Each breed-specific group or club is committed to the promotion, protection, and development of its breed. Competitions range from judging horses’ confirmation on the lead line, to English, Western, Saddle Seat, and/or Driving classes dedicated to the ideals of the breed.
The Breed Sports Committee of Equestrian Canada (EC) each year recognizes individuals and horses that have achieved personal excellence through tireless effort in breed sports and supported the sports’ growth across the country. The following include the 2022 recipients of these honours.
EC American Saddlebred Horse of the Year for 2022, Perfectly Nutty
‘Perfectly Nutty’ also known as ‘Nacho,’ owned by Angela Fong of Sherwood Park, AB had an amazing performance year and earned the title of EC American Saddlebred Horse of the year for the second consecutive season, based on high point criteria and championships within the 2022 year.
Rider Lauren Off-Fong, on behalf of her mother Angela said, “Thank you so much to the amazing support network that I have and to EC for the recognition. A special thank you to my mom (Angela) for all of the love and support over the years.” She added, “A huge thank you to my trainer and coach, Leanne Tomanek for all of her hard work and support. And to Perfectly Nutty (aka Nacho) my best friend and the best horse a girl could ever ask for! I love you, Nacho!”
Photo Credit: Blou Bates
EC Arabian Horse of the Year, Khanquistador
Khanquistador, also known as “Q”, is a 20-year-old Arabian gelding, Canadian bred, who is co-owned by Arianna Bell and Norrie-Shan Fyfe of Ardrossan, AB, and trained by Ehret Equine.
The submission was based on high point criteria and championships Khanquistador had for the year 2022. This meaningful award focuses specifically on Q’s outstanding performances within a one-year timeframe including two-time Reserve Champion Sport Horse National Arabian and Half-Arabian Championship, four-time Champion, and Reserve Champion in Canada’s National Arabian Championship.
Lifetime achievements include: 55-time National Champion or Reserve Champion in three National events, 68-time Regional Champion or Reserve across 12 division.
“Khanquistador has competed across North America and in his career, he has achieved over 50 National Championship titles in Canada and the United States,” said Bell. “He has competed in more than 12 disciplines at a national level and continues to do so, with a joy and willingness that is unparalleled. It has been an honour and blessing to have had Khanquistador to grow up with and learn throughout my life. At 20 years old, he continues to compete in, love, and thrive in our equine sport.”
Photo Credit: Don Stine Photography www.donstine.com/
EC Half-Arabian Horse of the Year for 2022, Luck Be A Lady Toknight
Luck Be A Lady Toknight, or “Vegas”, is a four-year-old Half-Arabian mare, Canadian bred, who is co-owned by Arianna Bell and Norrie-Shan Fyfe of Ardrossan, AB, and is trained by Ehret Equine.
The submission was based on high point criteria and championships and named Vegas to the title of Half-Arabian Horse of the Year for her exceptional performances for the year 2022. This meaningful award focuses specifically on her outstanding performances including:
- Dressage Training Level Jr. Horse Champion at the Sport Horse Arabian and Half-Arabian National Championships
- Severn-time National Champion, two-time Reserve Champion at Canada’s National Arabian Championships
- 6th Over-All North American National Halter Leader
- 4th Over All North American National Halter Leader Half-Arabian
- Over-All High Point winner Canada’s National Arabian Championship Leader
- #1 Leading Sport Horse Winner at Canada’s National Arabian Championships
“At four years old, ‘Vegas’ has obtained 11 National Champion or Reserve National Champion titles, eight of which were in 2022,” said Bell. “Luck Be A Lady Toknight was the over-all leading winner at the 2022 Canada’s National Arabian Championship, competing in multiple disciplines. It has been an absolute pleasure to have bred and competed with this mare and to see her grow into a phenomenal athlete with a wonderful disposition.”
Photo Credit: Amanda Ubell PhotographyEC Morgan Horse of the Year – Hollybrook Love Story
Hollybrook Love Story also known as ‘Stella’, owned by Skye Kozijn of Leduc, AB, met the high point criteria and achieved championships through their exceptional performances in 2022 to be named Morgan Horse of the Year. The meaningful award focuses specifically on performances within a one-year timeframe.
“I can’t thank my trainer and cheerleader, Catriona, and the people who nominated my beautiful Stella enough,” said Kozijn. “This is such a surprise and honour to have her recognized. Our first trip to the Morgan Grand Nationals in 2022 felt like such an amazing accomplishment and she and I have big dreams and plans still to be chased and realized! Stella wants nothing more than to get it right, so I’ll make sure she knows lots of people think she is.”
Photo Credit: Howard Schatzberg Photography
EC Saddle Seat Rider of the Year, Khennedy Leubner
The submission was based on high point criteria such as placement and number of entries in the classes and Khennedy Leubner demonstrated exceptional performances in 2022 to be awarded Saddle Seat Rider of the Year.
“I am so honored to be EC’s 2022 Saddle Seat Rider of the Year. I feel so fortunate to be able to share this journey with my parents, who have and continue to dedicate their time and unwavering support to me and this sport,” said Leubner. “This award is very special to me, as I now share the title with my sister, Mackenzie, who received it in 2015. I would also like to thank my trainer, mentor, and idol, whom I am very proud to call my mom, Wanda.”
Photo Credit: Osteen Schatzberg