From the Trainer's Eye - Show Season: Where Preparation Meets Pressue
Jen: The first Reining and Ranch shows of the season are underway in Ontario and for many riders, months of winter preparation have now met reality.
Turning Barrels for a Bigger Purpose: Supporting Farmer Mental Health
The Ontario barrel racing community will be coming together for more than just competition this spring. On May 30, 2026, riders and supporters will gather at Charlie Hill Equine for the Farmers Dash Fundraiser Barrel Race, an event dedicated to supporting farmer mental health through the Farmer Wellness Initiative and Agriculture Wellness Ontario.
Had to Be Fabulous is Back
AJAX DOWNS, MAY 7 2026 - The Quarter Horses made a fabulous return to Ajax Downs on May 6, opening day of the track's 2026 racing season. Racing fans enthusiastically welcomed back the horses and horsepeople on a chilly afternoon featuring the new, first race post time of 3:30 p.m. and set a wagering record.
Speed on Display! They're Off for Ajax Downs' 57th Quarter Horse Season
AJAX DOWNS, SEPTEMBER 16, 2025 - The BATTLE OF THE BREEDS headlines a packed eight-race card of Quarter Horse racing this Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at Ajax Downs. The popular 'hook' race, which pits Thoroughbreds versus Quarter Horses, is a 770-yard dash around a turn and is the first race of the afternoon.
Ontario's Horse Industry Newspaper
The Rider is Ontario's number one source for horse industry news and information both in print and online.
The newspaper is in its 51st year of publication. The Rider has special English, Western, Quarter Horse and general sections having many columns written by industry leaders, a comprehensive coming events section, stable, stallion, and service directories, real estate ads and classifieds. The Rider covers all English and Western disciplines as well as Quarter Horse Racing, Driving and various other breeds and disciplines. The Rider is distributed through subscription, through the memberships of our official association partners and through almost 300 tack and feed stores. The Rider is also available as a digital edition.
The Rider is a six time recipient of the Ontario Equestrian Federation Media of the Year award. Editor and Publisher, Barry Finn is the Past-president of the Independent Publishers Association of Ontario.
Our dedicated advertisers and faithful readers have kept the paper going strong for 51 years. We're looking forward to keeping you informed for many more years to come. We welcome your press releases and news.