GABRIELLA VAMVAKIDIS USES HORSE THERAPY TO CONNECT PEOPLE WITH NATURE

Five years ago Gabriella  Vamvakidis and her family sold their Woodbridge home and moved to Stouffville to fulfill a lifelong dream to have their own horses. They came to appreciate their therapeutic energy and beauty by spending time with them and caring for them on a daily basis.

"Horses are kind, honest, simple and authentic creatures that respond very readily to good leadership, clear boundaries and consistent communication. "

What is the name of your business and what inspired you to start?

The name of my business is Copperwood Trail. I was inspired to start this business to share my passion for horses with other people.

Tell us about your business.
​
We have a small horse farm where we welcome people to book time with us to visit and meet our horses up close and interact with them. It is also an opportunity for people to get away to the country and experience nature at its best.

Where is your business located?

Copperwood Trail is run from our home located in Whitchurch, Stouffville, Ontario.

Who is your target audience? Why would they benefit from your service?
​
Our market are women who are very stressed with daily life, children and commitments. Copperwood Trail is a home away to unplug and connect with our therapeutic activities that is unique and tranquil. We offer a positive emotional experience.

How do you effectively raise awareness of your business and getting new clients?

We have been able to raise awareness through our social media platforms using Instagram and Facebook. We have invested well as in a print ad (an article featuring our business) in a local magazine and local paper as well. Copperwood Trail was recently featured in City Life, a Vaughan bimonthly community lifestyle publication.

How do you stand out from your competitors?

We are able to stand out from competitors because this is my home so it's very inviting and intimate and managed by myself - no staff. Our down to earth family farm offers a safe and tranquil country setting where you can reconnect with nature by connecting with our horses through equine therapy.

We provide sessions for children, teens, adults, family time, and small groups of up to 6 people:

• ​Our Barn Buddies program is great for young children siblings and cousins bonding.
• The Coffee in the Country program is for groups who want to have an outdoors outing away from the city.
• Beginner/Intro to Horses is for those who want to learn about horses and how to take care of them. The Recreation program is just for fun and great for the entire family.
• EAL lessons allow people to spend some one-on-one time with a horse and to learn valuable life lessons.

Do you have certifications, awards and accomplishments that have been attained for your business?

I am certified in Equine Assisted Learning as a Facilitator. 

What are the two toughest challenges that you face as a business owner and how have you over come them?

Our two toughest challenges are maintaining our property because it must always look physically manicured and tidy.  Also at times we may have to turn people away who request services I don't offer.

What advice would you share to entrepreneurs?
​
My advice to entrepreneurs is:

• Go for it - Don't plan too long or you won't get started
• Have a plan - actually picture in your mind what you want ... and then start! You can learn as you go and you do not need to have all of the answers up front.
• Do not listen to people's negative comments - They don't know what you know!

What special offers do you have coming up that you would like to share?

I am excited that we will soon be offering gift certificates for our clients to purchase for someone who loves horses!

Where can you be found on social media? List them below.

Website:   www.copperwoodtrail.com 
Facebook: Copperwood Trail
Instagram:  @copperwoodtrail ​​