2/ THE RIDER SEPTEMBER 2010 HILLS OF HEADWATERS SPOTLIGHT The Region 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 Headwaters, 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—Headwaters! 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 sightseers. 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.


Artists live and work here: sculptors, potters, painters,


Equine Divine In the Hills The Equine Experience makes its mark in the Hills


One doesn’t have to drive far in the Hills of Headwaters to come upon horses grazing on lush pastures, for horse farms and all things equine are abundant in this region. For years, equestrians and equestrian-related businesses have slowly been making this region their home. What better place, after all, to raise horses, be involved with horses – than the serene hills and valleys, clean and plentiful rivers, and pic- turesque views as far as the eye can see? In Ontario, there is no finer place.


As more and more horse owners make their way to the region, clusters of farms appear along the landscape, comple- menting and sharing each other’s facilities, indoor arenas and paddocks. Equine communities, groups of “equine-friendly” properties, trails and farms are already evident in some small towns including the Grange Side Road in Caledon, that announce to visitors on entrance signs “Welcome to Horse Country”.


From the lush green pastures in the spring and summer, to the crimson and yellow paintbrush that sweeps over the valleys in the Fall, to the snow-covered fields and hills, Headwaters and its clean, crisp air is the draw for this equine community. Fall fairs in Caledon, Orangeville, Shelburne, Erin and Grand Valley attract visitors from far and wide to see and touch the rich harvests from the fields and the animals that graze on the lush pastures. Trails sculpted by Mother Nature herself and oth- ers man-made, in the form of the Mono Cliffs Provincial Park, the Caledon Trail Way and the Elora-Cataract Trail Way offer riders and hikers, a safe, secluded and scenic passage for recre- ation time.


The hills of Mono, in particular, have been blessed with a rich natural heritage that has garnered international recognition, a very strong sense of community and an active and engaged population. Known for its strong agricultural production, it is no wonder that the Town of Mono is currently engaged in dis- cussions of a development strategy for the equine sector. Just as the towns and townships of the region are diverse, so is the makeup of all things equine. Guests to the area can visit world-class breeding farms, horse shows, tack shops, train- ing centres, riding establishments and equestrian-related cloth- ing stores all within an hour of each other. The finest practition- ers in equine health, veterinarians, farriers (blacksmiths) and health facilities with the finest in diagnostic and lab equipment, have made the Hills of Headwaters their base. Visitors to the area enjoying leisurely drives through the scenic countryside are sure to come across riders exercising their horses or taking a leisurely stroll down the road. Be sure to slow down and wave! Hill-Billy Hack of Mono and Rawhide Adventures tucked away in the hills of Mulmur are riding establishments where horseback riding and adventure is the order of the day. Rawhide Adventures caters to private and corporate groups and offers customized packages such as life as a Ranch Wrangler, includ- ing everything from fence checks to rotational grazing – even calf sorting depending on when you stay. Teen Ranch, which is located in Caledon, is a year-round sports camp for kids 8-20 years old, a centre for outdoor education for schools and a retreat centre for school and church groups. A recognized inter- national training centre for hockey, Teen


Ranch is also known for its educational programs in equestrian sport, rodeos and Western and English discipline schooling shows throughout the summer season. Deb Shortill of Hannah’s Closet in Erin, a horsewoman herself, offers country casual clothing to her clientele and out- fits many equestrians with their formal wear requirements for attending the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair.


Those looking for the thrill of equestrian competition won’t be disappointed with a visit to Palgrave! The annual Tournament of Champions featuring the Canada Cup of Show Jumping is held at the Caledon Equestrian Park. This venue, under the management of Equestrian Management Group is also host to over 30 “A”-rated shows over the course of the summer for the dressage, and hunter/jumper disciplines. Excite- ment is the order of the day at these events: well turned out horses and riders, artisan booths and the thrill of competition wins the hearts of many.


The Orangeville Agricultural Society in Mono opens its doors to host a multitude of breed shows including the Canadi- an Sport Horse, and Icelandic breeds, rodeo, dressage competi- tions and a multitude of other equestrian shows throughout the summer. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police Musical Ride has also displayed their talents in the vast outdoor ring. Interna- tional-calibre cross-country courses are easily found in the area. Olympic coaches and competitors for eventing, dressage, and show jumping have made the Hills of Headwaters their home. Competitions are held throughout the summer months and spec- tators are most welcome and encouraged to attend these excit- ing venues.


Enthusiasts can visit, by appointment, a great number of horse farms in the area that breed, nurture, train and show Canada’s competition and Olympic hopefuls. Breeding farms making their mark on the North American equestrian scene, dot the side roads of Erin, Caledon, Orangeville, Shelburne and Mono. Fieldstone Farm, breeders of Canadian Sport Horses in Mono have been breeding and competing horses for five years and have the distinct honor of owning and breeding the 2004 Royal Agricultural Winter Fair Governor General Cup winner. In fact, that honor has gone to breeders in Mono Township for the past two years.


In the winter months, visitors and residents alike thrill in the excitement of a winter sleigh ride through snow covered trails – pulled by a team of gentle giants – the grand Belgian and Clydesdale horses. City dwellers flock to the region during the festive season to find their perfect Christmas tree at one of the many tree farms and enjoy a sleigh ride, reminiscent of days gone by, with cup of hot cider before their short journey home. Anytime of the year equestrians can experience the best nature has to offer and all things equine, in the Hills of Head- waters.


Shannon Smith is a resident of Mono Township and sits as VP on the Board of Directors for the Canadian Sport Horse Associ- ation, Ontario Chapter. Shannon and her husband Chris own and operate Fieldstone Farm in Mono.


Welcome to our Hills Of Headwaters Spotlight


We hope you enjoy the Spotlight we are shining on the Hills of Headwa- ters Region. We would like to thank everyone who placed an ad, submit- ted a story or supported us in this endeavour. We would also like to thank photographer Ellen Cameron for the amazing photos on our front cover.


For more information on The Rider you can reach us at 1-877-743-3715, www.therider.com


Ellen Cameron at Equi-Fest 2010. Photo by The Rider


pencil, and later clay, but I contin- ued to return to photography. With the advent of new technology I was drawn to the unlimited possi- bilities of combining the two dis- ciplines of painting and photogra- phy. As a consequence these two disciplines having been combined, I am now able to enjoy the imme- diacy of an unexpected, magical turn of the head of a single horse as I stroll through a dew covered meadow at sunrise. Then, from this quiet intimacy I will transfer these images to my computer where I delve into the meticulous detail of working with the pho- tographs in the “digital dark- room”, where the hours spent on the computer serve only to further enhance an already stunning pho- tograph, revealing not just the inti-


matter, as it is also home to the most concentrated equestrian area in the province of Ontario. A constant companion, my camera has enabled me to become a better observer of all that sur- rounds me, so I can always be found with it in hand. From this exploration of the natural beauty that surrounds me, I find myself profoundly moved by the sub- tleties of the horse’s actions and their interactions with both one another, and, with their loving owners. As a consequence of viewing my work I would hope people will find themselves simi- larly drawn closer to the horse’s wild, untamed nature. From my art I seek to convey the remark- able spirit of the horse, with all of its strength, and fragility.


carvers, writers, musicians, actors, photographers, chefs (If you think food is not an artist’s medium, we have some places where you should dine). Headwaters agriculture helps feed Canadians and brings its cornucopia 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.


(Photo by Dave Landry).


Ellen Cameron, Equestrian Photographer


For as long as I can remem- ber I have been fascinated with horses. As a young girl I was con- stantly drawing horses; even then I was mesmerized by the power and the majesty of these magnifi- cent creatures. My formal train- ing in Fine Arts at York Universi- ty, opened new and exciting doors for me, exposing me to the drama in such works as, The Pharaoh’s Horses or Spirited Horses. My initial artistic explo- rations were as a painter, then


macy of the horse, but also our relationships with them.


Many of my photographs are taken on the Niagara Escarp- ment which is an area within the Hills of Headwaters, where I have been lucky enough to have settled. The Escarpment is a unique ecosystem in Ontario which has been recognized since 1990 by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve. The pristine natural beauty found here serves as a backdrop for my equine subject


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