The Eloquent Equine
Special No. 1
The
Royal
Welcome!
The
Eloquent Equine
Hello everyone! Christmas is on its way, and we here at The Eloquent Equine hope you all have a very wonderful holiday with your friends and family! Now you lucky readers are in for a treat today, as this issue is our very first Special Edition. It focuses on The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair which is held in Toronto, Canada every year starting on the first Friday of November. The Fair runs for full a week, ending on the following Sunday. Inside our wonderful special edition you will find two great features. First, the Lit Quadrille which is an innovative take on the traditional Freestyle quadrille, as it is performed entirely in the dark, with horses lit up with hundreds of Christmas lights. We’ve also got a great Horse & Rider Product guide, which features products for horse and rider, and even your canine companions. Also in this issue, you will find information on the Rodeo, Canine Equine Challenge, The Canadian Cowgirls, The Denim & Diamonds Exhibition, and the various Carriage nad Cart Horse Classes. Now, I’m going to take this time to personally thank all of you for supporting us and we hope that you continue to enjoy our magazine just as much as we enjoy writing it. Thank you for reading!
S
a h t n a am
Special No. 1
Editor Krista Rivet Creative Director Samantha Wild
Special Thanks To the Lit Quadrille Team and its members for letting us attend their practices and feature them in this issue
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On the Cover Belgian Six Horse Hitch Photo: Krista Rivet The Eloquent Equine is a quarterly publication, producing four issues a year Reproduction of any material from this issue in whole or part is strictly prohibited The Eloquent Equine welcomes all submissions and suggestions. Please feel free to email us.
In this Issue ...
03 Celebrating 90 Years 05 Shaken, Not Stirred 09 Thrills, Chills, and Spills 13 Speed Demons 17 Shop Till You Drop 21 Perfectly Precise Carriage and Cart Horses 25 27 Speed & Elegance
A short history of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair
The 2012 Lit Dressage Quadrille The Ontario Toyota Dealers Royal Rodeo, featuring Amber Marshall
Highlights from the Canine/Equine Relay Horse & Rider Product Guide
The Canadian Cowgirls strut their stuff at the Royal The power and eloquence of the various hitches showcased in competition at the 2012 Royal Horse Show
The Denim & Diamonds Exhibition The Eloquent Equine 2
Celebrating 90 Years
On the second of November
2012 The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair opened its doors for the 90th year, celebrating some of the best the agricultural world has to offer. The Royal Agricultural Fair first opened its doors in 1922 and was housed solely in the Coliseum. The Fair has now expanded, encompassing the Coliseum (built 1921) as well as the adjacent Direct Energy National Trade Centre (built in 1997), both of which are located on the Exhibition Grounds. The Fair was initially slated to open in November of 1921, but was delayed a year because the necessary heating system could not be installed into the Coliseum in time. The fair, since its inauguration, has provided a forum for farmers to showcases their stock and equipment, discuss new and changing trends, and demonstrate and sell their wares.
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A Short History of The Royal
Over the years the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair has continued to expand in size, drawing competitors from across the world, and showcasing everything from livestock to top agricultural products and home made goods. Here’s to 90 years, and hopefully plenty more! Image: The Front of the Coliseum (now the Ricoh) in 1922
Fun for Everyone! The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, or in short Good times to be had at the 90th The Royal, is the place to go with your family. It’s not just for dedicated equestrians either; it’s a place for everyone. There is something for everyone to do. To the dedicated equestrians, or the occasional rider, there are many booths and vendors selling equipment for not just riders, but their horses as well. There is also the opportunity to watch high level competitors, as well as friends and barn mates, compete in a variety of classes. Be it watching international jumping competitions or one of the myriad of other show classes, or even the wonderful parade of carriages and unique exhibitions, there is something for everyone to do. The Horse Palace is a great place to observe all the horsey action that equestrians and horse enthusiast enjoy. Here the two storey stables are packed with all the competitors who have come from across North America (and even the world), to compete against one another. This place isn’t solely catered to the equestrians; there are also tons of agricultural shows and exhibits, and general interest booths
annual Royal Agricultural Winter Fair!
to discover. Inside the fair, amongst the booths that are full of the equipment, there are booths that are full of jewellery, books, and food. There are souvenirs that you can personalize and bring home, which is just perfect timing for the Christmas holidays. There is even a butter carving contest! Who knew? In short, the Royal is a place to go with your family and your friends, for a day, or two, or even the whole week. It’s something that you can share with those who mean the world to you, and create everlasting memories as well as souvenirs that you will never forget. All in all, I know that I cannot wait until next November to go back! If you want to know more about The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, check out their website: www.royalfair.org Written by Samantha Wild
Shaken, Not Stirred Every year the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair draws thousands of individuals from across North America into one venue. Here individuals can see some of the best the equestrian sport has to offer, across the various disciplines. Each scheduled horse show combines top level competitions with exhibitions that entertain and re-invent typical riding styles and practices in new and unique ways. The Lit Dressage Quadrille, which returned for its second year this November, was no exception.
Imagine …
… the lights dim, the audience draws silent in anticipation, from the chute emerges a quartet of horse and riders, illuminated against the darkness by a series of small lights that showcase the frame of the horse while shielding the rider from view. They enter the arena in a single line, draw to a halt, then the music swells and they launch into their routine. This is the Lit Quadrille; a creative Dressage quadrille routine designed by head coach Evi Pracht, and executed this year by Grand Prix riders Stephanie Jensen, Julie Watchorn, Joyce Cameron, and Harper Mackenzie. Titled “Shaken, not Stirred”, this year’s quadrille, pays homage to the 50th Anniversary of James Bond, with music designed by Tamara Williamson.
The 2012 Lit Dressage Quadrille at The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair
The Preparation The team starts practicing for the exhibition up to six weeks prior to the opening of the Royal. It is a long process that starts with the creation of the routine, and then progresses to weekly practices that familiarize the horses and riders with the pattern. Finally the lights and music are introduced.
The Lit Quadrille Team Performing in the dark is not an easy task. “It takes a very special horse that is willing to put up with this; some horses would definitely not be able to handle it� states rider Stephanie Jensen when asked if any special preparation is needed to desensitize the horses to the lights and riding in the dark. The horses that are chosen to partake in the lit quadrille are all seasoned quadrille horses and highly trained mounts that, throughout the period of practice leading up to the event, become familiar with the routine and their partner, allowing them to become comfortable when the lights are finally introduced.
The riders that make up the team are all high level competitors in the dressage discipline, many of whom operate their own barns and training facilities. This year’s team is made up of: Stephanie Jensen, a level 2 coach and the owner of Jensen Equestrian; Julie Watchorn, the owner of Stirling Hill Farms; Harper Mackenzie, the owner of M2 Dressage alongside partner Esther Mortimer; and Joyce Cameron who runs Joyce Cameron Dressage and Northern Lights Farm. Evi Pracht serves as head coach for the team. Ms. Pracht is an accomplished Dressage rider, clinician, and coach, who rode for the Canadian Team at the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul. What makes the Lit Dressage Quadrille unique is not only its engaging music and complex set of patterns eloquently executed by horse and rider, but the thousands of tiny Christmas lights that adorn each horse, illuminating their silhouette while leaving the rider in complete darkness. The costumes the horses wear are designed by Harry Quan, and are comprised of a series of lights sewn onto various pieces of tack or braided into the horse’s mane and tail.
SJE Addiction after donning his lights
Addiction is owned and ridden by Stephanie Jensen
The Lights Each horse is equipped with four essential pieces of equipment that allow them to be visible to the audience during each performance. The primary source of light is the blanket that each horse wears. It is a thin sheet onto which a long string of Christmas lights have been sewn, in long lines up and down the length of the fabric to create a series of vertical lines. To make room for the saddle, a hole is cut in the top of each sheet. The lights on the blanket, as well as those on the head and neck, are all powered by a small batter pack that is affixed on the top of the sheet, near the withers.
On the legs, each horse has a front and back set of black brushing boots that have had lights sewn onto them. Each boot has its own battery pack that provides power. To illuminate the head and neck of the horse, each one is provided with a black crocheted fly bonnet that has a string of lights sewn into it. A short strand of lights comes down from this bonnet and lies along the forehead of the horse, held in place at the bottom by the noseband on the horse’s bridle. From the back of the bonnet extends a longer strand of lights which is then affixed to the horse’s braids with elastics and connected to the blanket at the withers. The whole look is finished with a few strands of lights that are tied into the horse’s tail. This arrangement of lights allows only the outline of the horse to be seen, as each of the riders dresses entirely in black, allowing them to blend into the darkness in which they ride. The lights on the horse also prove essential in providing a small amount of light by which the riders can see and navigate their practiced patterns. 9 The Eloquent Equine
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The Exhibition
After many weeks of practice and preparation, on the evenings of November 8th and 9th, the riders and their horses thrilled the audience with their performance at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. The exhibition took place during the evening horse show performances on the Thursday and Friday evenings, in the Ricoh Coliseum. Here the horse and riders get to show off the skills in a unique and fun environment, bringing to audiences a new spin on the traditional dressage quadrille.
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Sunday’s Ontario Toyota Dealers Royal Rodeo was full of thrills, chills, and spills as some of the top cowboys and cowgirls showed off their skills in the Ricoh Coliseum. This year’s rodeo was hosted by Ross Millar, and co-host Amber Marshall, known for her role as Amy Fleming in CBC’s Heartland.
The highlights of the show included the fast paced rush and excitement of the speed events, which included barrel racing and pole bending, as well as the intense sport of bull riding. Other events included Bareback, Saddle Broncs, and an exciting and informative Trick Riding demonstration.
Pitting East against West, the Rodeo was an electrifying event that showcased the talents of many young and seasoned cowboys (and cowgirls), all vying for a chance at the prize money. Ultimately, the West triumphed over the East, but all the participants came out and gave everything they had. The show closed with an exciting and complex routine performed by the award winning precision drill team, The Canadian Cowgirls.
Thrills, Chills, and Spills
Top/Bottom: Ross Millar and Amber Marshall were this year’s Rodeo Hosts. Middle: The Pick up men are essential to ensuring the Rodeo runs smoothly. These guys help riders dismount from bucking horses, steer wayward stock back to the chute area, and uncinch flank straps.
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Speed Demons One of the highlights of the final weekend of the Royal was the Saturday Matinee horse show, which included the exciting and energetic Canine/Equine Relay. The relay pairs a top international show jumper with one of the President’s Choice Superdogs. Each pair has to successfully navigate a set course, and those with the fastest time will be victorious. The horse and rider combinations must first navigate a set course, followed by their canine partner who must navigate a set of obstacles (barrels, ramps, jumps, and tubes), with their trainer. It was a close race, but in the end, Jill Henselwood and her canine partner Bling posted the fastest time, putting them in first place. Daniel Bluman and Tactixs came second, Olivier Phillippaerts and Gander Third, and Reed Kessler and Kapow were fourth.
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Left: Jill Henselwood and Bling’s winning round
Facing Page
Top: Olivier Phillippaerts
and Gander Bottom: Reed Kessler and Kapow
Daniel Bluman on Chanel, he and his canine partner Tactixs were second overall
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Shop Till You Drop
Horse & Rider Product Guide
The Royal sports dozens of great booths full to the brim with equestrian supplies to fit all your horsey needs, and with the holiday season fast approaching, narrowing down that perfect gift is essential to making your shopping simple. We’ve done the leg work and come up with some products we think any equestrian is going to love. Photo: Even The Royal gets in the shopping spirit, offering great clothing and souvenir items to remeber your trip to the Fair.
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Coolfit™ Saddle Pad ECOGOLD The saddle pad we chose for our horse is as important as the rest of our tack, though it is a fact that is often forgotten in our quest for ideal saddle fit. Who knew that the right saddle pad could prove significant in improving horse and rider comfort? ECOGOLD surely does. Their new CoolFit™ pads are their latest innovation in saddle pad technology. Pairing ECOGOLD’s traditional frictionless and secure fit with advanced moisture wicking technology, these pads prove to be at the top of their game. Designed to quickly dispel heat and moisture, your horse will stay comfortable and dry throughout your ride. www.ecogold.ca
Greenline Nickers Horse Treats Greenhawk Harness and Equestrian Supplies Everyone know that the way to your horses heart is through food, so why not treat your horse and show just how much you appreciate them with some great horse treats. These treats are made with wheat flour, oat hull, and molasses and are exclusively available through Greenhawk. www.greenhawk.com The Eloquent Equine 18
Back on Track Clothing Back on Track Welltex™ Back on Track offers a wide variety of items for horse and rider (and even your dog). Their innovative textiles sport heat reflective technology that increases circulation and aids in alleviating muscle tension and discomfort. The Ceramic particles infused into the fabric of each product help to reflect the heat your body naturally produces, when this heat is re-absorbed by your body, it helps to reduce any inflammation and increase circulation. For more information: www.backontrack.com Many Back on Track products are available through your local tack stores, check their website to find a store near you.
SSG Riding Gloves SSG Good fitting gloves are essential to keeping your hands warm in the winter, dry in the rain, and safe and secure when working/ riding horses. So with over 50 different styles to choose from, SSG has something for to satisfy everyone. They have gloves for every discipline and season, and even some fun patterns for those who want to make a statement. For more information on the styles available and to find your local retailer visit their site: www.ssgridinggloves.com
Charles Owen Gr8 Helmet Charles Owen Everyone knows that a good helmet is an essential item in for every rider; it’s a vital safety tool that will keep your head safe in the case of a fall. There are a wide variety of helmets on the market, and the Charles Owen Gr8 helmet proves to be a sleek and sporty style that will protect your skull while still keeping your look fashion forward. Certified SEI by ASTM, these helmets come in a variety of colour combinations and are suitable for a wide variety of disciplines. If the Gr8 isn’t your style, the Charles Owen brand sports a myriad of other helmet styles to choose from. www.charlesowen.co.uk
Shedrow® K9 Dog Coats Greenhawk Harness and Equestrian Supplies
Of course, with the colder weather setting in, we can’t forget our smaller furry friends that often accompany us to the barn. To help your canine companion beat the chill, why not wrap him up on one of Greenhawk’s great Shedrow® K9 Dog Coats. Available in a variety of colours and styles, there is something for everyone. These coats are made with the same materials that make Shedrow® Equine Outerwear great. www.greenhawk.com
Perfectly Precise
Not only was Sunday’s Rodeo graced by the great woman and horses that make up the Canadian Cowgirls, but the OEF Spirit of the Horse Ring held a great demonstration of the drill team and their complex manoeuvres. The Canadian Cowgirls are an award winning elite precision drill team that are proudly Canadian. They perform all over, at various fairs and events, and are currently raising money for their trip to Pasadena, California, where they will be participating in the Tournament of Roses Parade on New Year’s Day. While at the fair the Cowgirls were selling roses which will be worn by the team members during the parade. Learn more about the Canadian Cowgirls by visiting their website: www.canadiancowgirls.com
Photo: The Candian Cowgirls at the Ontario Toyota Dealers Royal Rodeo on Sunday November 4th
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The Canadian Cowgirls performing in the OEF Spirit of the Horse Ring (Above) Top: A short clip of The Canadian Cowgirls Performance during Sunday’s Rodeo
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Cart and Carriage Horses
Another highlight of the Royal Fair every year is the myriad of carriage and cart horses that compete in a variety of classes. From the high stepping hackneys to the massive Percherons and Clydesdales, these classes are always entertaining. Prior to each show crowds gather around the chute between the Coliseum and the horse Palace to watch the horses and their drivers ride into the Ricoh, the sound of their hooves echoing off the concrete is an experience you do not want to miss.
Photo: One of the entries in the Clydesdale Unicorn Hitch Class on Wednesday Afternoon
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Left: Royal Heavy Horse 2 Horse Team Championship Entries entering the Chute prior to their Class Bottom: Roadster Pony Class Wednesday Afternoon (Far Left), Percheron 2 Horse Hitch Class (Bottom Top), Hitching Horses in preparation for Saturday (Nov 10) afternoon’s Green Meadows Class (Bottom)
Speed & Elegance Featuring Dressage rider Leah Wilson and Reiner Lindsay Hayes, the Denim & Diamonds exhibition proved to be an entertaining demonstration of reining and dressage manoeuvers. Set up as a pseudo “battle�, and choreographed to music, each rider performed various movements, demonstrating how similar patterns and steps are executed in their respected disciplines. From tight circles to leg yielding the riders demonstrated the approach reining and dressage take to each particular movement or step. Part way through the performance the audience was treated to a surprising twist; the riders switched horses and then attempted the same manoeuvers on their new mounts.
Above: The riders after switching horses Left: Riders Leah Wilson and Lindsay Hayes going head to head.
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Our next issue! Due out February 2013 The theme for Issue 3 is:
Competitive Edge Featuring: Trailering 101
The essentials for ensuring your horse is safe when on the road.
Perfect Preparation
Tips and Tricks to ensuring you’re prepared for your upcoming horse show.
... and so much more!
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Thanks for reading!