Across Canada’s equestrian landscape – from local schooling shows to the grandeur of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair – the Champion Shavings logo has become a familiar sight. Whether printed on a Grand Prix banner, stitched onto a horse cooler, or stacked high in the barns before dawn, it represents more than a bedding company. It represents a commitment to the sport.
A Brand Built in the Barn Aisle
Founded over two decades ago, Champion Shavings has grown from a regional supplier into one of North America’s leading manufacturers of premium wood shavings. With multiple production sites across Canada and the United States, the company provides consistent, high-quality bedding to farms, trainers, and major competitions nationwide.
What sets Champion apart is its deep understanding of the equestrian world based on knowledge that comes directly from its president, Thomas Harbom, a lifelong horseman who knows what it means to rely on dependable supply and quality care.
“I’ve been on the other side of it, waiting for deliveries before the show starts,” says Harbom. “That experience makes us different. We know how important timing and reliability are, and we plan for what shows will need, sometimes even before they know it themselves.”
That insight isn’t just talk – it’s backed by logistics. Champion operates advanced bagging facilities, owns select manufacturing equipment, and works with trusted partners to manage production and distribution across both countries.
Giving Back to the Sport
Champion’s reputation has been built not only on quality, but on community spirit. The company sponsors a wide range of horse shows, from grassroots competitions to major Grand Prix events at Angelstone and The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair.
“We sponsor several shows with Angelstone,” says Harbom. “As part of our sponsorship package with them, we award coolers, provide show ring signage, even coffee mugs and pens. People really appreciate that we give back, and we hear all the time that they choose to buy from Champion because we support the sport that supports us.”
That reciprocity has become part of the company’s identity. Champion’s presence in the show world isn’t just marketing – it’s partnership.
Rooted in the Ring
Harbom’s connection to the horse world runs deep. Raised around horses after his parents quite literally traded patio furniture for a Quarter Horse, he started riding lessons as a child and was soon competing in the hunter ring with trainer Amber Castleman, before moving into the jumper divisions under Beth Underhill in the 1990s.
His passion for horses carried forward into his business career. When the company he worked for closed its doors in the early 2000s, Harbom saw an opportunity to rebuild the model under a new name and a new vision. He launched Champion Shavings, blending business acumen with firsthand experience from the ring.
“Having been a competitor myself really shapes how I approach the business,” he says. “I understand the expectations of show organizers and stable managers. It’s about service, dependability, and understanding the rhythm of the sport.”
Perhaps nowhere is that philosophy more visible than at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, where Harbom has spent more than a decade volunteering. Now serving as Chair of the Horse Show Committee and a member of the Royal’s Board of Directors, he’s as likely to be found ringside managing logistics as he is behind the scenes, making sure horses and riders have what they need.
“The Royal has been close to my heart since I was a kid,” Harbom says. “I used to walk around in awe of the size of it. When I saw areas that could improve, I decided to get involved, which has turned into years of volunteering and leadership.”
Looking Ahead
Today, Champion Shavings continues to expand, increasing its production capacity and distribution reach across North America. While Harbom won’t yet reveal specifics, he hints at “big changes on the horizon” for the company.
“The future looks bright,” he says. “We’re continuing to grow, strengthen our supply chain, and expand availability to meet the needs of the market.”
Still, amid that growth, one thing remains constant: Champion’s grounding in the community it serves.
“We’ve always believed in giving back,” Harbom says. “When we support shows, we’re supporting the sport – and that’s what keeps the whole circle moving.”
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