SHOW JUMPING

Friday, August 19 -- Ian Millar (above), son Jonathan and daughter Amy all rode in the ORS Open Welcome against many other well known riders. Details will be posted at http://www.hayesco.ca/shows.html

There were riders of all ages on horses and ponies. We enjoyed perfect weather; the evening was warm and I would have stayed outside longer but the sun set just before 8 PM :-( On the way home from the Equestrian Park, I stopped at Petsmart so Terri and I could do some shopping.

HORSES !

There are lots of opportunities near Ottawa to see horses this month. Last week I watched dressage competitions at Centaur Riding School. This weekend there are horses at the Navan Fair August 11 to 14 AND at the first weekend of the National Capital Show Jumping Tournament August 10-14. The second weekend of show jumping events: August 17-21.

A list of fairs:

• Avonmore
• Carp (no dogs)
• Chesterville
• Gloucester
• Kars
• Maxville
• Merrickville
• Metcalfe
• Richmond
• Russell (no dogs)
• Shawville
• South Mountain
• Spencerville
• Stormont
• Vankleek Hill
• Williamstown

KARS

Every year, this weekend in Kars is hot and sunny. Terri and I watched horses and dogs trot around in the heat this afternoon. This year they didn't have an amusement park so the attendance level was lower. In fact, it was so low, I expect that the organizers were disappointed.

My straw hat kept the sun from my face, the umbrella protected both of us while we watched parts of the dog show, and ice melting in our bottles provided cold water.

By good luck, I spotted a clump of smoke trees in Kars. I want to plant one in my back yard. I'll look for the variety that has a lovely dark colour like the ones I photographed.