Waterstone Estate & Farms

About Us

The Property

WaterStone Estate & Farms is situated on over 100 acres of rolling hills in King Township near Newmarket, with expansive views of fields, forest, streams and lake. This historic property was first claimed by the Church of England for use as a clergy reserve. A colonial squire was dispatched to clear the land and build the 1832 farmhouse which stands today in original condition. Quaker settlers purchased the property in the 1840s and erected the hand-hewn timber bank barn, still in use today. These settlers remained landowners until the 1980s when the Toronto North York Hunt Club purchased the property as their new home base. The Hunt Club left the legacy of a spectacular cross country equestrian course across the west fields and a beautiful event clubhouse.

WaterStone Estate & Farms has an 80’ x 200’ show arena as the winter riding school and clinic facility and will soon have a 200’ x 200’ sand ring to complement the existing multiple grass riding rings.

Location, Directions & Map

About Our Team

Deborah Weiss

As owner, operator of WaterStone Estate & Farms, Deborah brings years of diverse management and production experience to the facility. Deborah worked in the film and television industry for 15 years as an editor, writer, producer and director. Taking a leave of absence from the film industry, Deborah pursued her love of horses and the outdoors and soon discovered the emerging field of Equine Assisted Therapy and Personal Development. Deborah has received certifications from internationally acclaimed horse trainer Chris Irwin, founder of Irwin Institute of Equestrian Arts and best-selling author of 'Horses Don't Lie' and 'Dancing With Your Dark Horse', and from Linda Kohanov, founder of Epona Equestrian Services and whose books 'The Tao of Equus' and 'Riding Between the Worlds' have garnered international attention in the field of equine experiential learning. Deborah is also a Level 1 certified EAGALA trainer. Deborah is completing her Masters degree in Clinical Psychology as well as her certification in Theraplay©, a specialized play therapy modality for children and families. Deborah is a member of the following organizations:

• North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA)
• Equine Facilitated Mental Health Association (EFMHA)
• Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association (CanTRA)
• Ontario Equestrian Federation (OEF)
• EAGALA

Shelley Chidlow

Shelley Chidlow has recently joined our team in a Resource Development capacity. With a University of Toronto degree and a post graduate diploma from Georgian College in Resource Development, Shelley comes to us with an extensive background in social work, customer service, event management and fundraising. As a horse owner with a passion for everything equestrian, working at WaterStone is a perfect fit for her unique skills and experience.

Sherri S. Ellison

Sherri Ellison has been in the horse industry for over 25 years. Sherri is a Level 1 Coach with Equine Canada and has shown successfully in both the Trillium and "A" Circuit, with her jumper "Cruise Control". She has ridden and mentored with Level III Hunter/Jumper Coach, Thomas Gayford, and his daughter, Margie Gayford (Level III Equine Canada Coach) and has worked with a lot of young and upcoming horses to aid in their training. She is now working with developing young horses for the hunter & jumper rings. Sherri also holds her NARHA certification which enables her to work with mentally and physically challenged children and adults.

• Equine Canada Coach, Level One
• Member of Equine Canada, Ontario Equestrian Federation
• Member of North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA)

Rebecca Tracy

Rebecca Tracy started riding at 5 years old and her first pony lived in her backyard. Her passion for horses continued and she went on to train and work for some of Canada's top coaches and riders. As Barn Manager at WaterStone, Rebecca lovingly looks after all the horses who now live in her backyard. She is currently studying for her Equine Canada Instructor Level and can often be seen frolicking in the cross country course with her beloved horse Tarquin.