To Whom It May Concern:

Could you please make your members aware of the following
announcement? An ideal time would be at your AGM, on your club
website, or in your club newsletter to make your members aware.
Also, if there are other clubs or groups that would be interested in
learning of our initiative, please pass along this information.
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You are invited… To participate in the 2008 Canadian Rocky Mountain
Challenge!

Come enjoy down home Alberta hospitality in the scenic foothills of
the Rocky Mountains July 30 – Aug 4, 2008! We are very excited to
announce that Alberta has been selected by CaLDRA and Endurance
Canada to host the 2008 Competitive Trail, Endurance and Ride N' Tie
Canadian National Championships.

This multi-day equine event will be held at the beautiful Red Deer
River Ranches, near Sundre, Alberta. The ranch boasts 1,000 acres
of private land that is directly connected to over 50,000 acres of
grazing lease. The majority of the land is open forest/range-land.
There are numerous creeks to cross and ride along. Trails consist
of open terrain, heavily wooded areas, logging routes and wildlife
paths in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies. This area is also
known for its population of wild horses. Truly a `wild west'
location!

In addition to the National competitions, gorgeous scenery, ample
camping space, catering, and souvenirs, many other family friendly
activities will be made available. Amenities such as grocery, gas,
restaurants, tourist attractions, hospital, etc. are located nearby
in the town of Sundre. The community is warmly opening their arms
to our Nationals visitors and welcomes you!

While there will be Provincial Team competitions (you will need to
nominate you and your horse to your regional riding club), there is
opportunity to ride as an individual in a variety of categories:

Competitive Trail:
– Novice Division 25 mile
– Intermediate Division 40 mile
– Open Division 80 miles over 2 days. Day one is pending as
an AHA 40 mile ride.

Endurance (pending AERC sanctioning):
– 25 mile
– 50 mile FEI 2* including Junior and Young Riders. Pending
as AHA ride.
– 100 mile FEI 3* including Junior and Young Riders

Ride N' Tie:
– 10 mile
– 20 mile

Special Feature Competition – a relay race still in the works though
will resemble the Pony Express.

We also look forward to welcoming individuals who will be able to
offer their time and expertise in volunteering for this event.

There will be Opening and Closing Ceremonies including a Dinner and
Awards Banquet – guaranteed to be very memorable. We promise an
entertaining and exhilarating week of celebration.

Keep your eyes open for the launch of the Canadian Rocky Mountain
Challenge Website (www.canadiannationals.org), which will keep you
informed of schedule of events, attractions, accommodations, etc.
closer to the date of the Nationals. In the meantime, feel free to
contact Sandra Nielsen (Phone: 403-637-0245 or Email:
sandra.nielsen@...) with any questions.

Thank you and see you next summer!