Western Horse Review, Summer 2021 issue

The Life of Charlotte Small

BY DEBBIE MACRAE

Birria Tacos

BY MIKE EDGAR

Trainers Who Stand the Test of Time

BY KIRK PRESCOTT

Horsemanship • Culture • Style

WAGON RACING RETURNS!

JULY/AUGUST 2021

$4 IN CANADA $5.95PRINTED PRINTED IN CANADA

DISPLAY UNTIL AUG 31, 2021 PUBLICATION MAIL REGISTRATION NUMBER 42204012

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The Ultimate Abode – IN A GRAIN BIN

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Horsemanship • Culture • Style

Vol. 28 No. 4 JULY/AUGUST 2021

www.westernhorsereview.com

EDITORIAL editorial@westernhorsereview.com Publishers Clay & Jenn Webster Editor Jenn Webster Art Direction and Production Kendra Roberts Advertising (403) 250-1128 or advertising@westernhorsereview.com Marketing & Account Executives Sally Bishop sally@westernhorsereview.com Subscriptions $19.95 CDN - 1 year Subscription $39.95 USD - 1 year Subscription For SUBSCRIPTION ENQUIRIES: 1-855-464-4523 or subscriptions@westernhorsereview.com For BACK ISSUES visit our Store at www.westernhorsereview.com

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Behind the scenes of Brooks Bits, Spurs and Silver. a Read about Charles McKay, a talented up-and-coming male barrel racer.

ONLINE EXCLUSIVES View us online for the latest in western riding, equine care, culture & style.

Visit our blogs and Facebook to get breaking news on show results, contests and horse industry news.

Visit our Breed & Sports News blog for all the latest buzz and coverage of the horse world and show scene.

Contributors

BAR XP PHOTO Big Bar Guest Ranch Brad Clifford Mike Edgar Aleesha Harris Debbie MacRae Lee McLean Monique Noble Piper Whelan Tara McKenzie Fotos Twisted Tree Photography Wandering Jayne Creatives

Check out our newest video!

Published six times a year by: WESTERN PERFORMANCE PUBLISHING INC. Suite 814, 3545 - 32 Ave. NE, Calgary, Alberta T1Y 6M6 (403) 250-1128 editorial@westernhorsereview.com www.westernhorsereview.com Western Horse Review is a proud member of the Alberta Magazine Publishers Association www.albertamagazines.com, abiding by the standards of the Canadian Society of Magazine Publishers

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Behind the scenes of a western jewelry maker.

Get the recipe for Fireside Trout.

S is for STAMPEDE follows the alphabet and positions beautiful artwork with explanatory dialogue to describe the events, people, animals and history of the Calgary Stampede.

Topics include the Stampede’s famous founders, legendary rodeo stock and the one-of-a-kind experience visitors can only gain from a trip to the Stampede!

dedb stampeD B

is for BRONCS, BULLS & BARREL RACING

Central to the 10 days of Calgary’s annual Rodeo. This western gathering is the Stampede d event runs daily at 1:30 pm in the Grandstan Infield and is known as the World’s Largest competitors best the Outdoor Rodeo. It features dramatic and rodeo livestock in the world in a display of western grit.

Rodeo competition has its roots in ranching sports history. It has evolved to include many contend and the world’s top cowboys and girls each year. for millions of dollars in prize money increased have Stampede Calgary the at Purses the world’s over the years, growing it into one of in Calgary richest rodeos. The six main events bronc and are bull riding, barrel racing, saddle steer bareback riding, tie down roping and junior wrestling. There are additionally four events. known as Top competitors advance to Day 10, win the “Showdown Sunday” for a chance to large, $100,000 grand prize in front of Calgary’s enthusiastic audience.

by Jenn Written ry Stampede edethe Calga ry Stamp Calga bet with with thethe Alpha Follow the Alphabet Follow

17.99

Fine Arts Webster and Illustrated by Karen Coe

$

40 pages, including cover.

This 8.5” x 11” soft cover book portrays the exceptional artwork of Karen Coe Fine Arts. Written and published by Jenn Webster.

This entire book was published, printed and bound in Canada.

plus GST

Iic C

is for INDIGENOUS RELAY RACING Indigenous Relay Racing might be one of the most exciting sports you’ll ever see. In this event, teams compete on Thoroug hbred horses in a fearless race of grit and tenacity. Each team is comprised of one rider, three horses, two holders and a mugger.

The rider must complete three laps around the track, with a new horse for each one. The rider’s teammates must catch the horse from the previous lap – because the rider dismounts at a full gallop. The rider then mounts back on to a fresh horse for the next lap. The mugger is the person who is respons ible for catching the rider’s horse when he dismou nts. The holders are in charge of hanging on to the fresh mounts and calming them as they wait for their turn.

The race begins with a standin g start. Each team must perform two transfer s to three different horses in their three laps.

The team that passes the finish line first, wins the event.

The origins of Indigenous Relay Racing are believed to have begun around a century ago.

For many of the competi tors in the sport today, it’s more than just a competi tion – it’s about reconciliation, healing and pride.

ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY! ORDER FORM

NUMBER OF COPIES: ____________ ($17.99 each) = Subtotal: __________ TAXES:: _______________________ (ON 13%; NB,NS,NL,PEI 15%; All others 5%)

(please print)

Name: ____________________________________________________________________________________ Address: __________________________________________________________________________________ City: _____________________________________________Prov: __________ Postal Code: ______________ Phone Number: ______________________ Email: ________________________________________________

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q My full payment of $_________________ is enclosed.

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Please make your cheque payable to Western Horse Review.

q Please bill my Visa or MasterCard.

Fill out the order form and email it to: subscriptions@westernhorsereview.com OR mail to: Western Performance Publishing Inc. Suite 814, 3545 - 32 Ave. NE, Calgary, AB T1Y 6M6 (403) 250-1128. Send in your fee and please make cheques out to Western Horse Review.

Card #: _________________________ Expiry Date: ________ CVC _______ Signature: _______________________________

ISBN 978-1-7777890-0-8 * All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or copied in any form, or by any means, without written consent from the publisher. The publisher does not assume any responsibility for third-party websites or their content. * Calgary Stampede, Stampede, and additional logos and marks are trademarks of the Calgary Stampede and may not be reproduced without prior written consent of Calgary Exhibition and Stampede Limited.

JULY/AUGUST 2021 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW.COM 5

Western Culture 17

GEAR & STYLE

Summer lovin’ products essential for spicing up the season!

This British Columbia goldsmith transforms precious metals into thoughtful symbolisms that have shone beneath the bright lights of Los Angeles and across the western Canadian prairies.

Birria Tacos aren’t your average “Taco Tuesday” night dinner.

18

GOOD WORK

20 WESTERN FOODIE

Features 24

LONGEVITY

They say there is nothing finer than the horse that stands the test of time, but what about the trainers who take them there? We speak with some of our industry’s longest standing individuals – life experience questions answered by some honourable horsemen and women.

Big Bar Guest Ranch is a unique, build-your-ownexperience getaway and the first Indigenous guest ranch in British Columbia.

Charlotte Small travelled over 42,000 kms across Canada alongside her husband, David Thompson, becoming one of the most significant female contributors to the development of our country.

30

BRIDGING PAST & PRESENT

34 SMALL MATTERS

38

contents Out West

12

14

16

Tariq Elnaga is passionate about preserving western heritage and dedicated to keeping Alberta, strong and free.

A ranching couple converts a bashed-in grain bin into a sought after airbnb.

HOMES OF THE WEST

46 FROM BIKES TO BRONC RIDERS

Individuals seeking out a high performance gym with

a western flare, might find what they need at Migration Unlimited.

PUBLISHER’S NOTE LEAD LINE

Photographer Candice Camille captures a poignant image of Sisiaskit (Eskit) Jules, a Tk’emlúps rider who chose to honour residential school survivors and specifically the 215 children found at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School, on Canada Day.

OUT WEST

Silver Assured is a rare, homozygous silver bay stud and the only one of his kind in the American Quarter Horse Association–and he’s standing right here in Alberta.

48 SUN KISSED

All the summer style trends of the season, direct from our partners at Lammle’s Western Wear.

58 THE BACK FORTY

For better, or for worse… Lee McLean relays the secret to a long and happily ever after.

The Life of Charlotte Small

BY DEBBIE MACRAE

Birria Tacos

BY MIKE EDGAR

Trainers Who Stand the Test of Time

BY KIRK PRESCOTT

Horsemanship • Culture • Style

WAGON RACING RETURNS!

OUT WEST

An honest Q & A session with chuckwagon driver, Layne MacGillivray.

ON THE COVER:

WESTERN INSIDER

The Daines Ranch Pro Rodeo makes a comeback and celebrates 60 years and WHR’s Facebook audience responds to news about the Yellowstone Prequel, 1883.

6 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW JULY/AUGUST 2021

1 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW JULY/AUGUST 2021

JULY/AUGUST 2021

$4 PRINTED IN CANADA $5.95 PRINTED IN CANADA 95

DISPLAY UNTIL AUG 31, 2021 PUBLICATION MAIL REGISTRATION NUMBER 42204012

8 10

42 JULY/AUGUST 2021

LIVING THE WESTERN DREAM

westernhorsereview.com

The Ultimate Abode – IN A GRAIN BIN

Shellie Scott Photography captures Layne MacGillivray in full-on, chuckwagon action.

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publisher’s note

Tara McKenzie Fotos

AND THE WEST WAS FUN AGAIN

W

e have enjoyed a wonderfully marvellous summer here on the ranch, however, we can appreciate that not everyone has had the same experience, considering the drought and fires occurring in the western provinces this year.

Notwithstanding, it was exhilarating to walk around the grounds on the first day. of the Stampede with my family this year. The western spirit was alive again! We were so excited to hear live music, watch rodeo competitors, and inhale the flavours of the food trucks on the midway. It was almost emotional – just to feel normal again.

My first children’s book, S is for STAMPEDE, was published this summer and it has received a terrific response all across the nation! Thank-you to everyone who has supported it. And since then, my family and I have delighted in trail rides with friends, clinics, shows, trips to the lake and even a down-home, western barn party. It feels good to be alive again.

In this issue, we had the opportunity to visit with chuckwagon driver, Layne MacGillivray, who took us behind the scenes of his operation. Watching the wagons run again in High River, and Strathmore, AB, was another exceptional summer highlight.

This year, wagon racing returned thanks to the support garnered by those whose value the tradition of chuckwagon racing and believe in the future of the sport. We were honoured to get a first-hand glance of a team of Thoroughbreds burning the top off of a dirt track.

On page 24, Kirk Prescott unfolds three stories of individuals in the horse industry who have served our community for years.

Talk about life coaches! Their knowledge and experience with equines is tried, tested and true – and it is our hope that our world recognizes what we have in these people, before they are gone.

Then on page 30, writer Aleesha Harris, introduces us to BC’s first Indigenous guest ranch, originally established in 1936.

The Big Bar Guest Ranch encourages guests to build their own

My family and I enjoying a trail ride with a few friends.

adventures, all the while remaining as a rich resource of First Nation information, culture and community.

On page 42, we showcase a beautiful grain bin repurposed for guest quarters, in Mossleigh, AB. Once a bashed-in pile of metal, the “CaBIN” now boasts a kitchen, patio, outdoor shower and sleeping areas for three. It has also become a highly sought-after airbnb.

All this and much more in this issue! As always, we hope you enjoy.

- Jenn Webster

Send your comments, questions, letters or story ideas to me at editorial@westernhorsereview.com. We may include them in an upcoming edition of Western Horse Review.

8 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW JULY/AUGUST 2021

JULY/AUGUST 2021 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW.COM 9

Leadline A TIME FOR HEALING

Candice Camille Photography

as the use of ground-penetrating radar is being used at former residential school sites all across the country and determining what many Indigenous people have suspected for decades, many Canadians are still grappling with the effects of residential schools.

The first unthinkable discovery was made in May 2021 – the confirmation of the remains of 215 children who were students of the Kamloops (British Columbia) Indian Residential School. On May 27 the office of the Chief, Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc Kukpi7 Rosanne Casimir issued a statement.

“We had a knowing in our community that

10 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW JULY/AUGUST 2021

we were able to verify. To our knowledge, these missing children are undocumented deaths,” stated Kukpi7 Rosanne Casimir.

“Some were as young as three-years-old. We sought out a way to confirm that knowing out of deepest respect and love for those lost children and their families, understanding that Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc is the final resting place of these children.”

As more unmarked, mass burials are being verified across Canada, our country has been shaken to its core.

Every person has had to come to terms with the shameful chapter in our history and process it, in their own way.

Kamloops photographer,

Candice Camille captured this image of Sisiaskit (Eskit) Jules, a Tk’emlúps rider who chose to honour residential school survivors and specifically the 215 children found at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School, by riding on Canada Day. Jules wore his stunning regalia and spoke of healing.

Jules and Camille spoke about “…a time for people to come together, for solidarity and a time when there needs to be more Healers…”

As Camille put it, “Even warriors have wounds to heal and strength to share.” ~ Jenn Webster

ELMA STREET • Elma Street Scone • Catering • Cooking Classes • Pre-Made Meals

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Elma Street Culinary Collective 403-680-3432 mj.edgar@mail.com Instagram @elmastculinarycollective JULY/AUGUST 2021 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW.COM 11

Outwest

A HORSE OF A DIFFERENT COLOUR

AT FIRST GLANCE, ALBERTA-BASED FLEETWOOD FARMS stallion Silver Assured is obviously a great looking, great minded horse – but his mild manner and kind eye are not his only desirable traits. With an ancestry rooted deep in Albertan heritage, this silver bay stallion comes from a long line of silver horses associated with the historic Bar U Ranch, near Longview, AB. Silver Assured – affectionately named Sterling – is the only homozygous silver bay stud in the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA), this means that he is guaranteed to pass on his silver colouring to his progeny. But what is a silver bay, exactly? A silver bay is often mistaken for a sooty palomino or a chestnut with a flaxen mane and tail, while it is in fact a horse of a different colour.

Horses with the silver gene often have diluted points so rather than the black legs, ears, manes and tails of a normal bay you would have grayed or “silvered” legs and ears. Manes and tails of silver horses are dark at the root and lighter at the ends and can be anything from a white flaxen, to a more golden tone. Silver is also occasionally expressed in coat dappling which is why some horses are referred to as silver dapples.

Silver colouring is present in many breeds such as the Rocky Mountain Horse, The Icelandic Horse and everything from minis to drafts. While rare in Quarter Horses, silver is gaining in popularity as it is an incredibly striking colour. However, breeding for colour has always been a bit of a gamble – until now.

What makes Silver Assured so unique is that he has been colour tested EE, AA, ZZ. In the relatively new and confusing world of colour testing, EE – means a dominant black base. AA means dominant Agouti – this is the gene that isolates the black base to just the points. ZZ means dominant silver. Silver Assured being homozygous for black, agouti and silver assures all his foals will express silver “bay points” but that doesn’t guarantee a bay.

The base colour of the foal may vary in accordance with the mare. For instance, Joel Lybbert who is Silver Assured’s trainer, has a Silver Assured filly possessing a gorgeous silver, buckskin colour. Lybbert also has another Silver Assured daughter in training who is a silver bay like her sire. He is quick to point out that colour is not the only thing assured in Sterling’s foals as they all show a willingness and trainability, much like their sire.

In a world where silver is rarer than gold, this young stallion has a stacked genetic hand – making him one of the rarest horses (if not the rarest in the AQHA registry,) and he’s right here in Alberta. ~ Monique Noble 12 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW JULY/AUGUST 2021

With his unique coloring, Silver Assured is one of the rarest horses in the American Quarter Horse Association registry.

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LARRY BRONSON ALL AROUND HORSES Larry Bronson has worked extensively with Ray Hunt, who was an original instructor of “natural horsemanship,” using a horse’s natural reactions to promote desired behavior. He is also currently working with Clay Webster, starting his young horses and learning the intracacies of training reined cow horses.

Larry’s vast ranch experiences provide a wealth of practical knowledge that helps produce confident horses and riders!

NATURAL HORSEMANSHIP 3 Catching 3 Despooking 3 Trailer Loading 3 Obstacles

INDIVIDUAL LESSONS & GROUP CLINICS Make sure your horse is safe before you get on!

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JULY/AUGUST 2021 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW.COM 13

Outwest

14 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW JULY/AUGUST 2021

ANOTHER LIFE

LAYNE MACGILLIVRAY IS A THIRD generation chuckwagon driver from Halkirk, AB. He is one of many in the wagon racing community who was thrilled to see the return of the sport in 2021.

Layne and his wife Loreena recently offered WHR a glance behind-the-scenes of their operation, while they were on a leg of their summer tour for the Strathmore Stampede. At the time of writing, MacGillivray was sitting first in the standings of the World Professional Chuckwagon Racing Association, having just come off a spectacular run in High River, AB. MacGillivray gave us the chance to ask some tough questions about his sport and his lifestyle.

Here’s what he had to say: WHR - Why do you love wagon racing?

LM - “It’s a combination of a few things. Being around horses is number one. The thrill of the competition, friendships you make and the lifestyle. You get addicted to it, basically. It’s been good to us. We’ve had our ups and downs for sure, but overall it’s been good.”

WHR - What’s your schedule like this summer?

LM -We’ll go home for a few days after Strathmore.

Then we leave Wednesday for Bonnyville, AB. After that it’s Dawson Creek, BC, Rocky Mountain House, AB, then Ponoka, AB, and after that, we turn the horses out and go back to work. (MacGillivray works for League Projects as a truck driver in the off-season.)

WHR - So, you have another career in the winter?

LM - Yes, it gives me some stability to the year.

Chuckwagon racing can sustain itself but you can’t do it and then just live for the other months. The horses pay for themselves. But as far as going home and kicking your feet up after the season – that don’t happen.

WHR - Are you excited to see the chucks go back to Stampede next year?

LM -Yeah definitely. It was a tough two years not having it. We all grew up watching Stampede and the wagons and wanting to be a part of it. I’ve been fortunate to be a part of it. It’s definitely something we all want to get back to.

WHR - Is there anything that can be done to make wagon racing safer?

LM - I truly believe we’ve done almost everything we can to make it safer. It’s tough. Unfortunately, accidents can happen. But I’ll tell you, when an accident does happen it tears a hole in everybody’s campsites [referring to the community of wagon drivers camped around any wagon racing event].

It’s not like it doesn’t go unnoticed. Everyone here hurts when something happens.

WHR - So what if the races were just a little slower, but still had a dramatic finish at the end?

LM -Well, it’s tough to rate the horses and it’s not really the speed that gets anyone in trouble.

An equipment failure can cause an accident but everyone has safeties on their equipment now to help avoid a potential accident from an equipment failure, so that has been a big change.

For us as drivers, we thrive on the competition but we also feel that the fans who come out to watch the sport do as well – so we want to keep the competition there. On the other hand, we don’t thrive on it so much that we want to hurt a horse or another person just to win.

I have been part of racing indoors down in Houston and Ft. Worth Texas where we had to set races up some nights. It’s not easy to do and almost makes it more unsafe than just competing.

WHR - Do you ever have animal activists actually bother you?

LM - Not really but back in 2002 in Calgary, I had trouble with a horse the first night. A guy come to my barn three days later. He wanted to know the condition of the horses, how they were being cared for, etc. He’d heard lots of stuff about the way we treat our horses and how we care for them. When he walked into my barn, he was impressed with the condition of the horses, they all had feed in front of them, the barn was cleaned, etc. He was convinced. He left that day, happy.

WHR - Do you think that’s part of the answer then, in dealing with activists?

LM - We’ve invited activists down, to follow our routine. We do everything for these horses. They eat before we do. They do a lot of things before us. What some people don’t understand is, we get these horses off the track anywhere from age four to eight. For many of them they’re at the end of their racing career, they don’t fit into the jumping or dressage world. It’s true that some don’t want to run any longer, so you have to find another job for them. Some can be turned into good outrider horses. But if not, then you find another riding home for them. And that’s part of our job too – rehoming them if need be. One way or another, we give them another life.

Then, we also retire the ones who’ve run for us after a certain point – I don’t like to run them past age 18. They’ve done it long enough. I’ve had horses in the pasture until they’re 25-26. We take care of them until the end.

The reason we buy them off the track is because we as drivers, have so much into our horses by age four for instance, that it’s more economical to just buy off the track. We don’t breed any horses and most of the ones you’ll see wagon racing are geldings.

I’ve got 21 horses here on the road with me that I feel, if I didn’t have them – I don’t know where they’d be. I’ve got eight more at home. That’s the biggest thing. We feel like we give them another life. ~ Jenn Webster JULY/AUGUST 2021 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW.COM 15

e

Western

FACEBOOK FEEDBACK Recently, we posted about the “Yellowstone” Prequel “1883” on the WHR Facebook page. The new show will star Sam Elliott, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill. We were surprised by the audience comments and reactions to this post:

“

Getting easier to read a book rather than watch tv.” ~ Bill Kilby

“

One out of three makes complete sense…” ~ Jeff Broocks

“

Yay!! Can’t wait!!!” ~ Melissa Cragg

me at Faith “ Lost and Tim. Not worth watching.” ~ Felix Pavolini

“

yeehaaaw

~ Amanda MacDonald

“Don’t like Don’t watch!!” ~ Cathy Mcleod

“

Ummm...liberal much?

Good grief ” ~ Beth Ladd

CELEBRATING 60 YEARS OF RODEO DAINES RANCH PRO RODEO IS returning this September 2-4th to celebrate 60 years of Professional Rodeo!

Built to hold over 2,000 spectators, the Daines Rodeo Ranch arena is nestled in the hills of central Alberta between Innisfail and Penhold, AB. Jack Daines and his six brothers started the legacy of the world famous rodeo that is now being carried on by the younger Daines generation.

“We just want to continue the tradition that Jack started. We’d love to be able to take this rodeo another five plus decades and hand it down to our kids, and theirs.” said Kyle Daines, Chairman of the Daines Ranch Pro Rodeo committee.

Dustin Edwards and Tim Ellis will be keeping the crowd on their toes in the announcer’s stand as Canadian Professional Rodeo Association cowboys and cowgirls go head to head for the prestigious title of Daines Ranch Pro Rodeo Champion.

Aside from a date change (the rodeo usually takes place in June) there is something else new about 2021’s event.

“All the rodeo performances begin at 7:00 pm so spectators get an ‘under the lights’ show. There’s nothing like the atmosphere and vibes of a night rodeo” said Daines.

Fans are encouraged to stick around after each rodeo performance for the nightly Rodeo Cabaret Dance. Camping is free with ticket purchase and tickets are available at www.DainesRanch.ca.

e

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Alberta Blue

“A great compliment to Alberta’s blue and inspiring spirit of peace and love.”

Huggable Hooves bracelets designed by Karina Brez are the new look in equestrian jewelry. These beautiful pieces can be worn solo or collected and stacked.

Shaped as wrap-around hooves, the bracelets are available in three sizes, and set with diamond pave. $7,325 USD karinabrez.com

as sung by the

Travelling Mabels

61199 >

9 781989 915028

Words by Pat Hatherly

COWBOY COOKIE MIX The Canadian Cowboy Cookie mix, available from Alberta Whisky Cake has been dubbed the “original power bar of the prairies.”

Made with less sugar and more flavour, these mixes are more wholesome than most cookies – and make 24 treats fresh from your oven! $10. albertawhiskycake.com

Illustrations by Jesse Horne

ALBERTA BLUE The perfect little lullaby for every Albertan baby! This made-in-Alberta board book is a tribute to the province’s big skies and wide-open landscapes. As a board book, Alberta Blue is ideal for ages 0-4 as each page features rhyming verses and charming watercolour paintings. $11.99 redbarnbooks.ca

COOLERS Premium hard coolers from Kailani Sports offer a combination of insulation performance, freezerquality sealing and durability – exactly what everyone needs at horse shows. Choose from a variety of sizes and contact the company directly for personalization options. Starting at $149. kailanisports.com JULY/AUGUST 2021 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW.COM 17

Good Work

Enchanting Elegance

By KIRK PRESCOTT,

BAR XP PHOTO

“Creating a custom jewelry piece is all about exploring the quiet corners of our imagination, together, to bring forth a truly bespoken creation, beyond imitation… My strength and uniqueness as a goldsmith lies in my ability to translate these subtleties into thoughtful symbolisms, within a timeless and quality art piece.” - Emily Sterling

B

orn and raised in North Vancouver, BC, Emily Sterling has a unique, creative soul, a passionate, natural talent and a captivating presence. Her charismatic jewelry has shone beneath the 18 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW JULY/AUGUST 2021

lavish lights of Los Angeles and graced the laid-back, western landscape of the prairies with zest. Sterling’s quest for self-expression and her family’s creative roots have innately fuelled her love of fine-art and jewelry. Her creative process seamlessly aligns her client’s

aspirations with her talent and her creative offerings tell a story of challenge, inspiration and unity.

Looking back, Sterling credits her wonderfully creative home and summers spent on the road in her family’s camper van, for the introduction to her craft. Be it prospecting for stones on her grandparent’s farm in Savona, BC, or her formal education, Sterling’s journey to present-day is enchanting.

With a grandfather who was a hobbyist stone-cutter, a grandmother who was a hobbyist silversmith, and a father who is a very talented, classical sign-painter – Sterling’s foundation is charged with talent and inspiration.

“I was naturally encouraged to explore my creativity. When it came time for post-secondary education, it was never questioned when taking a nontraditional route as my career. I had always been creative but I didn’t find my own medium until 2009 when I decided to attend The Vancouver Metal Arts School for a two year program of Jewelry and Object Design,” relays Sterling.

Sterling instantly fell in love with working in metal and notes that the rest came naturally. Following a highly credible internship in Germany, Sterling slowly planted the seeds of her business while simultaneously working in the industry, collecting hands-on experience. She remains grateful for the opportunity to work alongside several master goldsmiths in her hometown of Vancouver, BC, and in Kelowna, BC. The artist admires a deep connection with inspired-space and her breathtaking view of the Canadian Rocky Mountains as the perfect location to create intentional, handcrafted pieces that are one of a kind.

What is the focus of your craft and what types of products are most commonly found in your collection/ portfolio?

I aspire to tell a story with each adornment I create. As my work is always one of a kind, a lot of intention goes into the designing process. The majority of my

portfolio is filled with unique/alternative engagement and wedding jewelry. I am very passionate about how we honour and celebrate the union of two people, or more importantly the one we have with ourselves, and I believe these relationships are all so unique, and in turn, deserve an authentic approach to anchor that union.

What is your typical process of creation and how might clients help you achieve their vision?

I first start with a custom design consultation. When my clients go to book their consultation on my website, I have a questionnaire for them to fill out that asks several questions about their vision for the piece, as well as any potential symbolisms, stories and/or intentions that I can thoughtfully weave into the designs.

From here, I begin to tell their story through form, texture, color, mineral properties, the list is endless. I provide them with three unique and one-of-kind designs to choose from, based on the information we collected together.

From these three designs, we then discuss any potential changes the client would like to see, and come up with one final and ideal design. Along with a variety of investment options, including gemstones, diamonds, metals, etc.

What challenges do you face in your creative process and how do you redirect / refocus / ignite your artistic passion?

Perfectionism is certainly a challenge in my profession. Balancing being an artist, being creative and free, with being a tradeswoman and upholding the level of craftsmanship and technique that I value within each piece, is also a challenge. Being a goldsmith, there is no cap on the level of expertise that one can reach. With each piece I evolve into a higher standard. This is so fulfilling and exciting, and it can also be very intimidating. I am very devoted to my spiritual practices to keep myself centered, focused, and inspired. Meditation, shadow work, exercise, and living immersed in nature are all essential forms of self-care that keep me aligned.

If you could share a few of your career highlights, what might those be?

The first would be apprenticing for Atelier Zobel, one of the most talented and renowned jewellers in the world, that experience never gets old in my heart.

The next would be going all in with my business four years ago, when I moved to the Kootenays. Everything unfolded for me at that point in my life and despite the challenges that entrepreneurial life comes with – especially amidst a global pandemic – I can’t imagine my life in any other capacity.

And then of course, certain projects where my clients and I align soulfully and creatively, which is the case for almost every project these days. There is no better feeling than having someone come to me with a beautiful intention and trusting me to translate that sentiment into precious metals and gemstones.

Being able to utilize my technical skills within challenging and interesting pieces, while also incorporating my spiritual and playful side, and fusing them both together into a piece of fine jewelry. It never gets old.

Do you have a favourite stone/metal to work with?

My favourite gemstone is a Spessartite Garnet. I’ve yet to work with one, but I have the most magnificent one in my hands that will be making its debut in my upcoming fire element collection.

I love any gemstone that has a good hardness, and a vibrant colour! I love the juxtaposition of oxidized (blackened) silver with high karat golds, and I adore textured Platinum! It glows.

How have you adapted your practice to maintain efficiency and uphold your values/visions as an artist?

I am forever adapting, especially these days! I would say that my devotion to my inner work is how I best maintain efficiency while upholding my values and vision. I am currently working away on gallery collections while I create my custom

storytelling pieces, and I have something completely new and exciting on the horizon that will align with my mission to guide other creatives.

Who or what inspires you and do you see glimpses of that in your product?

Nature would be an obvious source of inspiration in my work, but when I really break it down deeper than that, it’s more that. I am inspired by people, and capturing their wild individuality. We are nature after all, our stories and spirits are elemental. I am also deeply inspired by the women in my life right now. I see the way they show up in the world and it’s contagious. I can’t help but infuse elements of their essence into my work, their wildness, their poetry.

What advice would you share with a client who is considering a custom piece?

Don’t look around at things you’ve seen before, or what others like or have. We are all so innately creative, trust yourself and let your story guide us to something truly one of a kind.

What goals/aspirations do you have for the next few years?

I aspire to continue to deepen the way that I offer my art and the way that I cocreate with my clients. I will be continuing to strengthen the way in which I offer immersive experiences. For example, when I have my land, I will be guiding my clients to become their own designer, and their own maker. And without giving too much away, I am feeling deeply pulled to utilize my experience and knowledge to help guide other artists. Inspiration is flowing for the future of my creative offerings. WHR

JULY/AUGUST 2021 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW.COM 19

Western Foodie

Birria Tacos Not your average “Taco Tuesday” evening dinner.

By MIKE EDGAR Photos By TWISTED TREE PHOTOGRAPHY

20 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW JULY/AUGUST 2021

B

irria tacos are becoming all the rage and after one bite, you’ll want them for supper every night too.

Birria is traditionally a Mexican dish consisting of a meat stew made from goat meat, and occasionally beef or mutton (but never pork). The stew is slowcooked and has a savoury, sweet and sour flavour, with a hint of spice.

In Birria tacos, the stew is placed inside a tortilla shell with cheese, dipped in broth and fried up. This isn’t an easy dish to prepare, but once you taste a bite of a Birria taco’s sizzled, cheesy, crispy, goodness – you’ll never want a normal taco again.

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BIRRIA STEW INGREDIENTS For the Meat: 1 lb Beef Chuck 1 lb Beef Shank 1 lb Beef Shortrib 2 Tsp. Salt 2 Tsp. Ground Black Pepper 2 Tsp. Ground Cumin For the Broth: 4 Dried New Mexico Chilies 4 Dried Ancho Chilies 1 Can Chipotle Pepper in Adobo 2 Tsp. Whole Peppercorns 2 Cloves 10 Whole Star Anise, Dry 4 Bay Leaves 5 Three-Inch Cinnamon Sticks 1 Tsp. Ground Cumin 1 Tsp. Ground Ginger 8 Garlic Cloves 1 Spanish Onion, Sliced 2 Cups Crushed Tomato 1 Litre Beef Stock 2 Oranges Sliced 1 Tbsp. Salt 1 Cup Brown Sugar For the Tacos: Tortillas of Your Choice Diced White Onion Fresh Cilantro 2 Cups Oaxaca Cheese, Shredded Fresh Lime Fresh Jalapeño Shredded Stew Meat METHOD FOR THE MEAT Remove stems and seeds from chilies. In a pot, bring two cups of water to a boil. Add the chilies and simmer until tender (around two minutes). Add chillies and half the water to a blender and puree until smooth, then add the canned chipotle and puree again until

smooth. Set aside until it’s time to build the stew.

Cut your meat into manageable pieces and season with salt pepper and cumin. In a heavy dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil until you start to see it smoke. Brown your meat a little at a time, ensuring you get a good sear. Then remove it from the pot.

Using the same pot, sauté the onion

22 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW JULY/AUGUST 2021

and garlic until soft. Add peppercorns, cumin, ginger, bay leaves, clove, star anise, cinnamon sticks and salt. Sauté for another two minutes. Add your beef, crushed tomato, beef broth, oranges, sugar, and chili puree.

If the meat is not covered by liquid, add an appropriate amount of water to cover. Bring to a boil, cover and place in a

350-degree Fahrenheit oven for four hours. If after four hours the meat is not tender enough to shred, then put the lid back on and continue to cook until tender.

After the meat has reached desired texture, remove from the oven and let the meat cool in the broth. Once cooled, remove the meat from the broth and shred with a fork or by hand. Set aside in a bowl.

Strain the broth into a pot, making sure all the spices are removed. Keep the broth in the fridge until needed.

METHOD FOR THE TACOS Mix the oaxaca cheese into the shredded stew meat. Remove the broth from the fridge and place half of it into a bowl or shallow plastic container. Warm the other remaining half of the broth on low heat, on the stove.

In a large cast iron pan on medium high heat, warm some vegetable oil. Fill your tortillas with the shredded meat and cheese, then quickly dip into the cold broth (which was set aside in a bowl) and fry in your cast iron pan on each side – until golden brown and until the cheese melts.

Place the now fried Birria tacos on a serving platter. Pour the warm broth into a ramekin or bowl and place next to the tacos for dipping. Garnish with chopped onion, sliced jalapeños, lime wedges, and cilantro. Grab a taco and plunge it into the warm Birria broth and enjoy! WHR

About the Chef: Mike Edgar graduated from the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology in the Culinary Arts. He stayed in Calgary, AB working at some of the city’s top restaurants. In 2007, he opened his own restaurant in Calgary’s east end. After eight years of being a chef there, Edgar decided to take a step back and left the industry to spend more time with his son. His son has now expressed an interest in learning his father’s skills and in horses simultaneously.

JULY/AUGUST 2021 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW.COM 23

LONGEVITY

BAR XP PHOTO

STORY & PHOTOS BY KIRK PRESCOTT – BAR XP PHOTO

[

Albert Einstein once said, “The only source of knowledge is experience.”

Here are some life experience questions answered by some of our industry’s most honourable horsemen and women.

While equine related pursuits have evolved and diversified over the years, key elements of horsemanship remain tried, tested and true. Regardless of discipline, horsemen with experience have a wealth of knowledge to share.

From first horses bought at auction to camel racing and everything in between, these folks have intriguing experience and highlight essential equine principles with confidence. Sit deep in your saddle and listen-up, as we share thoughts on working with horses from those who know best!

24 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW JULY/AUGUST 2021

[

LES GREIPL Ponoka, AB (66)

Born in Big River, Saskatchewan, Greipl moved to Alberta in 1969. A natural hand with a horse and a skilled jack-ofmany-trades, Greipl has worked as a farrier, trainer, rancher and oil-field mechanic for many years. From pasture doctoring to barrel racing, Greipl has put his equine counterparts to work in many disciplines. Greipl began checking pastures and moving cow-calf pairs, many moons ago. He has competed in gymkhanas, cattle penning and cattle sorting for several years.

His success in the arena led him to barrel racing, where he was also very accomplished. Soon, he began starting colts for other well-known athletes and fellow ranchers. After meeting Mel Hyland in 1996, Greipl was encouraged to attend a 30day, Reis Ranch Universal Horsemanship Clinic, in California.

With a patience for colt starting, Greipl was hooked in the discipline.

At his peak, Greipl started roughly five young horses a month, while working full-time as a mechanic and operating as a farrier. An avid outdoorsman, Greipl naturally incorporated mountain riding into his training and backcountry excursions. While old injuries and a recent knee replacement have slowed him down a little, he actively enjoys ranch rodeos, pasture roping and helping others start their own horses. Greipl is skilled at helping others improve their horsemanship and has produced many fine horses that bear his brand.

Q. If you had to choose three key principles to uphold when training horses, what would those be? What exercises do you use to enhance these principles while riding/training?

A. “First, let the horse be a horse. Make the right thing easy and the wrong thing difficult. Second, the rest is longer than the work.

Third, pressure and release so the horse knows what he did correct.”

Q. What is the biggest challenge that you face when coaching another rider?

A. “Feeling, timing, and balance. Some people have this naturally, but when they do not, it is tough.”

Q. How do you keep yourself in condition to continue training and how does your age shape your career?

A. “Doing groundwork on colts can be quite physical. I am a farrier so that helps to keep a person in shape. In the winter I log and cut firewood to help stay in shape. Every year, as you get older it is harder to keep in shape. Injuries are the hardest to recover from.”

Q. What is your retirement plan and how would you coach someone financially, who’s younger and wishes to pursue an equine related career path?

A. “I was lucky. I had a full-time job with a pension. I would also invest a percentage of my training dollars. You have to be smart money-wise, so if you get hurt you have some backup money.

Have a website so you can market yourself. Build halters or another craft and have a side job to help with extra money.”

Q. What advice would you pass along to younger trainers, coaches and riders?

A.“Don’t undercharge. Charge enough money and you will train only the best colts.”

Q. How do you feel our western horse world has evolved?

What modern “tools of the trade” do you find beneficial to equine enthusiasts and their horses?

A.“It has evolved from forcing the horse to do things during training, to now allowing the horse to choose if they are ready and willing to work through each step of their training. Social media has opened up the availability to learn about horses and horsemanship. There are good trainers willing to share their knowledge, you just have to ask for it.”

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26 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW JULY/AUGUST 2021

ANNE THOMPSON Priddis, AB (72)

A horsewoman with many talents, Anne Thompson has been there, done that and won the buckle to boot! With a love of horses deep in her DNA, Thompson was drawn to horse events, at an early age. Her equine career began more than 60 years ago and has flourished, ever since. At the age of 12, Thompson became a volunteer Pony Club Instructor. The inherent reward was driving the truck from the family farm to the stable.

From that point forward, anything fast and involving a saddle, has captured Thompson’s attention. Gymkhanas, working cow horse competitions, barrel racing, camel racing, team penning and side saddle racing all hold a place in her bountiful resume.

Thompson is a firm believer that a good horse and rider can do it all. A drive to be successful in multiple pursuits has fostered her growth as a well-rounded horsewoman. The fact that King Leo Bar had points in almost every class, in the American Quarter Horse Association handbook, serves as her ongoing inspiration.

Thompson approaches everything with a smile and notes that, “Fun On Horseback” has always been her motto.

In her view, her greatest contribution to the horse world has been her teaching. With a Bachelor of Physical Education, her transition to becoming a riding instructor was beyond natural.

Thompson has helped hundreds of men, women and children fall in love with horses, learn to ride and become horse people, in their own right. As an accomplished horsewoman, Thompson thrives with lessons, summer camps and clinics. Her legacy continues with two daughters that are also skilled equestrians and the many students that she has coached, both in and out of the arena.

Q. If you had to choose three key principles to uphold when training horses, what would those be? What exercises do you use to enhance these principles while riding/training?

A. “Make the right thing easy and the wrong thing difficult or uncomfortable. To do this, you have to have a very clear view of your goal, whether the goal is ‘Get in the trailer’ or ‘Lope a nice circle.’ Establish a level of communication with your horse, so that you recognize quickly when your horse understands your request and when your horse is still saying ‘What?’ The sooner you feel a step in the wrong direction, the more subtle your correction is.

Once the horse is a few steps into it, the correction must be bigger. I see horses get the most confused when a rider changes their mind part way through the instruction. For beginners, this is very important. Decide what you want to do and keep asking until you get it. Every rule of riding has exceptions. Learn lots of different tools to add to your toolbox. By that I mean find different ways to accomplish the same goal. Listen to your horse and deal with what is required at the moment. Every horse is unique. Every rider is unique. One rule does not fit all.”

Q. What is the biggest challenge that you face when coaching another rider?

A. “Starting people in the art of riding is my favorite. The rider has to first of all feel safe. They can’t learn anything if they are scared.

Secondly, they have to be having fun. Give them a game to play and watch them figure out how to get to their goal. Thirdly, be very clear in your instructions, and only ask for one new thing at a time.

I like to break down the end-goal into small manageable parts, work on those and then build back up to the total goal.”

Q. How do you keep yourself in condition to continue training and how does your age shape your career?

A. “Hahaha. This is a good question and one that often surprises people. My husband (age 75) and myself (age 72) love to go to Crossfit! Andrew, at Natural High in Okotoks, has been our coach for the last seven years and we know that he has been our inspiration and butt kicker. Of course, doing chores and fixing things around the ranch keeps us going too but we found that was not enough to keep our senior selves fit.”

Q. What is your retirement plan and how would you coach someone financially, who’s younger and wishes to pursue an equine related career path?

A. “Retirement plan? I like the idea of that but I truly love what I do and probably won’t ever retire. I have however reduced my classes and get to focus on the small groups that I love the most.

Financially, when you’re starting, don’t be afraid to supplement your income with other work. Building a strong enough clientele that will support your livelihood takes a long time. While I was a horse trainer and instructor, I was also an insurance provider, product salesman, and school teacher. I probably didn’t consider myself a full-time equine person until about 10-years into my career.”

Q. What advice would you pass along to younger trainers, coaches and riders?

A.“Create a positive environment around you. Don’t tear people down or allow others to be toxic in your space. It spreads quickly!

Positivity will allow you to love what you do, will show in your horses and will keep clients coming back.”

Q. How do you feel our western horse world has evolved? What modern “tools of the trade” do you find beneficial to equine enthusiasts and their horses?

A.“What do I enjoy most? Faster trucks and nicer trailers!”

JULY/AUGUST 2021 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW.COM 27

CECIL & DIANE

SALMON

Chilliwack, BC (90 & 89) For nearly 60 years, Cecil and Diane Salmon have graced the equine world in a variety of disciplines and integral roles. Though their introduction to horses was an eye-opener, they developed lasting memories in 4-H, reining, dressage, three-day eventing, barrel racing, working cowhorse and most notably, Quarter Horse racing. For their daughter’s first horse, Cecil purchased an unbroke, two-year old gelding. This endeavor proved to be educational as the auction equine also had a broken tail and a poor disposition. The Salmons have since enjoyed many different breeds and competed in several disciplines.

The dashing-duo, now retired, admire the American Quarter Horse for their temperament and diverse ability. Early on, the family honed their horsemanship skills and gained valuable training insight, in the show arena. They travelled with the Quarter Horse circuit for many years and were instrumental in developing the youth division of the British Columbia Quarter Horse 28 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW JULY/AUGUST 2021

Association. As their children – equally adorned with equine accolades – married and moved away, Cecil and Diane felt a natural progression to enter the breeding industry.

With a 129-acre farm in Chilliwack, British Columbia, the rolling hills of the Fraser Valley were ideal for the development of young bone, tendons and ligaments. Chargetta, a prized show mare with racing blood, started the Salmon’s band of broodmares. Along with their trainer, Baxter Andruss the Salmons produced notable champions with numerous accolades. Countinella, Noah Count, Betteta, Teskey Rd, and Wosseta are among their top earners. Daughter, Cindy Mussell, 67, former Miss Rodeo Canada, continues to barrel race descendants of Wossetta and many family members honour their equine legacy in various pursuits. Cecil and Diane raced horses as far south as Los Alamitos and as far east as Ruidoso Downs, until 1995. They were presented with a bronze statue in 1995, at the National Quarter Horse Congress, for Check this Reb, the Canadian Champion Racing Quarter Horse in North America. The Salmons have a yearly catch-up call with their trainer Baxter, now aged 90, who continues to train racehorses!

Cecil and Diane also still follow the rodeo circuit, in a spectator role. Both remain fond of the relationships and knowledge the horse industry has bestowed upon them.

Q. If you had to choose three key principles to uphold when training horses, what would those be? What exercises do you use to enhance these principles while riding/training?

A. “Whatever discipline you choose for your young horse, give him a good basic foundation so if that career path doesn’t work out, they can enjoy life in another discipline. So often young racehorses have their lives end as a two-year-old when they don’t run fast enough. Other options include barrel horses, trail horses, and general riding, if they have a good foundation. A good foundation includes the ability to go on a trail ride, be in a pen of cattle, or the work pen and be a safe, respectful and willing partner.

In the race world especially, but in all training, make sure your horse is conditioned well enough to withstand the rigours of training. You can’t beat the long, slow distance method for developing bone and muscle. Lots of people don’t take the time to do it properly. It paid off for us many times over with longevity in our racehorses and barrel horses. Too many horses develop life sustaining injuries that could have been prevented by this alone.

Pay close attention to the health of your horse. Remember horses are not meant to grow up in a stall. They are meant to run and play and develop strong bones, tendons and ligaments which they cannot do being ridden for an hour a day and cooped up for the rest of the time. Good facilities are a must for developing body and mind, both essential elements of a healthy horse. Ample turnout and rest from the training is key along with a good relationship with your vet and horse trainer.”

Q. What is the biggest challenge that you faced as a breeder/ trainer?

A. “To maintain a safe and healthy environment for the mares and foals. Injuries, birth defects, inability to conceive and nutritional deficiencies all play a big role in whether we would have a healthy young horse or two ready to start race training every year. In the Fraser Valley we receive a lot of rain and abscesses, due to mud.

This caused us much grief as did the sugar content of the grass in our area being far too high. The answer to those was to feed straight alfalfa as it is a legume without sugar, minimize the grass time which is difficult while trying to maintain good turnout and take advantage of hills to build shelters to minimize the mud factor.”

Q. As you aged, how did you keep yourself in condition to continue breeding/ training? What factors influenced your decision to retire?

A. “As we aged, we were always very conscious of our own health, as we were with the horses. We were physically active playing sports, golf, riding and eating well. We continue to be very involved in the horse world through our daughters, grandchildren and great grandchildren. We have always been active people in the horse community first at the local level, then provincially, nationally and internationally. Physically, we keep active working on our three acres. We downsized considerably from the 129 we used to have, but it keeps us busy nevertheless with lawns to be mowed, gardens to be tended etc. We both walk and golf, ride bicycles and enjoy the outdoors. I, Cecil, decided to retire from the logging industry when I turned 60, with a pension. With daughters grown and gone we sold some of our property for housing that previously had been a source of income as a gravel pit.”

Q. How would you coach someone financially, who’s younger and wishes to pursue an equine related career path?

A. “I would say don’t play with money you can’t afford to lose! It is a big gamble, the only people making a living in the sport are the trainers and riders because they are guaranteed an income, despite the outcome. I did a survey on QH racing in the US and TB racing in Canada, in 1996, based on owner’s income in the industry.

I chose the US for the QH racing, as it wasn’t a large enough industry in Canada. The results showed 6% of the owners in the TB racing industry made money and 7% in the QH industry. Poor odds!! In other words, don’t quit your day job!”

Q. What advice would you pass along to younger trainers, coaches and riders?

A.“Have a good relationship with your clients, if you are a trainer or coach, or the opposite if you are a breeder. Communication is the key to knowing if the horse will be able to compete at the expected level or if you are wasting your money. We had the same racing trainer, Baxter Andress, for 25 years. A few times, he told us to bring the horse home and find another career path for it.

We appreciated his honesty rather than continuing to spend our money unwisely. Find out what your clients want and if they want to compete at the highest level, are they prepared for the costs involved? There are a lot of ways to enjoy a horse that don’t involve a big expense and perhaps that might be the better path if finances are of a concern.”

Q. How do you feel our western horse world has evolved? What modern “tools of the trade” do you find beneficial to equine enthusiasts and their horses?

A.“Of course, with the internet, the western horse world has evolved socially and economically. You can get results, watch events, live stream, check out pedigrees all with a click of a button.

Certainly, that has been very beneficial. Years ago, live coverage was the only option for a mare. We spent plenty, sending mares to the States. Now there is frozen semen and cool semen, embryo transplants, and cloning as options. Also, individual rodeo events have expanded to be more inclusive. The barrel horse 4D system is just one example of creating a more even playing field for horses and riders, that are not top caliber, to enjoy the sport and reap rewards.

Numbered team ropings have gone a similar route, both allowing more people and horses to enjoy the equine experience.” WHR JULY/AUGUST 2021 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW.COM 29

BRIDGING PAST PRESENT

&

In addition to a build-your-own experience model, Big Bar Guest Ranch is a rich resource of First Nation information, culture and community – and, the first Indigenous guest ranch in British Columbia.

STORY BY ALEESHA HARRIS PHOTOS BY HANDOUT/BIG BAR GUEST RANCH

B

ritish Columbia’s Southern Cariboo region is home to a historic destination known as Big Bar Guest Ranch. The outpost, located 85 kilometres southwest of Williams Lake, driven largely on a gravel road, has all the elements one might expect from a rustic getaway — horses, cabins, homecooked meals and the like.

30 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW JULY/AUGUST 2021

But there’s an underlying ambition of the tourist destination that goes beyond welcoming guests for an adventure that includes horseback riding and the opportunity to disconnect from omnipresent tech devices — an element of the guest experience that’s made possible, in large part to, a complete lack of cellular service.

“We’re remote,” general manager Elyse

Godard says with a laugh. “It’s not for everybody. But for many, it’s a nice break.”

The ranch’s focus, according to Godard, is to become known as a rich resource of Indigenous information, culture and community. Situated on 162 acres of the traditional territory of the Stswecem’c Xgat’tem First Nation, the ranch originated as a private homestead in 1936.

Big Bar, once part of OK Cattle

ranch model, which saw guests ride alongside cowboys doing activities such as pushing cows.

These days, the itinerary at Big Bar is noticeably more relaxed. Guests are offered a build-your-own experience model, which can include activities such as trail rides, fishing and hiking. The Stswecem’c Xgat’tem First Nation took over the ranch in 2018. And, since then, a growing number of activities that celebrate Indigenous heritage have also been built into the ranch’s programming.

Today, the ranch, which features four cabins, “glamping” tents, the main original lodge, which boasts several guest rooms and a hotel, offers a variety of cultural activities such as guided medicinal walks for guests to explore.

Additional cultural classes for guests to learn about language are also in the works, according to Godard.

“We really try to focus on allowing people to educate themselves on the culture,” Godard says. “And then they get to bring this knowledge home with them.”

The activities, Godard says, are designed to showcase the relationship between the “western world” and the Indigenous cultures preserved by the local communities of Dog Creek (Xgat’tem) and Canoe Creek (Stswecem’c).

“We’re more toward wellness and sustainability,” Godard says. “We’ve

Guests can choose guided trail rides of varying lengths during their stay.

Company, has passed through the hands of several families since its founding — six to be exact, according to Godard — but it wasn’t until the 1970s that the ranch began welcoming visitors.

“They only had two cabins, which were also from the 1930s at the time, and they did do trips,” Godard, who is also the executive chef at the ranch, explains of the site’s original working

really tried hard to be a conservation ranch, just like the Indigenous were. …

The Indigenous peoples, they really were the first conservationists of the area.”

When Godard, who is originally from Ontario, joined the Big Bar team fulltime nearly four years ago, her ambition was to get the ownership on board with promoting its Indigenous connection.

“We wanted this to be the first Indigenous guest ranch to exist in B.C.,” Godard says. “I’ve always had an appreciation and a good knowledge

and understanding of the culture. And I really wanted to be able to make a change and to integrate this into our everyday lives.”

Godard says a trip to New Zealand helped to inspire her mission to further incorporate Indigenous history and traditions into Big Bar’s plans.

“Their culture is everywhere. It’s so blended in their everyday lives,” she says of the visible nods to the country’s Māori people. “It’s in the schools, it’s in the malls. It’s absolutely everywhere — even the airport.

“It kind of clicked a light bulb for me, like, you know what? We need this in Canada. We need to be able to assimilate the two, in a way that they work together.”

Godard admits that her plans to incorporate the cultural programming were initially met with some resistance from within the community.

“When I first got here there was a little hesitance about a new person coming in and saying, ‘You know, I’m going to sell a package about what you know and what you’ve gone through…’,” Godard says. “That doesn’t always sit well with people.”

But she continued to explore the issue, approaching the elders with her plans in the hopes of eventually gaining their support.

“Indigenous tourism is, in my personal opinion, a great way to educate.

But, to some of these elders, they felt as though we were just profiting from their knowledge. And that’s the last thing that we want to do,” Godard says. “So, we allowed them to have a say in everything.

And they honestly have the last word to all of the activities that I host here. Every activity that I do here, we bring it up to them, and we give them the opportunity to tell their side of the story.

“And also to give it the way that they feel comfortable sharing it.”

The ranch’s approach to education that incorporates programming into a guest ranch model is an important avenue to help Canadians face the facts about the country’s treatment of Indigenous peoples, Godard says.

“Tourism and activities and opportunities around this is going to be the new

JULY/AUGUST 2021 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW.COM 31

way to educate people. Because, not everybody wants to sit in a classroom and listen to all of the bad things that Canada has done,” she says. “But, if you bring them outdoors and show them all of the good that there was at the time, and what it can still be now, and that you can still live with that culture simultaneously, it’s not going to make people feel so ashamed of being Canadian.”

Godard says providing people with access to Indigenous communities is an important step forward, especially during a time that has shone a light on Canada’s residential school systems following the discoveries of mass burial sites at several residential school locations across the country. To date, more than 1,505 bodies have been discovered.

“It’s really taken, I think, some traumatic experiences, unfortunately like what has happened in Kamloops — to remind people that you were not the first ones here,” Godard says. “And I think the passion to learn about it is also wanting to give the place that we live a second chance.”

“If you bring them outdoors and show them all of the good that there was at the time, and what it can still be now, and that you can still live with that culture simultaneously, it’s not going to make people feel so ashamed of being Canadian.”

- Elyse Godard

In addition to educating others, Godard says emphasizing Indigenous programming at Big Bar is also about encouraging the community to celebrate itself.

“I think that is something that has been missed in a lot of generations,” Godard says. “And, only now are a lot of people understanding that this is something to be proud of, and not ashamed.

“I think I’ve given a lot of community members a voice.”

32 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW JULY/AUGUST 2021

Big Bar Guest Ranch features a main lodge, tents, cabins and a small hotel.

The ranch celebrates its connection to the Indigenous community by offering an introduction to culture and language.

The influence of Indigenous culture also plays prominently into another major element of the ranch: its horses.

Big Bar Guest Ranch keeps 25 horses on its string.

“In Indigenous culture, they use their horses for absolutely everything,” Godard explains. “The horse itself, was used as a mirror to another world for

them. It was a form of communication to the land …

“They did everything based on just body language and communication.

And that is really where we want to be with our horses. Especially as they get beginners on their backs often, or people who are newly introduced to riding.”

Riders are given a lengthy introduction

to their horse, along with an explanation of where the rides will take them on the local lands.

“It’s not just a nose-to-tail kind of thing,” Godard says. “We’re really going up and down the hills, taking some of the paths that have so much history for the community around us, including some the elders used to take in order to hunt.”

Many of the horses in the Big Bar string came from the feral herds in the community, according to Godard.

“All of our newer, younger horses are from this land,” she says. “And I think that’s one of the best things for us because they grow up on the land for about two to three years, and once they’re that age, they are so confident and so brave because they have had to fend for themselves for quite some time.“ In addition to promoting the local bloodlines of horses from the community, the domestication of feral horses also helps the local farmers whose fields are at risk of being overgrazed by the roaming animals, according to Godard.

The horses at Big Bar ranch are joined by an assortment of goats, chickens, ducks and pasture-raised heritage breed pigs. The ranch partners with a neighbouring rancher to purchase cattle that are then used by the ranch for meat.

“We really are working toward sustainability,” Godard says. “All of our compost from our kitchen goes to our pigs. So, not only are our pigs a food source for us, but we use them in the garden, as well.

“At the end of the season, we put them through the garden. They harrow everything as they burrow with their noses. And then we plant a winter crop that we’ll then use in the spring to feed the chickens.”

The property, Godard says, is working to become a “full-circle” ranch that’s selfsustaining.

“We have our own garden; we raise all of our own meat. We have a really good recycling facility and program within the community that we use, as well,” she says. “We really want to focus our experiences on how you can farm and work the land, and have resources, while respecting where you are and the things around you.

“It’s very similar to how their ancestors did it.” WHR

Elyse Godard is the general manager and executive chef at Big Bar Guest Ranch.

JULY/AUGUST 2021 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW.COM 33

SMALL MATTERS

On June 10, 1799, she became a child bride – married at the age of 13, to a man 16 years her senior. The girl was “…about five feet tall, active and wiry, with black eyes and skin almost copper-coloured”; the daughter of a Scottish investor-partner, named Patrick Small, and an unnamed mother.

She was Métis. Abandoned by her father at the age of six, her father left his family (two girls and a boy,) and returned to his roots in Europe. Her mother raised her children in relative obscurity. Here is Charlotte Small’s story.

By DEBBIE MACRAE Artwork by WANDERING JAYNE CREATIVES

34 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW JULY/AUGUST 2021

A sculpture of David Thompson and Charlotte Small is featured just outside of the Rocky Museum in Helen Hunley Park, Rocky Mountain House, AB.

D

uring her lifetime, Charlotte Small would travel over 42,000 kms across some of the most perilous terrain in Canada. She and her husband, David Thompson, would unlock the mysteries of Canada’s unbelievable sweeping geography – and she would become one of the most significant female contributors to the development of Canada. Together, their cartographic accomplishment would become legend; the largest, most significant survey achievement in the history of mankind. Small’s contribution, until recent years, had been relatively unacknowledged.

Charlotte Small was born on September 1, 1785, to the “country wife” of a Scottish investor in the North West Company fur-trading partnership. Her siblings, Patrick Small, Jr., and Nancy Small, would also become part of the fur-trading business, with Patrick becoming a North West Company clerk, and Nancy, the first wife of North West Company partner, John MacDonald of Garth.

“Country wives” was a term coined when a marriage took place with little formality or documents, and the marriage was arranged in “the country” to enhance the standing or security of the wife, who might have mixed lineage. And also to enhance the trade advantage of the fur trader, as a result of an alliance with the woman’s Indigenous family, where she could assist by translating and trading on her husband’s behalf.

Often the practical advantages of their alliance outweighed the opportunity for love, as men desired wives who could cook, clean, and sew for them. European wives were not well suited to the harsh elements and did not have the survival

skills to compete with their “country” counterparts.

Small could speak French, English, Cree and multiple dialects. She could hunt and fish. Marrying a man employed by the North West Company would bring her stability and security, and perhaps status. The irony of their exchange would be that Small would bring her talents to the table, and on more than one occasion, it would be Small who would ensure they succeeded.

In June of 1799, Small agreed to marry Thompson, and they married in the Cree tradition at Ile-a-la Crosse, SK. Their marriage vows would be solemnized by clergy 13 years later at the Scotch Presbyterian Church in Montreal on October 30, 1812.

She would bear 13 children; seven boys and six girls. Small was 44-years-old when she gave birth to her youngest child, Eliza in 1829.

On their marriage day, Thompson made a notation in his journal – “Today wed Charlotte Small.” He would honour that commitment for 58 years; travelling over 42,000 kilometers with her and their children by his side, at a time when most European men retired and returned to their prestigious European lives, leaving their Canadian country wives and families behind – like Small’s own father. The marriage of David Thompson and Charlotte Small is the longest recorded marriage in pre-Confederation history.

Thompson was born in Westminster, Middlesex, and his father died when Thompson was two-years-old, leaving his mother in dire financial hardship. She was forced to place him in the care of the Grey Coat Hospital, a school for the JULY/AUGUST 2021 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW.COM 35

disadvantaged of Westminster, where he then graduated to the mathematical school, renowned for its survey and navigational training. That training would prepare him for the prodigious survey work he would achieve in later life.

Thompson was indentured to the Hudson’s Bay Company, working as a clerk, and was dispatched to various regional inland locations, learning the language of the people as he went. After seriously fracturing his leg in a sledding accident near North Battleford, SK, it took two years for him to recover, during which he studied mathematics, survey and astronomy.

At the end of his apprenticeship, he asked the company to pay him with a sextant and navigational equipment, instead of the traditional Hudson’s Bay coat. They provided him with both, and hence began his next career in surveying. He was 27 years of age.

Two years later, after their marriage, Small would assist with the literal “groundwork”. “[W]ith black eyes and skin almost copper-coloured” – a description later rendered by her grandson, William Scott, Small moved easily among the First Nation’s people. Her coloring, language fluency and ability to decipher related dialects assisted in securing trust when travelling and trading.

Thompson wrote, in an 1874 manuscript, “….my lovely Wife is of the blood of these people, speaking their language, and well educated in the English language; which gives me a great advantage.” Although not much is known about their relationship, he wrote in a language of love and respect.

The expanse of Rupert’s Land was unknown; the rivers raging and perilous. Travel was arduous for fur traders, completed on foot, by canoe, and horseback, often in unfriendly territory. Seasons were harsh, and winters particularly cruel.

The elements (fire, wind, and water), injured or took lives indiscriminately, and starvation was always a consideration.

During the winter of 1805 and 1806, while wintering at Reed Lake House, the Thompson party was in much need of food.

Small’s hunting experience would be their salvation, providing nourishment from the meat she secured snaring rabbits and shooting birds. Thompson journals Small as having snared eight rabbits between November 1805 and February 1806, hardly sufficient nourishment to sustain a whole party – yet the group survived.

The extent of her contribution is barely appreciated – yet significantly more commendable given that she had two small children, Fanny and Samuel, and was expecting their third child, Emma, in March of that year.

Small first explored the Rocky Mountains in May of 1807, when a trade route was opened over the Howse Pass, west of Rocky Mountain House, AB. Ascending and descending the crossing was dangerous and nearly fatal on several occasions.

“The water descending in innumerable Rills, soon swelled our Brook to a Rivulet, with a Current foaming white, the Horses with Difficulty crossed & recrossed at every 2 or 300 yards, & the Men crossed by clinging to the Tails & Manes of the Horses, & yet ran no small danger of being swept away & drowned.” Notes from David Thompson, Travels (unpublished manuscript): iii, 34a,ca. 1847; quotation courtesy of William Moreau as recorded in the essay David Thompson’s Life of Learning among the Nahathaways by Jennifer Brown.

36 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW JULY/AUGUST 2021

Statue of Charlotte Small and David Thompson in Invermere, BC.

Although Thompson’s journal entries are limited with respect to his family life, it is imperative to appreciate that they travelled together. The journal entries provide insight and glimpses of the challenges Small faced as a woman and mother, with three young children to nourish and protect.

She faced the same cruel conditions as the men, yet except for a few notations, her challenges remained nondescript and unrecorded.

On one occasion, Thompson wrote, “One of my horses nearly crushing my children to death with his load being badly put on, which I mistook for being vicious, I shot him on the spot and rescued my little ones.”

A day later, he added, “…..at 3 P.M. we reloaded, but missing my little Daughter & nowhere finding her, we concluded she was drowned & all of us set about finding her – we searched all the Embarrass (log-jams) in the River but to no purpose.

At length, Mr. McDonald found her track going upwards. We searched all about & at length thank God at 8 ½ P.M. found her about 1 Mile off, against a Bank of Snow.” (Sources of the River, Nesbit.)

Small was no doubt, frantically assisting in the search for her child lost in the wilderness of the Rocky Mountains. It was June of 1808, in the mountains, with high water, and snow still likely on the ground. The wildlife were recently out of hibernation and hungry, and the group were constantly under threat of attack by the Peigan people. She was seven months pregnant with their fourth child, John, at the time.

They would traverse the Blaeberry River through the Kootenai mountains and follow it to its junction with the Columbia. Because the Columbia flowed north at this

junction, Thompson did not believe the river he viewed was the Columbia – and instead, headed upstream to Lake Windermere.

Near the south end of the lake they built Kootenae House. Now they had another addition to the family, with four children under seven.

Between 1808 and May of 1812, the family would journey from Canal Flats, BC, into Montana and Idaho, back up to Fort Vermilion at the confluence of the North Saskatchewan and Vermilion rivers, and back down into Montana and Idaho on Lake Pend Oreille, where they established Kullyspell House and Salish House on the Clark Fork River. Because the Piikani (Peigan) people were blocking access to their southern passes, a different route had to be established to bypass their lands.

Ultimately, they would cross the mountains through the Athabasca Pass over a treacherous route along the Athabasca, Whirlpool and Wood Rivers, arriving at the forks of the Columbia and Canoe rivers on January 18,1811.

The men refused to go on, and they wintered at Boat Encampment. Small remained at the side of her husband with her four children, despite the harsh crossing. The survey of the Columbia River was completed in May of 1812.

The family returned to Fort William on the shores of Thunder Bay, on July 12, 1812. They had made the decision to leave the employ of the North West Company, and made their way eastward toward Montreal, surveying the North shore of Lake Superior as they went.

After their return to Terrabonne, north of Montreal, Small and Thompson formalized their marriage vows in the European tradition and baptized their five young children. Ironically, in 1813, after surviving some of the harshest conditions of their young lives, two of their young children, John (age five) and Emma (age seven) would die, as a result of round worms, a common parasite. Small ultimately did not adjust well to life in Quebec, choosing to reside in Montreal while her husband travelled. Another child, Henry, would be born in 1813, followed by seven more siblings between 1815 and 1829.

In the years following, Thompson would complete his greatest achievements; his map of the North-West Territory of the Province of Canada in 1814 – so accurate it was still being utilized by the Canadian government 100 years later; survey of the newly established Canadian/US borders from Lake of the Woods to the Eastern Townships of Quebec; and his atlas of the region from Hudson Bay to the Pacific Ocean.

They would lose two more children. Despite financial hardship, and ultimate ruin, Small would remain by his side, even after being forced to move in with their daughter and son-in-law.

When the North West Company and the Hudson Bay Company merged in 1821, Thompson’s work was treated with indifference – likely because he had left the employ of the HBC and was never truly forgiven for his transfer to the North West Company. His survey data was sent to Aaron-Arrowsmith of London, and was used without proper credit to the surveyor – leaving his family impoverished for lack of payment, as well as the bankruptcy of a company in which their life savings had been invested. The maps they had developed, and the atlas completed in their later years, was never returned nor paid for.

David Thompson died in 1857, at the age of 86. His “lovely wife”, Charlotte Small, followed him to the grave three months

later, at the age of 70. They were buried side by side, in obscure, unmarked graves, until geologist J.B. Tyrrell resurrected Thompson’s notes, and published them as a narrative and part of the General Series of the Champlain Society in 1916. Tyrrell’s efforts, in partnership with the Canadian Historical Society, resulted in the placing of a tombstone to mark his grave. In 1917, David Thompson was recognized as a National Historic Person by the federal government. However, Small’s contribution went singularly unnoticed.

In the 28 years of his travel, Thompson had traveled over 88,500 kms and surveyed 4.92 million square kms of wilderness.

Small and her children accompanied him on over 42,000 kms – three and a half times further than the expedition of Lewis and Clark. Many of Thompson’s maps would be used on the Lewis and Clark expedition in their exploration of the Louisiana Purchase and the Pacific Northwest between August 1803 and September 1806.

However, on July 1, 2014, Charlotte Small was eventually recognized in a special ceremony at Rocky Mountain House, AB, by the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for Parks Canada. She was acknowledged as an, “Acclaimed wife, mother, explorer and Metis daughter of the fur trade” “…for her contributions to the fur trade and exploration of western Canada. Charlotte Small exemplifies the contributions of Aboriginal women to the building of Canada, and …, we celebrate her as a person of national historic significance.” Ironically, at the time of her death, women were not yet recognized as persons, an achievement that would not take place until October 29, 1929; 72 years after her death.

Theirs was a partnership which lasted through the most strenuous of tests. Her commitment and devotion to her husband and family, his work, and their purpose is immeasurable and unparalleled.

“Standing in the silence, Charlotte Small was an important figure, giving a voice to the many multi-skilled women who were unpaid and nameless in the male-dominated fur trade that was highly dependent upon Aboriginal and Metis women acting as guides, translators, confidantes and expert wilderness survivalists.

Charlotte Small performed all these roles as a wife, mother and daughter. Her courage and achievements will withstand the test of time and serve as encouragement for the generations of Aboriginal women to come, and recognition of the many silent women of the fur trade,” (Pat McDonald, historian and author, Rocky Mountain House). WHR References: 1,2,3, - as above Research by Leanne Playter, Moccasin Miles – The Travels of Charlotte Small Thompson 1799 – 1812 Travel Alberta – David Thompson Country Copyright 2021 1916 : David Thompson’s narrative of his explorations in western America, 1784 – 1812 – University of Toronto – Champlain item 1950: David Thompson’s journals relating to Montana and adjacent regions, 1808 – 1812 (edited by M. Catherine White) 2006/2007: Ðavid Thompson in Alberta 1787 – 1812” “David Thompson on the Columbia River 1807 – 1812” Official Documentary of Thompson released by NationalGeographic.ca “Travels with Charlotte”, Van Herk, Aritha (2007) Nisbet, Jack (1994) Sources of the River: Tracking David Thompson across North America.

Famous 5 Foundation Glenbow Museum JULY/AUGUST 2021 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW.COM 37

Living the

Western Dream A fierce supporter of cowboy culture, Tariq Elnaga is passionate about giving back to the community that welcomed him into the western lifestyle.

By PIPER WHELAN

In a few short years after attending his first Calgary Stampede while on vacation, Tariq Elnaga has made Canada his home and embraced the culture of the West.

38 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW JULY/AUGUST 2021

Elnaga, who had no experience with animals while growing up in Dubai, now enjoys and competes in a number of equine pursuits.

T

ariq Elnaga couldn’t have predicted how a trip to Canada for the Calgary Stampede would change the trajectory of his life.

Elnaga, who grew up in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, was inspired to attend the world-famous rodeo after watching a western movie and searching for a related event to base a vacation around.

Little did he know that what awaited him in Calgary, AB, would prompt him to immigrate to Canada and find his own place within this scene.

“I watched the rodeo and was completely blown away,” he recalls. “I thought, ‘Man, that’s exactly what I’m going to do,’ and I said, ‘I’m going to be on the other side of that fence one day.’”

Compelled to fully chase this dream, Elnaga quit his job upon returning to Dubai and made plans to move to Airdrie, AB in 2012. He embraced the cowboy culture immediately, finding opportunities to become involved in his new community within days of arriving in Canada. By reaching out to the Airdrie Ag Society, he got his first taste of agriculture, rodeo and other equine disciplines.

“Very quickly I started volunteering at rodeos and then helping out to drive tractor,” he says. “I started to learn how to ride, bought my first horse, got into team roping, ended up buying a whole bunch more horses, and one thing led to another from there.”

In doing so, Elnaga found a community he loves and many opportunities to share his passion for this way of life. “I am never happier than when I’m riding a horse or working with cows or at rodeo or at a country music concert,” he says.

“If you look at the western way of life, what the west means to me, what rodeo means to me, is community, grit, perseverance, respect, respect of the land, respect of the animals, hard work,” he continues. “These are all values that speak to me. These are all values of the West that I will never, ever take for granted if I get to live that every day.”

An electrical engineer who worked for several years in the oil and gas industry, Elnaga extended his appreciation for this lifestyle into his professional pursuits.

Today, he runs an engineering consulting business as well as the very first labour supply business for ranch hands in western

Canada, Bottom Hand Ranch Services.

“I’ve been showing up to brandings to help out and ranches and so on, and I made a joke last year that I am ‘the bottom hand,’” he says of the business’ unique name. “I’m the perennial assistant, and that’s okay because I’m always learning.”

Along with business partner Ashley Hygaard, Elnaga launched this service in November 2020. “Within the ranching industry, where people need labour in bursts and don’t have the time nor energy or necessarily the acumen to go out and find the right hired hands, we take care of that for them,” he explains. “We’re the Uber of ranch hands and cowboys, so whenever you need one for a couple hours or a couple months, we’ll take care of that for you.”

Bottom Hand Ranch Services had interest from ranchers immediately upon its launch, and Elnaga reports they now have clients in B.C., Alberta

and Saskatchewan. “We just got our first ‘three-peat’ clients, rather than repeat clients, our first client that’s now contracted our services for the third time, so the model seems to be working. We’re still learning every day.”

Outside of work, Elnaga is currently the vice-president of the Cochrane Roping Club and is involved with the Airdrie Ag Society and the Airdrie Pro Rodeo. “One of the things that I’m really passionate about is getting involved back into the community and making sure that I give back to the community that’s given me so much,” he says.

“You keep hearing it from people in the West that western culture in certain parts is dying or fading and so on, and I need to do my part to keep the western culture alive and thriving.”

His commitment to giving back to his community and his strong belief in celebrating and standing up for the western

JULY/AUGUST 2021 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW.COM 39

Elnaga prefers to call his schedule “active” instead of busy, having fun with all the endeavours he pursues.

lifestyle prompted Elnaga to become involved in federal politics. He recently announced his candidacy for the BanffAirdrie federal riding with the Maverick Party, a political party exclusively focused on the concerns of western Canadians. “It really is in many ways, an extension of the western culture,” he says.

“I’m very excited about it, and one of the things I told my committee when I was being interviewed for the role to be a candidate is, ‘I’m taking my cowboy hat to Ottawa,’ because to me there’s no more overt symbol of the West.”

40 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW JULY/AUGUST 2021

Between campaigning, volunteer commitments and running two businesses, Elnaga’s active schedule is just as he likes it, and he’s enjoying each moment. “All of this is for the right reasons. I’m doing everything that I absolutely love.”

His passion for this way of life also inspired Elnaga to share the sport of rodeo with a wider audience, highlighting the power of making meaningful connections with those new the sport. As Airdrie Pro Rodeo’s chute experience director, he leads the chute tour program, giving brand-new spectators the chance to learn

about rodeo by being close to the action.

The goal is to dismantle misconceptions about the sport and create new fans.

“We sold tickets to the Airdrie Pro Rodeo that gave you a full backstage chute experience where either myself or our rodeo queen or one of our rodeo athletes would take you backstage,” he explains.

The tours not only “show you the chutes but literally put you in the chutes, put you in the box, have you touch and feel the equipment, meet the athletes, both two-legged and four-legged, get to meet the officials, the rodeo entertainer, and

really explain where rodeo comes from.”

After the chute tours, participants watch the rodeo with athletes not competing at the time to point out details about the events. “Let’s say if bareback was on, we’d have a saddle bronc (rider) sit with you… and explain what was going on while you were watching the rodeo.”

The chute tours, which Elnaga refers to as the “this is my first rodeo” program, were an instant hit and have been offered for three years. “We had tourists from New Zealand, Germany, Sweden, Ireland.

We had a couple that flew in on their private plane from Ontario to Airdrie to just come watch the rodeo because they wanted an opportunity to get the accessibility and had great questions about all the misconceptions around animal welfare.”

This isn’t the only rodeo where Elnaga has had the chance to welcome new spectators to the sport. “I’ve also done Stampede 101 for new Canadians the week before the Stampede in partnership with an immigrant services organization.

They bring in about 100 to 150 new Canadians, and I go and talk to them about the sport of rodeo and western culture.”

He likes to speak to new Canadians about just how welcoming and inclusive he’s found the ranching and rodeo community to be, and having come to this lifestyle from a very different background, Elnaga has nothing but good things to say about the warm welcome he’s received. “I have never once, in the time that I’ve been living the western culture every single day, never once felt on the outside, never once felt like I wasn’t included and have always, always been welcomed into it,” he says.

For those who want to become part of this lifestyle, Elnaga encourages learning through volunteer opportunities, as well as embracing the values of the West and being genuine in your interest.

“I think as long as you are authentic about it, you are genuine about learning… and to me, as long as you’re willing to learn and embrace it, it is a great culture to be in,” he says. “I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”

Following this dream and creating a life he loves was all the more satisfying when Elnaga was able to fulfill the promise he made to himself at his first Calgary Stampede.

Seeing the need for seasonal labour on ranches prompted Elnaga and business partner Ashley Hygaard to start Bottom Hand Ranch Services, a labour supply company for ranch hands.

Serving as the vice-president of the Cochrane Roping Club is just one of the many ways Elnaga gives back to the western community.

“In 2017 I was backstage with my trainer at the time showing a couple horses at the western events centre at the Stampede, and I could look backstage and I could see the seat I was sitting at as a tourist in the grandstand, and it was

all the validation I needed to know that I made the right move. I was finally on the other side of that fence.”

For more information about Bottom Hand Ranch Services, please visit: www.bottomhandranchservices.com. WHR

JULY/AUGUST 2021 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW.COM 41

Homes West e

The CaBIN

It’s no secret that once all the livestock, grain and equipment is removed from the framework of an agricultural building, what’s left is the ideal shell for a unique living space. These distinct buildings that used to earn their keep as farming or ranching structures, offer a great deal of character. And what many people have discovered is that once they are cleaned, gleaned and primed for their second life, they provide a living experience that romantically blends urban and rural worlds together.

Here’s how an Alberta couple turned a wind-blown, bashed in grain bin, into a sought-after airbnb.

By JENN WEBSTER

42 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW JULY/AUGUST 2021

F

ive years ago, the neighbours of Trish Ferguson and Lee Phillips had a damaging plow wind blow a grain bin clear out of their yard line-up. The structure, previously used to house peas, canola, wheat, barley – or whatever grains were harvested that year – was so badly damaged that the neighbour offered it free to anyone who could come and take it away.

“I think a couple of people contacted our neighbour and said they would come and get it,” relays Ferguson, who lives near Mossleigh, AB. “But no one did.”

After about a year, the neighbour became frustrated and Ferguson and Phillips offered to take it off his hands.

“It all started in September of 2020, which was still Covid times,” laughs Ferguson. “We got a hold of a boom truck and tractor, so we could pull the fallen grain bin away, pound the inside out and see what we could do.”

As Ferguson describes the building process, the entire project had a “trial and error” feel to it. “We had never done anything like this,” she laughs. “So we just thought we’d give it a shot and see what came out of it.”

The result of many hours of work was something beautiful and exotic. Now, as a “reclaimed” grain bin, the caBIN (as Ferguson and Phillips refer to it), offers a unique, glamping experience as a rustic Alberta, gem.

RUSTIC, REPURPOSED & RELAXED Partners Ferguson and Phillips realized that in order to properly convert the grain bin into living quarters, they would have to secure it to the ground more steadfastly than it was in its previous life. Therefore, they opted for a cement base.

The couple surveyed out a bottom floor that would hold the bin in place and extend beyond the grain bin walls, to allow for an outdoor shower and an expansive patio. However, before the cement was poured and set, they planned out lines for water and electrical, to ensure anyone who would end up staying in the CaBIN would have all the amenities of home.

As the cement base dried, Ferguson and Phillips searched around for wood.

Everything inside the grain bin home features a pop of red colour.

Lumber prices were soaring during the pandemic, so they found used boards at another neighbouring site.

“The owner was going to burn them, so we brought a bunch home, pulled the nails out and reclaimed every piece,” says Ferguson.

Then Ferguson and Phillips used the reclaimed wood in a number of ways. On the outside of the CaBIN is an outdoor shower, which required several of the boards, and the same goes for the outdoor lavatory (aka, outhouse). There were additionally many places inside the grain bin where the wood came in useful, like

the top floor, veranda wall.

Ferguson decided early on that everything used in the caBIN would be second-hand or repurposed, to help save on costs. They purchased a bunch of tiles from the local dump for five dollars and Ferguson then placed them on top of a bank of cupboards for a countertop. All of the cupboards used in the bin’s kitchen were old ones the couple found in their quonset and repainted. The kitchen sink is an old washbasin that was given to Ferguson from a junk pile – she cleaned it up and once it was installed to a base and hooked to water, the result was perfectly

JULY/AUGUST 2021 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW.COM 43

The front of the CaBIN and the sitting / bar-be-que area.

The CaBIN does not house a fully functional bathroom however, it does offer an outhouse and outdoor shower with hot and cold running water.

suited to the western lifestyle space.

At the ground level, the caBIN boasts a kitchen complete with all the amenities like a small stovetop, microwave, coffeemaker, fridge and hot, running water.

Ferguson and Phillips have also provided guests with all the dishes, glasses and kitchen utensils they may require for an overnight stay. Beyond the kitchen is a sitting room, complete with a futon chair that converts into a single bed. There is additionally a fireplace – amplifying the serenity of the accommodations.

Outside of the CaBIN to the back, is the outdoor shower. Despite the fact the shower is open to the elements, Ferguson 44 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW JULY/AUGUST 2021

Inside on the bottom floor is a beautiful, quaint kitchen that offers all the amenities of home.

and Phillips ensured it was equipped with hot water. With high walls all around and a soft mat underfoot, guests can ensure the shower is completely private and comfortable.

To the front of the caBIN is a porchlike entity. Here, a bar-be-que exists for cooking, as well as a few lawn chairs for resting and visiting.

As you walk through the front entrance of the CaBIN, a grand entryway of large pine slabs greets guests. Phillips crafted these pieces himself, in the woodmill he has created for himself behind his Mossleigh home. There are additionally little brands in the wood that signify Phillips’ cattle

brand, dates in the cement indicating the CaBIN’s completion date and various other creative markings throughout the structure.

The front entrance door was an old door that Ferguson and Phillips also found in their farm quonset. Ferguson had to strip and add many coats of paint to get it to the beautiful state the door is currently in.

Then, they inserted heavy plexiglass into the original bin opening (the spot where an auger was positioned to put grain in or bring it out, when the bin was used for farming.) This created a window for the CaBIN, allowing more natural light to come into the tiny home.

THE SECOND FLOOR

Creating the upper level of the CaBIN proved to be more difficult than the foundation and the first floor. Ferguson and Phillips had to precisely measure out the base for a floor, install a secure railing and figure out how to maximize the space up top. They wanted an “open concept” for the entire caBIN. The couple used slabs of plywood for the floor, but you’d never know it because Ferguson painted them with four different types of paint, to resemble wood flooring.

Then they salvaged an antique, double bed frame from the dump and again, Ferguson sanded and repainted it red. Once installed with a new mattress, the result was a perfect fit. The upstairs also has a small dresser and a television.

Originally, Ferguson and Phillips were using a ramp to get up and down between the floors of the CaBIN, but they soon realized their building wouldn’t pass inspection to house guests if they didn’t install a staircase instead. However, the staircase proved to be trickier than everything else. Utilizing long steel pipes, Ferguson and Phillips connected them to wood steps in a spiral staircase formation.

This allowed for more storage underneath and helped maximize the space again. The installation of the staircase was difficult because the couple had to secure each step to the metal wall of the grain bin and the whole unit required a custom welding job.

Still, they persisted and on June 30, 2021, the CaBIN passed its final inspection and was declared good for future rentals.

“I’m so proud of what we were able to accomplish,” says Ferguson, admitting that neither her nor Phillips realized how much time the project was going to take when they first started out.

“Everything used in the CaBIN was either given to us or found at a secondhand store. All the lights for instance were bought at Habitat for Humanity for a total of $70!” she explains.

“I’m just so happy how it all came together.”

Now Ferguson and Phillips have space for guests and another way to make additional income. On airbandb, the CaBIN’s profile explains that it offers a “unique lodging experience.” And for those who want the tranquility of the country but still have work to do – the CaBIN also now has WiFi. WHR

The spiral staircase that was the last piece of the CaBIN’s puzzle.

The top of the converted grain bin can still be opened if desired to allow for more natural lighting and fresh air.

JULY/AUGUST 2021 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW.COM 45

O T S E K I FROM B S R E D I R C BRON This unique, high performance training academy is geared towards action sports. Their goal? Getting you, to yours.

By JENN WEBSTER Photos courtesy of BRAD CLIFFORD

F

or a period of time, travelling the world as a professional bike racer offered a thrilling mix of self-discovery to a Manitoba native, hell-bent on bucking the norms. Hailing from a family firmly rooted in the ranching lifestyle, Brad Clifford grew up with cattle, bison, grain and horses all around 46 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW JULY/AUGUST 2021

him. Still, an inner calling seemed to beckon him away, as Clifford drifted instead toward action sport athletics.

After the bikes, skis followed and once again he found himself hurtling towards another trajectory in life. Clifford toured the world for the better part of 15 years in pursuit of extreme sports but early in 2020, his mother would receive a cancer

diagnosis and he once again found his life charting a new course.

“From an early age, my mother was obsessed with the western lifestyle,” he tells. “She showed and jumped throughout my entire childhood and still does to this day. But in early spring of last year, she was diagnosed with stage four lymphoma.”

“

If athleticism in the western lifestyle is your thing, Migration Unlimited has what you need.

RANCHING ROOTS

Originally, Clifford grew up in central Manitoba on a bison and cattle ranch near Riding Mountain National Park.

His family branched out and began ranching in Saskatchewan as well – one ranch exists north of Prince Albert and the other is southwest near Grasslands

National Park. All of the ranches run bison and cattle, which are mostly Black Angus.

“My great grandparents and grandparents started the operation, but my mom is heavily involved,” he explains. “I pick up the slack, as do my brothers.”

When Clifford went back to ranching in early 2020, he remembered his roots.

His mother’s love for rodeo and horses quickly began to take hold of him again, although he was now a 30-year-old man.

“The horses have once again taught me about calmness and the fact that we must have a healthy respect for their being, in order to have a symbiotic relationship with them.”

All throughout her treatments, Sherri continued to ride and work alongside her family to get the ranching duties looked after. To date, she has endured 12 rounds of chemotherapy and 20 rounds of radiation. The treatments will be ongoing until Sherri’s doctors discover if she’s in remission or not.

“Until then, I choose to focus on the positive,” says Clifford. “While my mom

“

Clifford’s mother, Sherri, was blindsided by the diagnosis. In February 2020, she went in for a routine check-up after not feeling well and based on an abnormality, her doctor decided to send Sherri for a biopsy. Upon receiving the results, medical professionals realized Sherri’s body was riddled with cancer.

As he explains the chain of events, his foot begins to tap rapidly.

“I suppose all the damning signs had been there, but as a rancher she still has animals and land to take care of. It’s hard to say if she was being hard-headed about going into the doctor, or if she just had things to take care of and work to do.”

Needless to say, Clifford knew it was time to come home.

has been fighting for her life, I have an opportunity to learn from her again.

This situation has allowed me back into the rodeo world and has created incredible opportunity for progression in this sport.”

While Clifford never really took to competing in rodeo sports at an early age, his younger brothers have been heavily involved throughout their lives.

Clifford preferred racing bikes, skis and even played hockey (although he is known to get on a few bulls and broncs these days). The quest for an adrenaline rush continues to run in the family.

When Clifford attended the University of Regina, he was on the varsity track team. It was during his time there that he met Cory Horsburgh (Calgary, AB), an Olympic caliber wrestler and strength and conditioning specialist.

“He was on the wrestling team in Regina and I was on the track team. We hit it off and maintained a relationship over the years because we were both so interested in sports and training to get the most out of our bodies,” Clifford explains.

Continued on page 57

JULY/AUGUST 2021 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW.COM 47

SUN

K

ISSED

All the summer style trends of the season, direct from our partners at Lammle’s Western Wear, lammles.com.

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Rock & Roll Cowgirl Women’s Eyelet Flounce Dress, $49.95, Corral Women’s Red Glow In The Dark Snip Toe Boots, $259.95, Bracelet, $29.95.

48 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW JULY/AUGUST 2021

Tribal Women’s Bell Sleeve Maxi Dress, $99.95, 3D Belt Co. Women’s Angel Ranch Belt, $49.95, Cowgirl Confetti Necklace $29.95, STS Ranchwear Women’s Mae Cowhide Cross Body purse, $199.95.

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Wrangler Women’s Retro Mae Mid Rise Bootcut Jeans, $99.95, Roughstock Women’s Wimbrely Vintage plaid shirt, $59.95, Resistol George Strait Range T 10X straw hat, $169.95.

50 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW JULY/AUGUST 2021

TOP: Panhandle Women’s off-the-shoulder Flounce shirt, $79.95, Wrangler Women’s Willow Ultimate Riding bootcut jeans, $99.95.

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leather cuff bracelet, $29.95, Dan Post Women’s Maria round toe boots, $249.95.

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Ariat Women’s Lace Cap, $39.95, Panhandle Roughstock red, blue and white plaid button-up shirt, $59.95.

52 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW MAY/JUNE 2021

Wrangler Women’s Retro sleeveless snap shirt, $54.95, Wrangler Women’s ultimate riding Willow jeans, $89.95, Dan Post Women’s Maria round toe boots, $249.95.

MAY/JUNE 2021 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW.COM 53

LEFT: Rock & Roll Denim Women’s Mid Rise jean skirt, $69.95, Hair on Hide purse, $149.95, Cowgirl Confetti elegant beauty leather cuff bracelet, $29.95, Wyo Horse Women’s thin tooled cuff bracelet, $24.95, Rock & Roll Cowgirl Women’s Dale Brisby Rodeo shirt, $64.85.

RIGHT: Circle G Women’s Cut Out Round Toe cowgirl booties, $189.95, Cowgirl Confetti Women’s Four Winds Fringe necklace, $59.95.

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RIGHT: Catchfly Women’s Turquoise Underlay belt, $79.95.

54 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW JULY/AUGUST 2021

Wrangler Let’s Go Rodeo t-shirt, $39.95, Atwood Hat Co. Pen Rider Cattleman straw hat, $89.95, Wrangler Women’s Retro High Rise jean shorts, $69.95.

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Stetson Women’s sleeveless denim shirt dress, $129.50.

56 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW JULY/AUGUST 2021

Continued from page 47 r Bette Than Home

COIN LAUNDRY “Locally Owned & Operated”

SPECIALIZING IN WASHING HORSE BLANKETS & ATTIRE • • • • •

Winter blankets Saddle Pads Leg Wraps Hoods, Navajo Blankets, etc.

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A warm-up for a Migration Unlimited bull riding camp.

He also met Evan Mundy (Sutton, ON), a road racing teammate on the Canadian National Team, and exercise physiologist during his time in bike racing.

Approximately four years ago, Clifford came up with the idea to partner with his like-minded friends and the concept of Migration Unlimited was born. The company is based out of Calgary, AB, and is a high performance, action sport training academy.

“Action sports are those that exist outside the scope of normality (such as baseball, basketball, hockey, football etc.). They are characterized by high risk, speed and precise calculation. The sports that push the limits of human capabilities,” Clifford explains.

This includes sports like motocross, downhill mountain biking, skiing and base jumping, for instance. Clifford’s history as a gravity sports athlete acclimatized him to many injuries and concussions. Through his brothers and friends, he also saw the toll rodeo has taken on their bodies. It was then that he realized a specialized training program should exist to help these unique athletes, with further outreach and support for injuries and rehabilitation.

“We felt that Calgary was the best place to be in terms of population density, the interest in physical and mental well-being and the fact that it is a

hotbed for rodeo and mountain sports,” he says. “We are partnering with several local businesses in the industry, such as Alpha Bull, and are very excited about the future of this industry.”

Migration Unlimited is located in downtown Calgary and offers different levels of participation to its customers.

They can assist clients with custom strength and conditioning training, blood lactate analysis, nutrition education, and daily feedback from their trainers (Clifford, Horsburgh and Mundy). They can also help clients virtually with FaceTime, Zoom, Virtual Reality classes, or email-based instruction.

These days Clifford finds himself between Calgary and Southwest Saskatchewan, as he continues to drive home to assist his family on the ranch and help his mom through her treatments. Migration Unlimited has given him the power of owning his own company and the ability to work remotely when required.

“We are here to take our athletes to new levels. I’ve never been one to shy away from the opportunity to compete,” he says. “We’re looking to inspire people to pursue their dreams and who want to leverage the shared experiences of a team of like-minded athletes – each pursuing excellence in their unique sport.” WHR

Serving Okotoks and surrounding area for +20 years!

A Charitable Equine Organization funding: veterinary colleges and students and other worthwhile equine causes. www.equinefoundation.ca Bob Watson, President 403.378.4323 bob@equinefoundation.ca

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JULY/AUGUST 2021 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW.COM 57

Backforty g

FOR BETTER, OR FOR WORSE…

Story by Lee McLean Photo by Tara McKenzie Fotos

Anniversaries. They have a habit of creeping up, adding up and as you get older, of getting right by you.

Mike and I are stubbornly set out on the verandah early this morning, shivering in the wet and cold, watching a thick bank of fog roll in from the south. We are both, I notice, looking old and crotchety. Two sets of gnarly hands are gripping their steaming coffee cups as though all life depends on it. I also notice that the dog makes something of a big show, as usual, of wanting to sit right by Mike.

“Happy anniversary!” says my husband of 38 years. I can only blink at him in total astonishment.

“Huh?” How can he possibly keep track of these things?

We both sit there, lost in memories of times past.

The big day, itself. Hotter than a blast oven, I am late to the ceremony because in buttoning the 50 silk-covered buttons down the back of my dress, my mother has ended up with one left over. During this, nobody notices that she has cut her finger and is bleeding all over the heavy satin.

Funny, now. Not so much, then.

We begin to recall other years: babies, seven years of drought, a scarcity of rainy days and ready cash.

58 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW JULY/AUGUST 2021

Celebrations put on hold for the family business of chores, cows, haying, harvest, horses, sickness and off-farm jobs…

Kids leave home. Conversations begin, more and more, to centre around the dog. It takes longer and longer to stand straight upon waking. There is not so much a throwing back the covers and leaping out of bed, now, as there is a gingerly testing the waters. Health becomes a hot topic. Yes, we are somehow changed.

Mike is reading cookbooks of late. Where does this come from? I’ve long joked that the man doesn’t know how to make his own coffee. I’m now ready for bed by the time the supper dishes are cleared. What has happened to the girl who can dance the night away? Where has she gone?

Our eyes meet over the old wicker table. Mike’s crinkle up in the corners and I give an embarrassed little laugh.

“Happy anniversary,” I say. “So, what are we going to do today?” My husband takes a pull from his cup before answering.

“We’re going to hope the electric fence keeps Buster’s cows out of the oats,” he says. And that, my friends, is the secret to living a long and happy ever after. WHR

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