Now this was an event to write home about!  Cowboy Trail Church gathered at the Bearspaw Arena, just west of Cochrane on January 26th, for a day of instruction, competition, laughs, a few scares and another of our wonderful Pot Luck Suppers.

The day started out with a Ranch Horse Clinic, conducted by Ron Anderson, a well known clinician from Calgary.  20 people participated in the clinic and all came away with some useful equine tips.

Ron Anderson

Clinic Participants

The Ugly Ranch Horse Competition started after a short lunch break with the Open Division.  This portion was judged by Arnie Hein.  10 competitors tried their skills at a Dry Work portion and then demonstrated their skills working cattle.  When the dust settled, the overall winner was Bernie Schellenburg.  Bernie received a custom buckle presented by Cunningham Farrier Service as well as a Ben Crane print, donated by Ben and framed by Ted and Jackie Parkinson.

Then it was on to the Amateur Division with 17 competitors.  There were two young people who demonstrated excellent skills, several ladies, some men, one on a mule and even Darth Vader graced the arena in full "force".

Robyn Neufeld emerged as the winner of the Amateur Division winning a Custom Buckle from Cunningham Farrier Service.

Randy Marshall was presented with the "Cowboy Up" award.

Then everyone dove into the excellent Pot Luck Supper, and as usual, no one went home hungry.