Can-Am Equine adventure returns!

BY NADINE ARMSTRONG

The Hants Journal

NovaNewsNow.com

Back by popular demand, the Can-Am All Breeds Equine Emporium and Windsor Better Living Show returns to this year’s 77th annual Apple Blossom Festival, May 27 to June 1.

As the premiere entertainment event for the Apple Blossom Festival, Can-Am will participate in the festivities on a daily basis. Performers from the Home Hardware Extravaganza will be on hand at various festival events and on Saturday, May 30 the renowned “Canadian Cowgirls” will appear in the Grand Street Parade with other performers and special Can-Am guests.

Paul McGuire, President of Can-Am Marketing Inc., says he's excited to bring the show back to the Annapolis Valley. “The Apple Blossom Festival has such a long tradition for the Maritimes and we look forward to promoting the horse industry through this venue.”

It's a collaboration, he said, that fits well together. “This area has an enormous horse following. What a great opportunity to showcase equine talent and promote education.”

The three-day event held at the Hants County Exhibition Arena will feature a free exposition and trade fair that will showcase various vendors displaying the latest in equine goods and services, new and established products from around the world.

Variety of speakers at symposium

The symposium offers a variety of speakers from several countries addressing equine-related topics. The best equine clinicians will offer their unique insights on training and coaching while the All Breeds Presentations will highlight all breeds and disciplines. The “Strive for Excelling” event will give participants a hands-on opportunity to learn by riding with the clinician of their choice. New this year will be Bob and Suzanna's 'Wind Rider Equestrian Challenge', which will offer riders aged 14 and up an opportunity to win prize money while learning and having fun.

Highlighting the 2009 tour are the Canadian Cowgirls, the award-winning precision riding team from Chatham-Kent, Ontario. Their musical performances dazzle audiences with their precision riding, stunning costumes and dangerous and daring maneuvers. They won over hearts of young and old during last year's event.

Exciting line-up of talent

The two-hour nightly Home Hardware Extravaganza, a musical tribute to the horse, wowed sold-out audiences all three evenings and McGuire says the performances this year will be even better. The unique equine musical revue will feature an exciting line-up of amateur and professional equestrian performers choreographed to a wide variety of musical styles.

For this year's Extravaganza the Canadian Cowgirls will join returning performer Clay Maier and his majestic Fresisans, who bring the beauty of long rein horsemanship to the ring showcasing advanced dressage, jumping and speed and timing.

Equine extremist and stunt rider Tommie Turvey appeared recently with his horses in the new “Batman: Dark Knight” and is known as one of the most versatile horsemen in the industry.

Not to be missed is fan favourite Tracy Porter of Fredericton, who will put in a premier performance with her flashy, versatile Paso Fino, Casadero Sin Par, a.k.a. Caz, a 1995 Chestnut Tobiano Pinto Stallion.

Mayor Paul Beazley says he is excited by the return of Can-Am to Windsor. The Can-Am weekend will help to draw more people not only the Festival, but to Windsor and the surrounding communities as well, he said. “The equine industry is such a huge and vibrant part of our region,” Beazley said. “I'm very pleased to have them back. This event really helps to boost the variety of activities for the Apple Blossom Festival and adds yet another facet to the product offered.”