The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair & Agribition

As we have been travelling around checking out various shows opportunities for showing our Gypsy Cobs in Canada, we thought we'd share what we're finding out with you. Whether you're in Canada or the U.S., we are all working towards the same thing – educating the public about our favourite breed and showing them off to their best advantage.

The Royal - Toronto, Ontario

One could be somewhat overwhelmed by the sheer size and scope of the annual Royal Agricultural Winter Fair for sure. Definitely a family affair, it covered everything from crops to cattle, chickens to chuck, and horses to helter skelter wagon races. A full week of events in every building, the Royal is both an opportunity for competition and education, and we learned a lot while there for a few days. We visited with Clydesdales, patted goats, wandered through many, many vendors, and watched the "Spirit of the Horse" arena. This was a small indoor arena set aside to demonstrate and talk about different breeds of horses. Although there were no actual competition events for the Gypsy Cob, the Gypsy Vanner Horse Association (the Canadian Chapter), was well represented on all days by various Canadian members from surrounding areas showing their horses, manning a booth full of information, and being available to answer questions from the crowd after every demonstration.

We visited for quite a while we were there, and shared many stories about our beloved horses, including some interesting home remedies for dry manes, fungal conditions, and cleaning. It was definitely a meeting of the minds, and something we'll remember for the future, as breeders of the Gypsy Cob seem to be few and far between in Canada. While watching some of the events we also got some ideas. What about training more horses to drive, say in a wagon event, or a cart racing arena? Our Cobs would surely raise some eyebrows and bring much interest in the breed. So even if there aren't a lot of "Gypsy Cob" events for showing right now, just showing up and being in the ring with the other breeds will start people talking.

Agribition - Regina, Saskatchewan

On a smaller scale, Agribition focused more on farmers, cattle, and educating the general public about conservation, land care and farm animals. There were only 3 booths that focused on horses, but lots of horse-related events. We did see some great wagon driving, weight pulls and trick riding. Jackie Johnson, located in Saskatchewan, did an excellent demonstration of her skills training different breeds of horses, and also had a book for sale on technique. Intriguing idea that, of perhaps showing the versatility of our favourite breed through trick riding…hmmmm! (Check out her website at www.stunthorse.com). The vendor fair was comprehensive considering the smaller venue and the event was all in all well attended by Westerners. There is a great opportunity to talk about the Gypsy Cob breed at Agribition and we expect to be exhibiting there next year.

Photos from Gina

As promised, some of Gina's pictures have been added to our gallery page. Please check it out under the Media tab and enjoy! www.ginasportraits.com