There will be an official opening of a new show barn and competition ring at the Crapaud Exhibition Agriplex at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 2 . This will be followed by a rider demonstrating freestyle dressage to music and other dressage tests.
The new facility, located behind the Crapaud Curling Rink and beside the Fitness Centre, includes a stable with 46 box stalls and an outdoor competition ring as well as a warm-up ring.
It has been built by the Crapaud Exhibition Association to host events by the equine and livestock communities. This facility has been the dream of Gerald Dixon, the chief organizer. “This facility has been needed for a long time on Prince Edward Island,” said Dixon. “This is the first phase for the facility. There are plans to build another competition ring and eventually to have an indoor ring.”
The group received funding from Services Canada and the Government of Prince Edward Island as well as other private sources.
The Dressage PEI group is looking forward to the show on June 2 and 3. Teresa Mellish, show secretary, says that 36 riders and horses are expected from the three Maritime provinces. Riders will be competing to perform dressage tests from entry level to the complicated Grand Prix test. The judge will be Joanna Crilly from Ontario.
The public is welcome to watch the riders at no charge. The show will run from 8 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. on Saturday and from 6 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. on Sunday.