Williamstown, ON – The nickering of horses and the thunder they make as they run through the fields are sounds that stay with you for life. It’s a sound of freedom and beauty as old as time and one that will put a thrill in your step and bring a smile to your face.
For Andrew Sangster and his wife, Lorraine, of Strathburn Farm, near Williamstown, Ontario, horses are joy bringers. Their seven Clydesdale steeds are a big part of the family. They have been caring for and raising horses for a long time. Their children, Jessica, Jason and Erin grew up working alongside their parents on their 130-acre dairy farm and showing their teams of horses on the Ottawa Valley Fair Circuit.
When the pandemic brought only quiet to most fairgrounds and the competitions stopped, Andrew said he and his family sought a new way to share the joy of their horses. Recently they began offering sleigh rides.
Now retired from dairy farming, with his quota sold, Andrew said his family have more time to work with their horses and to greet visitors to the farm their family has worked, and loved, since it was settled by his ancestors in 1844.
“When we got the horses in 2010, we began offering rides,” says Andrew. It grew gradually from there. Raising the gentle giants from foals is a joy that Andrew reflects on with some longing. With great pride he tells the story of his young colt Rosco, who was born on the farm and chased after his mother, Rose, until it was time to learn to pull his own wagon. And what a wagon it is. In 2013, Rosco was sold to Budweiser so that he could become a “Budweiser Clydesdale”. Next time you’re watching the famous Anheuser-Busch hitches pull their wagons through a beer commercial, know that you may be cheering for a gentle giant from Williamstown who grew up in green pastures surrounded by children and Ayrshire cows.
For your own chance to go for a wagon or sleigh ride, plan to book ahead. Reservations are required and typically a ride will last for well over an hour, with a bit of time afterwards to warm up with a hot chocolate and visit the horses and many kittens playing in the stable. The horses can accommodate groups of 8 to 10 people. Make sure to dress for the weather and prepare for a day of adventure.
Bookings can be made by calling Andrew at tel. 613-363-7599 or by contacting the farm through their Facebook Page at “Strathburn Farm”. Stathburn Farm is located at 20305 Cedar Grove Road, in Williamstown, Ontario.
Learn more about things to do in the United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry at www.whereontariobegan.ca