As officials prepare for the 2012 edition of the Erin Fall Fair, the big tents are being raised for the equine area that features a hands-on exhibit that brings visitors up close and personal to learn about the world of horses.
The tent will be comprised of educational resources, industry experts and, of course, a variety of unique horse breeds.
Equine exhibitors include the popular Equimania, an award-winning and interactive learning display for all ages put on by Equine Guelph.
The Grand River Agricultural Society and Grand River Raceway will offer an opportunity for visitors to get their picture taken with a real race horse.
The team from Caledon Equine Veterinary Hospital will let visitors see the “inside workings of a horse” and will answer all kinds of questions about horses.
The Ontario Equestrian Federation will offer a helmet safety clinic and will feature information on Canada’s Olympic equestrian team (look for team members).
Of course, no equine tent would be complete without the real deals, so all weekend long there will be live horses representing a range of breeds, including the on-ice Icelandic horse, Spring Gait Meadows with their mini horses, draft horses, the Canadian warmblood, quarter horses, paint and pinto mare and foal, and every horse’s friend, the mini-donkeys from The Donkey Farm.
Members of the Wellington County OPP mounted unit will be seen on patrol throughout the weekend.
The tent will also include special features such as equine art, teaching the basics of how to draw horses, live horse-shoeing demonstrations and barefoot farrier demos.
An equine physiotherapy demonstration will help riders and owners understand the physical health requirements for horses.
For horse lovers about to say “I do” there will be an equine wedding photography display.
In addition, for the first time, the 2012 Erin Fall Fair will be offering a “build your dream stable” competition/class for youths under 16.
The equine tent experience culminates on Oct. 8, with the fun, fast competition of the mini chuck wagons and chariots. Races are scheduled for 9:30am and 3:30pm on the track and noon (following Gymkhana break) in the horse ring at the back of the fairgrounds.
There is talk that there may be a contender from Grand River Raceway showing up to take on the minis.
For more information on the equine tent call 519-855-4562 or email equinetent@erinfair.ca.
