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.
Each year, the Breed Sports Committee of Equestrian Canada (EC) 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 2021 recipients of these honours.
EC Canadian Morgan Horse of the Year – Cedarcrest Noteable Son
Owned by Gloria Jean Pitts of Leduc, AB, Cedarcrest Noteable Son, affectionally known as “Watson”, competed in numerous classes of Morgan Western Pleasure, All Breed Western Pleasure and in All Breed Ranch Riding at EC sanctioned shows in Alberta in 2021.
Watson accumulated the most points in these classes and was awarded the Canadian Morgan Horse Association champion awards in the overall in both Ambassador and Morgan Categories and Western Performance for 2021. Watson also was awarded “Open High Point”, “Open Western Pleasure” and “Western Pleasure Amateur Rider” Champion from the Alberta Morgan Horse Club in 2021.
The submission was based on high point criteria and championships and Cedarcrest Notable Son had an exceptional performance. This meaningful award focuses specifically on performances within a one-year timeframe.
“EC Morgan Horse of 2021 means that Watson epitomizes the Morgan breed in his manners, his steadiness, his quiet demeanour, and the ability to give a good pleasure ride”, said Pitts. “Watson and I could not have done it without the help of John Beaver, Shannon and Dwayne Comeau, and my supportive husband Edwin. Thank you for the honour of my horse being chosen as the Canada Morgan Horse for 2021.”
EC Saddle Seat Rider of the Year – Taylor Lunny
Nineteen-year-old Taylor Lunny of Sherwood Park, AB has been named the Saddle Seat Rider of the Year for 2021. This recognition is based on high point criteria reflecting exceptional performance as a Junior Rider within the year.
This meaningful award focuses specifically on Lunny’s accomplishments within a one-year timeframe and include accrual of points at 3 EC sanctioned shows; wins at Alberta Charity Horse Show (Saddle Seat Equitation 17 & under, Saddle Seat Equitation Medal Class 17 & under); Alberta Morgan Show (American Saddlebred 3 – Gaited Show Pleasure Junior Rider, All Breed Saddle Seat Equitation); Summer Classic Show (Saddle Seat Equitation 14-17, American Saddlebred 3-Gaited Show Pleasure Junior Rider and ASB 3-Gaited Show Pleasure Stake Champion); consistently demonstrating great sportsmanship and graciousness; and always being available to lend a hand at events and fundraisers for Saddle Seat Canada.
“When I look back to my very first riding lesson, I never would have imagined what my journey would look like or what I would do,” said Lunny. “Even starting into my first years of showing saddle seat and doing equitation I would watch other riders and never think I could do what they did. With any horse-riding sport there were lots of ups and downs and self-doubt along the way.”
Lunny believes that sometimes our dreams aren’t even big enough for ourselves. “This award has the most meaning to a younger version of myself who never would have dreamt of riding a Saddlebred or winning a class at a horse show. I feel very lucky to have found something that I am so passionate about. I need to thank my mom who was there every step of the way and has always supported me!”
EC American Saddlebred Horse of the Year – Perfectly Nutty
‘Perfectly Nutty’, 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 based on high point criteria and championships within the 2021 year.
The competition highlights for Perfectly Nutty include winning consistently for his owner, Angela, and rider Lauren Off-Fong (Angela’s daughter) in 3-Gaited Show Pleasure and Open English Pleasure; earning top honours in the American Saddlebred Horse Association of Alberta’s annual awards; being named number one on the association’s Top Ten, High Point 3-Gaited Show Pleasure, High Point open English Pleasure; and earning the High Point Junior Rider award for his rider in her final year in the junior exhibitor ranks.
“It is an honor to win this award and to accept it on behalf of Perfectly Nutty (aka Nacho),” said Off-Fong. “My connection to Nacho was immediate and for him to be recognized by EC reinforces to me just how special this horse really is.”
“He is incredibly talented, gives it his all in the show ring and works so hard for me,” she added. “I look forward to many more years together, both in and outside of the show ring. He is my best friend and I’m so grateful to have him in my life. “