by Sheryl Hilton
There was no lack of colour in Drayton Valley, AB, on the weekend of July 14, 15, and 16, 2006. The forested town west of Edmonton was the setting for the Big West Colour Classic Paint (APHA) and Appaloosa (ApHC) approved horse shows.
Competitors showed their horses to one judge, Fred Adams of Nebraska on July 14, with the day co-sponsored by the Saskatchewan Paint Horse Club. July 15 and 16 had three judges: Doug Lasota of Arizona, Rick Evans of Georgia, and Rick McMasters of Tennessee, which offered a three-point opportunity per class.
Among the many incentives the show had to offer was the $5,000 added for stake classes in various halter, performance, and reining events. Included in those classes was Non-Pro Versatility, which combined the three events of halter, showmanship, and longe line all in one class.
Show manager Jackie Harke spends up to 6 months in advance to prepare for this horse show, keeping both breed show schedules and awards in mind.
“There are 90 horses here for the show, coming from Idaho, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and different parts of Alberta,” says Harke. Although it’s a challenge to coordinate both breeds’ show class schedules into one, it’s well worth the effort says Harke, and gives the Paint and Appaloosa competitors a chance to meet different people involved in each breed.
Competitor Colleen Hazeldine of Lumby, BC, makes sure that the Big West Colour Classic is on her show list every year. “My whole family always comes to this show as well as my students; it’s just one of the best shows to attend, and well worth the trip,” she says.
The Omniplex facility is one of the finest available for horse-related events. With a large indoor arena, attached barns, wash bays, concession, and an outdoor warm up ring, competitors also have the opportunity to stay in the adjoining campground adding to the convenience.
Along with full days of showing, a potluck dinner is held every year that brings the competitors together to socialize outside of the show ring on the Saturday night. This year, the dinner was followed by wheelbarrow races in the show arena to raise money for youth activities.
The show had some great treats to offer for the youth competitors. “Omni bucks” were given for class placings, which were spent like money for purchases from vendors set up on the mezzanine.
Then there are the high point awards. This year, fleece coolers were generously donated as high point awards for both Paint and Appaloosa competitors that were awarded on the final day.
Lynn Johnson, who shows her Appaloosa gelding, Dandys TQ Bobby, in the all-around events is also a yearly competitor. “This show offers a full range of all-around events from halter to barrels, even jumping, making it a real challenge to go for the high point awards,” she says.
The Big West Colour Classic Show offers one distinctive honour that is not usually added to other shows and that’s the Supreme Halter Horse award, which is given to the halter horse that has the best accumulated scores overall.
This year’s Supreme Halter Horse title was awarded to Woodstock Silk N Lace, a 2004 palomino overo mare owned by Glen and Ruth Hyde of Hyde Show Horses, and shown by Todd Bailey. The Hyde’s were presented with a beautiful framed portrait taken by Arto Djerdjerian of Arto Photography.
Jackie Harke, who takes a lot of pride in the planning and managing of the show would like to thank and recognize all of the major sponsors who contributed to the success of the show: Concord Well Services, Don Stewart Welding, Drayton Valley Agriculture Society, Glen Hyde Show Horses, and Gordon and Betty Anne Vivian.
Harke also sends out a heartfelt thank you to all of the volunteers, without whom the show would not have been the same.
All competitors who have not attended the Big West Colour Classic are encouraged to make the trip, enjoy the atmosphere, camaraderie, and the collection of unique coloured horses that make it one of the most recognizable shows in the West.
