20/ MAY 2026 THE RIDER 4th annual Erin Agricultural Society Horse Heritage Fundraiser


Erin, ON – The Erin Fair Horse Heritage Committee hosted a successful movie night and fundraiser on April 1, 2026, at the Erin Centre 2000 theatre. The event welcomed over 200 attendees, bringing to- gether Erin’s vibrant equine community, including representatives from Thoroughbred, Standardbred, and Quarter Horse racing, alongside local recre- ational horse owners. The evening celebrated the “Year of the Fire


Horse” with heritage memorabilia (ribbons, tro- phies, press clippings) contributed by past Hall of Fame award inductees, and a unique display of hand-carved horse-drawn models provided by the Bates family. Erin Fair Youth Ambassadors Kylie Reid and Brennan Quackenbush attended to greet guests, and members of the Guelph Pony Club vol- unteered as ushers and curated a special presentation which was shown on the big screen before the fea- ture film. Local EDHS student, Kamryn Busch, opened the event with a solo rendition of O Canada. Special guest-speaker Vicki Pappas, Chairper-


son for Longrun Thoroughbred Retirement Society, delivered a thought-provoking address and re- sponded to audience questions after the movie. The Ontario Harness Horse Association (OHHA) sup- ported the event, with General Manager Brian Tro- pea sharing highlights from the recent Equine Economic Impact Study. Equine Guelph attended with a table display and prize draw, offering atten- dees a chance to win an online Horse Portal Course. All proceeds from the fundraiser will be di-


rected towards the horse heritage awards and the Equine Tent at the upcoming Erin Fall Fair, ensuring continued celebration and education of Erin’s local horse culture. “The 2026 Horse Heritage movie night was an interesting and enjoyable evening. It was great to


Bridget Ryan


Brian Tropea, GM of OHHA addresses the audience and shares key findings from the Equine Economic Impact Study


see so many horsepeople from all disciplines out to support the Erin Agricultural Society and our local horse sector. We would like thank all the volunteers for their work and time; it takes a big


effort and it made for a very special evening for all of us.” said Carol and Bryn Robertson, local owner of AQHA 2026 Horse of the Year, Had to be Fabulous.


Guelph Pony Club members at the Erin Fair Horse Heritage movie night


Rick & Wanda Bates: Heritage Horse-drawn models at the Erin Fair Horse Heritage movie night and fundraiser


Horse Heritage memorabilia and banner


Trophies from AQHA 2025 Horse of the Year winner, Had to be Fabulous


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for publication in the next issue of The Rider!


Deadline May 13th, 2026


The Canadian Quarter Horse Journal was first published in 1972. It merged with The


Canadian Western Rider in the late 70’s and then with English Rider, 32 years ago in August 1994


Event Ticket takers, Eileen Brown, Carol Wetering and Erin Fair Ambassador Runner-up, Brennan Quackenbush


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