2008 Canadian Western Agribition don't forget to come and visit the SPHC raffle booth at Agribition. This year we are raffling off a beautiful yearling gelding out of Sacred Bear and bred by KDs Painted Acres (Karen & Darrell Kotylak). We are still looking for volunteers, so if you can help out, call Karen at 781-4508. If you have received raffle tickets to sell, your assistance is much appreciated. It is important that you return the book of tickets, whether or not they have been sold by November 28, 2008.


The Show Experience - "A Cultural and Historical Moment"
Thanks to SPHC member, Stephanie McMillan for sharing this. Stephanie is currently enrolled in the University of Saskatchewan.

Months of preparation, days of focus, hours of emotion, and last minute flashes of dreams. This is the moment when dedication can become success. The sweet scents' of fresh wood shavings and bubblegum face glow blend together to ease the nerves of a devoted competitor and her faithful, four-legged partner, as they await the ushering voice of the ring stewardess.

"Number 369! You're next in the ring!" Shined to perfection, the team enters the arena. The grounds is moist, so no speck of dust can ruin their cream colored coats, but not so moist that it could cause a stumble in their pattern. The judges await their arrival at the opposite end of the arena, scrutinizing every move they make. All four expect a flawless pattern from the pair, a song written of cadence and teamwork. Competitors who have already completed the difficult pattern wait in great anticipation at the far end of the arena. Some of their blouses glitter relentlessly in the light because of gaudy sequins and gems. This ever so slightly distracts the upcoming pair, but a softly spoken word of encouragement and flick of an ear regains their harmony. The reins, the only line of communication between the two, are of exact length to ensure their understanding for one another.

With a nod to the judge, they take their first step on the road to success. The silver on the saddle and bridle glistens, accentuating the joy that can be seen in their eyes. Obstacle after obstacle they continue to prove their talent. After the few minutes that seem like a life-time, the final task is reached. It is the dreaded set of trickly lope-over poles that test competitors to the limit. The arena is silent with the knowledge that only a few poles were nicked, indicating the promise of a very good score. All four hooves float over the poles, carrying both bodies to the cone that marks the finish. The dream made by a girl and her horse is no longer a dream. It has beome reality, opening the door for new ones.
 

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