Unusual gifts and items make shopping at the “Unique Boutiques” fun for the whole family at the Canadian Show Jumping Tournament held September 23-27 at the Caledon Equestrian Park in Palgrave, ON. Photo by Matthew Pozdrowski

September 9, 2009 – Palgrave, Ontario – In between watching some of the best show jumpers in the world, visitors to the Canadian Show Jumping Tournament running September 23-27 at the Caledon Equestrian Park will have a variety of entertainment options. The Village at Caledon Equestrian Park is the place to go for family fun and some of the best shopping at an equestrian event.

The Village brings visitors to the Caledon Equestrian Park year after year with its “Unique Boutiques” and full schedule of events on Saturday, September 26, and Sunday, September 27. On Saturday, all of the fundraising activities will support the Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada.

On Saturday, the Horse Sport Performing Dogs will begin the day’s entertainment at 11 a.m., while the Birds of Prey exhibition follows at 11:30. At 12 noon, the Foxbury Farm Horseless Horse Show takes place. The Horseless Horse Show is fun for all kids as they jump “on foot” and will be judged by Connor Jessup, star of TVO’s popular ‘The Saddle Club’ television show, who will also be available following the Horseless Horse Show for an autograph session. The performing dogs return at 1:30 followed by the Sir Frederick G. Banting Pipes and Drums at 2. The TRCA Sciensational Sssnakes will be at 2:30.

On Sunday, the Horse Sport Performing Dogs are at 11 a.m., the Birds of Prey are at 11:30, and the TRCA Sciensational Sssnakes are at 12 noon. The Sir Frederick G. Banting Pipes and Drums will perform at 12:30. Events wrap up just in time for everyone to watch the $100,000 Caledon Cup Final & World Cup Qualifier at 2 p.m.

In addition to these exciting exhibitions, families can enjoy a petting zoo, the Home Depot Kids Workshop where children can build their own toolboxes, a jumping castle, and face painting from Put on a Happy Face.

The “Unique Boutiques” vendors offer more than 40 different places to buy distinctive gifts.

Genie Hayward of the Ascot Room noted, “I believe that people return every year because it is a great, fun, family event. Mom can shop for items that are unusual and cannot be purchased at the average mall. “Unique Boutiques” are unique because many of our vendors only go to special shows and are not available in local stores. The vendors add to our show a component that is not at all of the equestrian shows in Ontario.”

Hayward believes that the Canadian Show Jumping Tournament vendors will offer something for everyone. “We are focusing not only on the equestrian world, but on trying to provide something for all ages and for all members of the family,” she said.

Some of the vendors selling non-equestrian items in the “Unique Boutiques” this year include: Sanctuary Cosmetic Clinic, Nobleton Farm Service, Grand Entrance Design for personalized designs for every occasion, Ascot Room for exclusive Women’s Wear, Artist Debbie Goldring, Simply British Foods, One Chocolate-fraktals for spectacular chocolate cashew butter crunch, Uncle Richard’s pure maple syrup, Yvan Leclerc Stone Sculptures and Metal Art, Sol Para Ti for pewter gift ware, and much more.

Equestrian themed goodies can also be found at The Village through such vendors as: George and Gracie’s horse treats and dog biscuits, Richvale Saddlery, Marigold Riding Apparel, Saddlebags leather goods, and more.

Linda Pabst serves as a volunteer at the Caledon Equestrian Park and the horse show and helps run The Village and “Unique Boutiques.” She has been involved in the equestrian world for 40 years with her husband, Burt Pabst, and her daughter, Christi McQuaker, who is a successful equestrian competitor. Pabst feels that the Village and boutiques make the Canadian Show Jumping Tournament stand out from other horse shows and community events.

“I think it brings a family perspective to the show for the various people attending the competition,” she pointed out. “It gives a bigger variety of things to enjoy. It is one of the most well-attended horse shows at the Caledon Equestrian Park because we make it special, and Saturday is extra-special because we have many fundraising events which contribute to the Children’s Wish Foundation.”

With exciting demonstrations, spectacular shopping, and fun options for the whole family, The Village at Caledon Equestrian Park is the perfect option for experienced equestrian fans and new spectators alike.

For more information on the Canadian Show Jumping Tournament, please visit www.equiman.com.