Ontario Four news & stories
(Interview starts at 9:23)
As the Ontario Four prepares for its milestone fifth anniversary season, Director Sarah Robinson recently joined the Barnyard Breakdown to discuss the series’ rapid evolution and its vision for the future of the draft horse industry.
During the spotlight with host Joey Wilson, Robinson reflected on the series’ history, noting its growth into a premier provincial program that currently supports hitches from across Eastern Canada and Northern United States. A key theme of the conversation was the strength of the series’ partnerships, specifically the Supreme Champion, Wilson Farms and the long-standing relationship with the Carp Fair, which will once again host the championship finals this September.
“Our goal has always been to support the local agricultural fairs that serve as the backbone of this industry,” Robinson said during the episode. By utilizing a strategic points system, the series continues to drive attendance and participation across its host fairs.
The full interview is now available for streaming, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the coordination required to manage one of Canada’s most vibrant heavy horse circuits.
Given the local listenership of the program, this particular spotlight focused on the 2026 qualifying schedule for Eastern Ontario, providing fans in the region with a roadmap of where to see the hitches in action this summer.
If the history of the Ontario draft horse could be set to a soundtrack, it would be the deep, booming resonance of David Carson’s auctioneering voice. It is a sound that has signaled the start of careers and the growth of a community for over half a century. But behind the gavel and the show-ring glory is a partnership that has defined the standard of Canadian horsemanship. Since their marriage in June 2010, David and Margo Carson have operated as a singular force, dedicating their lives to the power and grace of the heavy horse.
As the Ontario Four embark on its landmark fifth-anniversary season in 2026, the return of David and Margo as official partners feels like a homecoming. Their involvement brings a pedigree of horsemanship and integrity to a milestone year defined by the theme: Five years. Four Horses. One spirit.
A foundation built by hand
David’s journey began at 19 with a $25,000 farm and a father who held the deed until the young man came of age. Growing up on a dairy and beef operation, David was no stranger to the grit required for agricultural success. By 1968, after cutting his teeth as a ringman, he honed his craft at an auction school in Mason City, Iowa.
In 1979, under a simple tent where his renowned sale barn would eventually stand, David held his first horse sale. While others questioned the future of the heavy horse, he predicted a massive comeback. He spent the following decades building an auction barn almost entirely by his own hands—a facility that became a North American hub for livestock sales.
For 60 years, the Carson operation was defined by fairness and a loyal clientele, supported by a dedicated staff who stayed by David’s side for over four decades. While a significant chapter closed in May 2025 with the sale of the auction business and farm, the Carson influence remains a cornerstone of the industry.
A shared life in the lines
While David’s voice commanded the auction block, Margo was the steady, intuitive presence in the barn and the show ring. Together, they navigated the high-stakes world of elite draft competition, sharing the early mornings and long hauls that define the life of a teamster.
The Carson legacy is etched into the record books of the world’s most prestigious shows. David guided Belgian hitches for years before a major dispersal of 73 horses in 1985 led him to the Clydesdale breed—a move that resulted in forty years of dominance. From breeding the World Champion Mare, Carson’s Delight, to winning the six-horse hitch at the 2015 World Clydesdale Show in London, Ontario, the two have championed the breed on a global stage.
The spirit of a good neighbour
Beyond the accolades and the winner’s circle, the true heart of the Carson story is found in their commitment to the people behind the horses. Their barn was never just a business; it was a sanctuary. Whether acting as a layover spot for a hitch in transit, providing a nurse mare in a midnight emergency, or supporting local 4-H clubs, David and Margo have lived by the code of being good neighbours.
Their partnership with the Ontario Four this season is a continuation of their roles as stewards of the industry. As the series celebrates five years of showcasing draft hitches across the province, the Carsons provide an invaluable link to the heritage of the sport. It is a reminder that while the horses provide the power, it is the people—and the partnerships they build—that provide the soul.
As the heavy hitches prepare to kickoff the 2026 circuit this July at the Lansdowne Fair, the presence of David and Margo Carson ensures that the quick wit and booming voice of the industry continue to inspire the next generation of teamsters. It’s time to head to the gate, settle into the box, and feel the thunder.
A multi-generational legacy of agricultural excellence from Vankleek Hill joins forces with Ontario’s premier draft horse competition.
VANKLEEK HILL, ON (February 23, 2026) – Wilson Farms Grain (Wilson Farms), a premier Eastern Ontario grain elevation and logistics enterprise, officially takes the reins as the Supreme Champion Sponsor of the Ontario Four Horse Hitch Series (Ontario Four) for the 2026 season. This partnership unites a multi-generational legacy of agricultural excellence with Ontario’s most prestigious draft horse competition.
While widely recognized for its championship Percherons, Wilson Farms has evolved into a vertically integrated global trade operation. The enterprise currently connects Canadian producers to diverse international markets, including eight countries across Europe, North America, and beyond.
Built locally. Moving globally.
From its strategic grain elevator operations in Vankleek Hill, Renfrew, and Prescott, Wilson Farms facilitates the movement of Canadian-grown commodities into the global marketplace. The company’s robust infrastructure includes:
- A dedicated logistics fleet of more than 16 full-time long-haul units.
- A coast-to-coast brokerage network spanning Canada.
- Active commodity trade throughout Canada and the United States.
- Direct international market access to more than eight countries.
Through its expanding trade relationships, Wilson Farms has brought new global business into Canada.
“Our logistics network doesn’t just move grain; it moves opportunity,” Wilson added. “Every shipment represents Canadian production entering new markets, returning vital revenue to rural communities.”
Elevating the standard of competition
Founded in 2022, the Ontario Four has become one of the province’s premier draft horse competitions, drawing nearly 40 competing hitches annually. The top 10 point earners qualify for the prestigious finals, set to be hosted at the historic Carp Fairgrounds in 2026 and 2027.
Sarah Robinson, Director of the Ontario Four, emphasized the significance of the new partnership.
From heritage to infrastructure leadership
The Wilson family’s agricultural roots trace back to Bob Wilson’s Allis-Chalmers dealership on Pendleton Street in Vankleek Hill, where modern machinery met a personal devotion to draft horses. Today, that foundation has evolved into a sophisticated agricultural enterprise that spans grain marketing, bulk commodity trading, logistics, beef cattle production and a herd of approximately 300 Percherons across Ontario and the Midwestern United States.
While the scale of operations has grown, the core philosophy remains unchanged: uphold the integrity of agriculture while pushing it forward.
As the 2026 season begins — symbolically launching in the Year of the Fire Horse — the supreme championship will now be powered by an agricultural operation that represents both tradition and global competitiveness.
(This story was originally posted in the Ontario Percheron Post)
The Ontario Four has definitively proven its value, culminating in a record-setting season that showcased the undeniable prominence of the Percheron breed. While the series supports the entire agricultural fair circuit, the results from this past year confirm that the Ontario Four is not just another competition—it is a vital engine of growth for the entire draft horse community.
A unanimous victory for the breed
The ultimate showdown of the 2025 season took place at the Norfolk County Fair and Horse Show, where Percheron hitches dominated the final field. La Famille Chretien drove to victory, securing the 2025 championship with a unanimous decision by the three panel judges. Based in Quebec, the hitch, driven by Eric Chrétien, is known for its dedication to the craft and tradition of the heavy horse industry.
The breed’s influence was felt throughout the top tier of competition, with four of the ten qualifying finalists being Percheron hitches:
- Pana-Len Percherons: 2025 highest points accumulator
- Grier Family Percherons: second highest points accumulator in 2025
- Allanholme Farms: fourth highest points accumulator in 2025 and inaugural Ontario Four Finals champion
- La Famille Chretien: 2025 champion
Reflecting on the victory, Eric Chrétien praised the series’ design: “Everything about the Ontario Four is designed to make us want to participate, follow along, and feel the excitement. The announcement of the next series at the Carp Fair already has us looking forward to what’s coming.”
Fueling growth through competition
The success of the Ontario Four is no accident; it is deliberately designed to thrive. Its mission is two-fold—to enhance the experience for its members and to increase participation at fairs—and the numbers prove it is achieving both with spectacular results.
The 2025 season saw 36 hitches from Eastern Canada and the Northeastern United States competing for points across 32 classes at 23 different fairs. This season-long approach drives prestige to local grassroots events. The most telling metric of success is the escalating points total; the highest earner in 2025 tallied 116 points, nearly double the 64 points earned by the top competitor in the program’s first year.
John Borer, owner of Allanholme Farms and winner of the inaugural Finals, echoed the sentiment of many members at the year-end celebration: “The Ontario Four is the best thing that has happened to the draft horse industry”.
This level of positive engagement is what sustains the program.
Strategic partnerships and recognition
The series’ strength is further amplified by its diverse and committed partnership base. More than $22,000 was paid out at the 2025 finals. This couldn’t have been done without the steadfast commitment of The Straw Boss, Maher and Co. Metals, and the Norfolk County Fair and Horse Show. Foundational support from Eberglo helped kick the series off in its infancy.
“The growth in participation and the quality of the competition is fantastic to see,” added Mike Hendriksen, Owner | Operator of The Straw Boss. “This series is truly elevating the sport and bringing new energy to fairs across the region.”
The Ontario Four is also incredibly grateful to Allanholme Farms (John & Joanne Borer), who have been onboard as a partner since the beginning, along with the Eastern Regional Percheron Association, Piney and Barb Meyers, Myers Automotive Group, David Carson Auctions (David & Margo Carson), and Valley Roof Truss for their vital partnerships.
Finally, thanks are also extended to the Friends of the Four, including Chris English in loving memory of Ted, The Ontario Percheron Horse Association, The Ontario Belgian Horse Association, Maizex Seeds – Kyle Sowden, Dave and Erika Zister, Jeff Robbins and family, Hyjak Farms, and the Moore Agricultural Society.
Looking ahead: Carp Fair 2026 & 2027
Looking to the future, the selection of the Carp Fair to host the Ontario Four Finals in 2026 and 2027 is a masterstroke. It not only brings the thunder eastward but solidifies the connection between the highest level of competition and the heritage of our farming communities.
As Carp Fair Heavy Horse Director Desmond Dean shared, “Hosting the Ontario Four Finals solidifies our position as a premier destination for heavy horse competition in Eastern Ontario. We are excited at the prospect of welcoming hitches from across Canada and the United States.”
The Ontario Four has moved beyond being a mere event; it has become a powerful catalyst for momentum and excitement for the entire draft horse community. It is now setting the standard for how hitching should be recognized and celebrated.
Join us in championing this incredible growth and excitement
Are you looking for a powerful and unique way to connect your brand with a passionate and engaged audience? Partnering with the Ontario Four offers businesses, farms, and families an unparalleled opportunity to gain premium brand visibility, align with a rich agricultural heritage, and engage directly with thousands of dedicated fans and stakeholders across Ontario.
Your support is the bedrock of the Ontario Four, ensuring the continued success and growth of the program and creating memorable experiences for every member, fair, and spectator. Sponsoring the series offers a unique and impactful opportunity to connect directly with this dedicated community, significantly boosting your brand visibility and helping to establish the Ontario Four as the most successful draft horse series in the country.
The goal for the Ontario Four’s 5th anniversary in 2026 is to payout more than $30,000 to the top-10 finalists. Join us in fueling this growth; view all partnership opportunities for the 2026 season.
The top draft horse hitches from across Canada and the United States will compete for the Ontario Four Championship at the historic Carp Fairgrounds in 2026 and 2027.
CARP, ON (October 23, 2025) – The Ontario Four Horse Hitch Series (Ontario Four) is thrilled to announce a significant partnership with the Carp Fair to host the prestigious Ontario Four Finals for two consecutive years: 2026 and 2027. This collaboration secures a premier venue at the historic Carp Fairgrounds for the province’s most elite draft horse competition, drawing top hitches from across Canada and the United States.
The 5th anniversary of the Ontario Four Finals will take centre ring at the Carp Fair on Friday, September 25, 2026. This championship event is the culmination of a season-long battle across Ontario, where only the top ten four-horse hitches—the elite few who earned the most points at regional fairs—will secure their coveted spot to vie for the prestigious provincial title.
A Celebration of tradition and excellence
The Carp Fair, established in 1863, is an impressive agriculture-based fair with a long-standing tradition of celebrating agriculture, horsemanship, and community. The addition of the Ontario Four to the Carp Fair promises to enrich the already vibrant atmosphere of the event.
Desmond Dean, Carp Fair Heavy Horse Director, shared the community’s enthusiasm for the new partnership:
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. Specific details for the 2026 and 2027 Finals will be announced in conjunction with the Carp Fair’s official programming schedule in the coming year.
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About the Ontario Four
The Ontario Four Horse Hitch Series is a premier competition that celebrates the tradition and beauty of draft horses. The Ontario Four 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 Carp Fair
Founded in 1863, the Carp Fair is hosted by the Carp Agricultural Society and is renowned as “The Best Little Fair in Canada.” Held annually in the village of Carp, it showcases agricultural excellence, world-class entertainment, and rich community tradition for visitors across Canada and the United States.
Contact:
Sarah Robinson
Director, Ontario Four Horse Hitch Series
613.282.1126
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
613.282.1126
Angela Hogeveen
General Manager, Norfolk County Agricultural Society
905.928.6632
Taylor McClain
Head of Marketing, Nature’s Wave Inc.
705.440.9552
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