Tavistock-area equine operation wins another award
- Lee Griffi
- Oct 16
- 3 min read
Lee Griffi, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Alisha Wilson is accustomed to bringing home the hardware, and she was recently recognized again for a program she offers at Transitions Equine Assisted Learning.
The Cowgirl Kickback Experience won the Best New Tourism Product award at the Oxford Tourism Awards of Excellence celebration at the Innerkip Highlands Golf Club last Tuesday.
“It’s when a group of girlfriends come out and we walk the horses through a series of obstacles, and we try to make them a lot of fun. We want people to enjoy themselves and not have it feel therapeutic,” said Wilson.
The obstacle course takes about 90 minutes. Wilson believed she won the award because it is such a unique tourism offering.
“There’s not another experience like this in Oxford County. Some other venues offer ladies’ nights, but they don’t offer the board or the fire. We want our guests to experience what it’s like to be on a farm, experience the sunset and work with the horses.”
She added enjoying time with one’s tribe is crucial.
“That connection is huge; whether you are connecting with your friends or the horses, it’s important. I think that’s why it stood out to the judges.”
According to Wilson’s website, the experience offers plenty of laughs, “aha” moments and a huge boost of cowgirl confidence.
“It’s very humbling. I just do this because I love it, and I love the fact people are recognizing it is such a unique and wonderful experience for people. When I win an award, it does fuel my drive to continue to grow and morph my programs into something that everyone can and does enjoy. It’s nice to be recognized for the hard work my team and I put into this place.”
Udderly Ridiculous Farm Life pulled in a pair of honours, the Tourism Partnership and Special Event of the Year. The operation collaborated with several businesses, organizations and individuals to tell a love story that captured hearts around the world. The same event also grabbed one of the two Special Event of the year awards, with the other one going to the Ingersoll Cheese and Agricultural Museum for its Mystic Market.
The cow wedding between Muriel and Rhett, miniature highland cows, made international headlines, featured on major broadcast channels like CNN and gained attention from influencers with over one million followers.
The Mystic Market was a paranormal-themed event featuring psychic and magical experiences unique to Oxford County.
The event offered a welcoming environment to explore spirituality, connect with others and seek personal insight. Local vendors, artists and food purveyors contributed to the experience, with many selling out due to strong attendee interest.
The 2024 Oxford Tourism Award program recognized the region’s tourism businesses, organizations and individuals who have displayed excellence in product development, partnerships and collaborations, innovation, inclusiveness, leadership, sustainability, and attraction to the region. It also recognizes partners who work collaboratively with Oxford Tourism to grow regional tourism and offer exceptional visitor experiences.
“Oxford’s tourism industry is thriving, with amazing experiences available throughout the county,” said tourism specialist Meredith Maywood. “The judges faced a tough decision with so many outstanding nominations from a growing number of tourism businesses that help us to ‘embrace our rural routes’ and keep guests returning to Oxford County.”
Winners were chosen by a panel of external judges with representatives from provincial tourism organizations outside of Oxford County.
For more information about categories and award winners, visit www.oxfordcounty.ca/Business-in-Oxford/Tourism/Tourism-Awards.
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