Hard to believe another show season has wrapped up! Congrats to everyone for all their hard work through out the 2014 run; horse & human... all very deserving of a high five!
Here is how things wrapped up at the ARCHA:
Smart Marina & John Swales - Open Bridle Champion
Smart Black Royale & John Swales - Open Two Rein Reserve Champion
Claire MacMillan & Hick A Cat - NP Two Rein Champion
Mark Parsons & Festinas Dual Lena - NP Two Rein Reserve Champion
One of the highlights at the banquet for this proud mama was watching all the Future Stars competitors run up with excitement to receive their first-ever buckles! Thanks to Doug & Rocky Sapergia for their generous sponsorship!
And thanks to the organizers and to Lynnwood Ranch for a lovely evening!
John Swales Performance Horses wishes everyone a very Merry Christmas and hopes that both the ponies and riders get a quick rest before the NRCHA World Show preparations begin!
OCTOBER 21-26, 2014 » SHOW RESULTS
Idaho Reined Cow Horse Association Snaffle Bit Futurity & Derby
No more than a week and a half at home after Reno, the trailer was repacked and John headed to Nampa, Idaho. After being away from home for 2 weeks in Reno, the boys and I decided to stay home for this show!
Again the highlight was the young horses in the futurity & derby. Stump Lake Ranch should be super proud of their gelding, SLR Won Smart Wolf, who finished tied for Reserve Champion in the Open Futurity and split 2/3/4th in the Intermediate Open Futurity! Wolf Pup displayed fine form in the reining with a 147, showed style in the herd work with a 144 and powered through his fence work with a 148.5!! The fence work finals score of 144 gave him the points to move from his 3rd place position to reserve in the Open... congratulations Stump Lake Ranch!
Big Time In Cowtown was also in Nampa making his presence known! This show Robbie decided to only have him shown in the Open and not the Non-Pro after his top efforts in Reno a short couple weeks before. Harley finished up 9/10th in the Open Futurity and 7th in the Intermediate Futurity... all because of a very sneaky cow in the fence-only finals!! Harley was sitting 2nd in the Open before the fence finals; he was also a 147 in the reining, a spectacular 147 in the herd work, and an awesome 148 down the fence! Then that sneaky cow caused some trouble in the fence finals pushing under Harley's neck after he had appeared to have already committed to turning... well needless to say the 133 bumped his aggregate a few positions. Even with the factors out of our control, Harley added another $3037 to his LTE!! Congrats Robbie!
Owners, Ron Stuckert & Diana Runge, also travelled to Nampa (one of their favourite shows!) to cheer on their bridle horse, Lover Bud & their derby horse, Crazy Cat Lady. Crazy Cat Lady finished up 6th in the Intermediate Open Derby adding another $1356 to her LTE, which are now over $31,448. Unfortunately, Lover Bud stepped oddly in her last stop in the reining, which limited her usual high-scoring performance at this show.
David Bergendahl also made the trip to Nampa to cheer on his 5 year old gelding, Smart Sonita Nic, in the derby! Smart Sonita Nic finished up tied for 7/8th in the Intermediate Open Derby, also adding to his earnings.
Steve Hoar and his horse, All Reddy Sweeter, showed in the Non-Pro Futurity and I'm sure are very glad they entered up! They ended up 5/6th in the Non-Pro Futurity, 5/6th in the Intermediate Non-Pro Futurity, and 3rd in the Amateur Futurity! Congratulations Steve!!
Suzon Schaal brought her derby horse, Chics Ruffled Up, and her bridle horse, Genuine Brown Gal. She finished top of her class in the derby, winning both the Non-Pro Derby and the Intermediate Non-Pro Derby!! Congrats Suzon & Chics Ruffled Up!
Genuine Brown Gal did not disappoint either and earned some money placing 3rd in the Non-Pro Bridle class... always tough competition!
Another derby horse, Smooth Lil Starlight, ridden by owner Robbie McKay also did very well! This pair finished 5th in the Non-Pro Derby, 5th in the Intermediate Non-Pro Derby and 3rd in the Amateur Derby! Congratulations Robbie!
Last, but certainly not least, Mark Parsons and his horse, Festinas Dual Lena, brought home two championships! Congratulations Mark on your championship in both the Intermediate Non-Pro Bridle AND the Novice Non-Pro Bridle! And a smashing 145 down the fence, great job!
I am also proud to congratulate Ronnie Swales for her terrific show on her very nice gelding, Annies Playin Cat, who took home 3 buckles!! Congrats on your championships in the Intermediate Open Derby, Limited Open Derby, and Open Level 1 Limited Derby!
September 22 - October 4, 2014 » SHOW RESULTS
NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity
Well, if you think there is high stress involved in the local snaffle bit futurity, quadruple that and start on the road to Reno, Nevada! With 239 horses in the Open Futurity alone, it is a whole new level of competition and excitement! However, it will bring the best out in horse & rider competing at that level and is well worth the stress!
This year Robbie McKay and Stump Lake Ranch, with John's guidance, both felt their 3 year olds were strong enough to compete at the NRCHA Futurity. Along with the futurity horses, Smart Sonita Nic also travelled to Reno to compete in the Open Hackamore class.
Smart Sonita Nic missed the finals in the Open Hackamore by a margin and SLR Won Smart Wolf had some lead troubles in the reining, but had strong herd & fence works. It was Big Time In Cowtown that had unbelievable success in both the Non-Pro and Open divisions. It was a very memorable trip with lots of different emotions along the way!
As mentioned above, Big Time In Cowtown was purchased in Fort Worth last December by Robbie McKay and his breeding is One Time Pepto out of Lil Lena Long Legs. Harley definitely had the right breeding and is a very talented horse, so now things just had to come together in the show pen and with the cows...
Robbie showed Harley and just missed the Non-Pro finals (by half a point!!), but ended up 4th in the Amateur Futurity, and had the second highest reining score in the amateur, a 213.5! Robbie & the rest of the Canadian's were thrilled to join him & Harley in the arena for the awards presentations! Winning a buckle at the NRCHA snaffle bit futurity is a pretty big deal!! Congratulations Robbie!
Harley was not finished yet! John was very excited to show this awesome horse in the Open Futurity and they were a strong team! Emotions ran high as the cow came in the gate during the preliminary fence work... it was a fast cow and Harley cranked it in the fence turns, snapping through his turns never losing control over that cow in that big arena... when the announcer voiced the 222.5 score we were all ecstatic!! This meant that Harley's aggregate in the Open Preliminary was a 656... tied to win the Open prelim's! What a feeling! I know the tears of joy, thankfulness & excitement were mounting in all of our eyes. I was so proud of John & Harley, what an accomplishment in that crowd of competitors! And Robbie, he was more than over-joyed - such a cool feeling!
Big Time In Cowtown won beautifully engraved stirrups for high aggregate in the prelims and a Bob's saddle for the gelding with the highest score in the prelims as he had the high fence score of the 3 competitors tied to win the prelims!
Even though the excitement was high, the competition was far from over, Harley had to compete in all three events the following day for the Intermediate Open Finals and then again in three days for the Open Finals. That is 6 more runs on top of the 6 runs he had already completed! Endurance, stamina and grit are some of the qualities this horse had to have!
The intermediate finals brought more win photos and excitement; John & Harley ended up 4th in the Intermediate Finals! Saturday was a whole new finals; the Open Finals... a competition that pays $100,000 to the winner! Harley worked hard during the finals and competed once again with a spectacular group of futurity horses; at the end of the day they finished up in 18th spot and earned more money towards this young horses LTE.
We are so very thankful to all of our customer's and owners who have the confidence in John and their talented horses, and for the opportunities to compete at the premiere events across North America. And thankful to God for these amazing creatures He has created for us to enjoy and work with on a daily basis. We are also blessed to see our clients fulfill their goals and dreams... sharing in others happiness is one of my favourite parts! Congratulations Robbie McKay and your very cool horse, Big Time In Cowtown!
August 30-September 2, 2014 » SHOW RESULTS
Alberta Snaffle Bit Futurity, Derby & Championships
Fall futurity time! Finally time to compete! Another great show with many successes. We are very proud of our non-pro's for their hard work and dedication, especially to the young horses which are often challenging to guide through their first shows! There were so many people that need to be mentioned so I will do so in bullet form:
• Robbie McKay & Big Time In Cowtown
Amateur Futurity Champion
Novice Non-Pro Futurity Champion
Non-Pro Futurity Champion
Big Time In Cowtown was purchased as a 2 year old at the NCHA sales in Fort Worth, Texas December of 2013 and has been in training with John since then. Congratulations to Robbie on his BIG wins at Harley's first aged event!! You two make a great team! Keep reading as this very cool horse is just revving up for the fall run!
• Kelvin Clark & Nicky Snickers
Amateur Futurity Reserve Champion
Novice Non-Pro Futurity 3rd place
Non-Pro Futurity 3rd place
• Steve Hoar & All Reddy Sweeter
Amateur Futurity 3rd place
Novice Non-Pro Futurity 4th place
Non-Pro Futurity 4th place
• Suzon Schaal & Genuine Brown Gal
Non-Pro Bridle Champion
Non-Pro Bridle Spectacular Champion
• Keri Hudson Reykdal & Cadilac Rey
Amateur Derby Reserve Champion
Novice Non-Pro Derby 3rd place
Non-Pro Derby 3rd place
• Mark Parsons & Festinas Dual Lena
Non-Pro Two Rein Champion
Novice Non-Pro Bridle 3rd place
Novice Non-Pro Bridle Spectacular 3rd place
• Laura MacMillan & Casey Smart
Youth Limited 13 & under Champion!
The Open division aged events were as exciting as the non-pro divisions with lots to report!! Starting off with the derby, here are the results:
• John Swales & Smart Sonita Nic (owned by David Bergendahl)
$5000 Novice Horse Derby Champion
Open Derby Reserve Champion
"Finn" was consistent through out competition and wowed the crowds with his big fence score of 148!! Congrats David & Finn!
• John Swales & Crazy Cat Lady (owned by Ron Stuckert & Diana Runge)
Open Derby Champion!
Cat Lady was super strong leading the herd work and the reining with a 148 & 147 respectively! Her fence work was just as strong with a 147! Cat Lady won the derby by a powerful 6.5 points! Congrats Ron & Diana! Click here for video Link of Crazy Cat Lady's runs.
The Open Futurity is probably the most sought after championship in the aged events! Here is how the results unfolded this year:
• John Swales & SLR Won Smart Wolf (owned by Stump Lake Ranch)
Open Futurity Reserve Champion!
Wolf Pup won the reining with a stellar 146.5, and was strong in the herd with a 144! Congrats to Stump Lake Ranch!
The Alberta Championship Horse Show brought more excitement and talent, my personal favourite being the Bridle Spectacular where the bridle horse compete in 3 events, herd work, reining & fence work!
• John Swales & Lover Bud (owned by Ron Stuckert & Diana Runge)
Open Bridle Reserve Champion, with a 293 aggregate!
Open Bridle Spectacular Reserve Champion
Open Two Rein Champion! Won with a 295 aggregate!
• John Swales & Smart Black Royale (owned by Keri Hudson-Reykdal)
Open Two Rein Reserve Champion!
Congratulations to all owners & riders on a great show! Congrats to the Future Stars as well!
JULY 14-20, 2014 » SHOW RESULTS
NWRCHA Summer Showdown
With one very late night reorganizing and repacking we switched gears from Calgary Stampede and headed out to Oregon July 12th. This was the first year we have attended the Summer Showdown as usually the Stampede dates don't allow enough time for travel to Oregon. We are sure glad the dates worked out this year as it was a fabulous show and really great opportunity to get the 3 year olds out to a pre-futurity.
The Oregon heat was a tad warmer than we are use to, but the pools at Brasada Ranch made the show feel like a holiday... lots of great fun & memories for competitors, owners and our entire family!
Non-pro, Robbie McKay, brought his 4 year old, Smooth Lil Starlight and his 3 year old Big Time In Cowtown ("Harley"). Robbie made a great finish on Smooth Lil Starlight ending up Reserve Champion in the Amateur Derby; congrats Robbie!
John showed Robbie's 3 year old in the Open & Intermediate Open Futurity in preparation for the Reno NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity and they were consistent with a 144 in the reining and herd work, leading the group prior to the fence work. Unfortunately, the cow in the fence work proved very challenging and they ended up 5th in the Open Futurity and 4th in the Intermediate Open Futurity. Even so, John was really happy with how Harley handled his cow and performed at his first competition.
Stump Lake Ranch also sent their 3 year old gelding as he too was Reno bound. SLR Won Smart Wolf ("Wolf Pup") also showed talent, focus & consistency and also brought home his first earnings! Wolf Pup finished 3rd in the Open Futurity and 2nd in the Intermediate Open Futurity. Congratulations to Stump Lake Ranch!
The derby horses also made the long-haul and were very competitive earning money in both the Open & Intermediate divisions. Congratulations to Ron Stuckert & Diana Runge and their mare, Crazy Cat Lady for her 4th place finish in the Open Derby and her 3rd place finish in the Intermediate Open Derby!
Smart Sonita Nic, owned by David Bergendahl, placed 6th in the Open Derby and 5th in the Intermediate Open Derby. David celebrated his birthday in Oregon and treated all of the Canadians to a delicious BarBQ steak dinner at our cabin - thank you David!
JULY 10 & 11, 2014 » SHOW RESULTS
Calgary Stampede Working Cow Horse Classic
This year the Calgary Stampede unveiled their brand new Agrium facility and the cow horse competition had their first runs inside this beautiful big arena. The competitors raved about showing there and as spectators we were spoiled with excellent visibility, handy concessions, and extra exciting when you have young children: bathrooms with no line-ups!
John was excited to take five horses to the Stampede this year; and four went on to the second go to compete for the championship! In the Open Hackamore class John showed Crazy Cat Lady, owned by Ron Stuckert & Diana Runge, to a 3rd place finish. Smart Sonita Nic, owned by David Bergendahl, also qualified for the second go and finished in 4th place.
The Open Bridle competition is always "edge of your seat" exciting, and this year was no exception! Both Maximum Echo & Smart Marina advanced to the final go and both horses performed very well, stopping hard in the reining and reading tough cows in the fence work. Smart Marina, owned by Jim Baird, finished in 3rd place earning another $2720 towards her LTE and scoring a 149 down the fence!
Photo credit James Hyduma
Maximum Echo & John kept their edge and their undefeated title at the Calgary Stampede and brought home the Open Bridle Championship! Congratulations to Flo Houlton, who should be (and I am sure she is!) one very proud owner!! Maximum Echo was shown in the Open Hackamore as a 5 year old, the Open Bridle as a 6 and 7 year old and this year he is 10 years old and each time he has captured the championship in his class. We are so honoured to have this truly amazing athlete in our barn and are extremely excited to celebrate his accomplishments along side Flo. Maximum Echo set the bar high for an arena record scoring a 151.5 down the fence in the finals!
Photo credit James Hyduma
Making this win even more special was the photo of Maximum Echo featured on the cover of the Quarter Horse News in the August 15th issue. Also exciting was the great international coverage of the entire cow horse event held at Calgary Stampede.
We would also like to recognize Ed Want and his good mare, Smart Nu Remedy, who made their debut at the Calgary Stampede this year! Congratulations on your hard work and tremendous fence score!
Congratulations also to Clint Swales & HR Chic Nic, owned by Bruce Bamford, who were Champions in the Open Hackamore class!
The 3rd class held at Stampede was the Non-Pro Bridle; Suzon Schaal & Genuine Brown Gal finished in 1st place with an impressive 148 down the fence! Congratulations Suzon!
JUNE 9-14, 2014 » SHOW RESULTS
NRCHA Derby
One of the Premiere Events of the NRCHA is the NRCHA Derby held in Paso Robles, California, and this year non-pro, Keri Hudson-Reykdal flew down with her husband Kelvin to take part on her 4 year old, Cadilac Rey (aka "Sonny"). Cadilac Rey was purchased as a 2 year old at the NRCHA Futurity sales in Reno, Nevada and has been in training with John ever since.
Despite Keri catching the flu on the way to Paso Robles, Keri & Cadilac Rey were in fine form finishing 7th in the Novice Non-Pro Derby and an impressive Reserve Champion in the Amateur Derby. It was super exciting to watch Keri show Sonny on the live feed and especially exciting when John got the phone call from Keri after her 219.5 score down the fence! Huge congratulations Keri & Sonny!
MAY 23-25, 2014 » SHOW RESULTS
2014 Cowtown Derby & Stockhorse Show
This was the first aged event of the year, and it was very exciting to be there watching & cheering! Special thanks to our good friend Flo Houlton who came and took care of things at home so the boys and I could go to the show.
As the title depicts the derby was the focal point and Crazy Cat Lady was indeed a major highlight! Congratulations to owners Ron Stuckert & Diana Runge on their Championship in the Open Derby!! John was very pleased with Cat Lady's performance; she started strong in the herd work with a 143 (second place), earned a 143 in the reining and iced the cake with a stellar 148 down the fence!! Crazy Cat Lady added $3148.75 to her earnings and now has a fancy CowTown Derby buckle which will be worn proudly!
We are also very proud to announce that the Reserve Championship athlete also resides at our training facility; My Hatn Socks, owned by Bruce Stewart, showed strongly and now has his first reined cow horse earnings! This gelding has style & potential with only a few months of cow horse training... congratulations Bruce Stewart!
The third horse John showed in the derby in one that is close to our hearts, Smart Sonita Nic. This 5 year old gelding is a Nic O'Lena Badger colt raised by Shelley & Kelvin Clark and we have owned him the last few years until a few weeks ago. Nic O'Lena Badger was a finalist at World's Greatest Horseman competition in 2011, and sadly passed away last year. As much as we were excited to see "Finn" display his talents, David Bergendahl, his new owner, was equally as excited! Finn had a back fence in the herd work, but he steadily gained ground with a 145.5 in the reining and a 144.5 in the fence work, landing him a 5th place, money earning finish! Congratulations to David Bergendahl on the purchase of your very nice horse... can't wait to see you and Finn team up in the show pen!
Congratulataions to John on his successes at the derby this year... we are very proud of your hard work & dedication to these fine horses.
And congratulations to our Non Professionals, who are also dedicated to their sport, and fit in riding and lessons between very busy careers... it takes a lot of determination, skill & time to be able to have the success each of you have achieved!
Congrats to Non-Pro Derby Champion, Suzan Schaal riding Chics Ruffled Up, who were also the Novice Non-Pro Derby Champions!!
Congrats to the Amateur Derby Champion, Keri Hudson-Reykdal and her horse Cadilac Rey!
As well to Amateur Derby Reserve Champion, Robbie Mckay and Smooth Lil Starlight!
The Cowtown Stockhorse Show resulted in more deserving champions...
Suzon Schaal & Genuine Brown Gal - Reserve Champions NP Bridle
Mark Parsons & Festinas Dual Lena - Champions Novice NP Bridle
John Swales & Smart Black Royale, owned by Keri Hudson-Reykdal - Reserve Champions Open Two Rein
Claire MacMillan & Hick A Cat - Champions NP Two Rein
Madison Canyon & All Reddy Doc - Champions NP Limited
Laura MacMillan & Casey Smart - Reserve Champions Youth Rein/Box
As always we had lots of fun at the Cowtown Derby & must thank the show producers & many hands that made the show so eventful! Even the young cowboys & girls were able to show there talents in the Future Stars class; our own Tyree (8 years old) and Lane (5 years old) rode Classys Gold. Levi (2 years old) was planning on riding, but this time refused at the gate!!
FEBRUARY 15, 2014 » SHOW RESULTS
Canada's Ultimate Cow Horse
2014 Canada's Ultimate Cow Horse Competition title was awarded to Suzon Schaal aboard Genuine Brown Gal - Congratulations!! This competition was held in Saskatoon, SK in February, and includes herd work, reining, and 2 fence runs. While we missed having Suzon in Fort Worth, we were very happy to celebrate her success with her from afar!
FEBRUARY 14-22, 2014 » SHOW RESULTS
2014 Shows began in February this year with the NRCHA Celebration of Champions
The 2013 NRCHA Celebration of Champions was held in Fort Worth, Texas this year and many Canadian's were there for the competition and to enjoy some southern heat and escape our long winter.
John was thrilled to have the opportunity to spend a couple days with Don Murphy, a member of the NRCHA Hall of Fame, while on route to Fort Worth. Carol Rose was very hospitable and housed the horses & generously provided use of her arena, roping cattle & staff to allow for practice time, lessons, and of course some good ole Texas BarBQ! Special thanks to Nelly Murphy for her aid in organizing this opportunity.
Congrats to Robbie McKay & Caught Ya Lookin Too for their 6th place finish in the Intermediate Non-Pro Bridle Class, and 5th place finish in the Novice Non-Pro Bridle class.
2013
NOVEMBER 16, 2013 » SHOW RESULTS
2013 Canada's Greatest Horseman
2013 Show season wrapped up and it was time to celebrate at the ARCHA year end banquet! There many accomplishments were honoured and we are very proud to share the following successes:
Crazy Cat Lady, owner Ron Stuckert & Diana Runge, rider John Swales - Open Ranch Cutting Champion!
Caught Ya Lookin Too & Robbie McKay - Novice NP Ranch Cutting Reserve Champion!
All Reddy Doc & Madison Canyon - Youth Ranch Cutting Champion!
All Reddy Doc & Madison Canyon - 18&under Rein/Box Champion!
Casey Smart & Laura MacMillan - 18&under Rein/Box Reserve Champion!
All Reddy Doc & Madison Canyon - 13&under Rein/Box Champion!
Casey Smart & Laura MacMillan - 13&under Rein/Box Reserve Champion!
Genuine Brown Gal & Suzon Schaal - NP Bridle Ranch Cutting Champion!
National Reined Cow Horse Association competition also brought familiar names to the year end standings; we would like to congratulate the following owners & horses for there outstanding talents & achievements:
NRCHA National 2013 Standings:
Smart Marina, owner Jim Baird, rider John Swales - 14th Open Bridle
NRCHA Canadian 2013 Standings:
Smart Marina, owner Jim Baird, rider John Swales - Open Bridle Champion!
Have A Drink On Me, owner Jim Dobler, rider John Swales - Open Bridle Reserve Champion!
Genuine Brown Gal & Suzon Schaal - Non-Pro Bridle Champion!
Caught Ya Lookin Too & Robbie McKay - Novice Non-Pro Bridle Champion!
November 2013 brought a big win for Jim Baird's mare, Smart Marina... Canada's Greatest Horseman is a four event competition. John & Marina scored a 72 in the herd work, a 72 in the reining, a 73 in the steer stopping and finished with a 72 down the fence! Their high aggregate won them $3325 towards Smart Marina's lifetime earnings, and the privilege of a mighty fine title!
SEPTEMBER 19, 2013 » SHOW RESULTS
Alberta Snaffle Bit Futurity and Derby & Alberta Championship Show Results
Congratulations!! That was a popular word on Sunday, September 1st as the fence runs were completed and the champions crowned!
The horses were ready and the excitement was in the air! The first aged event of the fall always brings out lots of people to watch the 3 yr olds perform in their first show. This time it was Smooth Lil Starlight, owned by Robbie McKay, and guided by John Swales who took the center stage and captured the very honoured position of Open Futurity Champion!
The herd work started with a strong 144, which was followed by a 144.5 in the reining and a 147 down the fence. Smooth Lil Starlight showed her tremendous talents and presence in the show pen making both trainer & owner very proud! Both are excited to head down to Reno, Nevada for the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity at the end of the week! Good luck & safe travels!!
Next aged event, the Open Derby, and another championship! Likely a strange sensation for owner, Veronica Swales, to send her nice horse for someone else to show, as she had to be in Manitoba for a Barrel Futurity the same weekend! Annies Playin Cat, also known as Kip, performed well under John's hand earning a 145 in the herd, a 145.5 in the reining & a 146.5 down the fence! Congrats Ronnie, John & Kip!!
Oakanic was another Champion of the weekend show, winning the Open Two Rein class with a splashy 146.5 down the fence! Congrats to owner Roxanne Sapergia and her nice horse!
Last, but definitely not least, to report about are the spectacular bridle horses... the Open Bridle Spectacular included herd work, reining and fence work and was impressive watching as these fine animals displayed their stuff! We are very proud to say that Maximum Echo was Reserve Champion in both the Open Bridle Spectacular AND the Open Bridle class!! Congrats to owner Flo Houlton and her tremendous stallion!
Rising to the top of the Bridle Spectacular was Smart Marina! Owner, Jim Baird, was very pleased to hear the news of her big win! This 7 year old mare keeps getting better and better. She was consistent in all three events and really wowed the judges down the fence scoring a 148! Her performance also placed her 3rd in the Open Bridle division.
Mr Seven Nic was led by Kaylee Want to a 3rd place finish in the Limited Open Bridle! We had mixed feelings as this was Kaylee's last weekend with us at John Swales Performance Horses; it was very sad to see her go, but we are very happy she is able to pursue her dreams and wish her all the best at college! I'm sure we will see her in the show pen down the road... thanks for EVERYTHING KAYLEE!!! We will miss you lots!!
Congratulations to all our Non Professionals for outstanding performances also!
Claire MacMillan - Amateur Non Pro Derby Champion with her gelding Hick A Cat! Nice win before heading off to start University in Lethbridge... good luck and have fun Claire!
Laura MacMillan - Youth Rein Box Champion with Casey Smart.
Madison Canyon - Youth Rein Box Reserve Champion with All Reddy Doc.
David Bergendahl - $5000 Limit Rein Box AND Non Pro Rein Box Reserve Champions with Lynx Little Doc.
Suzon Schaal - Non Pro Bridle Reserve Champion with Genuine Brown Gal.
- Non Pro Derby Reserve Champion and Novice Non Pro Derby Champion with Chics Ruffled Up.
Erin Baumung - Amateur Non Pro Futurity Champion with SLR Dual Dancer
This year the show had a special prize for the rider with the highest aggregate score in the futurity and the derby classes combined... a trophy 30-30 rifle!! If you know John and his love for hunting, you know this is a prize that will be treasured always! Our boys and I are extremely proud of John, and we are all very thankful to the owners for the opportunity to care for and be entrusted with their fine athletes!
JULY 12-16, 2013 » SHOW RESULTS
Calgary Stampede Working Cow Horse Classic 2013
The Calgary Stampede has come and gone again; the 101st running was challenged drastically with the major floods in Calgary and area only 2 short weeks prior to the first day! The city pulled together and was able to pull off the majority of the "greatest outdoor show on earth"!
John took 2 bridle horses to the competition and both showed their grittiness & style! "Smart Marina" (owned by Jim Baird) led the first go round 4 points in the lead; the second go round 2 days later brought "Have A Drink On Me" to the top of the list! "Have A Drink On Me", owned by Jim Dobler, showed his reining talents well scoring a 144.5, then a 145 down the fence in the second go! "Smart Marina" finished in a very respectable 3rd place and held the highest Open Bridle fence score of 149.5!!!
Congratulations to Jim Dobler & "Have A Drink On Me" for their Open Bridle Championship! And to John for another consistent showing and his 8th Open Bridle Championship at the Calgary Stampede!
Congratulations to Robbie McKay on his Novice Non Pro Bridle Championship aboard "Caught Ya Lookin Too"! And to Suzon Schaal for her 4th Non Pro Bridle Championship on "Genuine Brown Gal"!
MAY 24-26, 2013 » SHOW RESULTS
Shining Peptolena... Open Derby Champion!
The Cowtown Derby & Stockhorse Show was the first derby in Alberta and Ron Stuckert & Diana Runge's mare, Shining Peptolena, rose to the top! She performed with heart and style marking a 145 in the herd work, a 147 in the reining and a whopping 149 down the fence; winning the derby by 4.5 points!
This mare is a true competitor; she tries her heart out and loves every second of it! Natalie Jackman's precision behind the camera captured Shining Peptolena's desire and intensity as she circles her cow to finish off her win with a 149 down the fence!
John also had the pleasure of showing Chics Ruffled Up, owned by Mark Parsons, in the Derby, and the team was strong through out the herd (scoring a 146) and the reining (scoring a 145); but with the fence work came a mark of 138 and their spot near the top of the list was adjusted to 5th place in the Open Derby and 3rd place in the Novice Horse Open Derby. All in all, she was able to increase her LTE by $1570, and has many more opportunities to win derby's as she is only 4 years old; good job "Margie".
The Open Bridle Championship was captured by Walter & Mary Reti's stallion, CD Ben! "Ben" was outstanding, winning the class both days with long stops and hard fence turns! Congratulations Walter & Mary! CD Ben now has $2100 added to his LTE!!
Smart Marina, owned by Jim Baird, also stepped up to the plate in the Open Bridle class, taking Reserve Championship and $1400 in winnings! Congrats to Jim Baird and his awesome mare!
Congratulations also to Claire MacMillan who rode Hick A Cat to a 3rd place finish in the Non Pro Amateur Derby, Laura MacMillan & Casey Smart - Champions in the Youth Rein Box class, Madison Canyon & All Ready Doc - Champions in both the $1000 Limit Rein Box and the Youth Rein Box (under 13), David Bergendahl & Lynx Little Doc - $5000 Non Pro Limited Champions, and Suzon Schaal & Genuine Brown Gal - Non Pro Bridle Champions!
Many great runs, fun memories, championship buckles & championship titles!! Way to go!
MAY 4, 2013 » SHOW RESULTS
What happens in Vegas... Doesn't always stay there! Congratulations to Ron Stuckert & Diana Runge and their mare, Shining Peptolena, who finished 4th in the Open Hackamore class at the NRCHA Stakes in Las Vegas, Nevada at the end of March! Both John and Ron & Diana had lots of great reports about the South Point Equestrian Center in Las Vegas; good ground, lots of restaurants, convenient locations for practice works, barns, rooms, pools, and much, much more! And to boot, they reported it is a wonderful location to take the whole family along; from kids play areas to fun & age-appropriate kiddie pools, sounds like the entire family will have to take part next time!! Can't wait!
MARCH 15, 2013 » UPCOMING CLINIC
Northwest Reined Cow Horse Association Presents: Girls Weekend* Reined Cow Horse Clinic with
John Swales
DATE:
April 13th
&
14th 2013
TIME:
Start time
8:30 a.m.
each day
LOCATION:
Stillwater Stables
20914 SE 384th
Auburn, WA 98092
COST: $450 Per Horse/Rider for the Weekend: Ladies Only! *Unless we have less than 12 ladies sign-up. Then we will open it up to the cowboys. I will take "stand-by" reservations for you guys. (Stalls available for $20 a night-reserve ahead)
SPECTATOR SEATING: $20 a Day for any Gender
Slots are limited to 12 ladies* and it is a "First Pay, First Serve" sign-up. Call or email Diane Edwards to sign-up. A slot will be held for you for three (3) days. If I don't receive your NON REFUNDABLE deposit of $200 or full payment of $450 for the slot it will be released on the third day.
Canada's Ultimate Cow Horse Competition February 15-17, 2013 brought the first time all-round cow horse competition at the Saskatchewan Equine Expo in Saskatoon, SK which was a 4 go-round event bringing out some of the best bridle horses to compete in herd work, reining and two fence works! The exciting new venue and big crowds lured Smart Marina's owner Jim Baird; and together John and Marina set out to do their best! Well, the competition was good and the cattle were testy; they began with a 142.5 in the herd work and steadily gained ground with a 146 in the reining, a 148 in the first fence work and a 149 in the second fence work... finishing as Champions!! Smart Marina now has another $6000 to her LTE - congratulations Jim Baird!
FEBRUARY 8, 2013 » SHOW RESULTS
Celebration of Champions (Jan. 25 - Feb. 2, 2013): World Show Results! Well the trip to San Angelo, Texas has come and gone; the weather was beautiful and the horses were ready to perform! Thanks to my Mom, the boys and I even got to take part this year and flew down for a week to cheer on John and the rest of the Canadians!
John was fortunate to take 3 cow horses to the world show; 2 in the Open Two Rein, and 1 in the Open Bridle class. All three made the finals in their divisions, making the week very exciting!
Maximum Echo (owned by Flo Houlton) earned his way once again competing against the best of the best in the Open Bridle class, earning a 5th place finish and adding another $2500 to his LTE!
Smart Marina (owned by Jim Baird) and In the Nic of Sign (owned by Jim Dobler & Heather McLevin) both displayed their talents and cow sense rising to the top 10 in the Open Two Rein division and came back strong in the finals. Smart Marina finished 4/5th, and In the Nic of Sign finished 10th due to a fall in the fence work.
This year three Non Pro's who ride with John also made the long haul to Texas and competed very competitively with the other World Finalists! We are very proud to announce that Suzon Schaal brought home two more World Championships, one in the Intermediate Non Pro Bridle and one in the Non Pro Bridle, both aboard her great mare, Genuine Brown Gal... congratulations Suzon!
Erin Baumung rode her gelding, Big Boots To Fill, to a spectacular 4th place finish in the Novice Non Pro Bridle class, as well as showed in the Intermediate Non Pro Bridle class. Congrats to Erin on being a World Show finalist her first trip to San Angelo, Texas!
Claire MacMillan, and her entire family along for support (and some fun!) also made the trip to San Angelo with her good mare, Sky's Little Lena. Claire & Skyla stepped up to the plate and showed very well under the pressure in the big pen; together they achieved a 4th place finish in the Youth Limited Finals!! We are very proud of Claire and her accomplishments at her first showing at the World Show!
JANUARY 14, 2013 » SHOW RESULTS
Well it is January 2013 and our website is only now being updated after a fun filled successful 2012 show season! Apologies for the delay with updates; somehow 3 kids have made each day whiz by even faster than before! Levi John Cameron Swales did arrive safely over 10 months ago (February 24th, 2012) and he is a joyous addition to our family! Tyree is enjoying Grade 1 this year and Lane is in Preschool two days a week; both also enjoy riding with Dad, and playing with Levi! It has been a fun, yet busy summer!
As you know 2012 started off with Maximum Echo making the Finals in World's Greatest Horseman in 5th spot, in San Angelo, Texas... we are so proud of "Max" and his outstanding achievement! As you think of breeding your fine mares this spring Maximum Echo should be one to consider; with herd works of 222, reining scores of 219, fence works at 220 and roping talents to boot he displays true talent in many areas and his coming 2 year old offspring are strong and drop dead gorgeous! Check out our stallion section for more info & stay tuned to ads in the Quarter Horse News and Western Horse Review.
Maximum Echo, World's Greatest Horseman competition, San Angelo, Tx, February 2012
After the World Show in Texas, Alberta Reined Cow Horse shows commenced in April and by fall this is what the results revealed:
Open Ranch Cutting Champion — Lover Bud (owned by Ron Stuckert)
Open Two Rein WCH Champion - Signed Prescription (owned by Deborah Anderson)
Open Two Rein WCH Reserve Champion — Smart Marina (owned by Jim Baird)
Open Two Rein WCH 3rd Place — In the Nic of Sign (owned by Jim Dobler)
Open Bridle WCH Champion — CD Ben (owned by Walter & Mary Reti)
Open Snaffle Bit Hackamore WCH Champion — Hick A Cat (owner Ron Stuckert & Diana Runge)
Open Snaffle Bit Hackamore WCH 4th Place — Smart Nu Remedy (owner Stephanie Fitchett)
The Non-Pro's also achieved excellence through out the show season:
Novice NP Ranch Cutting Champion — Suzon Schaal on Genuine Brown Gal
$1000 Limit Ranch Cutting Reserve Champion — Ed Want on Mr. Seven Nic
Youth Bridle WCH Champion — Alissa MacKay on Docs Prescription Hi
NP Bridle WCH Champion — Suzon Schaal on Genuine Brown Gal
Novice NP Bridle WCH Champion — Robbie McKay on Caught Ya Lookin Too
Novice NP Bridle WCH Reserve Champion — Ed Want on Mr. Seven Nic
The next big event to report on was the 2012 Calgary Stampede Cow Horse Classic in July; it was hot as usual and record numbers at the grounds with the celebration of the stampede's centennial! It was strange leaving Maximum Echo at home, still growing out his hoof from his injury in San Angelo, given his presence at this event; but he'll be back soon enough, strong & willing!
This special occasion brought big prizes for the winners, including a Vic Bennett Centennial Calgary Stampede Saddle! John was joyous to celebrate the honour of receiving such saddle, along with owners, Ron Stuckert & Diana Runge. If was a magical day for Ron & Diana and their mare Shining Peptolena, who claimed title of the Calgary Stampede Centennial Open Hackamore Champion! Ron & Diana, who are no strangers to the cow horse world, both confessed their nervousness on the day of the first go round... well the nerves were excited for a reason... Shining Peptolena had a brilliant run on the second & final show day scoring at 145.5 in the reining followed by an incredible, and personal best for John, 153 down the fence!! Her aggregate after 2 goes was a 592 which surpassed second place by a margin of 13 points! It was truly a day to remember... the images of Ron's smile and Diana's enthusiastic bounds of excitement as they announced Shining Peptolena's scores are forever engrained!
Shining Peptolena & John Swales, 2012 Open Hackamore Calgary Stampede Champions
The fall aged events rolled around quickly and soon we were in Claresholm at the DFI Alberta Snaffle Bit Futurity & Derby! The first Futurity always brings along butterflies & excitement (well, butterflies for some of us anyways!). The horses did very well; some highlights of the horse show include:
Open Bridle WCH Champion — CD Ben (owned by Walter & Mary Reti), "Ben's" first Open Bridle win!
Open Bridle WCH 3rd Place — Maximum Echo (owned by Flo Houlton), who added another $550 to his LTE!
Open Two Rein WCH Champion — In the Nic of Sign (owned by Jim Dobler)
Open Two Rein WCH Reserve Champion — Signed Prescription (owned by Deborah Anderson)
Open Two Rein WCH 4th Place — Smart Marina (owned by Jim Baird)
Now for the excitement of aged events... lets start with a Non-Pro, Mark Parsons, who rode Chics Ruffled Up to his first futurity championship! Not only did Mark win the NP SBF, but also the Amateur SBF on this nice mare! Great job Mark!! This fine mare came from Kevin Stallings training program and started with John in the spring of 2012; both John & Mark are really enjoying her talents, beauty & kind nature, and both are excited to watch her progress into her first derby year.
John rode Smart Black Royale, owned by Keri Hudson Reykdal, to a Reserve Champion finish in the Open Derby! "Bella" brought her A-game scoring a 144 in the herd work, a 145 in the reining & a 147.5 down the fence; awarding her added earnings of $2275! John was thrilled with Bella's performance; her energy & speed on a cow make her tough competition!
And finally, the Open Snaffle Bit Futurity title... as in 2011, Ron Stucker & Diana Runge were please to share this 2012 title with John once again, this time aboard Crazy Cat Lady! It was anyone's game after the herd work & reining, of which Crazy Cat Lady marked 141 & 141.5 respectively. As people say "it all comes down to the fence work"; this was the truth that fall afternoon in Claresholm! John & Crazy Cat Lady got a hard running cow and "wrapped her up" at each end of the long wall and again in the middle circling both directions... a 147 was announced and more celebrating... another SBF Championship and $4800 to start her LTE! After some tense derby fence work moments on Ron & Diana's derby horse, Shining Peptolena, the Open SBF victory was a win that we all embraced joyfully!
Another month later and horses were loaded once again on their way to Red Deer for the intense week at the Canadian Supreme. It was a full week with early mornings and late nights, but it all paid off in the end! Thanks to many fabulous customers, family, friends and a lot of hard work from Kaylee Want & Megan Campbell, John was able to secure championships in ALL THREE of the Open aged event classes! This was only possible in partnership with the amazing equine athletes, and a whole lot of God's protection! Congratulations to owner's Ron Stuckert & Diana Runge on Crazy Cat Lady's second Open SBF win of the year, to owner Keri Hudson Reykdal on Smart Black Royale's Open Derby Championship, and owner Jim Baird on Smart Marina's Open Bridle Championship!!
The Saturday night Open Bridle fence work finals were indeed exciting; John rode 3 of 5 in the performance... rider fitness is always a must! Smart Marina was the Champ with a 152, but 2nd place went to well deserved Signed Prescription, owned by Deborah Anderson, and 5th to In the Nic of Sign, owned by Jim Dobler... quite a night it was! It was a very exciting night for Deborah Anderson as she too qualified for the Saturday night fence finals on Signed Prescription... her run was cut short by an unfortunate fall of horse & rider; but "Sadee" sucked it up and performed once again with John aboard to a Reserve Champion finish in the Open Bridle... quite a horse!
Signed Prescription, Open Bridle Reserve Champion Canadian Supreme 2012, photo taken at Claresholm in Open Two Rein Class
The NP Bridle finals also brought Suzon Schaal to the pen on Saturday night, who took home the Championship buckle for the NP along with partner Genuine Brown Gal — congrats Suzon!
It was the Open Derby fence work when John and TWO mounts, Shining Peptolena and Hick A Cat, took our breathe away... literally! The first was Shining Peptolena, who somehow tripped and went end over end while circling her cow; John hung out in the saddle as her head disappeared in the sand until he saw his escape route — up and forward, launching himself clear of the mare's fall zone! "Breathe & thank you Lord" went through my head as both got up injury free. Then back to back, John came in moments later on Hick A Cat — his fast and tight first fence turn began awesome, but sadly, ended in the sand also, Hick A Cat on his side and John in a similar position! Thankful again as both horses and John came up unscathed... really this sport is exciting enough without any falls!!
Well, no rest yet... Nampa, Idaho was the next destination; for their terrific SBF & Derby put on by the Idaho Reined Cow Horse Association. John & Kaylee loaded up Crazy Cat Lady for the SBF and 3 Derby horses, Shining Peptolena, Hick A Cat & Smart Black Royale and headed to Nampa on a snowy October morning.
Shining Peptolena was definitely shining down in Idaho; increasing her earnings by over $5500 and achieving a 5/6th place in the Open Derby and a Reserve Championship in the Intermediate Open Derby amidst the top U.S. horses & trainers! Her score of 149 down the fence is one unforgettable run!
Shining Peptolena, Idaho, October 2012
Shining Peptolena, Idaho, October 2012, Intermediate Open Derby Reserve Champion!
November rolled around along with the last Alberta aged event of 2012; the DFI Canadian Championships, SBF, Derby & Canada's Greatest Horseman Competition held at Northland Park in Edmonton. It was tricky driving for all the competitors as Edmonton had just had over a foot of snow; roads were bad and the temperature was cold! Despite the challenges the weather brought, the show went on and we were glad to have our stalls indoors attached to the show pen building.
By the end of the show all were looking forward to a bit of a rest, horses & riders! On route home the trailer was hauling quite a load of terrific horses, most all with more earnings to their name. Aboard was Open Futurity Snaffle Bit Champion Crazy Cat Lady (owned by Ron Stuckert & Diana Runge), 4th place finisher in the Open Futurity Chics Ruffled Up (owner Mark Parson's), Open Derby Champion Shining Peptolena (owner Ron Stuckert & Diana Runge), Open Derby Reserve Champion Hick A Cat (owner Ron Stuckert & Diana Runge), 4th place finisher in the Open Derby Smart Black Royale (owner Keri Hudson Reykdal) who had the shows high scores for both the reining and fence works with a pair of 148.5's! Also on board was Open Bridle Reserve Champion CD Ben (owned by Walter & Mary Reti) who tied with Brad Pedersen on Smart Sassy Date, and Canada's Greatest Horseman Reserve Champion Smart Marina (owner Jim Baird)! Congratulations also to Brad Pedersen (owner Greg Gartner) on the 2012 Canada's Greatest Horseman title aboard Smart Sassy Date and Dale Clearwater on the Open Bridle Championship aboard Lena in the Starlight (owner Dave Freeland)!
The NP highlight was Suzon Schaal wining both the NP SBF and the Amateur SBF on Little Brown Spider!
Of mention is the outstanding result of capturing all three snaffle bit futurity titles of Alberta once again in 2012! Congratulations John Swales, Crazy Cat Lady and owners Ron Stuckert & Diana Runge!
Crazy Cat Lady, Idaho SBF October 2012
A bit of rest, in the form of hunting for John & the boys, was the focus for the next couple weeks to rejuvenate before the task of preparing for the 2012 NRCHA Celebration of Champions in San Angelo, Texas coming soon at the end of January, 2013!
Speaking of the World Show, here are the NRCHA Canadian Affiliate Champions from our barn... also stay tuned to the Stock Horse News for photos and full details of these fine horses!
NRCHA Open Bridle Canadian Affiliate Champion — CD Ben
NRCHA Open Two Rein Canadian Affiliate Champion — Signed Prescription
NRCHA Open Two Rein Canadian Affiliate Reserve Champion — In the Nic of Sign
NRCHA Open Two Rein Canadian Affiliate 3rd Place — Smart Marina
NRCHA Open Hackamore Canadian Affiliate Reserve Champion — Shining Peptolena
NRCHA Novice Non Pro Bridle Canadian Affiliate Champion — Erin Baumung & Big Boots To Fill
NRCHA Youth Limited Canadian Affiliate Champion — Claire MacMillan & Skys Little Lena
Good luck to all the Canadians heading south in a couple weeks time to compete at the NRCHA Celebration of Champions in San Angelo, Texas! This year our 3 boys & I will be cheering from the stands in San Angelo! We are very excited to make the trip! John will be showing Maximum Echo in the Open Bridle (owner Flo Houlton), In the Nic of Sign (owner Jim Dobler) in the Open Two Rein & Smart Marina (owner Jim Baird) also in the Open Two Rein!
Erin Baumung, Claire MacMillan & Suzon Schaal will also be taking their horses to compete in the World Show... safe travels & good luck to all!
2012 World's Greatest Horseman and NRCHA Celebration of Champions results are in...
This year was unusual for our family as Deanne and the boys had to stay home while John departed for San Angelo, Texas for the World Show! With our 3rd baby close to arrival there was no option of travel this time; instead we were glued to the live feed webcast cheering through our computer screen!
Once again the Canadians rode hard and had many accomplishments -- congratulations to all of the great horse, rider & owner teams who made the long trip and competed for our country and province! And thank you to all the dedicated cowhorse fans that made the trip to watch and cheer for fellow Canadians -- the support was awesome and the riders greatly appreciate it!
We are very proud to once again bring home a "Finalist" title in the World's Greatest Horseman competition! Maximum Echo and John showed their talents, grit and determination through out the preliminaries scoring at 222 in the herd work, a 219 in the reining, a 211 in the steer stopping and a 220 in the fence work! This consistency and cowyness lead them to a fifth place finish and a secure spot in the finals! The finals brought its own challenges on the last Sunday of competition when Maximum Echo overreached and tore off a front shoe and some hoof in the practice pen prior to the herd work... this unfortunate circumstance caused Max to be lame and halted the excitement and optimism we all had for the finals. John and owner, Flo Houlton, discussed the situation and easily, yet regretfully, determined that they should stop before more serious potential injuries occurred. First thought for both John and Flo is always "Max's" well being and health; so it was decided that Max would not go on to show in the steer stopping and fence work portions of the finals. Max came home with a 10th place finish, medallion & $2500 to add to his LTE; as well as the notable achievement of being a finalist in 2012 World's Greatest Horseman; quite an accomplishment for Max's first showing in this prestigious event! Congratulations Flo Houlton and your talented stallion Maximum Echo!
John also had the privilege of showing Smart Marina in the Open Hackamore division earlier in the week. Smart Marina showed well and marked a respectable 214 in the reining and a 220 down the fence, giving them an aggregate of 434! The competition proved to be a tough one and unfortunately "Marina" finished in 11th spot, just missing a spot in the finals! John notes that she showed her talents and did her best for him; so he couldn't be upset or discouraged... its was just how the scores fell and the calibre of Hackamore horses were especially high this year! As owner Jim Baird reminisced, it was too bad people didn't get to see her again in the finals to see how big this mares heart truly is! We agree Jim!
We can't say enough about the Non-pro's accomplishments at this World Show -- their dedication and hard work truly paid off! First to show was Keri Hudson Reykdal, showing Smart Black Royale in the Non-Pro Circle Y Derby; Keri and "Bella" ended up placing 3rd in the Amateur Derby -- congratulations!!
Canadian NRCHA affiliate Non-pro Two Rein Champion, Robbie McKay and Caught Ya Lookin Too, easily secured a spot in the non-pro two rein finals finishing in 6th spot after the preliminaries. The finals went on February 2nd, and the team took 8th place to make us Canadian's proud once again! Congratulations Robbie & "Molly"!
On January 28th, Dr. Suzon Schaal made more Canadian cowhorse history by not only making the Intermediate Non-Pro Bridle finals; but capturing the World Championship title in the same division! This is the third consecutive year Suzon and Genuine Brown Gal have won a World Championship title in San Angelo, Texas! This consistency shows their dedication to this amazing equine sport. Huge congratulations to yet another great horse and rider team!
Well, needless to say, our boys, Tyree & Lane, were standing at the window excitedly awaiting the arrival of "Dad" on day 3 of the drive home... the cheers and excitement on their faces were priceless when John arrived home! The weather was manageable and all five horses were in good spirits and travelled well! Congratulations to all the Canadian and U.S. competitors on their achievements at this years World Show; it was a roller coaster of emotions and edge of your seat competition! Thanks also to San Angelo for hosting another wonderful show!
2011
NOVEMBER 28 2011 » SHOW RESULTS
While the fall futurities have come to an end and the results are good! John Swales and owners proudly take home ALL three Alberta-based Open Snaffle Bit Futurity Championships!
Horses were ready and energy was up preparing for the last leg of shows at our new facility west of Millarville. John has been thoroughly enjoying the new indoor and outdoor spacious pens; and more recently John and the horses have been soaking up the heat in the comfort of the barn in the chilly weather!
The Canadian Supreme, held in Red Deer, Alberta, brought home titles of Open Snaffle Bit Futurity Champion on "Nu Kinda Remedy", owned by Doug Sapergia. Known as "Gus" around the barn, this gelding finished the competition on a hard running cow displaying his strength and speed down the fence. Congratulations to Roxanne & Doug Sapergia and "Nu Kinda Remedy"!
"Maximum Echo" earned another well deserved spot in the Saturday night fence work finals in the Open Bridle competition! With a 147, he took home title of Reserve Champion! Congratulations to proud owner Flo Houlton of Caroline, Alberta! This stallion proves his talents again with his consistent presence in the winner's circle!
Non Pro, Kelvin Clark, rode his stallion "Nic O Lena Badger" to the Saturday night fence work finals in the Non Pro Bridle competition! Kelvin's nerves were alert with the crowd of the Saturday night performance; but he focused his energies and the team finished in a very respectable Reserve Champion position! Nic O Lena Badger, 2011 Worlds Greatest Horseman Finalist, showed his strength and try once again as he showed only a few horses later in the Open Bridle fence work finals with John in saddle. John & "Nic" led the prelims with a 145 in the reining and a 151 down the fence; the finals brought a tough cow and a fourth place finish in the end!
The Maturity cutting horses also demonstrated their cowsense and eye appeal! Moonshine Dually & Dates Jazzy's Cat, owned by Fred Millar, both advanced to final rounds. Dates Jazzy Cat finished 2nd in the Canadian Supreme Non Pro Maturity; and Moonshine Dually placed 3/4th in the Non Pro Maturity.
Rocky Davis rode "Blondy Roan Freckles" to a 4th place finish in the Canadian Supreme Non Pro Futurity finals. Rocky advanced to the finals with an admirable second place finish in both the first and second go rounds.
The next road trip took us to Nampa, Idaho later in October where the weather was a comfy 18 to 20 degrees Celsius all week! Again, the horses were ready for tough competition in the big pen at Idaho Horse Park for the Idaho Reined Cow Horse Association Snaffle Bit Futurity, Derby & horse show. Herd work started strong and steady for both the Futurity & Derby. "Hick A Cat", owned by Ron Stuckert & Diana Runge, was proving his maturity and style through out the 3 events (herd work, reining & fence work). "Hick A Cat's" performance scored him a 3rd place in the Limited Open Snaffle Bit Futurity, and a spot in both the Intermediate & Open Snaffle Bit Futurity fence work aggregate finals! John was very proud of "Hick A Cat" through out the show; he earned 3rd in the Intermediate Open and ended up 8th in the Open division!
"Smart Marina", owned by Jim Baird, loved the big competition pen! Her unique build and accompanying speed allowed her to stick with the fast Brahma cross cattle and display her huge stops and turns when shutting down these bovine creatures. "Marina" was not shy to the camera after receiving 3 buckles, one in each Open division! John & "Smart Marina" finished first in both the Limited Open Derby and Intermediate Open Derby; and earned the Reserve Championship buckle in the Open Derby! "Marina's" earnings were boosted by a deserving $10,590! Congratulations Jim Baird and your talented mare "Smart Marina"!
The last major show of 2011 for John Swales Performance Horses was the Canadian Snaffle Bit Futurity, Derby & Horse Show Championships, held in Edmonton, Alberta as part of Farmfair International. As usual, the temperatures dropped and the snow began as the trailer pulled onto the show grounds! Horses and riders were especially happy to have indoor stabling which was attached to the show pen!
Honourable mention needs to go to Kaylee Want who finished 3rd in the Intermediate Open Snaffle Bit Futurity on her mare "Miss Roany Playgirl"! Nice work Kaylee!
Success was also seen by Non Pro's Suzon Schaal, Ed Want & Robbie McKay. Suzon and "Genuine Brown Gal" finished 1st in the Non Pro Bridle, Ed & "Mr Seven Nic" finished 3rd in the Novice Non Pro Bridle; and Robbie & "Caught Ya Lookin Too" took 2nd place prizes in the Novice Non Pro Bridle. Well done all of you!
The Open Bridle Cow Horse competition was the first to finish for John; John and "Maximum Echo" earned a 3rd place finish after completing the reining and fence works.
The next division to finish was the Open Derby... John and "Smart Marina" yet again won another Championship! Owner, Jim Baird and his daughters were there to cheer their beautiful mare on and gladly pose for their Championship photograph! Congratulations Jim & family! Click here to watch the Open Derby championship run (Smart Marina).
And then came the Futurity fence work... John and "Hick A Cat" (pictured right) were last in the draw... suspense was in the air! And it ended with an impressive 148; and another Championship! Ron Stuckert & Diana Runge, owners, were quick to come congratulate their excellent gelding and his guide! The Steve Hoar bronze and championship buckle were proudly received and will be cherished always. Click here to watch the Open Snaffle Bit Futurity Championship run (Hick A Cat).
"Thankful" were John's thoughts as he returned home from Edmonton as he realized he had won all 3 snaffle bit futurity competitions in Alberta! These wins are thanks only to the great horses and owners we have... thank you to all of you!
SEPT 2-4 2011 » SHOW RESULTS
DFI Alberta Snaffle Bit Futurity & Derby and Alberta Championship horse show results:
OPEN FUTURITY CHAMPIONS: Hick A Cat & John Swales
Congratulations to owners Ron Stuckert & Diana Runge!
Thanks to one disrespectful bovine, despite his cowy display, Hick A Cat started out with a lower than optimal score in the herd work (139)! Needless to say, John and Hick A Cat stepped into the reining pen with something to prove and wowed the crowd with a 144.5! Then the most exciting event of the Snaffle Bit Futurity came on Sunday, the fence work. Hick A Cat once again showed his cow smarts and stopping power, and together the team earned a 141, leading them to win the Open Futurity Championship!
OPEN DERBY RESERVE CHAMPIONS: Smart Marina & John Swales.
Congratulations to owner Jim Baird!
OPEN BRIDLE SADDLE SHOWDOWN CHAMPIONS Maximum Echo & John Swales
Congratulations to owner Flo Houlton!
This win was especially exciting as amazingly it was John's first time to win a saddle championship!
TEAM DOCTORING CHAMPIONS
Congratulations to John Swales, Brad Pedersen & Les Timmons!
We would also like to congratulate our students on their success!
Erin Baumung & Big Boots To Fill, Non Pro Bridle Saddle Showdown Finalist Suzon Schaal & Genuine Brown Gal, Non Pro Bridle Saddle Showdown Reserve Champions Mark Parsons & Mo Skeeter, Non Pro Derby Champions Steve Hoar & Quick Enuff Peppy, Non Pro Futurity Reserve Champions Robbie McKay & Caught Ya Lookin Too, Non Pro Two Rein Reserve Champions
And Congratulations to ALL of the FUTURE STARS!
As parents, we were very proud of our sons, Tyree and Lane who demonstrated their joy to ride and fun loving attitude towards the very special horses that nurture their learning and enthusiasm! Good work boys! This summer was a year of firsts for our boys, Tyree to guide his horse solo, and Lane to get in on the competition!
JULY 17 2011 » SHOW RESULTS
CALGARY STAMPEDE'S OPEN BRIDLE WORKING COW HORSE CHAMPIONS: Maximum Echo & John Swales
Congratulations to owner Flo Houlton!
John (riding Maximum Echo, pictured top) wins the Calgary Stampede's Open Bridle Working Cow Horse competition for the sixth time!
Other news (pictured second-from-top to bottom): Pepinics Spur (owner Brian Murray) placed 3rd in the Open Bridle, Grannies Smokin Gun came in 5th (owner Kelin Doiron), and Smart Marina tied for 4th in the Open Hackamore (owner Jim Baird).
John is very proud of all his Non-pro's who competed at the 2011 Calgary Stampede Working Cow Horse Classic July 15th & 17th, many of them taking home championships! Congratulations to:
Suzon Schaal
Non-pro Bridle Champion on Genuine Brown Gal
Erin Baumung
Non-pro Bridle Reserve Champion & Novice Non-pro Champion on Big Boots To Fill
Doug Sapergia
Novice Non-pro Reserve Champion on Already Doc
JUNE 19 2011 » SHOW RESULTS : Smart Marina (owner Jim Baird) places 3rd at the Cowtown Derby.
2011 » SHOW RESULTS : Three time consecutive World's Greatest Horseman Finalist, Smart Miss Wolf, Owned by Stump Lake Ranch (2009/2010) and Nic O'Lena Badger, Owned by Kelvin & Shelley Clark (2011)
2011 » SHOW RESULTS : 2011 Circle Y Derby Limited Open Champion on CD Ben (Owned by Mary & Walter Reti).
2011 » SHOW RESULTS : 2011 NRCHA Stakes Limited Open Reserve Champion (& Intermediate Open finalist finishing 4th) on CD Ben (Owned by Mary & Walter Reti).
2011 » SHOW RESULTS : 2011 NRCHA Stakes Open Bridle Spectacular 3rd Place on Maximum Echo (Owned by Flo Houlton).
2010
2010 » SHOW RESULTS : 2010 Canadian Greatest Horseman Champion, Nic O'Lena Badger (Owned by Kelvin & Shelley Clark).
2010 » SHOW RESULTS : 2010 Canadian Supreme Open Futurity Co-Champion, Moonshine Dually (Owned by Fred Millar).
2010 » SHOW RESULTS : 2010 DFI Canadian Snaffle Bit Open Derby Reserve Champion, CD Ben (Owned by Mary & Walter Reti).
2010 » SHOW RESULTS : 2010 Alberta Snaffle Bit Futurity & Derby Open Bridle Spectacular Reserve Champion, Maximum Echo (Owned by Flo Houlton).
2010 » SHOW RESULTS : 2010 NRCHA Canadian Affiliate Open Bridle and Open Two Rein Regional Champion on Maximum Echo (Owned by Flo Houlton).
2010 » SHOW RESULTS : 2010 NRCHA World Show Open Bridle Finalist, finishing 4th on Maximum Echo (Owned by Flo Houlton).
2010 » SHOW RESULTS : 4-time Canada's Greatest Horseman Champion (EF Pepi Cola, Genuine Whiz Kid, Hickory's April Joy, Nic O'Lena Badger), and 2 time reserve champion (Smart Miss Wolf 2009, They Call Me Fritz).
JULY 2010 » SHOW RESULTS : 5-time Calgary Stampede Open Bridle Champion (EF Pepi Cola, They Call Me Fritz, Lenasasailing, Smart Miss Wolf, Maximum Echo).
2009 & EARLIER
JULY 2009 » SHOW RESULTS : Calgary Stampede Open Hackamore Champion (Maximum Echo 2009).
2010 » SHOW RESULTS : 4-time Canadian Supreme Open Hackamore Champion (Genuine Gina, Alreddy A Fox, Smart Little Kid, CD Ben).
2010 » SHOW RESULTS : 4-time NRCHA Canadian Affiliate Open Bridle Year End Champion (They Call Me Fritz 2005, Lenasasailing 2008, Smart Miss Wolf 2009, Maximum Echo 2010).
This year was unusual for our family as Deanne and the boys had to stay home while John departed for San Angelo, Texas for the World Show! With our 3rd baby close to arrival there was no option of travel this time; instead we were glued to the live feed webcast cheering through our computer screen!
