ARCHIVE EQUINE NEWS STORIES

Olympic show jumper Ian Millar barrel racing!
Racing legend Sandy Hawley playing polo!

CALEDON, Ontario - High-profile riders from a variety of disciplines will be changing reins for the inaugural Equi-Challenge, an exciting and entertaining equestrian event at Iron Horse Farm in Caledon August 27th from 5:30 to 9:30pm.

Equi-Challenge, the first-ever event of its kind in Canada, will showcase the leaders and legends of the sport and benefit the University of Guelph’s Ontario Veterinary College Equine Sports Medicine and Reproduction Centre.

A specialized facility for equine athletes, the Equine Sports Medicine and Reproduction Centre will offer direct access to top specialists in the field, advanced lameness evaluation and state-of-the art diagnostic equipment. The reproduction facility will offer sophisticated reproductive services such as fertility evaluation, semen freezing, artificial insemination and embryo transfer.

Equi-Challenge will feature the stars of the riding world competing in a unique team-style competition, with such match-ups as jockeys on show jumpers, dressage riders playing polo, show jumpers on western barrel racing horses and a host of other crowd-pleasing, cross-discipline action.

Leading the all-star line-up is show jumping’s ‘Captain Canada’ Ian Millar, joined by dressage Olympian Jackie Brooks, thoroughbred racing legend Sandy Hawley and a host of other notable equestrians.

“At a time of extraordinary, transformative change within the Ontario Veterinary College and the University of Guelph, Equi-Challenge will will provide tremendous visibility and support for equine health,” says Dr. Elizabeth Stone, Dean of OVC. “This inaugural year, the event will bring together luminaries in the equine industry in support of the new OVC Equine Sports Medicine and Reproduction Centre.”

Spectators can eat, drink and cheer for their favourite team from the ringside VIP tent while enjoying a sumptuous chef-prepared barbecue of fresh, locally grown foods and an evening of music interspersed with lively commentary from the event’s MC. Guests will include luminaries from each of the sport disciplines: riders, owners, trainers, breeders and veterinary practitioners.

It will be an evening to celebrate the diversity of a majestic animal — the horse — and support the new Equine Sports Medicine and Reproduction Centre at the world-leading Ontario Veterinary College at the University of Guelph.

Tickets are $175 each;

call 905-880-8053 or click on Equi-Challenge Fundraiser for details.

For online ticket requests, email tickets