Caledon Equestrian School celebrating 40 years of horse love

May 10, 2018 · 0 Comments

Written By JASEN OBERMEYER

Caledon Equestrian School will be holding an open house on Monday, May 21st, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., to celebrate 40 years of horse love.

They will be holding free grooming lessons, demos of rider development, tours of the facility and birthday cake. The school is at 13441 Airport Road between King Road and Mayfield Road. Visit their website at caledonequestrian.com.

40 years ago this summer, Susan Fripp moved to a farm in Caledon East to start her dream of creating a riding school for everyone from all walks of life. Susan was in the middle of the Equine Studies program at Humber College and she figured she knew just about everything about horses. Farm life quickly fixed that illusion and she has been learning and sharing her life long education about horses ever since that summer.

Initially the farm was called Sandhill Stables and lessons were held in the outdoor arena and a small 40’ by 70’ pole barn. The program was mainly geared to adults in private or semi private lessons due to the limitations of the riding spaces. Susan continued to teach evening classes at Humber College Equine Studies Program.

Over the years Sandhill Stables evolved into Caledon Equestrian School and has grown to be an integral part of Caledon’s horse community. In 1997, Canada’s first Cover All riding arena was built at the farm. Having a 72’ by 130’ indoor arena allowed the school to grow and become a strong community equestrian facility.

17 years of hosting camps with the Town of Caledon and now partnering with Cedar Glen YMCA, Caledon Equestrian School has launched many young riders into their passion of life long horse love. Former students, now parents, have returned with their own children to introduce them to the joy of horses. The school also held numerous school elective programs over the years to local schools and continues to provide top quality horse education to the community.

Caledon Equestrian School has camp programs with the YMCA, and offers year round riding lessons for all ages and levels of riders. One of our favourite programs is the Pegasus Program for Special Needs riders, which is strongly supported by community volunteers.

Such is the nature of Caledon Equestrian School. Not only a strong community where everyone shares their passion for horses but also a community where its members love to give back. Everyone at the school is a major part of the school’s success and Caledon Equestrian School is truly a reflection of its members, both horse and human.

Growing from a small riding school into a community equestrian pillar with its own wonderful community of riders and their families, Caledon Equestrian School is a dream come true for Susan.