HA130501

Inspired by people and horses

$2.50 Vol. 36 / Issue 5 / May 2013

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MEET THE AMAZING

Debra Garside Photographing the wild horses of Sable Island / p5

LIKE MOTHER, LIKE DAUGHTER

Five dynamic motherdaughter teams / p6

10 GREAT HORSE CAMPS Plus 10 kids camps worth exploring this summer / p18

TROUBLE LOADING?

Doug Mills makes it easy on you and your horse / p27

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Inspired by horses and people

HORSES ALL • MAY 2013

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CONTENTS

Volume 36 · Number 5 · May 2013 EDITOR Craig Couillard craig.couillard@fbcpublishing.com (403) 200-1019 SALES ACCOUNT MANAGER Crystal McPeak crystal@fbcpublishing.com (403) 360-3210 (866) 385-3669 (toll free)

WESTERN ART

MARCIA BALDWIN Louisiana artist captures energy and color

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SALES ACCOUNT MANAGER Natalie Sorkilmo natalie.sorkilmo@fbcpublishing.com (403) 608-2238 SUBSCRIPTIONS subscription@fbcpublishing.com 1-800-665-0502 PUBLISHER Lynda Tityk lynda.tityk@fbcpublishing.com (204) 944-5755 PRESIDENT Bob Willcox Glacier Media Agricultural Information Group bwillcox@glaciermedia.ca 204-944-5751

THIS MONTH’S CONTRIBUTORS: Jochen Schleese, Doug Mills, Ted Stovin, Julia MacKinnon, Luke Creasy, Amie Peck, Robyn Moore, Cindy Bablitz, April Clay, Craig Couillard, Wendy Dudley, Dianne Finstad, Heather Grovet, Darley Newman, Dr. Carol Shwetz, Glenn Stewart, Carol Upton, Terri McKinney, Natalie Sorkilmo, Mark McMillan and Doris Daley

ARTIST: MARCIA BALDWIN

PROFILES

INSPIRATIONS

HORSE, HEALTH & HOME

PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY: Farm Business Communications 1666 Dublin Avenue Winnipeg, MB R3H 0H1

Tom Crowe Remembered

Heather Gessell

Saddle fitting

ADVERTISING DEADLINE Second Monday of the month.

Mentor, historian, and all-around cowboy

Meet this up and coming Saskatoon artist

Science meets tradition with Jochen Schleese

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Published Monthly by Farm Business Communications ISSN 0225-4913

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COLUMNS A Breed Apart . . . . . . . . 13 Back Country Travels . . 34 Doing it my way . . . . 15/16 Equitrekking . . . . . . . . . 35 Eye on the Industry . . . 44 From the field . . . . . . . . 4 Get a Grip . . . . . . . . . 27/32 Going Down the Trail . 38/39 Going in style . . . . . . . . . 26 Hands on horsekeeping 28 Homeward Bound . . . . . 17 Hooked on bulls . . . . . . 14 Horse Health . . . . . . . . . 29

Riding Ireland

31

Darley Newman explores the Ring of Kerry

35

FEATURES Horse Heroes . . . . . . . . . 14 In it to win it . . . . . . . . . 10 Inspirations . . . . . . . . . . 22 Our Way of Life . . . . . . . 9 Rhymes from the range . 24 Riding out of your Mind . 30 Talking Back . . . . . . . . . . 4 Time to chill . . . . . . . . . . 23 Two-Bit Cowboy . . . . . . 4 Western Art . . . . . . . . . . 26 Where are they now? . . 10 Women of the West . . 8/9 Young Guns . . . . . . . . . . 12

None of the material, written or artistic, may be reprinted or used in any way without the specific permission of the editor. The opinions and statements expressed in the articles and advertisements found in Horses All are not necessarily those of the staff or owners. Therefore, HORSES ALL will not be responsible for those opinions or statements included in the articles or advertisements. However, the staff and owners of HORSES ALL would appreciate written notice of false advertising. The publisher reserves the right to refuse any advertising. While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of material published, no responsibility will be assumed for advertising received by telephone and in no case will liability be assumed for greater than the cost of the advertising when errors or omissions have occurred. HORSES ALL may not be held responsible for the loss or damage of any photographs, drawings, logos, manuscripts, etc., that are sent or brought to the office.

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HORSESALL.COM

HORSES ALL • MAY 2013

OUT FRONT Welcome to Ho rs e s A l l COWBOY ETHICS

CONTRIBUTORS

Are there any more real cowboys?

We need to instill a little cowboy in all our kids TWO-BITS FROM A TWO-BIT COWBOY Craig Couillard - Editor

I

t’s been quite the roller-coaster ride as this issue goes to print.

On April 15, my daughter and her husband welcomed their first baby into this world, Samuel Sakamoto.

What an occasion! Is there anything else that represents pure love, pure joy, pure life than the birth of a child?

But as my wife Kim and I sat at Foothills Hospital in Calgary waiting for Sam to make his entrance, we saw the unimaginable bombing tragedy at the Boston Marathon unfold on TV. How can the sanctity of life be so sacred and meaningful in one instance? And in the other, the total opposite be true — a total disregard for human life.

One represents love and all that is good in this world. The other only hatred and all that is evil.

As a Granddad and a man of Faith, I did not dwell on the evil

that day but choose instead to embrace my daughter, my sonin-law, and this incredible gift of a grandson they gave us.

It made me think “What kind of man do I hope Sam grows up to be?” “What kind of difference will he make in this world?” All parents and grandparents have lofty aspirations in this regard.

But as I do the final edit on this issue, I thought “Why not a cowboy?”

Each issue we are able to bring you remarkable cowboy stories… stories about real people…men and women. In this issue we pay tribute to Tom Crowe, a family man, a mentor, a historian…. a cowboy.

We also profile Larry Ramstad, the long-serving manager at the famous Gang Ranch in B.C. Jack Stott and Bill desBarres are long-time industry supporters in their field. Doug Mills and Glenn Stewart train horses and people to make for a better industry… and world.

As you read this issue, watch for a common thread that resonates with each of these cowboy stories.

GOIN GS ON

In the field Snapshots from our field editors

I think James P. Owen captures it in his book Cowboy Ethics. Owen articulates the morals and values of the cowboy, and encourages his readers to apply those to their personal and business lives (regardless of whether they are a cowboy or not): 1. Live each day with courage.

2. Take pride in your work.

3. Always finish what you start.

4. Do what has to be done.

5. Be tough, but fair.

6. When you make a promise, keep it.

7. Ride for the brand.

8. Talk less and say more.

9. Remember that some things aren’t for sale.

10. Know where to draw the line.

It’s a simple list, and may be easier to say than do sometimes. But if we can hold to those values, then even if we fail, we can still get back in the saddle and strive to do better.

Willy Nelson famously sang “Are there anymore real cowboys in this land?” Unfortunately, they are becoming fewer and fewer.

R EA D E R S S P EA K

Talking back Reader feedback – Send your comments to: craig.couillard@fbcpublishing.com The magazine looks amazing, overall it is really reflecting your passion. It has a real engaging feel to it.

— Lisa Graham via e-mail

 On April 4th, I had the pleasure of helping Brian Schneider (centre) and his son Rylan (grey horse) move about 200 bred cows from the Dunmore area northwest to the Bowmanton district last Thursday (near Medicine Hat). Dr. Leah Turner (far left) and Gary Armstrong from the Q Ranch (far right) also rode along. A light dusting of snow made the early morning start a bit fresh but it was great to be back riding the big sky of the prairies.  Editor Craig Couillard attended the Cowboys for Kingdom House fundraiser in Magrath, Alberta on April 6th. Organizer Billie Heggie (shown here) put on steering wrestling and team roping competitions as well as a trick riding demonstration by Niki Flundra and an autograph session with Heartland’s Amber Marshall. Several individuals and businesses donated to the silent auction including Vantage Trailer Sales from Lethbridge who provided a Circle J trailer. $19,000 was raised to help build an orphanage in Zambia.

My grandson Sam probably won’t grow up to be a cowboy. He will most likely be university-educated and have some kind of professional career like his parents.

But as his Granddad, perhaps I can reinforce these Cowboy Ethics when he visits the Two-Bit Ranch, and in my own small way, raise a little cowboy.

Welcome to this wonderful world, Sam and cling to all that is good in it.

I was pretty shocked to see the FULL PAGE article and photos from my trip (Egypt, March, 2013 issue). I was expecting a small 1/4 page or less so my eyes popped when I opened the page and saw the headlines and giant photo!

My kids had a good laugh when they saw the article but enjoyed reading it and showing their friends. I had a few text messages from friends commenting that they want to go now!

— Linda McKenzie via e-mail

Just wanted to email you a THUMBS UP for your generous feature on the COWBOYS FOR KINGDOM HOUSE! This is a subject very close to our daughters heart (Billie Heggie). She loves the children in Zambia and what she is doing will make a difference in their lives. Billie has seen it and, as a sponsor of one of her kids, we get to see the difference each year in the children. It is so great that you and your magazine put the word out there. Koodoos to you!!!!! AND THANK-YOU! — Fern Long via e-mail I’ve been reading Horses All for a very long time and love the pictures that are on the front page. I love all the other stuff in the magazine also. Thanks.

— Giselle Kraychy via e-mail

“Nobody gets to be a cowboy forever.”

Jochen Schleese Retiring his competitive horse from lameness (from an ill-fitting saddle) ended Jochen’s competive career prior to 1984 European Championships. Jochen graduated as the youngest (age 22) Certified Master Saddler (Passier 1985) in Europe and came to Canada to be the official saddler for the World Dressage Championships 1986.

Establishing Saddlefit 4 Life (2005) to protect horse and rider from long term damage caused by poor saddle fit, Jochen teaches trainers and vets, certifying Equine Ergonomists throughout Europe and NA. Jochen’s DVD “Beyond The 9 Points of Saddle Fitting” (2012) and best seller “The Silent Killer” (Equitana Germany 2013) will be released this fall in NA as “Suffering in Silence”.

With a well-versed background, Julie MacKinnon has been working on horses, dogs, cats and people in the healing realm for 10 years, and teaching for 7.

Her knowledge of healing comes from training barns, vet clinics, pmu barns, being raised around animals, horse competitions, riding, breeding/ owning animals, and working with some of the best mentors in the field. She now focuses on her many different clinics created and taught by herself as well as building her natural product line of over 30 different products.

Doug Mills has built his training skills and riding abilities over a lifetime of horsemanship. Being born and raised on a working Utah cattle ranch offered Doug a lifestyle that gave him the opportunity to observe horses and their instincts in their natural environment. He moved his family to B.C. in 1989 as a farrier and horse trainer where he has continued to build his Training Thru Trust program.

In addition to championships in reining, working cow horse, and rodeo, Doug is a 5-time Mane Event Trainer’s Challenge winner.

BEHIND THE COVER

— Keith Carradine in the movie Monte Walsh

Front cover photographer

Symmetry by Debra Garside with True North Fine Images www.truenorthfineimages.com See story on page 5.

PHOTO: WENDY DUDLEY

HORSESALL.COM

HORSES ALL • MAY 2013

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PROFILES Stories from People who Live, Work and Compete with Horses PHOTOGRAPHY

MEET THE AMAZING

DEBRA GARSIDE Key eye for show jumping and now photography

By Cindy Bablitz Calgary, Alta.

B

orn and raised in rural farmland now grown over and known as Victoria, B.C., Debra Garside made a decision early in life that would play out in a beautiful synchronicity even she couldn’t have anticipated.

“I learned to ride when I was 10 years old, and started competing when I was 13. At some point, I knew I’d have to choose between art or horses... and my train of thought went along the lines of, while I’m young and fit and healthy, I’ll pursue a career with horses... and when I decide I’m too old for that, I’ll get into my art,” says Debra.

“And that’s basically how it played out.”

Eventually, Debra became one of Canada’s only level four National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) Show Jumping Coaches.

Debbie Garside, (as she is most commonly known in equestrian circles) and her True North Stables were powerhouses in the industry, and few in show jumping circles weren’t familiar with these names.

Her resume reads like a Who’s Who in Canada’s show jumping community, with a long list of champion riders and champion horses crediting Debbie Garside, and True North Stables as important in their successes.

But... Google Debra Garside’s name today and it isn’t her stunning career as a wildly successful, championship Grand Prix show jumper and coach that tops the search results, but her stunning career as a wildly successful, championship artistic photographer that does.

In 2007, she sold the property where she’d been operating True North Stables, semi-retired from the horse business and took a year off to travel.

“When I sold the property, I decided to give myself a very special trip... the trip of a lifetime,” Debra remembers.

“I love to travel, and knew I would have many trips in that year, and in

my future. But with all we’re seeing about global climate change, and how much we’ve seen Antarctica change in the last 10 years, I thought, that would be a place that would change a lot in 20 years, or even 10 years, so I thought, I’m going there first.”

So, off she went. To Antarctica and Patagonia.

“One of the main parts of my horse business as a coach was importing horses. I’d been to 17 different countries in the world, importing, and my favourite countries were always in South America.

I’d really been wanting to explore that part of the world.”

It was during this year sabbatical that Debra decided to take up digital photography, bringing her back to her artistic roots.

“After receiving some mentorship from well known nature photographers, I was encouraged to photograph more horses. I have an obvious connection with them... and that connection comes through in the imagery.”

“When I sold the property, I decided to give myself a very special trip... the trip of a lifetime.”

— DEBRA GARSIDE

At first, Debra wasn’t sure about pursuing equine photography, (“I had been thinking that photography would become the non-horse part of my life,”) but she couldn’t deny the soulful translation her photographs of horses captured, and thus began a passion for photographing wild horses.

Initially, it was the wild horses in Alberta and B.C., close to her home and close to her heart. (Today, Debra and her partner Paul Cooper share a quarter section north of Water Valley, Alta. called Quiet

Debra Garside captured the remote beauty and untamed majesty of the horses on Sable Island. PHOTO AT TOP LEFT: DREW DOGGETT

Time Equine Retreat, a retirement village “for a few good old horses that have reached the end of their careers”.)

But it didn’t take long for Debra to find her way to the infamous wild horses of Sable Island — a remote stretch of sand some 300 km southeast of Halifax, Nova Scotia with a human population of five and a wild horse population of about 500. The island is often referred to as the Graveyard of the Atlantic, famous for the multitudes of pre-modern navigation technology shipwrecks there. Last year, Sable Island became Canada’s fortythird National Park.

It’s been a unique privilege to get to visit Sable Island. Excepting an Environment Canada weather station and coast guard, there is literally no accommodations for human habitation on the island, much less any infrastructure for tourism. A mere 50-100 visitors per year are even permitted to attend.

There’s one plane that charters to the island, and one pilot who flies it. Guests of Sable Island bring along their own food, bring out their own leavings and come with their own sleeping bag. And the strict governance on human

attendance and the austere circumstances once there aren’t the only challenges in a trip to Sable Island.

“Even if you get permission from the coast guard and the government and you are willing to spend the $12,000 on a flight, you’re still very limited by the weather, which plays a huge role in whether the destination is reachable,” Debra says.

Today, Debra’s name and work is most well known for the association to her photography of the wild horses of Sable Island... and it’s work that is gaining critical acclaim as well as providing a rare glimpse into one of the world’s only unmanaged populations of wild horses.

In 2010, Debra’s image Journey’s End, featuring a lone, thin Sable Island horse sauntering away from the lens on a windswept stretch of sand before the ocean’s horizon under a massive expanse of cloudy sky earned her a spot on Photolife Emerging Photographers list, an elite honour.

“I had never spent time around wild horses in my former career with horses, and one of the reasons I chose Sable Island to visit and photograph is because it is home to the only unmanaged wild horse

herd in the Americas. The wildies in Alberta and Montana and Wyoming and elsewhere... they’re all subject to handling and culls by various government agencies. I wanted to go where I was insignificant to the horses, where human presence hasn’t had any impact on the wild horse populations so I could capture really authentic behaviour.”

Debra says her time with the Sable Island horses, (and she’s been now three times, and hopes to continue returning throughout the rest of her life) has been profoundly affirming of her former training experiences with domestic horses. Observing the organic group dynamics within a purely wild population of wild horses provides a rare glimpse into truly natural horse behaviour. One of Debra’s most earnest quests in her photography of wild horses is for her images to be appreciated for the authentic, natural captures they truly are.

“I haven’t hired someone to turn out a group of horses into the ocean; I haven’t hired a lighting crew. I haven’t staged anything. My images are candid photographs of absolutely natural moments. » Continued on page 7

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HORSESALL.COM

HORSES ALL • MAY 2013

P ROFILES

special mother’s day feature

MOTHER’S DAY

Like Mother, Like Daughter A profile of mothers and daughters that ride, compete, and laugh together

By Amie Peck Cochrane, Alta.

A

n often overlooked hero behind every horse crazy child is a mother. Simultaneously balancing grooming, braiding, even trailering — they do so much and infrequently get the praise they deserve.

As a riding coach, it always amazed me the extent that mothers would become involved in their children’s passion. Riding is unlike any other extracurricular activity in that once the lesson is over, there is still a horse to cool out, untack, perhaps feed or turn out.

There are saddles to be cleaned and a bit to rinse. If there is a competition on the weekend, they must come out hours beforehand — to bathe the horse, learn the pattern, etc.

In honour of Mothers day, we are profiling five mother/daughter duos that not only ride, coach and support each other — they compete alongside each other. They are fortunate enough to share the strong bond that the love of equines provides.

Barrel Racing

Geraldine Metcalfe and daughter Carolyn (below) love competing together at rodeos. Both are shown riding “Sixing” a 12-year-old mare.

G

eraldine Metcalfe was enamoured with horses from the start. Growing up on a ranch in southern Alberta, she was riding and showing in gymkhanas by the tender age of five.

“Back then, we rode in everything,” Geraldine remembers.

“Gymkhanas, jumping, horse shows and rodeos.”

Geraldine decided to concentrate on barrel racing as a teenager, and went on to win the Canadian Championship at 16 years old. After years of travelling and competing in rodeos, Geraldine married and took some time off from riding to raise her children, son Jay, and daughter, Carolyn.

Geraldine knew that she wanted to get back to rodeos and competing, and introduced her children to riding at a young age. Thankfully, Carolyn expressed the same passion for horses — and barrel racing.

“Carolyn progressed from the peewee, to junior and then amateur rodeo,” Geraldine explains. “I always went with her and competed in the ladies division. It was fun to compete with my daughter and in the miles between the rodeos we got to talk ‘barrel racer talk’ together — going over what went well in our runs. We spent a ton of time together, in preparation, in competition, and travelling between.”

mendous amount of knowledge that was passed on to me — I was very lucky to grow up with that.”

Recently, Geraldine has noticed a role reversal when she and Carolyn, now working as an accountant, compete together.

“It’s my turn to get coached,” Geraldine laughs. “Sometimes I get nervous, especially since I take the winters off. Carolyn gives me confidence and helps me with my runs.

She is my coach now!”

Working Cow Horse

E

lyse Thomson was elated when her daughter, Falyn started to show in Working Cow horse events.

“I love competing with her,” Elyse explains. “Showing in the same sport keeps her involved, and makes her a part of what my husband and I like to do. We are always talking about horses together.”

Falyn, just eight years old, has been showing in the 10 and Under Youth class for the last three years.

“I like showing and competing with my mom because she cheers me on and tells me I did a good job every time,” Falyn says. “She tells me that I should let my horse do the work and enjoy the ride. She also says to correct my horse if he is wrong, but to have fun and trust my horse will take care of me.”

The knowledge and lessons that

Elyse passes on are more than having a good ride in the show pen.

“My mom tells me that I should always remember that my horse comes first and I need to treat him well,” Falyn explains. “I always give him treats when I’m done riding him.”

With children now in the picture, Elyse has had to balance motherly duties and horses. “I ride when I can,” she says. “The last couple of years I have had less time to ride and tried to focus more on the kids.

I really enjoy watching Falyn show and if I get to show as well it’s a bonus.”

All the time spent together translates into some great memories. “Falyn is very outspoken, “Elyse giggles. “She says what she thinks and comes up with really great lines. She is not afraid to give instructions, especially when I am warming up at a show. She will be

right on the sidelines, telling me what I need to do. That makes me laugh — her intensity about the sport at such a young age and her willingness to give advice. She is quite the character!”

Elyse believes that the strong connection between woman and horses can be attributed to the way the animals make you feel.

“Horses see into you — they know if you have had a good day or a bad day,” she says. “That is the same for everybody — adult or child. You go to a different place when you are riding, when it is just you and the horse.”

Elyse is thankful for the special bond she shares with her daughter, thanks to countless hours of quality horse time. “We enjoy that we can go for a ride together,” she says.

“Christmas day we will saddle up the horses and go for a ride — it is so fun to be able to share that.”

Working Cow Horse

I Carolyn has many great memories of traveling and competing with her mom. “One of the funniest stories happened when I was around 15 or 16 years old,” she remembers.

“I would change in the front room of this old horse trailer we had. Unfortunately it would only lock from the outside, so I needed my mom to let me out. I don’t know what happened, but she must have forgotten that I was in there!” she laughs.

“There was no way out so I just had to sit and wait. It was probably only a half hour until she remembered I was in there, but it is something we still laugh about to this day.”

Carolyn went on to compete in the Canadian finals and was a twotime intercollegiate champion. She credits her mom for her much of her success.

“My mom taught me everything I know about horses and barrel racing,” Carolyn says. “She has a tre-

t would be an understatement to say that Jackie Miller was determined to ride horses.

At the age of 12, she and her brother had saved enough money to buy their first horse — a half Arab yearling. It was all that they could afford. In fact — they didn’t have enough money to even buy a saddle until a year later.

“We named her Cheetah,” Jackie remembers. “I had her until she was 30. My two oldest children rode her and she is buried on my farm.”

It was no surprise when Jackie’s daughter, Lynsey was bit with the horse bug at a young age.

“I have been riding ever since I can remember,” Lynsey says. “My mom has influenced my riding in every way. When I started riding in 4-H, she was our 4-H leader. She always had nice horses for me to ride and made sure it was fun for us.”

It wasn’t until recently that both mother and daughter started competing in working cow horse, but they have accomplished a lot in a short amount of time. Jackie started taking lessons only seven years ago, but earned a Reserve Champion at the 2011 NRCHA World Show in San Angelo, Texas in the Intermediate Non-Pro Bridle class. Even more impressive — she was riding a homebred mare, ‘Lucy,’ by the great Alberta stallion Pepinics Master. Lynsey began competing a year and half ago.

“I was thrilled when Lynsey started to compete in Cowhorse,” Jackie beams. “She is a really good rider and the challenge of learning to show down the fence really appealed to her. It is so cool to see her ride my horses better than I do. She has competed all her life so she is very cool under pressure.

I didn’t really start competing in anything until my 40’s so I still get butterflies!”

Now that Lynsey is an adult, she and her mother have a symbiotic relationship when riding together.

“My mom is the reason I ride — and riding is my life,” Lynsey says. “This year my mom gave me the opportunity to ride her young horse, which I am so thankful for. She is just so supportive and I wouldn’t do it without her.”

“Lynsey is so good for me because she is so motivated herself,” Jackie explains. “I am not allowed to slack off when she is around. She always encourages me to be better. I can ask her to watch me practice a manoeuvre and she will help me improve.”

This coming year, the mother and daughter team will be travelling the country to compete, with Lynsey striving to qualify for the World Show in 2014. Win or lose, they love doing it together.

“The best part of riding and competing together is the opportunity to just be together and talk about everything under the sun,” Jackie says.”We have had wrecks, wins and everything in between.

I trust and admire her and I am a very proud Mom.”

HORSESALL.COM

HORSES ALL • MAY 2013

P ROFILES

special mother’s day feature

Show Jumping

R

Working Hunters

K

ristine Semrau believes that riding teaches children responsibility and empathy in that they have to care for their ponies. “When we go to a show, my daughter Kyara does everything herself. I know for me growing up, riding kept me out of trouble and allowed me to focus my energy.”

Kristine’s father worked in the RCMP which meant moving to different locations across Canada frequently. In every new town, riding provided some consistency and the chance to make new friends.

“I rode cutting horses, showed western pleasure and reining,” Kristine remembers. “When I moved to Calgary I showed jumpers, rode dressage and now I’m competing in the hunters.”

After the birth of her two children, Kristine took time off competing but remained active in the horse industry.

“My daughter Kyara first came to the barn as an infant in her carrier,” she laughs. “She has been taking riding lessons since she was four years old, on itty bitty ponies.”

Now 10, Kyara is competing in the Pony Hunters while Kristine competes in the Adult division.

“Riding and competing has really taught Kyara about goal setting,” Kristine says. “She will set a goal together with her coach, and then work towards it in every lesson.

Kyara competed at the Royal Win-

Debra Garside – Continued from page 5 »

“It’s been so amazing to observe the unusual adaptations of the Sable Island horses... like drinking from the ocean. On my first two trips, I saw them play near the water, sure, but I didn’t see them actually frolicking in the ocean. But on my last trip, I saw them frequently in the ocean, splashing and playing... and then they would drink from the ocean,” she says incredulously.

“One of the other things I had heard about but not seen until my last trip is that the horses who live on parts of the island where there’s not a lot of fresh water dig down to create their own watering holes.

They’ll dig down about two feet, and stand in there with their front feet and drink! It was incredible to watch!”

Wild horses have been thriving on Sable Island since the mid1700s. (Some used to believe they were shipwrecked there but later evidence suggests they were actually brought there intentionally by merchant sailors from Boston.)

The only other mammals on the

Kristine Semrau believes that riding is a perfect sport for children to become involved in, and provides valuable life lessons along the way.

ter Fair one year, which took a lot of hard work and determination. One of her new goals is to qualify for the Pony Final and ride at the Devon Horse Show.”

Of course there is a lot of fun to be had when they ride together as well.

“Mom was in la-la land in my lesson this morning — I was cantering around and I almost ran into her because she wasn’t paying attention,” Kyara laughed. They also have fond memories of a pony that would suddenly buck out of nowhere — sometimes sending Kyara flying.

“I always hoped that she would like horses,” Kristine explains. “The fact that she loves it as much as I do is even better. At the shows we watch each other and cheer each other on. It is so great to spend that quality time together with something that we both enjoy.”

island are seals. There are no predators. Sable Island horses thrive on the abundance of sea grasses and legumes that grow from the dunes.

There are no trees for protection from the elements and in fact, the often harsh climate provides the only enemy to the horses’ survival.

“When they have a tough winter, that’s when they’ll lose a portion of the herd,” Debra says.

Ultimately, Debra would like to create a Wild Horses of the World exhibit and/or a book of her photography featuring wild horses from every continent. “Well, maybe from six continents,” she grins, in recollection of her (horseless) Antarctica sojourn.

Zoe Lucas, an artist turned scientist who, since 1982, has spent the majority of her time on Sable Island says Debra’s photographs, “both those showing horses in their quiet moments and those capturing the energy and wildness of the horses in motion, are unique.”

Zoe says that though thousands of images of Sable Island horses have been captured over the years,

enee Walker fell in love with show jumping at the age of 15 and competed regularly throughout her teenage years. She took a few years off to concentrate on her career, but kept riding recreationally, even up to the birth of her first child, Robyn.

“I rode while I was pregnant (no jumping) until the week before Robyn was born,” Renee remembers. “I struggled to get into the saddle, and realized it was time to stop. When she was a few months old, I would hoist her up to ride with me. Robyn always wanted to get on the horse when I was finished, from as early as I can remember.”

Robyn started riding lessons when she was six years old, which was an encouragement for Renee to keep riding and competing.

“As a mom, I think it is difficult to get back to competing,” Renee explains. “There are so many time constraints. The best thing to do is to plunge right in, and know the time spent with your daughter is quality time that leads to many positive spinoffs.”

Robyn recently returned from the FEI Children’s International Jumping Final in Mexico, as the solo rider representing Canada. This year, Robyn and Renee will be competing against each other in the 1.30 m Jr/Am Division. It is rare to see a mother competing in show jumping, even more so at such an elite level.

“The best part about competing with my mom is learning from our experiences,” Robyn reflects.”We get to discuss the courses together and then see how we each execute the plan. It is fun see who comes out on top!”

“We really enjoy showing together,” Renee says.

“We are both very competitive, but support each

Debra’s are “amazing, all expressing a kind of intimacy, and so much more interesting, compelling and creative.”

Debra says, “I think any time you visit a place like Antarctica, or remote places of Alaska, or Sable Island... places that are very remote... it somehow takes you to a place in yourself that’s very primal.

From this primitive place in ourselves, we can connect much more intimately to our subjects — spiritually and artistically — and ultimately to ourselves.”

FOR MORE INFO

To view more of Debra’s brilliantly captivating photography of wild horses and wild places, surf to www.truenorthfineimages.com and for more specific content on Sable Island, check out www.sableislandhorses.ca.

She also has published a sold out book called The Wild Horses of Sable Island.

other and like to see each other succeed. One time we were showing in a 1.20 m class together, I went first on my horse and had a stop at a tricky fence.

Another friend went and did the same thing. Robyn went next, and was one of only two competitors to go clean, and ended up second!”

Renee knows that the time spent riding and working with the horses has been invaluable for Robyn. “I am most impressed with her composure and self-control, even when there is a lot of pressure during competition, or things don’t go as expected,” Renee says.

“She has also learnt to be self-critical and analyze what mistakes she made in a constructive manner, and how she could improve on her performance the next time, without blaming the horse. When we go to the barn to ride, we discuss what we are going to work on that day, and Robyn is very dedicated and works hard to achieve results. That is a skill that I am very proud of.”

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P ROFILES Love affair

Pony Express

Norma Debernardo’s Welsh Ponies take her everywhere, from camping trips to computer classes.

Dashing through the snow... whether it’s 30 below or 30 above, Norma spends three or four hours a day, every day with her Welsh Ponies.

WOMEN OF THE WEST Personal profile

By Doris Daley Turner Valley, Alta.

W

hen it’s 25 below, with an Arctic gale howling out of the north and snowballs flying through the air, Drumheller resident Mary James looks out her window, pours herself a cup of tea and says, “Boy, I’m glad I don’t have to go out in that!”

Invariably, that’s when she’ll see her neighbour trotting by in her cutter, hitched to her beloved Welsh Ponies, perhaps heading into town to the post office or simply out on a joy ride. “She’s not just a horsewoman,” says Mary. “She’s not just a local celebrity. She’s my IDOL!” Norma Debernardo wouldn’t call herself a celebrity. But she would

call herself No. 1 booster for the Welsh Pony. And for Norma, that means spending time with one, two or all five of her ponies (two are purebreds, two are Canadian-Welsh crosses, the fifth is an Appaloosa cross) for several hours every day, whether it’s 30 below or 30 above.

“What I feel for my ponies is a passion, an art, a feeling... it’s just in me to do,” she enthuses.

Raised in Calgary and later on a farm near Indus, Norma spent summer holidays with an aunt and uncle in the Drumheller area. She was fearless around horses, graduating from a Shetland pony to farm horses, always climbing back on after any kind of wreck.

As an adult, horses always played a big role in Norma’s life. “Friends brought me their horses to condition. It was a pleasure to log in all those hours in the saddle to get a horse fit.”

But occasional buck-offs took a toll, and a serious shoulder injury nearly side-lined her from actively enjoying horses.

By that time, Norma had moved her car-detailing business into Nacmine, a village suburb of Drumheller, where fate had two influential events in store. She married the landlord, and they learned they could keep horses on site because of a zoning bylaw.

Still smarting from injuries, she thought she might be content to simply visit her neighbour Mary and ‘play’ with Mary’s Section B (designated as up to 14 hands) Welsh ponies. Like the guy who liked the Remington razor so much he bought the company, Norma first bought one, then two of the ponies.

If you could call Norma’s instinctive, lifelong attraction to horses a love affair, Welsh Ponies fanned the affair into epic, Gone with the Wind,

Sandy Ridge Stallion Station Hezgottabefamous

An ‘own’ son of Dash Ta Fame, the Nation’s #1 Leading barrel sire of the Decade!!!!

Also Standing:

Fast Moon Chic, son of the Nation’s #7 Leading Barrel Sire of the Decade, Marthas Six Moons A Classic Guy, son of the Nation’s #2 Leading Barrel Sire of the Decade, Frenchmans Guy Crimson Jess, son of the Nation’s #1 Leading Race Sire of Money Earners, Mr Jess Perry Root Beers Boots, son of 1987 AHA Hi Pt Jr Working Cowhorse, Root Beer Doc Prime Time Chivato, by Dash to Chivato si96, sire offspring of $3,279,722

The hoops of Norma’s covered wagon get the Christmas treatment for December trips to town. Dixie, K-9 Queen of Wagons, is along for the ride.

magnetic, 6.9 Richter Scale proportions. When asked why, she answers with both her heart and her head.

“Welsh Ponies are very forgiving. If you make a mistake, they will never hold a grudge. Treat them well and they’ll treat you better. They are easy keepers, don’t require fancy feed, the more you work them, the better they look. Resilient! Tough!

Bomb-proof! Great companions!

I’m the first to acknowledge that owning a Welsh Pony doesn’t have the same cache as owning an elite quarter horse. Horse aficionados might look down their noses and say... oh they’re ‘just’ ponies. I don’t care! I love them!”

“Horses were bred for high performance,” explains Norma. “Racing, cutting, roping, going to battle.

One touch and they’re off! Ponies, on the other hand, were bred for work. To plough fields, take families to church, serve a family’s needs.

Any flightiness, and that pony was culled. And they’re strong! My daughter’s six-foot boyfriend rides my ponies... his feet are only 12 inches off the ground, but we have a blast. I really think they are the breed for the future.”

Indeed, Norma means that literally. “As more and more public and private land gets locked up, we have to ride where we have access. In the coming years, that means along roadways, in the ditches, in urban and suburban settings. I drive my ponies with semi-trucks zooming by on the road and Drumheller street traffic flashing by. Most horses can’t cope with that kind of stimulation.

My ponies accept it with good man-

ners and calm temperament. They always make me look good!” she says, quick to give credit to her fourlegged partners.

Norma’s fleet of rigs now includes a cutter for winter, two wagons and a nice passenger wagon that seats six to eight. She is hot in demand at weddings, seniors’ outings and birthday parties. This summer, she’ll be parked at the foot of the Big Dinosaur, offering tourist rides.

And Norma is one of the few people in Canada... perhaps the world... to take a horse and wagon to computer classes. She is often in the streets of Drumheller just going about the normal affairs of grocery shopping and errands. “Gas meter guards make great hitching posts,” she laughs.

Norma loves to camp, and has serious ambitions of hitting the road with her ponies for an excursion to Cypress Hills. Several test runs closer to home have taught her how to keep both ponies and driver comfortable. “I figure it will take about three weeks to get there,” she says. “I love to camp and I love to drive. My ponies are such easy keepers, and so fit, there is no reason we couldn’t do it.”

“They’re awesome companions.

I just love them,” says Norma with undiluted affection. And in Drumheller, that affection extends to residents and tourists. “There’s nothing better,” says Mayor Terry Yemen, “than waiting in line for my DoubleDouble with Norma and her wagon ahead of me at the drive-by window.”

That’s a celebrity, equine-style, in any line-up.

“All out of producing mares!!!”

More info: Doug & Carol Schaffer, Bassano, Alberta 403-641-2511

www.sandyridge.ab.ca

Double Double – Manny and Metro at the drive-by window while Norma orders coffee for the trip home.

HORSESALL.COM

HORSES ALL • MAY 2013

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P ROFILES Horse club

Grassland Fillies are kicking up their heals Saskatoon women’s-only horse club is educational and a whole lot of fun WOMEN OF THE WEST Personal profile

By Cindy Bablitz Calgary, Alta.

W

hat started as a mini vacation,˜along˜for the ride on her husband’s business trip to Waterton National Park, turned into what would become a life changing, life enhancing brainchild for empty nester Edie Koski.

“My husband was working in Waterton for what was only going to be a seven day stint,” says Edie, who tagged along for the opportunity to go trail riding in the mountains — an idea that had always held an as yet unfulfilled appeal.

The one week’s worth of work turned into a second, then a third and fourth and by the end of the month, Edie was certain, “I had to have horses in my life.”

A humble newspaper ad later — a simple invitation for women to talk shop about horses — and six women gathered with Edie in 2008 to launch what has become a thriving, educational, entertaining, nurturing community of women in and around Saskatoon, Saskatchewan who simply love horses.

“Grasswood Fillies is about women sharing their passion for horses,” Edie says.

The group isn’t discipline specific, breed specific, or skill level specific. You don’t need to own a horse to join, and you don’t even need to know how to ride. The group’s only common denominator is that you have to be a woman to join and you have to respect all horses and each other.

“We’re a pretty eclectic group with members ranging in age from 18 to 69, and we love sharing within our community whatever we each as individuals bring to the table in support of education, socializing with like-minded others and downright fun,” Edie says.

The idea for this kind of nurturing camaraderie within a horsecentric theme seems to be an idea whose time had come. After the inaugural meeting of six, membership quickly grew to 30 and today stands at close to 70 members.

The group hosts clinics and workshops with education on everything from ferrier matters to nutrition, barn tours, bus trips to equestrian events, trail rides, camping trips, pot lucks, painting and photography classes, tack swaps, movie nights... and everything in between.

Members enjoy discounts at many local businesses with their membership cards, and the group also operates a horse-specific lending library of books and videos. It’s grown to become an important friendship building and business networking go-to for members old and new.

Though she’s very quick to insist that the success of Grasswood Fillies is absolutely the result of the collaborative energy,

enthusiasm and contributions of many, the group has evolved into something of a childhood dream come true for Edie.

“For someone who never owned a horse before Grasswood Fillies, I’ve always been horse crazy. As a school girl, I’d stow away on the bus with my friends after school and just show up at my friends’ homes who had horses just hoping to catch a glimpse, or to give a pat, or ultimately to ride a horse. I remember going to sports days in my community and I’d have my roll of dimes to ride a pony. I’d get off my turn and go right back in line with another dime, trying to make

that darn Shetland Pony move,” she laughs.

Edie’s newfound Grasswood Fillies friendships helped her find and buy her first and second horses, and she continues to grow with the support of her ‘saddle sistas.’

For more information

For more information about the Grasswood Fillies, giddy up on over to www.grasswoodfillies.com or look for them on Facebook under Grasswood Fillies OPEN PAGE.

Grasswood Fillies hold a variety of events each year including training, workshops, trail rides, and their Breed Demo Day shown here. On the left is Laurie Klassen riding her Mangalarga Marchador gelding, Beethoven do Summerwind. On the right is Lynn Sander on her Friesian gelding, Hayo W. photo: submitted

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HORSESALL.COM

HORSES ALL • MAY 2013

P ROFILES Racing

Jack Stott – four decades of racing Pony Chuckwagon racing is in the blood for Stott family, the biggest clan on the All Pro Circuit WHERE ARE THEY NOW? Catching up with heroes of the past

By Dianne Finstad Red Deer, Alta.

W

hen the claxton sounds, Jack Stott’s blood gets pumping. The long-time pony chuckwagon driver still loves nothing more than having a hitched

foursome of power at his fingertips, and a track beckoning beyond the barrel turns.

But a lot of preliminary work happens before those ponies charge out onto the raceway. In fact, winter is when Jack Stott and his counterparts are travelling up and down the highway in search of tarp sponsors at auctions. They’ve also been busy feeding horses, and as winter’s snow fade into spring’s grass,

Jack Stott has been going flat out since he was 17, and has no plans to retire.

216 1st St. Cochrane, AB

403-932-2121

they’re out training, harnessing and hitching up various combinations to build a fast running team to take down the road for the season ahead.

Stott knows the ritual well. It’s one he’s been doing for 42 years.

And it’s something he shares with his family. In fact, the Stott racing team is now the biggest family unit on the Taste the Dust Pro Tour for the All Pro Canadian Chuckwagon and Chariot Association, with up

photo: Brian McLoughlin

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to four rigs going this spring, and a fourth generation of family racers in the works.

Daughters Lori and Tracey race wagons alongside their Dad, and son-in-law Jonathan Big Charles, who’s married to daughter Karen, races too.

Stott and his wife Tidge recently celebrated their 25th anniversary.

“I had five kids, and she had five kids, so we became a family of 10.

And we have 18 grandchildren,” he beamed.

“Now I’ve got a grandson, Karson Big Charles, who’s running the mini-chuckwagons.”

Stott is a founding member of the APCC & CA, which includes more than 20 stops. Tracey is also the secretary of the All Pro Canadian Chuckwagon and Chariot Association.

Jack Stott is actually Jack Jr., and his father, Jack Sr. was drawn to horses in their early farming days in the Edmonton area.

“I can remember when I was 15 years old, my Dad and a bunch of guys up there had chariots. They had just an old 45 gallon drum, cut in half, with car tire wheels on it, and they used to race in the arena when they had the spring rodeo in Edmonton,” recalled Stott.

Stott figures the roots of pony chuckwagon racing as a sport go back some 50 years. It began as a way to have fun on a smaller scale than the big wagons. He began driving at the age of 17.

“My Dad was involved with it all, but he was crippled so he couldn’t drive. So we used to run two wagons. He’s the one who started me.

We went out and bought an outfit from Wetaskiwin.”

The circuit then took in many prairie small towns from Saskatoon to Rocky Mountain House, with as many as 44 days of racing between the long weekends of May and September.

“We started out hauling our horses in an old farm truck. We used to clean it out, and then sleep in it. Then we built an old school bus into a horse and camper thing, and had that for a few years. Then we moved up into a motor home.”

“Now we pack 20 head of horses with us, and we all live together in our fifth wheel trailer. I’ve got a 53 foot commercial van converted into hauling for 16 horses, with the rest going on a gooseneck.”

In 1980, Jack and his family moved to Olds to farm. Then 14 years ago, he relocated to 15 acres at Gull Lake, where he runs 50 head of horses these days. He manages to find plenty of neighbouring acreages with grass for summer pasture.

After farming, Stott went to work for LonKar Wireline, one of his wagon sponsors, and he’s still working there today.

Despite his early passion for pony wagon racing, success didn’t come quickly for the dedicated driver.

“It took me seven or eight years before I won my first show. I believe it was Stony Plain.”

Measu r em ents

How big is a pony?

The horses used in pony chuckwagon racing have changed over the years. Now they must be under 58.5 inches tall, but when the sport began, they truly were ponies, and had to be below 48 inches at the withers. That’s a restriction that has crept higher gradually over the years.

“So you’re getting just about a fifteen hand horse now,” acknowledged Jack Stott.

“Actually, they’re not ponies anymore, they’re all horse. But we just keep the name ‘pony’, to keep it separate.”

Originally the horses used were Welsh-Shetland crosses, but that jumped to include some quarter horse. Stott says next came appendix horses, and then more thoroughbreds eight or nine years ago when the measurement got higher.

“They’re kind of a breed of their own now.”

“We always shopped for horses until seven years ago, when we bought a thoroughbred stud and started our own breeding program. We call him Heart,” he chuckled. “But we still buy too.”

Career highlights include winning the North American Pony Chuckwagon Championship at Red Deer’s Westerner Days in 2005, a title he’d been chasing for decades.

“I had it won one time before.

I won the shows every day the four days of racing. Then the last day the horn went and my horses sat there at the barrels, so lost ’er then.”

Stott also won the Rocky Mountain House title last year, in the mud.

“Nine times out of 10, your show is won in the barrels. If you can get out ahead of everybody else and steal the rail, it’s still the shortest way around.”

“I’ve had a few rollovers through the years. I broke both my arms once. It was up in Grimshaw. My pole broke, and my wagon crawled a chain link fence and shot me out into the dirt. But I was back racing a month later.”

It didn’t take much convincing

by Jack’s father to get his son to the reins. In fact, you could say he was ‘hooked’ right from the start.

“Pretty much,” he grinned and nodded in agreement. “It’s a lot of work, but you get that two or three minutes of adrenaline rush.”

Race time is what makes all the winter feeding, the patient training and the many late nights driving worthwhile.

“That’s it. When you have the horses running, and the crowd cheering.”

“I can’t quit until I’m 85. That’s my goal!”

HORSESALL.COM

HORSES ALL • MAY 2013

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HORSESALL.COM

HORSES ALL • MAY 2013

P ROFILES Trick riding

Meet Madison MacDonald Alberta cowgirl still has a few tricks up her sleeve YOUNG GUNS Up and coming stars

By Cindy Bablitz Calgary, Alta.

S

he’s living the dream, riding horses year round... and has already fulfilled a pretty hefty bucket list dream by performing at the National Finals Rodeo in Vegas.

And then she turned 19.

Madison MacDonald, now 20 years old, grew up outside of Calgary, Alberta and already is positioned for an impressive career in rodeo as a trick rider with the tutelage of none less than Tad Griffith, a world renowned California-based third generation trick rider.

Madison came to Tad’s attention when the young rider was recognized for her particular talent by her then coach Niki Flundra, who gave Madison her first trick riding lesson when this young gun was six years old, bringing her to meet and train with Tad for the first time when Madison was just 13.

Tad is considered by many to be one of trick riding’s best equestrian gymnasts of the past three decades and he himself made his professional debut in the trick riding arena on a Shetland Pony in Kansas at the ripe old age of five.

No doubt there was a glimmer of recognition in Madison when the pair met. (Tad is now famously known for his stunt work in movies including The Mask of Zorro, Wild

Wild West, Shanghai Noon and The Patriot, among many others.)

“I’ve been on the back of a horse since I was two,” she says.

“Ever since I can remember, I’ve been surrounded by horses... and I love it. I love them. I love the rodeo.”

Madison is currently studying business administration at Tarleton University in Stephenville, Texas. Her aim is to use her BA degree to parlay her career as a trick rider into a long term vision that will always include rodeo in some way.

“I don’t exactly have it all figured out yet,” she laughs, “But I know I want to somehow stay linked with the PRCA (Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association) and the CPRA (Canadian Professional Rodeo Association). I’m trying to wait to see where the trick riding will take me... to see what different doors open up for me.”

She’s been a girl with a dream and a penchant for matching great circumstances to great opportunities her whole life. Her first horse was a pony named Snowball... and from these humble beginnings Madison manoeuvred her way a mere decade and a half later into a promising career as a trick rider of note a la Flores LaDue. During last year’s Calgary Stampede, Madison was featured in Tails — a spectacular new high tech production showcasing the best west western horsemanship, incredible sets and effects and First Nations’ performances — a show that demanded some 30 per-

formances during the Centennial event’s 10 day run.

In 2012, Madison performed over 20 shows at the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo. There aren’t many teenagers who can boast performing in Texas, in Calgary at the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth and at rodeo’s crème de la crème event, the NFR in Las Vegas in the same year.

“Anybody in rodeo — their goal is to ride in that arena,” Madison says.

“When I first got the call in 2011, I couldn’t believe it. I never, ever thought in my wildest dreams that at 18 years old I’d be selected to perform at the NFR. I was a basket case of nerves that first year!”

Nerves or no, Madison was invited back to the NFR a second time, and trick rode her sophomore performance in Vegas last December. The gig cost Madison a compromise in her first year of university; as she knew she’d be absent during exam week she took on a reduced course load her first semester... a price she was more than happy to pay.

“There’s nothing that compares to the feeling of riding into that arena. It was a milestone for sure.

It’s an amazing feeling and an amazing opportunity.

“The first year was so overwhelming. But this year, I got to enjoy the crowd and every single second I was in that arena.”

And, by every single second, she literally means it. Each of her trick riding performances at the NFR were done and over in about 40 seconds.

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While still a teenager, Madison MacDonald has performed at the Calgary Stampede, NFR, and the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo.

Mentor Tad’s training combined with Madison’s own passion and determination for her horses has sharpened her performance acumen to a detail she wouldn’t have otherwise gained.

“He gave me amazing knowledge. He breaks down ever y trick... and then breaks it down even more to make you understand the structure of the anatomy and the functions of each movement... to the smallest possible thing.”

Madison was able to use that knowledge in training her eight year old barrel racing quarter horse, Joe Brown, to a bareback bridleless performance at December’s NFR. “He’d never been in a show before, never seen those kinds of crowds, or spotlights... we had to go through fog. And he did it.

We accomplished it together — it was the coolest feeling ever!”

When she’s not studying at University, training for shows or socializing like other young 20 year olds, Madison is currently working in a new performance venture with Roz Beaton and Rae-Lynn Armstrong in a trick riding trio they’re calling Rodeo Girls.

“I would not be where I am today if it wasn’t for my mom and dad... and my whole entire family for the support they gave me! My mom’s been my backbone, and my dad spent hours and hours with me teaching me and helping me find and buy great horses and saddles.

There’s a million things they’ve done to help me get here.”

For more information

To learn more about Madison MacDonald and Rodeo girls, check out www.rodeo-girls.org

HORSESALL.COM

HORSES ALL • MAY 2013

13

P ROFILES Appaloosa

Empty Horse Trailer, Joint Bank Account, and a Dream RPR Appaloosa combines the talent of three individuals to promote and breed Appaloosas A BREED APART Horse breeder profile

By Robyn Moore Airdrie, Alta.

I

t began in 2006 on a trip to Saskatchewan. A newly formed trio of Appaloosa aficionados hit the road with an empty horse trailer, a joint bank account and a mission.

They returned home to Alberta, the trailer considerably heavier, their bank account lighter.

They bought four broodmares bred by High Noon from Saskatchewan. “It was very exciting to bring them home with the four beautiful foals they had at side,” says Pat Hyndman, the ‘marketer’ of the trio. “But the most exciting and memorable time was the following spring when these mares plus our own mares all produced beautiful foals from our own stallion, Mr. High and Mighty. They just kept coming out one after the othereach one so beautiful and healthy.

We had eight foals that year.”

Rejean Gariepy, Pat Hyndman, Rick Miller comprise RPR Appaloo-

Shania is a 2012 filly out of Katie Belle

by RPR High Pressure, his first foal.

RPR’s junior stallion RPR High Pressure is pictured here in 2008 as a foal with his dam BCA Treasure Lane. His first foal crop hit the ground last year.

sas. They were long-time friends and experienced horse people who saw an opportunity to partner and further promote the Appaloosa breed.

RPR currently has two stallions, Mr. High and Mighty and RPR High Pressure. They have five broodmares and also breed up to five outside mares a year. “Our dream goal is to have five beautiful foals to raise in our barn per year,” says Pat, “this way we are not overwhelmed by the volume

and the foals can all get enough attention and not become just a number.”

When it comes to breeding, RPR taps into the talent that they have in their partnership: Rick Miller, pedigree man and breeding expert. He has served as President of the Appaloosa Horse Club of Canada (ApHCC) as well as occupying other seats on the Board for many years.

RPR focuses on Appaloosa to Appaloosa breeding. Rick comments, “The ApHCC and the ApHC

both allow out crossing, but it is our feeling that the gene pool is just fine and we wish to breed horses with longer Appaloosa pedigrees, which we believe will help concentrate the traits we love about the Apps — lots of stamina, good legs and feet, surefooted, best friend type of horses.”

The mares are hand-bred and foals are born in Bowden on Rick’s property, which is “on a beautiful, lush and forested quarter section of horse heaven,” says Pat. After weaning, they are moved to Rejean’s property east of Calgary.

Pat does the ground work and light training when they are 18 months.

Rejean carries on the light training until they are three, when they

come in for ‘boot camp’ with cattle work and lots of miles on the trail.

“Most of our clients like to mountain trail ride so we need to produce strong and enduring horses to take hours on the trail,” says Pat. “Our foals have also done well in the competition ring: working cowhorse, team penning and cattle sorting.

RPR is very involved in the Calgary Stampede events and are on the road promoting the Appaloosa Horse so we need calm dispositions so they can handle the exposure.”

Robyn Moore is the Manager of Horse Industry Association of Alberta. If you own or know of an exceptional horse breeding operation, email rmoore@ albertahorseindustry.ca, and we’ll chose one that stands out from the herd to feature each month.

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HORSESALL.COM

HORSES ALL • MAY 2013

P ROFILES Harness Rac ing

B u l l Riding

First place in four provinces in one year

Armbro Dublin races his way to victory across Western Canada HORSE HEROES Profiles of exceptional horses

By Robyn Moore Airdrie, Alta.

Young Gun Jordan Hansen looks for big things in sophomore season

T

hree years ago, Jerry Hagenaars sat down with his wife at their house just north of Saskatoon and told her that he wanted to get back into Standardbred racing and buy a horse. He had been out of the industry for over 30 years.

“It’s an absolute thrill to be there and to watch the horse win. And to hear the fans cheer, it’s an absolute rush.”

— Jerry Hagenaars

That one horse that Jerry’s wife agreed he could buy has since turned into five. But one of those horses is a special one: Armbro Dublin. “We have four other horses but he’s at the top of the list,” says Jerry.

Armbro Dublin was eight years old and offered up for sale at a

PEPINICS MASTER

Armbro Dublin winning an open race on the Fair Circuit in Manitoba, August 2012. photo: Cheryl Wishart

claiming race in September of 2011. He had a hoof issue at the time but Jerry’s trainer Blake Piwniuk told Jerry, “You know, Jerry, I think I can still make him run fast.”

Jerry and Blake bought Dublin together for $6,000. Blake took care of his hoof, and all three have never looked back.

Since then, Dublin has raced 33 times, was in the purses 22 times, and had 12 wins. He has earned over $35,000 since Blake and Jerry purchased him.

“It’s been a lot of miles,” comments Jerry. They have raced Dublin all over Western Canada

PERFORMANCE

at small tracks and large ones.

“We’re pretty proud of the fact that he’s won in all four provinces in the same year.”

Dublin also won Horse of the Year in Manitoba in the aged category in 2012.

He’s 10 now and has over $550,000 in lifetime earnings and has achieved his 50th win while with Blake and Jerry.

Jerry works in Saskatchewan but travels on weekends to watch his horse race whenever possible.

“It’s an absolute thrill to be there and to watch the horse win. And to hear the fans cheer, it’s an absolute rush.”

CIRCLE BAR GRAY GUN

PHOTO CREDIT: CHERYL SMYTHE PHOTOGRAPHY AND DESIGN

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BY PEDIGREE THE PROOF IS IN THE PROGENY Pepinics Master’s performing offspring have earned $550,000 in cutting, working cowhorse, reining, and barrel racing (Equi-Stat).

Hansen has sights set high for 2013

Circle Bar Gray Gun is sired by Playgun who is the Equi-Stat #9 Leading Cutting Sire and an NRCHA Leading Sire, siring the earners of over $6,900,000.

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Jordan Hansen rides the Prescott bull, South Side Fade at the Bridge City Chrysler/ LA Towing PBR Challenge in Lethbirgde, Alta. on March 2, 2013 at the Enmax Center. photo: Wendy Sloboda

HOOKED ON BULLS Profiles on the PBR

By Ted Stovin Calgary, Alta.

T

he most common way for someone to get involved in rodeo is to grow up being around it somehow.

“When I was a lot younger, I didn’t really like going to rodeos all that much. I didn’t really know anyone and I didn’t really like hanging out with barrel racers all the time. That was pretty boring,” Jordan told of growing up on the road with his Mom, CFR Qualifier Adel Hansen and his sister, also a barrel racer.

“It’s true. It was terrible. I didn’t do anything. I just sat in the trailer the whole time.”

It wasn’t until former Canadian Bull Riding Finalist Boyd Patton talke d the youngest Hansen into entering a steer riding school that his own rodeo career would begin.

“Boyd kinda started it and it took off from there. I’ve got to thank Travis Reay too,” Jordan explained, also acknowledging the support from his Mom. “If it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t be riding today.”

A f te r m a k i n g h i s w ay u p through the steer riding, junior bull riding and open bull riding in the amateur ranks, Jordan made his Pro Rodeo debut in 2012.

“I won Season Leader in the FCA and made a bunch of money at all three finals so I had my semi-pro card with the CPRA and didn’t have to fill a permit. I figured I was one of the best in the amateur ranks so I should move up and learn

from the best,” he explained over the phone.

And learn from the best he did, highlighting his year by winning an event put on by Calgary Flames star, Curtis Glencross.

Of the $1,200 Hansen won, he donated some back to the Ronald McDonald House Charity. He proudly wears the Troy Fischer custom trophy buckle.

“… I didn’t really like hanging out with barrel racers all the time.

That was pretty boring…”

— Jordan Hansen

A bigger $3,000 cheque came in Lashburn, Sask. at the Brad Phipps Memorial PBR. Both those cheques in August came at about the perfect time.

“I was waiting for cheques. I knew I had some coming in. I was hoping I had enough to pay fees the next weekend and keep going,” Jordan added. “I’d rather ride than be stuck at home.

Most of the time, Jordan travels with the likes of Devon Mezei and Skyler McBride, broken up some time with Ty Elliot who he also worked for in between events.

In 2013, Jordan Hansen has his sights set on the CFR and PBR Canadian Finals. “I think if I rode the way I did at the end of last year, I don’t see any reason why I shouldn’t be there.”

HORSESALL.COM

HORSES ALL • MAY 2013

15

PROFILES ANIMAL WELFARE

BILL DESBARRES: passionate spokesman for welfare of the horse Concern about major industry issues motivates Medicine Hat man to keep working on behalf of the horse and horse owners I DID IT MY WAY Personal Profile

By Dianne Finstad Red Deer, Alta.

H

orse welfare issues are often fraught with emotion. But Canadian horse supporters can count on Wm. H. L. (Bill) desBarres to provide a voice of reason in such debates. It’s an experienced, well-educated, informed, well-spoken, accessible voice that represents great passion for the horse in a realistic and common sense way.

“I’ve had 77 years of horses,” smiles the spry, bright-eyed horseman, who looks far younger than his age.

Born in Nova Scotia, desBarres’ first encounters were with draft horses for logging on the family farm. As he set out to explore the world, desBarres eventually found opportunity, like-minded folks, and plenty of horses in Alberta so that’s where he settled. He’s currently a commercial mediator, facilitator and financial advisor based in Medicine Hat. Right from his first meetings as a volunteer with a local Nova Scotia exhibition association, desBarres has been an active contributor to the industry. In the mid-1970s, he was involved with the Alberta Horse Council as it was formed. It grew into the Alberta Equestrian Federation, where he still serves as chair of the Breeds and Industry Division. He’s also been a dynamic participant on the national front with equine organizations.

But desBarres’s major passion is for the cause of horse welfare, and he was instrumental in getting the Horse Welfare Alliance of Canada established. He’s currently chair of that group, which promotes the humane handling of horses through all their life stages. desBarres says there was a need for better information and communication about, and within the horse industry. The Alliance does that with its website (www. horsewelfare.ca), which he believes all horse owners should have as a favorite. It’s chock full of industry news and valuable resources which can be downloaded for free.

That ranges from information on transporting horses, to import and export requirements.

From his position, desBarres has talked with horse and livestock industry people from around the world so he gets a broad perspective on key issues on the horizon.

Bill desBarres, shown here with his grandson Charlie and granddaughter Talia, is a transplanted Maritimer working tirelessly for the Alberta horse industry.

“Equine Infectious Anemia is one,” desBarres stated. “It’s spreading prolifically within our province, and people are ignoring that. We need to stop it. It was stopped in the ’70s by a program of mandatory testing called the Coggins test.”

“It’s still a reportable disease. We need to promote the fact that testing is now a necessary evil again so we can find the positive horses, and bring down the numbers of horses that are infected that could cause more infections.”

“Biosecurity is an issue that we need to have lots of energy on, creating education so that people can prevent disease, and do more on emergency preparedness as well.”

“Traceability and Identification is another one. Horses often travel hundreds of times, and they go into places with other species.

We’re getting more and more diseases that can spread, or even cross species. We need to be able to trace where they came from.

Alberta has one third of the livestock herd in Canada so we need to protect it.” desBarres is passionate about his work on behalf of the AEF with Alberta Farm Animal Care, a multispecies approach to responsible care of livestock in the province.

“There are people that would like to eliminate animal agriculture all together. We need collaboration

in order to tell our story. Some of the people that want to destroy the animal agriculture industry possibly don’t understand all of what they’re talking about. We’ve got to tell our side of the story.

We do look after our animals, we do care for them. We don’t want to have useless, emotion-based arguments with people who don’t provide scientific or logical reasons. It should be fact based, and that includes the right to eat horse meat. It’s a democratic right.

We’re fortunate to have CFIA and a good relationship with them, which provides us with the food safety regulations and inspection from gate to plate.”

Being on the front lines of horse welfare emergency situations is not an easy job. Late night phone calls, media inquiries, harsh critics...desBarres has had it all. But he forges on, because he believes in the good work being done that too often goes unseen.

“The objective is to have a healthy horse herd in Canada, where horse enthusiasts can enjoy their chosen aspect of equine activities.”

When Bill desBarres isn’t in boardrooms, conferences or lobbying, he’s got some favorite ways to unwind.

“I play the piano and ride my horse, that’s my road to sanity.”

16

HORSESALL.COM

HORSES ALL • MAY 2013

PROFILES RANCHER

Meet Larry Ramstad

The longest-serving manager of the Gang Ranch, one of Canada’s largest cattle ranches I DID IT MY WAY

“Larry Ramstad was inducted this year into the BC Cowboy Hall of Fame, housed in the Museum of the Cariboo Chilcotin in Williams Lake, BC.”

Personal Profile

By Mark McMillan Meadow Springs Ranch, B.C.

I

t takes a special kind of cowboy to manage one of the biggest ranches in Canada. Larry Ramstad is a cowboy that gives more credit than he takes.

“I’ve been very fortunate to have always worked for the best” says Larry. “I couldn’t have worked for finer people… they gave me some terrific opportunities.”

Not a typical cowboy that wanders from job to job, Larry says he’s always known ahead where they’ll be moving next… and his employers have always known too.

“They’ve all said any time I want to come back I’d be welcome,” said Larry without any inkling of a boast.

Larry has always been around cattle and horses. He was born and raised in Valleyview, Alberta and his career as a cowboy started while working on his Animal Science diploma at Fairview Agricultural College. The head of the Animal Science program lined him up with Gerard Guichon, a B.C. Nicola Valley Rancher for work during semester break.

After getting his diploma, Larry decided to check out the cattle industry in Australia. “We stopped in New Zealand cause I couldn’t stand being on a boat any longer,” says Larry.

Larry Ramstad was inducted this year into the B.C. Cowboy Hall of Fame, housed in the Museum of the Cariboo Chilcotin in Williams Lake, B.C.

He stayed and broke horses for a while before hiring on in NW Australia on Dunham River Station and later for Alexandria Downs NT. “We think our ranch is big,” laughs Larry, “I never did see the headquarters — it was 17 million acres”.

He returned to Quilchena, B.C. in 1969 for another 3-1/2 years before

heading to B.C.’s Chilcotin and the Cotton Ranch where he was cowboss for Neil Harvie until 1975.

While working at the Cotton Ranch he had a job interview for the manager position at the neighbouring River Ranch.

“I’ll always remember that interview,” jokes Larry, “it was inside the concession stand at the Riske

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Creek Rodeo grounds. The new owner of the Ranch lived in Italy and couldn’t speak a word of English so we needed an interpreter.”

Larry got the job and looked after the cattle until 1978 when he moved back to Quilchena for 12 years, mostly as ranch manger.

Larry credits Ray Hunt for changing his ways of doing things with livestock at a clinic in San Antonio. Larry missed the first couple of hours but got lots out of the rest. He went home and immediately put his newly found ideas to work on a colt.

Wife Bev laughed, “His saddle had long tapaderos and the long wings were flying straight out!

They were bouncing off the corral walls!”

Larry just smiled, “I could ride him, but I couldn’t get off — every time he stopped I’d lift a leg and away we’d go again! I think the first couple of hours of Ray’s clinic might have been important.”

This clinic changed some of Larry’s ways, and also started a long time friendship. Over the years he’s had Ray Hunt put on 18 clinics!

Meanwhile the Gang Ranch was struggling. It had gone through quite a few different owners before being purchased by Ibrahim Afandi, a Saudi Arabian businessman. This is when Bev and Larry made the move across the Fraser River to manage the Gang Ranch.

He’s been managing the Gang Ranch longer than anyone in the ranch’s century and a half history, and is the first one to see the yearend figures in the black. With his wife Bev, he’s taken a decrepit ranch and made it not only profitable, but a place that looks like it should be in a movie set!

Larry said that hiring cowboys can be tough too. Trying not to laugh too hard he said, “the cow-

boss was interviewing a potential cowboy at the horse barns. The cowboss told him to pick a horse and saddle up. When the wanta-be cowboy walked up behind the horse and very politely said ‘excuse me please,’ and then ‘thank you,’ the cowboss said… it’s OK, never mind, we don’t really need you here.”

L arr y R amstad definitely gives credit to others more than he takes himself, but what goes around comes around and every cowboy I’ve ever talked to that has worked for, or with Larry, has the same comments about him.

Comments like, “Larry is one of the most knowledgeable, honest, affable ranch managers I’ve known.” “He doesn’t expect you to do anything he wouldn’t do himself.”

In 2010 Larry received a Living Legends Award at the Medicine Tree Ranch Rodeo in Nanton, Alta., and in April of this year was inducted into the B.C. Cowboy Hall of Fame. Both very well deserved recognitions.

YOU SHOULD KNOW

Facts about the mighty Gang Ranch • Today the Gang Ranch runs about 2,200 mother cows, 150 bulls, and 500 to 600 replacement heifers — mostly Black Angus • The horse herd stays at about 150 head with 80 to 100 broke to ride • Three cooks feed six or seven cowboys, a farm crew of three, and three summer irrigators • The ranch and range of the Gang Ranch totals about one million acres • The cattle are mostly sold through the B.C. Livestock Co-op • Larry and the Gang Ranch cowboys do all the pre-sale sorting • In late October, at the Williams Lake Co-op, they sell about 1,000 calves over three sales, all uniform in colour and size • Despite the many hunting articles that can be found, the Gang Ranch is private property

HORSESALL.COM

HORSES ALL • MAY 2013

17

P ROFILES Riding on

Tom Crowe: mentor, historian and great cowboy Brand inspector and long-time volunteer with Calgary Stampede crosses the great divide HOMEWARD BOUND Celebrating lives lived

By Luke Creasy, Brownfield, Alta.

“

T

om was honest, respectful of the old ways.” His wife Leslie wasn’t shy to admit, “Tom’s first love was rodeo.” He also had a great passion for much of the horse industry. Tom Crowe passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 13th, at the age of 59.

Tom was deeply involved in youth rodeo, opened gates at Calgary Stampede for years, and worked as a livestock inspector for LIS for 26 years.

Tom contributed to the Calgary Stampede in many ways. He first worked for Calgary Stampede rodeo in 1969. He went on to compete in the novice and open saddle bronc riding. He pulled chute gates at Rodeo Royal, Stampede Rodeo and was a red shirt with the Chuckwagon races.

Total time — 32 years. He also judged convention rodeos and helped the Queens Alumni establish their rodeo for special needs children.

Leslie explained Tom’s ties to the Nanton/Stavely area saying,

“Tom was raised in the area. He was involved in the cattle and ranching industry in this area since he was a school kid, working for ranches out here. He is remembered as knowledgeable about area ranches, and the area families. He knew the land, and people from 50 years back, it’s why we came back to the area.”

“He did his formal schooling in Stavely, Claresholm and Olds. His education and knowledge stretched far beyond the walls of any school or university. If you had the good fortune to ever get him talking about the ranching country, he was a source of history and trivia way more interesting than any archive,” said Cathy Ladigas, long-time family friend.

“As a youth, Tom entered up at any and all rodeos he could get to…

Little Britches, Amateur rodeos and eventually pro rodeos. He loved to calf rope and saddle bronc ride… and finally he became a team roper. Tom said all good cowboys eventually become team ropers.

“Tom worked for the Harvie Family at Crestview Ranch near Millarville and Western Feedlots by Strathmore… as a kid he worked for the Calgary Stock Yards. These jobs led him to his lifetime career as a

Livestock Brand Inspector. He was extremely proud of the contribution he was allowed to make to the overall good of the ranching and cattle industry,” concluded Ladigas.

Kirk Phillips and Shilo Duthie commented on their father-inlaw, “There is something about strength, where does it come from?

You put a person through a lot and this will determine their strength.

Not only did Tom have strength, he had a positive attitude, and a family who didn’t stand in front of him or behind him, but right beside him through everything.

“Tom’s memory was amazing! A drive out west was like going back in time. He’d recite the history on how the ranches where divided by the families so many years ago and who runs each one today.

“When my son Kehler asks about Papa Tom, I will tell him that underneath his cowboy hat was a generous man with strength and positive attitude and he had a memory that was second to no one!”

A collection of friends said this of Tom, “sweet and kind gentleman, a friend and a cowboy,” “a fine, fine man,” “he had a heart of gold, was always willing to help,” “he put up a

CANADA’S LARGEST DISPLAY WAREHOUSE

great fight, God needed a new Cowboss,” “loved his girls with a passion and showed it,” “he always had time to visit,” “a mentor, historian and great cowboy,” “had a great respect for our Western Heritage, livestock and the environment,” “he was a great horseman, historian, honest friend, mentor, always had a kind word and a helping hand,” “a wonderful family man, nothing came close to the obvious love he had for his girls.”

Tom Crowe always had a kind word and a helping hand. A wonderful family man, nothing came close to the obvious love he had for his girls.

fo n d memor ies

Comments from Tom’s wife Leslie “Tom respected good horsemen, ranchers, people who worked hard. He was very proud of his small ranch west of Nanton... the crops of hay, calves he wintered... the fences he built and the horses he bought or raised. His daughters were competitive at rodeos and dance (ballet, tap, jazz) — he hauled them to both kinds of events and cheered them on no matter it was barrels or ballet. He loved to help at the kids rodeos,

Jr. and high school, and local jackpots. Over the years he judged FCA, AHSR, jrAHSRA, CGRA, CPRA, CSPRA. He competed in all these associations except CGRA, but travelled to many of their rodeos with his daughters. He was very proud of his work with LIS... he knew he was well respected because he knew his business and dealt with clients professionally. The crew he worked with were his friends and co-workers at the same time.”

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SHOP ONLINE: WWW.IRVINES.CA Tel: (403) 946-4246 or 1-877-946-9494

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HORSESALL.COM

HORSES ALL • MAY 2013

special feature: adult horse camps acti vities

HORSE CAMPS

Ten great activities for the adult horse enthusiast this summer

Why should your kids have all the equine fun?

By Heather Grovet

1

Galahad, Alta.

W

hy should your children have all the fun this summer while you and your horse sit on the sidelines? Western Canada has countless summer riding options for adults, ranging in length from weekends to entire week long programs. Now is the perfect time to try something new with your personal steed, or to gain new skills on a well trained lesson horse. Consider the 10 activities below, and then pick up your phone.

Twisted Terrain

Located near Hope, B.C. is a horse obstacle course set in the beauty of nature. Weekend and five-day “Mountain Horse Trail and Horsemanship” clinics and camps teach riders how to navigate their trestle, suspension and log bridges, staircases, water crossings and other natural obstacles. There are individual pens and stalls for your horse, guest houses and cowboy camping for riders. www.twistedterrainhorsepark.com 604-869-3733

Cain Quam of Kendal, Sask.

Offers riders a chance to try something new with their horse, or improve their existing skills. Quam, a professional cutting horse trainer, offers two or three-day clinics on Cowboy mounted shooting, ranch roping, colt starting, cutting, horsemanship and unbridled work called, “Set yourself free.” Their facilities include a heated indoor arena, outdoor arena, stabling for your horse and limited accommodations for participants. www.quamperformancehorses.com 306-424-2034

Participants at Twisted Terrain Horse Park learn to go over a variety of natural and man-made obstacles. Credit: Submitted

COOLED, SHIPPED SEMEN OR

Trainer Nettie Barr is an AQHA and APHA certified trainer that holds lengthy clinics from her location at Beaverlodge, Alta. Topics include round penning and on-line ground work, introduction to riding, and advanced riding. Participants will develop skills that will aid them in communicating with their horse. www.canadiannaturalhorsemanship.com 780-354-3401

Blue Bronna

1 Horse Park

2

Natural 3 Canadian Horsemanship

4 Wilderness Camp

Located near Longview, Alta., has unique equestrian activities with a strong, Christian emphasis. Their five-day Mother/Daughter adventure allows each person to spend quality time with their assigned horse while riding, grooming and doing general care.

They also have a five-day Father/Son pack trip through the Rocky Mountains, Married Couple pack trips, and separate ladies and men pack trips with good food and fellowship. www.bluebronna.org 403-803-4776

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Glenn Stewart

Offers adult horse camps lasting four to eight days at The Horse Ranch located near Fort St. John, B.C. Here adult riders can learn natural horsemanship and develop their focus, feel, timing and savvy. Camping is available with some power sites, plus there are several small cabins available. The Horse Ranch has a challenge course with obstacles, round pen and miles of river valley trails. www.thehorseranch.com 1-877-728-8987

2

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AT DIAMOND N RANCH STETTLER, AB MARE CARE AVAILABLE - $8/DAY DRY, $10/DAY WET TY CORBIELL DVM

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FIESTA ROYALE 2007 GREY STALLION (ROYAL SHAKE “EM X FIREWATER FIESTA)

• CBHI NOMINATED • 2013 SUPER STAKES AUCTION

www.fiestaroyale.com

Cain Quam, a professional cutting horse trainer from Kendal, Sask. offers two- or three-day clinics on a variety of disciplines including cowboy mounted shooting.

Photo: Submitted

HORSESALL.COM

HORSES ALL • MAY 2013

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special feature: adult horse camps 8

Hidden Meadows Ranch in Saskatchewan hosts an annual Woman’s Retreat Weekend where adult women and their horses have the opportunity to try a variety of equine activities. Photo: Submitted

Chuck and Terri McKinney

6 of Wild Deuce

Provide a variety of activities during the summer on their well broke mountain horses. Their fiveday Women’s Retreat features great horses, friendly women to visit with, wine tasting and even a chance for a professional massage at the end of the day!

Their five-day Wilderness Pack trip is filled with scenic mountain trails and home cooked meals around the campfire. www.wilddeuce.com 780-679-8451

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Doug Mills

Professional trainer and clinician of Kamloops, B.C. offers three-day clinics on a variety of topics including horsemanship, working cow horse, reining, cutting, roping and barrels. He also hosts five-day horsemanship clinics, perfect for the horse lover who wants to learn and ride from morning until night. Meals are catered, RV parking is available, and there are also limited accommodations. www.dougmills.com 250-319-8921

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Hidden Meadow Ranch

At Battleford, Sask. it has an Annual Woman’s Retreat Weekend where adult women and their horses have the opportunity to try a variety of equine activities. Spend three days riding a dressage test or reining pattern, try a small jumping course, sort cattle, play mock polo, or trail ride. Relax, eat, camp and enjoy yourself. Overnight camping and board for your horse is available. www.hiddenmeadowsranch.com 306-446-0218

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The Outpost at

9 Warden Rock

Offers their five-day Wild West Spa Escape.

Here you can combine your passion for horses, hiking and healthy living in the pristine wilderness of Banff National Park. There will be organized hikes, yoga and Pilates classes, guided horseback riding, country music under the stars, and a ride on their horse drawn stage-coach. They also offer a Chicks in the Sticks camp for women only. www.outpostatwardensrock.com 1-877-762-2767

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Don Halladay

Canada’s top rated Parelli professional leads an all-inclusive five-day trail ride in Cypress Hills this September. Riders can lease a well trained horse or bring their own, and enjoy riding at the historic Reesor Ranch. All accommodations and meals are provided, and riders will receive instruction and guidance from Halladay. www.donhalladay.com 403-844-7940

Join top-rated clinician Don Halladay this September at the historic Reesor Ranch in the Cypress Hills of SE Alberta for five days of instruction and trail riding.

Photo: Submitted

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“For your peace oF mind..... capri insures you, your horses, your business, your property” • Complete insurance protection for the equine community • Horse Mortality, Coach Liability, Farm and more

Well-known trainer and clinician Doug Mills teaches his Training Thru Trust program through clinics and week-long camps at his ranch near Kamloops. Photo: Submitted

• Working with our Equine Partners from Coast-to-Coast

Contact information: Equine Department 100-1500 Hardy St. Kelowna, BC V1Y 8H2 Phone 1-800-670-1877 email: reception@capri.ca www.capri.ca

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HORSESALL.COM

HORSES ALL • MAY 2013

special feature: summer fun for kids summer activiti es

Get your kids out of the house and into a saddle this summer Western Canada has dozens of summer horse activities with a focus on young riders

By Heather Grovet Galahad, Alta.

D

oes your child spend the entire summer in front of the TV or computer? Or do they need an adventure? How about sharpening their horsemanship skills?

Then you may want to consider the many summer horse options available for youth in Western Canada. Horse camps, clinics and equine themed parties abound.

Have a look; you’re sure to find something here that will suit your child.

• 2012 CANADIAN DFI OPEN BRIDLE CHAMPION • 2011 CANADIAN OPEN DERBY RESERVE CHAMPION • 2010 IDAHO OPEN DERBY CHAMPION • 2010 IDAHO INTERMEDIATE OPEN DERBY CHAMPION • 2010 SRCHA OPEN DERBY CHAMPION Riders at Spring Coulee Equestrian Centre are split into levels depending on riding ability. You can bring your own horse or ride one of their’s.

Spring Coulee Equestrian Centre in northern Saskatchewan offers three-day riding camps that are action packed, adventurous and full of learning-bydoing experiences. Riders are divided into various levels, so this camp will appeal to all types of riders; those that have never been on a horse before all the way to kids who ride on a daily basis. Your child may bring their own horse, or use a well broke camp horse. www.springcouleeequestriancentre.weebly. com 306-371-3319 If you’d like a unique birthday party for your horse crazy child, consider Horse Sense Training and Petting Zoo near St. Albert, Alta. The facility has several memorable birthday party themes such as Cinderella’s Ball (children dress as prince and princesses, and are given a ride in Cinderella’s horse drawn carriage), the Great Goat Race (pony rides,

petting zoo and goat races) and their Pretty Pony Party (dress in costume, pony rides, visit the petting zoo). www.horsesensezoo.com 780-470-0414 The Love of a Horse located north of Camrose, Alta., offers riding camps in both English and Western disciplines for young riders over the age of eight.

A maximum of eight campers attend at a time to allow more instruction time with the trainers. Campers may bring their own horse or use a camp horse, and spend three to five hours riding each day. Campers sleep in the hayloft and all meals are provided. A fun show with ribbons concludes the week. www.theloveofahorse.com 780-672-0614 Kylie McLean’s Cowgirls Inc at Okotoks, Alta., hosts five-day camps where youth may bring their own horse or use a camp horse. Here campers learn

2013 STUD FEE $1000 OWNED BY STANDING AT

DAVE FREELAND

JUSTABOUTA RANCH IN HANLEY, SK

VISIT WWW.JUSTABOUTARANCH.COM OR CONTACT DALE & TERI CLEARWATER AT (306) 544-2421 OR EMAIL JUSTABOUTARANCH@GMAIL.COM show photos & ad design @ Natalie Jackman, have-dog.com

Horse Sense Training and Petting Zoo in St. Albert, Alta. offers some interesting equine birthday parties. photo: Christel Chattargoon

HORSESALL.COM

HORSES ALL • MAY 2013

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special feature: summer fun for kids

The Love of Horse offers week long camps in both English and Western using your own horse or a trusted camp horse. photo: Elizabeth Kyler

to run barrels, poles or goat tie, or improve their existing skills. On Thursday horses are trailered to Longview for trail riding. Friday ends with a family potluck and camp gymkhana. “Our program trains riders to understand, care for and control the horse.” www.kyliemcleanscowgirlsinc. com. 403-669-9809 Chaganjuu Retreat at Schuswap Lake, B.C. conducts co-ed horse camps for youth aged 10 to 16. Instruction is provided by an Equine Canada certified riding instructor in the English disciplines. Riders are encouraged to bring their own horse, but some camp horses are available. The five-day camp includes accommodations, all meals, instruction and activities, with an on-site horse show and family BBQ the last day. www.chaganjuu.com 250-675-3141

Regina Equestrian Centre located near Regina, SK features two types of day camp. Their fourday Trailblazers Camp is for seven to 12 year old. They will spend their morning doing horse activities aimed at beginning riders, and then do archery, crafts, games and drama in the afternoons. The fourday Horsemanship Camp is for the serious horse lover aged nine and up. Here campers are paired with a special horse partner for riding lessons and theory classes. The centre’s goal is to teach youth about God the creator. www.reginaequestriancentre.com 306-543-5170 Camp Chief Hector YMCA hosts countless summer camps at their facilities west of Calgary. Options are almost endless; campers can choose all-round camps where horseback riding is one of many activities, or they can take specialized horse camps where they will

learn to groom, saddle and ride a horse. Accommodations include cabins, tents, tipis and yurts.

Programs range from six to 27 days.

They also have a climbing tower, challenge course, arts and crafts and canoeing. www.ymcacalgary. org 403-673-3858 A trip to child friendly Okanagan Stables near Kelowna, B.C. offers a variety of day activities. Children as young as two can take the basic trail ride, or parents can book a birthday party or family trail ride. All day cattle drives are also available. One highlights is their ride and swim program. Youngsters warm-up and practice first, then have a two hour trail ride followed by a chance to go swimming at the lake with their horse. “Wear your bathing suit under your clothes and bring a small towel.” www.okanaganstables.com 250-717-6274

The foothills of the Rocky Mountains west of Calgary is the backdrop for Camp Chief Hector YMCA.

Cats Merada

High Brow Cat Merada Lena

Somebodys Sindy

2009 Sorrel Stallion • AQHA Reg. # 5297790 Stud fee $1200.00

Introductory special of $1000.00 for mares booked before Mar. 1, 2013 Special consideration for proven mares and multiple mares Chilled or frozen semen

High Brow Hickory Smart Little Lena Freckles Merada Catalena Kate

Somebodys Smart Dox Little Cindy

Smart Little Lena A Busy Body Peppy San Badger Doc’s Cindy Bar

Trainer: Les Timmons Performance Horses Contact (250) 851-6295

photo credit to James Hudyma

Pioneer Camps is a Christian based horsemanship camp with two locations. Horsemanship 1 Camp is held at Sundre’s Pioneer Lodge for co-ed campers in Grades 5 to 8. Horsemanship 2 runs at Rocky Mountain House’s Pioneer Ranch for students Grades 8 to 12.

Campers will help with daily upkeep of their horse, and learn to care for them as well as ride. Other activities are swimming, wall climbing and an over-night camp trip. “We want youth to develop a relationship with God that will last a lifetime.” www.pioneercamps.ab.ca 403-638-2660

Timberline Ranch at Maple Ridge, B.C. offers endless summer options for both day and overnight campers aged nine to 16. Overnight campers stay at their Western Town or Poolside Cabins, and can take riding lessons, ground lessons, trail rides, vaulting, cattle penning, mounted games and grooming. Other activities are swimming, rock climbing, ceramics, archery and more. They also have shorter camps for young children, where campers can enjoy pony rides and other adventure but sleep in their own bed at night. www.timberlineranch.com 604-463-9278

In addition to a traditional summer ranch camp experience, Timberline Ranch near Maple Ridge, B.C. also offers vaulting, cattle penning, mounted games, rock climbing, ceramics, and archery.

SINDICAT is the earner of $27,309:

2012 Calgary Stampede Wrangler Open Futurity Champion 3rd Canadian Supreme Open Futurity Split 4th Olds Open Futurity

Canadian Supreme Nominated Stallion Trust your horse, trust your God at two Pioneer Ranch Camps in Alberta — Sundre and Rocky Mountain House.

MADISON AVENUE Lyle Pambrun, Janet Hotte 780-817-0896 Hinton, AB

For breeding please contact Les 250-851-6295 or Janet 780-817-0896

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HORSESALL.COM

HORSES ALL • MAY 2013

INSPIRATIONS Inspired by People and Horses big and bold

Marcia Baldwin Louisiana artist capturing God’s creation one painting at a time

By Doris Daley Turner Valley, Alta.

W

hen Louisiana artist Marcia Baldwin approaches a canvas, it is often with a large brush in her hand, and always with gratitude and awe overflowing in her heart. Growing up on a farm in rural Louisiana, her appreciation for nature —and the freedom she felt riding horseback — were second nature.

Now, after 39 years as a professional artist, her love affair with God’s creation, especially the horse, is as strong as ever. “I want to share the beauty that God has blessed us with each day,” she says.

Specializing in equine art, Marcia is known for bold colour and intense feeling. “I have been around horses all my life,” she explains, “Over the years I have owned and ridden paints, quarter horses, thoroughbreds and Tennessee Walkers. I learn something new about them every day.

“When I paint a horse, I am trying to capture its very essence: beauty and strength, a gentle eye, flowing tails and manes, their spirit and passion.”

The American wild horse has lately captured her attention and imagination. For Marcia, the mustang symbolizes American heritage and freedoms. The research she does on any particular horse — mustangs, polo horses, Gypsy Vanners, an Indian war horse — is what she then tries to capture in her art.

Unlike many professional artists who initially paid the bills with a ‘real’ job and painted for pleasure in their off hours, Marcia has always made her living in the art world. An oil painting workshop at age 12 got her hooked.

To this day she still loves the smell of turpentine and the buttery feel of the oil paints. Undergraduate and Master’s degrees in fine arts helped lead to careers as an advertising designer, art teacher, art consultant and photographic artisan.

Technically and stylistically versatile, Marcia is accomplished in fine detail work, showing the direction of hair on a wolf’s coat or capturing the abstract texture of batik on canvas. But big and bold is her signature style.

“I love painting large and love large brushes,” she says, adding that she truly enjoys the spontaneity of bold colour, bold brush strokes and bold design.

Marcia now works full time for herself. “I wear many hats,” she explains, “On any given day I might be a supply clerk, a shipping clerk, a bookkeeper or janitor.

Always, it’s the hat of artist that I truly love.”

“I can’t say that some days are not without their struggles,” says this devout believer, “But I just hand the worries over to the Lord and He provides me with everything I need, in both small ways and large ways.”

Any profession has its struggles, she points out. Art is no exception. And she can see now how all the different art-related jobs she held over the years now help her in her role as professional artist and businesswoman.

The best reward of all, says Marcia, is when one of her paintings rekindles a moment, a memory or a feeling in the viewer.

“When my clients walk away from a painting feeling lifted up and energized... if they reconnect with the beauty that God gives us every day... then I’ve done my job as a painter.”

And it’s a job she loves, with the best job description of all: capturing a moment in time, one painting at a time.

Marcia Baldwin: career highlights

• E arned BFA in 1974 from Louisiana Tech University; named LA Tech’s Illustrator of the Year the same year • M asters in Fine Arts in 1986 from Louisiana State University, first place honours in the National Serigraphers (silk screen printers) Association • C urrently accepting commissions; allow 4-5 weeks for custom oil painting • Home and studio: Shreveport, LA • V isit Marcia at www.mbaldwinfineart.com or catch her daily blog at www.mbaldwinfineart.blogspot.com

HORSESALL.COM

HORSES ALL • MAY 2013

I NSPIRATIONS Book review

th e rapu t ic

Millerville therapeutic riding group looking for new home

Tell Me About That Horse

A registered charity just outside of Calgary that has been helping physically and emotionally handicapped children and adults through Equine Assisted Therapy for the past two years is looking for a new place to call home!

The Millarville Therapeutic Riding Association (MTRA) urgently needs a new venue, says President Jessica Van Der Hoek, after costs became prohibitive at their old location. “We currently have eight horses, a long list of clients who need our help and we’re searching for a place where we can have use of a few paddocks, some stalls and an indoor arena. It has to be a place where our organization has room to grow,” she explains.

“We’ve shut down our operations for the summer but we’re hoping to be fully established in a new location by the time we begin signing people up for our next set of lessons this coming fall.”

Growth has been phenomenal, Van Der Hoek enthuses. “The best

Photo journalist and artist Vaughn Wilson collected 39 stories of special horses TIME TO CHILL Book and movie reviews

Reviewed by Wendy Dudley Priddis, Alta.

“It was a unique time in my life that can never be repeated, and Zip was there with me every step of the way.” — John Lyons, horse trainer

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h e r e ’s h a r d l y a h o r s e owner who doesn’t break into a quiet smile when asked to talk about a favourite horse. In his book Tell Me About That Horse (Hawkcrest Publishing, 2010, hardcover, $44.95 US), author Vaughn Wilson has collected 39 smiles, as owners from diverse arenas share their memor ies about the special steeds that changed their lives.

Western singer Don Edwards beams about Rebel, an old-style Morgan that he rode through hotels while singing his tunes.

On cue, he’d rear up like Roy Rogers’ Trigger. When Rebel died at age 32, Edwards described it as “the hardest day of my life.”

Followers of the Calgary Stampede will remember Topper, who carried calf ropers Roy Cooper and Fred Whitfield to big wins.

And with all the corrals of horses he’s owned, it was a mare called Sheba that rodeo celebrity Larry Mahan recalls, a half-broke Arab/Quarter Horse that taught him balance. He was eight and she was his first horse, never to be forgotten.

“… his artistic eye also captured portraits of these exceptional owners, in both photos and watercolour portraits.”

— Wendy Dudley

One of the most poignant stories is told by dressage rider Pam Grace, who was asked by Paul McCartney to ride her Appaloosa, Pay N Go at his late wife Linda’s memorial service (she had owned an Appaloosa stallion).

And one of the funniest tales is told by rodeo clown Lecile Harris about his racing mule, Sweet Pea. It’s not always an easy horse that teaches its rider the most.

All-Around Cowboy Trevor Bra-

zile discusses the difficulty of training Real Cool Dual, a “semioutlaw” of a horse that had a deep fear of cattle. So why did Brazile stick with his buddy? “I just saw something in him,” the champion roper told Vaughn. It took years of building trust, but Brazile turned him around to be a pro equine athlete.

Tell Me About That Horse — winner of the Will Ro gers Medallion Award — was a three-year project, as Vaughn logged 30,000 miles travelling to stables throughout the U.S. Not only was his tape recorder kept busy, his artistic eye also captured por traits of these exceptional owners, in both photos and watercolour portraits.

His artwork brings the book alive beyond the printed words, in the same way a groomed mane and tail can add a showy splash, or silver conchos can dress up a bridle.

In fact, it was the book’s cover — a watercolour image of cowboy singer Michael Martin Murphey having a close conversation with his palomino Wildfire — that initially caught my attention.

While the book’s story tellers range from cowboys, trainers and saddlemakers to rodeo announcers, cowgirls and equine artists, they share one thing in common — they all count their horses as among their best friends.

For more information, go to www.tellmeaboutthathorse.com.

part of therapeutic riding is seeing the smiles of the people when they begin to bond with their horse. A real friendship develops and you just know that these people are experiencing something vital and important.” There are also definite physical benefits, she adds, and parents have commented that their children are stronger, more flexible and have improved balance after only a few sessions in the saddle.

Currently the charity is charging a minimal fee for each lesson and is working with various Calgary agencies for referral of clients.

“Eventually we want to have sufficient funding to offer this service free of charge for those who can’t afford it so that everyone will be able to experience the joy and freedom that comes with horseback riding.”

For more information, go to www.millarvilletherapeuticriding.ca Contact Jessica at 403-616-4731 or Jessica@millarvilletherapeuticriding.ca.

GALLERY LOCATION:

5419 - 36 Ave Wetaskiwin, AB

E-MAIL:

wildwestgallery@yahoo.com

PHONE:

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GALLERY HOURS:

Mon - Fri 10 am to 6 pm Sat 10:30 am - 3:30 pm Closed Sundays and holidays!

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Don Weller - The ArTisT

orses and drawing were early passions for internationally renowned artist Don Weller. Growing up in Pullman, Washington, he drew constantly when he wasn’t riding horses.

He graduated from Washington State University with a degree in fine art and moved to California where he had a successful career

Whether for working, rodeoing, or an evening on the town, your custom hat will have the distinctive mark of quality, style, and comfort to make you look the best you can. With Double D, your hat is your choice. Hats may be designed in a combination of colors and styles to create the perfect hat for you.

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Jaz Poco Goldun Blue 1994 AQHA Grulla Stallion

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HORSES ALL •

By Little Steel Dust (Grandson of Poco Bueno) and out of a mare by Pocos Gray Comet (Grandson of Poco Bueno) MAY 2013 Homozygous Dun - ALL his foals WILL be red dun, dun or grulla, regardless of the dam’s color!

HERDA N/N GBED N/N 1994 AQHA Grulla Stallion PSSM of N/N

By Little Steel Dust (Grandson Poco Bueno)

INSPIRATIONS R H YMES FROM THE RANGE

Guardian Angel

and out of a mare by AQHA Registry of Merit Pocos Gray Comet (Grandson of Poco Bueno) Homozygous Dun - ALL his foalsReining WILL be red dun, (ROM) dun or grulla, regardless of the dam’s color!

IBHA Registry of Merit

By Randy Huston

(ROM) HERDA N/N • GBED N/NReining • PSSM1 N/N AQHA Registry of Merit (ROM) Reining 2001 Open(ROM) ReiningReining Circuit IBHA Registry of Merit

Champion 2001 Open Reining Circuit Champion 2001 MHBHA Working Cow 2001 MHBHAHorse Working Cow First Place Horse First Place 2000 NRHA Limited Open Res. 2000 NRHAChampion Limited Sandhills Open Res. Slide Champion Sandhills Slide 2000 NRHA Limited Open Res. 2000 NRHA LimitedHigh Open Res. Champion Desert Slide Champion High Desert Slide 2000 Working Cow Horse Circuit Colorful 2000 Working CowChampion Horse Circuit Colorado Champion Colorful Colorado MHBHA Reining 1998 MHBHA1998 Reining Champion Champion 1998 AQHA Junior Reining Colorful Colorado AQHA Junior Circuit 1998 Champion Reining Colorful Colorado 1998 IBHA Open Reining Colorful Colorado Circuit Champion Circuit Champion 1998 IBHA Open Reining NRHA Colorful Money Colorado Earner Circuit

HORSESALL.COM

While other girls stared out the window and dreamed You helped make mine come true We climbed over mountains, followed the rivers Nothing that we couldn’t do.

Seems like yesterday we rode the big circles I thought they never would end So it doesn’t seem fair that I’ve gotten stronger While time is no longer your friend.

I must have a guardian angel Watching whatever I do I’d loan you my angel, but then again maybe My guardian angel was you.

2012 Stallion Search for Fee: $950

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You carried the brand of a pretty good ranch But mostly you carried me, I hope that I’ve been one tenth of the friend That you turned out to be.

I know that it’s selfish, but still I can’t help it I don’t want you to go But we’ll meet again at the end of my trail When my angel carries me home.

Randy Huston is a fourth generation livestock producer, and partners with his father on their New Mexico ranch. Respected and recognized by his peers in the equine, beef and music worlds, his songs have been recorded by Chris LeDoux, Lee Ann Womack and many others. The words of Guardian Angel speak to any young girl who grew up with a special four-legged friend/angel. Kristyn Harris (www.kristynharris.com) recorded Guardian Angel on her new CD, Let me Ride; to learn more about Randy, visit www.randyhuston.com

G EOCACHING

Alberta company launches Global Equine Geocaching website Integrates rider-to-rider interaction with great trail information

Upcoming Equine Alternative Therapy Clinics: Laodas-Way Equine Kinetics Practitioners Program Length: 1yr 5 classes 4days each (certificate program) @ Alder Flats, AB $5500/yr payment plans available -register by Sept 2013 limited space Learn: Applied Kinesiology, nutrition, chiropractic care, massage, parasitc programs, hoof and teeth care, energy works, acupressure, saddle fit , herbal cleansing and much more.

Equine Adjustment Chart Clinic -July 20 Equine Energy Medicine Chart Clinic -July 21 @ Alder Flats, AB $300/1 day or both days for $560 Introductory Classes

Non-Invasive Chiropractics-November

Length: 5days -optional 6month practitioner certification @Williams Lake, BC $1250/5days payment plans available -register early limited space Learn: Equine Chiropractics and supporting techniques

Equine Energy Medicine Chart Clinic -Nov tba @ Williams Lake, BC $300/1 day CONTACT: Laodas-Way Healing Ltd for clinic registration/information www. laodas-way.com 780-897-7711 or visit us on facebook. See our supplements / liniments / educational products online!

Alchemy for Horses, Dogs, and Humans Length: 2.5days level #1 @Alder Flats, AB $650/class-October @Vanderhoof, BC $650/class-November Learn: In depth engery work

More stories...

And more features... online at...

Inspired by people and horses

www.horsesall.com

A

lberta entrepreneurs Brenda Murdock and Scott Phillips have stepped out into the international scene with their Global Equine Geocaching website, ‘Amazing Backcountry’ found at www.amazingbackcountry.net. Amazing Backcountry is a world-wide network of equine enthusiasts who enjoy the fun and adventure of exploring backcountry trails on horseback.

Geocaching is a sport where people search for hidden objects or caches by using coordinates that have been posted on the internet. There are a handful of geocaching websites out there with thousands of users all over the world but, “What separates us from the rest,” says Murdock, “is that Amazing Backcountry specifically caters to the horse enthusiasts.”

S co t t a n d B re n d a h ave designed the website to integrate rider-to-rider interaction, rider profiles through which you share your journeys to each cache through pictures and stories, and a trail database. The rider network revolves around the two core principles of sharing information, and connecting with other riders on the trail.

Of great interest to users, the trail database is an extensive collection of worldwide equestrian trail specifications. This includes locations, staging and camping areas. The database also features a rider updated photo library,

interesting facts, and information on the history or geology of areas all over the world. If you’re going on a holiday, you can easily go on the site and see what caches are in that area and what kinds of trails are available with the push of a button.

There are also fundraising opportunities available to registered Not-For-Profit (NFP) organizations through Amazing Backcountry. NFP’s can use groups of caches to support a fundraising effort. 2012 saw Amazing Backcountry participants raise $19,300 for STARS! The Amazing Backcountry Race for STARS fundraiser will be taking place again this summer, running from late June to early September. “What makes it even more fun this year is that participants can hide their own caches for it” says Brenda, “please go to the website and check it out!”

If you would like to find out more information about Amazing Backcountry, visit the website at www.amazingbackcountry.net or email them at amazingbackcountry@gmail.com.

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HORSES ALL • MAY 2013

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INSPIRATIONS

THE

MERCANTILE

Presented by

There’s nothing like walking into the paddock in spring and discovering the hay you fed in the morning trampled into the mud under your horse’s hooves. Take a stand this spring and find a feeder to suit your needs and save you hay.

Xactics

 This Canadian made option from Xactics is a new and improved model allowing up to eight horses to eat clean, dry hay at one time while reducing bullish behaviour and stress at mealtime. This feeder will accept one large round bale or up to 20 small squares at a time to ensure your equines can graze throughout the day. Visit www.duplessishorsefeeder.com for further details or contact Irvine Tack & Trailer in Alberta.

N.A.G Bags

 Slow feeding is increasingly recognized as a good option for equines. These bags allow your horse to graze throughout the day in keeping with the biological makeup of the horse. Pictured here, the Day Bag holds 6 to 8 flakes of hay making it the perfect option for the ‘gone all day’ owners. It can be hung, placed in a tub or left loose for entertainment! Available at slowfeeder.com the 1.5” option is an affordable $45.95.

Big Bale Buddy

 This round bale feeder is an inexpensive option to ensure that as much of your hay ends up in your horse as possible. Designed to withstand harsh Canadian winters the material stays flexible in extreme cold, and allows water to seep out while repelling outside moisture to keep your hay drier. Visit www.bigbalebuddy.com for details on feeder sizing and dealer locations. Your horse will thank you for a feeder that saves all the high nutrition chaff for last!

Hi-Hog

 Looking for a sturdy feeder with finished edges to prevent any injuries?

This Cow/Bull & Horse Feeder from Hi-Hog is sure to ensure even the most rambunctious equines in your herd have a safe feeding environment. Each corner and tombstone hoop is braced and is an excellent option for horses as there is no top horizontal for the horses to wear their manes on. Visit www.hi-hog.com for more details.

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HORSES ALL • MAY 2013

I NSPIRATIONS western art

Heather Gessell Young Saskatoon artist starting to get noticed

By Cindy Bablitz Calgary, Alta.

H

eather Gessell’s day job is getting in the way of her real job.

Heather, who founded Gazelle Fine Art in July, 2010 with a play on words to help people pronounce her last name and to provide a jumping off place, (so to speak) for a logo, has just about worked her art into a full time gig... but for the last little stretch to making ends meet, she takes a few shifts at a local diner. Where she slipped and broke her wrist in January.

But no matter. This plucky young artist is clear in her vision and absolutely focussed on creating realistic portrait impressions in pastel... and you get the impression chatting with her that nothing keeps her down for long.

She’s bright and incredibly talented and just self deprecating enough to be quite charming.

(“I’m only 31 and I drink hot water like a little old lady,” she said during our interview as she paused to sip from, well, her mug of hot water.)

“Realism is definitely what I’m after in my portrait work,” Heather says.

In fact, you get the feeling, looking at her commissioned work, (and almost every piece of art Heather creates is commissioned work) that her art honours her subjects. She doesn’t adorn the background, most of the time, and in her attention to detail she manages to convey something of the soul of the subject. It might be in the eyes, but not always. Because though she specializes in pet portraits, most often of horses and dogs, she also paints a mean car.

“It always makes me happy, and I feel like it’s a job well done when I give someone a portrait I painted and they cry,” Heather grins.

“But recently I did a portrait of a car for the Draggins Rod & Custom Car Club’s 53rd Annual Car Show and when I presented the painting to the owner of the car, he teared up! Usually the cat and dog and pony people cry but I’ve never seen a car guy cry! It was cute, and we both laughed!”

Heather is self taught. When she decided to move off the family farm she grew up on near Delisle, Saskatchewan and make a serious go of her art, she spent a lot of time looking at other portrait artist websites and blogs and learned from the work of artists whose style she admired. She did take a night class in figure drawing to hone her anatomy drawing skills, “but honestly, I didn’t learn as much from the instruction as from looking at the artists next to me, admiring their techniques and their hand at drawing and painting,” Heather says.

The key to the three dimensional nuance she’s able to achieve is a function of layering the pastels. She makes it sound easy, just like that, but it amounts to the kind of keen eye for colour detailing that sees the undercurrent of purple and blue in blacks, and the red undertones in skin colouring... and therein lies the artist’s secret talent.

“If you don’t get the under painting right, the whole rest of the picture will fall apart. It will never look three dimensional — pastel paintings won’t look alive if you don’t have that base under it. You can’t just put hair on a bare piece of paper; without the under painting, the portrait won’t capture the skin colour, the shadows, the depths of the details. This is no secret. I’m sure other people know how to do this too, and for me, this detail alone is what elevated my work from nice to where it is now.”

There she is with the self deprecation again. In her studio menagerie housing a rescued baby crow, four parrots, plants and fish tanks among the paints, pastels, canvases, coffee and loud music,

“It always makes me happy, and I feel like it’s a job well done when I give someone a portrait I painted and they cry.”

— HEATHER GESSELL

Heather leaves the defining details to last.

“I have a great confidence in my ability to draw a good eyeball. I know many artists paint the eyes first, because they really do ground the picture... and give it life. But with pastel, there’s a chance of smudging or smearing, and I want the eyes very sharp, very crisp,” Heather says.

Heather creates from her home studio in Saskatoon and is in such hot demand, (and thanks to that day job broken wrist) she currently has some 17 commissions on order. Still, she’s one savvy business woman and takes a great pride in turnaround times that meet the needs of her customers.

In other words, don’t let the line up of commissioned backlog stop you from requesting a portrait of your own which she promises she’ll deliver on time if you’re on a schedule.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

To see more of Heather’s work, surf to www.gazellefineart. com, or find Gazelle Fine Art on Facebook.

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HORSE, HEALTH & HOME Inside and Outside Your Stable

Trailering

Having trouble?

Tips for loading your horse in the trailer Five-time Mane Event Trainer’s Challenge winner Doug Mills breaks it down for you GET A GRIP Ask the trainers

By Doug Mills Kamloops, B.C.

N

othing can be more frustrating than a horse that won’t go in the trailer! Not to mention it always seems to happen at the worst possible time.

You’re in a hurry, and the faster you go, the worse it gets! In this article I will offer some simple techniques that will help. So pick a day when you have lots of time and prepare to spend the whole day.

The first thing we need to do is figure out why? I find it’s one of two things — fear or dominance.

Start by walking your horse up to the trailer until you find his first refusal, look down where his front

feet are and draw a line on the ground with your toe. Then back him up 20 or 30 feet and make a second approach. If he gets closer, its fear.

A fearful horse builds confidence by many approaches and retreats, so we just need to approach and back away until he stops further from the trailer then the time before. Now its Dominance, he has quit trying to challenge his fears.

Now you can ask him to come forward with light contact on your lead rope. If he refuses to come forward, DO NOT pull harder. This is where things can go downhill.

If we try to pull a dominate horse forward, it gives him something to fight against that he can win. Then he loses respect for the pull and me as the leader.

Instead, you will want to maintain the contact on the lead shank

and lightly tap him on the shoulder with a dressage whip or the end of your lead rope. (I tap his shoulder because I can reach it when I’m alone).

Slowly increase the pressure of your taps until he takes one step forward, then release the contact. The taps are the most effective way to move his feet when he tries to lock up. The timing has to be perfect.

If he goes backward, do not pull harder. Just maintain the contact and go with him until he stops his feet, then start your taps again.

Release for each step forward.

Only ask him to come forward until he is closer than he has been, then back him away for a new approach. Back him up further each time until he gets closer, then let him rest.

If he refuses to back up, tap him on the shoulder, the same place you

1

Start with a line to mark the furthest point of progress that can be achieved without a fight.

3

If there is resistance, DO NOT pull but calmly back the horse up again. Reward the smallest of efforts.

tapped him to come forward. Sometimes with a tough horse, it’s helpful to have a second person running the taps from behind him with a lunge whip. It’s important for this person to start very light with the taps across the back of his legs.

We are not whipping him to go in the trailer. A dominant horse will try to lock up and not move his feet. We are building pressure slowly to motivate him to take one step.

It’s important to take him away from the trailer for each advancement even if it’s only two inches. This is where the confidence is built. By teaching him to go into the trailer one foot at a time we are also teaching him to back out of the trailer which is very important.

You never want to tie him solid to the inside of the trailer or you risk him rearing over.

After you have had your horse

all the way in the trailer many times, there are other ways that you can motivate him to like the trailer. We want to make the trailer a good place.

We can do this by lungeing or pushing him around in the round pen and then taking him in the trailer to rest. I have known people who will back the trailer up to his paddock and set up some panels leading into the trailer and feed and water him in the trailer.

You will need to be patient and take the time your horse needs.

Control your emotions and focus on the communication.

More info on Halter Work can be found on my Training Thru Trust DVD Course 2.

Oh, and don’t let your husband pull him in with the tractor!

Be safe and always remember — Enjoy The Journey!

2

Back the horse up, then bring it forward on a loose lead.

4

Getting one foot in should be rewarded. Don’t try to accomplish too much too quick.

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HORSES ALL • MAY 2013

HORSE, HEALTH & HOME HERBAL

Do herbal remedies really work as dewormers?

Julie MacKinnon with Laodas-Way encourages us to take a look ALTERNATIVE METHODS Going natural

By Julie MacKinnon Laodas-Way

A

common misconception out there is more is better.

But what about less is better, saves you money, and potential vet bills.

Its crunch time now. The season of parasites is here, and we have to manage them in our horses — spring, summer and fall. How about looking at the herbal option of treating your horses?

There are cheap and simple ways to rid your horses of some of the most irritating parasites and worms around and possibly they have less side effects in their body. Below is a simple at home-chart to keep near your barn all the time.

It’s easy when you look at the math. Any one of the above treatments may cost you $3 in total to deworm or debug your horse friend.

The natural logic is found in the horse themselves. If you could let your horse out on a thousand acres or more, he or she would begin to find the herbal remedies they need to treat themselves.

For example, here in Alberta a horse picks the purple buds off of Canada thistle in the fall as it help clears liver flukes (called parasites).

Another plant to be sought after is yarrow — a natural and very strong anti-fungal and tapeworm tonic. You also have comfrey, roses and willows.

Let’s not forget spruce and pine trees. Spruce/pine trees have been used by horses for decades for topical parasite control by rubbing up against the tree. A little sap and bark on the coat will ward off things like lice and ticks. Come winter freeze, horses are smart enough to eat the spruce/pine needles which

are a power ful parasite and worm killing agent.

So why would you consider natural herbs? It’s simple — natural remedies have been sourced to treat many different parasites in the horses body. Cloves treating a minimum of 50 parasites in just one treatment make it worth a look. It just makes sense and your horse is worth the $3 wouldn’t you think?

A herbal wormer may just prevent future issues. A good recommendation is to alternate at least every two months with a herbal wormer starting now for a happy healthier horse.

Good luck to all those who take the leap into using herbal wormers.

HERBAL OPTION OF TREATING YOUR HORSES?

CANADIAN INTERCOLLIGIATE RODEO FINALS

APRIL 4-6TH RESULTS

BARREL RACING Rene LeClercq Laramie Hlus Jaycee Hawk

400 300 270

POLE BENDING Jaycee Hawk Courtenay Morden Laramie Hlus

TIE-DOWN ROPING 360 Wesley Kingdon 340 Tanner Rutten 280 Blake Williamson

STEER WRESTLING Cole Rutledge JW McLaren Jordan Ness

BREAKAWAY ROPING 345 350 Shyla Fuchs 330 330 Katy Lucas 305 325 Carla Olstad

SADDLE BRONC Tyler Kampjes Kelsey Koenning Bradford Trenerry GOAT TYING Carla Olstad Leah Olstad Jena Shearer

TEAM ROPING 290 Ryan Kruger/ Greg Kruger 350 190 Grady Branden/ 310 180 Cody Braaten Holly Schuk/ 240 395 Brittany Schuk 340 275 BULL RIDING Armando Davila 290 Lane Hehr 190

340 295 285

Symptom Colic Rough Coat Digestive Problems Lethargic Irritated Sick Dull Coat Weight Problems Nasal Discharge Rear End scratching Depressed/under

Parasite/worm blood liver/organ flukes intestinal and stomach skin/blood intestinal blood/heart liver/heart stomach/intestine blood intestinal skin/intestinal/liver

Dose/1200lbs 15ml/day -5 days 30ml/day-10 days 20ml/day-5 days 1cup/day-2 weeks 15ml/day-5 days 15ml/day-5 days 12ml/day-5 days 15ml/day-5 days 12ml/day-5 days 5 drops/day-3 days 1/4cup/day-7 days

(Collect about 1 cup spruce/pine needles. Brew these in apple cider vinegar about 4 cups for one hour. Feed 1/4 cup of the drained fluid per day for one week on the horses regular feed.

www.hansmacuttinghorses.com

H

Total Points BAREBACK RIDING Cole Jamieson 390 Riley Wik 190 Allen Fletcher 160

Herb Powders Ginger Kelp Cinnamon Apple Cider Vinegar Comfrey Black/Cayenne Pepper Cloves Garlic Thyme Tea Tree (oil) Spruce/Pine needles

H

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HORSE, HEALTH & HOME WEIGHT MANAGEM E N T

People aren’t the only ones to get late-winter blues Some winter weight loss is normal, but young and old horses need extra attention HORSE HEALTH Expert advice

By Dr. Carol Shwetz Westlock, Alta.

L

ate winter and early spring mark an interesting conundrum on the equine calendar. Prolonged winter weather conditions, declining nutritional values in feed, and lack of movement within confining snow boundaries and winter paddocks challenge the health of even the hardiest of horses. So it is not uncommon that particular illnesses occur and are aggravated as winter advances.

Dentally challenged horses will generally show their struggle during this time of the year as sudden ‘unexplained’ weight loss and illthrift. They are unable to maintain their body condition as winter progresses due to ineffective chewing of dry-stem forages.

Younger horses between the ages of two and four and the elderly horses are particularly afflicted. When youngsters are teething, newly shed baby teeth give way to erupting adult teeth.

As a result it may be months before adult teeth come into full occlusion and during this time young horses lose grinding efficiency. This is most noticeable in three-year olds who present with weight loss and lack of lustre as spring arrives. Fortunately body condition improves dramatically as the adult teeth come into full wear.

Aged horses who repeatedly have difficulty maintaining body weight during late winter often have a dental challenge. It is of benefit to have the teeth of these horses thoroughly examined.

Dental intervention and special dietary management may be necessary to support their health.

Supervision of a horse’s body condition is of utmost importance as winter progresses. A body condition score of five is generally ideal. At this body condition the ribs are felt, body fleshing is moderate and the back is level. Straying too far from this ideal is cause for concern. Too fat is equally disruptive as is too thin to the horse’s health.

Reasonable weight loss is never too troubling in horses during the winter. It is in fact part of a horse’s natural cycle to lose weight over the winter. Horses that continually oppose seasonal flux in body weight, steadily carrying more weight over the years, become prone to endocrine and metabolic illnesses.

Winter can be the opportune moment to effectively reduce the extra weight a horse may be carrying. Feeding a horse 1-1/2 per cent of its ideal body weight in hay or allowing them to paw on well-stocked winter pastures are two available options. Combination of these two options will also produce favourable results.

M o d e ra t e b o d y c o n d i t i o n benefits all horses, especially

those with arthritis more so.

Weight carried beyond which is healthy taxes inflamed joints.

Reduced movement, frozen terrain, and reduced intake of green grasses amplify the discomfort of arthritic horses during winter. Encouraging moderate exercise, supervision of weight, and addition of flaxseed to their diet brings welcome relief. Flaxseed is rich in omega 3 essential fatty acids, a natural anti-inflammatory. The only other source of omega 3 essential fatty acids in a horse’s diet is green grass.

Greater attention to your horse’s health at this time of the

year is extremely important and may determine your horse’s lustre and attitude come spring.

Carol Shwetz has been a veterinary practitioner for 26 years. Her country practice near Westlock, Alberta focuses upon a horse’s overall well-being, bringing years of experience and study to educate owners on the care of their horses. Studies beyond veterinary schooling have included dentistry, nutrition, hoof care, alternative therapies, and of course her favourite study, horsemanship. Information has become her “medicine” of choice giving owners a strong foundation for sound decision-making.

Greater attention to your horse’s health at this time of the year is extremely important and may determine your horse’s lustre and attitude come spring.

PHOTO: THINKSTOCK

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HORSES ALL • MAY 2013

H ORSE, HEALTH & HOME Tra ining tip s

Get yourself a game plan!

Sport Psychologist April Clay helps you break down your dream into achievable ‘process goals’ RIDING OUT OF MY MIND Equestrian sport psychology

By April Clay Psychologist, Calgary, Alta.

I

photo: thinkstock

“There is no magic in what I do, but if you do it right it can work miracles.”

-Doug Mills

t’s always nice to want to go somewhere, do something, to get better. The only thing is that besides vague dreaming you need something called a target.

You might say, “I want to jump in a bigger division by the end of the season.” Or, “I want to win a championship this year.”

Most riders will define their goals this way, in terms of outcome. It’s perfectly natural to desire the inspiring pictures you have dreamed up in your mind.

What you are less likely to hear an athlete say, “I want to learn to be more consistent with my pace.” Yet, for some riders, both of these goals are important and very much related. So which one is your training goal?

The outcome is your training goal; the other is a learning objective that can help you achieve that goal. You could also call these types of goals ‘process goals,’ and you will need to define both.

“… ask yourself what will need to happen in order to reach that destination.”

— April Clay

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You need that dream picture, that vision in your mind to fuel your training. It inspires you to stretch yourself that much further, to grind through those days you would much rather be anywhere else than the training ring.

Let’s take rider Beth as an example. Her goal for the season is to qualify for medal finals. She also had this as a goal last year but it didn’t happen. This year she is not leaving it up to chance, but rather doing her best to ensure her success by clearly defining what is required of her to realize her dream.

The medal finals are Beth’s ultimate destination, her desired training outcome. But she needs a map now. Next, she’ll have to consult her inner GPS for directions. What road will she take?

Breaking it down Take a step back from the training outcome, and ask yourself what will need to happen in

order to reach that destination.

For the rider who wants to compete in a particular division, then what are the requirements to do so? What types of skills have to be present, and to what degree? What are your learning objectives?

B e th’s lear ning ob je ctives were defined as: developing greater consistency in body position over fences, learning to ride tight corners more effectively, being a better competitor under pressure, and improving her eye for a fence.

Beth developed these objectives with the assistance of her coach. It may be helpful for you to consult with someone who has either met this goal themselves or a trainer who can assist you in formulating a detailed plan. Together you can create a map that details all of the skills needed to achieve the goal.

Next ask yourself to what degree to you already possess these skills? Is your ability to control your upper body position at 40 or 50 per cent? How important is this skill in achieving your goal? Do you need to reach a threshold of 75 per cent with this skill to get to your outcome?

Now you are really breaking things down, getting down to the smallest link in the chain.

Your plan is starting to flesh out into detail.

One great motivating thing about being able to see this progression mapped out, written out in front of you is how possible your dreams seem. They no longer are the stuff of fairytales, or reserved for other people somehow more special than you. You can see the road; trace how it leads you, step by step to where you want to go.

Keeping a record Ok, so everyone dislikes, to some degree, the work involved with charting or recording.

But this aspect of your training program is crucial and not to be skipped. Writing down where you are going, how you are going to get there, and how many more miles you have to go ensures you will be accountable to yourself.

You can easily make up your own tracking sheet to keep up to date on your progress. Check in once a month and note your improvements. Keep in mind you might also need to refine your goals as you go along if they are no longer applicable or just plain not working for you, or your horse.

The important part is that you do keep track. The one place athletes consistently fall down in their training programs is not putting in the work to monitor their vision. It is ultimately the defining factor; what distinguishes goal setting from wishful thinking.

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H ORSE, HEALTH & HOME Saddle fitting

Male Saddle. Female Saddle. What’s the difference?

Poorly fitting saddles cause poor position, discomfort, and pain for both horse and rider HORSE HEALTH Expert advice

By Jochen Schleese Certified Master Saddler, Saddle Ergonomist

S

ome riders seem to have had an inherent ability to ride, excelling in their discipline to become FEI riders and trainers. Others seem to have similar advantages — a good horse, natural athletic ability, discipline to train, and yet — something is missing.

Over 25 years ago, several of my female clients first came to me to find solutions to issues they were experiencing as riders — repeated urinary tract infections, hip, knee and back issues and pain in the pelvic area.

I was puzzled that these maladies generally escaped male riders, but I figured that it must be due to the differences between the male and female pelvis and their interaction with the saddle.

On examining many ‘butt casts’ and the comparative muscular / skeletal structures, I then reflected on how these differences related to riding ability — often women struggled to maintain position, whereas men rode with relative ease.

Male Saddle. Female Saddle.

What’s the difference?

Position and balance of the rider are the key ingredients in all riding disciplines because the majority of time is spent sitting. The seat bones are the key structure for the foundation of position and balance.

Women experience difficulty achieving the classic “shoulderships-heels” straight line (especially in dressage) because the pelvis is balanced differently and the articulation of female hips is different from that of men.

It is painful for a female rider to sit straight only on her seat bones because her pubic bone will hit the

pommel area in the front of the saddle; as a result most women ‘collapse’ at the hip to escape the pain. The leg shoots forward, and women fight the saddle for correct position instead of concentrating on riding.

For men, this does not provide the challenge it does for many women.

Men have two ‘V’ shaped seat bones set close together, giving them a bipod axis. Saddle manufacturers have traditionally afforded special attention to the male skeletal structure.

Unfortunately, too many women ride in saddles built for men — a main reason for their issues. Women have a broad range of hip shapes, all of which need to be accommodated when constructing a saddle.

Unlike the ‘V’ shaped man’s seat bones, women’s are usually flatter. Women have a more prominent pubic bone with a lower pubic symphysis. Their tail bones are longer, and their gluteus muscles generally higher than a man’s. The combination of skeletal structures causes women to sit as on a tripod.

Herein lies the problem for most women — unless the pelvis is straight, the pommel of the saddle interferes with the pubic bone.

Unless the abdominal muscles are used, it is almost impossible for a woman to sit correctly in a saddle which was built for a man, especially because the ‘male’ saddle will also lack the necessary support from behind — causing her to ‘scoot back’ to find the support she needs.

The traditional ‘male’ saddles are built fairly wide through the crotch area (twist) but are narrow in the seat. Women find themselves sitting with their legs pushed outwards from the hip, and perching painfully on the seat seaming. Female anatomy dictates the saddle for women should be exactly opposite — narrow in the crotch area and wider in the seat area.

The width between the upper inner thighs affects the width of the twist needed in the saddle. The twist

This diagram shows how a male pelvic typically sits in a English saddle.

is that part of the saddle where the upper inner thighs sit against.

Because of a phenomenon called “Qflexion” (whereby female thighs tend to angle outwards at the hip and back inwards at the knee), women will carry more weight on their upper inner thigh than a man.

The leg is pushed forward, and the knee and toes are out at 45° angle when a woman sits on a male saddle that is too wide between her upper inner thighs.

The position results in a leg that goes out and forward, and it is difficult to achieve the ‘shoulder-hipsheels’ straight line. This is different when you see a woman on a female saddle, where the toes point forward and there is more upper leg on the barrel or sides of the horse.

The ratio of the length of the upper leg to the length of the lower leg will determine the position and/or length of the stirrup bar. Most women have a longer upper leg than a lower leg.

The analogy here is that the stirrup bar acts like the fulcrum and the stirrup leather is the pendulum. With a regular stirrup bar positioned normally, the female’s leg will usually end up being too far forward (“get your leg back!” — does this sound familiar?) because the leg will fall according to its centre of gravity.

Therefore for women, an extended stirrup bar (or sometimes even an extra-extended stirrup bar!) allowing the stirrup leathers to be positioned further back will ensure that the leg hangs in the correct position. Most men have pretty equal leg lengths so that they do fine with the normal stirrup bar length and position.

Women’s hip bones are articulated onto the pelvis at the joint differently. Especially female adult amateur riders, who started riding later in life or who don’t ride regularly, are challenged to have their legs hang straight, because the articulation causes the legs to naturally angle out.

Men’s legs hang straight natu-

This shows how a male pelvic bone (left) differs from a female’s (right). diagrams: Danielle Schleese

A bottom view of the differences between the male (left) and female pelvic bones.

rally, but changing the angle of the flap and possibly also the position of the thigh roll can address this with a female saddle. If the flap is too straight, the knee comes too close to the front of the flap, and in motion the leg will actually go over the flap.

Forcing this (“get your leg back!”

— again!) can move the pelvis forward, resulting in back pain and discomfort. Proper flap positioning is another small point in accommodating the female anatomy in saddle design.

One of the areas in saddle where the most mistakes occur during measurement is the width of the twist and the width of the seat. The width of the seat is determined by the space between the seam running along the edge of the seat. In the male pelvis, the seat bones are much closer together and the distance between the two seat bones is much smaller, therefore he fits into the padded part of pretty much most saddles very comfortably.

And this diagram shows how a female pelvic typically sits in a English saddle.

Using plaster of paris, Jochen Schleese has been able to determine the pressure point differences between men (right) and women.

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The female pelvis has the seat bones much further apart, which means that if she is riding in a ‘male’ saddle, she will likely be sitting on the seat seaming, which is generally pretty uncomfortable.

Often this seat twist and seat width are mixed up, and she will end up buying a saddle with a wide twist rather than the wide seat she needs to accommodate her pelvic shape.

As a result, the knees and hips will angle out instead of being able to hang straight down (remember, the twist is that area between the thighs), and she will not sit comfortably for both reasons — the twist is too wide, and the seat is too narrow.

You need to look at the distance between the seams on the seat, which should be wide enough to allow the female seat bones to sit on the padding — if this is too narrow, it feels like you’re sitting on a ridge, or that your seat bones are falling off the edge of the seat.

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H ORSE, HEALTH & HOME Tra ining

What should I look for when horse shopping?

Glenn Stewart share his insights into what’s important and what is not to help you make the right choice GET A GRIP Ask the trainers

By Glenn Stewart Baldonnel, B.C.

“

W

hat should I look for when horse shopping?”

This is a question I think people should ask more often. I forever see people with horses that are definitely not a good match for them. They are not having fun, are not safe, or have bought the wrong type or breed of horse for what it is they want to do. Then they don’t do anything at all with their horse because of it.

Some things I would suggest when looking for a horse (that has already been started) would be to make a list of what you want to do with your horse. Do you want to pleasure ride, jump, work cattle, reining, dressage, race, pull a cart, or take it to the mountains through muskeg, rivers and mountains? Some breeds have a larger capacity to do many things than other breeds. Here are some other considerations: 1. What kind of horse do you need for your skill level so you don’t end up with something you can’t handle?

2. Is the horse easy to catch?

3. Does it have too much go or too much whoa? Seek out sellers that can’t wait to show you all the great things they can do with their horse. If they can’t show you much, and tell you to get on and ride without seeing the owner ride it first, I would be concerned.

4. Can they pick up all the feet and hold them to be trimmed?

5. Does the horse load and how well? Can you lead and send the horse into the trailer?

Does the horse stay in without being tied or held? Can you back the horse out, or lead them out and stop calmly anytime you like?

6. Does he stand still to be saddled and to get on, or does he need to be tied for saddling and starts jigging around when you mount?

7. What do they use on the horse’s head to ride?

8. What gaits are they willing to show the horse at? How pure are the gaits? Does the horse appear impulsive, dull or just right?

9. Is the horse confident or scared? Does the seller demonstrate where the confidence level of the horse is?

10. Do they show you what they

can do with the horse both on the ground as well as in the saddle?

11. Has he been rode outside in the bush, hills, creeks, rivers, and mud?

12. Does the horse appear to be happy and willing, or barely hanging in, resentful and/or mistrusting?

13. Is he free moving and athletic, or stiff and sore-moving?

14. What kind of a foot does the horse have? Does it have a foot that will carry its weight with a good thick wall?

15. Check the horse’s teeth. I had a friend that bought a great looking horse that passed all the above criteria but the horse was missing its front teeth.

16. Is the horse bred to ride or pull, run or go slow? Do your homework and learn what the different breeds of horses were bred to do. Don’t let someone tell you that a horse that has been bred for a certain job is suddenly going to be able to do something completely different. If they are bred to pull for example, don’t think that they are going to be great riding horses and that you are going to be winning the reining class.

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This is my wife Dixie and Tango, the quietest horse on the ranch. This is the horse we can put the greatgrandmothers on, or our daughter’s friends who have never ridden, or the 100 pound old dog that got too tired to come back up the hills from the river.

Tango is Dixie’s main horse even though she does not require a horse nearly this quiet. She starts colts and can ride pretty well anything, this is HER horse, the one she counts on to have a good time with, every time and all the time.

She loves him and he loves her, and its a match made in heaven. photo: Nicky Hemingson

17. Generally speaking, if the horse is cheap, there is usually a reason.

18. But don’t fall into the Flavour of the Month Club either. You might pay an extremely high price for a fancy horse that is not suitable for you. Know the breed and what it was meant and bred to do.

If you buy a horse that athletically is at or below your present abilities, you have no where to go with that horse. If you want to improve as a rider, it may be very difficult if you choose the wrong breed for the things you hope to do.

Then there is the conformation aspect, and age of the horse.

Conformation is an essay in itself. It can take years and real effort to be able to develop an eye for good conformation and is sometimes much easier if you know someone who is knowledgeable in this area to give you their opinion.

Getting help from a professional farrier that knows what a good foot looks like is also an idea worth considering.

If all these criteria check out and you are thrilled and amazed at all you have just witnessed, then it might be time to try the horse yourself to see how he feels to you.

Hopefully you have noticed that I haven’t mentioned the colour of the horse or how much hair they have. Hair has no bearing on safety, trainability, athleticism and what your riding experience will be. We are very visual beings and the less knowledgeable buyer might get caught buying hair.

Leaving the hair out of it, the price of the horse can’t be considered until all these other

areas are looked at. Only then can you get an idea what the true value of each horse you look at should be.

The breeding always plays a part in the value of a horse as well. Professional breeders know horses are bred for things like trainability and athleticism.

They breed the best to the best.

There truly is a difference, and a difference you will want to be enjoying.

I have to admit there was a time when I thought a horse is a horse but after starting and handling thousands of horses, there really is a difference in their innate abilities and characteristics.

A well breed horse often learns quickly and does what they are learning with ease whereas a horse that isn’t well breed might find the same thing quite challenging. Of course I have also experienced exceptions to this, but I have learnt to take my chances with the well-bred if I can.

If you are buying a horse that hasn’t been started, then find someone that is well educated in the art of colt starting and have them do it for you.

Ye a r s a g o I h e l p e d b u i l d numerous homes and shops and built a few buildings by myself and quite enjoyed it. But I’m under no illusions of my abilities and always bring in the experts when it comes to my house or anything bigger than a shed.

You may have heard green on green makes black and blue.

There is a lot to know about starting a young horse, doing it well and not hurting yourself or the horse. A person may have rode horses which is helpful but doesn’t necessarily mean they should start a colt.

I could build a house but it would be slow and I would make lots of mistakes and have many issues when it was finished.

Watch out for that Flavour of the Month Club, do your homework, know the breeds and what they are meant to do.

Ask someone you respect that has rode many breeds and use their knowledge and advice. The horsemen I know would happily share what they have learnt over the years with you — good and bad.

Make a logical choice when buying a horse, not an emotional one so you can ride for many years and have fun doing it.

Glenn Stewart travels extensively conducting clinics, demonstrations, and colt starting sessions, and also offers Camps and a 3 month Horsemanship Course at his home The Horse Ranch. More information by calling 1 877 728 8987 or visiting www.thehorseranch.com.

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HORSE, HEALTH & HOME HORSEMANSHIP

School of Lightness comes to Canada Dressage and natural horsemanship have more in common than you realize HORSE HEALTH Expert advice

By Heather Grovet Galahad, Alta.

W

hat does natural horsemanship and classical dressage have in common? According to Christine Adderson of Chase, B.C., the two disciplines are more alike than you probably realize.

“In North America we think about colt starting and problem solving when we think about natural horsemanship,” Adderson says. “And many Canadians don’t know what to think about dressage, but it can scare or intimidate them. Yet in Europe, dressage is simply a type of natural horsemanship. The goal is to develop the best walk, trot and canter your horse can perform in a way they understand and can do comfortably.”

Adderson’s understanding of these disciplines has changed in the last few years.

“I had been a Parelli instructor

for many years, but still wanted to advance my equine education,” she says. “I had also done a bit of competing in dressage, but I wasn’t satisfied with my results. Then one day I heard about a French riding master named Philippe Karl that was getting great results with a wide variety of horses, and was coming to Toronto later that year.

Several people from my area applied for Philippe’s four-day clinic, and my daughter, Isla, was accepted.”

Adderson and Isla packed up their chestnut Hanoverian gelding, Jota, and drove to Ontario where their lives took a drastic change.

“The clinic was amazing,” Adderson says. “There were Olympic candidates for dressage there, and there were people in Western saddles and Stetsons.

They were all trying to improve their education and knowledge, and make their horses the best they could be.”

Jota, their Hanoverian was working through problems of his own. Jota had been imported from Argentina as a talented

show jumper, but then had foundered. The Adderson family had rescued him, and was in the process of rehabilitating his health and soundness. In spite of that, Philippe Karl was impressed with the horse, and his rider.

“When the clinic was finished Philippe flew back to France and we returned to B.C.” Adderson says. “But Isla faithfully worked on the skills she had learned at the clinic. Philippe kept in touch with us, and eventually offered us the opportunity to be the first place in Canada to host his program, ‘The School of Legrete.’

Legrete doesn’t translate well in English, but it means lightness, or softness, which is the goal of Philippe’s program; to develop horses that are soft, willing and educated without using force or harsh artificial aids.”

Adderson’s facility now hosts several types of programs from the School of Legrete. “We have a three-year long Teacher’s Course for both riders and auditors, “Adderson explains. “We also host open classes for riders that wants to improve themselves

and their horse. Horses don’t have to be high level dressage horses, any breed or type can be used. And riders can use any tack they’d like. We have people in dressage saddles and others in Western tack, some even use bitless bridles. The goal is to educate the rider’s hands, and then to educate the horse’s mouth so they can move forward and be the best possible pair they can be.”

Michelle Rangen from Innisfail, Alta., has spent the last three years auditing the teacher’s clinics in B.C. and now is bringing a licensed School of Legerete instructor to her arena in July.

“After seeing the incredible advances in both the riders and the horses, along with the quality instruction which is always delivered in a logical and conceptual manner producing relaxed horses and riders, I knew I wanted to bring one of the instructors to Alberta,” Rangen says.

For more information contact Christine Adderson at www. forthehorse.com or Michelle Rangen at 403-227-5105.

Chris Newbert, a student of the School of Legerete, demonstrates Cowboy Dressage at the WEG.

Another student, Dianne Epps demonstrates neck extension.

PHOTOS: SUBMITTED

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HORSES ALL • MAY 2013

H ORSE, HEALTH & HOME Bad b ehaviour

Is your horse’s bad trail behaviour your fault?

Outfitter Terri McKinney shares nine common problems on the trail and how to fix them Again have a friend run past you, turn around, come running back, around you again until your horse doesn’t even pay attention and is listening to you while going the speed you choose.

BACKCOUNTRY TRAVELS Trail riding tips and information

By Terri McKinney Wild Deuce Outfitters, Kingman, Alta.

M

aking excuses on trail rides drives me nuts. This month I want to address trail riding and the important issue of doing your homework BEFORE you head out this summer on a trail ride with a group of people.

Just like you prepare your horse for an event, you must prepare you and your horse for the hills. Training your horse at home before a trail ride helps to prepare you for a group setting to make things run smooth and so everyone can enjoy the ride.

I’ve found so many people tend to make excuses for their horses and then end up causing a wreck, or asking people to not ride like that around them or in front of them or behind them (and the excuses go on).

Is it not up to us as a horse owner to be responsible for ourselves and our mount?

Here are a few things I see go wrong on trail rides and a few helpful hints will help you have a better ride this summer!

1. Respect Do you have mutual respect? Are you partners? It’s the important ingredient to every horse and rider. You’re the leader of your horse. Is he listening to you? Working in the round pen with your leadership or taking in a clinic are key to learning

“…if you’re the guy asking everyone around you to ‘not do that around them’, you are the guy that needs to do more training at home.”

— Terri McKinney

photo: thinkstock

the steps in becoming the leader to your horse.

2. Patience Is your horse the pawing idiot of the group? If so, tie your horse up in an area where he will not ruin anything for at least an hour whenever you can to get rid of pawing, anxiousness and to teach patience. As you know out west, horses tie all the time — on the trailer, on a high line, when you stop for lunch and, if you do a little homework

before you go, you won’t be the guy that has the horse pawing a hole to china and whinnying his head off.

3. Herd bound Are your horses herd bound or buddy bound?

Remove horses from their buddy and you become the guy in their life to bond to. Every horse can get herd bound but simply taking them away from each other will help. Also ride alone on occasion leaving the other horse at home.

Ride away, come back, ride away until the horse is listening to you.

We don’t allow whinnying and will check them if they do as they are seeking out their buddy with no regard for you.

4. Loading Does your horse load easily and safely? If you have problems, fix this before the morning you head to the mountains. Seek out a clinician if you have major issues and practice.

Make the trailer a good place.

Out of all the clinics I do, trailer loading, spooking and pulling are the top problems.

5. Slickers/saddle bags Can you pack your own lunch? Often a trail ride can be going great until it starts to rain… then watch the show begin. I start with a bag whip in the round pen but in their pens I hang garbage bags on the hay feeder, have flags flapping on the gate and surround the water with tarps.

Have them learn about it even in the off time. Don’t put your saddle bags on your horse for the first time in the hills. Put them on him and round pen him see if he cares, then ride in them daily.

Graduate to flapping the slicker all over them so you won’t be the guy on the run away and riding home in the rain slickerless!

6. Mean horses Is your horse mean or rude? If you have a horse who wants to kick or bite other horses, you are failing in being the leader. Your horse is saying “I don’t like this horse so I am going to kick him or bite him.” Well that doesn’t work as someone is going to get hurt because the horse is being the alpha and making the decisions, not you. Practice with a friend and every time your horse goes to kick or bite, reprimand them.

Keep practicing till they know you ‘bite’ harder!

7. Run away Ever ridden out of control? Yep… run-aways can be very dangerous so prepare for it.

8. My horse has to be in front Is your horse a front of the line horse? In my opinion, you choose where you want your horse in a group of people, not the horse. Yes there are horses who walk faster, like to be in front and hate to be behind. My question here is, “what if you want to linger back and stop to take a leak, or visit with a friend… can you?” I have seen many horses come running back to the group with no rider. So again practice this, have your friends leave you, go way ahead of your friends. If you horse loves to walk out, make the ride longer by going up some hills and coming back to the group. If your horse walks really s-l-o-w, then keep bumping them with your calves till you get them walking out without trotting.

9. Spooking Does your horse spook at those scary rocks or down trees? This is going to get fixed with consistency and miles. No way around getting a young horse seasoned but by time, miles and essentially, wet saddle blankets. In the end, teaching them it’s okay to look and evaluate but spooking is not allowed. When my horses spook in those first few months, I ride them straight up to the fear and instill in them to trust me and don’t just blow up when you get scared.

I hope some of these will tips help you with your training and enjoy a great summer of riding. Remember if you’re the guy asking everyone around you to “not do that around them,” you are the guy that needs to do more training at home.

This summer I will be hosting ‘Mountain Courses’ for folks who want to learn everything from staging at a staging area in the mountains to packing out on multiple day long trips. All hands on, done in the mountains with you and your horse.

I see so many folks not enjoying the mountains because they don’t know where to start… let me help.

See you next time and may your trails be clear, your pack string safe and your camp just around the corner.

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HAPPENINGS Events and News of Note

HORSE TRAVEL

Riding Ireland’s Ring of Kerry Darley Newman explores the history and beauty of County Kerry

EQUITREKKING Travelling the globe

By Darley Newman Bethseda, Maryland

I

cantered and galloped along some of the widest beaches I’ve ever seen along the Ring of Kerry’s Rossbeigh Beach in Ireland.

In this designated natural heritage area, mountains meet the shore of the powerful Atlantic Ocean.

My mount for the trip, Aladdin, listened well, picking up the pace with a slight squeeze and slowed down with a gentle whoa. A strong, Irish Cob cross, Aladdin gave me confidence on the sand and at higher altitudes.

In the Ring of Kerry in Southwestern Ireland, you can conquer both mountains and beaches on a sturdy Irish mount. I’ve been back twice now to this absolutely beautiful travel destination that’s popular with hikers, horse riders, bikers and those on a tour bus.

I like it because of the diversity, but also because you stay nights in interesting villages at small hotels and B&Bs. Riding horses outside all-

“Everywhere I looked, the views were absolutely stunning.”

— DARLEY NEWMAN

day and then enjoying a hearty meal at a local pub is a good day for me.

While most people experience the Ring of Kerry by vehicle, the best way to take in the beauty of this area is astride a horse. Instead of looking up at the scenery from a crowded roadside, you are immersed in it.

On the shore, Aladdin and I cantered sandwiched between high sand dunes and dramatic waters with mountains on the horizon.

We passed over an area of small, smooth emerald green and deep grey and purple rocks. I wanted to take some home and fill the bottom of a vase, but thought better of it. Neither Aladdin nor I wanted to canter holding a bunch of rocks.

We rode to a tiny bay with a big story — the mythical characters Oisín and Niamh are thought to have ridden a white horse across to The Land of Eternal Youth or Tír na nÓg. There are lots and myths and legends in this part of Ireland, an added plus for history buffs and Irish dreamers.

In the mountains on another day, we rode the Kerry Way Trail.

Sheep walked alongside dirt paths, their backs marked with colourful, painted stripes allowing their owners to find them as they roamed the bright yellow gorse and heather covered hills.

Everywhere I looked, the views were absolutely stunning. We passed Caragh Lake, a glassy five mile long lake surrounded by green, rolling mountains. The terrain got increasingly rocky as we climbed higher and higher. Valleys tumbled

into rivers and lakes below. Small cottages lay perched at the base of the valley, almost hidden by the verdant trees.

County Kerry was particularly affected by Ireland’s Potato Famine, during which many people either went hungry or emigrated from Ireland. Coffin ships, so called because of the deplorable conditions for Irish emigrants on board, left from two main ports in the Southwest, their passengers hoping to find something better in the New World. Decaying stone cottages along Kerry Way remind travellers of hardships faced by the people of this region.

Continuing up the trail, we reached the aptly-named Windy Gap. No matter the time of year, the

conditions here are windy. It was so windy the day we rode through that I couldn’t even hear my guide explaining what we were seeing.

You don’t need to hear anything at this juncture, as it’s this spot where I believe I saw some of the prettiest views in all of Ireland.

I looked down to an expansive valley of patchwork countryside —

green fields, old stone fences and tiny cottages. Dingle Bay’s electric blue waters and golden sandy beaches shimmered in the distance.

It was my idea of quintessential Ireland, and I literally and figuratively blown away.

Learn more or book an Ireland riding vacation at EquitrekkingTravel.com.

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HORSES ALL • MAY 2013

H APPENINGS Fund developme n t

Calgary Stampede Cowgirl’s Ride makes Happy Trails come true Corporate women connect on horseback to network and learn more about Calgary Stampede

By Doris Daley Turner Valley, Alta.

O

ne day this June, as they have for the past five years, some of Calgary’s most influential women in leadership will give up their leather boardroom chairs for a leather chair of a different sort: one with a cantle, stirrups and cinch attached.

High heeled shoes are off; cowboy boots are on. The view from the corner window (lovely as it is) is exchanged for a million dollar view of the Alberta foothills as seen from a ridge west of Turner Valley.

Conversations normally conducted on the 25th floor of a swanky office tower will take place from a different sort of lofty height... one that’s about 15 hands high.

Welcome — if you’re one of the lucky 18-20 women invited to the sixth annual Calgary Stampede Foundation Cowgirls’ Trail Ride.

Hosted by Ann McCaig, chair of the Stampede Foundation, the ride brings together Calgary women of leadership who value their community, heritage and role influencing citizens of tomorrow.

Sandra Lunder, the Stampede’s Capital Campaign Senior Development officer explains the genesis of the event. “The Stampede’s Executive Cattle Drive was always

successful. In 2007 the Foundation started a conversation with the Stampede Corporate Relations Committee saying, wouldn’t it be great to have something similar for women.”

Nancy Peters’ Half Brand Ranch west of Turner Valley was the location for the first ride and continues as the venue today.

“The setting, the scenery, the camaraderie, and especially the horses! Something magic happens every year when we put inspirational women together with all these components,” says Sandra.

These are corporate leaders who might block off 90 minutes for a social lunch, she explains. It speaks to the significance of the event that these women are signing up for a whole day!

Sandra and Foundation Executive Director Sarah Hayes agree that horses are key to the event, playing a role that goes way beyond a four-legged conveyance. Some women grew up around horses or ride now for pleasure, but others are total novices.

“Once they get to Nancy’s yard and see how easy it is to be part of the group, they are challenged to mount up, even if they initially thought they might opt for a bouncy jeep ride,” says Sandra.

“These women are used to being in control all day long... women who are top decision makers in

Calgary’s private, corporate, political and non-profit worlds. They get on a horse and bingo! Now they are just one of the group. If their horse is a brisk stepper, they are at the front of the pack. If he lags behind, they are at the back of the group.

Horses create a totally level playing field with no restrictions, no boundaries, no forced social networking. When your horse slows down or speeds up, you visit with a new group of women. Being on the back of a horse for the day enables our guests to make connections with women they might not otherwise meet.”

Rose Lecky couldn’t agree more.

The manager of Corporate Social Responsibility for Agrium, Inc., Rose says without hesitation, “I think the key to the Cowgirls’ Ride is connections. I’m connecting with nature, the country life, with my horse, and with many interesting, dynamic women. We all let down our guard and connect both personally and professionally... often in powerful ways. It’s often difficult to justify leaving the office for an entire day, but this is one event I wouldn’t want to miss.”

Vicki Reid, Director of Community Affairs for Cenovus Energy agrees. “I tell my friends that it’s a life event. It will make you gasp. The horses take us to places we could not otherwise access. I remember last year coming over

a ridge, breaking into a meadow, and 60 head of Calgary Stampede bucking horses were running free down a hill toward us. I could only drop my jaw and gasp.” (Half Brand Ranch is the summer range for the young horses in the C Lazy S rough stock breeding program.)

Vicki agrees with Rose that in a city brimming with social, networking and corporate events, the Cowgirls’ Trail Ride is a stand-out. “The bus ride, the life-changing horse ride, the scenery, Nancy’s wonderful hospitality, the mix of really fabulous, talented, inspiring women... there’s just nothing like it. It’s a true relationship-builder; I could pick up the phone and call any of my fellow riders and feel like I’m re-connecting with a long lost friend.”

Its way more than a corporate event, says Vicki. “When you’re on the back of a horse, surrounded by inspiring women and inspiring scenery, you don’t just want to talk shop. We get real.”

The Calgary Stampede Foundation has two goals for the day: fund development and creating awareness. “It’s an opportunity for us to talk about the Calgary Stampede and all the things that happen outside of the 10 days in July,” explains Sandra.

Animal safety, the capital campaign, women leaders within the Stampede organization, Foundation programs, community and

“It’s a life event,” says Vicki Reid, Director of Community Affairs for Cenovus Energy, shown here in front on white horse. “It will make you gasp.” photo: credited to Bill Marsh, www.billmarshphotography.com

youth initiatives... these are all topics that riders might learn about during lunch or on the bus ride out to the ranch or back to the city.

Friendships, laughter, adventure, personal growth and camaraderie are the happy by-products.

Unless of course, participants are having so much fun that they initiate their own agenda. Sandra remembers one ride a few years ago where in the morning, participants rode out on the Stampede trolley, making polite but stiff conversation, uncertain what the day would bring. On the ride home, says Sandra, “we had 20 high-profile, professional, corporate and civic leaders singing Happy Trails.”

That kind of pay-off is immeasurable and explains why there is a waiting list to take part in this singularly Calgary kind of a day.

Indeed, in the words of one very famous cowgirl: Happy Trails — organizers and participants — until you all meet again this June.

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37

H APPENINGS Growin g sport

Are you a trail rider looking for something new to do?

Ranch Horse Versatility offers the best in ranch and trail, and is one of the fastest growing events in Western riding GOING DOWN THE TRAIL Places and events of interest

By Amie Peck Cochrane, Alta.

T

he Alberta Ranch Horse Versatility A ssociation (ARHVA) was formed in 2011 to introduce and host Ranch Horse Versatility events across the province. These competitions have been garnering a lot of attention and are considered to be one of the fastest growing segments of western riding.

The competitions strive to demonstrate the partnership between each horse and rider team. To level the playing field, competitors compete in one of four divisions; Open, Amateur and Novice Amateur (riders with earnings not exceeding $1,000) a n d Yo u t h . A s t h e A R H VA explains, their mission “is to chal-

A competitor navigates the Ranch Trail obstacle course.

lenge all riders and horses alike; with obstacles and tasks likely to be encountered on a ranch or trail riding.”

Riders compete in the following five classes at each event: • Ranch Riding: This class shows the horse’s ability to move at a working speed with a rider. Horses will be shown individually at three gaits — walk, jog and lope — in each direction of the arena. Horses will also be asked to reverse

away from the rail, to stop and back. The judge must ask for an extended trot and extended lope at least one direction of the ring. Judging is based on obedience, quality of the gaits, correct leads and transitions.

• Ranch Trail: The ranch trail class contains a course with a minimum of six obstacles and is designed to show a horse’s ability and willingness to perform several tasks that might be asked of him during the course of a normal day’s ranch work. Whenever possible, realistic or natural obstacles are encouraged. Typical obstacles would include: log drag, bridge, ground tie, walk or trot over poles, roping a dummy, and a gate.

• Ranch Cutting: Riders are given 2-1/2 minutes to locate and cut two cows from a small herd of cattle. They must also pen the animals in the oppo-

site end of the arena. Each exhibitor must work two head, but has the option of working the full 2-1/2 minutes. Turnback riders assist with herd interference and maintain the cattle in one end of the arena.

• Working Ranch Horse: Consists of a reining pattern, working a single cow and then roping the animal. Competitors in the Novice Amateur and Youth divisions have the option to rope but it is not mandatory.

different competitions for the 2013 season, as well as many clinics and seminars to improve performance. If you are looking for a great new event to test your skills and partnership with your horse, Ranch Horse Versatility is it. Best of all — it looks like a ton of fun.

• Ranch Conformation: The last class of the day is an unmounted halter class. Horses are trotted to a marker, turned to the left and lined up along the rail for inspection. Judging is based on suitability for ranch work and breed standard, with stock type horses being the most desirable.

The ARHVA has organized seven

For more information

Rachelle Laitila 403-597-7276 ranchhorseversatility@gmail.com www.arhva.com May 25 Olds, Alta.

June 22 Cochrane, Alta.

July 6 Thorsby, Alta.

August 10 Drumheller, Alta.

August 31 Cochrane, Alta.

September 14 Settler, Alta.

October 12 Olds, Alta.

For more information on locations, or clinic dates, please contact the ARHVA.

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HORSES ALL • MAY 2013

H APPENINGS Tra il ride

Courage Canada Trail Ride to support brain injury awareness Former bull rider Curtis Anderson organizing ninth annual fundraising trail ride GOING DOWN THE TRAIL Places and events of interest

By Luke Creasy Brownfield, Alta.

O

n May 25th, the ninth annual Courage Canada Trail ride is set to take place in the Minburn area. Started in 2004 the event was created to raise brain injury awareness.

Founder of the event Curtis Anderson says, “The event gives an opportunity for Brain Injury Survivors and their families a chance to get out in the sunshine.”

Anderson, a brain injury survivor himself lives by the code, “Be there to help others, one day they will be there to help you.”

Anderson, who sustained a life threatening brain injury bullriding at the Ponoka Stampede in 2002, battled through the arduous challenges of living with a debilitating brain injury to become a public speaker

and advocate for brain injury awareness. Anderson strives to help his fellow brain injury survivors so they too may live a happy, full life.

On his website, Anderson explains the event, “The first trail ride was held on Hwy. 16 from Innisfree to Elk Island Park in May 2004. Over the years, the trail ride has steadily grown in participation and in donation size. We have moved the trail ride to the Minburn/Innisfree area but have taken a different route every year. The event continues to grow and expand and I am very excited to see what the future brings!

Everyone is invited to attend our weekend of fun and socializing!”

Anderson, ever enthusiastic, was proud of last year’s numbers, “Last year there were 101 people horseback, 12 teams, 74 wagon riders, we raised $19,000, with 250 people at supper.”

And he is confident that this year’s ride should see an equally pleasing turn out, “Growing every year good to see how many are coming out. A lot of

people are spreading news about it by word of mouth: it’s receiving great PR. It’s an event you’ll want to attend.”

Anderson approximated the ride at 10-12 miles in length this year.

Though everyone brings their own bag lunch for the ride, supper is provided after. There are camp ground hookups 10 minutes away or you can park in a field. Anderson listed the directions for the event as, “One mile north of Minburn on RR 102, and 1-1/2 miles west on TWP 504. It is $25 a ticket, 10 and under free and the ride starts at 10 a.m. Saturday, with supper after the ride at approximately 5-6 p.m.

Each year the route changes to keep it interesting, including a nice meadow for a lunch break.

Registration and pledge forms for the 2012 Courage Canada Trail Ride are available by contacting Curtis through email at cccanada@ hotmail.ca or by phone at 780581-4802 Fo r m o re i n fo r m at i o n o n Curtis’ speaking as well as his story, check out his website at: www.caccanada.com

Though the beautiful scenery in the area is a highlight of the ride, there is so much more entailed for people to enjoy. “There’s the trail ride, supper, cowboy poetry, singing, fiddling, and Cowboy Church on Sunday at 10 a.m. It’s a very full weekend. If you don’t have a horse there’s spots on the wagons available, we’ll save you a seat,” explained Anderson.

Proceeds from the Trail Ride will be going to the Halvar Johnson Center for Brain Injury in Ponoka, Alta., regarded as the best brain injury center in North America; the Lloydminster Area Brain Injury Society (LABIS); FOCUS in Vermillion, Alta.; and VALID in Vegreville, Alta. The Canadian Pro Rodeo Sports Medicine Team will also benefit from the trail ride.

Anderson looks forward to the event every year saying it’s, “Blue skies and sunshine. Everyone has a smile on their face, it’s a day everyone has to remember and hold onto until the next year.”

cowboy poet ry

A cowboy poem by Curtis Anderson A cowboy is more than a hat and boots, It starts in your heart, Think of others, Help others.

And respect others.

Respect you can’t buy it, or put a price on it.

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HORSES ALL • MAY 2013

39

HAPPENINGS TRAIL RIDE

A Cancer Ride with a twist Horses, good scenery and native entertainment add to the Blackfoot Trail Ride GOING DOWN THE TRAIL Places and events of interest

By Heather Grovet Galahad, Alta.

I

f you’re looking for a unique and scenic trail ride this spring, consider attending the third annual “Blackfoot Rodeo and Ag Society Trail Ride against Cancer” held Sunday, May 19 at the Okan Ranch located on the Siksika Nation between Arrowwood and Gleichen.

Organizer Lavina Crossguns explains the event started very casually in 2011 with only a few riders.

“We had a number of members on our Ag Society that were diagnosed with cancer, and we wanted to do something to support them,” Crossguns says. “We also wanted to bring awareness of the disease to our local area.”

The group has a few basic safety rules. “We prefer that no one rides stallions,” Crossguns says. “And riders should be at least six years of age and able to control their horse.

We also don’t want dogs running on the trail with us.”

Crossguns is in the process of lining up a team and wagon to allow children or other non-riders to enjoy the trip.

“Last year we had a lady attend who really wanted to ride with us, but didn’t have a horse of her own,” Crossguns says. “She also had health problems that required oxygen continuously.

“This year we’ll have a barbeque after the event, and Native Dancing as entertainment.

We’ll have dancers do the jingle dance, traditional dance, fancy dance and others.”

Normally people have to bring their own horses, but in this lady’s case we were able to locate a quiet, well broke horse for her to borrow. She put her oxygen tank in a backpack, and really enjoyed the ride.”

The Blackfoot Rodeo and Ag Society Trail Ride is asking riders for a minimum of $50 in pledges.

“We’d like interested riders to contact us before the ride so we can provide them with more details, and be organized for the barbeque,” Crossguns concludes.

For further info contact Lavina Crossguns at 403-901-4902.

The Blackfoot Trail Ride takes in the cliffs of the Bow River and the Great Sand Hills in southern Alberta. Beautiful scenery. Native entertainment. Great cause.

Found new equipment – online.

— LAVINA CROSSGUNS

Crossguns recommends riders bring horses that are comfortable with riding off the beaten trail. “The ride won’t be that long or difficult, but we will go through a fair amount of bush,” she says. “There is one climb down a hill, otherwise we’re on the flat most of the time. And it’s a very pretty area to ride as we’re near the cliffs of the Bow River and the Great Sand Hills.”

“In 2011 we had a Native singer entertain us after the ride,” Crossguns continues. “Last year we had Story Telling as we travelled. This year we’ll have a barbeque after the event, and Native Dancing as entertainment. We’ll have dancers do the jingle dance, traditional dance, fancy dance and others.”

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HORSES ALL • MAY 2013

HAPPENINGS EXTRAVAGANZA

Calgary ropes major horse show Sky’s the limit for Royal West, a multi-breed horse event set to debut in 2014

By Wendy Dudley Priddis, Alta.

J

ohn Anderson grew up with the annual Calgary International Horse Show, held every spring in the Corral down at the Calgary Stampede exhibition grounds. Thirty years later, he wants to resurrect the vigor of that show, where amateurs cut their teeth in front of crowds, and where experienced riders forged careers.

The Calgar y Olympic show jumper recently announced plans to stage a multibreed international horse show, featuring a broad spectrum of equine events and entertainment, from heavy horse pulls and barrel racing to dressage, hunter classes and show jumping.

Named Royal West, the week-long event will debut in October 2014, and be held in the Calgary Stampede’s new Agrium Western Event Centre.

“I want it to complement the horse shows in Manitoba and the Royal Winter Fair in Toronto,” said Anderson. “Everyone loves the Royal, so why not have something like that here. The West has become a real powerhouse in show jumping.”

The Toronto show is held in November, which would allow competitors to compete in both Royal shows, he said. “Or

maybe we could have an East/West challenge.”

Fun ruled the day at those old shows, Anderson recalled. Known as light horse shows, they ran from the 50s through to the late 80s, playing a major role in the horse community.

“I made my open jumper debut at the Calgary Horse Show in 1984. I was 17 and was on a horse called Wisconsin. That was the last year there was show jumping in downtown Calgary.”

After that, the sport moved to more rural locations, such as Spruce Meadows and Anderson’s own Rocky Mountain Show Jumping venue.

While the evening highlight of Royal West will be international show jumping, year-end finals could be held during the day for children’s, junior and amateur events.

Other equine activities held throughout the week would include pony chariot races, trick riding and roping, mounted gunfighters, the RCMP Musical Ride, indoor eventing and dressage. “I want to have a little of everything. People want action.

They want to be entertained.”

In the meantime, there’s a ton of work to be done. “I have 550 days until opening night. It’s still in its infancy, but I’m getting a lot of interest.”

Royal West has been a dream of Ander-

son’s for the last 10 years. He toured various venues, including Edmonton’s Northlands and B.C. Place in Vancouver, but he settled on Calgary. “Some places were old and cost-prohibitive to upgrade.”

The Calgary Exhibition’s new 150,000 sq.-ft. agricultural and western event complex, scheduled to open in June of 2014, is the ideal venue, with a huge competition arena, ample stalling, and seating for 2,500, Anderson said.

The Stampede is also on-side with such a large-scale event. “This is John’s baby, and we’re thrilled to have it,” said Calgary Stampede media relations manager Doug Fraser.

Alberta is home to one-third of Canada’s horses, and the horse industry contributes significantly to the province’s wealth. “ S how jumping and horse-related events bring a lot to the local economy,” Anderson said. “The horse has been the backbone of Alberta, and Calgary is right in the heart.”

It was big thinking that grew Anderson’s Rocky Mountain Show Jumping venue, south of Calgary into a top facility. And he has the same dreams for Royal West.

“It won’t happen in the first year, but maybe we could have a $1 million event there. I mean, why not? That’s my goal.”

Canadian Olympic show jumper John Anderson, of Calgary is the brains behind Royal West, a major multi-breed annual horse show to debut in Calgary in 2014. PHOTOS: WENDY DUDLEY

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HORSES ALL • MAY 2013

41

H APPENINGS news

Spruce Meadows announces new events for 2013 season Rolex Grand Slam will bring the best show jumpers in the world to Calgary

By Lisa Murphy Spruce Meadows

S

pring has arrived at Spruce Meadows! The successful indoor season has ended and the outdoor competitions are coming up quickly.

2013 has attracted very strong entries for the Summer Series.

Many people are excited to be a part of Spruce Meadows’ established traditions and the new high performance offerings and initiatives being presented for competitors.

In an effort to continually respond to athlete feedback, look to the future, and provide progressive and innovative opportunities to the sport here in North American and globally, Spruce Meadows is very pleased to announce several new and exciting offerings for 2013.

The addition of the CSI-5* ‘Pan American’ to the Summer Series (July 11-14), will provide juniors, amateurs and professionals alike with great competition culminating with the $400,000 Pan American Cup Grand Prix.

final in Barcelona, Spain to be held September 23-26, 2013. The final qualifying nations will consist of nine qualified European countries and nine countries from the rest of the world, two of which will come from North America.

The first of the two North American qualifying Nations Cups was held March 1 in Wellington, Florida; the second will be held at Spruce Meadows in the ‘Continental’ Tournament on Thursday, June 13. It will be held as a separate and distinct Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup regional qualifying event so as not to impact the widely respected history and tradition of September’s BMO Nations’

Cup and its global participation by the world’s show jumping powers.

The BMO Nations’ Cup has been synonymous with the Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament since the beginning and will continue to be a flagship competition at the CSIO 5* Spruce Meadows ‘Masters.’

Over the years, more than 15 different national federation teams have passed through the Clock Tower and competed in the International Ring. They include: Canada, Mexico, U.S., Sweden, Norway, Great Britain, Ireland, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, France, Spain, Italy, New Zealand, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The Team at Spruce Meadows looks forward to carrying on its traditions while introducing these exciting

initiatives in 2013. You’re all invited to come and share in the excitement at Spruce Meadows this summer.

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An exciting new era in show jumping was announced on April 26 at the Rolex World Cup Final in Gothenburg, Sweden. The Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping will be hosted at three of the world’s premier show jumping venues: Aachen, Spruce Meadows and Geneva. In their storied histories, each of these select venues has been recognized as the No. 1 show jumping venue in the world, each has its own distinct history and tradition, and all have had a long-time relationship with Rolex.

The Rolex Grand Slam will begin in June with Aachen, move to Spruce Meadows for the ‘Masters’ in September and conclude indoors in Geneva in December. Athletes will have to qualify for the designated Rolex Grand Slam competition at each of the tournaments. The winner of any single Rolex Grand Slam competition automatically qualifies for the next one, with the opportunity to win significant bonus money for multiple wins. This is truly an innovative and exciting addition to the sport worldwide.

An exciting addition to both the Spruce Meadows Summer Series and international show jumping calendar globally is the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Series. This global Nations Cup series has 37 nations competing in seven regions for 18 positions at the

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HORSES ALL • MAY 2013

ASSOCIATION NEWS Alberta Donkey and Mule Club

Alberta mule shines in California! Jerry Tindell of California imported Doc, the last mule raised by Marlene Quiring, of Ponoka. AB. , and has trained Doc to assist him in starting and training other horses and mules. Doc is out of reg. Quarter horse mare, Frosty’s Girl and Windy Ridge Garnet, son of the late, famous mammoth Jack, Black Bart.

Canadian Friesian Horse Association Riding weather [I hope] is finally here! To kick off our season, we are once again hosting clinics taught by the gifted teacher and trainer, Jerry Tindell of California. Horses, mules, donkeys and their owners are signed up for the following clinics: May 2 -5, at the Lakedell Arena, Westerose, AB. May 9 -12 at Forestburg, AB., and May 16 -19 at Eagle Hill Equines, Olds AB. Take advantage of this opportunity to learn from one of world’s best clinicians. Auditors are welcome at all clinics, $30 per day. Each clinic lasts four full days with start-up time at 9 am. Jerry is one of the few clinicians that take the time to address all auditors’ questions and concerns. Visit with Jerry at www. jerrytindell.com Many of you will also be gearing up for our 2nd Annual All Equine Show, June 15 -16 at Nanton, AB. This show celebrates horses, mules and donkeys and all the people that love them. For show information please contact Alice Todd at 403 646-2624.

Many talented volunteers organize this show, guaranteeing it to be an event that you will not want to miss. For more information of the above events and others, check out our website at www. albertadonkeyandmule.com

The Canadian Friesian Horse Association (CFHA) is open to Canadian breeders and owners of Friesian, Arabo-Friesian, and Friesian Sporthorses. We offer professional advice and affordable services in order to breed, register, evaluate, and promote these great horses in accordance with the breeding standards and rules of their Mother Studbook.

CFHA is a not-for-profit association that welcomes new members from all provinces and territories.

Canadian Friesian Horse Assoc. has applied to the Canadian government to become recognized as a registry under the Animal Pedigree Act. We invite you to contact us with your comments and support for this application. For information call 780-675-5927, fax 1-866-594-3120, email info@canadianfriesianhorse.ca or visit www.canadianfriesianhorse.ca

Alberta Mounted Games Alberta Mounted Games is pleased to be hosting World Class mounted games rider, Huw Whitney from Wales. Huw will be teaching a clinic for our riders in June. Final details to be determined. Huw Whitney has won many World and European championships throughout his career as a games rider. More information to follow. Keep tuned to our blog: albertamountedgames.blogspot.ca for upcoming news and events.

Chinook Team Penning Association

OAS March 16, ROLLING MIX CONCRETE #7 Class winners: L to R. - Kathy McSween, Rick Bond, Amanda Kozik

The first two shows of the Okotoks Ag. Society’s Series were held March 2 and March 16, at the Agriplex. Both shows were well-attended and much enjoyed… in spite of our unpredictable Alberta weather! With expanded payout placings this season, there are more riders going home with a smile and a fatter wallet. The third and final O.A.S. shows will be held May 25, so come on out and watch the fun or visit chinookpenning.com to see the winners and their pictures!

Alberta Percheron Club

The Alberta Percheron Club is hosting a Youth Driving Clinic on May 11 & 12 south of Sundre, Alberta with world-renowned instructors, Brian & Colleen Coleman. They have so much knowledge and we are fortunate that they are willing to share with you! For more information, contact Julie Roy at 403-728-3127.

Alberta Paint Horse Club

Huw Whitney competing at the 2013 World Team Championships.

Alberta Friesian Horse Association Once you meet a Friesian horse, you are sure to fall in love. The friendly, loving, easy-going attitude of the Friesian horse is impossible to resist. The noble and majestic carriage, the eagerness to please, the built-in charisma, the calm yet lively spirit, the ability to excel in many, many areas. You can get all that in just one breed! Pictured above is Marita Floryn with the Friesian filly Meike from her family’s Gull Lake Farm. Meike had just put on a stellar performance before the judges at the annual keuring, held last year in Red Deer, and had earned her place as 2nd Premium.

The standards set for the Friesian horse are very high, and we all strive to breed the best of the best, and then train our horses to excel in our chosen discipline(s). The annual keuring (judging) of our Friesians is to be held on September 20, 2013. The location has not yet been confirmed, but updates and more information can be found on our website: www.AFHA.ca and will appear in the next issue of Horses All.

Stonebridge Driving Club

As we approach the upcoming show season, please remember to get those 2013 Memberships submitted. You will find membership forms, show forms, and stall forms on the website. The Ponoka Spring show is looking to be another exciting and fun event. There will be a SPB and green horse promotions, 2 year old Walk/Jog pleasure stake, Non Pro Stake classes, and a great team tournament. Please check out the website for details. www.northernhorse.com/aphc

Judy Bertelsen ground driving a welsh pony through empty water bottles.

On the snowy weekend of April 6 and 7, some club members and twelve equines from minis to a Percheron X benefited from a Desensitizing clinic at the Saddle Up estates arena near Torrington, Alta. Some of the fears that were overcome were flapping tarps hanging from the rafters, umbrellas, noise makers such as tambourines, flapping flags and plastic raincoats. By the end of the weekend, most horses would happily walk through 6 tires, across a patch of crunchy empty water bottles and under a tarpaulin while dragging a rope of milk jugs and carrying brightly coloured pool noodles!! Check out the driving booth at the Mane Event...we would love to talk to you!

HORSESALL.COM

HORSES ALL • MAY 2013

43

ASSOCIATION NEWS 100th anniversa ry

4-H celebrates 100 years Calgary Stampede hosts 4-H on Parade May 31-June 2

By Madeline Babinec Calgary Stampede

N

o…you’re not in a time warp. The Calgary Stampede is hosting a centennial celebration again this year but this time it’s 4-H Canada’s year to shine as it celebrates the big 100.

From May 31-June 2nd, the Calgary Stampede is proud to host the Calgary Stampede 4-H on Parade presented by Cervus Equipment.

As the youth are our future, this is truly a time for celebration as 4-H Canada is known for striving to make its participants into strong leaders with marketable skills that can contribute to success throughout their lives.

While engaging in a supportive community, where making long-lasting friendships is not out of the ordinary, it is through the 4-H program that Canada’s youth learn about taking ownership and responsibility for their work.

Championships

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A

and pride the youth have put into their various projects.

Your health will be honored as you realize the amount of effort and attention to detail the youth have invested in raising their livestock to be the highest quality.

Finally, your hands will feel activated as you become a participant yourself when you have won the top bid during the Market Lamb and Market Steer auction (beginning at 11:00am, June 2nd).

Amongst the various projects on showcase, the one you won’t want to miss is the Horse Show, which takes place on both the Saturday and Sunday and features Western and English styles.

The 4-H motto is “learn by doing”, and now you can too. Don’t just think about the wonders 4-H Canada has done over the past 100 years, come live the experience at the Calgary Stampede 4-H on Parade presented by Cervus Equipment.

E duc ation

CFR and Farmfair celebrates 40 years this November s the 2013 edition of the Northlands Farm & Ranch Show comes to another successful close, Northlands begins gearing up for the 40th Anniversary of Farmfair International.

For 40 years, Northlands has been proud to host Farmfair International and to provide the agriculture industry with a forum for sharing ideas and conducting business. This year, the returning features will be bigger and better than ever – with added purse money and a full slate of competitions, sales and displays for all levels of equine enthusiasts.

The 40th Anniversary of Farmfair International, running from November 3 – 10, 2013 at Northlands will showcase exciting new additions to the program lineup.

New this year is the Barrel Racing Futurity that will feature upand-coming barrel horses as they run against the clock. This brandnew trainer’s challenge will showcase three top trainers from the western provinces as they compete in an interprovincial barrel racing challenge for young horses.

“The international popularity of these events sets the stage for Alberta to gain world-wide recognition as an industry leader in agriculture”, says Richard L. Andersen, President and CEO of Northlands.

“As Canada’s premier agricultural showcase, Farmfair International is dedicated to enhancing the future of the agriculture industry for farmers, ranchers and equine enthusiasts alike.”

Youth age eight to 21 participate in the 4-H program through completing a year-long project of their interest with a central focus on the rural lifestyle. Everyone is invited to come view the completed projects as they are showcased annually at the Calgary Stampede grounds.

Projects consist of Beef Cattle, Dairy Cattle, Sheep, Lifeskills and Horses. Each animal genus is showcased in a separate segment, and a grand finale public auction and sale of the Market Lambs and Market Steers closes the weekend.

Just as the 4-H youth learn the “four H’s” of head, heart, health, and hands so can you as you participate as an active spectator of this great event. Your head will be engaged as you learn about the projects presented as there are over one thousand potential submissions.

Your heart will be warmed when you see how much determination

If you’re a fan of the familiar Farmfair International favorites, you can expect to see the return of the following popular equine events: Team Roping Futurity The competition will be fierce during various equine events! In 2012, Rhen Richard was the top header AND heeler, taking home thousands of dollars in prize money. Since its inaugural year in 2009, the Team Roping Futurity has grown in popularity on both sides of the border and is slated to be back again this fall.

Draft Horse Pulls and Auction Always a crowd pleasing event that is great for family entertainment, the Draft Horse Pull will be back with the proceeds from the Draft Horse Pull Auction going to the Alberta 4-H Foundation.

Bloodstock Sale Futurity and Ranch Horse Sale & Competition If you are in the market to buy or sell, the Bloodstock Futurity Sale and Ranch Horse Sale & Competition will be the place to be. The Bloodstock Sale will feature the 2012 sale horses as they have the opportunity to return to compete for an additional purse.

Watch the website for both sales’ consignor information.

The 9th Annual Heritage Ranch Rodeo The ever popular Heritage Ranch Rodeo will be back on the eve-

ning schedule from November 3-5. In 2012, Northfork Grazing Co.op from Maycroft, Alberta was able to beat out 15 Western Canada ranches, including the second and third place ranches, Mesabi Ranches and Quill Ranch.

Mark your calendar because tickets will be going on sale September 1, 2013.

Snaffle Bit Futurity The most prestigious reined cowhorse event in Canada, the Canadian Snaffle Bit Futurity will showcase the top three year old horses as they compete in cutting, fence work and reining.

In addition to the three year old futurity, there are derby, bridle classes and Canada’s Greatest Horsemen events! All of the top professionals, trainers and non-pro competitors gather in Edmonton for this event.

Canadian Finals Rodeo Each night after Farmfair International, we will be cranking up the action with the 40th edition of Canadian Finals Rodeo.

Join us at Rexall Place as the top rodeo contestants in the country compete for bragging rights, national titles and prize money of more than $1.4 million dollars. This is more than just a rodeo — this will be the 40th anniversary of a Canadian championships!

Keep checking www.farmfairinternational.com for more information on this year’s show.

Horses 101 Industry association offers valuable educational opportunities EYE ON THE INDUSTRY News from the equine community

By Robyn Moore Manager, Horse Industry Association of Alberta

A

re you interested in attending or hosting a Horses 101 or 201 seminar?

Horse Industry Association of Alberta (HIAA) is pleased to offer 14 seminars throughout Alberta over the next two years. This is a great opportunity to give current and prospective horse owners the education they need to best take care of the horses, and to provide the tools they need succeed in the industry.

The Horses 101 seminar covers the topics of horse care and nutrition, equipment, assessing stables, keeping horses at home and horse selection. Due to the large demand

for more information, HIAA introduced a Horses 201 seminar in 2010, which builds on the 101 and covers horse tack and equipment as well as horse behaviour and reading body language. It is presented in an arena with live demonstrations as opposed to the classroom style of the Horses 101.

HIAA has been presenting Horses 101 seminars around the province for the past four years.

From Grande Prairie to Cold Lake to Lethbridge and all points in between, the seminars have reached thousands of horse enthusiasts looking to expand their knowledge of horses.

If you’re interested in hosting a seminar at your facility, or if you would like us to notify you of an upcoming seminar in your area, please email horses101@albertahorseindustry.ca, call 403-4205949 or check out the website at www.albertahorseindsutry.ca

Horses All is online!

Visit us at www.horsesall.com or like us on facebook: www.horsesall.com/facebook

Inspired by people and horses

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HORSESALL.COM

HORSES ALL • MAY 2013

calendar of events Send your announcement by email to: Itkdbell@yahoo.ca and we'll include your event or announcement here free.

CLINICS & SEMINARS

MAY

1-4 Stonewall, Man. Natural Horsemanship with Glenn Stewart. Stage 5 Clinic. For details, contact Penny: 204-4678789, email: pfidler@rainyday.ca or visit: www.thehorseranch.com 2-5 Westerose, Alta.

Jerry Tindell Riding Clinic.

Geared for those that have previously taken a Jerry Tindell clinic and/or can safely walk, trot and lope their stock. For details, contact Marlene Quiring: 403783-5210 3-5 Winnipeg, Man. Gaited Horse Clinic with HorseSense HorseManShip. $335. For details, visit: www.horsesensedk. com 3-9 Grande Prairie, Alta.

Equine Massage Therapy Certification Course with Sidonia McIntyre. For details, visit www. equinerehab.ca 4-5 Whitecourt, Alta.

Horsewomanship Clinic with certified Chris Irwin trainers Birgit Stutz & Kathryn Kincannon. For details, contact Raven: 1-877-394-6773, email: info@ crhrisirwin.com or visit: www. equiana.com 4-5 Brandon, Man. Tim Kimura Trail Clinic. For details, Sharon Forbes-Hanks: 204825-2384, email: sharonforbes. hanks@gmail.com 9-12 Forestburg, Alta.

Jerry Tindell Open Clinic. This clinic will concentrate on safety and groundwork with young, green or problem animals. For details, contact Caroline Boddy: 780-582-3995

10-12 Calgary, Alta.

Natural Horsemanship with Glenn Stewart. Stage 1 Clinic. For details, contact Teresa: 403-2464924, email: jthenry@telus.net or visit: www.thehorseranch.com 11 Dunster, B.C. Equine Behaviour and Body Language Workshop with certified Chris Irwin trainer Birgit Stutz. For details, contact Birgit: 250-968-6801, email: fallingstar@ valemount.com or visit: www. fallingstarranch.ca 11 Red Deer, Alta.

Mother & Daughter Heart & Soul workshop. $425/team. For details, visit: www.horsesensedk. com 11-17 Ladysmith, B.C. Equine Massage Therapy Certification Course with Sidonia McIntyre. For details, visit www. equinerehab.ca 16-19 Olds, Alta.

Jerry Tindell Introductory/Mixed Clinic at Eagle Hill Equine. For details, contact Julie Leavens: 1-877-762-2767 16-19 Fairview, Alta.

Colt-Starting Clinic with Mel Hyland. Four day intensive hands-on workshop. Registration deadline: May 6. For details, email: ssych@ gprc.ab.ca or visit: www.gprc. ab.ca/departments/coned and click on Agriculture 17-20 Stavely, Alta.

Sid Cook Colt Starting & Horsemanship Classes. 4 p.m. start Friday, 9 a.m. start SaturdayMonday. For details, call Marge: 403-646-5595 or visit: www. sidcookquarterhorse.com 18-24 Kamloops, B.C. Equine Massage Therapy Certification Course with Sidonia McIntyre. For details, visit www. equinerehab.ca

23-August 9 Fort St. John, B.C. Natural Horsemanship with Glenn Stewart. 12 week intensive Horsemanship Course. For details, contact The Horse Ranch: 1-877-728-8987, email: dixie@ thehorseranch.com or visit: www. thehorseranch.com 23-June 13 Fort St. John, B.C. Natural Horsemanship with Glenn Stewart. Three week intensive Horsemanship Course. For details, contact The Horse Ranch: 1-877-728-8987, email: dixie@ thehorseranch.com or visit: www. thehorseranch.com 24 Dunster, B.C. Horsemanship Demo with Chris Irwin at Falling Star Ranch. For details, contact Birgit: 250968-6801, email: fallingstar@ valemount.com or visit: www. fallingstarranch.ca 25-26 Dunster, B.C. Horsemanship Clinic with Chris Irwin at Falling Star Ranch. For details, contact Raven: 1-877394-6773, email: info@crhrisirwin.com or visit: www.chrisirwin. com 25-26 Red Deer, Alta.

Connected Riding. Participants $275, horses extra $50. For details, visit: www.horsesensedk. com 25-28 Fort St. John, B.C. Natural Horsemanship with Glenn Stewart. Stage 1 Horsemanship Course. For details, contact The Horse Ranch: 1-877-728-8987, email: dixie@ thehorseranch.com or visit: www. thehorseranch.com 26-29 Regina, Sask.

Vertebral Realignment Course — No Mallet Method with Sidonia McIntyre. For details, visit www. equinerehab.ca

30-June 2 Fort St. John, B.C. Natural Horsemanship with Glenn Stewart. Stage 2 Horsemanship Course. For details, contact The Horse Ranch: 1-877-728-8987, email: dixie@ thehorseranch.com or visit: www. thehorseranch.com

EQUINE EVENTS

MAY

4 Calgary, Alta.

K&K Livestock Co. Equine Days.

For details, visit: www.kklivestock.com

SALES

MAY

3-4 Lethbridge, Alta.

Perlich Bros Spring Horse Sale.

For details, call: 403-329-3101, email: auction@perlich.com or visit: www.perlich.com 25-26 Billings, MT Cow Country Classic Catalog Sale.

For details, visit: www.billingslivestock.com

WESTERN PERFORMANCE

MAY

4-5 Nisku, Alta.

Reining Alberta North Branch Show. For details, visit: www. reiningalberta.net 11 Madden, Alta.

Reining Alberta Show & NAJYRC Qualifier at Prairie Mountain Ranch. For details, visit: www. reiningalberta.net 22-26 Ponoka, Alta.

Black Elk Cutting Classic. NCHA, ACHA & CCHA Approved. For details, visit: www.acha.ca or www. blackelkcuttingclassic.com 24-26 Fairview, Alta.

Reining Alberta Peace Country Branch Show. For details, visit: www.reiningalberta.net 25-26 Ponoka, Alta.

Reining Alberta North Branch Show. For details, visit: www. reiningalberta.net

SHOWS & COMPETITIONS

MAY

25-26 Battleford, Sask.

Hidden Meadows Ranch Spring Fling Open Show. SHF Heritage Classic and Prairie Cup classes.

For details, visit: www.hiddenmeadowsranch.com 31 – June 2 Calgary, Alta.

4-H on Parade at Stampede Park.

For details, visit: www.calgarystampede.com

Riding out of your mind

equestrian sport psychology services

April Clay, M.Ed., Registered Psychologist Seminars and Consultation in Equine Sport Psychology • Individual or group sessions • Keynotes • On the ground or mounted • Email consultations

The perfect topic for your next association meeting!

Call or email to find out more: 403.283.5525 april@ridingoutofyourmind.com www.ridingoutofyourmind.com

Western sidesaddle splendor

Dating back to the late 1700s, riding sidesaddle gave women the freedom to ride cross-country. Up until then, women usually rode in carriages, walked on foot or sat sideways on a horse while being led. Once the correct posture has been mastered, riders can jump, rein and ride rough terrain, just like riding astride. photo: wendy dudley

HORSESALL.COM

HORSES ALL • MAY 2013

marketplace

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To Advertise call toll free: 1-866-385-3669 Or email: crystal@fbcpublishing.com

Your Resource for All Things Equine ANNOUNCEMENTS

ANNOUNCEMENTS

To place a classified ad call toll free:

2nd Annual OPEN Equine Show

Or email: crystal@fbcpublishing.com

English, Western, and Driving Classes Gymkhana and Chore Horse Competition All breeds and sizes

See below for rates & deadlines

Dinner, Silent Auction, Lots of Action

Advertising deAdline NOON on the Wednesday following 10th day of the month for publication.

9 0

CIRCLE BAR GRAY GUN

HOT SILVER PISTOL

23 YEARS

OF MATCH MAKING SUCCESS Are You Single & Looking for your lifemate? I have quality clients age range 25 - 70+ Personal Matchmaking Service includes personal interview. Criminal record check required. Honest down to earth clients need apply.

June 15th & 16th, 2013 Nanton AG Grounds

Go to www.countryintroductions.com For more info or Call Cheryl 403-348-7471 Visit us at: www.facebook.com/CountryIntroductions

Homozygous Dun - ALL his foals WILL be red dun, dun or grulla, regardless of the dam’s color!

A great event for riders and equines new to the show ring!

HERDA N/N GBED N/N PSSM N/N

Sponsored by the Alberta Donkey & Mule Club

AQHA Registry of Merit 1994 AQHA Grulla Stallion (ROM) Reining

Visit www.albertadonkeyandmule.com Alice Todd 403.646.2624

By Little Steel Dust (Grandson of Poco Bueno)IBHA andRegistry out of a mare by of Merit (ROM) Reining Pocos Gray Comet (Grandson of Poco Bueno) Homozygous Dun - ALL his foals WILL be red dun, 2001 Open Reining Circuit Champion dun or grulla, regardless of the dam’s color!

2001 MHBHA Working Cow

2013 Stallion F Fee: $950

10% discount for prepaid ads.

If phoning in your ad you must pay with VISA or MasterCard to qualify for discount.

Prepayment Bonus: Prepay for 3 weeks and get a bonus of 2 weeks; bonus weeks run consecutively and cannot be used separately from original ad; additions and changes accepted only during first 3 weeks.

Your complete name and address must be submitted to our office before publication. (This information will be kept confidential and will not appear in the ad unless requested.)

 disPlay Classified Advertising copy deviating in any way from the regular classified style will be considered display and charged at the display rate of $30.10 per column inch ($2.15 per agate line).

Minimum charge $30.10 per week.

Owned By: Ryan Smith | Champion, AB, Canada 403.634.0042 | 403.897.3787 | ryan@fleetwoodfarms.com

53339 Highway 21 Sherwood Park, AB Canada T8A 4V1

H

Terms: Payment due upon receipt of invoice.

H

Phone: 780-719-2740 doubledcustomhats@albertacom.com www.doubledcustomhats.com

53339 Highway 21 Sherwood Park AB Canada T8A-4V1

Burwash

EQUINE SERVICES LTD.

.

Search for Jaz Poco STUD Goldun Blue FEE $1200 403.634.0042 for periodic exclusive Facebook offers

403.897.3787 championauctions@gmail.com

“Ketch”

“R-Cat” DUALY DAM: SMOKIN E NCHA PRODUC R OVE GS NIN EAR $311,000

Canadian Supreme Breeders Hall of Fame

Hat Materials

SPECIALTY HatS

GERRY & H HANSMA SANDY

T

403-625-0122 • 403-687-2360 Box 30, Granum, Alberta T0L 1A0

www.hansmacuttinghorses.com

doubledcustomhats@albertacom.com www.doubledcustomhats.com

“Exclusively Equine” Full Service Veterinary Clinic

Drs. Burwash, Nyrop, Butters, Penttila & Quaschnick

2012 Calgary Stampede Wrangler Open Futurity Champion

Ph: 403.242.1913 Fax: 403.242.9361 email: eslvet@telus.net Visit our website for more information: www.eslvet.ca

2

26

A

skilled craftsman, Cam Johnston makes Double D Custom Hats today using the same authentic, time-tested tools as hats made in the Old West: blocking, steaming, dying, cutting, marking, and measuring with an antique crowncalibrating device. These traditional practices passed down through time – procedures that have made hand-blown glass and hand-made cowboy hats stand the test of time – are combined to make Double D hats a quality, lifetime hat.

Trained under traditional craftsmen and master hatters in the hat trade, Cam has perfected the skills used to make the Old West hats prized possessions and can create a quality, custom-made Double D hat for you.

25

Don Weller - The ArTisT

h

orses and drawing were early passions for internationally renowned artist Don Weller. Growing up in Pullman, Washington, he drew constantly when he wasn’t riding horses.

He graduated from Washington State University with a degree in fine art and moved to California where he had a successful career in graphic design and illustration. He also taught at UCLA and the Art Center School in Pasadena Don’s watercolor paintings depicting contemporary western scenes and ranch life have been printed in national magazines and posters, and his illustrations and photography have been used for children’s books and a coffee-table book. He has painted five U.S. postage stamps.

Don and his wife, Cha Cha, live in Oakley, a rural farm and ranching community in Utah. Visit www.DonWeller.com to view his Western art gallery images.

multiple mares 7 8 9

21 Double D hats offers a full line of feltFor hats made breeding please contact Les 250-851-6295 from the finest wool, fur, and beaver felt. The or Janet 780-817-0896 collection also includes straw and the new hybrid 20 hats – hats constructed from both felt and straw.

We specialize in a variety of children’s hats and 19 occasionally cowboy hats for dogs and horses as well.

18

Double D hats stands behind each hat to ensure your complete satisfaction.

10 11 12

It's easy.

13

17 16

15

14

To place a classified. Just call:

1-866-385-3669

STALLIONS AT STUD

2013 STUD FEE $1000 VISIT WWW.JUSTABOUTARANCH.COM OR CONTACT DALE & TERI CLEARWATER AT (306) 544-2421 OR EMAIL JUSTABOUTARANCH@GMAIL.COM • 2012 CANADIAN DFI OPEN BRIDLE CHAMPION • 2011 CANADIAN OPEN DERBY RESERVE CHAMPION • 2010 IDAHO OPEN DERBY CHAMPION • 2010 IDAHO INTERMEDIATE OPEN DERBY CHAMPION • 2010 SRCHA OPEN DERBY CHAMPION

STRONG AND ATHLETIC, GREAT CONFORMATION, AN EXCELLENT MIND, HE REALLY HAS IT ALL! 2012 FUTURITY EARNINGS IN EXCESS OF $30,000

FIESTA ROYALE 2007 GREY STALLION (ROYAL SHAKE “EM X FIREWATER FIESTA) COOLED, SHIPPED SEMEN OR AI ONSITE ($200 CHUTE FEE)

AT DIAMOND N RANCH STETTLER, AB MARE CARE - $8/DAY DRY, $10/DAY WET TY CORBIELL DVM $

BREEDING FEE 1500 CONTACT BRUCE AT 403-747-2223 BRUCEH317@HOTMAIL.COM

Colors

22

www.horsesall.com STALLIONS AT STUD

3

4 2009 Sorrel Stallion • AQHA Reg. # 5297790 5 6 Stud fee $1200.00

1 Whether for working, rodeoing, or an evening on 27 the town, your custom hat will have the distinctive 24 mark of quality, style, and comfort to make you look the best you can. With Double D, your hat is your 23 Special consideration for proven mares and choice. Hats may be designed in a combination of Chilled or frozen semen colors and styles to create the perfect hat for you.

Inspired by people and horses

Advertising deAdline

www.horsesall.com/ classifieds

Owned By:

Ryan Smith CAUGHT ME LOOKIN Champion, AB, Canada

Fresh cooled or frozen shipped semen available anywhere in North America

00

All classified ads are non-commissionable.

Visit the Horses all website to view the classified categories availble for classified ad listings.

Standing with Pride

STUD FE E $10

Price quoted does not include GST.

CLASSIFIED CATEGORIES

2012 Stallion Fee: $950 Standing At: Burwash Equine Services Ltd 403.242.1913 • www.eslvet.ca

Working Hats - Don Weller

Terms: Payment due upon receipt of invoice.

NOON on the Wednesday following 10th day of the month for publication.

DUALLY CAT

Working Hats – Don Weller

Illustrations and logos are allowed with full border.

Advertising rates are flat with no discount for frequency of insertion or volume of space used.

Horse First Place 2000 NRHA Limited Open Res. Champion Sandhills Slide 2000 NRHA Limited Open Res. Champion High Desert Slide 2000 Working Cow Horse Circuit Champion Colorful Colorado 1998 MHBHA Reining Champion 1998 AQHA Junior Reining Colorful Colorado Circuit Champion 1998 IBHA Open Reining Colorful Colorado Circuit Champion NRHA Money Earner

Standing At: Burwash Equine Services Ltd 403.242.1913 • www.fleetwoodfarms.com

 RegulaR Classified Minimum charge: $8.25 per week for first 25 words or less and an additional 33 cents per word for every word over 25. GST is extra. $1.50 billing charge is added to billed ads only.

Jaz Poco Goldun Blue

Home: 403.882.3811 Gord and Cindy Conley Gord: 403.575.4146 Box 917, Castor, AB T0C 0X0 1994 AQHA Grulla Stallion By Little Steel Dust (Grandson of Poco Bueno) and out of a mare by Pocos Gray Comet Cindy: 403.578.8372 www.dandeerioranching.com (Grandson of Poco Bueno)

photo credit to James Hudyma

1-866-385-3669

STALLIONS AT STUD

9 0

COUNTRY INTRODUCTIONS

NEW FUN FAMILY EQUINE EVENT IN NANTON!

Classified Rates and Information

STALLIONS AT STUD

Sandy Ridge Stallion Station Hezgottabefamous

An ‘own’ son of Dash Ta Fame

The Nation’s #1 Leading barrel sire of the Decade!!!!

Also Standing:

Fast Moon Chic, son of Martha’s Six Moons, #7 Leading Barrel Sire of the Decade, A Classic Guy, son of Frenchmans Guy, #2 Leading Barrel Sire of the Decade, Crimson Jess, son of Mr Jess Perry #1 Leading Race Sire of Money Earners, Root Beers Boots, son of Root Beer Doc 1987 AQHA Hi Pt Jr Working Cowhorse Prime Time Chivato, by Dash to Chivato si96, sire offspring of $3,279,722 “All out of producing mares!!!”

More Info: Doug & Carol Schaffer, Bassano, AB 403-641-2511 | www.sandyridge.ab.ca

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HORSESALL.COM

HORSES ALL • MAY 2013

STALLIONS AT STUD

PHOTO CREDIT: CHERYL SMYTHE PHOTOGRAPHY AND DESIGN

PEPINICS MASTER Pepinics Master’s performing offspring have earned $550,000 in cutting, working cowhorse, reining, and barrel racing (Equi-Stat).

STALLIONS AT STUD

CIRCLE BAR GRAY GUN Circle Bar Gray Gun is sired by Playgun who is the Equi-Stat #9 Leading Cutting Sire and an NRCHA Leading Sire, siring the earners of over $6,900,000.

Ed & Connie Masson Cadogan, Alberta • Phone: (780) 857-2254 Email: ranchboss@myterraranch.com

VARIOUS EQUINE SERVICES

VARIOUS EQUINE SERVICES

ANIMAL HEALTH TECHNOLOGY 2 year diploma since 1974.

Training with large & small animals!!

On-site working farm. aht@gprc.ab.ca 1-888-999-7882 Fairview, AB

www.rafterdiamondk.com | 780-449-0749

FOR SALE

parks Dealer for the TR3™Rake nnovations ARenA RAscAl PRO • sOIl MOIsT

1-877-477-2624 "I've spent most of my life with horses, the rest I have just wasted."

sPARKs InnOVATIOns Allan & Joyce sparks • RR#2, Innisfail, AB T4G 1T7 Fax: 403-227-2421

Here’s your spot!

403•227•2241

www.sparksinnovations.ca Red E Impression

3 Versatile Stallions

Producing talented versatile offspring; HYPP N/N Champion Bloodlines, Champion Producers Offspring available for sale A Sharper Image - Photography Colt starting, boarding & rehab training also available

MARKETPLACE

MARKETPLACE

Call toll free to place your classified ads today.

Don’t miss out!

1-866-385-3669

Place your classified ad online at Horsesall.com and choose your regional coverage! It’s easy, just go to

The deadline to place your classified ad in the next issue of Horses All is noon on the first Weds. after the 10th of the month.

www.horsesall.com

1-866-385-3669

Inspired by people and horses

Prairie-wide classifieds Whata Lethal Weapon

PERCHERONS

Mares, foals & stallions

#1 Ground Groomer Canada Wide RDK Chex N Dun

LUCASIA

www.gprc.ab.ca

www.myterraranch.com

A Once in a lifetime offering of Pepinics Master Daughters... For Sale

PERCHERON

BAR T5 TRAILERS HUGE BOOT SALE

VARIOUS EQUINE SERVICES

Equine & Equestrian Facility Insurance for Albertans

All Muck Boots and Cowboy Boots Up to 40% off

CHECK OUT OUR NEW WEBSITE – DETAILS ON OVER 300 TRAILERS!!

www.bart5trailers.com

403-931-2212 Electric Fence to cut hay costs and rotational graze

Located on the Cowboy Trail 10 Miles S.W. of Calgary on Hwy #22 at 274th Ave

ASK FOR OUR CATALOGUE

Shaw Insurance Agencies LTD 1.866.980.9803 admin@shawinsurance.ca

www.shawinsurance.ca

FERRIS FENCING

TOLL FREE: 1-800-665-3307 • TEL: (250) 757-9677 • FAX: (250) 757-9670 INFO@FERRISFENCING.COM • WWW.FERRISFENCING.COM

MARKETPLACE

FOR SALE

SUPERIOR EQUINE FEEDS ONE BAG FEEDS ALL!

For Your Vermeer Parts, Sales & Service

Call For a Demo Today

Superior Equine’s omega fixed formula uses only the highest quality of ingredients. The consistency and quality of the feed will never change because the same ingredients are used in every batch.

Omega Fixed Formula

“Making Horses Shine in the Winner’s Circle” Gerry & Sherry Moyen 306 767-2757 cell 306-862-8317 Email: germoyen@hotmail.com • WWW.SUPERIOREQUINEFEEDS.COM

2006 Chevrolet C4500 Hauler 8’

Mint condition, low mileage, 85 gal auxiliary fuel tank, forest green with beige interior.

LOADED!!! Must be seen. 6.6L Duramax w/ Allison Transmission. Air ride suspension, New tires.

Custom interior conversion includes electric rear fold down seat, two 7” headrest DVD entertainment screens with built in player, wireless headphone transmitter - supports DVD, VCR, Audio CD and MP3. Full function wireless remote control.

Call 403-946-5703 for more information

Airdrie Tractorland Greg Jensen 1-877-948-7400

Calgary Tractorland Derek Bell 1-877-240-1977

Doris Daley

Fine western entertainment for conventions, campfires and everything in between.

“Doris’s poetry blazes with brilliant wit; her stage presence sparkles with an infectious love of the West. On stage and on the page, she represents the best of the best in cowboy poetry today.”

— Margo Metegrano, cowboypoetry.com

Bookings/info: www.dorisdaley.com

Steve Elyzen

$48,995

CF, CEMT

403-601-9057

info@equinetherapeuticsolutions.ca

• Natural Balance Farrier Services • Equine Massage Therapy • Vertebral Re-alignment RR1, Blackie, AB T0L 0J0 www.equinetherapeuticsolutions.ca

Inspired by people and horses

www.horsesall.com

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HORSES ALL • MAY 2013

VARIOUS EQUINE SERVICES

VARIOUS EQUINE SERVICES

WELCOME TO THE BACK COUNTRY

HORSE AUCTION SALES

HORSE AUCTION SALES

47

HORSE AUCTION SALES

Longmuir Family QH Production Sale with Invited Consigners

June 9, 2013

Preview at 1 pm Sale 3 pm

Held at Old Empress Auction Market. NW side of Empress, AB

9th Annual Working Mountain Horse Competition and Select Sale Sept 27-29 2013 (bring your camper) Ladies Retreats-Pack Trips

with Kim Taylor the world renowned western photographer!

60 Day Mountain Horse Training Course 1 Getting you and N EW your horse into the Mountains!

J U STE D Ultimate obstacle course & focus on trust with Respect 3 day!

OPE N

Jul 19, 2013 Jul 21, 2013 Oct 4, 2013 Oct 6, 2013

BOOK NOW 5 SPOTS LEFT! BOOK NOW 3 SPOTS LEFT! BOOK NOW 5 SPOTS LEFT!

Proudly offering horses with *Color *Size *Bone Ranging from 16 year old ranch head horse to good looking yearlings

Contact Sheila Howe 403.565.3858 | rshehowe@telusplanet.net www.northernhorse.com/longmuir From a 50 year AQHA breeding program & 2nd Canadian to be awarded AQHA Legacy Award

PAINT

BOOK NOW

PAINT

CANADIAN PINTO HORSE ASSOCIATION

Registering Canadian Pinto Horses & Ponies – Since 1963 Color Your World With A Pinto!!

Chuck & Terry McKinney Wild Deuce Owners and Operators and your GUIDES!

Phone: 780-679-8451 | www.wilddeuce.com | outfitting@wilddeuce.com Like our facebook page and follow along on the journey...

MARKETPLACE

MARKETPLACE

LETS HAVE A BARN RAISING AT YOUR PLACE!

Toll Free:1-866-500-2276 www.affordablebarns.com

A Colorful Organization Where People are the foundation of our success...& Friends are made for Life WHY WAIT CALL TODAY Your horse may qualify for Registration (ONE Registered Lighthorse Parent Sire or Dam)

Canadian Pinto Horse Association 26117 Hwy. 16A, Acheson, AB Canada T7X 5A2 Ph/Fax. 780-470-3786 www.canadianpinto.com | E-mail: info@canadianpinto.com

ACREAGES/HOBBY FARMS

ACREAGES/HOBBY FARMS

HawkRVaanlclhey

• 106 acres total.

• 2 separate titles.

• 90 acre home property and an additional 16 acre parcel.

• Ranch house yard has 6 paddocks.

• All new fencing.

• Automatic watering.

• 2 hayfields.

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Only

27 30

$

For 1 Year

Just $60.56 for 3 years – taxes included!

1-800-665-0502 Inspired by people and horses

TACK/SADDLES

GEORGE’S HARNESS & SADDLERY

HARNESSES MADE RIGHT HERE FOR 35 YEARS “Quality for you & your horse” Our customers ask for all types of harness Leather, leather-Nylon, Biothane & Granite

www.georgesharnessandsaddlery.com harnsad@mcsnet.ca Morley Knudslien 2nd generation saddlemaker Jason Lusk 20 yrs Harnessmaker

This ranch house is 1212 square feet of luxury living space. Complete with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Central Vac. Air conditioning.

Sundeck. Paved driveway. Many upgrades inside and out.

Box 29 Ryley, AB, Canada 780-663-3611

State of the art stables with In floor heating in alleyway & office, bathroom 16 stalls, 2 convert to foaling stalls complete with camera systems.

Indoor turnout area, Complete wash bay with hot and cold water, Stall drains.wall treatments. moisture control and air movement systems Office and utility room and tack-feed room. Over hang shed. Exterior metal roofing and siding on buildings.

Don’t miss out!

The deadline to place your classified ad in the next issue of Horses All is noon on the first Wednesday after the 10th of the month. Call toll free:

The spacious workshop is 40’x 40’ and has 14’ ceilings. 220 wiring. Ceiling fans. Large workbench, exhaust fan, infrared heating. Concrete slab floor with floor drain.

Price for this property is

1,100,000

$

1-866-385-3669

Trades will be considered.

Gene Ingham Phone: (403)505-1707 Email: info@hawkvalley.ca www.hawkvalley.ca STALLIONS AT STUD

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Inspired by people and horses

STALLIONS AT STUD

STALLIONS AT STUD

(866) 571-7537 oxy-genca.com

Slow Feeder Hay Nets improve digestion of hay for happy, healthy horses Slow Feeding...

Slow Feeding...

Aids in prevention of digestive issues,

1” & 1.5” knotless netting available in all sizes and feeders

• Our netscolic, areulcers, recommended & usedand by stall vices, cribbing veterinarians. boredom.

Our nets are recommended & used • Aids in prevention of digestive issues, colic, byvices, veterinarians. ulcers, stall cribbing and boredom.

Ph: 250-308-6208 • www.slowfeeder.com Ez-fill

Many different styles & sizes of slow feeding

Nets Easily Attached

AMERICAN FURY

THIRTYS JESTER

JH LEGACY IDOLIZED

16HH Dark Bay Thoroughbred Mr. Prospector, Seattle Slew & Northern Dancer Bloodlines!

Disposition, Conformation & Athletic Ability.

All in one Package!

Earned over $200,000 AQHA, ApHC, APHA Approved Stud Fee: TB $1,000; Q&H Sporthorse $600 Others $500 LFG

16HH AQHA Palomino HS Thirty Thirty/Jest The Good Times, Windchester, Stormy Jester & Tonto Bars Gill Bloodlines A pedigree that can do it all!

Arab Assoc. Breeders Sweepstakes Nominated Stallion Stud Fee: Quarter $600 Arb $500 Others $450 LFG All breeds welcome.

15.3HH Gray AQHA Stallion Wiescamp, Windchester, TE N TE Bloodlines Size, Style, Athletic Ability APHA Approved Stallion A pedigree that can do it all!

Breeding Fee: Quarter Horse & Sport Horse $600 Others $450 LFG All breeds welcome

GW EQUINE SERVICES Sherwood Park, AB *780-662-3013 *www.gwequineservices.com

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HORSESALL.COM

HORSES ALL • MAY 2013

     

     

 

  

 26 Two & Three Year Old Geldings & Fillies Several Started  25 Head Yearling Fillies, 15 Head Of Broke Geldings  40 Plus Head Of Brood Mares, 4 Breeding Stallions And Many More  We Have Produced Several Canadian National Champions  World Show Qualifiers, And Outstanding Rope & Ranch Horses For Over 40 Years

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Directions: MBar Quarter Horses, Hwy 2 North , West on Bergen Rd (just south of Olds turnoff)& 1 Mile North on Service Road  

               

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