Celebrating Ten Years of Ottawa Equestrian Tournaments
May 6, 2024
Wesley Cover Parks — Community hub for outdoor events and activities
wesleycloverparks.com
Magic of Lights Ottawa returned to the Wesley Clover Parks Campground for an eighth season from November 17th, 2023 through January 6th, 2024. The dazzling “drive-through” experience has established itself as a holiday tradition for residents and a popular attraction for visitors, welcoming tens of thousands of visitors to celebrate the holiday season.
Back for a second season, Magic of Lights Ottawa featured the Mark Motors Group Holiday “Pit Stop”, this time conveniently located within the Magic of Lights route. Guests were invited to park and explore this winter village complete with an illuminated walk-through forest trail, Instagram-worthy displays, professional photos with Santa, and classic Canadian treats from BeaverTails!
Magic of Lights Ottawa once again raised funds for the CHEO Foundation, a cause close to many in the National Capital Region. Since first coming to Ottawa, Magic of Lights has donated more than $275,000 to local charities.
Despite a delay to the start of ski season, Kanata Nordic Ski Club members made the most of winter, getting out on our 18km+ trail network for classic and skate-skiing whenever they had the chance!
The Ian Millar School of Horsemanship continues to operate a full schedule of recreational horseback riding lessons year-round. The school will offer eight weeks of beginner riding camps this summer, with many of our all-star camp counsellors returning to make it a memorable summer for all. Just up the road, the Wesley Clover Parks Campground geared up for camping season which will run until October 15, 2024.
Looking ahead to the summer months, Wesley Clover Parks is preparing to host our tenth anniversary season of the Ottawa Equestrian Tournaments. This momentous season will see the return of our established events and the addition of a second week of Gold competition in May, inviting athletes and fans to enjoy a total of six weeks of National and International show jumping competition.
The Ottawa Equestrian Tournaments have been a community mainstay over the last ten years, leaving a significant impact on Ottawa and its citizens. From humble beginnings, it has grown into a renowned calendar of events that attracts equestrian enthusiasts from around the globe. Not only do these tournaments excite our competitors, but they have also made significant contributions to the local economy. Business activity increases in tandem with the arrival of tourists, benefiting the hotel, restaurant, and retail industries. The arrival of visitors brings vibrancy to our community and fosters a sense of pride among residents. The tournaments also provide a platform for philanthropy, with local causes and organizations benefiting from select events. The influence goes well beyond the competition rings, from supporting youth equestrian initiatives to aiding our city’s top hospitals.
Reflecting on the last ten years, the Ottawa Equestrian Tournaments have transformed from a competitive event to a celebration of our city’s energy and commitment. Here’s to another ten years of camaraderie, rivalry, and meaningful contributions to our community! Come on out and enjoy the competition!