The Southwestern Championship

2026 Running Canceled

August 19, 2026

Source: Claudia McNamee

With great disappointment, I'm here to relay that the 2026 Southwestern Championship is canceled. Our landowners have asked that we don't run the trial because of the high risk of fire due to extremely dry conditions across much of our courses. Large galleries of shod horses and motorized dog wagons traversing across dry mixed ground cover for five days could be a recipe for disaster. As most of you understand, weather across the prairies--particularly in South Dakota--occurs as microclimate systems. Rain can be abundant in one area, and only a few miles away, not a drop falls. Compounding the problem this year were the relentless 100+ degree temperatures in July.

Please know that the funds raised for the club with the cash raffle will be in our bank account for next year, along with other sponsor awards received. AND the three winning raffle tickets will still be drawn on Friday, September 4. A video of the drawing and winner names will be posted, and I'll also contact the three winners individually. We sold 114 tickets, so a total of $5,700 will be split 50/30/20 between the three winners ($2,850/$1,710/$1,140). Thank you again to everyone who supported us this year--you're all proudly recognized on our Facebook page.

With much sadness because the prairies and this trial are so dear to my heart--I also leave you with optimism for 2027! Good luck to everyone this season, and I look forward to seeing many of you down the road.

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