Western Horse Review Spring 2024

Vol. 31 No. 1

WIINTER WESTERN HORSE REVIEW

EDITORIAL

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Publishers

Clay & Jenn Webster Editor

Jenn Webster

Art Direction and Production

Kendra Roberts

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Laurie Price ldprice63@gmail.com

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Accounting

Laurie Price at (403) 250-1128 ldprice63@gmail.com

Contributors

BAR XP Photo

Maria Derbyshire

Mike Edgar

Noah Fallis

Johnny Hawkins

Janice Hepburn

Natalie Jackman

Leah Lazic Media

Monique Noble SimpleeFocused.com

Timberline Photography

Alicia Wopereis

Published

contents

Out West

8 PUBLISHER’S NOTE

10 LEAD LINE

The loss of a legend – remembering Grated Coconut - G65.

12 OUT WEST

There is a new series of reining shows coming to Alberta, focused not only on the horses, but also the riders and their time away from the arena.

14 OUT WEST

Highlights from the annual Reining Alberta Train the Trainer Clinic.

16 FACEBOOK FEEDBACK

WHR readers weigh in on Beyoncé’s new country album release.

16 WESTERN INSIDER

The American Quarter Horse Association explores the idea of digital certificates and how soon that may come into place.

17 GREAT GEAR

Best bets for the most wonderful time of year: Spring!

Western Culture

18 GOOD WORK

From bullfighter to Breyer model. Alberta’s Jill Barron has her iconic Lusitano gelding, Cossaco, immortalized in a beloved figurine.

20 WESTERN FOODIE

Paired with Chef Edgar’s classic cheese fondue, Maria Derbyshire lends us her recipe for sourdough bread. This is a match made in fondue heaven!!

24 ASSISTANT TRAINERS

Meet Nicholas Persson, an assistant trainer with a hard work ethic and a heart of gold.

26 EQUI HEALTH

How ISCI breeding is extending the reproduction lives of mares and stallions.

Features

28 EMBRACING THE CHILL

The benefits of cold-water plunges and ice baths have long been known to wellness enthusiasts but now, rodeo athletes are warming up to the idea as well.

32 CORB LUND’S DARING LEAP FORWARD

On the heels of his newest album release, we got the chance at an exclusive interview with Canada’s cowboy troubadour.

38 WHEN THE HEART FINDS A HOME

Defining the “heart” of a horse, although intended to describe a very real characteristic, is impossible and immeasurable.

42 FEEDLOT FASHION

Feedlot workers know the secret to working in all weather conditions is dressing in layers. Here’s how they do it, fashionably.

50 WILL RIDE FOR FOOD

What happens to clients when horses get put on stall rest.

WHR TURNS 30!

That’s right! Western Horse Review is celebrating its Pearl Anniversary in 2024. Where has the time gone? That’s a lot of pages and milestones crossed. One thing is certain, WHR readers are passionate about the western lifestyle and the magazine that brings it all together for them. Here’s to another 30!

In this issue, you’ll find our cover story on page 32. I got the opportunity at an exclusive with Alberta’s own, Corb Lund. Currently touring the world in honour of his newest album, El Viejo, Lund took the time to chat about his family background, the stories behind the songs and his neverending fight against coal mining along the eastern slopes of Alberta.

Perhaps we should take the words “coal mining” out of it… What Lund’s mission comes down to is clean water. A basic, human right. And something we absolutely deserve in Alberta. It’s surprising how much time Lund has devoted to the fight – but what’s even more shocking is how his pleas seem to fall on deaf ears in the Alberta government.

We invite you to read Lund’s story. This lyrical storyteller has received multiple Canadian Country Music Awards, Juno, and international award nominations. He’s as punchy as they come, has a huge loyal audience and is a hot country commodity.

On page 28, Kirk Prescott of BAR XP Photo dives into the world of cold water plunges. Well known for its health benefits, the allure of submerging oneself in chilly waters or ice baths has been a tactic adopted by athletes and wellness enthusiasts for ages. However, rodeo competitors and equine enthusiasts are taking this challenge to the next level. Read all about the advantages and potential risks in this in-depth editorial.

Next up, we have Debbie MacRae’s heart-warming article on horses with heart. Beginning on page 38, you can read about five great equines throughout history who, literally and figuratively had immeasurable hearts. Likewise, the humans who were close to these great horses understood how fully their own hearts were connected in their once-ina-lifetime relationships.

On page 42, we take a photographic look at Feedlot Fashion and the many layers these agricultural workers must utilize to get the job done. A big thank-you is extended to Suntana Murray of Murray Ranches, for giving us the opportunity to shoot in an authentic location.

As always, there’s lots to peruse in this issue and we hope you enjoy it all!

~ Jenn Webster

Tara McKenzie Fotos

Leadline

THE LOSS OF A LEGEND

CS Grated Coconut – G65

An icon in the world of rodeo, Calgary Stampede’s Grated Coconut G-65 was known for his extraordinary talent and unique personality. Both have left an indelible mark on the world of rodeo. As we mourn the loss of this exceptional athlete, let us remember his impact and celebrate the legacy that Grated Coconut G-65 leaves behind.

Foaled in 1997, “Grated” was dually blessed with both power and prowess. His mama, Coconut Roll, also owned by Calgary Stampede, was a ten-time National Finals Rodeo (NFR) bareback athlete. His sire, Wyatt Earp, owned by Northcott Rodeo, was the NFR Saddle Bronc Horse of the Year in both 1997 and 1998. From birth, Grated Coconut showed promise of talent and tenacity. In 2002, Grated hit the rodeo trail with the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) and became a dominant force. Of his 114 rodeo trips, 25 cowboys placed first, 37 cowboys hit the arena floor, and 29 more cowboys earned a cheque. Grated Coconut remains one of most decorated bareback horses of all time. He was a six-time Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) Bareback Horse of the Year (2003, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2009). He was also a six-time Canadian Professional Rodeo Association (CPRA) Bareback Horse of the Year (2003, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2008, and 2009). Grated Coconut was inducted into the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame, the Canadian Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame, and the Ellensburg Rodeo Hall of Fame.

The Calgary Stampede Ranch retired Grated Coconut in 2010. Until his last day, he enjoyed the pristine, hardgrass landscape and roamed with his youngest foals, the rising stars of rodeo. Undoubtedly, Grated Coconut was an instrumental component of the Calgary Stampede Born to Buck program. His offspring compete at the highest level of rodeo, many qualifying for the NFR and CFR annually. Recently, his granddaughter, Xplosive Skies was named both the

2023 CPRA and PRCA Saddle Bronc Horse of the Year.

Grated Coconut’s longevity is a testament to the care he received both at home, and along the infamous rodeo trail.

Grated Coconut was renowned for his power in the arena and his distinctively composed and charismatic demeanor behind the scenes. He was a sought-after choice for competitors and a beloved figure among fans. Uniquely, Grated was social and gentle outside the arena. He enjoyed interaction with competitors/ crowds and even let toddlers sit on his back. Grated Coconut touched the lives of many. His achievements will shine in the archives of rodeo and his legacy will continue to flourish in the bloodlines of the Calgary Stampede stock. In conversation with the PRCA, Five-time World Champion Bareback Rider, Kaycee Feild remarked, “I had (Grated) in 2009 at the Calgary Stampede and the first jump out I got jerked down and ended up slapping him. I had a lot of respect for him. He was the real deal. I’d set my feet and it felt like I was standing up on him. I’ve never been on a horse quite like that.”

Grated Coconut G-65 will be revered for generations. His lineage is held in illustrious regard, and those who knew him well recognize that he was truly one in a million. Manager, Calgary Stampede Ranch and Stock Contracting Operations, Tyler Kraft noted, “This horse truly lived a great life. You don’t see many animals able to be that successful both inside and outside of the arena. I don’t think we will ever really know the value that he brought to the ranch.”

Grated Coconut will be laid to rest and forever remembered, at home, on the ranch. He will lie in eternal repose among those who set records before him. The brilliance of his legacy will illuminate rodeo arenas for years to come.

~ Story & Photos by

Kirk Prescott – BAR XP PHOTO

ABOVE: A record setting ride - Davey Shields Jr. scored 95 points aboard CS Grated Coconut G65 at the 2005 Calgary Stampede. An image for the record books, without doubt. Calgary Stampede.

BELOW: Grated Coconut G65 enjoyed a royal retirement on 23,000 acres of both hardgrass prairie and lush pasture (With mares and foals). The Calgary Stampede Ranch will remain his final resting place.

Outwest

THE X-PLOSIVE X-PANSION OF THE XIBITION

The 2024 Canadian Reining scene has some big new shows in the line-up! Met with amazing turnouts and incredible support, The Xibition reining show has grown X-ponentially since its inaugural run in 2022. The incredible efforts of show manager Dave Bénard and his amazing crew have been generating buzz and business alike, as two new shows join the Xibition portfolio. The series will be hosted by the Claresholm Agriplex (Claresholm, AB) and each show will have its own unique offering of camaraderie and competition.

The Equinox held April 5-7, 2024, showcases four-yearold talent. However, four-year-old maiden classes will also be accompanied by ancillary classes, including a five to seven-year-old derby and a schedule of social events. Early registration has opened to a great response. As the earlier than usual season approaches, trainers, farriers and riders are busier than usual at this time of year as they plan the upcoming season.

The Xibition held July 31-August 4, 2024, treats green and rookie riders to a fantastic show experience while giving more seasoned riders a chance to compete in the unique Jack Carter $10,000 Open Derby. For the past two years, The Xibition been a highlight of reining in Alberta. Well run, fun and extremely well attended, it was clear that there was a demand for reining events that focused not only on the horses, but also on the riders and their time outside of the arena. Bénard and crew are doing their best to fill that niche.

X-citing new additions being planned for the Xibition include a new spin on freestyle reining and community

involvement. This class (which is still in the planning stages,) features freestyle riders raising money for charities of their choice – instead of paying entry fees. The winner and runnerup will receive additional cash prizes from the Xibition that will go directly to the rider’s charities. Participants will be judged, not only on their manoeuvres, but also for their creativity and costuming.

All monies raised will go directly to the charities of the rider’s choice regardless of their placing in the class. It is an incredible and fun way to give back to communities that support reining, both directly and indirectly.

Last but not least is the FutrNova held Sept 27-29, 2024, which – while accompanied by ancillary classes – will shine a spotlight on the three-year-old futurities alongside a four to seven-year-old derby, and a bunch of fun après reining events. All leading to an exciting end to The Xibition 2024 series.

Also new this year is The Xibition Stallion program and auction which is an invaluable opportunity to horse breeders and owners alike. Giselle Aebley owner and breeder of Triple X Stallion Spooks Big Bang is thrilled to have such a program here in Canada, “I can’t describe how thrilled I am to have a program like this in my backyard. The opportunity for increased earnings for my stallion’s offspring without having to travel to the U.S. is priceless.”

Big Bang indeed. The reining community is thrilled to have such incredible opportunities being added to the Canadian show circuit.

~ By Monique Noble

SPRING TRAINING with REINING ALBERTA

Reining Alberta’s annual Train the Trainer program traditionally hosts an established trainer from the United States for a two-day training clinic. This gives Alberta trainers the opportunity to get the rundown on training trends and tips from some of the top riders in the industry.

This year the association put a new spin on things. The two-day event was extended to four days, to include qualifying Reining Alberta Non-Pros. Reining Alberta (RA) president, Austin Seelhof, shared how the association was able to turn some club changes into a positive situation for members. “Without the North and Peace Branches, there were casino funds to use on educational events. So the board decided we would try a non-pro clinic and supplement the cost, using casino money,” he explained.

The 2024 Train the Trainer clinic was held at the Calnash Ag Event Centre in Ponoka, AB, and the venue did not disappoint. With great ground and attached stabling, this arena has been in high demand.

“We (Reining Alberta) held it at this facility in 2013 and this is the first time they had an opening since then. The venue has been great, we have had nothing but positive feedback back,” Seelhof stated.

The brightly lit and heated arena was a welcome escape, as Alberta greeted the American guests with a snowy white carpet for their first time in Canada. This year’s guest trainers were Kole Price and Trent Harvey, from Texas and Oklahoma respectively.

A quick chat with both trainers showed that they were thrilled to share their knowledge with Canadian riders. Price taught the Open rider portion of the clinic and is among the reining elite as a Million Dollar rider (in 2021) and a Run for A Million Champion. Specializing in futurity and derby horses Price tries to pick a natural winner, and had this advice to offer when he picks out his prospects. “When I go yearling shopping, the first thing I look at is conformation and eye-appeal. I always try to say my eye doesn’t lie. So, before I know the pedigree, if I go to a pasture of 20 yearlings I try to look at the one my eye first goes to. Meaning, it has ring appeal. Then I look at the conformation of the prospect’s legs – they have to be correct… I want a big, soft eye and something that looks intelligent.”

Trent Harvey grew up with horses and starting reining professionally in 2014. With a well-known youth and non-pro program, Harvey was invited to teach the non-pro portion of the clinic. His mixture of patience and humour provided an encouraging space for the students to learn. Harvey inspired the non-pros to trust their horses and “put their hands down” –essentially making the horses more responsible for themselves.

As he pointed out, “They are 1,000-pound animals. It’s their job to take care of us. It’s not our job to carry them...”

After four days of inspiration from two clinicians who clearly love to teach and watch teams progress, Reining Alberta Train the Trainer riders and spectators alike are chomping at the bit to kick up some dirt. The next show will be the upcoming RA Spring Classic taking place this May 22-26, 2024 in Red Deer, AB.

~ By Monique Noble

Photo Courtesy of Janice Hepburn

Trent and Kole are very successful trainers with a long list of accomplishments. They have world class non-pro programs, which usually means they are good at communicating their thoughts to the participants. They are also very personable, which made for an overall, enjoyable weekend.

– Austin Seelhof

WILD ROSE DRAFT HORSE SALE 28th Annual Sale

FRIDAY, MAY 3 & SATURDAY MAY 4, 2024 held at the COW PALACE, AGRICULTURAL FAIRGROUNDS, OLDS, AB

FRIDAY, MAY 5 2:00 pm Preview of Driving Horses 4:00 pm Tack Auction to start 5:00-6:00 pm Social 6:30-8:30 pm Tack Auction

SATURDAY, MAY 6 8:30 am Tack Auction to start 1:00 pm Horses Sell - followed by remainder of tack & equipment

Invites Consignments of Horse Drawn Equipment, Harness, Tack, Shoes, etc; Purebred, Crossbred & Grade Draft Horses; Draft Mules & Mammoth Jacks

FOR INFORMATION CONTACT:

Barb Stephenson, Sale Secretary E-mail dpsteph@telusplanet.net 403-933-5765 (8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.) wrdha.com

ADDITIONAL CONTACTS: Bob Lewis 403-559-7725

MAIN PHOTO: Kole Price observes one of Alberta’s top trainers, Sage Sapergia, pilot a Compass Performance Horses three-year-old prospect through a beautiful sliding stop.

BELOW: Reining Alberta was excited to host clinicians

Trent Harvey (center) and Kole Price (center right)

Western e

FACEBOOK FEEDBACK

WHR Readers weighed in on Beyoncé’s new country album…

“AI horse is cross cantering, no saddle pad, an uncinched equitation saddle with a bitless bridle & a sticker prop rider. It would be nice to genuinely promote the lifestyle. My favorite comparison of the song is with the theme song of the 90s children’s program ‘Franklin.” ~ Erin Hamilton

“ The only thing that bothers me is they couldn’t decide what GAIT the horse should be in ”

~Blush Equine

“I’ll stop saying you’re a nag, if you stop saying I keep making a pig of mysef.”

AQHA Moving to Digital Certificates?

Modifications to registration-related items were approved by the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) members and the AQHA Board of Directors at the 2024 AQHA Convention, March 15-18 in Las Vegas. The AQHA Stud Book and Registration Committee discussed 23 proposed rule changes.

or imagined, in the digital registration and transfer process.

As we walk through the uncanny valley of Cowboy Carter … let us admit that it’s a bop. Is it traditional country … nooo. Is it supposed to be? Noooo. But music evolves and reshapes with the times. Musically I’m ok with it.

Now this cover art? Hell No…

~Monique Noble

“ “

“I feel like you can’t call an album country just because you sing about one state and put on a cowboy hat, that being said I’m here for Post Malone’s country album”

~ Keely Gibb

Would have been nice to highlight her post around the reasoning for why she’s making the album, and all the work that’s gone into it. There’s a lot more than the album cover. If you click the link and read the statement she posted on Instagram it’s quite inspiring and very eloquently worded. I also feel that the clear move in mainstream media toward western sport, culture and imagery in the last few years only encourages economic development and support of the things we love dearly. So I’m here for it.”

~Louisa Nicholls

“She’s got a good hat.”

~Beth Halliday Veldhuis

The agenda item that generated the most discussion addressed by the Stud Book Committee was AQHA’s move to digital registration certificates. The rule change, which was approved at the 2022 AQHA Convention, required AQHA to move to digital registration certificates beginning with foals born in 2024. However, due to a large amount of input from members in 2023, the Stud Book Committee revised the plan, and the implementation of digital registration certificates was to begin with foals born in 2025.

After members voiced their concerns on the rule’s implementation again prior to the 2024 AQHA Convention, citing frustrations with AQHA technology and internet access, as well as the desire to keep paper certificates, the committee came up with a new plan for moving to digital registration certificates, which was approved by the members and the board of directors: The committee recommends delaying the implementation of digital registration certificate until January 1, 2027, with the following resolution:

• The current website for member services must undergo a complete and comprehensive makeover to be able to assure AQHA’s membership can and will be able to navigate the complexities, real

• Assurance must be provided that the technology to support the platform will be in place to support the complexities of the program. This committee shall meet every six months to receive compliance reports and monitor progress of the improvements up to December 1, 2026. At that time, the committee shall make the determination if the digital platform is ready to launch January 1, 2027, or determine if more time is required.

• Prior to the launch of the digital certificate platform, a dedicated number of trained and expert staff must be in place to answer only digital certificate-related questions from members who are experiencing difficulties. These dedicated staff members will stay in place to afford this service for as long as it takes to satisfy AQHA management, the Stud Book and Registration Committee and the membership of AQHA that the digital registration process can be trusted to function properly and efficiently.

• AQHA staff shall develop a comprehensive educational program that will include, but is not limited to, instructional videos, printed materials, articles published in The American Quarter Horse Journal, as well as other equine publications, and on social media and develop an industry-wide seminar schedule. These educational experiences are required to provide confidence and assurance that the platform has been thoroughly tested and will properly serve the membership.

- Aqha.com

Greatgear e

DRIED SOURDOUGH STARTER

This dormant, dried starter can be revived easily with just a few simple steps. Containing naturally occurring yeast and friendly Lactobacillus bacteria, this starter adds its own unique flavour profile to baked goods – and homemade street cred for your guests. Keep in your pantry for a rainy day, or with regular feeding, your starter can be sustained indefinitely. $13

www.ranchbydesign.com

CHEETAH STIRRUPS

Beaded Cheetah, bedazzled aluminum stirrups feature light weight aluminum with a rubber grip tread bottom and a magnificent cheetah beading outside $90

www.shopwesternoutfitters.com

ALL IN ONE!

The LundinTOOL™ is a Canadian-made product that includes everything a horse person needs! A knife, hoof pick, touch-up rasp, and bot egg knife in a multi-tool that fits in your pocket. You’ll never want to leave home without it! $140

www.oldsoulranch.ca

EQUINE FAIRY LIGHTS

These elegant and decorative lights could be used for a variety of occasions – summer patio supper? Thanksgiving centrepiece? Christmas tree lights? A herd of glowing horses, of your very own. $29

www.amazon.ca

NO MORE CHEWING

Does the sound of horses chewing shelters wake you up in the middle of the night? Equine Crib-Guard from EQyss products is a clear gel, long-lasting, antichew product with a brush applicator. $29.99

www.eqyss.com

GoodWork Bullfighter to Breyer

BY JENN WEBSTER PHOTOS BY SIMPLEEFOCUSED.COM

She was sworn to secrecy for a year, but now the secret’s finally out. Jill Barron is an international horse trainer, clinician and competitor, who originally hails from Hanna, AB. She is a beloved teacher of both the

horse and human and one of the driving forces behind the success of the Calgary Stampede Showrider team.

Now, Barron’s great horse “Cossaco” is receiving the ultimate gift – a Breyer horse figurine, crafted in his likeness.

Born in 2007 in Portugal, Cossaco is a

Lusitano gelding. He had a very storied journey before Barron came to own him in 2016, including being ridden as a bullfighting mount.

“They say the Lusitano chooses their person and Cossaco has definitely chosen me,” explains Barron. “He’s a one-person

Barron and Cossaco have achieved many milestones together, including becoming Canada’s first Masters Working Equitation Champions.

horse and really draws from me when I ride him. When I bought him, I knew he’d be with me for the rest of his life.”

Barron first met Cossaco at Haras Dos Cavaleiros in Magnolia, TX. He was the first Lusitano Barron had ever thrown a leg over. She was given the opportunity to ride Cossaco during an exhibition cattle trial at a working equitation (WE) show. Since then, the pair have gone on to become WE champions and in 2022, they became Canada’s first Masters Working Equitation Champions.

Working Equitation is a discipline that is utilized by riders of various countries, and welcomes all breeds and styles of tack. Focused on building a working relationship between horse and rider, there are seven levels and four trials: dressage,

ease of Handling (judged obstacles), speed (obstacles at speed) and cattle.

When Breyer (an American company known throughout the world since 1950 for its brand of horse models and collectables,) reached out to Barron about the possibility of immortalizing Cossaco in a figurine, the Alberta girl was caught off guard.

“They wanted to know our story. They wanted pictures of Cossaco and video and show records. Apparently, someone on their board knew of us from the working equitation world,” Barron explains humbly.

Once Breyer decides on potential prospects for a model, there is a roundtable discussion. The company then agrees upon which, real life horses will exemplify

their business motto – that is, how can they bring the inspiration of horses to as many people as possible?

Cossaco checked all the boxes and made the cut.

“It’s such an honour. And they haven’t done many Lusitanos before, so it’s really cool for the breed,” Barron said.

There was a lot of back-and-forth, to get Cossaco’s figurine perfectly correct, in addition to the packaging.

“They would send me prototypes. They needed front-side pictures and backend pictures and they would then send me back a model, asking - ‘Is this good?’ They made tweaks from there. ‘Lighten this, darken this and move the brand.’ They were incredible in the process of making his model,” says Barron of Breyer.

In July 2024, Barron and Cossaco will travel to Breyerfest in Kentucky. All of the model horses of the year will attend and the public will be allowed to come and meet the real horses, based on the chosen figurines. This year’s theme will be “Against All Odds.”

Considering Cossaco’s early beginnings, he deserves to be there and is a fitting tribute.

Barron also recently imported another Lusitano from Portugal – this time, a five-year-old stallion named “Jeronimo.” Canadians will be excited to know, they can access his bloodlines this breeding season.

For more information, check out: www.jillbarron.com

There was a lot of work to get Cossaco’s Breyer figurine absolutely perfect – including a lot of details telling his story on the packaging.

Barron recently imported another Lusitano from Portugal – this time, a five-year-old stallion named “Jeronimo.” Canadians can access his bloodlines this breeding season.

Sourdough Bread & Cheese Fondue

New delicacy unlocked… This issue we feature freshly baked, homemade sourdough bread, along with cheese fondue that tastes like the Swiss made it. Go ahead, stir that pot! We had you at sourdough, though – didn’t we?

BY MARIA DERBYSHIRE & MIKE EDGAR

Maria Derbyshire of Evansburg, AB, is a ranch wife, mother to three littles, a homesteader and passionate about sourdough. She has been “playing around with sourdough” for a good six years and finally found a recipe that worked for

her. WHR got the opportunity to sample her recipe and with its fluffy inside, deep flavour and golden crust, this naturally fermented bread is insanely good! We’re willing to bet that after you try Derbyshire’s recipe, you’ll never get store-bought again.

SOURDOUGH BREAD

INGREDIENTS

1 1⁄2 Cup Warm Water

3⁄4 - 1 Cup Active Starter

3 1/2 - 4 Cups Flour

2 Tsp Salt

In a large bowl (non metallic), combine water and starter until mixture resembles milk. Add flour in and knead for two to three minutes. If the dough is sticky, wet hand to help with sticking. Cover with plastic food wrap and leave for two hours.

After two hours, sprinkle salt on the dough, and with a wet hand, pinch the salt in. Wet hand once more and stretch and fold / knead bread again for another two minutes. Cover back up with plastic wrap and let the dough rise for 12 hours / overnight.

If you’re wanting to rise it for longer, after six hours you can place it in the fridge for up to 24hours.

Once risen, dump the dough onto a floured surface and stretch into a large rectangle. Fold the short sides to middle, overlapping one another and then roll up from the bottom

to create the start of your boule. Use hands to create a boule, and set on parchment paper. Place parchment paper back into bowl to help maintain boule shape.

Place your dutch oven into the oven, and heat to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Once the oven is hot, sprinkle flour on the top of the bread boule and score it. Place into the dutch oven with parchment paper.

Bake with the lid on for 40-45 minutes until the top is golden and crisp.

Maria Derbyshire has experimented with sour-dough recipes for more than six years now and this is the one she found to work the best for her.

Courtesy of Maria Derbyshire

CHEESE FONDUE

A ranch version of a Swiss classic. This gooey indulgence is a family tradition in many households, but a delicious treat at any time. Serve with a beautiful platter of meats, sourdough bread, pickles and seasonal fruits.

INGREDIENTS

½ Lb Cave Aged Gruyere Cheese

½ Lb Raclette Cheese

2 Tbsp Cornstarch

1 Garlic Clove peeled

1 Cup Dry White Wine

1 Tbsp Lemon

2 Tbsp Brandy

½ Tsp Dry Mustard

Pinch of Nutmeg

Assorted breads and cured meats for dipping.

Leah Lazic Media

In a small bowl, coat the cheeses with cornstarch and set aside. Rub the inside of a ceramic fondue pot with garlic, then discard. Over medium heat, add the wine and lemon juice to the fondue pot and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually stir the cheese into the simmering liquid – melting the cheese slowly encourages a smooth fondue. Once smooth, stir in the brandy, nutmeg and mustard.

Surround your fondue with all your meats, fruits, bread and friends and enjoy!

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.

Assistant Trainers

Nicholas Persson

AGE: 20

LOCATION: Vanderhoof, BC

OCCUPATION: Colt starter, horse trainer and full-time ranch hand at Rocky Hill Ranch.

“Nobody cares, work harder…” Meet Nicholas Persson, a 20-year-old colt starter, and horse trainer and full-time ranch hand from Vanderhoof, BC. Persson has one of the hardest work ethics around and a heart of gold.

BY JENN WEBSTER PHOTOS COURTESY OF PERSSON FAMILY & ROCKY HILL RANCH

Nicholas Persson grew up in the remote community of Vanderhoof, BC. Geographically centred near the very middle of the province, Vanderhoof’s main industries are forestry and agriculture, while tourism and mining operations are also starting to grow in the area. Persson however, has found himself drawn to the western lifestyle, working full-time for Rocky Hill Ranch, owned by JC and Courtney Vala.

In his employer’s words: “It takes four of us to do Nick’s job here!” Courtney jokes.

Persson is a colt starter, horse trainer and full-time ranch hand at Rocky Hill Ranch. He assists with all the odd jobs,

is charged with caring for cattle and often coaches young children in their riding lessons. Every year, Rocky Hill Ranch allows Persson the opportunity to work and live temporarily at other operations, in an effort to upgrade his horsemanship and knowledge. He knows that life in the horse industry isn’t always easy – his days are often physically demanding and the hours are long. Still, he’s forging ahead in a career he truly enjoys and is passionate about.

Here’s what Persson had to say about about the harsh weather conditions, injuries and other hurdles he will face as a horse professional – and why he remains dedicated to the lifestyle.

Timberline Photography

QA

WHR - What are your current goals?

PERSSON - My future goals are to be a self-sufficient horse trainer and rancher and I’d like to be competitive in the working cow horse arena.

WHR - What attracted you to this lifestyle?

PERSSON - Just how rewarding it can be. Working with horses and being able to do a job that you’re passionate about every day. It makes you want to get up and out of bed every morning. I like to see how colts change and progress, with your work. I enjoy competing in team penning and I really like the people I work for. .

WHR - Who are your mentors?

PERSSON -Clay Webster and Kade Fisher, they have helped me out a lot this last couple months.

WHR - Can you please describe your current living conditions?

PERSSON - Currently, I’m living in a hay shed, in my buddy’s motorhome.

WHR - Do you believe there’s a shortage of young trainers in this industry?

PERSSON - There definitely is – it’s just one of those things, you know. There’s other jobs out there. Like, from where I’m from up in British Columbia, the horse industry is starting to grow a little but there’s a lot of more logging and other things based in the area. Working in the horse industry is definitely a lifestyle and that’s not for everybody. It can be very physically demanding and a lot of late nights, with not a lot of sleep. Then there’s the working in all kinds of weather conditions. But for me it’s all very enjoyable.

WHR - As a horse trainer one of the sacrifices you may have to make is giving up medical benefits, money (in general), vacation time and a pension plan. How do you feel about that?

PERSSON - Yeah it’s definitely something that is not ideal. (He chuckles.) But, that’s a consideration you just have to be willing to give up, if you want to live this way of life. I’m okay with it, I enjoy doing this every day.

1. Persson waiting for his turn at a team penning competition.

2. In addition to regular arena work, Persson is responsible for seasoning Rocky Hill Ranch horses to all kinds of environments.

3. Working in all kinds of weather conditions is all in a day’s work. 4. In addition to team penning and working on the ranch, Persson enjoys fishing and hunting in his spare time.

UNDERSTANDING ICSI

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection, better known as “ICSI” breeding, is the latest buzzword in the world of equine reproduction. Here’s why horse owners are seeing a wide range of advantages in this advanced repro technique.

BY JENN WEBSTER

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection, (better known as ICSI,) has become a new option available to horse owners in the breeding game. Although the practice has been around for many years now, the practice of ICSI is becoming more socially accepted as a breeding option. Utilizing only a single sperm from a stallion, the practice is helping to extend the breeding lives of both mares and stallions.

However, ICSI is a complicated procedure requiring special expertise and equipment – and it’s not without risk. Here’s a generic look at this breeding option, along with some other considerations you will want to evaluate before signing your horses up.

WHAT IS IT?

ICSI breedings are quickly becoming an important field of advanced reproduction in horses, as owners are realizing the value it presents in preserving championship genetics. It’s important to note that cloning and ICSI breeding are not the same thing: In ICSI reproduction, the nucleus is derived from a normal egg and followed with fertilization by a normal haploid sperm.

Cloning / nuclear transfer involves taking body cells from an adult horse and introducing them into an unfertilized egg that has had its genetic material removed, followed by embryo development.

Jenn Webster

ICSI is a technique for in vitro fertilization in which an individual sperm cell is introduced into an egg cell

One of the major advantages of ICSI is that it can help produce foals from older mares, or mares with breeding challenges. The process involves aspiration of the mare, in which a needle is guided through the flank of the mare to her ovary, or via ultrasound through the vagina. A mature oocyte is collected and injected with only a single sperm. Immature oocytes can also be collected, but they then must be cultured to maturity.

As only a single sperm is required from the stallion, stallion owners are also seeing the benefits of ICSI for horses with low quantities of semen, or for stallions that have died and only a small amount of frozen semen is left.

Problems occurring as a result of ICSI breeding are rare, but can happen. Scarring of the ovary can take place after multiple perforations, or secondary problems can result from inserting the needle into the mare’s abdominal cavity, which is why it’s recommended not to utilize ICSI if your mare can be bred by conventional methods instead.

THE RULES

It’s important to completely understand the association rules surrounding ICSI breeding, before employing the process. In the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) Handbook of Rules & Regulations, AQHA REG112 specifically outlines the registration of foals produced through embryo/oocyte transfer.

Before a fertilized egg can be collected, AQHA must be notified in writing that the attempt will be made and a fee must be paid. A late fee of $100 applies if enrollments are received after collection of the embryo (but prior to foaling,) and $200 if enrollments are received after foaling. A mares can be enrolled in the embryo program for life or annually.

Any resulting foal must be parentage-verified before it can be registered.

Additionally, if the ICSI process utilizes the semen of stallions foaled in 2015 or after, it may not be used two years after a stallion’s death or after he has been gelded, according to REG111.6.

And lastly, as per REG112.9, mares born in 2015 and after, stored embryos and oocytes can only be used up to two years after the mare’s death.

ICSI breedings can cost anywhere from $5,000-$15,000 so it’s important to properly evaluate whether the risks are worth the potential foal. For many horse owners with animals of highly indemand genetics, the answer is often “yes.”

The injection process. (CREDIT: AQHA, courtesy of Dr. Bob Foss)

EMBRACING THE CHILL

The thriving trend of cold-water plunges in the rodeo world….

In a world that constantly seeks comfort and warmth, a growing number of individuals have stepped outside the zone to embrace a trend that goes against the grain – cold-water plunges. From icy lakes to purposely-built plunge pools, the allure of submerging oneself in chilly waters has captured the attention of thrill-seekers and wellness enthusiasts alike. Not surprisingly, farmers, ranchers, and equine enthusiasts have taken this challenge to the next level! As Western Horse Review investigates, we explore the rising popularity of cold-water plunges, acknowledging both the benefits and potential risks of this trending, wellness pursuit.

STORY & PHOTOS BY KIRK PRESCOTT, BAR XP PHOTO

THE GO

On the surface, the practice of icywater submersion seems paradoxical. Why would anyone willingly subject themselves to bitter cold when warmth is what we innately seek? The answer lies in the transformative power of discomfort. Cold water plunges are not merely about enduring the cold, but about embracing it as a catalyst for personal growth and well-being.

Proponents of cold-water therapy highlight its physical benefits. At the forefront, there are reports of improved circulation, enhanced immune function, and the release of endorphins. The shock of cold water triggers the body’s natural fight-or-flight response, leading to an adrenaline rush that invigorates both the body and mind. Athletes and fitness enthusiasts have long since relied on cold water plunges as a powerful recovery tool. The cold constricts blood vessels and reduces swelling, which aids in the recovery of sore muscles and speeds up the healing process after intense physical exertion. Considered a holistic approach to wellness, cold-water dips promote both mental and physical resilience. Cold-water plunges act as a natural stress reducer, jolting the nervous system into a state of heightened alertness. The shock of cold water on the skin also prompts the body to kick into high gear, increasing blood circulation and enhancing overall cardiovascular health. The immune system gets an intense boost, as the

body works harder to maintain its core temperature, mobilizing white blood cells and fortifying the body’s defense mechanisms against illness.

Beyond the physical benefits, cold water plunges are hailed for their mental and emotional impact. The shock of the cold water serves as a potent reset button, dispelling mental fatigue and providing a surge of mental clarity. Many enthusiasts report heightened focus, improved mood, and

a sense of inner-calm, after a refreshing dip in frigid water. Plunging into chilly water often begins with a sharp intake of breath but, as the body acclimates, a sense of euphoria and elation takes hold. It’s a natural high that leaves participants feeling physically refreshed and mentally rejuvenated. Said to foster resilience, discipline, and a heightened sense of presence, cold-water dips facilitate a symphony of benefits for both the body and the mind.

Lynette Brodoway & SR Boots On Fire.

THE WHOA NOW YOU KNOW…

As more people jump on the coldwater bandwagon, it’s essential to approach this trend with awareness. While the benefits are certainly compelling, it’s crucial to recognize that cold water plunges are not suitable for everyone. Individuals with preexisting medical conditions, such as cardiovascular or respiratory issues, should exercise caution and consult with healthcare professionals before taking the plunge. Prolonged exposure to icy waters can result in hypothermia, and a shock to the system may trigger anxiety or panic attacks in some individuals. Safety precautions, such as gradually acclimating the body to cold water and being mindful of the duration of exposure, are imperative in preventing adverse effects. In the pursuit of well-being, it’s essential to strike a balance between pushing

boundaries and respecting personal limits. Cold water plunges are a powerful tool, but they are not a one-size-fits-all solution. Embracing discomfort can be a steppingstone to personal growth – provided it is done responsibly.

Once relegated to the realm of extreme athletes and daredevils, the benefits and rising popularity of cold-water plunges are making waves in the horse industry as well. Certainly, dip your toes into the frosty waters – but tread carefully and be informed. When approached with mindfulness, cold-water plunges host numerous benefits and challenge your resilience.

Name: RAE LYNN ARMSTRONG – Bassano, AB

Occupation: Rancher/ Equine Athlete

Keen on fitness challenges, Armstong jumped at the opportunity to experiment with the benefits of cold-water plunging. Podcasts by Huberman Lab, Joe Rogan, and Wim Hof planted the seed in her mind and things cultivated quickly from there. She began with a two-minute dip and gradually progressed to a three-minute submersion. Tired of waiting for her bathtub to fill, Armstrong wondered if she could find a more efficient means of plunging and discovered that her cattle waterer – fed directly from a frozen dugout – was an exciting, efficient and unique alternative. Set for a ten-day challenge, Armstrong teamed up with her neighbour, Yolanda Douglass, and things got western!

“If you can get through a cold plunge daily, everything else on your task list becomes quite simple,” remarked Armstrong. She added, “It helps me with awareness, adrenaline and so much more. The benefits far outweigh the three minutes of Hell.”

Troubled with numbness in her limbs, Armstrong was keen to remedy this concern and has had full success with cold plunging.

Name: YOLANDA DOUGLASS – Bassano, AB

Occupation: Farmer/Rancher/Homemaker

Inspired by her brother in-law and several wellness podcasts, Douglass took up cold-plunging as a challenge with her friend, Rae Lynn Armstrong. The two began with a two-minute dip and have worked up to the threeminute mark. Following her icy dip, Douglass regenerates body heat with 50 squats and 50 push-ups. While she typically uses a bathtub at home, Douglass and her friend thought it would be fun to dip in a frigid water trough, over the Christmas holidays. Douglass enjoys the mental grit required to plunge and notes that it certainly rejuvenates her energy and gets her blood pumping.

In Douglass’ words, “The first time was really tough. I thought I was going to have a heart attack and my breathing was out of control. After the initial dip, it just got easier.” Douglass added, “You need to get your breathing regulated, control your mindset, and then you are good to go!”

Name: LEVI HALE – Countess, AB

Occupation: Rancher/Retired Professional Bullfighter

Intrigued by the health and mental strength benefits of cold plunging, Hale took to the process with vigor. After visiting Neurvana Naturopathic Medicine in Calgary, AB, for Traumatic Brain Injury, Hale was prescribed cold-water therapy. Now partaking daily for more than a year, Hale immediately noticed how cold-water therapy improved his mental health and how much better his body began to feel.

He noted that, “Starting your day off by doing something hard, that you don’t want to do, and digging deep to get it done, is a huge boost to your self-esteem.” Hale added, “Getting started can be tricky but it’s like starting out at the gym. It’s good to start slow, maybe for 60 seconds or so, and then work your way up to two or three minutes.”

CORB LUND’S DARING LEAP FORWARD

We got the chance to talk brands, MMA, ancestral folklore, his latest album release… and basic human, water rights for Albertans, with Canada’s cowboy troubadour.

BY JENN WEBSTER PHOTOS BY NOAH FALLIS

The perspective gained from being raised on a ranch in southern Alberta, provides one hell of a creative muse for someone destined to become a lyrical storyteller.

Born as the son of a champion bull dogger / veterinarian (DC Lund) and his wife (Patty), a nurse and a real-life legend for winning the very first Calgary Stampede barrel racing event in 1959, ranching courses through Corb Lund’s veins. Yet, it was music that would become his stronger calling.

Earlier this year, the decorated Canadian artist set out on a new tour. The journey will take Lund across the US, Canada, into Germany, the Netherlands, Austria, France and more. Featuring his most recent album El Viejo, dedicated to his long-time pal and mentor, Ian Tyson, Lund’s tour will hit high notes at the Grand Ole Opry and in one of his all-time favourite travel destinations – Ireland.

El Viejo is Lund’s 13th album, the

tenth of original material – not counting his time with the punk band, The Smalls, which he founded as a bassist and cosongwriter in the late 80s / early 90s. Since then Lund has concentrated more on his rural roots, amassing a Juno Award, 11 Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) Awards, and three gold albums in Canada.

El Viejo hits differently though. Recorded entirely in Lund’s living room, this album is his first collection of original songs since Agricultural Tragic and none of the tracks include electric instruments. Many were recorded with only one take. Lund continues to win over fans with relatable lyrics, needling listeners with lines like, “…I hate to tell you boys but I mighta got old,” and “…took some graduate courses, on the insides of bars and the outside of horses.” True to his style, Lund also balances his sense of humour with autobiographical songwriting; poking fun at his past experiences consuming an edible gummy, and being escorted off

of a riverboat casino after being accused of “colluding” – two different events.

All of the songs are arranged by Lund and The Hurtin’ Albertans, consisting of Grant Siemens, Sean Burns and Lyle Molzan. Gang vocals on “Old Familiar Drunken Feeling” are courtesy of a group coined the Southern Alberta Community Singers.

“I’ve been wanting to make a record like this for a long time,” says Lund. “The band, Franny and I produced it ourselves in my living room with no adults present. It’s all acoustic, not an electric lick on the album… banjos and mandos and string basses and stripped-down drums.”

Lund has always been in a tough-topin-down genre, but El Viejo is what he defines as, “Lots of gambling songs and lots of minor keys.”

It’s what we’ve come to expect and everything we’ve not, from Lund. A rancher on the right. A sinner on the left. All brought together by the musician in his heart.

I’ve been wanting to make a record like this for a long time,” says Lund. “The band, Franny and I produced it ourselves in my living room with no adults present. It’s all acoustic, not an electric lick on the album… banjos and mandos and string basses and stripped-down drums.

LONG TIME COMING

Lund’s 2024 tour, which began this past February, took him back to the historical wooden circle that sits centre stage of the Grand Ole Opry in (Nashville, TN) for the second time in his life. Previous to that performance, Lund hoped he would be, “…slightly less nervous this time.”

“I know how it works now. That’s an iconic stage to be sitting on,” he admitted. “You play with their guys and they’re excellent. Some of the best musicians on the planet.”

The Opry was a heck of a way to kick off his world tour, which includes stops in Germany, Slovakia, the Netherlands, all across the United States and of course, Canada. Tour life, however, is often not as glamorous as one may think. Having done it a time or two, the southernAlberta boy has his preferences.

“Sometimes we have a tour bus, sometimes we tour in a van. For this tour, we’ll go across Canada in a bus, and we’ll tour the States in a van. Every tour is different. It depends on the economics at the time,” Lund explains.

Touring is gruelling enough, so amidst financial concerns, Lund admits the enjoyment level of such an expedition often comes down to – who’s driving. Bus tours allow Lund and his bandmates the luxury of accommodations while on the road however, this requires a bus operator. Van tours require frequent stops along the way. Both have their pros and cons.

“If the bus driver is hitting the rumble strips at night, it’s pretty scary,” the guitarist tells.

On the other hand, some venues don’t have dressing rooms for Lund to prepare before shows. Consequently if it’s a van tour, there’s no quiet place for him to get into the frame of mind he needs, prior to a concert. That’s what prompted the musician to craft a space for himself at the back of his main touring van. His bandmates wittingly refer to this place as “squirrel world.”

Sadly, the surprising truth is that musicians don’t always, “…make that much money.” The man doesn’t have a large vintage collection of instruments and he maintains a modest home in Lethbridge, AB. He stays true to his

style: be that of boot-stomping tracks accompanied by punchy lyrics, honkytonk storytelling, or stripped-down acoustic pieces with deep meaning. He’s come to accept the possibility he may never receive any kind of mainstream US radio play and continues to put himself out there in live gigs, building his fan base the old fashioned way.

It’s refreshing – considering this is a guy who has been interviewed by Rolling Stone magazine, opened for Miranda Lambert and has played in the presence of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge during their 2011 Royal visit to Canada.

And so far, the El Viejo tour venues have all been crammed with fans.

Lund likes to return to his family ranch near Cardston, AB, as often as he can and he’s proud of the family horse brand that is over 100-years-old, which the family refers to as the “Hat L.”

“It’s called the Mill Iron Reverse L officially,” he says. “My great grandpa came to Alberta from Utah in 1902 and had it then. We found it burned into the shed door on the Utah homestead, so it’s been in the family since the turn of the

century. It’s pretty cool to still have.”

Lund’s ancestors made the trek to Alberta in the big Mormon migration. There is a cast of characters in his family tree that serve as inspiration for much of his songwriting. In fact, his great grandfather was a card sharp in Butte, Montana in the late 1800s and prompted Lund to write “When the Game Gets Hot” on El Viejo.

(Great Grandpa’s name is still in the police blotter, by the way, according to a historian buddy from the Sweet Grass Hills.)

Lund himself, also enjoys playing cards and quips about “…being the furthest thing from a Mormon.” He grew up in the saddle and was well-versed in the rodeo world, due to the influence of his parents. He observed his father’s work as a large animal veterinarian, pitched in on the family ranch (as all ranch kids must do) and rode steers for a while too – but that collided with the fork in the road of his life that was rock music. It was then that he left his rural life temporarily and pursued a musical education at Grant MacEwan College in Edmonton, AB.

The cover art for Lund’s newest release, El Viejo.

Lund’s newest record El Viejo, pays tribute to another Alberta country icon – Ian Tyson. I met Ian 20 years ago, when I was singing at an Ian Tyson tribute show. It was inevitable that we would meet. Growing up, he was always around because he was part of the ranching community too.

– Corb Lund

ATYPICAL AG

Dedicated Lund disciples can be assured that he and his bandmates will toggle between songs from past albums and those of El Viejo, on the 2024 tour. And Lund takes a big leap forward with this one. He coins the process of recording for El Viejo as the “cabin sessions” – opting for gritty, raw musical sounds, as opposed to glossedover, computer generated tracks. Always one to push the envelope, the subject matter on this latest record does not always dish out typical, agricultural concepts either. But there are western ties to it all.

Take the fourth track entitled “Out On a Win,” for instance. Referencing the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC),

this tune is about a broken down old fighter, vying for one last shot at glory.

“This is probably the first-ever, country, mixed martial arts (MMA) song,” Lund chuckles. “It was really important to get the terminology correct.”

Though he doesn’t have much time for television, Lund does enjoy watching the UFC when he gets the opportunity. Retired fighter, Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone, is tied to the western way of life and drew many rural people to watch in his day. Lund hopes to meet him at some point.

“And he’s making a run at riding PBR bulls right now,” Lund tells. “So that’s cool. But one of my all-time favourite fighters was Lyoto Machida. I also like Miesha

Tate. She’s classy.

“I’m really excited to see Jon Jones come back – it’s incredible what he did. Went up a weight class and beats the champion of a higher weight class…”

(As controversial as Jon Jones has been, he is in an elite group of fighters who have won UFC titles in two weight divisions. And the fight Lund describes above saw Jones force France’s Ciryl Gane to tap with a guillotine choke in the first two minutes of their battle.)

Diving deeper into El Viejo, the last song “Old Familiar Drunken Feeling,” tells the (true) story of the time Lund took an edible gummy bear and had to drink his way out of it. With a live show on the line

How many times do we have to say ’No’ to these foreign coal companies? Why is the Alberta government not listening to us? It’s insane.

– Corb Lund

and a bad decision Lund would later deem as “herbal terrorism,” he found comfort at the bottom of a Pendleton bottle.

“Turns out, weed ain’t my thing…”

“Redneck Rehab” is a collab between Lund and friend, Jaida Dreyer. Featuring an insane intro, killer banjo licks and Dreyer’s autobiographical recollection of trying to “kick speed,” this tune tackles addiction head on. Sadly, rural folks aren’t immune to North America’s methamphetamine problem and as she lived in the southern States, Dreyer’s upbringing in the horse show world was somewhat debaucherous at the time. Lund and Dreyer balance the heartbreak of the situation with humour, all while the song’s protagonist gets clean – dirt poor, country-style.

USING HIS VOICE IN THE FIGHT AGAINST COAL

Lund’s upbringing provides the motivational force for much of his repertoire and as such, the singer / songwriter is as authentic as they come in country music. Perhaps even more so than some of the artists currently topping the music charts. Inevitably, Lund genuinely cares about preserving the western way of life.

That’s why, when an application came from an Australian company back in 2020, for an open-pit coal mining project on the Eastern Slopes of Alberta – and ranchers of the area realized its negative impact on their water sources – Lund became an involuntary warrior against it.

Despite having many other things to do, Lund has dedicated himself to researching the subject and creating awareness ever since then. He’s also been in meetings with four different government ministers – and came away dismayed to learn he was more knowledgeable about coal mining in Alberta than all of them. This includes Alberta’s Energy Minister, Brian Jean.

“When I first got into this I educated myself researching and interviewing folks, on both sides of the matter,” tells Lund. “So many ranchers told me their water was going to be wrecked as a result. My family has been here for six generations. The Oldman Watershed provides clean drinking water for tons of people! I drink that water. After doing my research, getting involved was clearly the right thing to do.”

While the problem is particularly dire for ranchers, coal mining on the Eastern Slopes affects all Albertans. The Oldman River watershed is critical to southern Alberta, supplying water for more than 45 percent of the province, as well as 40 percent of the region’s irrigation supply. However, this watershed already faces significant pressure because of natural flow reductions and the crippling drought Alberta has been experiencing over the last few years. Water needs of proposed coal projects in the Oldman Watershed could amount to three billion litres each year – tributaries that have been previously and largely untouched by industry.

Then, there are the selenium leaching contaminations coal mining has already proven itself to cause fresh water supplies. Take Elk Valley’s $6.4 billion selenium problem, for instance. Deformed fish, threats to high elevation grasslands, threats to drinking water and air quality and methane emissions are just a few of the true costs of coal mining in that area.

“I would have thought that water was a basic human right…” Lund states. “This is totally unethical in my opinion. Especially the way politicians are pushing these coal mines. Polling has shown that 80% of Albertans don’t want this. Review panels have already turned it down. The Grassy Mountain project was shut down in 2021 because it was determined not to be in the public interest. The coal companies then appealed – which was then denied. And now they are allowed to re-apply again..?

“I’m not anti-resource. Every project has to be looked at, to see if it makes sense. This one is just stupid.”

When the Heart finds a Home

“Indeed, horses have the hearts of warriors and often carry us into and out of fields of personal battles. Those who know them understand how fully a horse can hold a human heart.” - Lauren

Davis Baker

BY DEBBIE MACRAE

Natalie Jackman, www.have-dog.com

Italian race horse breeder, Frederico Tesio once said, “A horse gallops with his lungs, perseveres with his heart, and wins with his character.”

Renowned horse trainer and mentor Pat Parelli instructed, “A horse doesn’t care how much you know until he knows how much you care. Put your hand on your horse and your heart in your hand.”

Literally and anatomically defined, the heart is “a hollow muscular organ of vertebrate animals that by its rhythmic contraction, acts as a force pump maintaining the circulation of the blood…” as defined by the Webster Dictionary.

The horse heart is not dissimilar. It functions in a similar manner on a larger scale. Both are four chambered, located in the between the lungs and ribs and above the diaphragm, and both have two main functions: to pump oxygen and nutrients into the bloodstream and through the body.

Interestingly, in contrast to its size, the adult

BUCEPHALAS

(the steed of Alexander the Great)

One of the most famous stories of classical antiquity (the Greco-Roman era), is that of Bucephalas, a massive black stallion with an oversized head. He was said to have a large white star on his forehead (brow) and blue eyes, developed from the best of Thessalian cavalry lineage. The Thessalian cavalry had been formed previous to the reign of Philip, father of Alexander the Great, however, it was Philip’s enhancement of it, that made the cavalry and its horses, such a formidable force.

It was the Greek historian, Plutarch, who chronicled that when Alexander was about 12 or 13-years-old, a horse was brought to King Philip from a herd by a neighbouring breeder, Philoneicus of Thessaly. He was priced about three times the norm (thirteen talents! or about $4 Million dollars today), and described as wild and unmanageable, rearing up against any and all who tried to manage him. Alexander’s father instructed the breeder to take him away.

Alexander, however, saw a noble creature –branded on his haunch with the figure of an oxhead (one of three common brands in ancient Greece).

He challenged the handlers, calling them spineless. His father admonished him, asking, “Do you reproach those who are older than yourself, as if you were better able to manage him than they?”

Alexander responded, “What an excellent horse do they lose for wont of address and boldness to manage him!” Then he approached the horse. Realizing he was facing away from the sun, and spooking at the unfamiliar noises and the sight of his own shadow, Alexander

equine heart beats 30-40 beats per minute, while the smaller human heart beats about 60 times per minute. The equine heart is more efficient, and it’s equine “power-train” increases rapidly to an imposing 240 beats per minute when galloping. The efficiency is also remarkable, returning to its resting rate very quickly. Strenuous exercise creates the ability to deliver high volumes of blood for extended periods of time – as much as seven times that of the human heart.

Physiologically speaking, the equine heart has evolved to support intense and varied levels of athleticism, and it is often said that a horse has more than one heart. Like other mammals, a horse has only one physical heart – however, speaking in terms of cardiovascular efficiencies, the frog in each hoof pumps the blood back up to the heart from its lower legs, with every step taken. A grounded hoof expands and fills with blood, and as it leaves the ground, it contracts, sending the blood back to the heart. It is estimated that as a horse walks, it pumps a litre of

blood through its body approximately every 20 meters or so, figuratively supporting the concept of more than one heart.

Yet, there is more to the equine heart than just that. Many horses have the physiological characteristics to win and to persevere. Secretariat and Phar Lap are two examples of exceptional race horses with hearts that were larger than the normal, (Secretariat’s weighed 22 lbs., while Phar Lap’s weighed 14 lbs.) Then there are the horses who succeed by sheer will and determination. This definition of “heart,” although intended to describe a very real characteristic in the horse, is immeasurable. Take Canada’s Big Ben for example; he survived two colic surgeries, a car accident, competed three times in the Olympics and won more then 40 Grand Prix titles with his rider, Ian Miller.

Here are some other stories of many remarkable equines who due, either to the bond formed with their person or their exceptional courage, are in a league of their own because of their hearts.

turned him the opposite direction, spoke quietly to him, then gently gathering the reins, calmly mounted him. They were one.

From that day forward, they were inseparable. Alexander was the only one who could ride him. Together in battle from Greece through Persia, and into India, Bucephalas was a muchbeloved war-horse.

At one juncture, after Alexander defeated Darius III of Persia in the Battle of Gaugemela, Bucephalas was stolen while Alexander was away on excursion. Alexander was so incensed, he threatened to kill every inhabitant and lay the countryside to waste if his horse was not

returned. He was, with a heartfelt plea for mercy.

Although some dispute the cause of Bucephalas’ death; battle wounds vs. old age, Plutarch quotes an historian who accompanied Alexander to war. Onesicritus cited the horse as having died of old age after the Battle of Hydaspes River (326 BCE) placing Bucephalas at approximately 30 years of age. Alexander was so distressed, he named one of his captured cities, Bucephala, on the west bank of the Hydraspes River in modern day Pakistan. He is believed to be buried in the modern-day town of Jalalpur Sharif.

Notwithstanding his legendary status as a warrior, his legend grew in context with that of Alexander’s. According to one story, previous to his last battle, Bucephalas paired with multiple wild mares in the Middle East and Asia, fathering a breed of rare and supernatural species – that of the mythical unicorn.

Bucephalus (1764)

Interestingly, the story of Bucephalus would foster another foal by the same name, in North Yorkshire, England, in 1764. A chestnut colt, bred by H.B. Osbaldeston, he was a chestnut and the son of an undefeated and multiple race winning sire, Regulus. His racing debut was in 1768 in the Ladies Plate when he won 50 British Pounds, beating Conjuror to win. He would win several other races in the next two years, but his claim to fame would be his race against an undefeated Eclipse, forcing him to run his hardest race. As a result of this race (which he lost), Bucephalus would be unable to race for the balance of the year, and was eventually sold back to Osbaldeston in March of 1773, returning to his original birthplace where he was retired from racing.

The taming of Bucephalus by Andre Castaigne (1898–1899). Image source: WikimediaCommons.

ECLIPSE

The victor, Eclipse was foaled on April 1, 1764 and named after the solar eclipse of the same date. His dam was sired by Regulus and his grand-sire was the Godolphin Arabian. He stood over 16 hands high, and had a very difficult temperament; one which required a firm hand and long hours of discipline. The extra work tempered him to the point where he was race-worthy, and when he was racing he was allowed to run without constraint.

Because of his temperament, he didn’t start racing until he was five. Bookies arrived at the racing trials too late to find out whether or not rumours about his speed were true. However, it is alleged they met an old woman on the road home who reported she had seen a horse with a white leg – outrunning another far behind it. She claimed the second horse would never catch the first if they ran to the end of the earth! Despite never having won a race, Eclipse would start his first race as a 4-to-1 favourite.

His toughest race would be against Bucephalus. He would go on to win 18 races of which 11 were King’s Plates. From his imperious record came the phrase, “Eclipse first and the rest nowhere,” which phrase is still coined today. He is said to have been able to cover 23 feet in a stride, with a recorded top speed of 83 feet per second.

No one would compete against him, so he was retired to stud after 17 months. After his death due to colic in his 24th year, his necropsy would reveal an abnormally large heart of 14 lbs., double that of the average horse.

Eclipse traces his male lineage to the Darley Arabian, however his dam was a daughter of Regulus whereby tracing him also to the Godolphin Arabian.

WARRIOR

In an extraordinary tale of loyalty and friendship, the story of Warrior would unfold in the pages of a book published in 1934 and be retold on the screen in the movie, War Horse: The Real Story.

Warrior too, was a bay Thoroughbred born in 1908 on the Isle of Wight. From that day, to the mass call-up of horses for the war effort, through the last cavalry charge against the Germans near Amien, Warrior served his master, General Jack Seely. Seely was a friend of Winston Churchill. Warrior would become one of the most famous war horses of the modern world.

Leaving for France in 1914, Warrior spent five years cheating death on the front lines, returning home to the island, to spend the remaining 19 years of his life together with Seely. There can be no greater pledge of heart than this.

The book King of the Wind was written in 1948 as a fictional biography of the Godolphin Arabian. It depicts Agba as the Arabian’s lifetime stable boy. The true story, however, follows similar biographical lines. He was originally presented to the King of France, Louise XV, and then allegedly utilized as a cart horse. One of his peculiarities was his heartfelt attachment to his constant companion, Grimalkin, the cat.

Ultimately, this stud would become the leading sire in Great Britain and Ireland

between 1738 and 1747, and through his lineage, and eventually that of Eclipse, the Thoroughbred line would be established.

In 1970, the Royal Veterinary College established that nearly 80 per cent of Thoroughbred racehorses had the Eclipse genetics in their pedigree. Recent determinations establish that number at a much higher 95% - virtually “every living Thoroughbred” evolved from the lineage of Eclipse. The lineage can be traced back to virtually one line, one heart.

Eclipse, the unbeaten horse. CREDIT: Public Domain

Major-General the Right Honourable Jack Seely, 1918 aboard “Warrior.” A painting by Alfred Munnings.

SERGEANT RECKLESS

Another war hero – or rather heroine, was Sergeant Reckless, so named for the heavy, six-foot-long recoilless or “reckless” rifles she carried. This sturdy little Mongolian mare made 51 trips from the ammo supply point to the firing sites in one five-day battle, most of which were unaccompanied. She walked over 35 miles through rice paddies and up mountains with almost five tons of ammunition, all the while enduring enemy fire at a rate of 500 rounds per minute.

Rescuing wounded soldiers, enjoying Marine Corp rations, and drinking coffee, Reckless was taken back to the United States in 1954 where she was given her final home by the 5th Marines. Promoted to Staff Sergeant, she gave new definition to the meaning of “heart”. Reckless was awarded two Purple Hearts, numerous citations and medals and retired with full military honours; one of only four horses with that distinction. The foursome includes: Chief (last living combat cavalry charger in the US); Comanche, (sole survivor of the Battle of the Big Horn); Black Jack (the riderless horse for President John F. Kennedy’s funeral); and Sergeant Reckless.

SNOWMAN

He was waiting to be loaded onto a trailer on his way to the slaughterhouse when destiny intervened. Harry de Leyer, an escapee from Nazi Germany had fled the country to the US and was looking for a quiet lesson horse for riding instruction. The big grey was the last of three horses left at the auction – so de Leyer took a leap of faith. The horse was purchased for the sum of $80 and as he was unloaded, the snowflakes glistened on his white coat. It was then that a little child whispered, “He looks like a snowman.” The name stuck.

A couple of years later, Harry sold Snowman to a neighbour who wanted a quiet plow-horse. Somehow Snowman knew he was indebted. He and de Leyer had developed what later became an inseparable bond, and he would jump high fences to return to de Leyer’s stable. The higher the fence, the higher Snowman jumped and soon he was winning prestigious jumping classes. He became a jumping champion, but had the heart and the soul of a family pet. He stood 16 hands high and could jump over six feet. He never spooked and was amazing with children.

In 1958, Snowman won the American Horse Shows Association Horse of the Year, Professional Horseman’s Association Champion and the Champion of Madison Square Garden’s Diamond Jubilee – competing against some of the world’s best. He jumped fences, seating benches, other horses and he jumped his way into people’s hearts.

The US Show Jumping Hall of Fame inducted Snowman in 1992. Together, theirs was a Cinderella story on two levels. They were survivors on separate roads leading to destruction. Snowman was heading for the slaughterhouse, while Harry de Leyer was

escaping Nazi Germany. de Leyer had aspired to be on the Dutch Olympic Team, but with the invasion of Holland, he never had a chance – that is until his encounter with Snowman. Theirs was a partnership cemented by the heart.

Sergeant Reckless stands with Sergeant Latham.

Snowman shows off some of his many ribbons. Photo by Bill Ray Photography

FEEDLoTFASHIoN

By Jenn Webster

Dressing in layers is the secret all feedlot workers know and live by. As winter never really wants to let go of its grip on Canada we typically go from snow, to warmth, to mud… and back again. Here’s to the clothing that keeps us warm and protected throughout the change of season and here’s to all the hardworking people who keep the needs of livestock met in all types of weather!

Roper Men’s Contrast Yoke Quilted Jacket in copper and navy, $119. www.lammles.com

Photos by BAR XP Photo

Shot on Location at Murray Ranches

Thinsulate

Crown

Women’s Cowhide Lecharas from Rancherr Boots, $275, www.herrwildrags.com

Cactus print wild rag from M&F Western Products, $60

Watson Women’s Range Rider 3M

Gloves $37

Cap Women’s Wool Solid Railroad Cap in Wine, $55 all from www.lammles.com

Women’s Outback Trading Co. Juniper Jacket in Tan, $180 Gold & Feather print wild rag from M&F Western Products, $60 www.lammles.com

Men’s Kimes Ranch Skink Jacket, $120

Men’s Watson Range Rider Gloves, $34 www.lammles.com (Hat and wild rag are model’s own)

Kimes Ranch Men’s Dakota Vest in Rust, $200 CFR Logo Graphic Hoodie in Navy, $60 www.lammles.com

Weave Long-sleeved Shirt, $80 www.lammles.com (Jeans, hat and jewelry are model’s own)

RIDE FOR THE BRAND

Hooey Women’s Waffle

Started in 2020, with the need for quality boots in Canada. Dana Herr designs all of her own boots with whimsical patterns and bright colours that truly show off one’s original style. She also developed the Cowhide Lechara shorty style – an original to the Rancherr boot brand.

Fieldsheer Apparel Women’s Backcountry Heated Vest in Khaki, $230 www.lammles.com

Will Ride for Food

STALL REST = JAIL TIME

By Bronco Betty

Horses injure themselves. It’s a given. An equine injury is never an “if” –it’s a “when.”

The old trainer of a large barn had seen a few injuries in his day and he was never shocked when the vet came around and recommended stall rest. He was, however, pretty perplexed to discover how one of his specific customers opted to assist their horse with the prescribed jail time.

Earlier that day, the horse in question had ripped off part of its heel bulb, by accident. The gelding got too excited during a frolic in his outdoor paddock and he overreached, resulting in a boo-boo that required some stitches, a bandage and a horse’s worst nightmare – stall rest.

At least that’s how the owner seemed to comprehend the doc’s orders…

A Jollyball, Likit and another homemade boredom buster weren’t enough to keep her horse occupied. So, while the old trainer was

outside feeding other horses, the gelding’s owner returned to the barn with five boxes full of tinfoil. She proceeded to wrap the horse’s entire inside wall of his stall, to garner a “mirror” effect.

When he came back to the barn to feed the inside horses, the old trainer knew something was off immediately. The injured gelding was making funny sounds from inside his stall.

Now, the trainer had seen a lot of things in his day – but this one raised his eyebrows. That poor gelding was shaking inside, snorting at his distorted reflection in the tinfoil wall.

He called to the horse’s owner and asked her to come to the stall.

“So, what do you got going on here?” the old trainer asked.

“Well, considering he isn’t allowed to go outside or see his buddies for a while, I thought his reflection in the tinfoil might keep him company,” she replied.

“But it’s not a true reflection of his image…?” he stammered. He scratched his head in disbelief.

“It’s like he’s in one of those carnival houses, where the mirrors make you look warped, and monstrous, and twisted, and misshapen, and…”

“Alright! Alright - I get it,” the owner sputtered.

The old trainer walked away, returning to his feeding duties.

That’s when a lot of ripping could be heard, along with the metallic sound of tinfoil balling up and hitting the barn alleyway. More snorting ensued, until the stall walls returned to their original state.

Over time, the gelding healed up and was allowed to go back outside for turnout. However, to add insult to injury, throughout his time in stall rest – he never played with the three boredom busters in his stall.

Horseman’s Hot Seat Trainers Showdown Fashion Show Shopping Clinics And More!

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April 26 - 28, 2024

Westerner Park, Red Deer, AB

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