Lorne Brethour

Lorne Brethour was born and raised in Brock Township. As a boy on the farm, Lorne developed a passion for horses and quickly showed a natural ability to work with them.

The Brethours owned a farm to the west of Sunderland where Lorne in partnership with his brother Wilmot raised and trained horses. Standardbreds became the horse of choice and profit. The operation moved to a farm on the corner of Highway 12 and the 7th concession of Brock. This farm became the home of Wil Lor Stable, raising and training several provincial champions and as well hundreds of conditioned horses that found their way to the winners circles at tracks across Ontario. Lorne was also fond of the Belgian breed, producing Brockstream Belgians, a highly desired line in the industry.

Horsemanship came easily to Lorne who was passionate about his craft. While his knowledge was vast, he continuously engaged in new learning through listening and observing. He was a man who let you know where he stood, while always quick with a laugh or a quip.

At a time when the fall fair operation was cash strapped, Lorne and his good friend Jim Gordon along with a few friends started the Horsemen’s Dance. This dance allowed the Sunderland Agricultural Society to pay its bills and continue the fair. The event remains a yearly tradition and much of its success must be attributed to Lorne.