Beaver Dam Farm Fjords II, Ltd.

If you love horses and are looking for the ideal summer vacation, Carol and Arthur Rivoire have the perfect solution.

 
Their 350-acre Beaver Dam Farm in Pomquet, N.S. near Antigonish, open from June 1 to September 31, offers down-home hospitality from a pair of transplanted New Englanders with a love of people, animals, nature and the outdoors.
 
For the last 18 years, the couple has run a very popular program called Nova Scotia Driving and Riding Vacations, especially focused on beginners. Their stable of Fjord horses, a Norwegian breed that is one of the oldest in the world, was available to visitors. Now the Rivoires are changing course and offering two alternatives.
 
With a magnificent equine facility, Carol and Arthur are inviting people who want to bring their own horse or horses to train and condition at the farm. Those without horses can also enjoy the ambiance of the farm together with all the amenities of the lovely town of Antigonish (live theatre, gourmet restaurants, golf, fishing, beaches and hiking).
 
``We have excellent stabling, pastures, dressage arena, riding rings and a round pen,`` says Carol Rivoire, Beaver Dam Farm. “ The farm has everything needed for all things equestrian”.
 
For many years, the Rivoires kept up to 35 Fjord horses at Beaver Dam Farm. They maintained an active horse farm, selling and breeding, while hosting guests for Nova Scotia Vacations.
 
``We decided to retire, sort of, but not completely. We have fewer horses but a wonderful facility that we built ourselves, and couldn’t let it go,`` added Arthur Rivoire, Beaver Dam Farm.
 
With Nova Scotia’s pleasant summer climate, they know people will bring their horses to Beaver Dam Farm, just as those from the north bring their horses to warmer climes like Florida in the winter.  
 
``Now instead of using our horses, we'd like our guests to bring their own,” says Carol. “This new approach for hosting our guests is much more collaborative,” says Arthur Rivoire. “We feel that having guests take care of their own horses makes the whole atmosphere friendlier and more fun``.
Those without horses or horse experience are welcome to enjoy the amenities of the farm and the environs, including the ocean views, gardens, folk art and Acadian and Scottish culture.
Guests at the farm are also encouraged to participate in the day to day activities of running a farm.. The Rivoire’s want their guests to have a full experience. Their goal is to have people feel like they have moved to a farm for a period of time and are fully engaged.
As well as the hands-on opportunities,  Carol offers guests short courses on designing a stable, fencing or pastures. There are also classes on  rein handling, harnessing, hitching, and horse safety for those who are less experienced. 
And, for those qho wanted something less equine oriented, the Rivoires are offering new activities for the summer 2010 season including: French cooking lessons with a Parisian chef; painting lessons from professional artist Ed Mattie; fitness classes; and, professionally-led nature walks on the beach.
 
The dream of owning a horse farm is one that bagan for Carol as a young girl when her mother would tell stories of life on her grandparents` farm. Carol fantasized about it and says `` now I`m actually living it, with a wonderful farm, horses, a great husband, a menagerie of animals, and overflowing gardens everywhere.``
 
Arthur and Carol were first introduced to Fjords in the 1970s while living in Alsace, France. This initial encounter started their life-long commitment with horses which has included everything from breeding to raising, training and selling Fjordhorses in the United States.
Then a short visit to Nova Scotia in 1987 convinced them this was the right place for the. So in 1991, the Rivoire’s came North.
 
``What we saw during that vacation made us absolutely certain that living in Nova Scotia would be right for us,” said Arthur Rivoirs. “We felt certain we could continue breeding and selling horses from our new home in Antigonish.``
 
So far, they have been proven right. Through the years, the Rivoire’s have added several new buildings to the farm including an art gallery, a new house, cottages and an apartment. The Charming Cottage and Carriage House loft are available for weekly rental, with stables and pasture free for owners staying on the farm .
 
Carol excitedly adds, ``Beaver Dam Farm is heaven on earth for horses and owners. Horses will enjoy the excellent pastures, hilly terrain and cool temperatures while the owners can get a taste of the farm life while enjoying the creature comforts of a vacation getaway.``
For more information you can check out Beaver Dam`s website www.beaverdamfarm.com
beaverdf@ns.sympatico.ca    Tel. (902) 386- 2304.
 
*before April 15, contact Carol and Arthur by e-mail.