Image: Island 22 Equestrian Park / Island 22 Equestrian Park will host the Horse Trials this weekend starting Friday morning, Aug. 30 through to Sunday, September 1. The event is free to attend. Parking is $5. The festivities get underway at 8 a.m. and continue through to 3 p.m. each day.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Island 22 Equestrian Park

Island 22 Equestrian Park to host Horse Trials this weekend in Chilliwack

Aug 29, 2024 | 6:57 PM

CHILLIWACK — The Island 22 Equestrian Park continues to thrive some 39 years after an 88-acre gravel pit containing overgrown blackberries and cottonwood trees was first envisioned as an ideal venue where kids could safely ride horses.

It was back in 1985 that a group of Mount Cheam Pony Club parents had a vision of creating a safe equestrian park for their kids to ride in, which paved the way for the eventual establishment of the Island 22 Equestrian Park.

Fast forward to this Labour Day weekend, when Island 22 Equestrian Park will host the Horse Trials Friday, August 30 through Sunday, September 1 in Chilliwack. The festivities get underway at 8 a.m. each day and continue through to 3 p.m.

It’s a competition that welcomes riders and their horses from all over British Columbia. The three-day event features dressage, defined as the art of riding and training a horse in a manner that developes flexibility and balance, as well as cross-country jumping where horses gallop over 80 acres and leap over the solid jumps, and show jumping in the big arena.

Dressage happens Friday followed by cross-country jumping Saturday and stadium jumping on Sunday. Scores are combined from all three days and the riders with the lowest score wins the division.

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Countless hours have been spent preparing the venue for this weekend’s festivities, many of which were done by dedicated volunteers.

In addition to hosting this weekend’s Horse Trials, the equestrian park offers starter to entry-level cross country jumps. Island 22 Equestrian Park is used throughout the year for riders to enjoy, as well as for clubs to hold lessons, clinics, jumper derbies and more. With a bike park, dog park and boat launch that leads to Fraser River sturgeon fishing, Island 22 offers recreational opportunities for all types of recreational users.

Admission is free, but the Fraser Valley Regional District does charge $5 for parking. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash. There will be two food trucks, as well as ice cream and coffee for attendees and patrons to order.

Island 22 Equestrian Park is located at 45695 Cartmell Road. Visit Island 22 Equestrian Park on Facebook for more information.