Held July 23 to 26, 2026
Things started early at the show this year so that competitors could attend the Educational Clinic “How to Improve Your Dressage Scores” on Thursday afternoon. Enthusiastic clinic participants enjoyed the didactic teaching, walking the dressage tests and Q&A with Shelly Temple. A useful preparation for the following Combined Test Day, this clinic was held with the support of the American Driving Society - Hoopes Addis Education Trust.
Jen Robertson and Alvesta Islyna competing in the Long Lining Class. Photo by Jean McLean.
Photo at left: Jim Thomas and Jessica Axelsson review the harness of Jen Robertson in the Harnessing Class. Photo by Jean Mclean.
On Friday competitors completed Training to Intermediate Level Dressage tests with Shelly Temple officiating with a CDE cones course in the afternoon. This busy day was topped off with a CT Awards Ceremony and wonderful Corn Roast meal, provided by Shelly’s Family Dining and Catering, food provider for the show. The Best Dressage Test (39.38) was driven by Melissa Saunders/ Halcyonia Storymydd Eira with Lisa/ Miracle Jack Bee Nimble and Jon Steenbeek / Kwinto not far behind. Melissa was also the Ontario Carriage Driving Association CT Champion with Jon in Reserve and the Morton CT Welsh Champion with Lisa in Reserve.
The Pleasure Portion began on Saturday with competitors in nine different divisions completing Turnout, Working and Progressive Obstacle under the watchful eye of Judge Jessica Axelsson. All marvelled at the speed of changeovers by the GLCC Ring Crew, the accuracy of the driving and the beauty of the turnouts. Drive/Ride, Long Reining and Harnessing added to the variety of offerings and challenged competitors. The Harnessing class was especially fun to watch. Each turnout was given 10 minutes to put together their harness and 10 minutes to harness their equine. From backwards bits to forgotten reins this class showed how difficult it is to do things under pressure! Saturday evening offered an welcome opportunity for participants to unwind and socialize with new and old friends at a delicious dinner.
Jon Steenbeek with groom Anne Marie Steenbeek show Rain, Firefly, Gus Gus and Jack. Photo by Jean McLean.
Sunday competitors completed their divisional classes with Reinsmanship and Fault and Out. In the Red Light Green Light Class Annique Steenbeek, Pete Steenbeek and Brittany Summerfield acted as passengers on a carriage and directed their driver over an obstacle course as they answered questions along the way. All received a book and ribbon. The Costume Class brought The Queen of Hearts and the Rabbit into the arena, (Mara Byrden/ Neon Moon) and the Carriage Dog Class was closely contested with Vicki Dickson/Aldercroft’s Rocky Road and dog Parker obtaining the red ribbon.
The Hobby Horse Class was well subscribed this year. Very young children followed a Pied Piper, one participant had a groom accompanying in top hat and tails, one rode her human horse with hobby horse in hand and the rest of the primary school age youth tried their best to be the fastest. Ribbons went to all in this class and there was a prize for the fastest boy and girl. At noon hour a Parade of Equines with Description of the Breeds was hosted by Debra McCarthy, our wonderful announcer for the show. In the parade nine different equines were shown in hand to demonstrate the wide variety of breeds that are successful in the sport of carriage driving.
Shelly’s Family Dining and Catering Staff set up delicious homemade pies. Photo by Jean McLean.
At the Sunday complimentary box lunch and Pleasure Awards Ceremony the VSE High Point Award went to Jayden Archdekin/Windy Knolls Bear and Reserve to Mara Bryden/Neon Moon. The Friesian High Point Award went to Klaas Steenbeek/ Doutzen with Reserve to Vicki Cork/Alrik. The Welsh High Point Award went to Melissa Saunders/Halyconia Storymydd Eira with Reserve to Francois Bergeron/ Boogie Black Flash. The Junior High Point Award went to Jayden Archdekin/Luna Surprize and the Heart Of the GLCC (sportsmanship) to Bouke Feenstra/Anouk based on fellow competitor voting. The Concours d’Elegance Award went to Vicki Cork/Alrik. The Gentleman Reinsmanship Award was won by Klaas Steenbeek/Doutzen and the Lady Reinsmanship by Mary Baillie/Jovial Stylemaster. The Tri County Carriage Association High Point Award was won by Melissa Saunders/Halyconia Storymydd Eira with Francois Bergeron/Boogie Black Flash in Reserve. The Show Management would like to thank the sponsors and donors who make this show possible: Ammie & Rose Reid, contributors and Silent Auction bidders, Judy Morris and those who bought 50/50 tickets, ($220 won by Sue North of Brantford) and those who donated to the Quilt Give Away, all measures that help with the financial health of this show. All were appreciative of the support given by Barn Manager Tara Crowley, Whipper in PJ Crowley, Volunteer Coordinator Minta Winn, TD Jim Thomas, Ringmaster Julia Goolia, the Ring Crew and the many show volunteers. The vendors added variety to the show and provided the wonderful prizes given throughout the weekend.
Following this year’s GLCC, feedback has been received and three basic themes prevail: fun, food and pride. Pride of competitors in their performance and the performance of their equine partner/s and pride in the progression of their knowledge and skills. Whether their first show or a seasoned competitor, all felt welcome and a part of the Great Lakes Carriage Classic, knowing more on leaving than when they arrived. We look forward to welcoming your participation in the 2027 GLCC - July 23 to 25.
Source: Great Lakes Carriage Classic