2009 brought some huge changes at Conifer Ridge Farm. The conception of Hope Reins Theapeutic Riding Association, the addition of a beautiful  Welsh stallion, Lianna Special Occassion, and the big one - Leslie is a grandmother!

Conifer Ridge Farm sits atop a treed spruce ridge, overlooking miles of rolling hills, with a constant breeze, lush grass and fresh clean water.  We are a family run farm, located in central Nova Scotia, halfway between Truro and Halifax.

Our philosophy is to farm the land as naturally as possible without applying man-made chemicals. This ensures the healthiest and safest environment for us and our animals. Horses, cattle and sheep share the pastures on a rotational schedule, keeping the grasses hearty.  The dogs have endless acres of land to run on, which keeps them fit and in top condition.  We always have a breeze to keep the bugs away and lots of trees for shade.

The land we own has been farmed naturally for over two decades. Sheep are sheared, lambs are born, fences are fixed and foals are born. Hay is made, manure is spread, gardens and fruit trees grow.

At the beginning our farm was just beef, then came sheep, goats, and chickens. The goats left (ate my rose bushes and fruit trees). The sheep stayed for years, giving us great pleasure and good laughs.

The horses have increased and decreased over the years depending on the mares. Most of our current equine stock is young and at the beginning of their training. We do accept other horses to our farm for training although this is limited. Generally, training of other people's horses is done at their own facility.

  2006 saw the launch of our Comprehensive Horsemanship Program at Conifer Ridge Farm and it's been working well ever since..  You'll learn to talk like a horse, move like a horse, even think like a horse!  Click here to learn about the essential skills which will help you get more out of your ride and give more to your own horse as well...

As a youngster Leslie Guy could find a horse or dog anywhere she went.  Not particularly good at remembering peoples names, she could tell you anything about animals.

Much happier tramping through the woods or fields than conforming with the norm, Leslie quickly found work anywhere with animals. Sometimes even convincing people to let her work for free, just to be around their animals.

Her relationship with horses started as a wee thing on the IGA Supermarket pony. Mom would put in a dime and it would gallop for a few minutes. That didn't last long enough. So on to the trail ride/ lessons at a local establishment. Leslie soon grew out of that and went on to the Halifax Junior Bengal Lancers for more structured training. After the HJBL she started working with other peoples horses and showing at local shows.

When Leslie's education was finished she decided to travel to further her equine interests, and since then has worked with horses throughout Canada and the United States. She worked in Ontario at a number of jumping stables, traveled to Alberta to work with parade draft horses and down throughout the U.S.A. to various Quarter Horse ranches. The highlight of her time in the U.S.A. was being part of the Quarter Horse Congress in 1984.  Leslie had the chance of a lifetime to work with the stallions in "million dollar stallion avenue".

Back in Nova Scotia, Leslie continued working with horses along with a "regular" job.  Leslie says there was always something nagging her about the way people were handling their animals. She knew something wasn't right, but couldn't figure it out.

As she continued to ride and take clinics from various clinicians she saw more and more unhappy horses. The thing that bugged her most was that very few people seemed to be able to correct the problem. Leslie became very frustrated, sold her horses and took a long, long horseless vacation, ten years in all.

In 1999 she happened to read an article about a Canadian man that was teaching people how to "think like a horse". That man was Chris Irwin.  "The first time I saw Chris work, I knew I had found my mentor." says Leslie.  "I have learnt more since I met Chris Irwin than in all my previous experience".

Leslie continues her work with the Chris Irwin program, pursuing higher levels of certification. 

"Working with horses" says Leslie, "you have to continue to evolve, continue to progress, if you want your relationship with them to progress too.  All languages evolve, and horsemanship is a language."

2009 saw the beginning of a great idea which grew into a  huge amount of effort, volunteer work and red tape. But it was all worth it in the end because now we host the Hope Reins Therapeutic Riding Association here at the Farm. We are up and running with a not-for-profit status, wonderful volunteers and a fabulous board of directors.  See shots by Danique of Century Classic Photo below...

 

Photo Memories - Leslie as a young 'un...