The information on this page is for parents and those who are new to the world of horses and horse shows. If you are an experienced rider most of what you read here will be familiar to you. If you are interested in what we have to offer you in terms of the show circuit, read on.
Our lesson horses and ponies are quite good at everything: mounted games, jumping, dressage, hunter, polo, hunter pace, eventing, and long distance rides. They have provided many hours of excitement and fun over the years.
Our show horses are a little more fussy. Some are used just for dressage, while others jump, and others event. We really appreciate all that they do for us and try to let them live normal "horse" lives when they aren't being ridden or taken to shows.
When it comes to competition there is an impressive range of options. Most types of competition are available at three levels. In general there is a schooling level which is usually available at a number of local shows, the next level is Regional or Provincial and is generally organized by a group or organization, the third level is National. In general International competition is the same level as the top National Levels, however the competition is tougher. The International level is governed by the Rules of the International Equestrian Federation which is more commonly known as the FEI.
This chart outlines competition opportunities available to Wits End riders. Most organizations require membership as a condition of eligibility to compete, or charge extra fees for non-members.
OCTRA
long distance rides
(competitive trail rides 25 miles and up)
(Prince Philip Games)
FEI Junior Dressage
KLDA Dressage
Local Hunter/Jumper shows
Canadian Pony Club Dressage
Pony Club Showjumping
National Quiz (Canadian Pony Club)
National Dressage
Lakefield Fair Hunter Show
Peterborough Exhibition Hunter Show
OHTA Horse Trials
Trillium Dressage
Trillium Hunter/Jumper
In addition to the above local and regional events, Wits End Horses have competed successfully in Inter-Pacific Exchange, an international horse trials competition and International Tetrathlon.
Our Games Ponies have been on International, National and Regional PPG Teams.
The pictures below show our horses in action as well as some of their ribbons and awards. You can click on each picture to see the enlarged version.
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We start preparing for our competition season a year ahead. Riders set training goals and work toward them during the winter. When it's time to fill in entry forms they enter at a level slightly lower than their current training level.
The
day before each show all riders are busy bathing, braiding, cleaning tack
and packing the horse trailer.
All this activity
develops excellent planning and organizational skills. We notice that
many young riders improve their academic skills as they progress with
their riding skills.
Riders are also invited to try polo. At first on our farm for basic skills, and then at local polo clubs for clinics and paddock polo. We also receive invitations to attend the hunter pace, which is hosted by a local group.
Both are lot of fun. They are exciting and social, and closely resemble the sort of things horses do free choice. They do seem to enjoy a good group gallop!