Latest news with #Showrider
Edmonton Journal
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Edmonton Journal
'I've learned a lot': Edmonton-based rider commuting to Calgary for Stampede preparation
Article content Julia Duffill, 17, is in her fourth year as a Showrider. For her, the teamwork and friendships have been the biggest take-aways from her time on the team. Article content 'They're not just my teammates, they've become more family,' she said. 'I've gained really good friendships from this program, and it's been amazing for my horse.' Article content Though she's been riding a horse since she was six years old, she had never had a chance to be part of a team until joining the Showriders. Article content 'It's always you and your horse,' she said. 'Showriders is really good, because it gets you to work, you and your horse, in a team setting.' Article content Performing for large crowds at the Stampede has been a highlight for Duffill. Article content 'Performing in the Nutrien is probably my favourite,' she said. 'One year they had it packed — like, max capacity. They had to stop letting people in, and that was a really big thrill.' Article content Article content 'Jam-packed' days for Showriders Article content During the Stampede, the riders are typically in the barns by 8 a.m. to feed and exercise their horses and clean their stalls. Once the horses are tacked up and decorated with glitter, the group heads out for the day's performances. A typical day involves three or four shows, as well as a 'stand-and-pat' outside the Nutrien building, where crowds can meet the horses and riders, take photos and ask questions. The riders have special appearances on foot throughout the 10 days as well. Article content 'It's pretty jam-packed,' DeWit said. Once the day's performances are done, the riders return to the barns for their evening chores. Article content 'They're not back to their trailers for the evening until 9 p.m.,' DeWit said. Article content
Calgary Herald
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Calgary Herald
'We've levelled up': Stampede Showriders celebrate 40th anniversary
Article content Julia Duffill, 17, is in her fourth year as a Showrider. For her, the teamwork and friendships have been the biggest takeaways from her time on the team. Article content 'They're not just my teammates, they've become more family,' she said. 'I've gained really good friendships from this program, and it's been amazing for my horse.' Article content Though she's been riding a horse since she was six years old, she had never had a chance to be part of a team until joining the Showriders. Article content 'It's always you and your horse,' she said. 'Showriders is really good, because it gets you to work, you and your horse, in a team setting.' Article content Article content Performing for large crowds at the Stampede has been a highlight for Duffill. Article content 'Performing in the Nutrien is probably my favourite,' she said. 'One year they had it packed — like, max capacity. They had to stop letting people in, and that was a really big thrill.' Article content Article content 'Jam-packed' days for Showriders Article content During the Stampede, the riders are typically in the barns by 8 a.m. to feed and exercise their horses and clean their stalls. Once the horses are tacked up and decorated with glitter, the group heads out from the barns for the day's performances. A typical day involves three or four shows, as well as a 'stand-and-pat' outside the Nutrien building, where crowds can meet the horses and riders, take photos and ask questions. The riders have special appearances on foot throughout the 10 days as well. Article content 'It's pretty jam-packed,' DeWit said. Once the day's performances are done, the riders return to the barns for their evening barn chores. Article content 'They're not back to their trailers for the evening until 9 p.m.,' DeWit said. Article content
