ONTARIO – Typically, Autumn is synonymous with the harvest season and Fall fairs. The season brings about a sense of renewed optimism with the abundance of food gathered during the harvest. A chance to enjoy some of nature’s bounty. 

County fairs provide the perfect opportunity for communities to showcase the “fruits” of their labours and offer some friendly competition between neighbours. The return of fall fairs have charged the air with excitement, following a two-year hiatus. This year proved to be a “fruitful” one for the Norwood Fair, located in Peterborough County, Ontario.

The Thanksgiving Day weekend saw thousands flock to the fair grounds to visit the exhibitors, the midway and various livestock shows. Maja Kunce, a local teen, was fortunate to participate in the Light Horse and Pony Show (Oct 8). She entered her 4-year-old Thoroughbred mare named Peaches, in the Hunter show in the Cross-Rail division. (See photos above and below, credit: Rezina Kunce)

Wearing English tack, Maja placed in each of the four classes she entered. She won a 1st place ribbon, as well as a 2nd, 3rd and 4th. Top placing riders in the competition earn a financial payout. A bonus for Maja who is saving up for her post secondary education. While other shows throughout the year charge entry fees, which could add up, the Norwood Fair does not charge riders entry fees to participate in the horse shows.

On Monday, the lucky teen also competed in the Ontario Xtreme Cowboy (OXC) event. Founded in 2012, the organization is designed to promote the sport of Extreme Cowboy Racing in Ontario. This year marked it’s 10th year anniversary. For Maja, it was a chance to hone her horsemanship and equestrian skills through a specially designed obstacle course. Extreme cowboy competitions demonstrate the partnership between horse and rider.

At Monday’s event, Maja saddled up a stoic Quarter Horse named Bent Over Backwards (Bentley) in Western tack with pink embellishments in support of Breast Cancer Awareness. It was the first time both horse and rider teamed up to compete. The event proved a success for the pair earning them 3rd place in the Youth Class. (See photo below, credit: Terri Rowling)