On Saturday and Sunday, the Genesee Valley Breeders Association (GVBA) hosted their 92nd Annual “Horse Fair” at the site of the Avon Driving Park in Avon, NY. 

This year’s judge was Earnest “Ernie” Oare from Warrenton, VA who is an ‘A” rated judge and has been involved in the equine industry for over 40 years.  He has extensive knowledge in both the show ring and the thoroughbred racing world. 

The “Horse Fair” features both in-hand classes for the very young thoroughbred and thoroughbred-type horses as well as both jumping & flat classes for the more mature horses.  Temporary stables are set up and entries are taken from the 31 counties in the Genesee Valley (area) of NYS.

Saturday started off almost too hot for the mares with their young foals, which were judged on both conformation as well as manners and condition.  Prizes were awarded for both Champion Broodmare and Champion foal.  (did you want to add the names?)  There is a short lunch break and the show continued with the Hunter Divisions, where both baby green horses and seasoned hunter horses compete in classes on an open-air, grass course.  The Hunter Divisions climaxed with a $500 GVBA Hunter Classic.  There were seven entries each jumping 3 foot high fences.  The hunter courses were decorated with flowers and shrubs and maintained a natural appearance.

Sunday started with more in-hand classes for the two and three year old horses.  The cooler temperatures provided to be perfect horse showing weather. The younger children also get a hand in getting acquainted with showing a horse in-hand by entering in the Jr Handler’s class.  The very young can also showoff their equestrian abilities in a lead line class.  Both events are the hit of the show!.  Champions are awarded to the Genesee Valley Bred Sport horse as well as the Champion Thoroughbred – there is also a Show Grand Champion. This year’s Show Champion was “Top of the Mountain” a beautiful, two-year old, bay, gelding, thoroughbred/cross owned by Hasty Hills Farm & Just Resting Farm in Java, NY. 

After the championships are awarded, the show continues with the “Jumpers” classes, where horses are required to jump over fences and the winner is the horse and rider who takes the least amount of time to get through the course and does not knock down any rails. The Jumper Course was beautifully appointed with colorful rails and unique jumps like a ‘gate’ fence designed to look like the ‘udders’ of a cow.  This rail/gate was designed by the Donnan Farm in Piffard, NY. The show ended with the $500 Jumper Mini Prix, where a field of six horses, were jumping fences at a height of 3’6”.     

The GVBA Annual Horse Fair takes place the last weekend in August – it is certainly an equestrian event not to be missed.  There is a tent with tables and chairs where you can watch the equestrian events without worrying about the weather.  There is a food concession stand along with a tack trailer (Empire Saddlery) where beautiful equestrian gifts can be purchased.  Put this wonderful equestrian horse show on your calendar for next year.  For further information about this not for profit equestrian association, please go to GVBreeders.com