Help Lisa and Middlebrook Dressage Rebuild Their Arena

Hi, my name is Emily Hass-Ryan and I am raising money on behalf of Lisa and Sal of Middlebrook Dressage on South Street in Southhampton, Ontario. Lisa and Sal are not ones to ask for help, so I am doing so on their behalf.

For decades, Lisa and her family have been a cherished part of the Southampton community. Their farm on South Street has stood since the days when the road was still dirt, providing a safe and welcoming environment for horses, riders, and animal lovers alike. Middlebrook Dressage is not just a business—it’s a home, a sanctuary, and a place where equestrians of all ages come together.

On January 30th, Lisa received devastating news. The indoor riding arena, a vital part of her equestrian facility, was severely damaged due to heavy snow and high winds. The walls of the structure had begun to buckle. Despite reassessing her insurance coverage last year and paying increased premiums, Lisa was informed that her building was now considered too old and would not be covered by insurance. This means that the replacement costs—an estimated $200,000 or more—will fall entirely on her and her family.

This indoor facility is the heart of Lisa’s business. It allows her horse boarders to ride year-round and is required for her lesson program, which serves riders ranging from five-year-old beginners to equestrians in their eighties. Losing this space puts a huge strain on Lisa’s ability to manage her farm.

Lisa and her husband, Sal, are among the hard-working and kind people Southhampton is known for. In addition to helping run the farm, Sal works full-time at Dale’s Carpentry. As anyone who keeps livestock or runs a family farm knows, their life is one of dedication, with no vacations or time away from the farm. Every day is made up of mornings feeding and caring for their horses and livestock, and "night checks" ensuring every animal is safe, well-fed, and comfortable.

This unexpected loss is an overwhelming burden for Lisa’s family. Unlike some in the horse world, Lisa and her family do not come from wealth. They have built their farm and business through sheer hard work, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment. The equestrian industry has already faced many challenges in recent years due to rising costs, and this has disproportionately impacted small, family-run businesses like Middlebrook Dressage.

Despite these challenges, Lisa works hard to keep lessons and showing opportunities affordable so that riders from all backgrounds can experience the joy of equestrian sport.

For those in the community, Middlebrook Dressage is a treasure. Residents delight in walking or driving by and seeing Lisa’s stunning Friesians, Ivy and Rose; her beloved Gypsy Vanner lesson horse, Ham and Cheese; her senior Clydesdale, Oz, who is still actively showing and winning awards; and all the other wonderful horses that make this farm so special. Lisa also provides meaningful opportunities for young people in the area, offering work assisting with horse care and grooming.

Now, Lisa and her family need our help. Any contribution, no matter how small, will bring them closer to rebuilding the indoor arena and ensuring the future of Middlebrook Dressage. Your support will allow Lisa to rebuild and continue providing lessons, boarding, and employment opportunities while preserving a cornerstone of our community.

Please consider donating to help Lisa and Sal through this difficult time. Every dollar makes a difference. If you are unable to donate, sharing this campaign with others would mean the world to them.

Thank you for supporting Lisa, her family, and the incredible horses of Middlebrook Dressage.