A record crowd of just under 24,000 horse enthusiasts converged on Chilliwack, BC’s Heritage Park October 19 to 21 to take in the Mane Event Equine Education and Trade Fair.
The wet weather outdoors did not deter the enthusiasm indoors where the crowds filled the seats at every clinic and demonstration, and filled the aisles of the trade fair.
Clinics during the three-day event ranged from western pleasure to reined cow horse and dressage. American show jumping team chef d’equipe George Morris – whose clinics gave local riders a rare opportunity to learn from a show jumping icon – was overwhelmed with the response he received.
“I was so impressed with the quality of the attendees and the eagerness of the riders to learn,” he said, confirming that he will return to the event next year. Riders who signed up to ride in the clinic included Canadian Olympic pentathlete Monica Pinette of Langley.
Spectators came from all over Canada and the Pacific Northwest plus New York, Calfornia, Texas and Arizona, said show organizer Gail Barker. “We are definitely gaining international recognition, which we are very pleased with for being in only our fourth year of operation.”
The ever-popular Trainers’ Challenge drew in a large crowd who watched, laughed and cheered on the three clinicians throughout the weekend. The horses from the Douglas Lake Ranch tested the skills of Van Hargis, Doug Mills and Steve Rother, and the crowd was on the edge of their seats during the obstacle course finale.
After the four round pen sessions only 16 points separated the three. Two-time returning champion Mills emerged victorious with a 7.5 point lead. Judges Mel Hyland, Mark Grafton and Miles Kingdon, who weighed the results of the three clinicians and their efforts throughout the five sessions, observed that the skills of the three trainers were “among the very best we have ever seen.”
Next year’s Mane Event in Chilliwack, BC, will take place October 17 to 19, 2008. However, you can take in the Mane Event in Red Deer, AB, at Westerner Park as early as April 25 to 27, 2008.
In its second year, the trade show area will be increased by an additional 40,000 sq ft to cover a total 115,000 sq ft. Confirmed clinicians include dressage trainer Dr. Cesar Parra, horsemanship expert Stacy Westfall, US jumping trainer Frank Madden, and mule and donkey trainer Jerry Tindle.
Anyone who may have missed any of this year’s Trainers’ Challenge sessions at Chilliwack can order a DVD of the entire Challenge from the Mane Event at info@maneeventexpo.com or by calling (250) 578-7518. Visit the Mane Event Web site at www. maneeventexpo.com for up-to-date announcements about both the Chilliwack and Red Deer events.
