Riders from a Newmarket-based horse club got a taste of what horse shows and competitions are like at a local International Horse Day event.
In celebration of the special day June 4, the Toronto and North York Pony club hosted a fun rally for youth featuring dressage, show jumping, and cross-country jumping.
"It's like a competition but it's not, it's an educational session ... this is how they learn how to compete and go to a competition and what's required before they get into that big showroom later," said Anita Barnes, district commissioner of the club.
The Toronto and North York Pony club is a branch of an international equestrian organization. It has been around since the 1950s and is one of the largest branches in Canada with 28 members ranging from ages six to 24.
"It teaches kids how to take care of their animals, how to ride them, they offer competition and opportunities to compete internationally," Barnes said of the club.
Her own child was part of the pony club when younger and Barnes herself was involved in one in the U.K. growing up.
The club is volunteer based and membership costs $125 per year to make horse riding more accessible for kids.
Even the horse day event was put together by volunteers, with parents of riders at the club pitching in to set up everything.
"This is not your normal horse show, kids on ponies galore," she added.
As well as the members of the Toronto and North York Pony Club, riders from clubs across Central Ontario, including in Durham and Uxbridge, were invited to join the mock competition.
Judges were on hand to provide feedback and comments for the riders to help them improve.
The rally was held at 16309 Kennedy Rd., outside of Newmarket. The space was transformed over the last few weeks with various jumps and other preparations to make it into a true show ground.
Not only is it about providing an educational opportunity for the riders, but the rally is a fundraiser for the local pony club. Entry fees from the event go toward the branch and helping fund more education activities in the future. It has been held for about 10 years, except during the pandemic.
"It's just a fun day. The atmosphere is always good," Barnes said.
