Many of the country’s top equestrians participated in the Show Jump for Heart Grand Prix on August 14. One of the region’s premier showjumping events, Show Jump for Heart raises awareness and funds for the Heart and Stroke Foundation and the South- lake Regional Health Centre Cardiac Care Program in Newmarket, Ont.
Event hosts Basheer and Reem Khan and Michael and Sam Pegg say it was a tremendous success, despite the challenges COVID-19 presented for the second consecutive year. “Considering strict COVID-19 protocols and the short notice of when we got the green light to host the show, we believe the event was well-attended by top-quality riders and horses.”
Held at Ten Sixty Stables near Uxbridge, Ont., the fundraiser brings together the best of sport, food and the arts. “This year’s horse show had a unique spin, with the addition of an outdoor art gallery featuring the works of Josh Hy, Diogo Snow, Diana Joleen and Max Jamali. We had great support from the art community this year and are happy with the beautiful art displays in our outdoor facility,” Khan says. Attendees enjoyed culinary treats from the Mediterranean during the day and a chance to meet with the artists and organizers who helped make the event a success.
The winners of the $15,000 Show Jump for Heart Grand Prix were a who’s who of the equestrian world with Canadian Olympian Hugh Graham taking top honours with his horse Florino. Shawn Butler on BSH Matinee and Sam Pegg on Stella rounded out the top three prize winners.
The Khans say that next year’s Show Jump for Heart promises to be even more spectacular. “We are looking forward to the ability to fundraise on a larger scale next year when we can bring back our VIP dinner tent and ramp up sponsorship funds and donations through a longer prep time.”