by Monty Gwynne
Cochrane is your choice if you are looking for some nice hunter schooling shows in the Calgary area.
The Cochrane Agriculture Society has hosted a hunter schooling series for the past three years, the brainchild of a few parents who were looking for a local show venue for their children.
With the support of the Cochrane Agriculture Society and a lot of volunteer hours, jumps were built, the arena was readied, and a mailout to the local riders was completed in 2004.
Originally comprised of four shows in January, February, March, and October, the series has been streamlined down to three in January, February, and March.
The class types, the divisions offered, and the show procedures have also been honed over the years to satisfy the committee, judging rules and, of course, the participants. Incidentally, the riders range in age from six to much, much more than six, yet all are cheered on by the spectators with equal enthusiasm.
The Cochrane Hunter Schooling Shows average around 20 entries in each division, and although there have been some huge shows in the past – with one running until very late at night – they strive to be done by 6:00 p.m. There are five divisions, starting with the ever-popular x-rails and going up to 2’9”.
Within those five divisions there are five classes, including the flat class and the Cochrane Dodge Stake Class that offers a cash payout.
The cost to enter a division is $100, but there is an early entry discount of $15 per division, making it a very reasonable outing. Series Division Champions are awarded at the end of the series.
There is also a trainer’s discount, where if a trainer brings in 10 students, he or she can either receive a $100 refund or enter one extra horse/rider in a division for free.
This year, the Cochrane Agricultural Society added a $1,000 Scholarship Award for riders over 15. To be eligible for the scholarship, the applicant must attend all three shows, be between 15 and 20 years old, and exhibit certain personal qualities. The scholarship is to be used for post secondary schooling within two years of winning it and the applicant must apply in writing. For all the details, please see the website at www.cochraneagsociety.ca.
The intent of hosting these shows was, and still is, to cater to riders and horses of all ages and stages of training. Great effort has been made by the committee to keep the atmosphere fun and relaxed and to provide a positive learning environment and experience for all that participate.
Some quotes for participants will attest to their success at doing just this.
• “I like that it is small and has a good social atmosphere for the girls,” says Sherry Bigland. Bigland has two daughters who competed in the February show: Alexandra (11) on Little Egypt and Keely (16) on Tallulah. Both ride with Marit Stables of Cochrane.
• “It is a fun atmosphere and a good way to start in the show ring,” says Alysia Gillespie. Gillespie, 17, and her new horse, Daily Double, have been together about eight months now and competed in the 2’3” to 2’6” and 2’6” to 2’9” divisions at the February show.
• Kerry Marit brought several trailer loads of horses, ponies, and kids to the February show and had this to say: “The show’s organizers and volunteers work very hard to put on a top-notch schooling show. They make sure the judges are first class, and the courses are well-designed. It gives the kids and the horses a real feel for what the regular shows will be like without quite as much pressure because of the fun, relaxed atmosphere. This is a great series.”
Contestants from the stables around Cochrane as well as Airdrie, Springbank, and other local stables are well represented.
If you miss the days of the fun shows we had when we were kids, then this is the show series to come to. Make sure you mark their website on your calendar: www.cochraneagsociety.ca and check back in late December of 2007 for the 2008 series dates and entry forms. This is a series you don’t want to miss!
For more information on the Cochrane Hunter Schooling Shows or if you would like to organize an event at the facility, please contact Audra Shields at (403) 851-7772.
All money raised from the shows goes directly to the Agricultural Society and have been used to finance ongoing projects to the grounds like the new indoor stalls and huge outdoor ring that will be ready for use in summer 2007.
This will allow for the possibility of more hunter shows throughout the season. I know this will be welcomed by those of us who live close by.
The Cochrane Agricultural Society grounds are located just west of Cochrane on Hwy 1A.
