By early 2010, the following show dates should be confirmed by the show operators. As you can see, we again have 15 shows. Attendance at a minimum of 50 per cent of these shows is required to qualify for the fabulous cash and prizes to be won at our Regional Finals in September!

TENTATIVE 2010 CTPA SHOW DATES:

• Cam Clark Ford & Trailers (Olds Cow Palace): Feb. 27/28 (co-sanctioned CATPA)* $12,000 added.

• Dave Fraser Penning Series (Okotoks Ag): March 6 & 20, April 3 & 18.

• Willow Creek Ag Society (Claresholm Agriplex): April 24/25.

• Okotoks Ag Society (Okotoks Agriplex): May 8, 22 & 23.

• Bill Fraser Equine Productions (Okotoks Agriplex): June 5 & 19.

• Silver Slate Arena (Parkland, AB.): July 24/25, saddle blankets to series winning teams.

• CTPA Regional Finals (Claresholm Agriplex): September 11/12.

Ray Antony has generously volunteered his time and expertise as president for a second term. We welcome Tammy Evans (membership), Marci Green (show program liaison) and Chris Thompson (treasurer) to our 2010 board of directors and thank them for making the commitment to volunteer their time and keep Chinook Penning the best it can be.

There will be a few changes in the new season. All members and other interested parties should visit our website at chinookpenning.com to stay current, view our rules, entry criteria and, of course, our list of fantastic sponsors!

P.S. I took the opportunity to drive up to the Zender Classic in Edmonton specifically for a live view of the new sport of Speed Penning. It was a blast to watch and apparently, a lot more fun to participate! In a nutshell, the arena is divided into two smaller arenas with the judge and a flagger for each lane, in the centre. Simultaneously, as the flags go up and the number is called, two riders dash to their respective herd of 10 cattle, numbered 0-9, and attempt to sort the number called and be the first to put it in the pen. The winner goes on to the next heat. This continues until only two riders are left and the victor of that heat is declared the champion! Wow!! The excitement built with every successive round — the entire crowd was on the edge of their seats, or out of them, and cheering wildly. Chinook Penners really showed their stuff, with Dave Fraser winning the Open (Ratings of 4-7) and Robbie McKay winning the Amateur (Ratings of 1-3).