The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair has long represented excellence in all areas of country life, not the least of which is horse sport.

On November 22, 1922, more than 22,000 spectators passed through the Princes’ Gates on their way to experience ‘the greatest agricultural fair on earth’. In that first year, among the cattle, the swine and the poultry, 1,850 horses were entered and, since then, the importance of the Royal Horse Show has never diminished.

Since its inception, the Royal Horse Show has represented the pinnacle of the show season. Hosting the final events of the year, the Royal brings together competitors, owners, sponsors, supporters, and fans in an atmosphere unlike any other.

International show jumping has been a part of the Royal since its debut, and soon became one of the most important and prestigious stops on the North American Tour. The Nations’ Cup team competition was introduced in 1925 with the inaugural event comprised of military teams from Belgium, Canada, France and the United States. In the 1950’s, civilians were included on Canada’s teams for the first time, and the Nations’ Cup continued to be one of the most popular competitions at the Royal.

The calibre of international riders presently competing at the Royal remains stronger than ever. With numerous marquee events to showcase both horse and rider, including the World Cup Grand Prix, the biggest names in the sport are attracted to Toronto each November. The perfect venue to crown our national champion, the Royal has played host to the Jump Canada Canadian Show Jumping Championship since 2001.

Today, more than 2,000 horses compete each year at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair for more than $650,000 in prize money. While more than 80 years may have passed, one thing remains the same - it is the goal of every competitor to show at the Royal.

Presented in memory of Alfred S. Rogers