Cow Up on the Coast

The saying goes, “There is a first time for everything” and in the case of the Cow Up On The Coast horse show it was an event of many firsts. This National Reined Cow Horse Association approved show was the first Futurity/Derby and Horse Show offered by the newest affiliate club, The Canadian Coast Reined Cow Horse Association (CCRCHA). The show held July 29-31, 2016, offered a full slate of classes for every level, great prizes, $15,000 in added monies, entertainment and even a sponsored steak dinner.

“We tried really hard to make this a fun show for everyone, from those new to cow horse, to seasoned competitors who wanted to try their hand at winning great prizes or testing out their futurity horses,\” said Cayley Wilson the CCRCHA president. “Our mission, and reason for starting this affiliate club, was to bring more opportunities for cow horse enthusiasts to show their horses and grow the sport in our area. The Cow up On The Coast  Show was just the beginning of future events and efforts,” he added.

The show was held at the Langley Riders Outdoor Equestrian Center, a small park-like facility just 40 minutes from the U.S./Canadian border. The facility gave riders a chance to show outdoors, camp, and sit along the banks of the arena while watching competitors and enjoying the beautiful weather. For some, it was their first time showing in an NRCHA approved event, others were debuting their three-year-old futurity horses, and for many spectators it was their first time seeing a cow horse event.

“I learned so much about cow horse”, said one spectator, “I had no idea there was a triathlon event like this for horses. These horses were amazing and so athletic!”
After the first day of showing on Friday, competitors were treated to a catered steak dinner and educational presentation by Dr. Ela Misuno of Vetoquinol and Zylkene, one of the show’s premiere sponsors. This gave competitors and family a chance to enjoy great food, learn about horse health, and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow riders. The entertainment on Saturday night was provided by fellow competitors,  who pulled out their lariats and participated in the steer stopping and team doctoring competition. These events seem to bring everyone together in a casual way.

“It was pretty fun watching!,” said Roxanne Sapergia as she surveyed from the grassy banks alongside the arena. An impromptu herding dog competition broke out as a few competitors took turns sending in their cow dogs to demonstrate their abilities in gathering and putting away cattle after each go around. Onlookers cheered, hooted and hollered as the dogs worked, and everyone enjoyed the evening’s events. “This is the best time I have had at a horse show in a long time” said Sapergia, who promised to come back next year for this event.

As with any show, sponsors and volunteers are the backbone for a successful event. “From donating cash, prizes, product, services and countless of hours of behind-the-scenes work, it took a village to make this show happen, for it to be so successful, and fun to boot!” said Katie Wilson, the CCRCHA treasurer and one of the powerhouses behind the event.

“We are very thankful for everyone’s support” she added, “I think this association is going to really grow the sport of cow horse in our area. This may have been our first show, but it is just the beginning of many more to come.”
Wilson also mentioned her hopes to ‘Co-Host’ a show next year with neighboring affiliate, The North West Reined Cow Horse Association. “It would be great to be able to draw more people from the US and make it a show that counts towards their World Show qualifications, too. It will give people a reason to come across the border to show in Canada and hopefully build more strength in our cow horse community.”

The Association wanted to give a special thanks to Dean Tufton of DT Ranches for donating a breeding to his great Stallion, Hickory Holly Time and Chad Vanlandingham who donated a breeding to Spots Hot. These monies all went towards the payouts. The CCRCHA would also like to thank San Juan Ranch/Santa Cruz Animal Health for stepping up and sending not only cash, but amazing prizes and gift cards. Vetoquinol/Zylkene donated grooming bags filled with product, gave cash and sponsored the amazing steak dinner and presentation. Local Langley Realtor, Amy Brattebo reached deep in her pockets to help support the first show and get the association off the ground. Roger Brown gave not only his time, but his knowledge and expertise was, no doubt, an integral part of the smooth operations behind the scenes. Thanks to all who drove from far to support us at Cow Up On The Coast!

Said Wilson, \”There are many, many others who gave support in so many ways. So from all of us here at the CCRCHA, WE THANK YOU!!\”