The Royal Horse Show- Toronto, ON

The Royal Horse Show is arguably the best part of the illustrious Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. It is certainly the most glamourous and dramatic. The largest indoor show of its kind, featuring the best equestrians in the world, it’s not to be missed.

First held in 1922, the idea of an annual agricultural fair was conceived by a group of Canadian farmers following the first World War. Widely supported by both citizens and politicians, the event was granted the “Royal” moniker by King George V of England in 1920.

It was quickly decided a new venue was needed to house the fair, with voters approving $1 million for a new livestock arena. Designed by Toronto city architect F.W. Price, and located on the grounds of Exhibition Place (home of the Canadian National Exhibition), the building’s cornerstone was laid on July 27, 1921 by Toronto’s mayor Thomas Church.

While organizers hoped the venue would be completed in time for a 1921 fair (which seems a tad optimistic for the scope of the project), they were ultimately disappointed by construction delays. Instead, on December 16, 1921, the Coliseum welcomed 5000 spectators for it’s inaugural event, an athletic meet sponsored by the oddly named “Sportsmen Patriotic Association.”

On November 22, 1922, the new arena hosted the first Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, with its livestock competitions attracting over 17,000 entries from across Canada and the United States. The annual event proved wildly popular, and continues to draw large crowds over a century later, with it’s Horse Show considered one of the finest equestrian events in the world.

Featuring exhibition polo matches, restored carriages, harness racing, dressage and show jumping, there is an event for everyone. For traditionalists, there is a VIP viewing area filled with patrons wearing evening gowns and tuxedos. If you’re not feeling formal, the stands are a bit more relaxed. Either way, it’s an memorable experience, in a historic venue (now known as the Coca-Cola Coliseum).