Who doesn’t love going to the horse races? The sound, the smell, the betting and of course the horses always make for a memorable night. Indigenous people have had a long and storied relationship with the horse and it shows in participation in the horse industry in Saskatchewan with over 50% of those involved being of First Nation or Métis ancestry.

Stick Em Up – Owned and Trained by Mike Tourangeau. Accepting award from HBPA Director Jamie Hartmann was Mike’s wife Sandra.

Horse racing in Saskatchewan contributes approximately $37 million per year to the province’s economy creating 986 total paid jobs. Recently the Saskatchewan Horse Racing Industry hosted their award evening to celebrate success in the industry. They also acknowledged trainers who have been racing and supporting Saskatchewan thoroughbred racing with the Leading Active Saskatchewan Trainers award going to Dennis Bird and Hubert Pilon. John Arcand won an award for breeding the best two year old colt.

In 2010 there were 78,336 mature horses in Saskatchewan, 2,176 of these are active in racing.

the leaders; from left to right – leading jockey Stanley Chadee Jr (35 wins from 164 starts); Leading Trainer – Jamie Hartmann (28 wins from 88 starts); Mel Gimas won Claimer of the yr with Gold Winner; Mike Taphorn, trainer of Daughter’s Pride, the older Filly or Mare of the Year (Mike also trained Gold Winner); and Bob Taphorn who’s Daughter’s Pride won the HBPA horse of the year.