Your seat in the Agriplex arena is the next best thing to being in the saddle!
Experience every hard-hitting, high-energy minute of the Dodge Rodeo Tour when it appears at the Western Fair, September 10, 11 and 12 in the Agriplex Arena. You are bound to see some awesome action as this is the last chance that participants have to earn points before the Championship Finals!
Youngsters love these fun little pedal tractors and this junior competition gives them a chance to win prizes. It’s open to boys and girls. The child’s age and size will determine participation (they have to be able to reach the pedals) and the weight that they have to pull. Don’t worry...we don’t really ‘load them up’!
Heavy horses – also known as draft horses – are true equine athletes. They must be in top physical condition to compete so just like their human counterparts, they have to exercise their muscles to keep in shape and have a strict diet to optimize their strength and stamina.
The concept of the Heavy Horse Pull is simple: pull more weight further than your competitors. The team that can do both, wins. Cash prizes are up for grabs so all of the entrants will be putting forth their best effort.
No Western movie would be complete without a stage coach racing into town, kicking up dust and scattering anyone in their way. It was an impressive display of horsepower.
Now this is what you call real horsepower! Six draft horses - The Shanahan Belgians - pulling a wagon in perfect unison. Strong, sure-footed and a pleasure to watch.
Look for uniformity of size, color and stride in each team. They should look like one horse on the move. Each horse should be clean, have a tight braid in its mane, a well-tied tail and well-fitting harness. The hitch wagon should also be clean and present a well-balanced appearance with the horses. The driver should be sitting straight in the seat and in complete control.
Speed and skill are foremost in this exciting competition. Rider and horse must work together to complete the course as cleanly and quickly as possible in Barrel Racing, Elimination Race and Texas Speed and Action. Superior skill and ridership are demonstrated in Western Pleasure and Horsemanship classes.
Reining is a western riding competition in which riders guide their horses through a precise pattern of circles, spins, and stops. All work is done at the lope (a slow, relaxed pace also known as the canter) and galloping. Watch for animal and human to be in complete sync, almost as if they can read each other’s minds.
Horse shows are about competition and demonstrating your equestrian skills. It takes a lot of practice, training and dedication.
Competitors will complete for points and cash prizes in three different tests – dressage (manoeuvres of a horse in response to body signals by the rider), speed & endurance, and show-jumping.
Be sure to take time for this entertaining and educational look at life on the farm. Demonstrations include sheep shearing, cow milking and animal ultrasound. Once you've seen them done, you'll appreciate your wool sweater, the cream in your coffee and the fascinating role modern medicine plays in farm births!
September 11 is a full day of competitions and camaraderie for hundreds of young Middlesex 4-Hers. The short time they spend in the show ring is the culmination of countless hours of practice and preparation all year long. Categories include beef, dairy, sheep and swine. One deserving participant will win the coveted Champion 4-H Showperson award. Come support these dedicated young people and celebrate their achievements.
AQHA Open Amateur + Youth Ranch Horse Versatility Open All-Breed Show
Watching this show might have you wondering how such large animals can move with such precision and speed. These competitions will demonstrate that in spite of their size, horses are intelligent, agile and athletic. Participants are judged on smooth transitions between gaits, behaviour, reining and more.
