Horse Racing Alberta will host two panel discussions at Horse Expo Canada in Red Deer, highlighting industry involvement and racehorse aftercare.

© Horse Racing Alberta

ALBERTA, CAN–APRIL 22, 2026–Horse Racing Alberta will bring the province’s racing industry into focus at Horse Expo Canada, using one of the country’s largest equine gatherings to highlight both opportunity and responsibility within the sport.

Set for April 24-26 at Westerner Park in Red Deer, the expo draws more than 20,000 attendees annually. Horse Racing Alberta will anchor its presence with two panel discussions aimed at educating a broader equestrian audience—one centered on industry involvement and the other on life after racing.

The first session, “Yes, There Is Horse Racing in Alberta, and Why You Should Be Involved,” is scheduled for Friday at 4:30 p.m. The panel will outline how the racing industry operates across Thoroughbred, Standardbred, and Quarter Horse sectors while addressing pathways into ownership, breeding, and employment.

Paul Ryneveld, Horse Racing Alberta’s director of business development and racing support, will moderate a panel that includes CEO Kent Verlik, Alberta Standardbred Horse Association executive director Nancy Retzlaff, HBPA Alberta executive director Mike Vanin, Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society (Alberta) general manager Dawson Guhle, and Alberta Quarter Horse Racing Association representative Kelly Danard.

The focus shifts Saturday at 11 a.m. with “Off the Track and On to Success,” a discussion centered on aftercare and second careers for retired racehorses. As the industry continues to face increased scrutiny around welfare, the panel will highlight the structure already in place across Alberta to support horses beyond their racing days.

Julie Brewster, Horse Racing Alberta’s manager of backstretch development, will moderate a group that includes Lindsay Turcotte of the After The Wire Racehorse Adoption Program, Amanda Bennett of the Alberta Thoroughbred Aftercare Society, professional barrel racer Carly Livingstone, and Kathy Sunberg of Performance Standardbreds.

Together, the sessions are designed to present a full picture of the industry—from how it functions to how it takes responsibility for the horse long after competition ends. The messaging is straightforward: participation opportunities are expanding, and so is the commitment to long-term horse welfare.

Horse Racing Alberta will also maintain an on-site presence throughout the weekend, giving attendees direct access to industry representatives and information on how to get involved.

More information and tickets are available at horseexpo.ca. CLICK HERE to view the full 2026 program posted online.

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