through…
“Just like her sire, she was playing with everything, all the time!” Romano chuckles. “Whether it was chewing the other filly’s tail, throwing the grain bucket over the fence or climbing the rails on the fence (quite literally) – she was comical to watch. At this point there was a bit of a relief that the loss of her dam at such an early age did not affect her spirit.”
The following spring/summer Rick reached out to cutting trainer, Dustin Gonnet (Cayley, AB,) to see if he would take Sista on as a two-year-old to train and hopefully, show one day. Gonnet had previously trained and showed Red Hott Cat in aged events and also was training and showing another of Lil Private Dancer’s offspring at the time. Gonnet agreed and the following winter, Sista headed to Alberta to start her training as a cutter.
Rick and his wife Cheryl, would receive updates about how Sista was doing. Like any futurity prospect, there were great days and days when the family didn’t know if cutting would be the right career for the mare.
Fast-forward to early September 2024, and Lil Hott Dancer and Gonnet were entered into the Black Elk Classic Futurity held in Ponoka, AB. Rick and Romano, drove out to watch the team’s debut in the show pen. There, the little mare walked into competition for the very first time and marked a 146 to secure fourth place out of 33 open contestants, earning $2,512 in the first go.
“We were ecstatic!” Romano states.
On day two of the show, Gonnet cut his first cow and things went smoothly, but their second cow gave them no opportunity to quit – Gonnet and Sista were forced to hold that cow until the bitter end. As a result the pair marked a 147 to secure first place and earned another $5,233.
On day three (the last day for the 33 futurity contestants,) Gonnet and Sista marked a 145 which tied them for first place with coincidentally enough, another Red Hott Cat offspring – Red Stylish Cat ridden by Travis Rempel. Both horses walked away with $4,313 in earnings, with Sista and Gonnet earning the aggregate championship of the Black Elk Classic Open Futurity.
“It was an absolute dream come true for Team Red Hott Cat and the Perkins Family!” Romano says. “There were many tears of happiness since that little orphan rose to the occasion and did her dam proud under the guidance of Dustin Gonnet!”
Altogether, Gonnet and Sista walked away from the show with a bronze and $16,373 in National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) earnings.
However if that weren’t enough, a few weeks later Lil Hott Dancer was entered into the Calgary Stampede Cutting Futurity. Rick and Cheryl flew out to watch her and Gonnet show again, along with the other RHC offspring in the event which included Red Stylish Cat. As this was the first foal crop of RHC to begin competition, there was much excitement and suspense among the Perkins family.
Day one of the futurity saw Lil Hott Dancer and Red Stylish Cat mark 218.5 scores to tie and secure third place. Both walked out with $2,181. On day two, Lil Hott Dancer and Red Stylish Cat each marked a 220.5 to tie for second place.
On the final day of the futurity, Lil Hott Dancer marked a 219 and Red Stylish Cat marked a 217.5. It was a grand day for Red Hott Cat with his offspring earning the top two positions and especially considering the stallion himself, had won the same futurity back in 2017 with Travis Rempel aboard. Lil Hott Dancer earned a total of $7,736 over the three days in Calgary and Red Stylish Cat earned $5,704.
All in all, the outcome of events is what many have described as a true “Cinderella Story” for the Perkins family. What began as a dream with the purchase of their stallion eight years ago, has come to fruition with Red Hott Catt’s offspring now successfully finishing in the winner’s circle.
Sista’s narrative began very tragically, but she proved that she was able to fight against the odds and show her true character.
“It goes to show that even orphan foals can grow up to be absolutely outstanding with the right guidance. I hope this story gives people who have tragically lost their broodmares the hope and perseverance to not give up on their orphan foals. In our case, there was a silver lining in a very dark storm cloud,” Romano says.
“We couldn’t be more happy or grateful.”
~ By Jenn Webster
Open Champion and Reserve Champion Lil Hot Dancer and Red Stylish Cat” - CUTLINE: (L to R) Open
Champion Lil Hot Dancer and Dustin Gonnet, and Reserve Champion Red Stylish Cat and Travis Rempel.
THE THING ABOUT A GREAT DOG
Google says there are 900 million dogs in this world. Now, I’m sure you would agree that not all of them are truly GOOD dogs. Fewer still are GREAT dogs.
This got me thinking. What makes a dog better than most? This is what I came up with:
A great dog is… Intelligent. Smart enough to understand your commands, while willing enough to learn and obey them.
Reliable. He’s there when you need him – both physically and emotionally. In the literal sense, he stays home; he can be counted on to be there morning and night. He’s also there when you’ve been cooped up and need to go for a walk, or are in a bad mood and need a distraction. Or when you find yourself crying on
the front step, his fur soaks up those tears.
Forgiving. He doesn’t hold it against you if you get busy. If you had a long day, and can’t play with him, he’ll just try again tomorrow. Toddlers and small kids lean on him or pull his fur, he doesn’t mind, he knows they’ll throw him the ball later.
Adaptive. He’s ready to do whatever you feel like. Going to check cows – you got it. It’s raining and we’ve got to stay inside and read all day – that’s good too. He’s just happy to be included. Intuitive. He knows how to read the room. Your friends are his friends – you don’t have to worry about him being aggressive to people he shouldn’t be. You come home with a new baby, once or twice, or three times, and he knows they are his now as much as yours. Honest. He’s going to screw up
now and then; get into something he shouldn’t – but he’ll understand his mistake in the tone of your voice, and you’ll see it in his actions and eyes that he’s sorry. He wants to please, so you won’t catch him making the same mistake often.
Loyal. He trusts you completely, and would follow you anywhere.
The thing about a great dog is, THAT becomes your standard. Yes, they are all individuals, but once you have loved and been loved by a truly GREAT dog, you understand something that special is a combination of luck, work, and commitment.
They have earned their way into your heart. Even when they’re gone, you will always remember that you were lucky enough to call that truly GREAT dog yours.
- By Danielle Barnes
FATE IN A FOXHOLE
She was a tiny, diminutive, little thing. A puppy small enough to fit in a teacup, bursting with energy, and dancing in tiny circles on the floor. Her silvery hair was soft and silky, and her tiny little head was crowned with a halo of gold. She was a beautiful, little Christmas present. With her hair like tinsel and the timing of the season, it was only fitting she be called “Christmas.” She was a lady’s companion – a lieutenant assigned to a field hospital in New Guinea – and then one night, in the midst of a war-torn jungle, little Christmas disappeared.
Increasing tensions after World War I, a fear of colonization, diminishing oil supplies, and a series of racial inequities incited Japan to launch its historic attack on Pearl Harbour. That attack, and one subsequent on the Philippines, an American protectorate, brought the Americans into the war theatre. Protecting the South Pacific became vital to the success of the war effort. Naval vessels, ground infantry, and aerial reconnaissance personnel were deployed to the islands and into the jungles to assist in supporting the main Theater of Operations in Europe.
It was on one such mission near the front lines, that a jeep driven by aerial photographer, Ed Downey, coughed, sputtered and quit.
He got out of the vehicle and jiggled the wires and spark plugs, trying to bring the unit to life. Keenly aware of his surroundings, he heard whimpering by the side of the road. Approaching, he saw a tiny gold head bobbing up and down, trapped in an abandoned foxhole. Tossing the tiny bundle onto the seat of the jeep, he resumed his repairs. Not a dog lover, he was quick to offer his find to Sergeant Dare, who named her “Smokums,” for her smoky coloured fur.
The next day, wanting to get into a poker game, Sgt. Dare offered to sell the pup to Cpl. William Wynne for two pounds Australian currency, the equivalent of $6.44 American. That transaction would become the focal point of Wynne’s military career and the salvation of his newfound friend, “Smoky”.
At four pounds and seven inches tall at the shoulders, she didn’t eat much. Rations included canned peaches, bully beef, powdered milk and eggs. An avid dog lover and trainer, Bill commenced training Smoky with obedience trials and tricks. Heeling, standing and staying, she learned quickly and responded to the love and patience bestowed upon her. She was bathed daily in Wynne’s army helmet to ease the heat and prevent the assault of ticks and disease. She learned to trust Bill implicitly as he protected her from air raids, explosive noises (covering her ears with his hands) and tropical storms. She was tethered early on, to prevent her from running again into the jungle – a backyard she loved to explore. Cannibalism by the natives was not uncommon.
Many squadrons had mascots to provide morale for the troops. Animals would often be rescued from war zones and if they provided war service, they became official war animals. The magazine Yank Down Under announced a photography contest to locate the best mascots in the Southwest Pacific in two different categories; the best unit mascot or best personally owned mascot. Wynne elected to showcase Smoky as unit mascot to increase his odds of winning, because almost everyone had some type of pet.
He and his unit buddies photographed her doing jumps with her miniature parachute, walking on a tiny barrel, “singing” to the harmonica, playing dead and performing tricks. After careful consideration, Wynne decided to emphasize her tiny size by placing her in his regulation helmet, a decision which ultimately won him the contest and crowned Smoky with her first of many awards, as the Yank’s Best Mascot.
Her career had just begun. A few weeks before learning of his success, Bill Wynne succumbed to the mosquito bites and ravages of Dengue Fever. Hospitalized for several days with a temperature of 105, Smoky was brought in to comfort him. The nurses would often take her on their rounds, providing a much-needed morale to the sick and injured. After Wynne recovered, they would visit the wards and put on their shows, demonstrating all the tricks Smoky had learned. (Later, between 1948 and 1954, Smoky would be featured on early television stations in America, and during a 42-week series, she never repeated the same trick twice.)
Large animals were often utilized to assist with the war, but
Bill Wynne & Smoky, the Yorkshire Terrier he adopted while serving with the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II.
small breeds were relatively obscure. When he got her, Wynne didn’t know what type of dog Smoky was. It wasn’t until he saw a picture of a Yorkshire Terrier in National Geographic that he realized his partner was of a very special breed.
After his illness, Wynne and Smoky travelled to Australia to recuperate, where he almost lost her to a lady who snatched her up as they were out walking. Upon their return to base, they were dispatched by ship, where they took part in the Luzon invasion, recapturing lost territory from the Japanese. Surviving constant shell bombardment, flak bursts, and kamikaze strikes, they landed on the beach and made their way inland to their next station in bamboo houses vacated by the Filipinos. Bill was constantly making adjustments to their accommodation and meals, and even quarantine, for Smoky’s well-being, and she continued to maintain good health and fitness.
While stationed in Luzon, they received a visit from the Communications Section, seeking assistance to lay communications cable under the airstrip and landing tarmac. They were faced with the daunting task of shutting down the runway and exposing their squadrons to unprotected attacks from the enemy while they removed the airstrip and dug trenches to repair and lay cable. It was decided they would have Smoky pull a string through an eight-inch culvert under the tarmac 60 feet long, so they could attach the communications cables and pull them under the runway. It took her two minutes – encouraged all the way by Wynne at the other end of the pipe. She trusted him implicitly. Digging the trenches would have taken days and exposed the allied aircraft to enemy bombing. That day she earned her status as a War Dog – with a steak to go with it!
The war was declared officially over on August 15, 1945. Preparing to return to America, orders were issued that “no dog or mascot would go back to the U.S. on a war Department ship.” Wynne was not prepared to abandon his comrade.
Stowing her into his oxygen mask carry bag, he cut a slit into the bottom to conceal her effectively under his toiletries and socks. He had been teaching her to lay down and stay quiet for long periods of time. When he picked up his bag, she could stand up. The challenge was to allow her to toilet without being seen during the long journey home.
They were successful in boarding their ship undetected. However, during the ensuing journey Wynne became very seasick, and had to rely on his buddies to take his dog to the bathroom. They rallied around her, forming a circle so she would be hidden. Wynne was unable to eat, and his rations for Smoky became scarce. Then one day a Navy Lieutenant inspected the barracks looking for two stowaways – and spotted Smoky. Fearing she would be thrown overboard, Wynne was able to borrow enough money from friends to post the $1,000 bond to keep her.
During her service in the military, Smoky accompanied
Wynne on 12 combat missions from Biak to Borneo to the Philippines. She won the First Place Mascot contest in 1943, accompanied the Red Cross Nurses as they made their rounds, performed at orphanages and hospitals, on television and radio, and received hundreds of interviews upon returning to America. She was instrumental in promoting the success and popularity of the obscure Yorkshire Terrier breeding program and heightened the awareness of kennel clubs and shelters throughout the US. She would also become the world’s first recognized therapy dog. On one occasion she assisted in reviving a patient who had been in a catatonic state for over two years without recognition or movement. He responded to her presence and reached out to hold her in his arms.
The final piece of the puzzle? Smoky died in February of 1957. An obituary written by Josephine Robertson, told her story. The same day it was published, a nurse from the Crile Veteran’s Hospital called Wynne’s wife, Margie to tell her own story. Her name was Lt. Grace Guderian Heidenreich. She had received a puppy for Christmas from her fiancé in 1943, and early in 1944, she lost her while attending a Bob Hope show in New Guinea. Although many people had looked for her, the puppy had disappeared into the night and was never recovered. The pictures of Smoky looked like her dog, Christmas, and their ages and the information were too coincidental to be ignored. Upon seeing her pictures and remembering how excited Smoky would get when he said the word ‘Christmas’, Wynne was convinced they were the same dog.
In another strange twist of fate, Wynne went to visit Grace and found that she and her husband lived only a few blocks away from him and his wife. Throughout their war years, from Ohio to New Guinea and back, they were connected in a way that could only be explained as a true ‘Christmas’ miracle.
Smoky is memorialized with a statue in Rocky River Reservation, Ohio, in tribute to her tiny stature and her huge contribution to the war effort.
~ By Debbie MacRae
FACEBOOK FEEDBACK
Recently we asked WHR readers what they thought about riders wearing ear buds while riding, both at home in practice and during competition. Here’s what you had to say about the idea:
“I like listening to music/podcasts when I’m riding alone out on the trail but would never do it through earbuds for safety reasons; with earbuds in you lose a sense of your surroundings and if you don’t have wireless it can get caught up on things.” ~Danielle Herman
“
“Nope
that’s a form of cheating” ~Carol Hilton
I’m all for having my trainer yell at me by any means possible. Having ‘Keep your hands down!’ and ‘Cow side leg!’ on a pre-recorded loop would save his/her voice and possibly save me money.”
~Mary Gassaway O’Gwynn
“
Dangerous- the only sounds you need to listen to are your horse and your surroundings - for both your safety.
~Joanna McIntyre
You need to focus on your horse and your surroundings for safety. I know we used to listen to music prior to a competition in the warm up, however there were only a few that did it and it seemed everyone was more aware and respectful. Now with more experience, I say leave your ear buds at home. Just my feeling. ~Cub Wright
“It’s a hard NO !@!@!”
~Special Made Whiskey
“I’m often alone in the arena riding, so I put my music on and out it in my saddle bag. Since I’m alone, I sing to the songs (my poor horse!) and we both enjoy our rides. If there are others there, I don’t turn it on.” ~S.A. Jorgensen
REMEMBERING A LEGEND BOB AVILA
Bob Avila – a renowned trainer, teacher, businessman and mentor – passed away suddenly on November 9, 2024, at the 2024 American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) World Show in Oklahoma City, OK. He was a legend taken too soon.
Avila was a decorated horseman. With $381,339.94 in National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) earnings and $1,113,022.09 in National Reined Cow Horse Association (NRCHA) earnings, he was one of the most respected people in the performance horse industry. Avila had multiple AQHA World Championships, was an EquiStat Elite $1 Million Rider, is in the NRCHA Hall of Fame, was a threetime NRCHA Open Snaffle Bit Futurity Champion, and a two-time World’s Greatest Horseman.
He was a mentor for up-and-coming trainers too: Todd Bergen, John Slack, Andrea Fappani, Clinton Anderson and Tom St. Hilaire all spent time with Avila. All went on to their own great successes.
Originally from Redwood City, CA, Avila was married to Dana Avila and has one son, BJ Avila. He was well-known for his business advice and published the books, Win With Bob Avila and Be a Smart HORSE BUYER. He also put out a
lot of great training advice in his educational videos and clinics that he conducted throughout his 72 years.
A true professional, businessman, trailblazer but most importantly – a real horseman. The loss of Bob Avila will be collectively felt across the performance horse world.
Dutch Oven Lasagna
BY TIM HILLER
Cowboy, Tim Hiller, learned to prepare food at an early age. He is a welder by trade, a blacksmith by passion and a cook by heart. Hiller lives the western way of life and can often be found bringing the herd in, leading pack trips or in his workshop crafting metal into works of art. Here, he shares his “Cowboy Lasanga” recipe with us – a dish he can easily prepare from his home or on the trail.
INGREDIENTS
1 Tbsp Butter
1 Yellow Onion, Sliced
1 Healthy Pinch of Salt & Fresh Ground Pepper
1 1/2 lbs Ground Beef
2 Cloves Garlic, Minced Fresh Ball of Dough Pasta
1 Cup Fresh Mushrooms, Sliced
500 g Dry Cottage Cheese, OR Feta Cheese
1/2 of Each Red, Yellow & Orange
Bell Peppers, Sliced. And a couple left in full rings for decorative purposes on top.
Fresh Herbs, Sage, Thyme, Basil & Oregano (or as Desired)
2 Cans of Tomato Paste OR 1/2 Cup Diced Tomatoes
1/2 Cup Red Wine
2 Tomatoes, Sliced
4-5 Cups Shredded Cheese (Can be Mozza, Cheddar, Gouda, etc.)
DIRECTIONS
Caramelize the onion in butter with salt and pepper. Brown the ground beef, onion and garlic in your Dutch oven over medium high heat. Add in either the tomato paste or the diced tomatoes, and
red wine. Bring the mixture to a boil and reduce the heat to simmer while preparing your lasagna layers.
Divide your homemade pasta into four even balls. Roll out each ball of pasta dough on a well-floured surface until the dough is thin enough for you to see the outline of your hand through it. Lay your first layer of pasta on the bottom of your Dutch Oven.
Cover your pasta with 1/3 of the meat mixture, 1/3 of the shredded cheese, a sprinkling of one type of herb and some of the bell peppers. Add another layer of rolled out pasta and add another 1/3 of the meat mixture, all of the dry curd cottage cheese (or Feta), a different sprinkling of herb and the tomato slices.
Place another layer of pasta overtop and cover with the rest of the meat mixture, 1/3 of the shredded cheese, another type of herb and sliced mushrooms.
Place the final layer of pasta on top, along with a your bell pepper rings and another sprinkling of fresh herb. Cover with any shredded cheese you
might have left. Bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 50-60 minutes overtop of your campfire flame. Let the dish sit for 15 minutes before serving.
NOTES
• Pierce each layer of pasta with a knife to allow air to escape and the wine sauce to mix throughly through the layers to cook the pasta.
• All layers must be fully covered in ingredients for the pasta to cook thoroughly.
• If desired, sliced onion can be added into the layers as well.
• Remember that safety must be a key consideration when cooking with a Dutch Oven. When cooking over a fire, a good rule of thumb is to line the circumference of the lid with hot coals and place three more coals in the middle. Have approximately 1/3 of that amount underneath the Dutch Oven or estimate how high you will have the oven hanging over the fire.
Adding the dry cottage cheese.
Hiller tossing the pasta.
It’s a “Dutch Oven,” with “oven” being the key word. When baking in a Dutch Oven, most of your heat has to come from the lid. Use proper heat-wear protection for your hands and don’t ever just grab onto the Dutch Oven handle with bare hands. The bottom of the oven will be extremely hot as well, so if you are moving it from the fire ensure to set it down in a safe place – on a rock or heavy duty trivet – something with a surface that will not burn.
BASIC PASTA RECIPE
INGREDIENTS
1 Cup Flour
1 Egg, Slightly Beaten
1 Pinch of Salt
1 Dash of Olive Oil
1/4 Cup Water
DIRECTIONS
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the flour. Add the oil and slightly beaten egg into the well. Using a fork, gently incorporate the flour into the egg mixture a little at a time. Mix to form a stiff dough. If needed, stir in 1 to 2 teaspoons of water at a time and knead the dough to reach the desired consistency. You need to end up with a dough that doesn’t stick and is “moldable.”
Form the dough into a large ball and coat with a thin layer of olive oil. Cover the oiled ball with Saran Wrap and let it sit for a minimum of half an hour.
On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to desired thinness.
*This dough recipe can be used for homemade fettuccine, Lasagna or Tortillas.
About the Chef:
Adding a second layer of pasta overtop of the meat mixture and bell peppers.
Another layer of meat and shredded cheese.
Tim Hiller at home. His book, Cooking the Cowboy Way can be
BAR XP
Photo
HOLIDAY MUST HAVES!
Stocking Stuffers
Let’s face it – customers are overwhelmed these days, due to the mountain of choices available for Christmas presents. Don’t spend money on something they won’t use. Get your loved ones what they really want this year.
Complete with links and tips, the Western Horse
Review Gift Guide is a helpful way to inspire your Christmas shopping this year.
BY JENN WEBSTER
THE GIFT OF TIME ♥
Starting at $60 $140
LUNDIN TOOL
The LundinTOOL™ contains everything you need in the barn and fits right into your pocket! A hoof pick, touch-up rasp, knife and bot egg knife are all conveniently enclosed in a carry holster to attach to your belt or saddle. oldsoulranch.ca
The greatest gift you can give someone is time. Better Than Home Coin Laundry located in Okotoks, Alberta is a drop-off dry cleaner depot and they do custom ironing, blanket repairs and alterations for cowboys, cowgirls and cowpokes alike. They have designated machines for your pet and horse blankets, saddle pads, Navajo blankets and heavily soiled attire – a gift card from here is perfect for those who know about hectic days on the ranch! Leave the heavy cleaning to Better Than Home. (403) 938-7788
WILD RAG
Silk wild rags from Classic Rodeo Boutique are an exquisite stocking stuffer! Wrap your loved one in the warmth of a 100% silk wild rag this winter. Many colours and designs from which to choose. Find them on Facebook and Instagram.
Kids
PLAYFUL FOAL
The Playful Foal from Schleich® Horse Club includes a play ball that has been specially developed for horses. The toy set comes with nursing bottle, a warm blanket, a halter and a hedgehog friend. lammles.com
$25
$30
SALT & PEPPER
Curl up with the kids this winter and share a long beloved Albertan tradition together. S is for Stampede is written and illustrated by local talents Jenn Webster and Karen Coe, respectively. Explore the stunning art and insightful write-ups of the events, people and animals that define the legendary Calgary Stampede. Topics include the Stampede’s famous founders, legendary rodeo stock, and the oneof-a-kind experience visitors can only garner from the western celebration! westernhorsereview.com
$6 each
COOKIE CUTTERS
BREYER
We all know how expensive trucks and trailers are but here is a set that might be affordable and will fit under the Christmas tree! The Breyer Dually or Breyer Two-Horse Trailer are both available at The Horse Store, adding to the play experience your little horse lover craves. horsestore.com $160
CUTTING BOARD
This adorable salt and pepper set from John Deere come in the shape of a barn and silo. These are great for the JD lovers who have everything, or for that extra special stocking stuffer. lammles.com $57
Finally, cookie cutters for equestrians! Available at The Horse Store, cutter shapes include a horse, horse head, donkey, horseshoe, carrot or unicorn. These make excellent stocking stuffers! horsestore.com
Imprint your cherished family recipes onto the very fabric of your kitchen. These cutting boards showcase the warmth of handwritten recipes, making them a heartfelt homage to culinary traditions. Have them personalized with Grandma’s handwriting to make for an unforgettable present! amazon.ca
Your little cowgirl will feel like a million bucks with this belt to accessorize her favourite jeans! This belt from Catchfly features a light brown strap with a laser cut cactus pattern, glitter turquoise underlay and an antique silver filigree buckle. lammles.com $13
COWGIRL BELT
CUTE SOCKS
Custom made for the Calgary Stampede; these super cute socks come in pink, yellow and blue. They feature horse heads on the toes, grip dots on the soles and a horses and horseshoes all-over print. lammles.com
$35
Cooking The Cowboy Way by Tim Hiller is a brilliant book by a man with many talents. A cowboy, welder and blacksmith by trade, Tim Hiller often utilizes a Dutch oven and makes his pasta from scratch. In this beautiful book, you can learn all his secret recipes for the dishes he prepares for brandings, trail rides and every moment in between. ironarts.ca
for the Barn
SADDLE CUP HOLDERS
These handmade, leather drink holders fit securely on the back cinch of your saddle and are custom made to fit your colour and design preferences. Locally crafted in Alberta by Bobbi J’s Custom Leather, they can hold a can, bottle or large YETI.They also come with a top leather keeper, to keep bottles from bouncing out of place. 403-901-3575
A NEW HEADSTALL!
This fashionable headstall, by Weaver Leather is made from oiled, canyon rose harness leather. Dressed with saddle butter and hand-rubbed for exceptional feel, it also features black, silver and copper thunderbird hardware throughout the piece. lammles.com
BACK ON TRACK OPAL BOOTS
Back on Track® Opal Exercise boots are an excellent alternative to using bandages when training to provide protection against knocks. These close-fitting boots are made of durable neoprene with a cotton and polyester Welltex® lining. Save time and effort with these easy-to-fit boots that offer all the benefits of the Back on Track products. Now available in four colors! botcanada.com
SMARTY SIDEKICK
The Limited Edition Pink Smarty Sidekick with Jackie Crawford’s signature is the perfect tool to enhance your roping skills. Sharpen your techniques, practice your throws, and channel the spirit of rodeo with this exceptional roping machine. smartysupplyco.com
GROOMING KIT
This seven-piece assortment of grooming essentials in a durable nylon tote bag, made by Weaver Leather and available at Lammle’s Western Wear is exactly what your horselover wants under the tree this year! Includes a comb, hoof pick, palm held curry comb, palm held face brush, mane and tail brush, dandy brush and sweat scraper/coarse curry combo in a beautifully-coloured tote. lammles.com
ROMALS
It ain’t cow horse until the folks at Avila’s Pro Shop say it’s cow horse! Discover some of the finest quality, hardestworking gear at this Montana shop that has been in business since 1989. Like these 30-plait goatskin romals, fine diameter reins, for example. Just be sure to hide them away from others in your barn – they are a hot commodity avilaproshop.com
Inquire
SADDLE PAD
This Smarty x Synergy contoured steam pressed 100% merino wool felt performance pad is courtesy of Weaver Leather. Crafted from the finest materials working together in synergy with the latest technology and innovation, you can be sure your horse is as comfortable as can be . lammles.com
CLASSY CONCHO
If you’re looking for quality new and used gear, or collectables, Classy Concho is for you! Check out their curated collection of bits, bridles, chaps, chinks and more. All the hard work has been done for you as the tasks of currency conversion and importing to Canada are complete on every one of these high-end horseman products. classyconcho.com
SPORT BOOTS
What performance horse enthusiast wouldn’t want a pair of equine sport boots in their stocking? A two-pack from AJ Equine Supply offers leg protection and ventilation for hardworking mounts. With four-way stretch neoprene and darts at the fetlock, these boots allow for proper fit and maximum support. A suspensory strap also provides extra support and helps reduce hyperextension of the lower leg. ajequinesupply.com
HYBRID RAIN SHEET
This 2100D Hybrid Rain Sheet from AJ Equine Supply is the blanket that everyone needs. Perfect for spring, summer, fall or British Columbia weather! The Hybrid Rain Sheet is breathable, durable and formfitting and is the blanket that can be used all year-round. Perfect for rainy and chilly days and great for use during seasonal transition periods – when a light spring blanket, or heavy winter cover is not quite needed. Comes with a detachable neck cover ajequinesupply.com
&CowboysCowgirls
WANTED BAG
Affordable luxury custom handmade western bags, hand-crafted by The Wanted Bag are everything she wants this year!
SPURS AND SILVER
Dominic Valine Spurs and Silver offers personalized sweet iron bits and silver spurs. His functional, hardworking gear is used by trainers, cutters, working cowboys, recreational riders and rodeo athletes alike. Valine’s ornamentation stems from a variety of art styles – ranging from western bright cut, to traditional European renaissance style scrolls and leaves. Get your loved one that personalized piece they can’t get anywhere else!
domvaline@gmail.com or 780-831-4439
With over four decades of experience, Scott Hardy is one of the world’s most renowned silversmiths. If you’re looking for something that is truly special, a custommade buckle, jewelry, flask or saddle silver is the present they’ll never expect this year. Hardy is guaranteed to craft the perfect signature piece for your one-of-kind scotthardy.com
ARENA COOLER BAG
The diamond-quilted 420 denier nylon shell arena bag, with poly lining from AJ Equine Supply. There’s an outside cooler pocket for your lunch or cold drinks! A carrying handle unclips, allowing you to hang your bag wherever needed. With four inside pockets and one large center pocket – plus the option to personalize the bag with a logo or embroidery – this would make the ultimate Christmas present! ajequinesupply.com
CREWNECKS
These crewneck sweatshirts from Mane & Feather Boutique feature western-themed designs. All designs start with hand-drawn art and look amazing styled with a collared shirt underneath! maneandfeather.com
PYROGRAPHY BURNED HAT
Elegant and stunning, get her a pyrography burned hat from Mane and Feather. Featuring a handmade, artisticallydesigned leather feather band, or a classic burned design these hats also include an adjustable headband on the inside for a custom fit. Or let her choose a custom hat that is not only beautiful, but also durable and comfortable. maneandfeather.com
S Planninguccession
Farm Business Structures
BY AIDAN NICHOLSON, J.D. PHOTOS BY BAR XP PHOTO
Choosing how to formally structure your farm or ranch operations is key for tax purposes and future transfer situations.
INTRODUCTION TO LEGAL ENTITIES
At the end of the day, farms and ranches are businesses – the vast majority of which are family owned and operated. Meetings are not held in a boardroom; they are held at the kitchen table. For many, it is a lifestyle devoted to carrying on the traditions of our forefathers with the hope that your kids will fall in love with this way of life and take over the operation one day just as you did. There is something incredibly special about that, yet it is something that few people think or talk about. Legal entities are important because, without a business structure, there is a chance you will not be able to protect and preserve your life’s work and keep your operation in the family. Years of disciplined work, generations of active stewardship, earning a livelihood by providing for your family, and feeding communities
all while instilling important traits and values in the next generation.
All of that could be lost in the absence of proactive planning.
The aim of this article is to build on the previous WHR article in this succession planning column and give an introductory yet, thorough overview of the various legal entities available to run a farming or ranching business. An essential aspect of preserving your legacy is ensuring that the family operation is structured appropriately to help you better achieve your succession goals. Without a formal structure, the prospect of effectively carrying out an ideal transfer may be hindered and hope for farm continuity may be lost.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT STRUCTURE
The sole proprietorship is a simple and common business structure for
farms and ranches. Just over half of the farms in Canada are arranged as sole proprietorships and, as we will see, this can create issues when it comes to intergenerational transfers. Sole proprietorships are unincorporated entities owned and controlled by a single individual who has sole responsibility for decision making. This may sound nice until you realize that sole proprietorships do not have separate legal status, meaning that the owner receives all profits but also all losses and liabilities. The owner has unlimited liability: they are personally liable for all business debts and obligations, and creditors can go after the owner personally and potentially seize their personal assets to service and satisfy business debts. Also owing to this inseparable character, if producers opt for a sole proprietorship, all income the business generates will be
taxed at personal income tax rates, which are higher than corporate tax rates. On the death or incapacity of the owner, the business may cease to exist and there are relatively few ways to defer taxes upon death with this structure in place.
These things being said, it is simple and inexpensive to form a sole proprietorship while maintaining complete control over the business. Moreover, if farming or ranching is the owner’s chief source of income, any losses incurred may be deductible against other income sources, thereby reducing taxable income from other employment or business pursuits. This generally results in lower tax liability at the end of the year. If farming or ranching is not the owner’s chief source of income, any farm losses are subject to certain restrictions under the Income Tax Act and only a portion of those losses may be deductible. The remainder of the loss can be carried forward or backward some number of years. There are also circumstances where farm losses cannot be deductible or carried forward or backward whatsoever, though, which underscores the importance of seeking legal and tax advice in this process.
Turning to partnerships, these are relationships where more than one person carries on a business in common with a view to profit. Unlike in a sole proprietorship, all partners in a general partnership share management responsibilities and liabilities. Each partner is jointly and severally liable to the extent of their assets and, because the partnership itself is not a separate legal entity, liability for operational debts is shared between the partners. This means that each partner can be held accountable individually for debts that one of the other partners incurred. Put another way, if the operation owes a debt, regardless of which partner incurred it, creditors may pursue any one or more of the partners in the partnership to recover the outstanding amount.
As for taxation, income generated by the partnership is recognized in the individual partners’ hands and, as such, they pay a relatively high personal tax
rate. However, partnerships are very flexible and allow for creative approaches to succession planning and allocating income among the partners. Farm inventory, for example, forms part of the partnership interest and can qualify for a tax-deferred rollover to children. Moreover, net partnership income or loss will be allocated to the partners based on their interest and losses of individual partners may be deducted from other income at marginal rates, thereby allowing lower net tax remittance. Finally, an interest in a family farm partnership may constitute qualified farm property such that relieving provisions of the Income Tax Act may be utilized to take advantage of rollovers and the lifetime
capital gains exemption. More on that in the next article. It is important to keep in mind that there are different types of partnerships with distinct characteristics and varying liability implications, but a lawyer can advise you.
The third structure we will examine is the corporation, which is considered a separate “person” under the law. To incorporate a farming or ranching business, producers will first need to think about such things as a name for the operation, share structure, who to elect or appoint as directors and officers, and what should be included in the governing bylaws. As mentioned, corporations have separate personhood, which entails additional costs for entity
Ours is a lifestyle devoted to carrying on the traditions of our forefathers with the hope that our kids will fall in love with this way of life and take over the operation one day.
A
COOPERATIVE IS A FARMING OR RANCHING ENTERPRISE OWNED AND OPERATED BY A GROUP OF PRODUCERS OR ENTITIES THAT
POOL
THEIR RESOURCES TO RUN THE BUSINESS IN PURSUIT OF COMMON GOALS.
formation and compliance. This also means increased costs for bookkeeping and accounting as well as legal costs associated with corporate maintenance. That being said, running your place through a corporation can be a great option that affords producers many advantages. Liability is generally limited for directors, officers, and shareholders of a corporation, and if the corporation incurs debt, creditors generally cannot go after the personal assets of producers unless, for example, they gave a personal guarantee for a loan.
In addition to the costs associated with the administrative burdens outlined above, one other significant disadvantage of setting your operation up as a corporation is that losses cannot offset
the producer’s personal income. This is not ideal particularly if the producer earns significant off-farm income, as the case may be. However, corporations receive preferred tax treatment in Canada because, for one, income earned by a corporation is subject to corporate tax rates, which, again, are lower than personal tax rates. While there are additional taxes when income is paid out in the form of wages or dividends, the corporation typically retains more aftertax dollars than if the income was earned by an individual. These retained funds can be invested back into the operation to cover expenses or contribute to growth. There are also significant tax advantages available to farm corporations in the form of rollovers and capital gains exemptions under the Income Tax Act, but, again, there will be more on that in the next article.
While the above three structures are the most common, two often overlooked business structures in the agriculture world are joint ventures and cooperatives. A cooperative is a farming or ranching enterprise owned and operated by a group of producers or entities that pool their resources to run the business in pursuit of common goals. It is an autonomous association of owners who combine resources, share in the profits, and control the enterprise democratically. Cooperatives are comprised of shareholders, and, accordingly, the bylaws may outline ways the shares can be transferred or redeemed. That said, cooperatives are incorporated entities, so there may be capital gains tax when those shares are disposed of, unless an exemption or deferral is available. Members of the cooperative have equal voting rights regardless of the amount of capital the member has invested, ensuring that decision making is fair and everyone has a say. With respect to liability, because cooperatives are incorporated, members generally enjoy similar limits on liability as with corporations, subject to some exceptions. Two fundamental values of the cooperative are education and community service, which can benefit the future of agriculture by fostering strong relationships in rural communities and beyond.
A prime example of an agricultural cooperative is the Waldron Ranch (specifically, the Waldron Grazing Coop) a little ways south of Longview, AB. Originally established in 1883, the Waldron has always been a rancher’s paradise. In 1962, over 100 ranchers in southern Alberta came together to form a cooperative and pool money to purchase 44,000 acres of its high-quality native grassland. The idea then was that ranchers could purchase shares of the cooperative giving them the right to graze cattle on those lands. This arrangement exists to the present day, although now the cooperative owns 65,000 acres on which dozens of ranchers graze cattle, steward the lands, and build community.
Finally, a joint venture is not so much a structure you would form to run your operation through as it is an arrangement you may wish to utilize for a particular purpose from time to time. A joint venture is a business arrangement wherein producers work together without merging their respective operations. Governed by a written contract, each person contributes assets and resources to the joint venture, and they split profits and losses or revenues and expenses based on their contribution. One interesting feature about joint ventures is that the members retain ownership of the assets they allocate or contribute to the operation, but the joint venture itself owns nothing. Any assets or property used in the joint venture belong to their respective owners and are only used in the joint venture for the term or duration of the contract. In this regard, succession planning can become simpler because, if the joint venture is active through a generational transition, the joint venture agreement can be amended to reflect the participants’ wishes for the joint venture on a go-forward basis.
This arrangement is typically much more informal than the other structures and it has a specific term of existence; that is, the agreement will specify a time period for the joint venture to be active or indicate when the arrangement expires. Thus, a joint venture may make more sense for producers coming together to work on one specific project as opposed to arranging to operate as its own agricultural enterprise for an indefinite
duration. It is also a more feasible option if the producers that come together in the joint venture already have their own established entities. Furthermore, a joint venture is not a separate legal entity, so each participant does their part, but their share of the income and expenses will be reported in their respective tax returns, which they will file separately.
THE IMPORTANCE OF FORMALIZING THE FARM
These are options for producers to consider when contemplating which business structure best suits their operation. Choosing the right legal entity for your operation is an important albeit,
circumstantial decision. The structure you should choose depends on your operation’s size and complexity, business model, finances, risk tolerance, family dynamics, and overarching objectives. Farms and ranches are businesses with goals and bottom lines just like any other. It is partly the business structure that dictates or limits what producers can do when it comes to succession planning, so the decision should be made with guidance and advice from legal and tax professionals. Keep the troubles in the barn and not in the family. Running your operation through an appropriate legal entity can ensure a smooth transition of the family farming business and preserve
A JOINT VENTURE IS A BUSINESS ARRANGEMENT WHEREIN PRODUCERS WORK TOGETHER WITHOUT MERGING THEIR RESPECTIVE OPERATIONS. GOVERNED BY A WRITTEN CONTRACT, EACH PERSON CONTRIBUTES ASSETS AND RESOURCES TO THE JOINT VENTURE, AND THEY SPLIT PROFITS AND LOSSES OR REVENUES AND EXPENSES BASED ON THEIR CONTRIBUTION.
the work that has gone into it. This way families can continue having those quiet mornings at the kitchen table drinking coffee, talking about the farm before heading out for morning chores. Because they are so much more than just business meetings.
This article is provided as a source of information only. It does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied on as such. Readers are cautioned not to act on the information provided without seeking specific advice from legal and tax practitioners with respect to their unique circumstances and the applicable laws in their jurisdiction.
Aidan Nicholson is a lawyer practicing wills and estates, agricultural litigation, and business law at Field Law in Calgary, Alberta. Coming from a family that lost their farm, he understands the difficulties Ag families face when striving to protect their legacies. He is a fierce advocate for agriculture in general and family farms in particular, fighting for producers and ensuring their voices are heard. When he’s not in the office, Aidan lends a hand on ranches and feedlots around southern Alberta, works on his horsemanship, and makes as many stops on the rodeo trail as possible. He is a volunteer with the High River Ag Society and a member of the National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA). To discuss succession and estate planning, or any of the issues and topics discussed in this article, Aidan can be reached at anicholson@fieldlaw.com.
Running your operation through an appropriate legal entity can ensure a smooth transition of the family farming business and preserve the work that has gone into it.
A successful loop in the Breakaway competition at the 2024 Raymond Stampede.
Raymond Stampede’s MISSION FOR TRADITION
BY LAUREEN HEGGIE
Like a Phoenix rising from the southern Alberta prairie, Canada’s oldest rodeo – on the brink of collapse – clutched its heritage claim tightly, while being unwillingly uprooted. In 2023 the town of Raymond, AB, administration announced that they would be using the rodeo grounds site to build a new high school. The announcement was followed by a public outcry but the protesting fell short, and was overruled by the power of progress. Teary-eyed locals watched their beloved covered rodeo grandstand be demolished, the bucking chutes and panels disassembled and the perfect arena dirt dug out and hauled away.
Prior to the demolition, the Raymond Stampede had no destination to set up camp, waiting in limbo, with the worst part being the town’s historical claim to fame held in jeopardy.
The Raymond Stampede is known for bringing in quality bucking stock.
TSK
Photography / Cheyenne Meijers
as they approached town. They were fresh off the range with snarled, sunburnt coats, matted tails and untamed manes – not the friendliest sort, and that’s just how the cowboys liked them, hoping to get a bucker and test their bravery. All the ranches in the area were invited to enter their local ranch hands and show off their cowboying skills in steer roping and bronc riding.
There were no fancy bucking chutes back then, so they held the wild horses by hand, blindfolded and saddled them, then snubbed their head halter shanks to the saddle horn. When it was a cowboy’s turn, he would eagerly climb aboard, grab the shank and sit back in the saddle as the horse’s blindfold was removed. The horse would explode and run out into the open field before him, with two riders alongside to haze the bucking bronc in the right direction. The town folk cheered from their circled carriages, wagons and automobiles positioned around the field to form a barrier. The country’s first rodeo was an undeniable success.
At the 1903 Raymond Stampede, word had spread and several hundred people from the city of Lethbridge, 35 kms north, arrived by train to come watch this wild and western entertainment. Knight described the production of the event, “There are never two stampedes alike. Something different happens in every show to make you remember it and that’s why
When asked what is needed to put on a good show, he replied, Eventually, Knight added horse racing and chariot
racing which brought out even more spectators to watch the many famous families who participated, with some still involved today, such as the Meeks, Depews, McIntyres, Gibbs, Heggies and Salmons.
The first cowboy on record to make an official bronc ride in Canada was Delos Lund, and like him, many of the first famous cowboys got their start in Raymond: the Lunds, Bascoms, Vancleaves and many more. They were as wild as the bucking horses they rode and those early competitors started the spirit of elite competition that has been instilled through generations of athletes in the humble prairie town. The Raymond Comets high school teams have gone on to win provincial titles in basketball, football, rugby, track and more, even beating out the big city teams with their larger athletic pools to pull from.
The current Raymond Stampede Committee, headed by president Robert Heggie, aims to keep Knight’s vision alive during their campaign called The Mission for Tradition, something he feels is lacking in today’s world, compliant with tearing down or deleting heritage in the name of progress or for political purposes. Some businesses or individuals have stepped up to save the Stampede, such as Robert’s uncle, Ron Heggie who generously donated farmland on the northeast edge of town, allowing the rodeo to set new roots and continue for many years to come.
The world’s oldest rodeo in Prescott, Arizona is experiencing a similar situation with their grounds being swallowed up by the city, but with the wagons circled from a strong defiant
Raymond Stampede Sponsor Flag Girls in front of the grandstand.
committee, they are fighting to hold their ground. Although the Raymond Stampede committee put up a strong ongoing fight, and unfortunately lost the battle with the town administration, they decided for the sake of saving the rodeo, they would call a truce, shake hands and work together to rebuild.
Through this experience, they want to bring awareness to all western events or agriculture venues, as a reminder to have a preventative plan in place to protect their heritage, as it could happen to any event in any town or city.
After much needed fundraising support and months of volunteer labour: roadbuilding, landscaping, construction and reestablishing arena ground, the new rodeo domain was ready for the 122nd Raymond Stampede Pro Rodeo on the July 1, 2024 weekend. It turned out to be a beautiful site, with the old sugar beet factory and lake in the background as well as shiny new bleachers, chutes and an arena package.
Unfortunately, after jumping through all the hurdles of growing pains, just prior to the July 1st rodeo, the people of Raymond heard the crack of thunder from above and felt the downpour of rain that threatened to ruin all their hard work. People wondered if it was a sign from Knight, the late Stampede’s forefather, showing his disapproval for moving from the sacred grounds? Maybe, but considering the passion of his townspeople to keep this historic event alive, miraculously the rain subsided and the clouds parted to allow the day to happen and entertain the full bleachers of spectators who bogged through the mud to support the cause.
The event will continue under its pro rodeo roots, the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association (CPRA) and the U.S. Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA), attracting top Canadian and international contestants. Raymond is included in a series of events happening the first week of July under the umbrella known as “Cowboy Christmas.” This flurry of rodeos observes the top 15 contestants in the standings compete for big money to help solidify themselves into the Canadian Finals Rodeo held in Edmonton, AB, in October and the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, NV, in December.
To keep them coming, Raymond has increased event prize money every year, and although that is appealing to contestants, there is still one costly major project left to complete –replicate the historic grandstand for spectators. Any cowboy you meet who has competed in Raymond will likely say something to the effect of, “What a great rodeo to compete at in front of that impressive grandstand full of people.”
There is currently a fundraising mission to keep Canada’s first pivotal rodeo alive and a goal set to entice competitors to keep the Raymond Stampede on their Cowboy Christmas list. More Raymond Stampede history and donation information is available at raymondstampede.ca
CLOCKWISE: Chariot Racing was a popular event in the early days of Raymond Stampede. J Reenactment of the Wild Horse Stampede. J Demolition of the Raymond Stampede Grandstand. J 1940, the first Raymond Stampede.
Rod Sinclair Photo
Ready, Set,Style
By Jenn Webster
Photography by Tara McKenzie Fotos
Outfits provided by Lammle’s Western Wear
TOP RIGHT: Fowboy Hardware Boys’ Serape soft-shell jacket in slate blue. $95
Wrangler Boys’ 20X slim fit bootcut jeans, $55. Hat, belt and boots are model’s own.
Hooey Rockstar Backpack in beige - Sleek and durable. Thoughtfully designed for maximum organization and style – AND comes with a carrier for your cowboy hat! $90. ROCK & ROLL Cowgirl Desert graphic tee in rust, $40. Wrangler Girls’ Wendy Bootcut jeans, $65.
Roper Girls’ Desert Stripe print western long sleeve snap shirt in slate blue, $60. Hat is model’s own.
CINCH Women’s Red Medallion long sleeve button-down, $70. Ariat Women’s R.E.A.L. Perfect Rise Lexie bootcut jeans, $110. Hat, jewelry, belt and buckle are model’s own.
Rough Stock Women’s Longhorn snap shirt in beige, $75. Ariat Vest Dilon in Deep Lagoon, Reversible, $90. Hat, belt and buckle are model’s own.
Panhandle Men’s Geo Print short sleeve snap shirt in turquoise, $72. Ariat Men’s M7 Slim Fit Torrington Straight Leg jeans, $90. Hat, belt, buckle and boots are model’s own.
With more than $50,000 in NRHA earnings, DC The Master Spark will now be offered to the public and shown at selective events.
DC THE MASTER SPARK
Meet Canada’s next performance gem.
BY JENN WEBSTER
When Bar K2 Ranch of Bay Tree, AB, owned by Brian Knutson and managed by Tory Nelson, decided the operation needed a new stallion, their list of requirements was extensive. They required something with a beautiful temperament, something unique to the north west and something that could cross with the daughters of their resident stallion, Lokota Chic.
Nelson looked over a great selection of stallions in the quest, beginning in 2020. However, it wasn’t until professional reining trainer, Hubert Heule of Abbotsford, BC, showed her a beautiful buckskin on a video sired by Steppin On Sparks and out of the mare Masters Enterprise, that she really began to get excited. There was just one problem – the potential prospect resided in Argentina.
His name was DC The Master Spark. He had been bred
by National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) #1 Owner, HDC Quarter Horses and had an incredible pedigree. His sire, Steppin On Sparks (sired by Jacs Electric Spark, $4M Sire) had lifetime earnings (LTE) of $108,000. And his dam Master Enterprise (Master Snapper, $1M Sire) was a superb young mare, producing offspring with earnings of $80,000. His second dam, Dun Its Enterprise surpassed that with offspring earnings +$114,000.
Heule was originally familiar with the dam (Master Enterprise) as he had helped HDC Quarter Horses acquire her for their program in Argentina, during his decade-long position as their manager. DC The Master Spark (better known as “Master”), was her second foal and was born in 2017.
In Argentina, Master had claimed the championship of the Argentina Quarter Horse Association Futurity. And with his good bone, unique pedigree, stunning beauty and the fact that
it was still early in his show career, Bar K2 Ranch began to see the advantage the horse offered.
“From the very first second that I saw him, I wanted the horse in our program,” says Nelson. “He was just so different than anything else being offered in the north west at the time.
“I went to Brian with all of the information, photos and costs, etc. And he told me, ‘If the horse vets, I’ll buy him,’” Nelson relays.
Luckily, Argentina has very high standards for veterinary practice when it comes to putting a horse through a pre-purchase exam.
“The had a really cool vetting process,” Nelson explains. “They X-rayed every bone in his body. He was thermal-imaged, scoped, etc. It was incredible! I got a DropBox file on this horse. It was the most elaborate vetting process I’ve ever gone through.”
The pre-purchase gave Knutson and Nelson the confidence they needed with regards to the health of DC The Master Spark and consequently, the purchase.
“It was tricky because this was also during Covid – so it wasn’t like we could go there and just try him out,” says Nelson.
Therefore, Knutson and his breeding manager put their faith into Heule’s advice and went ahead with the purchase. As a result, Master was put into quarantine and flown to Miami, FL, then to Seattle, WA, and finally, driven across the border into British Columbia, Canada. He was taken directly to Huele Reining Horses training facility in Abbotsford, BC.
“Brian and I travelled to Abbotsford a few days after Master arrived in Canada,” Nelson tells. “He has been in quarantine for a long time and traveling for a long time – so we didn’t know what to expect when we got there. And still, the horse was quiet and docile. Even though he was out of shape, I got on him for a light ride. I loped him around and thought, ‘Holy, this horse is cool!’”
Since his arrival in Canada, Master has accumulated more than $50,000 NRHA earnings. He hasn’t been offered to the public until the 2025 breeding season, because Knutson, Nelson and Heule didn’t want the horse to have to worry about the breeding shed and the show pen simultaneously.
With Heule in the stirrups, Master was the Reining By The Bay Open Derby Champion L1; the Xibition Open Reserve Champion (score 223.5); the Best Little Derby In The West Open Derby Champion L1; the WRHA The Classic Open Derby Champion L4L2; and the Xibition and EquinoX Open Derby Champion L4 (with a 151.5).
“He is such a easy-minded stallion,” says Heule. “He’s great to get along with – he’s been my buddy for a few years now. He’s always tries hard and he’s a once-in-a-lifetime horse.”
Master has also been incredibly sound too, so now that he’s crossed the $50,000 mark, he will continue to be shown at select events and offered for breeding.
“Master has taught me so much. When it didn’t go good, it was probably my fault but I learned something from him in the process,” Heule admits. Adding that the horse is also very easy to prepare for shows – the only thing that really requires work is his mane.
“His mane protocol starts almost six hours before show time!” Heule laughs. “It takes about two to two-and-a-half hours to band his mane. The ladies use EquiFuse products for his mane and tail and that’s why it’s so long.
“He’s one of those stallions who is happy to see you when you walk into the barn. For me, he’s the horse that gave me my success in the last couple of years and helped my build my business. Some horses are just epic.”
Sired by Steppin On Sparks (LTE $108K) x Dunnits Enterprise (PE $60K), “Master” has a very unique pedigree.
Records Set Champions Crowned at CFR 50
COURTESY OF THE CANADIAN PROFESSIONAL RODEO ASSOCIATION.
PHOTOS BY GRALYN J. PHOTOGRAPHY
Kody Lamb wins his first Canadian Bareback Riding championship.
Rogers Place was electric with the return of the Canadian Finals Rodeo to Edmonton, AB, on October 2-5, 2024.
The historic 50th anniversary edition of the Canadian Finals Rodeo (CFR) saw several records fall as Canada’s professional rodeo finale took over Edmonton, Alberta’s magnificent Rogers Place for the first time in its half-century history.
After setting a new CFR bareback riding high score with his first ever ride on C5 Rodeo’s much-decorated F13 Virgil on Friday night (October 4,) Sherwood Park, AB, cowboy Kody Lamb, edged defending champion, Clint Laye, for the title as the two matched scores with 89.75 point rides – Lamb on Vold Rodeo’s 73 True Grit and Laye on Macza’a OLS Tubs Side Show on championship Saturday night. In the end, Lamb’s aggregate win with a total of 439 points on five head, combined with Jacob Stemo finishing in between the two contenders in the aggregate, gave the singer/songwriter/bareback rider an $8,000 margin over Laye ($76,145 to $68,386,) for his first Canadian Bareback Riding championship.
“I think this will sink in a couple of weeks from now,” Lamb stated, “but just on the surface, I couldn’t have scripted this any better if I had a crystal ball. It’s better than I could ever have dreamed it.”
The 30-year-old veteran drew three horses that are or have been voted Bareback Horse of the year including Virgil, True Grit and the Calgary Stampede’s A-91 Agent Lynx (the 2024 Horse of the Year).
“I couldn’t be happier with the quality of horsepower I drew,” Lamb enthused in the minutes just after winning the title. “ And I got the horse that I needed (True Grit) in the final round. That’s another horse that I never had the opportunity to get on and she’s been unbelievable – probably the best horse in Canada consistently for the last 12 or so years.”
When an athlete continues to win day in and day out, year after year, fans may begin to underestimate how much work goes into that continued excellence, and how it boils down to being able to move on from setbacks along the way. It’s a point Zeke Thurston made after winning his fifth consecutive Canadian Saddle Bronc Riding title, also a record.
“They’re never a cakewalk, you know,” Thurston noted. “It’s not ever a gimme and it shouldn’t be. It’s just as much anybody’s chance. I don’t take this for granted. These titles are very special to me and near and dear to my heart. They are not easy to get and I cherish them a lot.”
The Big Valley, AB, superstar gave CFR fans an added treat during the Saturday night CFR finale as he rode the Saddle Bronc of the Year, Calgary Stampede’s 17-year-old bay gelding T-77 Tokyo Bubbles to the highest score of CFR 50 at 92.75 points. That go-round win, the third of his week, combined with a move to
third in the aggregate, allowed Thurston to reach the $100,000 earnings mark for the season. And Wildwood, Alberta’s Logan Hay put together a solid week to win the aggregate title with 435 points on his five horses. He was never less than 84.75 points and earned $39,134, second only to Thurston in the bronc riding.
An uncharacteristically up and down week for tie down roper Haven Meged ended the same way as last season, with the Miles City Montana cowboy claiming the Canadian tiedown roping title. After missing his calf in Friday night’s third round, a history-making 6.8 record-setting second run Saturday afternoon proved to be the difference despite a second neardisaster Saturday night when he had the figure eight of his rope settle under his calf’s tail and ended up out of the money with a 10.3 second run. In the end, even with the hiccups that seem more magnified under the lights of Rogers Place, his body of work throughout the season ($37,564)
Zeke Thurston wins his fifth consecutive Saddle Bronc championship.
TOP: Bradi Whiteside wins the All-Around Cowgirl.
and at CFR ($27,607) allowed Meged to best four-time Canadian champion Shane Hanchey by just a thousand dollars with $65,172 overall. Stettler, Alberta’s Beau Cooper, competing at his third CFR, was the tie-down roping aggregate winner.
Macy Auclair foreshadowed the breakaway roping performance she was about to turn in at CFR 50 on Wednesday’s opening night. The Ponoka, Alberta cowgirl equalled the CFR record with an 1.8 second run for the go-round win. That was the first of three sub-two second performances the twotime finalist turned in. The second came on Friday night as she celebrated her 22nd birthday with a new CFR and Canadian record 1.5 second run. She then capped off her week with another 1.8 on Saturday night to split the round with traveling partner Jessi Everett. In addition to her three go-round wins, Auclair’s 11.1 aggregate time on five runs will establish a mark for future competitors to shoot for as the breakaway competitors roped in every round of the Canadian Finals Rodeo for the very first time.
The number one ranked steer wrestler in the world, Oregon’s Dalton Massey also had to overcome adversity – a no time Saturday afternoon that appeared to derail his Canadian title pursuit. Backing into the corner Saturday night he knew he needed to win the round and he did just that by making a stellar 3.9 second go-round winning run to ride out of Rogers Place with his first Canadian title. Massey posted two round wins, was second in another and finished fourth in the aggregate en route to his win. Consort, Alberta’s Brendan Laye won the steer wrestling aggregate and finished second overall.
Barrel racer Taylor Manning took advantage of her position on the top of the ground (first competitor to run) to put together a smoking 13.75 second win in the final round. In every other event, the top contenders for the championship run or ride at the end of the event. For barrel racers, the understanding that ground conditions may be better at the beginning of the event has driven the ruling that the top racer has earned the right to run ‘on the top of the ground’. With the lead in the aggregate and
the year-end standings coming into Saturday night, Manning rode her palomino gelding Little Sexcee Cowboy or “Archie” as aggressively as she did all week, putting an exclamation point on her second career Canadian title. Finishing second in two other rounds and just outside of the money in the other, the 20-year-old was a half second better in the aggregate with a combined time of 69.41 seconds on her 5 runs.
Team ropers sometimes partner with multiple people over the course of a season meaning that occasionally a championship ends up being divided between two different teams. That was the case this week, as the header of the youngest CFR tandem, Kavis Drake, claimed the champion’s buckle for his end while Jeremy Buhler, roped all of his steers to outlast Drake’s partner Denim Ross for his third Canadian heeling title. Drake and Ross split the final round by equalling the fastest time of the week at 3.7 seconds. Drake and Ross, who roped together all year mixed three victory laps in with two no times, while Buhler, who successfully aided two headers – Dustin Bird and CFR partner, Trey Gallais to their CFR qualifications – was all consistency in going five for five. Both members of the Kash Bonnett and Logan Spady tandem captured aggregate honours on their respective sides of the steer.
Bull rider, William Barrows, was a definite longshot at his first CFR, only getting the nod to compete at this year’s finals after an unfortunate injury to former Canadian Champion Jared Parsonage. The rookie was outstanding, riding four of the five bulls he drew (no one else rode more than two) and although he did not win a round – he had two seconds and two thirds. The Foremost, Alberta cowboy easily topped the aggregate standings with 301.75 points. The $16,650 first place aggregate cheque took the 20-yearold to the Canadian title by the narrowest of margins as he edged out defending champion Edgar Durazo by just $1,500.
Sherwood Park, Alberta’s Kyle Wanchuk earned his second consecutive Kenny McLean High Point title while the All Around
LEFT TO RIGHT: Macy Auclair wins the Breakaway and sets a new CFR and Canadian record. J Logan Bird wins the All Around Cowboy award. J Dalton Massey wins the Steer Wrestling. Taylor Manning wins the Barrel Racing championship. J Jeremy Buhler wins his third Canadian Heeling title. J William Barrows wins the Bull Riding title.
winner – also for the second time – was Logan Spady. Longview, Alberta’s Bradi Whiteside, the only two-event competitor at the Finals, won the All Around Cowgirl award. Jace Lomheim (Hughenden, AB) was the Novice Bareback Champ; Big River, Saskatchewan’s Lonnie Dunn the 2024 Saddle Bronc Riding winner and Davis Young (Leader, SK) the Junior Steer Riding Champion. Two awards, declared before CFR included the Rookie title, which went to Grady Young (brother to Davis Young) and the Permit winner which was earned by Calmar, AB’s Walker Warkentin. Edmonton, Alberta’s Codi Wilson was crowned Miss Rodeo Canada 2025.
Stock of the Finals awards went to:
• C5 Rodeo’s legendary Bareback Horse F13 Virgil, giving him his fifth such award, his first since four consecutive awards from 2015-2018.
• Northcott Yule’s rising Saddle Bronc star, -91 Mary Lou, who earned her first Finals award.
• Vold Rodeo’s five-year-old Bull, 916 Chico, who also took his first Finals award.
NOT PICTURED: Davis Young wins the Junior Steer Riding.
J Lonnie Dunn wins the Novice Saddle Bronc. J
Jace Lomheim wins the Novice Bareback. J Haven Meged wins the Tie Down. J Kavis Drake wins the Header title. J
Canadian Team Cattle Penning Association NATIONAL FINALS
BY JENN WEBSTER PHOTOS BY SV EQUINE PHOTOGRAPHY
Over 1,300 teams came to the Nutrien Western Event Center in Calgary, AB, to vie for almost $500,000 in cash and prizes at the Canadian Team Cattle Penning Association (CTCPA)
National Finals. Held October 10-14, 2024, penner were treated to a social event held at the Blackfoot Inn –the association’s second annual “Hall of Fame” event.
New this year, the Open Shoot Out and All Pro classes featured a top 10 clean slate finals.
“For those two classes we asked the penners and decided to clean slate the finals,” explains Show Secretary, Wendy Linton. “No times were carried over to the top 10 and both of those classes had to draw their order of go and draw their cow number! So it was a lot of fun.”
We had the chance to interview a couple of winners and here’s what they had to say…
ALL PRO CLASS
In the All Pro Draw class, Justin Armstrong, Johanne Bell and Tanner Ruby took the top accolades. This class paid out $8,262 and awarded trophy buckles to the winning team. The new class to the CTCPA National Finals ran a clean slate ending and matched riders who wouldn’t normally ride with each other. It only allows 4, 5 and 6-carded riders. As such, Armstrong, who currently hails from Prince George, British Columbia, says this was his first time riding with his teammates.
It was anyone’s game.
“Johanne Bell pulled a very nice double off the left side of the herd and I was able to sneak in on my horse ‘Slim Jim’ for the third cow, while Tanner rode over to turn. We got them into the pen
quickly,” relays Armstrong.
This year was a year of transition for Armstrong, as his main mount (who he has ridden at the National Finals since 2015,) sadly has been injured all year and was unavailable.
“Slim Jim is a five-year-old gelding that I purchased from my good friends, Tom and Micaela Thorlakson earlier this year,” the 34-year-old rider explains. Armstrong has been penning since he was 12-years-old.
Graham Armstrong / Justin Armstrong / Russell Armstrong / $28,674.00
Reserve: Micaela Thorlakson/Tom Thorlakson/Philip Van der poel
However, that wasn’t the only championship Armstrong walked away from Calgary with at the CTCPA National Finals. He was also successful in winning the Open Shootout class with his teammates, Graham Armstrong and Russell Armstrong. All three are brothers and Graham is Justin’s twin.
In the Open Shootout, Justin rode Slim Jim but on the final run, he was aboard a horse named “Tiger” (registered named is Junior Tiger,) a six-year-old gelding he purchased from Rae Westersund in Blackie, AB.
“Tiger has a working cow horse background and caught on to team penning very quickly,” Justin says.
Again the finals of this class was clean slate.
“In the Open Shootout, Russell had a duck that he took left and I was able to get in quickly and put my cow on the wall, while Graham turned the trash. Russell got back in fast and we were able to get them right in the pen. We knew we needed to be under 28 to get the win and were able to pull it off (barely),” Justin chuckles.
With a time of 27.84, the team secured the win and paycheques worth $9,558 for each of them, totalling a team payout of $28,674.
“I really enjoy the Canadian Finals. It is one of the two premier team penning events of the year in Canada, with the other being the Calgary Stampede. The Open Shootout is my favourite class at the event because of the high stakes and big payout. The All Pro Draw was a new class this year and I liked it because it mixes up teams that you normally wouldn’t ride with,” he says.
“I would like to thank all of the volunteers and people in general who work hard every year to put on the National Finals!”
7 CLASS PENNING
Another big, exciting win occurred in the Seven class, which saw a total of 345 team entries! The top team included Darcy Brown, Kristen Davies and Jason Dumont. In the finals, the threesome marked a time of 142.78 and each took home $11,261, totalling $33,783 for the team.
Davies and Dumont are both from Ste. Genevieve, Manitoba.
“My experience was amazing, absolutely amazing!” exclaims Dumont. “I don’t think I can articulate how overwhelming and emotional it was. It probably took me a week or so until it really sunk in. My teammates were Kristen Davies (my loving and supportive wife) and our friend and fellow competitor, Darcy Brown.”
Davies and Dumont worked exceptionally hard to get to the Nationals, going to as many practices locally as they were invited. They asked many questions of their peers, investing in experienced horses and made sure to put their time into their saddles to keep their horses fit and ready for the Nationals.
“We also rode with Darcy at as many local shows as possible. Both of my teammates are extremely competitive, yet supportive, and always a blast to ride with!” Says Dumont.
Dumont rode a horse named Stars Hot Rey, barn name is “Chula.” Chula is sired by Spots Hot and is a 12-year-old mare.
“She is an amazing horse that we purchased last winter with the help of Darcy (ironically,) who had brought her up to Canada to be sold after having had just spent some time in
Joel Lesh’s program,” Dumont explains. “Chula had previously won in sorting at the World show (2019) so she’s no stranger to cattle competitions. She is actually my wife’s horse, as my mare was displaying some hock soreness – so we juggled up our line up and Kristen took our backup horse. Chula is a powerhouse and a pleasure to ride. Riding her at Nationals was maybe my third time riding her since we’ve owned her!”
Prior to becoming hooked on penning, Dumont owned a different mare for approximately 15 years. He rode her everywhere, but once he began to take in some clinics he says he “…quickly found out that I wasn’t really riding. Rather, I was more of a passenger,” he chuckles.
“I truly started riding in 2019 when Kristen and I went to a beginner penning clinic at a local barn called Alidale farms which is ran by Dale (#4 rated Penner) and Alice Barkman,” he says.
“The very first time I tried the sport my mare decided to stop and lay down four times during the two-hour lesson, one time while on our way to the herd! Even so, I was hooked!”
Dumont explains that all of the steps he has taken since then are what he believes lead to the win in Calgary.
“Investing in step-up horses when my skills and experience outgrew the horse I was riding, riding two to three times per week (even through COVID times). Then in 2021 we purchased a bigger farm and built an outdoor 100 x 200 at home so we could spend more time in our saddles. We focused on being correct on our cow and correct in our defensive positioning to
better the odds of a successful run,” Dumont tells.
“Last but not least, we have had so many people mentor us and support us, we’re just truly blessed.”
The win in the Seven class was based on the fastest time of four rounds of accumulated time.
The event is well organized and fun to attend! The amenities for both horse and rider are fantastic and the professionals who were close at hand to ensure the health and mobility of our equine partners was truly valued and appreciated!”
Canada’s Greatest Cowgirl
BY JENN WEBSTER PHOTOS BY WILD MANE PHOTOS
If you want to talk about women supporting women, agriculture supporting agriculture, and Canadian supporting Canadians – Canada’s Greatest Cowgirl contest developed by the folks at the Alberta Stock Horse Association(ASHA), was the epitome of all of the above. This inaugural event, held September 20-22 at the Claresholm Agriplex (Claresholm, AB) was something truly special to behold. Sponsored by Cats Picasso, the competition featured four events; herd work, steer stopping, reining and fence work. AND the really lovely aspect of this contest was that boxing or fencing was available to competitors, as was the option to dally or breakaway rope in the steer stopping.
Competitors from all walks of life came to compete, with the youngest of them all at only age 13. Mothers, nurses, open riders, students, police officers – you name it. The event was open to all kind of horses too, and this year we saw Quarter Horses, Appaloosas and even one special Thoroughbred, display their talents in the four events.
Altogether, 20 talented cowgirls and their mounts came to vie for over $10,000 in monies and prizes and they were an exhilarating addition to the cow horse show that was run in conjunction with the event. They pinned each others’ back numbers on, groomed their fellow competitors’ mounts in the hitching ring and cheered for each other.
With over $10,000 in monies and prizes, this unique event was an exhilarating addition to the Canadian cow horse industry.
“And that’s when we came up with the idea of the dally, or no dally AND to not only have a fence division, but also a boxing division to include the competitors who do not go down the fence,” Miller relayed.
“Some of the boxing classes in the province are the largest classes!” she added.
Deb Anderson of Langley, BC, an avid performance horse competitor and an owner of Cats Picasso, was drawn to the idea of promoting women in reined cow horse events as well. Therefore, Cats Picasso and Coast Performance Horses were brought on at the title sponsor of Canada’s Greatest Cowgirl (CGC).
Cats Picasso is 2012 American Quarter Horse Association and American Paint Horse Association sorrel stallion, sired by Metallic Cat and out of the mare, Playboys Vixen. He is a multiple National Reined Cow Horse Association (NRCHA) aged event finalist and is a legend in his own right. The stallion even made an appearance on season 5B of Yellowstone in the episode “Desire Is All You Need” this year.
Anderson and Miller wanted to make it truly a special experience for all the ladies competing in this inaugural contest, so they decided to create souvenir jackets with the CGC logo (sponsored in part by Coast Performance Horses) and back numbers that could be kept as mementos.
The idea for this unique competition came up in a conversation between president of the ASHA, Jo-Ann Miller and announcer, Darren Baumgardner.
“While trying to come up with an event that showcased women in the sport of reined cow horse, we recognized that there are many talented horse women who rope that have maybe wanted to try cow horse – and many talented women who cow horse and have maybe wanted to try roping,” said Miller.
“So we thought, ‘Let’s give them an event that would encourage them to try!”
Miller explained that the next objective was finding a way to make the event inclusive, instead of exclusive.
“I really had no idea how this event was going to be attended as this was our inaugural year,” admitted Miller. “I was hoping for maybe, 10 entries. So I was absolutely thrilled when we had 20 entries!!”
Judged by Lyn Anderson of Madera, CA, Canada’s Greatest Cowgirl was truly an all female event – however, it was backed and supported by everyone. This competition was all about Canadian riders, our horses and our talents. And yes, there were a lot of amazing men, dads, husbands, brothers, boyfriends, grandpas too behind the scenes of this class encouraging all 20 of these ladies on. They came and helped in the corners of herd work, they ran the roping steers through the chutes, they coached from the sidelines. They made grilled cheeses in the back of a trailer to fulfil lunch requirements.
Melody Andrews & Freckles Little Sun win the Fence Championship.
And they dried competitor tears when things didn’t go as hoped.
In the Fence division, Melody Andrews of Millarville, AB, and Freckles Little Sun (owned by Helga Roh) won the championship with a 287.5 composite.
“The four event competitions have intrigued me for a while now and Canada’s Greatest Cowgirl seemed like the perfect opportunity to dip my toes into it,” says the 32-year-old.
“The roping portion was what I was most nervous about, I just wanted to be smooth and catch. The horse I picked (Freckles Little Sun owned) was a bit of a no-brainer for me. I’ve rode him since he was a three-year-old and shown him since he was four, so I feel really comfortable in the show pen on him,” says Andrews.
“It was his first time being shown in the bridle as he’s a sixyear-old and I was really impressed with how he handled it. Winning this event was super cool for me, I feel like I have worked hard to get to this point and to see it pay off in such an event was really rewarding for me. CGC was a great event and I hope it continues to grow into a sought after event.”
Andrews and Freckles Little Sun took home $4,200 for the win.
In the boxing division, it was Darquise Beauchesne and Bizzy Boon who earned the top spot with a 288 composite.
“Over the years I have enjoyed watching the NRCHA World’s Greatest Horsemen Competition and when the announcement for this event came out – and that it was for Canadas Greatest Cowgirl – I was so excited to enter and make it a goal to work on all four of the events!” relays Beauchesne.
“This year, I wanted to focus on being stronger overall. My horse Bizzy Boon, a 2011 mare, came from a cutting background, and we have spent the last four years getting to know each other and competing. Even though our year was
a bit of a rollercoaster, our work was paying off and I felt confident in Bizzy going into the event,” Beauchesne, who hails from Fort Steele, BC.
“Our cutting was fairly strong all year, our reining had grown to be getting stronger, and our boxing can be smooth.”
As a Regional Repair Planner for Finning Canada, Beauchesne spent her summer nights, roping the Heel O-Matic and working “Bizzy” in and out of the box.
“When we arrived in Claresholm, I kept reminding myself, ‘We are here for the experience, fun, and to take it one event at a time,’” she says.
“This event was such a great competition and thanks to the sponsors, the facility and the ASHA. But what stood out most, were the other competitors. To be in an arena full of talented women, cheering each other on!”
Beauchesne was fortunate enough to have some family and friends come to watch her, however her dad – who has always been her biggest fan – was unable to attend. To Beauchesne’s delight, one of the other competitors in the event FaceTimed her father, so he could watch.
“To be able to win this event was my best accomplishment to date!” she states. “Everything came together, we were smooth, we focused one event at a time and most importantly we had fun! I am really looking forward to this event next year and would suggest all cowgirls come give it a try!”
Other congratulations go out to Liz Dutenhoffer for winning the Perseverance Award, sponsored by Frayed Knot Consignment. Then, the Sportsmanship Award was given to Faythe Webster, sponsored by Edward Jones - Carianne Martin.
“I was so impressed with the contestants!” relays Miller. “It really was an exciting event to be a part of! We had lots of positive feedback and have already discussed what we could do next year to make it even better.
FROM
TO
Michelle Wooldridge & Hickorysgottashiner were the reserve champions of the Fence Division. J Darquise Beauchesne & Bizzy Boon win the Boxing Championship. J Krystal Meade & Ferns Whiz were the reserve champions of the Boxing Division. J
Change (transitive verb) “to under go a modification of”
This year started at the end of March in Ponoka, AB, with our Everything Reining Weekend –with a twist. The historical weekend dedicated to the open riders was extended to four days to include a two-day session for Non-Pros to learn from one of the industry’s best. After years of asking, the Non-Pros got a two-day clinic weekend with National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Professional Trent Harvey of Oklahoma. Riding in small groups, each rider got time to work with Trent as he shared his training techniques and answered questions. The Open riders spent the weekend working with NRHA Professional and Million Dollar rider, Kole Price of Weatherford TX. Price’s experience and approach was appreciated by all.
Our biggest event of the year is the Spring Classic presented by Compass Performance Horses. This year, the Show Committee added an extra show day, as well as an extra judge to help ease the schedule to normal manageable hours. The plan worked. The show offered a more relaxing schedule which gave everyone a chance to watch classes and cheer friends on without going into the late hours of the day. Our Exhibitor BBQ on the Friday night was so well attended, more burgers had to be purchased.
This year’s Spring Classic once again hosted a four-year-old Derby as well as a 5/6/7-year-old Derby, both with the RAPP (Reining Alberta Performance Program) derbies running concurrently, and offered the biggest payout purse of the year in western Canada.
The Spring Classic four-year-old Non-Pro Derby champions are no stranger to the “Winner’s Circle.” Cathy Kolsun on Blameitonmyblueeyes took the win in the L4 (NRHA and RAPP). Meaghan Myers on Got A Little Crush were reserve in the L4 (NRHA & RAPP) and took the win in the L1. Brianna Carr on Lil Electric Spook were reserve in the L1 Derby and took home the buckle in the four-year-old Maiden Non-Pro Derby.
In the Open division, Austin Seelhof and Jesse Beckley dominated in the L4 Open Derby (NRHA and RAPP). Seelhof, riding for Marie Whitmarsh on America’s Gun Girl took home over $6,000 in winnings and Beckley (owner and rider) on Lil Ruff Trash took over just over $4,500. Both gentlemen had a great rides on great horses.
In the L1 Open Derby (NRHA and RAPP), Co-Champions were crowned. Sage Sapergia on Kickback owned by Barbara Reinders and Jakob Doerksen (owner and rider) on Lokotas Drag Time shared the winnings and prizes taking home close to $1,500 each. The Open four-year-old Maiden
Americas Gun Girl with Austin Seelhof owned by Marie Whitmarsh
Views from the outdoor warm-up in Red Deer, AB.
... Well, 2024 was a year of “change” … positive changes for everyone to benefit from.
Derby was also tied, with Sage on Kickback and Amanda Antifaev on Smokin Hickory Crush for Chrystal Ference sharing the title and prizes.
The 5/6/7 yr Old Open Derbies were fun to watch with some great runs by seasoned pros. In the L4 Open, Champion Austin Seelhof on Smart Nu Guns for Nicole Flood were just ahead of Reserve Champion Shayla Malmberg on Snip Of A Dream owned by Lorna Malmberg. Shayla also took home the championship in the RAPP L4 Derby. In the L1 Open, Bekki Yvon on Specialmade Dynamite owned by Mark Harding took home first place in both derbies (NRHA and RAPP). There was a FIVE-way tie for second in the L1 NRHA Derby with Tyrell Smith on Hay Makin Boon Rey (Kelly Bischoff), Deb Duce on Pale Nice Gun (Dorothy Williams Reich), Tori Nelson on CS MS Magnificent (S & B Olmstead), Bekki Yvon on Smart Lookin Gun (Monique O’Sullivan), and Guy Robertson on I Meet Chics Online (Robert Ward). In the L1 RAPP Derby, second place was tied three ways with Deb Duce on Pale Nice Gun (Dorothy Williams Reich), Tori Nelson on CS MS Magnificent (S and B Olmstead), Bekki Yvon on Smart Lookin Gun (Monique O’Sullivan). In the Non-Pro division, Austin Wong on Smart Gunman ran away with wins in the L4, L1 and RAPP derbies. Vanessa Rogers on Magnumswhizkeyremedy was reserve in the L4 and RAPP derbies. Shonda Day on Shez A Whiz N Top and Darren Kolsun on Chics Flinn tied for second in the L1 derby.
The Summer Classic presented by Superior Saddlery celebrated with great weather and a relaxed schedule. This year we were treated to an awesome pancake breakfast that was the talk of the show for days. Once again, we held our annual ProAm Challenge with Natalie Draper and Tyrell Smith riding Sailing Shiner taking first place. This event is always fun for riders and spectators. This is also the time of year that everyone brings their young prospects out to gain some experience and hope the judges like them. For the third year in a row, Diane Latrace took home the RA Beginner Horse Non Pro buckle, this year with The Wright Mobster. Latrace was also reserve in the Open Beginner horse. Amanda Antifaev on Smokin Hickory Crush for Chrystal Ference took home the buckle for the RA Beginner Horse Open class.
The Fall Classic presented by Legitness (Sunnyside Stables) is the show that brings in reiners from all over western Canada and the north west States. Reining Alberta is privileged and honoured to be the host of the Western Canada Regional Affiliate Championships (WCRAC’s) each fall, in conjunction with our fall show and threeyear-old Futurities. The WCRAC’s are a championship event for qualifiers to showcase their horses and hard work to run for a chance to attend the North American Affiliate Championships (NAAC) held concurrently with the NRHA Futurity in Oklahoma at the end of November each year. In addition to qualifying for Oklahoma, the Top 10 of each class received awards from NRHA Corporate sponsors.
The Show Committee worked hard to make this year’s Fall Classic a great experience for everyone. A second show arena was added and premium stabling right beside the show pens were
made available. In addition, a third judge was hired to keep the schedule flowing smoothly and to have classes running concurrently between the two show pens. The feedback from our exhibitors was very positive.
The Fall Classic threeyear-old Futurity with the RAPP Futurity once again, was a big attraction to this event. Familiar faces were at the top of each class this year. Diane Latrace on The Wright Mobster tied with Jade Whitmarsh on Ebony Gunna Shine as Co-Champions for both the L4 NRHA and RAPP Non-Pro Futurities. Each taking home close to $3,000 in winnings. In our Open division, Austin Seelhof on Northern Knockout (owned by Marie Whitmarsh) took home close to $5,000 in winnings from the L4 NRHA and RAPP futurity. Close behind, Jesse Beckley on Caught A Vibe (owner/rider) took second place with close to $3,500 in winnings. In the L1 Open Division, Sage Sapergia on Outlaw Opal (owned by Compass Performance Horses) took the win in both the NRHA and RAPP futurities. Dakota Burnett (owner/rider) on Wimpy San Pine was reserve in the NRHA Futurity and Sage on Snip O Remi (owner/rider) took second in the RAPP futurity. Overall, the three-year-old futurity classes continue to be well attended and an exciting part of our show. While enjoying the futurity classes on the Friday night, everyone was treated to a steak dinner sponsored by North Sail Solitaire “Cruz” and the Whitmarsh Family. The food was outstanding with steak, baked potatoes, “Lyle’s homemade baked beans,” salad and so much more.
The annual Rookie Shootout Top Ten gave it their all once again. This year, Breanna Kakoschke on Custom Café O Lait took home the Rookie saddle from Superior Saddlery. New this year, Reining Alberta ran a Green Reiner Saddle Challenge with some very focused and excited exhibitors. Faythe Webster on Whiz N Starlight put on a great show and took home the Green Reiner saddle, donated by the Whiteside Family. New this year, Reining Alberta ran a saddle series for the Open and Non Pro classes. The highest aggregate score (same horse/ rider) in the Open and Non-Pro from all three shows was awarded a trophy saddle from Superior Saddlery. Congratulations went to Tyrell Smith on Major Durango (owner Gail Gatto) in the Open division and to Jade Whitmarsh on Lost in the Trash in the Non-Pro division.
2024 was a great year that wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support of our sponsors, the hard working volunteers, the awesome judges and our amazing staff. Thank you to our stallion owners, our trainers, our exhibitors, the entire membership for your endless hours of dedication to our association and this sport. From the bottom of our hearts, THANK YOU!
Planning for 2025 is underway and we are excited to see what the new year brings. We hope you will join us.
Blameitonmyblueeyes owned and shown by Cathy Kolsun
Will Ride for Food
TRIPPING UP THE TRAIL CLASS
By Bronco Betty
It wasn’t yet show time for the young prospect, so the responsibility of his exercise came down to the assistant trainer. Stationed at a prestigious event center, the assistant and the gelding were part of a large barn who had travelled to compete in a major Quarter Horse show.
Off to the warm-up ring they went.
The young assistant put the horse through the paces of longeing the horse to the right and when it was sufficiently exercised that way, it was time to switch. The assistant cued the horse to stop, so she could change the positioning of the chain on the end of the longe line to the opposite side of the horse’s halter.
Off to the left the horse started loping. But with a quick flip of his head, low and behold, the chain broke! The young gelding sensed something was different. He tossed his head a second time and upon realizing he was no longer attached to a longe line, the horse threw out a delighted buck.
To the assistant trainer’s horror, she watched as the gelding careened wildly around the warm-up arena.
Then, the horse thought to himself, “Why stay here? Maybe I should check out the other sights and sounds of this place!”
He found an exit out of the pen and took off galloping down a barn alleyway. The poor assistant could do nothing else than chase after the horse on foot – a bewildered look on her face. The gelding ran through barn alleyway, after barn alleyway and eventually found himself at the entrance of the main arena. There were other horses inside competing in a trail class.
“And look at this! Someone even left the gate open for me!” the gelding squealed (in a high-pitched whinny to himself.)
Again to the assistant’s horror… The gelding ran into the show pen. He cleared a bridge. He pranced around with his head and tail held high. He looked straight at a
video camera conducting a live webcast of the class – which then panned over to the exhausted assistant who had just arrived at the entrance, broken longe line in hand.
That’s when a cowboy on the sidelines stepped in to help.
He raced into the showpen on his cow pony and began to “box” the loose gelding along the wall of the main arena. Trail competitors scrambled to get out of the way. This went on for a few minutes, until a judge stood up and entered the arena.
Calmly, the judge walked up to the gelding and was able to grab hold of his halter. He led the horse back to his assistant.
From then on, the gelding was only ever longed in the wee hours of the morning –when the assistant was certain no classes were taking place.
REINING ALBERTA PERFORMANCE PROGRAM “RAPP”
RAPP is a local breeding program designed to enhance the existing Reining Alberta Sire Incentive Program. The goal is to increase participation and purses. The program was expanded to allow any foal to be nominated to the program. Foals sired by enrolled stallions will be eligible for nomination into the program at significantly reduced rates. The goal is to continue to promote the local stallions and have a program that will also benefit local breeders who choose to breed to other stallions.
You
ALLTHATSHINES IS JOE
Shauna Getz/Whitby Farms
BERRY FINNOMENAL
Nicole Klassen
BUSY BLEACHIN CHEX
D. Hanson Ranch
CATMANS SMART SHINER
CD Quarter Horses
CHICS REAL DEAL
Ronald & Joanne Wytinck
CRUSIN WHIZ
Trueman Farms (Tammy Stewart)
DUNITSMART THISTIME
D. Hanson Ranch
DC THE MASTER SPARK
Brian Knutson/BarK2 Ranch
GUNNATRASHYA
nominated by Jesse Beckley
GUNNING FOR CHEX
Bonnie McCutcheon, Manager
GUNS R FOR SHOOTIN
nominated by Barb Simpson
HF MOBSTER
nominated by E. Heidebrecht
LEGITNESS
Sunnyside Stables Inc.
LOKOTA CHIC
Brian Knutson/Bar K2 Ranch
MAGNUM CHIC DREAM
nominated by V. Robinson
MAJOR DURANGO
S. Gail & Robert Gatto
MODERN GUN
Michelle Walerius (Cdn agent)
NORTH SAIL SOLITAIRE
M. Whitmarsh/Willow Acres QH
PLAINUM VINTAGE
nominated by V. Robinson
PS MEGA SHINE CHIC
Adh Mor - Big Luck Ranch
SB GUNNABLITZYA
Shawn & Shannon Bullock
SHINEY GOLDEN GUN
Brian & Vicki Braun
SHINING IN TOWN
Heule Reining Horses
SMOKIN AMMO
Foothills Ranch
SPECIAL MADE WHISKEY
Gord Robinson (Big Rock Arena)
SPOOKS BIG BANG
Brian & Giselle Aebly
SQUEAK GUN
Shauna Getz/Whitby Farms
SUGAR CAT MAN
CD Quarter Horses
SUGS BLACK TIE AFFAIR
Jennifer Bjaranason
WATTS ON SECOND
Judi Watt
WALLA WALLA WHIZ
nominated by Jesse Beckley
WIMPYS NU CHEX
Doug Baker
Enrollment Fees: Stallion fee $550/stallion/year Deadline for stallion nomination is May 15, 2025
May 15,
L4 OPEN DERBY Americas Gun Girl with Austin Seelhof owned by Marie Whitmarsh
L1 OPEN Outlaw Opal with Sage Sapergia owned by Wayne Bowd
L1 OPEN DERBY Kickback with Sage Sapergia owned by Barbara Reinders
L4 NON PRO CO-CHAMPIONS
The Wright Mobster with Diane Latrace owned by Jon Latrace & Ebony Gunna shine with Jade Whitmarsh owned by Marie L4 OPEN
Snip of a Dream with Shayla Malmberg owned by Lorna Malmberg L1
DERBY Specialmade Dynamite with Rebecca Yvon owned by Mark Harding
L4 NON PRO DERBY Smart Gunman with Austin Wong owned by Julie Olenyk-Wong
L4 NON PRO DERBY Blameitonmyblueeyes owned and shown by Cathy Kolsun
L4 OPEN Northern Knockout with Austin Seelhof owned by Marie Whitmarsh
