The Royal Horse Show, held annually as part of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto, ON, is offering a completely free, one-of-a-kind virtual experience from Tuesday, November 10, through Saturday, November 14, 2020 here.
While the COVID-19 pandemic cancelled the opportunity for thousands of Royal fans to enjoy the event in person this year, the Royal Agricultural Virtual Experience is packed full of horse power with curated content designed to educate viewers on equestrian sport and inspire with stories of triumph and success.
Beezie Madden, a four-time Olympic medalist for the United States and fan favorite at the Royal Horse Show, will be featured on Fireside Chats, presented by Henry Equestrian, on Friday, November 13. Photo by Ben Radvanyi Photography.
The Royal Agricultural Virtual Experience gives viewers a unique opportunity to enjoy the best in both Canadian show jumping and horse sport on an international level from their laptop, tablet, or smartphone. Royal Horse Show content will include free access to two segments: Fireside Chats, presented by Henry Equestrian, and Breaking Down the Round, presented by HorseSport.com.
Registration for the Royal Agricultural Virtual Experience and access to all content is free thanks to dedicated support from Royal Agricultural Winter Fair sponsors and government partners. Access does not require a download. To register, click here.
Fireside Chats, presented by Henry Equestrian, allows viewers to join some of the most prominent figures in equestrian sport for intimate discussions about their sporting lives in an exclusive look into the world of equestrian competition both in Canada and around the world. Amber Marshall, star of CBC television’s Heartland, will open the series with a live interview on Tuesday, November 10, at 7 p.m. ET. Additional distinguished guests scheduled to appear on Fireside Chats include 10-time Canadian Olympian Ian Millar; four-time U.S. Olympic medalist Beezie Madden; reigning Canadian Show Jumping Champion Beth Underhill; and two-time U.S. Olympic team gold medalist McLain Ward. Fireside Chats will air each evening at 7 p.m. ET throughout the Royal Agricultural Virtual Experience.
Breaking Down the Round offerings, presented by HorseSport.com, will showcase top equestrian personalities from around the world as they review iconic show jumping rounds and share the inside scoop on their start in the sport, how they have been handling COVID-19, and their plans for the future. Tune in to meet the likes of Canadian dressage Olympian Jacqueline Brooks; two-time Olympic eventing competitor Jessica Phoenix; U.S. show jumping athlete and colour commentator Jimmy Torano; Canadian Olympic silver medalist Michel Vaillancourt; and the Under 25 trio that stole the show in the 2019 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Toronto: Bertram Allen (IRL), Jos Verlooy (BEL), and Brian Moggre (USA).
Two-time Canadian Olympian for eventing, Jessica Phoenix, will be a guest on Breaking Down the Round, presented by HorseSport.com, as part of the Royal Agricultural Virtual Experience from November 10 to 14, 2020. Photo by Ben Radvanyi Photography.
“The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair will be a different experience this year as we are dedicated to keeping patrons and supporters of the event healthy and safe while also doing our part to celebrate the best of the best in Canadian agriculture, food, and horse sport,” said Charlie Johnstone, CEO of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. “We are excited to provide Royal Agricultural Virtual Experience viewers access to some of the top equestrian athletes in the world. In addition, we are extremely proud to offer the virtual experience at no charge thanks to the unwavering support of our Royal sponsors and partners.”
The Royal Agricultural Virtual Experience also included an opportunity for equestrians to compete in a virtual conformation class. Over 250 entries were submitted in three categories – heavy horses, horses for sport, and ponies for sport – of all breeds, which were judged on conformation and suitability. Results will be announced on Tuesday, November 10, and the top three competitors in each category will received a pair of box seat tickets for opening night of the 2021 Royal Horse Show.
In addition to free access to all of the Royal Horse Show’s virtual content, registrants will also receive access to the FEI Campus. FEI Campus is a cutting-edge e-learning platform and the virtual reference point for education within the FEI and the equestrian world for horse education. The content and courses have been carefully crafted and selected by experts and professionals within the equestrian community and have the FEI seal of approval.
The Royal Horse Show has been the proud host of the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Toronto since 2015 and is the only Canadian event in the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ North American League for the 2021/2022, and 2022/2023 seasons. For more information on the Royal Horse Show, the marquee event of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, click here.
Funding support for The Royal is provided by the Government of Canada, Government of Ontario, and the City of Toronto.