It was also 60 Years of Grey Bruce Farmers’ Week!
Celebrating 60 Years of Grey Bruce Farmers’ Week and 50 Years of Horse Days! Horse Day once again proved to be an incredible day during Grey Bruce Farmers’ Week, delivering a full agenda of practical and relevant equine education. As part of the six-day agricultural conference celebrating its 60th anniversary, Horse Day itself marked an impressive milestone—50 years of bringing together horse owners, riders, trainers, and industry professionals from across the region.
The day was packed with expert-led presentations designed to offer real, take-home value for attendees, alongside generous door prizes—including gift bags, accessories, and treats for both rider and horse—and swag provided by supportive exhibitors and sponsors who filled the room. Horse Day continues to demonstrate why it remains a valued and engaging part of Grey Bruce Farmers’ Week.
The morning began with an in-depth presentation on Equine Dentistry by Dr. Ian Bishop, the second veterinarian in Canada to become a Board-Certified Equine Dentist through the American Veterinary Dental College. Dr. Bishop walked attendees through how a horse’s teeth develop and function, highlighting the unique challenges posed by hypsodont teeth and the importance of preventative dental care. Using case studies and real-world examples, he explained dental issues and what horse owners should expect during an equine dental appointment.
Left Photo: Ian Bishop - Right Photo: Jim McKague
Following this, lifelong horseman Jim McKague took the stage with his presentation, Selecting and Training Driving Horses. A Canadian Championship winner at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair and member of the Canadian Road Horse Hall of Fame, McKague drew on decades of experience to deliver an interactive and approachable session. Attendees gained insight into evaluating a horse’s experience before getting started in driving, along with thoughtful considerations around equipment and materials. His presentation offered valuable perspective for new and experienced drivers.
Photo Above: Dr. Lisa Costa of Georgian Bay Equine Veterinary Services
Photo at Left: Lisa Wright
After a hearty lunch featuring roast beef, mashed potatoes, turnip, coleslaw, cake, pie - and ice cream bars—attendees returned refreshed for an afternoon presentation by Christine O’Reilly of the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness and local veterinarian Dr. Lisa Costa of Georgian Bay Equine Veterinary Services, titled Hay(lage) Is for Horses – Sort of, Sometimes. The session explored what “haylage” means, with the presentation focused on wrapped hay. O’Reilly discussed key considerations around forage production, including harvest timing, equipment-related risks, and factors that can contribute to soil or air contamination in bales, along with best practices to help reduce those risks. Dr. Costa complemented this with a veterinary perspective, highlighting health considerations associated with forage choices, including botulism risk and prevention, vaccination options, and when haylage may—or may not—be appropriate depending on a horse’s breed, life stage, and health status. Together, the speakers delivered a balanced, practical session that helped attendees navigate a complex feeding topic.
Grey Bruce Farmers’ Week was also pleased to welcome Lisa Wright, a well-known bit educator who shared practical insight into choosing the right bit for both horse and rider. Wright has presented bit seminars across Canada and brings years of hands-on experience from training, competing, coaching, and working with equipment manufacturers. Her presentation focused on how bit choice can vary depending on a horse’s training level, the rider’s experience, and the rules of different disciplines. Wright discussed the importance of proper fit, explained what can happen when a bit does not fit correctly, and explored how bit action and leverage affect communication with the horse. The session sparked strong discussion, particularly around different bit materials, offering attendees a clearer understanding of this important piece of tack.
The Panel Discussion
To wrap up the day, attendees enjoyed the My Favourite Drill panel, which brought together a wide range of training experience and practical take-home ideas. The panel began with Bronwyn and Jason Irwin, hosts of The Horse Trainers TV show airing on The Cowboy Channel Canada and RFD-TV Canada. Bronwyn shared an explanation of when and why to use the one-rein stop, while Jason discussed creating positive associations during training. Next, English riding coach and trainer Jessica Ruppel, who specializes in eventing, shared her “four jumps on a circle” exercise, explaining how it helps horses find rhythm, balance, and a consistent canter. Rounding out the panel was Carolyn Aarup, a driving coach with over 25 years of experience in carriage driving and combined driving events in Canada and the United States, who introduced the bowtie driving exercise to improve balance, bend, straightness, and focus. The panel concluded with an engaging question-and-answer period, ensuring equestrians of all disciplines went home with something to try.
Photo Above: Christine O'Reilly
With 50 years of Horse Day now celebrated as part of Grey Bruce Farmers’ Week’s 60-year history, this year’s program highlighted practical, hands-on equine learning. From expert presentations to open discussion, Horse Day continues to be a place to learn, connect, and feel part of the equine community. The energy in the room made it clear there’s plenty to look forward to at Horse Day 2027.
Source: Grey Bruce Agricultural Services
