Each year, the first Saturday of June is marked as Canada's National Horse Day. Together, Equestrian Canada (EC) and the provincial equestrian associations invite all Canadians to take this unique opportunity honour, discover, and explore the equestrian world.

For many Canadians, Horse Day is the chance to get up close and personal with a horse for the first time. Horse Day is also the perfect opportunity to acknowledge the important contributions made by horses in our nation's heritage and how people of all ages and experience levels can continue to enjoy horses in sport and leisure.

Equestrian Canada (EC) is pleased to inform the Canadian equestrian community that Horse Day 2018 is taking place June 2, 2018.

This year will mark the 10th anniversary of Horse Day, which was created to raise public awareness and promote the beloved horse. Across the country, events and celebrations will take place on June 2 to allow Canadians of all ages and experience levels to honour, discover and explore the equestrian world.

Make Horse Day part of your celebration of spring. There are many ways to jump in and get involved in Horse Day 2018.

Horse Day 2018 National Drawing Contest

In celebration of Horse Day, young horse enthusiasts are encouraged to enter the Horse Day National Drawing Contest. The contest offers exciting prizes to the winners in each of the four age categories (3 to 6, 7 to 9, 10 to 12 and 13 to 16).

Rules

► The drawing must be done by hand (not through digital software).
► The drawing must have at least one horse and one nature component.
► Only 1 entry per person.
► Drawing must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. ET on June 9, 2018.

Judging Criteria

► The beauty: does it bring any emotion to the judge?
► The balance and arrangement of colors: does the judge like it?
► The originality of the overall image: does it make the judge laugh or smile or think you are clever!
► The effort: will the judge think you really worked hard to achieve it?

To enter the Horse Day National Drawing Contest, click here.

Horse Day 2018 Photo Contest

Be sure to break out your camera on Horse Day 2018 to capture all the fun for the chance to win great prizes. Here’s how to enter:

1. Find and attend a Horse Day 2018 event.
2. Take a photo at the event that showcases how you celebrated Horse Day
3. Post your photo to Facebook, Twitter or Instagram on June 2, 2018 and be sure to include the hashtag #HorseDay2018 to enter!

Find a Horse Day Event Near You!

Horse Day 2018 is host to fun-filled family events from coast-to-coast. Check out the Horse Day event listings below and mark your calendar to get out and enjoy the unique opportunity to explore and discover all things horse!

To learn more about specific Horse Day initiatives in your local area, also be sure to contact your Provincial or Territorial Sport Organization (PTSO).

A number of racetracks across Canada are in action on Saturday as well. For a list of off and on-track Horse Day activities, visit the Equestrian Canada listing of registered Horse Day activities.

(with files from EC)