Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary and Owen Hughes.
Mary, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Established in 1953 by Steve and Alberta Hughes (my father and mother-in-law), Canton Equestrian Center was originally called Lazy S’ Stock Farm. The farm started with providing mainly hayrides and carriage rides as well as housed other various livestock! My husband, Owen Hughes was born the year Alberta and Steve moved to Canton in 1953 and has been involved in the farm ever since.
I started workingat the barn as a young girl and eventually met Owen as I was helping with the hayrides. Owen and I married and, in 1988, we started our own business with the construction of a new barn and indoor arena. Owen, in addition to providing on-site farrier service as an AFA Certified Farrier (CF), is currently the Master Emeritus of Foxhounds for The Norfolk Hunt Club. My two sons, Owen and Tim, help with the day to day business and maintenance around the farm.
Watch this video for more information: https://www.facebook.com/cantonequestrian/videos/10155965362214549/
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Operating an Equestrian Center for over 60 years is not always a smooth road but rather a lifestyle choice. We take great pride in our ability to offer a high-quality service for a reasonable price. What has kept us going is the strength of our family, and everyone pitching in where needed.
Being a small business, another challenge can be finding and retaining great barn staff and instructors. We have been fortunate enough to have some members of our team stay with us for 10+ years.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Canton Equestrian Center story. Tell us more about the business.
Canton Equestrian Center (CEC) is a full-service equine boarding and lesson facility located just 20 minutes south of Boston off major highways Route 24 or Interstate 95. Miles of trails are available with direct access to Ponkapoag Pond in The Blue Hills Reservation.
We boast an array of services that cater to equestrians of all types, from pleasure riders to the more serious competitor. Our knowledgeable staff works hard to ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable learning experience and we have several horses and ponies that can accommodate the beginner levels.
We are known for our laid-back atmosphere with an emphasis on safety welcoming equestrians of all disciplines.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Truthfully, we don’t feel as though luck has played a huge role in our business. This is a 365 day a year business that we have put a lot of hard work into. We are there each day making sure the barn runs smoothly, safely, and all 40+ horses are well cared for and healthy.
However, we have been lucky with respect to our, boarders and students that have supported us year after year.
Pricing:
- Our horseback riding lessons begin at $50 and we offer lesson packages (buy 5, get 6th free) that are great for those interested in consistent, weekly lessons.
- Monthly board begins at $850/month.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1095 Randolph St. Canton, MA 02021
- Website: https://www.cantonequestrian.com/
- Phone: 781-713-3005
- Email: info@cantonequestrian.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/canton.equestrian/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cantonequestrian/
Image Credit:
RuthWorks, Terry Louison Photography, Francis Grehan
Getting in touch: BostonVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
