February, a time we celebrate love – and not just Valentine’s Day. You will hear a lot of “I would love it to warm up” or “I would love it to stop snowing” and “I would love to go riding outdoors.” Lovers of spring, I hope Weirton Willy does not see his shadow and this winter will be behind us all soon. I can tell the days are getting longer and soon we will hear the hoof beats of the new foal crop and be busy getting ready for the upcoming show season. Still on the topic of love, I would love to hear from you with updates on your herd, or that one special horse. I do have some exciting news to share with you – Taylor Gardner was selected to ride with Stacy Westfall at The Mane Event in Red Deer at the end of April. For those of you who are not familiar with The Mane Event, it is an Equine extravaganza with a trade fair to die for. I strongly suggest if you have the time, make the trek to Red Deer. I know you will LOVE it!
For my first newsletter of 2011 I have the honour of telling you about our 2010 Hi Point winners for the Saskatchewan Paint horse Club.
Walk Trot – Kata Robinson and Starburst Danny
Youth 13 and Under – Hayley Butz and Zipt n Bronze
Novice Youth – Taylor Knight and PP Sonny Go Lucky Te
Youth 14 – 18 – Melissa Miner and A Shady Investment
Novice Amateur – Stephanie McMillan and SQA Twist Zip Leo
Amateur – Mindy Kallay and PP Diamondsr Anasset
Junior Horse – Loni, Chris, Michelle Larsen and Chips Black Tye
Senior Horse – Taylor and Lorraine Gardner and Mr. Sylvester
Solid Paint bred horse – Mary Ann Tourangeau and PP Blackasnight
PAC – Audra Cooper and Clayboys Sassy Girl
Congratulations everyone!
This year’s awards were handed out at our very well attended AGM in Saskatoon on January 15th. Elections for the 2011 executive were held and this year’s executive is as follows: Nicole Gauthier (President), Tammy Cooper (Vice-President), Wendy Davis (Secretary/Treasurer). The Directors are: Jason Bitsuie, Tracey Robinson, Henry Gauthier, Trena Badinski, Lorraine Beaudette, Lionel Badinski, Gwen Kinnee, Stephanie McMillan, Ronni Nordal and Karen Kotylak.
We are looking forward to the 2011 year and have started planning our first show in Lloydminster on the May long weekend. Watch for information in upcoming newsletters on the new amateur walk trot classes coming to the 2011 show season. Or check out the APHA website at http://http://www.apha.com/amateur for more information. This will be a fantastic starting place for those who want to start showing their paint horses with other beginners at Paint Horse Breed shows.
You also can check out our Website for up to date information at http://www.saskpainthorseclub.com. Our web designer Tracey Robinson has made our website one to be envied, check out our classifieds page for horses, tack and show clothing. Lots of information on each page and check out the photos posted, you can see so many smiles! These smiles prove how awesome it is to own a Paint horse and to be a member of the SPHC. We LOVE our Paints and it shows!