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.”
