Canadian Nationals: Provincial teams announced

Sundre - The Rocky Mountain Challenge - 2008 Canadian Nationals is being
hosted at Red Deer River Ranches, a guest and working cattle ranch located
south-west of the town of Sundre, AB July 31 - August 4, 2008.
This long-distance equine event will feature eight events in three sports:
endurance, competitive trail riding and ride n’ tie with Canadian National
champions being named in each sport.

With Alberta hosting the prestigious event, the sports of endurance and
competitive trail riding are able to post two teams to compete. The
selection committees have watched these horse and rider teams compete over
the season and have the job of naming those horses and riders who will best
represent the province.

Trail Riders Alberta Conference (TRAC) - the sanctioning body for the sport
of competitive trail riding in Alberta has named their selections for the
80-mile 2-day Provincial teams and they are:

Natasha French (Millarville, AB)riding Savannah
Cathy Kolesar of (Coutts, AB) riding Classical Dancer
Kandace Krause of (Canmore, AB) riding Jasmine
Linda Riley of (Leslieville, AB) riding Kittasha
Christine Smith of (Calgary, AB) on JV Prism
Leanna Marchant of (Calgary, AB) on Samsons Fire
Shannon Harms of (Edmonton, AB) on Kaluha
Sylvio Campanelli of (Blackfalds, AB) on Misty
Holly Tibble of (St. Albert, AB) riding King Sera
Angie Bowring of (Spruce Grove, AB) on PeJay

Endurance Riders of Alberta (ERA) - the sanctioning body for the sport of
endurance riding in Alberta has named their selections for the provincial
teams as well and they are:

Crystal Fulcher (Seba Beach, AB)
Christy Janzen (Devon, AB)
Jaylene Janzen (Devon, AB)
(Alternate- Brenda Shaughnessy (Spruce Grove, AB)

50 milers:
Karen Badger (Grande Prairie, AB)
Dave Getzinger (Drayton Valley, AB)
Nancy Haughian (Grande Prairie, AB)
(alternates- Jaye Yavis, Jessica Yavis)(Breton, AB)

50 milers:
Carol Wadey (Edson, AB)
Robyn Wadey (Edson, AB)
Rae-Anne Wadey (Edson, AB)
(alternates- Colleen Williams (Spruce Grove, AB), Brenda Henrikson (Evansburg, AB)

"We are excited to see the strong showing of local talent competing in not
just the Championship events, but in many of our other featured events."
states Sandra Nielsen, RMC committee president, "The local volunteer base is
also extraordinary and is a critical component of putting together an event
of this magnitude. Of course, we still welcome any other volunteers that
would like to be a part of it."

These horse and rider teams have been competing and training all season in
preparation for this phenomenal opportunity to represent their province and
hopefully stand on the podium as Canadian National Champions. Come cheer
them on, volunteer or offer financial support!!

FAST FACTS:
Full schedules and details are available on www.canadiannationals.org
The Canadian Nationals alternating between western and eastern Canada every
two years. The first Nationals were held in Ontario in 1984.

Provincial teams are formed with riders nominating to their provincial
organization.

Status of provincial teams for the past two nationals in competitive trail:
Quebec 2006 * Gold - Ontario * Silver - Alberta * Bronze - Team Almost East
Manitoba 2004 * Gold - Ontario * Silver - Saskatchewan * Bronze - Alberta

Alberta has hosted the Nationals on two other occasions:
Kananaskis Country 1988, RAM River Falls 1996.

The 2008 Nationals will also host a 100-mile FEI competition that allows
competitors the opportunity to qualify for the 2010 World Equestrian Games
in Kentucky.

Nearly 170 entries will represent British Columbia to Ontario as well as the
United States. Eight events are scheduled in five days including the International and
Canadian National level rides as well as local level rides that are open to
all riders. A fundraising auction is planned for August 2 - profits raised from the
Rocky Mountain Challenge will benefit CASE (Central Alberta Special Equestrian), a therapeutic riding program.

http://www.canadiannationals.org

For further information, please contact:

Cyndi Rowat
Public Relations
Ph 403.936.2369
Cell 403.660.2257
Email cyndi.rowat@3web.net

Sandra Nielsen
President
Ph 403.637.0245
Email Sandra.Nielsen@xplornet.com