In 1909 there was mention of many horse shows in the area but, the famous Carleton Place Horse Show in Riverside Park was attended by hundreds. Of course like anything, there were the odd shenanigans.
There is no doubt had this horse existed back in the early 1900’s he would have taken first prize every single year at the Carleton Place Horse Show in Riverside Park.
I went to the Lambs down festivities on Saturday and fell in love. There stood a magnificent creature called Merlin’s Magic with this incredible curved back. A sweet gal named Emily told me Merlin was a Friesan Horse. For those like me who haven’t got a clue what that is, Wikipedia explains it best:
The Friesian (also Frisian) is a horse breed originating in Friesland, in the Netherlands. Although the breed’s conformation resembles that of a light draft horse, Friesians are graceful and nimble for their size. It is believed that during the Middle Ages, ancestors of Friesian horses were in great demand as war horses throughout continental Europe. Through the Early Middle Ages and High Middle Ages, their size enabled them to carry a knight in armor. In the Late Middle Ages, heavier, draft type animals were needed. Though the breed nearly became extinct on more than one occasion, the modern day Friesian horse is growing in numbers and popularity, used both in harness and under saddle. Most recently, the breed is being introduced to the field of dressage.
Merlin was magnificent, and he was only born in 2001. That means he is going to outlive me. He is owned by Ralph and Debbie Shaw. Unfortunately, I could never even get up on him– so for now, this is more my speed.
lindaseccaspina 