Carl Gerwien

Carl started showing at the Canadian Supreme in the snaffle bit classes on Champs Bar U Dena. He progressed to cutting, and decided after three years to start training his own horses after studying under Jim Simpson and Gerry Hansma. Poco Barley was Carl`s first cutting horse and Carl uses a grandson of Poco Barley as a turnback horse today.

Some great horses come to mind: Tinkerbell Hickory, Short Jay Lena, Smartest Little Oak, Steady Play and Smart Blonde Date. Steady Play and Smart Blonde Date were ridden by Carl to the Fort Worth Non Pro finals in 2002 (both home-bred and raised).

Carl Gerwien & CD Whirl
Some of Carl`s major achievements include 1st at the 1995 PCCHA Futurity; 1st 2001 Lammles Western Wear/Tack Futurity Non Pro; 1st 2002 Canadian Supreme 4 Year Old Non Pro; 1st 2002 NCHA Western National Championships $10,000 Novice/Non Pro; and 9th 2002 NCHA Futurity Non Pro. Carl has amassed some impressive stats over his career to date; $695,761 lifetime Non Pro NCHA dollars and $874,080 in total earnings. Willow Springs Ranch owned by Carl and Julia Gerwien has $900,917 in lifetime owners earnings.

Few individuals reach such heights of achievement without the love and support of a partner or spouse. Julia is one of those mainstays that many, including Carl, have come to rely on. She can be found sitting in her chair, eager to chat but keeping a book close to pass the time during herds, right behind the show pen next to the judges stand. She loves this sport with the same passion as her husband and they both are dedicated to the pursuit of excellence. Carl is an individual that is always positive, helping fellow Non Pros with words of encouragement and advice, leading by good example and takes his wins and losses in stride. Carl has set the bar high for Non Pros in Canada and when you step up and beat Carl Gerwien you know you not only were at your very best that day but that you have beaten one of the very best in the world!