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Testimonials
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Dick and Kathi Bayly, Kingston, Ontario

"We purchased "Lauderdale" as a Glen Oro bred weanling in 2000 and were so pleased with his attitude,athletic ability and soundness that we have since also purchased his younger full sister "Jackie Oh". Both horses are a pleasure to live with and compete. Lauderdale completed his first Preliminary in Sept/08 getting a very good ribbon in the US. Jackie Oh won and placed well at Pre-training and is ready to go Training in 2009.

The Glen Oro breeding program combines strong pedigrees for Sport Horses with a natural upbringing on large rolling pastures to produce healthy young horses that are lovely to work with."

Jennifer riding her horse JeromeJennifer Nieuwdorp

Incredible is one word to describe Glen Oro farm.  It is heaven on horseback.  I have been truly blessed to ride at such an amazing facility and to have had Leslie Saila as both a coach and a close friend.  Her knowledge and horsemanship is incredible.  The care is second to none and the hacking is by far the best that I have ever come across.  Having spent many hours out on the cross country course, it is one of the best eventing facilities in Canada.  Rain or shine the footing is always safe and consistent.  It is a facility where you and your horse can build confidence and know that you are in good hands.  Thank you Leslie for having such a fantastic place for me to come and ride. ~ Jennifer and Jerome. 

Jessica Ferguson
Glen Oro is one of my favorite events on the Ontario circuit! The facilities and staff are very welcoming and their cross country course is ideal for producing confidence in both the horse and rider. 

Gabrielle Ledger, Cliffhaven Farm
I've competed at Glen Oro since 1994 on a variety of horses ranging in experience levels and always find the courses hit the perfect balance between challenging and encouraging, the footing is consistently perfect, and the overall atmosphere is friendly and inviting. Glen Oro has long been and will remain my favourite competition venue in North America!

Maria Lee
Hacking in the country on horsebackI was a mature rider, with not much experience & not very athletic when I met Leslie Saila! Actually, Tony Z. recommended her to me for help in eventing. She has been extremely helpful: training me & my horse as an athletic unit, telling me when we were ready & for what we were ready! She was always concerned about the welfare & readiness of the horse, mentally & physically. For me, that was very important. It has been a great experience which resulted in enjoying the riding & my horse well into my sixties!! Thanks Leslie!

Jennifer Gillies
Glen Oro is my “Happy Place”.  I rush out of work each day and head straight to the farm. I can feel the stress slide off me and a smile on my face at my anticipation of arriving at Glen Oro.  The riding is spectacular, the people are all so friendly, kind and helpful.  Leslie has been so patient with me during lessons and helping me out with my new horse who was very poorly when I first brought her to Glen Oro.  I have been riding for many years and have boarded at a number of stables, but I have not experienced such a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere, but with top notch care and safety in mind as well. 

Jen McCreary (former boarder, employee, student)
Glen Oro farms has the best hacking in all of Ontario, gorgeous facilities and the care is second to none. If I lived closer to Orillia/Barrie I would be back at Glen Oro in a heartbeat. One thing I appreciated in relation to the facilities is the fact that everything is well maintained and safe. Being a stickler for cleanliness, organization and attention to detail, my horses every need was met at Glen Oro farms.

I would also like to add that Leslie Saila, the farm owner and manager has an incredibly vast knowledge of training, horsemanship, farm management and riding. I learned more from Leslie over the years I rode at Glen Oro than anywhere else in the province. Her focus on classical riding and serious commitment to making a rider more capable means better results on the show circuit, plus, more fun! Leslie has a talent for bringing out the best in both riders and horses. In fact, her youngsters are some of the nicest horses to ride and work around.

In terms of hacking, the footing at Glen Oro is awesome. There is nothing more beautiful at any time of year then heading out to the back trails and enjoying some fantastic scenery... my personal favourite is checking out the 'look-out' in autumn.

Finally, I think the thing I love most about Glen Oro is the quiet atmosphere and access to fantastic facilities. With cross-country courses, great footing and lighting in the indoor arena and lovely dressage and jumping rings, this place is one of a kind whether you ride competitively or for pure pleasure!

Sheilagh Rose
Sheilagh and her horse KairosI feel I am lucky to have found a home for my horse Kairos that allows him and myself to grow and learn how to enjoy each other better. We have now been at Glen Oro Farm for three years. In that time we have both grown. For me, I have a place that gives me serenity after a long day at work. Within 15 minutes of being at the barn, no matter how my day went, all is well and there is a smile on my face. For Kairos I find he is not as anxious and nervous as he was in the past, he has buddies and lots of space to play. We enjoy hacking, dressage, jumping - this does not include eventing... (if Kairos wants to event he can find another rider!). Leslie has been my coach during this time and gradually my riding is improving, she knows my horse and my abilities and we work as a team.

Lori Sumner
Glen Oro is a wonderful facility for either the happy hacker or the determined competitor. The fields around the yard offer rolling terrain and a wide variety of cross-country obstacles for all levels of eventer, and the neighbouring Simcoe Forest has miles of trail for someone who just wants a relaxing ride. There is also a large grass ring which usually has stadium jumps set up, as well as a sand ring large enough for two full size dressage rings. The terrain, being mostly sandy, drains well and offers good footing. Leslie is very particular about the care and health of the horses.

Laura MacKinnon is a rider/coach who recently started working with Leslie, and I found her to be one of the most helpful coaches I've had. We started off with Laura riding my green mare, then with me transitioning in slowly. Laura and Leslie were able to identify problem behaviours, their triggers and find simple, effective solutions. My mare and I have made more progress in three months than I had in the previous year, due to Laura's intimate knowledge of my mare and Leslie's many years of experience. Regrettably, I have to leave because of my job, but I highly recommend this facility.