An amazing day for locals in the Cow-Horse Classic at the Calgary Stampede Thursday, July 13.

Suzon Schaal from the MD of Foothills won both the Non Pro and Working Cow-Horse Classic.

From a release from the Calgary Stampede:

“I never expected this would happen. It’s a nice surprise,” says Schaal shortly after posting a chart-topping score of 299.5 (146.5 for rein work, 153 for cow work) on Genuine Brown Gal in the Open Bridle class, besting a field of 14 riders, many of the professionals. “She is just an incredibly honest horse. She really loves her job and she is lots of fun to show because you know she will always be there for you.”

The veterinarian from the MD of Foothills won the Open division on the now 14-year-old mare in 2015, and took Reserve Champion with her in 2016.

Understandably, Schaal won't let anyone else ride the horse that has taken her to the podium five times at the National Reined Cow Horse Association (NRCHA) World Championships.

“She is a pretty special horse. I took the chance to show her in the Open,” adds Schaal.

In the Working Cow Horse Classic, horse-and-rider teams are judged on their authority, discipline and precision in reined work and cow work, otherwise known as fence work.

This year’s final ran on the No. 2 pattern: the reined portion consisted of a predetermined series of moves that included large circles at fast speed, a small circle at slow speed, spins (also called turnarounds) and sliding stops.

In the cow-work portion, the team first boxed a steer, and then manoeuvred it along the fence (the side of the arena), heading it off and turning it both ways, before circling it once in each direction, preferably in the centre of the arena.

As Open Bridle Champion, Schaal took home a cheque for $4,890 and a belt buckle, while Reserve Champion Vance Kaglea of High River, Alta. earned $4,075 for his 293-point ride (146.5 rein work, 146.5 cow work) on Reminiscin The Chics, owned by Monica E. Wille of Victoria, B.C.

Millarville's John Swales tied for fourth in the open bridle, and won the open hackmore title.

His younger brother Clint Swales from Longview was the reserve champion.

“His cow work did it. He is very, very good on the cow. I got a good cow on him that ran pretty hard,” says John Swales. “He is a great horse. He has been so good to me.”