For show veterans competing on the Ontario “A” circuit, the familiar sights and sounds of the Caledon Equestrian Park become a part of everyday life during show season. The sheer size and chaos of the six-ring circus fade into the background and become as commonplace and routine as the evening commute.
But the hustle and bustle is truly exciting for newcomers who have never had the opportunity to experience that type of horse show. For 15-year-old Bermudian equestrians Riley Correia and Keira Whited, leaving the island and competing in Canada last summer was the chance of a lifetime. “They do have a really good program for hunters and jumpers in Bermuda, but there are not the various levels of competition, multitude of show grounds, or number of horses, riders, and trainers that exist in Ontario,” said Correia. “At home, we have one ring, one warm-up ring, and the same riders compete against each other week after week, year after year.”
For Correia and Whited, spending time competing at Caledon Equestrian Park and other venues across Ontario was a huge stepping stone toward achieving their dreams as equestrians. “It was such a different atmosphere – at my first show I was completely overwhelmed, because there were about five different rings,” Correia said. “It was an outstanding experience, one I am very grateful for and will never forget. I have learned so much throughout my summer in Canada, skills that will last a lifetime.”