FEBRUARY 2019 THE RIDER /3 Can-Am Continued from Page 1.


they can be at times, are integral parts of human culture, industry, transportation, agriculture, sports, and entertainment. Horses war- rant an elaborate educational showcase like the Can-Am to profile their versatility and worth, and that’s what Ross and his team promise to deliver, building on past successes but introducing as well a variety of new features. The Can-Am All-Breed


Equine Expo returns to the his- toric Markham Fairgrounds for an all-encompassing three-day spectacular involving the many ways in which horses impact the lives of human beings. Taking place this year on April 5, 6, and 7, the show is both a gathering point for members of the equine community, including experts from the many disciplines that make up the world of horses, and an escape from urban life and a venture into the very best that the horse industry has to offer. It doesn’t matter if you don’t own a horse. Attending the Can-Am is such a powerful experience that you will most likely leave the grounds at the end of your stay inspired to get one – or at very least you will come away with a better understanding of the tradi- tional importance of horses to human progress, as well as with a fuller appreciation of how they continue to influence just about every aspect of our existence. So what does the Can-Am


show have to offer this year? As always, visitors will have a large array of clinics to choose from that address the needs of horse owners and riders. This year’s line-up of international clinicians includes, among many others, Guy McLean, Peter Gisborn, David Cowley, and Denise Stod- dard, all specialists in training and sportsmanship. Sharing up- to-date information about indus- try standards and trends on a diverse range of topics serves the vital function of facilitating re- sponsible horse ownership, a theme that should engage visitors of all ages. For fledgling horse enthusiasts, perhaps the best place to start is the EquiMania program, which has been moved into Building # 1 as part of the Ontario Equestrian educational forum. This interactive exhibit aims to teach kids about the many different aspects of owning and caring for horses, instilling posi- tive values that will stay with them through their years of inter- action with horses. Much of what Can-Am has to offer in the way of specialized clinician pre- sentations raises the basic con- cepts put


forth in Equine


Guelph’s imaginative ever-popu- lar exhibit to an expert level that more experienced horse lovers will readily embrace. Special attention should be


given to Can-Am’s celebrated an- nual Evening Extravaganza, to be held this year on the Friday and Saturday nights, April 5th and 6th. Starring Australian horse- man Guy McLean, the renowned two-time Road to the Horse Champion, the show highlights the magic of horses in a variety of ways. With the use of his incred- ible skills and withering accented wit, Guy’s performance show- cases the noble side of horses, mixing intricate athleticism with comedy and panache. But that’s just one part of an extended pres- entation underscoring the diverse abilities of horses as athletes and


entertainers. The Canadian Cowgirls – al- ways beautifully costumed in stunning patriotic attire — will perform in a daz- zling, precision-timed musical routine. In addition, the WoofJocks Canine All Stars, comprising a rollicking troupe of fast- paced dogs, will compete on a series of challenging obstacle courses against horse/rider combinations from the Turn- N-Burn Western Speed Club. We are call- ing this event “Puppies vs. Ponies” and expect the wildly cheering fans in the au- dience to call out for more! Indeed, this event gives the Can-Am a critical edge in presenting four-legged performers in a creative new way. Rounding out the pop- ular Evening Extravaganza program, the spirited members of Off Kilter Equine Entertainment will demonstrate trick rid- ing and roping with an impressive degree of skill and self-confidence. Without question, this non-stop variety show of-


fers a perfect way to unwind after a jam- packed day of shopping and attending Can-Am’s full slate of presentations and clinics. A dazzling display of equine ver- satility, the show brings into clear focus the power of horses to amaze and enter- tain. A purely entertaining experience, fun for the entire family, this is a show you won’t want to miss! Many people have come to expect


actress Amber Marshall, from CBC’s Heartland, to be part of the annual Can- Am show. This year the effervescent and inspiring star will be co-hosting the Evening Extravaganza on Saturday, April 6. The next day, on Sunday, April 7, she will headline Horsing Around with Heart- land’s Cast along with two of her co-stars, Graham Wardle (“Ty Borden”) and Shaun Johnston (“Jack Bartlett”). Guy McLean will join these three Canadian celebrities in a feature-length presentation consisting


of a question-and-answer session, musical vignettes, and displays of horsemanship. In a lot of ways, Horsing Around with Heartland’s Cast and Guy McLean amounts to a perfect summation of what Can-Am as a traditional venture for ven- dors, clinicians, performers, and visitors, is all about. For all its innovative zeal and informative state-of-the-art approach to the many equine disciplines, Can-Am re- mains at all times true to its origins and mandate to enhance the value and signif- icance of the equine industry in Canada through education, awareness, and trade. The show resonates with consumers be- cause it combines comforting, reliable and well-known attractions even as it strives to renew itself annually with a full slate of new features. As always, this year’s Can-Am is a perfect entertainment and educational forum for long-time fol- lowers and newcomers alike.


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