Royal Horse Show News

Appointment of new Chief Executive Officer

The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair | January 31, 2024

On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair Association of Canada, I am pleased to announce the appointment of Cyrus Cooper as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair.

Cyrus has over 20 years of experience within the hospitality and higher education sectors in Canada. He has held leadership roles within some of Canada’s most prestigious brands, namely; Director of Operations roles with Oliver & Bonacini Hospitality, The Granite Club and Pusateri’s Fine Foods.

Cyrus is currently a Professor at Centennial College’s School of Hospitality, Tourism and Culinary Arts where he oversees the Post Graduate Program called; Hotel, Resort and Restaurant Management. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) and a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) from the Ted Rogers School of Management at Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly known as Ryerson University).

Cyrus is a seasoned leader, whose signature drive, ambition and focus on service, team building, and leadership has become his defining hallmark of his. Cyrus is also an active community member and holds committee roles within organizations such as Toronto Metropolitan University and Trillium Health Partners. Cyrus lives in Mississauga with his wife and two sons.

Please join me in welcoming Cyrus to the team at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair.

Sincerely,

Ray Stanton
President and Chair The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair Association of Canada

Daniel Bluman Dominates Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Toronto

Jennifer Ward | Jump Media | jward@jumpmediallc.com

Toronto, Ontario – Israel’s Daniel Bluman riding Gemma W triumphed in the $250,000 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Toronto on Saturday evening, November 11, in front of a sold-out crowd to close out the 2023 Royal Horse Show, held as part of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, in Toronto, ON.

British course designer Kelvin Bywater set the challenging track for the star-studded field of 20 riders representing seven countries. In his Royal Horse Show debut, Rene Dittmer of Germany delivered the first clear with Corsica X. Just a few rides later, Canadian talent Vanessa Mannix of Calgary, AB, thrilled the home crowd with a fault-free effort aboard Carmela Z. Then it was Kent Farrington of the United States, currently third on the Longines World Rankings, who added his name to the jump-off list with Greya, a nine-year-old Oldenburg mare (Colestus x Contender) owned by Kent Farrington LLC. Bluman with Gemma W, and young British star Jessica Mendoza, 27, with I-Cap CL Z, also managed to find the clear path, bringing the count to five to contest the all-deciding jump-off.

First to go, Dittmer, who has notched several top placings on his first North American indoors tour, had an unfortunate four faults, leaving the door open for the remaining challengers. Mannix once again left all the poles in the cups, crossing the timers in 36.29 seconds to the delight of the packed house. Farrington followed with a slick round and even faster time of 34.32 seconds to take over the lead. Knowing his target, Bluman pushed Gemma W to the limit, stopping the clock at 33.28 seconds. Mendoza gave him a run for his money, but when the time showed 33.60 seconds, it was Bluman who was victorious. Mendoza finished in a very close second, Farrington claimed third, and Mannix was the top Canadian contender in fourth.

Bluman has been knocking on the door of a big win indoors with Gemma W since 2022. They were second in the 2022 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Washington, second in last year’s Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Toronto, and second in the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Lexington held one week before Toronto. Now, they are Royal Horse Show World Cup champions and sit atop the Longines North American League standings.

“When you’re riding in an event that has this type of atmosphere it’s extra special,” explained Bluman, 33, of the significance of the competition at The Royal. “These indoor horse shows are very traditional horse shows in North America. We grew up watching them, and we grew up watching great names win these classes, so I certainly was a little bit upset last year that I couldn’t put my name on that trophy. I don’t know how many chances you get to win a grand prix like this one, and when you are given the chance, the minimum you can do is beat the time of the rider that went before you, so I’m happy that things went my way tonight and we ended up winning the class.

“I was really excited for the mare,” continued Bluman of the 12-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare (Luidam x Unaniem) owned by Blue Star Investments and Over the Top Stables LLC. “This is not an easy class for her to jump and a great class for her to win. Gemma is all heart; she will always give you everything. I’m very proud of her.”

For Mendoza, it was a memorable first experience at The Royal. Having produced I-Cap CL Z since the now 11-year-old Zangersheide gelding (I’m Special de Muze x Air Jordan) was four, Mendoza felt like the moment was right to let loose in the jump-off.

“He’s amazing,” said Mendoza of the talented bay she owns in partnership with Sarah Mendoza. “I trust him completely. I know if I make crazy turns and I’m at a big angle, he’s going to take off, and he’s going to do his best to clear it. Honestly, I think I’ll be coming back to The Royal every year. It’s an incredible show and an unbelievable feeling to be in front of that crowd.”

For Farrington, his third-place finish put the exclamation mark on a fault-free week with both mounts, including victories with Creedance in the $38,500 Strength and Speed Challenge on Wednesday, November 8, and the $80,000 Canadian Open International Speed Challenge on Friday, November 10. With his World Cup grand prix mount, Greya, Farrington also enjoyed a second-place finish in Thursday’s $150,000 Mad Barn Big Ben Challenge.

“I’m really happy with my horses this week and thrilled with the result tonight,” expressed Farrington, 42. “This is a very prestigious show. It’s a very important event on our calendar because it holds the tradition of a knowledgeable crowd mixed with high-level riding. I think it’s the best we have here in North America. My hopes were very high that Greya would come and perform like she did, so I’m really happy with the horse.”

At the end of an exciting evening of world-class show jumping, course designer Kelvin Bywater was pleased with the outcome.

“For me, it’s a journey back,” said Bywater, who first designed at The Royal in 1991 alongside his mentor and 2012 London Olympic course designer, Bob Ellis. “To come back and design here this week has been something quite special. I had the initial plan for tonight’s course a few weeks ago, but you kick it around a bit, and then you kick it around a bit more, and then you watch these riders throughout the week, and you think, ‘Yeah, they are pretty good,’ so you kick it around a bit more. Eventually, you come up with something that you think is a fair test, and tonight we had great sport.”

Christine Reupke, Director of Equestrian and Breed Sport for the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, echoed Bywater’s sentiment saying, “We’ve enjoyed an incredible week of sport at the Royal Horse Show and tonight was the icing on the cake. Together with our fantastic partner, Longines, we welcomed the best riders in the world to Toronto to battle it out for the World Cup title. The result was a thrilling competition, and our Royal fans showed their appreciation by once again packing the Coca-Cola Coliseum and cheering on the feats of athleticism showcased by horses and riders alike.”

At the conclusion of the CSI4*-W Royal Horse Show, several prestigious titles were awarded. Farrington earned the Leading International Rider award while Amy Millar of Perth, ON, was named the Leading Canadian Rider, earning the Lt. Col. Stuart C. Bate Memorial Trophy. She also was presented with the Martha W. Jolicoeur Leading Lady Rider Award. Irish rider Daniel Coyle’s mount Legacy, owned by Ariel Grange of Cheltenham, ON, earned the All Canadian Cup, presented in memory of lifelong horsewoman Susan Grange, as the Leading Canadian-Owned Horse.

$250,000 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Toronto
Saturday, November 11

Rider / Nation / Horse / Faults / Time

1. Daniel Bluman / ISR / Gemma W / 0:0 / 33.28
2. Jessica Mendoza / GBR / I-Cap CL Z / 0:0 / 33.60
3. Kent Farrington / USA / Greya / 0:0 / 34.32
4. Vanessa Mannix / CAN / Carmela Z / 0:0 / 36.29
5. Rene Dittmer / GER / Corsica X / 0:4 / 36.07
6. Amy Millar / CAN / Christiano / 4
7. Beat Mändli / SUI / Dsarie / 4
8. McLain Ward/ USA / Callas / 4
9. Daniel Coyle / IRL / Legacy / 4
10. Mario Deslauriers / CAN / Bardolina 2 / 4
11. Tiffany Foster / CAN / Northern Light / 4
12. Alex Matz / USA / Cashew CR / 8

Israel’s Daniel Bluman won the $250,000 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Toronto riding Gemma W to close out the Royal Horse Show on Saturday night, November 11, in Toronto, ON.

Photo by Ben Radvanyi Photography

Great Britain’s Jessica Mendoza finished runner-up in the $250,000 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Toronto aboard I-Cap CL Z.

Photo by Ben Radvanyi Photography

Kent Farrington of the United States and Greya placed third in the $250,000 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Toronto.

Photo by Ben Radvanyi Photography

Daniel Bluman and Gemma W were presented as the winners of the $250,000 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Toronto by Urs Schiendorfer representing Longines and Romina Di Pasquale, Longines Brand Manager Canada.

Photo by Ben Radvanyi Photography

Photo of the Day:

Left to right: Jessica Mendoza, Daniel Bluman, and Kent Farrington were all smiles at the $250,000 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Toronto press conference on Saturday evening, November 11, to close out the CSI4*-W Royal Horse Show.

Photo by Ben Radvanyi Photography

Kent Farrington Strikes Again at Toronto’s Royal Horse Show

Jennifer Ward | Jump Media | jward@jumpmediallc.com

Toronto, Ontario – Kent Farrington of the United States soared to victory in the $80,000 Canadian Open International Speed Challenge, on Friday evening, November 10, at the Royal Horse Show, held as part of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, in Toronto, ON.

Seventeen horse-and-rider combinations contested the speed track set by British course designer Kelvin Bywater, which saw the fastest clear round win. Third into the Coca-Cola Coliseum, Canadian talent Vanessa Mannix of Calgary, AB, thrilled the packed house with the first clear ride aboard Carmela Z in 59.94 seconds. A few rounds later, it was fellow Canadian Tiffany Foster of Langley, BC, the highest-ranked female show jumping athlete in the world, who delivered another fault-free effort in 57.66 seconds to move into the lead with Electrique, a nine-year-old Zangersheide mare (Emerald van’t Ruytershof x Voltaire) owned by 5 Roosters.

Three-time U.S. Olympic medalist McLain Ward laid down a blazing trip with First Lady, a 10-year-old Oldenburg mare (Don Diarado x Lordanos) owned by Robin Parsky, in 56.72 seconds to take over the lead. It looked like Ward was going to be the winner until fellow American Kent Farrington shaved more than a second off his time, stopping the clock at 55.46 seconds with Creedance. The rest of the field could not match Farrington’s electric performance, and in the end, he was victorious. Ward finished in second place while Foster represented the maple leaf by completing the top three.

“It’s a pretty special Royal for him with two wins this week,” said Farrington of the 16-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (Lord Z x Notaris) that he owns in partnership with Haity McNerney. “For me, I just wanted to have a great class with him. That’s how I like to feel on him. These have been some of his best rounds, so to do it here in a good class and at a special show, one of the best indoors that we have in North America with a great atmosphere and full crowd, was a great win for him.”

It has been a long and successful partnership for Farrington and Creedance, who first started competing at the international level together in 2015. Since then, the pair has earned numerous five-star wins all over the world, including in their now fourth appearance at the Royal Horse Show.

“He felt great,” said Farrington, currently ranked third in the world, of his partner. “He’s been a winner his entire career and a superstar for my team. He’s been sound the entire time, and he’s been winning the entire time. I’m very proud of that and proud of my team and how we’ve managed him.

“This horse is naturally so fast across the ground, and he’s fast in the air,” continued Farrington, who recently won team gold and individual silver medals at the Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile. “If he does one of his fast rounds, it’s very hard to beat. Somebody has to do something incredible like leave two strides out of a line or something miraculous because his natural speed is just so high. We are getting towards the end of his career, and I really want him to finish in flying form and winning like he does.”

International competition culminates on Saturday evening, November 11, with the highly anticipated $250,000 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Toronto in front of a sold-out crowd of over 7,000 people. For those looking to formally bet on who will be the next World Cup winner, Fitzdares has created a book for the Royal Horse Show. To place your bets, head to https://www.fitzdares.ca/sportsbook/SPECIALS/.

For more information on the Royal Horse Show, including daily schedules and to purchase tickets, visit www.royalfair.org/royalhorseshow. Also download the new Royal Agricultural Winter Fair app for more news and information at your fingertips!

$80,000 Canadian Open International Speed Challenge
Friday, November 10

Rider / Nation / Horse / Faults / Time

1. Kent Farrington / USA / Creedance / 0 / 55.46
2. McLain Ward / USA / First Lady / 0 / 56.72
3. Tiffany Foster / CAN / Electrique / 0 / 57.66
4. Amy Millar / CAN / GCS Athena / 0 / 58.08
5. Vanessa Mannix / CAN / Carmela Z / 0 / 59.94
6. Kelli Cruciotti Vanderveen / USA / Forever SFN / 0 / 60.12
7. Katherine A. Dinan / USA / Dijon Terdoorn Z / 0 / 60.31
8. Jimmy Torano / USA / Kochio Z / 0 / 63.01
9. Daniel Coyle / IRL / Quintin / 4 / 57.88
10. Nicole Walker / CAN / Atout des Trambles / 4 / 59.06
11. Rene Dittmer / GER / Burlington Riverland / 4 / 59.81
12. Daniel Bluman / ISR / Cachemire de Braize / 8 / 60.67$

Kent Farrington, currently ranked third in the world, and Creedance won the $80,000 Canadian Open International Speed Challenge on Friday evening, November 10, at the CSI4*-W Royal Horse Show in Toronto, ON, to mark their second victory of the week.

Photo by Ben Radvanyi Photography

Two-time Olympic gold medalist McLain Ward of the United States aboard First Lady took second in the $80,000 Canadian Cup on Friday evening, November 10.

Photo by Ben Radvanyi Photography

Tiffany Foster of Langley, BC, who is currently the top female in the Longines World Rider Rankings, took third riding Electrique in the $80,000 Canadian Open International Speed Challenge at Toronto’s Royal Horse Show.

Photo by Ben Radvanyi Photography

Photo of the day:

Judging for the Pemberton Green Meadows Four in Hand Coaching class took place on Friday afternoon, November 10, at the Royal Horse Show where five coaches were presented. Pictured is the Old Times coach, owned by Harvey Waller of Stockbridge, MA.

Photo by Ben Radvanyi Photography

Ireland’s Daniel Coyle Continues Royal Horse Show Legacy

Jennifer Ward | Jump Media | jward@jumpmediallc.com

Toronto, Ontario – Daniel Coyle of Ireland and his veteran partner, Legacy, stormed to victory in the $150,000 Mad Barn Big Ben International Challenge on Thursday evening, November 9, at the Royal Horse Show in Toronto, ON.

Twenty-two starting combinations contested the first-round track set by British course designer Kelvin Bywater, and seven jumped fault-free to advance to the jump-off. U.S. Olympian Kent Farrington set the time to beat at 36.75 seconds aboard Greya, the nine-year-old Oldenburg mare (Colestus x Contender) owned by Kent Farrington LLC. Galloping across the Coca-Cola Coliseum, it looked like Farrington was on the cusp of another victory, until Coyle entered the arena two rides later. After taking every risk, the luck of the Irish paid off for Coyle with a clear round and an unbeatable time of 35.72 seconds. In the end, Farrington would settle for second this time around after winning on Wednesday, while Switzerland’s Beat Mändli completed the top three as the fastest four-faulter in the jump-off in 37.03 seconds with Dsarie, a 15-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare (Veron x Ahorn) owned by Grant Road Partners.

In 2022, Coyle and Legacy triumphed in the marquee event of the Royal Horse Show, the $250,000 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Toronto. It was a meaningful win for Coyle as Legacy’s owner, Ariel Grange of Lothlorien Farm, is a Toronto native. Now, they look poised to repeat that success in 2023.

“When we won the World Cup here last year it felt like the biggest thing I ever did because this is Ariel’s local show,” reflected Coyle, who is ranked 12 on the Longines World Rider Rankings. “Any win here is brilliant, but last year to win the World Cup was unbelievable. Now to win the Big Ben Challenge as well is amazing. Hopefully we’ll be able to do the same on Saturday.”

With gasps from the packed crowd as a dauntless Coyle was matched by impressive efforts from Legacy at every fence, cheers erupted as Coyle and Legacy raced through the timers and straight to the top of the class.

“Legacy now knows how to go very fast,” explained Coyle of his star mount, a 13-year-old Zangersheide mare (Chippendale Z x Bon Ami). “I knew it was a risk, but I believed she could do it. She’s an amazing horse, and I’m delighted to have her. It probably wasn’t the smoothest round I’ve ever had, but she’s such a fighter.”

Earlier in the day, 15 combinations took on the first round of the $38,500 Brickenden Trophy, where just six advanced to the deciding jump-off. Fresh off her team silver medal at the 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile, Canadian Olympian Amy Millar saved the best for last, guiding GCS Athena, a nine-year-old Irish Sport Horse mare (Vigo d’Arsouilles x Numero Uno), to the top prize in 39.63 seconds.

“It’s so exciting to be here,” shared Millar. “I love The Royal so much. It’s one of my favourite horse shows. We just got back from Chile, and if it had been any other horse show, I would be at home relaxing, but you can’t miss The Royal!

“Athena is so talented,” she continued of her mount, owned by Brookstreet Stables Corporation. “I’ve been riding her for two years, and just to see her progression and how she’s really grown into an unbelievable jumper makes me very proud. One of my favourite things about her is how fast she is. She’s scopey, she’s careful, and all of those are prerequisites to even get in that ring, but on top of that she’s naturally really fast and agile, so you’re along for the ride.”

Fellow Canadian Vanessa Mannix rode Carmela Z, her 12-year-old Zangersheide mare (Candillo 3 x Nissan Caretano Z), to the runner-up spot in 41.05 seconds. Just behind her in a time of 41.87 seconds, Jimmy Torano of the United States completed the top three aboard his own Kochio Z, a nine-year-old Zangersheide gelding (Kannan x Diamant de Semilly).

The week of incredible world-class show jumping continues to thrill, with athletes representing seven countries in the CSI4*-W division. The $80,000 Canadian Open Speed Challenge on Friday, November 10, will have riders racing for the top prize, while the week culminates in the highly anticipated $250,000 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Toronto on Saturday evening, November 11, in front of a sold-out crowd of over 7,000 people.

For those looking to formally bet on who will be the next World Cup winner, Fitzdares has created a book for the Royal Horse Show. To place your bets, head to https://www.fitzdares.ca/sportsbook/SPECIALS/.

The Royal offers numerous hospitality experiences including the Royal Terrace for VIP and corporate hosting and the Coliseum’s Sky Suites which offer stables and groups their own private suites. The Tanbark Club will continue to welcome Gold and Platinum VIP ticket holders. Contact groups@royalfair.org or HSvip@royalfair.org for full details.

$150,000 Mad Barn Big Ben International Challenge
Thursday, November 9

Rider / Nation / Horse / Faults / Time

1. Daniel Coyle / IRL / Legacy / 0:0 / 35.72
2. Kent Farrington / USA / Greya / 0:0 / 36.75
3. Beat Mändli / SUI / Dsarie / 0:4 / 37.03
4. Amy Millar / CAN / Christiano / 0:4 / 37.12
5. Mario Deslauriers / CAN / Bardolina 2 / 0:4 / 38.18
6. Rene Dittmer / GER / Corsica X / 0:8 / 36.98
7. Sean Jobin / CAN / Coquelicot vh Heuvelland Z / 0:WD
8. Alex Matz / USA / Cashew CR / 4
9. Daniel Bluman / ISR / Gemma W / 4
10. Jessica Mendoza / GBR / I-Cap CL Z / 4
11. Andrew Bourns / IRL / Sea Topblue / 4
12. Vanessa Hood / USA / Vins vd Tojopehoeve Z / 5

$38,500 Brickenden Trophy International
Thursday, November 9

Rider / Nation / Horse / Faults / Time

1. Amy Millar / CAN / GCS Athena / 0:0 / 39.63
2. Vanessa Mannix / CAN / Carmela Z / 0:0 / 41.05
2. Jimmy Torano / USA / Kochio Z / 0:0 / 41.87
4. Rene Dittmer / GER / Burlington Riverland / 0:4 / 38.32
5. Nicole Walker / CAN / Atout des Trambles / 0:4 / 39.91
6. Jessica Mendoza / GBR / Chuck Bass / 0:4 / 40.35
7. Daniel Coyle / IRL / Quintin / 1
8. Tiffany Foster / CAN / Electrique / 1
9. Sean Jobin / CAN / Arkuga / 4
10. David Sam Pegg / CAN / Gin Tonic 158/ 4
11. Daniel Bluman / ISR / Cachemire de Braize / 4
12. Kelli Cruciotti Vanderveen / USA / Forever SFN / 4

Ireland’s Daniel Coyle raced to victory in the $150,000 Mad Barn Big Ben International Challenge riding Legacy, owned by Ariel Grange, on Thursday evening, November 9, at the CSI4*-W Royal Horse Show in Toronto, ON.

Photo by Ben Radvanyi Photography

U.S. Olympic medalist Kent Farrington claimed second in the $150,000 Mad Barn Big Ben International Challenge aboard Greya.

Photo by Ben Radvanyi Photography

Beat Mändli of Switzerland and Dsarie secured a third-place finish in the $150,000 Mad Barn Big Ben International Challenge.

Photo by Ben Radvanyi Photography

Colby Winther Konig, 16, traveled all the way from Prince George, BC, for a winning week at The Royal. Aboard Big Ticket, Konig was presented as the winner of the 2023 Running Fox CET Medal National Final on Thursday, November 9, having also won the Jump Canada Medal National Final on Tuesday, November 7.Photo

by Ben Radvanyi Photography

Kent Farrington Scores a Three-Peat in $38,500 Strength and Speed Challenge at Toronto’s Royal Horse Show

Jennifer Ward | Jump Media | jward@jumpmediallc.com

Toronto, Ontario – Kent Farrington of the United States opened international show jumping competition at the CSI4*-W Royal Horse Show, held as part of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, in Toronto, ON, by scoring victory in the $38,500 Strength and Speed Challenge on Wednesday, November 8.

Competing over a “power and speed” track set by British course designer Kelvin Bywater, riders had to navigate eight fences fault-free before immediately advancing to the speed portion of the course. While the majority of the 22 horse-and-rider combinations managed to jump clear through the first phase, it was Farrington’s blazing time of 29.17 seconds in the speed phase with his veteran partner, Creedance, that sealed the win. Farrington’s triumph marks the third consecutive time he has come out on top in this class at the Royal Horse Show, having ridden Austria 2 to victory on the two previous occasions.

“I love coming to The Royal,” expressed Farrington, 42, of Wellington, FL, who won the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Toronto in 2017. “It feels like a throwback in time with everyone dressed up in fancy clothes and a packed house at night. It has a special atmosphere and great sport. It’s really a specialty event in our sport in North America.”

Farrington is riding a hot streak from the 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile, where he helped the U.S. secure the team gold medal before earning an individual silver medal. Now in Toronto, Farrington, currently ranked number three in the Longines World Rankings, looks primed to continue his success riding longtime partner, Creedance.

“Creedance is my old reliable partner and he’s doing what he does best, which is winning classes and going fast,” said Farrington of the 16-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (Lord Z x Notaris) that he owns in partnership with Haity McNerney. “He has all of the attributes we are looking for in a modern show jumper. He’s very quick, he has cat-like agility, and he is super careful. He’s been a great horse for my team over the last eight years. He’s just a winner.”

Israel’s Daniel Bluman, currently ranked 15th on the Longines World Rankings, came the closest to catching Farrington’s time riding Cachemire de Braize, an 11-year-old Selle Français gelding (Nissan Quality Touch Z x Jaguar Mail) he owns with Mikhail Ilyaich, Over the Top Stables LLC, and Alex Yadgarov. Bluman stopped the clock just fractions of a second off the winning pace in 29.87 seconds for second place. Young German talent Rene Dittmer, 30, notched yet another top placing on his North American indoor tour, finishing in third place with a time of 31.26 seconds riding Burlington Riverland, a 12-year-old Selle Français gelding (Mylond Carthago*HN x Dollar du Murrier) owned by Live Oak Plantation LLC.

Amy Millar of Perth, ON, was the top Canadian in fourth place riding GCS Athena to a time of 33.05 seconds for owner Brookstreet Stables while Katherine Dinan of the U.S. rounded out the top five with a time of 33.22 seconds aboard Dijon Terdoorn Z, owned by Grant Road Partners.

During the evening session, the star-studded field of riders returned to the Coca-Cola coliseum for the $38,500 McKee Family International Challenge speed class. Fourth to go, three-time U.S. Olympic gold medalist McLain Ward set the time to beat at 59.10 seconds and ultimately could not be caught, running away with the victory with First Lady, a 10-year-old Oldenburg mare (Don Diarado x Lordanos) owned by Robin Parsky. Like Farrington, Ward was also a member of the U.S. team that scored gold at the 2023 Pan American Games before earning an individual bronze medal and has now raced right into another successful week at The Royal.

Jessica Mendoza of Great Britain claimed second-place honours with a time of 62.04 seconds aboard I-Cap CL Z, the 11-year-old Zangersheide gelding (I M Special de Muze x Air Jordan) she owns in partnership with Sarah Mendoza. Dittmer once again finished in third, this time with Corsica X, a 10-year-old Holsteiner mare (Connor x Corofino II) owned by Equestrix Agency BVBA, stopping the clock at 62.54 seconds.

Following the opening day of international competition, the stage is set for an incredible week of world-class show jumping, featuring athletes representing seven countries. The fan-favourite $150,000 Mad Barn Big Ben International Challenge takes place Thursday evening, November 9, while the week culminates in the highly anticipated $250,000 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Toronto on Saturday evening, November 11.

$38,500 Strength and Speed Challenge
Wednesday, November 8

Rider / Nation / Horse / Faults / Time

1. Kent Farrington / USA / Creedance / 0 / 29.17
2. Daniel Bluman / ISR / Cachemire de Braize / 0 / 29.87
3. Rene Dittmer / GER / Burlington Riverland / 0 / 31.26
4. Amy Millar / CAN / GCS Athena / 0 / 33.05
5. Katherine A. Dinan / USA / Dijon Terdoorn Z / 0 / 33.22
6. Nicole Walker / CAN / Panter JVH / 0 / 34.04
7. Jimmy Torano / USA / Chewbacca HCC / 0 / 35.34
8. Jessica Mendoza / GBR / Chuck Bass / 0 / 35.78
9. Sean Jobin / CAN / Coquelicot vh Heuvelland Z / 0 / 36.68
10. Andrew Bourns / IRL / Sea Topblue / 0 / 40.42
11. McLain Ward / USA / Quimi del Maset / 0 / 42.48
12. Alex Matz / USA / Cashew CR / 4 / 31.60

$38,500 McKee Family International Challenge
Wednesday, November 8

Rider / Nation / Horse / Faults / Time

1. McLain Ward / USA / First Lady / 0 / 59.10
2. Jessica Mendoza / GBR / I-Cap CL Z / 0 / 62.04
3. Rene Dittmer / GER / Corsica X / 0 / 62.54
4. Vanessa Mannix / CAN / Valentino d’Elte / 0 / 62.99
5. Amy Millar / CAN / Christiano / 0 / 63.30
6. Tiffany Foster / CAN / Electrique / 0 / 70.15
7. Kent Farrington / USA / Greya / 0 / 75.06
8. Kelli Cruciotti Vanderveen / USA / Gideon / 0 / 75.41
9. Daniel Coyle / IRL / Legacy / 4 / 70.94
10. Nicole Walker / CAN / Excellent B / 8 / 74.13
11. Jimmy Torano / USA / Kochio Z / 8 / 74.82
12. Sean Jobin / CAN / Arkuga / 12 / 71.47

Kent Farrington of the United States opened the Royal Horse Show’s CSI4*-W international division with a win riding Creedance in the $38,500 Strength and Speed Challenge on Wednesday, November 8, in Toronto, ON.

Photo by Ben Radvanyi Photography

Israel’s Daniel Bluman aboard Cachemire de Braize took second in the $38,500 Strength and Speed Challenge on Wednesday, November 8, at the CSI4*-W Royal Horse Show in Toronto, ON.

Photo by Ben Radvanyi Photography

Making his Royal debut, Rene Dittmer of Germany placed third in the $38,500 Strength and Speed Challenge with Burlington Riverland.

Photo by Ben Radvanyi Photography

McLain Ward of the United States and First Lady, owned by Robin Parsky, topped the $38,500 McKee Family International Challenge on Wednesday evening, November 8, at the Royal Horse Show in Toronto, ON.

Photo by Ben Radvanyi Photography

Photo of the Day:

Taylor Wood, 14, of Manotick, ON, claimed the Canadian Junior/Amateur Jumper 1.30m Championship title partnered with Joyride, her 13-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (Unaniem x Krack C). Wood, who trains with Millar Brooke Farm in Perth, ON, placed second in Tuesday’s speed phase before winning the $10,000 Royal Junior/Amateur 1.30m Jumper Final on Wednesday, November 8, to clinch the national title. Claire Wen of Mississauga, ON, took the reserve champion title riding Angelika Hero Z, her 11-year-old Zangersheide mare (Aganix du Seigneur x Carthago Z).

Ben Radvanyi Photography

Taylor Brooks and Spectre Are Spectacular To Win the $25,000 Knightwood Hunter Derby

Jennifer Ward | Jump Media | jward@jumpmediallc.com

Toronto, Ontario – Taylor Brooks of Ashton, ON, piloted Spectre to victory in the $25,000 Knightwood Hunter Derby on Tuesday evening, November 7, during the Royal Horse Show, held as part of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto, ON.

As the winners of the $15,000 Braeburn Hunter Derby on Sunday, November 5, and Tuesday’s $25,000 Knightwood Hunter Derby, Brooks and Spectre were presented with the Lorna Jean Guthrie Challenge Trophy as the overall 2023 Canadian Hunter Derby Champion.

“Under the bright lights, I think Spectre stepped right into the ring and knew he was under the spotlight and he wanted to show off his best abilities,” said Brooks of the 10-year-old Zangersheide gelding. “I couldn’t have asked for any more from him. It could have been anybody’s night. We’ve all worked hard to be here. There’s an amazing group of professionals, amateurs, and juniors in this class with great horses. I’m pretty speechless.”

Brooks and Spectre were the last combination out of the starting field of 19 entries to tackle the course designed by Ken Krome of the United States. The pair took advantage of the inside turn options and showed off Spectre’s beautiful jump to earn an impressive base score of 89 with 10 high option points and 10 handy points added for an overall score of 109.

“I think the course designer really wanted to see us showcase our horses’ brilliance,” explained Brooks, 32. “When I watched the whole class and saw those big scores coming in, I knew I had to do something a little bit different. My horse, thankfully, is a smaller package. He’s easy to turn, so I knew the inside turn from fence one to two could set me apart from the rest of the group. Spectre is incredibly brave, and he follows me every step of the way. I look and he’s there. I don’t have to do too much work to get him to turn with me.”

The pair’s partnership began when Spectre was imported as a four-year-old from Europe, and Brooks has had the ride for owner Taylor Bond ever since. Over the past six years, the duo has solidified themselves as top contenders in the hunter ring.

“He had had about 30 days under saddle under his belt when he was imported,” reflected Brooks. “I’ve been his rider from the Baby Green Hunter division right through. We competed here last year in the derbies and the 3’6” Green Hunter division. It’s just been an honour to get to develop him from start to finish. It was always our dream to get here one day.”

Kristjan Good of Campbellville, ON, rode Carano, owned by Alexandra Maletta, to second place in the $25,000 Knightwood Hunter Derby with a total score of 108. Kelly Robinson of Russell, ON, and Buckingham, owned by Cawthra Burns, claimed third place with a score of 107.

The overall 2023 Canadian Hunter Derby Reserve Champion was awarded to Isabelle Lapierre of Levis, QC, and Carerra S, owned by Johannie Légaré. The pair finished third in the $15,000 Braeburn Farms Hunter Derby and fifth in the $25,000 Knightwood Hunter Derby.

The Eastern and Western Canadian Hunter Derby Series champions were also recognized on Tuesday evening, with the Prince of Thieves Trophy, presented by Equestrian Canada, awarded to Lapierre and Carerra S as the Eastern Canadian Champions. The Eastern Canadian Reserve Champions were Jeff Brandmaier of Guelph, ON, and Nitecap, owned by Knightwood Stables. The $25,000 Represent the West Championship, presented by Equestrian Canada, was awarded to Ashley Arnoldt of Langley, BC, and Light My Fire, owned by Jennifer Arnoldt, as the Western Canadian Champions. The Western Canadian Reserve Champions were Sloane Betker of Kelowna, BC, and her own Crack.

Following the beautiful display of hunter competition, Tuesday’s evening performance also featured the harmony and precision of the Olympic sport of dressage. The Royal Dressage Showcase included several special features, including a Pas de Deux at the Young Rider level performed by Zachary Marshall and Anna Swackhammer, both Canadian team veterans of this year’s North American Youth Championships. Lynsey Rowan and two-time Canadian Olympian Belinda Trussell also performed a Pas de Deux, executing highly technical movements set to 80s-themed music, and seemingly danced with their horses across the floor of the Coca-Cola Coliseum.

Tina Irwin of Stouffville, ON, showed the crowd why she is a three-time Pan American Games medalist with a Madonna-inspired freestyle performance that had the audience cheering, while Esther Mortimer also demonstrated great technical ability in her emotional freestyle, all set to the music of her choice which included Canada’s own Blue Rodeo.

Finally, Florian Bacher, a 19-year veteran member of the Spanish Riding School, conducted a masterclass in dressage which included an intricate look at training the Grand Prix movement of piaffe. The Tokyo Olympian, who also represented his native Austria at the last World Championships and past three European Championships, enthralled the crowd while imparting his expertise.

$25,000 Knightwood Hunter Derby Results

Tuesday, November 7

Rider / Hometown / Horse / Score

1. Taylor Brooks / Ashton, ON / Spectre / 109

2. Kristjan Good / Campbellville, ON / Carano / 108

3. Kelley Robinson / Russell, ON / Buckingham / 107

4. Emily Wulff / Claremont, ON / I’m Very Special Z / 103

5. Isabelle Lapierre / Levis, QC / Carrera S / 102

6. Olivia Groenewegen / Elginburg, ON / Chatsworth / 96

7. Kennedy Ballard / St Lazare, QC / Jazz Air / 94.5

8. Emma Edwardson / Calgary, AB / Diarado Dream / 93

9. William Dow / Caledon, ON / Troubador / 92

10. Sloane Betker / Kelowna, BC / Crack / 91

11. Kristjan Good / Campbellville, ON / Nitecap / 90.25

12. Denis Sweeney / Peterborough, ON / Belmont / 90

Taylor Brooks and Spectre jumped to victory in the $25,000 Knightwood Hunter Derby on Tuesday, November 7, at the Royal Horse Show in Toronto, ON.

Photo by Ben Radvanyi Photography

Kristjan Good of Campbellville, ON, rode Carano to second place honours in the $25,000 Knightwood Hunter Derby.

Photo by Ben Radvanyi Photography

Three-time Pan American Games medalist Tina Irwin of Stouffville, ON, wowed the crowd with her dressage freestyle aboard Fancy That.

Photo by Ben Radvanyi Photography

Photo of the Day:

Avanwhit Stables of Saint Catherines, ON, topped the Hunter and Jumper category of the Royal Horse Show Tack Room Competition, sponsored by Ride Every Stride, for their eye-catching holiday display. Horse show set-ups were judged and awarded points based on three categories, including the interpretation of this year’s “Christmas on the Farm” theme, cleanliness of the stabling area, and imaginative use of décor materials.

The impressive Avanwhit Stables set-up was completely transformed, with each stall meticulously decorated. Features such as lush crimson draping, stockings hung by a fireplace, and a big Christmas tree dazzled the imagination with holiday cheer, while notable elements like brick and stone finishes, wreaths, and festive lights brought the whole design together. Second place was awarded to Stoney Fields of Orangeville, ON, while last year’s winners, Looking Back Farm of Tottenham, ON, earned third.

Ben Radvanyi Photography

Sarah Barker and Cheers Toast to Junior/Amateur 3’3” Hunter Championship

Jennifer Ward | Jump Media | jward@jumpmediallc.com

Toronto, Ontario – Sarah Barker of Branchton, ON, dominated the Junior/Amateur 3’3” Hunter division, supported by Pommies Cider, by earning both champion and reserve honours on Monday, November 6, at the Royal Horse Show, held as part of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto, ON.

Barker piloted her own Cheers to the championship title, while Troubador, owned by Suzanne Deuel, finished reserve. For her division triumph, Barker was presented with the Murray and Louise Cornblum Challenge Trophy.

“There’s no feeling like winning here at The Royal,” shared Barker, 28. “It’s incredible. We work so hard all year. It’s a hard horse show, and you try to do everything you can to prepare for it. Even if it doesn’t go right, it is so exciting to show here.”

This championship marked an emotional victory for Barker who bought Cheers as a two-year-old and started him under saddle herself. While bringing Cheers along in the hunter ring and developing their partnership, the pair has enjoyed continued success, including winning the Adult Amateur Hunter championship at the 2022 Royal Horse Show.

“We have a pretty long relationship,” said Barker, who trains with Whitney Gibson of The Summit Equine in Burlington, ON. “I got Cheers from his breeder, Emil Spadone, in Florida. I went and saw him as a young horse, and he was with a big group at the breeding farm. I watched him free jump, and I thought he was so cute. He is so special to me. He’s my little pet. He lives at home with me in my backyard, and I take care of him every day.”

Barker and the nine-year-old Holsteiner gelding sired by well-known Canadian-owned breeding stallion, Cabardino, won the Junior/Amateur 3’3” Hunter Stake class with a score of 86. The pair earned an additional second and third-place ribbon in the division to secure the championship title out of a competitive starting field of 18 horse-and-rider combinations.

“He’s incredibly brave, and we trust each other so much,” said Barker. “I know he’s going to be there for me, and he knows I’m going to be there for him. We just know each other so well, and we count on each other. He’s such a good horse.”

Sarah Barker of Branchton, ON, guided Cheers to the championship title in the Junior/Amateur 3’3 Hunter division, supported by Pommies Cider, on Monday, November 6, at the Royal Horse Show in Toronto, ON.

Photo by Ben Radvanyi Photography

Sarah Barker rode Troubador, owned by Suzanne Deuel, to reserve champion in the Junior/Amateur 3’3 Hunter division.

Photo by Ben Radvanyi Photography

Sarah Barker and Cheers with Whitney Gibson (left) were presented with the Junior/Amateur 3’3″ Hunter championship title and the Murray and Louise Cornblum Challenge Trophy.

Photo by Ben Radvanyi Photography

Photo of the Day:

Elissa Reisman riding Angel Twist was presented as the winner of the Lorna Guthrie Memorial Amateur-Owner Working Hunter over fences class by Liza Jean Brandmaier (left) and Jeff Brandmaier before earning the J. Elliot Cottrelle Memorial Trophy as the Grand Amateur Champion.

Ben Radvanyi Photography

Phillip Dutton Dominates Mad Barn Indoor Eventing Challenge

Jennifer Ward | Jump Media | jward@jumpmediallc.com

Toronto, Ontario – Two-time Olympic gold medalist Phillip Dutton claimed the $20,000 Mad Barn Indoor Eventing Challenge in a thrilling night of competition on Saturday, November 4, at the Royal Horse Show, held as part of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto, ON.

Having won Friday night’s first round of competition, Dutton, a six-time Olympian, was last to contest Saturday’s deciding second round riding Quasi Cool. He thrilled the packed house once more with an electric performance and clear effort to take the championship title.

“It was an incredible crowd,” enthused Dutton, 60, who is based out of his True Prospect Farm in West Grove, Pennsylvania. “It was a full house, and it’s fun to show off our sport in a major city like this. We spent the day looking at the cows, sheep, and pigs, and it’s just really a lot of fun to be here. We even met Royal Ambassador Kay, so it was a great day.”

While Friday’s course certainly tested the athletes, Saturday’s track designed by Captain Mark Phillips of Great Britain proved to be even more demanding. Competitors raced back and forth across the arena over a combination of show jumping and cross-country obstacles, negotiating several tricky lines as they took chances and made tight turns in an effort to produce the fastest clear time. Just three combinations managed a fault-free ride, but it was Dutton’s double-clear across the two days of competition and combined time of 181.41 seconds that reigned supreme.

“I couldn’t be more proud of my horse,” shared Dutton of Caroline Moran’s 12-year-old Holsteiner gelding (Quo Vados x Lord). “He’s coming back from a bit of time off, and he’s just showing me how much he loves doing this. On Friday, the format was a bit foreign to him with all the turning, and he really learned from that and did it so well on Saturday. Obviously, I haven’t done this kind of stuff with him before, but he came out Saturday and was much more maneuverable and adjustable.

“The hard part of eventing is that for a lot of the cross-country jumps we want the horses to not go too high and stay lower over the top,” he continued. “When you put show jumping fences and cross-country jumps in here, it’s not that easy for the horses to understand not to get too high for some and then to be careful with the others. ‘Quasi’ is very good at judging how high to go, and he’s very careful all the time, so it’s nice to have.”

Top Canadian talent Kendal Lehari, 36, of Uxbridge, ON, was the only other rider to jump fault-free both rounds with Iron Lorde for a second-place finish in a combined 193.03 seconds. As the highest placed Canadian rider, she was presented with the Col. Michael Gutowski Award.

“I love indoor eventing,” expressed Lehari, who has been competing in the Indoor Eventing Challenge for more than a decade. “We are used to riding across acres where things are so spread out, and here everything comes up so fast and it’s such an adrenaline rush. It really tests your instincts, and you just ride gritty and get it done. You have to think so fast. It’s totally different than what we normally do, but it’s so exciting and so great having the spectators. It’s such a fun atmosphere and opportunity.”

Lehari’s partner for the class, Iron Lorde, is normally campaigned by her mother, Gwen Lehari, but Kendal took over the ride a couple weeks prior to prepare for The Royal. While Iron Lorde has not tackled an upper-level event recently, his past experiences, including foxhunting, driving, and even competing in the Cup classes at the Royal Horse Show as a three-year-old, helped the 11-year-old Canadian Sport Horse gelding by Prinz Habicht prove his versatility.

“He was amazing,” said Kendal. “I might have to steal him off my mother now because he impressed me a little more than I was expecting. I couldn’t be happier. He really stepped up to the plate.”

Dutton’s daughter, 22-year-old Olivia Dutton, completed the top three on five faults and a combined time of 194.28 seconds riding Pioneer Archibald, a 12-year-old British Sport Horse gelding (Primmore’s Pioneer x Holland) owned by Joanie Morris.

Hunter competition was in the spotlight on Sunday, November 5, when Taylor Brooks of Ashton, ON, and Spectre, owned by Taylor Bond, claimed victory in the $15,000 Braeburn Farms Hunter Derby.

A field of 19 horse-and-rider combinations contested the decorated course set by Ken Krome of the United States. Ninth to go in the order, Brooks and Spectre, a 10-year-old Zangersheide gelding, impressed the judges with their brilliance and handiness to earn a base score of 86 with an additional 10 high option points and 10 handy points for an overall score of 106.

“Spectre truly is an incredible horse,” said Brooks, 32, who won the $25,000 Knightwood Hunter Derby at the 2022 Royal Horse Show with the flashy chestnut. “I’ve had the pleasure of being his rider for almost six years now, so our partnership is pretty solid. We showed here last year together, and I knew going into this week that I had a good chance to trust him, believe in him, and go out there and do our best. It’s magical anytime I ride him, and it’s a dream come true to win here. It’s an amazing opportunity to compete under these lights with the crowd and a course set so beautifully.”

Second place honours went to Elodie Lemieux of Saint-Lambert, QC, and King’s Landing, her 12-year-old warmblood gelding, with an overall score of 102. Isabelle Lapierre of Levis, QC, and Carrera S, a 13-year-old Holsteiner gelding sired by Corrado I and owned by Johannie Légaré secured third place with a total score of 100.5.

$20,000 Mad Barn Indoor Eventing Challenge
Saturday, November 4, 2023

Rider / Hometown / Horse / Faults / Total Time

1. Phillip Dutton / West Grove, PA / Quasi Cool / 0 / 181.41
2. Kendal Lehari / Uxbridge, ON / Iron Lorde / 0 / 193.03
3. Olivia Dutton / West Grove, PA / Pioneer Archibald / 5 / 194.28
4. Diana Burnett / Blackstock, ON / Whatsyourproblem / 5 / 215.16
5. Colleen Loach / Dunham, QC / Major Chase / 10 / 180.48
6. Jessica Phoenix / Cannington, ON / Fluorescent Adolescent / 10 / 180.95
7. Holly Jacks / Hillsburgh, ON / Josephine / 10 / 199.80
8. Jamie Kellock / Cedar Valley, ON / Summer Bay / 10 / 200.29
9. Hanna Bundy / Toronto, ON / Don’t Blink / 30 / 189.45

$15,000 Braeburn Farms Hunter Derby Results
Sunday, November 5

Rider / Hometown / Horse / Score

1. Taylor Brooks / Ashton, ON / Spectre / 106
2. Elodie Lemieux / Saint-Lambert, QC / King’s Landing / 102
3. Isabelle Lapierre / Levis, QC / Carrera S / 100.5
4. Kristjan Good / Campbellville, ON / Nitecap / 100
5. Sarah Long / Newmarket, ON / Good Vibes / 99
6. Emma Edwardson / Calgary, AB / Diarado Dream / 97
7. Kennedy Ballard / St Lazare, QC / Jazz Air / 96
8. Cawthra Burns / King City, ON / Buckingham / 93
9. Kristjan Good / Campbellville, ON / Carano / 92
10. Ashley Arnoldt / Langley, BC / Light My Fire / 90.5

Phillip Dutton and Quasi Cool jumped clear in both phases of the $20,000 Mad Barn Indoor Eventing Challenge to claim the overall title on Saturday, November 4, at the Royal Horse Show in Toronto, ON.

Photo by Ben Radvanyi Photography

Six-time Olympian Phillip Dutton is presented as the winner of the $20,000 Mad Barn Indoor Eventing Challenge by Scott Cieslar (left), CEO and Chief Nutritionist of Mad Barn, and Dr. Emily Gilbert, Mad Barn’s Performance Science Specialist.

Photo by Ben Radvanyi Photography

Kendal Lehari was the top Canadian in the $20,000 Mad Barn Indoor Eventing Challenge, finishing in second riding Iron Lorde.

Photo by Ben Radvanyi Photography

Taylor Brooks of Ashton, ON, and Spectre won the $15,000 Braeburn Farms Hunter Derby on Sunday afternoon, November 5.

Ben Radvanyi Photography

Photo of the Day:

Mathilde Candele, 14, of Orangeville, ON, won the $2,500 Royal Pony Jumper Welcome and the $5,000 Pony Jumper Final to secure the Royal Pony Jumper Championship, presented by MarBill Hill Farm, for the second year in a row!

Ben Radvanyi Photography

Sean Jobin Jumps to Canadian Show Jumping Championship Title

Jennifer Ward | Jump Media | jward@jumpmediallc.com

Toronto, Ontario – Toronto native Sean Jobin was crowned the new Canadian Show Jumping Champion on Saturday night, November 4, in front of a full house at the Royal Horse Show, held as part of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto, ON.

The $150,000 Henry Equestrian Canadian Show Jumping Championship was held over two phases on Friday and Saturday nights. Following Friday’s speed test, riders returned to the Coca-Cola Coliseum on Saturday evening in reverse order of standing to tackle the two-round finale, where the top six from the opening round advanced to the all-deciding second round.

Saturday’s opening round shook up the leaderboard after Jay Hayes of Orangeville, ON, delivered a clear round with the eight-year-old Hope VA to maintain his score while David Samuel Pegg of Cannington, ON, dazzled the crowd with the second clear of the evening aboard Gin Tonic 158, his 11-year-old Hanoverian gelding (Graf Top x Satisfaction FRH). As the penultimate combination to contest the first round, Jobin piloted Coquelicot vh Heuvelland Z to a fault-free effort. Anticipation mounted as Friday’s winner, Vanessa Mannix of Calgary, AB, entered the Coca-Cola Coliseum as the final challenger on a score of zero riding Carmela Z, her 12-year-old Zangersheide mare (Candillo 3 x Nissan Caretano Z). To the crowd’s dismay, the third element of the triple combination fell, putting Mannix on a score of four penalties.

At the end of round one, Jobin led the way followed by Pegg. Mannix sat in third while Hayes rocketed up the standings into fourth.

Round two turned up the heat as Hayes, Mannix, and Pegg all delivered clear rounds over the course set by Kelvin Bywater of Great Britain to put the pressure on Jobin. With no faults to spare, Jobin needed to be foot-perfect to claim his first Canadian Show Jumping Championship title and he did exactly that. Pegg finished as the Reserve Canadian Show Jumping Champion while Mannix completed the top three.

“It means a lot to me,” said the 31-year-old of claiming his first Canadian Show Jumping Championship title. “As a kid growing up, I remember coming to The Royal and seeing all these amazing riders here and always dreamt that one day I could be here, so it’s a bit surreal for me right now thinking about back then and how important The Royal was to me growing up. It’s just a super cool feeling.”

Jobin got the ride on “Licot” three years ago after his groom, Eszter Horvath, discovered the talented grey on Instagram. After looking at photos and videos, Sarah Nichols and Kathy Dixon of Foxridge Farms purchased the horse for Jobin to ride.

“We’ve been preparing for this for the past three months,” explained Jobin, who is originally from Toronto, ON, and is now based in Ocala, Florida. “We circled The Royal on the calendar and wanted Coquelicot vh Heuvelland Z in peak performance for the Canadian Championships. Part of that was going through the video of past Canadian Championships. I’ve done a couple in 2016 and 2019, so I’m familiar with the format. We had a game plan. Day one was to be quick enough and stay within two faults of the lead. He’s always really good with the atmosphere and crowds and big scopey courses. His carefulness is unbelievable, so we felt pretty confident coming into day two.

“Honestly, when you’re riding a horse this great, I didn’t feel any pressure,” continued Jobin of the 11-year-old Zangersheide gelding (Catoki x Cassini II). “He was phenomenal every day. I am just so impressed with him. He tried his heart out, and I’m really thankful to him.”

The packed house was treated to a night of top show jumping sport, courtesy of presenting sponsor, Henry Equestrian.

“Congratulations to Sean Jobin and Coquelicot vh Heuvelland Z as the newly crowned winners of the Henry Equestrian Canadian Show Jumping Championships!” said Meghan Mackenzie Bell, Senior Manager of Operations at Henry Equestrian, powered by NFP. “Their dedication to the sport and determined spirit are inspiring. Henry Equestrian and NFP are proud to sponsor this special event at the Royal Horse Show.”

While Jobin, Mannix, and Nicole Walker were pre-qualified based on their standings in the Longines World Rider Rankings, Pegg and Hayes have now earned an invitation into the Royal Horse Show’s CSI4*-W international division with their top placings in the Canadian Show Jumping Championships. The star-studded international line-up begins competition on Wednesday, November 8, and culminates in the prestigious Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Toronto on Saturday evening, November 11.

$150,000 Henry Equestrian Canadian Show Jumping Championship – Final Standings

Saturday, November 4, 2023

Rider / Hometown / Horse / Total

1. Sean Jobin / Toronto, ON / Coquelicot vh Heuvelland Z / 1.19
2. David Samuel Pegg / Cannington, ON / Gin Tonic 158 / 2.89
3. Vanessa Mannix / Calgary, AB / Carmela Z / 4.00
4. Jay Hayes / Orangeville, ON / Hope VA / 4.50
5. Nicole Walker / Aurora, ON / Atout des Trambles / 5.29
6. Rachel Schnurr / New Hamburg, ON / Copain de Picobello Z / 8.72
7. Sarah Johnstone / Collingwood, ON / Katorose HV / 23.05
8. Sarah Long / Newmarket , ON / Retroflex / 29.84
9. Yann Candele / Orangeville, ON / Killala / 33.58
10. François Lamontagne / St. Eustache, QC / Thunderbird vh Scheefkasteel Z / 36.06

Sean Jobin of Toronto, ON, claimed the $150,000 Henry Equestrian Canadian Show Jumping Championship riding Coquelicot vh Heuvelland Z on Saturday night, November 4, at the Royal Horse Show.

Photo by Ben Radvanyi Photography

David Samuel Pegg of Cannington, ON, was named the Reserve Canadian Champion riding Gin Tonic 158.

Photo by Ben Radvanyi Photography

Vanessa Mannix of Calgary, AB, placed third in the $150,000 Henry Equestrian Canadian Show Jumping Championship with Carmela Z.

Photo by Ben Radvanyi Photography

Katerine Drapeau of Chambly, QC, won the $5,000 1.40m Junior/Amateur Welcome Stake riding Freestyle du Shamrock on Saturday, November 5, at the Royal Horse Show

Ben Radvanyi Photography

Vanessa Mannix Victorious on Royal Horse Show Opening Day

Jennifer Ward | Jump Media | jward@jumpmediallc.com

Toronto, Ontario – Vanessa Mannix of Calgary, AB, opened the Royal Horse Show, held as part of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, by winning phase one of the $150,000 Henry Equestrian Canadian Show Jumping Championship on Friday, November 3, in Toronto, ON.

British course designer Kelvin Bywater was the technician behind the speed track for the $25,000 Henry Equestrian Canadian Show Jumping Championship – Round One, where jumping faults were converted to three-second time penalties. Second in the start order, Mannix, 34, delivered a clear performance aboard Carmela Z, her 12-year-old Zangersheide mare (Candillo 3 x Nissan Caretano Z), in a speedy time of 58.01 seconds. That left the rest of the field chasing her time, but in the end, she could not be caught.

Sean Jobin of Toronto, ON, came the closest, crossing the timers fault-free in 60.39 seconds for a second-place finish with Coquelicot vh Heuvelland Z, an 11-year-old Zangersheide gelding (Catoki x Cassini II) owned by Foxridge Farms. Nicole Walker of Aurora, ON, had the fastest time of the night in 57.59 seconds, but a costly rail at the vertical-oxer double toward the end of the course saw her finish in third riding Atout des Trambles, her 13-year-old Selle Français gelding (Nectar des Forets*HN x Apache d’Adriers).

“I didn’t have the advantage of watching too much, but in the bending line from jump eight to jump nine I did five strides, but it walked six,” described Mannix of her ride through the course. “I tried to use Carmela’s natural advantages. She goes a little right, and she has a huge step, so I really made sure I got up the six-stride line to the double on the side of the arena, which ended up being seven strides for a lot of riders.”

While Mannix and Carmela Z looked completely in sync, it was a partnership that took time to develop. After purchasing the mare as an eight-year-old, Mannix sent Carmela Z to Ireland, where she spent a year and a half under the guidance of Barry O’Connor with rider Jenny Rankin in the irons. In that program, Carmela Z gained the experience she needed to become a top grand prix contender.

“We’ve only really just cemented our partnership over the last 18 months, and I have to say she’s the sweetest and kindest partner a rider could ask for,” expressed Mannix, who trains with top Irish rider Conor Swail and fellow Irishman James Chawke. “Her attitude is the absolute best. She would go through fire for you. Anything that you ask her to do, she’s going to try her very best to do. She has a huge stride and lots of scope, and she wants to be careful. She has a lot of great attributes of a show jumping horse, but number one is attitude.”

Having competed for $25,000 in prize money during the opening round, riders will return to the Coca-Cola Coliseum in reverse order of standing to tackle the $125,000 Henry Equestrian Canadian Show Jumping Championship – Round 2 on Saturday evening, November 4. National pride is on the line along with the title of Canadian Show Jumping Champion. Mannix will be in the advantageous position of last to go in her bid to win her first Canadian Championship title.

“The Royal is such a special show, and it’s always an honour to compete here,” said Mannix. “We are really lucky to have an educated crowd here. They love the show jumping, they know what the show is all about, and they really get behind our home riders. As a Canadian being at The Royal, there are few things more special than to feel the crowd truly behind you.”

Opening night at the Royal Horse Show kicked off with the Mad Barn Indoor Eventing Challenge, which brought the adrenaline-pumping thrill of cross-country to an indoor setting. Featuring a combination of show jumping and natural cross-country obstacles, the course designed by world-renowned Captain Mark Phillips of Great Britain challenged horses and riders to be both daring and meticulous across the speed track.

Jamie Kellock of Cedar Valley, ON, and Summer Bay had the first clear effort of the evening in a time of 88.67 seconds, until last year’s winners, Holly Jacks of Hillsburgh, ON, riding Josephine, stormed into the lead in a time of 81.00 seconds. It looked like no one would be able to catch them until two-time Olympic gold medalist Phillip Dutton riding Quasi Cool, a 12-year-old Holsteiner gelding (Quo Vados x Lord) owned by Caroline Moran, galloped into the top spot in 80.43 seconds. Jacks would have to settle for the runner-up spot, while Kellock rounded out the top three. With that, Dutton now sits in pole position heading into the second and deciding round of the Mad Barn Indoor Eventing Challenge, taking place on Saturday, November 4, where results from both nights are combined to determine the overall standings for the $20,000 purse.

“It’s a great crowd; they were really into it,” said the six-time Olympian Dutton, who is based at his True Prospect Farm in West Grove, Pennsylvania. “Mark [Phillips] set a course such that you couldn’t go super fast, and it was actually better to make sharp turns. It wasn’t just about galloping flat out. It was more about being efficient on your turns. I tried to not waste time on the approach as well because Quasi is a big scopey horse, so I don’t need to be shortening up to the jumps. He’s such a careful horse that I chanced it a bit at the last fence and just kept going at it, and I knew that he’d do his best to get his legs out of the way.”

$25,000 Henry Equestrian Canadian Show Jumping Championship – Round One

Friday, November 3, 2023

Rider / Hometown / Horse / Time

1. Vanessa Mannix / Calgary, AB / Carmela Z / 58.01

2. Sean Jobin / Toronto, ON / Coquelicot vh Heuvelland Z / 60.39

3. Nicole Walker / Aurora, ON / Atout des Trambles / 60.59

4. David Samuel Pegg / Cannington, ON / Gin Tonic 158 / 63.78

5. Yann Candele / Orangeville, ON / Killala / 65.16

6. Rachel Schnurr / New Hamburg, ON / Copain de Picobello Z / 65.44

7. François Lamontagne / St. Eustache, QC / Thunderbird vh Scheefkasteel Z / 66.12

8. Jay Hayes / Orangeville, ON / Hope VA / 67.00

9. Sarah Long / Newmarket , ON / Retroflex / 69.68

10. Sarah Johnstone / Collingwood, ON / Katorose HV / 70.10

Vanessa Mannix of Calgary, AB, won the $25,000 Henry Equestrian Canadian Show Jumping Championship – Round One on Friday, November 3, at the Royal Horse Show in Toronto, ON.

Photo by Ben Radvanyi Photography

Vanessa Mannix is presented as the winner of the $25,000 Henry Equestrian Canadian Show Jumping Championship – Round One on opening day of Toronto’s Royal Horse Show.

Photo by Ben Radvanyi Photography

Two-time Olympic gold medalist Phillip Dutton and Quasi Cool led the way in the first round of the Mad Barn Indoor Eventing Challenge on opening day of the Royal Horse Show, held as part of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto, ON.

Photo by Ben Radvanyi Photography

Toronto’s own Aarya Armogan showed her pony, Brownlands Last Call, some love as the 2023 Royal Horse Show got underway with the Pony Hunter divisions on Friday, November 3.

Photo by Andree-Anne Brunet for Ben Radvanyi Photography

Toronto’s Royal Horse Show Welcomes Riders From Around the World

Jennifer Ward | Jump Media | jward@jumpmediallc.com

Ireland’s Daniel Coyle Returns To Defend World Cup Title

Toronto, Ontario – Show jumping athletes from around the globe will meet in Toronto to contest world-class competition at the Royal Horse Show, held as part of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair from November 3 to 12, 2023.

Taking place in the Coca-Cola Coliseum at Exhibition Place in downtown Toronto, ON, the international division is held over four nights, culminating in the prestigious Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Toronto on Saturday evening, November 11. Last year’s winner, Daniel Coyle of Ireland, will be back to defend his title riding Legacy, owned by Ariel Grange of Cheltenham, ON.

“Winning the World Cup class with Legacy at The Royal last year was a special victory to check off my bucket list,” said Coyle, who is currently ranked number 11 in the Longines World Rider Rankings. “The Royal is a very important part of our fall schedule, and the atmosphere was electric last year. Toronto feels like home for the Lothlorien Farm team – it is Ariel Grange’s hometown – and the Canadian crowds have always felt like my own crowds; they are so supportive.

“Legacy is coming off a short break after our summer in Europe and she feels in top form going into the fall World Cup qualifying season,” continued Coyle. “We are looking forward to defending our title.”

Ireland’s Daniel Coyle, currently ranked 11th in the Longines World Rider Rankings, will be back to defend his title in the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Toronto.

Photo by Ben Radvanyi Photography

Coyle will face stiff competition from numerous heavy hitters, including 2004 Olympic Champion Rodrigo Pessoa of Brazil, who is also a three-time consecutive winner of the FEI Jumping World Cup™ Final. Americans Kent Farrington and McLain Ward, both past winners of the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Toronto, will also have their eyes on the coveted prize. Currently ranked seventh and eighth respectively in the Longines World Rider Rankings, Farrington is an Olympic team silver medalist while Ward has claimed two Olympic team gold medals for his country. Ward was also the winner of the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Final in 2017 riding the great HH Azur.

Swiss Olympic silver medalist Beat Mändli will also be hoping to earn his way to another Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Final appearance, having won the annual title in 2007. Two-time Olympian Daniel Bluman, currently ranked 13th in the world, will fly the Israeli flag in Toronto in the hopes of victory.

Three-time Olympian Mario Deslauriers, who remains the youngest rider to ever win the FEI Jumping World Cup™ Final, will represent Canada in international show jumping competition at the Royal Horse Show.

Photo by Ben Radvanyi Photography

The Canadians will put up a strong fight with a roster of Olympians hoping to claim victory on home soil. Having finished third in last year’s Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Toronto, Tiffany Foster of Langley, BC, will be looking to improve on that result while Quebec native Mario Deslauriers, who remains the youngest rider to ever win the FEI Jumping World Cup™ Final – a feat he accomplished in 1984 at the age of 19 – is sure to be in the final reckoning. Olympic team silver medalist Mac Cone of King City, ON, will be in the hunt while 2016 Rio Olympian Amy Millar of Perth, ON, will be looking to capture her first Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Toronto title. They will be joined in the international division by fellow Canadians Sean Jobin, Vanessa Mannix, and Nicole Walker, as well as the top two athletes not already qualified in the Canadian Show Jumping Championships, taking place on November 3 and 4, 2023.

International show jumping will include ticketed evening events on Wednesday, November 8, when the action opens with the McKee Family International Jumper Challenge. The sentimental favourite Big Ben Challenge, presented by Mad Barn, will highlight Thursday evening’s schedule followed by the Canadian International Speed Challenge on Friday night. Then it’s all to play for in the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Toronto on closing night as athletes vie for top prize money as well as valuable World Cup qualifying points for the 2024 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Final taking place next April in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Two-time Canadian Olympian Tiffany Foster of Langley, BC, will be looking to improve on her third-place performance in last year’s Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Toronto.

Photo by Ben Radvanyi Photography

The 10-day Royal Horse Show also features numerous other competitions and special features for horse sport fans. Opening weekend of the Royal Horse Show will feature the Canadian Show Jumping Championship, presented by Henry Equestrian, over two nights of competition alongside the Mad Barn Indoor Eventing Challenge. The Canadian Hunter Derby National Championship will run over two days on November 5 and 7 while the Jump Canada Medal Final and prestigious CET Medal Final will crown the nation’s top equitation competitors on November 7 and 9, respectively.

Newly introduced “Polo at The Royal” will thrill spectators on Wednesday evening, November 8, while the “Battle of the Breeds” will see various breeds going head-to-head as they demonstrate their various qualities during evening performances on November 9, 10, and 11. Throughout the 10-day Royal Horse Show, popular Australian horseman, entertainer, and bush poet Guy McLean will be delighting audiences with his team of liberty horses during select performances.

For more information on the Royal Horse Show, including daily schedules and to purchase tickets, visit www.royalfair.org/royalhorseshow.

Media Accreditation Now Open for Royal Horse Show

Jennifer Ward | Jump Media | jward@jumpmediallc.com

From Polo to Bush Poets, There’s Something for Everyone

Toronto, Ontario – Media accreditation applications are now being accepted for the Royal Horse Show, held as part of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, from November 3 through 12, 2023, at Exhibition Place in Toronto, Ontario.

Photo by Ben Radvanyi Photography

Media who did NOT cover the Royal Horse Show in 2022 are asked to submit a letter of assignment on company letterhead outlining their planned coverage to jward@jumpmediallc.com. Media will be informed as to the status of their application upon receipt and review.

NOTE: Jump Media handles media accreditation for the Royal Horse Show ONLY. Media wishing to cover other events at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair should contact Craft PR at bronte@craftpublicrelations.com to request media credentials or complete the accreditation form available at https://www.royalfair.org/media/.

Royal Horse Show

The CSI4*-W Royal Horse Show hosts more than 1,000 competitors and offers over $1 million in prize money over the course of its 10-day run. International show jumping athletes from all corners of the world travel to Toronto to join Canada’s top riders in the hopes of claiming the $250,000 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Toronto on Saturday evening, November 11, 2023. The Royal Horse Show provides an opportunity for riders to earn coveted qualifying points for the 2024 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Final taking place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in April. Indoor eventing, polo, liberty demonstrations, dressage, hunters, heavy horses, equitation, and much more will also be featured at this year’s Royal Horse Show.

Where

Coca-Cola Coliseum and Enercare Centre at Exhibition Place

100 Princes’ Boulevard

Toronto, ON

M6K 3C3

Canada

Tel: 416-263-3400

Email: info@royalfair.org

Press Entrance/Media Centre

The media centre is located in the same location as past years, Salon 101B in the Galleria of the Enercare Centre. Media accreditation is not required to access the Media Centre.

Competition Highlights

For a complete schedule of competitions and exhibitions, visit https://www.royalfair.org/horse-show/#events.

Visiting The Royal Horse Show

For information on dining, accommodations and more, visit https://www.royalfair.org/food-lifestyle/.

Tickets

Ticket information is available online here.

Royal Horse Show Media Contacts:

Jennifer Ward

Jump Media

jward@jumpmediallc.com

Amanda Picciotto Feitosa

Jump Media

amanda@jumpmediallc.com

Follow the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair on Facebook and YouTube, @royalhorseshow on Twitter, and @theroyalfair on Instagram for a behind-the-scenes look at the Royal Horse Show. Please use hashtags: #RAWF101, #RoyalHorseShow, #RoyalChampion, #FEIJumpingWorldCup, #TimeToBeat, and #Longines when writing about the Royal Horse Show and the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Toronto on your outlet’s social media channels.

For more information on the Royal Horse Show, the marquee event of The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, please visit https://www.royalfair.org/horse-show/.

Funding support for The Royal has been provided by the Government of Canada and the City of Toronto.

Royal Horse Show Showcases Featured Performances

Jennifer Ward | Jump Media | jward@jumpmediallc.com

From Polo to Bush Poets, There’s Something for Everyone

Toronto, Ontario – The Royal Horse Show will once again showcase the unique partnership of the horse as it returns from November 3 to 12, 2023, as part of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in downtown Toronto, ON.

While show jumping is the traditional highlight of the Royal Horse Show, many other special features make it unlike any other equestrian event in the world. Polo will join the schedule on Wednesday evening, November 7, when Polo at The Royal will be featured in the Coca-Cola Coliseum prior to the McKee International Jumper Challenge.

Royal fans will be thrilled with the return of Guy McLean, last seen in Toronto in 2018. The popular Australian horseman, entertainer, and bush poet will be performing amazing feats with his team of liberty horses during select performances throughout the duration of the 10-day Royal Horse Show.

Popular Australian liberty horseman Guy McLean will make his long-awaited return to the Royal Horse Show with daily performances throughout the 10-day event.

Photo Courtesy of Guy McLean

Canadian champions will be crowned as The Royal once again hosts the Equestrian Canada National Championships for hunter, equitation, and jumper divisions, including the Under 25 and 1.40m and 1.30m Junior/Amateur show jumping divisions. Opening weekend of the Royal Horse Show will feature the Canadian Show Jumping Championship, presented by Henry Equestrian, over two nights of competition alongside the Mad Barn Indoor Eventing Challenge. The Canadian Hunter Derby Series will culminate over two days on November 5 and 6 while the JumpCanada Medal Final and prestigious CET Medal Final will crown the nation’s top equitation competitors on November 7 and 9, respectively.

As always, The Royal will continue to showcase international show jumping competition in front of a packed house. Offering more than $1 million in prize money, the Royal Horse Show comes to a crescendo on closing night, November 11, with the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Toronto. Considered the crown jewel of the North American Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ League, The Royal was recently awarded a Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ competition for another four years, ensuring its inclusion at The Royal through to the 2027/2028 World Cup qualifying season.

The heart-pounding Mad Barn Indoor Eventing Challenge attracts the best in the world, including two-time Olympic champion Michael Jung of Germany, pictured competing at the 2022 Royal Horse Show in Toronto, ON.

Photo by Ben Radvanyi Photography

Canadian horse sport breeding will be showcased with the Governor General’s Cup for three-year-old horses shown in hand and the Lieutenant Governor’s Cup for three-year-olds shown under saddle on Saturday morning, November 11. Ponies have been added to the line-up with the newly introduced Royal Agricultural Winter Fair Pony Cup, featuring in hand and under saddle sections taking place in the Coca-Cola Coliseum.

Spectators will also have an opportunity to cheer for their favourites in the “Battle of the Breeds.” Various breeds will go head-to-head demonstrating their various qualities during the evening performances on November 9, 10, and 11.

With everything from high-stepping hackneys and heavy horse hitches to the splendor of the Green Meadows Coaching classes, the Royal Horse Show truly offers something for every horse lover.

The Royal offers numerous hospitality experiences that sell out quickly due to their popularity. The Royal Terrace will be available for VIP and corporate hosting while the Coliseum’s Sky Suites offer stables and groups their own private suites. The Tanbark Club will continue to be open to Gold and Platinum VIP ticket holders. Hospitality options are now on sale with returning clients being given the right of first refusal. Contact groups@royalfair.org or HSvip@royalfair.org for full details.

For more information on the Royal Horse Show, including daily schedules and to purchase tickets, visit www.royalfair.org/royalhorseshow.

In Memoriam: Mr. Moffat Dunlap

The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair | info@royalfair.org

It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of Mr. Moffat Dunlap, a Past President of The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair.

Moffat was a 20-year member of the Canadian Equestrian Team and showed jumpers at The Royal Horse Show in the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s. Competing at The Royal, Moffat won several prestigious show jumping classes, including the Puissance and earned the leading Canadian rider title at the Royal Horse Show on numerous occasions.

The Dunlap Family stand with a portrait of Mrs. Jessie Donalda Dunlap at a reception in 2018 to commemorate the new Dunlap Ballroom.
(l-r: John Dunlap, Pamela Brickenden, David Dunlap, Moffat Dunlap, Daphne Dunlap, Allison Erdoddy)

Moffat continued his involvement at The Royal as a dedicated volunteer, representing The Royal Horse Show on the Board of Directors starting in 1980. Moffat would serve as Chairman of the Royal Horse Show Administrative Committee from 1982 to 1984 and then served as President and Chairman of The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in 1988 and 1989.

Moffat commented that the Royal Horse Show has always been about pursuing excellence in horse sport across all disciplines. The magic of the Royal is based on fan support and the tremendous dedication of the staff, volunteers, and exhibitors. We all do our part to maintain and improve this great Canadian tradition.

The Dunlap family has been involved with The Royal since its founding in 1922, with three generations of Dunlaps participating as volunteers, sponsors, and exhibitors of The Royal.

Moffat’s grandmother, Mrs. Jessie Donalda Dunlap, exhibited guernseys, poultry, Yorkshire pigs, Clydesdales, and flowers at the earliest Royals. Jessie was the first female Honorary President of the Royal from 1940-1946. The Dunlap Ballroom, located at The Royal, is named in her memory.

Moffat’s son, John Dunlap, continued the family tradition in his involvement with the Fair. He showed ponies and junior jumpers at the Royal in the 1980s. John became an active volunteer at The Royal for over 20 years, serving in various roles. John served as Royal Horse Show Chairman from 2006 to 2009 and as President and Chairman of the Royal from 2011 to 2013.

Royal Horse Show Enters Second Century of Excellence

National Hunter/Jumper Championships Highlight 2023 Schedule

Having celebrated its centennial in 2022, the Royal Horse Show will continue its tradition of equestrian excellence as it prepares for this year’s Royal Agricultural Winter Fair to be held from November 3 to 12, 2023, at Exhibition Place in downtown Toronto, ON. The CSI5*-W Royal Horse Show will continue to host international show jumping highlighted by the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Toronto on closing night. Offering more than $1 million in prize money, this year’s Royal will also mark the debut of Great Britain’s Kelvin Bywater as show jumping course designer for national and international competition.

Ireland’s Daniel Coyle won the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Toronto riding Legacy to close out the 2022 Royal Horse Show.

Photo by Ben Radvanyi Photography

As the highly anticipated season finale for Canadian competitors, The Royal has once again been awarded the National Championships by Equestrian Canada for all its the hunter, equitation, and jumper divisions, including Under 25 and Junior/Amateur show jumping athletes. Following last year’s successful introduction of a Junior/Amateur National Championship at the 1.30m level, invitation modifications for this year’s 1.40m Junior/Amateur National Championship have been made to ensure the widest possible rider representation from across the country.

Opening weekend of the 10-day Royal Horse Show will feature the Canadian Show Jumping Championship, which will offer an increased purse over the two nights of competition.

Ali Ramsay of Victoria, BC, claimed her first Canadian Show Jumping Championship title at the 2022 Royal Horse Show in Toronto, ON.

Photo by Ben Radvanyi Photography

Canadian horse sport breeding fans have long followed the entries and outcomes of the prestigious Governor General’s Cup for three-year-olds shown in hand and the Lieutenant Governor’s Cup for three-year-olds shown under saddle. The ponies will now have their turn in the spotlight with the newly introduced Royal Agricultural Winter Fair Pony Cup, featuring in hand and under saddle sections. All Cup classes, showcasing the quality of Canadian breeding, will take place in the Coca-Cola Coliseum on Saturday morning, November 11.

“The Royal continues to evolve in order to showcase the best horses and athletes in equestrian sport,” said Charlie Johnstone, CEO of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. “Having celebrated 100 years of being the place where the best of the best meet at the end of the Canadian show season, we are proud to carry the longstanding tradition into a new century. We look forward to once again hosting the future national champions across the hunter, jumper, and equitation disciplines to this year’s Royal.”

National Championship qualifying criteria are available at www.royalfair.org/horse-show/competitors/ while the full 2023 Royal Horse Show prize list will be available in late June.

In addition to the exciting competition, Royal fans will be thrilled with the return of Guy McLean, last seen in Toronto in 2018. The popular Australian horseman, entertainer, and bush poet will be performing with his team of liberty horses during select Royal Horse Show performances.

As always, The Royal offers numerous hospitality experiences which sell out quickly due to their popularity. The Royal Terrace will be available for VIP and corporate hosting while the Coliseum’s Sky Suites offer stables and groups their own private suites. The Tanbark Club will continue to be open to Gold and Platinum VIP ticket holders. Hospitality options are now on sale with returning clients being given the right of first refusal. Contact groups@royalfair.org or HSvip@royalfair.org for full details.