A barrel racing speed record was broken in Laird this weekend said Ashley Wonch, President of the Algoma Horse Association (AHA).
The AHA held two shows at the Laird Agricultural Grounds’ new horse arena on Saturday and Sunday at an event that was being called the arena’s “re-grand opening” as it was recently renovated after a $40,000 investment by Laird Township.
Aaron Alexander, on his horse Fantasia Frost, had a recorded 15.6-second barrel run which Wonch said is a record for the Laird arena.
“Fastest time these grounds have ever seen in their entire history and it speaks to the quality of the arena flooring,” said Wonch.
Wonch said she is confident the new arena is of a high enough quality that it will be able to draw competitors from Southern Ontario who are picky about where they will race because badly designed flooring can be unsafe for their horses.
“It’s perfect flooring; very safe and fast and a big improvement from before. Today was the resurrection of the Laird arena and we couldn’t be happier,” said Wonch on Saturday.
Peter Jurich, who designed the arena and oversaw the installation of the flooring said getting the proper silt loam and dirt mixture is the key to a good racing surface so that horses have a firm ground, don't slip and fall, but still have a bit of necessary give.
The recent dry weather, especially in Laird, meant that the arena grounds had to be watered several times over the weekend to keep the proper consistency.
The AHA shows included barrel racing, pole bending, doorway, flag and dash events.
See SooToday’s previous coverage of the new horse arena in Laird.