May 6, 2025 - Canadian Quarter Horse Association

Read About Dustin Sippola’s Road to the Horse Journey in Canadian Horse Journal

Canadian Talent on the World Stage: Read About Dustin Sippola’s Road to the Horse Journey in Canadian Horse Journal

The Canadian Quarter Horse Association (CQHA) is proud to spotlight Canadian talent making their mark on the international stage—and this spring, Canadian Horse Journal is doing just that with a feature on Alberta’s own Dustin Sippola.

Dustin recently represented Canada as a competitor in the prestigious Road to the Horse Wild Card Challenge, a colt-starting event that brings together some of the most skilled horsemen and women from around the world. His quiet confidence, deep connection to his horses, and strong foundation in ranch-raised horsemanship made him a standout throughout the competition.

What makes this story especially meaningful to CQHA is that Dustin’s journey is firmly rooted in Canadian soil. Based in southwestern Alberta, Dustin and his wife Carmen operate a working ranch and raise quality horses for ranch and rope work—many of them American Quarter Horses. He’s well known across Western Canada for his commitment to building soft, willing horses through thoughtful training and classical horsemanship principles. From early days riding with family friend and mentor Sid Cook, to earning titles like Heart of the Horse Champion three years in a row, Dustin has consistently represented the best of Canadian horsemanship.

We don’t want to give too much away here—because the full story is best told in the words of Canadian Horse Journal, a long-time CQHA sponsor and an essential voice in Canada’s equine community.

👉 Read the full article:
https://www.horsejournals.com/riding-training/more-disciplines/other/canadas-dustin-sippola-wild-card-challenge-competitor

As always, we encourage our members to support the publications that support Canadian horsepeople. Canadian Horse Journal continues to shine a spotlight on the individuals, horses, and events that make our industry so special—and we’re proud to stand behind their work.

#CQHAproud #DustinSippola #CanadianHorseJournal #RoadToTheHorse #CanadianQuarterHorse #SupportEquineMedia #cndquarterhorseassoc

Quarter Horse Racing Is Back at Ajax Downs, May 7

Special 2025 Race Days:

Father’s Day celebration on June 15

Twilight Racing Day on July 2 featuring a 4:15 first race post time

Craft Beer day is July 20

Family Fun Day is August 24

Pumpkin Day is October 13

PRESS RELEASE

Chomping at the Bit: Quarter Horse Racing Is Back at Ajax Downs, May 7

AJAX DOWNS, MAY 6, 2025 – The long winter break is over and the fastest breed of equine, the Quarter Horses, are back for another exciting racing season at Ajax Downs this Wednesday, May 7. The first of 25 race dates gets underway with a seven-race card and a first race post time of 1:45 p.m.

Throughout the season, racing fans can enjoy top class Quarter Horse racing as well as special event Sundays once a month during the summer beginning with a Father’s Day celebration on June 15. In addition to other event days such as Craft Beer day and Family Fun Day, Ajax will host its first Twilight Racing Day on July 2 featuring a 4:15 first race post time.

The popular Battle of the Breeds races, pitting Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses in a ‘hook race (around a turn) will be back too. Last year the Thoroughbreds won four of the races to three won by Quarter Horses.

Bob Broadstock, the president of the Quarter Racing Owners of Ontario, Inc. and a leading trainer, is encouraged by the number of entries for the opening day card.

“From the moment the track opened for training it was very busy,” said Broadstock. “We had a tough winter and horsepeople were excited to get their horses back in training.”

The QROOI implemented a horse purchase loan program a couple of years ago and it increased for the 2025 racing season.

“A lot of people took advantage of the loan program, double the number from a year ago,” said Broadstock. “People may need some help investing in their first horse, that is what we are trying to do.”

Evidence of the success of the loan program can be seen right off the bat in the two Trials for the QROOI Open Derby for 3-year-olds as eight of the 15 entrants in the 300-yard dashes were purchased during the off season.

The first Trial is race two and Ontario bred ELVIS THE FAMOUS will be a popular runner with the fans. The light grey gelding won the Ontario Bred Futurity last season for the top stable of Carol and Jaime Robertson. Elvis the Famous will be ridden by Ismael Mosquiera, who is returning to riding after being sidelined since July due to injury.

Race three is the second Trial and last year’s High Point 2-year-old filly HAD TO BE FABULOUS, also owned by the Robertsons, meets stakes winner Runaway Fate and others in a competitive dash. The final of the QROOI Derby, worth $30,000, is on May 21.

Parking and admission are always free at Ajax Downs and you can watch the racing up close from the many picnic tables trackside. The popular VIP room overlooking the track can be reserved on racing days by contacting the track at www.ajaxdowns.com or (905) 686-8001.

To find out more about joining the popular First Line Racing Syndicate and own a share in a Quarter Horse, call the QROOI at (905) 426-7050.