Living without access to horses sounds bleak, yet I’ve been taking a bit of a break this year after my lesson barn closed and I spent a year writing about horse rescues. Learning what too often happens to these animals after an (almost) lifetime of service can damper the romantic perception of the equine barn.

It’s sharpened my resolve that I will get a horse only after I have a trust fund to secure its lifetime of expenses, including retirement.

However, I haven’t quit and am horseback riding – outdoors when Canadian weather permits. In the New Year, I’ll find a new indoor arena. Promise. And I’m getting back on the trail, even in winter.

But first, it’s shopping time and everything horse attracts my attention – specifically at Winter 2018 One of a Kind show and sale in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Approximately 800 professional vendors fill The Exhibition Place creating one of the largest temporary markets in the city.

Of course, the moment I saw the ‘creative journal’ from Margi Laurin made from a ‘up-cycled’ Nancy Drew book “The Secret of Shadow Ranch,” complete with a rearing black stallion it was mine. What else would a horse loving writer want? (Up-cycling is big this year).

Also, new in my kitchen is a Dotti Potts ceramic mounted tile with the subtle silhouette of a lone horse in the distant horizon. A mug from Dotti Potts, was one of the first thing I ever bought at One of a Kind, about 20 years ago.

I’ve been attending this annual Christmas show for decades – even before it was a biannual event – and this very popular 40-year-old artisan showcase has faced some competition over the years. So slight revamp it is. Organizers have done a bit of an upgrade this year, adding a WiFi lounge, a DYI demonstration main stage (and removing the fashion show), and enhancing the dining options with food trucks and more seating.

One of a Kind Winter  runs November 22 to December 2, 2018 at the Enercare Centre, Exhibition Place, Toronto. Spring One of a Kind runs March 27 to 31, 2019.