The Greenhawk Sportsmanship Rider of the Week award at Angelstone Events recognizes dedicated athletes who exhibit outstanding horsemanship during the Silver Series shows. On the Silver Central Circuit, one of the July recipients of the award was Foxwood Farm. This season, Foxwood could be found at every Silver Central show roaming the grounds selling cookies in support of the Donkey Sanctuary of Canada. Owner and head coach Robyn Freer shares her motivations to begin working with this cause.
Foxwood Farm located North of Bradford Ontario was started in 2002 by Robyn Freer and her family as a lesson barn. Over the years, Robyn developed Foxwood into both a successful show program with silver, gold and bronze teams, and a popular recreational riding academy. Robyn and her team often support a number of causes; one charity Robyn has taken part in sponsoring for over 15 years is the Donkey Sanctuary of Canada. The Donkey Sanctuary is a non-profit dedicated to providing a lifelong home for neglected, abused or unwanted mules, hinnies and donkeys. Through their protective efforts, many animals have been rescued and found new homes with caring owners.
Following the Covid-19 pandemic, the sanctuary experienced an influx of donkeys in urgent need of rehoming. In November 2020, Robyn connected with the sanctuary and began fostering two donkeys. These donkeys still reside at Foxwood today. After caring for two of these special animals Robyn then began to think of more ways that she could help.
At the start of 2024, Foxwood collaborated with Grace Lamontagne, the owner of Simply Sweet Equine Cookies, to sell horse treats in support of the sanctuary. Each month Grace created a different theme of custom, stenciled horse treats that Robyn’s show team sold at each of the Silver Central shows. Using the hashtags #cookiesforacause and #givebackgoodies, Foxwood was able to raise awareness for the sanctuary while providing barns with elaborate, delicious horse treats. Robyn describes it as a perfect opportunity for a young entrepreneur to expand her platform while supporting the charity. Since the beginning of the show season, Foxwood has managed to raise an impressive $1,135 for the Donkey Sanctuary of Canada.
Greenhawk, with locations at both Angelstone sites, has shown tremendous support for Silver riders and barns this season by sponsoring such a meaningful award. By recognizing influential athletes and their contributions to the equestrian sport, and by offering exhibitors top-quality equestrian apparel and products, Greenhawk continues to inspire riders to improve their sportsmanship and horsemanship at every show. Angelstone Events has served as the perfect venue to raise awareness for this cause. Silver Central has also been incredibly supportive, helping the team to sell out every show, demonstrating the true compassion and unity within the equestrian community.
~ by Emma Long