Photo/DAN PELTON THE GRAND OPENING of the new Loralee Farms facility was held over the weekend. Co-owners Laura and Mike Barnhart take their horse, Ms. Executive Dreamer, through its paces in Loralee's new training arena. Loralee Farms, on Dufferin 124 north of Shelburne, has taken a giant step toward becoming a one-stop-shop for the equine set.

A reputable horse farm for more than a decade, Loralee has undergone an expansion that includes a new 62-by-150-foot arena for exercising and/or equestrian training in yearround indoor comfort. As well, 16 stalls have been added to the boarding stable.

"People now have the opportunity to keep their horses in a stress-free environment," says Laura Barnhart, who co-owns Loralee with her husband, Mike Barnhart.

Ms. Barnhart, who has been riding, training and showing horses for over a quarter-century, says the expansion is in tune with the Hills of Headwaters area's emergence as a centre for riding.

She points to the rising popularity of horse shows in both Collingwood and Palgrave to support her contention, and says more effort is being made towards promoting the area as a horse-friendly environment.

Besides boarding and trailering horses and providing trail rides on its 75- acre expanse, Loralee offers lessons in all aspects of horsemanship and gives perspective students the chance to start their lessons at an early age.

"A lot of farms won't take kids until they're eight," claims Ms. Barnhart. "I'll take them at five."