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Urban meets country:
the new equestrian centre, operated by Neal Bertin, on Dundas Street west
of Bronte Road.
A housing development abutting Neal Bertin's horse farm is a happy marriage
of urban and rural settings. This atypical co-existence on Dundas Street,
between Tremaine and Bronte roads, signals the latest realty trend.
Another similar project is underway in Collingwood and already set up
in communities south of the border. What sets this one apart is its ideal
proximity to the trails in Bronte Provincial Park, located right behind
the property.
When Neal, 38, decided to move back to his roots, after travelling the
world competing, training and teaching in the equestrian industry, he
was eager to replicate the riding villages he had been a part of for so
long. He and his wife, Sarah, found two riding arenas, which had been
abandoned for four years, and set to work on renovating the acreage. While
a whirlwind of home construction ensued around them, the couple cleared
out the L-shaped barns, levelled the ground and even recruited their fast-growing
clientele to help paint the interior. Within one month Oakville Equestrian
Riding Centre opened its doors on Aug. 1.
As well as room to board 10 horses and house a total of 22, inside is
a patio seating area where students, parents and visitors can sit in comfort
surrounded by a flat screen television, show trunks and large windows
to watch a lesson in progress. Here is where rookie riders of all ages,
and well-honed riders congregate to learn the ropes, improve hand-eye
co-ordination and win competitively from instructors Neal and Sarah, Grace
Ednie and Adele Shannon. From a Pony Club on Fridays and Saturdays for
the five to 12-year-old set, to a Dinner Ride Club, in which Neal combines
his penchant for gourmet cooking, his event planning background, as well
as riding prowess. It's an unforgettable outing in which adults enjoy
a wonderful meal with an evening canter through picturesque Bronte Park
afterward.
"We cater to a lifestyle," said Neal who has worked for elite American
families in the horse riding meccas of Vermont, Ohio and Wellington, Florida.
He qualified 10 riders for the New England finals, a feat which no trainer
had done before. And as an amateur was rated number one in Ontario. He
turned pro at age 22 competing internationally for years.
With such credentials and affordable lessons, that start at $35 lesson
for a 45-minute group lesson, Oakville Equestrian Riding School may fill
the burgeoning neighbourhood with a new mode of transport.
For information, contact O.E.C. 905-465-3342 |
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