Mini Horses Arrive for the Canadian National Miniature Horse Show
Calgary, AB – From July 12-14 the Calgary Stampede will be hosting The Canadian National Miniature Horse Show. Held in the Northern Lights Arena and Agrium Western Event Centre, the three-day show will showcase 29 exhibitors and a total of 82 horses through two American Miniature Horse Association approved shows, and numerous other events.
One notable event for this year will be the return of the fan favourite Circle J Champs Lil Chief, who at 32 years old will be the oldest competitor.
“He is a very remarkable horse,” says miniature horse owner Louise Locke. “For him to be a competitive horse at 32 is incredible.”
His strength, agility and near perfect conformation is likely thanks to his great breeding background. Locke explains that the ultimate goal for minis “is that if you look at a picture of a miniature horse with no context, you wouldn’t realize it was a miniature horse, you would think you were looking at a full sized horse.”
Competing against horses aged three and over, this veteran has been known to shock judges and audiences alike winning titles like Grand Champion Senior Gelding at the Calgary Stampede when he was 25, and again two years ago when he was 30.
Not one to miss out on the Calgary Stampede – Chief has never missed a Stampede for over 20 years – audiences can still expect a show from this outstanding little horse as he is being prepped to compete in leadline, driving and will then spend majority of his time as a miniature horse ambassador in the Light Horse display booth.
For fans of these mini champions, Kids Day – Wednesday, July 13 – will by far be the biggest day for scheduled events. With shows running from 8:15 a.m. – noon in the Agrium Western Event Centre; 1 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. in the Northern Lights Arena; and 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. in the Agrium Western Event Centre, audiences are invited to come down throughout the day to support their favourite minis.
Along with a great line up of events, new this year is a photobooth that will be located in Alley 1 of the Agriculture Barns from July 12-14. Here Stampeders can take home and share a memory from their trip to the 2016 Calgary Stampede.
About the Calgary Stampede
The Calgary Stampede celebrates the people, the animals, the land, the traditions and the values that make up the unique spirit of the west. The Calgary Stampede contributes to the quality of life in Calgary and southern Alberta through our world-renowned 10-day Stampede, year-round facilities, western events and several youth and agriculture programs. Exemplifying the theme We’re Greatest Together; we are a volunteer-supported, not-for-profit community organization that preserves and promotes western heritage and values. All revenue is reinvested into Calgary Stampede programs and facilities.
See more at calgarystampede.com