Irish Creek Stables is celebrating an important milestone this year: 40 years as part of the local horse community.
Founder and owner Liz Lewis, who says she knew her life would involve horses, credits her passion to own and operate her own facility as the driving force in reaching this milestone.
Growing up around horses and achieving certifications from the British Horse Society, Canadian Pony Club and Equine Canada, she realized that teaching in itself was not enough for her.
“It must be engaging, interesting and above all, it must be safe,” Lewis says.
She explained her programs are designed to suit all ages and levels of experience and include many “unique and fun-filled activities.”
The facility is located in the golden triangle (Guelph, Cambridge and Waterloo) in the historical watershed of Irish Creek, which flows through the property.
There are opportunities to learn about the First Nations, as arrow heads are often found throughout the farm and it was certainly a fertile ground for fishing and hunting, explains Lewis.
She said students also learn about the local environment and the importance of conservation while riding through the property identifying significant vegetation and fauna. They often encounter deer and other wildlife as well as many species of birds and waterfowl.
“It is indeed a unique learning experience,” says Lewis.
At the heart of the facility is a bank barn built at the turn of the last century. Over the years it has been renovated and now boasts modern stabling and additions. There is a large well lit indoor arena that complements the outdoor jumping ring, cross country course and a new international-standard dressage ring.
Irish Creek Stables will be hosting a 40th anniversary celebration on Sept. 18 from 10am to 4pm, rain or shine.
It will include facility tours, displays and demonstrations by students and staff, hay rides, a complimentary food tent and other activities and memorabilia.
