Held annually to raise public awareness of equestrian sport, industry and recreation, and promote the beloved horse, Horse Day is celebrated each year on the first Saturday in June.
Just a few examples of unique events held to honour the horse included an introduction to équiYoga in Saint-Henri de Lévis, QC. In Winnipeg, MB, participants rode in the footsteps of the 1999 Pan American Games endurance athletes through the picturesque forests of Birds Hill Park. The Newfoundland Equestrian Association reached thousands of children and their families through their booth at the NL Kids and Family Expo in St. John’s, NL. And 2018 Breyer Arabian Horse model, Empres ++++//, strutted his stuff at a meet-and-greet at the 2019 Saskatchewan Arabian Horse Association Icebreaker Horse Show in Moose Jaw, SK.
“Our first Horse Day celebration was a wonderful day,” said Kristy McFee, Executive Director of the Manitoba Riding for the Disabled Association Inc. (MRDA) in Winnipeg, which hosted an open house and program demonstrations. “We were so very happy to welcome potential new riders and volunteers to see what we do at MRDA. It was a fantastic day to greet old friends while making new ones. Of course, our riders and four-legged friends were happy to show off their skills, as well. We were thrilled with the feedback and look forward to making this an annual event!”
EC also gives special thanks to the Provincial/Territorial Sport Organizations (PTSOs) for helping to make Horse Day 2019 such a success, and to the Canadian equestrian community for their continued involvement and commitment to spreading awareness about the wonders of the equestrian world.
Horse Day Photo Contest Winners
Canadians from coast-to-coast uploaded their photos of equine fun to the Horse Day 2019 Photo Contest using the hashtag #HorseDay2019. View the five winning submissions below:
Hugs for Horse Day in Acton, ON!
Photo Credit: Christine Kelly
Evergreen Public School’s Grade 1-2 class, accompanied by teacher Sharla Scott, met the horses at the Kenora Bed ‘n Bale Tailgater Sale and Open Farm in Kenora, ON. They learned about the Canadian horse history, horse behaviour, care, and safety tips.
Photo Credit: Evergreen Public School
The Miniature Horsemanship Open House in Cochrane, AB, provided perfect, pint-sized photo-ops.
Photo Credit: Brittney Russell
Kids + horses = smiles during the open house at Centre Équestre Rosa Bella in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC.
Photo Credit: Francine Lussier
Haleigh Clements of Regina, SK, celebrated Horse Day by taking an equine first aid course. She said, “I’m always seeking ways to better equip myself to care for my guy!”
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Haleigh Clements
Congratulations to our five winners, who will each receive an equestrian gift pack valued at $150!
For more snapshots of Canadians celebrating Horse Day 2019, click through the below gallery:
National Drawing Contest
There’s still time for youth between the ages of 3 and 16 to enter the Horse Day 2019 National Drawing Contest! Winners between the ages of 3 to 12 will take home a prize pack consisting of a grooming kit and horse treats valued at $50, while the winner of the age 13-16 category will receive free enrollment in the University of Guelph’s online Horse Behaviour and Safety Course.
Watch for more Horse Day coverage at www.equestrian.ca/events-results/horseday and on EC’s Facebook page, including the announcement of the National Drawing Contest winners!
For more information on Horse Day, visit www.equestrian.ca/events-results/horseday.