Originally founded by Harry and Ann Ainsworth in support of the Lion’s Club, the show was donated shortly thereafter to the Avon Pony Club in 1972, the year of the club’s inception. Prior to the move, the show was a little different including both English and Western disciplines in competition. The judging fee for the weekend was only $75, and entry fees were $2.00 and .50 cents per class entry.
Profits raised from the inaugural show helped the club rent the exhibition cow barn, at the Windsor Exhibition Grounds for all kids to prepare to show their ponies for the competition. The Spring Competition continues to be the most successful fundraiser for the Avon Pony Club with all profits going to fund annual programming for lessons, lectures, testing and team competitions.
Jorja Oulton, Reece Lindsay and Sofia Dickie posing with ribbons
Photo Credit: Jennifer Lindsay
As one of the oldest shows in Canada, the parents, alumni and children that volunteer their time to run it, were very excited to celebrate the 50th year milestone. But, like with so many things in the last 18 months, they were forced to delay it from its usual May long weekend dates to Oct. 14-17, 2021.
Carrie MacDonald, the show organizer along with the committee faced challenges this past year but remained optimistic, “after two date changes due to the pandemic and government restrictions, we were able to run a successful competition in the fall. Our sponsors were very understanding and stuck with us.” MacDonald appreciates the community support, “all of our officials were either past competitors or alumni from the club. Many of our trainers are past club members. While this is a fundraiser for the club, it is also so important to run this competition for our community.”
Volunteers and staff building the Hunter Derby for the 2021 Windsor Spring Horse Show.
Photo Credit: Jennifer Lindsay
The committee acknowledges the longevity of support is in part due to the Maritimes being such a close-knit community. “It’s amazing to think of the number of people who have been involved in this competition over the last 50 years,” said MacDonald. “Supporters like Willowbank Farms (the Johnson Family), Mary Henry, Jill Barker, Kevin Crosby, Sandra West Conrad, Judy Covert, Jill Cocheran Swain and many others have continued to provide their support to the show the whole time”.
The show continues many of the traditions from the early years (e.g. The Maritime bred class), while keeping the loyalty, sportsmanship and character alive. This year, a new tradition began with the Mary Henry Pony Hunter stake class. Mary, one of the club’s founders, is well known for her long career as a pony hunter coach and head instructor of the pony club. This class was kindly supported by the Henry and Pratt families. And even at 84-years-old, Mary is still involved and trained three lead line competitors, all children of alumni, for this year’s show.
The Spring Competition will return to its normal date in 2022 and MacDonald is excited for this to happen, “we have third generations of families now competing at the show and although we will be moving back to May next year, we felt it was nice for it to be the closing show of the year.” Having to move things to October after several delays to celebrate fifty amazing years of community and horsemanship became a fitting way to end the 2021 competitive season.
Submitted by: Melissa Roy (Avon Pony Club Alum), Jennifer Lindsay (Avon Pony Club Alum)
Content Provided by: A serious history lesson from Mrs. Mary Henry