Global Arabians tour cancels Brandon stop
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 07/07/2025 (262 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
The Global Champions Arabians Tour Americas has cancelled its Brandon event, originally set for Aug. 8 and 9 alongside Canada’s National Arabian Horse Championship.
The cancellation was announced in a letter addressed to the citizens of Brandon from GCAT chief executive officer Cindy McGown. While the letter expresses regret and appreciation for local organizers, it provides no concrete explanation for the decision, citing only “various unforeseen circumstances.”
Neither GCAT nor the Keystone Centre, where the event was scheduled to be held, responded to inquiries from the Sun about the reason for the cancellation.
“It is with profound regret and a heavy heart that we … announce the cancellation of our upcoming event, which we were so incredibly excited to host in your wonderful city,” McGown wrote. “The decision to cancel was not made lightly.”
Brandon was set to host the Canadian leg of the GCAT tour during the National Arabian Championship, and anticipation had been building within both the equestrian world and the local community. The planned event included US$270,000 in prize money, marking it as a major stop on the international Arabian show-horse calendar.
McGown praised Keystone Centre general manager Connie Lawrence and her team for their “tireless work” and “unwavering professionalism” during the planning stages, describing their efforts as “exemplary.”
Despite the setback, McGown extended her best wishes to the National Arabian Championship, which will go ahead as scheduled.
“We have no doubt that it will continue to be a resounding success, showcasing the beauty and spirit of the Arabian horse,” she wrote.
The National Arabian Championship, formerly known as the Canadian National Arabian and Half-Arabian Championship Horse Show, is returning to Brandon this summer after a six-year absence.
It was previously held at the Keystone Centre from 2011-19 before being cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A planned return in 2022 was scrapped due to low projected participation, and the event was relocated to Red Deer, Alta., for 2023 and 2024.
According to the Keystone Centre’s website, the championship has drawn up to 800 horses in previous years, each accompanied by owners, handlers and support staff, making it a major economic and tourism driver for the city.
While GCAT has not indicated whether Brandon may be considered for future editions of the tour, their letter closed with an expression of thanks for the city’s enthusiasm and understanding.
As of press time, the Global Champions Arabians Tour’s official website had not been updated to reflect the cancellation.
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