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Summer 2012
Escarpment Magaz ine
21
Equestrian
has always had a home in Colling-
wood and the surrounding area. Show history
dates back to the mid-80s with the opening of the
Collingwood Horse Show. In 1990 a small group
of local equestrians recognized a demand for a
show circuit that focused on developing young rid-
ers and horses. In doing this, they created a school-
ing show series that catered to all levels. This
schooling show became part of the Trillium
Hunter/Jumper Association (THJA) show circuit in
1994. Today the circuit is known in theOntario Tril-
lium zones as Georgian Bay. The other 6 zones in-
cluded; Central East, Central West, Eastern, North
East, South West and South East.
Hunter/jumper is a style of riding practised by many
in our area. Hunter show classes involve all partici-
pants riding in the ring at the same time. Here the
ground is flat, with no jumps. Jumps are performed
individually and, in both cases, riders are judged
subjectively on style and technique. In jumper show
classes, individual riders jump a number of fences
and rails. Here, the goal is to complete the course
in the shortest amount of time whilst not knocking
down any of the jump rails. Hunter courses tend to
be more conservative because they are based on
presentation. Jumper courses are often colourful
and creatively designed because judgement is ob-
jective and based on time and faults.
Within Ontario, the Trillium Circuit bridges the gap
between local schooling shows and the "A" circuit.
Trillium offers an opportunity for inexperienced and
younger riders to compete, as well as high level
competition for riders looking to advance to the
next stage. Georgian Bay is one of seven provin-
cial Trillium zones. Trillium is proud of its broad
depth of field, and riders of all ages can be seen
competing on the Trillium Circuit.
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