Photo by Courtney Williams Photography
Robin U Blind, Dale Salisbury’s award-winning show horse, displays the poise and elegance that earned him multiple championships at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair

Dale Salisbury and his champion horse “Robin U Blind”

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

Ayer’s Cliff resident Dale Salisbury has solidified his place in the competitive horse-showing world, recently earning top honours at the prestigious Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto. Salisbury likened the event in an interview to “the Stanley Cup playoffs for horse people in Canada,” a fitting comparison given its significance as the culmination of the horse-showing season.

“We’ve been in this region for generations,” Salisbury said. His family’s roots run deep in the area, with their horses housed at his father Howard’s farm in West Bolton. It’s a family effort at every level. “My dad started showing horses when he was seven, and he’s going to be 83 this year. He still helps with feeding and even drives occasionally.”

Salisbury’s recent success centres on his standout horse, Robin U Blind, a name that has become synonymous with excellence in Canadian horse shows. “Robin won the Canadian-owned wagon class, his preliminary class, and then the Canadian Championship,” Salisbury said, clearly proud of their accomplishments. The Royal Winter Fair draws the best from across the country, making Robin’s achievements all the more remarkable.

What makes Robin a winner?

Robin U Blind competes in a division that combines speed, precision, and elegance. “It’s a speed class judged across three different gaits: jog, trot, and extended trot,” Salisbury explained. “The challenge is maintaining composure, with a curled neck and lots of motion in the front end, through all three gaits. That’s where the best horses really stand out.”

Training Robin is a true family collaboration. “My brother is a blacksmith and shoes all our horses. My son helps out as well, and my dad is always involved,” Salisbury shared. This close-knit teamwork ensures consistency in care and preparation, key elements in Robin’s continued success. “We start training in March but keep it light until the weather improves. It’s less intense than racehorse training, which keeps Robin sound and healthy.”

From the track to the championship ring

Robin U Blind’s journey to stardom is anything but conventional. “He was a racehorse, but he just wasn’t fast enough,” Salisbury said. “We bought him through a consignment sale in Kitchener, Ontario.” Despite a modest start, Robin has proven his worth in the show ring, turning heads and collecting accolades.

This isn’t Robin’s first moment of glory at the Royal Winter Fair. “Two years ago, he won the Green Horse Classic, a competition for horses in their first two years of showing,” Salisbury explained. “Last year, he won the Canadian-owned wagon class again and was reserve champion in the bike stake.” Robin’s versatility and poise make him a standout competitor in an increasingly competitive field.

Unlike the racehorse industry, where bloodlines often determine a horse’s prospects, show horses like Robin succeed based on performance and training. “His bloodline isn’t a factor in his success; he’s the only one from his line that I know of in competition,” Salisbury said.

A family legacy in the making

The Salisbury family’s success doesn’t end with Dale and Robin. Dale’s son is also making waves in the horse-showing community. “My son competed in the open road pony division at the Winter Fair. He was the only junior exhibitor among nine participants and finished as the top Canadian pony, earning reserve champion,” Salisbury said. This achievement reflects the family’s shared dedication to the sport and their ability to pass down skills and values across generations.

Salisbury’s brother is also actively involved, training his own horses and contributing to the family’s collective success. “He’s got a new horse this year, and we’re very hopeful for its future,” Salisbury said.

Looking ahead

At just nine years old, Robin U Blind’s future is bright, with many years of competition ahead. “We’ve talked about maybe going to Louisville, Kentucky, for the world championships,” Salisbury said, referencing the prestigious event that attracts competitors from around the globe. However, he is pragmatic about their plans. “The competition is very tough down there, and we’re happy with the seven shows we do here each year.”

For Salisbury, the immediate focus remains on maintaining Robin’s health and refining his performance. “We don’t train them like racehorses; it’s all about longevity,” he explained. The family’s deliberate approach ensures that their horses remain healthy and competitive for many years.

The heart of a champion

The story of Robin U Blind is as much about family as it is about winning. Dale Salisbury, supported by his father, brother, and son, has created a legacy built on teamwork, tradition, and passion. “We all do this together, and that’s what makes it special,” Salisbury said. Their shared dedication has not only brought them success but also deepened their connection to the sport and to one another.

Robin U Blind’s name will no doubt continue to grace the winner’s circle, embodying the Salisbury family’s commitment to excellence and their love for the art of horse showing.