| November 20, 2008 Volume 48 Edition No. 0 |
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Full scope equine stables now open in Tecumseh
by Cheryl Hardcastle |
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 From beginners lessons to A-circuit competition, Ironstone Stables, located in Tecumseh on the 12 Concession, off South Talbot, “provides the full gamut,” says Tecumseh resident Dave Holek who along with his wife Debby has partnered with Reg and Marguerite Chevalier in owning the facility that officially launched with an open house on November 16, 2008. The operation of the hunter-jumper-equitation facility is managed by Jonathan Chesler, overseeing the care of 24 horses, five of them school mounts, and the riding school. Chesler, brings his knowledge and experience as an olympic calibre competitor and instructor to the new stable that the Holeks and Chevaliers spent the last year constructing on a 50-acre piece of property. Both the Holeks and Chevaliers have daughters who are heavily involved in the competitive circuit. the families started out as acquaintances and have become friends through the venture. “We saw the need for a facility that provided everything from boarding to instruction for all ages and levels and decided to make it happen,” Holek says. Seana Holek, 21, is assistant manager of the stable. The Chevaliers’ daughter, Jacqueline, 14, is concentrating on her competition riding and the care of the family’s two horses. The stable has filled quickly, with stalls to accommodate three more boarders. The design of the stable itself, with the largest indoor arena from here to London, was a collaborative effort that took about a year of research, visiting different facilities and talking to owners about what they’d do differently now. Another year of construction sees the modern green sided stable with wide aisles, a hayloft directly above the stalls, equipment and storage all under one roof adjoining the stable and a spacious viewing area – features they’ve incorporated with advice from the experienced, including Chesler. “Basically, Dave and I found that we each knew different things about the construction and we complimented each other, Chevalier says. As for the name, Debby Holek says they didn’t want one that had more significance attached to it for one or the other of the partners. “We just wanted a strong- sounding name, something that sticks in your mind and will be around for a long time.” Ironstone is located at 6925 12 Concession, Tecumseh. For further information phone 519-916-5081. 
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