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SUSSEX -

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Photos by Ceci Flanagan-Snow, www.eclipsecommunications.ca

Allyson Mitton proves the handlers need to be as fit as the dogs in this high energy sport.

Clinician Kevin Crane and the KC Dancers delight the audience.

N.B. Equestrian Association president Jeremy Hoyt and Equine Canada president Al Patterson enjoyed meeting the crowds during Equine Review and having the opportunity to explain their organizations to the visitors.

More than 2,000 people took in the 2008 Equine Review, sponsored by the Maritime Quarter Horse Association, May 3-4 at the Princess Louise Park Show Centre.

On his first visit to the show centre, Al Patterson, President of Equine Canada – the sport governing body for the equine industry in Canada – said, "It is a fantastic place. What's been done here for the province and for the horse industry in the region is terrific. It shows what can be done by people who come together with a vision. The value of the horse industry often goes unrecognized; and facilities like this and events like this really help."

Exhibitors and vendors were happy with Saturday's spectator crowds, although Sunday's numbers could have been better, many felt. "This is only the second time that the event has been held over a two-day period and it takes a while for people to become accustomed to change," show centre facility manager Ceci Flanagan-Snow said.

Still, Wayne Wilson, one of the MQHA event organizers, said overall he was pleased with both the event itself and the level of attendance.

The opening ‘act' for the evening horse gala Saturday night was the Fundy Agility Sports Team. The dogs and their handlers wowed the crowd with their antics and the heart-warming stories behind some of the canine team members. Many were rescued through the SPCA and other groups. As high-energy animals, they were lucky to find owners who would help them direct that energy into productive training and play – helping them to become happy and well-loved family members.

Clinician Kevin Crane and the KC Dancers entertained the crowd with a human and equine choreographed dance. Performed to the song Cotton Eye Joe, the routine had everyone tapping their toes and clapping along as horse, rider and dancers moved in unison.