2020 Western Horse Review Covid Edition

Is Your Ranch Rifle on the Naughty List?

A Real Ranch Steak Sandwich

BY JENN WEBSTER

BY MIKE EDGAR

A Refreshing New Country Voice

BY PIPER WHELAN

Horsemanship • Culture • Style

THE

COVID ISSUE

BORN TO BUCK Get to know some of the Calgary Stampede’s top bucking stock.

How equestrians are weathering the storm.

Horsemanship • Culture • Style

www.westernhorsereview.com

Vol. 27 No. 3 MAY/JUNE 2020 EDITORIAL For EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES e-mail editorial@westernhorsereview.com Publishers CLAY & JENN WEBSTER Editor JENN WEBSTER Art Direction and Production KENDRA ROBERTS Advertising For ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES: (403) 250-1128 or advertising@westernhorsereview.com

Read more about equestrians in lockdown and learn how they are coping.

Catch Chef Mike Edgar’s classic pork chop recipe.

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Contributors Cynda Didier, JD Photos Mike Edgar Kirk Prescott / Bar XP Photography Twisted Tree Photography Piper Whelan Published six times a year by: WESTERN PERFORMANCE PUBLISHING INC. Suite 814, 3545 - 32 Ave. NE, Calgary, Alberta T1Y 6M6 (403) 250-1128 editorial@westernhorsereview.com www.westernhorsereview.com

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MAY/JUNE 2020

CONTENTS Page

20

OUR NEW NORMAL Learning to roll with the punches has become key for individuals in the western lifestyle, traversing through the Corona crisis.

Out West 6

9

PUBLISHER’S NOTE OUT WEST Canadian farmers and ranchers may want to take a close look at the long list of government banned firearms.

Western Culture

10

12

GEAR & STYLE Look to brighter days ahead with these thoughtfully crafted items. Spring equestrian products that will help you make a fresh start.

FOOD OF THE WEST With only local products, Chef Mike Edgar serves up a mouthwatering steak sandwich.

GOOD WORK Albertan Markus Sommer weaves compelling tales in 16

the music he creates.

Features

20 OUR NEW NORMAL Individual stories of survival as equestrians

navigate this strange, new world.

ROUND PEN Meet some of the world’s top saddle bronc and 38 bareback stars – the characters of the Calgary Stampede Ranch.

Is Your Ranch Rifle on the Naughty List?

BY JENN WEBSTER

THE

A Real Ranch Steak Sandwich

BY MIKE EDGAR

A Refreshing New Country Voice

COVID ISSUE

BY PIPER WHELAN

How equestrians are weathering the storm.

BORN TO BUCK Get to know some of the Calgary Stampede’s top bucking stock.

ON THE COVER: Navigating through these tumultuous times with grace and hope. Photo by the talented duo, Jordan and Candice Camille: candicecamillephotography.com 4 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW May/June 2020

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REVIEW.COM 5

Tara McKenzies Fotos

PUBLISHER’S NOTE have-dog.com

PERSPECTIVE IS EVERYTHING

I

immediate family. My heart goes out to anyone who was affected by this tragic event.

While I do not understand the actions taken on May 4, 2020, please know – Greg Gartner was actually a friend of mine. He wasn’t anyone I would have thought capable of the events that happened that morning. The Greg I choose to remember was the man who offered his services – free of charge – when we put together a benefit for a fellow cow horse industry family affected by brain cancer. The Greg I choose to remember was the man who was at one time, on my Skijor team – laughing every step of the way. The Greg I choose to remember was the friendly legal advice helping my family navigate our boarding operation through the 2020 Corona virus crisis. Fierce non-pro competitor in the cow horse arena. Intelligent, down-toearth, extreme sport-loving, family guy on the sidelines.

What I’ve learned from this situation is that perhaps there is just too much judgement and not enough kindness. None of us – outside of the Gartner family – can ever know the pain and challenges they were going through. Mental health issues are real. I don’t know what the answer is. But I do know a lot of unnecessary grief has been caused by this one single event.

I know our community will stand by the remaining Gartner children, in whatever format that will require in the future. I hope you can all find the compassion to do so and the grace to avoid judgements.

Rest in peace Greg, Lois and Sarah. ****************

6 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW January/February 2020

Barb Glazer

’m not going to sugarcoat it. The May/June issue of Western Horse Review is coming to you late and digitally. It’s the only way we here at the magazine could navigate through these stormy times.

Things have changed. Events have been cancelled. Worlds have shifted.

We too, are rolling with it.

Honestly, I’m so tired of hearing words like “unprecedented,” “new normal” and “pandemic.” I’m sure everyone else is as well. We’re doing our part here to support local businesses, stay home and keep socially distanced. But it’s tough, as I’m sure it is for everyone.

This Publisher’s Note hasn’t come easily. In speaking with one of our columnists and one of my personal mentors, Lee McLean, I expressed my challenges in keeping up with these Covid times and writer’s block simultaneously.

“We need to write though, Jenn, to talk about hard things and also to give people some joy and some hope.

“This is when journalism really hits the road. It needs to stand for something when life gets really hard,” she wrote to me.

So what do I stand for?

Freedom. Health. And happiness. I think, pretty much sums it up.

Let me get to the point. My heart shattered in pieces recently when I learned of the tragic news of the May 4, 2020, Gartner family tragedy (Sherwood Park, AB). If the anguish of the Canadian western performance horse world is any indication, I can’t imagine the agony felt by surviving members of their

TOP: Greg Gartner riding at the Calgary Stampede. Bottom: Lois Gartner and Smart Sassy Date contending at the Canadian Supreme.

Navigating through these arduous times, the topics of health – and especially mental well-being – are top of mind. As we stay isolated from our friends and loved ones and begin to find ways to get back to work, it will be interesting to see what we all take from this. What we view as valuable now, as opposed to a year ago. Or six months ago. Or even as few as six weeks ago…

Food on the table is important.

A roof over our heads is necessary.

And love and kindness are keeping many of us going these days.

In our barn, people seem to be hanging on to their horses. We’re pleasantly surprised because we know that in this day, horses aren’t necessity items. It’s interesting to see what we cling to, in difficult times such as these. In many ways, this our Great Depression and it will change how we live and what we remember... just like the 1930s did.

This is our coming of age and a time when we may need horses more than ever.

Other things our family has found solace in include late night movies, backyard campfires, the

rearranging of our outdoor living space, gardening and a new puppy.

The puppy has us all running, but he’s helping to get the kids off their iPads. The gardening is a foreign concept to us and one we’re grasping at with information sought out from friends and the internet – it’s good for comedic relief. And with events like the Calgary Stampede cancelled for 2020, our plan is to make our backyard our vacation this year. That’s our perspective on it all and I hope my children take those memories from this year, instead of the negatives.

As always, I hope you enjoy the May/June issue. With help from the talented Kirk Prescott / Bar XP Photography, we did our best to bring you stories of hope, resilience and grace during these unusual times. As the publisher of Western Horse Review, I hope to return to our printed issues in the future.

Again, we will navigate.

I wish you all happiness and health and we will see you down the road someday. Hopefully soon!

Sincerely, ~ Jenn 2019 July/August REVIEW HORSE 1 WESTERN

Send your comments, questions, letters or story ideas to me at editorial@westernhorsereview.com. We may include them in an upcoming edition of Western Horse Review.

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8 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW May/June 2020

OUTWEST

STICKING TO OUR GUNS IS YOUR RANCH RIFLE NOW ON THE “NAUGHTY LIST?”

On May 1, 2020, the Canadian minority Trudeau government issued a decree called “an order in council” whereby turning approximately 150,000 previously lawfully owned firearms into illegal, “prohibited devices.”

In press conferences and media releases that followed, the Canadian government continued to refer to an “Assault Weapon Ban,” however, the list released by officials was far more encompassing. Therefore, you should probably look through your gun cabinet to ensure you don’t unknowingly let these rifles wander from your house.

We enlisted the help of J.R. Cox of Calgary, AB, former soldier and owner of firearms shooting ranges and retail outfits in Calgary and Toronto (Target Sports Canada and The Shooting Edge respectively,) to help sort through the muck and mire. Cox has been a world class level competition shooter for over 35 years and an entrepreneur since he left the Canadian Military approximately 20 years ago.

“If you’d like to be knowledgeable about the list of banned firearms – and you should – without getting into the weeds, the list includes: The entire family of AR15 and AR10 rifles, the Ruger Mini-14s, the Springfield M1 rifles, the CZ VZ58 and Scorpion EVO style rifles, The Robinson Arms XCRs, The Beretta CX4, the SIG MCX/MPX family and the Swiss Arms family,” he details.

On top of that, any rifle over 20mm (so, gone are the .50BMG) and cartridges with a power of over 10,000J are also included on the government’s banned list. (Goodbye Weatherby .470 and others.)

“The ban put into place – according to the Liberals – a stopgap, until they can put a comprehensive legislative package together in the fall; which will potentially include a buy-back program.

Who knows what that will bring? But it cannot be anything good,” Cox states.

The basic premise is that while this ban is in place, the only legal place law abiding gun owners can keep these affected long arms is in their homes – under lock and key. Being caught with them anywhere else will bring very unpleasant consequences.

“In spite of the reality that many of these firearms that are banned are used safely every day in the protection of livestock, for putting food on the table, or just in plain old fashioned fun,” Cox states.

He relays that many of the banned firearms on the list may be unknowingly and commonly owned by farmers and ranchers, so he advises people to do their due diligence. The onus to abide by the law, will be on many rural people. ~ Jenn Webster

“Urban ideals are once again, broadly brushed on the rural.

Way to go Ottawa,” ~ JR COX

May/June 2020 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW.COM 9

GEAR & STYLE

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10 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW May/June 2020

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Celebrate sunny days with “The Good Life” Tee $48 from SOUTHERN BLISS BOUTIQUE, and top off your look with a few statement accessories; turquoise and silver concho ring, $145; faux ostrich cuff, $34; and tooled leather earrings, $84 southernbliss.ca May/June 2020 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW.COM 11

FOOD OF THE WEST

CHIMMI’S STEAK SANDWICH Using all local products, we rustled up one of the best steak sandwiches you’ll ever eat. The secret ingredients come from specialty sauces crafted locally, from secret Peruvian family recipes. Served between slabs of beautiful sourdough bread and garnished with homemade onion rings this sandwich makes it easy to forget the world for a while.

By MIKE

EDGAR

12 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW May/June 2020

Photos By TWISTED

TREE PHOTOGRAPHY

ONION RINGS INGREDIENTS

1 cup Buttermilk 1/4 cup Chimmi’s Grillin’ Sauz 1/4 cup Chimmi’s Hot Sauz 1 Onion, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds 2 Cups Flour.

1/4 Cup White Cornmeal.

METHOD

Marinate the onion in the buttermilk, Grillin’ Sauz and Hot Sauz overnight.

Afterwards, strain off excess marinade and then dredge into flour and cornmeal. Press as much of the flour mix onto the onions as possible.

Fry the onions in oil at 350-degrees Fahrenheit until golden brown, (six to eight minutes).

May/June 2020 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW.COM 13

STEAK RUB Equal parts of Chili Powder and Brown Sugar.

THE STEAK

Choose any steak you like.

We opted for a Denver steak cut, which is my new favourite done by Burgardt’s Butcher Shop in High River, AB. However, you can use any cut of steak you like.

Sear the meat in a cast-iron pan until you reach your preferred doneness. Let it rest for 10 minutes, and slice.

14 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW May/June 2020

MAYO SAUCE

TOMATO JAM

INGREDIENTS

INGREDIENTS

2 Tbsp. Dijon Mustard 1/2 Cup Mayonnaise 1/4 Cup Chimmi’s Hot Sauz 1 handful Cilantro Juice of Half a Lemon 1 Tbsp. Roasted Garlic

METHOD

Mix all of the ingredients together.

6 Tomatoes, peeled 1 Shallot, diced 1 Garlic Clove, minced 1/4 Cup Chimmi’s Hot Sauz 1/4 Cup Sugar Juice of 1 Lemon 1 Tsp. Salt 1 Tsp. Pepper 1 Tbsp. Olive Oil

METHOD

Heat the olive oil in a pot, then sauté the shallot and garlic with salt and pepper for two minutes. Add your tomato and sauté for another five minutes. Add the remainder of the ingredients and cook until the jam becomes thick and can coat a spoon.

THE SANDWICH

Bread is a very important part of a sandwich. We used a sourdough bread made by French 50 Bakery in Okotoks, AB, sliced about a half-an-inch thick.

Toast the bread lightly. Spread your prepared Mayo Sauce on the bottom slice and place the sliced beef down next, followed by your crispy onion rings. Lettuce is always welcome. We placed a piece of butter leaf on top of the meat, but any type of lettuce will work. The top piece of bread will need both the prepared Mayo Sauce and the Tomato Jam spread on it. Top your sandwich with that final piece of bread and dig in!

ABOUT CHIMMI’S SAUCES

Chimmi’s sauces are made with love in Okotoks, AB, by husband-and-wife team Lisa and Olivier Torres. Their story began in 2014 with a secret Peruvian family recipe for fresh hot sauce that became locally famous as part of their Chimmi’s Fresh Grill food truck menu. It later expanded to include a chimichurri-style grilling sauce, a delicious spicy mayo, and a tangy spicy ketchup. You can learn more about them at www.itswhatyoucrave.com

ABOUT THE CHEF:

Mike Edgar graduated from the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology in the Culinary Arts. He stayed in Calgary, AB working at some of the city’s top restaurants. In 2007, he opened his own restaurant in Calgary’s east end. After eight years of being a chef there, Edgar decided to take a step back and left the industry to spend more time with his son. His son has now expressed an interest in learning his father’s skills and in horses simultaneously.

May/June 2020 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW.COM 15

GOOD WORK

A NEW WESTERN VOICE Singer-songwriter Markus Sommer is bringing a refreshing honesty and focus on strong storytelling to his music.

By PIPER WHELAN, Photos by CYNDA DIDIER, JD PHOTOS

S

ometimes a song says exactly the right thing. The words ring true, weaving a compelling tale and evoking emotions that make you think, I know just what you mean.

The well-placed sensory details in Markus Sommer’s True Sounds of the West achieve just that, bringing to mind feelings of home for some listeners, while others are transported to a life they only dream of. There’s an honesty in the words, the melody and his smooth, deep voice as he describes everyday moments of ranch life and sings, “I think it must be fate/’cause you can’t help but feel just like you’re chosen.”

Feeling that way is one thing; to articulate it in a genuine manner that elicits a strong emotion is another, and Sommer is well-versed in the thought and effort it takes to craft such a song.

“A lot of people do have this idea that songwriting and poetry is some sort of romantic miracle,” he said. “I say to people, ‘it’s really not that’…We’re able to look at the same thing that someone else is looking at, but we’re able to pick it apart and find something in it that stands out.”

This was the case when he wrote the title track of his debut album, True Sounds of the West. “I was sitting on the back porch at my house, drinking coffee, and there was literally cows bawling and coyotes screaming and wind blowing and magpies and

16 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW May/June 2020

“

I was always drawn to story songs, and I think that’s why I took to country music more than anything else.

“

everything in the song, and I just thought, ‘how cool is that, that I get to sit up here and hear all that?’” he explained. “I think that’s the whole thing about songwriting – you take note of things that other people miss often.”

Drawn to music at a young age, Sommer started playing guitar and bass around the age of 12. He played in local bands as a teenager and brought his guitar along during his bronc riding days, writing songs on the road.

It wasn’t until a few years ago that Sommer, who now calls Ponoka, Alberta home, decided to pursue music professionally, after being encouraged by a friend and fellow musician to record his songs. He released his first album last spring and played around 75 shows in 2019.

His musical influences include Ian Tyson and Guy Clark, and growing up he was exposed to the seminal songwriters of the 1970s, developing an appreciation for artists such as John Prine and Jim Croce. “That gave me the basics of songwriting and storytelling,” he said. “I was always drawn to story songs, and I think that’s why I took to country music more than anything else. For me, that’s the most important thing in a song – the story.”

Sommer, who is a farrier and spends much of his time in the saddle through other work opportunities, has plenty of material to draw from in following the old adage of writing what you know. “That’s always been something that I’ve believed in, and fortunately I’m in a position where I get to do what I love to do every day.”

As he didn’t grow up in a rural setting, he understands the pull of art that authentically depicts the West. “There’s definitely something about it that people just love,” he said. “I always wanted to do what I do now, so I just worked hard at it and was fortunate enough to make it a reality,” he added, noting that he often comes up with ideas for stories while working.

“Sometimes I’ll sit down and write a song in 15 minutes, but it doesn’t happen very often. A lot of the time what I’ll do is

May/June 2020 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW.COM 17

I’ll have an idea, and then I’ll go through how I want to expand on it,” he explained. “It sometimes takes three months to write, sometimes it takes a year to write the song, to figure out exactly where the pieces should go. I’m pretty particular about how the song starts and ends and which characters are developed and what details need to be said and what can be left out.

“I think a lot of people miss out on the importance of a story – you don’t need to have a beginning, middle and end. So a lot of my songs have a middle and an end, or just the middle, or just the beginning, or the beginning and middle, but there’s pieces left to interpretation and imagination. That, I think, is what makes interesting songwriting.”

The thoughtfulness of Sommer’s process is reflected in his songs, ranging from the vivid worldbuilding in “The Renegade” to the mournful ache of lost love in “The Bay” and the humorous familiarity of the experience described in “Nothing Really Changes (After All).”

He knows the vulnerability of sharing songs of a personal nature with an audience, having written “Our Grandfathers” to tell a poignant story about his own grandfathers. “It 18 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW May/June 2020

was a really emotional song for me to write, and it was hard to play at first because I would think about them all the time, and I was debating about putting it on the album at all because I thought it’s probably too personal,” he said. The decision to include the song proved wise, based on the response it’s received. “The amount of times that I’ve had people come up to me and tell me that they can relate to that song has been incredible.”

Recently, a fan approached Sommer to share what this song meant to him. “He said he saw me play in Edmonton in November, and he showed his grandpa, who was in a hospice situation. He had played the song for him and they both hugged each other and cried. That’s insane that you can make people feel that way, especially with a song that’s so personal,” he said. “If people can connect to it on the same level that I can, I think that’s really cool, and that’s the whole point of songwriting.”

Sommer’s music captures an authentic truthfulness that is sorely missing on today’s country radio, something that listeners are searching for through other platforms available. He’s noticed this desire for something beyond the main-

stream in the response from his audience.

“I think we’re on the verge of a change,” he said, comparing the frivolous, overproduced nature of current Top 40 country to the “Nashville Sound” of the early 1970s. At that time, the countrypolitan movement prevailed until Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson shook things up by making music their way with the introduction of Outlaw country.

“I think we’re in another era similar to that where people are tired of the status quo and they’re fortunately able to reach out and find new stuff, and there’s guys like Tyler Childers who’s making great country records and doing really well for himself at the Grammys,” said Sommer. “I think the tide’s turning and people are kind of waking up to the fact that there’s better music to listen to out there.”

Listeners searching for that skillful storytelling paired with a truly talented voice can look forward to more from Sommer in the future, as he is currently writing new material. While social distancing regulations have put a temporary hitch in his live performance plans, he’ll release an acoustic EP of new, original songs, The Ranch Sessions EP, in June.

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20 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW May/June 2020

Our New

NORMAL

Forgiving our failures, becoming innovative in business and learning to roll with the punches have become key to survival in this strange, new world.

Story & Photos By Kirk Prescott / Bar XP Photography

When March 2020 struck, no one could have predicted the course our lives were about to take. Certainly there were whispers early in the year of a “novel” virus, cancelled events and “unprecedented” lockdowns. Yet, it all seemed unbelievable and foreign to many of us back then.

It wasn’t long afterwards that words like novel and unprecedented and COVID-19 became tiresome…

We’re all on different journeys at this time and the equine and agriculture industries have been hit just as hard as anyone else. Here are several real-life stories of how folks are managing. One day at a time.

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;Animals need to be fed and cared for daily, so shutting down and sending everyone home is not an option. We all want to do our part to help reduce the spread and keep each other healthy. We consider our operation an essential service, helping to provide a safe, steady food supply,â&#x20AC;? ~ Suntana Murray 22 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW May/June 2020

Suntana Murray, Brooks, AB GW MURRAY RANCHES

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s a rancher and parent, Suntana Murray has felt the impact of COVID-19 two-fold. While the situation has presented challenges, it has also increased family-time and participation in the daily operation of the Murray family business and lifestyle.

“Animals need to be fed and cared for daily, so shutting down and sending everyone home is not an option. We all want to do our part to help reduce the spread and keep each other healthy. We consider our operation an essential service, helping to provide a safe, steady food supply,” she says.

Suntana and her husband, George were raised in agriculture. Along with family and 25 employees, they operate background and finishing lots, cow/calf operations and farming operations, across Alberta. Both have been involved in various aspects of the industry and bring a well-rounded knowledge base to their current ventures.

They have six children, ranging in age from one to 13. In short, they have tackled this crisis with a calm, carry-on outlook.

Murray noted that animal husbandry is essential and contribution to food supply markets is a priority. In efforts to operate in a safe and efficient manner, precautions were taken at GW Murray Ranches to reduce exposure for anyone on-site and outgoing commodity. Practicing social distancing and sterilization became common place. Furthermore, she increased her farm based production with the addition of a milk cow and laying hens, a kid favourite, thereby reducing her need to travel for goods that are now produced at home. As an essential service, Murray commented that providing a safe, steady food supply is important. With respect to pressures placed on food supply, overall, she added that she feels, “Canada produces an ample supply of food to sustain ourselves, as long as we can keep all parts of the supply chain operating.”

This outlook is key in continuing to support a supply system that relies on a variety of factors.

As a parent, Murray certainly feels the pressure of continuing learning for her children and maintaining balance of her responsibilities. Above all, she remains

COVID-19 has presented many challenges to the Murray family and their ranching operation, but also unique opportunities to learn and spend quality time together.

grateful for the time they are able to spend together.

“George and I both work on the ranch.

We have always involved our kids and love having them at home learning our familybusiness/way-of-life, helping out, working hard and having fun at the same time. We are getting to do a lot more of that these days and we are loving it.”

Murray acknowledged the need for her children to continue with traditional learning but also highlighted some unique aspects of their new routine that have brought both enjoyment and enrichment not available in a school setting. Murray appreciates that this is a learning curve for parents and teachers alike. Without hesitation, she also took matters into her own hands.

“When school was cancelled we immediately went to the internet to find options.

We didn’t want the kids to stall in their

studies. There are some excellent e-school/ online options out there. We got going on two of them the next day.”

Similar to many parents – especially with six children – Murray acknowledges the challenge of having each child involved in a different format for learning, with a variety of platforms and online sites. Like most, she too finds the current “normal” a bit of a juggling act and found that organization of work areas and task importance are key. With six different work areas in their home, the Murray residence operates “indoor” school with both enthusiasm and efficiency. Murray added that the addition of chores, both inside and outside, keep her children’s bodies and minds busy outside of school assignments. Learning how to make butter, yogurt, cheese and ice cream has also been a highlight for the entire family!

May/June 2020 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW.COM 23

COVID – 19 has undoubtedly affected Vanessa Mannix’s equestrian goals but she remains positive, grateful and empathetic to the events unfolding worldwide. Mannix notes an appreciation for her community, “I feel for the show owners, farm owners, trainers and their staff who rely on shows, lessons and boarders to keep their operations afloat – it’s a really tough time for the industry.”

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Vanessa Mannix, Calgary, AB EQUESTRIAN

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anessa Mannix, an accomplished equestrian, has experienced a range of emotions and professional upset as a result of COVID-19.

Above all, she remains positive and aware of the global impact.

“To have the entire fabric of society pulled out from under us, in such a short time span, is a bizarre and terrifying scenario. With the added dimension of worrying about the health of family and friends, there’s a huge span of emotions ranging from fear to gratitude. With so many dimensions playing out, it’s also an opportunity to practice kindness and check in on those around us. There are a lot of stories of people doing good things that are keeping me inspired. Being able to hug my horses is also good therapy.”

Mannix, began riding at an early age and while her heart and soul remains with the sport of showjumping, she is skilled in a variety of disciplines. She has represented Team Canada on Nations Cups in Slovakia, Spain, Mexico and the United States.

Her most recent team appearance was in February for the CSIO 4* Nations Cup in Wellington, Florida. Mannix noted that she and her mare Catinka aided Canada to a fourth place finish, in what may be the last Nations Cup for some time. Vanessa is currently ranked 204th on the FEI World Ranking List and sixth in Canada. For the past several years, her focus has been, “… producing horses to the international level and campaigning them to represent Canada around the world.”

In July of 2019, Mannix and her team made a goal-oriented and detailed plan to qualify for the April, 2020 World Cup Finals in Las Vegas, NV. She campaigned her two best horses, Catinka and Valentino in the World Cup Qualifiers and earned a berth in the Final, as one of the top two Canadians in the North American League.

In what would have been her first championship appearance, at the senior level, Mannix commented that both she and Catinka felt ready to perform and do their best. As COVID-19 spread, competitions started cancelling. When word arrived that the World Cup Finals would not go ahead, Mannix was disappointed.

Mannix was one of two Canadians in the North American League to qualify for the 2020 World Cup Finals in Las Vegas, NV.

“It felt like so much planning and hard work would come to nothing and I spent a few days feeling very low. However, as I became more aware of the severity of the impacts of COVID-19, it was apparent that everyone around the world is also dealing with disappointment, anxiety and grief.

While I am of course disappointed we won’t get to compete in Las Vegas, I am proud to have qualified and deeply grateful to be now safely at home with the horses.”

Mannix’s current priority is to keep her barn team safe and horses prepared to head back into the ring. With respect to her future objectives, she commented, “It’s hard to clearly plan ahead for competition… so I’m focusing on fitness and staying positive.”

She added that her current facility, while not ideal, holds many positive attributes.

After retreating from their winter base in Florida, Vanessa and team settled south of Calgary, AB at Hawkridge Farms. Only Mannix’s horses and team are on site.

Fortunately the complications of boarders and lessons that other facilities face, given the current scope of things, are absent. Now more than ever, Mannix is grateful for a close team. They are set to spend a lot of time together. The isolated attributes of the facility were actually a factor in relocating home from Florida. In efforts to remain compliant and reduce risk of exposure, Mannix and team follow Alberta Health Services guidelines and are vigilant with cleaning and disinfecting. Personally, she notes that she has been doing yoga and pilates in the confines of her own home. While she misses a gym to train in, she enjoys the social dynamic of online classes with friends.

Mannix commented, “For me, it’s important to keep a schedule, be active and stay motivated when it feels like everything else is going sideways.” She has set fitness goals and remains dedicated to becoming stronger both mentally and physically, following this pandemic.

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“Today? I’m overwhelmed.

Tomorrow will be better. Because this is a marathon, we know that we will have temporary feelings of hopelessness and frustration, and if we just wait it out we’ll also experience joy and hope.” ~ Heather Cook

ALL COURTESY OFREVIEW HEATHERMay/June COOK 2020 26 PHOTOS WESTERN HORSE

Heather Cook, Calgary, AB ADVANCED CARE PARAMEDIC

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eather Cook spent six years training horses in the late 90s to early 2000s before having kids and transitioning to a writing career. Her family had been involved in paramedicine in the 80s in High Level, AB, and she had always thought it would be a good career. Much like horse training, no day is ever the same. Therefore, sometime after her second or third miscarriage (she can’t remember exactly,) she decided to change careers again and become a paramedic.

“I’m 42-years-old and still learning about life every day,” she says. “I’m grateful that my experience with horses taught me how to control my temper, and to pause and consider before reacting. I now have an 18-year-old son and a 13-year-old daughter and a wonderful, supportive partner who is also a paramedic.”

Cook says that early in the pandemic, she and her paramedic friends knew the virus was different from anything they’d previously experienced.

“I knew we were in for a marathon and not a sprint. In my profession we’re really adaptable, but this has challenged the limits of how adaptable we can be day in and day out.

Overall I have immense pride in paramedics and believe we are coming out of this stronger and wiser. At home I am very purposeful about how I recharge. I don’t often leave my house on days off, but I ensure I stay connected with people important to me.”

She also admits that she struggles with worry and anxiety for her friends and loved ones.

“I probably worry about them more than I worry about myself, if I’m honest. I have all the Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) I need. I know how to wash my hands and how to do risk assessments, but not everyone has that situational awareness.”

Cook explains that for the most part, her work is the same as it was before – but with more face masks and fewer hugs. There are also more Zoom meetings.

“I’m the Co-Chair of our union local so every day, even when not at work I am touching base with, or hearing from people and ensuring they have the support they need. As well I volunteer on our Peer Support team, which is kind of like an underground support network of paramedics looking out for their colleagues. It’s an honour to be there for a peer when they need support and a shoulder. As

Heather Cook’s daughter riding at an equestrian facility, west of Calgary, before Covid.

you can imagine, all of us are feeling the strain at work and at home,” she states.

“At home I am just grateful, I love my home and the people inside it. I have spent more time doing little projects and investing time ensuring this is a sanctuary where I can rest and recharge, and where my family feel safe.

I think now I just have to be a lot more purposeful about it and open to different ways to recharge. I also nap a lot more on days off and don’t feel a single ounce of guilt!”

When asked how Cook is feeling about the whole situation, she answers honestly: “Today? I’m overwhelmed. Tomorrow will be better. Because this is a marathon, we know that we will have temporary feelings of hopelessness and frustration, and if we just wait it out we’ll also experience joy and hope.

I stopped drinking alcohol last year when I experienced an occupational stress injury and am very grateful that happened because it’s easy to numb the pain with something like alcohol, forgetting that it also numbs joy.”

As a result of Covid 19, Cook relays that she has seen more of her colleagues reach out to support one another than any time before.

“Whether I’m encountering nurses, firefighters, police, or other public servants I find that there is a sense that we’re all in this together.

And the way the public has responded with daily cheers at 7 pm every day makes my heart happy!”

Since her life has taken a different path over the last several years Cook no longer has time to ride however, her daughter has been taking lessons from professional Pat Ross, west of Calgary. Of course as most equestrian facilities are closed for lessons during this time, Cook says her daughter dearly misses her coach.

“We are going to come out of this tired… but stronger and wiser. It’s important to treat this not as something we need to get over, but as something we need to get through. It’s going to change us as a society – and for the better if we let it.”

- Jenn Webster May/June 2020 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW.COM 27

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Animals are the last thing that people want to let go of. In the past, we have managed through trying times but this is a much greater scale than we have experienced before.â&#x20AC;? ~ Wendy Nelson 28 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW May/June 2020

Wendy Nelson, Cochrane, AB COMPETITOR, CLINICIAN & FACILITY OWNER

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ith heartfelt sincerity, reining trainer Wendy Nelson shared that COVID-19 has affected her professional pursuits and personal facility. She gracefully dignified the need for empathy and communal understanding when discussing this unfortunate circumstance.

“Animals are the last thing that people want to let go of. In the past, we have managed through trying times but this is a much greater scale than we have experienced before.”

Nelson noted that troubled times often parallel difficult decisions for those who have horses as a hobby. While her client-base is integral for her success, she remains non-judgmental and truly empathetic when horse-owners limit or sacrifice their equine pursuits to achieve financial balance. Speaking to her clients’ potential hardship before that of her own facility, highlights Nelson’s kind and nurturing character.

As the equine world followed public health directives, Nelson was forced to cancel three clinics – a move that translated to the loss of more than six thousand dollars of income, in a single day. She also had a horse pulled from training. As a smaller, private facility, this loss is significant and impacts both facility growth and routine upkeep.

Simply put, “…funds will not be available for extras,” she states. “Even routine expenses for weed control, fencing, arena maintenance and feed are going to be taxing, this year.”

Looking ahead, Nelson added that COVID-19 will inevitably bear impact on the equine industry as a whole. As a result of the economic hardship, she predicts that, “Reining associations will struggle to secure sponsors and we will see a decline in competitor attendance.” Without doubt this unfortunate trend will trickle-down and the impact of COVID-19 will be widespread.

On a more positive note, Nelson shared that she is grateful to maintain income with horses still in training and those who board at her facility. In an effort to reduce risk and exposure to COVID-19, she diligently postponed all outside lessons and set

Wendy Nelson shared that COVID-19 has affected her professional pursuits and personal facility.

a schedule for those attending her facility to uphold appropriate, social distancing.

Furthermore, she initiated increased cleaning protocols to ensure that everything is routinely disinfected. Tack, brooms, buckets, wheelbarrows, door handles and more, get the Lysol touch! More than anything, her facility strictly upholds social-distancing and a constant hand-washing routine.

Nelson tells everyone, “Don’t take it personally, but we have to assume that we are all sick. We need to respect each other’s space and stay clean.” She briefly paused her sincerity in conversation to joke that she couldn’t even hug people. “I’m a hugger – It’s hard for me not to hug!”

On a personal level, Wendy acknowledged that the situation is “straining.” Her husband, a chiropractor, is now unable to practice. Together, they have many expenses, outside of her facility. Much like others with dependents, homes and businesses, this is financially worrisome and inherently stressful. Nelson acknowledged that so many families have and will be affected

by COVID-19.

“It’s truly sad,” she says.

Wendy’s closing remarks resonate deeply, “Honestly, I try not to think about it. I focus on staying healthy and positive. We are all in this together. We need to be sincere, sensitive and supportive to each other.”

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Dr. Erin Thompson shared that â&#x20AC;&#x153;our new normalâ&#x20AC;? may have impact for some time. Together, Moore and Company Equine services and clients can continue in a re-designed fashion that safely meets the needs of all involved.

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Dr. Erin Thompson, Calgary, AB DVM, DC, Msc., Diplomat – American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation (DACVSR) at

D

MOORE EQUINE VETERINARY CENTRE

r. Erin Thompson, of Moore Equine Veterinary Centre , notes that “our new normal,” has affected her both personally and

professionally.

“The government of Alberta is not looking at closure of veterinary practices in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Alberta government has deemed veterinary services in Alberta essential. Veterinary practices will continue to provide service while following Alberta Health restrictions.”

– Alberta Veterinary Medical Association (ABVMA).

Dr. Thompson, an Associate Veterinarian with Moore Equine, began with the practice in 2012. She specializes in sports medicine and rehabilitation, parallel to her professional support of general equine needs, ambulatory care and emergency veterinary services.

With respect to changes that COVID-19 has made to clinic operations, Dr. Thompson comments that both immediate and specific changes have taken place.

“Veterinary practice is well versed in virology and the implications of a viral infection,” she adds.

In support of the provincial directive and the guidelines set out by the ABVMA, Moore Equine Centre took action, keeping both clients and staff in mind. In short, they adjusted equine-handling/client-interaction protocols and became even more vigilant with regard to cleaning protocols. First, social distancing and frequent, personal sanitization was mandated. Second, a division of professional staff took place between the north and south clinics to ensure that crosscontamination risk was minimized. They also ensured that client needs could be upheld, in the unfortunate event of exposure/ infection in either location. Third, clients were asked to call ahead for prescription pick-up and upon arrival for pre-arranged appointments. A designated staff member has been assigned to handle prescription pick-up, outside the building. Another staff member is assigned to handle each horse that arrives for in-clinic visits. This designation reduces risk related to potential exposure, for both clients and staff.

Dr. Thompson also noted that cases and clients are screened to limit unnecessary

The Alberta government has deemed veterinary services in Alberta an essential service.

risk/exposure, while upholding an appreciation for equine welfare, client need and the business’ financial obligations. It was interesting and inspiring to observe Moore Equine staff being both vigilant and innovative with their use of personal protective equipment (PPE). In conversation with Dr. Thompson, she highlighted that staff are using supplies required in human medicine sparingly. Moore Equine is aware of the PPE shortage and wish to alleviate strain on the medical supply market. They have developed their own hand sanitizer and have reduced their use of surgical gloves, while being aware of their professional needs.

Tears filled Dr. Thompson’s eyes, when asked to comment on the impact the COVID-19 situation had on her role as a parent, working in a public environment.

Her three-year-old son recently suffered a respiratory issue, requiring medical intervention. While his health is stable, the risk of contracting COVID-19 and the implications that it holds are both, “real and frightening.” In an effort to maintain balance between her professional role and her financial obligations, Dr. Thompson inevitably holds high-risk with great regard. She urges everyone to be conscientious of personal space and sanitization. She also encourages those seeking information on COVID-19 to be mindful of credible resources.

Dr. Erin Thompson shared that “our new normal” may have impact for some time.

Together, Moore and Company Equine services and clients can continue in a re-designed fashion that safely meets the needs of all involved.

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“Are we busy? Yes and No. It’s definitely not as busy as before, but I don’t know how to explain it. We still have customers. We have a fair amount of take-out orders coming in, especially on Thursdays and Fridays. And we are still offering our Wing Nights for take-out during this time... ” 32 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW May/June 2020

~ Cassie Rowse

Mossleigh Bar N Grill, Mossleigh, AB OWNED BY CASSIE ROWSE

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n the face of this pandemic, there are several beautiful stories of kindness and innovation emerging. One close to home is that of the Mossleigh Bar N Grill in the small town of Mossleigh, AB. After being forced to close its doors to dine-in customers, the business reached out to its local community and asked them what they needed. The response was overwhelming – access to groceries and much-needed supplies.

Thus, the Mossleigh Bar N Grill began taking orders, available for pick-up or delivery, allowing people to stay closer to home. The new service has allowed ranchers to continue calving, other agriculture folks to get through their daily tasks and local people to stay isolated, without having to go to town for supplies.

Cassie Rowse has owned the Mossleigh Bar N Grill for six years now. The establishment which is shaped like a red barn, sits alongside Alberta Highway 24 and is a local hot spot.

During pre-pandemic times, the Bar N Grill was known for bringing in live musical talent, wing night and the kind of hospitality you can only find in small towns. As many restaurants began to shutter due to corona virus precautions, Rowse had to figure out how to keep business going.

“We first started offering groceries on Friday, March 20, 2020. We filled our first orders on the following Monday (the 23rd). And we had 10 orders that weekend. Since then, it’s been continuous,” says Rowse.

Utilizing their suppliers for the regular restaurant foods, Rowse has been able to provide for the needs of her community by offering her grocery program three times a week. Clients can simply pick through a long list of essentials like meat, produce, toilet paper and baked goods and order online. The groceries are then available for pick-up curbside, or delivery within Arrowwood and Mossleigh.

Rowse says her customers range anywhere from age 25 to 80 and each one has their own reason for not wanting to venture into town for food. “They live in the communities of Carseland, Mossleigh or Arrowwood. Some want to stay home as much as possible. Some will pick it up themselves, so we bring it out for curb-side pick-up. And we know of one client who is on mandatory quarantine. So we bring it to them and leave the items on a picnic table for them outside,” states the owner.

Despite the fact that online grocery shopping

above: The dining space at the Mossleigh Bar N Grill sits nearly empty these days, other than customers waiting for take-out or grocery orders. opposite page: Shannon Stoebe (front-end manager) and Jon Churma (kitchen manager) of the Mossleigh Bar N Grill stand with a grocery order.

has become very popular in recent times, but it is almost non-existent for rural folks. That’s why the new services provided by Mossleigh Bar N Grill are doubly beneficial.

“We thought that by offering these certain grocery items, it would be be good for the community because less people are handling their food,” says Rowse. As such, many in the area are hoping they will continue to offer the service when the lockdowns end.

The establishment continues to offer takeout and off-sales during this time. And they are providing free delivery within Arrowood and Mossleigh – even with limited staff.

For now, the Mossleigh Bar N Grill remains busy, but it’s a different kind of “busy” than before. When asked to describe it, Rowse states, “Are we busy? Yes and No. It’s definitely not as busy as before, but I don’t know how to explain it. We still have customers. We have a fair amount of take-out orders coming in, especially on Thursdays and Fridays. And we are still offering our Wing Nights for take-out during this time, so that seems popular! Which means

Thursdays and Fridays are still good. The grocery program is helping to offset some of the lost income – but it’s not the same.”

Still, Rowse is thankful of the community support and she and her crew can found any day of the week, working hard in the kitchen or the dining room – which has been cleared away of the chairs and tables the place used to use to serve hungry guests – to organize grocery and take-out orders.

The new arrangement has also allowed her to facilitate large orders of food requested by the teachers of Arrowwood School, for their specific community. “They have requested a big order they want us to deliver a bunch of food to the families of their community. It’s amazing.”

When the restrictions lift, Rowse says the Mossleigh Bar N Grill will be one of the first establishments to celebrate and their customers will benefit when the regular doors open again. Until then, they are glad to assist their community with essential needs and are extremely grateful for the support.

- Jenn Webster May/June 2020 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW.COM 33

“I have been called a hero, an angel even, that I am brave and courageous – but the truth is, I feel just as powerless and scared as the rest of you. Everyday I go to work I hope that I am enough, that I have studied and prepared to be worthy of your praises.” ~ Tara Sergerie

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Tara Sergerie, Calgary, AB EMERGENCY ROOM NURSE

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ara Sergerie is a 34-year-old Québécois who grew up west of Okotoks, AB. Along with her brother Steven, Tara spent endless hours at the barns of M&K ranches in Turner Valley, AB, listening and learning from Ken and Marian Stav.

“I believe Ken is the original ‘horse whisperer,’” she says. “Between his many stories and Marian’s patience, we became riders and fell in love with horses. Because of this, I had a blessed life in the Rodeo arena; 10 years as a Calgary Stampede Ranch Girl, 2005 Airdrie Pro Rodeo Princess, 2007 Miss Rodeo Canada, 2009 Calgary Stampede Princess, also working five years as a wrangler/stunt double for John Scott.”

Tara is currently an Emergency Room (ER) nurse in a hospital in Calgary, AB. When she graduated from Mount Royal University’s Registered Nurse (RN) program in 2012, this was not the world of health care she expected to enter.

“We trained to be in awe of the human body, how to medicate against disease, shock the heart back into rhythm, help intubate and breathe for you when your lungs cannot keep up, help mend broken bones, have a healthy respect for viruses, and to be the calm soothing voice during the hurricane of emotions during a crisis.

“The word pandemic was something we trained for in school, I thought more as a foreign aid concept. I never thought it would come to our doorsteps. The news keeps heralding us as the frontline as if in a war, but the sad truth is that I’m actually the last resource. As an ER nurse, we do not get to see the ‘heartwarming’ stories of recovery, our patients arrive in acute distress, we promptly sedate, paralyze and intubate patients before handing them off to our friends in the ICU.” She relays that it is then, hopefully, the patient ends up in recovery.

“But we never learn of their fate due to privacy laws. I have been called a hero, an angel even, that I am brave and courageous – but the truth is I feel just as powerless and scared as the rest of you. Everyday I go to work I hope that I am enough, that I have studied and prepared to be worthy of your praises.”

Sergerie admits that a large part of her anxiety stems from reports from her colleagues in Italy, Spain and the US. The lack

of adequate supplies has forced health care workers to reuse existing sanitary garb or create their own makeshift gear. A shortage of ventilators has also forced them into performing medical triage, deciding on the fly, who receives the life sustaining support and who does not.

“I am trained for this scenario – but am I prepared to execute it? I have seen enough death in my career; more in the recent weeks, to last a lifetime. But death is different now, death could pick me. This virus is neither partial to gender, nationality nor age.

I long ago acknowledged that my choice in this profession meant I would risk my own health to care for the sick and dying, but I did not sign up to be a martyr; none of us did. I’m grateful for our country and its leaders for always looking out for us and securing us with equipment and whatever else we need,” she states.

“What saddens me most these days is to see patients suffering alone; me being their only lifeline between relatives over the phone and just basic human touch as they process their diagnosis. My colleague in New York said it best, ‘I have auscultated the sounds of a broken heart. But never have I heard a dying heart through the phone.’ Holding the phone to a patient’s ear while they say their goodbyes – those are the hardest days.”

The stress and exposure at work coupled with the isolation at home is very challenging for Sergerie. Even when she leaves the hospital, she cannot escape Covid 19; it literally and metaphorically follows her home.

“It is on my hands as I scrub them red and raw; it’s in the monitor alarms I hear in my sleep, it is the repetitive calls from work asking for reinforcements, the constant updates from WHO, the daily updates of the financial and economic deterioration of my friends and country, worst of all maybe just how deafening the sound of silence is living in a self imposed quarantine.”

Due to the fact that Sergerie comes into contact with the virus every time she goes to work, she is always in seclusion; no hugs from colleagues, friends nor family.

“Lucky for me, I don’t have to stay in a cold hotel room across town like some of my colleagues do to protect their families.

I live alone with my blind 14-year-old dog, Charlie, who (thank goodness!) has not

started answering back when I talk to him.

Healthcare, primarily nurses and physicians have the highest rates of suicide in the world, I know what we are going through right now will only heighten the statistics.”

Unfortunately, Sergerie has first-hand experience with suicide, not only through the patients she treats but also because she lost her brother 14-years ago to the mental illness.

“That’s why it’s so very important to find outlets to deal with your stress and anxiety. I am so very lucky the virus has yet to mutate and affect horses, I’m able to go home brush and ride my horses.”

“Slim,” an eight-year-old sorrel, Quarter Horse gelding is one of her favourites.

“He was the last colt my mentor Ken had out of his favourite mare and he entrusted me with his care. I also am surrounded by an amazing group of neighbours in Calgary who leave baked goods at my door , when I don’t have time to cook from working 16-hour days at the hospital. I have a loving family who I can share my stories with a nonjudgmental ear and for whom I cannot wait to hug when this is all over!

“I am thankful to all Albertans and Canadians for your efforts to make our healthcare jobs more manageable during these trying times. But most of all I am so very grateful for the real MVPs, my amazing team in the ER – we are more like a family now, leaning on each other in these hard times. I wouldn’t – and couldn’t – face this thing with anyone but them,” Sergerie exclaims.

“I encourage you all to find your favourite four-legged therapist in the field or reach out to your friends. Remember you’re not alone.

We can all be authors of our own fate. Be safe, be smart, be kind.” * Disclaimer: The words above are Sergerie’s own and reflect only her views and experiences as an ER nurse. She says, “My intention is solely to express my lived experiences thus far throughout this pandemic; my intention is not to speak on behalf of the hospital at which I am employed, nor Alberta Health Services. Nor is it my intent to misrepresent the experiences of other nurses here in the city of Calgary, AB. I speak only for myself, and I can only hope others will resonate with my words.”

May/June 2020 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW.COM 35

“I’ve pushed my album release back at least a month at the moment, with chances of it being pushed back further still very much on the table,” ~ Lyndsay Butler 36 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW May/June 2020

Lyndsay Butler, Gladys Ridge, AB SINGER / SONGWRITER

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s a music artist, Lyndsay Butler found herself as someone falling through the cracks when the Covid-19 crisis began. “For musicians, there hasn’t been any sort of relief or help. I’ve personally had all my shows cancelled with no idea if, or when I can reschedule or start booking again,” she says.

Professional musicians rely on live audiences to do their work and that came to a complete standstill for Butler in March 2020.

“Then, the Alberta government released their new immediate emergency relief of $1,100, and the website and all forms of application were overloaded and shut down within a couple of hours,” she said, relaying her frustration with the early provincial support.

Butler’s musical style can be defined as an outlaw, southern rock sound, backed by her strong country roots. She lives and breathes the western lifestyle and is a seventh-generation Albertan. She plans to release her first album when the Covid crisis is over.

“I’ve pushed my album release back at least a month at the moment, with chances of it being pushed back further still very much on the table,” Butler states.

This also brings the singer/songwriter to the issue of streaming music.

“As artists, we invest tens of thousands (if not more) into recording, producing and distributing our songs which then get played for free pretty well all over the world. So we’ve tried to adapt, we know we have to play as many live shows as possible and sell all the merch we can. Well, for now that door has been closed too.”

Butler was able to apply for the Canadian Emergency Relief Benefit (CERB) and expressed her approval of the program allowing recipients to make limited income during this time. Tips coming in for Butler’s Thursday On Ice Isolation Series Live Stream have been very helpful and would have otherwise made her ineligible for CERB. The musician has also joined forces with Curbside Concerts, an innovative business model that brings live concerts to the public, while allowing spectators to remain

Musicians depend on live audiences to make a living. The Covid crisis has brought that income stream to a complete halt for Butler and many others.

in the comfort and safety of their homes.

Curbside Concerts is the answer for music lovers as many favourite live concert venues have been closed. Utilizing a customized truck stage, any one of the musicians featured in the roster can now entertain guests in front of their residences.

Curbside Concerts is a great example of

Canadian innovation, designed with physical distancing orders in mind.

For now, it might be a great option for musicians like Butler because as she relays, “As far as shows go, I don’t think anyone knows when we’ll get to start booking again.”

- Jenn Webster May/June 2020 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW.COM 37

ROUND PEN

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BORN TO BUCK Stampede Ranch Manager, Tyler Kraft, gives us an exclusive look at some of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top bareback and saddle bronc horses.

Story & Photos by KIRK PRESCOTT / BAR XP PHOTOGRAPHY Calgary Stampede stock receive a personalized halter after competing at their second National Finals Rodeo (NFR).

The halters signify a great achievement and the magnificent individuals who wear them.

Featured here are Coconut Roll (matriarch mare and dam of Grated Coconut), Grated Coconut and Lynx Mountain.

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he Calgary Stampede Ranch near Hanna, AB, is home to some of the greatest athletes on the rodeo trail. Horses raised here are born to buck and have talent to spare. Nurtured with great care and bred to perform, the Calgary Stampede bucking stock live their best life while roaming on pristine prairie pastures. Every animal

is important to the operation and those that specifically perform on the rodeo trail, captivate audiences big and small.

Therefore, their care, nutrition and wellbeing is a top priority at the ranch.

Stampede Ranch Manager, Tyler Kraft is the man in charge of this task and the 22,000-acre ranch. Here, he gives us a behind-the-scenes look at a few of the Calgary Stampede Ranch superstars.

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Lunatic Fringe Dam: Crystal Rocket Sire:

Wanakas Rocket

Wanakas Rocket is a striking, 11-year-old Paint stallion. His distinct look bears strong resemblance to his sire, Lunatic Fringe, a welcomed attribute to the Calgary Stampede Ranch. Lunatic Fringe, is a famous stallion of the Burch Rodeo Company in Wyoming. The dam, Crystal Rocket descends from Kosmos Rocket of the Calgary Stampede Ranch, who traces back to the legendary Cindy Rocket. This amazing mare also foaled Exploding Rocket, Xplosive Rocket, Dream Rocket, Fuming Rocket, and Global Rocket â&#x20AC;&#x201C; to name a few. Wanakas Rocket was named after a special place in New Zealand where Calgary Stampede Ranch Manager, Tyler Kraft and his wife Vanessa were married.

Currently, Wanakas Rocket has two sets of colts on the ground. The oldest were born in 2014 and a number of his colts now compete on the rodeo trail.

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Wannabe Marvellous Lunatic Fringe Dam: Yet Marvellous Sire:

Half brother to Wanakas Rocket, this muscular athlete also brings a distinct look to the Calgary Stampede Ranch. Wannabe Marvellous is an 11-year-old stallion who is looking to be a promising sire. His mother, Yet Marvellous, performed at the Canadian Finals Rodeo (CFR) and National Finals Rodeo (NFR) many times, in both saddle bronc and bareback events. She is the daughter of Marvellous Else who was sired by Cowboy, owned by Rex Logan. Cowboy left a large footprint on the Calgary Stampede Born to Buck program, breeding close to 100 mares over the years.

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Alberta Mountain

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Grated Coconut Dam: Lynx Mountain Sire:

This powerful, seven-year-old stallion comes from a long line of rodeo legends and fan favourites. Lynx Mountain bucked in the CFR and NFR arenas, many times. She was a cowboy favourite and a contender for having the most first place wins and 90+ point rides, of all time, for the horses of the Calgary Stampede Ranch. The year 2012 was Lynx Mountain’s first year in Calgary’s embryo program, producing not only Alberta Mountain but also his full sister, Agent Lynx. The two were “flush mates” – embryo transfers. Rising star, Agent Lynx recently set an arena record in Fort Worth, TX with an electric 91.5 ride. Lynx Mountain was retired in 2016, when she started raising babies at her side. She will forever be a rodeo favourite and is a true joy to watch as a mother. Sire, Grated Coconut is a six time, World Champion bareback horse. He is also one of the top producing stallions of all time. Grated Coconut enjoys his retirement on the 22,000 acre ranch, breeding mares in his busy season.

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Tiger Warrior

Grated Coconut Dam: Fearless Warrior Sire:

Tiger Warrior likes to put on a show, both at home and on the road. At 13-years-old, this stallion is big and strong. He is a true example of what a quality bucking horse looks like. He has performed at the CFR and NFR multiple times.

“Tiger” is a fan favourite with a large following. He’s performed everywhere from the hamlet of McCord, SK to the bright lights of Las Vegas, NV. Tiger looks to be a great producing sire as well. He already has offspring qualified to the NFR. Fearless Warrior is a prize producing mare who lit up the CFR and NFR arenas in both saddle bronc and bareback events. She is the dam of several rodeo legends, including Shadow Warrior, Stampede Warrior and Absolutely Fearless.

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Special Delivery Grated Coconut Dam: Zippy Delivery Sire:

A true gentleman, Special Delivery is quiet and known to hide behind his incredible forelock. In fact, it covers his entire face. This amazing bronc set the 2019 Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) year record. With Zeke Thurston aboard, the two scored a 94-point ride at the Hardgrass Bronc Match in Pollockville, AB. “Special” has performed at the CFR and NFR multiple times. He’s won Horse of The Year for Canada and been top three in the world, for two years in a row. He descends from true legends of rodeo. Zippy Delivery is one of the most famous mares of all time. She holds multiple CFR/NFR performances and won the $50,000 award at Calgary Stampede, when she was only four. She was a genuine sweetheart but unfortunately, was never able to carry her own colts. Thankfully through embryo transfers, she has left behind a legacy.

Zippy Delivery was laid to rest in 2017 at the age of 27. She is buried at the gates of the ranch, in the cemetery that overlooks Bullpound Creek.

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Bald Face Brownie 46 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW May/June 2020

Started in 1961, the “Born to Buck” program consists of 50 proven mares that are bred to select stallions from the ranch and other reputable stock contractors, across North America. With reference to the first letter of their name, stock are given a letter of the alphabet that corresponds with their year of birth. This spring, the Calgary Stampede Ranch looks forward to “H” foals. The mare and her foal will also share the same name and number.

Featured here, B-19, Bald Face Brownie, is due to foal at the end of April. Her foal will be H-19. As such, a possible name choice may be Hot Brownie!

When bucking stock colts hit the ground, they are different from other horses. They are big. They are kind. And they love to buck. The horses usually garner their names during the Calgary Stampede’s colt riding which happens as spring turns to summer, and with the help of spectators.

The colts have to wait until they are fouryears-old before getting to perform at the colt riding and the event marks their first trip with a rider.

The day is always full of action and has become a family favourite for many. Just as other sports have evolved with knowledge, dedication and commitment, the bucking horse industry is no different. The industry has evolved in a dynamic way and there are a lot of “good-ones” out there, from a variety of contractors. The Calgary Stampede has always been at the forefront of producing great stock and are always looking at ways to enhance the sport of rodeo.

Thank You to all Essential Workers from WHR for all your bravery and hard work.

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