Ron D. Southern, founder and Co-Chairman of Calgary’s world-renowned Spruce Meadows equestrian facility, and iconic Alberta entrepreneur and businessman, passed away January 21, 2016. He was 85. In 1971, Ron Southern and his wife Margaret purchased a feedlot south of Calgary from Copithorne Ranch, with the vision of establishing a world-class equestrian facility. In the spring of 1975 they brought their vision to life with the opening of Spruce Meadows. The show jumping facility quickly became not only Canada’s premier riding venue, but was also recognized internationally.

Canadians played a major role in a new program designed by the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) to support their Professional Horsemen Association, which was facilitated over two days in person in a workshop format hosted at the South Point Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada from January 16 to 18, 2024.

Canadian-bred horses earned a total of 22 All American Quarter Horse Congress Championship titles, 14 Reserve Championships and one Grand Championship at the 2023 American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) and National Snaffle Bit Association sanctioned show. Hosted by the Ohio Quarter Horse Association in Columbus, Ohio, the show was held from September 26 to October 22 at the Ohio State Expo Center. Traditionally this show is one of the biggest and most prestigious events within the North American Quarter Horse market.