For seven years we watched the struggles of the many children and adults on Salt Spring Island trying to ride and maintain levels of fitness and training, especially in the wet of winter. With no suitable all-weather facilities available on Salt Spring, having a one hour riding lesson often means travelling to Victoria or Duncan, turning it into a whole day trek. In addition, riders may have to board their horses off-island in winter, an expensive and unsatisfactory arrangement that deprives them of easy access to the horse's care and companionship.
The Colgan's, Michael, Lesley, Megan, and Tammy, and the connemaras.
We tried approaching groups and individuals to form a joint venture for a decent riding facility, but there were too many stumbling blocks. So they decided to build the facility themselves. Suitable land did not come up until late 2004. When the land that curls around the south end of St. Mary's Lake became available we bought it immediately for two reasons, first to preserve it from development that would have destroyed it and its Salt Spring character forever, and second to develop a state of the art and beautiful equestrian facility.
Numerous people have told us that the views are much enhanced by the addition of horses in the paddocks. Local artists and photographers have already been working here and we welcome inquiries from others interested in doing so.
The name Blennerhassett comes from our family roots in Southern Ireland. It seemed only fitting that we breed Connemara ponies, known for their sweet temperament and athletic ability. Our first foal, a colt, was born on June 10th 2005, from an Irish Champion sire out of our pure-bred registered mare.
We welcome all equestrian enthusiasts to our facility and encourage you to come by and see us. Nothing beats the beauty of nature combined with the passion you love.