Page 7 - Sports Energy News, Cornwall, Issue No 10

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EQUIPMENT
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Not Just Another Horse Show

By Jentry van Baal

or many kids, summer vacation
Foften includes a visit to many
of the local fairs throughout SD&G.
While some fill up on cotton candy

and midway rides, many young
equestrians are taking the next step in
their competitive careers.
Starting out in the competitive, rated
show circuits can often be intimidating
and stressful, and as well they come
with a hefty price tag. Fairs such as
those held in Maxville, Avonmore,
Vankleek Hill and Williamstown,
give young riders a chance to gain
experience and confidence in a fun,

stress-free setting without steep entry
fees and additional costs.

Where most competitions are
based solely around one equestrian
discipline, such as hunter/jumper,
dressage, western pleasure or
western gaming, among others, fairs
incorporate multiple disciplines, all Local fairs are a fun, popular addition to the summer show schedule for the friends and riders at Havencrest
in one location, providing something Farm, pictured here at the Vankleek Hill Fair. Photo supplied by Rose Huxted-Morrison
for every interest, whether a spectator horsemanship patterns.” them to various distractions at a For those not interested in, or
or competitor. young age, making them safer and unable to manage the busy schedules
Although the colourful, noisy
For Rose Huxted-Morrison, owner more reliable. or pricey costs of travel and fees that
of Havencrest Farm in Dalhousie, midway rides can turn away some come with larger shows, fairs are still
competitors and are often viewed Many riders who began their
Quebec, these fairs are a popular as scary distractions for both horse show careers with these local fairs a great opportunity to show off your
addition to her summer schedule. and rider, these elements can also be have moved on to compete at the hard work and gain experience.
“The fairs are a little more relaxed,

beneficial. Provincial level and eventually Next time you’re looking for
allowing beginners to learn and have qualify for National Finals at the something to do on a beautiful
fun,” explained Huxted-Morrison. “Mentally, there can be distractions Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in summer weekend, come and check
“It’s nice to have local competitors but that also helps the horse and Toronto. Others, such as riders at Rose out any of the local fairs and see just
laugh and share the day. They also rider build a partnership and head Quarter Horses in Summerstown, how much the equestrian world has
help riders get some mileage in the for the bigger shows,” said Huxted-
ring without costing a small fortune, Morrison. These distractions can have taken their barrel racing across to offer. You never know where you
the United States to compete at the might see the participants in the not-
and help them learn to memorize be used as a training tool for young World Finals. to-distant future.
their jumping courses, or ride the horses, exposing and desensitizing

“People Pulling Together for you”

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