Royale Equestrian Centre July 1 Anniversary of the Woodroffe/Fallowfield Horse Farm in Barrhaven.

Dawn Patterson (left), Fred (horse) , Emily Bertrand (centre), Elliot Bertrand (right)

Every Canada Day is unique and special! 🇨🇦

It not only is a time to be grateful to live in such an incredible diverse country, full of opportunities. It also marks the anniversary of Royale Equestrian Centre. My mom, brother, and I moved into this once old run down farm at Woodroffe and Fallowfield, on July 1, 2007. What an incredible journey it has been. We literally started the farm from nothing. Just a big old bank barn and a property in complete disrepair, no money, and no clue how to run a business, but we did it!

The blood, sweat, tears, sleepless nights, and sacrifices that have gone into this farm are immeasurable. But what we can measure is: the thousands of people who have come though our front gate that we have welcomed with open arms. Giving them an opportunity to fuel a life long passion for horses.

We have made many people laugh and smile. Lasting friendships formed, opportunity to learn valuable life lessons, to give back, to be part of something more than just themselves. To be part of a unique group of youth and adults that find purpose and passion with horses!

For some it started as a short visit or their very first ride, others having once ridden in their youth decided to once again give horseback riding a try. No matter why you decided to visit our farm and give it a try. All I hope is that we were able to make you smile and to give you an experience that evokes many happy feelings and memories.

I want nothing more to be able to give others what horses have given me. A sense of community, acceptance, belonging, love, passion, and purpose. It’s about the horses and the people. The two are synonymous. Thank you for being part of this journey with me. Looking forward to many more visits, smiles, laughter, friendships, learning, and enjoying the horses alongside with you 💜

Emily Bertrand

CEO Royale Equestrian Centre

Photos from the first year at the farm in 2007