RIVER LANE RANCH

Dave Baird with daughters Jessica Baird & Mikaela Baird. “It’s a Father who teaches his daughters how to value themselves.”

That’s exactly what the Baird family decided to do on their ranch in north east Edmonton, Alberta, when Covid-19 came on the scene. They immediately knew that things were about to change drastically, and pivot became the new word heard late at night at the kitchen table.

How could they navigate their way through a world-wide pandemic and continue as a breeding horse ranch that would be sustainable for their family of 14?

The answers didn’t come over night, but they’ll tell you the best way to forge forward is to look backwards.

River Lane Ranch, is often compared to shows like 1883 and Yellowstone. At first glance, you may think it’s because some of the family does resemble those characters, but when you step onto the ranch and get to know them, you quickly realize it’s much more than that.

The Baird family lives a life steeped in loyalty, guided by grace and ruled by old school traditions. That’s something that may seem uncommon and ancient to many, nowadays. They admit they may not always get it right, but through thick or thin, they stand together through it all.

For the past several years, the family has been breeding and raising a rare breed of horse, known as the Gypsy Cob. It has taken them through a gauntlet of tribulations. From what they describe as the challenges presented by disgruntled exes, difficult neighbors, jealous gossipers, harsh weather changes and the sometimes-cruel challenges of Mother Nature… this family has experienced it all. Yet, they continue to push forward, rise above and breed, raise and train some of the most beautiful breathtaking horses in North America.

Owner and grandfather, Dave Baird will tell you, “Giving up isn’t an option. There’s another generation in this family coming behind us, that needs us to continue to strive forward. I think we’ve all learned we can’t rely on the government; we can’t trust that everything will be okay. We’re living in a time that’s come back down to what it once was… family and loyalty at all costs.”

Recently when asked to do a photo shoot that would take them back in time and show who and what the ranch might look like if it was set in 1883, the Baird’s agreed whole-heartily.

Wayne Baird (who is one of Dave’s sons and a trainer at the ranch) explained, “Those are the men and women who paved the way and showed us how to survive and make it through anything. It’s an honour to resemble that time frame and the hard working, resilient people that they were.”

The Baird family is striving to stay true to the traditional working Gypsy Cob. Most of the breeding horses on the ranch have been imported from one family (SD Cobs) in England.

Wayne Baird & SD Lionheart.

SD Big Joy.

“It was important to find true Romany Gypsies, that have held onto the same old school values and principles as we do. We knew that the lineage of the horses and the quality they have is top notch, as they’ve been breeding a true traditional working Gypsy Cob for many generations. As ranchers in Alberta, we need that. Sure, they’re beautiful horses, but they’re a working, hardy breed that go all day long and will never quit or let you down,” said Keghan Baird, another of the Baird sons and also a trainer.

This year, 17 foals were born at River Lane Ranch and 12 horses have been started under saddle this fall.

It’s a working, family ranch Mikaela Baird explains, “We start and train our own horses and sometimes we’ll take in outside training horses for others. We don’t stop from sun up, to sun down. It’s always hard work every day, but we wouldn’t change it for the world.” Mikaela (aka Mike) is one of the Baird daughters and plays an instrumental role in the care, training and progression of the horses at River Lane Ranch.

You can find River Lane Ranch and their family on social media or at www.riverlaneranch.com and very soon, they will have some surprises they’ll unveil on a streaming device near you. WHR

LEFT TO RIGHT: Melissa Baird, Emily Baird, Keghan Baird, (below) Jessica Baird, Dave Baird, Carmel Baird, Chris Ardnt, Mikaela Baird, Wayne Baird.

RLR Big Tatanka.

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