If you’re looking for all inclusive or complete horse vacation packages in North America and beyond, one of the most comprehensive sources I’ve found is from EquiTrekking.com: Dude Ranch and Horseback Riding Vacations.
2017 EQUINE EVENTS – MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
Celebrating all things horse
Sometimes a trip includes horses, and sometimes it’s all about horses. Here’s a list of major Canadian Horse-related events and fairs worth travelling to for a day, weekend or more … or simply checking out if you’re nearby.
In the comments sections, let us know what you love (or don’t) about any of these activities and advice you have for other horse-loving globe trotters heading there. Or, if you know of any events worth visiting you’d like to add, please post those in the comments too.
ONTARIO
TORONTO
Royal Winter Fair, 2010, Toronto
THE ROYAL WINTER FAIR
Exhibition Place, Toronto, Ontario
International Show Jumping and more
Horseshow ticket includes admission to the Fair celebrating every aspect of rural living , along with the World of Horses exhibition.
November 3-12, 2017
check out more about the Royal Winter Fair here!
HORSE LOVER’S WEEKEND
Upper Canada Village, 13740 Country Road 2, Morrisburg, Ontario
September 1 to 3, 2017
Home of the Canadian Horse, this historic village recreating the 1800’s celebrates the equine with horse jumping, rodeo and polo demonstrations, the last weekend of the summer each year.
The parade of horses happens each day at noon in front of Cook Tavern.
RICHMOND HILL
37TH ANNUAL POLO FOR HEART
Three-day event featuring two international polo matches each day, and silent auction fundraiser for the Heart Association. Dress for the weather and walking in grass, but there is a hat competition so wear your best and biggest. 13401 Leslie St., Richmond Hill, Ontario. 11:30 am to 4:00 pm. www.poloforheart.org.
June 2017
ROCKTON
ROCKTON WORLD’S FAIR
Draft horse preparation at the annual Rockton World’s Fair in Rockton
There’s a plethura of small town fall fairs each year, but this one claims to be the word’s biggest, though no one’s been able to quantify that claim. It is expansive, fun and the fall fair to go to if you only get to one. In additional to the usual animal barns, midway, carnival food and craft show there’s horse events all weekend, each day dedicated to Western events, English show jumping or a crowd favourite: draft horse carriages of all sizes.
Thanksgiving (Canadian) weekend in October every year October 7, 8 and 9th, 2017
ESSA (Near Barrie)
Canadian National Draft Horse Exhibition
The Essa Canadian National Draft Horse Exhibition showcases the three draft horse breeds in Ontario. This exhibition provides class that will qualify contestants for the All Canadian competitions, the North American Classic 6 Horse Hitch program as well as various breeding programs run by the Ontario breed associations. Essa Agriplex, 7505 10th Line, Essa, Ontario. Info here.
August 5 &6, 2017
ALBERTA
CALGARY
SPRUCE MEADOWS (Highlights)
18011 Spruce Meadows Way SW, Calgary, Ontario
Spruce Meadows Classic: January 27-28, 2017
National Classic I: February 4-5, 2017
National Classic II: February 18-19, 2017
National Classic III: February 25-26, 2017
Winter Farewell Tournament: March 8-11, 2017
Spring Welcome Tournament: March 15-18, 2017
May Classic I: May 5-6, 2017 May Classic II: 11-13, 2017
Rolex National Tournament: June 6-10, 2017
Continental CSI 5: June 13-17, 2017
Rolex Pam America: June 26 – July 1, 2017
Rolex North American: July 4-8, 2017
Champions Welcome: August 30 to September 1, 2017
Spruce Meadows Rolex Masters Tournament: September 5-9, 2017
CALGARY STAMPEDE
John, Wayne and trainer prepare for the Heavy Horse Pull
1410 Olympic Way, S.E., Calgary Alberta
Biggest Rodeo in Canada and all things agriculture
First two weeks of July, every year.
MANITOBA
BRANDON
THE 2017 ROYAL MANITOBA WINTER FAIR
Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba, 115-10th Street, Brandon, Manitoba
All things agricultural along with a horse show including Barrel Racing, Hunter/Jumper Classes, Hackney and horse demonstrations
March 27 to April 1, 2017
QUEBEC
BROMONT
INTERNATIONAL BROMONT
Bromont Olympic Equestrian Park, 450 Chemin de Gaspe, CP 98, Bromont, Quebec
Grand Prix Jumping, Hunter Derby, Classic Hunter
Wednesday to Saturday, last three weeks of July every year.
EVERYWHERE!
Canadian Cowgirls
Canadian Cowgirls Rodeo Drill Team 2016 schedule TBA
Cowgirls’ training farm: TJ Stables, 837 Gregory Drive, Chatham, Ontario
Check out more about the Canadian Cowgirls here!
RCMP Mountie and former member of the RCMP Musical Ride
RCMP Musical Ride
The Musical Ride starts its 2016 Season with a ride at home in May at the Ottawa RCMP stables, then heads to Manitoba and Ontario for a Summer and Fall tour.
Find the 2017 schedule here:RCMP Musical Ride Schedule
The Musical Ride will tour Canada in 2017, celebrating the county’s 150th anniversary, at different venues in support of various charities. The Annual Sunset Ceremonies happen late June from 7 to 8:30 pm at the RCMP stables in Ottawa at 1 Sandridge Road. Rescue dogs and kids entertainment will also be there, along with equestrian demonstrations.
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