Shadowgate Equestrian Centre in Innisfil is a rare breed
By Michelle Minnoch

TAKING IT EASY The weekend was a time to just relax in King, and that went for horses too.

Shadowgate Equestrian Centre, located on the 5th Line in Innisfil, is a top notch facility that has running for just over a year. Shadowgate specializes in breeding and training horses for hunting, jumping and dressage.

Owned by Susi and Jamie Rumney, Shadowgate has been open for just over a year. The Rumney's, own not only Shadowgate Equestrian Centre, but Strudwick Construction, which has been in business for 30 years, and the five year old Laurelview Academy. The three businesses are run on 150 acres of property.

"She decided to buy horses a few years ago," said Farm Manager/Trainer Allie Zlepnig. "She found me and we kept acquiring horses."

Shadowgate, a private boarding and training facility, has a full barn and the improvements never stop. The Centre, which boasts 30 horses, is currently building a grand prix field for training and hopes to soon complete and eight and 12 foot water jump.

"It is the best training facility," said Zlepnig. "We have everything you would see at a horse show."

With that in mind, from August 9th to the 12th, Shadowgate will be the first facility in Canada to host the International Student Riding Nations' Cup.

Zlepnig, who competed in the Cup in 2003 in New York and later in Italy and Japan, began working with Kate Shoveller of CURCA (Canadian Universities Riding Clubs Association). Trying to find a venue for the event brought Zlepnig to Shadowgate.

"We looked at Spruce Meadows, Palgrave and Ottawa, and no-one would donate their facility for the event." The four day event will

see people from approximately 21 countries competing in show jumping and dressage events. Admission is free, and people are asked to make a donation for parking.

"All the proceeds will be going towards student riding," said Zlepnig.

Shadowgate features a large ventilated barn with 12' X 11' rubber matted stalls, plenty of pastures, an indoor riding arena with an area for viewing, a huge outdoor ring with a full course of jumps, and a heated tack room which include storage lockers.

Shadowgate Equestrian Centre is accepting boarders and rates can be found on their website at www.shadowgateequestrian. ca, and they can be reached at (705) 458-8294.