Wits End Equestrian Centre
About Us
Wits End offers a range of services including weekly riding lessons, coaching for the show circuit, training, and instructional camps. Our Day Camp program is an excellent introduction to riding for beginners. We also have opportunities for more advanced riders, and talented horses available for riders who wish to compete. As a courtesy to the horses all riders need to learn proper technique. Whether riding for pleasure or competition you need the same basic skills.
In the past some riders and parents have commented that they 'just' want to ride for recreation and don't want to learn all the "proper stuff". In response to this Mary offers specialized coaching for recreational riders because, out there on the trails, your horse will encounter all sorts of surprises and challenges that horseshow riders and horses never have to deal with.
Wits End was established in 1983 by Mary Mattos. Since then, Wits End riders have competed in dressage, local fairs, showjumping, Canadian Pony Club, OCTRA long distance rides, eventing, and mounted games (PPG). Mary volunteered as a 4-H Horse Club Leader from 1988 to 1998, and has also served as Regional Dressage Chair and Education Chair for Central Ontario Region of Canadian Pony Club.
Mary's daughter, Megan, was a member of Canadian Pony Club and has completed the HA Level. Megan has competed in all disciplines and has trained her buddy "Freddy the Freak" since he was 4 years old and she was 10. Freddy competed up to 4th Level Dressage before Megan switched to her new horse Andy. Freddy is now being used for lessons as a "schoolmaster" and is competing at lower levels with students who are gaining valuable competition experience.
Wits End has an indoor arena, outdoor sand ring, access to miles of local trails including one that crosses the Indian River, and a heated room that is used as a viewing room, tack room and classroom. We have a large library of books, magazines and videos "All About Horses". We occasionally organize 'pot luck' gatherings to watch videos together so that we can discuss them and learn.
We are about 10 minutes from Lakefield and 20 to 30 mins from Peterborough. If you are interested in learning to ride well we have some super lesson horses ready to help you out.
Our summer camp welcomes international guests. The rate for the first week includes pick up and drop off at the airport. All additional weeks are the same rate as local guests. Special price for early bird registration if paid in full before December 31.
Registration is due in advance to reserve your spot. A one third deposit is due with registration. For rates and details, please contact us via email. We'll send you a description of what a typical day would be like for you based on your age, previous riding experience, and interests.
Our camp is best suited to those who prefer to be part of a smaller group. We have a maximum of 15 campers per week. It's like owning your own horse and spending your days doing what you'd do if you lived on the farm.
When you follow the links to our camp, lesson and other pages, you will have an opportunity to view pictures of our farm and our horses, as well as Wits End riders in action. If you have any questions, please use our email link.
Our rate schedule is available on our "Rates" page.
Wits End is home to Taking Shape, an arts presentation that includes a mix of music, dance, film, performance art, visual art, comedy and more. Our 8 horse quadrille is called StartsWithQ and we perform to the accompaniment of local professional musicians. To watch a video with sample clips from earlier shows click here. To view info and photos "Taking Shape: All the Farm's a Stage".
We are located close to Lakefield, Ontario, Canada.
Out of courtesy to our clients we ask that all visitors contact us by phone or email before dropping by the farm.
Visitors are most welcome! When you contact us we'll give you detailed directions to our location.
Click here to download the television commercial aired on CHEX TV Channel 12 Peterborough
Please note: The website and phone number in the commercial no longer apply.