The fact Sarah Davies works with horses for a living should come as little surprise.
“I remember my mom would ride her horse and lead me on my pony to drop me off at school,” Davies recalled.
“I grew up with ponies at home, competing and riding.
“I would run home from school to go riding.”
Davies grew up in the U.K., eventually competing and coaching in the equestrian field.
And when she moved to Canada 30 years ago, she continued following her passion.
For the past 25 years, she has operated Windsor Stables on Fraser Highway, east of 248 Street.
The equestrian facility offers a variety of services, such as horse shows, boarding, lessons, clinics and facility rentals.
The horse shows all offer free admission for spectators.
Since purchasing the former equestrian centre, Davies has expanded her operations and now had three outdoor rings in addition to an indoor ring. She has also added more stalls and all-weather paddocks with shelter for the horses.
The facility can house 45 horses.
The 51-year-old can’t imagine doing anything else with her life.
“I love the interaction with the horses, the connection,” she explained.
“There is always that moment of anticipation, you just learn to feel and think what they might do next.”
Davies received her coaching certification through the British Horse Society and after moving to Canada, became a certified level II coach through Equine Canada.
Davies can often be seen roaming aboard Castles, who was born at Windsor Stables.
“Over the years, I have had the chance to ride many, many special horses and meet some interesting people,” she said.
“And the horse shows we do are really fun. They draw a like-minded group together and it has been inspirational to see the improvement each year.
“You get the regular clients and you can see the progress being made.”