About Black
Diamond Farm
We are The Macdonald’s, the founders of Black Diamond Farm (enter Ol’ Macdonald Farm joke here!). We began our journey in 2016 with the idea of creating a meticulous barn for breeding Friesian horses while offering boarding, but something bigger and quite special began to happen: as we offered some horse lessons (yes, horse and not riding lessons!), we started to get an overwhelming request to provide more! We could not keep up and had to think of how to provide what the community was wanting (and needing). Not only were kids overly excited about coming, THEY DID NOT WANT TO LEAVE! The special bond that our environment allowed these kids to create with our horses was magical, and we needed to do more.
We thought, “What if we could design a program that gives kids what they are looking for, and more?: Community, self-discovery, learning and self-esteem”.
We came up with what we have today, a special place for kids to come and put the stresses of life aside to bond with our magical beasts. The structure of our program is important (to learn about all aspects of horses), but the outcome is even more-so: kids finding Black Diamond Farm as their safe place (where egos and bullying are not welcome), a place where authenticity and nurturing are the cornerstones of an amazing experience.
We soon realized the benefits of offering similar opportunities for adults also, which was the beginning of our Equine Assisted Learning; programs designed for kids and adults to build special relationships with horses-and with one another. We discovered that many people benefit from spending intentional time with horses, and there were many ways to begin connecting our community with the therapeutic, inspiring and grounding benefits of this bond.
Nowadays, we are thrilled to be breeding Friesian horses, running events and offering our many programs to children and adults in Abbotsford, BC. What started as a simple farm has now become a community hub. We could not be more grateful of this opportunity.
For those wanting to feel safe, be encouraged to be themselves (whoever that may be) and want an extraordinary experience like no other, we would love to meet you!
Our Mission
To create a safe, comfortable and equal space for people and animals alike to be their authentic-self, judgement-free.
Our Values
Safety
Safety is our top priority for our horses and clients. Every person & every animal has the right to be safe, and we do not compromise on any level to ensure this.
Integrity
Integrity is a core value instilled in every person at our facility. Doing the right thing, even when no one is looking is not a rarity on our property, nor is humility, authenticity and trustworthiness.
Authenticity
An equal voice is supported on our farm, from the newest student to the most advanced rider. We realize we all wear a personal armour to protect ourselves, and our goal is to create a space where people can remove their armour, knowing they are safe with their authenticity.
Nurturing
We believe there are many ways for people to grow. We adapt to the individual to help them feel safe and grow in their own unique way.
Dedicated
There is a dedication expected by our clients, community and animals; our true “family business” goes beyond this to ensure we satisfy everyone’s needs. With animals, there is no “closed”, and dedication is at the heart of what makes our facility flow.
Meet The Crew
Lauren Macdonald
Co-Owner
Rob Macdonald
Co-owner
Rob, better yet as known as farmer Rob at BDF, is the co-owner of Black Diamond Farm! He designed the farm with safety in mind for his family and the community. You will find Rob around the farm, keeping it looking meticulous and working with his horse Jed. Rob has been involved with horses for 12 years and is certified in EAL.
Meshell Simms
Supervisor, Instructor
Meshell has been riding for over 30yrs in English/western/drive carriage. She worked in Hong Kong as the director of equine services teaching people to drive carriage. Meshell enjoys teaching all levels but her favourite are kids who haven’t ridden before, as it is fun to be a part of their first ever horse experience.
Riley Remple
Instructor
Riley got on her first horse before she could walk and hasn’t gotten off since. She mainly does jumping but also enjoys western. Her favourite part of her job is seeing how far the students come as they achieve their goals and progress. She also loves training horses and seeing them use their new talents to become ridable for everyone.
Page Rosseau
Instructor