26/ OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2010 THE RIDER ‘Leatherette’, Old Fashioned Hand Stitched Leather in Ontario
Roberta Whitley is a focused woman who knew as a child, that horses would always be a part of her life. Today she
owns and operates Leatherette, a Harness and Saddlery shop located inside the historic Balli- nafad General Store, just 10
minutes south of Erin, Ontario. Growing up in rural Eng- land, she rode across the Cor- nish moores every day and com- peted in local cross country competitions, which cemented her love of riding and horses. However, it was after reading a book on saddlery in ‘92 that she knew in what direction her equine love would take her, as a harness and saddlery student at Cord- wainers College in London England. It was there Roberta hand stitched her way into the leather world, working under (among others) Frances Kelly, who later went on to become “Harness Maker to the Queen” at the Royal Mews.
After a two year diploma course in Saddlery Studies came a request for employment by Freedman Harness of Toronto, and Roberta jumped at the opportunity. After 3 years, city living still hadn’t taken hold of this country girl, so a move to the more rural setting surround- ing Bahr Saddlery in Halton Hills seemed a better fit. The next 8 years saw Roberta creat- ing new leather products and putting her quality touch to leather repairs, until she decided to venture out on her own. 2006 marked the inception of “Leatherette”, which was in the beginning, a workshop inside her apartment. This suf- ficed for 3 years, but it was on May 1st, 2009 that Roberta, with her signature flair, placed her old Blundstone riding boots filled with flowers in front of the General Store. Leatherette was officially open for business! Leatherette is a full service workshop, all the work is done on the premises. Services include: saddle fit, re-stuff, and
repair, leather horse and dog equipment, belts, purses, and boot stretching to name a few. The retail area of the store includes belts, buckles, antique sandwich boxes, leather and horse care products, hand made brooms, consignment saddles and equipment, and as a person- al touch, St. Justin’s Cornish made Pewter jewelry and gifts.
Of course Roberta will happily provide you with all manner of custom leather work. “I have just completed a Pigeon
Corset.....there is so much vari- ety! I love my job!” she declares. For more information, store location and hours, please visit her website
www.leatherette.ca or call (905) 702-7349.
About the Hills of Headwaters
The Region The Hills of Headwaters is only a short 45 minute drive from Toronto. Encompassing the communities of Caledon, Erin, Orangeville and Dufferin County, the Hills of Headwaters offers visitors an escape to a simpler place and time.
We are the Hills of Head- waters, the highest elevation in Southern Ontario. The region is the birthplace of four major river systems, the Nottawasaga, the Credit, the Humber, and the Grand, hence the name—Head- waters! From here, clear, cold
springs bubble up from the earth, pick up rain and melting snow and gather into rivers that flow north, east, south and west into the Great Lakes. On their way, our rivers have carved val- leys deep and wide that cleave the Niagara Escarpment, creat- ing slopes for skiers, and breathtaking vistas for sight- seers.
Of course where you have rivers, you have fish; where you have green forests you have game; where you have mead- ows and fens you have birds; and you will find all those in
abundance. But if you come to the Hills of Headwaters only to explore, ski, fish, hike, watch birds, take pictures, paint or hunt, you’re missing half the fun.
Help... my horse is stuck in reserve!
• Tips to get that winning edge - backed by the science of how horses think.
• Teaching both the hows and the whys of riding!
• Catch Lindsay's clinics at Can Am in London.
Lessons. Clinics. Show coaching.
Artists live and work here: sculptors, potters, painters, carvers, writers, musicians, actors, photographers, chefs (If you think food is not an artist’s medium, we have some places where you should dine). Head- waters agriculture helps feed Canadians and brings its cornu- copia to farmers’ markets. Our luxurious inns and bed-and- breakfasts welcome travelers with comfort that is much more than a nice chair or warm bed. You will feel right at home. The sights, tastes, and sounds will make your experience a lasting one, filled with fond memories. On behalf of all the people who look forward to meet you, welcome to the Hills of Headwaters. Stop in. Look around. And enjoy yourself.
Courtesy of
www.thehillsof-
headwaters.com
Lauren
Minshall Continued from Page 24
and raised this mare. It was also her first major aged event won as a non-pro competitor.
“Practical training for horses and riders.” Orangeville, Ontario
(519) 938-8815 •
www.lgrice.com
By the conclusion of the event, Lauren was win- ner of the Futurity, Derby and Classic/Challenge Limited Champion: riding all three horses to the limit- ed division championship in each class. Total Payout for all 3 was $8,305.40. The Limited event is a class within the Non Pro division for riders who have not won over $100,000. In other words she won all three limited titles and finished 1, 2, 3, in the non pro classes. Watch the Dec issue of The Rider for our year end youth profile on Lauren Minshall.
R
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72