$495 PRINTED IN CANADA AUG / SEPT / OCT $5.95 PRINTED IN CANADA REGISTRATIONMAILPUBLICATION 42204012NUMBER202231,OCTUNTILDISPLAY westernhorsereview.com Horsemanship • Culture • Style Meet 3 First Responders Who Find Solace in the Saddle YAK Ranching SwimmingHorseswith THE NRHA’S NEW DRUG POLICY BY MONIQUE NOBLE SALMON LETTUCE WRAPS BY MIKE EDGAR THE RURAL ALBERTA ADVANTAGE BY JENN WEBSTER
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4 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW August / September / October 2022 Horsemanship • Culture • Style www.westernhorsereview.com Visit our Breed & Sports News blog for all the latest buzz and coverage of the horse world and show scene. 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. Check out all the ways to wear a wild rag! Highlights from the September long weekend rodeos. Discover the multi-dimensional artwork of McKenna Prather. We acknowledge the support of the Government of Canada. PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 42204012 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 Member Of Vol. 29 No. 4 AUGUST / SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 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 sally@westernhorsereview.comBishop Subscriptions $19.95 CDN - 1 year Subscription $39.95 USD - 1 year Subscription For SUBSCRIPTION you.reputablesubscriptions@westernhorsereview.com1-855-464-4523ENQUIRIES:orForBACKISSUESvisitourStoreatwww.westernhorsereview.comSubscribers:YournamemaybemadeavailabletocompanieswithproductsthatmayinterestIfyoudonotwantyournameshared,pleasee-mailsubscriptions@westernhorsereview.comandrequestOPT-OUTinthesubjectline. Accounting Laurie Price at (403) ldprice63@gmail.com250-1128 Contributors BAR XP PHOTO Johnny TaraWildroseHawkinsImageryDebbieMacRaeMcKenzieFotosLeeMcLeanMoniqueNoble Published six times a year by: WESTERN PERFORMANCE PUBLISHING INC. 235, 3545 - 32 Ave. NE, Unit/Box #814 Calgary, Alberta T1Y 6M6 (403) editorial@westernhorsereview.com250-1128www.westernhorsereview.com
17 GEAR & STYLE Add diversity to your barn autumn essentials. 18 GOOD WORK Discover the western artwork and brilliance of Rebecca Shuttleworth. 20 MUSIC OF THE WEST An exclusive interview with the lead singer of The Rural Alberta Advantage, Nils Edenloff. 24 WESTERN
8 PUBLISHER’S NOTE 10 LEAD LINE An Alberta youth represents Canada in Brazil. 12 OUT WEST Swimming with horses. 14 OUT
AUGUST / SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2022
The National Reining Horse Association updates its Animal Welfare and Medications Policy and the change is met by a mixed reaction from members. 16 FACEBOOK FEEDBACK The WHR readership pays its respects to Queen Elizabeth II. 16 WESTERN INSIDER An NHL legend swaps his stick for a polo mallet. Western
Out
Enjoy these salmon lettuce wraps complimented with a mandarin chili glaze and charred corn relish. 28 HOMESTEADING 101 Have you ever wanted to can or preserve food, but were too intimidated to start? Nick Shipley tells you everything you need to know. 33 51
contents West WEST Culture FOODIE
40 A HAPPY YAK-CCIDENT
on the cover Hott
You’ll have a good chuckle with Lee McLean’s newest submission!
54 ALL HAIL THE ROADHOUSE!
Travel in the late 1700s and early 1800s was rudimentary and places that offered accommodations to travellers, were few and far between. Learn about the evolution of the “roadhouse” to hotel and some of the wild west adventures that came with.
33 DEEP BREATHS
August / September / October 2022 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW.COM 7
Courtney Cicoria grew up on an Alberta horse ranch. These days, she is just as comfortable in the stirrups as she is cave diving in the bottom of the ocean.
Features
Meet three first responders who find reprieve in their horses.
44 OFF THE BEATEN PATH
Shane Juuti is a longtime rancher of Simmental cattle. He was just as surprised as everyone else when he discovered yaks were not only easier to maintain, they were also a more sustainable herd with more diverse products to offer.
51 ON HER OWN TERMS
58 BACK FORTY
Red
Cat Photo by Wildrose Imagery @wildrose.imagery 44 2440
It was a short summer. Foodies, history seekers and memory-makers alike, will find what they’re looking for with this guide to weekend hidden gems!
Then on page 33, we introduce you to three first responders who get away from the stresses of their careers by stepping into the stirrups. Kirk Prescott of BAR XP PHOTO speaks with a paramedic, a firefighter, and a covert police office about the risks of their jobs and how horses help them unwind after a long day.
Next, writer Monique Noble profiles Shane Juuti of West Gimlet Farms. Along with the beautiful photography of Keely Gibb (Wildrose Imagery), Noble explores how Juuti went from being a longtime Simmental cattle rancher, to an Alberta breeder of yaks. Check out that story on page 40.
On page 24, Chef Edgar prepares a mouth-watering salmon dish, in the most beautiful outdoor kitchen provided to us by Jenny Ladds of DeWinton, AB. Then on page 44, we have a unique guide to Instagrammable murals in western Canada and other weekend getaways – in case you’re looking for some hidden gems, ripe with history and heritage. And on page 50, we acquaint you with Courtney Cicoria, an Alberta ranch girl living life on her own terms.
8 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW August / September / October 2022
~ Jenn Webster
Speaking of concerts, I had the opportunity to watch and later, interview, Nils Edenloff of The Rural Alberta Advantage this past summer. With songs named after various places in Alberta and lyrics that pay homage to hometowns, tragedies and road trips, I have been intrigued by this band for a long time. You can find Edenloff’s interview on page 20.
Send your comments, questions, letters or story ideas to me at editorial@westernhorsereview.com. We may include them in an upcoming edition of Western
In a way, this issue is very much about living your best life, but you will still find all the same great columns and equine information for which you’ve come to know Western Horse Review for. As always, we hope you enjoy.
FotosMcKenzieTara
Review. publisher’s note FotosMcKenzieTara
BEST LIFE, ACTIVATED
“Happiness Is Not Something Readymade. It Comes From Your Own Actions.” - Dalai Lama Horse
Summers are refreshing, but I also believe they are a time for reflection. It was so wonderful to get out and enjoy concerts again, walk through crowds and bank on horse shows and events that were in no danger of being cancelled. I didn’t even mind standing in lines this year…
The summer went by way too fast, but my family and I made the best of every second. The days were spent trail riding or finding a creek to gain some relief from the heat. The nights were filled with a Stranger Things marathon. And before I knew it, the kids and I were school shopping, scheduling eye appointments and haircuts and counting down the days until night-time lunch-making would once again resume.
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“Everyonetrainer.
~ By Jenn Webster
10 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW August / September / October 2022
Aliera Chernoff of Strathmore, AB, recently competed in the Youth World Reining Cup in Avaré, Brazil.
day I rode my horse early in the morning in the show arena, and then headed back to the hotel and got everything prepared. The show was so much fun, the crowd was so loud and encouraging. I gave it my all and had some of the best circles and stops I have ever done. It was like a dream.”
IN AUGUST OF 2022, MEMBERS FROM 11 countries competed for the coveted Youth World Reining Cup title in Avaré, Brazil. Canada’s own, Aliera Chernoff, travelled there to represent our country in the NRHyA - National Reining Horse Youth Association event, along with 11 other NRHyA members from around the world. Riding, Question Of Dixie (a borrowed mount), Chernoff, who lives in Strathmore, AB, had the support of many behind her. The event was created by Joao Marcos of Cardinal Reining because of his love for the sport and to promote and encourage youth in reining. Chernoff tells of the amazing experience that helped her develop new friendships and memories that will last a lifetime.
Chernoff was also asked to participate in the opening ceremony. Each country representative carried their flag into the arena and the crowd cheered and sang the Brazilian national anthem.
“Onsays.show
“The day we arrived we were taken to the beautiful Haras Sacramento’s breeding and training facility. We had a delicious Brazilian BBQ and were able to tour the property and see their amazing breeding and training facilities. Shortly after we headed back to the barns and I was able to meet my horse ‘Question.’”
Owned by Jose Antonio Cardinalli, Chernoff was able to ride Question for the next two days and developed a relationship with both the owner and the
“After the show was over we took more pictures of all the youth and of course, some of the competitors had to celebrate with a walk to McDonald’s for supper.
Leadline
“I am so grateful that I got the chance to compete in Brazil, and most importantly to be going down to represent Canada. I am so fortunate to live here. And last but not least, after going to Brazil I have realized that reining isn’t just a sport but a family – and as soon as you walk into an arena you are surrounded by people who will drop everything to help you,” she stated.
at the barn was super kind, welcoming, and helpful. Despite the language barriers they taught me about my horse. Then the night before the competition we had an ice cream party, were able to talk to everyone, discuss the youth programs in each country and wish everyone luck!” She
ALBERTA YOUTH IN BRAZIL
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IMAGERYWILDROSE
For the rider, a helmet is always recommended. Footwear is another consideration: while it’s likely you don’t want to fill your boots with water, flip-flops present the opportunity for a delicate human foot to be stepped on or hit by a paddling hoof.
THERE ARE DESTINATIONS ALL OVER the world, enticing visitors to come “swim with horses.” As beautiful as they are, Canada offers some of the greatest swimming holes this side of the equator. There are however, a few key points to note, to keep everyone safe.
Swimming with horses is great exercise for both the horse and rider and also one of those “bucket list” activities. There’s no denying the Instagrammable nature of the pursuit.It’simportant however, to have an idea how your horse might handle water, before you plunge in and it’s equally as important to know the area. The time of year plays a role, as water that is moving too fast, too rough or too cold, will likely discourage some horses from entering. A sandy bottom is ideal, therefore it’s wise to know how rocky your swim spot is as well. For horses to swim properly, the water must be deep enough to extend past their withers, but if conditions are not ideal you don’t want to force an unwilling mount
Preparein.
3. Head Above Water
It should go without saying, but common sense must prevail when swimming with horses. Go with other experienced riders and always let someone outside of your party know of your location. Enjoy yourself and embrace the experience!
2. Safety Gear
your equestrian companion ahead of time by asking him to cross puddles or other water crossings, and gradually advance to submersing into water up to his belly. Ensure your horse has a good first experience.
1. Know Your Horse & Swimming Spot
Minimal gear works for swimming with horses, as leather equipment can become slippery when wet. Bareback is perfect, but your horse should wear some kind of bridle or halter with reins to give you some control. Whatever you choose, it’s crucial that your horse must have free movement of its head to enable safe swimming.
12 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW August / September / October 2022 Outwest
~ By Jenn Webster
HORSESWITHSWIMMING
August / September / October 2022 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW.COM 13 3Many different options including tack rooms, turnout doors, door upgrades, stallion stalls, tie stalls, insulation packages, windows, skylights, etc. 3All prices include set up. www.affordablebarns.com A Canadian Business Why buy an incomplete barn when Affordable Barns can offer you... 3A complete Barn built within 2-3 days! 3Exact Quotes within 2 working days. 3All Barns come complete with 12x12 stalls. NOW IS THE TIME TO BUY
~ Monique Noble
The NRHA is doing their best to ensure that when Sedivet is used, it should not influence a horse’s ability to show –however, there are so many uncontrollable variables with the use of Sedivet, any attempt at regulation is practically futile. Recent information provided to me by an anonymous source states that Sedivet is available in Canada and Europe, but is no longer manufactured in the US. As such, in the US, it must be compounded. Compounding pharmacies are unregulated and thus, there are varying levels of concentrations and quality of compounded preparations which can cause disastrous consequences. This causes a variability of therapeutic levels and detection times. To ensure proper dosing, medications should be given on a per weight basis and not based on volume (NRHA policy refers to volume, not dosage). Every compounded dose has the potential of being a different dose depending on the suspension.
Personally, I don’t agree with drugging horses at competitions, warm-ups or otherwise. I think it creates anxious horses, unrealistic expectations from riders and leads to potentially unethical practices in and out of the show, training, and sale pens. So, I’ll make sure my trainers know how I feel about the use of Sedivet. Which, in the proposed regulations, cannot be used legally without a consent form signed by both the trainer and the owner and must then be submitted to the NRHA.
the use of sedative Acepromazine (Ace).
Unfortunately, the harsher penalties could not be voted in without the inclusion of Sedivet in small doses. Anyone who has ever voted on a platform knows their vote does not automatically mean they agree with the entire platform itself and it is quite possible that some board members were in favour of the harsher penalties and not for the Sedivet, but one had to, for now, accompany the other.
These new rules about Sedivet are surprisingly within industry standards, the National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) and National Reined Cow Horse Association (NRCHA) both currently allow
When asked about the reasoning behind Sedivet, the NRHA stated that the usage within the ruling would allow Sedivet to be used to lightly sedate fractious horses so they don’t require hours of pre-riding before competition, to make them ready to compete: the theory being that allowed use of Sedivet leads to shorter warm up times, which means less wear and tear on the animal while being “warmed up for competition.” In theory, this leads to greater soundness and longevity of the animal. The inclusion of regulated Sedivet use also allows for the process of a penalty phase that will potentially lead to the complete ban of Sedivet in the future.
YAY OR NEIGH?
14 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW August / September / October 2022
If no one wanted to be an outspoken outcast on the subject, how then, did Sedivet pass? Not long ago, a social media post that identified the NRHA board members and how they voted for the new rulings went viral amongst reiners. The members who voted for the new policies were singled out as bad horse people with questionable morals – but is that fair? According to the NRHA, the board came to a bypass when trying to enact harsher penalties and stricter rules on drug use of any kind. Within the new rules (effective 2023), are policies for wider testing and harsher penalties including fines, public notice, loss of winnings and suspension for illegal drugging. All are a huge improvement on the private slap on the wrist that is currently being given out when drugging is discovered. Also included in these new policies is the banning of a practice called “stacking,” which involves using legal amounts of two or more drugs to create a desired effect. For instance, Banamine + Bute = calmer horse.
Within the new policies, Sedivet cannot be given less than half an hour before the horse’s “run” in their class and the proposed “legal” dosage allowed is just slightly above the documented “ineffective sedation level” of the drug which has a short life in the system.
I truly hope the NRHA will be willingly guided themselves, listen to their members and the public at large and rethink the inclusion of Sedivet before the new policies come into effect in 2023. Currently the use of Sedivet in any quantity is illegal, which is how I hope it remains – not only for the sake of the sport of reining and the people in it, but for the sake of the horses that trust us to take care of them, the same way they take care of us.
SEDIVET AND THE NRHA
This inability to reliably regulate dosages, combined with the inexact science of estimating when your run will be in a class makes it impossible to successfully control or measure the use of Sedivet. These issues not only create an uneven playing field for
competition locally and internationally, but it also begs the question, “Can this medication be used safely and/or ethically?”Western Canadian NRHA Representative Dallas Schwerdt considered many issues when she voted against the new policy proposal even though she was very much for the harsher penalties that were included in the proposed changes. Dallas shares, “I voted the way I did due to concerns about exposing our sport to animal rights pressure and the credibility of our sport to the world as a whole. We degrade the entire sport when there is doubt in people’s minds if the horses are being shown clean or drugged.”
While I am disappointed in the current proposal, I also see the good the NRHA is trying to do. With that in mind, it’s my responsibility to share their reasoning asSadly,well. Schwerdt is correct; by allowing this drug, the NRHA has opened the door for animal rights groups, social recrimination of our sport and the sullying of what it means for horses to be “willingly guided”
Outwest
The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) recently passed a new rule allowing the use of Sedivet at competitions and it has sparked an incredible amount of heated public debate. The resounding response has been that Sedivet should not be allowed at competitions, but of course no one is going to publicly say, “Yes it should be.” Those people would be social pariahs.Asadedicated reining enthusiast, here’s my take on it…
ThePoloParty.com
“
Shane Doan’s personal western saddle, complete with a Phoenix Coyotes logo on one side and a Winnipeg Jets logo on the other.
~Sue Harris
Amazing woman taking care of her duties 2 days before she passed, how sick she must have been then. The double rainbow over the castle right after she passed said it all.”
Imagine all her past horses coming running to meet her over the rainbow bridge
FACEBOOK FEEDBACK
“
She loved her horses for sure.” ~Tom Wilkey
HOCKEY ON HORSEBACK
“
~Donna Dixon
RIP you were a beautiful and graceful lady. Loved your outfits and your love for animals especially horses!” ~Shirley Simmons
16 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW August / September / October 2022
“
“ “
Yes- she loved horses ! What an amazing life she led -50’s till now in her position as Queen!” ~Betty Lundigan
“
God rest her soul… and keep her… with horses in heaven.” ~Frayed Knot Western Consignment
“ Hope I can ride if I live to be that old!!” Janet Akers
field when America’s Greatest Polo Party re turns November 5th.
In our post dedicated to Queen Elizabeth II, our readership sent their condolences and thoughts:
She was a class act.” ~Joan Margaret Beavers“
Former National Hockey League star, Shane Doan, will trade his skates in for rid ing boots, hockey sticks for a mallet, and the puck for a ball to try his hand at polo this November 5, 2022. Former Arizona Coyotes Captain and legend #19, Doan, the franchise’s all-time leading scorer, has rep resented Team Canada numerous times in international play, and has won five med als (two gold, three silver) at the World Championships. He helped Canada win the World Cup championship in 2004 and was also a member of Canada’s 2006 Winter Olympic team. In 2022, Doan was also General Manager of Team Canada’s Olympic Hockey Team at the Winter Olympics in Beijing.Alongtime equestrian enthusiast, Doan will spend the fall months (September and October) training and learning how to play the beautiful sport under the guidance of Andres Camacho, Diego Florez and Natalie Camacho of the Arizona Polo Club. Doan will represent and join the local club on the
RIP her horses will miss her they had a special bond she was still riding!!” ~Susan Philman
Western e
“I’ve been riding horses my entire life and even had a horse ranch for many years. I have always been fascinated by the fast paced, action packed game of polo and now that I’m retired, I feel like it’s a good time in my life to try the sport and see if I can put some of my hockey skills to good use and play polo. I don’t know how good I’m go ing to be but, I’m excited to give it try and make my polo playing debut here at the Scottsdale Polo Party,” he said.
3 EQUINE PILL POPPERS
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1 LIQUID BIOCELL® EQUINE
How brilliant are these?? These low sugar and palatable treats are perfect for the equine that requires daily medications. Super easy and efficient to use, simply place the pill in the hollowed out center, place treat flat in your hand and feed to your horse. Ingredients include beet pulp, flax seed, oat flour, apple sauce, oat bran, fengreek seed and ascorbic acid. $12. www.barnyardbiscuits.ca
Back to school, back to work, or just generally back at it… Here are all the things you need in your barn this autumn.
4 I CAN HELP! Have a horse crazy youngster? Sign them up for a three-hour Equine First Aid program for kids, from Whispering Equine Body Works. The kids will learn horse safety and basic first aid in a fun, hands-on environment. There’s even a recipe for horse cookies in their manual and all participants get a frameable certificate of completion! No horse experience necessary. $59. www.whisperingequinebodyworks.com
5 THE COBIT The Center of Balance
2 54
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This formulation is veterinarian-approved and made with natural ingredients, that replenishes the vital components of articular cartilage in the synovial joint of a horse’s body. It helps maintain the health and resiliency of joints and connective tissues, and eases discomfort associated with a horse’s daily exercise or athletic lifestyle. This product contains highly bioavailable Liquid BioCell®, a naturally-occurring matrix containing hydrolyzed collagen type II, low molecular weight (LMW) hyaluronic acid (HA), and chondroitin sulfate, which are essential for healthy joints, skin, and other connective tissues. www.modere.ca/6194100
2 J.RATELIFF KNIVES
Indicating Tool (COBIT) is a tool to locate the center of balance and a guide to correctly trim a horse’s foot. Invented by Saskatchewan farrier, Ross Smith, this tool also finds the breakover and correct placement of the buttress of the heel. Any horse with navicular, ringbone, bowed tendon, suspensory issues, arthritis, long toe low heel, founder, laminitis or heel issues will benefit from having the COBIT applied regularly during scheduled trimming/shoeing. $200-$250 www.rosssmith.ca
Alberta Mountain
R
The artist has also illustrated a children’s book, in collaboration with actress Amber Marshall, entitled, Where’d Cow Go? and remains open to all artistic opportunities.
Frontier Freedom
ebecca Shuttleworth, 26, has graced the art scene with gratitude and an appreciation for western culture. Born and raised on her family farm, near Balzac, Alberta, Shuttleworth is country from the pasture to the paintbrush. She enjoys sharing the relationship between farmers and ranchers and their land and animals. From the moment she could hold a pencil, Shuttleworth has been drawing. She started formal art lessons at the age of 12 and sold her first painting by ageThroughout13.
2019 CALGARY STAMPEDE POSTER - Chalk Pastel
Talent, Appreciation & Commissioned Creativity
Recounting her achievements to date, Shuttleworth stated, “My most notable honour was being selected as the Calgary Stampede Poster Artist.” Her artwork was chosen from hundreds of applicants and Shuttleworth holds the honour of being the first youth to complete the Calgary Stampede poster. Her passion and devotion to the western way of life continues to influence her artwork on a grand scale. From commissioned pieces to contests, Shuttleworth lives for western and agriculturally inspired art. Enjoy, as we showcase a few of her prized pieces and share her sentiments on their background.
Rebecca Shuttleworth, western artist.
Selected from many applicants, this piece was the 2019 Calgary Stampede Poster. I chose a woman as the main focus for the
By KIRK PRESCOTT BAR XP PHOTO
ALBERTA MOUNTAIN - Chalk Pastel
Show Day
Accepted into the 2022 Way Out West Fest, Art and Artifact Auction, this piece was drawn from a photograph taken by Kirk Prescott of BAR XP PHOTO. The featured horses are part of the Calgary Stampede Ranch bucking stock herd. The work is named after the powerful stud in the foreground. The name of the horse and the artwork perfectly round out the piece, capturing provincial pride, strength and respect for our western way of life.
school, Shuttleworth’s art gained notability. She was nominated for Airdrie, Alberta’s Qualico Youth Artist Award and won the 2014 Calgary Stampede Western Art Scholarship in Grade 12. The following year, Shuttleworth’s original piece, “Harmony,” was both accepted and sold in the Calgary Stampede Western Art Auction. Shuttleworth has completed numerous original pieces. One of her most noteworthy commissions was for the famed Douglas Lake Ranch. By the age of 19, Shuttleworth had sold work across North America and even to clients in Mexico.
18 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW August / September / October 2022 GoodWork
HARMONY - Chalk Pastel
A commissioned pencil drawing, this specific piece is a great example of my work. I particularly enjoyed doing this commission because I grew up showing and jumping horses. This drawing has a unique connection to my past and my love of horses. You can see the respect between horse and rider in this piece and the beautiful connection that all horsemen and horsewomen know so well. I think this connection is important to share with others.
August / September / October 2022 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW.COM 19
SHOW DAY - Pencil Drawing
BABY STEPS - Chalk Pastel
Calgary Stampede Poster 2019
This beautiful pencil drawing took life from a photograph that was taken by Luke Marshall. Prints of this piece have successfully sold across western Canada. One print even landed a generous bid of $4,200 in 2019. Later that year, the original artwork was auctioned during the Stockmen’s Memorial Foundation dinner, at the Cochrane Ranchehouse, for $5,200.
This piece was selected from multiple submissions, by the Canadian Fall Classic Warmblood Sale, to represent their 25th anniversary. It was used for their marketing campaigns, including the sale catalogue cover, posters, and social media. The piece was then auctioned, before the horse sale began, where it was the highest selling artwork that the sale has seen. It was such an honor to have my work chosen, because it was the 25th anniversary of the sale and many well-known artists had previously won this competition. The original photo reference is from Rachel Thompson.
Calgary Stampede Poster Competition, because previous posters mainly depicted the tough and gritty role of males in western heritage. As much as men should be appreciated for their hard work and everything they do for the world and us ladies, it was time for women to be recognized. I wanted to push the graceful, yet hardworking role of women. I started looking for reference photos that had a female role, which Samantha Callioux captured so well in her original photograph. I will forever be grateful for Dana Peers (Calgary Stampede Chairman) who supported this movement and recognized women, by choosing my work.
unique interaction/balance between horse and rider, or in other words, the “Harmony.”
Harmony
Harmony was accepted and sold in the 2015 Calgary Stampede Western Art Auction. It was an honor to be a part of this auction, as there were over 250 applicants and only 60 pieces were selected. In this specific drawing, I wanted to depict the
FRONTIER FREEDOM - Pencil Drawing
Baby Steps
The RuralAdvantageAlberta
This multi-faceted Canadian band thrives on different sounds and styles: And Alberta-honoured songs that ping between existential sadness, mighty resilience and the beauty that resides within it all. An interview with lead singer, Nils Edenloff.
The
big sound of The Rural Alberta Advantage (RAA) isn’t something you’d ex pect from a band consisting of only three members. Yet the group’s unique talents combined, set the stage for a performance that is onethird runaway melodies, one-third haunt ing vocals and one-third a thunderous, percussion show. Live, RAA intensifies every song and there’s a human connec tion the audience cannot gain from other musical performers: This rings true for fans around the globe, but especially for Albertans. Because what really sets RAA
By JENN WEBSTER
20 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW August / September / October 2022 MusictheWestof
level heads, a remarkable sound and have a way of balancing feverish heart land folk with astonishing humanity – in each and every one of their indie punk
Q. THERE ARE SLIGHTLY CONFLICTING REPORTS ABOUT WHERE YOU GREW UP. WAS IT IN DONALDA, AB – HOME TO THE WORLD’S LARGEST OIL LAMP? OR FORT MCMURRAY – THE APEX OF THE OIL SANDS?
August / September / October 2022 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW.COM 21
Andanthems.that’sanother thing. Its hard to pigeon-hole the sound of RAA into any one genre. On one hand, some listeners might define them as modern folk coun try. Others suggest they are an anthemic indie rock trio. Folk darlings. Their song Dead / Alive (released in 2017) was even coined as featuring “distorted cow-punk surging guitar” by Toronto Now.
I’m itsmemorytimesurprisedalwayseveryasliverofawriggleswayintoasong.
The Rural Alberta Advantage. Nils Edenloff (left), Amy Cole (middle), and Paul Banwatt (right). CREDIT: Leroy Schulz
To be perfectly honest, the band name was cribbed from an email my brother sent me after a weekend, “…hanging out at the farm and exploring the rural Alberta advantage.”
apart, (in our eyes anyways), is their consistent homage paid to the Wild Rose
Dig deep into RAA lyrics and you’ll
Withprovince.fouralbums and one EP, The Toronto, ON, trio comprised of Amy Cole, Nils Edenloff and Paul Banwatt has been nominated for two Juno Awards and a Polaris Music Prize, charted on the Billboard U.S Top 200 and played at such prestigious events as Coachella. They’ve earned reviews from Rolling Stone magazine, Pitchfork and the New York Times. The band has toured the world and headlined at the Calgary Stampede. They’ve maintained
As for Donalda/Meeting Creek, AB, that is where my Father grew up and where [the family] still has a cabin. So, there were a number of summer evenings spent down there when I was younger, given that it holds a special place in my heart.
I’ll take the blame for muddying the water there. Thefull story is that I was born in Edmonton, AB, and moved up to Fort McMurray, AB, between grades seven and eight, and then came back to Edmonton for University.
Nils Edenloff““
So while I haven’t been back to Fort McMurray in quite some time, I feel like both Fort McMurray and Edmonton are hometowns for me, with both playing equal roles in the person I am now.
be transitioned into another dimension, with no shortage of Canadian references and story-telling. Part of the band’s lon gevity has to do with the vivid detailing in their songs, mostly written by Edenloff. He savors certain particulars from his child hood memories growing up in Alberta and themes range from provincial disasters (for instance, Beacon Hill), to hometowns (The Deadroads), to Edenloff’s travels and road trips (Vulcan, AB).
Yeah, they actually have a song entitled Vulcan, AB – and it’s one of my personal favorites.Along with the wheaty timbre of his voice and the crisp acoustics of his guitar, the painstaking phrasing of his lyrics make up a crucial part of Edenloff’s appeal as a singer / songwriter. He finds beauty in sorrow. Warmth in a fresh snowfall. And a kernel of creative joy in confronting tribulations.Here, we get the opportunity to inter view lead singer Nils Edenloff and get in side his head, just a little bit.
(i.e./ David Bowie, Prince, Gord Downie’s diagnosis…) which led to this general malaise, like, “…when is this going to end?” Which – I’m not going to lie – in hindsight sounds wonderfully naive, given the current state of things.
That being said, I think when you look past the band name there is a universal theme to many of the songs that people on either side of the country can relate to.
22 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW August / September / October 2022
Fortunately, we’ve never received any flack about the song – at least that I’m aware of. If anything, I’ve probably met more people after shows sharing their memories about the Tornado and how it affected their lives, and not just limited to the Edmonton area.
Q - BEING AN ALBERTAN MYSELF, I LOVE THE BAND’S NAME. IT’S HONESTLY THE THING THAT DREW MY ATTENTION TO YOU IN THE FIRST PLACE. HOW DOES IT TRANSLATE IN ALBERTA VS. THE OTHER SIDE OF OUR COUNTRY?
I’ll always remember one of our first shows in the US. We were playing a show in New York and after the show, I was chatting with a guy, and he said something that stuck with me, he said: “I’m originally from a small town in Midwest, and I don’t know the first thing about Alberta, but there is something about the songs that really speak to me, and that’s all that really matters.”
Q - NOT ONLY IS CANDU A FANTASTIC SONG, I ALSO LEARNED ABOUT URANIUM CITY, SK, FROM IT. HAVE YOU BEEN THERE? DO RAA FANS EVER REACH OUT AND TELL YOU THAT YOUR SONGS HAVE EDUCATED OR ENLIGHTENED THEM, AND NOT JUST MUSICALLY?
I remember at the time feeling like that was a pretty major win, and I guess I still do.
I feel like, in the early days of RAA, I was awash with ideas rooted in seminal memories from when I was younger.
I think there is always going to be a certain camaraderie regarding the band name and the songs. This is probably why I moved to Toronto, ON, and found myself largely hanging around the ex-pat Albertans that I went to high school with.
Q - BAD LUCK AGAIN IS MY ALL-TIME FAVOURITE RAA SONG. I KNOW BEACON HILL IS ABOUT THE FORT MCMURRAY FIRES IN 2016 – BUT IS BAD LUCK AGAIN A LITTLE BIT ABOUT THAT DISASTER TOO?
I hadn’t really thought about it, but the fires likely did contribute a certain amount to the vibe of Bad Luck Again.
However, the human brain can have a shocking capacity for retention of memories, and I’m always surprised every time a sliver of a memory wriggles its way into a song.
That being said, the first half of 2016 involved a series of personal and public events
Q - PLEASE TELL US ABOUT YOUR LYRIC WRITING / STORYTELLING, WHILE LIVING IN ONTARIO. ARE YOU WORKING OFF YOUR MEMORIES? OR DO YOU COME BACK TO ALBERTA FOR MORE EXPERIENCES?
Q - CAN YOU TELL US A STORY ABOUT YOUR TIME SPENT ON THE FAMILY FARM IN DONALDA, AB?
Q - WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO WRITE TORNADO ’87? AS AN F4 TORNADO, THAT SONG REFERENCES CANADA’S SECOND LARGEST TORNADO IN HISTORY AND ONE OF OUR DEADLIEST – DOES THE BAND EVER RECEIVE FLACK FOR IT?
It was before we ever recorded the first record that I remember talking to Paul (RAA Drummer) about wanting to write a song about the Edmonton Tornado. I was talking about the idea of it maybe being an A cappella song, driven by the drums, but that could have been due to the fact I was listening to a lot of “The Microphones” at the time.
I still have a large amount of family in Alberta, mostly around the Edmonton area. So between family and playing shows, I get back quite often, and every trip is another chance for new experiences to draw on.
I was so young at the time that I’m not sure if that event took place over the course of several weeks, or just an afternoon. Regardless it is interesting to see the change that happened on the farm over the course of several decades.
I did visit Uranium City when I was very young. My parents took me up to visit my Mom’s uncle who was working up there at theWhiletime. I don’t remember much of it, the city always held this mythical status in my mind, partly due to the name, which felt like something from the Wizard of Oz, but also
The RISE EP. CREDIT: Leroy Schulz
I wish there was a single definitive story that I could latch on to, but at this point, it feels like a blur of interconnected events. Like trekking through the coulees looking for petrified wood and fossils, visiting the church down the road and seeing more headstones with “Edenloff” on them than family I’d met to that point in my life.
I do have a vague memory of them building up the cabin though.
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Oddly enough, after the song was released, a good friend from Fort McMurray, whose dad grew up in Uranium City told me that after the mines closed, a large number of houses in Uranium City were barged down the Athabasca River to populate one of the neighbourhoods in Fort McMurray.
Every piece of press that comes up and has nice things to say is incredibly flattering, so yeah it feels pretty good.
So, I guess I’m also being enlightened by the song.
We are currently trying to play catch-up after being sidelined by the pandemic, but we’ve got some Canadian shows planned in the fall of this year – including a run of the west coast and Alberta in September. And of course we’re working our butts off to try to get some more new music out in the world.
WHR
Q - RAA HAS BEEN FEATURED IN ROLLING STONE MAGAZINE. WHAT WAS THAT LIKE?
Q - WHAT CAN WE EXPECT FROM THE RAA IN THE FUTURE?
CANDU first came out I did have a number of friends reaching out letting me know about family members who had originally worked up there. In addition, a number of fans were contacting us on social media letting us know that they were learning about Uranium City for the first time.
Q - AT THIS STAGE IN YOUR CAREERS, DO ALL THE RAA BAND MEMBERS STILL HAVE DAY JOBS? IF SO, HOW DO YOU MAINTAIN TIME TO PRACTICE? AND TOUR? HOW DO YOU KEEP THE BALANCE?
Fortunately, we’ve been able to find a balance between our work lives and band lives, while still maintaining our sanity. I
The Rural Alberta Advantage in the studio. CREDIT: Colin Medley
because it’s a mining town that collapsed in theWhen‘80s.
think it helps that all three of us have a pretty solid support system, both personal and band-wise.I’mnot going to lie, it can certainly be difficult trying to balance all these aspects, but I think we all try to look at things through the lens of how our younger selves would respond to the opportunities, and we feel incredibly lucky to be doing something that we always dreamed of.
Cedar Plank WrapsLettuce
Salmon
By MIKE EDGAR BY JENN
PHOTOS
Served with a mandarin chili glaze, charred corn relish and eaten like a lettuce wrap, this salmon dish will wow guests and give you your daily recommended amount of omega-3s. WesternFoodie
WEBSTER
When ready to cook, pre-heat your oven, or BBQ, or smoker (or whatever you are using) to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Pull your salmon out of the honey and hold it above the pan it was in, allowing all excess to run off.
MANDARIN GLAZE (right)
1 Skin-On Salmon Fillet
Tired of the same old dinner recipes? Salmon is the perfect protein to switch things up a bit and this one is a surprisingly, easy dish to cook. We prepared this recipe with a cedar plank in an outdoor pizza oven, however salmon can be made in an oven, BBQ, smoker or pan-fried. The cedar grilling plank is also optional – although, you won’t get the smoky woodiness in the flavour without it.
August / September / October 2022 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW.COM 25
2 Tbsp Dried Lavender
A perfect pairing of land and sea, this flaky salmon wrapped in lettuce and served with mandarin chili glaze and charred corn relish is low in carbs and will make you so excited for the next meal!
SALMON
1 Cedar Plank Pinch of Salt and Pepper
Mix all ingredients in a sauce pot, bring to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer and reduce by half. Let cool and refrigerate.
1 Cup Sugar
Lay the salmon skin side down on the plank. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes.
Once cooked, ditch the bread or side-starches and wrap this delectable salmon fillet in sweet, crispy butter lettuce instead. It’s fun to do and bursting with flavour, this recipe makes a surprising amount of food. You can easily feed a crowd with it, so serve as an appetizer or as a main course. One note of warning: the lettuce wraps are a little messy to eat, so, be sure to have napkins on hand!
Soak the cedar grilling plank in water to cover, keeping it immersed overnight. Pour honey into a container large enough to hold the salmon fillet. Sprinkle the lavender all over the honey. Place the salmon skin side up, into the honey. Refrigerate over night.
Serve with butter leaf lettuce, mandarin glaze and corn relish.
500 mls Canned Mandarin Oranges
2 Cups Honey
2 Tbsp Chili flakes
1 Bunch Parsley, Chopped
3 Cobs Fresh Corn
WHR
1/3 Cup Olive Oil
Grill the corn on a BBQ until colour forms. Let cool and remove kernels from the husk into a mixing bowl.
2 Poblano Peppers
Grill the poblano peppers until the skin blisters. Let cool and remove as much skin as you can. Dice the poblano peppers and add to the corn kernels. Add the remaining ingredients and mix
“Wraps”well.
2 Shallots, Finely Diced
Juice of 3 Lemons
-Once the salmon, glaze and relish are all prepared, scoop a little of each into a sweet, crisp piece of butter lettuce. Enjoy!
26 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW August / September / October 2022
CHARRED CORN RELISH
Pinch of Salt and Pepper
1 Bunch Cilantro, Chopped’
August / September / October 2022 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW.COM 27
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.
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omesteading101H
CANNING PRESERVINGAND
For those of who didn’t grow up watching your mothers or grandmothers can and preserve food, the process can be intimidating. Take heart! It’s not nearly as hard as you might think.
28 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW August / September / October 2022
By NICK SHIPLEY
Beets/22 Apricots/22
CANNING METHODS
Concerns over industrial food safety and a desire many of us have to maintain more control over our food sources has made home canning, once again, a popular pastime.
he practice of canning food has been a longstanding method of preserving nourishment for future use, or for travel. Oddly enough, the invention of canned food can be traced back to Napoleon Bonaparte in the 1700s – or rather, the foodpreservation contest he commenced to develop a more effective way to feed his troops.
Preserved food has always been used for the survival of the human race, especially as climates changed during the course of a year. Early techniques included drying, smoking, fermentation and packing in fat (a method we know these days as “confit”). Later came vinegar pickles, jams (often sealed with wax or more fat) and suspension in alcohol or salt. Still, none of these approaches led to reliably preserved foods. There was always some risk of spoilage.That’s why in the late 1700s, Bonaparte offered a cash prize to anyone who could produce a better method. After much experimentation, a French chef named Nicolas Appert discovered the packing, heating and sealing technique that is essentially what we use today.
Pressure Canner
Always remember to label and date your canned preserves.
Home canning has been popular since the late 1850s, when John L. Mason invented the first reusable jar with a screw-on lid. Canning technology gradually improved and in 1915, Alexander H. Kerr developed the two-part canning lid that we still use currently. Does Mason and Kerr sound familiar? If so, that’s because they are still making jars used widely in canning practices today.
The mechanics behind canning are fairly simple. You fill a clean jar with prepared food, apply the flat lid and the threaded ring to the jar and submerge the filled jar in boiling water for a prescribed amount of time (times vary widely, depending on what you’re canning and elevation). When you remove the hot jar from the water, the heat begins to escape, taking with it any air left in the jar. The escaping oxygen pulls the lid down, creating an airtight seal. A food-safe sealing compound embedded into the lid aids in the maintenance of the seal. High-acid food preserved in this manner will keep properly for at least a year.
August / September / October 2022 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW.COM 29
Canning involves placing foods in jars and heating them to a temperature that destroys microorganisms that could cause the food to spoil or contain botulism spores.
sauerkraut. Low acid foods can support the growth of botulism spores that can survive the boiling point of water. The temperature inside a weighted gauge pressure canner at 10 pounds pressure and in a dial gauge pressure canner at 11 pounds, is 240°F at sea level –which is adequate to destroy botulism spores. Botulism spores are something you absolutely want to avoid, as they are a potential source of deadly food borne illnesses.
T
HOW CANNING WORKS
A pressure canner is a sealed unit that when heated, builds up pressure inside, increasing the temperature. Pressure canning is a must for processing low acid vegetables and meats. Low acid vegetables include all vegetables except acidified tomatoes, pickles and
Boiling Water Canner
CANNING GUIDE Does the food contain meat, eggs or fish? Is the pH of the food less than 4.6 (more acid)? Can you add lemon juice or vinegar without changing the flavor of the food? WaterCanningBath PressureCanning NO NO YES NO YES YES Add lemon juice or vinegar to lower the pH to 4.6
A water bath canner surrounds the jars of food with boiling water, transferring the heat into the jar of food. Fruits, acidified tomatoes, pickled products, and jams and
• A rack is needed to allow water to circulate under the jars.
• There needs to be space at the top of the canner, so that jars can be covered with one to two inches of water.
30 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW August / September / October 2022
To utilize the boiling water canning method, these points are important to follow:
• Jars need to be totally surrounded by the boiling water.
jellies can be safely processed in a boiling water bath. This is my favorite method of canning.
• You can create a water bath canner from equipment you already have. You simply need a pot that is deep enough to allow space for a rack, the jars, and at least one inch of water above the jars. You must also ensure there is room for the water to boil rapidly without boiling over.
In a large saucepan, combine the sugar, beet water, vinegar, and pickling salt. Bring to a rapid boil. Pour the hot brine over the beets in the jars. Remove air bubbles. Adjust two-piece caps and close each jar with their lids.
Bring to a boil over high heat, then carefully lower the jars into the pot using a holder. Leave a two-inch space between the jars. Pour in more boiling water if necessary, until the water level is at least one inch above the tops of the jars. Bring the water to a full boil, cover the pot, and process for 10Properlyminutes.stored, an unopened jar of pickled beets will generally stay at best quality for about 12 to 18 months.
Place beets in a large stockpot with water to cover. Bring to a boil, and cook until tender (about 15 minutes depending on the size of the beets). Leave baby beets whole and slice or quarter larger beets. Drain, reserving two cups of the beet water. Cool and peel the beets. (You may wish to wear gloves when handling beets, as they can turn your hands red.)
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PICKLED BEETS RECIPE
10 lbs of Beets (stems removed, use these for Collard Greens)
2 Cups White Sugar
Creating a homestead pantry is one way your family can prepare (and dare we say “beat”?) inflation at the grocery store. It’s also another way to become more self sufficient and utilize any surplus of fruits or vegetables your garden may have granted you this Keepingyear.that in mind, there are a few rules when it comes to proper storage. Always store your canned goods in a clean, cool, dark and dry place (but not freezing). Avoid storing them near hot pipes, a range, a furnace, in an uninsulated attic, or in direct sunlight. Under these conditions, food will lose quality in a few weeks or months and may spoil. Rotate foods so the oldest is used first and try not to keep canned foods more than one year. Canned goods, once opened must then be stored in the refrigerator.
1 Tbsp Pickling Salt
1 Quart White Vinegar
Sterilize jars and lids by immersing in boiling water for at least 10 minutes. Fill each jar with beets and add several whole cloves to each jar.
¼ Cup Whole Cloves
STORING PRESERVES
Place a rack in the bottom of a large stockpot and fill halfway with water.
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JOIN OUR COMMUNITY WE SHARE YOUR PASSION
First Responders who find solace in the saddle.
By BAR XP PHOTO – Kirk Prescott
DEEP BREATHS
Many equine enthusiasts hail from demanding careers and find solace in the saddle. After a busy day on the beat,
Animal interactions have proven to aid in stress relief. Science has also provided evidence that details what Western Horse Review (WHR) readers already know… horses can help us disconnect from the world, help us unwind, rest and refuel our bodies.
numerous first responders decompress in the company of their equine counterparts. While some individuals compete on their own or simply ride for enjoyment, others extend their reach and coordinate equine therapeutic initiatives. WHR recently had the opportunity to interview three unique individuals who have first responder careers and choose to unwind with horses
Jessica van der Hoek Paramedic + Equine Assisted Therapy Coordinator
After that, van der Hoek altered her aspirations and pursued a paramedic career. Eventually she found her way back to horses, but it was following a 13year hiatus from horses. That’s when van der Hoek was riding with a friend and she noted that, if she won the lottery, she would start an equine assisted therapy program. Knowing someone who fit the bill, van der Hoek’s comrade intro duced her to the man who was instrumental in bringing Prairie Sky Equine As sisted Therapy to fruition. Struggling with her own mental health and navigat ing treatment resistant Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), van der Hoek has turned to horses, more now than ever. Her thoughts and initiatives are both insightful and inspirational.
Q - WHAT CAREER GOALS DO YOU HAVE IN MIND AND HOW DO HORSES/EQUINE SPORTS PLAY INTO THIS PICTURE?
I like to take a lawn chair out into the middle of the field and sit in it and watch them. No expectations, no timeline. I watch the sunset and I watch them. I think it’s the best way to get to know them. Secondary to that, sunset rides. No agenda, no training, no saddle. Just spending time together.
When I worked full-time, I found it very difficult to have the energy and time to ride as often as I wanted. I had to learn that riding wasn’t the end all, be all, and that making it out to spend time with them should be considered a win. A good ground-work session should be considered a win.
Q - HOW DO YOU COORDINATE YOUR WORK SCHEDULE AND THE TIME THAT’S REQUIRED TO KEEP YOUR HORSE(S) HAPPY AND HEALTHY? DO YOU HAVE
have come into existence. Horses are in my life, to this day, because my job was so traumatizing. I’m thankful for the painful lessons. I do share my passion for horses with my coworkers, through the programs we offer, the opportunity to volunteer with us and to learn about horses. I don’t stop talking about them. Everyone knows about what I do! I’m sure my work partners have gotten tired of listening to me talk about the horses. Also, if you look at my social media – mostly horses.
Q - WHAT EQUINE ACTIVITIES ARE YOU MOST FOND OF AND HOW DOES YOUR JOB IMPACT THESE PURSUITS?
SUGGESTIONS FOR OTHERS WHO STRUGGLE WITH SHIFTWORK AND WISH TO ACHIEVE GREATER BALANCE?
This is an interesting one for me, as my experience as a paramedic is what motivated me to start at Prairie Sky. If I hadn’t been so mentally injured that I felt compelled to do something about it, Prairie Sky may never
Q - WHAT OPPORTUNITIES ARISE FROM YOUR POSITION THAT BENEFIT YOU AS A HORSE ENTHUSIAST? DO YOU SHARE YOUR PASSION WITH COWORKERS?
Many things draw me to horses. Their innate wisdom, their beauty, their acceptance of me regardless of how I show up, their calmness and playfulness. They have so much to teach us, and we are required to be present when we’re with them – so, the constant chatter in our minds (our ego mind) has a chance to quiet down.
Our dream for Prairie Sky is to open a world class healing center, dedicated to helping people with mental health injuries and illnesses. It will be a one-stop shop for all things mental health. People will be able to access equine assisted therapy, psychology and psychiatry, the latest treatments in mental health, including plant medicine, holistic lifestyle practices such as yoga, meditation, breathwork and mindfulness, as well as other practices and ceremonies. People will be able to come in on an as-needed basis or participate in a week-long retreat. Our goal is to take the obstacles out of obtaining great mental health care and to provide an environment where the treatment team works cohesively towards the client’s best interest. Horses will play a major role in providing these services to people, as they are a catalyst for healing.
August / September / October 2022 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW.COM 35
Q - AS A FIRST RESPONDER, HOW DO HORSES ASSIST YOU IN STEPPING AWAY FROM YOUR DUTIES?
Calgary resident, Jessica van der Hoek grew up on a farm near Vauxhaull, AB. She notes that her love of horses began at birth. Without having a horse, van der Hoek became a member of the local 4H club and her equine passion flourished from there. Van der Hoek began volunteering for the Lethbridge Handicapped Riding Association at age 12 and her calling for equine assisted therapy took root. As a teenager, van der Hoek took jumping lessons and set her sights on becoming a competitive showjumper / veterinarian. Her career aspirations took a dramatic turn when her father suffered a serious, horse-related accident.
I now work casually on the ambulance and full time in mental health as my own diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder and treatment resistant PTSD compelled me to find a better way to treat these injuries in First Responders and Military Personnel. I also run an Equine Assisted Therapy Program for First Responders and Military Personnel through Prairie Sky Equine Assisted Therapy (PSEAT), so I get to see the horses much more consistently now, as they are a regular part of my work life. I also have the huge benefit of having volunteers who help us with our therapy horses daily. When I worked on the ambulance full time and cared for the horses, full time, it caused a lot of burn out. I had to learn to ask for help, and I had to find people who were reliable and horse savvy. They could be my eyes and ears when I couldn’t get there. There were lots of trips to the barn after a 12 hour night shift to make sure someone had their meds or extra feed.
Tate Mosby Firefighter, Roper + rancher
Q - WHAT EQUINE ACTIVITIES ARE YOU MOST FOND OF AND HOW DOES YOUR JOB IMPACT THESE PURSUITS?
When I’m on horseback, most of my time is spent either in the roping pen or ranching. I work 24-hour shifts which can sometimes pose an issue with scheduling. I have found myself not being able to rodeo or jackpot in recent years, as I work most weekends. That being said, my schedule does come with its benefits as well. It has allowed me to be available for a longer period during the week where I can get more horses ridden and help more on the ranch. Being a fire fighter, we are held to a high standard of physical conditioning and I’m blessed that it’s a part of my job to continuously push myself through any mental limitations I may have set in my mind. Staying
August / September / October 2022 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW.COM 37
I am drawn to horses because, from the day they are born, they do not owe us anything. Everything we teach them, they choose to do for us. More often than not, they give more than they take. We give them a good feed anytime we can, but no one is paying them to do their job, the good ones just do it. I’m fortunate enough that I can decompress outside of work through horses as much as I need. I spend a lot of time trotting horses around the pastures not thinking about anything. It gives me a clear mind.
Q - HOW DO YOU COORDINATE YOUR WORK SCHEDULE AND THE TIME THAT’S REQUIRED TO KEEP YOUR HORSE(S) HAPPY AND HEALTHY? DO YOU HAVE SUGGESTIONS FOR OTHERS WHO STRUGGLE WITH SHIFTWORK AND WISH TO ACHIEVE GREATER BALANCE?
Q - WHAT CAREER GOALS DO YOU HAVE IN MIND AND HOW DO HORSES/EQUINE SPORTS PLAY INTO THIS PICTURE?
I certainly have some career goals including moving up in the ranks, as well as expanding my capabilities through training and certifications. When I think about the big picture, my main goal is to continue enjoying what I do. ‘Burnout’ is very common in the world of first responders. I believe being aware of my well-being, as well as having horses as a consistent outlet, will help aid me to a long and successful career that I can be proud of.
fellow crew members to inquire about how a horse is progressing through its training, or the well-being of the herd. Some have come out to the house and rode. I hope by sharing my positive experiences with horses to my coworkers, it introduces them to something new that may spark their interest.
I take pride in taking care of my horses. They are high on my list of priorities. Having a group of people close to you that can assist with the care of your horses can make things very manageable. Whether it’s a farrier willing to come shoe your horses while you’re on shift, even though it means they have to catch and manage each of the horses, or friends and family willing to take the time out of their busy day to feed – extra hands are helpful.
Born and raised near Longview, AB, Tate Mosby has always found horses to be a positive, productive part of his day. Following in the footsteps of his par ents, Mosby cowboys for a cow-calf operation owned by close, family friends. With an eye for improving his horsemanship, Mosby has dedicated much of his life to horses and horsemanship. From ranching to cutting, polo and reining, Mosby has tried his hand in many pursuits. Roping jackpots remain a highlight for him, but he recognizes the virtue of versatility and enjoys branching into other disciplines to further the skillset of his horses and his training portfolio. In line with dedication, Mosby aims to serve his community and recognizes that his chosen career aligns with his personal qualities. A sense of community drew Mosby to the fire-service and while he recognizes that it is both mentally and physically demanding, he is grateful that it fosters fulfilment, helping those in need. On shift, Mosby is primarily a driver/operator. His main responsibilities include driving the fire apparatus and operating pumps, ensuring that crews on the other end of the fire hoses have proper water flow. Mosby remains dedicated to both his horses and his role as a fireman, recognizing that a balance between the two keeps him active, engaged, and motivated.
Q - AS A FIRST RESPONDER, HOW DO HORSES ASSIST YOU IN STEPPING AWAY FROM YOUR DUTIES?
physically fit allows me to accomplish more throughout my days off. One thing that is very parallel between horses and my job, is that when I remain calm, I’m able to perform more clearly. This will mean better results for my horses and a safer environment on the job.
Q - WHAT OPPORTUNITIES ARISE FROM YOUR POSITION THAT BENEFIT YOU AS A HORSE ENTHUSIAST? DO YOU SHARE YOUR PASSION WITH COWORKERS?
Initially, I didn’t share my passion for horses with any of my co-workers. That being said, we spend a great deal of time together and naturally, interests become shared as relationships develop. It’s common for my
Natalie Kosterman Covert Police Officer + Barrel Racer
For me, the quietness of a horse is what brings me in. As much as their natural behaviour is to be wild and free, they have a sense of calm about them, when you’re close. As a first responder my work life can be hectic. I have always found that even after the darkest workdays, horses can bring me back with their calm understanding. No matter the call to duty, a horse’s mane will always catch tears at the end of the day. At times, that’s all that gets you through the day. Being able to step away from the noise, head into the quiet barn, cry, and talk yourself through the trauma, while they munch hay, breath into your hair, and stand close. It’s irreplaceable. Horses know that you need them, without having to understand your words.
Working Tuesday to Friday, I’m able to ride on the weekends and evenings, often. I make sure that my horses get four to six rides a week, as best as I can. If you work four on four off, you have four straight days to ride, plus your swing shift between days to nights. There’s always a way to manage getting those important rides in, but mental health and stringing yourself out isn’t worth it. Rides should always be your happy, safe place. If you find it’s becoming a chore, then it’s time to take a step back and
Q - HOW DO YOU COORDINATE YOUR WORK SCHEDULE AND THE TIME THAT’S REQUIRED TO KEEP YOUR HORSE(S) HAPPY AND HEALTHY? DO YOU HAVE SUGGESTIONS FOR OTHERS WHO STRUGGLE WITH SHIFTWORK AND WISH TO ACHIEVE GREATER BALANCE?
re-assess your needs. Take some pressure off by only riding a few days a week, until you can achieve balance again.
Working in the section that I do, I’ve been able to attend many more rodeos and be gone almost every weekend, if I want to. Not working the weekend shift has really allowed me to step into a more focused position and set some higher goals. The support from my teammates and supervisors is such a huge help. I get constant messages of well-wishes and they are always happy to hear how I’ve done, when I return. I never feel like my passions are a burden to the team.
Q - WHAT CAREER GOALS DO YOU HAVE IN MIND AND HOW DO HORSES/EQUINE SPORTS PLAY INTO THIS PICTURE?
Q - AS A FIRST RESPONDER, HOW DO HORSES ASSIST YOU IN STEPPING AWAY FROM YOUR DUTIES?
August / September / October 2022 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW.COM 39
I love my position and I don’t intend to leave anytime soon. That being said, there is a livestock investigation unit that I have a great interest in. I think being able to work within the agricultural section, having a passion in that lifestyle, outside of work, would be the best of both worlds. Being able to mesh both work and play, so to speak, would be the ultimate dream. I hope to get there one day.
Q - WHAT EQUINE ACTIVITIES ARE YOU MOST FOND OF AND HOW DOES YOUR JOB IMPACT THESE PURSUITS?
18 hour mark. Juggling work and being on the road is hard. I’m lucky to have supervisors who understand my passion and my goals. They are very supportive. That being said, you only get so many vacation hours. We are always juggling, taking the Monday for travel or working the Monday to get the Friday off. It becomes logistical Tetris, but the team that I work with understands that my absence in the summer is always backed by endless availability in the winter. I make sure that I give just as much as I get. It’s exhausting, burning the candle at both ends, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything!
WHR
Q - WHAT OPPORTUNITIES ARISE FROM YOUR POSITION THAT BENEFIT YOU AS A HORSE ENTHUSIAST? DO YOU SHARE YOUR PASSION WITH COWORKERS?
I am most drawn to the lifestyle of rodeo and barrel racing. I love the fact that no matter where you go, you’ve got family. Although rodeo can be spread across the nation, you still feel at home. That being said, travelling and being on the road a lot is hard to manage while having a full-time job. I work Tuesday-Friday 7-5, typically, but there are always overtime shifts and often workdays that go into the 14-
Geared for speed and sting, Natalie Kosterman, a British Columbia raised barrel racer, serves as an officer in a specialized police section. While not born into a “horse family,” Kosterman was drawn to equine sports at an early age. She attests that horses will remain a constant in her life and remains grateful for two, loving parents who have always supported her equine pursuits. Various mounts have carried Kosterman, in several disciplines, and each has refined her style. Kosterman began riding American Saddlebred horses at the age of seven. She later transitioned to cattle penning and won the Canadian Nationals when she was only 12. Kosterman migrated to the world of rodeo, as a drill team rider and took up barrel racing, after becoming a police officer. The sport of barrel racing and the family aspect of rodeo has held her heart, ever since. Now a law enforcement officer for 13 years, Kosterman completed eight years of general duty, before joining a specialized unit. Even though Kosterman took a small break from horses following high school, they have always called her back. To Kosterman, horses are “home.” The quiet nature and kindness of the animals ground her. Kosterman has two primary mounts, Pistol Dashin Horton (Solo) and a five-year-old futurity gelding, Betabe Unleashed (Murphy). Regardless of her day, these two gems fuel Kosterman’s positivity and together, they aspire to accomplish great things.
40 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW August / September / October 2022
A Happy YAK-CCIDENT
Travelling
Originally hesitant about the yaks – considering they look a little intimidating with their long horns – Shane’s wife Patti first thought that if they ever got out of the fencing (as cattle do,) Shane would have to shoot them. There was no way she would be able to assist with the round-up.Yet,asthe family got to know the small bovines, they quickly realized they are easier to herd than cattle and have sweet temperaments for the most part, only becoming defensive when they have calves or feel threatened. In fact, the first yak bull Shane ever bought (Yukon), was pastured with the Simmental bulls because when the bulls would try to fight, Yukon would break it up. That saved the farm not only vet bills, but Shane jovially tells anyone who asks about yaks that “Yukon… was worth his weight in fence posts and curl planks.”
By Monique Noble
the back roads of Alberta, it’s not uncommon to see a stray cow on the road. However every now and then, up by Sundre, AB, there may be a few double-takes as people spot a very different looking “cow.” Yaks still go through fences like cows do, but not quite as often and it was one yak bull’s ability to save fencing that led to a surprising shift of focus from cattle farming to yak farming, for the Juuti family of West Gimlet Farms.Shane Juuti is a long-time rancher of Simmental cattle. So, it was on a whim that Juuti picked up a yak bull named “Yukon.”
In the “what-the-hell-why-not?” kind of way long time ranchers have of talking, Juuti recalls that fateful day at an auction.
As the Yak program grew, the Juuti’s deciding that yaks were not only easier to maintain, but also a more sustainable herd with more diverse products to offer. The family made the leap to focus on yak farming in 1999 and Canadian Yak Products (CYP) was created.
“And so, I got thinking – what on earth am I going to do with one bull yak? I noticed a friend ahead of me who had bought quite a few (yak) cows. And I thought, well, maybe he’ll sell me a cow… And he said, sure, just go pick one out… And so I went and picked a cow. I had one cow and one bull, and we brought them home and about a week later, she calved and it’s just kind of grown from there.”
“They were having the buffalo sales up in Alder Flats, AB (in 1996). I noticed in the paper one day that they were going to be selling some yaks. I mostly just didn’t have anything better to do, so I went up just to see and I bid on a few – but I didn’t know what a yak was worth. I didn’t know if I wanted a yak and I didn’t get any, and then right at the end an old bull came in and I bid once, and he was mine. People thought he was kinda mean, I think is why they didn’t bid,” he said.
The family does however, collect the fibres that their yaks produce. Unlike sheep, yaks don’t require sheering, so the fibres are collected in chunks as they drop off naturally through the shedding process. The family collects the yak hair and then sends the raw fibres out to be turned into “pencil rovings,” which are sent to Connecticut for processing. There are not a lot of places that can process yak hair, as it is very short and fine. Yak fibre is one of the finest fibres in the world – it is finer than wool and cashmere and 20 times warmer than wool for weight.
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THE YAK- BUSINESS
Shane’s daughter, Naudia, bottle-fed a calf she named “Brutus,” who became so attached to Naudia, he would sleep under her window and talk to her through the night.
“Patti put an end to it after too many morning ‘surprises,’” Shane laughs.
Eventually Brutus started sleeping on the front“Myporch.wife(Patti) got sick of Naudia’s yak,” tells Shane. “He would sleep right on the porch and then – typical bovine, would stand up, stretch and crap on the porch. Then walk off.
Not one to shy from culinary adventures, I headed down to Community Natural Foods to pick up yak steak recently. With no specific recipe in hand but Shane’s advice that, “…Yak is leaner than beef, it takes half the time to cook and it’s best to eat rare to medium rare, as it can easily dry out during cooking.” Prepared similarly to beef (only cooking and resting half the time of regular beef,) it was delicious. I was very impressed with how easy and fast yak meat was to prepare, but also with the very reasonable price point. Yak will definitely be added to my menu.
CYP Yak socks (which are great for winter!) and other products can be bought online at are,whenpickedyakmotherhe’dhebossbossyhadknowalone,that.otherwise,”movefacekids.gentlethemassociationarethehaveVanessa,necessary.thehelping.(oralternative.sensitivelanolinInterestingly,www.canadianyakproducts.ca.yakfibredoesnotcontainlikewooldoes,sopeoplewhoaretowoolmayfindyakagreatShaneandPatti’schildrenhaveallhelpedarestillhelpingonthefarm);fromtheherd,todailycare,harvestingfiberandbottle-feedingcalveswhenDaughtersMelanie,Bridgette,Naudia,Morganandson,Drew,helpedmakeCanadianYakProductssuccesstheyaretoday.Althoughyaksnotallowedin4H(Shanefiguresthewouldn’tknowhowtojudgeanyway,)haveprovedthemselvesenoughtobesafelyherdedbythe“Yaksarealittlefunnyastheywilluptoadogorhorsethataretryingthem,buttheyareprettyeasy-goingShanesays.“TheywillminglewitheverythinglikeTheyarethemost,‘IfyouleavemeI’llleaveyoualone,’animalthatIof.AndtheonlytimethatIreallytroublewiththemwaswhenIhada(CanadianHorse)studthattriedtothem.Theyjustdon’tbossverywell,”explained.Thatbeingsaid,Shanealsomentionedrecentlybeen“rolled”byaprotectivewithacalf.Perhapsthemotherfeltthreatened,orperhapsshehadn’tShaneasa“person”yet,becauseayakpicksyouastheirperson,theyalotlikedogs.
or not (it’s white) and the difficulty of trying to milk yaks, Shane has decided to leave milking yaks to the Tibetans.
Yaks can additionally be milked and dairy products produced with it, however, in an entertaining conversation about Shane’s curiosity about whether yak milk was pink
Their versatile trainability, along with the fact that yaks eat 25% less than cattle make them as Shane relays, “…the most efficient. If you have bison, beef cows or yaks, yaks are the most efficient at turning grass to beef.” Easy to maintain and rarely in need of medical care, the CYP yak herd are entirely pasture grass-fed and in the winter are fed hay. While not commercially recognized as “organic,” the Juuti’s have strict standards and any yak that has had to have any type of medical or antibiotic intervention does not enter the food supply chain. This dedication to quality produces a fantastic product, leaner than beef as yak meat does not marble like cattle, but is still tender and flavourful. It is also naturally low in cholesterol. CYP meat products can be found at Community Natural Foods, Amaranth Foods and online at Organic Box, an Edmonton, AB, based distributor.
CYP yaks are Tibetan Domestic Yaks and as of right now, there are no “established breeds” within the domestic yak family. The only other type of yak is the wild yak; found in eastern Asia and the Himalayas, which are much bigger and more aggressive than the yaks raised by the Juuti family. Domestic yaks range in height from four to five feet tall and are easier to train than cattle; their docile temperament and hardiness make them a good fit for the unpredictable Albertan landscape. Unlike cattle, yaks are easily moved with only a point or tap from a stick needed to encourage them to go where you want them. Yaks can also be trained to pack, ride and drive. Shane is planning on breaking a few for packing soon.
“Yak pies are just like cow-pies – no one wants that on their porch. Sorry Brutus!” he chuckles.
Naudia now lives in Eckville, AB, with her family, including a new baby. However Brutus, now an eight-year-old bull, still runs in joyful circles when she arrives on the farm. With only a whistle for him, he comes running and when Nadia walks the herd, he protectively walks between her
This yak calf can be expected to live between 20 and 25 years. Yaks do not “moo” like cattle but grunt.instead,
Canadian Yak Products are dedicated to ensuring no parts of their animals go to waste. All of their home décor items such as these yak skulls are a byproduct of the meat the farm produces. The skulls are cleaned, hand decorated and sold to be used as statement pieces in homes.
Becoming Yak farmers may not have been in their original plan, but it is certainly a happy yak-ciddent for which the Juuti family are grateful.
and the other yaks. Brutus is very much a part of the Juuti family.
Shane Juuti and his grandchildren taking a couple of yaks for a hand-led hike.
WHR
August / September / October 2022 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW.COM 43
It was a short summer. Here’s how to extend the good times with these weekend excursions, bursting with western heritage and history. by Jenn Webster
Whether they offer educational experiences, small country charm or old-fashioned family fun, foodies, history seekers and memory-makers alike will find what they’re looking for with this guide to weekend hidden gems. If you’re searching for an activity away from a horse show but still hankering for a piece of the wild west, there’s lots to do within the western provinces. Let us show you a medley of unique road trip attractions, complete with some of our favourite, Instagrammable murals this side of the country.
44 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW August / September / October 2022
OFF THE BEATEN PATH
In addition to being an UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump located near Fort Macleod, AB is an amazing daytrip filled with culture and history. This special place preserves and interprets the significance of ancient communal hunting grounds. Used by the Plains People for almost 6,000 years, it is possibly one of the oldest and best preserved bison jump sites across the western plains.
It is believed that 20 to 40 million bison bones and 100,000 stone weapon tips are buried at the site. And historians believe the jump observed anywhere from 500 to 1,000 stampeding herds over its cliffs, during its use.
became speakeasies and there is even a rumour that Al Capone was involved in the bootlegging industry in Moose Jaw, and hid out in the tunnels to avoid the feds.
HEAD-SMASHED-IN BUFFALO JUMP FORT MACLEOD, AB
August / September / October 2022 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW.COM 45
It is believed that 20 to 40 million bison bones and 100,000 stone weapon tips are buried at the Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump near Fort McLeod Alberta.
www.headsmashedin.org
TUNNELS OF MOOSE JAW MOOSE JAW, SK
Discover how Plains People lived for more than 5,000 years before the arrival of Europeans. Learn about their rich culture, how the buffalo jump worked and why traditional hunting declined with the introduction of the horse and gun.
www.tunnelsofmoosejaw.com
A glimpse into the days of prohibition and the Wild West can be found in Moose Jaw where an extensive tunnel system exists. These tunnels were originally created in 1908 to run the city on steam power, but were abandoned when the project was scrapped. Chinese immigrants first moved in, and operated their businesses underground to avoid the head count tax and racial profiling. During Prohibition in the 1920s, rumrunners used them to store alcohol and transport them to the railroad where the liquor would be snuck into the U.S. The tunnels quickly
www.kettlevalleyrail.org
Enjoy a view of Okanagan Lake like no other. Ride the restored 1912 Steam Locomotive of Kettle Valley Railway (KVR) in a journey through time in Summerland, BC. Guests can decide between seats in a vintage passenger coach or an open air car, in a medley of experiences. And there is nothing quite like riding the rails on the Trout Creek Trestle Bridge, 238 feet above the canyon floor!
46 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW August / September / October 2022
Various special events are also hosted at the Nanton Grain Elevators throughout the year. These include live musical appearances, remarkable illuminations for Christmas and other holidays, and drive-in screenings projected right on the side of the elevators!
KETTLE VALLEY STEAM RAILWAY SUMMERLAND, BC
When the abandonment of the Canadian Pacific railway threatened the demolition of two historic grain elevators in the early 2000s, the citizens of Nanton, AB, rallied together for their protection and preservation. Thanks to their efforts and local contributions, the Canadian Grain Elevator Discovery Centre was established and now aims to educate visitors about the agricultural history of both Nanton and Alberta.
SAAMIS TEPEE MEDICINE HAT, AB
www.nantongrainelevators.com
The world’s largest tepee stands in Medicine Hat, AB, and features many aspects of Indigenous culture and history. Originally built for the 1988 Calgary, AB, Winter Olympics the Saamis tepee’s diameter is 160 feet and stands 215 feet tall. At night, the city of Medicine Hat illuminates the structure promote awareness of important social causes and emphasize the spirit of their community.
Come visit the town’s historical landmarks and learn how grain elevators were designed to receive, store and ship grain in bulk. Discover the essential role they played in the survival of early settlers and why the “Prairie Giants” ultimately began disappearing from the Canadian landscape.
Built during 1910-1915, the KVR powered the British Columbia pioneer fruit industry into world markets, transported families on vacations and errands; created employment, and carried hobos and stories that will live on in Canadian history forever.With a trip aboard the locomotive, you will learn about the “Kootenay to Coast Connection,” the rise and fall of the KVR, and the great impact the railroad had on the economy and development of the southern interior of British Columbia. Guests may also immerse themselves in a theatrical production of “Murder on the Rails” or experience the Old West with the notorious Garnet Valley Gang in a train robbery excursion.
CANADIAN GRAIN ELEVATOR DISCOVERY CENTRE NANTON, AB
MURALS OF MOOSE JAW THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE TOWN, MOOSE JAW, SK
This mural painting of galloping horses in the Olde Town shopping district of Okotoks, AB, is definitely Instagram worthy.
Aside from being known as “Canada’s Most Notorious City,” Moose Jaw, SK, is filled with a surprising amount of wall murals. The city’s early history is depicted on sides and fronts throughout the downtown core and offers a glimpse into Moose Jaw’s development. There are 47 murals to be found and a printable version of the murals map can be found at: www.moosejaw.ca/murals/
Our favourite? Stormin’ Main Street - 1883. This mural can be found on 44 Fairford St. W., on the east wall and features an 18’ x 80’ mural by Dale Cline. Painted in 1991, this is a fantastic perspective of Main Street looking north, just as a prairie storm is on the horizon.
August / September / October 2022 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW.COM 47
Chemainus’s “Mural Project” did just that and now the town brings in swarms of tourists. Boasting over 40 huge murals and 13 sculptures, Chemainus is a world-famous, self-guided outdoor art gallery. The authentic works of art can be found on the sides of local businesses and depicts the history of Chemainus – from the First Nations and early pioneers who first settled there.
Approximately one hour away from Victoria, BC, is the little town of Chemainus, BC. Once a booming logging town, this community had to shift its focal point and stimulate its economy after its large sawmill closed in the early 1980s.
HORSE WALL SIDE OF MONKEY MOUNTAIN TOYS, OKOTOKS, AB
FotosMcKenzieTara
BUCKING HORSE SIDE OF STORAGE BUILDING, BLACKIE, AB
Not much is known about the bucking horse mural on the side of an old building in the tiny village of Blackie, AB, but this beautiful artwork is full of texture and colour. Certainly an incredible western heritage backdrop and a great place for selfies.
TOP INSTAGRAMABLE MURALS
COLLECTION OF MURALS THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE TOWN, CHEMAINUS, BC
Founded in 2011, the sanctuary was developed to drive public awareness. The majority of the wolfdogs at Yamnuska are from people surrendering them, after failing to have them as pets in their homes. At the sanctuary, wolfdogs enjoy 160 acres of large and natural enclosures. The spaces vary in size and include a diverse range of vegetation to provide them with the environment they need to be happy, healthy and stress-free.
Come and experience wolfdogs in person, learn about their unique nature and how backyard breeding can be reduced. wwww.yamnuskawolfdogsanctuary.com
Wolfdogs are the result of people intentionally breeding them. Today, they typically come to be when a wolfdog is bred with another wolfdog or dog, and doesn’t usually involve a pure wolf parent. Since they are animals that are intentionally bred as exotic pets, there isn’t a need for the conservation of them. However, there’s a huge need for education and responsible wolfdog ownership.
48 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW August / September / October 2022
YAMNUSKA WOLFDOG SANCTUARY COCHRANE, AB
WayAlberta/ColinTravel
Take a sanctuary walk, or enjoy an interactive tour of the Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary near Cochrane, AB, and learn about wolfdogs and the connected importance of wolf conservation.
CoordinatesTourism/LostCochrane
Seating 10,000 people – six at a time!! This little church in Drumheller, AB, is 11 feet long, by seven feet wide and was designed as a place of worship and meditation – not just a tourist attraction. However, we love the feel, ambience and Instagrammable nature of this “little” place. First erected by local contractor Trygve Seland, in co-operation with the Ministerial Association in 1958, the church was reconstructed by prison inmates of the Drumheller Institution in 1991 after it was vandalized. Nestled in the characteristic Badlands of the Drumheller Valley and set against sedimentary rock-layered hills, this special place is always open to the public and free to enter. Please treat it with respect. www.drumhellerchamber.com
LITTLE CHURCH DRUMHELLER, AB
Offering a menu that ranges from wings, to homemade pies, to warm corn chowder – The Prairie Girl can
THE RED BARN MOOSOMIN, SK
Enjoy some locally crafted beers in the iconic 1920s heritage barn of Barn Owl Brewing in Kelowna, BC. After first opening its doors to the public in 2019, Barn Owl Brewing now offers more than 20 different brews for your enjoyment! Their BREWHA system allows them to operate smaller brew space and contributes to environmental sustainability by using less water, chemicals and energy. Additionally, none of the establishment’s spent grain goes to waste, because it is sent to a local farm and fed to their cattle.
PRAIRIE GIRL DINER CESSFORD, AB
GREAT SIPS & EATS
What began originally as a seasonal family-owned res taurant in a quaint, red barn with 26 seats, is now a thriv ing, expanded business in the community of Moosomin, SK. Capable of feeding the masses with 110 seats and having been featured on the Food Network, The Red Barn is a Canadian Road Trip hotspot. From their famous Broasted Chicken, to smoked ribs, to breakfasts and everything in between –the food is absolutely amazing and everything you taste will melt in your mouth.www.theredbarn.ca
Listen to a number of live entertainers brought in to the beautiful, air-conditioned loft of the barn, delight in popup food truck eats, or enjoy a pint on the pet-friendly patio that awaits you www.barnowlbrewing.ca
Housed in a re-furbished quonset shop, The Prairie Girl Diner was developed by owner Mandy Griffith because she wanted to “…create a hub for her community.” Her dreams – and more – came true, to the benefit of anyone craving country cuisine. This unique place to eat on the Alberta Prairies has an ambience that is second to none – and food to match. With dine-in and outdoor seating, a chalk wall for kids to draw on and mobile catering options, this cozy restaurant leaves the best impressions.
August / September / October 2022 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW.COM 49
Cessford, AB, is a tiny hamlet on the east side of the province, filled with ranching and farming folk. Aside from an abandoned stone house in the middle of the prairie in an almost Stonehenge fashion, there isn’t much else to see. However, Cessford is now home to a restaurant all the locals are raving about.
The locals absolutely rave about this place, so you know – when in Rome….
Find them on Facebook
BARN OWL BREWING KELOWNA, BC
customize branding meals, feed hockey teams and they have also partnered with the Hanna Learning Centre and Rural Mental Health to offer a Hot Lunch program.
Ever since she was young, she’s loved the feeling of being on the back of a horse. So what’s a cowgirl who grew up on the Alberta prairies, doing, living her best life in the middle of the ocean?
ONTERMSOWNHER
by JENN WEBSTER ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF COURTNEY CICORIA
International (SDI) / Technical Diving International (TDI) and the Professional Association of Dive instructors (PADI).
A
“Putting yourself into potentially hazardous areas… and to really hold your own life in your hands…” she pauses.
Upon leaving home in her twenties, the native Albertan has lived in the United States, Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic and Thailand. She has travelled to too many countries to name, has experienced hurricanes and seen topography only a few people will ever see in their lifetime.
She is also an avid technical and cave diver, doing exploration wherever she can and describes the extreme sport as “Heaven on Earth.” Cave diving combines the technicalities of scuba diving with the thrill of spelunking – not a sport for the faint of heart, nor claustrophobic types. As one of the most dangerous activities in the world, cave diving is a way for divers to explore underwater caverns for scientific investigation, research purposes, search and recovery, or for a technical challenge. It’s also a form of penetration diving, therefore a diver cannot swim vertically to the surface in the event of an emergency, due to the cave’s ceilings and must instead, swim the entire way back out.
“Although we make it look easy, there are hundreds of hours of training and preparation before entering a cave. I’ve been cave diving for over 11 years and I still consider myself a rookie –because it makes me keep myself accountable and continuously training and practicing. The true definition of cave diving is when you have left the natural light zone of a cavern and are now in areas of extreme depth, or linear distance. There is no immediate access to the surface. So any situation that happens, has to be handled there. This is where training comes into play… it’s one of the most rewarding, extreme sports there is.”
When she’s not in the saddle, Cicoria quenches her thirst for adventure with exploration, cave diving, scuba instruction, guiding, hiking and traveling.
Whenever she’s back in Canada, Cicoria likes to plunk around the farm on the family turn-back horse, ‘Tim.’
“I always try to be around water, as it’s what fuels my soul,” she says. “After spending 26 years on the farm, it was time to spend time on the water.”
Here’s her story…
“I did my open water and advanced training on a whim in Thailand and fell in love with it all, so I extended my stay and got my professional rating,” Cicoria recalls.
“If I’m not in cave somewhere in the world, you can find me usually in the mountains hiking, riding, learning to mountaineer, or diving,” says Cicoria.
“I’ve always had an obsession with water and was drawn to it. In my mid-twenties I took off on a solo backpacking adventure. It ended up changing my world and my path in life,” she admits.
“Or if not that, I like to take him out in the mountains on a trail, or attempt to get back into barrel racing for fun,” she chuckles.Thegirl is genuinely grateful for a home she can return to in Canada, in addition to her family supports, but there have been many places across the globe that have enchanted her. And despite the hardships a young woman might face going it alone in the world, for Cicoria, the more intrepid options beckon.
Cicoria grew up near Okotoks, AB, on her family’s ranch. Her mother, Connie Cicoria has been an avid cutter and equestrian for years. In fact, the family is the driving force behind the Canadian Spectacular – an annual aged cutting event held in Stavely, AB. Therefore, with access to an indoor arena in the backyard and a medley of good mounts, Courtney could have made horses her future – but it was not entirely her calling.
s you might imagine, a young girl who grew up on a farm in the heart of horse country, with a horse-crazy Momma, would probably grow up to be a hardcore cowgirl. Right? Well, as her family has been actively involved in cutting for over 30 years and since she was nearly raised on the back of a horse, that’s exactly how Courtney Cicoria’s life panned out. However, there’s a twist.
As a youngster, Cicoria enjoyed cutting, barrel racing, pole bending and general pleasure riding. The family farm and training facility named Tudor Stables, which is just south of Calgary and nestled into the foothills of Alberta, boards and trains horses and is the home of professional cutting trainer, Cody Smith.
Her common hot-spot dive locations include Mexico, Florida and the Dominican Republic but she is quick to mention she’s keen to go “…really anywhere with caves.” She has executed dives all over the world, in such places as Thailand, Malaysia, Florida, Canada, Mexico and more. Additionally, Cicoria carries several certifications and is a specialty instructor for SCUBA Diving
FISH OUT OF WATER
“I went from Zero to Hero in six months, but made sure I got everything I could out of my professional training.”
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“I always try to be around water, as it’s what fuels my soul.” ~ Courtney Cicoria.
52 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW August / September / October 2022
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Cicoria and her team, preparing to go into the tiny entrance of an underwater cave. y “Jax” is an ex-rescue pup that Cicoria ended up adopting. He now accompanies her on many of her adventures. y Exploring underwater caves. y Cicoria emerging from one of her dives. y
“And genuinely being happy and living a fulfilling life in my own way.” WHR
Manatees are Florida’s official state marine mammal but, they are listed as a vulnerable species at the international level. Watercraft collisions are the highest known cause of manatee deaths and Cicoria has dedicated her time to help preserve the animal and educate the public.
“For the future I’m planning to have our Rock Water Explorers series go big with the help of some incredible supporters. I’ll continue to explore and share parts of the world less seen, with everyone who wants to see it. My exploration will only get bigger and take me further into the unknown and I’m excited about it,” Cicoria
Whilestates.that’s all fun and thrilling, the Alberta diver says she will continue building her skills and her business.
“They really are incredible animals,” she states. “Gentle giants.”
YOU CAN TAKE THE GIRL AWAY FROM THE FARM BUT…
As her family is heavily immersed in the sport of cutting, Courtney did get her start in the performance arena and returns to ride the family turn-back horse “Tim,” whenever she gets a chance.
The diver interacts with a manatee.
Cicoria’s affinity for animals began at an early age, on the farm. Hence, it comes as no surprise that she took her passion for critters into the ocean as well. The diver has spent the last four years working as a manatee conservationist and guide in Florida.
Her conservation efforts don’t end there, however.
In the Dominican Republic she also helped run a coral conservation project, helping to rebuild populations. Additionally, Cicoria has also been known to foster many rescue dogs/puppies throughout her travels in the world. She’s crossed paths with many other types of aquatic life as well and Cicoria relays she has been blessed on dives by pods of dolphin, amazing coral life, eels, mantis shrimp, crab, lobster, and many other types of fish.
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“I love my sharks and I teach shark conservation as well. I have been fortunate enough to snorkel with whale sharks, dive with bull sharks, and observe the feeding of lemon sharks.”
Her adventures and travels recently caught the eye of a television project called Rock Water Explorers and currently, Cicoria has a short airing on the Water Channel. Rock Water Explorers is a series that can been seen on cable and on YouTube. The aim is to show the public the incredible things our world has to offer, through the eyes of female explorers. The show takes you on adventures from ocean diving, to snorkelling with manatees, to the mountains of Canada and the country’s epic waterfalls and lakes.
word “hotel” was just emerging as a term in the English language. In its original French form, the word hotel referred to any large public building, whether it be a town hall or a hospital, a gathering facility or a nobleman’s palace. It did not pertain to private accommodation.Itwouldnotbe until 1789, when George Washington, the newly elected President of the United States, decided he would venture across a juvenile country to greet his constituents, that a glaring shortfall of suitable accommodations would stimulate the concept
Travel in the late 1700s and early 1800s was rudimentary, at best. Most inns and “public houses” or taverns were small – which meant that not only were travellers expected to share their rooms – but frequently the limited space meant you shared your bed, as well! It was not unusual for a traveler to go to bed alone, waking up sometime later to find “a stranger of any condition” entering the room, pulling off his clothes, and crawling in, “without ceremony between your sheets.” (According to A.K. Sandoval-Strausz, Hotel: An American
of the modern day travel facility.
By DEBBIE MACRAE
ALL HAIL
The Roadhouse!
Yet, in the infancy of our country, the
54 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW August / September / October 2022
n a country that boasts a geographic expanse, second only to that of Russia, with an average population density of only four people per square kilometer, (one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world), travel in Canada –and North America – has become, not only a necessity, but an expectation. And with it, the privilege and expectation of hospitality and accommodation – not just equivalent to the standards of traditional housekeeping – but superior to it; the “home away from home.”
I
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Tough sledding with a six-horse team up snow-free canyon, Creek Hill in springtime, early 1900’s, looking NE. Library & Archives Canada, #PA-044645
Drawing from the Tombstone Daily Epitaph, Feb 28, 1886.
History, Yale University Press 2007.)
open criticism. Letters of apology followed, and within a period of only five years, hotel projects emerged on the landscape in five different capital cities.
The hotel was distinctly different from its predecessor, the public house, primarily because of the privacy it afforded its occupants. A guest could have his own bed, a private wash basin for bathing, and sometimes a private bath. If they
The War of 1812 would temporarily put a halt to the first wave of hotel construction. Britain was imposing restrictions on US trade, and America took on the British navy
It would take another decade before economic competition initiated a resurgence
Canada’s first “hotel,” was built as a residential home in the 1790s
What Washington discovered, as he traveled across the country was that the inns and taverns were “indifferent” and ill-equipped for an entourage – and houses were small and poorly appointed for the traveler – whether man or horse. Upon his arrival, hosts would struggle to arrange his reception, often begging and borrowing silverware and dishes to complete table settings for Presidential dinners. They became intensely aware of their hospitality shortfalls, to the point of embarrassment and
to expand their territories. The impact of that war would be felt in Canada, a British colony – and with it, developed a sense of national identity and civic pride in repelling the American invasion. The impact of mobility and the long journey was being realized.
wanted to be seen publicly, they had ample opportunity to visit the elegance of public ballrooms and dining halls, where people could be seen and engage in formal society.
56 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW August / September / October 2022
Some of theirroadhousesthegrewownoatsinan effort to reduce the need to bring in feed.
In the east, the Chateau Frontenac followed in 1893, designed once again by Bruce Price, along with a series of hotels sponsored by the CPR across the western corridor. These chateaus, the Crown Jewels of Canada’s tourism industry, were drawing cards across the vast expanse of Canada, via an impressive tourism route on the CPR. The railway era yielded a new tradition; from public house and tavern, to public inn, hotel, and to the ultimate; the resort.
of hotels in the US, however, that wave of development would result in some of America’s grandest hotels. Built with some of the largest fortunes in American history, these hotels revolutionized accommodation in the world of travel.
The Symmes Inn was located at a boat landing on the Ottawa River, showcasing opulence at its finest in 1831.
The Windsor Hotel constructed in the Second Empire style, was considered to be the first Grand Hotel in Canada; built in 1889 to symbolize Montreal’s status and wealth in a fledgling centre of commerce – at a capitalized cost of $500,000. It was accessed through the Windsor Station, designed by American architect Bruce Price, affording travellers, luxury and convenience – a precursor to the magnificent Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) chateaus to follow.
The Canadian experience was not to be denied. Canada’s first “hotel,” was built as a residential home in the 1790s by a New York Loyalist by the name of Jacob Myers. His family originated in Germany where the concept of an inn was more established. It was located halfway between Cornwall, Ontario and Prescott, and was referred to as the “Halfway House” between them. His son Daniel, took out a tavern license in 1851, establishing a stopping place for immigrants and commercial travellers along the St. Lawrence River. It is one of the oldest buildings in Upper Canada Village on the St. Lawrence Seaway.
Enter the Klondike Gold Rush. Between 1896 and 1899, an estimated 100,000 prospectors converged on the Klondike region in an area previously inhabited primarily by the Indigenous Han Hwechin people (People of the ‘Yukon’ River.) The stampede peaked between 1888 and 1897, and also redirected in 1889 to Alaska, where gold was discovered in Nome.
On November 11, 1813, when invading American soldiers camped along the St. Lawrence River during the war of 1812, the British sent Lt. Col. Joseph Morrison to chase down Maj. Gen. James Wilkinson and troops, collecting local militiamen and Mohawk warriors along the way. The Americans suffered a most humiliating defeat at Crysler’s farm,
Cook’s Tavern was also built in Williamsburg Township, 27 years later and boasted a Livery Stable as well as accommodation for people. It was built in 1822 on the location known for the “Battle that Saved Canada.”
Banff Springs Hotel, 1888.
although the French Canadian Voltigeurs, militiamen and Mohawks were outnumbered almost three to one. Some of the New Yorkers balked at fighting their neighbours and friends, and refused to move forward. The Battle at Crysler’s Farm has been memorialized at a national historic site five miles from today’s Morrisburg, Ontario, with an 1895 commemorative obelisk marking the battle. Cook’s Tavern has been equally honoured as one of the oldest buildings in the historic Upper Canada Village, marking its place in Canada’s history.
Hotel Rasco Vieux Montreal was flouted as one of Upper Canada’s most luxurious hotels – drawing notables such as Charles Dickens in 1842, while he directed his plays at the Royal Theatre located across the street. The Rasco still stands today, and in its prime, accommodated as many as 150 guests, remarkable for its day.
With the influx of prospectors came the boom towns. Dawson City was founded at the confluence of the Yukon and the Klondike
h
rivers and mountains.
In its infancy, the stagecoach ran daily, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., taking an average of six days to complete a journey from Whitehorse to Dawson City. The route followed ancient trails developed by the First Nations, over terrain that crossed multiple
cheesecloth was utilized to lighten the interior walls, contain the chinking for housekeeping purposes and to maintain a modest privacy between rooms. Unfortunately, cheesecloth is very flammable and the result was often disastrous when coupled with the proximity of a Thewood-stove.original Montague Roadhouse was constructed in 1900, opposite its current location on the Klondike Highway. It was demolished by fire, to be rebuilt in 1909. That building too, was consumed by fire, but was replaced in 1915 and remains as a symbol of determination and endurance on the trail. In her book, I Married the Klondike, Laura Berton described the sanctity of the Roadhouse; “In one general room stood the familiar giant heater around which was built an iron rack on which we hung our wet gauntlets, scarves and coats. Beside this was a long table absolutely jammed with hot food – roast moose, caribou, mountain sheep, native blueberry pie and huge dishes of baked beans.”After 12 hours on the Overland Trail, for journeys of six or seven days, passengers sighed with relief at the stagecoach driver’s much anticipated announcement, “All HailtheSuchRoadhouse!”isthelure of travel – anticipation, excitement and exploration into parts unknown, with the knowledge that somewhere out there is the respite we need and long for, in the comfort of a long-awaited roadhouse – a “home away from home.”
WHR
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Jo-Jo Roadhouse - Jo-Jo Roadhouse, ca. 1904, looking SW. The building appears very new, as the roof has not yet been completed. Yukon Archives, E.J. Hamacher fonds (Hougen collection), Acc. 2002/118, #397 – photo has been cropped
By 1921, Greenfield and Pickering had picked up the Royal Mail contract and with it, 16 roadhouses that were operated, including the historic Montague Roadhouse. This route remains, between Takhini and Carmacks, YT, yet today. However, by the 1940s, the road was virtually abandoned due to the introduction of aircraft carriers and reduced travel times.
The Montague Roadhouse.
rivers. The Klondike could be reached only by the Yukon River, either downstream from the headwaters, upstream from the delta access or via one of its varied tributaries. However, water access was limited by season, geography and rapids – and the climate limitedDespitetravel.the challenges, the territorial government contracted the White Pass & Yukon Railway (known as the WP&YR) in 1902, to build an overland trail to replace the former Canadian Development Company trail which followed the Yukon River. It would traverse 530 kilometers in unfriendly terrain, but would provide an opportunity for winter mail delivery and travel for passengers previously restricted to water and summer passage only.
Along this route, the WP&YR constructed a series of “roadhouses” – with license to charge for meals and accommodation. They were appointed with barns, corrals and stables for equine accommodation, ( the early “bale and breakfast” concept.) This concept had previously been unavailable to the independent traveler. Situated at intervals of approximately 30-40 kilometers, roadhouses offered comfort, protection, sustenance and rest. As many as 275 horses per season were utilized on the stage line and some of the roadhouses grew their own oats in an effort to reduce the need to bring in feed.
Passengers paid as much as $125 for a one-way fare on the trail. Unfortunately, with the decline of mining activity and the ever-present risk of fire, the longevity of most of the roadhouses was limited. Logs were chinked with mud and plaster and
Randy, not to be shown a coward, manfully tightened his skater shoes and twisted on his cap. Locked and loaded, he climbed aboard. It was the world’s shortest demo ride but thank goodness, he wasn’t hurt. I politely declined mounting this barracuda who’d been advertised as a kids’ pony, choosing to hit the long road home with an empty trailer, instead.
PONY UP
“You ride ‘er Randy, I don’t feel so good.” You know, years later, in all manner of sticky situations, I’m still quoting that kid.
For a long time, my business was a ‘ponies only’ enterprise. In my quest to find good kids’ ponies with real life experience, I was on the road a lot, looking at those I had scouted in sales ads, or follow-ups on phone tips. While I did find some diamonds in the rough, not all were as they’d been advertised.
by Lee McLean
Backforty
g
scuffling of feet and downcast eyes. Quick as a wink, the youngest brother piped up, “You ride ‘er Randy, I don’t feel so good.”
One particular trip was a flop, so far as buying went, but it provided one of the funniest memories that I can recall. Long before this particular day, I had learned to never, ever climb aboard a sale pony if the family was balking at riding it… and yes, I’d learned this the hard way.
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(An excerpt from Lee McLean’s new book, LOVE & RULES: Life Lessons Learned with Horses, to be released this October. Soon available on Amazon and at indie bookshops in southern Alberta.)
Not everything is as it seems. Nor, advertised.
“Right, then. Who’s going to show me her stuff?” I asked the small crowd after they’d escorted me to the corral. A menacing hair ball was pacing back and forth, along the far side of the fence. Quiet descended on the until-now, boisterous family, with much
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