In addition to all of the regular membership benefits, the Alberta Horse Trials Association is proud to offer different types of funding to our members. We offer funding to those who are working towards becoming a coach or official, or to maintain or advance their current coaching or officials level. With coaching being one of our top priorities, we strive to support both new certification as well as continuing education, so that we have many fantastic coaches and officials in our sport for many years to come.
We also support our riders that compete out of province at the EV105 level or higher. Many of our riders have gone on to compete with great success in other provinces, out of the country, as well as worldwide, and we acknowledge the incredible commitment that traveling and moving up the levels requires, both in time and dedication, as well as financially. We are proud to share in their successes, and the experience gained that the riders bring back to the province is invaluable. Find more information about available funding at: https://albertahorsetrials.com/index.php/subsidies/
Congratulations to our 2024 funding recipients!
Coaching/Officials Funding
Brian Vicars
Caitlyn Sutherland
Coreena Doggart
Courtney Bontje
Gabrielle Shank
Jaline Munkholm
Jamie Robertson
Nicholas Shank
Sara Zulyniak
Sarah Frostad
Shelby Friesen
Out Of Province Funding Alanna Bowie
Amy West
Becky Farrell
Becky Staden
Chloe Racle
Gabrielle Shank
Mackenzie Hoffman
Nicholas Shank
Paige Dinnie
Sara Zulyniak
Congratulations to our 2024 Leaderboard Winners! 1st place received an embroidered folding camp chair, $100 credit to a 2024 event & Ribbon. 2nd place received an embroidered duffel bag & Ribbon. 3rd place received an engraved yeti mug & Ribbon. 4th – 6th place received ribbons. 2024 AHTA Leaderboard
Extreme Tack Team Challenge – Thank you to Extreme Tack for sponsoring! 1st place teams received $25 Extreme Tack gift certificates & Ribbons. 2nd & 3rd place received ribbons. 2024 Extreme Tack Challenge Results
Coach of the Year Award (sponsored by AHTA) – Paige Dinnie
Old Timers Award (sponsored by AHTA) – Caroline Smith
Breed Awards:
Canadian Sport Horse of the Year – Sponsored by CDN Sport Horse Association – AB Chapter – Three Cups Jackie O owned by Ainsley Maclean
Thoroughbred of the Year – Sponsored by Alberta Horse Trials Association – Eli owned by Mikayla Hoffman & ridden by Mackenzie Hoffman
Canadian Warmblood of the Year – Sponsored by the Canadian Warmblood Horse Breeders Association – AB Chapter – Crown Royal owned by Paige Dinnie
Eventing Horse of the Year – Sponsored by Alberta Horse Trials Association – Jet Set Joe owned by Amelia Witherspoon
Special Recognition Award – sponsored by Alberta Horse Trials Association & Haut Construction Ltd. – Coreena Doggart
Volunteer of the Year – sponsored by Four Winds Saddle Services – Mercedez McCauley
Top Rider of the Year – sponsored by AHTA – Paige Dinnie
President’s Award – sponsored by AHTA – Ulrika Wikner
Get your fingers ready to start bidding on the amazing donations to the “Canadian Eventing to Paris” online auction! After a gold medal performance in Santiago, Chili Pan American Games – our Canadians are preparing for the next HUGE event – 2024 Paris Olympics.
Auction opens in less than 24 hours!! (February 11th – 7 am PST to February 17th – 4 pm PST)
We (Kathleen Wilson, Sue Bundy, and myself) have been working very hard in collecting items (close to 200 wonderful products: experiences (boating, theater tickets, etc.); lessons with our top Canadian riders; equestrian/non-equestrian; massages for our equines, dogs, and humans; and so much more) from our North American supporters. We are still accepting items, which we will post as they come in.
Invite your friends and share the news – we are about to begin! and you don’t want to miss this!!!
Congratulations to our 2023 Leaderboard Winners! 1st place received an embriodered Ariat Sunshirt & $100 credit to a 2023 event. 2nd place received an engraved Yeti water bottle & Ribbon. 3rd place received an embroidered whip & Ribbon. 4th – 6th place received ribbons. 2023 AHTA Leaderboard
Extreme Tack Team Challenge – Thank you to Extreme Tack for sponsoring! 1st place teams received $25 Extreme Tack gift certificates & Ribbons. 2nd & 3rd place received ribbons. 2023 Extreme Tack Challenge Results
Coach of the Year Award (sponsored by AHTA) – Leah Breakey
Old Timers Award (sponsored by AHTA) – Dagmar Fortmuller
Breed Awards:
Canadian Sport Horse of the Year – Sponsored by CDN Sport Horse Association – AB Chapter – Calisto owned by Dagmar Fortmuller
Thoroughbred of the Year – Sponsored by Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society – AB Division – Eli owned by Mikayla Hoffman
Canadian Warmblood of the Year – Sponsored by the Canadian Warmblood Horse Breeders Association – AB Chapter – Ulterra Alaris – Owned by Nicolas Helayal and Ridden by Sara Zulyniak
Eventing Horse of the Year – Sponsored by Alberta Horse Trials Association – Renegade owned by Lola MacDonald
Outstanding Contributor Award – sponsored by Haut Construction Ltd. – Kathleen Ziegler
Volunteer of the Year – sponsored by Four Winds Saddle Services – Arlene Hamer
Top Rider of the Year (sponsored by AHTA) – Mikayla Hoffman
On behalf of the Alberta Horse Trials Association, Alberta High Performance Team, and the Alberta Young Riders Selection Committee, we are incredibly proud to CONGRATULATE the following riders that have been chosen to represent Alberta at the 2023 USEF Eventing Young Rider Championships at Galway Downs International Horse Trials in Temecula, California on November 1-5, 2023!
CCI1*-L Team Mackenzie Hoffman & Creative Crossing, a 2014 bay Thoroughbred gelding, by Creative Cause out of Dover Crossing, bred by Heinz Joseph Steinmann. Madeleine Shank & Sweet Georgia Brown, a 2010 chestnut Trakehner cross mare. Michaela Aulicino & Nottingham Hill, a 2011 chestnut KWPN gelding. Mickanna Austad & Expo , a 2004 chestnut Thoroughbred gelding by Exploit out of High Hatted, bred by Dr. & Mrs. Bryan Anderson
CCI2*-L Individual Caitlyn Sutherland & EMS Florence, a 2010 gray Irish Sport Horse mare by Loch Cruise out of Kilshane Mansha, bred by Willie McElhinney.
Team Coach: Leahona Rowland Chef D’Equipe: Kathleen Ziegler
Congratulations to the riders! Safe travels and we look forward to cheering you on in just a few short weeks!
Hi, I am Mackenzie Hoffman and I am 17 years old. My horse, Creative Crossing, aka CC is a 2014 Off The Track Thoroughbred. His dam is Dover Crossing and his sire Creative Cause, bred by Heinz Joseph Steinmann.
I have been riding my whole life, but started eventing at 8 years old. I have been part of the Alberta High Performance Development Team for the past 5 years. Two of the seasons on my Warmblood Heathcliff competing at the Training level. He has now has been passed on to my younger cousin.
In the fall of 2020 I purchased CC and he quickly caught on to his new job. In the fall of 2022 I had the opportunity to compete in Florida, and train with Canadian Olympian Kyle Carter. As well as compete in the USEF Eventing Young Rider Championships on team Alberta in the CCI-1*L division. This season we have been competing successfully at the EV105 (modified) level.
I am thrilled to be able to once again represent Alberta at the USEF Eventing Young Rider Championships, this year at Galway Downs in California. It means so much to be able to represent your province and country in a team event like the Championships, and I am so thankful for this
My name is Madeleine Shank, I’m 18 years old and I ride a 15 year old trakehner mare named Sweet Georgia Brown. We are based just north of Edmonton, and have been partnered together for 3 years now.
This is my second opportunity to represent Alberta at Young Riders and I am super excited to be a part of such an amazing team! The Young Riders program is an incredible way to ride with new coaches and clinicians and an incredible opportunity test your limitations as a horse/rider pair.
My name is Mickanna Austad. I’m 14 years old and I live in Rocky Mountain House. The horse I am riding is Expo a 19 year old OTTB. His breeder was Dr Bryan Anderson from BC. His sire is Exploit and his dam is High Hatted. This also will be my last year eventing him at this level so I’m super excited we are having our last event at the Young Rider Championships.
I started riding barrel horses as soon as I could hold on but I started my eventing career in 2018. I am hoping to go to the 5* level in eventing. I also would love to become an eventing coach as well when I am older. It means so much to me to be able to have the ability to be on the Alberta Development eventing team and now attend Young Rider Championships.
This has been a goal of mine for 2 years now but I was too young. I am so excited I am able to do it and there are so many things that this will lead me to in the future. I think this is going to be a great experience and I will learn a lot and be able to spend time with some great people.
I want to thank all of our sponsors, as well as Alberta Horse Trials, the High Performance team and my coachess for everything that they have done for me and my horse.
Hi, My name is Michaela Aulicino; I am 18 years old from Calgary, Alberta and I’m so excited to represent Alberta at the USEF Eventing Young Rider Championships with my horse Nottingham Hill, (aka Niko)!
Niko Is a 2011 KWPN and I have owned him for just over 3 years. Together Niko and I have competed up to the modified level. I am looking forward to representing Alberta at the USEF Eventing Young Rider Championships, and accomplishing my longtime goal of competing at the FEI level.
I’ve been involved with Alberta High Performance as a member of the U18 and Development teams the past several years, and am so grateful for the skills I’ve learned and opportunities I’ve been given through these programs.
I look forward to representing a community I am very passionate about, and one which has provided me so much support in accomplishing my goals.
My name is Caitlyn Sutherland, I am 19 and grew up in Priddis, Alberta. EMS Florence is a 2010 Irish Sport Horse from Gilford Ireland produced by Smith Brothers Eventing.
Florence and I are currently competing at the 2* level, with hopefully a move up to intermediate and 3* in the books for 2024.
I’m super excited to represent Alberta for young riders again this year! I love being a part of such a supportive and motivated team to pursue our goals of eventing. I’m excited to bring some new skills and experience this year for the 2* competition.
I think Young Riders is a great way to meet new people who are as motivated to succeed in this sport as we are. I’m excited to gain new experience and learn new things as we go along.
Don’t forget your Our Of Province Results in before October 1st for our Leaderboard and to apply for Travel Subsidies! If you’ve competed any FEI’s or levels EV115 or higher, or traveled out of province to compete at EV105 or higher you are eligible!
The AHTA provides support for our riders competing at higher levels not currently offered in Alberta, and riders who travel out of the province to compete.
The 2023 Young Prospects Program Evaluation took place on Thursday, August 17th at Alhambra Stables. The riders, their support crews, the evaluators and volunteers all endured the 30+ heat to showcase more lovely young horses though out the day.
Our Evaluators this year were Judine Maki, Lynda Ramsey and Caroline Petty.
Welcome to Tara Lambie, who came and worked with us at the triangle for the Conformation section with the 2 & 3 Year Old’s.
So much appreciation goes to our amazing scorer again, Lynne Wassick. Our pedigree reader for presentations was Michelle Naismith, and taking photos for us at presentations was Jasmine Jarvis. Everyone came together to make a busy day go smoothly.
A big Thank You also goes to Alhambra Stables; Ulrika allowing this to run leading in the biggest event of her year is a big ask and we all work diligently to make it work for all involved.
Also to say Thank You to our generous sponsors; the Thomas family, Four Winds Saddlery (Kelsey & Michelle), Moore Equine, Riding Defined (Robert Young), Hashbrowns Homestead Supplies, The Jockey Club Thoroughbred Incentive Program and the Alberta Thoroughbred Aftercare Society.
2023 Hi Point Awards by Division
Hi Point 5 Year Old – Explorer Bill Owned and shown by Jodie KupchenkoHi Point 4 Year Old – Calisto Owned and shown by Dagmar FortmullerHi Point New Prospect – Spin A Tale Owned & shown by Kelsey BlashynHi Point 3 Year Old – Fuel the Fire Owned by Kate Fair and presented by Reagan NoyesHi Point 2 Year Old – MG Rhosgobel Owned by Matt & Laura Pauly and presented by Laura Pauly
A lot of work goes into the preparation for this day and well as some fast work at the end of the day in taking it all out and making everything ready for the Alhambra Summer Event.
Taking a moment to thank some of my students and other good people for helping out on both sides of this endeavor, Sophie Pye, Audrey Van Leeuwen, Kylan Maki, Skye-Lynn, Avery, Julianna, Sophie, Taylor, Aubrey, Brittany Olsen (& hubby Jaimie), Meagan Wenger, Thera Chandler. A huge thank you to Liana Shaw for orchestrating quick set ups of the dressage ring for us!
Thank you to everyone who continues to support the Young Prospects Program! There are exciting things to come in the future, just as exciting as these young prospects.
The AHTA would also like to thank Brenda Thompson for all of her hard work organizing these evaluations.
Kyle stands with a group of riders aiming for the 2023 USEA Eventing Young Rider Championships, as well as High Performance and Alberta Young Rider Coach Leahona Rowland. Photo by Jessica Kerschbaumer
This past weekend we welcomed top Canadian eventer Kyle Carter back again to Alberta for a 3 day Young Rider Clinic that took place at Prentice Creek Equestrian Centre near Rocky Mountain House, Alberta.
This clinic was open to riders who are 25 years of age and under, competing at the EV75 (Pre Entry) level and above. The rider spots in this clinic were split between young riders who are attending the USEA Eventing Young Rider Championships; young riders from the Alberta High Performance/U18 program and young riders who are not on the High Performance team. Auditing was free to anyone who wanted to come out and watch and learn!
Kyle is one of Canada’s most successful riders, representing Canada multiple times at the 2010 World Equestrian Games, 2008 Olympics in Beijing, 2007 Rio de Janeiro Pan American Games, and 1999 Winnipeg Pan American Games. In addition to his personal accomplishments, Kyle is also a highly regarded coach and clinician, and has had great success bringing his students up the levels in eventing. Several of his students have gone on to compete at the 5 star level, and he holds the coaching record for having the most students win gold medals in Eventing at the USEA Eventing Young Rider Championships. Kyle continues to focus on competing at the highest levels of eventing and hopes to again represent Canada at the Olympics. He and his wife, Jennifer, own and run 5 Ring Stable, a successful five-star eventing barn in Citra, Florida.
Photo by Jessica Kerschbaumer
The hot summer sun shone down on 22 riders who attended the clinic, as they rode in dressage, show jumping and cross country lessons over the weekend. There were many different horse and rider levels, from EV75 (formerly Pre-Entry) all the way up to EV115 and EV120 (previously Intermediate and Advanced).
In all 3 phases, Kyle emphasized strong basics, utilizing exercises that strengthened each horse and rider’s foundation and skills. Exercises and feedback were tailored to each horse and rider, some were more experienced combinations introducing some new concepts and challenges as they plan to move up the levels or hoping to attend the Eventing Young Riders Championships, and others focused on perfecting skills and solidifying the basics, focusing more on the developing their partnership for the future.
Kyle’s teaching style is very effective, blunt and honest, with a generous dash of comedy thrown in. Many stories were shared from his past success and failures, to help educate and explain the madness behind the methods. He has a great way of making his points clear and getting the information across, and he really takes the time to ensure horse and rider are understanding what he is explaining and the questions and exercises being asked of them.
Throughout the weekend Kyle spoke a lot about working smarter, not harder, as he explained the intricacies of training of the horse and setting them up for success using small steps and a progression that builds confidence and makes sense. He emphasized the little things, like the quality of transitions, working on the balance by transitioning down on a circle and on an uphill slope, not a downhill. He encouraged riders to really think about the steps and the little details, and instead of trying to force the horse to do what we want them to do, use movements and exercises that naturally help them do what we are trying to accomplish. The goal was not perfection, but to ensure that the exercises we ask the horses to do help us end up with a better horse at the end. “Don’t tell your horses NOT to do something, instead, give them something to do. SHOW them what you want them to do.” Kyle explained.
On show jumping day, each group started off with some basic pole exercises at trot and canter before moving onto some course work that included bounces, combinations, riding up and down hills, skinny jumps and lots of technical turning exercises. Each course he had the riders do required accuracy and very organized riding, and Kyle was great about pinpointing what each horse and rider needed to improve and then taking the time to really explain how to do that. Kyle included poles and technical footwork exercises not just at the beginning, but throughout the courses, to ensure horses and riders were staying organized and focused at all times.
Cross country day started very early and saw the first group warming up with the rising sun in the cool morning air. Kyle focused on using different exercises utilizing show jumps as well as terrain during each lesson to work on the education of both horse and rider. Riders warmed up over some hills and different cross country fences to practice their rhythm, galloping and balancing positions, before moving onto some exercises working on angles. Kyle emphasized that even on cross country riders needed to still be training their
Kyle instructs a group on how to negotiate mounds. Photo by Jessica Kerschbaumer
horses between each fence. Then the groups moved on to some mounds where some show jumps were set up to help the riders and horses practice riding up and down terrain, and then each group progressed to adding some angled approaches to the jumps on and around the mounds as well. Kyle is a big fan of using show jumps on cross country to introduce new questions and challenges, as they are much more forgiving than a solid fence during the learning process. Riders finished at the water complex, practicing some different lines and questions that Kyle had again incorporated some show jumps into.
Photo by Abigail Witherspoon
Kyle really took the time for each horse and rider, explaining things multiple ways until they understood, and often took more time than allotted for each group. You can tell he is very passionate and loves to share his knowledge, and he put in an incredible effort with each group from the very first in the morning, to the last group of the day.
Photo by Jessica Kerschbaumer
“Knowledge is power” were some of the parting words as he wrapped each group up. He encouraged every rider to keep working hard, no matter what size their goals are, and to take every opportunity possible to keep growing and learning, and to focus on training and bettering the horse, not just winning. “Being competitive is NOT the same as being a good horseman” Kyle stressed.
Each horse and rider came away with lots of constructive criticism, encouragement and feedback, and were excited to take what they’d learned from Kyle and practice hard to keep on improving. We look forward to having Kyle back for another clinic in the future!
We are so incredibly fortunate to have clinicians of this caliber come to Alberta, and are very thankful to the Alberta Equestrian Federation for their support in making this happen, and we hope to collaborate on more of these opportunities in the future!
If you aren’t a member yet, the Alberta Equestrian Federation provides many opportunities and benefits for all of their members. From clinicsand shows, insurance and coverage, to programs for the recreational rider, AEF has all your bases covered! Consider becoming a member of the Alberta Equestrian Federation! For more information see: https://www.albertaequestrian.com/membership/
The “Pathway to Paris” auction supports the Canadian High-Performance program. These efforts really focus on the road to the Olympics in Paris, which started with the 2022 World Equestrian Championships in Pratoni. Our focus is now on the 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile; the Nations Cups in Bromont, Quebec and Arville, Belgium; plus, the necessary training opportunities for our High-Performance Athletes from now until 2024.
The Canadian Eventing High Performance Committee is planning to send a team of 4 horse and rider combinations to secure a top 2 podium finish at the Pan American Games. This podium performance will guarantee a Team placement for the 2024 Olympic Team in Paris, France”. Our committee is immediately targeting $165,000 for the October 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago.
Last Updated: April 17, 2025 by Jessica Kerschbaumer
Congratulations To Our 2024 Coaching, Officials, and Out Of Province Funding Recipients!
In addition to all of the regular membership benefits, the Alberta Horse Trials Association is proud to offer different types of funding to our members. We offer funding to those who are working towards becoming a coach or official, or to maintain or advance their current coaching or officials level. With coaching being one of our top priorities, we strive to support both new certification as well as continuing education, so that we have many fantastic coaches and officials in our sport for many years to come.
We also support our riders that compete out of province at the EV105 level or higher. Many of our riders have gone on to compete with great success in other provinces, out of the country, as well as worldwide, and we acknowledge the incredible commitment that traveling and moving up the levels requires, both in time and dedication, as well as financially. We are proud to share in their successes, and the experience gained that the riders bring back to the province is invaluable. Find more information about available funding at: https://albertahorsetrials.com/index.php/subsidies/
Congratulations to our 2024 funding recipients!
Coaching/Officials Funding
Brian Vicars
Caitlyn Sutherland
Coreena Doggart
Courtney Bontje
Gabrielle Shank
Jaline Munkholm
Jamie Robertson
Nicholas Shank
Sara Zulyniak
Sarah Frostad
Shelby Friesen
Out Of Province Funding
Alanna Bowie
Amy West
Becky Farrell
Becky Staden
Chloe Racle
Gabrielle Shank
Mackenzie Hoffman
Nicholas Shank
Paige Dinnie
Sara Zulyniak
Last Updated: November 13, 2024 by Jessica Kerschbaumer
Congratulations To The 2024 AHTA Award Winners!
Congratulations to our 2024 Leaderboard Winners! 1st place received an embroidered folding camp chair, $100 credit to a 2024 event & Ribbon. 2nd place received an embroidered duffel bag & Ribbon. 3rd place received an engraved yeti mug & Ribbon. 4th – 6th place received ribbons. 2024 AHTA Leaderboard
Extreme Tack Team Challenge – Thank you to Extreme Tack for sponsoring! 1st place teams received $25 Extreme Tack gift certificates & Ribbons. 2nd & 3rd place received ribbons. 2024 Extreme Tack Challenge Results
Coach of the Year Award (sponsored by AHTA) – Paige Dinnie
Old Timers Award (sponsored by AHTA) – Caroline Smith
Breed Awards:
Canadian Sport Horse of the Year – Sponsored by CDN Sport Horse Association – AB Chapter – Three Cups Jackie O owned by Ainsley Maclean
Thoroughbred of the Year – Sponsored by Alberta Horse Trials Association – Eli owned by Mikayla Hoffman & ridden by Mackenzie Hoffman
Canadian Warmblood of the Year – Sponsored by the Canadian Warmblood Horse Breeders Association – AB Chapter – Crown Royal owned by Paige Dinnie
Eventing Horse of the Year – Sponsored by Alberta Horse Trials Association – Jet Set Joe owned by Amelia Witherspoon
Special Recognition Award – sponsored by Alberta Horse Trials Association & Haut Construction Ltd. – Coreena Doggart
Volunteer of the Year – sponsored by Four Winds Saddle Services – Mercedez McCauley
Top Rider of the Year – sponsored by AHTA – Paige Dinnie
President’s Award – sponsored by AHTA – Ulrika Wikner
Posted: February 14, 2024 by Jessica Kerschbaumer
Support Canadian Eventing Team On Their Way To 2024 Paris Olympics!
Get your fingers ready to start bidding on the amazing donations to the “Canadian Eventing to Paris” online auction! After a gold medal performance in Santiago, Chili Pan American Games – our Canadians are preparing for the next HUGE event – 2024 Paris Olympics.
Auction opens in less than 24 hours!! (February 11th – 7 am PST to February 17th – 4 pm PST)
We (Kathleen Wilson, Sue Bundy, and myself) have been working very hard in collecting items (close to 200 wonderful products: experiences (boating, theater tickets, etc.); lessons with our top Canadian riders; equestrian/non-equestrian; massages for our equines, dogs, and humans; and so much more) from our North American supporters. We are still accepting items, which we will post as they come in.
Invite your friends and share the news – we are about to begin!
and you don’t want to miss this!!!
Thank you to everyone supporting our Canadians, as they prepare for Paris! https://www.facebook.com/groups/867245465176568
Posted: November 14, 2023 by Jessica Kerschbaumer 1 Comment
Congratulations To Our 2023 Award Winners!
Congratulations to our 2023 Leaderboard Winners! 1st place received an embriodered Ariat Sunshirt & $100 credit to a 2023 event. 2nd place received an engraved Yeti water bottle & Ribbon. 3rd place received an embroidered whip & Ribbon. 4th – 6th place received ribbons. 2023 AHTA Leaderboard
Extreme Tack Team Challenge – Thank you to Extreme Tack for sponsoring! 1st place teams received $25 Extreme Tack gift certificates & Ribbons. 2nd & 3rd place received ribbons. 2023 Extreme Tack Challenge Results
Coach of the Year Award (sponsored by AHTA) – Leah Breakey
Old Timers Award (sponsored by AHTA) – Dagmar Fortmuller
Breed Awards:
Canadian Sport Horse of the Year – Sponsored by CDN Sport Horse Association – AB Chapter – Calisto owned by Dagmar Fortmuller
Thoroughbred of the Year – Sponsored by Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society – AB Division – Eli owned by Mikayla Hoffman
Canadian Warmblood of the Year – Sponsored by the Canadian Warmblood Horse Breeders Association – AB Chapter – Ulterra Alaris – Owned by Nicolas Helayal and Ridden by Sara Zulyniak
Eventing Horse of the Year – Sponsored by Alberta Horse Trials Association – Renegade owned by Lola MacDonald
Outstanding Contributor Award – sponsored by Haut Construction Ltd. – Kathleen Ziegler
Volunteer of the Year – sponsored by Four Winds Saddle Services – Arlene Hamer
Top Rider of the Year (sponsored by AHTA) – Mikayla Hoffman
Last Updated: October 11, 2023 by Jessica Kerschbaumer
Introducing Our 2023 Alberta Young Riders!
CCI1*-L Team
Mackenzie Hoffman & Creative Crossing, a 2014 bay Thoroughbred gelding, by Creative Cause out of Dover Crossing, bred by Heinz Joseph Steinmann.
Madeleine Shank & Sweet Georgia Brown, a 2010 chestnut Trakehner cross mare.
Michaela Aulicino & Nottingham Hill, a 2011 chestnut KWPN gelding.
Mickanna Austad & Expo , a 2004 chestnut Thoroughbred gelding by Exploit out of High Hatted, bred by Dr. & Mrs. Bryan Anderson
CCI2*-L Individual
Caitlyn Sutherland & EMS Florence, a 2010 gray Irish Sport Horse mare by Loch Cruise out of Kilshane Mansha, bred by Willie McElhinney.
Team Coach: Leahona Rowland
Chef D’Equipe: Kathleen Ziegler
Congratulations to the riders! Safe travels and we look forward to cheering you on in just a few short weeks!
I have been riding my whole life, but started eventing at 8 years old. I have been part of the Alberta High Performance Development Team for the past 5 years. Two of the seasons on my Warmblood Heathcliff competing at the Training level. He has now has been passed on to my younger cousin.
In the fall of 2020 I purchased CC and he quickly caught on to his new job. In the fall of 2022 I had the opportunity to compete in Florida, and train with Canadian Olympian Kyle Carter. As well as compete in the USEF Eventing Young Rider Championships on team Alberta in the CCI-1*L division. This season we have been competing successfully at the EV105 (modified) level.
My name is Madeleine Shank, I’m 18 years old and I ride a 15 year old trakehner mare named Sweet Georgia Brown. We are based just north of Edmonton, and have been partnered together for 3 years now.
I started riding barrel horses as soon as I could hold on but I started my eventing career in 2018. I am hoping to go to the 5* level in eventing. I also would love to become an eventing coach as well when I am older. It means so much to me to be able to have the ability to be on the Alberta Development eventing team and now attend Young Rider Championships.
This has been a goal of mine for 2 years now but I was too young. I am so excited I am able to do it and there are so many things that this will lead me to in the future. I think this is going to be a great experience and I will learn a lot and be able to spend time with some great people.
Hi, My name is Michaela Aulicino; I am 18 years old from Calgary, Alberta and I’m so excited to represent Alberta at the USEF Eventing Young Rider Championships with my horse Nottingham Hill, (aka Niko)!
Niko Is a 2011 KWPN and I have owned him for just over 3 years. Together Niko and I have competed up to the modified level. I am looking forward to representing Alberta at the USEF Eventing Young Rider Championships, and accomplishing my longtime goal of competing at the FEI level.
I look forward to representing a community I am very passionate about, and one which has provided me so much support in accomplishing my goals.
I’m super excited to represent Alberta for young riders again this year! I love being a part of such a supportive and motivated team to pursue our goals of eventing. I’m excited to bring some new skills and experience this year for the 2* competition.
Posted: September 27, 2023 by Jessica Kerschbaumer
Get Your Forms and Applications In Now for Year End Awards!
Get your forms and nominations in now for:
Don’t forget your Our Of Province
Last Updated: August 22, 2023 by Jessica Kerschbaumer
2023 Young Prospect Program Evaluation Results
The 2023 Young Prospects Program Evaluation took place on Thursday, August 17th at Alhambra Stables. The riders, their support crews, the evaluators and volunteers all endured the 30+ heat to showcase more lovely young horses though out the day.
Our Evaluators this year were Judine Maki, Lynda Ramsey and Caroline Petty.
Welcome to Tara Lambie, who came and worked with us at the triangle for the Conformation section with the 2 & 3 Year Old’s.
So much appreciation goes to our amazing scorer again, Lynne Wassick. Our pedigree reader for presentations was Michelle Naismith, and taking photos for us at presentations was Jasmine Jarvis. Everyone came together to make a busy day go smoothly.
A big Thank You also goes to Alhambra Stables; Ulrika allowing this to run leading in the biggest event of her year is a big ask and we all work diligently to make it work for all involved.
Also to say Thank You to our generous sponsors; the Thomas family, Four Winds Saddlery (Kelsey & Michelle), Moore Equine, Riding Defined (Robert Young), Hashbrowns Homestead Supplies, The Jockey Club Thoroughbred Incentive Program and the Alberta Thoroughbred Aftercare Society.
2023 Hi Point Awards by Division
A lot of work goes into the preparation for this day and well as some fast work at the end of the day in taking it all out and making everything ready for the Alhambra Summer Event.
Taking a moment to thank some of my students and other good people for helping out on both sides of this endeavor, Sophie Pye, Audrey Van Leeuwen, Kylan Maki, Skye-Lynn, Avery, Julianna, Sophie, Taylor, Aubrey, Brittany Olsen (& hubby Jaimie), Meagan Wenger, Thera Chandler. A huge thank you to Liana Shaw for orchestrating quick set ups of the dressage ring for us!
Thank you to everyone who continues to support the Young Prospects Program! There are exciting things to come in the future, just as exciting as these young prospects.
The AHTA would also like to thank Brenda Thompson for all of her hard work organizing these evaluations.
Last Updated: August 14, 2023 by Jessica Kerschbaumer
Top Canadian Eventer Kyle Carter Shares His Knowledge in Alberta at Young Rider Clinic
This past weekend we welcomed top Canadian eventer Kyle Carter back again to Alberta for a 3 day Young Rider Clinic that took place at Prentice Creek Equestrian Centre near Rocky Mountain House, Alberta.
This clinic was open to riders who are 25 years of age and under, competing at the EV75 (Pre Entry) level and above. The rider spots in this clinic were split between young riders who are attending the USEA Eventing Young Rider Championships; young riders from the Alberta High Performance/U18 program and young riders who are not on the High Performance team. Auditing was free to anyone who wanted to come out and watch and learn!
Kyle is one of Canada’s most successful riders, representing Canada multiple times at the 2010 World Equestrian Games, 2008 Olympics in Beijing, 2007 Rio de Janeiro Pan American Games, and 1999 Winnipeg Pan American Games. In addition to his personal accomplishments, Kyle is also a highly regarded coach and clinician, and has had great success bringing his students up the levels in eventing. Several of his students have gone on to compete at the 5 star level, and he holds the coaching record for having the most students win gold medals in Eventing at the USEA Eventing Young Rider Championships. Kyle continues to focus on competing at the highest levels of eventing and hopes to again represent Canada at the Olympics. He and his wife, Jennifer, own and run 5 Ring Stable, a successful five-star eventing barn in Citra, Florida.
The hot summer sun shone down on 22 riders who attended the clinic, as they rode in dressage, show jumping and cross country lessons over the weekend. There were many different horse and rider levels, from EV75 (formerly Pre-Entry) all the way up to EV115 and EV120 (previously Intermediate and Advanced).
In all 3 phases, Kyle emphasized strong basics, utilizing exercises that strengthened each horse and rider’s foundation and skills. Exercises and feedback were tailored to each horse and rider, some were more experienced combinations introducing some new concepts and challenges as they plan to move up the levels or hoping to attend the Eventing Young Riders Championships, and others focused on perfecting skills and solidifying the basics, focusing more on the developing their partnership for the future.
Throughout the weekend Kyle spoke a lot about working smarter, not harder, as he explained the intricacies of training of the horse and setting them up for success using small steps and a progression that builds confidence and makes sense. He emphasized the little things, like the quality of transitions, working on the balance by transitioning down on a circle and on an uphill slope, not a downhill. He encouraged riders to really think about the steps and the little details, and instead of trying to force the horse to do what we want them to do, use movements and exercises that naturally help them do what we are trying to accomplish. The goal was not perfection, but to ensure that the exercises we ask the horses to do help us end up with a better horse at the end. “Don’t tell your horses NOT to do something, instead, give them something to do. SHOW them what you want them to do.” Kyle explained.
On show jumping day, each group started off with some basic pole exercises at trot and canter before moving onto some course work that included bounces, combinations, riding up and down hills, skinny jumps and lots of technical turning exercises. Each course he had the riders do required accuracy and very organized riding, and Kyle was great about pinpointing what each horse and rider needed to improve and then taking the time to really explain how to do that. Kyle included poles and technical footwork exercises not just at the beginning, but throughout the courses, to ensure horses and riders were staying organized and focused at all times.
Cross country day started very early and saw the first group warming up with the rising sun in the cool morning air. Kyle focused on using different exercises utilizing show jumps as well as terrain during each lesson to work on the education of both horse and rider. Riders warmed up over some hills and different cross country fences to practice their rhythm, galloping and balancing positions, before moving onto some exercises working on angles. Kyle emphasized that even on cross country riders needed to still be training their
horses between each fence. Then the groups moved on to some mounds where some show jumps were set up to help the riders and horses practice riding up and down terrain, and then each group progressed to adding some angled approaches to the jumps on and around the mounds as well. Kyle is a big fan of using show jumps on cross country to introduce new questions and challenges, as they are much more forgiving than a solid fence during the learning process. Riders finished at the water complex, practicing some different lines and questions that Kyle had again incorporated some show jumps into.
Kyle really took the time for each horse and rider, explaining things multiple ways until they understood, and often took more time than allotted for each group. You can tell he is very passionate and loves to share his knowledge, and he put in an incredible effort with each group from the very first in the morning, to the last group of the day.
“Knowledge is power” were some of the parting words as he wrapped each group up. He encouraged every rider to keep working hard, no matter what size their goals are, and to take every opportunity possible to keep growing and learning, and to focus on training and bettering the horse, not just winning. “Being competitive is NOT the same as being a good horseman” Kyle stressed.
Each horse and rider came away with lots of constructive criticism, encouragement and feedback, and were excited to take what they’d learned from Kyle and practice hard to keep on improving. We look forward to having Kyle back for another clinic in the future!
Huge thank yous go out to the Alberta Horse Trials Association, Alberta High Performance, Kathleen Ziegler for organizing, Canadian Eventing Development Foundation for their sponsorship, and Alberta Equestrian Federation‘s generous club funding donation.
We are so incredibly fortunate to have clinicians of this caliber come to Alberta, and are very thankful to the Alberta Equestrian Federation for their support in making this happen, and we hope to collaborate on more of these opportunities in the future!
If you aren’t a member yet, the Alberta Equestrian Federation provides many opportunities and benefits for all of their members. From clinicsand shows, insurance and coverage, to programs for the recreational rider, AEF has all your bases covered! Consider becoming a member of the Alberta Equestrian Federation! For more information see: https://www.albertaequestrian.com/membership/
Posted: August 3, 2023 by Jessica Kerschbaumer
Support Our Olympic Athletes through the “Pathway To Paris” Silent Auction!
The “Pathway to Paris” auction supports the Canadian High-Performance program. These efforts really focus on the road to the Olympics in Paris, which started with the 2022 World Equestrian Championships in Pratoni. Our focus is now on the 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile; the Nations Cups in Bromont, Quebec and Arville, Belgium; plus, the necessary training opportunities for our High-Performance Athletes from now until 2024.
The Canadian Eventing High Performance Committee is planning to send a team of 4 horse and rider combinations to secure a top 2 podium finish at the Pan American Games. This podium performance will guarantee a Team placement for the 2024 Olympic Team in Paris, France”. Our committee is immediately targeting $165,000 for the October 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago.
Visit the Silent Auction: https://www.32auctions.com/PathwayToParis2024
Bidding opens August 10th and ends August 24th!
Donations will also be accepted – and a tax receipt will be forwarded to you from the Canadian Olympic Committe: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/35625?v2=true
Posted: June 15, 2023 by Jessica Kerschbaumer
Updated 2023 Equestrian Canada Coach Status & Temporary Coach Status Information
Just a reminder that EC Coach Status goes into effect July 1st!
New EC Information updated May 29, 2023 – https://www.equestrian.ca/news/6gZZyYNHnsZ98szFJ/coaching-spotlight-understanding-coach
Cannot call API for app 405460652816219 on behalf of user 10166348472250258