Photography by: Coralie Nairn, Connie Ellis, Audrey May and Photos by Jess
Photography by: Coralie Nairn, Connie Ellis, Audrey May and Photos by Jess
Photography by: Coralie Nairn, Connie Ellis, Audrey May and Photos by Jess
Photography by: Coralie Nairn, Connie Ellis, Audrey May and Photos by Jess
Art of the Bridlehorse - Celebrating all stages of developing a bridlehorse
This competition, held on the third weekend in September each year, offers something just a little bit different...
- A friendly competition showcasing all stages of developing a bridlehorse.
- The Makers' Market: A collection of some of the finest hand-made traditional gear being offered for sale by makers from around the province.
- The Saturday evening Fiesta! Dinner & Entertainment.
With the following foundation principles and core values guiding our judges, participants competing in Art of the Bridlehorse will be judged on their abilities to:
- Show smoothness and efficacy over speed
- Prioritize the mental and physical well-being of their horse and the livestock
- Display respect for their horse, the livestock and their teammates/fellow competitors
All competitors at the Art of the Bridlehorse will be asked to showcase their skills in the following three areas:
- Stockhorse
(Sorting designated cattle without disturbing the herd)
- Ranch Horse
(Demonstrating their horse's skills in a ranch horse pattern)
- Ranch Roping
(Either breakaway or hard roping designated cattle with the least disruption to the cattle and the herd)
For more information about the competition, please see the Rider's Handbook or scroll down...
Art of the Bridlehorse 2025 was a blast! We will be back in 2026, same time and place next year. See you there!!!
Results from Art of the Bridlehorse 2025
Pro photos from this year coming soon!
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The BC Bridlehorse Heritage Association is proud to present an annual event designed to
provide a place for all who share a passion and admiration for the...
Art of the Bridlehorse.
This show is for everyone! From the working cowboy to the aspiring student, from the skilled makers of traditional gear to those who just want to watch or shop, we invite ALL to spectate, exhibit, shop, showcase their skills, share their passion, support their comrades and connect with others who share their interest in the art of developing a bridlehorse.
Intro to the Art
Free workshop for BCBHA members & competitors
Sept 19 ~ Intro to the Art *FULL*
Sept 19 ~ Catered Dinner
(attendees must pre-register here)
Art of the Bridlehorse 2025
Sept 20th & 21st
North Thompson Fall Fairgrounds
Barriere, B.C.
8:30 am Sat ~ Opening Ceremony
3:00 pm Sun ~ Awards Ceremony
(For full schedule click here)
Saturday Sept ~ Dinner & entertainment
-Salt Lick BBQ Dinner (All Welcome!)
Salt Lick BBQ dinner tickets are required
- Cowboy Trade
- Campfire Style Open Mic
A collection of some of the finest hand-made traditional gear being
offered for sale by makers from around the province.
Open Sat & Sun
Sat - 9am - 6pm
Sun - 9am - 1pm
Photos by Audrey May
Photos by Audrey May
Photos by Audrey May
Photos by Audrey May
Summarized General Rules: (For more detailed rules and class discriptions, please see the Rider's Handbook.)
All classes will be given a time limit, however points will be awarded for Completion of Task, Smoothness, Teamwork and one's Reflection of Heritage. In other words, we are looking for cowboys/cowgirls riding in traditional bridlehorse style who we would choose to care for our own livestock. More info on what we're looking for and the rules for each of the three areas can be found in our Rider's Handbook.
Riders compete in one of the following divisions:
- Youth - Rider under 18 years old. Break-away Ranch Roping.
- Green Horse - Horse of any age, new to competition, ridden in a bosal or snaffle only. Break-away Ranch Roping.
- Novice - New to this style, never competed at a BCBHA show before. Break-away Ranch Roping.
- Intermediate - Competent but not a professional cowboy/cowgirl. Break-away Ranch Roping.
- Pro - Experienced in this style, comfortable roping hard. Works as a cowboy/cowgirl professionally.
Awards of 1st, 2nd and 3rd will be given to the winners of the following divisions: Youth, Novice, Intermediate and Pro.
Winners are those who hold the highest combined score of ALL three classes which make up their division.
Acknowledgements will be given to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners of the Green Horse Division as well as to the rider who holds the highest score for each class (Stockwork, Ranch Roping and Ranch Horse Challenge).
The Makers Market will be available throughout the weekend to shop, sell or just immerse yourself in the tradition and heritage of the Old Californio system as it has evolved north of the border. The Saturday evening Fiesta will be your chance to socialize, support one another, share, let loose and celebrate with your fellow competitors, friends and family as well as others who share a passion for the Art of the Bridlehorse! Join us and come be a part of preserving BC's Bridlehorse Heritage!