Media Kit 2025-2026 - Horse Community Journals Inc.
Your Horse b Your Passion b Your Magazine Annual Equine Industry Guide 2026
HORSE INDUSTRY
24 The Grin-and-Bear-It Culture of Equine Vet Practice
How injury, overwork, and a culture of endurance are pushing Canada’s equine vets to the limit.
30 How to Find & Keep a Good Farrier
Ten tips to help horse owners form a great relationship with a professional farrier.
34 From Grassroots to Grand Prix
How rebuilding public engagement can revive the future of equestrian sport.
38 Horses on the Job
Today’s working equines need specific qualifications on their resume.
SPECIAL FEATURES
10 Horse Community Heroes: A Horse Tale
A sanctuary of compassion in Quebec offers a soft landing for horses.
54 Nova Scotia’s Pony Express
When breaking news travelled at the gallop.
70 Fundamentals of Equine Action Photography
Pro tips to capture those splitsecond moments of power, grace, and speed.
80 Celebration of Horses
Photo Contest
Presenting the Album of Winners from our 34th Annual Contest.
ON THE COVER
The I Love Horses category winner in our 34th Annual Photo Contest (see page 80).
Having barrels of fun in Girl’s Barrel Racing at Alberta’s Lamont Summer Sizzler Rodeo in July, 2025.
Photo: Gordon Hodgkinson
Jim Greendyk
PHOTO: HAUTE EQUINE
14 Do Good Racehorses Make Good Eventers?
Study reveals whether stars on the racetrack will excel in eventing. 16 Genetic Mutations Made Horses Gentle
Research finds key gene variants that transformed wild horses and paved the way for their domestication.
The Science of Sweat
Understanding electrolyte supplementation for better equine health and performance.
Horse b Your Passion b Your Magazine
Equine Industry Guide 2026
RIDING & HORSEMANSHIP
50 Make Goal Setting Work for You
How to overcome barriers and become the rider you aspire to be.
58 Pros & Cons of Riding Without a Trainer
Do-it-yourself, hire a pro… or something in between?
64 Dressage for Gaited Horses
Unlocking balance and ease of movement in all gaits.
66 Simple Ways to Enrich Your Horse’s Life
Incorporate curiosity, connection, and choice to improve your horse’s quality of life.
Editorial
Inside Back Cover To Subscribe
The Hoofbeat, Letter
Horse Council BC News
Canadian Quarter Horse Association News
Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association News
Meet Our Contributors
Index to Advertisers
Our Autumn/Winter 2025 issue included a special feature titled Alberta’s Free-Roaming Horses: Historically important or invasive pests? a topic that clearly struck a chord with readers. Continuing the conversation, in late summer we launched an online poll asking: Are Alberta’s free-roaming horses part of our natural and cultural heritage, or invasive pests? The response was huge — 5,407 votes poured in — and the results are shown below:
92%, 4972 votes
The horses are part of our natural and cultural heritage and should be left alone. 7%, 400 votes
The horses are invasive pests and should be captured or sterilized.
1%, 35 votes Undecided.
In addition to voting, readers were invited to share their perspectives through a short 11-question survey that included space for comments and province of residence. An impressive 1,238 respondents took part, many offering heartfelt insights.
The message was unmistakable — support for Alberta’s wild horses was overwhelming. Below, we share a brief selection of the thoughtful and passionate comments our readers contributed.
As an Indigenous person, I definitely feel that our voices should be part of any discussions about removing or altering the wild horse population. (AB)
I firmly believe that the government should keep their hands off the Alberta Wildies as every claim they make in favour of either eliminating or controlling the population has been proven incorrect. (AB)
Interest in wild horses in Alberta from across Canada and around the world generates significant tourism revenue. This should be capitalized upon and is only possible if the existing herds are preserved. I travelled with a friend and spent 10 days in Alberta: car rental, hotels, and restaurant meals. Our primary reason for the visit was to photograph wild horses in the foothills of the Rockies. (ON)
Naturalize and preserve the wild Alberta horses for the world and future generations. Make them a NATIONAL TREASURE of Canada. Do not touch the wild horses without the scientific studies, and work with organizations like HAWS (Helping Alberta Wildies Society). (ON)
Horses don’t destroy their environment like cattle do. I was raised with both. Look at a horse pasture versus a cow pasture. The horse pasture will have one or two eroded spots. The only trees within them that get eaten are willow tips. Horses are selective about the grass they eat.
Then look at a cow pasture. Massive erosion, ground churned up, every tree eaten off as high as the cattle can reach. All grass either stomped or eaten down. This is fact. Ranchers and the government know it. They need to stop trying to kill everything that doesn’t suit them. The bears are doing a good enough job of killing the wild horses. So much in fact that their numbers are already declining without the contraceptive actions even being implemented yet. Game cameras on the trails and in the forest are showing bear chases and a kill of a foal was captured on film this summer. DNA testing has shown these wild horses descend from European roots, not local genes, making them a long-standing species in this environment — naturalized. They deserve protection, not annihilation. (SK)
As a non-resident, potential tourist, and animal behaviourist — the wild horses are quite clearly naturalised and a part of the environment. The idea that they could be damaging a landscape they have roamed for 100s of years, more so than the growing and logging of single species and the grazing of cattle, is ludicrous. (non-resident of Canada)
They’re an invasive species. We should eat them. Clearly this survey was developed by people with an emotional attachment to these feral animals. Everyone is entitled to their opinion; however, we should not let emotions drive wildlife management decisions. (AB)
The current committee making decisions about the management of the [Alberta] wild horses should be replaced with those who are not directly involved with the Alberta government and the contracts to ranchers for cattle grazing. This issue is about money, and the horse will pay for any decisions made that are not based on facts or science. Indigenous voices are not being heard along with those who want to protect this native species. The number of horses left right now is such a very low number that any removal or birth control or sterilization will lead to their extinction. They need protection as a native species of Alberta. (AB)
These animals are an important part of our wildlife and should be protected and preserved just like the horses on Sable Island. (AB)
Please watch our website for more survey responses to be published in the near future
Kathy Smith
Your Horse b Your Passion b Your Magazine
Volume 26 • Issue 2
Canadian Horse Journal
Annual Equine Industry Guide 2026
Published by Horse Community Journals Inc.
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Horse Community HEROES
A Horse Tale
A Sanctuary of Compassion in Quebec
By Monique Noble
Located in Quebec’s picturesque Vaudreuil-Dorion, just a short distance from the banks of the Ottawa River, is a charming farm that might easily be mistaken for a family home — if not for the red signs swaying in the breeze, announcing you’ve arrived at the sanctuary of A Horse Tale.
Soft landings can be hard to come by for animals of any size, especially in a world where open spaces and surplus funds are becoming increasingly scarce. Large animals like horses are particularly challenging to rehome. It was the need to provide a soft landing for their neighbour’s horses that inspired founder Kerri Fenoff and her daughters Raychel and Hanna Myara to establish A Horse Tale — a horse rescue located in Quebec that has
saved more than 50 horses and brought hundreds of people together in shared compassion since 2012.
A Horse Tale (AHT) started as a passion project but spoke to the hearts of many. Now more than a decade later, AHT has grown to include more than 100 volunteers, over 400 members, and continues to thrive thanks to the community that has rallied behind its mission. While the organization occasionally adopts out horses to loving families (at no cost), most horses remain on site and receive palliative care until they peacefully pass on to greener pastures. Their first rescue horse, Buddy, still lives happily at the sanctuary today.
Though Fenoff now works as an emergency room nurse and her daughters are
pursuing their education and travels, she remains proud of the rescue they started. With the support of the community and generous sponsors, AHT has grown into a self-supporting non-profit that continues to make a difference.
A Unique Model of Sponsorship
AHT’s innovative sponsorship model has played a key role in supporting the ongoing medical and farrier needs of its aging horses. Potential sponsors can visit the website to choose a horse to support through monthly contributions. In return, they join the exclusive Sponsorship Club. Every sponsor receives a welcome package including a thank you letter, the horse’s story, and a 5x7-inch photo. Sponsors are invited to monthly visits at the barn where
Barn Manager Caroline Handy has been with AHT for 13 years and forms amazing bonds with all the rescues. Handy is pictured with Partriote and Sunny, retired mounted police horses.
PHOTO COURTESY CAROLINE HANDY
Zach, one of the rescue’s largest horses, worked as a calèche (horsedrawn carriage) horse in Montreal for over 20 years. He is 18.1 hands high, weighs almost 2000 pounds, and has an extreme attachment to wheelbarrows, which can make this 29-year-old Belgian a big but
Executive Director Jenn
is proud to be part of a community-minded non-profit that supports other non-profits and groups in their area whenever they can.
they can groom their horse, spend quality time together, and receive updates. Each horse’s visit is scheduled to ensure one-onone time, and many sponsors travel hours just to see “their” horse each month.
Of course, donations come in many forms, from photoshoots hosted on site by local companies, to annual fundraisers, raffles, and community events. But perhaps the most impactful donation of all is volunteered time.
Membership and Volunteering
Becoming a member of AHT for just $35 per year gives access to a private Facebook group with regular updates, photos, and videos. Members are invited to monthly open house visits (March to November), the annual general meeting, and are encouraged to support and promote AHT within their communities.
Membership also enables individuals
to volunteer at the barn — helping with horse care, feeding, maintenance, and events. Volunteering offers a hands-on, deeply rewarding experience with these majestic animals.
A Dedicated Team
It was during an open house that current Executive Director Jenn Gentile first became involved with AHT. A long-time animal lover and SPCA volunteer, Gentile visited with a friend and signed up on the spot. Eight years later, she now holds one of only two paid positions at AHT and is recognized for fostering a strong sense of belonging, collaboration, and inclusivity.
Gentile’s multitasking abilities were evident during our phone interview. While we talked, she guided a five-person feeding team, ensuring that the wheelbarrow was kept far from rescue horse Zach, who struggles with food-related anxiety and resource guarding, a challenge faced by many rescues who come from neglectful or traumatic circumstances. Despite receiving three meals a day, Zach still hasn’t quite realized he’ll never go hungry again.
Safety is paramount at AHT. Multiple five-person teams volunteer three times a day to feed horses and administer medications under the careful supervision of barn manager, Caroline Handy. Handy, the other paid staff member, has been with AHT since July 2013 after attending an open house herself. Inspired by her
beloved handful at feeding times.
Home Sweet Home for rescued and retired horses at A Horse Tale in Vaudreuil-Dorion, Quebec.
Gentile
children’s love of animals, she found AHT the perfect place for meaningful volunteer experiences for her family.
A lifelong horse girl, Handy thrived at the rescue. After just two years, she was asked to take on the role of barn manager, and she’s held that role ever since. A fountain of knowledge, Handy genuinely enjoys every aspect of her job.
“I love the fact that you can never know too much. I’m always learning. There’s so much information out there to
find, and I don’t even know how to describe it. It’s just incredible,” she says. “I love the medical aspect of it. I love figuring out the nutrition. I love helping when they have a medical issue. I love working with a vet. I love all the follow-up care that I need to do. I love learning about it all. I can’t imagine my life without horses at this point. It’s just become such a core part of who I am and what I need in my life. And then, you know, I get to meet all these amazing people here as well.”
Community at the Core
While horses are the heart of AHT, its people are the soul. With hundreds of local volunteers and a welcoming spirit, it’s a pillar in the community.
The sanctuary often welcomes groups from seniors’ homes, schools, and community organizations who come to experience the peace and healing presence of the horses. While rescue horse Zach may be the exception when it comes to sharing food, AHT also gives back by donating leftover non-horse food from events to the local food bank. While open houses and membership days are the main opportunities for the public to meet the horses, AHT is also determined to share their beauty beyond the barn and occasionally their retired horses visit other retirement communities.
The rescue became particularly wellknown after taking in several calèche horses from nearby Montreal when the historic carriage service was discontinued. Other “rescued” horses include former mounted police horses that can no longer be ridden but deserve comfort and dignity in their golden years. AHT has become the retirement home of choice for these former equine officers. Horses from more public backgrounds are often especially personable, making them favourites among visitors and volunteers alike.
Many rescue horses arrive in need of advanced veterinary, farriery, and nutritional care. AHT has a team of dedicated professionals who help provide this care, which is funded by donations and sponsorships.
Volunteer, member, and sponsor Debbie Dole, with retired police horse Sunny.
PHOTO COURTESY OF AHT
Former calèche horse, Blanco, was a favourite of longtime volunteer and member Debbie Dore and the first horse she sponsored. Dore became a sponsor in 2016 and started volunteering in 2017. Now she spends every Sunday at the barn and leads a feeding team. Her love for the horses is palpable.
“The bonds we form with these rescued horses are hard to describe. I just love them all and their different personalities! They have taught me to be patient and how to communicate without words.”
Dore now sponsors five of the 13 horses currently living at the rescue. For her, the membership fee and monthly sponsorships are a small price to pay for the joy of having “13 of the sweetest horses” in her life. Like many, she can’t afford to own or board her own horses, but through her time and donations to AHT, she’s found a way to build those relationships without the usual financial burdens of horse ownership. And thanks to generous supporters like Dore, AHT continues to meet those challenges head-on.
Almost all horse rescues depend on generosity, but few can truly invite supporters to take part in enriching the horses’ lives. At AHT, the spirit of giving has created more than just a haven for animals — it has built a place of peace and belonging for people, too. The sanctuary provides a soft landing for horses and for those who love them. Together, the people who have found purpose and solace alongside the horses that call A Horse Tale home have created a uniquely self-sustaining rescue — an entire community of Horse Heroes — and that is truly a tale worth telling. b
> Monique Noble is a frequent contributor to this magazine — read her bio on page 102.
Kerri Fenoff and her daughters Raychel and Hanna Myara, founders of A Horse Tale.
Some of the amazing AHT volunteers.
PHOTO COURTESY OF AHT
Do Good Racehorses Make Good Eventers?
By Mark Andrews
Many Thoroughbreds face the question of What Next? when their racing careers come to an end. A large number transition into new disciplines, with eventing being a popular second career. But does success on the racetrack translate into success on the cross-country course, in the dressage arena, or over show jumps? Understanding what makes a good eventer is central to both equine welfare and effective rehoming strategies for retired racehorses.
A good eventer needs a unique combination of physical and mental attributes: stamina, athleticism, scope over fences, trainability, and a temperament suited to handling the variety and intensity of three different phases. Thoroughbreds are naturally athletic, forward-going, and possess cardiovascular fitness, all of which make them appealing as eventing prospects. However, the qualities that make a horse fast and competitive on the racetrack may not always align with what is required for long-term success in eventing.
The ongoing debate about the welfare of retired racehorses highlights the importance of matching individuals to appropriate second careers. One of the big knowledge gaps has been whether a horse’s racing record — its number of wins, earnings, or career length — can be used to predict how well it will perform in another equestrian sport.
To address this, Elouise Bacon and colleagues from the School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Australia conducted a large-scale retrospective study. Their aim was to investigate whether Thoroughbred racing performance metrics are associated with
eventing performance outcomes in horses competing within Australia.
The study analysed 6,828 off-the-track Thoroughbreds registered with Equestrian Australia. Data included racing metrics (such as wins, earnings, career duration, and best race distance) and eventing metrics (competition level achieved, penalties, and other performance indicators). Horses were grouped according to whether they competed at EvA95 and above (a nationally recognised level equivalent to international 1* eventing, involving a dressage test, a cross-country course up to 95 cm, and a show jumping round of the same height) or below EvA95. Statistical modelling was then used to explore whether racing performance could predict eventing outcomes.
The findings were intriguing. Horses that never reached EvA95 or above tended to have significantly better racing records (P < 0.01, indicating a less than one percent probability that this difference occurred by chance) and longer careers on the track compared with those that progressed further in eventing. In contrast, horses that achieved higher levels in eventing often came from more modest racing backgrounds.
Another interesting trend was that the
time elapsed since a horse’s last race was positively associated with most eventing parameters — suggesting that a longer adjustment period after racing may benefit performance in a second career. In addition, horses with a history of racing over longer distances were more likely to progress to higher eventing levels, perhaps reflecting the importance of endurance capacity.
The study concluded that while certain factors, such as stamina over longer distances, may point towards greater potential in eventing, racing performance alone is not a reliable predictor of eventing success. Other elements — including stride characteristics, trainability, and, crucially, the quality of the rider-horse partnership — play a vital role.
For riders and trainers seeking to source potential eventers from the racing industry, the message is clear: Look beyond wins and earnings. Horses that may not have been stars on the track can often thrive in eventing, provided they have the right physical traits, temperament, and support during their transition. b
Published with the kind permission of Mark Andrews, Equine Science Update.
Good Horsemanship Can Reduce Risk of Common Equine Insurance Claims
Everyone who’s involved in the horse industry undoubtedly has at least one sad tale of an equine injury or illness that was hard on their bank account or riding goals. According to Mike King, Partner and National Director of Equine Programming at Acera Insurance, the three most common equine insurance claims are for colic, ulcers, and lameness. Here’s why they’re prevalent, along with tips for prevention.
1 Colic
“Colic, which includes any issues of the gastrointestinal tract, is the number one reason that horse owners submit insurance claims,” says King. Those claims cover every level of severity, from a few hours of pain to sudden death caused by a twisted gut.
Due to the prevalence and potential expense of colic — including loss of a horse — many owners choose to protect themselves from financial risk through insurance. But not all policies cover colic.
“A standard Named Perils policy doesn’t cover colic,” say King. Named perils generally include death by wildfire, lightning, flood, transport, or being destroyed due to government legislation (such as for a positive Coggins test for equine infectious anemia). In contrast, a Full Mortality policy covers colic, plus Major Medical coverage can help with the cost of treating colic events.
However, prevention is better than cure. Creating a healthy, horse-friendly lifestyle for your four-legged partner, which limits the stresses of travel and competition, can go a long way towards preventing a harrowing colic experience and the need for an insurance claim.
2 Ulcers
Fifteen years ago, nobody in the horse industry had heard of ulcers. That doesn’t mean they didn’t exist — they just hadn’t been discovered yet. Today, scientific evidence suggests that horses have had ulcers since humans started using them for work. Now, ulcers are the second most common equine insurance claim.
“Western and English disciplines, which put higher physical demands and emotional stresses on horses, have higher incidences of ulcer claims,” says King. That only makes sense. Horses that live
most of their lives in the same herd on large pasture are under significantly less stress than those training, travelling, competing, and living in small areas with no everyday friends.
However, due to the prevalence of ulcers in horses, particularly in equines used for sport, insurance policies limit claims to specific financial and timebased treatments.
“Acera will help with those expenses but there are limitations to how long the treatments are covered,” says King.
There’s a lot that horse owners can do to prevent ulcers in the first place. Choosing a life for your horse that embraces a horse-first lifestyle can dramatically reduce the prevalence of ulcers and the need to make an insurance claim for treatment. Housing horses in ways that adhere to the principles of good horse welfare — food, freedom, friends — is an excellent start. Feeding free choice roughage (grass or hay) is key. Keeping horses in large enough spaces that allow them to move freely at all paces is imperative. Having a constant group of friends (herd) also provides emotional stability and reduces stress, thereby helping prevent ulcers. Making lifestyle adjustments is significantly more effective than medical intervention.
2 Lameness
Horses are wonderful willing beasts that often perform well beyond their fitness or physical abilities, which is precisely when injury occurs and lameness appears.
“Injuries in horses that are worked beyond their physical capacities — usually by mistake — are the third most common insurance claim,” says King. Injuries can occur for all sorts of reasons. But, like colic and ulcers, injuries are more likely to occur when riders or owners put pressure on themselves and their horses to train harder or be more competitive. That’s when it’s easy to push just a little too much and have the horse suffer an injury.
As with colic and ulcers, good horsemanship makes a difference and can significantly decrease the likelihood of an insurance claim. Training programs that slowly develop fitness and skills needed for the type of work the horse is expected to do are imperative.
Horses are a large investment. So, consider the financial risks you’re willing to bear while taking into account the use, health, age, and value of your horse. Full Mortality and/or Major Medical insurance that protects you if your horse colics, gets ulcers, or goes lame might make sense. Choosing everyday care that supports your horse’s inherent needs will also pay huge dividends in their happiness, performance, and good health. b www.acera.ca/equine
Genetic Mutations Made Horses Gentle — and Changed Human History
Two crucial gene mutations transformed wild horses into the gentle, rideable animals that reshaped human civilization. These genetic changes, scientists say, were a true “game changer for horse biology.”
Horses have long played a pivotal role in human progress — from travel and trade to warfare. Now, researchers have identified two key gene variants that helped make horses calmer and more suited to riding, paving the way for their domestication and partnership with people.
Ancient DNA shows that modern domesticated horses originated in southwestern Russia more than 4,200 years ago, according to a 2021 study led by Ludovic Orlando, a molecular archaeologist at the Centre for Anthropobiology and Genomics in Toulouse, France. But until recently, scientists didn’t know which genetic changes made domestication possible.
In the new research, Orlando and colleagues from China and Switzerland analyzed the genomes of 71 horses spanning different breeds and eras. They examined 266 genomic regions and found nine genes showing signs of strong selection — evidence that early breeders intentionally favoured certain traits.
Two Genes That Changed Everything
Among these, two genes stood out. The first, ZPFM1, appears to have been strongly selected around 5,000 years ago. In mice, this gene influences anxiety levels; in humans, it’s tied to overall well-being. In horses, mutations in ZPFM1 seem to have made the animals calmer — a vital step toward taming.
The second gene, GSDMC, underwent strong selection between 4,700 and 4,200 years ago. In humans, mutations here are linked to back pain, while in horses, they influence body proportions — specifically, the ratio of length to height.
To explore this further, scientists silenced the GSDMC gene in lab mice. The modified mice developed straighter spines and stronger forelimbs, suggesting that in horses, similar mutations could have improved posture and weight-bearing — traits that made them easier to ride.
Over just a few hundred years, one variant of GSDMC spread rapidly through horse populations, rising from near absence to near ubiquity. Horses with this version of the gene produced about 20 percent more
offspring than others, a sign that humans deliberately bred for this trait.
When you see that kind of rapid spread, says Orlando, you know you’re looking at something that truly changed horse biology.
A Turning Point for People, Too
Rideable horses revolutionized human mobility, enabling travel over vast distances and transforming warfare, trade, and cultural exchange.
Samantha Brooks, a geneticist at the University of Florida, says these findings are “really resounding.” The timing of these genetic changes aligns perfectly with archaeological evidence for early horse taming.
Still, Orlando notes that genetics alone can’t tell the whole story. Training methods and cultural innovations also played crucial roles in horse domestication, even if they left no genetic trace.
By continuing to sequence ancient horse DNA, Orlando’s team hopes to uncover how breeders shaped the horses that carried human societies into history. b With files from Science News Explores, Science.org.
PHOTO: ISTOCK/MR VITO
The Science of Sweat Sweat
Supplementing Electrolytes for Better Equine Health and Performance
By Madeline Boast, MSc, PAS
Horses rely on sweat to cool themselves, and when sweating they are losing both water and electrolytes. If you have ever observed a horse sweating, you might have noticed a white residue left on their coat, which consists of electrolytes they have lost via sweat. These electrolytes must be replenished for the horse to maintain their hydration, fluid balance in the body, and nerve and muscle function.
Electrolytes are minerals that, when combined with water, will break up into electrically-charged cations and anions (positively and negatively charged ions, respectively). The analysis of equine sweat is Na + K + Ca + Mg = Cl + P + S (sodium + potassium + calcium + magnesium = chloride + phosphorus + sulfur). Horses lose chloride, sodium, and potassium in the largest quantities, with calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and sulfur lost in smaller amounts. Research has shown a multitude of
in the plasma. In humans, it is the opposite — our sweat is more dilute and hypotonic to plasma. This means that the electrolyte content in our sweat is less than in our plasma.
As equine sweat is more concentrated with electrolytes, horses need more electrolytes provided after their work to adequately replenish the body. In fact, it is estimated that horses can sweat up to 1015 litres per hour! That is a lot of both water and electrolytes to replenish.
The Dangers of Dehydration
benefits from effective electrolyte supplementation, such as delaying the onset of fatigue, preventing dehydration, and improving performance. This article will dive into the importance of optimal supplementation, and how to better support your horse’s health and performance with electrolytes.
Not All Sweat is the Same
Equine sweat is hypertonic to plasma, meaning that the concentration of electrolytes is greater in the sweat than
Dehydration is serious and can be deadly for horses. Symptoms of dehydration can range from mild fatigue and weakness to more serious symptoms such as colic or tying up. When horses sweat without proper electrolyte replenishment, the sodium content of their blood will become lower, which can lead to a reduced desire to drink.
There are numerous ways to monitor your horse’s hydration status, but most owners tend to be familiar with the skinpinch test and capillary refill time (looking at the colour of the gums). When using the skin-pinch test, the pinched skin should retract to normal within seconds of being released. Checking the colour of the gums and capillary refill time is another way to monitor hydration status. If you are unfamiliar with these methods,
ask your veterinarian for instructions. The goal of electrolyte supplementation is to replace the electrolytes and water lost through sweating to prevent unnecessary fatigue and dehydration. Providing the horse with maintenance sodium and chloride daily and adding an electrolyte product to the program when they are sweating is critical to preventing dehydration.
When to Use Electrolytes
Before adding an electrolyte supplement to your horse’s diet, first ensure their baseline nutrient requirements are met. Many owners rely on a salt lick or block to meet their horse’s sodium and chloride requirements. Although offering horses free-choice access to a salt block is positive, it should not be relied on. The Nutrient Requirements of Horses, 2007 states requirements for both sodium and chloride. For example, a 500-kg horse in moderate exercise requires 17.8 grams of sodium and 53.3 grams of chloride daily. It is highly unlikely that any horse would be consuming that quantity from a salt block.
If free-choice salt is relied on to meet baseline requirements, loose salt is recommended. This is because horses often struggle to consume adequate amounts from a block, but when provided in a loose form they can more easily consume larger quantities.
The general guideline is to provide the average-sized horse (500 kg) with 28 g (1 oz) of loose salt per day; this equals about two tablespoons. Then, whenever the horse is producing sweat, whether it is a hot, humid day, or a cold winter day, electrolytes should be added in addition to their maintenance salt intake.
The amount of electrolyte required to replenish losses directly relates to the amount the horse is sweating. The more they sweat, the more electrolytes are required. Demands for electrolytes are highest when the weather is hot and humid, but relying on the heat stress score is recommended when deciding on supplementation amounts.
The heat stress score (Figure 1: Heat-Stress Chart, page 22) is a combination of the relative humidity and the environmental
Sweat residue, which is electrolytes lost from sweat after a race.
PHOTO: ALAMY/SORGE
temperature. As the score increases, it becomes more difficult for the horse to thermoregulate.
Choosing an Electrolyte Supplement
When electrolytes are provided at recommended times and in ideal amounts, research has shown that the onset of fatigue can be delayed by over 22 percent. Additionally, there is a reduction in muscle cramping, and the horse’s ability to “bounce back” from the work is improved. However, to see these incredible benefits, the electrolyte used must be well-balanced, provided in adequate amounts and at ideal times.
First, select an electrolyte supplement. When looking at the nutrients in the product, the amount of sodium and potassium combined should almost equal the amount of chloride. Note that chloride should be the highest as it is the mineral lost in greatest quantities.
Refer to the equation of minerals lost in equine sweat at the beginning of the article. When adding an electrolyte, we are trying to replenish what is lost in the sweat; therefore, what is in the product should closely resemble what is lost in the sweat. Additionally, salt (sodium chloride) should not be more than 70 percent of the product. If the product contains more than 70 percent salt, it is not considered a performance electrolyte.
Another consideration is the quality of ingredients used in the product. Citrate, chloride, amino acid chelate, and yeast chelate minerals are preferable to carbonate and oxide-based minerals because they offer greater bioavailability.
A final consideration is to ensure that the horse likes the product. Palatability is critical. Sugar, often dextrose, is beneficial for absorption and palatability; however, it should not be the first ingredient, and if your horse has metabolic health conditions, opting for a product that uses a different flavouring, such as fenugreek, is recommended.
When selecting an electrolyte product for your horse, take an extra few minutes to compare the guaranteed analysis and ingredient list, and then try it out to be sure your horse likes it.
How to Administer
Once you have selected a well-balanced electrolyte product, it should then be supplemented as a liquid solution for best results. This is recommended as electrolytes need to be dissolved in water pri-
or to being absorbed into the bloodstream of the horse.
When you provide the horse with an electrolyte, they must drink the necessary amount of water to ensure it is absorbed into the body and able to do its job. If the horse does not drink adequate water afterwards, the electrolyte can actually dehydrate the horse before it helps with the process of rehydration. For example, a paste electrolyte will lay in the digestive tract of the horse until it can draw adequate water from the body to break down the electrolytes and allow for absorption. Because electrolytes need to be dissolved in solution prior to absorption it is recommended that we supplement them in solution to speed up the absorption process.
There are a few different ways to supplement an electrolyte product in a solution. It can be mixed with water and provided as a drink, or it can be mixed with water and poured over the horse’s concentrate mixture or a soaked fibre source such as hay cubes or hay pellets. The faster the electrolyte is absorbed from the stomach and intestine into the bloodstream, the faster those cations and anions can be delivered to the muscles. If adding the electrolyte to your horse’s water source, be sure to always offer freechoice access to plain water.
When to Administer
As previously mentioned, whenever a horse is sweating, electrolytes should be provided to assist in replenishing what has been lost in the sweat. However, there is also benefit to preloading electrolytes in some cases. If your horse is going to be trailering in warm weather, providing electrolytes one or two hours before the beginning of the trip is recommended.
Additionally, if you know that your horse is going to be working hard in a high heat index, feeding electrolytes two hours before the start of that work is beneficial in reducing their risk of dehydration.
When a horse has exercised and produced sweat, it is best to provide the electrolyte solution within 45 minutes of the cessation of work. For horses competing in endurance events or any other prolonged workload, providing electrolytes in adequate amounts of water throughout the work, such as at vet checks, is recommended when dehydration is a serious concern.
If your horse is at a multi-day competition and working at a high level on consecutive days, get them used to having electrolytes immediately after the cessation
How To Test Your Horse for Dehydration
By Equine Guelph
Dr. Bri Henderson, assistant team vet for Canada’s endurance team at 2010 WEG says, “Hydration is everything. The correct balance of water and body salts controls everything from the brain to the gut. As dehydration develops we risk our horse’s health and welfare by stressing their hearts, kidneys, and gut function. From the polished show horse to the race horse to the beloved pasture horse, we must ensure access to clean drinking water and correct replacement of electrolytes lost through sweating.”
Two simple ways you can check your horse for proper hydration are the capillary refill test and the skin pinch test.
Mucous
Membranes/Capillary Refill
Lift the upper lip of the horse and look at the gums above the teeth (also called the mucous membranes).
Mucous membranes should be a healthy pink, shiny, moist and slippery. Pale, dry, or tacky gums can indicate dehydration. Pale white, jaundiced, brick red, bluish, purplish, or muddy-coloured gums are indicative of a serious problem.
Next, to determine capillary refill time, press your thumb or finger on the gum to “blanch” the area (push the blood out from under the finger). Upon release
of the pressure, count the seconds that elapse while the colour returns. Normal time is up to one-and-a-half seconds. Delays of two to three seconds are cause for concern.
Delays beyond four seconds are serious. Delayed capillary refill time is an indication of reduced blood circulation due to reduced volume (blood loss or dehydration) and/or decreased blood pressure (shock).
Skin Pinch
While dehydration leads to changes in a number of the areas examined, the most common means to quickly check hydration is the skin pinch test. As the animal becomes dehydrated, the skin elasticity decreases due to loss of water from the skin. When the skin on the neck just above the shoulder is pinched and pulled gently away, it should snap back quickly upon release.
Take a fold of skin between the thumb and forefinger, lift it away from the underlying tissues, twist slightly and release. A skin fold or “tent” that remains for over two seconds indicates dehydration. A delay of five seconds is serious.
It is important to know the normal skin pinch results on your horse as there can be a variation due to age and breed. For this reason, test the same area of the skin each time to maintain consistency of results.
Printed with the kind permission of Equine Guelph.
FIGURE 1
Heat-Stress Chart
Note the environmental temperature in Celcius (left side) or Fahrenheit (right side), and relative humidity (along the bottom). Find the environmental temperature, then follow along until you reach the day’s relative humidity to find the heat stress score.
of work (within 45 minutes) to better support their ability to recover and return to performance at a high level the next day. Being precise with electrolyte supplementation can make a positive difference on exercise recovery and performance.
Amount to Administer
The amount of electrolyte supplement necessary to replenish losses is directly related to how much the horse was sweating. Although it is not practical to measure exactly how much sweat your horse has lost after an exercise session, use their work level, average heart rate, and the heat stress score to guide your decision (see Figure 1: Heat-Stress Chart).
A horse coming off pasture on a hot and humid day and producing sweat will not require the same amount of electrolyte supplementation as an endurance horse doing 100 miles in hot weather. (See Figure 2: Supplement Recommendations Charts for an understanding of the amount to supplement.)
If you are unsure of the amount of electrolyte your horse should be provided based on their unique workload, consult a qualified equine nutritionist.
Additional Tips
Your horse should become accustomed to their electrolyte before travelling or attending an event. Begin introducing it at home, where stress levels are lower and the surroundings are familiar. Once you’ve selected a well-balanced electrolyte product, continue using the same one both at home and at events to maintain consistency once your horse is comfortable with it. When introducing the electrolyte as a solution, start with a dilute solution and work up to the recommended concentration of about one ounce per one litre of water. If your horse does not like the product, do not hesitate to try a different one.
*The average heart rate is based on workload descriptions from the NRC for Horses, 2007. Charts courtesy of Don Kapper.
CHART: WORLDWIDE BIOMEDEX INC. AND EQUINE GUELPH
THUMPS in Horses
The more your horse sweats, the greater the risk of electrolyte imbalance and thumps.
Also known as synchronous diaphragmatic flutter, thumps looks alarmingly like hiccups in humans — a rhythmic “thump” or twitch of the horse’s flank that often matches its heartbeat. While human hiccups are harmless, thumps signals an underlying electrolyte imbalance that can affect performance and well-being.
The condition occurs when the phrenic nerve, which controls movement of the diaphragm, becomes overly excitable. Instead of responding to signals from the brain, it starts reacting to impulses from the atria of the heart, causing the diaphragm to contract in sync with every beat — sometimes as often as 60 times per minute.
Why Thumps Happens
Electrolyte imbalances are the primary culprit. When horses sweat heavily during endurance exercise, hot weather, or prolonged work, they lose essential minerals
For some horses, adding the electrolyte to their daily concentrate meal or their water is not recommended because if they do not find it palatable, their water or feed intake could decrease. In these cases, an electrolyte might be offered on a freechoice basis; however, this is not the best way to ensure rehydration as it can be difficult to track the intake of the product.
such as calcium, sodium, potassium, magnesium, and chloride. Dehydration, diarrhea, or kidney dysfunction can worsen the loss, while diuretics such as Lasix®, sometimes used in racing, may further deplete electrolytes.
Alkalosis (excessive blood alkalinity) resulting from low ionized blood calcium can cause the phrenic nerve to become hyperexcited, triggering thumps, explains Kathleen Crandell, Ph.D., equine nutritionist with Kentucky Equine Research. Treatment consists of electrolyte replenishment, and if severe enough, intravenous calcium may be required.
Treatment and Prevention
Thumps usually resolves once electrolyte levels are restored. However, the best strategy is prevention. Horses that sweat heavily during endurance events or long rides should receive electrolyte supplementation before, during, and af-
Take Home Message
Dehydration is a serious concern for all horses and can be detrimental to health and performance. Understanding how to prevent dehydration with effective electrolyte supplementation strategies is an important consideration in the management of our horses.
Remember that choosing a well-balanced
By Kathy Smith
ter exercise to replace key minerals lost through sweat. Clinical studies show it is beneficial to administer electrolyte solutions about every 20 kilometres during long-distance races.
Ironically, horses that eat a great deal of alfalfa, which is high in calcium, may have more calcium lost during sweating and experience worse dehydration. Reducing calcium intake a few days before competition can help maintain proper calcium balance. Always ensure access to clean water and encourage hydration.
If thumps persist even after electrolyte replacement, consult your veterinarian. Though usually temporary, the condition can indicate deeper metabolic or organ-related issues. With attentive care and proper nutrition, horses can recover quickly — and stay thumps-free on their next ride.
product and then administering the correct amount in solution is often the best way to both prevent dehydration and rehydrate your horse after losses through sweat. If you have questions about optimal electrolyte supplementation for your horse, consult a qualified equine nutritionist. b
> Madeline Boast is a frequent contributor to this magazine — read her bio on page 102.
With files from FEI, Kentucky Equine Research
Rethinking Safety Culture in Equine Veterinary Practice
How injury, overwork, and a culture of endurance are pushing Canada’s equine vets to the limit.
By Caelan Beard
With an ongoing equine veterinarian shortage in Canada, there’s a concern that equine vets, already stretched thin, are also being injured at work at alarming rates.
A new study by John S.P. Tulloch and colleagues at the University of Liverpool, and CVS UK, a major integrated provider of veterinary services in the UK and Australia, has found that veterinarians tend to downplay their injuries and work through them. In Canada, the veterinary industry may face similarly high rates of workplace injuries — and this could be affecting not just their physical well-being, but also their longevity in the profession.
Grin and Bear It
This largest-ever study on veterinary workplace injuries was conducted with
740 veterinary colleagues, broadly representative of the profession, starting in 2022, and published in Preventative Veterinary Medicine in April 2025. It found that among equine, production animal, and mixed veterinary practices, over 90 percent of clinicians had experienced injury during their careers, and just under half of equine clinical staff reported being injured in the last year.
The most common injury for equine vets was a kick to the leg or head, usually while they were examining distal limbs. Head injuries also occurred not just from being kicked in the head, but from being
kicked hard enough elsewhere on their body that it sent them flying — often into a brick or concrete wall or floor.
Worryingly, the study found that few veterinarians took time off or attended the emergency department when injured. They tended to downplay serious injuries and expressed not wanting to let the rest of their team down by leaving them shortstaffed, especially in small practices.
“We’ve got quotes of individuals that, you know, they’ve broken their foot, and then they’ve just carried on… they’re just going to sort of grin and bear it,” Tulloch said. “You’ve got people working with really quite severe injuries.”
The study highlights a veterinary culture that doesn’t prioritize health and well-being, with attitudes towards injuries as just part of the job.
“When I’ve spoken to people in the field of occupational health who’ve never been involved with the veterinary industry, and they’ve read some of this research, they are absolutely horrified,” Tulloch said. “They can’t believe the culture and attitudes within the veterinary profession. They’ve described it as like the construction industry in the 1970s.”
The 2016 Survey of Equine Practitioners by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) found that nearly four-fifths of them had been injured at work, and that “equine veterinarians commonly continue to work despite injuries.”
Continuing to work with injury could negatively impact recovery and poses additional risks. “We know from injury research that if you work whilst injured, you increase the likelihood that you’re going to get injured again, but also your colleagues [are] going to get injured,” said Tulloch.
In addition to their recent UK study, Tulloch’s team has just finished an international survey, which aims to understand attitudes around injury at equine hospitals worldwide.
There might be differing results within the variety of equine cultures. “The equestrian world in the UK is potentially very different to North America. We don’t
have a tradition of rodeo and western riding sports at all,” he said. Could attitudes among equine veterinarians in North America be even tougher? Possibly. “But my gut feeling is still that it’s going to be quite a hardy attitude generally across the equine veterinary profession.”
Tulloch is also working on a study that looks at injuries among veterinary students. Even early in their careers, students expressed that same hardiness and seemed to view being injured as “almost a rite of passage,” he said.
For some of the students, it’s their dream to go into equine vet medicine, regardless of what the potential risks are, Tulloch explained.
“I don’t think it’s necessarily going to stop them from wanting to pursue those careers initially,” he said. “But I do wonder from the retention side, whether it does stop people staying in the profession.
“You know, if one in 10 individuals, their most recent injury was a kick to the head, that’s not really a great place to be in,” he said. “If someone gets a severe traumatic brain injury, that could be the end of their career.”
And if vets are getting injured and aren’t wearing any form of personal protective equipment (PPE), “there is the potential that there are going to be fatalities at some point.”
Not Enough Equine Vets
Equine veterinarians have been raising the alarm on the critical shortage of equine vets in Canada for years, with the demand for veterinary services growing and veterinary clinics increasingly at capacity.
Horse owners are experiencing long wait times, with some areas — particularly rural and remote communities — entirely without the service of a vet. Meanwhile, equine vets often put in long hours in a profession that can be dangerous and physically demanding; in Canada, the suicide rate among veterinarians is almost three times higher than the Canadian average.
A Veterinary Workforce Research Study, conducted by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association in 2020, called for long-term strategies to grow both the Canadian veterinarian and veterinary technician populations.
The percentage of vet grads from AVMA-accredited universities going into equine practice is 1.3 percent, and research from the AAEP shows that 50 percent of new grads will leave equine practice in their first five years.
Dr. Mike Pownall, an equine veterinarian and co-owner of McKeePownall Equine Services in Campbellville, Ontario, says the equine vet industry has
PHOTO: PAM MACKENZIE
PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK/CHELLE129
There is always risk involved when working around and under horses, and veterinarians typically do not wear any personal protective equipment.
Veterinary practices are businesses, and many operate as sole proprietorships, where a single veterinarian owns and operates the practice and is personally liable for its debts. Combined with a vet’s deep commitment to their patients, this makes taking time off after injury especially difficult.
“a horrible attraction problem, and we have a horrible retention problem.”
The factors for that, Pownall says, include an intensive workload and lower salaries compared to companion animal practice. But “there are a lot of good practices that really offer, you know, work-life balance, reasonable hours, good pay,” he added.
Pownall acknowledges that equine vets and technicians do get hurt. “A lot of us will talk about broken toes, broken legs… I’ve worked through cracked toes.” Still, he’d rather be kicked by a horse than be bitten by a cat, he says. “The cat will cause a lot more problems.”
Keeping People Safe
In the UK, Tulloch’s study has prompted the CVS Equine vet group to mandate PPE for equine teams. That includes requiring veterinarians and vet techs to wear a hard hat whenever they’re working with a horse, pony, or donkey.
Wearing protective headgear at work is not commonplace for vets in Canada — but it’s not unheard of.
One of the vets at Pownall’s practice was hit in the head by a horse and ended up off for two months with a concussion. Now, when that vet is at work and in a position where he’s worried about getting hit in the head, he wears a helmet. “We encourage him doing it,” Pownall says. Yet there can be a lingering stigma within the horse community around doing things outside of the norm. “It’s kind of like when hockey first started mandating face masks and helmets, and the old hires
were like, ‘I don’t need it. I’m fine.’”
While Pownall believes the vet community will inevitably accept changes for safety’s sake, he expects the shift to be gradual. “We as a community need to be not judgmental [but] accepting when somebody decides that their health is more important than what people think of them.”
In the recently published study, Tulloch and his fellow researchers asked vets who had been injured whether they’d change their behaviour if they were placed in a similar situation again. Twothirds said they would go into it in the same way. “They didn’t feel that there was effectively any way that they could have avoided that injury from happening,” Tulloch said. But that’s not true: “Wider injury prevention research would suggest that almost all injuries are preventable… there’s maybe scope for trying to get the veterinary community to sort of reassess how they [evaluate] risk.”
There are a lot of things that vets can do, says Pownall. At his practice, they have vet assistants with the vets every day, so there’s a trained person handling horses during vet work. Veterinarians should also “not be afraid and not be shy about sedating a horse to protect yourself and sedating it properly so you can work on the horse.”
Whether you’re a solo practitioner or part of a team can also make a difference.
Dr. Daniel McMaster is one of the founding members of the Ontario Association of Equine Practitioners, and a recently retired equine veterinarian of 46 years. He
started his career working solo for 15 years; being a solo practitioner is “very difficult,” he says. “They do burn out.”
He was almost going to throw in the towel with his practice, McMaster says. Instead, he started a facility where vets worked for him and handled the work on the road, while he stayed in the office and saw the horses they channelled through. “That extended my career.”
However, not everyone has that option, McMaster says. The startup cost is significant — today, it’s well over $250,000 to set up your equipment, without even counting the physical facility space — and then you must hope people come to you. “Fortunately, they did for many years.”
In his own experience, acute injuries at work were “very seldom.”
He’s only had one injury over the years, and though he’s witnessed other veterinarians get kicked or struck at, he says none were serious.
“Most young veterinarians [who] came through that I was involved with had farm background and rural background, so they were pretty savvy around horses,” he says. “I grew up around horses, so watching their body language and being familiar with their moves… you knew that they were dangerous and that they could hurt you badly.”
He thinks that admission criteria to vet school should have less weight on academic qualifications and more on the practical side. “There’s probably many, many people that come from a city background that have made excellent equine veterinarians… but from what I can see, the ones that have lasted as long as I have, 40 years to 50 years, they have come from a background that was steeped in livestock, in the industry.”
Today, more equine practitioners seem to be forming groups, with central, shared facilities. There’s no simple solution to the equine vet shortage, McMaster says, but getting back to rural backgrounds and having young vets forming allegiances with a couple of other vets to help improve their work-life balance “would probably go a long way.”
After all, when you’re working around animals, there will always be unpredictability, Pownall says. “I don’t think we can ever control that unpredictability… but we can minimize and mitigate the risks associated with it.”
To those who care for our horses: It’s a dangerous job. Take care of yourself. We want you to be around for a while. b
> Please read Caelan Beard’s bio on page 102.
PHOTO: ISTOCK/LACHEEV
Awakening Equine Wellness
The Purica Journey of Precision and Purpose
In 1999, on Vancouver Island, a different kind of animal wellness movement began to take shape. Purica was founded on a belief that natural ingredients, when scientifically formulated, could unlock extraordinary potential for horses and their owners. What started as a simple idea has grown into a 25-year commitment to transforming equine health through precise, science-backed nutrition.
The vision was never to create just another line of supplements. It began with an understanding of the horse’s unique needs at every stage of life — from spirited young competitors to aging companions rediscovering their stride. Purica’s founders recognized that true wellness is more than steady supplementation. It requires synergy between nature and science, anchored in quality and integrity.
A Commitment to Quality that Runs Deep
From its earliest days, Purica took a visionary approach to production. Where most companies relied on feed-grade standards, Purica made the deliberate decision to manufacture its animal supplements in human-grade facilities. This ensures every product meets the same rigorous standards as their human wellness line, offering unparalleled purity, safety, and consistency.
This principle is not a marketing claim; it is a pillar of the company’s identity. Every scoop reflects Purica’s dedication to what it calls “formulating wellness” — the intersection of nature’s intelligence and scientific precision. That same dedication shapes how ingredients are chosen, tested, and blended. From non-GMO sourcing and meticulous quality checks to smallbatch control on Vancouver Island, Purica ensures every product embodies their promise of uncompromising care.
The company’s manufacturing process also reflects its Canadian roots. Each supplement is crafted in the Cowichan
Valley, allowing Purica to oversee every stage of production. The result is complete traceability and a consistent standard of excellence that has earned the brand trust across stables, veterinary practices, and equestrian communities throughout North America.
Proven Formulas, Guided by Science
Purica’s equine philosophy comes to life in the Renewal and Recovery lines. The Equine Renewal formula combines 10,000 mg of Glucosamine HCL and 11,000 mg of MSM with carefully balanced minerals and nutrients for everyday joint support. Designed for daily maintenance, it helps horses stay strong, resilient, and ready to perform.
For more advanced joint care, Equine Recovery Extra Strength builds upon the Renewal foundation. With the addition of 200 mg of Hyaluronic Acid and a potent blend of antioxidant-rich ingredients such as grapeseed extract, it supports horses that need higher levels of repair and mobility assistance — whether recovering from strain or performing at peak levels.
Each product is designed as a complete system rather than a list of isolated ingredients. This multi-ingredient approach ensures horses receive layered support for joints, muscles, connective tissue, and circulation. It reflects the precision and depth of formulation that define Purica’s difference and align with the brand’s reputation for scientific excellence.
The results tell their own story. Veterinarians have reported remarkable improvements in horses of all kinds — from seniors regaining
mobility to rescued horses rediscovering comfort. Performance riders speak of consistency, recovery, and endurance, framing Purica not as a supplement but as a cornerstone of equine care.
The Purica Promise: Awakening Wellness from Mane to Tail
At its core, Purica’s purpose is about more than nutrition. It is about connection — between owner and horse, science and nature, and wellness and performance. The company’s tagline, Awakening wellness from mane to tail, captures that vision perfectly.
For horse owners, whether caring for a retired partner or a show-ring champion, Purica offers reliability rooted in trust, knowledge, and compassion. Every formula represents decades of refinement and research, built to honour the complexity of equine health.
As Purica looks to the next 25 years, its mission remains true: to create wellness solutions that combine natural wisdom with scientific precision, allowing horses to live not just longer, but better. When science meets nature with care, extraordinary things happen — and that is the essence of the Purica promise.
Complete Joint Care for Every Horse
From foundational daily support to advanced recovery formulas, Purica Equine delivers proven Canadian-made joint care trusted by professionals nationwide.
Choose Renewal for essential maintenance or Recovery Extra Strength for championship-level performance—both crafted on Vancouver Island using human-grade ingredients and manufacturing practices your horse deserves.
How to Find & Keep a Good Farrier 10 TIPS
By Lynn Fleury CJF, AJFC
Most horse owners have found themselves in the position of needing a new farrier at some point in their life. Depending on where you live, finding a farrier can be a struggle, and keeping one coming back can be even harder. A decade working in the farrier industry has given me valuable insight into the problems that owners and farriers commonly face when trying to maintain a working relationship. I have put together a list of 10 quick tips to help owners form a great relationship with a professional farrier.
FINDING A FARRIER
1 Certifications — Because the farrier industry is not regulated in North America, there is a large disparity in the quality of work being done by farriers. When looking for a farrier, it can be difficult to know whether they're providing an acceptable standard of work. Both Canada and the US have voluntary certifications for farriers who choose to become certified. When starting your search for a farrier, looking for one who has completed any level of certification is a great start. Although there are several excellent farriers who have never
PHOTO: CLIX PHOTOGRAPHY
achieved certification, when you have no knowledge of a farrier’s skill level, certifications give you peace of mind that the farrier has been tested to meet a minimum standard.
2 Farrier Associations — All farriers have the option to become a member of a local farrier association. These associations provide educational opportunities for their members, as well as publish information for horse owners on many farrier-related topics. Many of these associations will provide a list of farriers and their certification level for horse owners to search for a farrier in their area. These associations include the Western Canadian Farriers Association (WCFA), Ontario Farriers Association (OFA), Association des Maréchaux-Farrants du Quebec (AMFQ), and the American Farriers Association (AFA).
3 Farrier Competitions — Farrier competitions are another avenue that some farriers use to continue their education. These competitions allow farriers to showcase their work to highly qualified farriers and receive feedback on areas that need improvement. Similar to certification, competitions are not required to become a good farrier, but you can be sure that a farrier who competes is striving to become better and improve their skills.
4 Communication of Expectations — There are almost as many styles of shoeing as there are types and disciplines of horses in the world. Different farriers will specialize in different styles, so it is important to find a farrier who matches your discipline and the type of horses you own. When speaking with a potential farrier, be honest about your horses, their lifestyle, and your riding goals.
5 Word of Mouth — The most common and arguably the best way to find a farrier is through word of mouth. Asking the horse people around you who they use is an easy way to find a farrier who will match your needs. Even if the farrier does not have room in their schedule for your horses, most will have a list of qualified farriers who are accepting new clients and will be happy to pass that information along.
Farrier associations provide educational opportunities such as hands-on clinics, lectures, and demonstrations.
Example of a shoe display required to pass the forging portion of the AFA Certified Farrier Exam.
PHOTO: CHAD LAUSEN
PHOTO: LYNN FLEURY
KEEPING YOUR FARRIER COMING BACK
6 Provide a Clean, Safe Work Area
As a horse owner, you expect a high quality of work from your farrier, but there are several factors that affect the ability of a farrier to do a good job. A flat, well-lit work area out of the elements and free of clutter is a requirement. Farriers do understand that not everybody has access to a barn, but if weather conditions do not allow for a dry, mud-free work area it is reasonable to expect that your appointment will be rescheduled. In regions where the weather can be bad for a large portion of the year, finding a barn to haul your horses to may be a better option if you are not able to provide a safe work area at home.
7 Well-Behaved Horses
One of the most common reasons a farrier will not return to a client is misbehaved or poorstanding horses. A horse that moves around, jerks a foot away or exhibits unsafe behaviour, such as kicking, is a huge danger to the farrier. These types of behaviour cause excess strain on the farrier’s body during what is already a physically demanding job. An injury can cause a farrier to lose income or even end their career. Training your horse to stand well and willingly pick up their feet is an essential skill for any horse owner. If a horse cannot be trained to allow their feet to be safely handled, sedation for hoof care may be the only safe option.
8 Staying on a Schedule Different farriers run their scheduling in different ways, so it is important to ensure that you can work with your farrier to stay on schedule. Clients who are constantly rescheduling appointments at the last minute are a huge problem for farriers. Not only is it difficult to work the horses back into the schedule, but cancellations also affect the business’s bottom line. Though farriers do understand that occasionally an appointment will have to be rescheduled, it is important to find a farrier whose schedule works with your lifestyle to avoid last minute cancellations or rescheduling.
9 Pay Your Bills on Time A major problem that will cause a farrier to remove a client from their schedule is not being paid in a timely manner. As a business owner, late payments severely affect a farrier’s ability to keep their business running and pay their own bills
Farrier competitions are a great place for farriers to have their work judged by others and to work with other farriers to improve their skills.
PHOTO: ROB GORMLEY
A horse should be expected to stand quietly without jerking feet away or moving excessively.
on time, and chasing down late payments is a huge time commitment. While each farrier may choose to handle billing differently, being paid on time should be expected of every client.
Communication Communication between a horse owner and their farrier is a very important and often overlooked aspect of a client/farrier relationship. As a horse owner, you should feel comfortable speaking to your farrier and asking any questions you may have. If you are having issues with your horse, or have questions about their hoof care, the farrier should be your first source of information. There is a massive amount of misinformation floating around on the internet and among other horse people, so it is important to know that your farrier is a trusted source for professional and educated information.
At the end of the day, you as a horse owner are the one responsible for the health and well-being of your horse. By doing some research and finding a trusted professional to provide excellent hoof care, you will be setting your horse up for success and a long, healthy life. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and do your research to ensure your horse is receiving the best care possible. b
> Lynn Fleury is a member of the WCFA. Read her bio on page 102.
SAFE WINTER RIDING
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FROM Grassroots TO Grand Prix
Like many other equestrians who have been active in sport over the last few decades, no one needs to tell me twice that our sport is waning like the water supply in a mid-summer drought. Local venues are becoming scarce, big sponsors have fallen off the grassroots scene almost completely, and the costs of participation along with everything else keep climbing. Added to that is the increasing conversation regarding equine sport’s social license to operate hanging like a guillotine over the heads of equestrian competitors across the globe. These factors accelerate the general public’s opinion of equestrian sport as
being elitist and inaccessible, preventing lifelong equestrianism for many before it ever gets the chance to blossom.
If you’re like me, you may be used to hearing phrases along the lines of… Why don’t you just travel out of province? or There are only a few “A” shows in the region now — that’s why my barn goes down to California or Florida for three months each year!
Yet, we seldom hear long-term, practical, and sustainable solutions or community planning to save our local sport. There seem to be no solutions put forward for those of us who will have to quit if the costs keep hiking and the venues keep dwindling.
How rebuilding public engagement can revive the future of equestrian sport.
By Valerie E. Leighton MA Social Justice and Human Rights, EC Registered Coach
Where do the grassroots, rural-based equestrians go with this trend? How do we, as a national equine community, reclaim our spirit and power before we disappear into history’s quiet stable?
For my undergraduate education, I had the privilege of traveling with my horses across Canada, from Nova Scotia to Alberta. That opportunity opened my eyes to how our sport has grown in some areas while diminished in others, from the grassroots to the elite. It also provided me with a few insights into areas within sport that make or break the success of active competitions — a subject which has become exponentially more
Remember when you were that horse-crazy kid who wanted a pony more than anything in the world? Hope at the grassroots level clears the path for future Olympians to gallop all the way to the podium.
important in the wake of the postpandemic national economic downspin.
The first thing I noticed when showing in Alberta was the absolute barrage of sponsorship compared to the Maritime Provinces — every single piece of equipment in use at competition venues is sporting a sponsorship logo. And the gear available at vendor booths usually falls into one of two categories — upscale chic or farm folk rustic. This is a combination many equestrians wear with pride. Yet grassroots level in most regions simply doesn’t draw in sponsors like the big names, and even the larger shows are often limited to sponsors with deep and longstanding connections to the sport. How often have you attended a show and noticed a familiar family name in the prize book or on the championship cooler, or an equine family’s non-horsey business logo? I notice this almost every time I attend an event. This is deeply intertwined with my next observation.
The second thing that immediately got my attention in Alberta when competing at top venues like Spruce Meadows and
PHOTO: ISHUTTERSTOCK/ ANZHELINA
The perception that equestrian sport is elitist and inaccessible does nothing to ignite the public’s passion for it.
Rocky Mountain Show Jumping was the high volume of foot traffic. More foot traffic means a larger audience, attracting better vendors and more sponsors, which then leads to better facilities and incentives for competitors. But how do we build up local viewership at the lower levels? In what areas is the sport lacking, causing it to be less accessible to public viewership?
Let’s face the facts. Hunters, to the average Joe, can be boring at best and downright frustrating and confusing at worst. Jumpers may seem a bit more exciting, but without proper guidance on the rules or course tests, lower-level rounds can blend together and seem a bit drab or tactless. Add the decay and disarray of local and grassroots competition venues to the mix and you have a recipe for the sport’s slow demise.
In summary, the equine industry is currently heavily reliant on existing social networks and deeply entrenched traditional systems to stay afloat.
PHOTO COURTESY OF VALERIE E. LEIGHTON
This is coupled with the fact that the industry itself is becoming increasingly niche, and further away from a time when horses were regular parts of daily life. The public barely sees horses unless on a screen, and generally views equine sport as not a sport, period. If we, as an industry, wish to keep growing, that growth needs to come from the grassroots level up, rather than from the top down. If we lose grassroots equestrian sport, we’ve lost the battle for our social license to operate before ever even getting a true chance to defend our greatest love. Horse sport will simply be deemed pay-to-play and unattainable.
What makes other sports more palatable, even with their big costs of operation? A big part of what makes other popular sports palatable to the public is the ability to put yourself in the shoes of your favourite athlete, to believe that with enough grit and talent anyone can achieve greatness. The financial factor is important in all sports but tends to be the focus in equestrian sport, due to hyper-fixation on the cost of care and fancy equipment rather than the effort required by athletes and their mounts.
My solution? To pull in fresh eyes, we need to be driving the conversation within public media. We need to distribute meaningful and impactful education regarding horses, athletes, and sport to the public. People can’t endorse or fall in love with things they simply don’t understand. This kind of public engagement doesn’t look like typical sponsorship sourcing; it means informational packages, community Q&A events, class specifications and rules posted for the public when advertising events, and enthusiastic announcers who cater to the audience’s understanding of the class. Accessibility to information goes an incredibly long way when growing an industry. This also presents great opportunities to bring in local speakers, small businesses, and equine services as educational tools for public engagement initiatives. We need to give the public reasons to love horses and be hyped up for equine athletes just as we equestrians are when we see their first-place ribbons and podium finishes. No more “gaitkeeping” — make equestrian sports more open, engaging, and relatable to the public so they can connect emotionally with the sport and its athletes. It’s time to let the public fall in love with horses, too.
Some of you might be thinking: Okay, you say the industry is at a post-pandemic inflection point and that we need to act now — but how? And why is it on us to make the public care about horses again? If that’s you, maybe it’s time to hunker down and binge a little Heartland — to wake up that horse kid inside who once wanted a pony more than anything in the world.
Better access to events and real competitive incentives — like prize money that actually covers the cost of showing — don’t just attract new riders. They build a stronger, more sustainable industry fueled by
something we can’t afford to lose: Hope Hope is what makes young athletes dream big. Hope at the grassroots level clears the path for future Olympians to gallop all the way to the podium.
My hope is for a future where rural equestrians of every background can dream without fear, and where no young rider grows up afraid of aging out of the sport. A future where our equestrian connection through sport can truly be nurtured for life. b
> Please read Valerie E. Leighton’s bio on page 102.
HORSES WITH JOBS
By Li Robbins
People often say, “a horse needs a job,” as though life as an equine couldn’t be complete without trotting into the office occasionally. Historically, horses really did take on essential work, from carrying soldiers into battle to driving the gentry around town (as anyone who’s watched The Gilded Age knows.) Even in our own times, when horses are less necessary for most human activities, they’re still sometimes pressed into service. Of course, it helps if a horse is wellsuited to their assigned occupation. So, before recruiting a horse for any of the following positions, consider some of the necessary qualifications.
A Patient Teacher THE SCHOOL HORSE
There may be no horse job more integrated into 21st century life than that of the school horse. School horses are the first equine teachers for many of us, and if you learned to ride aboard one as a child it’s likely you still remember that horse’s name. In the case of this writer, it was “Shadow,” a fuzzy black pony who possessed one of the key qualities a school horse must have, described as “the patience of a saint” by Sue Iwan, co-owner of Toronto Equestrian North in King City, Ontario.
“A good school horse is the most valuable horse a rider will ever ride,” says Iwan. “They should be versatile, a real all-rounder, have a good brain and disposition. They must be as safe as is possible, reliable, predictable, and
well-trained. And they must be over five years of age.”
While it’s true that one of the chief jobs of school horses is to tote around beginners, school horses may also be required to be “scalable,” accommodating more advanced riders as well. Horses at Toronto Equestrian North, for example, sometimes take part in schooling shows, or carry their students on hacks and around small cross-country courses. That said, school horses are not usually asked to jump much more than two-foot fences for the horse’s sake.
“Riding schools appreciate the workload their school horses carry and are committed to managing that load for the sake of the horse’s health and longevity, so higher jumps are rarely an option,” notes Iwan.
While Iwan says she’s proud of their entire herd, it’s true that some horses are
PHOTO: ALAMY/MANFRED GREBLER
We always remember our first equine teacher, the
that introduced us to joy
better suited than others to life as a school horse. She singles out a 20-year-old Quarter Horse named Coal as an example of a “quintessential” horse for the job.
“Coal is kind, a ‘more whoa than go’ ride, talented, safe, able to take an absolute beginner or an advanced rider,” says Iwan. “He’s a great teacher, a stickler for correctness, and an invaluable asset in teaching the art of turning and leg aids.”
Level-Headed & Confident
THE QUADRILLE HORSE
Quadrille is sometimes described as “horse ballet” since, like dancers in the corps de ballet, the horses and riders execute demanding patterns that require impeccable timing and control. As a result, when performed at a high level both ballet corps and equine quadrille showcase the beauty of synchronized
Twenty-year-old Quarter Horse, Coal, has all the attributes that make him ideal for his job as a school horse.
school horse
of horses and riding.
PHOTO:
PHOTO: SASHA LOUBERT
bodies in motion.
Ridden quadrille began in 17th century Europe and was performed at extravaganzas known as carrousels, which also featured mounted military competitions in between the equestrian ballet. Quadrille was used to mark significant occasions, such as weddings and coronations, and to heighten other dramatic arts; a horse ballet might follow the performance of an opera.
Today, quadrille can be both a demonstration event and a competition, famously so at the Challenge of the Americas in Wellington, Florida, where elite international riders participate in dressage quadrille as part of a breast cancer research fundraiser. The event began in 2002 and was founded by Mary Ross, who says that the Grand Prix Quadrille Team Challenge requires many months of horse and rider practice. She describes the quadrille horses as “rockstars,” noting that as well as requiring an appropriate skill level, the horses also need a particular kind of temperament.
“I believe the biggest challenge would be the horse’s ability to stay focused on the task at hand,” says Ross. “The atmosphere at the Challenge of the Americas is very electric. With all the excitement in the air it can be difficult for a horse to stay focused. A confident and secure rider-horse
The Grand Prix Quadrille at the Challenge of the Americas in Florida features elite dressage riders and is part of a fundraiser for
The Alberta Quadrille features gorgeous Friesian horses hitched to elegant two-wheeled carriages.
breast cancer research.
PHOTO: SUSAN J STICKLE
PHOTOS: MARK MUILWIJK
relationship is very important to a successful quadrille performance.”
The success of a dressage quadrille horse is not breed-dependant, but Ross suggests that highly sensitive and hot horses are probably not the best candidates for the role. Even calm horses may perform better in one spot in the quadrille team than another — some as lead horses, some in the middle, some bringing up the rear.
“Quadrille horses must be comfortable working in close contact with other horses and having horses coming towards them and having horses crossing closely beside them,” says Ross. “It’s also important that the horses’ scopes of movement are compatible with each other.” There is at least one instance when a specific horse breed is required for quadrille, and that’s Friesian horse quadrille. It originated in the Netherlands and was transplanted to Alberta six years ago with the formation of the Alberta Quadrille, whose first performance was during the Friesian Horse Association of North America’s (FHANA) 35th anniversary celebrations. Modelled after De Fryske Quadrille in the Netherlands, the Alberta group drives pairs of Friesians harnessed to “sjees,” which are elegant two-wheeled carriages. While the Albertans got their start with a pattern designed in part by the Netherlands group, today their own coaches create ever more complex patterns honed through real-life practice.
Although Friesians are required for the Alberta Quadrille, Alberta Friesian Horse Association board member and Friesian horse breeder Annie Muilwijk says that no
matter the breed, there is a connection between ridden and driven quadrille. “A few members of the group had been members of ridden quadrilles and that certainly makes a difference,” says Muilwijk. “A quadrille is teamwork and paying good attention to the other drivers is a must.”
Good teamwork between horses and drivers has clearly paid off for the Alberta Quadrille, which won the FHANA’s “Social Distancing Virtual Show” competition during the COVID-19 pandemic and has been in demand ever since for live performance. Whether ridden or driven, quadrille horses must be level-headed, patient, and tolerant of other horses in close proximity. However, Friesian quadrille ups the ante — to be a candidate for that job requires having the classic Friesian horse look, featuring those spectacular long manes and feathers.
Delivering Joy
THE MINIATURE THERAPY HORSE
When two fluffy-forelocked Miniature horses named Romeo and Ziggy first showed up at a senior’s residence in California, it wasn't just the residents who were moved to tears, but also the Minis’ handler, who happened to be actor Daryl Hannah. She was so affected by how people responded to the little horses that she cried too, as she told NBC news.
Closer to home, Dana Johnston, based in Vankleek Hill, Ontario, is keenly aware of the impact a Miniature therapy horse can have. When she goes into nursing homes with His Nibs, her 31-inch brown-
and-white pinto, “it really puts a smile on people’s faces,” she says.
“Sometimes it prompts memories, people sharing stories of their own horse pasts,” says Johnston. “As one woman told me, you have no idea how much pleasure you bring with you when you come in with that little horse.”
Not just for pleasure, these visits have potential therapeutic results. “Engaging in Miniature horse therapy activates cognitive, social, and physical functioning,” states the American Miniature Horse Therapy Association (AMHTA), noting that visits with therapy animals can result in lower anxiety and blood pressure levels, and increased mental stimulation.
The rise in popularity of Miniature therapy horses is relatively recent, according to the AMHTA, which credits the development of social media platforms for helping therapy horse handlers to connect and share knowledge. Those connections have helped the number of Miniature horses in animal-assisted therapy to grow exponentially.
Johnston can attest to the importance of online resources, having watched many YouTube videos of therapy horses in action as well as taking an online course before she enlisted Nibs. She already had an inkling he might be suited to the role, given his love of people, an essential quality for a therapy Mini, according to the AMHTA. When Johnston began bringing Nibs home for backyard visits with local children, they clustered around him to brush and pet, and Nibs was unflappable and sweet.
The Alberta Quadrille performing at the Ponoka Stampede.
PHOTO: K. SHIPLEY
As well as a gentle personality, a Miniature therapy horse must also be extremely calm when surrounded by people. Accordingly, Johnston took Nibs to outdoor markets and walked him around town (sometimes with a wheelchair) before he ever set hoof in a nursing home. Part of a Miniature therapy horse’s brief is being able to navigate safely in small indoor spaces — that and an acceptance of touch, since you can be sure that wherever a horse like His Nibs goes, people will reach out for pats.
Smart and Skilled THE ON-SCREEN HORSE
It’s difficult (if not impossible) to imagine movies and television without horses. After all, an entire film genre — the Western — literally could not exist without them. Of course, there are also movies having nothing to do with cowboys that depend on the power of horses, from the many film versions of Black Beauty to the iconic movie, The Black Stallion. Or should we say stallions, plural? Although an Arabian named Cass Ole was the primary equine actor in the 1979 film, there were three look-alikes that portrayed him in scenes for which his personality was not suited. While all screen horses need to cope with the intensity of lights, camera, action, not all are appropriate for every scene or role; something Jason and Bronwyn Irwin, who’ve trained horses for television, movies, and commercials, know firsthand.
“Horses may be asked to perform highenergy scenes, and so a horse that has the
PHOTO: ADAM IRWIN
Kate rears on cue for Bronwyn Irwin.
A Miniature therapy horse must be extremely calm and love people. Dana Johnston visits seniors with His Nibs, who is greeted with many smiles and pats, and seems to enjoy his job of delivering joy and prompting happy memories.
PHOTOS: JANE KINGSBURY
ability to bring more power to the scene might be required,” says Bronwyn Irwin. “A horse that’s working directly with an actor may have a quieter personality, so they’re easier to be handled by anyone. No matter which role the horse has on a production, they must be safe and welltrained to handle the job.”
For higher energy liberty work (the Irwins’ horses specialize in liberty and tricks) the horses not only need to be patient, gentle, and safe, but their skill set also has to include things like rearing on cue or running to a mark.
“It takes a very smart and skilled horse to be able to be set loose on set surrounded by all of the personnel, equipment, and then perform a big action by taking cues from a trainer who is about 20 feet or more away,” says Irwin. “This type of performance horse has to be trustworthy and trusting of the trainer. This is really
Jason and Bronwyn Irwin with Holly, Chief, and Kate — horses they have trained to perform for television, movies, and commercials.
The Irwins and two of their equine stars performing on Canada’s got Talent in 2023.
PHOTO: ADAM IRWIN
PHOTO: CANADA’S GOT TALENT CITY TV
A Versatile Pony Breed with a Unique History &
The Newfoundland Pony evolved over hundreds of years as the working animal of Newfoundland settlement adapted to its circumstances and use, guided by near-natural breeding.
Known for its perseverance and strength, trainability, and willingness to work, it has an easygoing and child-friendly temperament. Used today in riding, driving, and showing, as well as as a sport pony, it is also an excellent candidate for equine therapy.
Look at our website for more examples and family trees of this fine animal on interactive Lineage Report.
the ultimate equine performer.”
Although the Irwins are proud of the adaptability of all their horses, they single out a Paint named Chief as being extraordinary at his job. Irwin recalls a last-minute scene change in one movie shoot that required Chief to walk down a muddy hill, stop, look around, and then run from zombies who were chasing him. Chief did the scene in three takes with several camera angles — under lights in the middle of a barnyard.
“He really didn’t put a foot wrong and wasted no time to perform his scene even with the changes,” says Irwin. “He listened to all of the cues we gave him and put a lot of effort into it. When a horse is at liberty in such a big situation it really shows how clever they are and how much trust they have in us to perform their role even when there are so many things happening around them. Chief is really a once-in-a-lifetime horse to allow us to experience such cool things."
Sure-Footed Sniffers
THE SEARCH AND RESCUE HORSE
If you’ve ever added a new supplement to your horse’s feed only to have the horse refuse even a bite, you’re well aware of horses’ keen sense of smell. Although there is limited research on the olfactory capabilities of horses, it is known that smell is a horse’s primary means of recognition. Their sensitive noses enable them to do things like gather information
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Bronwyn Irwin describes Chief as “a
horse.”
PHOTO:
ADAM
IRWIN
about individual horses, for example — the reason your horse may take such an interest in sniffing other horses’ poo.
Humans have capitalized on horses’ superior sniffers for centuries — some accounts indicate that Indigenous Peoples used horses to scent buffalo herds. Today, mounted search and rescue (MSAR) operations put horses’ air scenting abilities to good use. One of those organizations is the not-forprofit “Ontario Mounted Special Service Unit” (OMSSU), a civilian mounted patrol which does air scent tracking to locate lost people, livestock, and products. Not all horses will be good at the job though, says Captain Jen Ellins, the OMSSU’s lead MSAR and air scent trainer.
“Some horses simply have no interest in air scenting, or they get bored too easily to go through the training,” says Ellins. “Typically, a horse that is naturally curious about its surroundings does well.”
Training is incremental, starting the horse in a small area with scent
MSAR riders Josie Rawlings (left) and Jen Ellins.
PHOTO: CINDY FURTHER
rags and rewarding the horse when the rag is touched by the horse’s nose. Over time the rags are moved farther afield, but the progress of each horse is unique, and Ellins notes there really is no “one size fits all” when it comes to training a horse to air scent. Air scenting is also only part of the job description for most MSAR horses.
“MSAR horses need to be good trail horses to start with, sure-footed on different types of terrain and able to cross water and bridges,” says Ellins. “They also need to be able to split off from the herd,
since although we usually stay in pairs, sometimes it’s necessary to go around a dense area of bush or a small body of water. These are some of the qualities we would look for in a good candidate.”
Given the extensive territory an MSAR horse may need to cover, it’s important that the horse has a high level of fitness and a healthy curiosity in the world at large. When an MSAR horse chooses to pay attention to something specific, the human should take note; as the saying goes: look where the horse looks.
Ellins’ own horse, Ty, has been
they trust you and you trust them.”
involved in a number of searches in recent years, and she praises him for always doing his best. “It never ceases to amaze me what a horse will go through if they trust you and you trust them,” says Ellins. “He will push or pull trees out of the way and cross kilometres of underwater trail up to his belly where he’s never been before. He has no idea what the ground is like under the water; he just trusts that I do.” b
> Li Robbins is a regular contributor to this magazine – read her bio on page 102.
MSAR Captain Jen Ellins with Ty, a horse that always does his best. “It never ceases to amaze me what a horse will go through if
Make Goal Setting Work For You Become the Rider You Aspire to Be
By Annika McGivern, MSc, Sport and Exercise Psychology
“I’m not really a goal-setting type of person. I just want to ride and enjoy my horse. Goals make it stressful. There’s no point — so much is out of my control.”
Sound familiar? Many equestrians quietly sidestep real goal setting, telling themselves that goal setting doesn’t work for them. This avoidance often comes from unconscious thinking errors such as fear of failure, perfectionism, or not believing that you have any real control over your results. For many, the simple process of setting a goal can feel overwhelming and even deeply uncomfortable. However, the truth is that well-crafted goals don’t make riding more stressful; they make it clearer, more motivating, and more rewarding for both
horse and rider. Goal setting can be an exciting process that supports confidence and skill development.
Let’s look at goal setting in equestrian sport, why riders often avoid it, and practical ways to start using goals to accelerate your progress without sacrificing fun along the way.
Common Reasons Why Riders Avoid Goal Setting
1 Fear of Failure: You’re scared of not achieving your goals. Fear of failure and perfectionism are well-established barriers to goal setting in athletes. For many riders, the thought of setting a goal is quickly followed by the thought: But what if I can’t do it? There’s something very vulnerable about making
goals “real” through a goal-setting process. Now other people know your goal and will know if you’ve failed or succeeded. Riders worry about letting down their families, coaches, and horses. They worry about the impact of feeling like they’ve failed. Will they stop believing in themselves? What does it mean to fail at something we have worked so hard to achieve? These thoughts can be overwhelming, and riders may conclude that it’s safer not to set a goal at all and to just “see how it goes” because this way, they can’t fail… right?
2 External Locus of Control: You don’t believe goals change anything. The more external your locus of control is — in other words, the more you believe your outcomes are ultimately outside of your control — the less likely
you are to set goals for yourself. This mindset makes you think that your success or failure is determined by factors such as the judge’s opinion, the arena footing, the weather, or your horse’s mood on the day… you get the idea. Thinking this way makes setting goals seem pointless.
3 Low Self-Efficacy and Self-Worth: You don’t believe in your ability to achieve your goals.
Research shows that people with low confidence in their ability to learn and achieve things (low self-efficacy) and/or a low assessment of their value as a person (low self-worth) are less likely to set challenging goals or to set any goals at all. Self-worth protection theory suggests that people avoid activities where they could be evaluated and fail, which may seemingly confirm their low self-worth and self-efficacy. I see this in equestrian sport when a rider who doubts their ability avoids goal setting to protect themselves from feeling incompetent if those goals don’t come to fruition. The frightening thought of being evaluated as a bad rider can influence riders to play small and not take on challenges.
Why is This a Problem?
At first glance, avoiding goal setting may appear to be a legitimate way to approach riding with less stress, less pressure, and more fun. In my experience, the problem is that many riders who avoid goal setting struggle with fear of failure, perfectionism, external locus of control, and low selfworth and self-efficacy regardless. What is especially interesting is that even riders who prefer not to state their goals out loud usually have some sort of standard or expectation they are aiming for or measuring themselves against. I find that riders who don’t formally set goals are more at risk of holding themselves to vague, unrealistic expectations and feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, and not good enough when those expectations inevitably can’t be met.
Goals help us to be more structured, intentional, and mindful in our approach to growing our skills in the saddle, regardless of whether those goals include competition. Regularly setting goals will help you challenge and outgrow your fear of failure and perfectionism by forcing you to get good at managing mistakes. Goals help you focus on the things you have control over and build your selfefficacy and self-worth as you observe
your progress and ability to learn. When we learn to stop fearing mistakes, understand what parts of the puzzle we can control or influence, and see our ability and worth as riders clearly, riding really does become less stressful and more fun. I believe that riders can achieve this faster when they use goal setting as a tool rather than avoiding it.
How to Overcome Barriers to Goal Setting
1 Change your mind about what goals represent.
The purpose of setting a goal is not simply to achieve it (yes, you read that correctly). If someone believes that goals are only meaningful if they are achieved, they are far less likely to set them. The real purpose of a goal is to direct and focus effort on moving us forward toward our full potential. The amazing thing about goals is that even if the specific goal you set is not achieved, you are better off for having set and strived for that goal than if the goal had never been set in the first place. This is true because doing so will have developed your skill, ability, knowledge, and confidence. The real benefit of goals is that they move us forward, guiding our growth and progression in a way that is intentional and aligned with what we truly want to improve.
2 Set process goals to support your outcome goals.
Outcome goals are the results you hope to achieve — such as a clear round, a certain percentage, or a championship title. These types of goals are useful for defining the challenges you are working toward. Process goals are focused on how you will go about achieving those outcome goals — such as committing to riding six days a week, working on your mental skills to stay calm after mistakes, developing your seat by riding without stirrups, and building your relationship with your horse. Process goals also capture the type of rider you want to be, regardless of whether those outcomes are achieved — such as making continual improvements at being calm, patient, positive, and focused in the saddle.
3 Create a process that works for you.
A quick online search will reveal many different goal-setting models, tips, and strategies, which can be overwhelming. Where is the best place to start?
Here are a few research-based tips to keep in mind when starting goal setting or
refining an existing goal-setting process. Be as clear and specific as possible: Vague goals are ineffective at directing our effort. The more you can add detail to what you are aiming for or working on, the more easily you will be able to progress. The clearer the goal, the deeper our understanding of what we are trying to achieve.
Start small: Instead of overwhelming yourself with a list of 25 goals, start with one outcome goal and one process goal. When you achieve the first process goal, add a couple more. Building this habit slowly will support confidence and help you feel a sense of achievement early in the process. Take time to notice and celebrate the micro-skills and improvements that happen along the way. Doing so increases motivation, confidence, and enjoyment.
Write down your goals and share them with a trusted partner: Both steps make your goals real, create opportunities for reflection and feedback, and increase accountability and follow-through. Revisit and adjust regularly: Things can change over time, and you can flex and adjust your goals to change with them. When you review and adjust goals you practice flexibility and help yourself see the value of the goal-setting process instead of becoming overly fixated on the outcome.
Support your goals with mental tools: Use simple yet effective mental tools such as visualization before your ride, positive self-talk after mistakes, and breathing exercises to manage fear or frustration. Riders with well-developed and practiced mental tools tend to have more fun working toward their goals.
At the end of the day, there’s no avoiding the uncertainty and vulnerability that accompanies setting real, tangible goals and sharing them with the people whose opinions we value. But, if you are willing to accept some vulnerability and embrace the uncertainty, setting goals will help you progress toward the rider you aspire to be — and are fully capable of becoming. Along the way, goals will help you build confidence, resilience, and motivation. The clarity, energy, and feeling of growth and achievement that comes from goal setting is worth it. b
> Annika McGivern is a frequent contributor to this magazine — read her bio on page 102.
Nova Scotia’s Pony Express
By Tania Millen, BSc, MJ
Shortly after 5 pm on Wednesday, February 21, 1849, a lone rider galloped from the pier in Halifax, Nova Scotia west towards Digby, 232 kilometres (146 miles) away on the east coast of the Bay of Fundy. He carried a highly sought-after news packet that had arrived just moments earlier by the Cunard Royal Mail steamship Europa, from Liverpool, England.
Travelling 29 kilometres per hour over hill and dale in all weather, our rider changed horses about every 20 km. Halfway to Digby, he passed the allimportant news packet to a second rider at Kentville, Nova Scotia. Together, they completed a total of 12 stages with 12 different horses, travelling the entire
distance in just over 11 hours. It was the first of many hell-bent Pony Express rides that occurred over the next nine months.
Once riders delivered the news packet to Victoria Beach near Digby, it was transferred to a ship that raced west across the Bay of Fundy to Saint John, New Brunswick. There, a telegraph
operator used Morse code to send the news south to Calais, Maine and onward to Boston and New York by electric telegraph wires.
The technology of the day could only deliver messages about 200 km, and each section of the single-strand wire was owned by a different company. So, about every 200 km the messages were transcribed by a telegraph operator and then retyped in Morse code and sent onwards. Regardless, short messages could be delivered from Saint John to New York in an hour or two. Longer Associated Press messages of about 3,000 words took three or four hours to transmit. Even at that rate, the Halifaxto-Saint John route utilizing Pony Express horses was about 12 hours faster
When News Travelled at
than steamships travelling directly from Liverpool to Boston.
Liverpool, England — at the time, a global port at the centre of the Industrial Revolution — was considered the “New York of Europe.” It’s still the home of the Grand National steeplechase that first ran at Aintree in 1839. It was also the centre of the slave trade, a financial centre, and could dock over 100 ships. Since Halifax is the closest port to Liverpool, mail ships that serviced North America arrived in Halifax.
Speeding up the transfer of news from Halifax to Saint John was the brainchild of Halifax’s Joseph Howe, publisher of the Novascotian newspaper. The route didn’t have telegraph service, and Howe thought he could speed up the transfer of
Joseph Howe is one of Nova Scotia’s most well-known public figures. He was a journalist, publisher, politician, premier of Nova Scotia, and the lieutenant-governor of Nova Scotia. He was charged with seditious libel, which was punishable by life imprisonment. He defended himself in court and was subsequently acquitted, largely due to his spectacular oration skills. His case was instrumental in gaining freedom for the press.
Howe’s statue was erected in 1904 on the grounds of Province House in Halifax, 100 years after his birth. Province House is where Nova Scotia’s legislative assembly has met every year since 1819.
news by utilizing horses and riders.
By 1835 there were over 1,200 newspapers serving the American population. Much like today, information about politics, trade, business, and who’s doing what, was incredibly important to the wealthy and politically astute. The first to know was the first to benefit, hence newspaper presses paid handsomely to receive news quickly. The presses that could print important news the quickest sold the most papers and were successful businesses.
The Canadian merchant class (businessmen), politically active, culturally interested, and those with agricultural investments, all wanted news, too. As printing became cheaper, presses became independent from their
political benefactors and could criticize government policies. The concept of an independent press evolved, and newspapers sought to drive change.
Mail steamships arrived in Halifax about every two weeks and could dock at any time of day or night, so the Express riders and 12 fresh horses had to be ready to start their ride at any time in any weather. News to the east-central provinces of Canada was primarily delivered by stagecoach from Halifax — the galloping Pony Express riders delivered news to America.
The second Pony Express ride began on Thursday, March 8, 1849, after the arrival of the steamship America, and only took eight hours and 27-and-a-half minutes to complete — two-and-a-half
Route of Nova Scotia’s Pony Express
the Gallop
PHOTO: ALAMY/JC LEACOCK
hours faster than the original ride. This time, competing papers hired rival teams. The British Colonist newspaper in Halifax reported that two pony expresses — one team hired by Associated Press members from Philadelphia, New York, and Boston; the other hired by American businessmen — left the city “travelling at a rate of speed that is, we believe, unprecedented.”
One of the couriers broke his stirrup
when crossing the Avon River bridge and “was thrown from his horse with such force, that he lay insensible for some time.” Regardless, he reportedly remounted and finished the ride with one stirrup, arriving at Digby within two-anda-half minutes of the other rider.
On March 10, 1849, The Acadian Recorder (newspaper) of Halifax considered this second Express ride to be “the longest and fleetest, if not the most
The 1976 bronze statue of a Pony Express rider and his horse by sculptor Thomas Holland is a tourist attraction in Old Sacramento State Historic Park in Sacramento, California, USA. The monument at 2nd and J streets marks the western terminus of the historic cross-country mail route that began in 1860 and ran from St. Joseph, Missouri, to Sacramento. The 1,900mile (3,058-kilometre) trip took 10 days and required 80 riders, 400 horses, and 184 Pony Express stations along the way. This remarkable mail service ended after only 18 months due to the completion of America’s transcontinental telegraph.
AMERICAN PONY EXPRESS
Canada’s little-known Pony Express occurred 11 years before the better-known 1860 American Pony Express used relays of riders to transport mail between Missouri and California. During its 18 months of operation, messages sent by Pony Express travelled between the east and west coasts of the United States in about ten days. The galloping riders became the most direct means of east–west communication before the first transcontinental telegraph was completed on October 24, 1861. Once the faster telegraph was built, the Pony Express was no longer needed and went bankrupt.
exciting race that was ever run in this country.” It was subsequently reported that the second ride helped the news travel between Halifax and Saint John in a speedy 15 hours.
Interest in the Pony Express grew, and it became news in itself. Riders were hired from both Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. Spectators came out to watch the riders gallop by at great speed. Stables that lined the route reportedly took excellent care of the horses. Regional newspapers provided updates on the Pony Express trips.
The third Pony Express run collected the news packet from the steamship Canada, and left Halifax at 11 pm on Thursday, March 15, 1849, travelling horridly slick and muddy roads. The mud-encased horse and rider met the steamer Commodore the following morning and the news packet arrived at Saint John a mere 15 hours and 30 minutes after departing Halifax.
By April 1849, the trip from Halifax to Saint John had become very efficient. The Royal Mail steamship Europa took only nine-and-three-quarter days to reach Halifax while the Pony Express riders helped the news arrive in Saint John 15 hours and 20 minutes later — an impressive 10-anda-half days from Liverpool.
From May through September, mail steamships arrived in Halifax every week and Pony Express horses and riders efficiently delivered the news packets in eight- or nine-hour trips. The Pony Express trip from Halifax to Saint John and south by telegraph was routinely faster than ships travelling directly from Liverpool to Boston.
But the Pony Express route wasn’t a permanent answer to efficient news transport. While the riders galloped, construction of an overland telegraph line from Saint John to Halifax continued.
The last run of the Nova Scotia Pony Express was made on October 2, 1849, carrying European news brought by the Royal Mail Steamer Canada, which had departed Liverpool 10 days earlier on September 22.
Once the telegraph line was complete, the nine-month Nova Scotia Pony Express was obsolete and news from Europe made it to Boston and New York within a few hours of ships arriving in Halifax.
Over 100 years after the last Express ride, Reverend George McGray, Chairman of the 800-member Eastern Stock Horse Association in Nova Scotia, organized a commemorative Pony Express ride from
PHOTO: ALAMAY/GRIMM
Today, visitors to Victoria Beach, Manitoba, the western end-point of the Pony Express ride, will find a memorial plaque installed by the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, commemorating the Pony Express.
In English and French, the plaque states: Between February and November 1849 a pony express was employed to carry despatches containing European news from the steamer port at Halifax to Digby Gut, whence they were shipped to the telegraph station at Saint John, and relayed to the press of the American seaboard cities. The Halifax Express covered the 146 miles in as little as eight hours, with fresh mounts supplied en route and rider changes at Kentville. This successful system, financed by the Associated Press, was superseded after nine months by the extension of the telegraph to Halifax.
Digby to Halifax. In 1973, 14 riders rode a section of the Pony Express route, completing the ride in 20 hours. The ride ended at the start of Halifax’s Joseph Howe Festival, a week-long event that attracted up to 20,000 people. The festival ran from 1973 to 1985 in honour of the legendary Joseph Howe’s achievements: winning freedom of the press and promoting responsible government in Canada.
In 1999, Nova Scotia riders again reenacted the Pony Express trip in honour of the 150th anniversary of those hell-for-leather rides.
Today, visitors to Victoria Beach — the western end-point of the ride — will find a memorial plaque commemorating Nova Scotia’s Pony Express. Although those flat-out rides occurred 176 years ago, the need to transport news quickly still exists, albeit at speeds far greater than the Pony Express riders could ever have imagined.b
> Tania Millen is a regular contributor to this magazine — read her bio on page 102.
Horse property with a 3397 sq ft custom post and beam 3 bed/3 bath home and dovetail log cabin. 3-stall barn, plus 2 stalls for minis/goats, with heated slab floor, and 128 sq ft hay barn. Chef’s kitchen, heated slate floors, suite/office with full bath and laundry. Private setting with pond and gardens on a well-treed property.
Riding Success With or Without a Trainer
By Lindsay Grice, Equestrian Canada coach and judge
Competitive and non-competitive, some horse owners choose to lean on a professional; others choose to do their own work. Those who opt for a trainer trust the leg-up afforded by a professional’s experience and oversight. Yet, in the age of YouTube, doing it yourself versus enlisting a professional has become a big thing. Do-it-your-
self amateur riders are often self-reliant, frugal, or simply find joy in every aspect of their relationship with their horses.
There are variations on these themes. I’ll share examples of riders for whom I’ve trained horses, coached, worked with at riding clinics, or known in the horse community.
Some years ago, I changed gears — from running my farm home base, training horses, and coaching up to 15 riders and their horses at shows — to a coaching-onthe-road model. I now meet riders at their home base for lessons and clinics. I also meet riders via video lessons. Mostly, I meet riders where they are in life. Do it yourself, hire a pro… or something in between?
PHOTO COURTESY OF LINDSAY GRICE
Whereas in my previous training practice I was catering to riders whose goal was the show ring, now the riders I coach have a variety of horse interests.
RIDER A. Sheila keeps her horse at her trainer’s farm. The trainer rides the horse five times per week. Sheila takes a weekly lesson and practices twice per week after work. At the horse shows, her trainer prepares Sheila’s horse and coaches Sheila, outlining a pre-class strategy and a postclass debrief. Why does this fit for Sheila? With a busy career and results-oriented mindset, Sheila finds fulfilment in competition and in setting and achieving goals. She has little extra time in her life to devote to daily horse care, preferring to leave that responsibility to a professional.
RIDER B. Robert boards his horse at a nearby stable. His coach arrives weekly to teach him and his wife a lesson. They trailer their horses to several local shows during the summer, and their coach schedules training tune-ups for the horses a week or two before the first show and as needed during the season. Why does this fit for Robert? With two horses in the family, full-time training doesn’t fit the budget for Robert and his wife. And showing more than a few weekends doesn’t fit their family goals.
RIDER C. Barb keeps her horse at home Though she has no aspiration to compete with her horse, she does value honing her abilities as a rider and teaching her horse new skills. By attending clinics, she’s discovered new ways to enjoy her horse and new training techniques; when she gets stuck, she trailers to a coach she respects to take a lesson. Why does Barb choose this option? She values the relationship with her horse and the process of riding and training more than competition.
Though I do recommend seeking professional input in some form for amateur riders, how much input varies according to experience, preference, and budget. There are benefits and drawbacks of each model.
The Benefits of Leaning on a Professional
WISDOM. As a trainer, having learned what works and what doesn’t from my experience with hundreds of horses has shaped a training system and philosophy of working with horses that I can pass on to others. In consulting a professional about an issue, a rider doesn’t have to
If your goal is to be quickly and consistently in the winner’s circle, full-time training is a sound investment. If you find satisfaction in the process of training your horse more than in achieving results in the show ring, doing it yourself may be the way to go.
Experimenting on your own has its value. In training horses on my own, I learned to really think for myself — to problem-solve; to come up with a Plan B.
PHOTOS: PETER BRUCE
reinvent the wheel. If your goal is error-free training — an easier option on your horse — the input of a trainer whose system you respect is worth the investment.
TIMING. Knowing when to push and when to wait is a skill acquired, often by mistakes. I’ve learned from pushing a horse through and asking for more when I should have waited. I’ve learned that a horse in a tense or confused state of mind doesn’t learn. On the other hand, there are times I could have pushed a horse or stretched a rider beyond their comfort for more effective progress. Teaching includes testing. Riders benefit from a professional with a good sense of how and when to test.
REFLECTION. A coach is a mirror. In watching you ride and observing your horse’s response, a coach is your eye on the ground. When I coach, I speak back to the rider telling them what I see, choosing words as descriptively and simply as I can. I ask questions the rider may not think to ask. I point out strengths and inconsistencies, moments when their communication to their horse clicks and when it clashes.
PERSPECTIVE. As a coach, I value putting the successes and failures of riding lessons and horse show classes into perspective. Both are learning opportunities.
• The horse’s perspective: It’s easy to get so caught up in our equestrian goals, we lose the perspective that horses don’t share our goals. I help my students grasp that horses can be agreeable participants in achieving our goals if we appreciate the science of horse behaviour and learning — by delivering our aids clearly and thoughtfully.
• Life perspective: Though wins spur us on toward the next chance to ride or compete, when all a rider sees is the
A good trainer communicates their techniques clearly to the horse owner. In fairness to your horse and to get the most from your training budget, the take-home value from sending your horse to training camp is to replicate the language your professional speaks to your horse.
PHOTO: PETER BRUCE
Those who opt for a trainer trust the leg-up afforded by a professional’s experience and oversight.
mistakes, a coach helps them consider the “next times.” Seen through a larger lens, even a slump is just a detour on life’s road: This too shall pass. Good coaches teach life lessons alongside riding without stirrups. When the dust has settled and the rider is ready to receive it, I try to help my student see the humour in the oops moments. RESOURCES. On a practical note, a professional has all the stuff that comes with their farm and their profession:
• A peer group: Fellow riders to chat with and practise with; equestrians on the same journey, guided by the same training philosophy.
• Tack: A library of bits to experiment with; equipment to try before you buy.
• Good footing: An outdoor ring and possibly an indoor arena.
• A horse trailer: Even for the non-competitive, having access to ready and experienced transportation to get to trails, a horsemanship clinic or even a vet clinic is a bonus.
The Benefits of Doing It Yourself
• Developing your eye. I have learned so much by watching horses. I’ve studied them in the pasture interacting with their herd mates, from the hub of a lunging circle, from the saddle, and from the horse show ringside. An observant rider, overseeing the day-to-day care of her horse, learns to recognize equine body language and subtle gait irregularities. She notes the positive or negative effects of feeding changes and farrier adjustments.
• Developing your feel. It’s hard to deny that experimenting has its value. Personally, some of my greatest gains as a horsewoman have come from taking a concept I’ve acquired in reading or from a respected professional and experimenting at home until I’ve adapted it into my program. I’ve sure made mistakes nonetheless, but success comes from taking risks and sometimes failing. I’ve learned through trial and err or to evaluate measured risks as those 80 percent likely to succeed.
• Independent thinking. As a young rider I’d learned to ride a course, often stride by stride, through my coach. Outside leg! More pace! It was in training horses on my own that I learned to really think for myself, problem-solve, and come up with a Plan B.
• Fitness. If you want to develop a secure position as a rider, putting more miles in the saddle is the way to go.
• Tools and tech available. These days, technology makes it easier to ride without a coach. With a wealth of published equine research and online video tutorials, information is a click away. Every smart phone has a video camera, and you can recruit even the non-horseperson in your life to capture your ride. Not many of us enjoy watching ourselves on video but if we can get past that, we’ll glean the benefits of seeing something for ourselves and make specific changes.
Some Drawbacks of Riding Independently
SLOWER PROGRESS. As a self-reliant rider, you may reap the benefits of all your hard work later than your trainer-hiring competitor. Your progress may be slower, and you may have more bumps along the way. Though prudent to be budget
conscious, consider that it can be false economy to do all the training yourself. A skilled professional has learned over time and from working with a variety of equine personalities to avoid mistakes in timing and technique that slow down a horse’s education. Misjudgments in training, particularly with green horses, can cause things to get worse before they get better.
OVER PRACTICING. Riders with a strong work ethic, competitive nature, or simply a love of spending time in the saddle may be inclined to do too much of a good thing. Simply logging miles on the training odometer is a sure road to a sour horse. Rehearsing repeatedly in the warm-up ring without a wise professional suggesting it’s time to quit can mean leaving all the best jumps and spins in the practice arena. As a coach, I’m mindful of the balance between what benefits the rider and what benefits the
horse. Unlike bikes or boats, the tools for equestrian sport live, breathe, and think!
Qualities of a Good Professional
If you opt for the input of a coach or trainer full- or part-time, here are some features to look for:
COMMUNICATION. A skilled trainer may not be a gifted riding coach. Nevertheless, they should be able to communicate their techniques clearly to the horse owner. In fairness to your horse and to get value from your training budget, the takeaway from sending your horse to training camp is to replicate the language your professional speaks to your horse.
KNOWLEDGE. A good horseman must have a working knowledge of equine behaviour, welfare, and equine learning theory. They won’t be stuck in the rut of tradition — it’s always been done this way but rather, will train or coach according to how horses learn best.
FLEXIBLE. When encountering a roadblock or behavioural issue, they’ll try another approach or break down a lesson into simpler steps. Good coaches have a plan B or C in their pockets if plan A doesn’t solve the problem. They’re flexible, within reason, to meet their clients’ schedules and learning styles.
SUCCESSFUL. A good professional may not necessarily be in the winner’s circle but has had good and lasting results with multiple horses and riders time after time.
Should you recruit the help of a trainer or the guidance of regular coach? Among other considerations, mull over whether you enjoy the day-to-day management of horse ownership as much or more than the goal setting and anticipation of competition. Do you find satisfaction in the process of training your horse more than in achieving results in the show ring? Independent riders may glean more pride from the perseverance called for in having done it themselves — the long hours, wet saddle blankets, and familiarity with every aspect of their horse’s care.
If your goal is to be quickly and consistently in the winner’s circle, fulltime training is a sound investment. Weigh the options or perhaps come up with a part-time compromise that works for you and your family. b
> Lindsay Grice is a regular contributor to this magazine — read her bio on page 102.
A coach is a mirror. In watching you ride and observing your horse’s response, a coach is your eye on the ground. Good coaches teach life lessons alongside riding. When all a rider sees are the mistakes, a coach helps them consider the “next times.”
PHOTO COURTESY OF LINDSAY GRICE
An Icelandic Horse performing the gait the breed is best known for, the smooth four-beat lateral gait known as the tölt. The footfall pattern is the same as the walk (left hind, left front, right hind, right front), but the tölt can be performed at a range of speeds.
After many years as a dressage instructor and trainer, I received a phone call requesting help for an unlikely candidate an Icelandic mare whose natural gait had disappeared, replaced by a shuffling amble-like movement. Little did I realize how many other gaited horses — from Foxtrotters to Tennessee Walkers — would soon follow.
Dressage, as it turned out, helped these horses regain, or sometimes discover for the first time, the smoothness that had originally attracted their owners. Despite the potential for easy, fluid gaits, many had become jarring to ride or had lost the correct footfall defining their unique patterns. Instead of a tölt or foxtrot, they performed a pacing movement that created stiff backs, weak hindquarters, and tense bodies. In this state, many also became intermittently unsound or high-strung.
My first ride on the Icelandic mare felt disjointed and jostling, much rougher than most trotting horses. Yet within a few weeks of dressage basics, she began to find her four-beat tölt again, and I felt the exhilarating but comfortable movement for which the breed is sought after.
Drawing on more than a decade of working with gaited horses in clinics, the
following dressage concepts and exercises have proven most effective. To clarify: The goal is not to make an Icelandic or Standardbred look or move like a Dutch Warmblood, nor is it necessary for them ever to enter a dressage arena. They also do not need to trot unless their rider chooses. Dressage, at its core, develops the horse’s physical ability, balance, and confidence. Some define it more specifically as cultivating strength and suppleness. That is exactly what we aim to apply to gaited breeds, and it can be done entirely in the walk, natural gait, and canter.
Why Dressage Works
From an exercise physiology standpoint, dressage improves the following qualities that determine how smoothly and correctly horses use their bodies, regardless of breed or discipline:
• Back function. Activating spinal stabilizers allows the horse to transmit power from the hindquarters more smoothly. At the same time, postural control improves as tension in the topline decreases when core muscles provide stability.
• Muscular symmetry and joint alignment. Minimizing one-sidedness evens stride length and stabilizes rhythm, especially in intermediate gaits. Balanced muscular
development reduces overloading of individual limbs, a contributing factor to irregularity of the intermediate gaits.
• Neuromotor patterns. Movements requiring fine motor control enhance the horse’s entire nervous system. The results are better foot placement, fewer stumbles, steadier rhythm, and improved posture under the rider.
A 13-year-old Rocky Mountain mare named Stella began stumbling so severely on the trail that her owner grew worried about her own safety. After committing to proprioceptive routines during her warm-ups for three weeks, Stella’s tripping diminished to only the rare and occasional toe-catch. Her owner later reported that if she skipped the warm-up routines for a few consecutive weeks, Stella began tripping regularly again.
Building the Benefits
Dressage does not require exclusive practice but does require consistency. Riders can still pursue trail rides, breed shows, or obstacle challenges, but two short dressage sessions per week will noticeably smooth out rough gaits. Strength adaptations, however, take time. Neural adaptations occur within two to four weeks, meaning muscles
PHOTO: ALAMY/MANFRED GREBLER
become more efficient at recruiting fibres. But visible strength — actual cross-sectional fibre enlargement — requires at least six weeks of consistent work. This is when riders begin to feel changes that are measurable and lasting.
Back Function
The following can be done at the walk and preferably using a snaffle-type bit.
1 Adjustability walks: Develop a purposeful walk on a large circle. Alternate 20 strides in a working frame with 20 strides on a loose rein; repeat. This teaches horses to manage their posture. Ideally, as reins lengthen, the horse relaxes its neck and stretches the topline outward. Frequent changes of frame while maintaining rhythm help release back tension.
2 Narrow ground poles: Place four to six poles, spaced about two inches shorter than your horse’s stride (typically 2.5–3 feet or .76-.91 metres apart). Asking the horse to shorten its step over the sequence encourages lifting the base of the neck and engaging core muscles.
I used the narrow ground poles exercise several times a week with Joe, a Foxtrotter. Quiet by nature, Joe lacked hindlimb engagement, and his intermediate gait was often unclear, or he preferred to trot. Walking the narrow ground poles helped him step more actively with his hind legs, which we eventually translated into his intermediate gait.
Muscular Symmetry
These exercises equalize hind-leg engagement and side-to-side balance. Focus on accuracy and patience; slower is better.
1 Turns on the forehand: Both hind legs should step equally across. From behind, the horse should form a clear “X” with its legs. Many horses step correctly in one direction but take short, non-crossing steps in the other. Keep the neck straight in front of the chest excessive lateral bending negates the benefit.
2 Balanced figure-eights: Horses tend to push their hind legs out behind them during turns to evade bearing extra load. To counter this, ride calm, accurate figure-eights that encourage drawing the hind legs forward under the body. Initially, it might even help to stop the horse completely each time you reach the middle of your figure-eight. Prioritize geometry and rhythm.
ALL CORNERS LIFTED ON RISERS
Neuromotor Patterns
Hindquarter muscles need varied stimuli to develop both propulsion and load-carrying capacity. They must be strengthened with exercises that target each of these roles.
• Walk-to-gait transitions with poles: Set four poles in a box shape. Ride through it while transitioning between walk and intermediate gait every 15 strides. This pattern challenges locomotor muscles while preventing hypertension by keeping postural muscles activated (see Figure 1).
• Canter transitions: Even if the canter is imperfect, transitioning in and out repeatedly loosens the lower back, flexes the sacroiliac joint, and tones abdominal muscles that draw the hind limbs forward under the body. Time spent in canter greatly helps horses flex and carry weight on the hind limbs.
Arrange a box using four ground poles with the corners of the box lifted on risers. Now ride a variety of patterns over and through the box — cloverleaf, circle around each corner of the box, figure eight.
For gaited horses, dressage is not about changing identity but about restoring or preserving soundness, balance, and ease of movement. By targeting back function, symmetry, and neuromotor control, riders can help their horses carry themselves efficiently while producing the smooth, correct gaits their breeds are celebrated for. As of writing this article, I am working with a student whose Tennessee Walker took his first few canter steps in many years last week! His owner had given up, even though she knew he was plenty athletic. After using the exercises above to relax his back, he was able to find — at least momentarily — the mechanics of canter. As we build on this, he will continue to unlock smooth and agile movement in all his gaits. b
> Jec A. Ballou is a regular contributor to this magazine — read her bio on page 102.
FIGURE 1
Riding Pattern Suggestions:
A Tennessee Walking Horse performs three distinct gaits, the flat walk, running walk, and canter. Shown is the flat walk, a brisk, long-reaching walk at from four to eight miles an hour, with each of the horse’s feet hitting the ground separately at regular intervals, and the horse nodding its head in rhythm with the cadence of its feet.
Simple Ways to
Through Curiosity, Connection & Choice Enrich Your Horse’s Life
By Alexa Linton, Equine Sports Therapist
If you’re reading this, chances are you have a special horse (or two) in your life and are curious about enrichment — how to make their world more stimulating, playful, and fulfilling. My goal is to bring those two worlds together: your love for your horses and the concept of enrichment. With the right ideas, you can make their daily lives more interesting, movement-rich, and deeply worth living.
What Is Enrichment and Why Does It Matter?
Enrichment is simply “the action of improving or enhancing the quality or value of something.”
In our horses’ environments, enrichment means creating conditions that promote curiosity, engagement, and well-being — in other words, a better quality of life.
If you board your horse, you might wonder if this applies to you. I’m happy to say it absolutely does. Even within the structure of a boarding facility, you can introduce creative, enriching elements — from simple additions like treat balls to more thoughtful changes that encourage movement and choice. There are always possibilities.
The Three C’s of Enrichment Curiosity, Connection and Choice
When planning any enrichment, I ask myself three key questions: Does it encourage curiosity? For instance, does it involve one of your horse’s senses — smell, touch, taste, or sight?
Does it promote connection? As I’ve shared in past articles, social connection is the most powerful form of enrichment. When possible, let horses live together. If full herd living isn’t an option, look for alternatives: safe fence-line interactions, hand walks or trail rides with horse friends, or group grass turnout when conditions allow.
Does it allow choice? Giving horses the ability to choose between options — whether types of forage, water, footing, or activities — increases their sense of autonomy and satisfaction.
Next, we’ll look at different ways to create enrichment. This list is only the start — your imagination is the limit. (I also follow the account @enrichingequines on Instagram for fun ideas and inspiration.)
Forage and Food
The Easiest Way to Start
One of the simplest ways to introduce enrichment is through food and forage. Many of my favourite ideas mimic how horses would naturally graze and explore in the wild.
• Offer multiple slow-feed hay nets in different areas of their space, ideally with different types of hay. This encourages movement and gives your horse the freedom to choose. Hang hay nets on trees, stumps, and even toss them on the ground to
Hand walks add variety and novelty.
imitate grazing. If boarding, ask your barn manager if you can store your own low-sugar hay or straw to use in slow-feed nets around the paddock.
• Add small amounts of horse-safe branches and leaves (willow, alder, elder, apple, pear) or medicinal herbs (comfrey, mullein, mint, sage, lemon balm, oregano, nettle, raspberry leaf) to a lower-use area of the horse’s space. This mimics how horses would naturally graze in the wild — eating not just grasses, but branches, plants, herbs, and much more. If you don’t feed forage 24/7, keep amounts small to ensure your horse isn’t eating the plants because they are hungry or stressed. You can also grow herbs outside their living space and take your horse there on “grazing walks.”
• Provide various types of salt blocks, loose salt, and even a bucket of salted water.
• Build a scent-based rock pile. Tuck treats like apples, carrots, or herbs into the rock pile to encourage sense of smell and curiosity.
• Try a hay or treat ball to make feeding time more interactive.
• Set up a water buffet, offering two to five buckets with different salts, herbs, and supplements. My favourites are magnesium, spirulina, and green clay. Watch your horse make their own choices! For herbs, make a tea using boiling water, let steep for eight to ten minutes, then fill the remainder of the bucket with
Playful Percherons at McFeetors Heavy Horse Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
PHOTO: ALAMY/KEN GILLESPIE PHOTOGRAPHY
PHOTO: ALEXA LINTON
PHOTO: ALEXA LINTON
Create various watering and feeding stations.
A salt block and scratching station.
Different types of footing will encourage confident, coordinated movement.
cold water. To prevent horses from tipping the water buckets you can hang them or nest them inside old rimless tires.
• Add logs, stumps, or driftwood to their living space. Many horses enjoy nibbling on them for nutrients, plants, lichen, and beneficial microbes.
• Allow access to some dirt or mud. Horses instinctively seek certain soils to replenish minerals and microorganisms.
Freedom of Movement Enrichment in Motion
Movement is life for horses. Yet in many facilities, feed, water, and shelter are close together — giving horses little reason to move. With a few adjustments, you can encourage exploration and exercise.
• Foster social living. Horses are herd animals. Living with others supports physical, emotional, and social health. My article Safe and Sensible Equine Herd Integration (in this magazine’s Autumn/Winter 2024 issue, and on www.HORSEJournals.com) offers step-bystep guidance when introducing horse friends.
• Reconfigure the space. Use temporary fencing of plastic posts and fencing tape to create pathways or zones that require horses to travel between hay, water, and shelter. Add a temporary short fence to the middle of the turnout area and leave large gaps at each end to allow horses to move easily between areas. If living with other horses, this fence line boundary also encourages rest. Even small shifts can add hundreds of steps a day.
• Vary the footing. Horses experience a whole world through their hooves. Adding areas of sand, different types of gravel, hog fuel, shavings, mud, or dirt will increase sensory feedback and their connection to the earth, while helping them improve balance, sure-footedness, circulation, and mental calm.
Back-scratching friends.
PHOTOS: ALEXA LINTON
• Add natural obstacles to the paddock. Logs, poles, pedestals, rimless tires, sand, and small or large mounds (hills are the best) stimulate proprioception — your horse’s awareness of where their feet and body are in space — improving coordination and preventing injury. Horses will start to use the paths they find interesting, and if not, they’ll add steps to their movement every day to go around them.
• Create grooming and scratching stations. Mount old brushes or curry combs on a post or wall at scratching height or make use of trees and stumps.
• Expand available space whenever possible, and add good footing to encourage confident, full-body movement. We often get nervous about our horses galloping, but allowing freedom of movement can support them to be more agile and coordinated.
• Vary your routine. Beyond arena work, include hand walks, trail rides, or grazing sessions in new areas to add variety and novelty. Hand walks are a great way to increase connection and movement and create more choice and curiosity. Use these walks on non-riding days and allow your horse to choose the path, sniff, and explore different types of footing to build confidence, connection, and curiosity.
Enrichment as a Path to Joy
Ultimately, enrichment is about making your horse’s life more enjoyable — more curious, connected, and fun. No matter your setup or budget, there are always creative ways to offer variety, freedom, and choice. Start with one idea and watch how your horse responds. With a little imagination, you’ll soon discover that enriching your horse’s environment enriches your own life, too.
> Alexa Linton is a regular contributor to this magazine. Read her bio on page 102.
Fundamentals of
Equine Photography
How to Photograph Horses in Motion
Article and photos by Shawn Hamilton, Clix Photography
Have you ever looked through your photos after shooting your friend barrel racing, show jumping, or galloping across a field — only to find they’re all blurry? Or perhaps you’ve wondered why professional horse show photographers at ringside use those large, heavy lenses. Capturing a crisp photo of a horse in motion requires several factors to work together, and understanding those fundamentals can make all the difference.
My article in the previous issue (and on www.HORSEJournals.com), Fundamentals of Equine Photography: Portrait and Conformation, covered the basics of preparing your subject, lighting, aperture, and depth of field for portrait and conformation shots. In this segment, we’ll build on that foundation to explore how these same principles apply to action — how to capture that perfect moment of a horse suspended in midair, cutting sharply around a barrel, or galloping full stride through the open field.
A shutter speed of 1/1000 was necessary to stop these fast riders and horses in the Indian Relay Races at the Sheridan Rodeo in Wyoming. An aperture of f/6.3 allowed for a deeper depth of field to keep many of the racers in focus. An ISO of 500 was necessary even in the bright light of the day due to the small window or aperture necessary to increase the depth of field and keep a fast shutter speed.
A shutter speed of 1/500 was enough to stop Gustavo on Aguijón (Sting) cantering in the water at Rancho las Margaritas in Mexico.
A shutter speed of 1/800 stopped this cute colt in full gallop. An aperture of f/4.5 kept some flowers on the same plane as the foal in focus, blurring out the ones in the foreground and background.
When shooting a rider from straight on, a smaller aperture increases the depth of field keeping both the horse and rider in focus. This image from Rancho las Margaritas in Mexico was shot at an aperture of f/5.6.
Shutter Speed
The shutter speed determines how long your camera’s “window” is open to let light reach the sensor or film. Think of the aperture as a window with curtains: when the curtains open, light floods in. The length of time those curtains stay open is controlled by the shutter speed.
Now imagine there’s a horse running through a field outside that window. If you open the curtains for several seconds, you’ll see the horse move across the field. If you only open them for a split second, you’ll freeze a single moment in time — perhaps mid-stride or mid-jump. The same is true for your camera: it only records what happens during the time the shutter is open.
Shutter speed is measured in seconds or fractions of a second. For example, 1” means one full second, while 1/250” means one two-hundred-and-fiftieth of a second — fairly quick, but not fast enough to stop a running horse. To freeze equine motion, start around 1/500” or one five-hundredth of a second or faster, adjusting for the horse’s speed. The faster the shutter, the sharper your image will be.
Many cameras offer a “sport mode” that automatically increases the shutter speed for motion. Some smartphones also include a Pro Mode or allow manual control through third-party apps. It sounds simple: just increase the shutter speed to freeze action. However, the faster the shutter, the less time light has to reach the sensor — so you need enough light in your environment to compensate.
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To capture a horse in motion over a fence, a high shutter speed is necessary. This image of Tiffany Foster and Verdi III at the 2014 FEI World Equestrian Games was shot at a shutter speed of 1/1250 at an aperture of f/5.6, a less shallow depth of field allowing for both sides of the fence, as well as the horse and rider, to be in focus but still blurring out the spectators.
Aperture
The aperture controls how wide that “window” opens when the shutter lifts. It’s measured in f-stops — for example, f/4 means the aperture is one-quarter the focal length of the lens; on a 100mm lens, that’s a 25mm-wide opening.
A wide aperture (low f-number, such as f/1.4, f/2.8, or f/3.5) allows in more light, which supports faster shutter speeds. That’s why it’s much easier to photograph fast action outdoors on a sunny day than in a dim indoor arena. Even with the aperture fully open, your image is only as bright as the available light — unless you add flash.
Lenses
Your lens dictates how wide the aperture can open. A 50mm f/1.4 lens, for instance, opens to about 35.7mm — wide enough to let in lots of light. By contrast, lenses limited to f/3.5 or f/5.6 restrict that light.
Many zoom lenses also vary their maximum aperture: they may allow a wider aperture at the shorter focal length but close down the aperture at the longest. This is why professional photographers often use those large, heavy lenses at horse shows — they’re designed for action and offer large apertures at long focal lengths, allowing for faster shutter speeds at longer distances.
LEFT: This is the size of the aperture or window that allows light through on a 50mm lens at f/5.6; 50 divided by 5.6 is 8.93 mm.
CENTRE: This is the size of the aperture or window that allows light through on a 50mm lens at f/2; 50 divided by 2 is 25mm.
RIGHT: This is the size of the aperture or window that allows light through on a 50mm f/1.4 lens wide open. Aperture is a fraction of the focal length, so on this 50mm lens at its widest opening at 1.4, the opening is 50 divided by 1.4, which is 35.7 mm.
This shot of Selena O’Hanlon and Columbo at Rolex in 2009 stopped them in motion at a shutter speed of 1/1000th of a second using an aperture of f/8.0, increasing or widening the depth of field so that the entire log fence would be in focus. A 2.8 aperture would have allowed more light in but would have blurred out the front and back of the log.
If you’re just starting out, a 70–200mm f/2.8 lens is a versatile and reliable choice for action photography. It maintains a wide f/2.8 aperture opening all the way from 70mm to 200mm, allowing more leniency for faster shutter speeds at distances.
Depth of Field
Depth of field (DOF) is the zone of sharpness in your photo, or how much of the image, front to back, appears in focus. Aperture directly affects this: the wider the opening, the shallower the depth of field — meaning what is focused on will be sharp but what is in front or behind it will be somewhat sort or blurred.
Sports photographers often use shallow DOF to keep attention on the horse and rider, blurring out distracting backgrounds. However, when shooting straight on, a very shallow depth of field can be tricky. Focus on the horse’s nose at f/2.8 and you might find the rider slightly out of focus.
This Canon 100mm to 400mm lens has a maximum aperture opening of 4.5 at a focal length of 100mm, and a maximum aperture opening of 5.6 at 400mm.
An aperture of f/6.3 was used here to increase the depth of field and keep all the horses in focus as they ran across the field at Bonnie View Farms.
A bright sunny day at Grandview Horse Trials allows for a high shutter speed of 1/1000 at a low ISO of 100.
With an ISO of 4000 a shutter speed of 1/400 was obtained to stop The Wranglers Drill Team in action at Road to the Horse 2025. With an aperture of f/5.6, most of the flags are in focus.
The equestrian events at the 2008 Olympic Games in Hong Kong were primarily scheduled for the evening when it was cooler. An ISO of 1600 was necessary here in order to stop Eric Lamaze and Hickstead in motion at a shutter speed 1/500. An aperture of f/4.0 allowed both horse and rider to be in focus, but the back rails of the jump are soft.
To keep both horse and rider sharp, narrow the aperture (use a higher f-number) to increase the depth of field. But remember, doing so reduces the light entering the lens, which limits your ability to use fast shutter speeds. That’s where ISO comes in.
ISO
The International Standards Organization (ISO) is the standard measurement of light sensitivity to film or to the sensor. Increasing ISO makes the sensor more responsive, allowing for faster shutter speeds even in dim light. However, it also records less information, which can result in graininess or “noise” and make the image less sharp. Modern cameras and editing software can reduce this effect, but it’s still best to use the lowest ISO possible for your lighting conditions. Many cameras can automatically adjust ISO; this is convenient, but be aware that higher settings will affect image quality.
The Photography Triangle
The Photography Triangle is the relationship between aperture, shutter speed, and ISO — three settings that constantly affect one another. Adjusting one means compensating with another. There’s no special formula; it’s about deciding what matters most for your shot.
• Do you want to freeze motion? Prioritize fast shutter speed.
• Need more light? Open the aperture or raise the ISO.
• Want sharp focus throughout? Close down the aperture but be ready to adjust the other two.
Mastering this balance takes practice, but once you understand how these three elements interact, you’ll have the creative control to handle any lighting or action scenario.
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In order to capture Lorenzo with this poor lighting at the 2014 FEI World Equestrian Games, an ISO of 10,000 was necessary to get a shutter speed of 1/400 at f/2.8. One can see that this resulted in noise or graininess of the image.
At f/8.0 the depth of field is somewhat deep, allowing for more of the surroundings to be in focus.
Rules to Remember
• A fast shutter speed (1/500 or faster) stops motion.
• A wide aperture (low f-number) lets in more light, allowing faster shutter speeds but reducing depth of field.
• A higher ISO can compensate for low light but may introduce grain or noise.
Final Thoughts
I hope this article helps shed light on the finer points of equine action photography. The next time you’re ringside or in the pasture, experiment with different combinations of shutter speed, aperture, and ISO. Understanding the photography triangle — and how each setting affects the others — will help you capture those magical split-second moments that showcase the power, grace, and speed of the horse.
Grab your camera, head to the arena or open field, and give high-speed photography a try. You might be surprised by what you can capture when everything clicks. b
If you have questions about equine photography, you’re welcome to contact me:
> Shawn Hamilton is a frequent contributor to this magazine — read her bio on page 102.
The next issue of Canadian Horse Journal will explain more about focus modes, composition, framing, and scenics with horses.
Love of Horses
Depicting the Human-Horse Bond
Celebration of Horses PHOTO CONTEST Album of Winners
WINNER
Lamont Summer Sizzler Rodeo
The smiles say it all! Barrels of fun in Girl’s Barrel Racing at Alberta’s Lamont Summer Sizzler Rodeo.
by Gordon Hodgkinson.
Photo
Welcome to the 34th Annual Celebration of Horses Photo Contest — Canada’s longestrunning showcase of equine photography!
This year brought an outpouring of creativity and passion from photographers across the country. Entries reached new heights in both number and artistry, presenting our judges with the delightful challenge of selecting winners from an exceptional field. We were thrilled to see so many returning photographers alongside an inspiring number of first-time entrants who shared their love of horses through the lens.
1ST RUNNER-UP
Joy of Jumping
Twelve-year-old Ayla Gartly of Spruce Grove, AB describes this moment as the highlight of her summer.
Our heartfelt thanks go out to everyone who submitted their work — your images capture the spirit, beauty, and connection that define Canada’s horse community. We are especially grateful to ThinLine Canada for once again providing generous grand prizes in all six main categories, and to the Canadian Quarter Horse Association for sponsoring the Quarter Horse Division. Horse Community Journals Inc., publishers of this magazine, sponsored the runners-up in all categories.
We invite you to enjoy this year’s breathtaking collection of Winners and Runners-Up — a true celebration of the horse in all its forms.
“This was during a 2’6” open jumper round with my Welsh pony, Mozza. We were up against Warmbloods and adults at the North Peace Fall Fair Light Horse Show. In the earlier 2’3” junior jumper round, Mozza refused a jump because I hadn’t given him a good approach. I was upset at first but later realized he was teaching me. In the next round, I focused on giving him a fair approach, and he gave it his all — changing his lead over the jump, tucking his hind legs, and clearing the jump perfectly. I screamed YESS!! as we went over. We nailed the jump-off and won first place.”
Photo by Emma Fimrite.
2ND RUNNER-UP
Trash the Dress
Crazy fun at the 2025 Annual Second Shot Drill Team Beach Ride! “The ladies all dress in formal gowns for a ride at Boundary Bay, Delta, BC,” explains Debbie Thiessen of Langley, BC. “The evening always ends with a ‘trash the dress’ moment.”
Stable Stork Beautiful Babies of 2025
WINNER
Special Moments
Kaitlin Knox of St. Andrews, NS captured this tender moment between Sedona and her newborn colt.
1ST RUNNER-UP
Beginning of the Bond
Two-year-old Myla is imprinting on Lena Is San Smart’s two-day old filly, and the filly is imprinting on Myla.
Photo by Wendy Naclia, Norquay, SK.
2ND RUNNER-UP
A Mother’s Surprise
The rare and special birth of identical twins in March, captured by Tessa Passero of Fort Erie, ON. “We didn’t know she was having twins as the babies mimicked in the ultrasound.”
CANADA’S EQUINE GUIDE 2026 :: CANADIAN HORSE JOURNAL
1ST RUNNER-UP
Grazing Beauty
“I shot this photo of Melody a few years ago and even though she is huge, she is very sweet and loves people. She enjoys being pampered and likes grazing in the sun,” says Karlee Lambing of Roberts Creek, BC.
2ND RUNNER-UP
The Rogue
Miles Maldaner of Edmonton, AB, shared this moment of “A gorgeous rogue coming in for a visit.”
At Liberty Horses in Action WINNER
Let Your Horses Run
The horses are coming home in the morning on Canada’s oldest guest ranch, The Flying U, established in 1848. “I’m chef here and love watching the horses run,” shares Justin Newberry of 70 Mile House, BC.
“I can wholeheartedly recommend not only the bugs themselves as a very effective, environmentally-friendly part of a fly prevention strategy, but also Alan and as a very reliable and friendly source of predators.”
- Amanda J. Booth, DVM, M.VetSc, Dip. ACVIM
excellent results!
WE SHIP CANADA-WIDE.
1ST RUNNER-UP
Off and Running
Gordon Hodgkinson of Edmonton, AB, caught the action at the Fifth Annual Enoch Indian Relay Cup.
2ND RUNNER-UP
Horseman’s Arrow
“This 20-year-old mare has been part of every adventure in 11-year-old Daniel’s young life, from family trail rides to learning to cattle sort,” says Anthony Craig of Pembroke, ON. “When Daniel showed an interest in archery, the only natural next step was to put the trusted family horse to work and sign them up for a mounted archery clinic — which they both truly excelled at!”
Horses on the Job Performance, Working,
Heritage
WINNER
Coming Home
Thanks to Lisa Thompson of New Westminster, BC for this unique photo of “Trailing the mares and foals from pasture to the farm for winter, Alder Flats, AB.”
1ST RUNNER-UP
Any Time Any Weather
Frazz and Gabby are sharing some snow magic in Nova Scotia. Thanks to Geralyn M. MacMillan of Coldbrook, NS.
2ND RUNNER-UP
Smudge
“This is my Paint mare, Smudge, hanging out in the woods on a beautiful winter day,” says Cheryl Grace of McKees Mills, NB.
Dashing Through the Snow
“Just a fun day in the snow!” Thanks to Tina Jeanson of Cleveland, QC for this snowy action photo by Karine Bisaillon.
WINNER
Say Cheese
“Hotch! I was standing there, camera in hand, and took a knee. When I pointed the camera at him, he literally struck a pose,” says says Karen Dzar of Canyon, BC.
2ND RUNNER-UP
I Moustache You a Question
Jaime Suggitt of Glenburnie, ON knew his photo would need an explanation: “Rev, our 10-year-old Gypsy Vanner, has a moustache that is always the talk of the barn. People I’ve boarded with years ago will still ask me ‘How is Rev’s moustache?’ My response is always the same: ‘It’s coming in nicely.’”
Horses Being Horses
Humour, Personality, Action
1ST RUNNER-UP
Kissing Booth
“My AMHA mare, San Sujos Smartie Pants, coming in for a smooch!” And who can resist? Thanks to Loranda Bath of Sooke, BC.
Registered Quarter Horse Division
WINNER
Karats in the Snow
Winter walks on “Karats” (Shesa Peppy Boons).
A peaceful moment captured by Kaitlin Knox of St. Andrews, NS.
1ST RUNNER-UP
Red and Yellow
Peppy’s Little Songbird (Penny) blends well with the Autumn colours. Thanks to Amanda Albano of Burns Lake, BC.
2ND RUNNER-UP
Wild and Free
Jodena Thomas of Silver Valley, AB caught her Quarter Horse, Fritz Bar Lad, as he was joined by “wildies” running freely through the field.
LOVE OF HORSES
All horses deserve, at least once in their lives, to be loved by a little girl.
“Four-year-old Elaena bonding with, and loving on, her princess dream pony.” Thanks to Trenna
QUARTER
HORSE DIVISION
Biggie and Smalls
Honourable Mentions
Our Celebration of Horses Photo Contest received many memorable photos. Here are a few samples of the Honourable Mentions — we wish they could all be winners!
To view all of our Winners, Runners-Up, and Honourable Mentions, as well as the Youth Category photos, please visit > www.HORSEJournals.com.
HORSES ON THE JOB
Pure Joy
“My daughter barrel racing her Welsh/Quarter
shares Erin
HORSES ON THE JOB
Horse,”
Mostowy of Kamloops, BC. Photo by Bernie Hudama.
Brown of Nakusp, BC.
Stony Plain Heavy Horse Pull
The Stony Plain Heavy Horse Pull, held in conjunction with the Stony Plain rodeo. Photo by Gordon Hodgkinson, Edmonton, AB.
Amanda Albano of Burns Lake, BC describes her photo of Wyatt’s CW Hancock and his little friend: “When you want a nice picture, but they just want to go home.”
From the Office
BY JOCELYN PLASMAN MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS
2025 BC 55+ Games — THANK YOU!
The 55+ Games were held September 9–13, 2025 at Beban Park in Nanaimo, featuring exciting equestrian disciplines including Working Equitation, Dressage, Western Dressage, and Working Hunter. A huge thank you goes out to all participants, volunteers, and spectators who made this year’s Games such a success. Special recognition goes to the Nanaimo Equestrian Association and the many volunteers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes, with particular thanks to Jacqueline Pieters (Sport Chair & President of NEA), Sandy Mohr (Sheriff), Rick Kowalzik (tractor support), and April LeNeveu.
We extend our appreciation to the judges Doreen Horsey, Melanie Houston, Danalynn Rooks, and Peter Holmes; as well as the dedicated Discipline Chairs Jane Stone, Glynis Boggs O’Shea, and
Monique Fraser. Thank you also to Natasha James for stepping in wherever needed, and to Rob Bau and Arbutus Meadows for the generous use of their jumps. Full results can be found here: > hcbc.ca/competitions/55-bc-games
Wednesday’s
in Working
HOW TO REACH US
OFFICE HOURS: Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Support the horse industry in BC by renewing your Horse Council BC (HCBC) membership. As the provincial organization for equestrian sport and recreation, HCBC represents the interests of the equine industry across all sectors throughout British Columbia. Your membership helps strengthen and connect the BC horse community and ensures continued advocacy for the right to ride, horse welfare, education, and the preservation of trails.
Membership also comes with valuable benefits, including automatic liability insurance, additional optional insurance available for purchase, access to educational resources, and exclusive member discounts. By renewing, you are supporting the programs and initiatives that keep equestrian sport and recreation thriving in our province.
2026 Membership Rates
• 2026 Adult Membership $69.00 + tax
• 2026 Youth Associate $49.00 + tax
• 2026 Family Enrollment $159.00 + tax
• Additional Family Youth $19.00 + tax
Family membership: Minimum/ maximum three people defined as parent(s) or legal guardian(s) and their minor children residing at the same address. Maximum two adults per family. Each member will receive their own number and card.
Join or renew at > www.hcbc.online
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: administration@hcbc.ca
AGRICULTURE & INDUSTRY: industry@hcbc.ca
MEMBERSHIP: membership@hcbc.ca
COACHING & EDUCATION: coaching@hcbc.ca
MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS: communication@hcbc.ca
RECREATION & TRAILS: recreation@hcbc.ca
COMPETITION: competition@hcbc.ca
COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT: development@hcbc.ca
HCBC BOOKSTORE: bookstore@hcbc.ca
FINANCE & GRANT FUNDING: finance@hcbc.ca
Thursday’s winners in Western Dressage Training were Carole Walton, Gold (centre); Tamara Mercer, Silver (left); and Heather Wade, Bronze (right).
winners
Equitation Intermediate Dressage were Teg Harper, Gold (centre); Denise Kinvig, Silver (left); and Vicky Harder, Bronze (right).
The happy group of Wednesday Working Equitation and Dressage Winners.
By Laurie Haughton, Chair, CQHA Media, Marketing & Communications Committee
Celebrating the Heart of Canadian Quarter Horse Racing
There’s a certain energy that only a Quarter Horse racing fan understands — that split-second rush when the gates open, when the earth shakes beneath the rail and when combined 6,000 pounds of muscle and instinct break loose from stillness to full flight. That’s the heartbeat of our sport, and it was alive and well on Thanksgiving Monday, 2025, at Ajax Downs in Ontario.
The Canadian Quarter Horse Association (CQHA) had the privilege of being on-site, streaming live from the track to social channels, visiting owners and trainers in the barns, and chatting with fans who had gathered to cheer on these incredible athletes. The excitement was contagious. Quarter Horse racing might not have the same distance as the Thoroughbreds, but what it lacks in
length it makes up for in intensity. In less than 22 seconds, an entire story unfolds.
Throughout the day, CQHA’s 1st Vice President Laurie Haughton was in the paddock and barns connecting with owners, trainers, jockeys, and breeders about the state of the industry and where they see the future taking it. The conversations were honest and hopeful; the challenges of rising costs and tightening margins were met with pride, determination, and a shared belief in the horses that carry this sport forward. Across the grounds, trainers cooling out their horses after a hard-fought race, breeders discussing next year’s crosses, and owners planning long-term goals all echoed the same sentiment: this is an industry defined by grit, tradition, and belief — belief in the horses, in the people who develop them, and in the collective potential of what comes next.
Speaking with Bob Broadstock, American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) Director for Ontario, President of the Quarter Racing Owners of Ontario Inc.
Ten-year-old Had to Be Ivory captured the 52nd Alex Picov Memorial Championship on October 13, 2025 at Ajax Downs.
The team behind Had to Be Ivory accept the Alex Picov Memorial Championship stakes trophy.
(QROOI), and a trainer-owner himself with horses running that afternoon, added a grounded perspective to the day’s excitement. Broadstock spoke about the importance of continued funding and recognition for Quarter Horse racing in Canada, not just to sustain the current program, but to secure its future. His insight carried the weight of experience from both sides of the rail. As someone who breeds, trains, and advocates within the sport, he understands firsthand how vital breeding incentives, purse structures, and industry partnerships are to the long-term health of the Quarter Horse sector.
Behind the barns, Hillerin Farms, based in Erin, Ontario, owned by Bryn (CQHA’s 2022 AQHA Trainer of the Year) and Carol Robertson, offered a rare window into the intensity of race-day preparation. It was a study in organized chaos; grooms preparing horses, Bryn and his son Mike and daughter Kim checking tack, and horses pawing the ground in anticipation. Managing three runners in the same race demands timing, teamwork, and composure, and the Hillerin crew demonstrated all three. Every hand had a purpose, every task a rhythm, and by the time the horses were loaded, the precision and pride behind the operation were unmistakable.
The highlight of the day was the running of the 52nd Alex Picov Memorial Championship, one of the most anticipated races on the QROOI calendar. The field brought together some of the country’s most accomplished sprinters, including the legendary Had to Be Ivory, the richest Ontario-bred Quarter Horse in history. At ten years old, the gelding once again demonstrated the power and professionalism that have defined his career. Owned and bred by Carol and Jaime Robertson (CQHA’s 2023 Canadian Race Horse Breeders of the Year), Had to Be Ivory broke clean, took command early, and crossed the line with his trademark ease and focus. His half-brother, Had to Be Relentless, followed in second, and his full sister, Had to Be Ivy, came fifth, all bred by the Robertson family.
Following the race, CQHA presented the 2024 Canadian-Bred and/or -Owned Horse of the Year buckle to Had to Be Ivory. It was a proud moment for the Robertson family and a celebration of the Canadian breeding programs that continue to produce world-class horses capable of competing at the highest levels.
While organized Quarter Horse racing in Canada currently takes place only in Ontario and Alberta, both provinces stand as vital pillars supporting the
national framework of the sport. Each brings its own strengths, traditions, and programs to the table, together representing the full heartbeat of Canadian Quarter Horse racing.
In Alberta, the Alberta Quarter Horse Racing Association (AQHRA) continues to drive the sport’s growth in the West. Rooted in a proud history dating back to the 1950s, AQHRA has become a cornerstone organization supporting breeders, owners, and trainers through its racing programs, awards, and incentives.
Each fall, AQHRA hosts the Canada Quarter Horse Cup Yearling & Mixed Sale, one of the most important fixtures on the Western racing calendar. Every yearling sold through the ring carries a berth into both the Canada Quarter Horse Cup Futurity and the Sale Stakes Futurity, ensuring a direct link between Alberta’s breeding industry and future competition opportunities. The 2025 high seller, Babes Wagon, brought $14,000, a reflection of buyer confidence in Alberta pedigrees and the strength of the provincial breeding base. The association also proudly hosts Canada’s only Bank of America Racing Challenge qualifiers, the exclusive Canadian gateway to AQHA’s most prestigious racing series, held annually in New Mexico. Together, these programs reflect Alberta’s deep commitment to strengthening the national industry and maintaining its connection to the global Quarter Horse community.
From Ajax Downs to Century Mile, Canadian Quarter Horse racing thrives through shared vision, local passion, and a commitment to excellence. CQHA remains proud to celebrate and support both provinces, ensuring that the legacy of the Canadian Quarter Horse continues to grow fast, fierce, and undeniably Canadian. b
For more information on Quarter Horse Racing in Ontario please go to > www.qrooi.com.
For more information on Quarter Horse Racing in Alberta please go to > www.aqhra.ca.
To see CQHA’s full coverage of their day at the races at Ajax Downs October 13, 2025 please go to > www.cqha.ca/news/a-day-at-ajax-downs.
For more information about the Canadian Quarter Horse Association please visit > www.CQHA.ca or email > info@cqha.ca. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @cndquarterhorseassoc, and on X @CndQuarterHorse.
CANADIAN THERAPEUTIC RIDING ASSOCIATION
The 26-year-old Norwegian
CanTRA Conference Celebrating 45 Years!
By Ann Caine and Rachel Reeve
CanTRA members from across the country came together in May to participate in the CanTRA 45th Anniversary Conference held at Crieff Hills Retreat & Conference Centre and Sunrise Therapeutic Riding & Learning Centre, with the Celebration Banquet at the Delta Hotel, Guelph, Ontario.
There was an exceptional team of presenters including Keynote Speaker Pippa Hodge, Pediatric Physiotherapist and CanTRA Coach/Examiner, who gave a practical demonstration on “Setting Rider Goals to Accomplish Great Outcomes.”
Gayle Ecker, Director of Equine Guelph, presented an entertaining, educational, and interactive session on “Journey through the Horse’s Gut.”
Christian Lowe, saddle maker who trained in England and France and host of “The Saddler’s Post” podcast, showed the inner structure of a saddle and demonstrated the importance of the appropriate
L-R: Jamie-Ann Goodfellow, Program Coordinator, Para Dressage EC; Marley Crosby, Para Equestrian; Arpeggio; Dr. Steven Mock, Presenter; and Ute Busse, Marley’s coach.
L-R:
Fjord mare Ember, named the CanTRA Outstanding 2025 Therapy Horse of the Year, wearing her embroidered cooler. Ember joined CTRA when she was just six years old.
Keynote speaker Pippa Hodge giving a practical demonstration titled Setting Rider Goals to Accomplish Great Outcomes.
Alberta’s Little Bits Therapeutic Riding Association with their Horse of Distinction, Gemini.
Linda Rault, Gemini, Jo-Anne Billington, and Ros Schell.
PHOTO: WILDSKY PHOTOGRAPHY, COURTESY OF CANTRA
PHOTO: CANTRA PHOTOS: CANTRA
saddle for the well-being of the horse. Also on the three-day team of educators were Jamie-Ann Goodfellow, Program Coordinator, Para Dressage, Equestrian Canada; Marley Crosby, Para Equestrian, with Thoroughbred gelding Arpeggio (owned by Dr. Steven Mock); Dr. Steven Mock, Professor at the University of Waterloo and avid equestrian; and Ute Busse (Marley Crosby’s coach).
Outstanding 2025
Therapy Horse of the Year
Dr. Alan Manning of Manning Veterinary Services was recognized for sponsoring this award for a total of 13 years. The 2025 winner was Ember of Cowichan Therapeutic Riding Association (CTRA), Duncan, BC. Jane James, founder of CTRA, accepted the plaque and embroidered horse cooler.
In addition to the Outstanding Therapy Horse award, six horses were recognized as Horses of Distinction: Brian (Kamloops Therapeutic Riding Association, BC); Tippy (Prance Therapeutic Equestrian Centre, ON); Gemini (Little Bits Therapeutic Riding Association, AB); Ronan (Community Association for Riders with Disabilities, ON); Charlie (Therapeutic Riding Association of Ottawa-Carleton, ON); and Bobby (Joyriders Therapeutic Riding Association, PEI).
For further information on the CanTRA 45th Anniversary Conference, please contact Rachel Reeve, CanTRA Head Office Administrator, at email > office@cantra.ca, or phone > 226-332-8115.
For more information or to find a CanTRA centre near you please contact our Head Office at ctra@golden.net Follow us on Facebook @Cantra.ACET and visit > www.Cantra.ca or donate at > www.CanadaHelps.org.
L-R: Kelly Russel (ON), Eliane Trempe (QC), and Gayle Ecker, Director, Equine Guelph presenting Journey through the Horse’s Gut.
Jane James, founder of CTRA, accepting the plaque and embroidered cooler awarded to Ember, the Outstanding 2025 Therapy Horse of the Year. L-R: Daphne Davey (PEI), Jane James (BC), and Ann Caine (ON).
Plaques were presented to honour six Horses of Distinction from across Canada: Brian (Kamloops Therapeutic Riding Association, BC); Tippy (Prance Therapeutic Equestrian Centre, ON); Gemini (Little Bits Therapeutic Riding Association, AB); Ronan (Community Association for Riders with Disabilities, ON); Charlie (Therapeutic Riding Association of OttawaCarleton, ON); and Bobby (Joyriders Therapeutic Riding Association, PEI).
Saddle maker Christian Lowe demonstrating the importance of saddle fit to the horse’s well-being.
Tania Millen
Tania Millen is an awardwinning freelance writer and author with a Master’s in Journalism and a BSc in Environmental Science. She’s written four books, including Go Horse Camping and Pack’em Up, Ride’em Out: Classic Horse Pack Trips in BC and Alberta. A former 3-day event rider, she now enjoys mountain pack trips. www.TaniaMillen.com
Lindsay Grice
“Is it me or my horse?”
Horse show judge, coach, trainer, and specialist in equine behaviour, Lindsay Grice helps riders solve their “horse puzzles,” sharing keys from the science and research of how horses think and learn. She holds judging certifications in multiple disciplines — Western, hunter/jumper, dressage and obstacle events. Lindsay has taught classes and seminars in Equitation Science for provincial equine associations, therapeutic riding facilities, and courses offered by the University of Guelph. She regularly conducts clinics for horse clubs and private farms. www.LindsayGriceRidingCoach.com
Madeline Boast
Madeline Boast is an independent equine nutritionist based in Ontario. Upon completing her Bachelor’s Degree in Equine Management and Master’s Degree in Equine Nutrition, she launched Balanced Bay, a full service and independent equine nutrition consulting company. Through Balanced Bay she works with horses across North America, from competing Thoroughbreds to companion ponies and everything in between. Her primary focus is to create optimal and personalized forage-based nutrition plans as well as educate horse owners on equine nutrition. www.balancedbay.ca
Shawn Hamilton
Shawn Hamilton is a freelance equine photojournalist based in Ontario. She has operated Clix Photography since 1984, offering a full range of photography services for editorial and commercial use from health to Olympic sports. Her photography can be found on the covers and inside numerous magazines in Canada and the US, including Canadian Horse Journal. Shawn has co-authored four non-fiction children’s books published by Scholastic Canada. Her written articles specialize in equestrian travel. www.ClixPhoto.com
Annika McGivern
Annika McGivern is a Mental Performance Consultant who grew up as a Three-Day-Event rider in British Columbia. Her passion for eventing took her to Ireland, Australia, and America as a working student to world class riders, where she developed a keen interest in the psychological side of sport and performance. Annika has a BA in Psychology, an MSc in Sport and Exercise Psychology, and seven years experience as a certified Equestrian Canada Competition Coach. Annika works with athletes and coaches, in person and online, to help them find enjoyment and satisfaction in their sport through achieving their best possible results and outcomes.
www.annikamcgivern.com
Monique Noble
Monique Noble is an award-winning Alberta-based photographer whose talent behind the lens developed with old school film and dark room technology, which naturally progressed into digital single-lens reflex cameras and the digital lightroom. Monique’s photojournalistic style, coupled with her love of horses and the written word, led to a flourishing freelance writing career, which allows her to wander mountains with her horses, travel, and compete at national and international reining competitions, all while working wherever her computer plugs in. www.facebook.com/starizonimages
Lynn Fleury
Lynn Fleury is a farrier in southern Alberta. She attended Oklahoma Farrier School in 2015 and then served a four-year apprenticeship. Fleury is a Certified Journeyman Farrier through the American Farriers Association and an Approved Journeyman Farrier through the Farrier Trainers of Canada. Fleury is also very active in farrier competitions in both Canada and the USA.
When not shoeing horses, she enjoys riding her own horses, hiking, and spending time with her dog.
Jec Aristotle Ballou
Jec Aristotle Ballou trains in Santa Cruz, CA, when not giving clinics around the United States. She is the author of 101 Dressage Exercises for Horse and Rider, Equine Fitness, and 101 Western Dressage Exercises for Horse and Rider. For further resources on the above topics, she recommends Beyond Horse Massage by Jim Masterson. Jec’s newest books are 55 Corrective Exercises for Horses, and 33 Strength and Fitness Workouts for Horses. www.JecBallou.com
Alexa Linton
Alexa Linton is known for lighting up her world with her infectious personality, bold facilitation style, and often irreverent, tongue-incheek writing, and for her menagerie of a therapeutic practice. The latter combines her degree in Kinesiology, diploma in Osteopathy Manual Practice, and over a decade of training in BodyTalk and animal communication. From over 14 years of working with horses as an Equine Sport Therapist, and helping thousands of animals and people, Alexa has developed a therapeutic style that is intuitive and highly collaborative. She is the co-founder of the Cowgirl Re-union, the creator of the Whole Horse Apprenticeship and Podcast, and author of Death Sucks: A Straight-Up Guide to Navigating Your Pet’s Final Transition. She resides in the Cowichan Valley, unceded territory of the Cowichan and Coast Salish Peoples, on Vancouver Island, BC, with her horses Diva and Raven, dogs Reilly and Solo, and cat Parker. www.AlexaLinton.com
Caelan Beard
Caelan Beard is a freelance journalist and communications specialist based out of Brantford, Ontario. Her work has appeared in The Globe and Mail, Cabin Radio, Horse Sport, This Magazine, and more. An avid equestrian, she’s worked as a trail guide in Jasper National Park, a stable hand in Algonquin Provincial Park, and a horse trainer in Cape Tribulation, Australia. She loves nature, birds, and books, and does all her best thinking outdoors.
Valerie Leighton
Valerie Elizabeth Leighton, born in Ontario and now based in Nova Scotia, developed her passion for horses at an early age. An active member of the equestrian community for nearly 20 years, she has competed annually for over a decade. Leighton owns two warmblood geldings that she shows on the Maritime “A” circuit in hunter and jumper divisions. A registered Equestrian Canada coach since 2023, her achievements include high point hunter at Old Home Week 2017 (junior), high point amateur jumper for Nova Scotia in 2022, and coaching a student to the top provincial standing in the NSHJA 0.9 Mini Medal Equitation Series in 2024. Compassion, individual agency, equity, and inclusion guide her work with both horses and students.
John Scott Receives the Alberta Order of Excellence
Legendary Canadian stuntman and rancher John Scott is one of the 2025 recipients of Alberta’s highest civilian honour, the Alberta Order of Excellence. The award recognises Albertans whose sustained contributions have significantly shaped the province’s identity and future.
Scott, based near Longview in southern Alberta, built a remarkable career over more than five decades. Starting as a rodeo extra and horseback rider, he progressed to stunt-performer, animal wrangler, location scout, and producer. His first experience in film and television was as a stunt double for Dustin Hoffman in the 1970 film, Little Big Man His sprawling 5,000-acre ranch has served as a filming location for major productions, and he has helped train actors like Brad Pitt and Jackie Chan in mounted scenes for movies Legends of the Fall and Shanghai
Honouring Sallie Murphy, Pioneer of Therapeutic Riding in the Maritimes
The story of the Bengal Lancers of Halifax, NS, [Autumn/Winter 2025] was uplifting. Congratulations to the Lancers on their 90th anniversary!
Noon, shot at Scott’s ranch. He has been involved in seven Oscar-winning movies, and worked as a wrangler, stunt performer or stunt coordinator for many productions including Lord of the Rings, The Revenant, and Heartland
Scott has actively promoted Alberta as a world-class filming destination, pointing out that the movie-dollar spinoff is roughly five or six to one and supports hotels, lumber yards, rental cars, and ranch services across the province.
In accepting the honour, Scott said he viewed it as a tribute not only to his own work but to the many crews, actors, and ranch hands who helped bring Alberta’s film industry to the world stage.
Scott was awarded the Alberta Order of Excellence on October 16, 2025, in Edmonton, alongside eight other distinguished Albertans.
However, I feel impelled to share an important piece of the story that somehow slipped under the radar. Brief mention was made in the article of a rider attending a program “at a farm near Lawrence[north of Halifax] where [she] started out riding donkeys.” That small satellite program was founded by Sallie Murphy, a pioneer of therapeutic riding in the Maritimes, and a tireless volunteer instructor and organizer with the Halifax Therapeutic Riding (HALTR) program, which was based at the Lancers stables for many years.
In 1996, when the program at her farm had to close, the IWK Hospital was so impressed by it that they offered her a grant to start up a replacement. Sallie then resurrected it as the Byfield Therapeutic Riding Centre, geared towards riders who would eventually move on to ride at HALTR once they had outgrown the Byfield ponies. All this while playing a central role in the HALTR program since the 1980s, working with physiotherapist Wendy Roberts and other volunteers. When HALTR finally closed its doors years later, the Lancers picked up the baton and continued with the program.
Sallie’s heart has always been deeply centred in therapeutic riding, no doubt stimulated by her childhood brush with polio. At that time, her determination to ride again put her back in the saddle and gave her a strong empathy with her young riders. She also quietly and faithfully volunteered for many years with the Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association (CanTRA). As Maritimes liaison for CanTRA, she was the “mother hen” supporting those of us developing our own local programs in the region. As a result of CanTRA’s nomination, in 2020 Sallie received the Governor General’s Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers.
Daphne Davey, President, The Joyriders Therapeutic Riding Association of PEI; former President, Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association
