14/ MAY 2026 THE RIDER Second Ontario Equine Expo A Success The 2026 Ontario was an absolute


powerhouse, thanks to an incredible team of dedicated professionals. Ryan Kent, president, mentioned that he nick- named the staff “the dream team”. And that was not a play on words. “The OEE was great no doubt. But


as the show experienced much more growth this year, it was simply not pos- sible to produce it without an investment in the management of that growth. The help from our core team members was the defining factor. We would like to publicly thank Melissa Kersey (barn manager) Dean Mougenot (co an- nouncer, set up) Marie Beard (livestock pavilion manager) Lynn Bowen (secre- tary) Beth Northcott (communications director) Tyler Bacon


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contractor/equipment operator) Megan Story (event coordinator) Phil Henning (livestock manager) Grace Martyn (groom) Miranda Kent (sponsorship) and so many more people that are too


long to list. This core team gave it every- thing they had. That team were every bit as much involved in producing the event, as Miranda and I are. They made it their own. And we are so grateful to have them” The OEE brought in some heavy


hitters that created the content inside the RMK Trailer Sales/Equipment Ontario main arena, that included Jill Barron, Tyler Delange, Rick Weibe, Chet Mar- tin, Ian Roberts, Jason and Bronwyn Irwin, and Amberley Snyder. This exten- sive line of world class professionals drove in the spectators and there was not a topic that was not covered over the 3- day event. There were also several demonstrations in the Branding Barn Demonstration Ring. Also included were extensive topics covered at the Nordic Auto Feed sponsored Chatterbox Saloon. Sharpes Canada and affiliate brands were also a major sponsor, and we would like to thank them for their


generosity. They have been a huge sup- porter from year one, and we are so grateful to have them. They contribute a large presence for their customers. What also is seldom recognized are


the Friends of the Expo sponsors. Many People that just wanted to contribute to help us host a fantastic event. “Please accept our Thank you. Your contribution is invaluable.” Friday morning opened at 8:30, and


within an hour the main arena was full. And it stayed full all day. The Battle of the Bridles on Friday night was sold out. The show was 2.5 hours long that fea- tured 9 disciplines from 9 different areas of the equine industry. English and west- ern discipline were represented. Nowhere has such an extensively coor- dinated demonstration of equine sports ever been showcased this way in Ontario during one performance. The show fea- tured Cutting, show jumping, cowhorse, barrel racing, reining, archery, dressage,


chuck wagons, and roping, during one performance. “It’s never been done. I kind of made it up in my head” Kent stated. “And a huge team of riders and coordinators made it happen. A couple of fumbles happened, as is with any horse show, but man did the riders show up. We didn’t produce a horse show. We produced a performance horse show- case.” Saturday continued with full stands


from hour one. Many Demonstrations and clinics filled the day. Several Exhibitors also indicated


record sales along with a great atten- dance for their business throughout the weekend. Many horse Trailers were sold from RMK Trailer Sales and The Trailer Company, that were the only trailer ex- hibitors of all the Ontario dealers that had been invited to be a part of the weekend. “The Efforts that those com- panies put in to be there is extensive. They showed they care about their cus-


tomers. And it paid off.” Show producer Ryan Kent was in-


volved in an unfortunate incident on Sunday morning. “I was on my gelding Mojo in a


clinic. There were 6 riders plus Jill as the clinician. Mojo hit a soft spot and slipped. It was very uneventful. Like a hockey player that had his feet give out. Unfortunately, my foot got tangled up a bit, and I dislocated my toe and broke my foot. We had several medical profes- sionals on site that came down to check me out, and I walked out of there to get some medical attention. 3 hours later I was back on crutches with a cast, and I made sure to make my rounds to thank each exhibitor for coming. I joked that I steer-wrestled for years and did many things on horseback I probably shouldn’t have, and I’ve rode many rank colts, and the one thing that puts me in a hospital is an equitation clinic with adult supervision. Mojo was completely fine and he was in clinics with other rid- ers later in the day after being examined. We work with performance animals and livestock. Their care is our first concern. And sometimes things happen.” Ryan has a light sense of humour


about the incident and poked fun at the mis hap. “If you ride or show large ani- mals, you’ll eventually have deal with something” The bull riding on Saturday night


was also a fun break from the show. It was again sold out and BlackCreek Rodeo Company put on another great show. “ I guess I would say, what more


can we do? Kent stated. “World class clinicians, great demonstrations, with so many tropics covered, and a fun and in- formative environment. To us, you’re not a customer. You are our guest. This was stressed heavily to our team. We want to treat you like you’re coming to our family dinner table on a Sunday af- ternoon. And if we maintain that, the Expo will move forward.” Ryan and Miranda Kent (produc-


ers) extend a heartfelt Thank you to everyone that came out. Your presence is invaluable to the Ontario Equine Expo. This event is for you.


Photos by Seafind Photography


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