Canadian Cowboy Country April/May 2025

CANADIAN

COUNTRY HORSE TRAINERS

THE RANCH HORSE ISSUE

Jill Barron & Bruce Christie

TRAINER’S PICK

Best Horse Traits

COWBOY FILM STAR

“Hoot” Gibson

ARTIST ‘LEXI FRITZ

Painting Canadian Cowboys

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E D M O NTO N, A B

CALG ARY, AB

LIVE HORSE RACING

THOROUG HB R E D | Q U A RT ER HORSE | ST AN DARDBRED

WWW . CE N T U R YM I L E . COM

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CONTENTS APRIL/MAY 2025 | VOLUME 28, NO.6

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FEATURES 18 “VAQUERA” JILL BARRON Her journey to become a master.

20 WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR?

Some of the West's top trainers weigh in on what they look for in a ranch horse.

25 BRUCE CHRISTIE —

FROM THE GROUND UP

Known for his soft hands and open-range skills, he’s going from the range to the spotlight.

28 THE POINTE AG EVENT CENTRE This facility will open its doors this fall and will prove to be a boon to the area.

31 ARTIST PROFILE —

ALEXANDRA VERBOOM FRITZ

When an established artist marries a cowboy, authentic Western art ensues.

ALEXANDRA VERBOOM FRITZ

DEPARTMENTS

ON THE COVER: PG 25 Horse trainer Bruce Christie.

Photo by Mary Durant Photography

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MY POINT OF VIEW

7

IN THE CORRAL

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SPIRIT OF THE WEST

13

RANCH RAMBLINGS

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WHEEL TO WHEEL

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ROAD TO THE CFR

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WHAT WORKS FOR US

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COMMON THREADS

40

TRAILBLAZER

43

MADE IN CANADA

44

CLOWNIN’ AROUND

45

WESTERN EVENTS

48

RECIPES FROM THE RANGE

50

COWBOY POETRY

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April/May 2025 Vol. 28, No. 6

“World Champion” sponsor of Miss Rodeo Canada Proud member of the Canadian Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame Publisher Rob Tanner rob@cowboycountrymagazine.com Editor Terri Mason terri@cowboycountrymagazine.com Art Director Shannon Swanson shannon@tanneryoung.com Sales Manager Kristine Wickheim kristine@cowboycountrymagazine.com Subscription/Circulation Marie Tanner circ@cowboycountrymagazine.com Accounting/Administrator Marie Tanner admin@cowboycountrymagazine.com Columnists Brittney Chomistek, Tim Ellis, Niki Flundra, Jackie Rae Greening, Hugh McLennan, Billy Melville Contributors Jill Barron, CrAsh Cooper, Dwight Dokken, Miles Kingdon, Kade Mills, Jess Parsonage, John Tilley. Special thanks to Chad and Caitlin Fike of Chad Fike Racing near Didsbury, Alta.

Tanner Young Publishing Group Box 13, 22106 South Cooking Lake Road Cooking Lake, AB T8E 1J1 Tel: 780-465-3362 | Toll Free: 1-800-943-7336 Website: cowboycountrymagazine.com E-mail: askus @cowboycountrymagazine.com

SUBSCRIPTIONS: Call Marie at 1-800-943-7336 Make all cheques payable to Tanner Young Marketing Ltd 1 Year: $29 incl. tax | 2 Years: $46 incl. tax | $Single Copy: $6.95 + tax Canadian Cowboy Country magazine is published six times per year

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BUILDING LEGACY For 50 years, Kubota has proudly supported Canadian farmers. With support from Kubota dealers across the country, we deliver reliable nationwide service from coast to coast to keep your Kubota running at its best. Our experts have the tools and the know-how to keep you going in any season, for any task. We’re here to continue our legacy of service and keep your farm moving forward – today, tomorrow, and for many years to come.

FREELANCE POLICY Canadian Cowboy Country welcomes freelance contributions but will not be held responsible for unsolicited text or photographs.

Direct all freelance enquiries to: editor@cowboycountrymagazine.com PRIVACY POLICY At Tanner Young Publishing Group, we value your privacy. For our complete privacy policy go to tanneryoung.com/privacy.html or call us at 1-800-943-7336 Canadian Cowboy Country makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information it publishes, but cannot be held responsible for any consequences arising from errors or omissions.

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Canadian Cowboy Country April/May 2025

MY POINT OF VIEW

Worth Their Salt

ADOBESTOCK/BEATS_

S

alt is the stuff of legends. From superstitions to the highest compliment, ubiquitous sodium chloride has been a major part of our culture since time immemorial.

If a horse can really buck, he’s “salty.”

If a person is a top hand, they’re “worth their salt.” Salt has preserved our food, helped maintain our health and has been a valuable commodity for ages—and its symbolism abounds.

In fact, the word "salary" originates from sal, the Latin word for salt, and Roman soldiers often received it as part of their compensation. In the Leonardo da Vinci painting "The Last Supper," Judas Iscariot is depicted as having knocked over a salt cellar, an act that's come to symbolize betrayal.

Spilling salt signifies “bad luck,” and the only way to reverse it is to throw salt over your left shoulder. Why? In Latin, the word "sinistra" originally meant "left" but eventually took on the meaning of "unlucky" or "sinister." Throwing a precious commodity like salt over the left shoulder was believed to blind or drive away any evil spirits lurking there.

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Superstitions aside, there is another use for salt—one I’ve used all my life.

In your tack room—in your trailer and your barn—place a small block of cobalt salt on the floor under your saddles and bridles—and under your collars if you have teams. Mice are attracted to the salt in the sweat, so they’ll chew on sweat-saturated leather unless you provide them with exactly what they want. It’s a $10 fix for a $1,000 problem.

This issue is filled with a deep talent pool worth their salt. Some of the names are world-famous, some are industry famous, and some you can’t see from the road, but each is well-respected in the horse training world, and it’s a mighty big world—here in Canadian Cowboy Country.’

— Terri Mason, Editor

IN THE CORRAL

CREDIT: SUPPLIED

//// NEWS & HAPPENINGS ACROSS THE WEST ////

Canadian actor Graham Greene will be inducted at the 64th annual Western Heritage Awards in Oklahoma City.

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IN THE CORRAL

GREAT WESTERN PERFORMERS CONGRATULATIONS TO INDIGENOUS actor Graham Greene, who will be inducted into the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum's Hall of Great Western Performers in Oklahoma City on April 12, 2025.

Graham was born in 1952 on the Six Nations Reserve in Ontario and eventually moved into acting.

His stellar career includes Dances With Wolves, The Green Mile, Thunderheart, Maverick, Die Hard With a Vengeance, Wind River, Northern Exposure, Longmire, and a host of other roles of complex characters. The versatile actor is also known for his comedic work, including on Canada’s Red Green Show.

Graham has won many theatre and film awards, including a Dora Mavor Moore Award for his work in Toronto theatre and three Gemini Awards—including a Lifetime Achievement Award—given by the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television. He received an Oscar nomination for Dances With Wolves, a star on Canada’s Walk of Fame, and a Golden Boot Award.

He was named to the Order of Canada, Canada’s highest honour and has been awarded honorary doctorates from several universities and membership in the Masonic Lodge.

Today, he continues to gain awards, such as Best Actor at the Tokyo International Film

Listen to

Graham Greene in Thunderheart (1992)

Festival. He still works in several acclaimed television series and films and is an ambassador for the Dreamcatcher Foundation.

Only two Canadians have been inducted into the Hall of Great Western Performers. Graham joins Canadian Jay Silverheels (1912–1980), also from Six Nations Reserve, and best known

for his role as Tonto in The Lone Ranger, who was inducted posthumously in 1993.

Some of the other performers being inducted this year are Brooks & Dunn, Country Music Hall of Famers, the late actor Anthony Quinn, and the late Baxter Black, cowboy poet, philosopher, and large-animal veterinarian.

THE SPIRIT OF THE WEST “Radio Program” Ride through the Rangeland of the West every week

Celebrating over 30 YEARS

of Stories Great Western Music Horse Training Advice And much more

with Hugh McLennan

Hear it on your favourite radio station or on demand at Hugh-McLennan.com Check out the new Spirit of the West Facebook page too!

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Canadian Cowboy Country April/May 2025

IN THE CORRAL

HELP AT HAND

New Telus Agricultural Livestock Response Unit to be stationed in Spallumcheen

BC IS HOME to some 600,000 head of cattle, and thanks to those involved in containing accidents, the province recently unveiled their latest Telus Agricultural Livestock Response Unit, this one stationed in Spallumcheen for the North Okanagan.

The Livestock Response Unit trailer (LRU) is equipped with livestock rescue supplies such as horse and cattle halters, portable corral panels for immediate containment, tools, first aid kits, safety/protective clothing, fencing equipment,

jacks and a fire extinguisher.

The trailer can be hooked up to any truck with the proper bumper hitch, allowing the units to be deployed throughout the region during emergencies such as accidents, floods or fires.

“The concept of having livestock emergency response trailers in B.C. was first introduced by (Vernon) RCMP livestock co-ordinator Cpl. Cory Lepine after attending a large animal rescue clinic in Alberta, so a committee consisting of interested industry group representatives

was immediately formed,” said Bob Miller, chair of the Emergency Livestock Response Committee.

The North Okanagan rig is one of five LRU’s in the province. The others are located in Vanderhoof, Williams Lake, Kamloops, and the Kootenays, plus a privately funded trailer at Fort St John.

The emergency livestock response unit can be deployed in an emergency by calling 1-877-314-9686, including after hours.

Specializing in Rodeo, Ranch & Humourous Fine Artworks!

COURTESY BOB MILLER

“

It is not what we have in life, but who we have in our life that matters.”

Check our Facebook page to see where Ash will be next: Follow Ash Cooper Art and Ranch Gallery

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IN THE CORRAL

RODEO!

025 –

25

pril/M

2 ay

–A

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WHERE IN THE WORLD IS CANADIAN COWBOY?

RODEO SEASON IS here and after a winter of hard work, our athletes are ready!

We kicked off the season in Rimbey, and April brings more action, starting with a photoshoot in Montana with Montana Silversmiths. I’ll also attend the Grande Prairie Tarp Auction, Calgary Stampede Chuckwagon Auction, and the MRC Alumni Clinic.

I’m so excited for our upcoming rodeos as I make my way to the Medicine Hat, Taber, and Crowsnest Pass Rodeos, with more to come in May such as Drayton Valley, Falkland Stampede and Leduc Black Hills Rodeos!

Looking forward to all that’s yet to come; see you down the rodeo trail!

Codi Wilson 2025 Miss Rodeo Canada

2025 Miss Rodeo Canada Codi Wilson was a guest at the 154th annual Silver Spurs Rodeo in Kissimmee, Florida

FROM PESO TO BIG BUCKS!

CHINIKI COMMUNITY COLLEGE on Mînî Thnî, Alberta (pronounced mi-NITH-nee), is a dedicated learning center offering traditional and unique learning opportunities ranging from the formal sciences and mathematics to their Stoney Language Program.

In August 2024, the Stoney Nakoda First Nations renamed the community of Morley (west of Calgary) to Mînî Thnî, which means "cold water" in Stoney Nakoda. The name change is a step towards reconciliation, healing, and decolonization for the Stoney Nakoda people.

Built in 2010, the college is staffed by fully accredited teachers (including Jill Richards of Richards Rodeo Stock). It has attracted many students and graduates who seek higher education, including drum maker and multidiscipline artist Jarron Poucette.

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Logan Bird on Peso, 2024 Canadian Finals Rodeo

LOGAN BIRD’S GREAT buckskin with the “mohawk” mane, Daddy’s Shiner Cat, better known as Peso, has been vaulting his riders over the competition down south during the winter rodeos to the point that Western Sports Roundup of the Cowboy Channel gave the gelding an unusual honour when they named him Athlete of the Week.

At San Antonio, in Bracket Three alone, Peso carried three cowboys, Logan Bird, Kyle Lucas and Ty Harris, to the pay window to cash over $14,000+, with Ty and Kyle advancing.

Peso was named the 2021, 2022 and 2024 Tie-Down Roping Horse of the Year by the Canadian Pro Rodeo Association members.

Canadian Cowboy Country April/May 2025

PHOTO: SUPPLIED; CPRA CFR PHOTO BY WILDWOOD IMAGERY/CHANTELLE BOWMAN

Mînî Thnî, Alberta

J.R.’S RAMBLING MIND

BORN & RAISED IN… ST. ALBERT???

FOLKLIFE AND SUPERSTITION: THE LUCK, LORE, AND WORLDVIEWS OF PRAIRIE HOMESTEADERS

CREDIT: RICHARD STAPLES; JEN RUSH

AS A CHILD, I had a friend who, at 15, had come to Canada—alone.

His name was George Chapman. He was born sometime in the 1890s and was already an old man when I met him as a kid. But he knew stuff: how to clean fish, fix a window, resole his own boots, and what was the best salve for a cinch gall (bacon grease.) He could also witch water, a skill that made him popular on the prairies.

This wonderful book is filled with such stories gleaned from the archives that show the lives of the adventurous people who settled in Canada, giving insight into these homesteaders’ unique cultures that blended old with new.

Now, a few will look upon this time as one of hardships. Many of us will look upon this time as the best of times—when there was no social media but plenty of social life.

Does anyone need a well witched?

Folklife and Superstition: The Luck, Lore, and Worldviews of Prairie Homesteaders Author Sandra Rollings-Magnusson 320 pages | Paperback Published by Heritage House Publishing

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BREAKING NEWS: I’M HERE TO was the recipient of the Notable Lifetime OFFICIALLY ANNOUNCE, BEFORE ALL Achievement Award. There’s no way I OF YOU COWBOY COUNTRY READERS… can go through all of Leona’s accomplishI’M A CITY GIRL. GASP! ments, from running The Jungle Farm to Since I’ve been in country radio for over mentoring students at Olds College to the 40 years, and I used to visit Mannville as a ABC program for pre-schoolers to 1,000 youngster because that’s where my Mom’s Hours Outside for 6 to 12-year-olds. It is family came from, many think I grew up on truly impressive. Though I think her most the farm. The closest I’ve important role is showever come was feeding ing other females that a my Uncle Bill’s pigs and future in agriculture is playing with my plastic possible. farm set. (I loved the Growing up in St. miniature cows the most, Albert, whenever somethough they were very one asked me what I difficult to milk.) wanted to be when I got Recently, I was on a older, my answer was jury to choose the recipi“an RCMP officer!” Who ents of the Women in knew females weren’t Ag Awards sponsored even allowed on the

by CFCW and Agriculforce back then?

Leona Staples hard at work at ture Financial Services To every woman on the The Jungle Farm Corporation. I am in farm, thank you for all you absolute awe of the do. In a male-dominated women on the farm who juggle so many field, it’s important we show younger balls; it seems they have more arms than women that you are an integral part of any a centipede (that’s a lot, just in case you farm operation, just like Leona Staples. don’t know your centipedes.) I do want Congrats, Leona, on this Lifetime to give a shout-out to Leona Staples, who Achievement Award. It is so deserved.

Jackie Rae Greening 840 CFCW Program Director & Mid-Days Honourary Doctorate MacEwan University CCMA & Country Music Alberta Hall of Fame Hear Jackie Rae weekdays on 840 CFCW! Email Jackie Rae with column suggestions: jrgreening@stingray.com

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SPIRIT OF THE WEST

That Song Sounds Great— But I’ll Never Play It

BY HUGH MCLENNAN

interpretations... and I decided NOT to promote songs that are created by computer algorithms.

I don’t mind lots of production, even pitch correction on tracks if it’s done tastefully, but I want to know that it was a real person singing, real musicians playing and a living, breathing producer and engineer on the controls.

“A.I. will never replace live cowboy singers and musicians on stage...”

O

Hugh in his studio on McLennan Ranch

n every Spirit of the West radio show, I play five or six pieces of music, and those songs are very carefully selected. They must be well done, vocally and instrumentally, and reflect our Western way of life, ranching values and cowboy traditions.

I have a huge library of music that I have collected over 32 years, much of it in digital files and still hundreds of CDs. But it’s important, I think, to keep up with the new artists and latest releases, as long as they fit my standards.

In searching out contemporary western cowboy music, I discovered a bunch of songs that, at first listen, sounded perfect. I watched the accompanying video, and it seemed to represent everything about the West. The singer’s voice was a slightly edgy country baritone with

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impeccable phrasing and expression; the fiddles, pedal steel, lead and rhythm guitars, bass and background vocals were just about perfect. I thought this would be a great opener for my next show. But as I listened several times, it seemed almost too perfect. The text notes about the song, though, had a familiar structure, was not too specific, and was kind of flowery and artificial.

Artificial! That’s the word! I realized that the recordings I wanted to use were not real.

They were all generated by A.I., Artificial intelligence (not insemination.)

One of my reasons for spending all these years doing this program is to help promote the music of the West and the talented folks who live the life and write original songs and poems, lyrics and music, and perform it with their own

This raises some troubling issues for our entertainment Industry. Generative A.I. models are now creating songs indistinguishable from human compositions.

These models are trained on vast, unlicensed datasets mined from internet and music platforms. I suspect this violates the copyrights of millions of musicians.

It seems to be a case that’s become more common these days. Technology has advanced way faster than regulation can manage. Platforms like Spotify increasingly integrate A.I.-generated music to cut costs, further shrinking royalty streams for human artists. Why license a costly catalogue when A.I. can generate something “good enough” for free?

One thing’s for sure. A.I. will never replace live cowboy singers and musicians on stage at gatherings and other venues.

Nothing can replace the experience of being taken out on the music trail by great performers like Tom Cole, Ryan Fritz, Corb Lund, Colter Wall Brett Kissel, Eli Barsi and hundreds of others.

Disclaimer: This column was not generated by A.I. It was laboriously typed out by these battered ol’ cowboy hands. c

Canadian Cowboy Country April/May 2025

RANCH RAMBLINGS

Messages

BY NIKI FLUNDRA • Place worth on people and relationships— not things, especially on the people who value you back.

• Good horsemanship is far more important than a good performance.

You might not know this right now, but someday you will and wish you had known it earlier.

• This next one is tough: Don’t compare, it is the thief of joy. It’s easier said than

“Don’t compare, it is the thief of joy.”

I

Niki taking a break with her "he does everything" horse, Rio

have had a couple of messages this month asking me about this, so here goes….

A LETTER TO A YOUNGER ME:

Right now, you are just starting to figure out who you are and what you are meant to do with your life. There is so much value in focusing on your strengths and what you love. Quit worrying so much about what you think you SHOULD be and do, and don’t let society define what success looks like.

• God made you on purpose with your unique qualities; use them.

• Focus on what you want and who you want to be, and go get it; give it everything you’ve got, but know it won’t be easy.

• Face the hard things and even embrace them. They are part of your journey, not roadblocks—they shape who you are meant to become. Stay disciplined and

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work hard even on the days you don’t feel like it; that will set you up for success.

• There will always be things out of your control that you will be tempted to spend too much time worrying about. Things like the circumstances around you or how others act, and you darn sure can’t control how people will perceive you.

• What you can control is your character, your belief in yourself and how you react to the things and situations in your life.

• You can adopt the attitude of what CAN I do? Not what you are limited to.

• Every moment, every day, every week, every year, you have an opportunity to go to work to create the life you want to live.

SO, HERE’S SOME THINGS TO REMEMBER: • Your thoughts are powerful.

• Good things happen when you focus on the positive, so try your best to stay grateful. See the flowers, not the weeds.

done but try instead to be inspired to fuel your passion and motivation for your own journey by what you might see around you.

• Always, always keep your faith even in the hardest moments—that’s when you need it most.

• One day, you will be rocking your baby boys, realizing that for you, they are your greatest blessing and purpose in life. You will realize you have been sweating the small stuff way too much.

If only you could know over the years that everything happened the way it needed to and was meant to. All the good, the bad, and even the ugly.

Try to remember that.

• Your happiest places will be with your family around a busy, crowded table or in the barn with some good dogs and horses. Not much else deserves to lose sleep over.

• Life is as beautiful as it is hard. It's not always fair, but it's always worth showing up and giving it your all.

Love hard, laugh a lot and enjoy the moments that turn into memories.

After all, you only have one go-round; you might as well make it count. c

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WHEEL TO WHEEL

Luck of the Irish

BY BILLY MELVILLE

W

ith St. Patrick’s Day recently passed, we are reminded of an Irish proverb: “May you have the hindsight to know where you’ve been, the foresight to know where you are going, and the insight to know when you have gone too far.”

It’s a fitting proverb for chuckwagon driver Evan Magee, not because of his Irish heritage, but since 2008, the Saskatoonbased driver has had an on-and-off career with three different chuckwagon associations. His goal was to make it on the premiere chuckwagon circuit–the WPCA Pro Tour, and now that he has, he is looking for great things for the 2025 race season.

Evan is a third-generation chuckwagon driver. He started his career as a driver with the Canadian Professional Chuckwagon

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Association (CPCA) in 2008, spent two seasons with the Western Chuckwagon Association (WCA) in 2013 and 2014, and eventually reached the WPCA Pro Tour in 2022, where he remained. Every year, he has run with the WPCA he has had little victories, unnoticed by most, but victories nonetheless, and Evan is excited about 2025.

“When I first came to the WPCA, I only had twelve horses,” explained Magee. “I’ve got 24 now. There are a few I injected from other drivers, but most that I have developed on my own, with six new ones I just bought in Ontario.”

Like every chuckwagon driver, he aims to finish as high in the standings as possible. In reality, it takes depth and experience to achieve this, and he believes he is approaching both.

According to Evan, “I think it takes about ten to fifteen years for a driver to really figure things out. I’m going into my twelfth season, and I have really increased the depth in my barn. It hasn’t happened as quick as I like, but I think I’m just knocking on the door to win some stuff.”

A positive attitude, which Evan clearly has, will carry you a long way. But he is the first to point out that he is also driven by the high level of competition on the WPCA Pro Tour, and the competition has made him hungry to compete against the best.

As Evan puts it, “Hungry dogs run faster.”

Like the old Irish proverb, Evan has hindsight to know where he has been and the foresight to know where he’s going. Now, if he can get a little Irish luck, Evan Magee could have the makings of a champion. c

Canadian Cowboy Country April/May 2025

PHOTO CREDIT: C J EASTON

Evan Magee racing in High River.

ROAD TO THE CFR

Kody Lamb Building Momentum

BY TIM ELLIS in the world standings when a groin injury ended his season. In 2022, a torn pectoral muscle ended his chance to compete at the CFR, and last year, his Canadian Finals ended due to injury after round four.

“It was my first time that I was healthy at the Finals since 2019,” confirms Lamb, who had won just $11,215 during his

“I couldn’t really have scripted it any better...”

Kody Lamb onboard the great F13 Virgil from the C5 Rodeo string at the 2024 Canadian Finals Rodeo.

CPRA photo by Billie-Jean Duff.

F

or eight seconds one night inside Rogers Place in Edmonton last fall, Kody Lamb was Superman. He’d just rode the “Big Grey” for a CFR-record 92.25 points.

Prior to that night, Lamb felt akin to the famous comic book character for a different reason.

“Injuries have been my kryptonite for my entire career,” laments the 30year-old Sherwood Park, AB, bareback rider. “I’ve been packing a lot of them with me and even brought one into last year’s CFR.” But the script writers were forced to come up with an alternate ending for Lamb’s fourth trip to the Canadian Finals Rodeo after he drew C5 Rodeo’s

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award-winning superstar, Virgil, for round three.

“There were times where it looked like I’d never get to a day like this,” offered Lamb after winning his first Canadian championship a night after his record ride. “I couldn’t really have scripted it any better than how it turned out.”

“I’m really grateful for the opportunity to have had that experience. I was able to get on some unbelievable horses and accomplished a goal I’d been trying to hunt down for a really long time. And, to win it in Edmonton, so close to my hometown, was the cherry on top.”

The list of major injuries for the 2013 Canadian Novice Bareback Champion is extensive. In 2020, he was sitting 17th

previous three year-end finals. “That made all the difference to be able to get through the week on all of those great horses.”

Which, of course, included Virgil, who has helped put over $75,000 into the pockets of CFR bareback riders over the past decade.

“I had been thinking about drawing him for so long,” reveals Lamb, who won nearly $57,000 at last year’s CFR. “I wasn’t really as nervous as I thought I would be when I saw my name beside his.”

“What an incredible animal. We actually tried him out of the right delivery, which is a bit unusual. He had a big move right at the start that I had never seen before. I’m just glad I could get through the storm and make a good ride. He’s up to the hype when it comes to his power, but he’s got such good timing that as long as you’re doing your job, you can ride him. I’m going to remember that ride for quite a while.”

The hope now is to write a similar sequel in 2025.

“I plan to go hard again,” says Lamb, who kicked off the new season by winning the Maple Leaf Circuit Finals title in Regina, SK. “I’ve got some momentum on my side now.” c

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RANCH HORSE ISSUE

THE

RANCH HORSE

ADOBESTOCK/ BOB

ISSUE

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RANCH HORSE ISSUE

WORKING EQUITATION MY JOURNEY

BY JILL BARRON We’ve asked international Working Equitation master Jill Barron to introduce herself and her sport.

This is part One, featuring Jill’s journey. Part Two will focus on the sport itself.—Editor.

Jill performing on Cossaco at Daines Ranch Pro Rodeo in Innisfail

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Canadian Cowboy Country April/May 2025

PHOTOS: BILLIE-JEAN DUFF; ADOBESTOCK/OLKITA

PART 1 OF 2

RANCH HORSE ISSUE

Jill performing on Cossaco at the Hardgrass Bronc Match in Pollockville

PHOTO: BILLIE-JEAN DUFF

My journey into Working Equitation started in Texas in 2015.

A client who raised Australian Stock Horses mentioned a show north of Houston, and since her horses were going to be in the Lone Star state, she suggested I compete on one.

Although I had no idea what Working Equitation was, I was a quick study and had success at the show. I even managed to win the Ease of Handling phase. I instantly fell in love with the sport and returned to Canada to promote and help build the sport in my country.

I had been searching for a discipline that had a strong focus on horsemanship and was challenging, yet realistic. While training horses, my goal has always been to build confident, balanced, working horses.

I found the avenue to train all those things in Working Equitation. I then started organizing clinics and taught many lessons. I hosted schooling shows at my equestrian facility outside Calgary and quickly realized we would need judges in North America.

Travelling to judging seminars in the USA, I became Canada's first certified Working Equitation judge. The next logical step was to host shows in Canada to help

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promote the sport. In 2017, our national governing body, Working Equitation Canada (workingeq.ca), was formed. The next year, the goal was to host a series of three shows in Alberta, and these shows sold out faster than Garth Brooks tickets.

Now, shows are being held from Coast to Coast across Canada. The World Association of Working Equitation (WAWE), an organization Canada is a member of, is hosting the World Championships in Spain in 2026. Canada will be fielding a team to go to Spain to compete. Riders interested in a spot on the Canadian team have declared their intent to compete for a place on the roster.

For the past decade, I have also dedicated myself to training and competing on my own horses while working to grow the sport, with my goal being to compete at Masters (the highest WE level) in my sights.

I started showing my Quarter Horses, but the Lusitano soon came calling. While in the USA, I formed a relationship with a Lusitano breeding farm, Haras Dos Cavalerios, and they decided to ship me a horse to promote Working Equitation and the Lusitano breed in Canada.

The horse they shipped was a spirited, sooty buckskin gelding named Cossaco.

After building a relationship with Cossaco, he carried me to my dream of competing at the Masters level. He opened more doors than I could dream possible. We won many Masters championships in the USA and Canada and have performed in productions all over North America.

Last year, Breyer contacted me and wanted to use Cossaco as a model. Having him immortalized and joining the prestigious Breyer family was an honour.

Currently, I travel across North America, giving clinics, judging and competing. I imported Jeronimo, a buckskin Lusitano stallion, from Portugal and have started a breeding program. My sights are set on making the National team and representing my country at the World Championships in Spain. As a coach, I have witnessed the progression riders have experienced through the years—a testament to the focus WE places on equitation.

Working Equitation is the perfect avenue for creating purpose for horse and rider.

If you are looking for purpose, progression, fun, and a group of like-minded people, Working Equitation is for you!

For more information, visit workingeq.ca.

For my 2025 clinic schedule, visit jillbarron.com. c

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RANCH HORSE ISSUE

WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR? TOP TRAINERS TALK GOOD RANCH HORSES

BY TERRI MASON

HONEST “A horse that's honest—real honest. When you can leave them for two weeks and swing a leg over them and just go to work on them again—they stay the way you left them. And something that's pretty smooth and cowy, and ideally, something that watches for holes and isn't stumbling, especially out on the prairie.”

“I like quite a bit of cow in them. The more cow, the better they feel a cow. Some bloodlines, they’ve got more softness; they're just more pliable. There’s lots of cow in some running horses, if they're mixed, but I do like my cow horses. They’ve got the burst—they'll go from zero to wide open, back to zero again, effortlessly, if they're worked right.”

Dwight Dokken, Swift Current, Sask area Working cowboy, pasture manager, pick up man

WORK ETHIC “I would say work ethic is a big one. One thing I found with horses is that you can't make them somebody they're not. So, if you're trying to ranch all day on a horse that's just naturally a lazier type or a slower horse, it's always going to be a struggle. I would want something that I felt wanted to work and was physically of size to do the job I needed. Another one would be a smooth gait. If I'm going to sit in a truck all day, I don't want it to be a rough one.”

“As a horse trainer, I see people go bloodlines, and I've had so many full brothers and sisters from breeders that were so different. Some were very apt to want to work, and others were just looking for the shortest distance between two lines. So, I still look for work ethic.”

Kade Mills, Sundre, Alta Trainer, clinician winner 2022 Trainer’s Showdown Horse Expo

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Canadian Cowboy Country April/May 2025

JOHN TILLEY PHOTO: MONTANA LYNN PHOTOGRAPHY

DISPOSITION “The horse has to have a kind eye. For me, disposition is such a big thing because some of the work that a person does is dangerous enough. Disposition is still one of the main things. Not that I'm old (40-ish), but now it's even more important because I'm passing those horses along to kids. So, if you start with something that's pretty willing and a good disposition, then you can just make them so much better. ” “Safety is a big thing for me and my work, and I feel you can see a lot in the horse's eye. We can work on their disposition and get them better. But sometimes, you know, when they just naturally want to be there, it's easier and it's safer. Those are all things you work on when you're starting them, but wrecks happen, and a gentle horse will save you or pull you through.”

John Tilley, Leroy, SK Tilley’s Custom Colts | Working cowboy, trainer, clinician

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GOOD IN A HERD “I like horses I can ride and get my job done, moving cattle, herding horses, or competing.”

“I like horses with good bone, a good foot and wither. I don't like a lot of white on my horses. Darker horses don't sunburn and are not as apt to get scratches. I also think that a darker foot is better than a white foot; it seems to be a harder foot. I also like a nice big, soft eye, and I like them about 14.2 to 15.2 hands high.”

“For myself. I like horses with a lot of “cow” and a trainable mind. I don't like something razzed up and fiery whenever you get on them. And I like a horse that can stop, has strong loins that can drag a calf or rope a yearling on, plus a deep girth, good energy, not too wide across the back, and smooth gaits.”

“I also like a horse that's good in a cowherd, doesn't get hot, keeps his head down low, and I do like a horse that is quiet to herd horses with—but not all horses are that way. But yes, a horse willing to please so I can go out and enjoy my day.”

Jess Parsonage Little Big Ranch, Maple Creek, SK | Rancher, breeder, trainer, competitor

HALF THE BATTLE “When Possum (wife) and I would go and pick colts when we started back up at Quilchena, we'd buy colts in Saskatchewan from a couple of different outfits. We’d go to the broodmare pastures, and the mares and the babies that would come up to us were the first ones we looked at because that was half the battle.”

“Straightness of leg, of course. Possum worked in the Thoroughbred industry for many years, and that was very important.

But in the ranching industry, that horse has to be a thinker, and they’ve got to think their way through. I don't know of a horse that is more of a thinking critter than a cow horse, a cowboy’s horse, because they've got so many more scenarios that they've got to get you through.”

Miles Kingdon Orange Valley Ranch, Merritt, B.C. Working cowboy, rancher, trainer, clinician c

cowboycountrymagazine.com

READY FOR ANY TASK At Kubota, we build equipment for those who live and breathe the equine life. Whether you’re managing stables, maintaining arenas, or tackling the everyday tasks, our tough, dependable machines are designed to keep things running smoothly. With a full range of attachments and implements, Kubota gives you the tools you need to handle feeding, groundwork, and arena prep with ease. Built for performance, comfort, and reliability, Kubota equipment helps you focus on what matters most—your horses.

VISIT YOUR LOCAL ALBERTA DEALER

21

RANCH HORSE ISSUE

ROUND PEN OPTIONS CONSIDERATIONS FOR THE PERFECT PEN

BY TERRI MASON

Meet the equestrian world’s best-kept secret: the round pen.

This isn't just any run-of-the-mill round pen; it’s the Swiss Army knife of horse training arenas. The beauty of a round pen is that it offers a controlled environment where handlers can communicate and build trust with their horses.

Forget about one-size-fits-all solutions—this pen is as adaptable as your favourite pair of jeans. Need to train in a tight spot?

Shrink it down. Got acres of space? Let it sprawl out. To cater to your unique needs, here are some options to consider for your perfect round pen.

COMPOSITE PANELS Composite panels are made from a mixture of wood fibers and plastic, offering low maintenance and high durability.

These panels are resistant to weather conditions, making them suitable for outdoor use.

Composite panels can be more expensive than wood but offer long-term savings due to their low maintenance requirements.

WOOD PANELS Wood panels provide a more natural and aesthetically pleasing look, blending seamlessly with the outdoor environment.

When properly maintained, wood panels can be safe and sturdy. However, they require regular upkeep to prevent splintering and rot.

Wooden round pens can vary in price depending on the type of wood used. They may be more affordable initially but require maintenance costs over time.

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SUITABLE SIZES Small Round Pens (30-40 feet in diameter): Suitable for groundwork, lunging, and training young or small horses. These pens provide a confined space for focused training sessions.

Smaller round pens are easier to set up and move, making them ideal for temporary use.

Medium Round Pens (50-60 feet in diameter): These pens are versatile and can be used for a variety of training exercises,

including lunging, desensitization, and starting young horses under saddle.

The larger size provides more space for the horse to move, reducing the risk of collisions and injuries.

Large Round Pens (70-100 feet in diameter): Ideal for more advanced training, such as liberty work, free lunging, and teaching horses to respond to cues from a distance.

The ample space allows for a more natural movement, giving horses the freedom to express themselves while still being under control.

IMPORTANT FEATURES Gates Gates with secure latches ensure easy access to the pen while keeping the horse safely inside. One popular option allows for gate opening/closing while mounted.

Canadian Cowboy Country April/May 2025

ADOBESTOCK/ CCESTEP8

STEEL AND METAL PANELS Steel and metal panels are incredibly durable and can withstand the wear and tear of horse training. They are resistant to rust and corrosion, ensuring longevity.

These panels are often designed to be portable, making them ideal for trainers who may need to move their round pen to different locations.

Steel and metal pens can be more expensive upfront but offer a long-term investment due to their durability.

RANCH HORSE ISSUE

Footing The footing in a round pen is crucial for the horse's comfort and safety. Common options include sand, gravel, and rubber.

Good footing provides traction and reduces the risk of slipping, especially during fast-paced training exercises.

HEIGHT Standard Height: Most round pens are designed with a height of 5-6 feet, providing a secure boundary without feeling too confined for the horse.

CONSIDERATIONS Budget Initial Cost: Consider the initial investment and whether the materials and features align with your budget.

Maintenance: Factor in the ongoing maintenance costs for different materials and footing options.

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Training Goals Determine the primary use of the round pen (e.g., groundwork, starting under saddle, advanced training) and choose a size and material that meets your needs.

Consider how often the round pen will be used and select materials that can withstand regular use.

The Math Pen diameter X 3.14 (Pi) = circumference of pen. Divide the circumference by the length of each panel.

Or use our handy chart!

Selecting the right round pen for horse training involves considering various factors, including materials, size, features, budget, and training goals. Each option has its unique advantages and understanding these can help you make an informed decision that best suits your needs and ensures a positive training experience for both you and your horse. c

Panels by Length How many panels?

The number of panels needed for a 60-foot round pen depends on the length of each panel.

Panel length

50

60

70

80

90

100

10 feet

16

19

22

25

28

31

12 feet

13

15

18

21

24

26

16 feet

10

12

14

16

18

20

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RANCH HORSE ISSUE

HORSE EXPO TRAINER'S SHOWDOWN JILL BARRON, SASKATCHEWAN

BRANDI LYONS, ARIZONA Brandi Lyons, a renowned horse trainer from Arizona, has dedicated her life to helping riders build lasting relationships with their horses.

Growing up with her father, legendary horseman John Lyons, Brandi was immersed in the world of horsemanship from a young age. She has over 25 years of experience in training horses and conducting clinics nationwide.

Brandi’s unique approach combines traditional techniques with modern methods, focusing on clear communication and mutual respect between horse and rider.

She offers a variety of programs, including in-person clinics, month-long immersion programs, and virtual classes that allow riders to learn from the comfort of their homes.

Brandi’s work has been featured in numerous publications, and she continues to inspire and educate horse enthusiasts worldwide. In 2022, Brandi was a featured trainer in Kentucky’s Road to the Horse.

For more, visit brandilyonshorsetraining.com

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Jill Barron is Canada’s most decorated Working Equitation rider and is an international competitor and judge. Growing up on her family’s cattle ranch in Hanna, AB, Jill developed a deep passion for horses and education.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of Alberta and spent five years teaching before dedicating herself to training horses. Jill's approach blends classical techniques and natural horsemanship. Her equestrian career has taken her around the world, including Portugal, Italy, France, Australia, and across the U.S. Jill has earned global accolades, including Championships at Haras Cup, Cross Nations Cup (Advanced), Andalusian World Cup (Advanced), Western Canada Regional Champion (Masters) and WEUSA National High Point Reserve Champion (Masters).

Jill is also the head clinician for the Calgary Stampede Showriders, an elite team of junior equestrians who perform at the Calgary Stampede and international venues.

Her Lusitano, Cossaco, joined the prestigious Breyer family as a 2024 model, and he was also awarded the International Lusitano Impact Award.

For more, visit jillbarron.com.

STEVE ROTHER, WASHINGTON Steve Rother is one of the country’s top horsemanship and liberty clinicians.

Over the past several decades, he has travelled across the country, building his knowledge of horses and finding ways to impart that wisdom to the hundreds of people who look to him for guidance each year.

Steve has created many horsemanship programs that help horses and riders build confidence together. His programs have helped people strengthen their relationships with their horses and give them the tools to work through any problem they may encounter. The methods he uses and teaches work for all breeds and disciplines, and he is dedicated to helping every rider, no matter their level of experience, achieve the partnership they truly want with their horse.

Steve is the three-time undefeated Red Deer Mane Event Colt Starting Challenge champion.

For information on his School of the Horse and more, visit schoolofhorse.com. c

Canadian Cowboy Country April/May 2025

RANCH HORSE ISSUE

BRUCE CHRISTIE FROM THE GROUND UP

KIM TAYLOR

BY TERRI MASON

cowboycountrymagazine.com

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RANCH HORSE ISSUE

Bruce Christie learned to ride at his grandpa’s ranch, so it’s no surprise that the Alberta-born cowboy carried on the family tradition.

He’s originally from the wild horse country around Caroline in west-central Alberta. His grandpa was the late Ralph Lewis, a horseman who taught Bruce and his late brother Kevin the rudiments of training. It wasn’t long before the brothers worked on everything that came along; from wildies snaked out of the foothills to even turning a few of the late Rex Logan’s bucking horses into reliable saddle horses plus training their own horses.

You know someone is doing things right when the “masters” appear. As time progressed, Bruce ran the Red Deer area barn for the eminent horse veterinarian Dr Bill Crawford, and it was here that he got some horsemanship tips from the legendary Bill Collins. (“He used to help us out with our

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riding,” said Bruce.) Later, Bruce trained as a farrier with the highly capable Eugene Murphy. To round out his training skills, he rode feedlot pens, rode big circles on some big outfits, and made some coin as a tie-down roper.

It was definitely the school of hard knocks, but horses are horses, and if you like them, well—you’re a lifer.

Today, the horseman and his wife, Stacey, have a place north of Lundbreck, in between the Porcupine Hills and the Livingstone Range. It’s big country that suits the cowboy. “Yeah, it’s quiet,” agreed Bruce. “I think the wind kinda drives everyone away.”

It was Bill Collins who got Bruce interested in studying with the hackamore—not the mechanical monstrosity, but a real hackamore, a beautifully braided, smooth piece of balanced nose art with a deceptively simple headstall.

“I always had an interest in the vaquero style horsemanship,” said Bruce. The young

“Bruce developed a diverse clientele from working cowboys to dressage riders.” cowboy got a chance to work with Rod Abrahamson at a feedlot/ranch operation, and how the man’s horses worked made a huge impression.

“They looked so free and happy,” he said.

And it was a conversation with another master, Blake Schlosser, that led him to Sid Cook, possibly Canada’s most famous horseman you’ll never see. Sid was monumental in helping Bruce develop his style of colt starting and horsemanship.

Add to that, in recent years, the opportunity to ride with Martin Black, and thanks to Kim Taylor, an introduction to Miles Kingdon, who helped Bruce with his development of the bridle horse and the horses’ refinement.

Over the years, the shift from seeker to teacher was happening as Bruce developed a diverse clientele from working cowboys to dressage riders.

Having such a versatile reputation has earned the cowboy many interesting experiences, but underneath it all, a horse is a horse. “I get to start a little bit of everything,” said Bruce. “I start warmbloods, a lot of ranch horses and ranch colts, barrel horse prospects, futurity prospects, Friesians, Gypsy’s, Andalusians and even a few mules—and I try and give them that first impression and foundation that sets them up for rest of their lives.”

Bruce and his wife, Stacey, put on clinics at their home place. They contracted Logan Nelson to build their spacious indoor arena with a built-in round pen, so training and clinics continue, no matter the weather.

The couple hosts clinics, mainly horsemanship and colt starting. Another favourite is ranch roping clinics (from beginner to advanced) that he puts on with his compadre Gavin Chisholm, a working cowboy, saddle

Canadian Cowboy Country April/May 2025

RANCH HORSE ISSUE

Bruce asking a young horse to move around him

maker, and rawhide braider with a talent for the vaquero skills. It’s no surprise that they’re a part of the Canadian Bridle Horse Association and the Skills of the Outfits East and West.

The Christie’s outfit is close to the Waldron grazing co-op (Bruce rode there for five years), so he has a standing invitation to ride in gorgeous country. As you can imagine, the couple have been known to help their neighbours with cattle and horse work.

With branding season just around the corner, I asked him what he thinks are some vital things a young horse must know before going in a branding pen.

“They need to be able to be ridden with one hand and move off of your leg,” said Bruce. “They need to be comfortable with things touching them, like when a calf or a rope touches their legs. They also need to be really good with their hindquarters, with things like the rope touching their hips and the ability to move their hindquarters in both directions, roll around their inside front pivot foot and take a step or two back.

If you’re going to get in trouble or things go a little too fast, it’s nice to be able to take those hindquarters out either direction and step out away from your rope. Preparing a young horse for the unexpected is important, especially going into a branding pen where the unexpected can happen. My big thing is to build a thinking horse and not a reactive horse.”

Then there’s the people training. Riding into a horsemanship clinic can be daunting

cowboycountrymagazine.com

until you realize you’re all there to learn.

And who comes to their clinics? “We get from beginners to advanced riders, people that just want to learn a little more about their horses,” said Bruce. “We keep our groups small. We just started this last year doing a morning session with six riders and an afternoon session with another six riders. I think getting more one-on-one time with everyone is important,” he said. “We start every session with a visit, see where everybody’s at, hear their input, things they might want to learn or work on through their session, and customize it to the person and the horse’s needs,” said Bruce.

This year, Bruce is one of the horsemen invited to compete alongside competitors Mitch Zeller and Pat Parelli in Niki Flundra’s famous Heart of the Horse, which takes place August 22–24, 2025, at the Cypress Centre in Medicine Hat, Alberta. Bruce is no stranger to this event as he has judged it in the past.

“I feel like this a great opportunity to allow people to see the everyday way we start a colt and develop a colt’s mind. I’m really looking forward to this.”

Does he have a strategy? “Not really; just what I do every day; it depends on what kind of a colt I get. I’ve got to wait to see where the colt is at mentally and then go from there.”

In the meantime, the Christie’s are putting the finishing touches on their upcoming season of clinics at their home place, snug between the beauty of the Porcupine Hills and the Livingstone Range. c

READY FOR ANY TASK At Kubota, we build equipment for those who live and breathe the equine life. Whether you’re managing stables, maintaining arenas, or tackling the everyday tasks, our tough, dependable machines are designed to keep things running smoothly. With a full range of attachments and implements, Kubota gives you the tools you need to handle feeding, groundwork, and arena prep with ease. Built for performance, comfort, and reliability, Kubota equipment helps you focus on what matters most—your horses.

VISIT YOUR LOCAL SASKATCHEWAN DEALER

27

RANCH HORSE ISSUE

NEW GATHERING PLACE THE POINTE AGRICULTURAL EVENT CENTRE

BY TERRI MASON

Alberta’s newest ag event centre will open its doors this fall in Strathcona County, east of Edmonton, and it’s a gamechanger.

They’re putting the finishing touches on the sparkling new facility which has been christened The Pointe, in honour of the nearby creek called Pointe-aux-Pins, which translates to “Point of the Pines,” so named by the fur traders who frequented the nearby Fort Augustus built by Angus Shaw of the North West Company in the late 1700s. The Fort soon became “the” gathering place for fur traders, hunters and Blackfoot pemmican traders.

With the doors about to open, the Strathcona County folks responsible for bringing this vision to life are proud and excited. They have successfully created a new major gathering place in this historic area—with a focus squarely on the multifaceted ag community.

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“The ag facility itself has probably been in the wind here in Strathcona County for many, many decades,” said councillor Glen Lawrence, who was one of many who helped pave the way for the build.

“I was approached by Gary Miller, and he said, ‘Hey, why don't we start to look at an ag facility?’” said Glen. “We cut our teeth as a county on agriculture, and we were slowly losing that. Our county is quite unique; it’s a specialized municipality recognized urban and rural but unfortunately,

over the years, the urban has been continually eroding the rural.”

The committee combined the ag event centre idea with their historic Bremner Heritage Site, which is reinventing itself as a historic park. The half-section (320+ acres) location is perfect; a mere 10 minutes outside of Sherwood Park.

Before making any moves, the committee went on a fact-finding mission, asking pertinent questions about existing facilities across the country, including this

Canadian Cowboy Country April/May 2025

RANCH HORSE ISSUE

one: if you could change anything, what would you change?

The answers led to the design of The Pointe.

Visitors and competitors heading to The Pointe will be greeted with muchwelcomed exceptionally generous roads, and large loading and unloading areas to accommodate big rigs. The area will have clear signage, trailer parking with electrical stands—perfect for trailers with living quarters, livestock and roughstock holding areas, wash bays, 120 10’x10’ stalls, a upstaging ring and the massive 245’ x 130’ arena itself.

There is ample seating for spectators, meeting rooms, and 13 washrooms. All told, the indoor facility boasts 102,000 square feet.

Outside, there are rough stock pens, an open-air outdoor warm-up area and several large, open field spaces for outdoor events or support spaces.

“We are on schedule and certainly right on budget, so council is very happy with that,” said Glen.

Strathcona County is geared up as a full-facility sports retreat, attracting the best in competitions, including hockey, soccer, gymnastics, and swimming, and now, major ag events will be attracted to The Pointe.

The county has already built the infrastructure of hotels and restaurants to support visitors, so The Pointe is well-serviced.

Jennifer Cannon, who is the interim Chief Administrative Officer with an

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impressive string of initials after her name, is excited about the project.

“Our grand opening will be this fall (2025), and we will begin offering facility tours and taking bookings beginning in April,” she said. “Our webpage, www.thepointAg.ca, is always being updated with the latest facility information, booking and sponsorship.”

For those who just can’t wait, they are planning a “soft launch” in August.

Check out their website, and while there under “About,” be sure to click on “Public Art” which will be a showcase of curated artworks to be onsite, a brilliant and evolving selection of art relevant to the facility and to rural living.

“We are super excited,” said Jennifer.

“We've been watching it go up, and it's been years in the making. We’re trying to hit so many different people's needs in the community itself. We know that, over time, we're going to evolve, and we're really excited with what we’ve got so far.”

As the needs of future ag shows change, so will facilities, and The Pointe is set up to flow with new requirements. “Right now, we've set it up in such a good way that it's going to work—with the cattle to the horses to the stock dogs to the agility dogs. It’s a great place.”

To find out more about The Pointe Agricultural Event Centre, visit ThePointeag.ca. c

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ARTS & CULTURE

PORTRAIT

ALEXANDRA VERBOOM FRITZ CANADIAN COWBOYS

BY TERRI MASON

Resetting | oil on canvas panel | 11”X14” (Sold)

cowboycountrymagazine.com

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ARTS & CULTURE

PORTRAIT

A

Out of the Dust oil on canvas 36”X24” (Sold)

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Alexandra “Lexi” Verboom Fritz

lexandra Verboom Fritz, or Lexi to her friends, is about to launch a 30-piece art collection in her show entitled The West is Still Alive: Cowboys, Cattle, and Cowponies in Kamloops, BC. The busy ranch mom hails from the 100 Mile House area in the Cariboo region, a land of big ranches and stout fences. What is surprising is that the artist is completely self-taught. “I’ve never watched an art video or taken a course,” she laughed. “I did do a couple of art classes in high school where I learned basic colour theory, but otherwise, I’ve learned simply through trial and error.”

Lexi was encouraged to begin offering her art to the public in 2017 and was soon an established wildlife artist. In 2021, she began painting Western scenes, influenced by her new life on a legendary ranch.

“I didn’t grow up in the Western life; I grew up in the country and rode horses, but English,” she said. “I wasn’t exposed to cowboying and that lifestyle until I took a job as a bookkeeper at the Gang Ranch. I worked in the same office as Larry Ramstad, and he’s a masterful storyteller! He would tell me all these stories about his cowboying days at Quilchena and all these different places across BC.” That’s when it struck her—the timelessness of the trade of the cowboy, and that’s when her art and her life shifted.

“Through working on the Gang, I met my husband, Lane Fritz, and we were married there,” she said. She began photographing the life of a cowboy and used the images as references for her art. But after speaking to folks at her art shows, she soon realized how hidden the working cowboy is from the average Canadian.

“I was amazed by the number of people that had no idea that our way of life still exists today,” she said. “People seem to think that the cowboy is obsolete, or it’s only in the southern states. When I tell people my husband is a working cowboy, they’re always confused, asking, ‘Does he rodeo professionally?’ So, I transitioned to focusing on Western art to try to correct that misconception—and show that the West is still alive in Western Canada.”

Lexi works completely off photo references, and that’s the keyword—reference. “I don’t always paint a scene exactly as I see it,” she said. “I often piece together a rider

Canadian Cowboy Country April/May 2025

ARTS & CULTURE

PORTRAIT Against All Odds oil on canvas 11”X14”

The Grass Ain't Always Greener oil on canvas 18”X24”

and horse in one photo reference, the cattle from another and the landscape of another.

I’ll combine multiple ideas.”

A lot of her new collection is still on the easel, and it’s being released in two parts; the first part is available this spring, and she will be bringing these to Horse Expo in Red Deer, April 25–27. The second part will be shown at her solo show in the fall in Kamloops, BC. “What I’m finding with this collection is that the landscape paints such a picture of what cowboys in Canada are and what the life is, and I really wanted to include that,” she said. “Also, this whole collection is going to have no faces. I want it to be relatable to anyone. They’re not exact replications of any specific people other than my husband,” she laughs.

Today, Alexandra, her working cowboy husband, and their children live and work on a ranch near Lillooet.

For more, visit averboomfritz.com, Instagram @painterofthewest. c

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WHAT WORKS FOR US

From Pasture to Podium CHAD FIKE

BY TERRI MASON

The Fike’s drill stem fencing protects their herd and the area’s wildlife

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Canadian Cowboy Country April/May 2025

WHAT WORKS FOR US

—Interview with Chad Fike Building a horse-friendly acreage in the heart of farming country takes a lot of hard work and a clear vision.

Chad Fike and his wife, Caitlin, have both.

Chad is a fourth-generation chuckwagon driver and now owns a top-earning herd of 27 Thoroughbreds and three saddle horses that he maintains and trains on their home place west of Didsbury, Alta.

“I got into chuckwagon racing because my grandpa, Ron David, raced chuckwagons for 35 years, so I grew up around the sport.

As early as my brother (Jordie) and I could, we helped him with chores, and we’d go with grandma and grandpa on the road for the summer.”

A stint starting colts in high school and then a career as an outrider beginning at 17 gave him a birds-eye view of how to run a race, experience a good outriding horse and see what makes a good wagon horse.

“I learned to understand the feel of a horse's mouth and how a race is set up. You get more race experience there than you do in the wagon seat,” said Chad.

His outriding career culminated in winning the Outrider Championship in 2012—the year everything changed.

That year, they bought their place outside of Didsbury. Chad was busy building and training his herd, picking up the lines

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Drone view of their yard and facilities

AT A GLANCE NAME: Chad Fike Racing ESTABLISHED: 2012 OWNERS: Chad and Caitlin Fike, son Racin, daughter Ryden NEAREST TOWN: Didsbury, Alta SIZE: 80 acres ELEVATION:1,032M / 3,390FT PRECIPITATION: 488mm/19 inches BREEDS: Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse HERD SIZE: 27 TB / 3 QH

and launching his new career as a wagon driver while still outriding part-time. In 2013, he joined the WPCA as a driver.

In this Western sport, which has the most expensive start-up costs, the couple’s ability to start from scratch is impressive.

Keeping a herd in good health and safety is paramount to the sport, and they set about making their place “horsefriendly,” building barns, water systems, and fencing. They tore out all of the barbed wire fencing and built a pipe fence made of one continuous steel rail with 2 3/8’s drill pipe welded onto a coved steel fence post pipe set at four feet [chest-high].

The reason why was simple: fear of moose. “Down in the bottom of the coulee is low land—muskeg and wet wetlands,” he explained. “The other day, we counted eight moose walking through our coulee; I've never seen eight moose together,” he said. “Horses are notoriously scared of moose, so I had visions of a moose coming through and the whole herd running through the barbed wire fence…” The stuff of nightmares and the steady visitations from the massive ungulates justified his

35

WHAT WORKS FOR US

Chad racing at 2023 Grande Prairie Stompede

new fence. Plus, “That way, they can kick and play and not put a leg through the fence,” he explained.

Water was the next job for the horses and the visiting wildlife. “We live on the edge of a coulee, and I’ve got a natural spring down in the bottom that I developed.

I’ve got a pipe into a water trough and a pipe out, so there's always fresh water. We also have automatic waterers throughout our property, which they tend to use because they're too lazy to go to the bottom of the coulee and drink out of the spring,” he laughed at his joke of calling a Thoroughbred “lazy.” The Fike’s also created an interconnected paddock system that allows three automatic water bowls to serve nine paddocks adjacent to their brand-new barn.

Chad’s “other job” is selling feed, hay and oats all winter. For his horses, he feeds them their oats at the bottom of the coulee, feeds their salt and hay at the top, and then the water trough is another jaunt. “So, they’ve got a big triangle that they’ve got to travel,”

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WHAT WORKS FOR US he said. “They'll be down there eating oats, and one of them will fart, and they'll all run to the top of the hill so they stay fit,” he laughs.

When he first started, he described his first racing hitch as “a mixed bag of nuts.”

Today, that mixed bag has evolved into one of the most competitive hitches in the game, and that came from a good eye for horseflesh and a solid training regime.

“When I get a new horse, I don't touch them all winter. I just let them settle in, and in the spring, I’ll introduce them to “truck training,” where a few horses are tethered to a high hitching rail mounted on my truck, and we head out into our fields, where they lope along in the company of other horses.

It helps me to understand their personality because different personalities work better on different sides of the wagon.”

After a few days, each new horse is harnessed and hooked for the first time with an experienced horse; on the Fike outfit, it’s to a gelding named Juvey. “He was

cowboycountrymagazine.com

Chad, Caitlin, Racin and Ryden Fike with a couple of their stars

purchased for $300,000 as a three-yearold, and I got him the next year just for the trucking up from Phoenix,” explained Chad. “He has a bad stifle. He can't be raced, but he's a good breaking horse and eats less than a draft horse.”

Paramount to the whole operation is land management. Managing the pasture health with 30 head is all about timing.

“As soon as we start spring training, we bring them up into the corrals around the barn, so they're only eating hay,” he said. “In winter, I roll out my round bales to spread the manure. At the start of spring training, I drag the fields,” he said. “That land doesn't see a horse until we get home in August, and the grass is belly button deep, and then that lasts them till the snow flies, and we start feeding hay again. Even then, there’s still lots of forage out there.”

Finally, there is the moment of truth—hooking the hitch together for the first time.

“I think the best thing you can do with training them is let them go—it's much easier to rein them in than try to make them. So, I try to let them run away for the first little bit, and then they naturally settle in once their adrenaline returns to normal levels,” said Chad. “Just get out in a big field and go because you can always ride as fast as they can run—and that’s what works for us.” c

37

COMMON THREADS

School Days

BY BRITTNEY CHOMISTEK

Photographer: Emberbees Photography | Brittney’s Hair: The Social by Red Velvet | Brittney’s Makeup: Aria Studio

Tag us on Instagram @canadiancowgirlcloset @cowboycountrymagazine with your nostalgic outfits

F

ew things are more nostalgic than high school or college photos. The memories of those good times associated with friendships, milestones, and the clothes we wore provide a comforting escape from our fast-paced lives.

Among the most iconic pieces of clothing from that era is the varsity jacket—a timeless symbol of athleticism, school spirit and personal achievement. Their enduring appeal comes from their rich history and the pride they represent. Like many fashion trends that make a comeback, the varsity jacket has evolved and this time, with a distinctive western flair.

At this year’s National Finals Rodeo, contestants and rodeo fans alike sported varsity jackets with a rugged western twist. If you are looking for something unique, but can’t find it in stores, this rustic fashion statement is surprisingly easy to create yourself.

Start with a simple bomber jacket, and personalize it by adding patches, embroidery, or even luxury elements like repurposed fur or hand-tooled leather. The possibilities for customization are endless, allowing you to craft a jacket that is as individual as you are.

Similarly, letterman sweaters are cultural icons that have also undergone a transformation. Why not take a classic cardigan and elevate it into something entirely new with a western touch? Replace the usual team logo with an embroidered horse head, a barrel racer, a wagon wheel, or even a Hereford bull. What was once a “Letterman Sweater” can now become a “Cattleman Sweater,’’ a reflection of your unique style and heritage.

With a few creative changes, these timeless jackets and sweaters, infused with history and personal meaning, can be transformed into treasured keepsakes that are both fashionable and deeply nostalgic. c Letterman Sweater and Tops: Double D Ranch Wear Hat: Smithbilt Jeans: Kimes Squash Necklace: Montana Silver Boots: Dingo Boots

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Canadian Cowboy Country April/May 2025

COMMON THREADS Hereford Cardigan: The Fringed Pineapple Hat: Smithbilt Skirt: Rock and Roll Denim Boots: Lane

Susan Pahl-Gutfriend Steer Skull Cardigan Sweater: Stetson Boots: Ariat

Susan Pahl-Gutfriend Wool Poncho: from travels in Uruguay Elsa Hat: Renegade Hat: Elsa

Restyled Vintage Fur: Janine’s Custom Creations Hat: Resistol Jeans: Kimes Custom Tooled Runners: Alexander Leather Goods

cowboycountrymagazine.com

39

TRAILBLAZERS

“Hoot” Gibson Cowboy Film Star

BY TERRI MASON

Edmund Richard “Hoot” Gibson, born August 6, 1892, in Tekamah, Nebraska, was a prominent figure in the silent film era.

He was known for his cowboy roles and rodeo prowess.

Gibson’s career spanned from the early 1910s to the 1960s, making him a beloved icon in Western films. While his contributions to Hollywood are welldocumented, his connection to Alberta and the Calgary Stampede is a fascinating aspect of his life that deserves special attention.

Gibson’s early life was steeped in the cowboy culture that would later define his career. His family moved to California when he was seven, and he quickly became adept at riding horses and competing in rodeos.

By the time he was a teenager, Gibson was already making a name for himself in the rodeo circuit. His skills in “bronco busting” and steer roping earned him accolades and set the stage for his future success in both rodeo and film.

One of the most significant milestones in Gibson’s rodeo career was his participation in the Calgary Stampede. The Calgary Stampede, now often referred to as “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth,” is today one of the largest and most famous rodeos in North America. It was here, in its fledgling state in 1912, that Gibson won the steer roping world championship. This victory not only solidified his reputation as a toptier rodeo competitor but also established a lasting connection between Gibson and the Calgary Stampede.

Gibson’s success at the Calgary Stampede caught the attention of Hollywood, where the demand for authentic cowboy actors was on the rise. He began working as a stuntman and supporting actor in Western films, often performing his own stunts.

His natural charisma and cowboy skills quickly made him a favourite among directors and audiences alike. By the early 1920s, Gibson had transitioned to leading roles,

40

Cowboy to silent film star, to western star, Hoot Gibson

becoming one of the most popular cowboy stars of the silent film era.

In 1925, Gibson’s connection to Alberta and the Calgary Stampede was further cemented with the release of the film The Calgary Stampede. Directed by Herbert

Blache and produced by Universal Pictures, the film starred Gibson as Dan Malloy, a champion Roman rider on the rodeo circuit.

The movie was filmed on location in Calgary, capturing the essence of the Stampede and the Western culture of Alberta.

Canadian Cowboy Country April/May 2025

PEOPLE WHO SHAPED THE WEST

The movie that showed the Calgary Stampede to movie fans

This 1929 silent western starred Gibson

cowboycountrymagazine.com

The production of The Calgary Stampede film was a significant undertaking, involving an elaborate location shoot with a large cast and crew. Gibson arrived in Calgary with his horse, Silver, and an entourage of 40 people. The film’s director, Herbert Blache, employed innovative techniques to capture the Stampede’s festivities, including using a hidden camera in a covered wagon to film candid scenes around the city. The movie showcased the parade, square dancing, roping games, and the grandstand, providing audiences with an authentic glimpse of the Stampede.

The Calgary Stampede was not only a cinematic success but also a cultural milestone. It highlighted the close relationship between Hollywood and Alberta, showcasing the province’s stunning landscapes and vibrant rodeo culture. The film’s release helped to popularize the Calgary Stampede across North America and solidified Gibson’s status as a beloved cowboy star.

Gibson’s connection to Alberta extended beyond the Stampede. He frequently visited the province, participating in rodeo events and engaging with local communities. There’s even a famous photo of Gibson and movie cast members in the front yard of the EP Ranch (EP stood for Edward Prince), which at the time was owned by the Prince of Wales, later King Edward VIII. Throughout his career, Gibson remained a prominent figure in both rodeo and film. He appeared in over 200 movies, transitioning seamlessly from silent films to “talkies” with the invention of sound in cinema. His enduring popularity was a testament to his talent, charisma, and talent and authenticity as a cowboy actor.

In addition to his film career, Gibson’s contributions to the rodeo world were significant. He continued to compete in rodeos well into his later years, earning numerous accolades and inspiring future generations of rodeo performers. His legacy as a rodeo champion and cowboy star remains an integral part of both Hollywood and rodeo history.

“Hoot” Gibson died August 23, 1962 (aged 70) in Woodland Hills, California.

He is buried in Inglewood, California. c

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Canadian Cowboy Country April/May 2025

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CLOWNIN’ AROUND | CRASH COOPER

ASH COOPER ART AND RANCH GALLERY

“My entire life can be summed up in one sentence…

“Well, that didn’t go as planned.”

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Canadian Cowboy Country April/May 2025

WESTERN EVENTS STETTLER TRADE SHOW Stettler, AB April 11 stettlertradeshow.weebly.com

SPRING CELEBRATION POWWOW First Nations University of Canada Regina, SK April 19–20 fnunivpowwow.ca

BRONCS & HONKY TONKS Medicine Hat, AB April 25–27 mhstampede.com

TABER SPRING CLASSIC PRO RODEO Taber, AB April 25–26 rodeocanada.com

EAST COULEE SPRINGFEST East Coulee, AB May 2–3 ecsmuseum.ca/springfest

KANANASKIS PRO RODEO Coleman, AB May 2–4 kraprorodeo.com

MILLARVILLE SPRING MARKET Millarville Race Track Millarville, AB May 10 millarvilleracetrack.com

DRAYTON VALLEY PRO RODEO

CAROLINE BIGHORN STAMPEDE

Drayton Valley, AB May 2–4 draytonvalleyprorodeo.com

Caroline, AB May 16–18 facebook.com/carolinebighornstampede

LEE BELLOWS BUCKING HORSE SCHOOL

65TH HIGH RIVER LITTLE BRITCHES PARADE

Moose Jaw, SK May 2–4 Contact Lee Sinclair (306) 737-0402

High River, AB May 17 littlebritchesparade.ca

CINCO DE DERBY

IPRA FINALS (SUMMER RODEO)

Century Downs, north of Calgary, AB Standardbred Racing & their famous Chihuahua Races!

May 3 cnty.com/centurydowns

LAKELAND XTREME BRONCS Cold Lake, AB May 10

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Saint-Tite, QC May 17-18 festivalwestern.com

BUFFALO LAKE MÉTIS SETTLEMENT PRO RODEO – SMS Equipment Pro Tour Buffalo Lake, AB May 23–25 buffalolakerodeo.ca

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Hand Hills, AB May 30–June 1 handhills.ab.ca

45

WESTERN EVENTS

Ranch Skills 2025 WOOD MOUNTAIN SPORTS & STAMPEDE & RANCH RODEO (EST 1880) Wood Mountain Regional Park July 12, 2025 woodmountainstampede.com

DAWSON CREEK RANCH RODEO (Part of Dawson Creek Exhibition) Dawson Creek, BC Aug 6, 2025 (tentative) dawsoncreekex.ca

TRIPLE L CATTLE HANDLING MAPLE CREEK RANCH RODEO Maple Creek, Sask.

Aug 9, 2025 Check Facebook: "Triple L Cattle Handling" for updates

BAR U RANCH NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE OLD TIME RANCH RODEO Aug 17, 2025 friendsofthebaru.ca

ST PAUL RANCH RODEO Clancy Richard Arena, St. Paul, AB Aug 24, 2025 stpaulagsociety.com

THE SLIMDOR RANCH RODEO Cochrane, AB Aug 29–Sep 1, 2025 cochranerodeo.com/the-ranch-rodeo

THE ROUND-UP RANCH RODEO Kids Dummy Roping | Muley Team Roping Oyen, AB Sep 19–20, 2025 Facebook: “The Round-Up Ranch Rodeo”

HERITAGE RANCH RODEO Edmonton Expo Centre, Edmonton, AB Oct 5, 2025 Contact: info@countryexpo.ca

AGRIBITION RANCH RODEO Regina, SK Nov 28–29, 2025 agribition.com

CANADIANA—VAQUERO SKILLS COMPETITIONS SKILLS OF THE OUTFITS — EAST OF THE ROCKIES Silver Slate Arena Stavely AB Aug 1–3 canadianbridlehorse.com

SKILLS OF THE OUTFITS — WEST OF THE ROCKIES in conjunction with the Nicola Valley Ranch Rodeo Merritt Rodeo Grounds Merritt, BC Aug 21–23

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COUNTRY COOKING

Recipes From the Range Here are some great recipes from our best-selling cookbook, Recipes From the Range!

PHOTO: SHANNON SWANSON

Tag us on Instagram @cowboycountrymagazine with your Recipes from the Range meal photos!

48

Canadian Cowboy Country April/May 2025

COUNTRY COOKING

HAMBURGER SOUP Submitted by Gina McDougall-Cohoe

INGREDIENTS

• 1 ½ lbs ground beef • 1 medium onion, finely chopped • 3 celery stalks, finely chopped • 1 (28 oz) can tomatoes • 2 cups water • ½ tsp thyme • 3 (10 oz) cans consomme • pepper to taste • 1 (10 oz) can tomato soup • 8 tbsp barley • 4 carrots, finely chopped • 1 bay leaf • parsley (desired amount)

DIRECTIONS 1. B rown meat and onions. Drain well.

2. C ombine all ingredients in a large pot.

Simmer, covered, at least 2 hours or all day.

Makes 18 ladles and freezes well. This is a staple in our house. Great if you are busy or feeding a crew. Just throw it in the crock pot and walk away.

I generally subsitute 2 cups water and 3 cans consomme with beef broth and add potatoes or any other vegetalble that is handy.* Whatever your taste buds or cupboards dictate that day. * Our cowboy team added potatoes and green beans to our rendition of of the Hamburger Soup recipe.

TREE HUGGER SALAD DRESSING Submitted by Dean Langville, Cowboy Country TV

INGREDIENTS

• 1/3 cup water • 1/3 cup "Bragg" soy • 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar • ½ cup nutritional large flake yeast • 1 ¼ cups sunflower oil

DIRECTIONS

Combine all but the oil in a blender or vigoroulsly in a shaker cup for a minute or so, then add the oil SLOWLY and mix.

This makes the dressing thicken slightly.

Good on organic baby greens, red onion sliced very thin and diced, crumbled feta chees, nuts (cashews, pine nuts or sunflower seeds), diced apple. Also good as a marinade for chicken or fish.

EASY CAMPFIRE CORNED BEEF HASH Submitted by O’Keefe Ranch

Dressing keeps for 3-4 weeks in the fridge.

INGREDIENTS

• 6 medium potatoes • 1 medium to large onion, chopped • 3 celery stalks, chopped • 1 can New Zealand corned beef • Salt and pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS 1. B oil the potatoes, steam or fry celery

and onion, smash potatoes into a cast iron frying pan and add all other ingredients.

Cook together until hot.

2. G reat with eggs for breakfast or supper with a salad or stew.

CLASSIC COWBOY RECIPES

PHOTOS: TERRI MASON; SHANNON SWANSON

This ranch kitchen favourite cookbook is chock-full of simple yet delicious recipes that were sent in to us by old friends that you’ve met over the years through the magazine and our series, Cowboy Country TV. Marie still has a few copies available; to order yours, call her at 1-800-943-7336.

The contributors to this cookbook are the "Who's Who" of the Canadian West, including recipes from stars like Amber Marshall and Niki Flundra, musicians like Ben Crane and Marjie Hyland, horse trainers like Dale Clearwater and Jonathan Field, ranchers like Edith Wearmouth and Doris and Ralph Bircham, artists like Gena LaCoste and D.C. Lund, to photographers Kim Taylor and Mike Copeman. Whether you cook a darn thing or not, it's a great trip down memory lane!

cowboycountrymagazine.com

49

COWBOY POETRY

The Horseman They Don’t Know About

BY JOHN TILLEY

The horseman they don’t know about is out there working now He’s building on a bridle horse or tracking on a cow The horseman they don’t know about is out there in the cold And he prays he could do it every day if he’s lucky to get old They’ve never heard his name; he’s overlooked, I’d say But he’s putting in the time, getting better every day He doesn’t have a daily show on RFD-TV But the work he does with a horse is awful nice to see He’s made all the mistakes that a young guy’s gonna make He’s almost quit a million times when he had all he could take He’s rode a thousand horses that no one else would start And he never cut a corner—he did it from his heart He slides right in, and right away, he sets up a deal They tick along contently, following his feel They’re tight and scared and ridged and on the edge to buck He guides along and comforts them, and gets their feet unstuck Time rolls on and days go by, and trust is slowly made And all those insecurities and fears will finally fade.

The colt heads home to his owner, but he will never tell How he went from knowing nothing to riding pretty well.

Probably wouldn’t have made it, for that, I have no doubt He owes thanks to the horseman they don’t know about.

ADOBESTOCK/ KRISTINSAYAD

“The Horseman They Don’t Know About” is an original poem by horse trainer and clinician John Tilley of Leroy, SK.

50

Canadian Cowboy Country April/May 2025

GET YOUR TICKETS FOR THE CFR! October 1-4, 2025 Rogers Place

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