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Roy Frank of Alberta Recognized as an AQHA Cumulative Breeder at the 2024 Convention

Roy Frank of Parland County, Alberta, has bred and registered over 350 American Quarter Horses since 1969.

 

Each year, the American Quarter Horse Association honors breeders who have dedicated their livelihoods to maintaining the integrity of the American Quarter Horse breed. These horsemen, horsewomen and their families see their biggest accomplishments and proudest moments in the horses they breed.

It is all about the mares for Roy, and his band of broodmares has allowed him to carry on the foundation his dad started building years ago. With hopes of passing it on to the next generation, Roy has raised quality American Quarter Horses that have had success in the team penning and rodeo arenas.

Over the years, few things have brought greater joy to Roy and his family than looking onto a pasture full of American Quarter Horse foals and watching them grow into successful performance horses.

AQHA is proud to recognize the 2023 50-year Cumulative and Legacy Breeders at the AQHA Breeder Recognition Banquet, presented by Teton Ridge, during the 2024 AQHA Convention. The banquet is slated for 6 p.m. on Sunday, March 17, at the South Point Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas where AQHA will recognize the 2023 50-Year Cumulative Breeders, 50-Year Legacy Breeders, 75-Year Breeders, 2023 American Performance Horseman top breeders, AQHA Best Remuda winner, AQHA Ranching Heritage Breeder of the Year and Top Money-Earning Ranching Heritage Breeder of the Year. View the list of breeders who will be recognized.

For additional questions about the AQHA Breeder Recognition Banquet, email breeders@aqha.org.  

For more information on the 2024 AQHA Convention, visit www.aqha.com/convention.

About Teton Ridge
Teton Ridge is a multi-platform, wholly American-owned brand devoted to the iconic American western way of life and western sports. Teton Ridge’s Sports division was created with the singular focus of elevating classic western sports and America’s western culture on the world stage, while broadening audiences around the globe as well as at home. For more information about Teton Ridge, visit www.tetonridge.com or @tetonridge on Instagram and @tetonridgeusa on Facebook.

AQHA news and information is a service of the American Quarter Horse Association. For more information visit www.aqha.com/news or tune into our Podcast, “Let’s Talk AQHA.”

Click to view 2015 CTV coverage of the twin foals bred by Roy Frank
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Ontario-bred SNOW MOOSE voted AQHA’s 2023 Canadian Champion Race Horse

Snow Moose with his humans (from left to right) Jessica Pascoe, Glen Young, Milena Kwiecien, Brian Bell and Jason Pascoe. Photos by New Image Media
AJAX DOWNS, January 18, 2024 –  The popular grey gelding SNOW MOOSE, one of Ajax Downs’ top Quarter Horses of 2023, was voted Canadian Champion at the American Quarter Horse Association’s annual Racing Champions Awards on January 17 at Heritage Place Sale Company in Oklahoma City OK.
 
Owned and bred by Milena Kwiecien of Burlington, ON, Snow Moose won five of nine starts as a 3-year-old last year including the QROOI Derby and the Ontario Bred Derby. The son of Seperate Interest – Favorite Pearl by Favorite Cartel was disqualified from two other victories including the $48,000 Alex Picov Championship in which he was placed third.
 
Snow Moose, trained by Jason Pascoe of Pontypool, earned $54,672 in 2023; four of his victories came with leading rider Brian Bell aboard another with jockey JB Botello.
 
“This is an honour, especially for a small breeder like myself,’ said Kwiecien at the awards ceremony. “This is very much a family affair. He owes his name to my Mom, who we call Moose. He was born on a cold, March day [March 6] and pulled out from his mare by myself and my sister [Anna Rosiak]. And my grandmother made our silks.”
 

There were 10 nominees from Ontario and Alberta for the Canadian Champion Award which is for the top Canadian foaled horse of a racing year and a panel of industry members throughout North America does the voting.

 

The Quarter Racing Owners of Ontario and Ajax Downs host its 2023 Awards Banquet to honour its champions on February 24, 2024 at the Ajax Convention Centre.

 
You can watch the entire AQHA Racing Champions Ceremony here.
 
To learn more about how to join the affordable First Line Racing Syndicate and enjoy owning a share in your first racehorse, contact the QROOI at:
 
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AQHA News News Breeder News Uncategorized

Canadian- Bred Named AQHA Steer Wrestling Horse of the Year

Photo courtesy of PRCA

By Lane Karney for The American Quarter Horse Journal 

The Canadian contingent of steer wrestlers has long been a force in professional rodeo, but it’s their horsepower that reigns over the Horse of the Year history books. Two-time Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association world champion steer wrestler Lee Graves’ Rocks Eye Opener, aka “Jesse,” won the award in 2007 and 2009. The Cassidy family’s famous RTR Little Willy, or “Willy,” took top honors in 2008. And Curtis Cassidy’s Dashin Haze, “Tyson,” struck for three consecutive titles from 2020-2022. Again in 2023, the Nutrena Steer Wrestling Horse of the Year, presented by AQHA, goes north of the border, this time recognizing two-time Wrangler National Finals Rodeo bulldogger Tanner Milan’s Eds Famous Bar, “Eddie,” as the best in the business.

“I don’t know what the hell it is in the water, but I think because the horses up here are started (in the steer wrestling) in the wintertime in smaller indoor arenas, it takes a tough horse to keep trying and running that hard. You go through so many that don’t make it, but these tough ones, like Willy, Tyson and Eddie, are gritty and tough,” says Tanner, who calls Cochrane, Alberta, home. “When they keep trying that hard, then you take them to the bigger arenas, I think it helps them.”

Eddie is a 2013 brown gelding by EMW Noah Famous One and out of Hortons Kim Bar by Mr Horton. He was bred by Janet Patriquin of New Sarepta, Alberta.

Tanner’s journey with Eddie started early in the spring of 2020, when he first tried the “reject” barrel-racing-turned-heading-horse in a third event.

“They had run barrels on him, and (Canadian Pro Rodeo Hall of Famer and Calgary Stampede steer wrestling champion) Lee Laskosky was heading on him. He was too strong to head on, and Jordan Holland had probably run 20-25 (bulldogging) steers on him. When COVID hit and Houston got cancelled in 2020, we went to Arizona, hoping the California rodeos were still going to happen. They had Eddie there, and after the first steer I ran on him, I knew I had to own him,” Tanner says.

Although Tanner felt that Eddie was special from the start, getting to the point of being voted the Horse of the Year by the top 25 steer wrestlers in the world wasn’t without some trials and tribulations. 

“He started out really good and was going great. I think I overmounted him a little early, and he got a little hot in the box. It was a long process of a lot of slow work on that front, but as far as bulldogging went, from scoring and reading the cow in the field, he has been a natural. There are still times when his wires will cross, and he’ll jump out of the box. But you ride him back in, and he’s back to normal,” Tanner says. “Eddie scores outstanding and runs a nice pattern. He really puts you behind the horns and tries so hard every time.”

Eddie played a significant role in 2023 steer wrestling accolades at the highest level, including carrying world No. 1 Dalton Massey to the win at RodeoHouston and the likes of Cassidy, 2023 NFR first-timer Stephen Culling, Mike McGinn, J. D. Struxness and Tanner all to the pay window. Dalton and Stephen both plan to ride Eddie at this year’s NFR. Tanner will be on hand for the hazing duties and also to accept Eddie’s Nutrena Horse of the Year, presented by AQHA, award.

“It’s pretty awesome. To be honest, I didn’t expect it to happen this soon. Everybody who rode him this year was a big part of it. A big thank you to Curtis for the hazing horse, ‘Mission,’ that’s beside him. Curtis sent me the hazing horse, and that’s huge. The haze horse has to run as hard or harder than the bulldogging horse. He’s the quarterback of the whole situation to let the bulldogging horse shine,” Tanner says. “I just want to thank everybody who rode Eddie and voted for Eddie.”

Cassidy’s Dashin Haze was voted this year’s reserve steer wrestling horse of the year. Clayton Hass’ Be Dun By Three, or “Benz,” who finished reserve in 2020, 2021 and 2022, finished third in the 2023 voting.

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AQHA News News General News Breeder News

2023 AQHA World Show – Canadian Results

Bud Lyon and Canadian-bred Sumac Gunnabeflashy, by Gunnatrashya and out of a Whiz N Tag Chex daughter, marked a 252.5 to set a new senior ranch riding record.

The previous high score, 250, was set by Corey Cushing and Thecrowdlovesme in 2019.

World Champion – L2 Amt Western Pleasure – Canadian Bred: DEJA WHOO, 2019, MARE (THE LOPIN MACHINE x WHOS CHEATING WHO) Breeder/owner: SCOTT AND LINDA BERWICK, CLARENCE CREEK, ON. Exhibitor: LINDA BERWICK, CLARENCE CREEK, ON.

World Champion – L3 Amt Three Yr Old Mares – Canadian bred: ECREDILICIOUS, 2020, MARE (ECREDIBLE x FELLAS PREF) Breeder: SHAWNA F CRAWFORD, ON. Owner/exhibitor: JOSH WEAKLY, SHELBYVILLE, IL.

World Champion – L3 Open 3-Year-Old Hunter Under Saddle – IM WILLY FABULOUS, 2020 STALLION (GOOD I WILL BE x FABULICITY) Breeder: NANCY-SUE RYAN, NOCONA, TX. Owner: Canadian SANDRA MORGAN, SCOTTSDALE, AZ. Exhibitor: TAMI M THURSTON – TARBORO, NC.

World Champion – L3 Open Senior Western Pleasure – Canadian bred: AIR RYDE, 2015 GELDING (MACHINE MADE x KM HOT NUMBER) Breeder: BRENT & KATE BAMFORD, FOOTHILLS, AB. Owner: ANITA WIESCAMP, QUITMAN, TX. Exhibitor: Sara Simons, TX.

World Champion – L3 Amt Select Showmanship  – Canadian bred:  COOL COASTIN MACHINE, 2014, GELDING (MACHINE MADE x COOL COASTIN LADY) Breeder: CORY SEEBACH/CANDICE HALL, BLACK CREEK, BC. Owner: CAROL BETH OTNESS, DUVALL, WA. Exhibitor: SHELLEY OTNESS, WILLIAMSVILLE, IL.

World Champion – L3 Amt Select Hunter Under Saddle – ALWAYS GOODTOBE BEST  2019, GELDING (GOOD BETTER BEST x ONE HOT KATWOMAN) Breeder: JAMES P COLLIER JR. Owner/Exhibitor: Canadian SANDRA MORGAN, SCOTTSDALE, AZ.

World Champion – Headley Open Working Western Rail Stakes – Canadian bred:  SUMAC GUNNABEFLASHY, 2017, GELDING (GUNNATRASHYA x CHICS GRACEFUL WHIZ) Breeder: DONALD SOBEY, TRENTON, NOVA SCOTIA, Owner: LESLIE VAGNEUR LANGE, JOHNSTOWN, CO (PRO). n Exhibitor: BUD LYON, WHITESBORO, TX (PRO).

World Champion – 3-Year-Old Versatility Challenge – QUEEN OV HEARTS, 2020 MARE (MACHINE MADE X HP ONLY THE BEST) Breeder: MARIANN HARRINGTON/JOE PRAUSE CABOT, AR. Owner: CORY SEEBACH/CANDICE HALL BLACK CREEK, BC. GIL GALYEAN, OK.

World Champion – Level 3 Senior Ranch Riding – Canadian bred:  SUMAC GUNNABEFLASHY, 2017, GELDING (GUNNATRASHYA x CHICS GRACEFUL WHIZ) Breeder: DONALD SOBEY, TRENTON, NOVA SCOTIA, Owner: LESLIE VAGNEUR LANGE, JOHNSTOWN, CO (PRO). n Exhibitor: BUD LYON, WHITESBORO, TX (PRO).

World Champion – Level 2 2-Year-Old Western Pleasure – Canadian bred: NO DOUBT I M SLEEPN, 2021 GELDING (NO DOUBT IM LAZY x SLEEP MACHINE) Breeder/Owner: WILLIAM W COXBRANTFORD, ON. Exhibitor: DILLON VAUGHN

Reserve World Champion – L3 Open Senior Western Pleasure – Canadian bred: THE WHOO, 2017 GELDING (THE LOPIN MACHINE x WHOS CHEATING WHO) Breeder: SCOTT & LINDA BERWICK, CLARENCE CREEK, ON. Owner: LINDA BALL SARGENT, EUSTIS, FL. Exhibitor: Shane Dowdy, TX.

Reserve World Champion – L1 Hunter Under Saddle – Canadian bred: KRUZN SOUTH, 2021, GELDING (ITS A SOUTHERN THING x INVITATION TO GLORY) Breeder: TERRY ROBERTS, SPRUCE GROVE, AB. Owner: KAYLA AND MATT BUDINE, OAKDALE, CA. Exhibitor: Canadian ALYSE B ROBERTS, PURCELL, OK

Reserve World Champion – L1 Amt Select Trail – Canadian bred: A GOOD OHK KRYMSUN, 2011, MARE (ONE HOT KRYMSUN x GOOD N LACEY) Breeder: HERB BEST, NEW GLASGOW, NS. Owner/Exhibitor: ANN H ROBERTS, DURHAM, CT.

Reserve World Champion – L3 Amt Select Hunt Seat Equitation – Canadian bred:  COOL COASTIN MACHINE, 2014, GELDING (MACHINE MADE x COOL COASTIN LADY) Breeder: CORY SEEBACH/CANDICE HALL, BLACK CREEK, BC. Owner: CAROL BETH OTNESS, DUVALL, WA. Exhibitor: SHELLEY OTNESS, WILLIAMSVILLE, IL.

Reserve World Champion – L3 Amt Select Hunt Seat Equitation – Canadian bred:  COOL COASTIN MACHINE, 2014, GELDING (MACHINE MADE x COOL COASTIN LADY) Breeder: CORY SEEBACH/CANDICE HALL, BLACK CREEK, BC. Owner: CAROL BETH OTNESS, DUVALL, WA. Exhibitor: SHELLEY OTNESS, WILLIAMSVILLE, IL.

Reserve World Champion – L2 Amt Select Western Pleasure – Canadian bred:  SLEEP N THE MOONLITE, 2017, GELDING (ONLY IN THE MOONLITE x SLEEP MACHINE) Breeder/ Owner/ Exhibitor: WILLIAM W COX, BRANTFORD, ON.

Reserve World Champion – L2 Amt Select Western Pleasure – Canadian bred:  SLEEP N THE MOONLITE, 2017, GELDING (ONLY IN THE MOONLITE x SLEEP MACHINE) Breeder/ Owner/ Exhibitor: WILLIAM W COX, BRANTFORD, ON.

Bronze – L2 Amt Select Showmanship at Halter –  Canadian bred: SHESA HOT SELECTION, 2012, MARE (EXTREMELY HOT CHIPS x EMERALD SELECTION) Breeder: TRACY RINZEMA, KEENE, ON. Owner: JEFF PARDUHN 1994 REV TRUST, EDMOND, OK. Exhibitor: MONICA PARDUHN, EDMOND, OK

Bronze – L3 Non Pro 3-Year-Old Western Pleasure – FOXY CLEOPATRAA, 2020, MARE (BATT MAN x ZIPPOS TOUCH OF GOLD) Breeder:  BRET KELHAM. Owner: ROBERT D FOWLER, XENIA, OH. Exhibitor: Canadian, SARAH P NIMIGAN, XENIA, OH.

Bronze – L3 Working Western Rail – Canadian bred: SUMAC GUNNABEFLASHY, 2017, GELDING (GUNNATRASHYA x CHICS GRACEFUL WHIZ) Breeder: DONALD SOBEY, TRENTON, NOVA SCOTIA. Exhibitor: BUD LYON, WHITESBORO, TX (PRO). Owner: LESLIE VAGNEUR LANGE, GREELEY, CO (PRO).

Bronze – L2 Junior Trail – Canadian bred: SHE WILL BE SOMEBODY, 2018, MARE (VS CODE BLUE x SOMEBODY WILL KNOW) Breeder: ROD JEFFRIES, SHANNONVILLE, ON. Owner: TRACY L HRITZ, WASHINGTON, PA. Exhibitor: ALEXANDRIA BRYNER, VANDERBILT, PA (PRO).

Bronze – L1 Hunter Under Saddle – ALWAYS GOODTOBE BEST  2019, GELDING (GOOD BETTER BEST x ONE HOT KATWOMAN) Breeder: JAMES P COLLIER JR. Owner: Canadian SANDRA MORGAN, SCOTTSDALE, AZ. Exhibitor: Sara Simons. TX.

Bronze – L3 Open 3-Year-Old Western Pleasure – QUEEN OV HEARTS, 2020 MARE (MACHINE MADE X HP ONLY THE BEST) Breeder: MARIANN HARRINGTON/JOE PRAUSE CABOT, AR. Owner: CORY SEEBACH/CANDICE HALL BLACK CREEK, BC. GIL GALYEAN, OK.

Bronze – Level 2 2-Year-Old Western Pleasure – StillRockinTheHouse, 2021 STALLION (The Best Martini x Prissy Legs) Breeder: UNIVERSITY OF FLA FOUNDATION GAINESVILLE, FL. Owner:  JAMES WEIR SCOTTSDALE AZ. Exhibitor: Canadian DAVID ARCHER SPRINGTOWN TX.

4th – L1 Amt Hunter Under Saddle – SOUTHERN COUTURE, 2018, MARE (ITS A SOUTHERN THING x ALL ABOUT COUTURE) breeder: DEBBIE L HODDE, Owned & Exhibitor: MEAGAN FAHLMAN, DILKE, SK.

4th – L2 Amt Three Yr Old Gelding – YELLOWSTOANE, 2020, GELDING (GRAND SLAM TOUCHDOWN x FG SEND MORE ROSES) breeder: GARY AND/OR LINDA GORDON Owner: LAURA LOUISE MCARTHUR, MULMUR, ON.

4th – L2 Junior Western Riding – LOPIN MAKES ME LAZY, 2018, GELDING (LAZY LOPER x ONE SOUTHERN GLOW) Breeder: DARREN M PUTNAM, CABOT, AR. Owner: SHARON J FORBES-HANKS, MORDEN, MB. Exhibitor: JOHN BRIGGS, PILOT POINT, TX (PRO).

4th – L3 Amt Select Performance Halter Geldings – Canadian bred:  COOL COASTIN MACHINE, 2014, GELDING (MACHINE MADE x COOL COASTIN LADY) Breeder: CORY SEEBACH/CANDICE HALL, BLACK CREEK, BC. Owner: CAROL BETH OTNESS, DUVALL, WA. Exhibitor: SHELLEY OTNESS, WILLIAMSVILLE, IL.

5th – L2 Amt Select Hunter Under Saddle – Canadian bred:  RIGHT HOTT, 2018, GELDING (HOTTI IN THE HOUSE x YOU KNOW THATS RIGHT) Breeder: LISA SCERBO, ON Owner/Exhibitor: SUSAN MCGILLIVRAY, HAGERSVILLE, ON.

5th – L3 Amt Select Western Pleasure – Canadian bred: THE WHOO, 2017, GELDING (THE LOPIN MACHINE x WHOS CHEATING WHO) Breeder: SCOTT AND LINDA BERWICK, CLARENCE CREEK, ON. Owner: LINDA BALL SARGENT, EUSTIS, FL.

5th – L2 Two Yr Old Western Pleasure – THE CHROME SHOPPE, 2021, STALLION (NO DOUBT IM LAZY x MADE BY J) Breeder: SUPERIOR CARE MANAGEMENT LLC, TULSA, OK. Owner: CORY SEEBACH/CANDICE HALL, BLACK CREEK, BC. Exhibitor: JUSTIN MELVIN, TULSA, OK.

6th – L2 Amt Select Western Pleasure – Canadian bred:  CHASING BATTERFLIES, 2016, MARE (BATT MAN x WHOS CHEATING WHO) Breeder: SCOTT AND LINDA BERWICK, CLARENCE CREEK, ON. Owner/ Exhibitor: PAMELA M JONES, CIRCLEVILLE, OH.

6th – L3 Junior Trail – Canadian bred:  SHE WILL BE SOMEBODY, 2018, MARE (VS CODE BLUE x SOMEBODY WILL KNOW) Breeder: ROD JEFFRIES, SHANNONVILLE, ON. Owner: TRACY L HRITZ, WASHINGTON, PA. Exhibitor: ALEXANDRIA BRYNER, VANDERBILT, PA (PRO).

6th – L3 Amt Select Western Pleasure – Canadian bred:  SLEEP N THE MOONLITE, 2017, GELDING (ONLY IN THE MOONLITE x SLEEP MACHINE) Breeder/ Owner/ Exhibitor: WILLIAM W COX, BRANTFORD, ON.

7th – L3 Amt Select Hunt Seat Equitation –  AL B MAKING MEMORIES, 2015, GELDING (ALLOCATE YOUR ASSETS x FOXY LEAGUERS SHADOW) Breeder: Canadian PAMELA DOOLIN, TOMBALL, TX. Owner/Exhibitor: Canadian LEENA VERONICA VOLMER, OAK POINT, TX.

7th – L3 Three Yr Old Geldings – YELLOWSTOANE, 2020, GELDING (GRAND SLAM TOUCHDOWN x FG SEND MORE ROSES) Breeder: GARY AND/OR LINDA GORDON, TX. Owner: LAURA LOUISE MCARTHUR, MULMUR, ON. Exhibitor: TOM ROBERTSON, SALINE, MI (PRO).

7th – L2 Senior Trail – MAYBELINE, 2015, MARE (BATT MAN x RL SUDDEN FANCY) Breeder: JACK D CREDITT. Owner: ANNIKA I REAR, RIPLEY, ON. Exhibitor: SUZANNE DUQUETTE, GLENCOE, ON.

7th – Level 3 2-Year-Old Western Pleasure – STILLROCKINTHEHOUSE, 2021 STALLION (The Best Martini x Prissy Legs) Breeder: UNIVERSITY OF FLA FOUNDATION GAINESVILLE, FL. Owner:  JAMES WEIR SCOTTSDALE AZ. Exhibitor: Canadian DAVID ARCHER SPRINGTOWN TX.

8th – L3 Amt Three Yr Old Geldings – YELLOWSTOANE, 2020, GELDING (GRAND SLAM TOUCHDOWN x FG SEND MORE ROSES) breeder: GARY AND/OR LINDA GORDON Owner/ Exhibitor: LAURA LOUISE MCARTHUR, MULMUR, ON.

8th – L2 Junior Western Riding – Canadian bred: ISTHATCOOLWITHYOU, 2018, GELDING (LL COOL BAY x SHEZ LOPIN LAZY) Breeder: WILLIAM W COX, BRANTFORD, ON. Owner: KERRY WILLIAMS, CHANDLER, AZ. Exhibitor: BETH CLEMONS, SCOTTSDALE, AZ (PRO)

8th – L3 Senior Reining – Canadian bred: SUMAC GUNNABEFLASHY, 2017, GELDING (GUNNATRASHYA x CHICS GRACEFUL WHIZ) Breeder: DONALD SOBEY, NOVA SCOTIA, Exhibitor: BUD LYON, WHITESBORO, TX (PRO) Owner: LESLIE VAGNEUR LANGE, JOHNSTOWN, CO (PRO).

8th – L3 Amt Select Western Horsemanship – Canadian Bred: COOL COASTIN MACHINE, 2014, GELDING (MACHINE MADE x COOL COASTIN LADY) Breeder: CORY SEEBACH/CANDICE HALL, BLACK CREEK, BC. Owner: CAROL BETH OTNESS, DUVALL, WA. Exhibitor: SHELLEY OTNESS, WILLIAMSVILLE, IL.

9th – L1 Amt Trail – Canadian bred: ISTHATCOOLWITHYOU, 2018, GELDING (LL COOL BAY x SHEZ LOPIN LAZY) Breeder: WILLIAM W COX, BRANTFORD, ON. Owner/exhibitor: KERRY WILLIAMS, CHANDLER, AZ.

9th – L3 Amt Select Hunt Seat Equitation – LOPIN MAKES ME LAZY, 2018, GELDING (LAZY LOPER x ONE SOUTHERN GLOW) Breeder: DARREN M PUTNAM, CABOT, AR. Owner/ Exhibitor: SHARON J FORBES-HANKS, MORDEN, MB.

9th – L3 Amt Select Performance Halter Geldings – LOPIN MAKES ME LAZY, 2018, GELDING (LAZY LOPER x ONE SOUTHERN GLOW) Breeder: DARREN M PUTNAM, CABOT, AR. Owner/ Exhibitor: SHARON J FORBES-HANKS, MORDEN, MB.

10th – L2 Junior Hunter Under Saddle – SOUTHERN COUTURE, 2018, MARE (ITS A SOUTHERN THING x ALL ABOUT COUTURE) breeder: DEBBIE L HODDE, exhibitor:  MANDIE L BERRYHILL, TALALA, OK. Owner: MEAGAN FAHLMAN, DILKE, SK.

10th  – 3-Year-Old Versatility Challenge – Canadian bred:  TOO HELEN BACK 2020 GELDING (MY SLEEPY VALENTINE, x HELEN HYWATER) Breeder: DONNA BIDDULPH, POUCE COUPE, BC. Owner / Exhibitor: KRISTY L. MCCANN, WA.

10th – L3 Amt Select Western Riding – MADE BY J, 2012, MARE (MACHINE MADE x DARK JASMINE) Breeder: SUSAN L OSTRANDER Owner: CORY SEEBACH/CANDICE HALL, BLACK CREEK, BC. Exhibitor: CANDICE HALL, BLACK CREEK, BC.

11th – L3 Junior Western Riding – LOPIN MAKES ME LAZY, 2018, GELDING (LAZY LOPER x ONE SOUTHERN GLOW) Breeder: DARREN M PUTNAM, CABOT, AR. Owner: SHARON J FORBES-HANKS, MORDEN, MB. Exhibitor: JOHN BRIGGS, PILOT POINT, TX (PRO)

11th – L1 Amt Select Trail – Canadian bred:  LITES OFF IM SLEEPIN, 2013, GELDING (TOO SLEEPY TO ZIP x IM POPPIN GOOD) Breeder: BARRY FOOTE, BRANDON, MB. Owner/Exhibitor: JENNIFER S MORRIS, PLATTEVILLE, CO.

11th  – 3-Year-Old Versatility Challenge – Canadian bred:  BEST LUKEN VALENTINE 2020 BLUE ROAN GELDING (MY SLEEPY VALENTINE x LOPN ON THE REDLINE,) Breeder: APRIL I. WOOSTER, LUSELAND, SK. Owner: ANEL TRAMMELL, GRASS VALLEY, CA. Exhibitor: COLTIN GREY CRYSTAL, EMMETT, ID.

11th – L3 Amt Select Western Horsemanship – LOPIN MAKES ME LAZY, 2018, GELDING LAZY LOPER x ONE SOUTHERN GLOW) Breeder: DARREN M PUTNAM, CABOT, AR. Owner / Ehibitor:  SHARON J FORBES-HANKS, MORDEN, MB.

17th – L2 Amt Select Trail – Canadian bred:  A GOOD OHK KRYMSUN, 2011, MARE (ONE HOT KRYMSUN x GOOD N LACEY) Breeder: HERB BEST, NEW GLASGOW, NS. Owner/Exhibitor: ANN H ROBERTS, DURHAM, CT.

12th – L3 Amt Aged Geldings – Canadian bred: BUSTER BROWNS A STAR, 2000, GELDING (THE NEXT STAR x MISS DORGAN 89) Breeder: BARBARA LOCKYER, ON. Owner/ exhibitor: RACHEL LEE MUNDELL, KINGSTON, WA

13th – L1 Hunter Under Saddle – Canadian bred: RIGHT HOTT, 2018, GELDING (HOTTI IN THE HOUSE x YOU KNOW THATS RIGHT) Breeder: LISA SCERBO, ON Owner: SUSAN MCGILLIVRAY, HAGERSVILLE, ON. Exhibitor: SUZANNE DUQUETTE, GLENCOE, ON.

13th – L3 Amt Select Hunter Under Saddle – Canadian bred: RIGHT HOTT, 2018, GELDING (HOTTI IN THE HOUSE x YOU KNOW THATS RIGHT) Breeder: LISA SCERBO, ON Owner/ Exhibitor SUSAN MCGILLIVRAY, HAGERSVILLE, ON.

15th – L1 Trail – Canadian bred: CHASING BATTERFLIES, 2016, MARE (BATT MAN x WHOS CHEATING WHO) Breeder: SCOTT AND LINDA BERWICK, CLARENCE CREEK, ON. Owner: PAMELA M JONES, CIRCLEVILLE, OH. Exhibitor: SARAH J BERNATOWICZ, CANAL WINCHESTER, OH (PRO).

18th –  L2 Senior Western Riding –  Canadian bred:  MADE LIKE J, 2017, MARE (ONLY IN THE MOONLITE x MADE BY J) Breeder: CORY SEEBACH/CANDICE HALL, BLACK CREEK, BC. Owner: ROBERT JOHNSON, HERNANDO, MS

Exhibitor: NIKKOLE L RIDDLE, GAINESVILLE, TX.

19th – L2 Amt Trail – MAYBELINE, 2015, MARE (BATT MAN x RL SUDDEN FANCY) Breeder: JACK D CREDITT. Owner / exhibitor: ANNIKA I REAR, RIPLEY, ON.

19th – L2 Amt Select Trail – Canadian bred:  LITES OFF IM SLEEPIN, 2013, GELDING (TOO SLEEPY TO ZIP x IM POPPIN GOOD) Breeder: BARRY FOOTE, BRANDON, MB. Owner/Exhibitor: JENNIFER S MORRIS, PLATTEVILLE, CO.

19th – L2 Junior Trail – LOPIN MAKES ME LAZY, 2018, GELDING LAZY LOPER x ONE SOUTHERN GLOW) Breeder: DARREN M PUTNAM, CABOT, AR. Owner: SHARON J FORBES-HANKS, MORDEN, MB. Exhibitor: AUSTIN LESTER, ADRIAN, MI.

20th – L2 Senior Trail – Canadian bred:  A GOOD OHK KRYMSUN, 2011, MARE (ONE HOT KRYMSUN x GOOD N LACEY) Breeder: HERB BEST NEW GLASGOW, NS. Owner: ANN H ROBERTS, DURHAM, CT. Exhibitor: EUGENE SPAGNOLA, HARWINTON, CT (PRO).

21th – L2 Senior Trail – Canadian bred:  ISTHATCOOLWITHYOU, 2018, GELDING (LL COOL BAY x SHEZ LOPIN LAZY) Breeder: WILLIAM W COX, BRANTFORD, ON. Owner: KERRY WILLIAMS, CHANDLER, AZ. Exhibitor: BETH CLEMONS, SCOTTSDALE, AZ (PRO).

24th – L2 Junior Ranch Riding – Canadian bred: LIL CHICS CASH, 2018, STALLION (LIL JOE CASH x A GENUINE CHIC) Breeder/ Owner: SUE AND RICHARD TURPIN, ALVINSTON, ON. Exhibitor: LINDSAY HAYES-COFELL, LONDON, ON.

30th – L2 Amt Select Ranch Riding – Canadian bred:  JT HAUNTED JOSE, 2011, GELDING (PEPINICS SMOKIN GUN x JT TALLYS GHOST) Breeder: J T TOM KING CORNING, SK. Owner: ALEX & MARY ANN JENSEN, RUMSEY, AB. Exhibitor: MARY-ANN JENSEN, RUMSEY, AB.

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Canadian Bred Horse Wins AQHA’s Inaugural Pro Rodeo Pickup Horse of the Year Award

Photo credit: Billie-Jean Duff

Every year, the ​AQHA bestows the prestigious ​Nutrena Horse of the Year Awards upon the top horses in ​Pro Rodeo. While these awards have traditionally favored timed event horses, a new category has been introduced this year to shine the spotlight on the unsung heroes of rodeo: the ​Pickup Man’s Horse. These horses play a vital role in supporting pickup men during rodeo events, ensuring the safety of both riders and livestock.

The winners of this inaugural category have recently been announced. ​Canadian bred Baby Hes Hot, affectionately known as “Baby,” ridden and owned by ​Calgary Stampede Ranch Manager ​Tyler Kraft, claimed the first-place award.

“Baby” is by ​Hes Hot N Chexy Baby out of ​Vaniz Baby Boots, both owned by ​Doug Wilkinson. Prior to being purchased by the Krafts, “Baby” was born, raised, and trained on the ​Wilkinson Ranch in ​Mossleigh, AB.

Additionally pickup man and owner Tyler Kraft has been selected to be one of the pickup men at the 2023 Wrangler National Rodeo Finals taking place will take place December 7-16 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, NV.

Oh behalf of the CQHA community we congratulate Tyler, and “Baby’s” breeder Doug Wilkinson.

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AQHA News News Breeder News

HAD TO BE IVORY is Named AQHA 2022 Canadian Champion Racehorse

Had to Be Ivory Photo credit: ontarioracing.com

Owned and bred by Carol Robertson and daughter-in-law Jaime of Hillsburgh, Ont. and trained by Carol’s husband and CQHA’s 2022 Trainer of the Year Bryn Robertson , Had to Be Ivory completed his remarkable 2022 campaign undefeated in six races which included wins in some of Canada’s richest Quarter Horse races; the Picov Maturity, and the Ontario Bred Maturity.

The 2009 bay gelding has 22nd career wins from 28 starts in his long career.

A son of Ivory James and out of  Robertson’s top producing mare Had to Be Fandango, his life time earnings currently stand at $363,310.

In his final race of the 2002 season “Ivory” as he is affectionately called solidified his position as the best Quarter Horse in the country with a one-length score in the 440-yard dash in a time of 21.410, besting the former record of 21.520 set by Mitford in 2013. His final time speed index of 112 is one of the highest marks in recent Ajax Downs history.

“The fact that he is a home bred, born on our farm, makes us very proud, ” said Bryn. “We just try to keep him happy, fed well and he just goes out there and does it.”

Had to Be Ivory was the 2019 Horse of the Year at Ajax Downs but caught a virus in 2020 that was serious enough that the Robertson’s thought the horse would not recover.

“He was very sick and was in Guelph at the equine hospital for a couple of weeks. He came back in 2021 and he was good but this year he came out firing and we are tickled pink.”

Ivory was the nearly unanimous pick for the 2022 AQHA Canadian Bred Race horse of the year, as voted by the AQHA Racing committee delegates. This is the third time in his career that her has earned this prestigious award.

Bryn Robertson and his daughter Kim Sabila attended the awards ceremony on January 18, 200 hosted in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to accept the award on behalf of Had to Be Ivory and the family.

The award is announce at 28:18 of this video!

The Robertsons said Had to Be Ivory will be back to race again in 2023!

 

This editorial was written with help from Jennifer Morrison / Ajax Downs for ontarioracing.com

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News Breeder News

Breeder’s Committee Launches New Reproductive Seminar

he CQHA Breeder’s committee is proud to offer a NEW virtual seminar developed in partnership with AQHA through the funding of the Education Marketing Grant.
 
Breeding Best Practices for Stallion and Mare owners is facilitated by Rafael E. Martinez Ph.D., of Sam Houston State University. The seminar discusses the following:
  • Selection of Breeding Stallions and Mares
    • Reproductive Evaluations
    • Genetic Testing
  • Stallion Breeding Methods
    • Live Cover
    • AI – Shipped
    • Frozen Semen
  • Mares
    • Embryo Transfer
    • Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection

Dr. Martinez received his Ph.D. in equine nutrition and reproductive physiology from Texas A&M. He is currently an Assistant Professor of Equine Sciences at Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX, where he teaches a variety of equine courses, and also provides equine reproduction consultation services for clients and veterinarians. Dr. Martinez has been an Educational Market Place Clinician for AQHA’s QSP Program, teaching clinics for our international affiliates, including Uruguay, Slovenia, Denmark, Costa Rica, Alberta, and Mexico.

CQHA is pleased to offer Canadian AQHA members these FREE educational opportunities delivered by experts in their respective fields.

Additionally, those who sign up for this seminar can also enroll in any or all of the following seminars: 

  • Equine Genetic Diseases: Dr. Carrie Hammer, DVM, Ph.D., North Dakota State University
  • Farrier Science: Travis Burns, MSc, CJF, TE, EE, FWCF
  • Conformation, Western Horsemanship and Trail: Karen Graham AQHA Judge / Pro Horsewoman
  • Equine Welfare and Behavior: Eugene Spagnola, AQHA Judge/ Pro Horseman
  • The Business of Horses in Canada: Tara Gamble, AQHA Pro Horsewoman

These seminars are FREE to all AQHA members, simply sign up through the Eventbrite event registration application, and wait to receive your confirmation of enrollment from AQHA. 

 
 
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News Member News Breeder News

Had to Be Ivory Sails to Victory in the Picov Maturity

Bryn Robertson (green shirt), with wife Carol (white cap) and daughter Kim, accepts the Canadian Quarter Horse Association Trainer of the Year Award from Quarter Racing Owners of Ontario president Bob Broadstock (New Image Media Photo)
Had to Be Ivory, owned and bred by Hillsburgh's Carol and Jaime Robertson and trained by Bryn Robertson, won the 9th Picov Maturity easily under Josh Scott - New Image Media Photo
AJAX DOWNS, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 2022 –  On the day that he was presented with the Canadian Quarter Horse Association’s 2022 AQHA Trainer of the Year award, trainer Bryn Robertson of Hillsburgh, ON sent out champion HAD TO BE IVORY to win the $29,880 Picov Maturity at Ajax Downs.
 
Had to Be Ivory, the 2019 Horse of the Year making his first start as a 7-year-old, was quick out of the gate at the start of the 300-yard dash and caught front runner Countrys Comin Bac in time to win handily by three-quarters of a length in the fast time of 15.214 for a 102 speed index Carneros, owned by Milena Kwicien of Burlington and ridden by Brian Bell, was up for second by a nose over nine-year-old Countrys Comin Bac, owned by Ralph Pearson.  
 
Sent off as the 4 to 5 favourite against a strong field of eight other older horses, Had to Be Ivory paid $3.90 to win. Bred in Ontario, Had to Be Ivory is owned and was bred by Robertson’s wife Carol and daughter-in-law Jaime. The9th running of the Picov Maturity was the son of Ivory James’ 17th win in 23 career races. He now has earnings of over $292,000.
 
Scott, who was riding Had to Be Ivory for the first time, said the gelding had trained well coming into the Maturity and was sharp and ready for the Maturity. “He was leaning a little bit in the gate but I corrected him and he stood like a statue,” said Scott. “After that, he just exploded out of there and I just let him go.”
 
Robertson, a longtime member of the Quarter Horse racing scene in Ontario, prepared Had to be Ivory at the family’s Hillerin Farm this winter. “My son, Mike, he gallops him at home, his wife Jaime helps out and my wife Carol feeds the horses. It’s a family affair.”
 
Robertson received the CQHA Award for his contributions to the Quarter Horse breed in Canada, encompassing all disciplines of sport in addition to racing.
 
*Two Trial races for the $50,000 Princess Derby were also held on the June 1 card at Ajax Downs and both were won by 3-year-old fillies owned by Milena Kwiecien, trained by Jason Pascoe of Pontypool, and ridden by Ismael Mosquiera.
 
EYE LIVE FOR CANDY won the first Trial and set the fastest time of the two splits of 17.951 for 350 yards, edging John Wilson’s Oh My Gawd by a neck. The second Trial was won by Ontario-sired SW SNOWMAGICALLYKOOL, a daughter of Kwiecien’s stallion Maryland Magic, who won by a neck in a time of 17.968, the second-fastest time of all fillies in the Trials, over Don Reid’s JTC Lil Moonbar.
 
The $50,000 final of the Princess Derby, with the 10-fastest qualifiers, will be held on a special Father’s Day card of racing on Sunday, June 19.
 
*Racing at Ajax Downs continues on Wednesday, June 8 with a first race post time of 1:30 p.m. For more information on racing dates and the special event Sundays, visit www.ajaxdowns.com and follow us on social media @AjaxDowns.
 
Full live stream of June 1 races at Ajax Downs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YcccGMd6RcQ 
 
Categories
Breeder News

2022 Canadian Bred/Owned Horse of The Year

Dashin Haze "Tyson"

Dashin Haze isn’t just any ordinary 15hh gelding, he’s the type of horse they make movies about!

The Alberta bred 2005 brown gelding is by Royal Quick Dash and out of Sheza Special Chick, by Chicks Beduino; as a futurity horse, he made 14 starts on the racetrack, winning four of those races, and placing second in the Grade 3 Alberta Bred Futurity in 2007. “Tyson” earned his breeders and owners Darren and Marilyn Pollitt of Shady Lane Stables in Edmonton, Alberta $30,269 on the track. Today “Tyson” isn’t just any former racehorse that found himself a suitable second career he’s the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association’s Steer Wrestling Horse of the Year, for the third consecutive year, and has helped his cowboys to some of the biggest titles and payouts in the entire steer wrestling sport.

The value of a horse isn’t measured by the dollars he or she brings home alone, but if you own “Tyson,” knowing that he’s won the AQHA 2020 and 2021 AQHA steer wrestling horse of the year and brought pay cheques back to the barn for yourself and a number of other cowboys totaling well over the million mark we’re sure it must make Curtis Cassidy feel like he won some sort of the dream horse lottery!

Owned and trained as a “bulldogger” by leading Canadian and international cowboy Curtis Cassidy of Alberta, it was originally his wife who spotted the horse at a barrel race. “Tyson”, never really took to running can’s but after he came home to the Cassidy’s and was introduced to the cattle, Curtis said that they were jumping steers off him by the third or fourth steer, and it was like “Tyson” had been doing it forever.

For Cassidy the coolest thing about a horse like “Tyson” is that he knows that the horse understands his job and can perform to the best of his ability over and over again, coming fast and straight out of the box, keeping up with the steer, and ultimately very quickly lining his cowboy up, no matter who that may be so that they can get a good and early jump on their steer.

According to fellow steer wrestler Jesse Brown , he say “I’ve got all the confidence in the world when I’m riding Tyson,” after their recent second place finish at the RAM National Circuit Finals Rodeo in Kissimmee, Florida, where Tyson helped him ear $18,431. “He makes everything easy. I think he’s the best bulldogging horse in the world.” Just prior to the Florida rodeo in early April, the pair had captured the Steer Wrestling title at the The American, taking home $100,000 from Arlington, Texas’ legendary event.

With the 2022 Rodeo season now well underway for Cassidy and his Made in Canada brown gelding, the pair already have a number of wins and earning under their belt, with big claims still to stake at major ones like the Calgary Stampede all on the road to qualifying again for both the Canadian and National Finals Rodeo.

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News Member News Breeder News

2022 CQHA Race Horse Breeder of the Year

Wesley Oulton is an active participant in Alberta’s Quarter Horse racing industry. In 2021 his AQHRA breeder stats were: 54 starts: 7 wins, 7 seconds, 10 thirds for earnings totaling $170,736CND

He was the breeder of the 2021 (25th Anniversary) Canada Quarter Horse Cup (RG3) Futurity winner: Wave Burner, whom is a fourth generation bred horse from his breeding program. Wave Burner’s great grandmother (A Dare You Dash) participated in the futurity’s inaugural running in 1997.

Owner of the stallion First Timber, he is only one of six stallions with progeny earnings of over $1 Million to stand in Western Canada, all accomplished while standing in Alberta. First Timber has been awarded the AQHRA Champion Sire each year since 2014.

Oulton is an AQHA 40 year breeder who bred and owns AQHA’s  2020 Canadian Racing Champion Eyesa Timber, which also helped him win the 2020 AQHA Canadian Hi-Point Breeder award. Wes has also been awarded the AQHRA Champion Breeder in each year consecutively since 2018.

Breeder of two nominees for 2021 AQHA Canadian Racing Champion: O First Sweet Heart and Wave Burner, the extent and acclamation of Wes’ breeding program is seen through Wave Burner. This gelding is a fourth-generation product. His grandmother was bred to one of the first stallions Wes stood in Alberta, El Rey Burner, producing the own daughter Sass N Dass. After a successful racing career, she was bred to First Timber and produced a daughter, First Prize Sass,  Wave Buner’s dam. The Gelding won the the Canada Cup Quarter Horse Futurity in a remarkable time of 20.4 seconds in 6″ of mud on the Century Mile Track.

Wes Oulton has spent years both developing and advancing the sport of Quarter Horse Racing in the Province of Alberta and North America.  He has volunteered countless hours on various boards and committees, including Horse Racing Alberta, Alberta Running Quarter Horse Association, and the AQHA.

First Timber continues to stand in Canada as the highest money earning Canadian Quarter Horse Stallion in Canadian history, proudly owned by Wesley Oulton and standing at Rolling O Ranch.