Category Things of Interest

HORSE SALES

Lynn Scott Leave a comment

A few friends had horses consigned to the Ranch Horse Round Up Sale and it was a beautiful morning so off we went to watch. We had to stop for a breakfast sandwich and coffee at Sylvan Lake where a nearby building was hosting a large gull convention. Then off to Rimbey and the sale.

A Gull Convention

There was a wide selection of horses from 2 year old prospects (one draft cross 2 year old was steadier than some mature horses) to horses with years of experience doctoring cattle on big pastures.

An experienced partner in the pasture.

There was even one that I wish could be the mount of the neighbor girl who needs a good horse to be her partner in her quest to be a horsewoman. Good horses still demand a good price. He was above her budget. Nice horse.

A good ranch horse can make a good trail riding horse or a good prospect for some of the interesting new competitions becoming available.

Another horse that was at the sale

I hear people say they can’t take their horse out on the trails because he and they get nervous. Most all ranch horses have not only been out on the trails but have had to work through trees and deadfall to move cattle. Not all ranches have the terrain to make that happen but those that do can certainly get horses broke.

This is a great venue for a horse sale. The big hillside behind the large outdoor arena is a good place for exhibitors to settle their nerves and give the horses a chance to stretch their legs and take a little break.

The sale provided lots of preview time for each horse. This allowed the horses a few minutes to settle in and go to work and really show their finest skills.

It also allowed time for any “holes” in their training to show up, providing a buyers with a good idea of the level of training and disposition. Blood samples from all the horses were taken in case of questions requiring drug testing.

Lunch was available, the burgers were great and the porta potties were remarkably pleasant. Great sale!!

2019 Wild Rose Welsh & Open Pony Show

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Show Report by Karen Podolski

While Alberta continues to dig its way out of the economic downturn, this trickles into show entries. The 2019 Wild Rose Show had about 50 ponies and horses, including welcoming some BC ponies.

Our annual three-day, three-judge event is the largest Welsh show in western Canada, and in 2019 sadly it was the only Welsh show across British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan. Manitoba has its annual show, and Ontario has a number of Welsh shows each year, while Quebec has been picking up momentum for some time and now hosts breed events.

For the Friday Youngstock Futurity & Performance Stake, Jennifer Caldwell from Ontario officiated, while the Saturday – Sunday main show was judged by Diana Cappellanti from Virginia and Megan Burtness from California.

YOUNG STOCK FUTURITY & PERFORMANCE STAKE:
Judge: Jennifer Caldwell

This portion of the show is for Welsh and Half-Welsh only. It begins with several riding and driving classes for ponies aged three to eight, and culminates in the youngstock halter championships.

The Futurity Grand Champion Section A and Futurity Res. Supreme Champion went to Shell-Crest Starlight Silver, a 2018 grey Welsh Mountain Pony filly (Gallod Twm Sion Catti x Shell-Crest Starlit by Dandardel Flit) bred and owned by Shelley Snyder from Didsbury.

Futurity Res. Supreme Ch under Caldwell & unanimous Res. Gr. Ch. Section A: Shell-Crest Starlight Silver, 2018 Section A filly.

Her owners say, “This filly showed very well throughout her first year; she took everything with ease and showed off her Section A characteristics: movement, temperament, and conformation.”

In reserve came Alvesta Fflach (Delami Red Legend x Alvesta Caris by Nerwyn Gwyn), 2018 grey gelding. Fflach is the first offspring from Brenda Podolski’s 2014 imported colt, Delami Red Legend (Sunwillow Galong x Delami Simply Red by Delami Diablo).

Futurity Res. Section A Ch. under Caldwell: Alvesta Fflach, 2018 gelding owned by Brenda Podolski.

Being a late foal (born July 17) and only 13 months old at the time of showing, our active yearling could have had more weight and been more mature for the show ring, but took him out for some experience. A typical smart, eager Welsh Mountain Pony, Fflach decided was quite confident with the proceedings by the end.

A real mover, he was entered in the main show’s Liberty class. Although he initially thought he should stick around for treats, he ended up stepping out and being awarded 1st and 2nd (two judges) amongst some beautiful moving ponies.

Onto the Section Bs, yearling chestnut roan colt Alvesta Owain (Thistledown Arctic Lore x Alvesta Fairy Lustre by CadlanValley Pirate) would be awarded the Futurity Gr. Ch. Section B trophy and then the top two championships of the evening: Futurity Supreme Champion Welsh Youngstock and Futurity Gr. Ch. Sport Pony.

Youngstock Futurity Supreme Ch under Caldwell: Alvesta Owain, 2018 Section B colt.

With a herd of females sired by CadlanValley Pirate—with a few Llanarth Tarquin and Alvesta Helios daughters—we were on the lookout for a quality B colt. Then in 2015, we had the opportunity to visit Welsh studs in Wales and England, including Sandy Anderson’s Thistledown stud. After seeing well over 100 Thistledown ponies and cobs (only a portion of Sandy’s extensive program, since we didn’t get into his mountain pastures) we were particularly impressed with Lore and his family’s quality, type, and substance—plus height (sire 13.3hh, dam 13.2hh). Later we learned of their renowned temperament and movement, and Lore was purchased.

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Draft Horses Working In the Field

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Grab the old folks and the kids. There is something happening in west central Alberta this weekend that they all will enjoy. Wild Rose Draft Horse Field & Pioneer Days on June 1 & 2 at Double Tree Village Museum. Gates open at 9 AM. It is 2 whole days of fun with something for everyone.

I’m going to start right off with my favorite part. It is the Draft Horses working in the field. Few people remember when that was “how it was done”. The turning point – when the amount of tractor power overtook the amount of horse power on American farms – was 1945. Jobs for draft horses were pretty scarce after that.

The draft horses at the Double Tree Museum give all those youngsters under 75 a chance to see horses working in the field. Actually putting in a crop. In a beautiful setting which includes a whole village filled with interesting things from the past.

You can tour a village reminiscent of the early villages in Alberta stocked with thousands of items. Join in the Jam Session and Cowboy Poetry Sat. at 5:00, vendors, Handicrafts, Pack Horse Demo, Hand work demos, Mini horses and much more… 

There is a concession but if you are trying to have some fun with the family but on a severe budget, bring some fried chicken and potato salad, a nice big watermelon and lots of water and enjoy a whole day of fun for just a General Admission of $5.00 per person. There are places to sit and eat or rest. There are wagon rides to and from where the horses are working in the field.

Maybe you would like to purchase supper provided by the Spruce View Lions Club on Saturday evening during the jam session. Or breakfast which includes Cowboy Gospel singing as breakfast is served. You will be welcomed with true western hospitality.

6 miles west of Spruce View on Hwy 54 to RR41, turn north as the sign and follow the road into the village.

Contact us at 403-729-3875 or 403-391-3645 or email dbltreem@telus.net

We also have an extraordinary setting for family and wedding pictures.

Interesting short article “Horses Finally Lose Their Jobs“.

Lorie Duff & the Gobi Desert Cup

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Supporting Nomadic Culture and The CHEO Foundation: The Gobi Desert Cup is a Race That Makes a Difference

Gobi Desert Cup Competitor galloping across the Gobi Desert

The Gobi Desert Cup is an endurance race that makes a difference. Each rider lived with nomadic people; rode endurance-trained Mongolian horses, and traveled 480 kilometers to test their endurance and challenge their horsemanship through an international endurance race all while secluded from the world. Following a marked course, riders started every morning at 7 AM and completed the course before 7 PM. Two FEI-qualified veterinary checks were held each day; one at 40 kilometers and one at the end of the 80 kilometers.

2018 Gobi Desert Cup Contestants

For the second year in a row, all horses and riders completed the race, and there was less than a 5% elimination on course, well below the global average of 40% in endurance riding. Eighteen riders competed each day over different terrain on different horses but were brought together as a community in their passion for adventure and horsemanship.

Eighteen equestrians from seven countries united to race for the Cup. The Australian riders were Amy Eighteen; Cecilia Stone; Tania Orlov; Ruth Benney; Claire McManus; and Michael Shaw. The New Zealand riders were: Kasmira Graham; Mathilde Schwarz; Stephanie Scott, and Peter Breidahl. The European riders consisted of Jon Pieszak Heebøll from Denmark and Sweden and Elodie Maillard from France. Finally from North America were our experienced endurance riders: Jeffrey L. Stuart; Bob Gauthier; Christoph Schork; Allan Horn, and Howard Kent from the United States and horsemanship trainer Lorie Duff of Canada.

Canadian competitor in Gobi Desert Cup Lorie Duff

Canadian Lorie Duff of Liberty Lane Horsemanship, based in Ottawa, was inspired to race on behalf of the CHEO foundation. Lorie was driven to complete the race for the children despite suffering an injured knee and dehydration. While she was unable to ride the full six days, she pushed on determined to learn about endurance and raise money for CHEO. As a result, she finished the race in 18th place with the encouragement of her fellow riders. Lorie said, “I could not have chosen a perfect setting other than the big sky of Mongolia and the Gobi Desert Cup for my heart to be taken by the sport of endurance racing, and of course by the Mongolian horses.”

In the end, the Gobi Desert Cup and Overall Best Managed award was earned by world-champion endurance rider, Christoph Schork (US) with a tie for second place from Elodie Maillard (FRA) and Jeffrey L. Stuart (US). The team award was won by Team USA consisting of Christoph Schork, Jeffrey L. Stuart, Allan Horn, and Bob Gauthier.

Herdsman from the Gobi Desert Cup demonstrating horsemanship.

To learn more about the Gobi Desert Cup or to apply please visit http://www.gobidesertcup.com.

About the writer: About the writer: Heather Wallace is a certified equine and canine sports massage therapist, author of Confessions of a Timid Rider, and Media Consultant for The Gobi Desert Cup. Visit her at timidrider.com or learn more about The Gobi Desert Cup at gobidesertcup.com.

BMO Farm Family Award Winners Announced

Lynn Scott Leave a comment

EDMONTON, AB (November 10, 2018) – At the 50th annual BMO Farm Family Awards on Saturday, November 10, Northlands and BMO were pleased to recognize 18 family-run farming operations throughout Alberta for their outstanding contributions to agriculture and their community.

“Northlands is proud to recognize these farm families who are working hard to make a difference in their community and the agriculture industry,” said Gordon Wilson, President, Northlands. “These families have all shown tremendous pride and commitment for their business and their community. Northlands salutes all 18 winning farming operations and thanks them for their continued dedication to the agriculture industry in Alberta.”

“BMO has a long standing commitment to the agriculture industry, and for many years, the BMO Farm Family
Awards have recognized the leading business and environmental practices of Alberta’s farmers and ranchers,” said Vanessa Laroque, Regional Vice President, Business Banking, Alberta North Community. “We’re proud to honour the leadership of these families in the agriculture sector and their unmatched support of the Alberta
economy.”

The following families are recipients of the 2018 BMO Farm Family Awards and will receive a commemorative gate sign signifying their accomplishment:

County  and Award Recipient 

  • Athabasca County Kelly & Anna Olson
  • Big Lakes County Dwayne & Chris Pollack
  • Brazeau County Vant & Ethel Hayes
  • County of Grande Prairie Eugene & Ruth Slette
  • County of Minburn Larry & Tracy Rudolf
  • County of Northern Lights Ken & Lynne & Bryan & Dyla Kover
  • Flagstaff County Roger & Linda Johnson
  • Lac Ste. Anne County Donald & Joyce Drews
  • Lamont County Rudy & Theresa Warawa
  • Leduc County Johan & Riekje Ter Borgh
  • Municipal District of Bonnyville Murray & Linda Pikowicz
  • Municipal District of Fairview John & Heather Kerschbaumer
  • Municipal District of Wainwright Ken & Doris Ford
  • Parkland County Tony & Sue Kirkland & Hazel Dandeneau
  • Smoky Lake County Barry, Frank & Emilee Feniak
  • Sturgeon County Phillip & Norma Soetaert
  • Westlock County Terry & Roseanna Sheehan
  • Woodlands County Robin & Charlene Hagman

About the BMO Farm Family Awards: 

Since its launch in 1969, farm families from northern and central Alberta communities have been recognized as the recipients of the BMO Farm Family Award. The Northern and Central Agricultural Service Boards select outstanding families who best represent values of the family farm within their rural community. The award honours both their farming business practices and community involvement. Winners receive a commemorative gate sign and are honoured at the BMO Farm Family Awards Gala. Northlands is deeply rooted in the community and is poised to undertake a remarkable transformation. As Canada’s largest agricultural society, Northlands has cultivated the knowledge and experience to bring people together, spark interest and shine a light on Alberta’s agricultural industry. Northlands will foster an appreciation for the industry and give insight into the journey from gate to plate through educational programs, special events and the province’s culinary/food distribution channels. For more information, please visit northlands.com. For more information: Mackenzie Parish Event and Communication Specialist, Northlands Office: 780-471-8103 Mobile: 780-266-2567

Wild Rose Welsh & Open Pony Show

Lynn Scott Leave a comment

2018 Wild Rose Welsh & Open Pony Show
By Karen Podolski

The community enjoyed another Wild Rose Welsh & Open Pony Show on August 10 – 12, 2018 at the beautiful Amberlea Meadows Equestrian Centre, near Edmonton, Alberta.

Alvesta-Caelia

Following the usual format, three judges officiated over three days: the Friday Young Stock Futurity & Performance Stake offered the first judge, followed by a double-judged Saturday and Sunday.

A full slate of Welsh breed halter classes started off the event, followed by sport pony and model hunter divisions, ridden and driven classes, trail, showmanship, costume, gymkhana, and a few jumping classes—most being open to all breeds. 60 ponies and horses competed.

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