Dressage fans can start dusting off their cocktail dresses; the Equestrian Canada Dressage/Para-Dressage Reception at the Royal is back! After a two-year hiatus – that actually feels more like 20 years – due to the pandemic, the annual event is returning and promises to be a fun night to celebrate the sport of dressage with its high-performance athletes in attendance.

Jacquie Brooks will emcee the evening gala. (Jacqueline Brooks Facebook photo)

The Dressage/Para-Dressage Reception takes place at the Tanbark Club at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto, ON, from 5:30 to 8 pm on Tuesday, November 8, and is sponsored by the Christoff Family Foundation.

Acting as emcee for the evening is perennial favourite rider and Olympian Jacqueline Brooks. Awards will be given for Dressage and Para-Dressage for 2021 as well as 2022 as well as Youth Athlete of the Year, Senior Athlete of the Year, Horse of the Year, Owner of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, and Special Recognition.

The party is also a fundraiser for the Paris 2024 Olympics, and after you’ve schmoozed with fellow dressage enthusiasts and grabbed a selfie with one of Team Canada’s riders, the event wraps at 8 pm, with plenty of time to catch the Royal Dressage Showcase in the main ring.

There is a dress code of cocktail and business attire ‒ but don’t worry, no need for top hats and tails! Tickets can be purchased through this form which can be returned to Christine Reupke at the Royal via email at creupke@royalfair.org. Deadline for ticket purchases is Tuesday November 1, 2022, by 4 pm EDT.