16/ THE RIDER SEPTEMBER 2010 HILLS OF HEADWATERS SPOTLIGHT DeerFields Stables Country Inn Opening Soon


Deerfields stable is proud to announce the imminent grand opening of the Deerfields Stables Country Inn. Guests will discover rustic elegance and comfort at an inviting Country Inn situat- ed in the picturesque Caledon country- side. This family-run inn offers top quali- ty service and facilities, from the deca- dent, spacious suites to the personal atten- tion from staff.


feel at home, the combination of the gath- ering rooms, home-cooked meals, and individually engaging staff make this inn a vast experience and ambience to be talked about.


Dining


DeerFields’ offers 4 private luxuri- ous suites which offer such comforts and amenities as King and Queen Suites with sitting area and soaking tub for total relaxation, private ensuite, and TV. Each of the 4 suites comfortably accommodate two people; air-conditioned with full ensuites including luxurious tubs, decorat- ed tastefully and designed to make guests


Dining will focus on fresh market menu while overlooking the estates rolling countryside. In the summer, guests can dine on the patio a stone’s throw from a spring fed pond. In the winter, they will be cozy in the dining room while taking in the panoramic view of the estate. A full country breakfast served buffet style is included in the room rate. Private dining can be arranged for groups between 10 and 40 people. The kitchen can respond to special requests to accommodate guests


Terrance Millar, Chef d’équipe


Terrance ‘Torchy’ Millar was a mainstay of the Canadian Show Jumping Team for more than four decades compet- ing at the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexi- co City and the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich. In Pan American Games compe- tition, he won Team Gold and Individual Bronze Medals in 1971 in Cali, Colombia, and Team Silver in 1983 in Caracas, Venezuela.


Following an illustrious competition career that saw him ride on 23 Nations’ Cup teams, Millar turned his attention to training and coaching. He acted as chef d’équipe of the Canadian Show Jumping Team at the 1998 World Equestrian Games in Rome, Italy, and the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia.


Since 2004, he has been the Chair of High Performance for Jump Canada and the chef d’équipe of the Canadian Show Jumping Team. Under his guidance, the Canadian Team won Nations’ Cup events in Wellington, Florida, in 2006, 2007 and 2009. At the 2006 Spruce Meadows “Masters” Tournament, Canada scored its first victory in the history of the BMO Financial Group Nations’ Cup.


with food allergies. Cooking


Sous-Chef Experience - Guest will step into the kitchen and spend the day working side-by-side with the Executive Chef at DeerFields to assist in the creation of some of the estate’s signature dishes. The reward comes when participants take off the apron at the end of the day and enjoy an elegant dinner.


Spa


DeerFields Seahorse Spa offers outdoor amenities including hot tub, steam room and infrared sauna. Indoor treatment room, wellness studio equipped with the latest fitness equipment, locker room and shower facilities and licensed therapists.


Stables


Right next to DeerFields Vineyard is their horse stables where, for the adventurous at heart, visitors can saddle up for a trail ride with experienced trainers. The genetics of the mystical Gypsy Vanner horses will pro- vide a ride through history. Each rider’s level of experi- ence will be determined for safety.


Princess DeerFields, just two days old, and mom “Flo”. Above top is some of the herd of Gypsy Vanners. Photos by The Rider


The crowning achievement in Mil- lar’s reign as chef d’équipe came at the 2008 Olympic Games when Canada won the Team Silver Medal and Eric Lamaze went on to claim Individual Gold. Torchy and his wife, Betsy, have two children and make their home in Hockley Valley, Ontario.


Other Outdoor Activities Bicycles are available for use to enjoy the numer- ous nature trails Deerfields has to offer. The fresh coun- try air and sighting of wildlife, will awaken your appetite and possibly a mid-day rest. A stop at Pheasant Run offers a fowl pen housing of exotic birds and rabbits. Anglers may want to gear up for some relaxing ‘catch and release’ fishing in DeerFields 30’ deep pond. DeerFields also has a young developing vineyard located in its peaceful, breath-taking landscape with magnificent views of rolling hills and water. Picturesque is the best word to describe it. A leisure walk between the rows will enhance your appetite to enjoy the delights of the Deer- Fields kitchen.


Hills Of Headwaters Stables Tour


On Saturday September 11th 2010, DeerFields Sta- bles proudly opens its doors to the public for one-of-a- kind opportunity to get a private tour of our Country Inn and stables facilities. DeerFields Stables welcomes The Hills of Headwaters Tourism Association guests in part of Destination Equitation an eight day celebrate of the equestrian industry in one of Ontario’s premier tourism destinations.


Torchy Millar, Canadian Equestrian Team Chef d’Equipe, Sue Grange of Lothlorian Farm in Cheltenham and Olympian Ian Millar. Photo by The Rider


has success in using mules as recipient mothers. Bred for strength and intelligence, Gypsy Vanner horses are often identified as ‘Golden Retrievers with hooves’. The ani- mals were developed through the selective breeding practices of British Gypsies, who sought to create a beautiful breed, which would be suitable for pulling their caravans. Gypsy Vanner horses have characteristic ‘feathered’ legs and long, flowing manes and tails. In an effort to ma make the breed more widely available, the two partners launched the Mule Moms program, in which mules serve as the recipients of Gypsy Vanner embryos, nurturing the babies into life. Although intelligent, caring and gene generally good-natured, there is one lament that has cursed this equine breed since the beginning of time. The product of a horse and a donkey, the female mule cannot conceive. While a horse has 64 chromosomes, and a donkey has only 62 – a mule has a very unreproductive 63. Despite the fact that they lactate and exhibit all the other virtues of motherly love that nature has bestowed, they are natu- rally barren, their parental instincts and innate desire to give birth unrequited.


The Mule Moms prog program has changed all that, with twenty mules now on track as recipient mothers. Veterinarian Dr. Pablo Toro is in charge of the enterprise:


“I implanted a molly mule in Puerto Rico, and she made the greatest equine mother I have ever witnessed,” Dr. Toro said. “Watching her care for her baby brought tears to my eyes.” Thus was the idea for the Mule Moms program born. Given the qualities inherent in mules, it was clear that if mules could have babies, they would make wonderful mothers.”


“The mother took to the baby instantly,” Thomp- son said of Mary Francis. “The moment the birth occurred, she nuzzled the foal and began licking her from head to hoof. It was extremely touching.” Although expected, the birth of Princess DeerFields took James Wilson somewhat by surprise.


“Our groom, Shannon, noticed Flo standing by her favourite tree, apparently about to give birth,” Wilson said. “Our veterinarian talked her through the midwifing process on the cell phone, and it all worked out perfect- ly!”


The 2015 Pan Am Games Organizing Committee has selected the Hills of Headwaters region (Palgrave Equestrian Centre) neighbour to DeerFields as the equestrian venue for the 2015 games. The equestrian sector has been identified as one of the key demand gen- erators for tourism visitation to the region. Destination Equitation is part of a comprehensive regional strategy between the Hills of Headwaters Tourism Association, regional municipal partners, busi- ness and industry sector leaders and industry associa- tions that will showcase the Hills of Headwaters as Ontario’s premier equestrian region, in time for the arrival of the Pan Am Games in 2015. The guided tours highlight the following: • Front Gate – Police assisted parking & Welcome by DeerFields Team


• Stables Tour – meet the Gypsy Vanner club horses plus Mule Mom & Foal - 15 Minutes


• Presentation Studio – Mule Mom Mom’s documentary – 12 Minutes


• In-door Arena – Gypsy Vanner horse demonstration – 15 Minutes


• Inn Tour – Piccola Casa & Casa di Campagna – 30 Minutes


Another service offered by Deerfields is their club. Members will enjoy turn-key horsemanship with a rare horse breed and all the amenities of Deerfield Stables. A variety of programs can be arranged. For more informa- tion, visit the website.


DeerFields Gypsy Vanner / Mule Crosses


The Mule Mom’s Gypsy Vanner breeding program has proven to be a success. A vigorous North American breeding program by partners Dennis Thompson and James D. Wilson of Gypsy Gold and DeerFields Stables


Isabella Devine, Jim Wilson, and Sandy Diamond with Shandar. Photo by The Rider.


To showcase the near-miraculous phenomenon of a mule raising a Gypsy Vanner as its own, plans call for the installation of a mule mom and its foal in equine-ori- ented facilities in America, Canada and elsewhere. One such attraction is already in full swing at Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa, complete with Mule Mom Doris, and res- ident Gypsy Vanner horses offering rides for the kids. The presentation includes audio audio-visual com- ponents, with a widescreen TV providing an entertaining and informative overview of the process. Other items at the zoo include a children’s storybook, an animated TV show, a documentary, plush toys, t-shirts and more. See www.mulemoms.com for details.


For mor einformation on Deerfields visit www.deer- fieldsstables.ca .


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