Bring back the Spirit of the Horse Ring at RAWF for 2014

Feeling after this year at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto, ON, with the Spirit of the Horse ring missing - replaced by MORE vendors..... that we would like to start a petition to send to the Royal organizers (early enough) a message so they can bring this educational ring back for next year.

The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair is the world’s largest indoor agricultural and international equestrian competition.  The RAWF draws more than 300,000 visitors to the Direct Energy Centre in Toronto annually to see thousands of unique entries from elite Canadian and International breeders, growers and exhibitors, over 4,500 large and small animals, shows, activities, shopping, dining and The Royal Horse Show.

Spirit of the horse ring was cancelled for the 2013 year of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. This demonstration ring that ran all day each day of the Royal was a stunning attraction that focussed on horses and gave viewers demonstrations in different disciplines and on various breeds and general horsemanship information. It always drew a crowd. 

As of 2013, it was removed and incorporated into the new ‘President’s Choice Animal Theatre’, which essentially reduced the Spirit of the Horse ring into two short demonstrations each day. This loss of equine education was a shocking move made by the organizers of the Royal for 2013. We would like the original all-day ring-of-its-own 'Spirit of the Horse Ring' returned for 2014 and future years of the Royal Fair.

The Spirit of the Horse Ring in its original format was a great educational tool both for horse riders and non-riders; there were numerous equine groups participating: Toronto Police Mounted Unit, Rodeo Clowns: Shorty Legs, various Foxhunting Clubs, Winddancer Pony Rescue, Donkey Sanctuary, Ontario Horse Trials Association, Blazing Colours Farm, members of the RCMP Musical Ride, Canadian Cowgirls, and featured breeds such as: Appaloosa, Gypsy Vanner, Canadian Horse, Miniature Horse Club of Ontario, Paso Fino, Thoroughbreds, Arabian, Akhal-Teke, Friesian, plus up-and-coming as well as seasoned riders like Mark Todd, as well as many more.

The Spirit of the Horse equestrian area was devoted to informing Royal Winter Fair attendees about the different breeds of horses found in Ontario. This section of the fair included a demonstration ring and an exhibit area. The whole equestrian feature was developed, in conjunction with the fair organizers, by the Ontario Equestrian Federation. Each day several different breeds come into the ring to demonstrate their characteristics. If you love horses, this was the place to be.

The organizers (OEF and RAWF) have described the ring as: “One of the most popular and well-known features of the Fair, Spirit of the Horse will continue to educate and entertain Royal patrons by way of breed and discipline demonstrations. Member associations of the OEF will present recreation, education, health, career and sport activities through their demonstrations.”

RAWF website commentary for 2013:

"The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair takes place every November in the City of Toronto. The Royal is the largest combined indoor agricultural fair and international equestrian competition in the world. It is where Canadian and international breeders, growers and exhibitors are declared champions and where hundreds of thousands of attendees come to learn, compete, shop and have a great time with friends and family.

The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair began on November 22, 1922 with an astonishing 17,000 agricultural entries and over 150,000 visitors. The Fair was graciously designated The Royal title by His Majesty, King George V in 1920.

With over one million square feet of displays and competition facilities, The Royal today draws in some 300,000 visitors annually. Thousands of entries are received each year from elite Canadian and International breeders, growers and exhibitors, including over 5000 large and small animals.  We welcome approximately 18,000 students each year to the Royal where they are entertained and engaged by the impressive depth of educational exhibits and experience firsthand the diverse aspects of our agri-food sector.

The Royal Horse Show is respected and loved by all those fortunate to earn the chance to compete. From the thrills of show jumping, to the grace and pageantry of hunters and carriages to the beauty and the elegance of Dressage, The Royal has no equal in Canada offering equestrian and sports enthusiasts a once a year opportunity to see some of the world’s best compete.

In 2013, The Royal will invest in new and exciting programming with a focus on family entertainment, local food, education, and competitions. In addition, our plans for 2013 focus on increasing the already substantial economic impact The Royal contributes to the City of Toronto, the province of Ontario, and across Canada. A study conducted by Enigma Research Corporation in 2012, reported that The Royal had a total economic benefit of $40.5 million. Overall, The Royal generated $51 million in spending and tax generation."