Thousands of horse lovers of all ages are expected to come together at the Horse Palace at Exhibition Place on Saturday, June 7 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for Toronto Horse Day, a celebration of all things equestrian.
This free family event is hosted by the Ontario Equestrian Federation (OEF) and features a variety of riding and driving demonstrations, interactive exhibits, games, special guests and more, including:
• A special presentation by Medieval Times
• Tour of the Toronto Mounted Unit’s stables
• Riding/Driving demos with horse breeds from around the world – from the ancient Arabian horse to the mighty Percheron to the tiny Miniature
• Autograph signings with mother-daughter team Eva-Maria Pracht and her daughter Martina Von Buttlar who won team gold at the 1987 Pam Am Gmes; Olympic medalists
Jim Elder and John Rumble, who brought home Canada’s first Olympic medal in equestrian at the 1956 Stolkholm Games; up-and-coming Eventer Rachel McDonough, who made her debut at the legendary Kentucky Rolex Three-Day Event this year on an off-the-track Thoroughbred; top harness drivers Jodi Jamieson and Bill Davis Jr; and Toronto Paralympian Jody Schloss
• A stick horse class for kids led by Degrassi star Sarah Fisher (Becky Baker)
• Belmont Stakes celebration aisle to cheer on California Chrome
• Kids’ activity zone featuring a face painter, horse-themed murals, colouring activities and much more
• Plus great draw prizes, including two riding lesson packages and tickets to Medieval Times
“This event gets bigger and better every year,” says Dianne Graham, the executive director of the OEF. “If you have always loved horses and have thought about taking up riding but aren’t sure how to get started, come out to Toronto Horse Day.”
The OEF hosts Toronto Horse Day each year on the first Saturday of June in partnership with the Riding Academy at the Horse Palace and Toronto Police Services Mounted Unit. Now in its sixth year, Horse Day includes locations across Canada. For more information, or to find an event in your area, visit http://horse.on.ca/oef-events/horse-day/