Saskatchewan Horse Connection

Winter 2015The Official Publication of the Saskatchewan Horse Federation

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Connection

P r o m o t i n g E q u i n e E x c e l l e n c e


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C O N T E N T S

1

SHF Administrative Office2205 Victoria Avenue

Regina, Saskatchewan, S4P 0S4Phone: 306-780-9244

Fax: 306-525-4009

Executive DirectorKrissy Fiddler

Adminstrative AssistantsPam Duckworth

Stacey Riche

Technical AdministratorKylie Dahlstrom

Communications DirectorBridget Andrews-306-631-9254

[email protected]

ON THE COVER: Francis Rodeo Stock

3 President’s Message

4 If these chaps could talk

8 Equine Health and Safety

8 Health Care through the Ages

10 Should your horse wear a Blanket

12 SHF AGM and Awards Luncheon

13 Horsin Around Raffle / Sask. Equine Expo

14 Building a Foundation with your Horse

18 Stable Directory

20 Legacy Breeder Receive AQHA Award

22 Saskatchewan Reined Cow Horse Association

23 Saskatchewan Cutting Horse Association

24 Heavy Horse Highlights

IBC Saskatchewan Equine Expo Schedule of Events

Lloyd Turner AQHA 50 Yr

Legacy Award20

AMOS ABRAHAMSON - DIAMOND J PERFORMANCE HORSES16

HorseConnection

Saskatchewan

P r o m o t i n g E q u i n e E x c e l l e n c eS a s k a t c h e w a n H o r s e F e d e r a t i o n2

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Feeds


2014 SHF Board of Directors

PresidentRobert Lewis, Moose Jaw, SK

President - Elect

Shirley Brodsky, Saskatoon, SK

VP FinanceJill McDonald, Saskatoon, SK

VP SportsBrenda Gilchrist, Maple Creek, SK

VP IndustryDr. Jim Sawatsky, Humboldt, SK

VP of RecreationShirley Mawson, Battleford, SK

Past President Doug Howe, Moose Jaw, SK

DirectorsJim Pollock, Moosomin, SK

Mary Olson, Saskatoon, SK

Pat Michael, Regina, SK

Pauline Long-Wright, Montmarte, SK

Colleen Norrish, Saskatoon, SK

Director at LargeMerlin Ford, Buchanan, SK

3S a s k a t c h e w a n H o r s e F e d e r a t i o n

obert Lewis, SHF President, is in a warmer climate, enjoying some well-earned ‘R and R’ so it is my pleasure to write this issue’s

‘presidents’ message in his stead.

February is always an exciting month for the Sas-katchewan Horse Federation, as we prepare for our Annual General Meeting and Awards Ceremonies that are scheduled to take place during our flagship event - the Saskatchewan Equine Expo. We also get the opportunity to visit many of our members in person and to present a summary of the activities of the 2014 year.

2014 was another very busy year for the Federation. We worked with our part-ners to bring you the “Backyard Horse Seminars” that ran throughout the spring. We organized coaching and officials upgrading sessions and continued to make improve-ments to our Heritage and Prairie Cup competitions. For the fourth year in a row, our athletes won individual and team medals at the Canadian Equestrian Championships. And to ensure that that the SHF remains a vibrant member of the livestock and agri-culture sector in Saskatchewan, Board members and affiliates continue to represent us the tables of organizations such as Farm and Food Care Saskatchewan, Brand Inspec-tion, Sask Ag Hall of Fame, CFIA and SSPCA (to name just a few).

The SHF has the daunting task of representing a wide variety of horse interests, and to accomplish this, we require the expertise and time commitment of many people. These people (often volunteers) form the back bone of our Federation’s committees and they do a tremendous amount of work on behalf of the members. They keep our programs running smoothly, and our sport, industry and recreation interests well represented. They also make sure we keep horse welfare at the forefront of all our activities.

I encourage you to take time to read the Annual Reports that will be available at the AGM and on the website, and please share them with your club members. They are great summaries, and will give more details on what each committee has accom-plished in 2014.

I want to thank our Executive Director, Krissy for the great job she does keeping the Federation on target with our goals and objectives. I am sure many of you are getting to know her, as she continues to travel to the various events that we are involved in. Whether it is coaching upgrades, CIEC camp, or hauling her own daughter and horse to competitions, Krissy is certainly engaged in all aspects of the horse industry.

I also want to thank the office staff, Pam, Stacey and Kylie for the role they play in keeping us moving forward. Whether it is organizing coaching upgrades, data entry, budget submissions, or follow up reports, your team in the office do a great job of keeping the federation on track and on time. Thanks also to Bridget for her great work on communications and our magazine - The Sask Horse Connection.

And finally, a very special thank you to the great volunteers that make up your Board of Directors. Under the leadership of Robert, I can assure you that this team continues to work selflessly to serve you - the membership that has elected them to office.

Please join us in celebrating the awards of recognition and accomplishment by attending our ceremonies that take place during the Equine Expo. Congratulations to each and every one of you.

Drop by the booth to say hello and to renew your membership for 2015. We have another year of great opportunities ahead of us!

Shirley Brodsky (President Elect)

R

S a s k a t c h e w a n H o r s e F e d e r a t i o n P r o m o t i n g E q u i n e E x c e l l e n c eP r o m o t i n g E q u i n e E x c e l l e n c e

FEATURE STORY

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“Independence”That’s What Makes

A Good Bucking Horse!

S a s k a t c h e w a n H o r s e F e d e r a t i o n

If These Chaps Could Talk

| BY BRIDGET ANDREWS

P r o m o t i n g E q u i n e E x c e l l e n c eP r o m o t i n g E q u i n e E x c e l l e n c e 5

“Independence”That’s What Makes

A Good Bucking Horse!

TFEATURE STORY

oday, I spent an hour scrolling through the beautiful photos posted on the Francis Rodeo Stock Facebook page.

Photos portraying the importance of family - heritage - community - ranch-ing - rodeo and love of the land. Francis family values that have been instilled and passed on from generation to gen-eration.

The words Art Francis and rodeo are synonymous -an incredible rodeo com-petitor through the 1970 and 80’s in all rodeo events with the exception of steer wrestling. Rough stock, primarily buck-ing horses, has always held a special place in this talented horseman’s heart.

Even though rodeo was Art’s passion he knew the importance of education. He attended Mount Royal College in Calgary receiving his Child Care Work Certifi-cate and then obtained his Journeyman Welder Certificate. It was important to him to be educated and support his family even though rodeo was still his passion. He continues to promote the importance of education to youth.

As a competitor, Art recognized there was a need for Canadian Cowboy’s Asso-ciation (CCA) stock contractors, primar-ily in southern Saskatchewan. Through hard work and foresight, Art began assembling good quality rough stock at the ranch located on the Piapot First Na-tion, 25 miles north of Regina along the

Qu’Appelle Valley. The base of Art’s rough stock herd was devel-oped from his practice stock. His “hands on” approach was a key component in build-ing his rough stock breeding program. In 2013, Art received the CCA Gold Card for his lifetime contribution to the CCA.

explains Shawn Francis

Art Francis - owner Francis Rodeo Stock Photo Credit: Randy Lewis of Lewis Images

S a s k a t c h e w a n H o r s e F e d e r a t i o n P r o m o t i n g E q u i n e E x c e l l e n c e

Francis Rodeo Stock was first hired to contract the 1985 Jack-pot/Open Rodeo held at Qu’Appelle, SK. A successful event that placed Francis’s on the map. Gilbert Plains, MB and Mel-ville, SK would be the first communities to hire this new CCA stock contractor. Francis Rodeo Stock would become the first CCA First Nation stock contractor in Canada.

Being a First Nation’s contractor had its challenges. The word “ACCEPTANCE” comes to mind mentions Shawn, Art’s son.

Francis Rodeo Stock have received many prestigious awards acknowledging their quality stock. At the 2013 CCA Finals at Canadian Western Agribition Francis’s were recognized for their rodeo stock contractor achievements and commitment to

rodeo. Bucking horses such as 01 Pow Wow Highway, a mare that won 1994 CCA Bare-back Horse of the Year, 501 Pow Wow Nation, a son of Pow Wow Highway, was named 2 time Bareback Horse of the Year, and M22 OLS Tubs Ross River, a gelding sold to Outlaw Buckers, Alberta was named 2010 Canadian Bareback Horse of the Year in the CFR and was a multiple NFR qualifier just to mention a few. We mustn’t forget 201 Lone Wolf, a half sister

to A60 Wolf Creek (1994 CCA Saddle Bronc Horse of the Year) and 01 Pow Wow Highway.

Francis Rodeo Stock is a family operated business. Art and his children, Shawn and Marnie work closely together to make things work. Shaun manages the day to day operations of the ranch. In addition, he runs 100 head commercial cattle oper-ation. Marnie is responsible for all the administration, book keeping and social media and Art has began playing more of a consulting role, but continues to make final decisions on the rough stock and how the business evolves.

By evolving, Francis Rodeo Stock has reduced the number of CCA rodeos they contract and increased competing in Bucking Horse competitions in Canada and the United States. “The main reason they moved in this direction was to showcase

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“We had to break down barriers and build strong relationships with our customers and the rodeo com-munity. We felt we were held to a higher standard level because we were native and would be judged more easily. We exceeded the challenge. Barriers were broken down by having good stock, good rodeos and being profes-sional . We gained mo-mentum and grew from there.”

FEATURE STORY

Art and Shawn being acknowledged at the 2013 CCA Finals Rodeo, Canadian Western Agribition

Photo Credit: Randy Lewis


their bucking horse stock as breeders versus being “just” a rodeo stock contractor. We are recognized as breeders that continually produce quality bucking horses. Also it is begin-ning to be more difficult to make a living as a stock contractor due to price competiveness. We still do a few rodeos a year, but we have stepped out and pursued the Bucking Horse events and this has been a great business decision. Presently, we compete in 4 events per year. With most of them located in the States,” says Shawn.

Bucking Horse Competitions are a relatively new initiative developed by the World Class Bucking Horse Association and United Bucking Horse Association. It was developed to edu-cate the public on what it takes to produce equine athletes by allowing bucking horse breeders and contractors to compete to showcase their 2 to 5 year old horses. Many of the horses nobody has seen are brought out of the wood work. There are also Bucking Horse Futurities where breeder’s nominate their stallions and when their colts compete they can win money as a side pot. Each colt’s points are tracked through a point system and the colt with the most points receives the World Class Stallion of the Year with a bonus. World Class Bucking Association holds ten events annually that qualify both riders and stock for the finals, held in October, in Kalis-pel, Montana. Francis Rodeo Stock had 2 horses qualify for the finals in 2013.

Saskatchewan is host to a bucking horse jackpot named the Incline Environmental Roughstock Challenge, held in Wey-burn Annually. In 2014, $15,000 in prize money was awarded in addition to entry fee monies. An event that will continue to evolve and grow.

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FEATURE STORY

Watching over the herd!

“Independence, that’s what makes a good bucking horse. A horse’s first reaction is to flee. Bucking horses don’t want to run. You still have to look at their conformation and how they move, but it’s their independent character that makes a good bucking horse rise to the top,” says Shawn.

A Francis Horse competing at the 2014 Incline Environmental Roughstock Challenge.

Leaders in Rodeo!


Beyond rodeo, family, community and ranching is the real foundation of the Francis family. A foundation that has molded them into exceptional horseman and stock-man. They spend countless hours riding and take great pride working on their ranch. They live and breathe horses and ranching.

Community is important to them. Francis’s are involved in numerous ranch rodeo activities throughout the summer. Marnie is an animal lover and has a passion for barrel racing. She has been actively competing in the CCA and local barrel racing jackpots and is goal driven to do her best everytime. Shawn and his team are involved in ranch rodeos throughout Saskatchewan and they have won multiple titles including 2013 Stock-growers Ranch Rodeo in Moose Jaw, 2013 and 2014 Shaunavon Ranch Rodeo and 2014 Carnduff True Grit Ranch Rodeo. In addition, Shawn has worked the past 17 years on the Calgary Stampede Stock Crew and is a safety rider for the Chuckwagon races. In 2013, Calgary Stampede Rodeo Committee presented Shawn with the Ranahan Award for his hard work and dedicated years of service. They lend a hand at neighbor’s brandings near and far and always have time for family and friends. They are kindhearted people that put others before themselves and are not afraid to organize events to help others in need. In 2007, Art organized a horse drive moving 130 buck-ing horses from the pasture at Grandview Beach to the Piapot First Nation. The horse drive was opened up to 20 to 25 extra riders who were willing to pay a fee for joining the adventure. All the money raised was donat-ed to the diabetic unit at the All Nation Healing Hospital in Fort Qu’Appelle. In 2014, Francis’s organized a “Day with Horses” where horse people brought their teams and sleighs and participated in a trail ride. Plans to do this again is slated for March 2015.

This is why they have one of the best rodeo crews in the business and have become accomplished in their equine craft. Now if only those chaps could talk!

It’s ALLabout FAMILY & COMMUNITY!

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FEATURE STORY

P r o m o t i n g E q u i n e E x c e l l e n c e 914

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Annual General Meetingand

Award of Excellence LuncheonSaturday, Feb. 14, 2015

Saskatoon Prairieland Exhibition ParkHall A - Breakout Room #1

Saskatchewan Horse Federation

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The Next Saskatchewan Horse Connection deadline is April 20, 2015

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SHF AGM


EQUINE HEALTH & SAFETY

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Horses are living long lives on acreages, farms and ranches across North America. That reality is reflected in statistics: it’s estimated that geriatric horses (animals more than 20 years old) account for somewhere between seven and 20 per cent of the entire equine population.

Owners and veterinarians are growing more aware that proper management and medical care can expand the lifespan of these horses. Many age-related issues like dental disease or parasite problems can also be prevented through regular veterinary care that’s provided throughout a horse’s life.

Dr. Katharina Lohmann is an internal medicine specialist and an associate professor in the Western College of Veterinary Medicine’s Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences. Since many of her regular patients at the College’s Veterinary Teach-ing Hospital are equine senior citizens, Lohmann has gathered together a wealth of health management tips that are specific for geriatric horses.

The following story is an abridged version of a comprehen-sive article that Lohmann wrote for a national veterinary pub-lication called Large Animal Veterinary Rounds that’s written at the WCVM. Visit www.canadianveterinarians.net/larounds (click on “Archives” for the complete title list) to read the entire article. Plus, make sure to read another helpful article called “Diseases Affecting the Geriatric Horse.”

FOOD AND WATER

A common challenge in caring for older horses is main-taining their weight. Several factors can cause a horse to lose pounds or adequate body condition: underfeeding, protein- calorie malnutrition, nutrient loss, the inability to eat, a lack of appetite, or a physiologic condition or illness.

In many cases, it’s not enough to simply increase the amount of feed: it may take some research to understand the root of the problem. For example, if an older horse is underfed with protein-calorie malnutrition, the animal may have trouble eating the existing feed. In that case, you may need to find an alternate feed that’s easier for the horse to chew or digest.

Or, if younger herdmates are preventing the senior horse from getting enough access to food, you may need to rear-range the herd and provide more accessible feed sources to avoid competition.

Q. How much fuel does a senior need?

An older horse’s feeding regimen generally needs little or no adjustments as long as the animal maintains its weight and body condition. The National Research Council’s (NRC) energy recommendations for adult horses equates to about 7.5 to 11 kilograms of hay per day — depending on feed quality and energy content. However, these ration estimates are only a starting point and need adjusting to account for exercising, chronic illness or conditions, or cold weather.

Use body conditioning scoring systems or weight tapes to monitor an older horse’s body condition. While weight loss is a common concern, you also need to be sure that obesity doesn’t become a problem.

Q. What are the best energy sources?

While good quality forage is the ideal maintenance feed source, older animals with dental issues may need alternate feed to maintain body condition. Complete pelleted feeds meet all dietary requirements for senior horses including higher protein and fat content along with balanced mineral supplementation. If a horse doesn’t have a condition like recur-rent choke, you can also feed supplemental hay to satisfy your horses’ chewing needs and to prevent boredom or bad vices.

Make the switch from hay to pellets gradually, and adjust feed amounts for the individual horse. As well, consider cost before deciding to make the switch: based on maintenance requirements, a horse will need about 15 to 20 pounds of com-plete feed per day.

One cheaper alternative: feed energy-packed beet pulp and grains or sweet feeds to senior horses along with their daily hay ration. But these high-carbohydrate diets aren’t recom-mended if a horse has chronic laminitis or insulin resistance (a common condition associated with pituitary dysfunction).

While supplemental feeds with higher fat content are available in feed stores, you can also add vegetable oils to your animals’ diets. You can feed up to two cups of oil to an average-sized horse in two or more daily feedings with small amounts of beet pulp and grain, but start with smaller volumes and gradually increase to oil amounts over two to three weeks.

Q. What are changes in digestive capacity?

The energy requirements of older horses may not change, but their ability to digest certain nutrients may be reduced. Geriatric horses may prefer feeds with higher protein concen-trations with less fibre content, and it may also be advisable to increase mineral supplementation so the horse gets enough phosphorus. But be careful about making these kinds of chang-

HEALTH CARE THROUGH THE AGES

|BY WCVM TODAY



11

es if horses have been diagnosed with renal or liver disease.

Since chronic parasitism can cause decreased feed digestibili-ty in older horses, it’s important to maintain a good deworming program. If a horse has trouble maintaining its body condition, use extruded feeds or add Brewer’s yeast that has the added benefit of providing supplemental B-vitamins.

Q. What are changes in water intake?

Dental pain or decreased thirst perception may cause older horses to reduce their water intake. That can cause low-grade chronic dehydration that leads to reduced exercise tolerance and a predisposition to impaction colic or renal dysfunction. As well, older horses can develop choke if they don’t drink enough water along with alfalfa pellets or other pelleted diets.

How can you increase your horses’ water intake? One option is to soak their hay or roughage, but that’s not a long-term solution since it reduces the feed’s nutrient content. Adding salt to a horse’s diet may increase thirst, but animals must have free access to water and it’s advisable to test for adequate renal function before using this option. Another suggestion: feed mashes or slurries to geriatric horses — a good way to ensure that they ingest some fluids.

If horses aren’t drinking as much because of oral pain, it’s important to correct the dental problem. Heated water sources will also help to reduce the pain of cold water on a sensitive mouth. If an older horse has a chronic condition like laminitis, it’s also important to make it as easy as possible to give the animal ready access to clean water.

EXERCISE

Regular exercise can improve a horse’s mobility and slow down the effects of age on cardiopulmonary and musculoskel-etal function, but exercise regimens should be tailored to the horse. As well, be aware that older horses may be prone to overheating during strenuous exercise and may become dehy-drated. As the horse’s body changes, it may also be necessary to adjust the animal’s regular saddle and tack.

Common causes of reduced athletic capacity in older horses include:

• musculoskeletal problems that are caused by the cumulative “wear and tear” of athletic activities versus acute conditions. • decreased range of joint motion that can lead to further lameness problems if a horse tries to perform strenuous exercise. • age-related changes in body conformation such as swayback.

Some musculoskeletal conditions in older horses can’t be

cured. Instead, they require long-term management and pain control through the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or other systemic medications, supplements (such as glucosamine or hyaluronic acid) or arthrodesis of low-motion joints. Specialized trimming and shoeing can also be helpful in managing musculoskeletal issues.

PREVENTIVE CARE AND VACCINATIONS

Geriatric horses may be more susceptible to infections based on declining immune responses with age, concurrent diseases, general debilitation and poor nutritional status. Researchers have demonstrated that declining immune responses with age primarily affect the adaptive immune responses, specifically antibody formation, while the innate immune system remains relatively stable throughout life.

Here are some recommendations about vaccination practic-es with older horses: • routine vaccination against viral diseases like influenza should continue throughout life. • continue vaccinating against life-threatening conditions like encephalomyelitis, tetanus and rabies. In contrast, some scien-tists recommend that owners discontinue vaccination against equine herpes virus infection since it may provide little benefit and may favour reactivation of latent infections. • inactivated vaccines are thought to be safer for geriatric hors-es compared with attenuated live vaccines. Optimizing a horse’s overall health status can help to achieve the maximum benefit of vaccination.

Since chronic parasitism is a common problem in geriat-ric horses, review your deworming strategies — especially in animals with a perceived loss of body weight and/or condition, or with pituitary dysfunction. Monitor parasite load in an older horse through regular examinations of body weight, body con-dition and fecal egg counts. Lohmann, Katharina L. “Management and Care of the Geriatric Horse.” Large Animal Veterinary Rounds 7(5), 1-6. Published with permission from Large Animal Veterinary Rounds, a publication produced by the WCVM’s Depart-ment of Large Animal Clinical Sciences. Visit www.canadianveterinarians.net/larounds for more information.


www.saskhorse.ca

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For More Informationcontact:

Howard Floyd, National Director

[email protected] 306-736-8011

Tammy McLeodSHSRASecretary

[email protected]

SHOULD YOUR HORSE WEAR A BLANKET |BY KATHERINE BLOCKSDORF

HORSES.ABOUT.COM

The temperature is dipping, and you’re wondering if you should put a warm winter blanket or ‘turn-out rug’ on your horse. Chances are if the weather is ‘wintery’ but not windy or wet, your horse probably doesn’t need a blanket. As long as your horse has access to good quality hay and fresh water the heat generated by its digestive system, and the natural pro-tection of a thick winter hair coat will probably keep it com-fortable in weather that would send you running for a warm jacket.

Although some maintain that you should never blanket a horse, there are some situations where it may be a good idea. Older horses or horses that may have trouble keeping weight on in good weather will burn a lot of calories to keep warm. These horses will benefit from extra feed and the extra pro-tection of a wind and waterproof horse blanket. All horses will

benefit if there is some sort of windbreak or run-in shelter available to escape the direct brunt of the wind, rain or snow.

Best High Fat Horse Feed If the weather is very wet, the natural loft of your horse’s hair coat will be lost, and just like a wet down jacket, will not keep cold out. If it is very windy, body heat is blown away. Horses can be left un-blanketed in very still, cold weather -4F (-20C), and they may be fine. However, add wind-chill or rain into the mix, and you can quickly have a shivering horse.There are hazards to blanketing. Within a group of horses, one often makes a game of ‘destroy the blanket’. That’s frustrating for you, especially if you’ve just saved up to buy that extra-spe-cial blanket for your horse and after the first day, it has big teeth marks in it. It’s also a hazard, because a ripped blanket is easier for a horse to be tangled in. Horses can be caught in loose belly or leg straps too. Coolers, sheets and stable blankets aren’t suitable for outdoor turn-out. They often lack the straps and fasteners that prevent outdoor blankets from shifting.

Poorly fitting winter blankets can severely chafe or cut a


horse’s skin. If winter blankets aren’t made of breathable fabrics, the horse can sweat underneath and become uncomfortably wet. Likewise, horses left blanketed when the weather turns mild will be uncomfortable. Some blankets are made with layers that can be used separately. These are convenient, but could be a problem if the layers shift.

If you often deal with wet weather, it might be handy to have two blankets. If one blanket becomes saturated, you’ll have an extra for your horse while the other dries out. Wearing a wet blanket is as bad as wearing no blanket.

Whenever I approached my horses carrying their blankets, they’d gallop to the furthest corners of the paddocks and be difficult to catch. One night, a sudden storm blew up with driving sleet and wind. To my amaze-

ment, the horses saw me coming and quietly waited as I put each blanket on. Clearly, they saw the blankets as relief from the bad weather. I learned you have to use your judgment as to whether or not you feel comfortable with your horse wearing a blanket. Let your horse’s behavior and physical condition be your guide.

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| BY BRIDGET ANDREWS

Buildinga Foundation with your Horse

FEATURE STORY


rom an early age, Amos Abrahamson

has always been passionate about horses. It start-ed from young, growing up on a ranch 30 miles near Saskatoon using horses to move and check cattle. Amos claims his “horse instinct” can be attributed to his grandfather. His grandfather was a teamster, growing up in an age where horses were used to do everything around the ranch. Amos’s grandfather bought him his first horse and he was hooked.

Throughout his teen years, Amos continued to ride, but didn’t compete. He began training a few colts for his grandfather and helped out at local community pastures and neighbor’s brand-ing. He gained a lot of knowledge from the seasoned cowboys and new training horses was something he wanted to pursue. “The more I rode, the more I liked it. If I wanted to gain more knowledge I had to go outside the ranch to learn from other horseman,” says Amos.

His family and grandfather have always been very supportive in pursuing his dream of training horses. Good work ethic and Christian family values have helped him every step of the way. Amos was determined and at the age of 18 he applied for nu-merous rider positions at PFRA pastures across Saskatchewan. He received a call from the PFRA manager at Bitter Lake PFRA, located 20 minutes north of Maple Creek. He headed south for the interview in excitement. “When I arrived it was +12 with a warm breeze and the manager had just come in from shooting gophers. At the ranch it was -10 with a foot of snow still on the ground. I knew right then and there this was the place for me. So I took the job, headed south and have been here ever since. It has become my home and the home of Diamond J Performance Horses for the past 10 years. However this will change come 2017 as my PFRA pasture is scheduled to be closed,” says Amos.

During the summer months, Amos works full time at the PFRA pasture and trains horses in the evenings and weekends. He has a training facility rented just on the outside skirts of Maple Creek. During the winter months, he trains horses full time. Presently, he is riding 10-12 horses per day. He has all different age groups of horses which he feels makes him a better rider and trainer. He feels it gives him the ability to learn from the horses and as a trainer he can see what mistakes may have been done on older horses allowing him to make training ad-justments on the younger upcoming horses. There is not a day goes by Amos doesn’t learn something about his training and horsemanship. That’s why he enjoys training so much.

Most of the horses Amos trains fall into the Western disciplines such as cow horse, cutting, reining, roping , barrel racing, colt starting and pleasure riding. He has gained many skills and abilities apprenticing under some of the top horse trainers in Canada including:

Clint Christianson - multiple champion in cutting, reined cow horse and ranch horse competitions. He prepared me in becoming more of a professional trainer and how to work professionally with customers and the public. “Training horse is a lot more than riding a horse for someone. You have to be able to communicate effectively with the client, understand their expectations and be honest when it comes to discussing limitations their horse may have. It is important to be realistic about the skill set each horse has and what are its strengths and weaknesses.” says Amos.

Walter Quarter Horses- numerous CFR champions in barrel racing and calf roping. “Apprenticing under the Walker Family was an opportunity of a lifetime. The information I learned about managing and training horses for rodeo events was sim-ply amazing. Information you can’t read from a book, you have to experience it, explains Amos.

Training alongside and learning from some of the best in Canada has allowed Amos to gain both the knowledge and experience which is crucial in being a skilled trainer and rider. Also, the combined experience as a cowboy and apprenticing in performance horse setting allows him to transition smoothly between arena and ranch training/riding.

The amount of training a horse requires varies . Amos usually starts young horses in the spring or early winter at 2 yrs of age with the goal that their first show will be the next fall as a 3 year old. He believes starting horses younger means you don’t

have to push them hard. Getting horses started on time is the one of the keys to being successful. Amos eases them into it by getting them use to saddling and riding them a bit without placing any pressure on them. He ensures these young horses receive a proper ration and good quality hay. His approach is more gradual versus beginning to train them at 3 where they

FFEATURE STORY


may get pushed. Amos also thinks that if you start a horse at 2 their mind is more willing to respond to training meth-ods. “You can overdue it! I never have huge expectations with my 2 yr olds. If you want a good reliable horse, start early and build a foundation that will pay dividends in the end. I try to encourage clients to leave horses for more than one month. It takes a month to build a relationship with the horse from saddling, bridling to riding. The second month I can train the horse and make more advancement,” says Amos.

2014 was a very successful year for Diamond J Performance Horses. In April, Amos took four 2 Yr old trained and shown by himself and owned by Wayne and Kim Knaap to the Prairie Quarter Horse Breeders Sale in Saskatoon. Wayne and Kim had high selling 2 yr old and reserve high seller of the entire sale. “This was a huge success for myself and my clients.” says Amos.

In July, 2014 Amos entered a 3 yr. old prospect at the Medicine Hat Ranch Horse Sale and was the high seller. Then in September, he entered a 3 yr old pros-pect in the Ranch Country Horse Sale in Maple Creek and was the high seller. Amos was asked to put on a colt starting clinic in Medicine Hat where over 1800 people took in his event. He has another scheduled for April at Moose Jaw. 2014 has been a pret-ty amazing year for Diamond J.

What do you look for when selecting a young horse to train? His response, “One of the things I always look for is a soft, kind eye and a good mind. This will tell you a lot about a horse. I spend a lot of time watching a horse to see how they associate with other horses in the pasture and how they present themselves.”

As the PFRA pasture begins phasing out in 2017, Amos is po-sitioning himself to professionally train full time and show. He wants to purchase his own training facility and continue to take clinics for himself. “Once you have quit learning, your training stops. I still take clinics for myself so I can

better my training techniques and learn from other people. You have to be progressive in this business, “ says Amos.

“To upcoming future trainers:

- Be willing to seek out advice and be open to constructive criticism.

- There is always a new method of training that will help you improve your training. Be open minded.

- Just because you took a couple of clinics doesn’t make you a trainer.

- Set realistic goals and understand the strengths and weak-nesses of the horses you are training.

- Don’t be afraid to ride a variety of horses. It will make you a better trainer and horseman.

- You have to do it because you enjoy it. By enjoying, I mean embracing the good and the bad days. It all goes hand in hand.”

“Becoming a trainer is more than just starting a colt. It’s the art of becoming a horseman. Something my grandfather first taught me with the Diamond J name a reminder of his brand.”

If your interested in learning more about Diamond J Performance Horses contact Amos at 306-661-8191.

2014 Prairie Quarter Horse Breeders High Selling Two Yr Old

and Reserve High Seller of the Sale consigned by Wayne and

Kim Knaap

Ranch Country Horse Sale High Seller 3 Yr Old Gelding Trained and Owned by Amos

Amos presenting at a Colt Starting Demonstration in Medicine Hat, AB

FEATURE STORY

16


Congratulations to the Corperate Clubs that names where drawed for the early bird draw- Saskatchewan Barrel Racing Association, Saskatchewan Morgan Horse Club Inc., and the Saskatoon Dressage Club. Each of these clubs won a custom made Equine First Aid Kit donated by WVM. Reminder of Important deadlines: Deadline for ticket Sales is February 27th Draw Date is March 25th.

Two Sets of Two Round Trips to Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.(Flight and Hotel Accommodations for 4 nights included)Thank-you to our new Corporate Partner, Uniglobe Travel. Paradise Pools Ltd Grand Prize package. This prize package’s retail value is $7,000.00 and includes: Napoleon Mirage 485 Series Gas/Propane BBQ, Napoleon Patio Flame Fire pit, Napoleon Deluxe Patio Heater, and Executive Woodard Patio Furniture Dining Set!!

Other Prizes announced are:$3000.00 Cash Prize$1500.00 Cash Prize$500.00 Cash Prize i Pad MiniKobo eReader

HORSIN AROUND RAFFLE UPDATE Proud partners

of Saskatchewan Horse Federation!

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Discounts of up to 5% off Air Canada tickets and up to 10% off WestJet tickets.*

Availability of special discounted group rates on select cruises and vacation packages only

available to UNIGLOBE clients

Saskatchewan Horse Federation Members will receive $50 off on their first vacation or cruise package booked with UNIGLOBE Travel! (Restrictions apply, contact us for details.)

*Minimum spending must be met with Air Canada and WestJet before discounts will apply

Circle Drive office4-415B Circle Dr E

Saskatoon, SK S7K 4B4306-934-3400

Sutherland office2-800 Central Ave

Saskatoon, SK S7N 2G6306-955-1449

Visit us online!www.uniglobevacation.com

MEMBER-BENEFITS:

17

Provincial/EC GP Judge’s Clinic & Update -

March 7-8 - Regina, SK

From the Judge’s Chair Dressage Clinic with

Doreen Horsey April 11 - Saskatoon, SK

visit the SHF website for more details atwww.saskhorse.ca


STABLE DIRECTORY

Contact One of these Stables Near You!

Cain Quam Performance Horses Ride in comfort this winter Contact: Roberta Quam 306-424-2034 www.quamperformancehorses.com 50 minutes SE of Regina, 48 highway Horse Boarding now available in our heated, indoor riding arena and barn – 80 X 180. Daily and monthly rates available. Professional horse trainer onsite – 30 years experience. Boarding, lessons, training, equine assisted learning and clinics. Regardless of discipline, new horse owner, or veteran horse owner, find the support and guidance you seek. Lessons available on horsemanship, reining, working cowhorse, cutting (buffalo or flag), mounted shooting, barrels, poles, or anything else horse related.

Clearview Arena Connie & Jim Chaplin, 306-332-1332 Junction#10 & #35S, 35 minutes NE of Regina near Fort Qu’Appelle. [email protected] www.clearviewarena.com Horse boarding available. Pasture with windbreaks & water, outside pens with shelters, box & standing stalls, daily or monthly horses. Arena rental inquiries welcome. Inquires invited for full & part time board, indoor & outdoor arena access, tack room, heated viewing area, lessons. Discounts on multiple trainers/instructors.

Grasswood Equestrian Centre Dale Gibbon, 306-934-0092 [email protected] 2422 Clarence Ave. S, Saskatoon, SK S7J 1M2 www.grasswoodequestrian.com Located 2 minutes south of Saskatoon, corner of Grasswood Rd & Clarence Ave. Western riding programs, lessons & clinics, indoor riding arena-164 x 84 coverall; long term & short term boarding.

The Greenwood Ranch – Home of Ghost Wind AppaloosasBill & Joanne Greenwood, 306-957-2181Box 160, Odessa, SK S0G 3S045 min S. E. of Regina Call for Directions Hwy. 48 South East to Odessa, turn south first grid road, 3 miles on right.

Breeding versatile foundation and modern bred appaloosas for all disciplines. We stand the Foundation Appaloosas, Apache Kid Galahad and HMH Phantom Spirit at stud; ApHC, ApHCC, FAHR and IPAA. Our foundation Appaloosa and AQHA mares are truly superior, whose breeding quality directly reflects in our outstanding foals, yearlings, and two year olds. Please check our horses or sales on our website at www.greenwoodranch.ca or www.thegreenwoodranch.com Organic horse hay, horse training, and farrier services are available,

K&K Training StablesKelly & Heidi Adams – 306-355-2599Box 234, Mortlach, SK S0H 3E0Website: www.SilenceSpeaksMore.com YouTube: www.YouTube.com/SilenceSpeaksMoreEmail: [email protected] km west of Moose Jaw, ½ mile south of #1 Highway (look for the big red & white tent)

A Full Service Equine Facility. The facility includes 17 box stalls with attached indoor arena, 16 boarding pens, and 3 out-door arenas. 35 years experience. Full Care Board, Training, Conditioning, and Lessons are available. Also available West-ern Style Dressage, Horsemanship, and Saddle Seat Clinics. Work with Kelly & Heidi and find out that Silence really does Speak More. NEW for 2015 – Intensive Equine Adult Retreat and 2 week Horse Training Intensive.


UPCOMING CLINICS

Ebon Stables Phone: 306-477-0199 • [email protected] • www.ebonstables.com Dressage & Hunter/Jumper with a focus on classically correct basics & effective horsemanship. For the serious recreational or competitive rider who would like to benefit from our training program, either full time or on a drop in basis, in a safe and motivating environment.

North Fork Equestrian CentreDale & Cheryl Nygaard, [email protected] www.northforkequestriancentre.ca

Located less than 15 minutes north of Saskatoon Our 150 acre family owned ranch; offers high quality rea-sonable boarding for your horses. Indoor & outdoor arenas, indoor wash bay, on-site staff, double-saddle tack lockers, on-site trailer storage. Pasture, paddock & stall boarding available, horse training & lessons available.

Looking for a gift for someone special ?? We have a wide selection of fantastic gift items for the horse lover in your life.

Parkland Therapeutic Riding Association (est’d 1994) is an authorized distributor of figurines, ornaments and puzzles created by the “Trail of Painted Ponies.”

For selection, pricing and information, please contactEva @ 306-783-6741 or Karen @ 306-782-7782 and leavea message.

PARKLAND THERAPEUTIC RIDING ASSOCIATION


FEATURE STORY

LEGACY BREEDERRECEIVES AQHA AWARD

| REPRINTED FROM THE AMERICAN QUARTER HORSE ASSOCIATION

In 1960, R.L. “Rex” Turner owned a tractor dealership and a service station in Shamrock Saskatchewan. He was also farm-ing and with his wife was raising two horse- crazy boys, Lloyd and David.

One day, a horse van pulled into Tex’s service station. It didn’t take long for Lloyd and David to crawl up the sides of the horse van to get a look at the horses inside. As Rex went to take care of the driver, he discovered it was his buddy Arling Newton, whom he know from his days as a youngster cowboy-ing on the Turkey Track Ranch at Hallonquist, Saskatchewan.

While waiting for the truck to fill with fuel, Arling told Rex that had started breeding American Quarter Horses and was headed to Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan to the first AQHA show there. “You ought to bring your boys over to the show,” Arling told Rex.

So Rex loaded up his boys and went to the show. A year later, Rex an his boys traded a brand new baler to Arling for a yearling buckskin filly named Newton’s Dun Bar (Bar Newt-Sil-ver Ball by Red Ball). In 1962, Lloyd, who was then 14, began training Newton’s Dun Bar for riding.

“Newton’s Dun Bar pretty well trained herself,” Lloyd says. “Whatever you asked he to do - western pleasure, trail, reining, barrel racing, pole bending- she did it.

The first foal registered under the R.L. Turner and Sons name was Amos News in 1963. The sorrel colt was by Effew

Amos and out of Snip-py News by Sobre’s Red Chubby.

Lloyd lists some of th mares who made up the family’s broodmare band: Eyerish Judyann (My Eye-Bulls Eye by Joe Reed), who earned AQHA Registers of Merit in cutting and reining, and also earned a National Cutting Horse Association Certificate of Ability. She produced AQHA, NCHA and National Reining Horse Association point-and money-earners.

“We are just starting to compete in NCHA evens with her great-granddaughter Black Eyerish Kidd (Smart Kidd Dry-Hankins Dry Eyerish by King Hankins Two),” Lloyd notes.

Then there’s Freedoms Judyann (Dry Doc Freedom-Eyerish Judyann by My Eye), who earned an NCHA Certificate of Ability and has produced NRHA money earners and futurity winners: Ms War Doc (Doc’s Prescription-Hollywood Yogi by War Leo), who produced AQHA point earner and NRHA Money earners; Ms Barry Low (Barry Pine-Tonto B Lou by Tonto B Reed), who produced AQHA point earners and NRHA money earners; Prin-cess Leo Bar (King Leo Bar-Little Shoot by Chief McCue), whose sire was Canada’s first AAA-AQHA Champion, and Princess Leo Bar was two points shy of her AQHA Champion title when she entered the broodmare band. She produced AQHA, NCHA and NRHA money earners.

The family’s stallions include Dry Doc Freedom (Dry Doc-Anita King 86 by Easter King). “He was our first cow-horse-

In October 2014, Lloyd and Jan Turner, Mortlach, Sk and Barry and Elaine Good , Fill-more, SK travelled to American Quarter Horse Association Headquarters in Amarillo, Texas.

The American Quarter Horse Association

invited Lloyd Turner to an awards night at the Hall of Fame to receive a 50 Year Breeder Leg-acy Award. This award is given to a member

whom has registered a AQHA foal for 50 CONSECUTIVE years!

Lloyd Turner is the 3rd Canadian to receive this award.

Lloyd being presented the AQHA 50 Year Breeder Legacy Award, Amarillo, Texas.


FEATURE STORY

bred stallion and really established us a performance horse breeders,” Lloyd says. “Dry Doc Freedom’s dam was a full sis-ter to Hollywood Jac 86, a horse who revolutionized the reining world. When the sport of reining started to grow in Canada, the Dry Doc Freedom sons and daughters found a new venue for their talents, along with the cow horse events.”

King Hankins Two (King Hankins-Sandy Barb by Sandy Bar) is another herd sire. “We were fortunate enough to obtain King Hankins Two, a grandson of King P-234, at the end of his cutting career,” says Lloyd. “King Hankins Two earned nearly $20,000 in cutting competition and earned a Canadian cutting Championship. His offering earned nearly $150,000 in cutting competition. His highest-earning offspring were Freddys Little Hand and Clymer Bar.

“Fifty years ago when we started in the business, our goal was to raise a horse for our customers that could well at an AQHA show in a number of events,” Lloyd says. “We farmed, cattle ranched, operated a welding shop and ran 12-35 Quarter Horse broodmares for many years in the Shamrock area. We were fortunate enough to be members of the Shamrock Quar-ter Horse Breeders Sale, which ran 35 years form 1977 to 2012. The sale was held the first weekend in August in the Shamrock Hockey Rink.”

Since 1973, the Turners’ focus has been on the cow horse bloodlines and raising cutting, reining and reined cow horse

prospects.

“The Quarter Horse industry has become more specialized and we as breeders have narrowed our focus on certain blood-lines that do well in one or two events,” Lloyd says. “I guess my greatest achievement as a breeder is to see and hear folks rid-ing and competing on American Quarter Horses we have bred. Horses we have bred have won AQHA Registers of Merit, won money in NCHA and NRHA competitions, as well as cutting, reining, rodeo and ranch-horse titles.

In 2012, Lloyd sold the ranch and cattle herd at Shamrock and purchased a small place near Mortlach, Saskatchewan, where he has 17 broodmares that he’s breeding to LNG Smart Lil Dually (Dual Pep-Smart Little Betsy by Smart Little Lena), whom he owns in partnership with Barry and Elaine Good of Fillmore, SK. Lloyd’s junior sire is Metallic Coquette (Metallic Cat-Joli Coquette by Doc’s Hickory).

It’s hard to think what my life would be like without Ameri-can Quarter Horses,” says Lloyd. “The people whom I have met from all over the country at AQHA activities have become life-long friends. But my most memorable experience is winning the all-around youth trophy at the Swift Current Quarter Horse Show with Newtons’ Dun Bar in 1964.”

Lloyd on Newton’s Dun Bar at 14 years of age.

“We have spent the last 47 years putting together bloodlines of the top

performance horses in the industry with an emphasis on cutting and reining. It is our sincerest hope that the horses we

breed will do a good job for you!”

1935 - RL Turner at the Turkey Track Ranch 1994 - Lloyd and Dave Turner with Dry Doc Freedom


The SRCHA Annual General Meeting was held at the Ramada, Saskatoon, Sk. on November 29, 2014. This meeting includ-ed the directors meeting and election of new directors, the General Meeting and the year end High Point Awards.Congratulations to all the High Point Award Winners.

The High Point Award winners are Suzanne Soucy – Rein/Box, Connor Wonko – Junior Horse 4 – 5 Yr Old, Dayle Leoppky – Novice Non-Pro, Debbie Torgerson –3 Yr Old Snaffle Bit, Kody Farrow – Youth 14 – 18, Barry Clemens – Non-Pro, Brenda Cle-mens – Open Horse and Austin Leposa – Youth 10 – 13. The other division winners that are not pictured are Jaime Obleman – Intermediate Non-Pro, Blair Marchand –Limited Non-Pro.

It was a great season and we are looking forward to a great 2015. Memberships for the SRCHA were due on January 1, 2015 the membership application form and information can be downloaded off the SRCHA website: www.reinedcowhorse.net. This website includes all SRCHA information, the rule book can be downloaded from the website, information on the Stallion Incentive and a show schedule when it has been finalized will be posted on the SRCHA website. All of you mare owners out there be sure to check out the 18 great stallions entered into the Stallion Incentive. If you are looking for a prospect to show, there are 23 foals nominated into the incentive for 2013, 33 for 2012 and 17 for 2011. In total 73 foals are already in the program. This program and the corresponding payouts only has the potential to get bigger. So check it out. If you have a stallion you would like to nominate to the program please contact Noreen Fenske or Jamell Hep-pner, both of these ladies information is available on the website and they will be sure to help you out.

CLUB NEWS

22

SASKATCHEWAN REINED COW HORSE ASSOCIATION NEWS | BY DARLENE TINGTVED


www.saskhorse.ca


CLUB NEWS

SASKATCHEWAN CUTTING HORSE ASSOCIATION NEWS | BY ELAINE GOOD

A number of special awards were announced at the Saskatch-ewan Cutting Horse Association (SCHA) Annual Banquet and Awards Night, January 17, 2015 in Regina.

SCHA Honorary Life Memberships were awarded to two indi-viduals who have helped shape our Association. Charlie St. Cyr, Swift Current, SK. was honored for helping to build the founda-tion or our current Association. One of Charlie’s legacies was the adoption of having our shows approved by the National Cutting Horse Association, which gives accreditation to the show results and earnings from SCHA shows. He was also a leader in the intro-duction of influential bloodlines to the Canadian Cutting Horse scene. To this day Charlie is an avid student of cutting horse bloodlines. Nancy Fortin, Shamrock, SK. was honoured for her 20 year commitment to publishing our Association newsletter. She took a keen interest in the people and history of our Association and Nancy is currently developing her new role as our first Asso-ciation Historian!

The first Youth Scholarship awarded by the Saskatchewan Cutting Horse Association (SCHA) was announced by Brian Braun, Committee Chairman. The winner of the $1,000 Scholarship is Shelbie Friesen from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

Shelbie is currently in her third year of the Collaborative Bachelor of Science of Nursing Program through the Saskatche-wan Polytechnic (formerly SIAST - Kelsey Campus) in Saskatoon. She has an ambitious year ahead of her as she has officially been accepted into the Fast Tracking Program. This means that after completion of her third year this April, she will begin her fourth year program in May and graduate with her Nursing Degree in December. Unfortunately this also means that Shelbie is not going to have much time for cutting this year! Congratulations Shelbie and Good Luck with your studies!

The 2009 SCHA Stallion Incentive Fund winner was Smart Lil Marmoset, owned by Wayne and Kim Knaap, Maple Creek, SK. who sired the winning 4 year old, WKK Toy Prize, owned by Stuart Thompson, Brooks, Alberta. Reserve was Doc Freckles Leo, owned by Bob and Mary Lyn Zirnhelt, Kamloops, B.C., who sired second place, DFL Miss Quixote for Barry Good, Fillmore, SK. The SCHA Stallion Incentive Fund provides a showcase for breeders who nominate their Stallions. All foals sired by stallions nominat-ed in the year of breeding are eligible to compete for fund money in their 4 year old year in the $5,000 SCHA Novice Horse Class.

The SCHA show dates for 2015 were also announced and include the following locations and dates: Melfort - March 28 & 29; Saskatoon - April 25 & 26; Lloydminster - May 8 - 10; Maple Creek - June 13 & 14; Swift Current - June 27 & 28; North Battle-ford - July 18 & 19; Moose Jaw - July 30 - August 2; and Melville - August 15 & 16.

VISIT WWW.SASKHORSE.CA FOR UPCOMING EVENTS

Left to right: Nancy Fortin SCHA Honorary Life Member, with Rene Fortin (left) and Lindsey Fortin (right)

Shelbie Friesen awarded 2015 SCHA Youth Scholarship

Smart Lil Marmoset, Owner Kim Knaap (right) receiving Stallion Incentive Fund Award from Lloyd Turner


CLUB NEWS

Friday, February 13 Trade Show Open 12 p.m. - 8 p.m. 8:00 a.m. ......Trainer Challenge Colt Selection 9:00 a.m. ......Trainer 1 Session #1 10:00 a.m. ......Trainer 2 Session #1 11:00 p.m. ......Trainer 3 Session #1 2:00 p.m. ......Jonathan Field - Saddle Design - Horse & Rider Comfort - Info Theatre, Hall B 2:00 p.m. ......Canada’s Ultimate Cow Horse Competition - Herd Work 4:00 p.m. ......Sandy Alexander Seminar – Breeding with a Purpose - Info Theatre, Hall B 4:00 p.m. ......Trainer 1 Session #2 5:00 p.m. ......Trainer 2 Session #2 6:00 p.m. ......Trainer 3 Session #2 8:00 p.m. ......Equine Extravaganza Battle of Breeds Team Intro & Barrel Racing Component Cow Horse Competition - Fence Work Mounted Shooters Demo

Saturday, February 14 Trade Show Open 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. 9:00 a.m. ......Battle of Breeds Compulsory Pattern Component 10:30 a.m. ......Canada’s Ultimate Cow Horse Competition - Reined Work 1:00 p.m. ......Jonathan Field - Developing a Great Riding Horse from the Ground – Ag Centre 2:30 p.m. ......Sandy Alexander Hunter Jumper Clinic – Ag Centre 3:15 p.m. ......Jonathan Field – Reading Horse Behavior – Info Theatre – Hall B 4:00 p.m. ......Sandy Alexander Seminar – Form to Function - Info Theatre – Hall B 4:00 p.m. ......Trainer 1 Session #3 5:00 p.m. ......Trainer 2 Session #3 6:00 p.m. ......Trainer 3 Session #3 8:00 p.m. ......Equine Extravaganza Battle of Breeds Team Intro & Jumping Component Cow Horse Competition - Fence Work Mounted Shooters Demo

Sunday, February 15 Trade Show Open 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. 8:30 a.m. ......Cowboy Church 9:30 a.m. ......Trainer 1 Session #4 10:15 a.m. ......Trainer 2 Session #4 11:00 a.m. ......Trainer 3 Session #4 12:00 p.m. ......Sandy Alexander Seminar – Sales/Strategic Partnering - Info Theatre – Hall B 12:30 p.m. ......Jonathan Field – Foundation Essentials for Every Rider & Horse – Ag Centre 2:00 p.m. ......Sandy Alexander Hunter Jumper Clinic – Ag Centre 3:15 p.m. ......Jonathan Field - A Bit of Knowledge - 5 Step Bitting Program - Info Theatre - Hall B 4:00 p.m. ......Battle of Breeds Trail Component 5:30 p.m. ......Trainer Challenge Horse Auction, Final Round & Awards Battle of Breeds Awards

WCVM Seminars (Information Theatre - Hall B)Strategic DewormingNew Therapies for Lameness at the WCVMA Day in the Life of a Horse Vet in Costa RicaColicHeavesPasture Associated Laminitis and Equine Metabolic SyndromeBreeding your Mare; What to Expect Dermatology

WCVM Demonstrations (Wash Rack - Ag Centre)Farrier DemonstrationDentistry Endoscopy Bandaging Ultrasound/GameReadyComplementary Therapy: Acupuncture/Shockwave

WCM Seminar & Demonstration Topics Subject to Change

The 12th Annual Cutter Rally For Cancer will be held at Lloydminster on February 28. This will be the second year that horseback riders are welcome to participate, and the $60 entry fee includes both supper and entertainment.

The grand prize will be the winner’s choice of: a cutter; a $2500 travel voucher; a harness package; or $2000 cash. For more information contact Della Wist at (780) 871-0484.

Harold Harmon of St. Brieux is planning to host a sleigh rally in March. For more information contact Harold at (306) 275-4527.

Al Tomyn of Bjorkdale is also intending to host a sleigh rally. Although the date has not been finalized, it will likely be held sometime between mid February and mid March. If you would like more information, you can reach Al at (306) 886-2021.

Since the days in which they were first imported, Belgian horses in North America have changed in both color and type.

In addition to what we think of as the usual colors (sorrel, chestnut, blonde, etc), the early Canadian stud books included a number of roans, as well as some bays, and even a few blacks.

North American farmers and horsemen soon started selecting and breeding along different lines. This included a significant reduction in the amount of feather (hair on the lower leg), as well as a refinement in type, and a move away from some of the traditional colors.

As a result, the majority of Belgians in North America are quite different from what is currently found in Belgium and surrounding area. The horses in those regions are referred to as Brabants, and there are seven accepted colors: bay, bay roan, black, blue roan, sorrel, sorrel roan, and applegrey. As the photo which is included with this column illustrates, they have a significant amount of feather on the leg, and are more drafty in type than the majority of their North American counterparts.

In recent years, an increasing number of North Americans have expressed an interest in re-introducing horses or characteristics of the traditional type, and a few horses have been imported.

One of the breeders in Saskatchewan who is currently using these genetics is Niall Campbell of Bjorkdale. He has a registered four year old stallion - that is sired by a Brabant stallion and out of a North American type Belgian mare. Niall is also making arrangements to bring a yearling stallion (that is 3/4 Brabant, 1/4 North American type), up from the United States.

For many years, one of the first draft horse shows of the season has been the Manitoba Winter Fair, held annually in Brandon. 2015 will also mark the fourth year that the NAERIC futurity has been held in conjunction with the fair, which takes place this year from March 30 to April 4.

To view a list of draft horse activities, you can view the Coming Events page at www.clippityclop.ca. If you don’t have internet access and are unable to view the list, or if you have any other draft horse news or coming events, please feel free to call Merlin Ford at (306) 338-9672.

HEAVY HORSEHIGHLIGHTS | BY MERLIN FORD

Above: Participants in the 2014 Cutter Rally For Cancer at Lloydminster. This year’s rally will take place on February 28. Photo courtesy of Jim Metherell.

Above: Tomba van de Kannelust, Grand Champion Brabant Stallion at the 2014 Dutch National Championship. Photo courtesy of Ton van der Weerden.


Friday, February 13 Trade Show Open 12 p.m. - 8 p.m. 8:00 a.m. ......Trainer Challenge Colt Selection 9:00 a.m. ......Trainer 1 Session #1 10:00 a.m. ......Trainer 2 Session #1 11:00 p.m. ......Trainer 3 Session #1 2:00 p.m. ......Jonathan Field - Saddle Design - Horse & Rider Comfort - Info Theatre, Hall B 2:00 p.m. ......Canada’s Ultimate Cow Horse Competition - Herd Work 4:00 p.m. ......Sandy Alexander Seminar – Breeding with a Purpose - Info Theatre, Hall B 4:00 p.m. ......Trainer 1 Session #2 5:00 p.m. ......Trainer 2 Session #2 6:00 p.m. ......Trainer 3 Session #2 8:00 p.m. ......Equine Extravaganza Battle of Breeds Team Intro & Barrel Racing Component Cow Horse Competition - Fence Work Mounted Shooters Demo

Saturday, February 14 Trade Show Open 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. 9:00 a.m. ......Battle of Breeds Compulsory Pattern Component 10:30 a.m. ......Canada’s Ultimate Cow Horse Competition - Reined Work 1:00 p.m. ......Jonathan Field - Developing a Great Riding Horse from the Ground – Ag Centre 2:30 p.m. ......Sandy Alexander Hunter Jumper Clinic – Ag Centre 3:15 p.m. ......Jonathan Field – Reading Horse Behavior – Info Theatre – Hall B 4:00 p.m. ......Sandy Alexander Seminar – Form to Function - Info Theatre – Hall B 4:00 p.m. ......Trainer 1 Session #3 5:00 p.m. ......Trainer 2 Session #3 6:00 p.m. ......Trainer 3 Session #3 8:00 p.m. ......Equine Extravaganza Battle of Breeds Team Intro & Jumping Component Cow Horse Competition - Fence Work Mounted Shooters Demo

Sunday, February 15 Trade Show Open 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. 8:30 a.m. ......Cowboy Church 9:30 a.m. ......Trainer 1 Session #4 10:15 a.m. ......Trainer 2 Session #4 11:00 a.m. ......Trainer 3 Session #4 12:00 p.m. ......Sandy Alexander Seminar – Sales/Strategic Partnering - Info Theatre – Hall B 12:30 p.m. ......Jonathan Field – Foundation Essentials for Every Rider & Horse – Ag Centre 2:00 p.m. ......Sandy Alexander Hunter Jumper Clinic – Ag Centre 3:15 p.m. ......Jonathan Field - A Bit of Knowledge - 5 Step Bitting Program - Info Theatre - Hall B 4:00 p.m. ......Battle of Breeds Trail Component 5:30 p.m. ......Trainer Challenge Horse Auction, Final Round & Awards Battle of Breeds Awards

WCVM Seminars (Information Theatre - Hall B)Strategic DewormingNew Therapies for Lameness at the WCVMA Day in the Life of a Horse Vet in Costa RicaColicHeavesPasture Associated Laminitis and Equine Metabolic SyndromeBreeding your Mare; What to Expect Dermatology

WCVM Demonstrations (Wash Rack - Ag Centre)Farrier DemonstrationDentistry Endoscopy Bandaging Ultrasound/GameReadyComplementary Therapy: Acupuncture/Shockwave

WCM Seminar & Demonstration Topics Subject to Change

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