Judges appreciate exhibitors who present cutting-edge performances packaged with attractive and trendy tack and apparel, so now’s the time to evaluate your show apparel wardrobe for possible upgrades or replacement.

Colour is back … and in a big way. Years of black, black, and more black are giving way to a full spectrum of colour in eye-catching patterns and designs. While some riders opt for an overall colour theme with tops, chaps, pants, and boots all of a hue, others are keeping their black or sand chaps, but being positively provocative in pairing these perennials with unpredictable tops: think turquoise with sand, black with purple, chocolate with metallic gold.
continue reading "Fashion Forecast 2006"

by Vivian Slugoski & Linda McKenzie

The Edmonton-area landscape is changing – and for the better. A new and long-awaited cross country course is being constructed two miles west of the town of Beaumont, just east of Highway 2.

Aptly called the Beaumont Cross Country Course, the 55-acres of riding heaven are a welcome addition to the Alberta landscape and of huge benefit to Pony Club members, eventers, drivers, and the general riding public.
continue reading "New Cross Country Course for Alberta"

by Garry Allison, The Horses, Rocky Mountain Turf Club

The Alberta Community Thoroughbred Racing Association recently honoured its finest at a banquet at Whoop-Up Downs in Lethbridge, AB.

The association selected its top Thoroughbred-based humans and animals for the 2005 season, and leading the pack was Ross Brigden. Named the top trainer for 2005 on the Community Circuit, Brigden had 16 wins. Runner-up for the leading 2005 trainer was veteran Stan Marks.

Also a major award winner was jockey Janine Stianson, named the top rider in the Fall Meet at Lethbridge as well as the overall leading Thoroughbred rider on the Community Circuit with 54 wins in 252 starts.

Jackie Smith was selected as the most improved rider for 2005 while Brooke Mellish was the leading rider at the Grande Prairie Meet this past summer. Veteran Peter McAleney was named the top rider for the Spring Meet at Whoop-Up Downs.

As well, the banquet honoured a surprisingly large number of 50-year trainers who continue to train on Community tracks: Robert “Red” McKenzie, Stan Marks, Phil Wiest, Ken Buxton, Dale Bagnell, Ivan Clark, Ed Calfrobe, Pete Dubois, and Bob Allen.
continue reading "Leaders of the Pack: Racing Community Honours its Finest"