Horse Racing Alberta will take the stage at Horse Expo Canada from April 24 to 26, bringing the racing industry to life for thousands of equine enthusiasts through two engaging and educational panel discussions.
Designed to connect with the broader equestrian community, these sessions will highlight the depth of opportunity within Alberta’s racing industry and showcase the strong commitment to horse welfare both during and after their racing careers.
On Friday, April 24 at 4:30 p.m., Yes, There Is Horse Racing in Alberta, and Why You Should Be Involved will feature industry leaders in a collaborative conversation about how racing operates in the province and how individuals can become involved in meaningful ways.
Moderator:
Paul Ryneveld – Horse Racing Alberta, Director of Business Development and Racing Support
Panelists:
Kent Verlik – Horse Racing Alberta, Chief Executive Officer
Nancy Retzlaff – Alberta Standardbred Horse Association, Executive Director
Mike Vanin – The Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association – Alberta, Executive Director
Dawson Guhle – Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society – Alberta, General Manager
Kelly Danard – Alberta Quarter Horse Racing Association
On Saturday, April 25 at 11:00 a.m., Off the Track and On to Success will shift the focus to life after racing, highlighting second careers for racehorses and the growing network of aftercare and retraining opportunities across the province.
Moderator:
Julie Brewster – Horse Racing Alberta, Manager of Backstretch Development
Panelists:
Lindsay Turcotte – After The Wire Racehorse Adoption Program
Amanda Bennett – Alberta Thoroughbred Aftercare Society
Carly Livingstone – Professional Barrel Racer, Classic Performance Horses
Kathy Sunberg – Performance Standardbreds
Together, these sessions will provide a view of Alberta’s horse racing industry, from how it operates to the long-term care and success of the horse beyond the racing oval. Attendees will gain insight into the roles of key organizations, opportunities in ownership and breeding across Thoroughbred, Standardbred, and Quarter Horse sectors, and where the industry is headed. The conversation will also highlight the importance of aftercare, showcasing the transition of racehorses into second careers and the strong network supporting them beyond racing.
Horse Expo Canada is the largest equine expo in Canada, attracting more than 20,000 equine enthusiasts each year for three days of education, entertainment, and shopping at Westerner Park in Red Deer, Alberta. In addition to the panel discussions, Horse Racing Alberta will host an on-site booth, providing attendees with a direct opportunity to connect with industry representatives and learn more about involvement in horse racing. This national platform positions Alberta’s racing industry in front of a diverse and highly engaged equine audience while highlighting the strength, collaboration, and future of racing in the province.
Learn more and purchase tickets HERE.
View the full 2026 program HERE.
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