A new program at TJ Stables is nothing short of a triumph.
The Chatham-based business has been awarded by the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO).
TJ Stables and its Spirit Horse Encounter experience took home the Indigenous Tourism award for innovation at the 2021 Ontario Tourism Summit.
Owner Terry Jenkins said the prestigious award gives credibility to the Indigenous element of their business.
"It was judged for its authenticity and we do our best to be as authentic as possible with the indigenous culture that we present at the farm," said Jenkins.
When the pandemic hit, Jenkins said the business had to make some hard decisions about how to pay the bills. The stable was forced to sell 25 horses in order to feed the rest of them.
"We weren't prepaid for it," said Jenkins. "We had to cancel a substantial amount of business that normally would have sustained us through the spring until we could get working again."
The business launched its Spirit Horse Encounter in June. The experience offers a chance to learn about First Nations and Metis cultures. It also includes a unique opportunity to be with the historic Ojibwe Spirit Horses.
"We dug ourselves into a deep hole and this [the spirit horses] have been helping us dig our way out," said Jenkins. "We are starting to see the light out of the tunnel."
