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In the beginning: John Simpson was set up on a date with Grace. She was described to him as "the perfect date". I guess his friend was right!
Their first couple of dates were on horseback. Subsequently, they married in 1958 and moved from Kingston to Ottawa. John got a job at a bank, but still found time to ride at stables in the Ottawa area.
That didn't fulfill his desire, however, so he bought his first horse 'Topper'. Topper was boarded at a farm near Stittsville. That was the first step, and soon other steps were taken.
One day in the late 1950's he announced to Grace "I want to buy a farm", so that's what they did. He bought approximately 100 acres in Metcalfe to start his dream of having a riding stable.
In 1962 three horses were added to his one-horse-herd and that year Circle J Ranch was given its name. A year later they had their first daughter Elizabeth. By the time Liz was three, she had a little brother John Jr. to play with, but Liz was much more interested in helping her father out in the barn. She would even resort to breaking dishes so that she would be sent to the barn. Not much of a punishment!
By 1968 John decided to quit the bank and work at the Ranch full time. That was also the same year they had their third child, a second daughter named Julie.
In 1970 Circle J Ranch started taking in boarders and just a few short years later, Day Camp was introduced. "It's the best thing we ever did!" Grace commented.
All three of their children helped with the Ranch work, either in the barn, grooming or guiding the Day Campers and drop-in riders.
The Circle J Ranch Annual Horse Show began in the late 1980's; complete with ribbons, prizes and judge.
Our goal is and always has been teaching good horsemanship skills, boarding and day camp in a fun family atmosphere. We are still as dedicated as John always was.
See below at some of Circle J Ranch's picturesque landscape (more to come)
