The Calnash Ag Event Centre is causing an influx of competitors in the American Saddlebred Horse Association’s Shows
The American Saddlebred Horse Association’s (ASHA) season began with a prep show, the Spring Fling, at the centre last weekend.
“Its purpose is to let the competitors get their horses ready for the season,” said show manager Diana Goldie.
The rising number of competitors compete not only in the three ASHA hosted shows but many more, some of which take place in the United States.
The Spring Fling is only in its second year and saw 87 horses with 86 riders. “Having the facility has encouraged competitors and numbers. We really appreciate the new seating arrangement.”
The Spring Fling covered a variety of different classes, such as western divisions, hunt seat and Arab costume.
In saddlebred shows some of the classes are quite showy, said Goldie, as saddlebreds are known as the peacocks of the equestrian world.
“It’s not just the saddlebreds that are beautiful,” said Goldie. The Spring Fling is a registered show with classes for all breed divisions.
The show also features competition levels from lead line up to international levels.
Some of the riders in attendance have competed for Canada.
Additional horse shows include the Alberta Classic, June 14 to 16; the Summer Classic, July 12 to 14; the Western Canadian Championship and Futurity Horse Show, Aug. 16 to 18 and the Alberta Morgan Horse Show Aug. 31 and Sept. 1.
Goldie encourages the public to come see the free shows for the international class horse and showmanship. “On behalf of ASHA Alberta I would like to thank the greater Ponoka area and the Calnash Centre for making our shows so enjoyable.”