Cochrane Light Horse Association Plaque

October 2 , 1996

The Cochrane Light Horse Association
by J.L. Jackson
708 Woodside Drive
Airdrie, AB T4B 2G9

The Cochrane Light Horse Association

Family fun on horseback
The Cochrane Light Horse Association

(C.L.H.A.) was formed in the early 1940’s for the purpose of promoting light horse activities. Its origins can be traced back to as early as 1918; picnics were often held at the Mount Royal Ranch. People would come to the picnics by horse and democrat. Activities involving horses were often slated into the informal program of contests, which in turn, evolved into a full-blown Gymkhana with events for the whole family.

Gymkhanas are still performed by Western riding clubs today and the Gymkhana sport still remains a competition of dexterity, quickness, and team work between horse and rider. Finesse and technique are important, but what truly counts is the time when you cross the finish line.

Original Gymkhana races included flat races using a half-mile track, and games such as the Bending Race, now referred t o as Pole Bending, the Barrel or Stake Race (either name used interchangeably), the V.C. Race, and the Gretna Green.

Community involvement and an old-fashioned good time for the family were two contributing ingredients t o the C.L.H.A.’s overall success. The Gymkhanas and other activities were often the only entertainment available in the area. The Cochrane Light Horse Association reached its pinnacle of success in the early 1950’s membership reaching upwards o f 72 members i n 1953.

Three main events formed the group’s nucleus of activity: the annual Calgary Stampede Parade float, the Gymkhana, and the Cowboy Ball and banquet held at the conclusion of the season.

The Gymkhanas continued to be held at the Mount Royal Ranch until a move closer to town was proposed in 1947. Over the years, four other locations were used. The first move was to the land in the proximity of today’s Glenbow subdivision. The Gymkhana’s next location was 50 acres immediately south of the CPR tracks. Gymkhana’s were also held in the vicinity of Crocus Crescent, west of the present day High School and the Griffin Place, located east of town near the Bow River.

A lot of time and effort went into the annual Calgary Stampede Parade float entry and the float was often constructed around a local historical theme. Three of the most memorable floats included: the 1948 float depicting “The Murphy House”; the 1952 float portraying “The Jumping Pound Stampede of 1922”; and the 1955 float using a representative “Mr. & Mrs. Alberta” of 1905 for Alberta’s fiftieth anniversary.

“Skirting”, is a decoration device used to make floats more attractive by covering up wheels and gears. The “skirting” used i n the Stampede Parade from 1953 onwards, was particularly appealing as i t was painted by local Cochrane artist, Roland Gissing.

The skirting is painted on plywood sections, for easy hauling. Both sides feature surrounding Cochrane scenery. The back portion is a branding scene with many local brands.

Gissing who has been described as, “an itinerant cowboy who became known as Alberta’s best-known artist,” was asked if he would be interested in the project. He agreed, very generously volunteering his time and artistic talents.

Foothills scenery was Gissing’s main field of study. The paintings are consistent with Gissing’s style, concerning a subject he loved t o share. It has been said, “If you see an oil painting so truly beautiful that it makes you proud, and perhaps a little homesick for the Alberta foothills, then it is probably a Gissing landscape.”

The Cochrane Light Horse Association disbanded in the mid 1960’s. It had filled a need in the community. Times had changed and other interests took its place.

The legacy left behind is a lot more then memories. The Alberta Light Horse Association, still an active body today, was founded by members of many Light Horse Associations throughout Alberta. Horse related activities still remain an important part of Cochrane’s social calendar. Rodeo, horse showing, pony club and 4-H are all “kin” to the Cochrane Light Horse Association, and the family events it promoted

The C.L.H.A. re-gathered i n the 1970’s to look for a fitting place to house the Gissing paintings. In 1975, temporary housing was found at the Big Hill Lodge. These paintings are and will remain the property of the people of Cochrane and surrounding area. After careful consideration the Western Heritage Center has been chosen as the future custodian for these paintings, so all people may see and enjoy them.