The three-year-old Clydesdale mare, Puzzle, owned by Willow Way Farms near Ohaton, Alberta, captured the title of Supreme Grand Champion at the World Clydesdale Show held in Madison, Wisconsin from October 25 to 28, 2018. 

Allan Gordeyko, who operates Willow Way Farms with his son Wes and daughter-in-law Kristen, calls the honour the “Stanley Cup of Clydesdale competitions.”

“It was something that a guy always thinks about - winning or hoping to win. When it comes true, it’s overwhelming.”

Supreme Grand Champion Puzzle with (L-R) Wes Gordeyko, Kristen Gordeyko, and Allan Gordeyko at the presentation of the $5,000 cheque and trophy at the World Clydesdale Show. Photo: Supplied

The World Clydesdale Show is held in Wisconsin every few years and is the crown jewel competition of the Clydesdale breed. The 2018 the show featured over 600 Clydesdales competing in more than 100 hitch, halter, pleasure and specialty classes over the four days. The Gordeykos have been preparing for months and attended with their 12 best horses.

Allan Gordeyko started breeding Clydesdales more than 45 years ago as a hobby, and today the farm sells breeding stock to Australia, Mexico, Scotland, and Alaska. The family also operates a 3,500-acre grain farm.

Puzzle won the titles of three-year-old mare, senior champion mare, and grand champion mare and then “beat the boys” – champion gelding and champion stallion – to capture the prestigious category of Supreme Halter Horse.

For more information please visit these links:

Willow Way Clydesdales

World Clydesdale Show 

- With files from Albertafarmexpress.ca, ctvnews.ca, worldclydesdaleshow.com 

Main photo: Wes Gordeyko of Willow Way Farms with 2018 Supreme Grand Champion, Puzzle. Photo: Supplied