Farm Tour

The Township of Langley’s Agricultural Advisory and Economic Enhancement Committee (AAEEC) hosted their annual farm tour on Tuesday, June 20, 2023.

Hosting a farm tour is an action in the Agricultural Viability Strategy. It is a way to raise awareness to Council, other key decision makers and target audiences on the many aspects of the agricultural industry in the Township.

This year the AAEEC chose to showcase the businesses and services built around the horse industry. The tour kicked off with a networking mixer and opening remarks by Mayor Woodward and Councillor Pratt. The first stop was Valley Therapeutic Equestrian Association, a non-profit volunteer-based charity that offers medically approved therapeutic horseback riding to children and adults.

The next stop was at Windsor Stables, a boarding facility founded in 1989. Lisa Shultz, owner of Dream Chaser Equestrian, operates her business out of Windsor Stables, teaching riders of all ages and disciplines. Lisa’s students demonstrated to the farm tour attendees various disciplines: stadium jumping, dressage, western pleasure, and Pony Club Prince Phillip Games.

The final stop was a tour of Thunderbird Show Park that is celebrating its 50th year in 2023. Taste of Heaven food truck provided lunch while two guest speakers - Lisa Ellis, Principal of the Langley Equestrian Academy at Brookswood Secondary and Carla Robin, representing Valley Therapeutic and the Langley Horse and Farm Federation - spoke passionately about their organizations.

Chris Pack, President and Operations Director at Thunderbird, explained the improvements that the show park has made over the years for them to qualify for international level equestrian events while also improving the spectator experience by adding bleachers and a new kid’s zone.