BY PATRICIA LOCKIE
for GIHA
One of the reliable crowd pleasers at the island’s Fall Fair (running Sept. 7-8 this year) is the horse show.
Organized by the Gulf Islands Horse Association (GIHA), together with the Salt Spring Farmers’ Institute, the horse show is a popular attraction. Spectators love to see the horses perform, and get a chance to chat with riders and handlers. For participants, the show is a low-key affair that emphasizes sportsmanship and horse welfare more than competition. It’s meant to be a fun event for all levels – and ages – of riders and handlers. Everyone is welcome provided they have current Horse Council of BC membership.
This year, there’s a broad range of riding and handling classes, including Showmanship, English and Western Pleasure, Ranch Horse, Lead Line, Best of Breeds, barrel racing and an obstacle course. For fun and laughter, there’ll be an egg and spoon race, a ride-a-five where the winner takes all, riding bareback while trying to hang on to a $5 bill under their thigh or knee (no adhesives allowed!), a costume class in which exhibitors may lead or ride their horses at a walk only, and a hobby horse class specially for juniors who have a favourite hobby horse to show off through a series of obstacles and jumps.
Other special events on Sunday include a combined dance and musical ride performance, directed and coached by Susan Gordon. Officially called a quadrille, the small but enthusiastic team of riders will perform a pattern of movements set to the music of the Beach Boys’ Good Vibrations. Dancers Nomi Lyonns, Sue Newman and Leah Ostlund will be performing to another Beach Boys hit “I Can Hear Music.” It’s definitely a ‘60s vibe, so look out for the tye dye. Times of performances are noon and 3 p.m. (approximately).
Throughout the day on Sunday, visitors will be invited to “meet and greet” the horses at their corrals.
Deadline for horse show entries is Aug. 31. The entry form is on page 41 of the Fall Fair Catalogue and may be dropped off at Foxglove Farm and Garden. Entry fee is $6 per class. Entry forms are also available via email: giha.saltspring@gmail, and on the Salt Spring Farmers’ Institute website at ssifi.org.
Please help us put on a successful show by entering your horse, and supporting your local equestrian community. We look forward to seeing you at the Mouat Park riding ring for a wonderful weekend showcasing our beautiful and talented island horses.