Appaloosas, owners ready to compete at Brandon show

Advertisement

Advertise with us

Vince stood patiently on Monday as his owner, Natalie Robertson, brushed his long black mane in preparation for the 60th Canadian National Appaloosa Show, which begins on Tuesday.

Read this article for free:

or

Already have an account? Log in here »

We need your support!
Local journalism needs your support!

As we navigate through unprecedented times, our journalists are working harder than ever to bring you the latest local updates to keep you safe and informed.

Now, more than ever, we need your support.

Starting at $15.99 plus taxes every four weeks you can access your Brandon Sun online and full access to all content as it appears on our website.

Subscribe Now

or call circulation directly at (204) 727-0527.

Your pledge helps to ensure we provide the news that matters most to your community!

To continue reading, please subscribe:

Add Brandon Sun access to your Winnipeg Free Press subscription for only

$1 for the first 4 weeks*

  • Enjoy unlimited reading on brandonsun.com
  • Read the Brandon Sun E-Edition, our digital replica newspaper
Start now

No thanks

*$1 will be added to your next bill. After your 4 weeks access is complete your rate will increase by $4.99 a X percent off the regular rate.

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 24/07/2018 (2630 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Vince stood patiently on Monday as his owner, Natalie Robertson, brushed his long black mane in preparation for the 60th Canadian National Appaloosa Show, which begins on Tuesday.

The 22-year-old Appaloosa horse still had to have a bath and his mane banded before he would be ready to go, but he appeared to be in no rush as he enjoyed his brushing.

The show is taking place at the Keystone Centre for the balance of the week, and is scheduled to wrap up on Saturday.

Tim Smith/The Brandon Sun
Stephanie Dewes braids the hair of Rosie, a registered Appaloosa owned by Loaded Gun Performance Horses from Texas, on Monday while preparing for Tuesday's classes at the Canadian National Appaloosa Show at the Keystone Centre.
Tim Smith/The Brandon Sun Stephanie Dewes braids the hair of Rosie, a registered Appaloosa owned by Loaded Gun Performance Horses from Texas, on Monday while preparing for Tuesday's classes at the Canadian National Appaloosa Show at the Keystone Centre.

Not much has changed in the 60 years that the annual event been running, show chairman Merv Veinot said.

“We’ve kept the basic concept the same, to show the versatility of the Appaloosa horse,” Veinot said.

Robertson, 15, came from Boissevain to have Vince participate on Manitoba’s youth team as part of her fourth year with the group.

With a small whinny escaping Vince’s lips as Robertson tended to him on Monday, she said that the good-natured 22-year-old is among the show’s oldest participants.

During last year’s event, Robertson said that her team ended up with five first-place finishes, but that the thrill of winning is only part of the fun.

“I just enjoy being around everyone for the whole week and getting like a week of fair instead of just one day or two,” she said. “It’s just a fun experience.”

She grew up around horses, so shows like these are nothing new to the young Appaloosa enthusiast.

“I was at nationals when I was four, I think,” she said.

“I’ve been here pretty much since I can remember.”

There are more than 60 exhibitors at this year’s show, which Veinot said is down from previous years, with last year boasting approximately 70.

“I think it’s all a sign of the times and the economy,” he said. “Horse events are just down in general.”

However, the number of exhibitors from the U.S. are up from last year’s event.

“I would say probably close to 20 per cent are Americans this year,” Veinot said.

One American in attendance came all the way from Valley View, Texas.

Tim Smith/The Brandon Sun
Haley Turnbull of Oak Bank warms up Obviously Not Yours, a registered Appaloosa, prior to the opening ceremony at the Canadian National Appaloosa Show at the Keystone Centre on Monday. Competition begins Tuesday in a variety of classes.
Tim Smith/The Brandon Sun Haley Turnbull of Oak Bank warms up Obviously Not Yours, a registered Appaloosa, prior to the opening ceremony at the Canadian National Appaloosa Show at the Keystone Centre on Monday. Competition begins Tuesday in a variety of classes.

Jackie Parsons was sitting in a lawn chair in one of the barns on Monday, after driving approximately 24 hours to reach Brandon. Parsons set up camp with a few people who also braved the drive from south of the border.

“It was long,” Parsons said, but luckily they were able to take turns driving. In total, they brought eight horses with them.

This is her second time at the show, and she said that it’s well worth the 24-hour commute.

“It’s a friendly environment,” she said. “It’s fun.”

There was still prep work for her to do Monday evening, with braiding and banding, as well as baths for the following day’s events.

The public is invited to visit the Keystone Centre this week and see the show and the many different horses that will be on site.

Wednesday will kick off the show with a number of different events, including Fillies of 2018, Ranch Riding and Amateur Western Showmanship.

“Come watch and join in with us,” Veinot said, adding that the event is open to the community.

A schedule of events is available online at appaloosa.ca.

» mverge@brandonsun.com

» Twitter: @Melverge5

Report Error Submit a Tip

Local

LOAD MORE