Chamber: horse show boosts local economy

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This article was published 17/08/2025 (221 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The return of Canada’s National Arabian Championship to Brandon has left a lasting mark on the city’s business community and reputation as a “host for world-class events,” the local chamber of commerce says.

The 10-day equestrian showcase, which concluded on Saturday at the Keystone Centre, drew competitors, exhibitors, and fans from across Canada and the United States — and generated a surge of activity for local businesses.

The championship’s return after a pandemic hiatus was both timely and significant, Brandon Chamber of Commerce president Jennifer Ludwig told the Sun.

“It’s wonderful to see an event of this calibre come back to Brandon,” Ludwig said. “We’re very lucky to have the Keystone Centre as a venue that can host such a world-class event of that size. It does wonders for Brandon and Westman as a whole.”

Ludwig explained events like the championship often push local businesses to prepare well in advance, whether by hiring extra staff, adjusting hours, or stocking new products. “That is just great, especially coming back from Covid,” she said.

While the Chamber has not yet compiled formal feedback from members, Ludwig believes the impact is clear. Hotels, restaurants, and retailers saw increased traffic throughout the nearly two-week event, adding a much-needed boost during the summer season.

The championship also drew praise from visitors who travelled to Brandon specifically for the show.

Tom McMahon of Pinawa, Man., attended with friends and commended the organizers.

“Congratulations and thank you to all participants, judges, volunteers and sponsors,” McMahon told the Sun in an email. “The quality of the sound system was outstanding — as good or better than any arena I have been in. The ring announcer was amazing, with stamina and clever ad-libs. And the music selection was sensational, perfectly suited to each class.”

McMahon also highlighted the technical excellence behind the arena photography setup, calling it “expertly planned and installed.” He added that the show’s production values contributed as much to audience enjoyment as the competition itself.

For many exhibitors and attendees, Brandon offered distinct advantages compared to past host cities.

The Keystone Centre’s central location, combined with the city’s compact size, meant visitors could move between venues, hotels, restaurants, and even the airport with ease.

Brandon has exceeded expectations as a host city, Saskatchewan artist Tracey Shivak-Anderson told the Sun.

“Brandon’s facility is the best in the country — it’s quaint, small, accessible and close to everything we need,” she said. “The exhibitors are wonderful, and the organizers are so dedicated to making it great for everyone.”

Ludwig explained that a combination of factors makes Brandon stand out. “We have the amenities of a big city, but with a small community feel,” she said. “Everyone is friendly and willing to pitch in and help out. That’s what makes me proud to be president of the Brandon chamber.”

The chamber is optimistic that the championship’s success will strengthen Brandon’s reputation for hosting major events, from agricultural exhibitions to equestrian showcases. “To be able to host a world-class event such as the Arabian horse show does wonders to put Brandon on the map,” Ludwig said. “Bringing in people internationally just elevates us to the global stage.”

Organizers have not yet confirmed future host sites, but businesses and community leaders are hopeful the event will return to Brandon. Ludwig said the Chamber would welcome it back without hesitation. “I just hope Brandon can continue to host many events such as this in the future,” she said.

For McMahon and his fellow visitors, the experience was one worth repeating. “It was an amazing show,” he wrote. “Brandon should be proud.”

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