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OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2010 THE RIDER /25 New Toddler Riding Program at Spring Gait Meadows By Kelly Bowers


Spring Gait Meadows is now offering a new and excit- ing program for moms and their toddlers called “Tiny Tots and Tiny Horses”. This pro- gram has been developed for 2 _ year olds who weigh up to 65 lbs or nearly 30 kg. In this program, parents or grandpar- ents spend quality time with the enrolled child learning about safety, grooming, bal- ance and early riding skills on a miniature horse. Ponies can be substituted when riders out- grow the weight bearing capa- bility of the minis.


Because the miniature horse is similar in proportion


to a large horse, although only 34-38 inches tall, a small child can experience the feeling of riding a horse. The child is able to sit like an adult would on a full size horse. The child can then learn with confidence how to have a proper seat, develop their balancing skills, and begin to learn how to give word commands and cues with their legs.


Adult caregivers walk beside their child who is rid- ing. Together, they can also go on trail rides/ hikes in Mono Cliffs Provincial Park and on picnics. For the grand finale, the group performs a miniature version of a Musical Ride.


Patterns are followed by the young eques- trians who aptly bear the Canadian flag! Spring Gait Meadows also has quali- ty miniature horse foals available for sale and boarding available for them if need-


ed. For the larger crowd, they have Ten- nessee Walker horses which they part board and give riding lessons on. For more info., call them at 519-938-9806 or visit www.tennesseewalker.ca.


Carol Short and Caitie Ross (mom) accompany three year old daughter Audrey Ross riding miniature horse Sophie.


Coffey Creek Farm of Caledon By Tracy Bush


In 1996, Robin and Robert Ogilvie acquired 116 acres located in the rolling hills of Caledon, ON, known as Coffey Creek Farm. Robin’s grandparents had a farm at nearby Shaw’s Creek, and her fond memories of that time and place brought the Ogilvies back to the area. The couple wanted to have horses but in the past, Robin had some frightening experiences with horses that were ill-suited. She decided to research various breeds in an effort to find the most suitable tempera- ment to provide her with a safe and enjoyable relationship with horses. She discovered Mountain horse breeds and to this day, the couple couldn’t be happier about it. The breeds, which originated in the Appalachian Mountains in Kentucky over 200 years ago, include The Rocky Mountain Horse, The Ken- tucky Mountain Saddle Horse, The Mountain Pleasure Horse and The Spotted Mountain Saddle Horse. These horses are known for their beauty, easy-going and friendly nature and their smooth way of trav- eling - possessing a 4-beat lateral gait similar to the Paso Fino or Ten- nessee. The Ogilvies constructed a new barn and indoor arena on the property to prepare for their newest endeavour, a Mountain Horse breed- ing operation.


Mrs. Ogilvie’s initial acquisi- tion was a few riding horses and a small double certified stallion who still stands on the farm. Their com- mitment to the breed has grown over the years and today, it is the Ogilvies’ mission to promote aware- ness of these breeds, to continue to contribute to the gaited community in Ontario and to raise smooth and safe horses for others to enjoy at any riding level. The breeding operation has also grown substantially in the last decade with 27 foals being raised and over 60 mountain horses being sold to the Ontario market. The farm offers weanlings to saddle horses, with training and lesson support if desired, and there are usually 35 horses or more being cared for on the property at any time. The work is managed by a team of four including property and farm staff, Steve Cation and Derek Channing and Equine staff, Tracy Bush and Sierra Woolsey.


Over the years Coffey Creek Farm has become successfully involved in the recognized Mountain


Horse show circuits in the US having won numerous International and World Champion and Grand Cham- pion titles. Winners include NWF’s Nick’s Little Lady, CCF Black Cof- fey, CCF The Real Deal, CD’s Elixir, CCF Gentry and Smith’s Mr. Goodfella with rider and trainer, Jeff Yarber in Kentucky. The Ogilvies were also instrumental over eight years ago in making the way for easy-gaited breeds to show in Ontario for the first time, which they continue to do today. They also par- ticipate in educational clinics and demonstrations like The Royal Win- ter Fair.


Coffey Creek Farm is proud to


host meetings for the directors of “Kids and Horses”, a non-profit group of Caledon area women, which Robin Ogilvie is the President. The organization provides funding and programs offering horse back rid- ing activities for children who otherwise would not have the opportunity. For more info. please visit: www.coffeycreek- farm.com (also provides links to mountain horse breed websites), www.kidsandhorses.ca


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