Dear Exhibitors and Friends:

Welcome to the 2026 GLCC Show where doors open for Competitors on Thursday, July 23 starting at 10am. The timing allows Competitors sufficient time to settle in and prepare to attend the ‘new this year’ Educational Clinic, offered with assistance from The HOOPES Addis Education Trust. Beginning at 1:00 pm clinician Shelly Temple delivers “Learn How to Improve Your Driven Dressage Score” with two focus groups, Training/Preliminary and Intermediate/Advanced. Each group will have formal instruction, walking of dressage tests followed by a question & answer session. To Register, visit Competitor Information, Page 52.

At the conclusion of the Clinic, show registration opens at 4:30 pm with overflow dressage tests placed in the schedule.

The Combined Test Day on Friday, July 24 is to use test B for Training, Preliminary and Intermediate competitors. There will be an FEI Test of Choice included in the Intermediate division. Shelly Temple is returning as the CDE Judge.

For the 2026 show we welcome Jessica Axelsson as the Pleasure Judge, Jim Thomas – TD and Debra McCarthy – Announcer. Friday will continue as a point show for the Ontario Carriage Driving Association. Friday, Saturday and Sunday are point shows for Tri-County Carriage Association.

Indoor stabling and RV sites with power at the Ancaster Fairgrounds are available from Monday afternoon July 20, to Ship in Day July 23, for an additional fee. Ancaster Fairgrounds require six weeks advance booking notice for these stalls. A responsible individual must be on-site from 4pm to 7am each day that their equine is on the Ancaster Fairgrounds during this period.

There are no additional charges for memberships, for ADS or Ship-in for the non-driven classes – Long Lining, Harnessing, Costume and Red Light/Green Light. The Long Lining Class will use a set pattern, given in the Prize List in the Class Description Section. Junior competitors must wear protective headgear and a body protector at all times. All competitors must wear protective headgear in cones. If competitors are cross entering they must declare before the start of the show which division they wish to compete in for division championships.

Our ‘silent auction’ is back by popular demand with contributions of assorted new or gently used items donated by competitors and interested supporters. Social events include a ticketed Friday evening corn roast, Saturday evening meal and a complimentary Box Lunch on Sunday. Awards are presented to Combined Test Competitors on Friday evening and to Pleasure Competitors on Sunday afternoon. We encourage Competitors to attend the awards ceremony, to celebrate their accomplishments, receive their awards and cheer fellow competitors.

With vendors, food on site, a wide variety of classes, the Sunday parade of various driving equine breeds and a hobby horse class, there is something for everyone. Whether attending as a volunteer, spectator or preparing to show, the GLCC Show offers friendship and education to all ages.

The Show Committee extends our gratitude for the kind support of sponsors and donors. Through dedication of the Show Committee, Ring Crew, volunteers, and the Officials, the GLCC Show is an event to celebrate the sport of carriage driving.

We look forward to welcoming you on July 24 to 26 to the Great Lakes Carriage Classic – 2026 8th Annual Show.

Jean McLean, Show Manager
Valerie Williams, Show Secretary