The Royal

The Royal Winter Fair comes to Toronto at the beginning of November every year.  I remember when I used to ride, qualifying for "The Royal" was the goal.  You had to win your class (maybe more than once) at a local fair to qualify.  It was the most prestigious fair in Canada.

The weather was beautiful the three days I attended.  Unseasonably mild and I didn't hear anyone complaining!

The poultry exhibition was wonderful to see.  The roosters were strutting, the turkeys were making a display with their tail feathers.  Many were fine with all the people walking past, but some were a little more flighty.

Chicken being judged...easier than showing dogs.  The judge goes into the cage and pulls out the exhibit and examines it.  It doesn't take too long...

These were my favourite type of chicken.  They have a rose comb (close to their heads) and interesting colour.  It is called a Silver-laced Wyandotte.  If I were to get a chicken or three, this would be the type I'd like.

A crested goose.  These guys look like they want to bite you on the butt...they just have that look in their eye!

A Polish chicken.  While these are very ornamental, they are very skittish.

These guys have a face only a mother could love...yikes!

I went to the Super Dogs exhibition...it was a ton of fun.  They have a pretty good show and there were lots of laughs.  The dogs certainly have a good time.

Young handlers...might have been 4-H.

Brown Swiss.  I never realized how bony cows hips are...

Jersey calf with amazing eyes.

Cleaning them up for the show

Keeping the sheep clean after they are washed

Even their heads are covered

Having a nap

The draft horses getting washed up

And the hunter/jumpers

Wednesday night we bought tickets for the horse show.  We got a cross section of events culminating with the Grand Prix which was the highlight.

The six horse Belgian teams were impressive

The amount of work for the few minutes in the ring is incredible.  Just look at the sparkle of their tack, and the shine on their wagons...not to mention the braiding of the horses manes and washing of their coat. I can't imagine the cost of this hobby.

Dressage in the dark.  It was spectacular and when I was watching it seemed darker than this.  It was magical...

Then there was a class called "Green Meadows".  There were four carriages and it took you back to a time of lords and ladies.  All four exhibits were American, from Michigan to Florida. 

The winning exhibit was this group of Hackneys.  They were high stepping and fancy, everyone was prim and proper on the carriage with blankets on their laps.

The horn blower (he probably has another title) won a ribbon.  He tooted the horn as they went around.  Once again, so much work, time and money for this competition.

The beginning of the Grand Prix event.  The course builders tribute to the great Stallion Hickstead who passed away the following week.  They came up with the idea to wear black armbands in his honour and they also had a number for sale which quickly sold out.  Eric Lamaze, Hickstead's rider received a standing ovation when he rode in the ring on another horse.

Some of the crowd in long dresses and tuxedos.  Pete and I and many others were in jeans...there wasn't a dress code, we figure there was a gala event prior to the show.

Ian Miller and his daughter Amy walking the course prior to the Grand Prix

The first rider

Eric Lamaze on Herald.  He did a really good job, but did end up with 5 faults.

Eric Lamaze again

Ian Millar on his stallion Redefin.  He had an off night and Ian retired him half way through the course after he had knocked down 6 rails.

I loved this horse, Lansdowne ridden by Conor Swail of Ireland and they placed second I believe.

The night had some drama when Canadian Beth Underhill fell off her horse and was lying on the ground being attended by the EMT's for ten to fifteen minutes.  Her horse was loose, but was quickly caught.  There was no word on Beth's condition until the following day, when it was announced she had a concussion.

Another beautiful horse and rider; notice the Hickstead armband he is wearing. 

Hope I'm able to go to the fair again next year...it is such fun.