WALNUT RIDGE FARM - About Us
Martin and Estelle Clunies, Owners:
Martin and Estelle Clunies, natives of Jamaica, met at the University of Guelph where they both graduated from Ontario Agricultural College before completing M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees in Animal Nutrition and Food Science, respectively. Martin, an avid rider, owned and re-trained retired racehorses and was exposed to thoroughbred racing through his uncle who owned and raced top tier horses in Jamaica. Estelle came from a farming family with holdings in sugar cane, pimento (allspice), coffee and bananas.
It has always been their dream to own a horse farm and be involved in the racing industry. In 2004 they purchased a 93-acre farm and renovated the house for their family. Martin and Estelle have 2 adult sons - Gregory and Ian . In 2008, Martin and Estelle started developing the horse operation at Walnut Ridge Farm from previously undeveloped farmland.
In September 2008 the Clunies purchased a racing 3-year old filly (Pleasant Dream) and 2 yearlings at the CTHS Sale. In her first start for her new owners, Pleasant Dream won – breaking her maiden and giving her new owners their first lifetime win.
Walnut Ridge Farm stands out from other year-round boarding equine care and devlopment centres through the intrinsic uniqueness of its own owners, Estelle and Martin, who have put their science-based nutritional expertise into practice. As nutrition plays an important role in the development of young horses through bone and muscle growth, they see the opportunity to utilize their knowledge in raising young equine athletes to their genetic potential. This is the distinctive difference of equine care at Walnut Ridge Farm.
Amy Wilson, Equine Care Manager:
A graduate of the Groom One Certificate Program at Equine Guelph, Amy joined Walnut Ridge in November 2008 and functions as its primary caregiver. Amy has previous equine experience working with Jamie Kay Stables, Hillsborough Stables, and BinMar Racing.