About Us

Organization
The Canadian Supreme is a not-for-profit society whose sole purpose is to manage a major western horse event called appropriately enough the Canadian Supreme. The event is held in Red Deer each year, the week before Thanksgiving. The group is run by 30 volunteers who plan, direct and work at the show all for the glory of making a significant contribution to the western horse industry. The current show chairman is Dave Robson who has held this position since 1983.

History
The show started in 1976 as the Alberta Stakes and Futurity Association and the first show was held at Spruce Meadows. The promoters of the show were Bill Collins, John Miller, Gary Coleman, Hans Hansma, Roger Heintz, Fred Duke and Chuck Strom. The following year, the show moved to Claresholm which was more suitable as the show needed cattle facilities. Classes at the first show included fence work, reining, pleasure and trail. The overall winner was Art Graves riding Magnolia Sun.

Today
The show is now located in Red Deer at the Westerner Exposition where it has resided since 1983. The show runs from Monday through Sunday afternoon. In 2007, the show had 690 entries in 35 classes encompassing cutting, working cow horse and reining. These are the premier western horse events. Added money for the show was $156,575. The payout to event finalists in 2007 was $445,675. The budget for the show is approximately $700,000. Funding for the show comes from entry fees, commercial exhibit fees, gate admission, a portion of the fees generated by the Canadian Supreme Stallion Program, practice works and sponsorships from supporters of the sport. Neither subsidies nor government money are involved. The show has generated a small surplus each year.

Stallion Program
The Canadian Supreme Stallion Program began in the early 80’s as a method of supporting the show. For many years that program grew. In 1990, the program was changed so that foals by these stallions would be subscribed to the Program and would be eligible to compete as 3 year olds at the show for a substantial purse. Today, the program has 105 stallions enrolled, there are about 470 foals eligible to compete this year and the added purse from the Program is in excess of $70,000.

Western Lifestyle Marketplace
As early as 1982, commercial exhibits have been part of the show. Today, in the Red Deer facility, we are able to accommodate 70 exhibitors in 67,000 square feet of first class space. Each year, we have a waiting list of groups wanting to show at the Supreme. Many visitors to the show make Red Deer the destination for the weekend and use this opportunity to shop at the Trade Fair.

Western Horse Sale
On Friday evening of the Supreme week, the Western Horse Sale is held. About 60 horses are sold each year and the sale has become a feature sale for the horse industry. Average spectator attendance at the sale is normally about 800. The majority of these spectators are there only for the sale so the Trade Fair has a new group of customers for this night.

Saturday Night
The Supreme has gone to considerable effort to put on a spectacular show on the Saturday evening. A special opening ceremony is developed each year featuring famous Canadian horses and horsemen under floodlights, with a giant size video, outstanding music, two announcers and tight choreography. Then, the evening is turned over to the horses and riders who compete in the finals for 3 premier classes. The evening is planned with the spectators in mind. The show lasts 3 hours and the spectators always stay till the end. Normal attendance is 1,800 on Saturday night.

Attendance
Attendance is free until Friday at which time admission is charged. Weekend passes are available and is the preferred method of admission. Total attendance of the show is about 3,500.

Show Schedule
The show starts Monday in the Stockman’s Pavillion where the cutting and cow horse classes are held. Classes continue through Sunday afternoon. On Thursday, the Agricentre, the other indoor working arena, is available to the reining horses for familiarization and warm-up. The reining show starts on Friday morning and continues through Sunday.