Pass native helps lead Pony Classic event

Karen Podolski of Alvesta Welsh Ponies (Jarvie, AB) competing in-hand with her Section B Welsh Colt, Alvesta Emrys. Photo credit: Mara Tanney

A Crowsnest Pass native is helping bring grassroots pony competitors and national level opportunities together at the second annual Western Canadian Pony Classic this summer.

Dean Chorney, a native of the Crowsnest Pass and member of the event’s organizing committee, is helping lead the show, which runs July 3 to 5 at the Cochrane Ag Society Grounds.

The Western Canadian Pony Classic is open to riders of all levels and ponies of all breeds, whether registered or grade. Junior and adult divisions are offered, with the event designed to support both new competitors and serious exhibitors from across Western Canada.

The 2026 show will include expanded divisions, new classes and rare qualification opportunities for a regional event. Competitors who enter by June 5 will be eligible for a draw to win a free stall, while trainers who bring five students will receive a complimentary tack stall.

This year’s event introduces several new classes and divisions, including Mountain & Moorland, Western Riding and Ranch Pony Pleasure, Western Dressage, Gymkhana and a Shanks Pony Division for those without a pony.

A new Triple Crown Versatility Challenge will test ponies across three disciplines over the three-day show.

Competitors will also have two different pathways to the Royal Winter Fair through the Western Canadian Pony Classic. Welsh ponies can qualify for the Welsh Champion of Champions classes, while ponies of all breeds are eligible for Starsearch Sportpony qualification through both in hand and under saddle divisions.

The show will feature judges from across North America, bringing experience in a range of disciplines. Clint Sawyer of Northern California holds USEF “R” cards in multiple disciplines and a National Welsh judging card. Heather Black of Ontario brings more than 40 years of judging experience and a family legacy in Welsh pony breeding. Kimberley Cox of Calgary is an internationally competing coach and judge in both traditional and Western Dressage.

High point awards are being sponsored by industry supporters, including the Welsh Pony & Cob Society of Canada for the Welsh High Point Award, Pferde Traum Farm of Breton for the New Forest Pony High Point Award and Exeter Farm for the Overall, Mountain & Moorland and Performance High Point Awards.

A Vancouver based judge will also host a free in hand clinic for competitors. The clinic is meant to help newcomers navigate in hand classes with more confidence while answering common questions from exhibitors of all experience levels.

The Western Canadian Pony Classic is open to ponies 14.2 hands high and under, with exceptions for some registered breeds. Breed specific rules apply for Welsh and Mountain & Moorland classes, as well as High Point Awards.

The early entry deadline is June 5. Entries submitted by that date will be entered into the free stall draw. June 5 is also the entry deadline for Welsh Futurity classes. The final entry deadline is June 15.

For more information, competitors can contact show manager Karen Chorney at Poshaltashows@gmail.com.