A Chatham-based precision riding team brought its show to Kentucky recently.
The Canadian Cowgirls took part in BreyerFest, an international convention for collectors of Breyer toy horses.
Held at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, the convention has been around for more than 35 years. It also featured an evening show that showcased elite equine performers and their famous trainers.
Terry Jenkins, founder of the Cowgirls, said they enjoyed performing at the historic venue.
“Breyerfest is an opportunity for the collectors to interact with real live horses,” she told The Daily News. “Very often Breyer collectors live out their horse dreams in areas they can’t have horses, but this is a chance for them to see the horses that often become Breyer models.
“We were contacted by the mistress of the horse, the famous Sylvia Zerbini, who choreographed and designed the show in the evening.”
The venue is a working horse farm in addition to a tourist attraction. There is also a museum on site that tells the story of the horse, as well as a breeds barn.
Jenkins said the team always welcomes the chance to ride for the international audience.
“It is a great honor to perform here at the Alltech Arena, which hosted the world equestrian games and is considered one of the best facilities in the world,” she said. “We are humbled to ride in the footsteps of some of the greatest equestrians in the world.”
Their act was called Northern Lights, which was a musical ride involving maneuvers in lit costumes, created by designer Cindy Jenkins-Smith, Terry’s sister.
Jenkins added the team is happy to be back in action, given the various shutdowns experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Of course the Canadian Cowgirls were sidelined during the pandemic restrictions, and it was felt by all (of the) equine industry,” she said. “So we are more than excited to be back in the saddle and doing what we love.”