Our Team
Deb Bradley
Deb and her husband Peter Becke manage all aspects of the farm, crops (including hay, maple syrup, and wine in the future), equestrian activities, the music festival and the concerts of VHF's "Pontiac Enchante". When not planting, building or fixing things on the farm, Peter is a new ventures entrepreneur, and consultant in the field of internet technology. Deb has her hands full already as mother of rider Rae Becke and world class musician-sons Tait (violin) and Carson (piano) who are currently studying in London, England. In addition to that she manages the VHF books and invoicing with Nancy York from Shawville. Deb has been very serious about sport in her life and was not only a gymnast and gymnastics judge, but has run the New York Marathon. She was a teacher for 15 years, enjoys many sports including riding and is actively involved in all the equestrian activities, especially supporting the children's programs at VHF.
Lorraine Laframboise
Lorraine is well known throughout Canada and the United States as an International Coach specializing in the Equestrian sport of Eventing. She is the Head Trainer in residence at Venturing Hills. Her athletes have consistently demonstrated winning excellence in the other disciplines of Show Jumping and Dressage as well as International Eventing
Lorraine is a former Canadian National & Olympic Eventing Team Coach, Canadian Champion, and a member of the National Eventing Team (1976 to 1983). Lorraine has an outstanding record of gold, silver and bronze medals with her Young Rider students at the North American Championships now held every year in July in Lexington Kentucky. At Venturing Hills, her attention is now turned towards developing the holistic program for beginners, adults and competitive riders, supported by the teaching and management team on the farm.
Lorraine has a keen interest in the science of sport horse management, in exercise physiology and sport psychology, and has developed a mental training program for event riders with the renowned sport psychologist Terry Orlick.
Korah Broderick
Korah is the Stable Manager in residence at Venturing Hills. She is a graduate of the Kemptville College, Equine Care Program and is a certified Level I Coach. Korah is the Assistant Trainer to Lorraine and maintains the day to day operations of the stable, oversees horse care, and shares management and client relations with Lorraine and Debbie. Korah is a graduate of the Oakhurst Stables training program and has spent time competing in the US and Canada. Korah also manages the Kids Fun Camps and oversees the Beginner Level Rider Programs at VHF. She is planning to compete Hattie Klotz's lovely "Hollywood Slick" in Preliminary Events and 1.10m Jumper this year.
Dot Bender
Dot brings a lifetime of horse knowledge to our farm, as a member of the stable management team. She assists with much of the work with the horses, and also with all aspects of client and horse care, and farm policies. Dot is a role model for all of us being a mother, wife, grandmother, and by putting in serious work days at the farm that would make most twenty year olds shudder. She comes to us as a member of the local community who has worked most of her life dealing with issues of animal welfare. She helps maintain office records and can often be seen hacking through the fields and trails of the farm and surrounding lands. Dot shares the 'Best Looking Horse in the Barn' (BLHB), "O'Rogan" (aka Rogie), with Celeste Fortier who had a terrific year in 2010 with at least 2 Championships!
Jacques Chapleau
Jacques is the Farm Manager at VHF and is not only a 'Jacques of all trades", but he is also master of many! Jacques fixes, repairs, builds and gerry-rigs just about everything on the farm from fencing to tractors to door latches. Jacques and his son Laurier built the beautiful "Music Room" here at VHF and also adds to his list of accomplishments, renovations and repairs at Rideau Hall and the PM's residence. Jacques also has a background in counseling “Youth At Risk”. Jacques works with our local hay supplier to harvest the VHF hay crop. He oversees the grounds maintenance, water and electrical functioning. Our vehicles and equipment are managed by Jacques working closely with Peter, Debbie and the stable staff, and is always there to lend a hand with stable chores with a wink and a smile.
Ken Grimes
Ken is the uncle of Head Trainer Lorraine and is the Venturing Hills 'gatekeeper' so to speak. Ken moved into his home on the farm when it was known as Farm of the Mountain, which was then owned by the Laframboise Family. Ken keeps a watchful eye on the traffic coming and going here at VHF, and is always ready to help us manage loose dogs, stray people and wandering bears! Ken makes beautiful pine furniture and fittings with his 'Hinks House Furnishings'. He is known for his door always being open, a drink and meal always at the ready for visitors and the weary traveller. Ken's family was one of the first families at Kingsmere and has a large network of relations in the city who continue to make up the strong Irish threads in the social fabric of the region.