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Voices of RPIA
In Our Community
Jamie Schwartz Director of Private Client
Lindsay Gobin Director of Client Relations
HORSEBACK RIDING
MAKING HOTSAUCE My passion for making hot sauce - what we lovingly call “pepper sauce” - is deeply rooted in my heritage, blending the bold, vibrant flavors of the Caribbean with the rich, aromatic profiles of mainland China. Growing up, my family crafted their own versions of this sauce, each recipe passed down through generations, carrying stories, memories, and traditions. Some of my fondest childhood memories involve adding this sauce to my favorite street foods on the beaches of Trinidad, the fresh, delicious bites that were always made better with a dash of heat. This hot sauce is my tribute to those roots, a complex, flavourful fusion that embodies the best of both worlds. With ingredients like charred scotch bonnet peppers, roasted garlic, fresh lime juice, ginger, thyme, and mustard, every drop bursts with heat and depth, transporting you straight to the tropics. It’s not just about the spice for me, it’s about celebrating where I come from, the incredible flavours that define my culture, and the shared moments around a table with the people I love. But fair warning: this sauce is hot enough to make you rethink your life choices, so buckle up and have a cold beer handy!
When my daughter showed an interest in horses and started equestrian lessons at the age of four, I knew as a parent, this was going to be an extremely time-consuming hobby that would require both her dedication and mine. We live in Toronto, quite a distance from any riding facilities, making visits to the stables a half day commitment (at best). I had a choice to make: spend my weekends sitting by idly and watching OR embracing her passion for riding and make this an activity we could do together, “our thing.” So now, we’ve both taken up horseback riding. Today she is 10 years old, fearlessly jumping verticals taller than her height and collecting 1st place ribbons in competitions. Meanwhile, I am a beginner, moving cautiously around the arena while trotting and cantering. But I’m proud of myself for choosing to participate and for learning new skills. 1000-pound horses are no joke! Of all the enjoyment riding has brought into my life, the most important part of this journey to me is the 1-on-1 time I spend with my eldest daughter each week. She may have pushed me into this hobby, but I can say with certainty that we both enjoy our time at the barn, the peacefulness that comes from being in nature, our time off screens, and basking in the fresh air with these majestic and beautiful animals.
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