Canada’s largest western horse event returns to Red Deer, as it celebrates a major milestone. The Canadian Supreme is marking 40 years, as it showcases and promotes the training traditions of the western horseman in the cutting, reining and working cow horse events. Offering $400,000 in prize money, the show has attracted nearly 600 entries from across western Canada and the northern U.S. states. The skilled competitors will be at Red Deer’s Westerner Park for six days of action, September 27th-October 2nd.
Red Deer area breeder and competitor Jim Dobler sees it as a key show for his business.
“For 40 years, it has been the fall showcase for really, really nice horses. I know many people that became Cow Horse competitors and even trainers, just because of coming to the Supreme,” said Dobler.
Innisfail trainer Geoff Hoar agrees.
“The Supreme is bigger than a lot of the shows we go to, and has a different feel. What I see, too, is that it shows off the sport to people who maybe haven’t seen it before. It gives exposure, and people may end up saying ‘that looks like fun, how can I get involved?’” noted Hoar.
Young trainer Travis Rempel brings over horses from his barn in Fort Langley, B.C.
“The Supreme was a huge career builder for me,” acknowledged Rempel. “It was somewhere to go that’s relatively close to compete against the best in Canada and from the northern U.S. That’s who you want to play against.”
“The Canadian Supreme is a show we believe has made its mark in the western horse world,” said Show Chairman Jeff Robson. “As we celebrate 40 years, we want to give a big shout-out to our hard working committee members. Without their dedication, we wouldn’t have a show. They’re the backbone of it.”
“We’re so encouraged to see our sponsorship higher than ever this year, which is quite a feat given our current economy.”
Longtime exhibitor Dennis Nolin has stepped up to become the overall show sponsor this year with his company MTE Logistix.
Along with the exciting competitions, and the trade fair of horse-related products and services, a highlight is always the Saturday night feature performance. This year, a key component will be the induction of the Robson family into the Canadian Supreme Hall of Fame.
“The leadership of Dave Robson and his family is really behind the show’s great success,” related Les Burwash, of the Horse Industry Association of Alberta.
Dave Robson served at the helm of the show from 1982 until 2013, when his son Jeff Robson took over the leadership. Dave’s late wife, Val Robson, was a real spark of light for the show for many years, and son Kurt continues to be a big part of the show’s organization as well.
“The Canadian Supreme has been great for the sport, and that was our intention all along,” commented Dave Robson.
The one program change this year at the Supreme sees the Western Horse Sale on hiatus.
“It was a very hard fought decision to cancel it,” explained co-Sale Manager, Ron Anderson. “But we recognize the current state of the economy and the industry, and will review the fees associated with the sale, to reflect that for 2017.”
Replacing it on the Friday night will be the first ever Invitational Barrel Racing Trainers Challenge, where you can cheer on your favorite trainers or lopers as they tackle a barrel course for the top prize and bragging rights. Then it’s a ‘blast from the past’ with the fan favorite fence work done by some of the top trainers from years gone by, all as part of the 40th anniversary celebrations.
Once again this year, the public is invited to take in the show free of charge. The live webcast of the classes is back, which can be accessed, along with daily schedules, on the website www.canadiansupreme.com.
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