In spite of the fact that February is still a cold and snowy time of year, Canadian breeders are eagerly anticipating a new breeding season. The positive trends that are being felt world wide are also being sensed in Canada. Buyer interest is up as are breeding numbers.

An option that many breeders utilize is the online CWHBA Stallion Service Auction. This year it runs February 17-24. An impressive line-up of approved and licensed stallions, including the 2018 Stallion Performance Test Champion Bon Baloubet (Bon Balou), have been nominated. Top international bloodlines are represented, such as Indoctro, Kannan, Connaisseur, Escudo I, Stakkato, Florestan, His Highness and many, many more. Successful bidders have the bonus feature of complimentary entry into the 2020 Foal Futurity.

For Canadian breeders the United States is, as expected, their biggest export market. Canadian Warmbloods often enjoy success south of the border. Shining bright in 2018 was four year old USEA Future Event Horse East Coast Champion, Star Quality CSF (Schwarzenegger - Garcia x Gervantus II), bred in British Columbia by Tracy Anderson and owned by Cristeen Miller of Ohio, USA. Enlighteningh (Polansky - Flemmingo 777 x Flemmingh) an Alberta-bred six-year-old, is one of 95 Canadian Warmbloods nominated for USDF dressage awards. Owned and competed by Anne St. Martin of New Jersey, he competed at first level with im-pressive year-end mean scores of 75.867 and 77.418 in the open and musical freestyle divisions.

The last big indoor show in Canada is the Royal Agri-cultural Winter Fair in Alberta held in Nov-ember. Among many Canadian Warmbloods competing was WKM Xenia (Cat Weasel Z - WKM Roxy x Nickelson B), bred by WKM Stables of Manitoba. Owned and ridden by Brennan McCullagh, Xenia won phase two of the Under 25 National Championship. Trainer Mac McQuaker noted; “What a great way to finish the year. And Reserve Champion for the show. Very proud of Brennan’s accomplishments this year but the Royal was a real experience.”

For Canadian competitors looking forward to a new show season, the Manitoba Royal Winter Fair, held in late March, is a great place to start. Last year was a stellar competition for Wachter Horses home-bred WH Coconut (Carthago Sun III -Ciris x Charmeur) who won three Grand Prix classes, including the prestigious Atco Cup ridden by  Lynne Stephenson.

With foaling season and show season just around the corner, Canadian breeders are starting to get spring fever.

Photos: (Anti-clockwise from top left) WKM Xenia  ridden by Brennan McCullaghStar Quality CSF with owner Crissteen Miller, rider Laura Kosiorek-Smith and judges Robin Walker and Peter Gray; Enlighteningh ridden by Anne St. Martin; WH Coconut ridden by Lynn Stephenson;