NOVEMBER 2019 THE RIDER /33 Erin Fair Horse Tent 10th Anniversary The Erin Fair Horse Tent
celebrated its 10th anniversary by showcasing equine and eques- trian information, education, and entertainment. Presented by Bud- son’s—Provisions for Country Living, the Horse Tent welcomed a record number of horse enthu- siasts—more than 14,000—over the Thanksgiving weekend. A new Horse Tent layout al-
lowed for easier movement of horses into the demonstration ring, better sightlines, and a smoother flow of traffic for fair- goers coming in to visit horses and exhibitors. Breed profiles introduced in
the demonstration ring included heavy
horses (Belgian,
Percheron, and Canadian) and the not-so-heavy (Miniature horses); racehorses (Thoroug- bred, Standardbred and Quarter Horse); and some lesser known breeds such as the Icelandic Horse, the Lac LaCroix Indige- nous pony, and the Drum Horse. Many of the handlers offered an opportunity for visitors to meet the horse in person—for some, this was their first time to get up- close-and-personal with a horse! Education remains a main
focus of the Horse Tent. As such, Equine Guelph’s Equimania, On- tario Equestrian, and representa- tives from the Western Ontario Pony Club, provided information for those wanting to know more: about horse health, horse care, and riding. Local 4H members also added to the educational as- pect with their display of model stables and barns. For those look- ing for experiential equestrian opportunities—such as summer camps and trail rides, riding hol- idays, rodeo school, or cowboy trials—Fallbrook Trail Ranch, Unicorn Trails, Bronc Riding Nation, and Ontario Extreme Cowboy had them covered. On Saturday, the Erin Agri-
cultural Society (EAS) was pleased to announce its 2019 Horse Heritage, Hall of Fame re- cipient. The 2019 award was pre- sented to Bryn and Carol Robertson. The Robertson family own Hillerin farm in Erin, and were inducted into the Hall of Fame for their Lifetime Achieve- ment with the Quarter Horse breed, and for their work and many successes in Quarter Horse Racing. One Famous Glass or
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“Eagle”, Robertson’s (retired) champion Quarter Horse, also at- tended the ceremony. The EAS Horse Heritage awards were es- tablished in 2018 to celebrate and recognize the people, businesses, organizations and horses who have contributed in a significant way to build Erin’s equine com- munity. Sunday’s featured event was
special guest David Cowley and his horse Tucker. For the second year in a row, David shared his unique brand of Two-Way Trust Horsemanship and demonstrated how focusing on building trust between horse and rider creates an amazing partnership. Nina Miles, Horse Tent
Chair, summed up the weekend: “It really was an incredible few days in the Horse Tent! It never could have been possible without the amazing volunteers who gave countless hours or our dedicated sponsors who have continued to support us year after year. Thank you again to all who made it pos- sible!”
Photo Captions 1/ Kids’ activities included Bryer Pony painting, and a horseshoe craft. 2/ David Cowley—and Tucker—talk about Two-Way Trust Horsemanship. 3/ Drum horses, Scandal and Valika, wait for their turn in the Horse Tent. Used by British Regimental Cavalry for ceremonies of state and royal pro- cessions, Drum horses carry the drummer along with a pair of kettle- drums. A rare breed, they are a mix of Gypsy, Shire, and Clydesdale. 4/ A young Horse Tent visitor shows good form over the horseless jumps. 5/ Learning the secrets of a happy re- tirement from a LongRun resident. 6/ Mason Duijsens, representing Bronc Riding Nation, chatted with visitors about rodeo events. 7/ Bryn and Carol Robertson (second and third from left) were this year’s recipients of the Erin Agricultural So- ciety 2019 Horse Heritage, Hall of Fame Award. 8/ Bryn and Carol Robertson 9/ The Ontario Mounted Special Services Unit patrolled the Erin Fair- grounds and maintained a presence in the Horse Tent the whole weekend. 10/ A love of horses—so it begins. 11/ Just one of the smiling Erin Fair volunteers welcoming visitors to the Horse Tent. 12/ Making friends with Pearl, the Percheron.
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