Cochrane-area residents Charlene and Kendra Gale were excited to show off their little horses with big talent at the Canadian National Miniature Horse Show.
The mother-daughter duo were no strangers to the competition, held at the Calgary Stampede grounds July 10 to 12, having competed in the show since 1984.
“We’ve never missed a year,” said Kendra, 33, an equine veterinarian clinic assistant.
“We have been doing this a long time and have so many generations in our family that do it. My grandparents, my mom, my aunt, my cousins: we’re all very involved,” she said, explaining that her grandfather began their horse farm, Circle J Miniature Horses, in 1981.
“When my granddad first bought the horses from the (United) States, he didn’t pick cute ones. He picked ones that moved like a big horse: good confirmation. So we’ve been raising athletic, good-minded horses.”
The Gales brought four of their 30 miniature horses to the three-day competition to compete in a number of classes, such as pleasure driving, obstacle, in-hand jumping and halter, against 111 competitors from across the nation.
They said they continue to attend the show every year out of tradition and a love for the sport.
Although Gale said she had no expectations for the competition this year, she said her 11-year crowning as the winner of the Lord Sterling Cup was certainly on her mind.
The cup is awarded to the top-performing utility-hitch team.
“With the team, it’s the same as draft horses; You want the horses to pull evenly, stop and start nicely, move and swing in synchrony and back up nicely,” said Gale.
Both Gale and Kendra attest their success over the years to the amount of work they put into training, and said that although it is a big time commitment, they’ve reaped the rewards.
“I really love going out every day and working with my horses. They’re so excited to learn and, of course, that’s what I love seeing,” said Kendra.
She added she has been competing in shows since she was six and spends a few hours most evenings with her horses.
Gale and Kendra compete in about five breed shows each summer, but said returning to the Stampede each year is a highlight.
“I can remember when I was a little girl, I used to come and watch the morning rodeo,” said Gale.
“It’s nice to be able to bring the miniature horses here for adults and kids to enjoy. People really love them.”
