Summers in Alberta are for more than just stampedes. Western shows of all kinds tend to pop up around this time of year, and a new western event will be making its mark in Cochrane at the beginning of August.
The Western Canadian Pony Classic, a new premier multi-disciplinary pony show featuring classes for both junior and senior competitors, is coming to Cochrane for the first weekend of August.
From August 1 to August 4, the Western Canadian Pony Classic will take over the Cochrane Agricultural Grounds for a pony-focused show designed as a celebration of riders of all levels, and the ponies that they ride upon.
The show organizers, Posh Alta, stresses that all riders and ponies are invited to register and participate in the weekend event, regardless of experience level. “Whether you’ve got a seasoned show pony, a green prospect, or a trusty all-rounder, there is a place for you here,” a press release from the Western Canadian Pony Classic reads.
Posh Alta, the Western Classic organizers, say the group's aim is to deliver fun, family-friendly shows while promoting ponies across western Canada, the group’s website states. “We are dedicated to giving pony breeders the recognition they truly deserve.”
Posh Alta says the Western Canadian Classic is open to all ponies, regardless of breed, but that there are some exceptions for specific awards and breed classes. The organization's website also states that for competitors in the open divisions, all ponies are welcomed to be registered.
With breed-specific classes, Royal Winter Fair qualifiers, different divisions, Welsh (a breed of pony) futurity classes, and over $2,000 in prize money, the Western Canadian Pony Classic offers something for everyone, Posh Alta writes on its website. “We're also proud to offer both breed-specific and overall High Point Awards, including a $250 top prize open to all ponies,” a statement from the organizers reads.
The Western Canadian Pony Classic will start on Friday, August 1 at 3:00 pm at the Cochrane Agricultural Society grounds. The show is free to attend, and residents, pony enthusiasts, and interested spectators can catch glimpses of the show until Monday, August 4 at 9:00 pm, when the Classic will officially wrap up.
