Comment

Comment by Ferrous on September 26, 2011 at 10:38pm

We have wondered why so few people attend the breed show and are saddened to read that a lack of cash incentive is a big reason. We find the attitude toward the UCD breed show quite disappointing. There is money at the Acton Show because it is a Fall Fair... the horse show is a small part of the money earned by a Fall Fair, and so Fair associations can afford to pay prize money. It is part of the Fall Fair Show tradition.

When our friends attend hunter shows, or our horses attend a dressage show, we do not get prize money. When we attend our breed show, we do not get prize money. Our motivation for attending shows is not to get a cash reward... it is to get our horses some off-property experience, to showcase our horses (including sharing info about the breed), to get some judges' comments on how our horses are progressing, and to have some fun with our horses and other 'horsey' folks. We don't have a lot of money, and we admit that prize money would be nice (and very helpful), but we accept that paying (not receiving) money to show is part of horse ownership (or being owned by horses!).

We make sacrifices to be able to attend the breed show each year, because we want to support our breed association and try to help the breed show to survive. It is a good place for people to see a variety of Canadian Horses in one place. It is a good place for Canadian owners and fans to network. Having an official Futurity and Breed Show is also part of having a breed. It would be awful for our breed to lose its show. The UCD show is not just a bunch of breed classes, like at a fair... it is a dedicated 'breed show' and a Futurity (showing the future of the breed). The show still exists because of the efforts of a small number of dedicated breeders, horse owners and breed supporters, but it is in danger of disappearing if people don't start to support it. We will be saddened if we do lose the show because it is a supportive and fun show, we enjoy seeing other Canadian Horses and owners, and it supports the breed association. Having a dedicated breed show also helps to demonstrate the legitimacy of our breed to the OEF and other organizations.

As for the show date... the show is generally held at this time of year. It is a good time as the weather is still good, and foals are generally weaned by about now and so can be shown in weanling classes. The UCD did try to move it by a week or so in order to avoid clashing with the Acton Fall Fair, but was unable to do so because of other events at the Orangeville Fairgrounds. The Fairgrounds are an excellent venue  and the management has provided the UCD with an excellent price for its use of the facility. It would be difficult (if not impossible) to find an equivalent venue for a comparable price. The venue provides footing/rings that can accommodate halter, riding and driving classes; an option to show indoors if weather is bad; plenty of stabling and bedding; restroom facilities; parking for vehicles and trailers; and areas to socialise.

There is no prize money because the association cannot afford to provide prize money... especially when so few people attend UCD events and support the association. Perhaps if more Canadian Horse owners got involved in UCD events, there would an opportunity to offer prize money at the show... but until the situation improves, the money just isn't there.

I have noticed that a couple of breeders have retired from breeding this year, and a few more are in the process of retiring. We are losing breeding farms across the country at a faster rate than new breeding farms are being established. We need to support the remaining breeders, encourage new breeders, and show that we have horses worth considering breeding. We need a Futurity and Breed Show to show breeding quality young stock, and to showcase what mature examples of the breed can do... we need to gather horses together and encourage people to come and see them. If we don't pull together we may lose more that a breed show, we may lose the breed itself. We need to build a sustainable Canadian Horse network. I cringe when the owners and associations of other breeds 'outdo' us. Gypsy Vanners and Irish Draughts and other rare horse breeds get resounding support and publicity from breeders, owners and fans... don't our incredibly awesome Canadian horses deserve the same?!

Comment by Queenrider on September 26, 2011 at 8:58am

Scooter is going in his second show on Oct 2.  He will be showing T2 and T3.  Then I am taking him to the John Lassetter clinic in Elora for 3 days.

I know the entries for the Orangeville Canadian show have been going down while the entries for the Acton Fair show have been going up.For the Acton Fair they keep 15% of all monies won for the entry fee so you don't have to pay upfront entry fees plus the mere fact that there is prize money is a great incentive.   

 

Comment by Queenrider on September 23, 2011 at 8:24am

Did anyone go the Canadian show at Acton Fair or the one up in Orangeville?  It is unfortunate they are both scheduled for the same weekend!

Comment by Lillian Tepera on September 22, 2011 at 9:28am

Wonderful photos. I'm so glad you're out there promoting the breed. I run a therapeutic riding program (and one my prize school horses is a Canadian), so I have lots of people through my barn -- horsepeople and not -- and it amazes me how many of them have no idea that a Canadian Horse breed exists.

Comment by Rose Cook on September 19, 2011 at 10:48pm

It is awesome what you do with your Canadian horse Laura. Congrads. How often do you work with him and where did you learn to to teach him theses tricks? And who  or what is " Iron Horse " that you refer to.

Comment by Gaia Vincenzi on September 9, 2011 at 3:57am

Hi from Italy guys=)
What a beautiful group!

Please visit my horseblog:

www.iconadeironchi.blogspot.com

Stay in touch also on facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/IDR/133709530041269

Hope to see you soon,

Gaia

Comment by Rose Cook on September 8, 2011 at 4:16pm

Tina and John with their Gelding Seabring at the Marshville Heritage Festival

Comment by Rose Cook on September 8, 2011 at 4:13pm

Trudy and her Gelding Phoenix at the Marshville Festival

Comment by Rose Cook on September 8, 2011 at 4:09pm

Wow what a Labour Day week end. Myself with my Mare Porscha, Tina and her Gelding Seabring and Trudy with her Gelding Phoenix all shared a day exhibiting our Canadian Horses at the Marshville Heritage Festival in Wainfleet Ontario. An estimated 35,000 people came thru. The first day temperatures went from 89 F to 70 F and stormy the second day to 60 F cold and wind  the last day. We handed out Breed information and answered questions. We generated a lot of interest and Oooohs and Ahhhhs as to their beauty. What a great way to promote the Canadian Horse. This is our 4th year doing this.

Comment by Rose Cook on September 8, 2011 at 3:54pm

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