Royal Horse Show Set to Begin in Downtown Toronto
October 30, 2024 - Toronto, Ontario
Photo by Ben Radvanyi Photography
Photo by Ben Radvanyi Photography
New CSI2* Show Jumping and CDI3* Dressage Highlight 2024 Schedule
The Royal Horse Show, held as part of the iconic Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, will once again showcase equestrian excellence from November 1 to 10, 2024, at Exhibition Place in downtown Toronto, ON.
Offering more than $1 million in prize money, the CSI5*-W Royal Horse Show features the world’s best competing in international show jumping competition, highlighted by the $272,000 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Toronto on closing night. The Royal Horse Show received a record number of entries for the five-star division, including from last year’s Longines World Cup winner, Daniel Bluman of Israel, and runner-up, Jessica Mendoza of Great Britain. Germany will have two entries in Rene Dittmer and Richard Vogel while American legends Kent Farrington and McLain Ward rarely miss an opportunity to compete at The Royal. Canadian Show Jumping Team veterans Mario Deslauriers, Tiffany Foster, and Amy Millar all arrive in Toronto fresh off their 2024 Paris Olympic appearance to represent the home side.
The Royal Horse Show has introduced a CSI2* division for 2024 to help meet competitor demand, culminating in the $50,000 CSI2* Grand Prix on Saturday afternoon, November 9. The National Under 25 Champion will also be decided through the two-star division, with the top-placed athlete under the age of 25 in the overall standings being awarded a $5,000 bonus, supported by Uplands Charitable Foundation, and a saddle generously provided by Antares. In his Royal debut, course designer Oscar Soberon of the United States will set the tracks for both the five-star and the two-star divisions.
The excitement kicks off on opening weekend with a strong starting field for the $125,000 Henry Equestrian Canadian Show Jumping Championship. Reigning champion Sean Jobin, a Toronto native, will be back to defend his title in the two-phase competition held over Friday and Saturday evenings.
The thrilling Mad Barn Indoor Eventing Challenge will also be held over Friday and Saturday evenings, delivering a one-two punch for horse sport lovers. Boyd Martin of the United States will face off against Canada’s best, including Olympians Jessica Ferguson and Colleen Loach, as well as highly ranked Under 25 rider, Mégane Sauve.
New for this year is the introduction of an international dressage competition, highlighted by the Royal CDI3* Dressage Freestyle Final on Tuesday evening, November 5. Always a popular feature that sees riders choreograph technical movements to the music of their choice, fans can cheer on their favourites including Canadian Olympians Naima Moreira Laliberte and Evi Strasser. In a double header of sophistication and fun, the Knightwood Hunter Derby National Champion will also be crowned on Tuesday evening.
The international show jumping divisions officially kick off on Wednesday evening with the McKee International Jumper Challenge. Wednesday is also Hunt Night, featuring the Parade of Hounds. Then it’s into the final weekend with the Mad Barn Big Ben International Challenge on Thursday evening, the Royal International Speed Challenge on Friday evening, and closing out with the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Toronto on Saturday night.
“We’re incredibly excited to offer such a wide and unique range of equestrian events on the Royal Horse Show schedule this year,” said Cyrus Cooper, CEO of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. “We have so many loyal fans who return year after year, and we have built a schedule that includes fresh new offerings as well as the beloved competitions that have become a Royal tradition. With so much to do and see, we look forward to welcoming both competitors and spectators alike to this year’s Royal.”
In addition to showcasing the three Olympic disciplines of dressage, eventing, and show jumping, The Royal hosts the CET Medal National Championships, presented by Running Fox, and the JC Medal National Championships for equitation. Canada’s own Meghan Rawlins of Victoria, BC, will handle hunter and equitation course design duties.
Exciting and varied entertainment will also take place in the Coca-Cola Coliseum throughout the 10-day Royal Horse Show with everything from a Silk Aerial Duo to a choreographed Drumline, not to mention the fantastic Dueling Fiddles.
As always, The Royal offers numerous hospitality experiences which sell out quickly due to their popularity. A limited number of tables remain for the Royal Terrace while the Coliseum’s Sky Suites offer stables and groups their own private suites. The Tanbark Club will continue to be open to Gold and Platinum VIP ticket holders. Contact Helen Dillon, hdillon@royalfair.org, for more information.
For more information and to purchase tickets for the 2024 Royal Horse Show, visit www.royalfair.org/horse-show/.
About The Royal
The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair is the world’s largest combined indoor agricultural and equestrian event. The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair runs November 1-10, 2024, at Exhibition Place in Toronto, Canada. For competition schedules, live webcasting, results, and to purchase tickets, please visit www.royalfair.org.
