The 2026 Alhambra Summer Event hosted its first FEI-sanctioned CCI 1*-Intro and CCI 2*-Short eventing divisions Aug. 21-23 at Alhambra Stables in Red Deer County, Alberta.
Following a nearly 20-year hiatus from hosting FEI events, the facility saw 33 horse-and-rider combinations competing across seven categories, ranging from EV60 up to the international CCI divisions. Course designer John Michael Durr of North Carolina created a CCI 2*-S track with 30 total jumping efforts, while the CCI 1* track required 25 efforts. Competitors at the CCI levels additionally vied for Thoroughbred Incentive Program (TIP) Awards for retired racehorses transitioning into second careers.
A water shortage in the region meant that horses had to bathe in the river… to which they said, ‘Yes please!’ (photo courtesy F. McAvity)
Fran McAvity, who was Chief Steward for the event, posted her praise on Facebook: “The property is beautifully laid out with lots of open galloping space. The CC jumps were creative and well decorated. All aspects of this event had marked attention to detail. The horses were happy. The athletes and support crews were happy. Horses hung out with their family campers in the evening and then many went to the river before being tucked in. Water shortages mean the wash rack was the river…again the horses loved it. A first for us officials was the use of “yards” (outdoor stalls). Again, happy healthy horses. Saturday night, organizer Ulrika Wikner treated everyone (over 250) to a beautiful BBQ. FEI presentations were done at this time. A lovely touch for the FEI athletes.”
Winner of the CCI2*-S, Paige Dinnie with Ulrika Wikner and Peter Gray. Paige is the late Karen Nyrop DVM’s daughter – Karen was one of eventing’s premier FEI vets. (photo courtesy F. McAvity)
Judges were President of the Ground Jury Lynda Ramsey and Peter Gray. McAvity also noted that the event was an excellent opportunity to educate the new and upcoming FEI athletes and two Level 1 Stewards. “Great group of officials. Wonderful organization. Everything ran to the minute over all three phases.”
Top 3 finishers:
CCI2*-S – 1. Paige Dinnie, En Rouge; 2. Mya Hill, Vertigo SR; 3. Kelsey Blashyn, Spin A Tale
CCI1* – 1. Sabrina Glaser, Excalibur Undercover; 2. Jessica Nolin, Gentleman G; 3. Paige Dinnie, Wrendezvouz MS
Complete results here.
The next event at the venue is the Alhambra Fall Event two-day, Sept.19-20, 2026, for levels EV110, EV105, EV100, EV90, EV85, EV75, and EV60.
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