The 2024 Xibition Program

THE XIBITION 2024

CLARESHOLM ALBERTA • JULY 31 TO AUGUST 4, 2024

Horsemanship • Culture • Style

Years

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westernhorsereview.com

Insurance for horses (and their people).

Insuring the equine community for over 25 years, we’re Canada’s most trusted insurance broker for horse owners.

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CapriCMW is now Acera Insurance. Same great people, stronger than ever.

CONTENTS 5 THE XIBITION CREW 6 MESSAGE FROM SHOW PRODUCER,

DAVE BENARD

8 10 12 14

X - BY THE NUMBERS CANDID SHOTS 2024 SHOW SCHEDULE

COUNTRY MUSIC’S NEW COWBOY, MARK PARSONS

16 18 19 20 22 23

CHARITABLE INITIATIVES

24 26 28 30

FEATURE CLASSES

WHAT IS FREESTYLE? THE XIBITION REINING STAKES THE XIBITION STALLION PROGRAM OUR SADDLE SHOOTOUTS

YOUTH SUPER SUNDAY SADDLE SHOOTOUT XIBITION PARTNERS TASTE OF CLARESHOLM CALENDAR OF EVENTS

XIBITION CONTRIBUTORS: Clio Rose Photography Matt Gillespie Krystina Lynn Photography Natalie Jackman Twisted Tree Photography Monique Noble David Thomas taking photos for GK Photos (Graeme Koppes) 4 THE XIBITION 2024

Photo by Krystina Lynn Photography

THE XIBITION CREW

A BIG thank-you goes out to all the fantastic people who have come together to help us put on The Xibition!

JUDGES Mike McEntire - California Christian Rammerstorfer California Travis Smith - Nova Scotia Don Burkinshaw - Alberta, Schooling Judge

STUNNING EQUESTRIAN FACILITY ON OVER 100 ACRES

The property located in Wheatland County, AB includes a fully developed walkout bungalow.

90 x200 riding arena w/overhead heat and observation lounge, 30×80 heated wing, 36 x 36 barn w/ lean-to for hay.

48×60 heated shop. 10 outdoor shelters, 6 heated waterers, and 11 indoor stalls.

SCRIBES Nancy Thiessen Lisa Pawlick Sandy McCook SHOW MANAGERS David Benard Shawna Husted SHOW SECRETARIES Julie Koppes Marilyn Smith

ANNOUNCERS Ron Anderson Karen Peters Laine Benard FACILITIY OPERATION GATE Mark Loewen Janet Stephen Sue Strelioff Vic Benard Steph Benard Sharon McNaughton

VIDEO / SOCIAL MEDIA / DESIGN Eric Smith Pearl Aebly David Thomas Dani Waite PHOTOGRAPHY & REELS KL Photography CLARESHOLM AGRIPLEX David Hansma Nadine Jensen

GROUND CREW Mike Koppes Taco Hansma CAMP KIDS Tracy Benard Denae Benard

LIVE SHOW TRACKER Stay tuned to:

www.xibition.net

Here you will find our live tracker that keeps you up-to-date in real time on draws, scores, results etc.!

THE XIBITION 2024 5

MESSAGE FROM

DAVID BENARD XIBITION SHOW PRODUCER

I’d like to welcome you all to our third annual edition of The Xibition, held in Claresholm, AB, at the Claresholm Agriplex!

We’ve got a lot of new things going on this year, and a lot of the things that are the same from our past few years. One of the most exciting things we offer, of course, is our Jack Carter $10,000 Open National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) class. It is the most exciting reining that you will see in Western Canada! AND we’ve been told that it compares to – and is on the same level – as the big NRHA shows in Oklahoma. As such, we are so excited to see this year’s crop of incredible horses.

We see a lot of our stallions show in this class, which gives me an opportunity to tell you about our new Stallion & Stakes program that we kicked off in December of 2023. This program was put together very quickly and with the support of 25+ stallions mostly here from Western Canada, we raised over $25,000 to kickstart our TXRS Stallion & Stakes program. As of the time of this writing, there are over 200 nominated prospects.

It is our hope that for prospects of nominated stallions (and for future stallions,) that come into our program, we can offer incredible purses such

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as a $100,000 Futurity here in Western Canada for 2028! Your support – the stallion owners’ support, the prospect owners’ support, and everyone else who bolsters The Xibition – is what will make this possible.

And that makes us so happy!

We’ve been so blessed by all the support that we’ve been given at The Xibition so far. And we like to give back!! Part of that “giving back” means focusing on entry-level riders, rookie riders and non-pro riders. We’re doing our best to support these competitors by offering saddle shootouts.

Which leads me to another, of the most exciting concepts of The Xibition…

With an incredible partner in Jessica Turner of Rose Fire Saddles, we’ve been able to award three incredible, beautiful, Bob’s Custom Saddles to those different divisions stated above. And of course… we’re doing that again in 2024!

We also must thank our generous saddle sponsors in Spooks Big Bang (Brian and Giselle Aebly) and Western Horse Review (the Webster family).

Beyond that, we have a fourth saddle that we’re giving away this year! It’s a youth saddle sponsored

by Natalie Weichel and Blair Gutzke, from Whispering Sands Training Centre. This couple has stepped up and sponsored a saddle specifically, for our youth riders. We’re calling it “Super Sunday Youth” because it’s happening on Sunday and it’s going to be available to any youth – on any horse.

It’s going to be exhilarating! We can’t wait for it to happen!

Natalie’s vision for this incentive and class was that she wanted to see our youth have an opportunity to show in aged classes. So we’re doing it!! We have a 4-Year-Old Youth Derby that’s going to run concurrently with the saddle shootout.

We’ve also have a 5-7 Year-Old Youth Derby that’s going to run concurrently. We know that youth are the foundation of reining here in Western Canada and we couldn’t be more happy to offer this great experience for them.

Something that’s so special about The Xibition is that it is a chance to enjoy our time together as a community, outside of the reining pen. Therefore, on Thursday night we’re going to be offering our free Pizza and Karaoke for all competitors. This is a TON of fun! This year’s theme will be “Mardi Gras,” so get out your beads and get ready to enjoy a great time on Thursday evening!

On Friday, we have our Sponsors Dinner – and this time, we’re bringing in “Cheesus Murphy” to serve up an incredible barbecue dinner! Again, this is another initiative supported by Natalie Weichel and Blair Gutzke, from Whispering Sands Training Centre. A power-duo, who are very kind supporters of everything that we do. We so are grateful to have them.

On the note of the Sponsors Dinner, we promise to serve our guests some delicious eats. Tickets will be made available for anyone who would like to join the celebration! We are going to serve over 250 plates of dinner and following dinner we will host our draw party for the Jack Carter $10,000 Open and the finalists of the three saddle shootouts.

At the conclusion of the Draw Party Mark Parsons & Friends will entertain you with their incredible music. It will be their third year performing at The Xibition so get out your boots, get ready to two-step and line dance because it’s going to be a blast!

The Xibition Fund Freestyle is a new celebration of reining coming to our event this year. We may not achieve our full vision for this experience, but we’re going to get started and see what the imagination of our riders and their talented horses may bring in 2024. I hope you will join us to take it all in on Saturday night!

I want to take a moment to thank everyone who has come to The Xibition in the past. This event continues to grow because of the amazing participants, partners, sponsors and the supporters who have continued to show us that they appreciate what we do. As you look through this program we hope you enjoy everything you see here and perhaps you may even find a product or service that may be beneficial to you as well.

As you check out the schedule, hopefully you can stop by the event – but if you can’t make it, that’s okay too, because Xibition Media will be livestreaming both arenas from start to finish through our YouTube channel called Xibition TV. We are fortunate to have two incredible arenas running simultaneously. Jack Carter is the title sponsor of our west arena and Acera Insurance is our title sponsor of the east arena.

I also can’t go on without thanking Jenn Webster from Western Horse Review who’s helping to create this program that you’re reading right now. They’ve produced it all for us. And this is an incredible partnership that we have.

None of the work that we do at The Xibition would be possible without the incredible team made up of people I am blessed to know as family and friends. Thank-you to you all for your hard work and dedication. Also a special thank you to my friend, Ron Anderson who is a co-founder of The Xibition. We love you Ron! We look forward to growing into the future. A huge thank-you to everyone.

We couldn’t be more happy to host The Xibition 2024! ~ Dave Benard

THE XIBITION 2024 7

BY THE NUMBERS

The Xibition is changing the game and the face of the Canadian reining industry.

However, you don’t have to take our word for it – the numbers speak for themselves.

BY JENN WEBSTER

265

horses on the grounds in 2023. (That’s 1,060 Hooves!)

Anticipation of

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Portable Stalls brought in from Chinook Stalls

300+ horses in 2024.

OVER

100 People

Camping Onsite.

250

2

Livestream Channels live for 20 Hours a day x 4 Days.

Over 80 Hours of livestream content!

100

plates served at the 2023 Sponsor Dinner.

30 SPOOKS BIG BANG Bucket Straps given out for high-scoring set winners.

Pizzas ordered from Casa Roma restaurant in Claresholm, AB, for the Pizza and Karaoke Mardi Gras theme night.

Riders attended last year’s Xibition from

4 Provinces + 1 American State.

(In 2024, riders will be coming from 5 provinces Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario! – Plus, our Montana friends again)

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This marks the 3rd Year of the show.

30 4 30

Buckles custom designed by Troy Fischer Silverworks with the 2022 year’s champion (SPECIAL MADE WHISKEY), as the design outline.

Bob’s Custom Saddles worth over $20,000, awarded through Jessica Turner at Rose Fire Saddles and Tack

$50,000

Beginner Horses showed in 2023, which will become the future stars of reining in Western Canada.

in Cash in 2023 and another $50,000 in Prizes.

In 2024, $30,000 USD in Added Monies will be paid out.

Mark Parsons brought

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A 7-PIECE

Band and some award-winning Canadian musicians with him to play last year.

Stallions enrolled in the inaugural year of the Stallion Program.

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203

PAID OUT OVER

Sets of Premium Stirrups, designed by Don Orrell and awarded as Reserve Championship prizes through Western Specialties Pro Shop.

Prospects Nominated to the TXRS.

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SHOW SCHEDULE Showbill

Jack Carter Arena – Main

Pattern

Tuesday – July 30

Paid Warmups 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM

Wednesday – July 31

1 2 3 4 5

6 7 8 9

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

18 19 20

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Paid Warmups - 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM Xibition Schooling Class - 12:00 PM (100 Max)

Thursday – August 1 - 8:00 AM Start

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NRHA Open / Int / Ltd / Rookie Pro - Show 2 NRHA Non Pro / Int / Ltd / PT / M / L - Show 1 TXRS NRHA 4 Year Old Non Pro Derby NRHA 5-7 Open Derby Pizza & Karaoke Party - Theme: Mardi Gras

18 14 8 12

NRHA Non Pro / PT / M / L - Show 2 Beginner Youth NRHA 5-7 Non Pro Derby TXRS NRHA 4 Year Old Open Derby Sponsor Dinner ~ Draw Party Live Music with Mark Parsons & Friends

4 A 12 15

NRHA Int Non Pro / Ltd - Show 2 Youth 10 & Under / Beginner Youth 14-18 / 13 & Under Green Reiner Saddle Shootout Spooks Big Bang Rookie Saddle Shootout Western Horse Review Non Pro Saddle Shootout $10,000 Jack Carter NRHA Open Xibition Fund Freestyle Evening Social - Xibition Fund Freestyle

11 A 8 8 12 10 9 FS

Friday – August 2 - 8:00 AM Start

Saturday – August 3 - 8:00 AM Start

Sunday – August 4 - 8:00 AM Start Rookie L1/L2/PT - Show 3 Beginner Horse Whispering Sands Super Sunday Youth (Saddle Shootout & Aged Classes)

11 8 0

Showbill

Acera Arena – East

Pattern

Tuesday – July 30 Open Riding

Wednesday – July 31

21 22 23 24 25 26 27

28 29

Paid Warmups - 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM Xibition Schooling Class - 4:00 PM

8

NRHA Rookie L1/L2/PT - Show 1 NRHA Green Reiner L1/L2 - Show 1

15 14

Thursday – August 1 - 8:00 AM Start Friday – August 2 - 8:00 AM Start NRHA Green Reiner L1/L2 - Show 2 NRHA Rookie L1/L2/PT - Show 2

15 17

NRHA Int Open / Ltd / Rookie Pro - Show 1 NRHA Green Reiner L1/L2 - Show 3

3 8

Outside Arena (weather permitting) Novice Horse Open L1/L2/L3 Novice Horse Non Pro L1/L2/L3

14 14

Saturday – August 3 - 8:00 AM Start Sunday – August 4 - 8:00 AM Start

Special Events THE XIBITION 2024 13

COUNTRY MUSIC’S NEW COWBOY Western music has kind of forgotten about the true “cowboy.”

Mark Parsons & Friends are here to remind everyone.

At home in his arena.

Photo: Twisted Tree Photography

BY JENN WEBSTER For most people, getting onstage for the first time at age 50 to sing to an audience is the stuff nightmares are made of. For Mark Parsons, the idea was a thrilling challenge, motivated by the fading, precious commodity of time.

“I wasn’t getting any younger,” he laughed. “So it was time to do it, or not.

And if I didn’t just get out there and start singing in front of an audience, I was never going to do it.”

After meeting 26-time Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) award winning artist, Gord Bamford at the age of 49, Parsons became inspired to put his musical abilities to the test.

He had long been playing guitar (since the age of 13) and had always sang aloud 14 THE XIBITION 2024

with the radio, but never to the point of being in front of actual people.

“I was terrified,” he laughed. “I remember the first real show I played was at the Twin Cities Hotel in Longview, AB. At 50-years-old, I was getting on the stage with extremely talented players – it was absolutely terrifying.”

That was a few years ago. Joining Parsons onstage back then were several other local musicians.

“That gig sold out and was very well received!” Parsons recalled. “It was extremely well supported by friends and fans and the local community. I remember Justin Ament was standing in the crowd that night and Greg Carol hollered at him and said, ‘Get Up here and play drums!’ And Justin did. He

jumped right up and started playing because we didn’t have a drummer.

At the time, we weren’t planning on playing any kind of a show… we were just there to help me gain some kind of experience.”

Since then, Parsons has evolved in his musical journey. He has honed his passion for song-writing and gleaned insight from his mentors, who include Bamford and the other artists who have shared the stage with him in the last while. Parsons’ musical performances stand out – and they should, because Parsons is a legit cowboy. With a bonafide cattle herd in his backyard in the Porcupine Hills, Parsons and his wife Donna, run a fourth-generation ranch in southern Alberta. Parsons also

Mark Parsons is not only a country music artist, he is a decorated cow horse enthusiast.

Photo: have-dog.com

operates a large outfitting business and is very active on the cow horse circuit, competing in the non-pro division on a national and international level.

To say Parsons does real cowboy stuff, is an understatement. And in a day and age when country music artists aren’t always “country,” Parsons is a breath of fresh air. With several live performances and hundreds of prac-tices now under his belt, the southern Alberta cowboy’s musical career is hitting a harmonious note. Prime country covers of the ‘80s and ‘90s, featuring the sounds of George Strait, Alan Jackson, Garth Brooks, etc., would be the best way to describe what Parsons and his bandmates play.

Although, Johnny Cash tunes are always a hit with the audience and he does

perform several original tunes as well.

Parsons remembers the first time he put his own music to words. His father had come to him with a poem he had written, and asked his son to coordinate music.

“I turned it into a country music song and gave it to him for Christmas in 2005,” said Parsons. “That was the first time I really tried to do more than just nothing. The song was Called Shadow of the Cross and it was a Christian, western song. It was about how Jesus watches over you – living your life in the shadow of the cross,” he tells.

Family has been the musician’s biggest support system and Parsons is quick to credit his wife, Donna for shar-ing in their artistic lifestyle. With a studio

behind their log cabin house, Donna focuses on her artwork as an ac-claimed bronze sculptor.

“She supports me with every move I make and vice versa. Donna supports me in my art – her being an accom-plished artist, she totally gets it.She’s awesome.

She’s a capable soul and my #1 cowboy!

She knows how to move a big herd of cattle better than anyone I know!” he praised.

Parsons is also very grateful of the bandmates who share the stage with him and he refers to them affectionately more as “friends” than anything else. Due to the way many bands play today, Parsons has multiple play-ers in his group. Mark Parsons & Friends is not specialized to a particular five, because fantastic players are in extremely high demand, which makes scheduling difficult at times.

“I was looking for some songs to record and Gord Bamford inspired to go farther with my music career and in-troduced me to some great players,” Parsons explained. “It’s become a band and we play for cabarets and fund raisers. It’s been fun.

“Gord has been the guy who took an interest in an up-and-coming country artist and I’m honoured to call him my friend. He’s found songs for me. He’s helped me as a new country artist.”

Mark Parsons & Friends have played numerous concerts and stages and they are excited to turn their attention to playing at The Xibition again, during the Friday Night Sponsor Dinner and Draw Party.

It’s sure to be a great time!

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CHARITABLE INITIATIVES

Amanda Self showing at the recent Spintastic in Armstrong, BC. Photo: Clio Rose Photography.

“The Xibition Fund is something we’ve put together to support reining and small National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) approved shows in western Canada,” says Dave Benard.

“Eventually that will also expand to grassroots.”

Already in 2024, $5,000 from the fund has been paid out to five Canadian reining events.

These include three British Columbia shows; The Rockslide which happened May 12-14 in Victoria, BC, The Spintastic which happened on July 20-23 in Armstrong, BC, and the Prince George Ride N Slide, which took place June 21-23 in Prince George, BC. The Saskatchewan Reining Horse Association Rein & Shine Derby which occurred in Saskatoon, SK on July 22-23 16 THE XIBITION 2024

received another $1,000 and the final event, the Wheat City Derby in Brandon, MB held on June 15-16, 2024, also received $1,000.

“We’re already making good on supporting and growing reining shows in western Canada, just as we promised,” Benard explains.

“There are competitors who travel great distances and spend a lot of money to come and show in Alberta. We want to give back to them and say ‘Thank you!’”

Amanda Self of Salmon Arm, BC, is the show manager of The Spintastic and the President of the Western Canadian Reining Association.

“We were so over the moon when got that money from Dave and The Xibition for The Spintastic, that we nearly fell over,” she says.

THE XI BITION FUND “We’ve used HD2 for all our videography needs at our shows in British Columbia. But we were very pleasantly surprised to have such a big donation to our show.

“It’s really cool that one show [The Xibition] has made has made such a big difference in helping smaller shows. The Spintastic isn’t as big an event, but we bring a very different offering to the reining industry.

We give that down-home feel to our participants and it’s very hot, and we have a big banquet and BBQ in afternoon.”

Additionally, Self says there are discussions about another potential British Columbia show in the works.

Although nothing is yet confirmed, it is very beneficial for BC residents to have their own events throughout the year, which doesn’t require them to travel eight hours or more from home every time.

“It takes a core group of people to put these events on and it takes a significant amount of money from sponsors. HD2 and The Xibition have been instrumental in keeping our reining association going on in this province and their support has been incredible.”

In Saskatchewan, President of the Saskatchewan Reining Horse Association (SRHA) echoes Self ’s thoughts.

“The SRHA received $1,000 from the X-Fund which makes The Xibition Inc. a Gold sponsor of the Saskatchewan Reining Horse Association.

Sponsorships, like the one received from the X-Fund, greatly help to allow the SRHA to host exciting events such as the Rein & Shine Derby,” he tells.

Many smaller NRHA shows depend on receiving entries from other provinces as well as sponsorship from the greater equine community to make them a success. This donation from the X-fund is a great way to grow the industry and maintain reining as a dynamic equine sport in Saskatchewan.

“Many Saskatchewan Reiners have travelled to show at Xibition events and have always had a great experience. I believe that helping other reining associations can be mutually beneficial and we are thrilled to receive strong support from our neighbouring Reining promoters.”

Buckles from the 2024 Prince George Ride N Slide.

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?

E L Y T S E E R F IS T A H W

Sharee Schwartzenberger as Sir Elton John riding Game Day Surprise as her piano at the 2020 National Western Stock Show. PHOTO: Lincoln Rogers

Nicole Brown and crew as Minions.

Cira Baeck, as Wonder Woman riding Phantom Face. Photo courtesy of the Elementa Press Office.

Freestyle — In this popular class, NRHA riders

perform a reining pattern to music of their choice. Many riders choose to dress themselves and their horses in costumes for added effect. It provides an opportunity to use the hallmark reining maneuvers creatively, but also to expand them to music by means of choreography.

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Goal: Create Canada’s 1st NRHA “AA” $100,000 Futurity event by 2028.

2024 TXRS Incentive Show Payouts The Equinox

The Xibition

The FutrNova

$11,000.00 $12,000.00 $12,000.00 We are delighted to share that in its inaugural year, the Xibition Reining Stakes Program has seen an exceptional response, with over 200 prospects nominated (with more coming in everyday!). This significant level of engagement underscores the industry's confidence in our program's objectives and the value it offers to stallion owners and participants alike.

We're thrilled by this support and are determined to keep building on it, making sure our program continues to make a real difference and encourage the Canadian Reining industry to grow.

Head over to the website to nominate your foals.

www.xibition.club/stakes THE XIBITION 2024 19

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FEATURE CLASSES

We are grateful to once again welcome back Jack Carter as our title sponsor of Xibition’s $10,000 NRHA Open! The Jack Carter Auto Group is currently comprised of five reputable and distinguished automotive dealerships and two power sports dealerships across Canada. Pro-Am Motorsports and Rocky Mountain Powerhouse have been part of the Jack Carter Auto Group for years providing the latest in motorsports products at the best prices, along with unparalleled service.

We, at The Xibition, are filled with gratitude for the support of the Jack Carter Auto Group of Western Canada’s most exciting Open Reining. For the last three years, they have provided the reining industry with something really exciting to reach for – in their own backyard.

OUR 2023 CHAMPIONS

Jack Carter $10,000 NRHA OPEN CHAMPIONS North Sail Solitaire & Austin Seelhof, Owned by Marie Whitmarsh. PHOTO: KL Photography

Jack Carter $10,000 NRHA OPEN RESERVE CHAMPIONS - DC The Master Spark & Hubert Heule, Owned by BAR K2 Ranch. PHOTO: KL Photography

GOOD LUCK TO ALL OUR 2024 24 THE XIBITION 2024

OUR 2022 CHAMPIONS

Jack Carter $10,000 NRHA OPEN CHAMPIONS - Special Made Whiskey & Shayla Malmberg, Owned by Gord Robinson. PHOTO: KL Photography

Jack Carter $10,000 NRHA OPEN RESERVE CHAMPIONS - Legitness & Shawna Sapergia, Owned by Ronda Nielsen PHOTO: KL Photography

CONTESTANTS! THE XIBITION 2024 25

PARTNERS

The Xibition would like to extend an enormous THANK-YOU to all of the partners who make this show possible!

Horsemanship • Culture • Style

Willow Creek Ag Society

26 THE XIBITION 2024

Greyhorse Bodywork / Janet Stephen, MMCP Boon-Tek Industries Ltd. Trouw Nutrition Canada Inc. Westland Machine Ltd Heule Reining Horses Big Rock Arena / Special Made Whiskey Soak Equine Rocky Ridge Ranch Smiths Training Stables Sunnyside Stables / Legitness Hickman Saddlery Rafter Double S Ranch 70+ Performance Horses Amanda Antifaev and Tyrell Smith Broken Arrow Bookkeeping Services Haddad Financial Services Meridian Surveys Ltd. Mountain Athletic Therapy Reich Ranch Southline Quarter Horses

Spur West Event Centre VS Performance Horses / Val Siegel Wendy Nelson Reining and Performance Horses JP Forget Llana Malmberg Book Keeping Krystina Lynn Photography AJ Equine Cattlemens Corner Etch-It Promotional First Class Design Rose Fire Saddles & Tack Soak Equine Troy Fischer Silverworks Western Horse Review Western Specialties Proshop Willow Creek Ag Society The Mill Store Greyhorse Bodywork / Janet Stephen, MMCP JP Forget Llana Malmberg Book Keeping

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TASTE OF CLARESHOLM

The Claresholm Water Tower circa 1930s.

Welcome to Claresholm, AB! Claresholm has produced more than a century of world-class people and experiences. This rich heritage stems from agricultural roots that continue to shape the Town today. The town (incorporated in 1903,) has played a role in supporting the war effort of both World Wars and other conflicts, championing human rights, and much more.

Claresholm has a rich agricultural heritage and grain elevators were once a common sight here; in fact, Claresholm had nine elevators at one time that sat alongside the railway line. The first elevator in Claresholm was built in 1907.

Sadly by the year 2000, they were all gone.

There are many historic murals adorning the walls of buildings in Claresholm – take a walk around and see if you can find them all!

A water tower supplied the needs of Claresholm in the early days. Built in 1909 and completed in 1910, it used water pumped from Willow Creek to supply the requirements of the growing Town. The tower was originally black but repainted silver in the 1950s. A new 28 THE XIBITION 2024

water system made the tower obsolete in the 1980s, yet it still stands tall and proud as a beacon for those approaching the community. Historical reverence for the water tower played a large part in its inclusion in the Claresholm Municipal Logo.

The Willow Creek Ag Society (home to all three signature “X” events) has been “promoting and encouraging improvement in the equine and beef industry since 1953.”

Starting in its original location in the Town of Claresholm, it has been a sport equine facility right from the beginning, with grandstands, bucking chutes and a race track. In the early 1970s the town was growing rapidly and the Town of Claresholm required the land that the equine facility occupied in order to build more residences. The facility was relocated where it presently sits at SW 35 12 27 W4, next to Highway # 2.

Fondly known as the “Agriplex,” this facility is backed by an active organization which hosts events year round. It includes the original, east heated indoor riding arena and a second, more modern arena to the west. There are also two outdoor

Signature Mediterranean dishes are served at Casa Roma and you’re guaranteed never to leave hungry!

arenas, a round pen and a variety of stalls and outdoor pens. Year-round horse boarding is available along with riding memberships.

BEST SEVEN INN We offer business, and family friendly accommodations that include luxury bedding, spacious rooms, private wifi and excellent customer service!

403-625-3347 www.bestseveninn.com

NOW OPEN 11-00 AM to 10-00 PM EVERY DAY!

112 50 Ave W, Claresholm Menu: claresholm.canadianpizzaunlimited.ca Phone: 403-625-4499 or 403-625-4477 Welcome Xibition Competitors to the Town of Claresholm.

We wish you all the best of luck!

EAT REAL FOOD! Is more than a motto at Roy’s Place.

If you’re looking to explore the sights and delights of the town, look no further than their roster of excellent restaurants.

First up and located only three minutes from the Agriplex is Casa Roma. For over 35 years, this family-owned business has been serving up their signature Mediterranean dishes to the community!

The Douros Family hand-makes their pizza crusts to deliver a unique flavour and with over 20 different variations (also available in gluten free) there’s a pizza for everyone.

If you’re looking for accommodations, the Best Seven Inn is a little gem in the foothills that feels like a home away from home. With many wonderful rooms to choose from at a great value (including a luxury jacuzzi suite for those romantic getaways,) their guests have rated Best Seven Inn #1. Promising family-friendly accommodations that include luxury bedding, private wifi and excellent customer service they also guarantee the best sunsets in town!

Roy’s Place is an award-winning eatery that has been featured on such television shows as Chopped Canada and You Gotta Eat Here! Their cinnamon buns are enough to feed a family of four and their dill pickle soup is the ultimate comfort food. Roy’s Place has been a stop for hungry travellers on the #2 highway for over 30 years. Located in the center of Claresholm, they are not hard to find. Purchased by Brandi & Kieth Carlson in 2008, the couple gave

We’re proud of our community and hope you enjoy it! www.claresholm.ca

Yes! We are the cinnamon bun place from You Gotta Eat Here!!

Roy’s Place serves up cinnamon buns the size of your head!

the establishment a new look and a fresh menu. Focusing on freshness, Kieth (a Red Seal Chef,) takes pride in making sure that pride is put into everything that is put on a guest’s plate. Additionally, the staff at Roy’s Place works hard to deliver the “you just can’t get this at a chain restaurant” feel for guests.

Canadian Pizza Unlimited in Claresholm is now open 11 am until 10 pm every day! Get your freedom of choice with their promise of unlimited toppings! Also offering outdoor seating, Claresholm’s Canadian Pizza Unlimited’s menu also features chicken wings, donairs, samosa and cheesy bread. Order online today!

The Xibition is grateful to be hosted by the Town of Claresholm and we hope you all find something to delight in here too, as we nestle next to the Foothills July 31 to August 4, 2024.

roysplace.ca

5008 1 St W. Claresholm, AB. (403) 625-3397 info@roysplace.ca

Would you like to advertise in The Xibition Program next year?

Please contact us at: advertising@ westernhorsereview.com or 403-861-2609 or 403-823-0980 THE XIBITION 2024 29

CALENDAR OF EVENTS Make sure to keep these great “X” events in mind for the future!

September 27-29th, 2024 Claresholm Agriplex - Alberta, Canada Featuring: NRHA 3-Year-Old Open and Non Pro Futurity Classes

The first ever event will feature a full slate of NRHA Ancillary classes in addition to both a 3 Year Old Futurity and a 4 to 7 Derby. It will also include two slates of NRHA Green Reiner and NRHA Rookie classes. (Additional details to follow)

2025 Dates To Be Announced Claresholm Agriplex - Alberta, Canada Featuring: TXRS NRHA 5-7-Year-Old Category 6 Open and Non Pro Derby Classes

The first ever event will feature a full slate of NRHA Ancillary classes in addition to both a 4 Year Old Derby and a 5 to 7 Derby. It will also include two slates of NRHA Green Reiner, Rookie and Non Pro classes. Additional details to follow.

2025 Dates To Be Announced Claresholm Agriplex - Alberta, Canada Featuring: NRHA $10,000 Open - Jack Carter

This annual event has quickly become a highlight of the Canadian NRHA reining calendar. It includes: TXRS NRHA 4 Year Old Derby, NRHA 5-7 Year Old Derby, three slates of NRHA Green Reiner with a Bob’s Custom Saddle Shootout, three slates of NRHA Rookie classes with a Bob’s Custom Saddle Shootout, Two slates of NRHA Non Pro classes with a Bob’s Custom Saddle Shootout, Super Sunday Youth class with a Bob’s Custom Saddle Shootout along with Youth 4 Year Old and 5-7 Year Old Derbies, The Xibition Fund Freestyle, Pizza and Karaoke, a Sponsors Dinner with LIVE music and so much more!!!

30 THE XIBITION 2024a

Mediterranean Tastes

SMALL TOWN HOSPITALITY!

Believing in quality before quantity, Casa Roma and it’s employees are here to ensure that you, our guest, feel welcome while experiencing wonderful flavors in a relaxed atmosphere.

Dine-In or Take-Out Located 3 minutes from the Claresholm Agriplex!

5324 1st West, Claresholm, AB, Can. T0L 0T0

www.casa-roma.ca • 403-625-4101