Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame, in Calgary, Alberta, is hosting the Horses in Sport exhibit, which is open now and will be on display for the next five years.
Located in the Mary Simpson Ride Gallery, the exhibit features eight major national and international equestrian events and celebrates the accomplishments of the 26 individuals and two horses previously inducted into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame for their contributions to the equine world.
Artifacts include a 35 million-year-old prehistoric horse, a full-size horse skeleton, three original trophies won by Northern Dancer, the racing colours worn by James Speers, founder of the Canadian Derby, and the saddle used by Tom Gayford when he won a Gold Medal at the 1968 Olympic Games with teammates James Day and Jim Elder. Life-size statues of Northern Dancer and Ron Turcotte are also on display, along with feature videos of major equestrian event highlights, interviews with Margaret Southern and Ian Millar, and information about the health, nutrition and care of horses.
On September 20th, Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame will officially launch the exhibit in a ceremony alongside hounoured guests including Spruce Meadows founder, Margaret Southern; Sandy Hawley, who competed in more than 6,000 races in his career as a jockey and was awarded horse racing’s highest honours in both Canada and the U.S.; and Tom Gayford and Jim Elder, who won Canada’s first Equestrian Olympic Gold medal in the Team event in Mexico City in 1968. John Simpson, chairman, owner and CEO of CANA Construction and major Calgary philanthropist, will speak about the significance of the exhibit. Linda Southern-Heathcott, Spruce Meadows president and CEO, and Nancy Southern, president and CEO of ATCO Ltd. Will also be in attendance.
To learn more about Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame, and this exhibit, click here.
More from Horse-Canada:
