Real Ranch Horse Sale
Gunner NRHA
Ontario Racing Commision
Chinook Team Penning
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Stars Cash Hunt

Farm & Ranch Show Rolls Into Gear

BREED & SPORT NEWS March 29, 2012

From March 29-31, the Northlands Farm & Ranch Show will showcase all the tools of the trade for doing business while serving as a catalyst for the positive evolution of the agriculture industry.

“Northlands is proud to support agriculture in Alberta. It is, after all, our province’s number one renewable resource,” said Richard L. Andersen, President and CEO of Northlands. “The Northlands Farm & Ranch Show is a place where farmers, ranchers and industry come together to share ideas, conduct business and create educational opportunities.”

Farm and Ranch Show

This year’s show will feature innovative farm and ranch equipment, global positioning systems and environmental technologies. Farmers and ranchers will experience more than 400 agriculture exhibits from across Canada, cutting edge industry seminars and the Northlands Performance Horse Sale presented by the Alberta Ford Dealers and Masterfeeds.

Come check out some of the highlights of the show:

Canadian National College Finals Rodeo (CNCFR): For three wild nights, participants from post-secondary schools across Western Canada will wrangle their way through ten rodeo events.  Come see future Canadian rodeo champions in the making as top contenders take their final test at the school of hard knocks at the CNCFR.

Northlands Performance Horse Sale: The sale will feature ranch horses, arena horses and prospects. It is a prestigious event where the sale is limited to 20 horses. The horses are on display throughout the event so prospective buyers have ample opportunity to meet one-on-one with the consigners and really get an understanding of the capability of the horse.

Equine Clinician Doug Mills: Doug Mills will present an exciting, educational, and inspiring program to audiences. With a calm and easy approach, Mills teaches practical horsemanship skills that everyone can take home and put to immediate use.

Feature equine breed: The Aurora Arabian Association is honored to showcase this year’s featured equine breed. There will be demonstrations on Thursday and Friday and a “Parade of Disciplines” on Saturday.

4-H Day: There are lots of exciting activities for 4-H enthusiasts at this year’s Northlands Farm & Ranch Show on March 31! There will be sessions on equine first aid, round pen horsemanship and nutrition. 4-H members will be introduced to Quality Starts Here Verified Beef Production, a program that helps ensure safe food products for consumers. There will also be a photography workshop and much more!

For more information on the Northlands Farm & Ranch Show, please visit farmandranchshow.com.  Advance tickets for the Northlands Farm & Ranch Show and the Canadian National College Finals Rodeo are available at any Ticketmaster location, ticketmaster.ca, or by calling 1-855-780-3000.

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The Island Gets Western

BREED & SPORT NEWS March 24, 2012

Coombs Western Weekend

Vancouver Island’s third annual Western Weekend, at the Coombs Rodeo Grounds, in Coombs BC, is just around the corner. This event is set for April 21st and 22nd and is sponsored by Buckerfields Country Stores. It will host ranch sorting and team penning competitions, a ranch horse obstacle course, as well as a BBQ and country dance Saturday night.

Sue Sheppard, an organizer for this event, is encouraging riders and spectators to attend and participate in the weekend events.

“Come on down and cheer your favourite team on and be ready to be on the edge of your seat. You are in for a treat to see great horsemanship. This event only happens once a year and we all look forward to it. A HUGE thank you to Buckerfields and Whitta Farms and to Hugh and Tammy for organizing this event.”

The ranch horse obstacle course is a two minute timed event where riders are to complete as many obstacles that they can.

“This includes roping a dummy cow, going over a bridge, pulling a log, loading into the trailer, going through the cowboy shower, jumping a log, and crossing water. It is a fun event to watch.”

Sheppard is also inviting those who are unfamiliar to these competitive events, to join in and learn what makes them so exciting.

Team penning is a fast paste event and competitors can learn quickly how the rules work. However, in each run the cattle have the opportunity to make the game a whole lot more exciting and unpredictable.

“It sounds easy enough, but the cows have a total different agenda. The team with the highest number of cows in the pen with the quickest time wins.”

Those looking to participate in the team ranch sorting event, Sheppard also welcomes to enter- even if they are green as grass.

“Come on down you will have a hoot!”

In the team ranch sorting competition, there are three member teams with 12 cows at the other end of the arena. They are numbered 0-9 and two are without a number.

“When the team hears the random number called out one member goes into the heard and cuts the numbered cow out away from the heard and over the line. Then the next goes in and cuts the cows out in numeric ordered until 190 seconds is called. The team with the most amount of cows over wins.”

The Western Weekend is promising to be a fun packed event, for all levels of competitors. Those who would like to enter this event or would like more information, are to contact event organizers Hugh or Tammy at htphye@telus.net.

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Horse Racing Economy in Canada

BREED & SPORT NEWS March 21, 2012

The Ontario horse racing industry is contributing $4.5 billion or 77 per cent of the total annual economic contributions from racing in Canada, according to a new study released today by Equine Canada and Strategic Equine. The Economics of Horse Racing in Canada, an in‐depth report on the horse racing industry on a province‐by‐province basis, identifies the significant economic contributions realized through horse racing in Canada – the industry generates more than 47,000 full-time equivalent jobs and $5.7 billion annually to the national economy.

The racing sector represents a small percentage of the total number of horses in Canada, but a significantly higher percentage of the overall economic contribution that comes from horses in Canada. With 45,000 horses active in the racing sector (five per cent of the total Canadian herd), the horse racing sector provides 26 per cent of the total economic contribution, and a $5.7 billion annual economic impact. Racing in Ontario represents the largest provincial sector for the national racing industry, with more than 68 per cent of the total racing opportunities and 86 per cent of the total purses earned in 2010.

The Economics of Horse Racing In Canada is the first in a series of ‘state of the industry’ reports to be developed by Equine Canada from the 2010 Canadian Horse Industry Profile Study, released in 2011. The 2010 study provided the country with the broadest and the deepest analysis of the national equine industry since Equine Canada first began producing the reports in 1998.

“The demographic and economic information garnered in the 2010 survey provided a wealth of information that is pivotal to demonstrating the contribution of the Canadian horse industry to the country’s overall economic health,” states Mike Gallagher, President of Equine Canada. “Our goal with the national study and related State Of The Industry reports such as this, is to better inform decision‐making and policy development as it affects our industry and our horses.”

“With a short, intense competition career for active race horses, the annual expenditure on products and services for race horses is significantly higher than for most other horses. Horse racing drives demand for specialist equine veterinarians, and equine health products and services that add to the health infrastructure for the horse industry as a whole,” states Vel Evans, author of the study.

“Through all our fifteen years of research for provincial, national and international horse industries, it has been apparent that where there’s a healthy horse racing industry, there’s a strong horse industry.”

“Horse racing in Ontario, and the thousands of men and women who work in this flourishing industry, play a very important role in this national success story,” adds Gallagher. “We strongly encourage the government of Ontario to work with the industry to ensure horse racing continues to grow and prosper. The benefits of this successful partnership are felt not only in Ontario but in every part of Canada, throughout our rural and farming communities, and among the tens of thousands of men and women who work with and care for our horses, or supply products and services to the horse racing industry.”

 

 

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Glenn Stewart Recaps Road to Horse

BREED & SPORT NEWS March 16, 2012
Glen Stewart Road to the Horse

Stewart and his green mount, conquering the water pool. Photo credit: Road to the Horse, Gus Reyes

Still buzzing from his recent experience at the Road to the Horse training competition, Team Canada’s Glenn Stewart says the show was about sticking to his plan and staying true to his training style. The March 9th to 11th competition in Murfreesboro, Tenn. took US, Australian and Canadian Team members through various nail biting horse training challenges, on their quest for $10,000 cash, prizes and bragging rights.

For this Northern BC cowboy, the event was a huge performance spectacle, filled with blazingly intense moments.

“The point of the competition, is showing good horsemanship,” says Stewart.

His 15 hand high, three year old from the Four Sixes Ranch of Guthrie, Texas, threw in some curve balls for him to start with. However the pair completed the show with a roaring crowd, giving a standing ovation.

Glen Stewart

Stewart steady in the saddle, advancing his horse through the training challenges. Photo credit: Road to the Horse, Gus Reyes

“He went fantastic, but he was a bit of a toughie. He bucked quite a bit and finally came out of it by the third day. He had a lot of gas, so I had to get that under control. I felt if he wasn’t with me, there is no point pushing him.”

Stewart says he admired this horse’s spunk and is very happy with how he panned out. Going into though the competition, he wanted to finish leaving his horse with no holes in its’ training.

With 8000 pairs of eyes in the audience watching, he says the pressure to go off course with your methods was huge. The size of the show was astronomical for Stewart and it proved to be a powerful experience.

“The biggest surprise, was the size of the event. I had no idea it was such a big deal. There was a really receptive crowd. A once and a lifetime experience.”

Team Canada Road to the Horse

Team Canada Johnathan Field and Glen Stewart. Photo credit: Road to the Horse, Gus Reyes

At the beginning of the Producer Tootie Bland, gave the all competitors an option of switching horses to gain a 40 point advantage. Stewart and fellow teammate Johnathan Field, were the only team to take the deal and traded out their horses.

Besides the switch up, Team Australia took top spot in the showdown and the US team cinched second place. Stewart says it was a lot of fun and feels his horse worked out surprisingly well in the end.

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Team Australia Wins Road to Horse

BREED & SPORT NEWS March 15, 2012
Road to the Horse 2012

Dan James, left, celebrates the 2012 Road to the Horse International win with teammate Guy McLean.

It was the shout heard around the world as Guy McLean, covering his face with his hands, threw his arms in the air and grabbed teammate Dan James after hearing Team Australia announced as winners of Road to the Horse International March 11, in Murfreesboro, Tenn.

Team Australia was crowned the winner with a total score, including the bonus points, of 2,780, with Team USA in second with a score of 2,687 followed by Team Canada with a score of 2,471.

James of North Arm Cove, New South Wales and McLean of Hervey Bay, Queensland, went into the final round of competition, the challenging obstacle course, in a close race with Team USA, made up of veteran clinicians Craig Cameron of Bluff Dale, Texas, and Pat Parelli of Pagosa Springs, Colo. Team Canada, consisting of British Columbia horsemen Glenn Stewart of Baldonnel and Jonathan Field of Abbotsford, were no slackers, either, having taken on two challenging horses to make it to the obstacle course.

Producer Tootie Bland threw the first twist into the event before the competition even started, offering a total of 40 points to the team willing to switch horses selected from the remuda of well-bred American Quarter Horse geldings provided by the Four Sixes Ranch of Guthrie, Texas. After a brief conference, the only team to take the bait was Team Canada.

Even so, Team USA took the first round of competition from inside the W-W Livestock round pens with a combined score of 691 from head judge Mike Kevil of Arizona and judges Jack Brainard of Texas, Dr. Robert Miller of California, Cody Lambert of Texas, Hugh McLennan of British Columbia and Australian Wayne Robinson of Texas.

Team Canada had strong performances as well, with Jonathan Field completing the course in solid fashion on Fletches Stoli and Glenn Stewart making a nail-biter of a performance, spending a great deal of time in the round pen saddling and working Sixes Peg prior to starting the obstacle course and bringing the house down with his own exuberant finish.

In addition to a $10,000 cash prize awarded to the charity of their choice, Team Australia took home Martin Saddles with custom Gist conchos memorializing Road to the Horse co-founderSteven “Dooky” Bland, custom headstalls from Daryl Davis and Flying D Enterprises, custom saddle pads from CSI Saddle Pads, hats from J.W. Brooks and custom braided romal reins from elite US braider Kyanna Fejes.

Unlike a horse show, these competitors are judged not only on a final test of skill, but the means to the end result. The goal of Road to the Horse is to teach horsemen and women that natural horsemanship is a kinder, gentler way of working with horses.

Road to the Horse is a one-of-a-kind experience that combines education and entertainment for an all-out horsemanship experience.

Road to the Horse will head to Kentucky March 15-17 in Lexington, Ky. Information about the event and ticket sales will be available in May. Go to www.roadtothehorse.com for more information or call 325.736.5000.

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War Horse Stage Production Supports Equine Welfare

BREED & SPORT NEWS March 15, 2012

Over 160 horse enthusiasts assembled for the highly acclaimed production of War Horse and a special Equine Guelph Gala evening at the Princess of Wales theatre in Toronto on March 8th 2012.  The special fund raising evening benefitted the Equine Guelph-Ontario Equestrian Foundation ‘War Horse’ Welfare Education Fund.

“The War Horse Toronto production brings back into the spotlight the welfare issues that faced millions of horses in the First World War,” says David Mirvish, producer, Mirvish Productions and Chancellor of the University of Guelph. ”Recognizing the ongoing need for equine welfare awareness and education, we are pleased to partner with Equine Guelph and the Ontario Equestrian Federation to create the ‘Equine Guelph-OEF War Horse Welfare Education Fund’ in honour of these brave horses and to develop courses that teach horse care and welfare to future champions of the horse.  Through education, we hope to help Equine Guelph in their admirable quest of ‘helping horses for life.’” The incredible turn out of horse industry supporters at Equine Guelph’s pre-show meet-and-greet was a testament to the shared sentiment.

The wine was divine and the appetizers appealing, but it was the puppets that brought the passion with a spellbinding show.  The crowd of horse lovers did not need any convincing of how near and dear the bond between horse and human can be.  Not a dry eye could be found as the audience rode along on the journey of “Joey”, the beloved War Horse.  To top it off, after the production, gala attendees were treated to an exclusive introduction to the life-like puppets and their marvelous, detailed craftsmanship.  Breyer (through Kroeger Distributing in Canada) donated 24

Traditional limited edition ‘Joey’ model/War Horse book box sets, signed by David Mirvish, as a fundraiser for Equine Guelph’s gala evening.   Many attendees arrived early for the opportunity to trot off with one of these very special mementos.

For future performances, War Horse Toronto will generously donate $10 to the Equine Guelph-OEF ‘War Horse’ Welfare Education Fund for each War Horse ticket purchased by OEF members for performances between February 10 – May 6, 2012. And, as a special thank you, at the performance, OEF members will receive a complimentary CD of the music of War Horse (one per order). Call 416-872-1212 or 1-800-461-3333 to order tickets and provide this special benefit code – WHFUND.  Dianne Graham, executive director of the Ontario Equestrian Federation comments, ”I thought that the puppets were magical and found the original stage production to be absolutely mesmerizing. I am certain that “War Horse” will have a very successful engagement!”  She adds, “The Ontario Equestrian Federation in partnership with Equine Guelph is proud to be part of a collaboration which which will ultimately benefit the welfare of all horses.”   Equine media in attendance were awe-struck and nearly speechless with initial reactions:  “Wow, terrific!”, “Not what I expected”, and “How Lifelike.”

Funds raised are helping Equine Guelph develop new courses, teaching the highest degree of skills in horse care and welfare.  This will help ensure horses receive the best possible care and will contribute to the reduction of welfare issues.  “In an industry where well-intentioned old wives tales are often passed down rather than scientific knowledge, the horse is often the victim of mistreatment, says Equine Guelph Director, Gayle Ecker.  Education in horse welfare will result in benefits including:  well-informed caregivers, healthier horses, lower vet bills and fewer unwanted horses.”

Ecker continues, “Tonight, Equine Guelph is pleased to announce that we are able to offer the first Equine Welfare Certificate online program in Canada. The support of the industry has enabled us to open this opportunity for students starting in May of this year, with the first offering of the new Equine Welfare course in September of this year.  We will be developing further courses that will become available online throughout the year.”

Support Equine Welfare through Education and experience War Horse at the Princess of Wales Theatre. Visit www.EquineGuelph.ca for more information and to learn about another special evening Equine Guelph will be hosting at War Horse Toronto on May 10, 2012.

Across Canada for Mustangs

BREED & SPORT NEWS March 14, 2012
Kimball Foord

Kimball Foord and his mustang Bo Bo.

The Canadian Long Ride for the Mustang, is taking Kimball Foord and his horse Bo Bo, 4,500 kilometers across Canada to bring awareness to North America’s mustangs. On March 18th his journey will start from the Can-Am Equine Emporium in London, Ont. and continue across the country to BC’s west coast.

By doing this ride, Foord hopes to raise public interest for protecting wild horses. He states that these horses are not ferrel animals, but instead are dependents of the historic bloodlines of iberian horses. These animals have been present in North America since Spanish explorers settled the continent. In his quest, he hopes to educate people on the importance of protecting these genetics.

Typically the mustang has been viewed as a domestic animal that either escaped captivity or was turned loose into the wild. This has been an area of controversy and Foord hopes his efforts will educate people about the importance of preserving these vulnerable animals.

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APHA Adds Cash to Awards

BREED & SPORT NEWS March 9, 2012
American Paint Horse Association

Photo Credit Deanna Buschert

The American Paint Horse Association has created a new way to reward their network of regional clubs to encourage participation, recruit new members, offer creative show formats and enhance the exhibitor’s experiences at their regional club-sponsored APHA shows. Regional Clubs are the backbone of the APHA experience; as such, the Regional Club Sponsorship Program which supports those clubs that go the extra mile to make their APHA shows a great experience.

Regional clubs provide the framework for attracting new members at the local or “grassroots” level. Since its inception in 1962, the Association has approved more than 115 regional clubs worldwide. These clubs in turn are required to offer horse shows, trail rides and assorted community events within their respective areas in order to maintain their status.

The Regional Club Sponsorship Program will offer $1,000 cash awards to 30 clubs annually for use at a Regional Club-sponsored Paint-O-Rama show; or at a 1- or 2-judge show that the club is hosting in 2012. Clubs will be eligible for the sponsorship once during a two-year period and must be in good standing with APHA as outlined by Association rules. The club must fulfill all annual regional club requirements and the show must be approved with all show fees paid. The complete list of program rules and sponsorship application are available online at apha.com/showing or by calling the APHA.

Find a club near you

APHA regional clubs, are the ideal place to get started showing with your registered American Paint Horse. The APHA makes it easy to find the club nearest you by visiting clubs.apha.com/clubs/clubfinder. All points earned at APHA-approved shows are automatically included in your horse’s permanent record and can help earn not only year-end awards, but Perpetual Awards like Register of Merit and Superior as well. Find a show near you by visiting aphaonline.org and clicking on Calendar Of Events under the Public Access section.

About the American Paint Horse Association

The American Paint Horse Association (APHA), the international breed registry for the American Paint Horse headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2012. In fulfillment of its mission to collect, record and preserve pedigrees of the breed, APHA recognizes and supports 111 regional and international clubs, produces championship shows, sponsors trail rides and creates and maintains programs that increase the value of American Paint Horses and enriches members’ experiences with their horses. APHA has registered more than a million horses in 59 nations and territories since it was founded, and now serves over 64,000 active youth and adult members around the world.

For more information about APHA and how to get involved, visit apha.com or call (817) 834-2742.

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New Hands Take Lines

BREED & SPORT NEWS March 8, 2012

Chuckwagon

The World Professional Chuckwagon Association is about to begin their 2012 season, with a new title sponsor taking the lead.  The WPCA Pro Tour is proud to announce GMC, and the Alberta GMC dealers as the title sponsor for the GMC Pro Tour.  This partnership is a natural fit for both groups, who now look forward to working together to develop sustainable chuckwagon racing in Western Canada.

“Having GMC on board is huge for us,” explains WPCA President, Pat Powell.  “We are looking forward to working with this class organization, developing a lasting partnership into the future.” The World Professional Chuckwagon Association has been bringing chuckwagon races to Western Canada for over 30 years, and credits its success to the support of its sponsors.

“GMC, and the Alberta GM Dealers, are proud of our longtime support for chuckwagon racing across the West at various levels, including the GMC Rangeland Derby at the Calgary Stampede, and are excited about our new relationship with the WPCA,” said Mike Degutis, Marketing Manager – Western Canada, General Motors of Canada. “We and our dealers are looking forward to being part of these great events in each community.”

“On behalf of all chuckwagon drivers, we proudly welcome GMC as a World Professional Chuckwagon partner,” adds 12 GMC Rangeland Derby Champion, Kelly Sutherland.  “I trust this new partnership will be extremely rewarding for both parties.”  No stranger to success, Sutherland has been with the WPCA since its inception, and continues to be the most recognizable face in the sport.

It is with the support of its great sponsors that the WPCA is able to showcase western heritage and culture in the communities in which they race.  The 2012 season looks to be the best yet, with tour stops all across Alberta and northern British Columbia.  The 36 best chuckwagon racers in the world are vying for top prize money and their chance at the GMC World Championship Truck and belt buckle, which will be awarded in Rocky Mountain House, Alberta at the end of the season.

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