A Mini Guide To Trillium Hunter Jumper Horse Shows

What Is A Trillium Horse Show?

The Trillium circuit is Ontario's premier recognized show series for developing and up-and-coming riders. Operating under the rules and guidelines of both Equine Canada and the Ontario Equestrian Federation, the Trillum circuit provides a place for riders to compete locally in each of the seven geographical zones throughout Ontario. The shows listed on this site are for the Central East Trillium Zone. Riders will compete in the Central East Zone, and then at the end of the season, the top seven riders from each hunter/jumper division in each zone contend for top honors at the Trillium Championships.

Who Can Compete?

Anyone can compete on the Trillium circuit. However, all competitors must become EC, OEF and Trillium Hunter/Jumper Association members, and each horse must obtain an EC Horse Passport (License). Riders can then compete in any zone but can only garner points in the zone which they are members.

What Breed of Horse Can Show Trillium?

In the hunter-jumper arena, any breed of horse can be successful as long as he is suited to the task. Some of the many participating breeds include Thoroughbred, Canadian Sport Horse, Hanoverian , Dutch Warmblood, Paint and Quarter Horse.

What is the Difference between Hunters and Jumpers?

Hunters are assessed by individual judges on style of jumping, way of going, consistency and suitability. A Hunter should look like a comfortable and enjoyable ride over the type of fences that might be encountered on a fox hunt.

The scoring of Jumpers is rather more straightforward - three faults for a refusal, four for a knockdown. There are also time penalties for not completing the course in the allowable time. Simply put, in the jumper arena the fastest horse with the fewest faults wins. Neither hunters or jumpers are required to be a specific breed of horse.

Are Spectators Welcome at Trillium Shows?

Everyone is welcome to come and spend a day in the country at one of the lovely horse farms which host the Central East Trillium Shows. All the shows tend to be grass-roots, family-oriented horse shows with a very relaxing and friendly atmosphere. There is no charge for admission or parking. Bring the children, and a couple of blankets or lawn chairs, sit back and watch some of Ontario's rising equestrian stars in exciting competition.

For More information on Trillium Horse Shows

Please contact the individual show organizers listed on the Show Dates page or Central East Representative

Some quick facts about the Trillium Hunter Jumper Circuit

The Trillium Circuit is designed for riders and horses to make the step into recognized showing
If you have been competing at schooling shows or are taking your first foray into horse showing and are eager to progress to the next level, then a Trillium show is the way to go.

Do you have a young horse to introduce to the world of showing?
A Trillium show can be the right choice for you too. Many Trillium shows offer permit divisions, featuring introductory classes for young horses, such as Modified Low Hunter, Novice Hunter, Adult Amateur Hunter , Junior Training and Training Pony Hunter. All Trillium shows offer a Hack Division (three flat classes) open to everyone.

Junior and Amateur riders often use the Trillium Circuit as a testing ground to break into an open division (showing with the professionals) or to jump at a more challenging height in a low stress environment.
The Trillium Circuit offers recognized Children's hunter, Adult-Amateur Hunter, Low hunter (3'), Modified/Junior Hunter (3'3") and Trillium Hunter (3'6").

The Trillium Circuit offers the opportunity for up and coming trainers and coaches to gain experience riding and coaching at a recognized level.
Trillium shows offer EC officials and course designers and venues that must meet specific standards for ring size and safety. Trainers, coaches and their clients will find recognized level judging and course design available to them at reasonable prices on the Trillium circuit.

Trillium shows offer each division on one day.
Many people who show their horses find the time and resource commitment of the "A" circuit overwhelming. Showing Trillium generally means that only one day of your weekend must be committed to a horse show. In addition, most of the Trillium circuits offer eight to twelve horse shows over the course of the show season, providing juniors, amateurs and professionals the opportunity to show their horses without experiencing horse show "burnout".

Awards, Prize Money and of course, "THE CHAMPIONSHIPS".
Every Trillium division (with the exception of Equitation) and many of the permit divisions at Trillium shows give prize money to fifth place. Most Trillium horse shows provide sponsor prizes for champion, ranging from trophy coolers, to jackets, to gift certificates and more. Finally, all riders in Core Trillium divisions are eligible to qualify for "The Trillium Championships", held every year in September. This prestigious event features hunter classics, a mini-prix for the jumpers and spectacular prizes for the champion and reserve in every division. This is a province wide competition, so the qualifiers represent not only themselves but are a part of their zone team, vying for high point zone in Ontario.