by Sherry Menard, PS Video
Winters can be hard on the majority of us with its long, cold nights and its blustery days. You can either succumb to its grasp or you can join in the fun at the Blackland Winter Series.
Whether you are a seasoned competitor, bashful beginner, or an enthusiastic spectator, the “Winter Series” can provide you, your family, and your equine friend with a place of refuge.
Blackland is a privately owned and run equine events centre located just 15 minutes northeast of Edmonton. The facility is one of Alberta’s largest indoor show arenas with plenty of parking for horses, bleachers for spectators, an upper deck for viewing, and a canteen for the hungry.
It was opened in May of 2000 to fill the void for a public facility where people from all agricultural disciplines could gather to participate in various events.
With cattle readily available at the ranch, Wednesday cow works were a popular gathering for local trainers and horsemen. It was here, at the end of the show season with winter just around the corner, that the idea of a Winter Series was born.
The monthly competitions allow equine enthusiasts to ward off those winter blues, have some fun, try some new events, clean up old habits … and find some new ones.
The first annual Blackland Winter Stockhorse Series commenced Saturday, November 4, 2000, and ran monthly with the last show scheduled for Saturday, April 7. The initial list of performance classes were in the cutting and cowhorse disciplines.
The classes ranged from Open to Ranch to Youth and were run in accordance with the Alberta Reined Cow Horse Association’s (ARCHA) rules and regulations.
The series offered daily jackpot monies as well as high point prizes. If riders attended four or more shows, there were buckles to be won, as well as other prizes to fourth place.
Each year the list of classes is reviewed and adjusted according to local industry demands such as money limits, and additional ranch and novice classes. It has become a great place for riders to venture into new events.
By the end of the first season, the popularity of the series necessitated the addition of reining to this list of classes in 2001, which included a Beginner Ranch class.
Over the past five years, some of the unpredictable and memorable moments have included: Shawna Rusnak’s ride on “Papa’s” strawberry roan, her tribute to her grandfather, Fred, who had just passed away that week; Ryan Hodgson’s working cow horse debut on Widowmaker; Rick Gervais’s fashionable dismount due to a leg cramp; the father/daughter team of Danny and Chelsea Moore earning both the Open and Non-Pro High Point Cutting buckles; Jennifer Soltys and her mount Purple Rose scoring their first 72; Loren Christianson and My Own League cutting the “infamous limo;” the lone “loonie” that separated John Rosdahl and Shelley Loren in their run for the 500 Novice Novice Cutting buckle; Geoff Hoar’s retirement ride on Fourbles Miss Kilo; and Jodi Savage’s cutting demonstration on Paso, the multi-talented mule owned by Dave Freeland.
There have been many personal challenges overcome such as getting those dreaded lead changes and staying on pattern. There have also been a number of firsts: holding all three cows, going down the fence, getting that first pay cheque and, finally, getting the courage to get out there and just do it!
With the rising cost of travelling, the 2006 series saw some additional changes to the schedule. To accommodate those individuals that travel from afar, the six-show series was scheduled over four weekends: December 10, January 26, February 25 and 26, and March 25 and 26. They also have set an alternate date of April 1 or 2 in case of inclement weather … after all, this is Alberta!
Blackland also provides an outlet for the cattle penning crowd to endure their sport throughout the winter season with its Winter Cattle Penning Series running Open, Number 8 and Number 5 classes.
This series also began in 2000 with daily payouts as well as high point team awards and high point rider awards. Over the years, high point prizes have included a BarT5 stockhorse trailer, Welsh’s saddles, Olson buckles, and Pegasus sheets.
In 2004, management saw an opportunity to expand the penning weekend to a two-day event, which saw the addition of Two-Man Team Sorting. This event’s popularity has grown to include an Open with a Number 7 incentive class and a Number 4 class.
As a private facility, it is always challenging to endure the rising cost of business in this ever-changing horse industry. The continuing support of their sponsors and competitors is a contributing factor to the success of the series.
It’s all about that camaraderie and competition. No matter the discipline, no matter the breed, no matter the colour of your collar – put on your long johns, load up your long-haired pony, bring along your family, and share in some winter fun!
