Breeds from around the world come together at Spirit of the Horse exhibit

The Ontario Equestrian Federation has once again partnered with the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair to bring breeds from around the world to the Spirit of the Horse exhibit, a full-size ring sponsored by Mamma’s Pizza that hosts demonstrations, clinics and autograph signings by some of Canada’s top riders throughout the 10-day fair, which starts this Friday.

“The Spirit of the Horse exhibit is fun for the whole family and is a great way to get up close to a variety of different horse breeds,” says Dianne Graham, the executive director of the Ontario Equestrian Federation. “It’s the one time each year when all of these amazing animals come together under one roof to meet the public.”

The OEF is excited to welcome ambassadors from the American Saddlebred, Arabian and Half-Arabian, Black Forest Horse, Blazing Colours, Canadian Sport Horse, Donkey Sanctuary of Canada, Friesian, Gypsy Vanner Horse, Haflinger, Miniature Horse, Toronto Police Mounted Unit, Newfoundland Pony, Paso Fino, Percheron, Peruvian, Rocky Mountain Horse, Quarter Horse, Thoroughbred, WindReach Farms therapeutic riding and Wind Dancer Pony Rescue. The Canadian Cowgirls, an elite rodeo-style precision drill team known for their patriotic costumes, will also be on hand to show off their precision riding skills.

In addition to being able to ask questions during demonstrations, the public can also tour the stalls between riding presentations to meet the horses and learn more about each breed or discipline’s unique characteristics.

There will also be a variety of clinics, including Eventing with Waylon Roberts, Saddle Seat with Mary Ruth Moore, Dressage with Karin Davis, Side Saddle with Debbie Smith and Hunter/Jumper with Hyde Moffatt.

“The Spirit of the Horse exhibit is breathtaking, informative and entertaining,” says Graham. “If you love horses, this is the place you want to be. There are so many different breeds of horses and so many different ways to ride them, which is why the Spirit of the Horse exhibit is truly the perfect way to explore the world of horses.”

The 90^th Royal Agricultural Winter Fair runs from Friday, Nov. 2 to Sunday, Nov. 11, 2012 inToronto. It is the largest combined indoor agricultural fair and international equestrian competition in the world.