The powerful giants of the equine world took centre stage Sunday in the Heavy Horse Show, the Calgary Stampede's longest-running agricultural competition, in the Nutrien Western Event Centre. Over three days, Belgian, Clydesdale, Percheron and Shire horses compete in halter, cart, hitch and team classes, showcasing the strength, precision and tradition of these iconic draft breeds.
ZD Pickering Family Farms of Prince George, BC and their world-class Percherons show hitch took top honours in the coveted World Champion Six Horse Hitch competition. The Pickering family has been engaged in showing heavy horses for 15 years.
“It's been an incredible journey. Thanks to the Calgary Stampede staff and volunteers and the many show opportunities they have provided. Calgary continually provides us with the opportunity to compete against the best and pushes us to elevate to new levels,” said Zane Pickering, noting a special thanks to Gord and Fay Campbell, Gord and Shannon Ruzicka, Tim and Brittany Sparrow, their teamsters and their kids, who have helped guide them to the highest level of showing in the world.
Cart and Hitch Class winners:
Percheron Gelding or Grade Mare, 3 & under: Zephrin LaRiviere, Kennedy, SK
Percheron Gelding or Grade Mare, 4 years & over: Zane Pickering, Prince George, BC
Percheron Gelding or Grade Mare, Champion & Reserve: Zane Pickering, Prince George, BC
Shire Gelding or Grade Mare, 3 & under: Jade Tory, Sherwood Park, AB
Shire Gelding or Grade Mare, 4 years & over: Shannon Doubleday, Edmonton, AB
Shire Gelding or Grade Mare, Champion & Reserve: Jade Tory, Sherwood Park, AB
Clydesdale Gelding or Grade Mare, 4 years & over: Bret Fielding, Hooper, UT
Clydesdale Gelding or Grade Mare, Champion & Reserve: Bret Fielding, Hooper, UT
All Breeds Six – A: Bret Fielding, Hooper, UT
All Breeds Four – B: Zane Pickering, Prince George, BC
All Breed Unicorn – A: Brian Coleman, Didsbury, AB
All Breeds Open Costume Class: Jade Tory, Sherwood Park, AB
All Breeds Registered Mare Cart: Bret Fielding, Hooper, UT
YHHS Team (15 to 18 years): Tammy Pelonero, Huxley, AB
YHHS Cart (9 to 14 years): Allan Wes Kristen Gordeyko, Ohaton, AB
All Breeds Team of Registered Mares: Michael Hill, Lloydminster, AB
All Breeds Gelding Team: Brian Coleman, Didsbury, AB
All Breeds Classic Cart Series: Zane Pickering, Prince George, BC
All Breeds Riding Class: Kristin Arthurs, Grandora, SK
All Breeds Ladies Cart: Jeff Berkshire, Vancouver, BC
All Breeds Six - B: Zane Pickering, Prince George, BC
All Breeds Four - A: Brian Coleman, Didsbury, AB
All Breeds Unicorn - B: Zane Pickering, Prince George, BC
All Breeds Ladies Team: Zane Pickering, Prince George, BC
YHHS Cart (15 to 18 years): Tammy Pelonero, Huxley, AB
YHHS Team (9 to 14 years): Zane Pickering, Prince George, BC
All results for the Calgary Stampede Heavy Horse Show can be found on this page.
The Team Cattle Penning finals also continued Sunday in the Nutrien Western Event Centre. In the 10 Class, riders Bruce Paterson, Kim Daniels and Tyler Daniels teamed up to take first place, penning 12 head of cattle in a winning time of 152.38 seconds.
After riding together for over 10 years, the Lethbridge, AB trio finally came out on top. “Today we were able to finally put it together, and the feeling is indescribable. To win together, especially with my husband, at the Stampede is amazing,” said Kim Daniels.
The team fed off the energy from the crowd. “When you go into that arena and the place is packed, and the crowd gets into it, it’s so fast and fun,” said Kim.
Catch the final day of Team Cattle Penning action Monday in the Nutrien Western Event Centre.
All results for the Calgary Stampede Team Cattle Penning Championships can be found on this page.
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