8 elite teams.
3 competitors per team.
One day.
One big payday.
ABOUT THE SHOWDOWN
After an incredible debut, The Showdown returns to Calgary for its second year — bigger, bolder, and even more electrifying.
Hosted once again at the prestigious Nutrien Western Event Centre on the Calgary Stampede grounds, this one-day, high-stakes event brings together the very best in Reining, Working Cow Horse, and Cutting. Fans can expect an unmatched display of athleticism, precision, and cow sense as Canada’s top horse-and-rider teams go head-to-head in a fast-paced, team-based format.
The Showdown was created to unite fans of these three premier western performance horse sports while celebrating the rich heritage they’re built on. As the only event of its kind in Canada, it offers a rare opportunity to experience all three disciplines — and the country’s top talent — under one roof, in one unforgettable day.
Year two promises more intensity, more competition, and more moments you won’t want to miss.
THE TEAM BEHIND THE SHOWDOWN
meet
kelsey knott
founder
chief executive officer
780-619-9239
carin thai
executive director, administration, business & partnerships
403-620-2921
colton hall
operations & arena director
587-436-0690
austin seelhof
co-founder
587-777-6200
madison lafrentz
graphic designer
587-581-2625
emile lowe
sponsorship assistant
krystina kowalik
operations lead
chesea sutton
official announcer
The Showdown gala
friday march
19
The Showdown Gala is a signature moment that brings competitors, supporters, and fans together ahead of the main event. This special evening celebrates the riders selected to compete, as each athlete is officially presented with their back number — a symbol of the hard work, dedication, and achievement it takes to step into The Showdown arena.
Set in an atmosphere that blends western tradition with elevated hospitality, the evening offers guests the chance to connect with top competitors from Reining, Working Cow Horse, and Cutting, while enjoying a memorable dining experience.
More than just a ceremony, it’s a celebration of the sport, the community behind it, and the anticipation building for the high-stakes competition to come.
The Showdown performance
20
saturday march
Performance Day at The Showdown is where everything comes to life. The energy builds as Canada’s top competitors in Reining, Working Cow Horse, and Cutting take to the arena, each run carrying the weight of team standings and the intensity of elite-level competition.
From the speed and precision of reining patterns to the instinct-driven action of cutting and the versatility of working cowhorse, every moment is packed with excitement. The fast-paced, team-based format keeps the momentum high and the crowd engaged, as each performance can shift the leaderboard in an instant.
Set against the iconic backdrop of the Nutrien Western Event Centre, Performance Day delivers an unforgettable showcase of western performance horse sports — where tradition meets top-tier competition, and every run matters.
hotel arts
We’re thrilled to announce Hotel Arts as the official host hotel for The Showdown. Located in the heart of downtown Calgary, Hotel Arts offers a perfect blend of modern luxury, comfort, and convenience—just minutes from all Showdown events.
Known for its stylish design, vibrant atmosphere, and exceptional service, Hotel Arts features beautifully appointed rooms, on-site dining, and amenities designed to help you relax and recharge after a full day at the arena. Whether you’re competing, spectating, or supporting, it’s the ideal place to call home during the weekend.
A special Showdown room rate is available exclusively for our guests.
showdown poster artist
The Showdown is proud to collaborate with a featured artist whose work captures the spirit, grit, and heritage of western performance horse sports. For this year’s event, we’re excited to showcase the work of Libby Humeniuk of Red Dog Imagery.
Based in Alberta and deeply rooted in the western lifestyle, Libby has built her brand through authentic storytelling and a genuine connection to the ranching and performance horse community. What began as a focus on detailed pencil work has grown into a full-time creative career, where she shares not only her art, but the everyday moments, people, and animals that inspire it.
Her work reflects the intensity, motion, and honesty of life in and around the arena — capturing the unique bond between horse and rider with a style that is both powerful and deeply personal. Through signature artwork and exclusive pieces created for The Showdown, Libby brings the energy of Reining, Working Cow Horse, and Cutting to life in a way that resonates far beyond the arena.
This collaboration celebrates not only the sport itself, but the culture and community that surround it — preserving its story through art.
