The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair: New Competitive Classes and World-Class Talent Headline The 2013 Royal Horse Show

Source: News Release/Michelle Dunn

New Competitive Classes and World-Class Talent
Headline The 2013 Royal Horse Show

- Enhanced programming shines the spotlight on equestrian sport and entertainment –

Toronto, ON – Bigger and bolder, this year’s Royal Agricultural Winter Fair announces its most amazing Royal Horse Show line-up in years, anchored by enhanced competition programming. In addition to exciting new competitive classes, horse enthusiasts will also have the opportunity to take in performances and clinics led by some of the world’s best equestrian talent.

The Royal Horse Show is North America’s most prestigious and important indoor equestrian event. Set in the historic Ricoh Coliseum, The Royal Horse Show showcases both Olympic level riders and budding equestrians. The 2013 Royal runs Friday, November 1^st to Sunday, November 10^th.

“Simply put, this year’s Royal Horse Show is going to be extraordinary,” said Sandra Banks, Chief Executive Officer, The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. “As always, The Royal is committed to celebrating and showcasing the best of the best in equestrian sport.”

NEW in Equestrian Competition

In 2013, The Royal proudly launches the Royal Junior Jumper Championship – an innovative program that will foster the development of young Canadian show jumpers under the age of 18. The Royal will offer two national classes at the 1.2 metre level. Riders will qualify from the National 1.2 metre Junior/Amateur Division. This developmental series will assist Canada in building stronger national fields in the future and allow Canada to remain on the top tier in international competition.

This year will also see changes to the Thoroughbred line classes. The Thoroughbred has been bred selectively for centuries to be the premier athlete of the horse world. Thoroughbreds will be judged on athleticism, beauty, refinement, elegance and way of going. Prize money is generously supported by the Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society (Ontario Division).

Building on the success, and rave reviews since its installation last year, the Horse Show ring will be outfitted with TravelRight; the superior arena footing that is used in international competitions and World Cup Qualifiers.

Since debuting the innovative footing in 2012, The Royal Horse Show has solidified its standing as one of the Top Ten Ranked Horse Shows in North America by the North American Riders Group.

NEW in Equine Entertainment and Education

This November, the ultimate in equestrian performing arts and theatrics will take to the ring as Sylvia Zerbini, formerly of Cavalia, brings her newest feature Liberte to The Royal Horse Show. Using only body positions and a handful of verbal cues, Sylvia communicates with a spellbinding collection of nine Arabian horses – one-third of which are stallions – at liberty.

Rounding out the Horse Show’s commitment to entertainment and education, famed Australian horseman Guy McLean will amaze audiences with his keen knowledge of horse training. A self-taught horseman, Guy McLean can be considered equal parts horse whisperer, trainer and entertainer. Guy McLean holds the champion title for the 2012 Road to the Horse.

Both Sylvia Zerbini and Guy McLean will host several performances and clinics during The Royal. Schedules will be posted in mid-July. Please visit royalfair.org for exact times and locations.

In addition to the competition enhancements and new programming set for 2013, The Royal Horse Show will continue to feature its classic disciplines including Show Jumping, Dressage and Indoor Eventing. The $100,000 Hickstead FEI World Cup^TM Grand Prix, The Canadian Show Jumping Championships and the Ricoh Big Ben Challenge – the grand finale of International Show Jumping will all also remain part of the Horse Show’s 2013 line-up.

Beyond the Horse Show, there is much more for animal lovers to see and do at The Royal.

Moving and expanding the Spirit of the Horse experience to the new 2,500-seat Royal Animal Theatre, performances will showcase horses, dog, sheep and more – teaching fairgoers about all the amazing contributions working animals make to our daily life.

Coming this November, The Royal will launch The a-MAZE-ing Food Journey – a maze-like attraction that allows kids of all ages to explore the route our food takes from “farm to fork”. This new feature will give children the chance to see, touch and smell where their food comes from. For once, kids are encouraged to play with their food.

Whether you take in the Horse Show, the agriculture or the animals, The Royal is guaranteed to entertain.

About The Royal

The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair is the world’s largest combined indoor agricultural and equestrian show. This year, The 91^st Royal Agricultural Winter Fair runs November 1-10, 2013 in the Direct Energy Centre and Ricoh Coliseum in Toronto. Visit royalfair.org for more information. The Royal is Canada’s leader in showcasing agricultural, food and equine excellence.