SHELBURNE, N.S. – As many as 40 horses and riders are expected to enter the riding ring at the Shelburne Exhibition Grounds this weekend to compete in the Western Shore Barrell Racing Association’s show and competition.
It will be the largest horse riding event ever hosted at the Shelburne Exhibition Grounds, said Billie Buchanan, vice-president of co-hosts, the South Wet Riders Association, and is the first time the Yarmouth-based group has held a show in Shelburne.
“Lot of locals are going to be riding in it,” said Buchanan. “It’s going to be a big show.”
The action gets underway on Saturday, June 23 at 12 noon and again on June 24 at 10 a.m. in Novice, Open and Select (riders 40 plus) classes. There is no charge at the gate.
“Everyone is invited to come and watch and spend the day,” said Buchanan. There will be a barbecue and refreshments available on site.
Buchanan said the South West Riders Association has been working with the Shelburne County Exhibition Committee to improve the horse barn and riding ring, so they can host events such as this. “We’ve been doing s lot of work to the barn getting that ready,” said Buchanan. “We’ve got the ring expanded, new footing in, expanded our stalls so other people can come in. The ring is done. The barn is done inside, adding they have had a lot of community support. “Richard Harris has donated a lot of lumber to help fix up our stalls. The Swansburgs have donated sand and gravel for the barn. Uncle Sid’s store has donated a lot of money towards the prizes and has helped us with hinges and tarps and anything else.”
There has also been an outpouring of community support towards a new roof for the horse barn. “I could not believe the support,” said Buchanan. Plans are to have the roof replaced before the Shelburne Exhibition scheduled for Aug. 7 to 11.
