Wilson Farms of Vankleek Hill has been named the official Supreme Champion Sponsor for the 2026 Ontario Four Horse Hitch Series.
The Wilson family’s story didn’t start on the global stage. It began with a small group of mares kept behind an Allis-Chalmers tractor dealership on Pendleton Street. Over time, that modest start grew into a multi-generational operation known not only for its success in grain trading, but also for its herd of more than 300 Percheron horses and its strong presence in draft horse competitions across North America.
The partnership, announced on the Day of the Horse during the Lunar New Year, brings together two familiar names in Ontario agriculture. The Ontario Four Horse Hitch Series is considered one of the province’s top draught horse competitions, drawing teams from across the region to showcase strength, precision, and teamwork.
For organizers, the partnership goes beyond sponsorship. “It’s not just a name on a banner,” said Director Sarah Robinson. “It’s about working with a family that shares the same level of commitment to the draft horse industry that our competitors bring into the ring every time.”
While Wilson Farms is well known in the show ring, the business continues to play a key role in the agricultural economy. Based in Vankleek Hill, the company specializes in grain elevation, bulk commodity trading, and transportation across Canada and the United States, helping connect local producers to larger markets.
Kevin Wilson says the partnership reflects the values the family business was built on. “Whether you’re marketing grain or hitching a team, you do it with a level of care and pride that respects the generations before you,” he said. “Supporting events like this is one way we can give back to the agricultural community that’s supported us.”
The 2026 Ontario Four season will include qualifying events at fairs across the province, leading up to the finals at the Carp Fairgrounds, where the top ten teams will compete. Organizers say the new partnership will help strengthen and grow the series in the years ahead.
