The History of Pioneer Farm

Judy, British by birth, was born in Hong Kong and spent her formative years traveling overseas with her family. Jim, from London, Ontario, served with the Canadian Armed Forces for 22 years. They met in Cyprus in 1981 where Jim was on U N duty. After early retirement Jim moved to Guelph into civilian life. As the result of a series of downsizing and in the wake of the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center they became disillusioned with the life they were living. A yearning for a simpler and more basic lifestyle became important and the purchase of 150 undeveloped acres on Prince Edward Island became the birthplace for Pioneer Farm. Guided with respect for nature and the environment they have created a natural off-grid space for personal development.

Jim Bertling

Jim has always been drawn to horses. When he met Judy he began to understand the power of the depth and impact of these amazing animals. Having boarded his horses out during much of his military career, it was a very special time when Pioneer Farm was built to be able to live with them. Jim personally understands the importance of overcoming the stigma associated with mental health. The horses have provided an emotional connectedness that has been therapeutic.

Jim served with the Canadian Armed Forces for 22 years. He has been employed as an Addictions Counselor and a Paramedic. Currently he is working as a Certified Healthcare Security Officer as well as helping Judy with her equine programs.

Judy Bertling

Equine Assisted Facilitator

Judy Bertling has a passion for people and horses. Trained in England and Germany she spent her formative years working, riding and caring for horses in the art of dressage. Tired of the arena and after back surgery she started looking at caring for and working with her horses in a more natural environment. With her husband and her horses, she built Pioneer Farm, an eco-education farm that offered people a chance to get in touch with their environment. During the years of operation she noticed the special effect her horses had on those who were visiting, how they not only got in touch with nature but also themselves. Her life journey led to training in England where she certified in Equine Guided Leadership Development at Acorns2Oaksand Leadership through Equine Assisted Discovery (L.E.A.D)through the University of Guelph. Her greatest wish is for people to learn that horses have wisdom that will bring out the best in human potential.

Jethro

This fjord has been with Jim and Judy since he was a baby, a friend and working partner in all areas. He is ridden and driven and helped with the building of the farm by twitching out trees from the property. Jethro has pulled wagon loads of school children and bobsleighs full of excited families in the winter. When the going gets tough this little horse gets tougher, a horse with a huge heart that won’t let you down.

The fjord was bred in Norway as a small work horse. This strong and extremely hardy horse is now enjoyed in all disciplines world wide.

April

April, a large lady who came to Pioneer Farm from the show circuit, she is also ridden and driven. A true and trusting partnership was formed when Judy and Jim were asked to do a funeral with horse and wagon. In torrential rain and 90km hour winds she transported them 7 km to the cemetery. Their trust in her is unwavering. She is a sweet and sensitive gentle giantess.

The Belgian draft horse is beloved all over. April is 17.2 hands high (horses are measured from the withers by hands which are equal to 4”) and she weighs close to 2000 lbs.

Moses

This donkey who thinks he’s a horse was born on Pioneer Farm. He serves as sentry and guardian and has the run of the property. Nothing gets by Moses. Gentle enough to be left alone with children but protective enough to ward off danger. He is not ridden or driven. His kind for too long have been beasts of burden. At the farm Moses is just loved. Donkeys are in fact equines too and are symbols of peace.