LAURIE WEIR
PERTH — Life at Willow Creek Stables has always revolved around the daily needs of the ponies, and the needs are many.
For the past eight years, Wayne and Korrine Jordan have quietly built a reputation as one of Ontario’s most trusted Newfoundland pony rescues, rehabilitating animals and creating a sanctuary for seniors of the critically endangered breed.
But this season, the gate is closed to visitors. Korrine Jordan, who co-owns the farm with her husband Wayne Jordan, has been diagnosed with cancer. She begins a demanding round of treatment in August that includes daily radiation and weekly chemotherapy. To focus on her recovery, the couple is pausing public programs until at least December.
“This is one of those hard posts to make,” she wrote in a message shared on social media. “This means canceling the last week of camp for the children six and up. We will continue to offer the nine and up camp as we have some very amazing volunteers ready to step in.”
Some of the children’s summer camp programs will continue thanks to dedicated volunteers, but Jordan will have to keep her distance to protect her immune system during treatment, she noted.
“We will not be offering farm visits, treks or any other program until I have recovered. The realistic time frame will be August and September daily treatments and then about two months recovery time. This will be a very challenging time for the rescue as much of our funding is from our programs,” she wrote.
The timing is difficult. Most of the rescue’s funding comes from programming, and the Jordans work full-time outside the farm to help cover expenses. A GoFundMe campaign is now live to help support the sanctuary through this period.
Help from the herd
Donations from the fundraiser will help cover the costs of hay, grain, farrier visits, dental floats, routine vaccinations, and medications for chronic issues such as asthma and arthritis. The fundraiser also accounts for emergency vet care.
The couple hopes to reopen in February for the annual Valentine’s Day open farm day and resume pony treks in the winter of 2026. For now, the focus is on staying afloat and keeping the herd healthy.
“The ponies will miss the attention,” Jordan said. “But we’ll be ready to welcome everyone back when the time is right.”
Jordan expressed her gratitude for the outpouring of love and support since her diagnosis.
“I am positive the ponies will play an important part in my healing. I’m already wondering if perhaps this journey will lead me to helping others through this with the help of the ponies. They will guide me. I don’t think we ever understand the ‘why me’ but maybe there is something to be gained by this experience,” she wrote.
“It will be interesting to see if ponies help with things like pain management. We already know they have tremendous impacts on our mental health with their ability to calm and reduce anxiety. The next four or five months will be challenging but also an opportunity to learn and grow and hopefully share my experience with others.”
To learn more or donate, visit www.willowcreekstables.ca or follow Willow Creek on Facebook at Willow Creek Stables Perth.