Ontario Four Horse Hitch Series news section

Ontario Four Horse Hitch Series Unveils Exciting Venue Change for Finals

The biggest horses across Canada and the United States will compete for the Ontario Four Horse Hitch Series Championship at the Norfolk County Fair and Horse Show this fall.

May 9, 2024 (Simcoe, ON) – The Ontario Four Horse Hitch Series (Ontario Four) is thrilled to announce a prestigious new venue for its season-ending finals: the historic Norfolk County Fair and Horse Show! This exciting shift reflects the Ontario Four’s unwavering dedication to providing an unparalleled experience for members, partners, and spectators alike.

The renowned Norfolk County Fair and Horse Show will host the exhilarating finals on Friday, October 11th, 2024. This premier event will showcase the talents of the top-10 member hitches who have earned the most points throughout the season’s qualifying shows. These elite hitches will compete for the coveted championship title, judged by a panel of esteemed draft experts on their horses’ appearance, motion, harness, overall presentation, and driver ability.

A Celebration of Tradition and Excellence

The Norfolk County Fair and Horse Show is an impressive agriculture-based fair with a long-standing tradition of celebrating agriculture, horsemanship, and community. The decision to move the event was made with the goal of enhancing the overall experience for hitches, partners, and spectators, while reaching a wider audience.

The addition of the Ontario Four to the Norfolk County Fair and Horse Show promises to enrich the already vibrant atmosphere of the fair. Vicki Cork, Chair of the Norfolk County Fair and Horse Show Committee, shared her enthusiasm for the partnership: 

Eli Ebersol, Founder of Nature Wave’s Inc. | Eberglo and a key partner of the Ontario Four, emphasized the importance of partnerships in making events like this possible. “As a longstanding supporter of the draft horse community, we are happy to continue our partnership with the Ontario Four. The move to Norfolk County Fair and Horse Show represents a collaboration that demonstrates our shared commitment to promoting and celebrating the tradition of heavy horse competitions. We are honored to contribute to the success of this program.”

The Ontario Four Horse Hitch Series Finals at the Norfolk County Fairgrounds will take place on Friday, October 11, 2024, coinciding with the annual fair. Rain date is set for Saturday, October 12, 2024. Spectators can look forward to witnessing the impressive displays of strength and teamwork by the competing hitches, as well as enjoying the many attractions and activities offered by the fair.

For more information, including event schedules and sponsorship opportunities, please visit drafthitchseries.com.

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About the Ontario Four Horse Hitch Series:

The Ontario Four Horse Hitch Series is a premier competition that celebrates the tradition and beauty of draft horses. The Series brings together skilled teams from across the region to showcase their strength, teamwork, and elegance. With a commitment to promoting and preserving the heritage of draft horses, the Ontario Four Horse Hitch Series has become a highlight in the agricultural and equine communities.

About the Norfolk County Fair and Horse Show:

The Norfolk County Fair & Horse Show is celebrating 184 years, and is the third largest fair in Ontario. The Fair has earned “Top 100” event designations from Festivals and Events of Ontario and is one of the top fairs in the country according to the Canadian Association of Fairs and Exhibitions. The Norfolk County Fair & Horse Show runs from October 8 to 14, 2024 in Simcoe, ON.

About Nature Wave’s Inc. | Eberglo:

Nature Wave’s products are a mix of prebiotics, natural plant enzymes, vitamins and minerals that eliminates the need for additional probiotic supplements. Eberglo liquid vitamin & mineral supplements are formulated for horses, poultry, swine and pets.

Contact:

Sarah Robinson

Director, Ontario Four Horse Hitch Series

drafthitchseries@gmail.com

613.282.1126

drafthitchseries.com

@OntarioFourHorseHitchSeries

Angela Hogeveen

General Manager, Norfolk County Agricultural Society

gm@norfolkcountyfair.com

905.928.6632

norfolkagsociety.com

@NorfolkAgSociety

Taylor McClain

Head of Marketing, Nature’s Wave Inc.

taylor@tsmdesign.ca

705.440.9552

natureswave.ca

@NaturesWaveInc.

Feel the thunder: The Ontario Four Horse Hitch Series will showcase beauty, power, and pageantry across the province

The biggest horses across Canada and the United States will compete for the Ontario Four Horse Hitch Series Championship at the new state-of-the-art facility in Ancaster this fall.

April 26, 2022 (Ottawa, ON) – Grandstands across Ontario will rumble this year as the Ontario Four Horse Hitch Series (the Series) takes centre ring at fairs and events across the province. The Series is set to become the most recognized draft horse event in Canadian history. 

Massive draft horses – weighing up to a ton each – dressed in patent leather and chrome harness will work as one pulling traditional wagons. Skilled drivers will navigate their powerful four-horse hitches of Clydesdale, Shire, Percheron, and Belgian horses around the ring, competing for points at shows across the province.

“The Ontario Four Horse Hitch Series has been designed to create a rewarding experience for its members and is dedicated to promoting the sport of hitching,” said Malcolm Yeadon, chair of the Series. “It is paving a way for passionate horsepeople to come together for the preservation, advancement and celebration of the draft horse industry.”

There will be lots of power in the ring as hitches compete for points at local qualifying shows and fairs. The top ten members who have accumulated the highest points will be invited to the finals where a champion will reign. 

“We are proud to partner with the Triple Crown Draft Classic to host the Series’ finals,” Yeadon added. “The new facility at the Ancaster Fairgrounds is state-of-the-art and the perfect location to hold the culmination of a season-long competition.”

The competition will be steep as hitches vie to accrue points in the Series. Team drivers will listen closely to the commands of the judges who pay attention to the horse’s headset, motion, and uniformity. 

Horse enthusiasts and fairgoers can feel the thunder of the gentle giants as they rumble around the ring. The Series will offer the beauty, grandeur, and sheer power of today’s draft horses.

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About the Ontario Four Horse Hitch Series

The Ontario Four Horse Hitch Series has been developed to promote and create a love of the sport, as well as a true appreciation and understanding of draft horses. It is a chance for each member to earn the title of provincial champion and be recognized by their peers. For more information on the Ontario Four Horse Hitch Series, visit drafthitchseries.com or follow us on Facebook.

Sarah Robinson

Ontario Four Horse Hitch Series

613.282.1126

drafthitchseries@gmail.com