Dreams Come True for a Young Rider at the Calgary Stampede Canadian National Miniature Horse Show

Calgary – Eighteen-year-old Taylor Hynds-Howe is having the Stampede of her dreams. The Cayley AB resident won her first Grand Championship (Gelding Halter) and Reserve Championship (Mares Halter) in the Canadian National Miniature Horse Show on Saturday.

Hynds-Howe started preparing for the event the minute she heard that the Calgary Stampede was happening after the cancellation of the 2020 Stampede.

“The secret to success is hard work. Putting the time and effort in. Since I knew the Stampede was a go, I’ve been working the horses everyday. I set little goals for myself in each class with each horse. When I achieve that goal, I’m happy. A horseshow is like homework. It’s not about the ribbons, its about reaching those goals.”

While they may be small in stature — topping out at 34 inches tall maximum — miniature horses were originally bred for pulling carts and can pull up to three times their weight. The Calgary Stampede’s Miniature Horse shows are always a crowd favourite, especially amongst families.

“I brought two girls, Buffy and Ava, and two boys named Miller and Gypsy,” Hynds-Howe explains. Miniature horses are sassier and more outgoing than regular sized horses. They think they are all that – they think they are the big horse of the world.”

Hunter/jumper, pleasure driving and obstacle are just some of the dozens of classes in the two separate American Miniature Horse Association-sanctioned shows that took place over the weekend. There were over 50 classes total with winners in each. Hynds-Howe won Grand Championship in Gelding Halter and Reserve Championship Mares Halter.

“I had some tears when Gypsy was announced Grand Champion and everyone in the crowd and everyone on my miniature crew were trying not to cry with me. The mini-horse community is very friendly. We’re all competitive but we’re family. I’ve known these people since I’ve been eight years old.”

Visit ag.calgarystampede.com/results for the full results from the Calgary Stampede Canadian National Miniature Horse Show.

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 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.