Fourth annual horse event offers something for all equine disciplines

The fair­­grounds here will be the site on June 6 for Equi-fest 2010.

There will be demon­stra­tions, on-horse clinics, and shopping for all things equine, as well as information on get­ting involved in horse-related activities in the area.

Don’t have a horse? Spec­tators are welcome to watch the fun, learn new skills from the sidelines; talk to people from all walks of life who share a passion for horses; and visit a wide variety of vendors and equine practitioners.

The day kicks off with a rider’s parade at 9am and the activities will run all day.

This is the fourth annual Equi-fest - a “just-for-fun” day of non-competitive clinics and events for horse-lovers, their friends, families, and equine com­panions.

The event is orga­nized and run by volunteers from The Women Horse Own­ers Asso­ciation (WHOA).

Elaine Capes founded WHOA in 2006 as a way to meet other women with horses and help people get connected with their community. She single-handedly organized the Equi-fest in 2007. Since that time, the event has more than tripled in size and WHOA has grown to a membership of over 80.

Riders must register in ad­vance as rider numbers are limit­ed to keep clinic groups small for personal attention. Call 705-434-0081 or email w.h.o.a@sympatico.ca for fur­ther information.

All disciplines are welcome at Equi-fest – and people can try dressage in full Western tack, or see if their English horse enjoys barrel-racing. An impressive list of local pro­fessional trainers, coaches, and competitors are donating their time to make this a great day, including:

- Claire Hunter, jumping;

- Erica Dale – barrel racing;

- Heather Collinge, bal­anced riding and dressage;

- Joanne Milton, reining, and side saddle;

- Kenneth Hodges, Equi-fest MC and conformation;

- Maggie Meehan, western trail;

- Ruth Vale, harnessing and driving;

- Tamara Taylor, gym­khan­na games; and

- Tina Horne, Hoof Beat Riders drill team.

Equi-fest is a registered Horse Week (Ontario Eques­trian Federation and Equine Canada) event. For more information visit www.equine­canada.ca.

Tickets for the one-of-a-kind event are: spectators $5; rider and horse $60 (provides entry into all clinics for the day); WHOA member and horse $40; stall rental extra, if required.

Those interested can contact WHOA by email w.h.o.a@sympatico.ca, or by calling 705-434-0081.

Visit www.WomenHorse­OwnersAssoc.com for further information and registration details.