DFI Snaffle Bit Futurity, Derby & AB Championship Show

Another edition of the ARCHA\’s DFI Snaffle Bit Futurity, Derby & Alberta Championship Show is in the books. Held this past weekend at the Claresholm Agri-Plex, cow horse enthusiasts of the purest kind came to cheer on their fellow mates and watch true, unfettered vaquero action. There were futurity horses, 2-rein horses, spotted horses… and a whole lot of wild cows!

All kidding aside, the best of the best in the country came out to test their cow horses and vie for almost $60,000 in prize money. The DFI Snaffle Bit Futurity / Derby & Championship Show is unique in that it offers a showcase for three-year-old cow horses, derby horses and a chance for bragging rights in the provincial championship segment.

Currently, the annual event it is listed as one of the top 20 paying cow horse shows, as according to Equistat.

And besides that – it has got to be the only prestigious western performance horse event that offers a bouncy castle…

Seriously, how fabulous is that??

The bouncy castle was the brain-child of Bart Holowath who, apparently is \”… a big kid at heart\” himself. Says his wife and event organizer Terri, \”Bart loves to make the kids happy. His theory behind it is \’Happy wife, happy life.\’ If you keep the trainer’s spouses happy they will make sure their husband is at our show, supporting the event.\”

Well done Mr. Holowath. Well done.

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Winning the coveted Futurity was John Swales and Crazy Cat Lady.

(No, that is not an error –that is the horse\’s real name… Haha!)

Crazy Cat Lady is owned by Ron Stuckert & Diana Runge and won $4,800 for the championship.

And winning the Non-Pro Futurity was Mark Parsons and Chics Ruffled Up. With a total aggregate of 413.50, this duo earned $2,240 for the win.

Earning the lion\’s share of the Open Derby was Dale Clearwater and Ima Deluxe Playgirl. They took home a cheque totaling $2,730 for owners Rod and Dianne Blackmore. Unfortunately I wasn\’t able to capture a picture of this victorious pair but I promise to return in the December Championship issue of WHR with the big winner interviews and show highlights.

Until then, here are a few more shots from the weekend. Enjoy!