What a wonderful opportunity for learning, and a great way to kick off the new year!
Grey Bruce Farmers’ Week (GBFW) is trotting into its 60th year — and Horse Day is ready to shine as it celebrates 50 years of equine excellence! Set for Sunday, January 11, at the Elmwood Community Centre, this year’s program features everything from equine dentistry and bit fitting to training drills and driving horses — all designed to spark new ideas and strengthen the bond between horse and rider.
The long-standing conference runs from January 7–12, 2026, with Horse Day taking place on Sunday, January 11. Whether you join in person or virtually through the livestream, it’s the perfect way to kick off the new year surrounded by fellow horse enthusiasts, hands-on learning, and a full day of equine education. Plus, you can pick up some exclusive GBFW 60th Anniversary swag! 
Horse Day 2025: Madeline Boast, MSc Equine Nutritionist of Balanced Bay Nutrition and an audience member with a life-sized model of the equine gastrointestinal tract
For those attending in Elmwood, the day also includes a lively tradeshow featuring tack vendors, businesses, and clubs, plus a hearty roast beef lunch — always a crowd favourite! And if you can’t make it in person, don’t worry — the livestream gives you access to all presentations. Everyone who purchases a ticket will also receive 30-day access to recordings of the day(s) they registered for, so sessions can be revisited at their convenience after the conference.
Horse Day 2025: Lindsay Grice and Jeff Gilkinson of Bayshore Country Feeds
Here’s what to look forward to on Horse Day 2026:
• Keynote Presentation: Equine Dentistry with Dr. Ian Bishop, one of the first veterinarians in Canada to achieve Board Certification in Equine Dentistry. Dr. Bishop will dive into how a horse’s teeth develop, wear, and impact overall health and performance.
• Selecting and Training Driving Horses with Jim McKague, owner of McKague Stables and a lifelong horseman who will share expert insight into selecting and training horses for successful performance in harness.
• Hay(lage) is for Horses! with Christine O’Reilly, OMAFA’s Forage and Grazing Specialist, and Dr. Lisa Costa from Georgian Bay Equine Veterinary Services. They will explore the benefits of haylage as a forage option — particularly for horses with Equine Asthma — and key considerations for safe and effective feeding.
• Bits - from the Horse's Perspective with bit educator Lisa Wright, who will present on how bit fit affects comfort, communication, and overall performance between horse and rider.
• Panel: “My Favourite Drill” featuring Jason and Bronwynne Irwin, hosts of The Horse Trainers TV Show, plus freelance horse trainer and English riding coach Jessica Ruppel, who will showcase their go-to exercises for developing responsiveness, connection, and confidence in both horse and rider.
Horse Day 2025: Crowd during Steve McConnell's Presentation
Why attend?
For many equestrians, Horse Day at GBFW has become a beloved January tradition — a chance to reconnect with friends, refresh knowledge, and get inspired for the year ahead. Organizers hope this milestone year encourages even more riders, trainers, and equine enthusiasts to join in the fun, whether from the stands in Elmwood or online from anywhere in the world.
To buy tickets, see the full agenda, and read speaker bios, visit www.gbfw.ca. Mark your calendar for January 11th, 2026 — because you won’t want to miss this special 60th anniversary celebration of GBFW and 50 years of Horse Day!
Source: Grey Bruce Agricultural Services