In 2008, the inaugural Standardbred Showcase horse show was held. The horse show was open to standardbreds only and was organized to promote the versatility
of the standardbred by offering classes in a variety or English, western and driving disciplines.
The success of the show, along with the standardbred-only horse shows put on by the Ontario Standardbred Adoption Society in the past, has resulted in the Ontario Standardbred Show Series being formed this year.
The series is a group of three standardbred-only horse shows, each being run independently, but the points from each show in the series being accumulated for year-end awards.
The shows in the series are being organized by Oxer Stables to be held in Milton on June 28; Standardbred Showcase Riding Club to be held at Grand River Raceway on August 2, and OSAS to be held at County Heritage Park on August 28. The year-end awards banquet will be held at Grand River Raceway in the fall.
The Standardbred Showcase Riding Club is a non-profit volunteer organization. Its focus is to promote the breed as a riding, showing and pleasure driving horse. "There are enough groups promoting the adoption side," said Kelly McLaughlin, SSRC president. "We feel there is a lack of advocacy for them as a show horse and we are out to advance that."
The group is continually looking for support and sponsorship for the horse show this year. They are grateful that Grand River Raceway has offered its facility to run the horse show on the Sunday of Industry Day Week, but there are several expenses including ribbons, equipment costs and ambulance fees that need to be covered.
There are opportunities to sponsor classes at a cost of $100 each, donate product for prizes, register as a trade fair vendor or general cash donations. The organization's website is now live and contains all the current information with respect to the horse show. The website also has a section devoted specifically to recognizing those individuals and organizations that have committed to supporting and sponsoring the show this year.
For further information, visit the website or contact Kelly McLaughlin at 905-335-8115.
(SSRC)