Calgary Stampede - Miniature Horse Committee

07/12/2026

Holwil Stables: A Stampede Legacy Four Generations Strong
Holwil Stables was founded in 2000 by Holly Whyte & Bill Clark, but Holly’s Stampede roots
run far deeper, stretching all the way back to the 1920s.
Holly’s great-grandmother, Maude E. Ovans, owned the largest Shetland pony herd in
Western Canada, importing ponies from the Scottish Isles and showing them at the
Calgary Exhibition & Livestock Show and the Calgary Stampede Parade. She gathered
neighbourhood children, hitched up her ponies, and gave them the chance to ride under
her farm name, Willowhurst Ranch. A tradition of community and horsemanship that still
lives on today.
Holly’s mother, Mary R. Pearson (Ovans), made her first Stampede Parade appearance at
just 2 years old, pulled in a Shetland pony cart led by the ranch hand, John. She went on to
ride in the parade for 60 consecutive years.
That legacy continued when Mary led Holly through the parade at age 3, riding We**ee
(one of her great-grandmother’s ponies). Holly went on to participate for many years,
including her proudest moment in 1976, winning the Merle Steer Memorial Trophy for Best
Youth Mount during the U.S. Bicentennial year.
Across four generations, Great-Grandmother, Mother, Aunts Carol Ovans and Laurie Argent
(Ovans), and Holly herself — the family has contributed over 100 years of combined
participation in the Calgary Stampede Parade. Carol even served as a Stampede Princess
in 1976 and later convinced Holly to run for Stampede Queen in 1979. She didn’t take home
the crown, but the experience remains one of her most memorable and cherished
Stampede moments.
Holly’s lifelong involvement with horses spans big horses, Shetlands, and for the past 26
years, Miniature Horses. Holwil Stables has proudly shown exceptional Miniatures from
First Knight Miniatures (KC Pappas), including their legendary mare First Knight Striders
Black Satin, a 3-time World Champion, multiple Canadian National Grand Champion, and
6-time Canadian National Supreme Champion at the Calgary Stampede. Satin still holds
this incredible record today.
First Knight Striders Black Satin
First Knights Hell or High Water & First Knights Striders Black Satin
First Knight Striders Black Satin
In 2025, Holly was honoured with the Western Hospitality Award, recognizing her family’s
decades of dedication, community spirit, and commitment to preserving Western heritage.
From Shetlands in the 1920s to World Champion Miniatures today, Holwil Stables stands
on a foundation built by four generations of horsewomen who helped shape the Calgary
Stampede.
Holly would like to extend a heartfelt thank-you to the Calgary Stampede and the Miniature
Horse Committee for creating the memories that make this legacy possible.
A family tradition. A Western legacy. A lifetime of hoofprints.

07/11/2026

Miniature Horses: Life Beyond the Stampede
Long before they step into the spotlight at Stampede and long after the crowds head home,
our miniature horses are living full, vibrant lives on the farm. Away from the excitement of
the grounds, they return to wide-open pastures, familiar herd mates, and a yearly rhythm
shaped by the seasons and the natural flow of ranch life. They’re also wrapped in the love
and dedication of the families who raise them — people who pour their hearts into
early-morning feedings, late-night checks, endless grooming sessions, and the kind of
patient, joyful “play” that builds trust. Every hour spent brushing, leading, laughing, and
learning together helps these minis feel safe, confident, and cherished. It’s this quiet,
everyday devotion that prepares them for the show ring and gives them the best quality of
life, long before the applause ever begins.
Foaling Season (Spring) Spring is one of the most magical and hope-filled times on the
farm. As the snow melts and the pastures begin to green, the whole ranch seems to hold its
breath in anticipation. Expectant mares are watched with quiet devotion, checked in the
soft light of early mornings and again under the glow of late-night barn lights as they
prepare to welcome their new foals.
When a foal finally arrives, it feels like witnessing a small miracle every time. Those first
wobbly steps, the gentle nickers between mare and baby, and the peaceful hours of
bonding set the tone for a lifetime of trust. Each foal is handled with patience and
tenderness from the very beginning, learning that human touch is safe, comforting, and full
of kindness.
Spring becomes a season of discovery: tiny hooves learning to run, curious noses exploring
the world, and personalities emerging almost overnight. The bold, the thoughtful, the
playful, the sweet. It’s a time when the whole farm feels renewed, when every sunrise
brings something new to smile about, and when the promise of the year ahead begins with
the soft nicker of a newborn miniature horse.
Show Season (Summer–Fall) As the days grow longer and the sun settles warmly over the
pastures, many of our miniature horses begin their journey into show season. This is when
all the quiet work of the year blossoms into something truly special. The minis take part in
halter classes, driving events, obstacle courses, and youth programs across Alberta and
Western Canada, each class highlighting a different piece of their personality, athleticism,
and charm.
But show season is about far more than ribbons or results. It’s a season built on
connection. Families spend countless hours conditioning their horses, brushing out manes
in the evening light, practicing patterns in the arena, and sharing moments of play that keep
the minis eager and engaged. Training sessions are filled with encouragement, laughter,
and the kind of patient repetition that builds trust step by step.
And woven through all of this is the community — the friendships that form between
exhibitors, the shared early mornings at the show grounds, the borrowed brushes, the
helping hands, the cheering from the rail. Over time, these people become more than
fellow competitors; they become an extended family. They celebrate each other’s wins,
offer support through the tough days, and create a sense of belonging that stretches far
beyond the show ring.
On show mornings, there’s a quiet excitement — the soft rustle of grooming brushes, the
sparkle of polished harnesses, the proud way a mini stands when they know they look their
best. In the ring, they shine not just because of their natural beauty, but because they feel
supported, understood, and loved.
Every show, big or small, helps these horses grow. They gain confidence, learn to navigate
new environments, and stay mentally and physically stimulated. And for the families who
walk beside them, show season becomes a collection of shared memories — long drives,
early mornings, triumphant moments, and the deep satisfaction of seeing their minis
thrive, surrounded by a community that feels like home.
Off-Season on the Ranch (Fall–Winter) When the show halters come off and the busy
season winds down, the ranch settles into a gentler rhythm. The minis return to their
pastures, where the air is crisp, the days are quieter, and life slows to something soft and
steady. This is the time of year when they simply get to be horses. Grazing with their herd,
exploring the fields, and soaking in the calm that winter brings.
As the temperatures drop, their coats transform into thick, fluffy layers that make them
look like tiny, living teddy bears. These winter coats aren’t just adorable, they’re nature’s
perfect insulation, keeping the minis warm and comfortable even on the coldest Alberta
mornings. Watching them trot through fresh snow, whiskers frosted and eyes bright, is one
of the simple joys of the season.
But even in the quiet months, the bond between the minis and their families continues to
grow. There are still chores to be done: feeding, watering, mucking, trimming, but there are
also the moments that make winter feel special: slow walks through the pasture, warm
breaths rising in the cold air, hands buried in thick winter coats, and the peaceful
companionship that comes from spending time together with no deadlines, no patterns to
practice, no show ring waiting.
This off-season is essential for their well-being. It gives their bodies time to rest, their minds
time to reset, and their spirits time to recharge. And for the families who love them, it’s a
season of connection, a reminder that beyond the ribbons, beyond the crowds, beyond the
excitement of Stampede, these little horses are cherished partners and beloved members
of the family.

07/11/2026

Celebrating Tayten Wagar & Wagar Farms at the Calgary Stampede Miniature Horse
Show!
If you’ve spent any time around the Miniature Horse barns at the Calgary Stampede, you’ve
probably seen a familiar smile of Tayten Wagar of Wagar Farms, who has been part of this
show family for 9 amazing years.
Tayten’s miniature horse journey began thanks to a family friend, Christine Tillman, who
introduced her to the world of minis back in 2017. What started as curiosity quickly
became a passion that shaped her entire life, and her family’s too.
Tayten has been around horses since she was just a year old, but when she discovered
Miniature Horses, her horse fever truly took off. At just 10 years old, she stepped into the
ring for the first time with her ride-or-die partner, Double D Nighthawk. That very first year,
she proudly took home her first 1st place ribbon in Youth Showmanship, a moment she
and her family will never forget.
Hawk was her heart horse, her teammate, and her best friend. Losing him last year was
incredibly hard, but his legacy lives on in every step she takes into the arena.
One of the greatest gifts Miniature Horses have given Tayten is the lasting friendships she’s
made along the way. The Stampede barns have become her second home, filled with
people who cheer her on, laugh with her, and share the same love for these incredible little
horses. And if Tayten isn’t in the ring, you’ll almost always find her in the barns with her
partner-in-crime Chantelle, the two of them working, helping, visiting horses, or just
enjoying the chaos and magic of show life together.
Showing minis has also been a true family affair. Her mom, Kelly, used to show right
alongside her — sharing the nerves, the excitement, and the unforgettable moments only
the show ring can create. And behind the scenes, her dad Jeff has always been the steady,
reliable barn help every exhibitor dreams of: hauling gear, holding horses, fixing what needs
fixing, and cheering Tayten on every step of the way. Their support has been the backbone
of her journey.
Today, Tayten owns three miniature horses, and she’s bringing two of them, Tux and Roy to
compete at this year’s Stampede. She’ll be showing in multiple classes, from
Sportsmanship to Driving, proving exactly why she loves minis so much: their
temperament, their versatility, and their huge hearts in tiny bodies.
This year is a big one for Tayten. She just graduated high school, and this fall she’ll be heading off to pursue her post-secondary education. A new chapter is beginning,
but her love for Miniature Horses will always be part of who she is. If you’re heading to
Stampede, come down to the barns or the arena and cheer her on. It would mean the world
to her, her family, and everyone at Wagar Farms.
Here’s to Tayten — nine years of grit, growth, friendship, and unforgettable
memories… and one last Youth year to make it count.

Photo: Tayten & Double D NightHawk – Hunter Class Stampede 2023

07/10/2026

Vista Valley Acres - From a Dream in 1993 to Stampede Champions Today
Vista Valley Acres, owned by Joan Cunningham and her husband Bruce, began in 1993 in
the heart of the Okanagan Valley and the journey has been unforgettable.
Our first Calgary Stampede show was in 2005 with Shadow Lane Prime Target. We went in
hoping for a driving championship… and on a whim entered the Sr. Stallion class too.
Target didn’t win the driving title that year,
But he did walk out as Stallion Halter Champion.
In 2006, we returned determined and Target won the Driving Championship.
That was the moment we were hooked for life.
Many trips to the Calgary Stampede followed, with our home-bred miniature horses (and a
few carefully chosen purchases) bringing home halter and driving championships.
But the real treasure has been the people we’ve met, Miniature Horse lovers from all over,
and the thousands who stopped to learn about this incredible breed.
And yes, when that Calgary Stampede buckle shines, people notice.
It’s worn with pride.
Learn more about our journey: Vista Valley Acres https://www.vistavalleyminiatures.com

07/10/2026

07/10/2026

Wishing everyone a wonderful rest of your show! Here are a couple pics from yesterdays fun 🤠

07/09/2026

The Little Horses with a Big Alberta Story
Long before Miniature Horses trotted into show rings and parades across Alberta, horses
themselves played a defining role in the province’s history. Fossil records show that ancient
horses once roamed Alberta’s plains in huge numbers — even outnumbering bison before
the last Ice Age. Horses disappeared from the region for thousands of years, only to return
in the 1700s and quickly become central to life on the prairies for Indigenous nations and
early settlers.
Miniature horses arrived much later, but they found a home here just as naturally.
By the mid-1980s, Alberta’s love for these tiny equines had grown enough to spark a
movement. In November 1985, a group of dedicated Miniature Horse owners came
together to form the Western Canadian Miniature Horse Club, creating a formal
community to promote the breed, support youth exhibitors, and build a shared future for
miniature horses in Western Canada. Among the early contributors who helped shape the
club’s direction were Merv and Claudia Giles of Circle J Miniatures, whose leadership
and involvement in the Calgary Stampede’s Miniature Horse Committee left a lasting
imprint on the breed’s presence in Alberta.
Through the decades, Alberta breeders and exhibitors have made their mark on the
national stage. From thriving breeding programs to major wins at the Calgary Stampede
and even international championships, Alberta miniature horses have proven that small
stature doesn’t limit big talent.
Today, Miniature Horses in Alberta are more than show animals — they’re family partners,
youth teachers, parade favourites, therapy visitors, and ambassadors of Western heritage.
Their history here is one of community, dedication, and generations of horse lovers who
saw something special in these little horses and built a legacy around them.
Proof that in Alberta, even the smallest horses carry a mighty history

07/09/2026

It’s FINALLY show day! Measuring is done, everyone is here and we are getting ready to start our 46th Canadian National Miniature Horse Show here at the Calgary Stampede 🤠 Come on down, we start at 4:00 today in the Northern Lights Arena, the big white tent behind the Ag Barns 😉

07/04/2026

Just a quick update for exhibitors, if you haven’t already reached out to Charlene to plan arrival time, please do so. And the email that I sent had a link for the exhibitor luncheon RSVP, which we need to get exhibitors to reply to. So if you haven’t done these things can you please do so ASAP so that we can ensure we have everyone covered 😉

06/30/2026

So many exiting things to watch this year including The Superdogs!!! 🐾

Big air, fast paws and even bigger cheers. 🐕🏁

The Official SuperDogs of the Dog Bowl presented by Safeway are back with Full Throttle, an all-new show created exclusively for the Calgary Stampede. Featuring incredible stunts, high-speed agility and amazing frisbee tricks, this family-friendly experience delivers excitement from start to finish.

🎟️ Best part? It’s FREE with admission to Stampede Park! Get your Stampede SuperPass and enjoy 10 days of entry to all the excitement, including talented dogs, magical shows, live music and much more: https://www.calgarystampede.com/superpass

Safeway Canada