Canadian Nationals

80-year-old exhibitor wins two championships at Canadian Nationals

Paul Heiman of Mason, Ohio, realized his dream of winning a National Championship not just once, but twice, during the first few days of the 49th Annual Canadian National Arabian and Half-Arabian Championship Horse Show, scheduled Aug. 21-27, at Regina Exhibition Park in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada.

Heiman, who is competing at age 80, achieved the first of his two championships driving his 2000 chestnut gelding CL Berry Supreme (Hucklebey Berry x Baskins-Belle) in the Arabian Country Pleasure Driving AOTD Championship on Monday.

On Wednesday, as the Top 10 were called back for the awards presentation of the Arabian Country English Pleasure AAOTR 40 & Over, Heiman and his 1998 chestnut gelding and brother to CL Berry Supreme, Hes The Berries (Hucklebey Berry x Baskins-Belle), trotted down the rail with Heiman displaying a huge grin. When the announcer unveiled the horse-and-rider team as the class champion, the Brandt Center audience jumped to its feet, and those who know Heiman and his sincerity had tears well up in their eyes.

"It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," Heiman said. "I never expected it. This is such a gratifying and wonderful sport. And, there are some wonderful people in this business. There is great camaraderie."

A family man first, Heiman was not able to share his moment with his wife of 58 years, Joyce, in person. Unfortunately, Joyce was ill and unable to make the journey to Canada. She had insisted that he still, though. Heiman called her as soon as he got the chance to tell her he had "doubled the impossible dream."

"She was speechless," he said.

For 21 years, horses have been a passion for both Heiman and his wife. They started out trail riding on Tennessee Walking Horses. Heiman's experience with horses even dates back to the 1940s in Germany, where he spent his days as a youth. After a few years of just trail riding, Heiman started taking lessons from a trainer and discovered his love for Arabian horses. He currently owns eight.

"I love the spirit and beauty of Arabians," he said. "And, they are so smart."

At age 63, Heiman started his show career. For 12 years of that, he has worked with Siemon Stables of New Carlisle, Ohio. He said he has competed for 10 or 11 years at Canadian Nationals and loves the experience. Of course, not much can top this year's.