Monday, 10 December 2012

Reindeer 101

Since horses are not a common symbol for the holidays, we wanted to take a closer look at our hoofed friends, the reindeer.
Photo by Medieval Karl
Reindeers first appeared as Santa’s sidekick in 1821 in The Children’s Friend: A New Year’s Present, to Little Ones from Five to Twelve.  In this early emergence, Santa only had one lone reindeer pulling his sleigh.
The number of reindeers helping Santa out increased to eight in the poem, “A Visit from St. Nicholas,” by Clement Clarke Moore. 

In this poem, we learn the names of the reindeer: Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donder and Blitzen. One famous reindeer has not yet been included: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.



Rudolph first appeared in 1939 in a promotional giveaway for Chicago’s Montgomery Ward department store, created by Robert Lewis May. He created a story about a rejected reindeer that Santa would turn to on Christmas Eve. Before deciding on the name Rudolph, Rollo and Reginald were considered.


Rudolph’s song was written by Johnny Marks and performed by Gene Autry in 1949, selling two million copies in its first year.

Today in Canada, the eight reindeers and the addition of Rudolph has stuck in most popular culture. Other countries have tried substitutes such as Australia’s use of six white boomers, Louisiana’s alligators and red-nosed werewolf, and the Netherland’s tall white horse.




Wednesday, 21 November 2012

Equine Therapy


Horseback riding isn't just for the thrill of the race – it also offers the rider therapeutic benefits. Equine therapy is becoming increasingly popular as the advantages from time spent with horses are recognized.

Horses are gentle animals that have the ability to sense the needs that people have. Horses can adapt to try to meet those needs. Known as one of the most understanding, non-judgemental and tolerable animals, horses make for great therapists.

Bonding and interacting with horses can help with a number of mental and emotional disorders. For those who having difficulties trusting others, animal therapy is a great starting point. Equine therapy is proven as an efficient way to re-strengthen interpersonal relationships.

Those with anxiety and depression can benefit from spending time with horses. Horses are a calming animal and simple tasks such as grooming and employing relaxation techniques while riding can reduce anxiety and provide the individual with a role model. Horses help individuals to identify how depression is affecting their wellness, while also creating a safe environment to heal.

As horses are gentle, genuine and loving, individuals with low self esteem and poor body image are recommended to try equine therapy. Experiencing a connection with a horse that accepts one for who they are is particularly remedial for those who have not been able to accept or believe the love from people around them.

Many stables in Manitoba offer therapeutic horseback riding. Check Manitoba's Equine Directory for a stable nearby you.


Monday, 29 October 2012

Georgian Downs November Race Nights


Relax on your weekends and get ready for the excitement during the week We are adding two new nights of racing. We invite guests to join us on Wednesdays and Mondays (starting Nov 19) for a chance to watch these magnificent stallions compete. Whether you like the racing or not, there is always something to do at Georgian Downs!

So join the excitement or just use the races as an excuse to enjoy our second to none delectable drinks, fabulous food and incredible atmosphere! Hopefully see you soon!

November Schedule


For some of the best horse racing in Canada come to Georgian Downs where everyone leaves a winner!


Friday, 31 August 2012

More Horsepower Than Ever Before!





Xtreme Fan Night rolls into Georgian Downs this Saturday and one lucky race fan may wheel-out with a new Ford Mustang GT500 Shelby.  After race 11 someone at Georgian Downs will get the chance to win the Super Charged V8 Sports Car that delivers 650 -horsepower.  Georgian Downs will also feature the Xtreme Fan Night ATV giveaway draw.  Ballots for the POLARIS Sportsman 500 All Terrain Vehicle will be available in the Georgian Downs race program.





Tuesday, 14 August 2012

The Honourable Earl Rowe




For many years William Earl Rowe was actively engaged in horse racing as a breeder, owner, trainer and driver of championship Standardbred horses.  His most noted horses were trotters, among them Van Riddell.  Van Riddell had a great reputation as a champion trotter which was followed by an outstanding career as a sire.

Rowe and his son, Bill were founders of two Ontario harness race tracks, Windsor Raceway and Barrie Raceway.  He also worked diligently on behalf of numerous horsemen’s associations, serving as president of the Canadian Standardbred Horse Society twice and as an honorary director of the Ontario Harness Horsemen’s Association.


When he was not involved with his horse racing operation, politics occupied most of Rowe’s time.  During a 45 year period he served as a Member of the Provincial Parliament, leader of the Provincial Conservative Party and a member of the House of Commons in Ottawa.

Wednesday, 4 July 2012

Gold Rush Is Coming!


Innisfil, ON – The rush is on at Georgian Downs this Saturday night.  Ontario horse racing stars will converge on the Innisfil oval for the fifth annual Gold Rush and compete for a million dollars in racing awards.  On July 7th Georgian Downs will host one of Ontario’s greatest nights of racing.  In total 8 championship stakes finals will be contested, bringing the best of Canadian horse racing together at one track.

For fans there will be western music and entertainment, games, contests, Kid’s amusements, free photographs with a celebrity horse, colouring books, horse and buggy rides and much more.


And there’s a chance to win $100,000 in the “Golden Bucket” contest.  After the 10th race, one lucky fan will take the track and select 1 of 100 gold buckets each containing a prize from $500 all the way up to $100,000.  Ballots will appear in every Georgian Downs race program.

The Gold Rush is coming to Georgian Downs all the fun begins at 7:25 p.m.

Thursday, 14 June 2012

Father's Day Brunch at the Downs

Greetings!


The flowers have bloomed, the earth has warmed and we're getting into full gear for another wonderful summer season here at the Georgian Downs. With so much to enjoy here at the Downs, we invite you to come and experience the excitement with us.

Make your Dad a Winner! Come share in a delicious gourmet meal at our annual Father's Day Brunch on Sunday June 17th. Our dining room features an amazing view as well as a family friendly atmosphere to help make this a special and memorable occasion for Dad.

Slow-roasted beef, tasty side dishes, a generous salad bar and sweet-tooth delicacies will delight your palate and create the perfect start to Dad's special day.

Father's Day - Sunday, June 17, 2012
Brunch will be served between 11:00am - 2:00pm

$22.95 / person
$11.95 / children 12 and under
FREE for children 3 and under

Reservations required, please call Kathleen at 705.726.9401 ext. 288


Wednesday, 4 April 2012

Make Yourself A Winner at Georgian Downs!

Georgian Downs is a live and simulcast Standardbred harness horse racing track and slots casino in Barrie Ontario, the former Barrie Raceway.

We have tons of events and entertainment for the whole family.  For an updated listing of our events please visit our website.