C A T I E’S
commentary
by Catie Staszak photos courtesy of Catie Staszak
the royal winter fair
Catie Staszak and Harlan Zeerip
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rowing up, I never dressed up as a princess for Halloween. I didn’t go to my senior prom in high school – or any of the sorority and fraternity formals in college, for that matter. In all honesty, the first time I wore a gown was at a horse show. Toronto’s Royal Winter Agricultural Fair is one of the most unique events on the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ North American League, where each season, I take a trip back in time. Started in 1922, “the Royal” is the largest combined indoor agricultural fair and international horse show in the world. Nearly 100 years later, the attire in the arena and on the Royal Terrace remains black tie, a nod to the venue’s storied tradition and reverence toward the sport. Making deadlines can be stressful. Going live over the airwaves in 20 countries can
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be stressful. But nothing is more stressful than finding a dress worthy of the Royal. This year, I finally found one – a stunning lace floor-length sequined ball gown by Marina – and I don’t know if I’ve ever felt more beautiful. There’s nothing quite like the Royal. On one side of Exhibition Place, a trade show hosts seemingly endless rows of vendors, selling everything from locally sourced cheeses to fall fashion, jewelry, riding apparel and tack. A turn to one’s left reveals pumpkins weighing in excess of 1,000 lbs and a collection of hand-carved butter sculptures on display for judging. Pass through an entryway, and you might come in contact with a Flemish Giant rabbit if you aren’t too distracted by the sheep, dairy and beef cattle, goats, and poultry occupying the area. The Royal features more than 50 agriculture competitions that showcase nearly 6,000 animals.
There’s also international show jumping, at its finest. Just 24 athletes are accepted to compete at the prestigious event, and this year’s group included five of the top 15 ranked riders in the world at the time: Ben Maher (GBR), Beezie Madden (USA), McLain Ward (USA), Kent Farrington (USA) and Jos Verlooy (BEL). Also among the group was Canada’s own individual Olympic gold medalist Eric Lamaze, who returned to the Royal for the first time since 2011 and added a very emotional component to the 2019 competition. Lamaze has been undergoing a public battle with cancer, but he rode with an unimaginable amount of strength, finishing no worse than sixth in six FEI competitions. A win in the McKee Family International Challenge with Fine Lady, and three other podium placings earned him both the Leading International Rider and Leading Canadian Rider
