Horsemanship • Culture • Style
Vol. 32 No.2
WIINTER WESTERN HORSE REVIEW
EDITORIAL
editorial@westernhorsereview.com
Publishers
Clay & Jenn Webster
Editor
Jenn Webster
Art Direction and Production
Kendra Roberts
Advertising advertising@westernhorsereview.com
Marketing & Account Executives
Laurie Price ldprice63@gmail.com
Subscriptions
$19.95 CDN - 1 year Subscription
$39.95 USD - 1 year Subscription
For SUBSCRIPTION ENQUIRIES: 1-(403)-823-0980 or subscriptions@westernhorsereview.com
For BACK ISSUES visit our Store at www.westernhorsereview.com
Subscribers: Your name may be made available to reputable companies with products that may interest you. If you do not want your name shared, please e-mail subscriptions@westernhorsereview.com and request OPT-OUT in the subject line.
Accounting
Laurie Price at 1-(403)-823-0980 ldprice63@gmail.com
Contributors
Renada Crawshaw
Tim Hiller
Heather Hudson
Natalie Jackman
Kayla Jensen Photography
Debbie MacRae
Tara McKenzie Fotos
Karen McGonigal Coe
Aidan Nicholson
Monique Noble
Steven Quon
Published five times a year by:
WESTERN PERFORMANCE PUBLISHING INC. 235, 3545 - 32 Ave. NE, Unit/Box #814 Calgary, Alberta T1Y 6M6 editorial@westernhorsereview.com www.westernhorsereview.com
Tara McKenzie Fotos
SUMMER 2025
contents
Out West
Alberta Whisky Cake lives on through family, flour and purpose.
12 OUT WEST
Strathcona County’s new agricultural event centre in Alberta is poised to redefine rural venues in Canada.
14 OUT WEST
Love Ranch Horse Versatility? Get ready for the Canadian Championships, coming October 3-5, 2025!
16 FACEBOOK FEEDBACK
WHR Readers give us their reactions about the upcoming Absolute Dispersal Sale of Teton Ridge Performance Horses.
16 WESTERN INSIDER
Canadian artist Shannon Lawlor partners with the American Performance Horseman for a powerful artistic collaboration to benefit War Horses for Veterans. And the High Seller of the Elite Invitational Sale.
17 GREAT GEAR
Summer Lovin’ for all things summer.
Western Culture
20 GOOD WORK
Farm family recipes inspired the launch of this Alberta small business: introducing Jordan Ridge Sauces.
22 WESTERN FOODIE
Just in time for summer, Tim Hiller brings us his recipes for Saskatoon Pie and Homemade Ice Cream.
24 SUCCESSION PLANNING
Without formal succession planning, decades or generations of grit and stewardship may be lost when it comes to Canadian farms.
28 BACKCOUNTRY PREPAREDNESS
He’s not just a chef – here’s what Tim Hiller packs in his saddle bags when heading into the Canadian wilderness on horseback.
Features
30 A FINE BALANCE
As if surviving predators and human intrusion weren’t challenging enough, Alberta’s wild horses are facing another complex threat – political red tape.
36
40 YEARS OF THE CALGARY STAMPEDE SHOWRIDERS
From the Olympics to the Rose Parade, this special drill team is an Alberta gem.
42
NEW RULE BRINGS COLOUR CLARITY
The American Quarter Horse Association has accepted a rule change regarding colour genotype results, thanks to Alberta breeder, Ryan Fleetwood.
46
A HOME FOR MAKERS
Longview Leather is a hub for Canada’s leather making scene.
50
BACKROAD BOLD
With one of Alberta’s remaining grain elevators as a reminder of the past, we had the opportunity to showcase the fashions of today with the youth of tomorrow.
54
THE ART OF THE HORSE
Why do we appreciate the horse in the form of art? The answer is personal for every individual. Here’s a look at the human fascination of the equine, throughout history.
58
WILL RIDE FOR FOOD
Oh the things we see in our travels. No Sir, it’s not a magic door. on the cover
Photo by Renada Crawshaw & Rustic Compass Imagery
Tara McKenzie Fotos
Two brandings, three horse shows, a wedding, a 70th birthday, a parade, three bottle calves, one foal, Grade Eight final exams, a garden ravaged by chickens and three formerly glorious beds of flowers eaten into oblivion by a herd of Speckled Park cattle… All in the span of producing this issue of Western Horse Review.
Somewhere in there, I also remembered to feed the kids (mostly), got an oil change 1,000 kilometres late, and spent a small fortune at the greenhouse trying to pretend those flower beds never happened. Life on the farm is many things – picturesque, chaotic, loud, muddy – but never boring. And somehow, in between the manure and the mayhem, the magic still shows up.
Thank you to Natalie Jackman, Karen McGonical Coe, and Renada Crawshaw for helping me in a bind.
Another big thank-you is extended to Kelly and Llana Malmberg for allowing us to use their grain elevator for our fashion spread this issue! As my grandfather used to work in one of these prairie fixtures years ago, this photojournalism piece is a nod to our heritage – with the youth of today. What a special feature this was for us to put together with Lammle’s Western Wear.
On page 22, Tim Hiller delivers his recipe for Sakatoon pies and homemade ice cream. This beloved prairie dessert serves up memories of Grandma’s kitchen and rural pride on a plate.
In our Succession Planning
feature, Aidan Nicholson gives us the hard truth about passing on Canadian agriculture. If Canada continues on with current farm loss trends, Nicholson predicts the number of farms could reach zero by 2074. Read his piece on page 24 for his best advice for flipping the script on this very important issue.
Monique Noble gives us an update on Alberta’s Wild Horses with A FINE BALANCE, starting on page 30. Once again, these majestic creatures are finding themselves in a clash with government and industry. Can some kind of truce be found? Decide for yourself after reading this very in-depth editorial.
The Calgary Stampede Showriders celebrate 40 years this year! On page 36, you can read about their journey since 1985. From the Olympics to serving as the Honour Guard for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge – this sequinned drill group is a very special youth development organization.
So if this issue smells faintly of branding smoke, garden compost and calf milk replacer, now you know why. Here’s to the beautiful mess of western living – and to all of you who find the time to sit down and read about it.
Enjoy the ride, ~ Jenn Webster
A big thank-you to Arizona McKenzie, Justin Jones, Jessica Wolfs & Nicholas Lorieau for being our very obliging models this issue. Country kids just get it!! CREDIT: Tara McKenzie Fotos
Leadline
The iconic Kamla “Kam” McGonigal, with her Alberta Whisky Cakes.
THE RETURN OF AN ALBERTA LEGEND
Drawing from her deep prairie roots and western spirit, Kamla “Kam” McGonigal spent years crafting a distinctive whisky-infused cake that eventually became an Alberta icon. A fourth-generation prairie woman with a passion for family, food, art and the unshakable spirit of the west, McGonigal’s goal was to create a handcrafted dessert that represented Alberta in all its richness. A true, regional gift.
She perfected two signature culinary delights: the Alberta Whisky Cake (AWC) in chocolate and maple. Both delivered bold flavours, wholesome ingredients and a taste of the prairies in every bite. McGonigal wasn’t simply baking cakes — she was crafting an experience, a message, and a movement. Sadly, Kam passed away in 2024 at the age of 71 but now, her legacy is being carried forward by her sons, Ryan and Jager McGonigal, with a renewed sense of purpose and pride.
At first, Ryan’s decision to continue AWC was deeply personal.
“I wanted to keep my mom’s wonderful energy around,” he says. “It was a way to keep her memory alive, for myself.” But that intention quickly grew into something much larger. As he connected with customers, friends, and fans of Kam’s work, he realized how deeply the brand had resonated with others – and how many people felt her absence.
“People missed the cakes – they’re downright delicious – but that was only the tip of the iceberg,” Ryan explains. What they missed most was the feeling that Alberta Whisky Cakes brought into their lives: the joy of giving something meaningful, the connection between sender and receiver, and the way the brand reflected the boldness and elegance
they admired in Kam herself.
Because of Kam’s powerful sense of style and purpose, every element of AWC – from the cakes to the packaging – exudes a unique personality: classy, rich, authentic, and spirited. For many, giving an AWC cake is more than a gesture – it’s an expression of their own character.
“And for those on the receiving end,” Ryan adds, “it can feel like someone sees those same qualities in them. It’s an enormous compliment, even if they don’t fully realize why.”
In taking on Alberta Whisky Cakes, Ryan and his brother Jager have stepped into more than just a business – they’ve stepped into a calling. “There is nothing my mom would want more than for us to be successful and happy,” Ryan says. “But she also knew that real happiness comes from solving hard problems, showing up, and pushing past your own limits.”
With a demanding day job, a busy family life, and no prior experience in the food industry, Ryan admits the challenge has been “hard as hell.” But rather than backing down, he leans in. “Everything I once saw as a disadvantage, I now see as an advantage. I’m relatable. And when we find a way to make it work, because we will, our story will inspire others.”
Ultimately, for Ryan, Alberta Whisky Cakes is not just about cake. It’s about family. It’s about values. It’s about reminding others and himself, that even in the face of long odds, the right mix of grit and heart can create something truly sweet.
“Our life is a gift from our creator,” he says. “But how we live our lives and what we make of ourselves… that is our gift back to the universe.”
- By Jenn Webster
Carrying on the AWC Legacy are Kamla’s sons, Jager and Ryan McGonigal.
REDEFINING RURAL VENUES
Strathcona County is set to welcome a game-changing addition to Alberta’s agricultural and equestrian landscape: The Pointe, a versatile, multi-use facility designed with both innovation and community needs at its core.
Currently in the final stages of construction, The Pointe will officially open its doors by the end of August 2025. While the structure is already standing, final touches are underway — and the vision for this state-of-the-art venue is impressive.
The Pointe is a massive indoor arena built with adaptability in mind. With 14 inches of natural sand footing layered over engineered base construction, the surface can be groomed and customized for everything from rodeo and reining to barrel racing, cutting, and more.
“We wanted to make sure we had the right infrastructure to support all disciplines,” says Sean Reid, Facility Supervisor. “Whether it’s rodeo rough stock or team roping, we’ve built out pens, holding areas, and adjustable partitions to accommodate any kind of event.”
The arena features high-quality grooming equipment, including a Kiser and a Black Widow drag, to tailor footing conditions for a wide range of activities. A dedicated tractor room ensures that maintenance equipment is kept warm and accessible year-round — a thoughtful touch especially beneficial during Alberta’s cold winters.
In total, The Pointe offers 40 powered RV stalls (30-amp service) with space for 100 total camping units on an eight-acre gravel lot behind the barn. An adjacent 10-acre overflow field provides even more parking capacity for large events or self-penning setups. The facility also offers
over 300 standard vehicle parking spaces out front.
Altogether, The Pointe boasts over 102,000 square feet offering endless possibilities. Temporary box stalls are 10’x10’ in size, that can be removed to convert the barn into multi-purpose space — including trade fairs, farmers’ markets, or even dog shows.
A modern meeting room/bar area offers flexible usage options. It includes two 85-inch TVs, recording capability, a concession-style roll-up window, and a retractable divider that allows the room to be split in two — one side for a show office, the other for a beer garden or merchandise sales. A second roll-up window at the rear of the barn provides additional functionality for registration or awards.
The Pointe has additionally made biosecurity a top priority. After every event, stalls are fully stripped, scrubbed, and disinfected. High-touch areas like gates and latches are cleaned daily to reduce the risk of outbreaks such as strangles. The Pointe also features a comprehensive air exchange system and is capable of modifying the arena and animal housing to accommodate varying seasonal conditions.
“When people bring horses, livestock – even dogs or alpacas – they need to know their animals are safe,” Reid explains. “We want to be the gold standard for cleanliness and safety.”
The facility will be staffed for 24/7 access during events, ensuring horse owners and competitors can check on their animals or access wash racks at any hour.
- By Jenn Webster
ELEVATING THE NORTHERN HORSE
There’s a new event coming to the Canadian show scene this year, highlighting one of the fastest growing sports in western performance horse disciplines. Get ready for a celebration of western heritage, horsemanship, and the ultimate all-around equine athlete at the Canadian Versatility Ranch Horse Championships, taking place October 3-5, 2025, in Claresholm, Alberta. This high-caliber event is quickly becoming the pinnacle of ranch horse competition in Canada — a true Canadian showcase for the versatile working horse.
Sanctioned by the Quarter Horse Association of Alberta and approved by the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA), this event is open to all breeds, with AQHA points awarded in select classes. It’s a mustattend for riders looking to sharpen their skills, earn recognition, and celebrate the rich traditions of ranch work in a competitive arena.
With a full slate of classes, you can expect action-packed days with a full lineup of divisions that support the movement to preserve ranch horse traditions and values. These include: Ranch Riding (with pattern); Ranch Trail; Ranch Rail; Versatility Ranch Riding, Ranch Trail, Ranch Reining, Ranch Cutting, Ranch Cow Work and Conformation. Entries are open to amateur, Level 1, youth and open riders.
The first ever, Canadian Versatility Ranch Horse Championships will merge tradition with competition, in a fun, friendly atmosphere. With outstanding sponsor support and fantastic prizes, this event promises not just competition – but community, celebration, and connection to the heart of western life.
For more info, check out the Canadian Versatility Ranch Horse Championships on Facebook.
- By Jenn Webster
Photos courtesy of Roxanne Sapergia.
FACEBOOK FEEDBACK
We recently posted about the upcoming Absolute Dispersal Sale of Teton Ridge Performance Horses. Here’s what WHR followers had to say:
“Knew that was a fluke… some people made bank!$$$”
~Mark Criswell
“
“ The horse industry is just like the stock market. Whenever there is a winner there is always a loser. You need to be hands on to stay on the winning end.” - Andy Rees
You
“That was fast”
-Mary Dunbar Middleton
totally have to have a deep love for horses to stay in the industry for a lifetime and you cannot be in it for the money or to make money at raising quality horses!” -Terrie
Wollard
“Go big or go home didn’t work, guess they’re going home”
~Bart
Koerth
“Can
you imagine the disappointment when they see what some of these horses are actually worth. After paying 100s of thousands for some.”~Bayne Holcomb
BID WITH HEART COLLECT WITH PURPOSE
Renowned Western artist Shannon Lawlor of Calgary, AB, has recently announced a powerful new collaboration that blends fine art with heartfelt purpose. In partnership with the American Performance Horseman and Western Bloodstock LTD., the collective group is hosting an exclusive online Original Art Auction from July 18-20, 2025, with all proceeds benefiting War Horses for Veterans.
“Never have I ever had the privilege to partner with such a stand-up group of people whose love for the horse is as deep as my own,” Lawlor said. “The American Performance Horseman team is an incomparable one, and I am so proud to be part of this.”
Fifteen original Lawlor paintings will be offered – each capturing the strength, grit, and heart of the 2024 American Performance Horseman qualifiers. A limited-edition commemorative poster and artist proof canvas print will also be available, making this auction a rare opportunity for collectors and fans of the western performance horse industry.
The cause behind the event is just as meaningful as the artwork. War Horses for Veterans is a nonprofit that helps military veterans heal and connect through horsemanship, pairing them with rescued or
retired horses in a setting built on mutual respect and trust.
Hosted on the Western Bloodstock online platform, the timed auction runs from Noon CDT July 18 to Noon CDT July 20. Whether you’re a horse lover, an art enthusiast, or someone who simply believes in giving back, this is a chance to own a one-of-a-kind piece of equine art and make a difference.
www.westernbloodstock.com
ELITE INVITATIONAL HIGH SELLER
Some very special horses sold for great prices at the recent Elite Invitational Horse Sale, held in Rimbey, AB, on June 21, 2025. Created by Kevin Seely and Juan Chalela, the event is designed to offer ranch, rope and trail horses, future prospects and mounts for kids. Quality over
quantity, is their motto.
High Selling Horse honours, (in the sixyear-old and up division) went to Alyse Molina of Calgary, AB. “Jackson,” a fiveyear-old, 15.3hh grade buckskin gelding sold for $37,000.
Summer lovin’ for Summer thingS
FLOAT-EH!
$90 + $80 www.float-eh.ca
There’s nothing better on a hot day than an incredible dip in a lake, river or pool. Do it in style with the Adirondack Lounge Chair and Campfire Cooler! Created by a Canadian company, these creative floaties help the planting and nurturing of tress across Canada, as one dollar for every item sold is donated to Tree Canada. So grab your gear, crank up the tunes and float in Northern style!
Cowgirl’s Friend
Crafty Ponies ®
These soft, educational ponies are a plush toy that work almost like the real thing! With realistic working tack, accessories and braid-able manes and tails, these toys are the perfect way to introduce “horses” to young children. Crafty Ponies® offer years of imaginative play and safety awareness to any horse-loving child. www.craftyponies.ca
Ready to wrangle a skincare routine that’s as strong and resilient as you are? This dream team combines modern ingredients with potent botanicals for effective and simple care – exactly what every cowgirl needs. After months of development and real-world testing, this sweet ritual will be your skin’s new BFF – because we all know, you don’t have much time to spend in the mirror. You need to get back to your horse.
$112 www.cowgirlsfriend.ca
Ranch Journals
These beautiful, hard-cover journals feature the work of Alberta artist, Karen Coe. Keep all your thoughts and notes safe in one of these special books, adorned with golden pages. The inside sheets are lined and each one comes with a bookmark.
$29 info@karencoefinearts.com
EquiBreathe™ $7.50 www.equibreathe.com
Help support your horse’s breathing with the new EquiBreathe™ Nasal Patch. Designed for easy application and maximum comfort, these patch’s may contribute to more efficient airflow. Designed by a Canadian company, the EquiBreathe™ patch is available in a subscription package, ensuring you always have them on hand come competition time!
GoodWork
HOMEGROWN BUSINESS TRIUMPH
Here’s a delicious look at Jordan Ridge Sauces: a local Alberta product inspired by age-old family recipes.
STORY BY JENN WEBSTER PHOTOS COURTESY OF LAURIE ROWE
The luscious line of smallbatch barbecue and dipand-grill sauces created from Laurie Rowe’s generational farm-family recipe, is a true north success story. What began as a passion for cooking and preserving, has grown into a prairie-rooted entrepreneurial journey – one that now brings
Jordan Ridge Sauces to your table.
Take the Sweet Jalapeño sauce for instance, a staple on ribs, chicken or scrambled eggs when Rowe was growing up. Or the Jordan Ridge Maple Campfire – a perfect dip for chicken fingers, used as a stir fry glaze, brushed on cedar planked salmon before grilling.
Jordan Ridge Sauces derived from
Rowe’s family background and Jordan’s General Store. Rowe spent many years (first as a child and later as an adult) helping her family prepare meals for haying crews and family gatherings. She assisted in the kitchen readying large quantities of food, baking pies, and canning and preserving items. She remembers the sights and smells of her grandmother’s kitchen, how the
• IT ALL STARTED WITH A LOVE FOR COOKING AND PRESERVING –NOW JORDAN RIDGE SAUCES CAN BE A PART OF YOUR FAMILY MEALS.
food brought everyone together and how people sat down at a table and congregated after a hard day’s work.
Later in life, Rowe worked her first real job at her aunt and uncle’s mercantile in Avening, Ontario – Jordan’s General Store Ltd. There, her responsibilities included cutting cheese on wooden butcher’s blocks, slicing cold meats, wrapping them with butcher paper and string and stocking shelves.
Years later and now transplanted to Alberta, Rowe was looking to import a barbecue sauce that she really liked, when her nephew reminded her of the family’s own stellar sauce recipes. She created a batch of her own and within six months had her first sale in a market stall in 2017.
Farm recipes, comfort food and a time when people sat and ate together are the feeling she wants to create with Jordan Ridge Sauces. We recently had the opportunity to chat with Rowe, the owner, founder and force behind these incredible dips and sauces, based out of Black Diamond, AB. In this questionand-answer style interview, she tells us how it all came together and how she turned farm traditions into a successful business.
Let’s Talk Sauces!
WHR - These are your family’s recipes. Any idea how they came up with them in the beginning?
ROWE - It’s funny you ask as they have just “always” been around. If Grama Jordan was serving meatballs for lunch it was the same as when my Mom would make meatballs at our house. It wasn’t until I was a young wife myself (four decades ago now!) looking for a maple recipe to use on salmon, that I remembered how good that meatball sauce was. It has grown from the Meatball Sauce, to the Salmon Maple sauce to its current Maple Campfire Dip & Grill. My oldest daughter Beth renamed it to conjure up the concept of “canoe trips and trail rides!” It’s a generational favourite (probably all that real Canadian maple syrup) – except now my kids and grandsons are dipping their chicken fingers in it!
WHR - How were these recipes preserved? Do you have a recipe book that was handed down?
ROWE - I am fortunate enough to have my mother’s recipe file and her old Five Roses cookbook from the 1950s. My Jordan Ridge sauce recipes went from a one cup kitchen recipe to four cups, to a four-gallon pot recipe, to a 350 kg weights recipe.
WHR - Do you still make the sauces yourself?
ROWE -Heck yes! All the small batches are done by me, using a four-gallon pot with a heavy base, so the sauce heats evenly. And by small, I mean under 15 or 20 dozen bottles. I should have biceps from all that stirring! The sauces that only come out for Christmas (Mrs J’s Mustard, Smokey Smokey Dip & Grill, Piquant) are all small batch. For those that are curious, a big batch is 550 kg in a steam kettle!
WHR - Do you have a favourite sauce of your own?
ROWE - I don’t have a ‘favourite’ but I will say that Maple Campfire is my comfort-food-in-a-bottle. It takes me back to the simpler times of being a kid,
Owner and founder of Jordan Ridge Sauces, Laurie Rowe.
watching my Grama Jordan turning out dozens of apple pies at the kitchen table, with the kitchen door open and the warm breeze coming through the screen.
WHR - How did you ever get the idea to try the sauces in Caesars?
ROWE - It was kind of a fluke actually. My daughter Nevada and I were making Caesars and snacking on long pepperoni sticks. She went to squeeze some Jordan Ridge Sweet Jalapeno onto the pepperoni stick and some of the sauce fell into her drink. So she used the pepperoni stick to stir the Caesar, tasted it and said, “This is pretty good!”
WHR - May I ask why glass bottles are always used, as opposed to plastic?
ROWE - This might be just me, but glass bottles constantly remind me I am simply canning and preserving real food, just like my Mom and Grama Jordan did for their families. Glass is infinitely recyclable and indicates a premium quality product. We use simple ingredients, no preservatives from generational farm family recipes.
And yes! “Grama” Jordan has always been spelled that way. Her other family nicknames were “Granny Dynamite” and her father-in-law called her the “Wildcat from the Swamp!”
WHR - Do you have any future goals for Jordan Ridge Sauces that you can share?
ROWE - My plans include expansion into mainland British Columbia this spring/summer and growth into more Alberta stores and restaurants. Jordan Ridge Sweet BBQ sauce is perfect on BBQ chicken flatbread pizza. Who knew?
Down the road when I am rich and famous and looking for another project, I have a Canine Meal Enhancer sauce ready for production. It’s vet-approved, shelf stable, and commercial lab tested already. We had a blast doing the “test panel” of canines to see which version even the most finicky pooch loved.
WHR - How do people outside of Alberta purchase the sauces?
ROWE - Either my online store at jordanridgesauces.ca or FAIRE.com.
IN MAY OF 2019, THE JORDAN RIDGE SWEET JALAPENO BBQ SAUCE WAS INCORPORATED INTO THE CALGARY STAMPEDE MENU, IN THE 3.78 L FOOD SERVICE SIZE.
L TO R: Grama Jordan with a calf, circa 1970. g A Jordan family meal. Rowe has said that making the sauces – the smells and flavours – take her back to her grandparents’ place at a time when things were much simpler. g Grandpa Bill Jordan picking beans, with help.
THE CALGARY STAMPEDE ART SHOW
WESTERN OASIS IN THE BMO CENTRE AT STAMPEDE PARK
Melding Of Hearts
Neil Hamelin
Western Foodie Saskatoon Pie & Homemade Ice Cream
BY TIM HILLER
SASKATOON PIE FILLING
10 Cups (Heaping) Saskatoon Berries
2 Cups (Heaping) Rhubarb
2 Cups Sugar
3 Tsp. Strawberry or Vanilla Extract
3 Tbsp. Butter
1/2 Cup Cornstarch
DIRECTIONS
Boil rhubarb in 1/3 cup of water for 10 minutes. Boil Saskatoon berries in
For many, Saskatoon pie is tied to family memories, grandma’s kitchen and berry-picking trips. This beloved prairie dessert is a dish that honours the land and its history. Saskatoon berries were a staple for First Nations people and the berry later grew in popularity with settlers, who found them a convenient, “fleshier” fruit for pie filling.
With its flaky crust and earthly flavour, this is a dessert with soul. Making – or simply eating – Saskatoon pie is a seasonal ritual that truly captures a moment in time. Whether you like fruity tastes or a more tart flavour, Saskatoon pie has a balanced sweetness that delivers.
Served warm, with a dollop of homemade ice cream, this pie offers a sense of rural pride that will take you back to your ancestors!
2 1/2 cups of water for seven minutes. Add rhubarb, Saskatoon berries and two cups of sugar and boil for five minutes.
With 1/2 cup cornstarch and 1/4 cups of water, make a paste. Add juice from berries to make it smooth.
Add ingredients all together and bring to a bubbly heat. Add the strawberry (or vanilla) extract, as well as the butter. Let cool.
PERFECT PASTRY
6 Cups Cake / Pastry Flour
2 Tsp. Salt
1 lb Lard
1 Tbsp. Vinegar
1 Egg Slightly Beaten
Ample Cold Water
DIRECTIONS
Mix together the flour and salt. Cut lard into the flour mixture with a pastry blender, until the mixture resembles a coarse oatmeal. Combine the vinegar and egg and enough water to make one cup total liquid.
Gradually stir the liquid into the lard mixture. Add only enough liquid to make the dough cling together.
Gather the pastry into a ball and divide into six portions. If desired, wrap unused portions and refrigerate or freeze.
Roll out each portion onto a
lightly floured surface. If the dough is too sticky, chill for one to two hours in the refrigerator. Transfer the rolledout dough to a pie plate and fill with your favourite filling.
Cover filling with rolled out pastry, if desired. Trim shells. Piece the top layer to allow venting and bake according to your recipe.
HOMEMADE ICE CREAM
4 Cups Whipping Cream
1 Can Coconut Milk
1 Can Sweetened Condensed Milk
Small Handful Coconut Shavings
1/2 Cup Sugar or Honey
Add sugar to the cream and bring to a whip, before adding the rest of the ingredients. Then simply toss the mixture into the freezer, in a freezersafe container and once it is frozen you’re good to go!
About the Chef:
Tim Hiller packing the ingredients up into his saddle bags. His book, Cooking the Cowboy Way can be found at: www.ironarts.ca
PHOTO BY NATALIE JACKMAN
Passing on the Past
BY AIDAN NICHOLSON, J.D.
To contextualize the importance of succession planning, it is crucial to first assess the state of Canadian agriculture by looking at trends that have persisted over the past several decades. The picture these trends paint does not exactly induce optimism. The most recent Census of Agriculture was conducted in 2021 and it revealed some very concerning statistics.
In 1921, there were over 711,000 farms in Canada In 2021, there were 189,874
In 1931, a third of Canadians were members of the farming population
In 2021, only 1 in 61 Canadians were members of the farming population
Since 1961, Canada has lost nearly 19 million acres of farmland and since 1976 Canada has lost around 150,000 farms
Over the course of the 20-year period between 2001 and 2021
Alberta alone lost over 2.9 million acres of farmland
If these trends continue, the future of agriculture is bleak and that is putting it mildly.
The linear downtrend in the number of farms and amount of farmland is not the only cause for concern, however. Global financial institutions are projecting that by 2033, approximately 40% of currently active producers will retire and between 2023 and 2026, a trillion dollars of family wealth will be transferred to the next generation. Despite that, only 12% of Canadian producers have a formal succession plan which means farm families are particularly ill-prepared to
navigate this wealth exchange. This lack of succession planning can create a whole host of problems from higher tax bills to family disputes to losing the operation altogether. Between the loss of nine farms per day on average since 1976, the risk of continuing to lose legacies, and the hope of setting up the next generation for success, ag families should start thinking seriously about preserving their operations. With proper planning, producers may be able to take advantage of farm rollover rules that can enable the tax-effective intergenerational transfer of farm property and help achieve farm continuity.
Lifetime Transfers vs Transfers on Death
Lifetime transfers of farm property take place while the owner is still living (“inter vivos,”) and this can provide a degree of ease and certainty because the owner’s intentions for the property can be ascertained. In litigation, we often see family members fighting over what the deceased property owner actually wanted because his or her intentions were not properly expressed or documented. With inter vivos transfers of farm property, the transferor can make his or her wishes and intentions clear as to how assets are to be distributed, which minimizes the possibility for disagreement or misunderstanding, and therefore mitigates certain litigation risks. The general rule with inter vivos, intrafamily transfers is that the tax imposed on the transfer of capital property is borne by the transferor. While there can be immediate tax consequences for the transferor, there are inter vivos rollover provisions under the Income Tax Act that permit tax-deferred rollovers of farm property to children, provided certain conditions are met.
Transfers can also take place on the death of an owner and since death is a taxable event in Canada, there are important planning implications. The starting point here is that when someone dies, they are deemed to have disposed of their assets at fair market value immediately prior to their death. As a result, any accrued gains or losses are realized and there would be a tax hit on the deemed disposition, which, in the case of farm property, can be pretty hefty. There may also be double taxation if the deceased taxpayer owned shares of a private corporation at the time of death because there may then be a second level of tax on the liquidation of corporate assets and other distributions to beneficiaries or the estate. Accordingly, there can be burdensome tax liability on the surviving family members, and that tax liability would be especially onerous if the estate does not have sufficient funds to pay the taxes without selling farm property the family would rather not sell. Thankfully, just like with inter vivos transfers, there are rollover provisions in the Income Tax Act that allow tax-deferred rollovers of farm property to surviving family members, provided certain conditions are met.
Family Rollovers
While rollovers to spouses and parents are available depending on the circumstances, this section will focus on transfers to children and grandchildren since the emphasis of the articles in this column is passing farm property to the next generation. It would be a good idea to revisit the farm property tests outlined in my article in the previous Western Horse Review issue, as these are relevant for determining rollover eligibility and I will not reiterate those here. In any event, you should get legal and tax advice to determine whether the specific conditions are met and which planning strategies may work in your unique circumstances.
With respect to the inter vivos transfer of farm property (land and depreciable property) to children (including grandchildren), a rollover may be available if the child was a resident in Canada immediately before the transfer and the property was used in the business of farming by the owner, their spouse or common-law partner, their child(ren), or their parent(s). That family member must have also been actively engaged in farming on a regular and continuous basis and the transferred property must have been used principally in a farming business. If all the applicable tests are satisfied and rollover conditions are met, the child who receives the property receives it at the cost to the parent, so there are no taxes immediately payable on the transfer.
Similarly, on the death of the property owner, and as a consequence of that death, farmland and other depreciable farm property can be transferred to children (or grandchildren) on a tax-deferred basis with generally the same conditions. One other requirement here is that the property must vest indefeasibly in the child within 36 months of the owner’s death, meaning the child, within 36 months, must obtain rights to absolute ownership of the property and those rights cannot be taken away by some event. As with lifetime transfers, if all the applicable tests are satisfied and conditions are met for the transfer of farm property on the death of an owner, the child is deemed to have acquired the property at a cost equal to the parent’s proceeds of disposition. The result again is that the tax that would otherwise be payable on the transfer is deferred.
The conditions outlined above are the mere basics and only scratch the surface. There are various tests and subtests that must be analyzed by qualified professionals in conducting the relevant tax analyses to determine eligibility. However, this, coupled with my article in the previous issue, gives an idea of what is required. Other considerations that a professional can help with is how the lifetime capital gains exemption can be factored into this analysis, and also how the analysis differs if you are running your farming business through a corporation or partnership.
PHOTO BY JENN WEBSTER
onLy 1 in 61 CanaDians weRe membeRs oF The FaRming popuLaTion in 2021
“ a call to action
Using this historical censUs data and qUantitative forecasting methods to predict when the nUmber of farms coUld reach zero if historical trends continUe –that year is 2074.
“
BY NATALIE JACKMAN
Think back to the statistics outlined at the beginning of this article. The downtrend in the number of farms and amount of farmland across Canada has persisted since at least the 1970s but presumably since the 1920s. Using this historical census data, I used quantitative forecasting methods to predict when the number of farms could reach zero if historical trends continue. Based on these models, that year is 2074. Of course, this may not come to pass, but it is a good prediction based on historical data. What these models relied on, however, was historical trends continuing. They do not have to continue. They certainly should not continue, and producers have the power to change those trends – even if it merely slows the decline by resulting in fewer farms being lost over time.
There comes a point where producers must decide if their legacy is worth protecting and, if so, do something about it. It cannot be overstated that producers must act on their succession objectives now if they have not already. As time goes on, more economic and political factors can impede succession efforts and drastically alter your farming circumstances. Working with the right professionals can enable farm families
to transfer farm property intergenerationally in accordance with a beneficial succession structure. Valuable farm assets can be distributed not only in a way that coincides with family goals, but also on a tax-effective basis. Utilizing capital gains deductions and rollovers can be the difference in reducing tax obligations, preventing family breakdowns and disputes, and, indeed, preserving the operation and achieving continuity for generations to come. Without formal succession planning, decades or generations of grit and stewardship can be lost. Without formal succession planning, not only are local supply chains threatened but so is national food security. Without formal succession planning, our great and beautiful rural heritage could be swallowed up. Without formal succession planning, we risk sustaining historical trends of devastating farmland loss.
*This article is provided as a source of information only. It does not constitute legal advice or tax advice and should not be relied on as such.
Readers are cautioned not to act on the information provided without seeking specific advice from legal and tax practitioners with respect to their unique circumstances and the applicable laws in their jurisdiction.
Aidan Nicholson is a lawyer practicing wills and estates, agricultural litigation, and business law at Field Law in Calgary, Alberta. Coming from a family that lost their farm, he understands the difficulties Ag families face when striving to protect their legacies. He is a fierce advocate for agriculture in general and family farms in particular, fighting for producers and ensuring their voices are heard. When he’s not in the office, Aidan lends a hand on ranches and feedlots around southern Alberta, works on his horsemanship, and makes as many stops on the rodeo trail as possible. He is a volunteer with the High River Ag Society and a member of the National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA). Todiscusssuccessionandestateplanning,oranyoftheissuesandtopics discussed in this article, Aidan can be reached at anicholson@fieldlaw.com
There comes a point where producers must decide if their legacy is worth protecting.
PHOTO
Back Country Preparedness
WHY IT MATTERS
• Weather can change in an instant, even in summer.
• No cell service in many back country areas.
• You are far away from home and might be on your own for hours or days.
• Horses can become injured or spook.
What every rider needs in their saddle packs for the a back country Canadian wilderness.
BY TIM HILLER
Tim Hiller is a cowboy of many trades. Hailing from Hay Lakes, Alberta, Hiller has spent many hours in the saddle. Typically in the back country on trail rides or chasing cows, the man is blessed with more than just culinary skills – (have you seen his recipe for Saskatoon pie on page 22?)
When working in the remote Canadian wilderness, Hiller knows how imperative it is to be prepared. Where he treads, the
environment is frequently unpredictable and rugged. Weather can change in an instant. Cell service is often limited and in the event of an emergency, help is typically hours (or perhaps even days) away. Still, Hiller has a job to do. He must fix fences and ensure that cattle, horses and people all arrive safely at their destinations. With years of experience pushing cattle in remote areas, the safety items in Hiller’s packs are non-negotiable. On long rides, he knows it’s possible for rid-
ers to encounter wildlife hazards, equipment failure, navigation errors , allergic reactions and heat stroke. Horses too, can throw a shoe mid-ride, get tangled in the brush, become lame – or, spook and run off, with or without their rider in the saddle.
(Are we having fun yet??)
In the Canadian wilderness, preparedness is not only wise, it can make the difference between life or death. Here are Hiller’s checklists for departure.
CANTLE BAG
“This cantle bag stays on my saddle at all times,” says Hiller. “And these are items I keep in that bag all year-round.”
• Small tin or old Snuff can of fence staples.
• Allergy pills.
• Electrical tape and hockey tape.
• Bug spray.
• Pocket knife.
• Heavy-duty zip ties (long) (*They need to be long enough to go around and secure a calf if you must leave one behind on a drive.)
• Blamer – the most important tool I have. I can use this to fix fence, pull bent shoes or nail on a new one for my horse on the trail.
• Cotton gloves.
• Hay wire, small roll – used to replace lost Chicago screws, create make-shift chin straps or repair fences.
• Fishing Line - 25 feet (or longer) fishing line, to use for stitches. (*Please be mindful of the fact that over time, stitching or suture thread can deteriorate. If you choose to fill your pack with these options instead, be sure to check on them every year before use.)
• Vet wrap.
• Medical tape.
• Gauze rolls.
• Medicines - These include an inhaler, Tylenol and Advil.
• Heavy-flow feminine pads with wings. (These are very good to use on open wounds.)
• Cotton leg wrap and outer bandage (or commonly referred to as a “stable wrap.”) Used to reduce swelling on a horse’s leg until you can return back to camp or home.
• Can-Saw – This is essentially a pocket-
MED KIT
The contents of Hiller’s Med Kit stays in one of his saddle bags at all times, during long rides.
• Working flashlight.
• Band-Aids and Q-tips.
• Benadryl. The children’s chewable type has a longer shelf life and is less likely to spill in your pack, than the liquid. This is a lifesaver when it comes to allergic reactions to bee stings or contact with certain plants.
• Thick, strong curved sewing needles. These are used to sew horse hide cuts and wounds. They are very important for closing serious wounds.
• Bic lighter, water-proof matches and firestarter. Zip Fire starters are my go-to, but
sized or foldable saw. I use it to cut fallen trees we may come across that block the path and are too big for a pruning saw.
• Front and rear horse shoes. Ideally, you would keep a set of pre-formed shoes that fit the horse you are currently riding in your saddle pack. When trail riding, it’s easy to “clip off” a front shoe when riding in deep root trails. Conversely, it’s also easy to “step” off a rear shoe of another horse when following too closely. Therefore, an extra set of shoes for your mount on long treks may prove to be invaluable. Tape several 16” shoe nails on to the shoes to ensure you have something with which to secure them.
• Used rasp. This addition is not necessary but when cut-to-size to fit inside a cantle bag, it can come in very handily for many things.
• Hoof pick.
• Small multi-bit screwdriver.
• Pruning saw. For small deadfall on the trail and long hooves on old cows.
• Binder twine. To keep your jeans up – or any number of other things.
• 6-foot piggin’ string. I simply remove one strand from an old three-strand lariat, so it’s soft enough to tie and long enough to doctor big, ol’ cow legs.
SATELLITE COMMUNICATOR
“I carry a Zoleo Satellite Communicator for emergencies in the back country,” states Hiller. “With it I never have to worry about not having a cell signal and the device can download maps as well. Satellite phones are getting better every day.”
any starter can work. Cotton balls soaked in Vaseline work well and can be rolled between your fingers to make a wick.
• Water-tight container. To store your matches and fire starter.
• Scalpel and new, sanitized blades.
• Polysporin. Can be used on horses or humans.
OPTIONAL:
• Binoculars.
• EpiPen. For life-threatening, allergic reactions in humans.
• Extra reading glasses.
• Winter gloves.
Hiller says he purchased one for himself after witnessing a harrowing experience that required helicopter and first-responder assistance.
“One of the riders in our group had her horse lay down to roll with her at a river crossing. An older fellow rider used his satellite phone to reach out for help and they came with two helicopters. One helicopter could get into harder-to-reach places and relocated the victim to a spot where the air ambulance can land. In that instance, the ambulance was able to land in a gravel bar close by, so the other chopper just circled and left. After that I purchased one for myself.”
IA Fine Balance
Can Alberta’s Wild Horses and industry find common ground?
BY MONIQUE NOBLE
n this accelerated world of trains, planes and automobiles it’s easy to forget that before we had mechanical mobility and strength, horses were man’s best friend. Mankind relied on horses for transportation, military strength, heavy labour and food – both through toil and in body for thousands of years. How quickly horses were dismissed when they became obsolete or inconvenient; their once essential hoofbeats a fading echo in the abattoirs of war and industry and in the governmental halls of the country they once served.
Before government removal, private enterprise and wartime need, it was estimated that some 200,000 horses roamed freely on the Eastern Slopes of Alberta. The horses were a mix of abandoned feral stock and wild horses that the Stony Nakoda First Nations say have been there long before western civilization and were the predecessors of the horses that call the Eastern Slopes home today. While history shows how horses have been used and removed for various human needs, currently, the “Wildie” population is less than 1/100th of what it used to be. Stakeholders such as landowners, ranchers, environmentalists and advocates present conflicting views on their future.
Many Albertan landowners and users insist the horses;
colloquially known as “Wildies,” are just junk horses, mainly drop-offs from people years ago, interbred and useless. An invasive species that do not belong in and damage the Albertan wilderness. It is easy to understand – if not sympathize –with such harsh opinions and the demands for Government sanctioned feral horse management from cattle growers, landowners and hunters, when these people have struggled to find range for livestock and good gameland among hundreds of thousands free-range horses. It is less easy to pardon the Department of Indian Affairs from exacerbating the issue in 1885 by confiscating horses owned by “rebellious” First Nations peoples, to discourage them from leaving their reservations. Confiscation of First Nations horses was not unique to Western Canada; the Ojibway Spirit horse was decimated through similar practices.
Ojibwe horses alongside many First Nations horses confiscated by the Department of Indian Affairs were slaughtered, many were set free by the people who loved them to avoid the butchering, which added to the wild herds. The last four wild Ojibwe mares in Ontario’s boreal forest were slated for extermination by the Ontario government in 1977. These horses narrowly escaped extinction by being spirited away over a wind-blown frozen Lake Ontario in the middle of the night.
Heather Hudson
First Nations legends throughout the Americas have long maintained horses were here before Europeans. Ancient American pictographs pre-dating the 1500s, depict horse-like creatures, and there are accounts of herds of horses in the Americas before Cortez arrived.
Sadly, it is as hard to verify the accuracy of pictograph carbon dating and oral traditions, as it is to re-write history. Is it possible that by acknowledging the storied history of Wildies (the feral and the wild side) and appreciating their tenacity for survival, that the writing on the wall can be rewritten?
The genetic makeup of Alberta’s Wildies tells a complex history of domestication and wild heritage. Indisputably, Alberta “Wildies” have a large amount of once-domestic blood in them. Nonetheless there is also ancestral Spanish blood that traces back to when horses were historically re-introduced to the Americas in the 1500s. Recent research and perhaps some of the oldest stories of all time suggest that horses were present long before they were “re-introduced.”
Approximately 1,400 Wildies roam the Eastern Slopes. DNA testing has proven not only ancestral links to the massive herds that were present just 100 years ago, but that the Alberta Wildie is a genetically unique equid. The Alberta provincial Government’s Feral Horse Management Framework (FHMF), estimate Wildies range throughout six Equine Management Zones (EMZ). The FHMF goal is the, “Development of a science-based management framework that provides options and trade-offs for the ongoing presence of feral horses while maintaining the ecological integrity of their habitats.”
The obscure “trade-offs” part of this framework concerns Wildie advocate Darrell Glover, founder of Help Alberta Wildies Society (HAWS). Glover questions the science behind the support. Study of the framework, its current counts, current thresholds and the land masses designated for the wild horses reveal disconcerting discrepancies. It is unlikely that an EMZ like Brazeau; geologically similar and three times larger than the Sundre, AB, EMZ can successfully support only 18 horses with a threshold of 30, while Sundre, AB, EMZ supports 628 with a threshold of 1,000.
The plan for wild/feral horses raises more questions and
concerns than it answers. Wayne McCrory (a registered professional biologist,) conducted a peer reviewed technical report on the Alberta Feral Horse Management Framework (FHMF) for Zoocheck and found the results wonting. McCrory is a well known expert in wildlife research, environmental impacts and management/conservation issues in western Canada. No stranger to the Alberta Mountain Horses, McCrory carried out
The 6 EMZ zones as designated by the Alberta Governments Feral Horse Management Framework. Counts are done via helicopter annually in areas with more horses and bi-annually in areas with less. The flight logs of the Brazeau Count show one pass over while the other zones showed multiple.
left to right: Pre-Columbian clay horse relic displayed in the Columbus Museum of Arts and Sciences. v Horses have long been an important part of war, both for labour and food resources. Multiple round-ups supported WW1, the Boer war and WW2. Milwaukee Journal archives
a review on their management in 2015/2016. His evaluation of the new 2023 framework “…using a of variety evaluation criteria and means, found the framework deficient in many science-based levels.”
Despite the deficiencies, the Alberta government is moving forward with plans to reduce the Wildie population. Forestry and Parks Minister Todd Loewen insists, “There’s no cull going on.” The province insists no horses will be killed – instead, some (90 mares) will be given birth control and others (30 gelded stallions) will be adopted.
The proposed contraceptive to be used on the wild horses is Spayvac-pZP and is not currently approved for use in Canada. It can only be imported under the Emergency Drug Release program for research purposes. The application sent to Health Canada by Alberta Forestry and Parks for approval of the drug states, “An integrated approach to horse management is regarded as an effective way to achieve population stabilization or reductions over time compared to employing a single management tool (Hobbs and Hinds 2018, Kirkpatrick and Turner 2018). The Government of Alberta’s Feral Horse Management Framework (FHMF) identifies contraception, adoption, research and education as key components of management.”
Wild Horse advocates are concerned about the “reductions” part of the application as the application also later states that if permission is granted, the intent is to reapply for the use of Spayvac-pZP in subsequent project years – which could mean more than the current 90 mares will be selected for contraception in the future.
Furthermore, Alberta Forestry and Parks states the contraception is only effective for one to three years. SpayVac for Wildlife Inc., the company that has developed the drug states, “…we can say that contraception lasts for four to five years in some mares, but studies haven’t gone longer than that.”
Which suggests there is no information verifying that mares with prolonged contraception rates regained their fertility after the study period. If the contraceptive is effective for more than four years, why are subsequent years already being planned when the number of Wild Horses has clearly not increased as dramatically as the FHMF would like people to believe?
The contraceptive Spayvac-pZp also, “… appears to shut down estrous cycling, so mares are no longer in heat.” Wild horse herd dynamics are directly affected by heat or estrous cycles and stallions will abandon mares that are not cycling to find mares that are. The proximity of these stallions and potential risk to many domestic horses that are not just pets, but tools of the trade for ranchers and outfitters must be considered. Lack of cycling mares will create more problematic bachelors needing to be removed – creating a carousel of population decline.
Defenders of the Wild Horses insist that contraception is just a type of cull and that reducing the already tiny population could lead to the breed’s extinction. The 30 stallions to be removed – although they will still be alive – should be considered herd mortalities. Darrell Glover’s frustration is apparent as he sighs, “By removing their bloodlines, it’s essentially a cull anyway.”
There are some concerns that the ministry is hiding behind semantics by inferring a No Kill removal is not a “cull,” and that
the unadoptable Wildies will be gelded and kept at the WHOAS facility, becoming the main attraction for tourists, at what will essentially be a roadside zoo. This possibility outrages people on both sides of the issue. Advocates for the Wildies want the horses to retain their freedom, while other users of the land these horses call home feel that a “Wildie Zoo” will just increase sympathy for an animal they consider a feral pest.
Stakeholders beyond Wildies must be considered. Ranchers like Trevor Warburton of Hanna, AB, depend on grazing permits to make cattle a viable endeavor. While Warburton has not conflicted with Wildies, he knows people who have and believes, “If unmanaged, the numbers of horses in the area could be a problem.” Some cattle growers who rely on grazing permits throughout the EMZ areas are frustrated with the abundance of Wildies, allegedly causing problems outside of rangeland quality.
Permit grazing cattle on Crown land is a difficult job, with a hefty price tag. Permits bought through Alberta Forestry are expensive and their use incurs other expenses; the cost of fencing, transport of stock, equipment and manpower to name a few. There is also an expectation of care and pride of land stewardship that comes with the leases. Accompanying those challenges are hazards in the areas which some theorists opine are increasing due to Wildie presence.
The presence of Wildies, seen as gift-horses by some, comes with teeth for others. Predators are prolific in the Eastern Slopes and their interactions between cattle, Wildies and people have increased in the last few years. Several users in the area hold the horses responsible for this increase – hard to refute when Wildies are frequently seen as victims of predation. Wildfires in much of western Canada have caused a large predator/prey exodus that could also account for increased interactions. Wildies however, are not entirely blameless and in some situations, have been caught red-hooved in the hay bale.
Farms of all kinds and horse boarding facilities alike in the slopes report problems with Wildies menacing/injuring their domestic herds, challenging horseback riders, interfering with hunting game, damaging fences and pushing livestock off hay and mineral blocks. One grazing permit holder who prefers anonymity, distributes salt blocks for the Wildies in their zone before they bring in their cattle, so the horses are not so desperately depleted and are less likely to push the cattle off the salt blocks required for their overall health.
Salt is partially why Widies are commonly seen roadside. Typically used by road maintenance crews to reduce winter build-up on thoroughfares, salt is a precious commodity for everyone. Resourceful Wildies happily eat the salted grasses and lick the ground – some have even been observed licking vehicles. While it is thrilling to see these beautiful creatures as you drive by, providing wonderful scenery and photography opportunities, their curb appeal can cause vehicular accidents and over-familiarity.
Over-familiarity influenced the Wild Horses of Alberta Society (WHOAS) to remove a group of frolicking bachelors recently. “Bachelor” bands are groups of mare-less stallions. A lot like bored teenagers, these restless, reckless boys can get into trouble. They go places they shouldn’t, create havoc and make
some individuals fearful for their safety. Sadly, some Wildies have become so accustomed to human contact they will boldly approach admirers, which excites some people, terrifies others and puts everyone involved at risk. This is emphatically not the horse’s fault but the responsibility of the people encouraging this behaviour.
A few of the problematic bachelor stallions were the stars of The Wild Horse Trainer’s Challenge, hosted by WHOAS for the first time in 2024. The stallions (now gelded) were paired with accomplished trainers who had 100 days to train and work with them, ultimately showcasing what they could achieve. The goal of the challenge was to work together to find the participating Wildies adoptive homes, with individual adoption fees to be decided upon after the challenge.
The challenge was arguably successful but was received with high emotions and intense public scrutiny. While WHOAS insists the event was a one-time affair, Darrell Glover of HAWS
is worried it will not only encourage more Wildie removals but may also misrepresent how easily Wildies are domesticated.
Glover is not the only person who shares that concern. Many board members of WHOAS stepped down and the whole group now has new leadership. Bob Henderson, the founder of WHOAS, was one of the people who stepped down. A difficult choice for Henderson, who had worked hard to build the society from the ground up.
Undefeated and determined to continue, Henderson got back on the horse so to speak and has established a new society that will follow the original mission of WHOAS. The newlyminted Alberta Mountain Horse Society (AMHS) has quickly gained a loyal following on social media and hopes to have the Alberta Mountain Horse recognised as a breed unique to the Eastern Slopes.
HAWS, AMHS and WHOAS are all dedicated to Wildie conservation. However, all three societies have irreconcilable
Frolicking “Bachelors” put on a thrilling show in the Clearwater EMZ. CREDIT: Starizon Images
Heather Hudson
differences regarding Wildie management. The only current permits for capturing Wildies in Alberta are issued to WHOAS and HAWS. How the groups use these permits is as different as their beliefs. WHOAS will capture problem horses of any age if they cannot be hazed away from the issue. HAWS will only remove horses if they are in medical need, or young horses who have been abandoned or separated from their herd. Both societies ensure removed animals are checked by a veterinarian, gelded if necessary and then adopted out for a fee. Wildies beyond medical assistance are humanely euthanized.
HAWS is adamant against horse removal because they feel it is an unnecessary form of herd management. Wild horses live an unforgiving life in exchange for their freedom. Predation on horses from wolves, bears, cougars, poachers and even their own kind is treacherous. Flanking predation, injury, infection, illness and the actuality that horses aided medically or removed from the wild cannot legally be returned to it, means herd mortality is high. Darrell Glover calls this the “slow burn” eradication approach and is concerned that an event like the WHOAS Trainers Challenge will stoke that fire.
Wendy Nelson, one of the WHOAS Trainer’s Challenge judges, sees, “No reason that these horses shouldn’t be given a chance to live a life away from the dangers of the wild.” Nelson – a lover of all horses – helplessly watched Wildies near her ranch north of Cochrane, AB, lose most of this year’s foals to predation. Nelson is an icon in the Alberta horse industry and has trained horses all over the world. Alberta born and raised, Nelson is familiar with the challenges of living and working with Wildies. Olds College of Alberta (of which Nelson is a graduate,) used to capture Wildies and train them as part of their equine program in the 1980s. Nelson knows of some incredible “Wildie” mounts but acknowledges that training a Wildie older that five is a challenge, with which most people would struggle. Older Wildies, like all horses of a certain age, are set in their ways. This includes avoiding any creature with eyes on the front of their head – a sure sign of a predator.
WHOAS has long held that they prefer not to host events like the Trainer’s Challenge, but until Wildies are legally protected,
they have few options. WHOAS social media publicly states, “It is our dream that one day the horses will have a protected status – unique to these horses. But for now, we will play the cards we’ve been dealt. Given the population threshold that the government has set and the current horse counts, there is a very real possibility that there could be another cull very soon.”
However, that statement may not reflect current WHOAS attitudes. Since a new WHOAS board came into power, fences have been allegedly let down and at least one bachelor helped themselves to WHOAS hay. WHOAS then fenced that bachelor in and he is now part of their “herd” to be gelded, trained and adopted out.
The young stallion in question is a very well-known and untroublesome bachelor by the name of “Neko.” He is an excellent example of the beauty of a wild horse and a rare pinto color. He is of desirable genetics for the wild herds and desirable saleability for WHOAS. Neko’s loss of freedom outraged his many followers who took the unnecessary culling of the young stallion to be the new WHOAS board of directors modus operandi – a concern echoed by Bob Henderson and Darrell Glover.
According to Henderson, Neko was gelded, along with three others, on August 9, 2024.
Current Wildie counts according to the FHMF, suggest a cull may be needed, but one has to wonder if is it truly necessary? How is it possible that almost 2.2 million acres of land roamed by 1,700 or so horses are ecologically impacted? This same area, over 100 years ago supported millions of bison and less than 100 years ago, supported an estimated 200,000 Wildie ancestor herd until they were shipped overseas for the war effort. If after that massive conscription and the more than 2,100 documented Wildie removals since the 1960s, less than 1,800 horses remain over 3,000 miles of wilderness. Perhaps their ability to safely reproduce and raise foals is overestimated.
Foal mortality in 2024 (which includes the foals that have been rescued and removed,) has seemingly reached high levels throughout four of the six EMZs. HAWS and Zoocheck supported aerial counts for 2025 recently show an increase of only 19 horses in Clearwater EMZ and 33 in Elbow EMZ –almost none of the horses are foals and many are sub-adults (under three) who commonly lose their lives to spring predators. Aerial horse counts taken by both the Alberta Government and HAWS do not correspond. The counts by their very nature are subject to error as herds travel and in some cases, the Alberta government changed their flight path to cover more ground from one year to the next without increasing the original set threshold number based on previous flight paths. The Inconsistency in the data gathering process by the Alberta Government is highly questionable. There may be more horses, there may be less –which is soft science, a trait that seems to define a lot of the scientific information and deciding factors within the FHMF.
Currently the Sundre EMZ can handle more than twice the number of Wild Horses than the Ghost EMZ and more than 50 times more the Brazeau EMZ, despite its larger size.
Mike Alexander, the Deputy Rangeland Director of Alberta munificently stated that there was a social aspect that led to allowing the Sundre EMZ to support more horses, as “there is a ‘societal value on that visibility’ and a ‘social influence that went into putting more pressure on the environment than would
With challenges like predators, injury, illness and sadly poaching, many Wildies advocates feel that Mother Nature is managing the Wildie populations. Here, two bears are seen guarding a Wildie carcass in the Clearwater EMZ. Image Courtesy of HAWS
normally be considered.’”
This means the Wildies attraction of advocacy groups, photographers, social media users and eco-tourists to the Sundre, AB, area influenced the equine threshold number decided upon for that EMZ.
Supporters of active Wildie management appreciate and see value in these last horses that roam the eastern slopes. And they can affect their outcome. Therefore it begs the question: Is protection of Alberta Wildies possible, or will they suffer the same fate as the Suffield Alberta Mustangs?
Rounded up and abolished in1994, few Suffield Mustangs survived despite the efforts of the Suffield Mustang Association of Canada. Most of these horses went to slaughter.
Horse slaughter is a provocative topic but an important matter when it comes to the possible fate of culled Wildies. When/if the Alberta Wildie population is over 1,760 individuals, the province will issue permits for the capture of horses for the purposes of sale, adoption or euthanasia with the proviso that, “euthanizing horses will only be considered as a last resort when all other options have been explored and are not viable as a means to lower the populations.”
Many Wildies have been adopted and sold as possible mounts, while many more have gone for meat processing. As such, it could be suggested that adoption is the best option for this group of equines. Unfortunately however not all horse enthusiasts can, nor want to adopt and train a Wildie. Assessing the age or trainability of a culled Wildie is impossible until it has been removed from the bush. Therefore, an untrainable, unsaleable, unadoptable and legally un-releasable Wild Horse is more likely to be euthanized. An ignoble end for an animal whose only crime is to have beaten the odds of survival.
Champions for Wildies hope that the Alberta government will eventually offer these horses the same protection given to other Canadian Wild Horses. The famous Wild Horses of Sable Island were granted protection by Prime Minister John Diefenbaker in 1960. The not-so-famous Wild Horses of Bronson Forest in Saskatchewan were granted provincial protection in 2009. So what prevents the same protection being granted to
the Alberta Wildies? Well for one, there are no competing stakeholders on the self-contained Sable Island – although there are more environmental aspects facing the equids there. Secondly, the Bronson horses number less than 100 now and they are rapidly declining.
Alberta Wildies fall into a gray area; they are not considered wild, nor naturalised but instead, feral. Alberta Forestry, Parks Canada and Albertan constituents’ dependant on Eastern Slopes access hesitate to romanticize the horses as wild because Wildies would then have to be factored into the ecosystem without culls as management. The term wild also dismisses the domestic ancestry of Wildies which designates them as an “invasive species.” Parks Canada is mandated to control and remove invasive species.
If Wildies are designated wild they could be subject to hunting seasons, hunting permits and pest control the way other species of wildlife are – a grim reality. Designated feral, it is illegal to shoot Wildies or remove them without first consulting Alberta’s Livestock Identification System. So, in some ways, being considered feral protects them from removal. Once a horse is designated removeable or feral – not wild (an interesting paradox) – by L.I.S., agents suggest WHOAS or HAWS be called in for permitted handling.
Sardonically – sitting on the fence these horses are striving to avoid – is where many people end up regarding Alberta Wildies, sympathizing with arguments on both sides. Perhaps these horses now deserve consideration beyond rope and fence, old school thinking and prejudice. The Ojibwe First Nations in Ontario has been carefully bringing the Ojibwe Spirit Horses back from near-extinction and hope to repatriate their wild ponies to ancestral forests with government blessings.
Do these horses that reside, without owners, have a chance to be considered with foresight rather than hindsight? Can or should Wildies be reframed as a resource? Is it possible to find a balance that protects the environment, honours its stewards and affords the admirably untamed Alberta “Wildie” a safeguarded, unfenced home on their historic ranges on The Eastern Slopes of Alberta?
At this point, it’s anyone’s call.
Foal mortality is incredibly high for Alberta Wildies. This sweet moment of a herd welcoming a new member was short-lived when a neighboring stallion from a different herd attacked the foal.
kin the Saddle
The Calgary Stampede Showriders Celebrate a Legacy of Leadership and Horsemanship
BY JENN WEBSTER
The Calgary Stampede Showriders are celebrating a milestone this year – their ruby anniversary. That’s 40 years of precision riding, musical performance, and youth leadership development. For four decades, this elite equestrian drill team has dazzled crowds with fast-paced musical rides and represented the Stampede spirit, both at home and abroad. Behind the sparkle of crisp uniforms and shining tack lies a program rooted in discipline, mentorship, and personal growth.
Jamee DeWit knows that firsthand. She’s been part of the Showriders family for 20 years. First as a rider from 2000 to 2003, and now as the team’s head coach and director since 2010.
“It’s more than just learning to ride in formation,” says DeWit. “It’s about learning life skills. Confidence, communication, resilience… These riders are learning what it takes to be leaders in their communities.”
Since their inception, the Showriders have been invited to ride in many prestigious events. In 1988, they rode
A Ruby Anniversary for the Showriders in 2025.
in the Calgary Olympics, Opening Ceremonies. In 2000, the Calgary Stampede hosted an international drill team competition called Equidance and there the Showriders earned the bronze medal. In 2011, the Showriders travelled to the Portland Grand Floral Parade in Portland, Oregon, winning Best Overall Drill Team award. And later in 2011, they served as the personal mounted honour guard for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on their Canadian tour.
In both 2012 and 2019, the Showriders travelled to Pasadena, California, and rode in the Tournament of Roses Parade, an experience DeWit describes as “truly unique.” And in 2013, 2016 and 2018 the team travelled to Cheyenne, Wyoming – the “Daddy of ‘Em All” – Cheyenne Frontier Days where the team brought home the Outstanding Mounted Riding Riding Group with each visit.
IT’S MORE THAN JUST LEARNING TO RIDE IN FORMATION, IT’S ABOUT LEARNING LIFE SKILLS. CONFIDENCE,
COMMUNICATION, RESILIENCE
Throughout the year, the Showriders perform across southern Alberta and travel to multiple locations in the United States and Europe. The group rides multiple times during the 10 days of Calgary Stampede and serves as a colour guard.
This October, the Showriders will fly to Portugal for a 10day tour, where they’ll learn from world-class equestrians and represent the Calgary Stampede on the international stage. They won’t be travelling with horses this time but the opportunity, planned by DeWit and Coach / Assistant Director, Jill Barron, is part of a broader mission to elevate the program’s reach and offer riders a life-changing experience.
“We believe strong youth build stronger communities,” says DeWit. “And this program is about building the leaders of tomorrow – both in and out of the saddle.”
The program is open to all Alberta-based youth between the ages of 14 and 21. Riders must bring their own horses and commit to weekend practices starting each March, with training held at Stampede Park’s Nutrien Arena and a facility near Strathmore, AB. DeWit choreographs a new musical ride each year – a tightly orchestrated sequence of maneuvers set to music – and works with the team to polish it in time for the Stampede’s daily performances.
A CELEBRATION OF 40 YEARS!
1985
The Calgary Stampede Showriders are created to accompany the Stampede Showband in parades and rodeos across southern Alberta.
1988
Olympics opening ceremony riders.
2000
Equidance (Calgary Stampede hosted an international drill team competition) and the Showriders emerged as the bronze medal winners.
ABOVE: Showriders carrying sponsorship flags after a Stampede rodeo performance. Walking on the left is Jamee DeWit and walking on the right is Jill Barron. CREDIT: Bee Varga LEFT: In formation on New Year’s Day. RIGHT: A Showrider at the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, CA.
And while the spotlight burns a little brighter during July, the program runs year-round. “It’s a full-time commitment,” says DeWit, who balances administrative duties with hands-on coaching. “But what keeps me going is seeing how much the riders grow in just one season.”
Amy Harwood (Selgensen) rode on the team from 2000 to 2002. She recounts her time with the group as a very fond memory.
“Having spent years admiring my sister in the Showriders spotlight, I yearned for my own turn. Perhaps wishing for my 14th birthday more than any other,” states Harwood (Selgensen).
“Becoming a Showrider proved to be a truly profound experience during my youth. It was an incredible journey demanding commitment, yet it gifted me extraordinary opportunities, allowing us to travel all over Alberta and Europe. It also taught both my horse and me so many valuable lessons and forged countless lifelong friendships,” she states.
Past Showrider, Hope Bent, echoes these sentiments. From her perspective, the keepsakes of the mind that she garnered during her time with the group are priceless.
“From performing in the Grandstand Arena, running flags at rodeos, sparkling bright in parades, horsemanship clinics or Stand-N-Pats – there are too many fond memories to pick out anything specific as my favourite!” Bent exclaims.
“There were so many memories made, friendships earned and lessons learned… It’s really difficult to put into words just how important this program was for my development as not only a rider, but [also as] a young woman.”
, 2011
• Portland Grand Floral ParadeShowriders won the Outstanding Mounted Riding Group award.
• Honour Guard for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge Canadian tour
2003, 2012, 2019
Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade Canadian entry alongside the Calgary Stampede Showband, held on New Years Day.
Sparkles for Canada Day festivities.
BEHIND THE SEQUINS AND SYNCHRONIZED GALLOPS LIES SOMETHING EVEN MORE POWERFUL – A DEEP-ROOTED PRIDE IN BEING PART OF A YOUTH DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATION THAT SHAPES STRONG, CONFIDENT LEADERS.
Many Showrider (SR) alumna go on to do remarkable things, both inside and out of the equine world. Bearing the SR insignia often sets the stage for future successes, like achieving great things in their future careers, communities and the horse industry. Many go on to become Calgary Stampede Royalty. Queen Meagan Peters of 2017 for example, rode with the team from 2009 until 2011, with a quick trip to Cheyenne in 2013.
“Coach Jamee taught us the meaning of teamwork, adversity, professionalism and the responsibility of representing the Calgary Stampede,” Peters recalls. Adding that the commitment to participate with the Showriders didn’t fall exclusively on the shoulders of the riders alone…
“Showriders was not only a big commitment for us as riders, but [also] a big commitment for the parents! My heartfelt thanks goes out to all the parents that helped and supported us each year to stay involved in the program.”
As the Showriders mark 40 years, each rider will wear a special anniversary buckle, specially crafted by Olson Silver Company. Fun fact: these commemorative buckles were created by another past Showrider, now silversmith, Lindsey Ranks. In 2025, the entire Showrider team will get to sport this buckle in performances and retain them as future keepsakes.
There’s no doubt, this dynamic group of young equestrians evokes excitement wherever they go. But behind the sequins and synchronized gallops lies something even more powerful – a deep-rooted pride in being part of a youth development organization that shapes strong, confident leaders. The Calgary Stampede Showriders are more than a performance team; they are a close-knitted squad committed to education, horsemanship and the artistry of precision riding. Through discipline, creativity, and community spirit, the Showriders continue to lift up not only their craft, but each other. Their legacy speaks volumes. Not just in the cheers of the grandstand – but in the quiet confidence of the young riders who become a team and proudly carry the flag.
2013, 2016, 2018 and 2023 Cheyenne Frontier Days “Daddy of ‘em All” Grand Parade - Outstanding Mounted Riding Group Award recipients each visit.
Bee Varga
The 40th Anniversary Calgary Stampede Showriders buckle, crafted by Olson Silver Company.
NEW RULE BRINGS COLOUR CLARITY TO AQHA REGISTRATION
BY JENN WEBSTER
For decades, the colour listed on an American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) registration certificate has been based solely on what the eye can see. But a recent rule change spearheaded by AQHA Director Ryan A. Fleetwood of Champion, Alberta, is ushering in a new era of accuracy, transparency, and genetic proof.
At the AQHA Convention in March, 2025, Fleetwood announced the successful passage of a proposal that will allow AQHA members to optionally include UC Davis colour genotype test results on the master report for any registered horse. While these results won’t appear directly on the certificate, they will be stored in the official AQHA database, where anyone can verify them.
Katya
Jensen Photography
COLOUR GENOTYPE RESULTS HAS BEEN ACCEPTED BY THE AMERICAN QUARTER HORSE ASSOCIATION.
A Long-Awaited Solution A RECENT RULE CHANGE REGARDING
This new option won’t solve all the problems,” Fleetwood admits. “But it will allow those of us who wish to have indisputable evidence in the form of genotype on our horses to have it on official AQHA paperwork.”
The rule passed through AQHA’s Stud Book & Registration Committee – a body that oversees all rule changes related to registration, including signatures, cloning, and embryo transfers. Fleetwood, who became a Director in 2022 and joined this key committee in 2024, authored the proposal himself.
“I originally asked for genotype results to be printed on the back of the certificate,” he explains. “But real estate on the form made that unworkable. The compromise was to include it on each horse’s master report in the AQHA database.”
Fleetwood is already looking ahead: “Next, I’d like to see it integrated into the new Quarter Horse Resource pedigree database along with any health panel test results or genetic testing that may also have been done.”
Genotype vs. Phenotype
Why It Matters
Traditionally, the colour printed on AQHA papers is based on phenotype – what you can see. But a horse’s genotype (its actual genetic makeup) can tell a very different story.
“You can have two horses that both look like bays,” Fleetwood explains, “but one may carry two copies of the black gene, while the other only carries one. That’s important information for breeders trying to predict colour outcomes in foals.”
Understanding genes like extension (E/e) and agouti (A/a) makes a big difference. Agouti, for example, controls where black pigment shows up on the body, and without it, a bay horse would be black. But you’d never know agouti status just by looking.
“This eliminates the need for speculation,” says Fleetwood. “There’s no arguing with genotype. Phenotype is subjective; genotype is fact.”
A Tool for Breeders, Buyers, and Beyond
Fleetwood emphasizes that this new feature is completely voluntary, but for breeders and buyers who care about colour genetics, it’s a game-changer.
“Up to now, if you wanted to prove a horse’s colour genetics, you’d often use an external lab report – basically just a PDF,” he says. “Now, we’re bringing that information inside the AQHA. If a buyer wants to verify what a seller or breeder is saying about a horse’s colour genetics, they can look it up in the official record.”
UC Davis is AQHA’s designated lab for this testing. Their results can be matched with the horse’s DNA already on file, offering an extra layer of protection. And while the current AQHA registration certificate will still list phenotype on the front, this new master report addition means that genetic test results can now travel with the horse in a verifiable way.
The Governance Behind the Change
Fleetwood is a self-proclaimed “horse lover and politics fan,” and AQHA’s democratic structure is part of what fuels his passion.
“It’s a member-driven association. Any member can submit a rule change, addition, or deletion. Those proposals go to their respective committees and are debated at the annual convention. Any AQHA member in attendance can participate in those discussions. It’s grassroots and in-person. If you care enough to show up, you can shape the future of the breed.”
That process is exactly how this rule passed: through committee, general membership, directors’ meeting, and finally, executive review. But crucially, proposals from the Stud Book & Registration Committee cannot be vetoed by AQHA’s Executive Committee – acknowledging the deep technical expertise required in this area.
“It may take a decade to see the results of these rule changes,” Fleetwood says. “They’re not just administrative. They change the direction of the registry.”
A bay horse must carry one copy of extension in order to have black pigment. But a horse that carries one copy and a horse that carries two copies can look exactly the same.
Silver Lincoln, a silver bay stallion owned by Fleetwood Farms.
What Comes Next
Fleetwood hopes this is just the beginning. He’s already thinking about future rule proposals and invites Canadian and international members to reach out with their ideas.
“There are only two things we test for now: genetic disease and colour,” he says. “But who knows about the future? Some say we will be able test for things like disposition. And when we can, that data will be housed and displayed by AQHA.”
For Fleetwood and many others, this new rule isn’t just about paperwork – it’s about preserving the integrity of the breed and empowering breeders with the best information science can offer.
Genotype vs. Phenotype in Horse Coat Colour
1 2
Genotype = the genetic makeup of an organism (what genes it carries) These are alleles on specific genes, like:
Extension (E/e): Determines black pigment production
* E = black pigment can be produced
* e = only red pigment (no black)
* EE = black-based horse
* Ee = black-based, carries red
* ee = red-based (e.g., sorrel, chestnut)
Agouti (A/a): Controls distribution of black pigment
* A = restricts black to “points” (mane, tail, legs) → bay
* aa = black distributed over whole body → black
* Has no effect on red-based horses (ee), although they do have an agouti status.
Phenotype = the horse’s observable traits (what you see) This includes coat colour, but it can be misleading:
* Two horses might both look bay but have different genotypes.
* A horse that is Ee Aa and one that is EE Aa will look the same but pass on different colour traits.
3
Why this matters in breeding:
• Genotype determines what colours a horse can produce in offspring, which is crucial for breeders.
• You cannot tell genotype by sight alone – especially with red-based horses or subtle modifiers (like silver, champagne, or dun).
Therefore:
• A bay horse is E_ A_ — meaning it has at least one E and one A.
• Whether it’s EE or Ee, it still looks bay, but EE can only pass black, while Ee can produce red foals if bred to another carrier.
This Punnett square shows the possible offspring genotypes from two heterozygous (Ee) black-based horses.
Steven Quon
A HOME FOR MAKERS
Longview Leather is where craft and supply meet.
BY JENN WEBSTER
In an age of mass production, fast fashion and throwaway goods, Longview Leather and its employees are part of a small but growing movement bringing craftsmanship back to the forefront. Longview Leather is a locally owned and leading leather supplier based out of Okotoks, AB. It stocks a wide range of materials, from full hides to hardware and almost everything a leather worker, tack maker, custom rodeo apparel tailor or western artisan could desire.
bridges two worlds: sourcing quality materials for makers, and crafting bespoke products himself back home. It’s a synergy that underpins both his own brand, JB Leather Supply, and Longview Leather’s mission to support local leathercraft.
From his home workshop in Calgary, AB, Brown handcrafts belts, bags, wallets, and corporate goods –and he does it with materials sourced from the very place he now helps to run.
“It’s where I used to shop,” Brown chuckles. “And now
THE SHOP’S WELL-CURATED INVENTORY INCLUDES HARD-TO-FIND WESTERN TACK HARDWARE LIKE CONWAY BUCKLES, CHICAGO SCREWS, LATIGOS, AND BRONC WRAP.
A hub for Alberta’s leather working scene, this small business carries tools and supplies that aren’t readily available elsewhere. They serve ranchers as well as hobbyists, fulfilling a vital role in the region’s creative community.
What makes this place unique isn’t just its shelves and the boxes of hardware neatly laid out – it’s also the people. The staff behind the counter are leather workers themselves, with a great understanding of what their clients require.
Manager Jason Brown’s role at the shop for instance,
I’m on the other side of the counter.”
His journey began in 2014 when Brown got fed up with poor-quality belts. After spending $100 on one he thought would last, it began to delaminate.
“I thought, ‘I could probably do this myself,’” he recalls. His first attempt was rough, a strap cut from thick saddle skirting leather. However, the belt still holds up today.
What started as a one-off prototype, quickly grew into something bigger. “I realized I had all this leather left, so I made a few more,” Brown says.
STORY & PHOTOS BY JENN WEBSTER
People seemed to really like the belts, especially because of the product’s durability.
His finished product, the ‘Forever Belt’ is made of bridle leather, built for strength and simplicity and guaranteed for life. Brown eventually expanded into wallets and bags, including a weekender bag inspired by a high-end designer model he admired, but couldn’t justify buying. Every product in the JB Leather Supply line is handmade in his basement shop, with the help of his partner Alana, who added
Jason Brown, Manager of Longview Leather examining a hide.
THE FOREVER BELT, CREATED BY JB LEATHER IS AVAILABLE AT LONGVIEW LEATHER
IN NEED OF A CHICAGO SCREW? LONGVIEW LEATHER HAS YOU COVERED!
THREAD IN VARIOUS COLOURS, NEEDLES, BOBBINS AND ALL KINDS OF WEBBING.
THERE ARE SO MANY LEATHER OPTIONS AT LONGVIEW LEATHER.
laser engraving to the mix two years ago. This allowed Brown to pivot into larger-scale corporate orders – menu covers, hatbands, coasters and custom-branded belts.
While Brown’s personal leather business is thriving, a key piece of his story is Longview Leather. Originally founded in the town of Longview, AB, and now located in Okotoks, the store offers everything from saddle skirting and bridle sides to hardware, dyes, tools, thread, paints, and even sewing machines.
western tack hardware like Conway buckles, Chicago screws, latigos, and bronc wrap. The staff also offer custom orders on leather, including specific colours or finishes for customers with special projects—like rodeo royalty wardrobe pieces or large-scale restaurant installations.
Longview Leather’s expanded lineup also includes special requests. Brown notes that if a customer needs 300+ feet of metallic purple leather for a project, they can accommodate –showing their flexibility and commitment to customer service.
YOU DON’T NEED TO BUY A WHOLE SIDE OF LEATHER TO LEARN, START WITH KEYCHAINS OR COASTERS AND BUILD UP FROM THERE.
The shop caters to a unique community of western makers: saddle builders, ranchers, artisans, hobbyists, and even curious newcomers. For those just getting started, the store offers scrap leather bags – an affordable entry point into a hands-on craft.
“You don’t need to buy a whole side of leather to learn,” Jason says. “Start with keychains or coasters and build up from there.”
The shop’s well-curated inventory includes hard-to-find
“Rural people appreciate quality leather. They need materials that are strong, well made and built to last – because their jobs depend on it. Their lives may even depend on it,” says Brown. “Those are the quality leathers and products we strive to carry at Longview Leather.”
Whether customers visit Longview Leather to start their own leatherwork journey or commission Brown to build something for them, one thing ties it all together, pride in quality and craftsmanship.
WrangLer Women’s retro mAe mid-rise bootcut jeAn, $110 crueL girL denim short-sleeve With fAux smile Pockets, in slAte blue, $90
WrangLer Women’s clAssic fit jeAn jAcket in stoneWAsh, $99
Cooler than a C reek in July, these C ountry kids know how to live their west life
Photos by Tara McKenzie Fo T os All outfits P rovided by La MML e’s Wes T ern Wear
BACKROADBOLD
StetSon woMen’s desert blouse, $105
AriAt woMen’s aztec patch cap, $55
WrAngler woMen’s retro bailey high-rise bootcut jeans, $110
PAnHAndle
Models
s l
u
s pecial appearance by “ fA ncy,” our p A lo M ino Mini A ture h orse M odel
s hot on location at the h erronton, ab , grain elevator owned by Kelly & l
Arizon A McKenzie, Justin Jones, Jessic A Wolfs & n ichol A
orie A
lana Mal M berg
woMen’s eMbroidered sleeveless snap shirt in rust, $70
CinCh Men’s silver label straight jeans, $112
Wrangler Men’s retro PreMiuM western long-sleeve snaP shirt in brick color, $99
Wrangler Men’s 20X nO 42 Vintage bOOtcut jean in dark wash, $110 roper Men’s cOwbOy surf shOrt sleeVe snap shirt, $70
HIM: CoWBoY SH!T buffalO MarOOn hOOdie, uniseX, $90 STeTSon Men’s aMerican heritage steerhead ballcap, $55
HER: KimeS ranch wOMen’s tess western hOOdie in sage, $140 ariaT wOMen’s lace triM cap, $55
TOP TO BOTTOM: “Legacy“, “Transcendence“ and “Big Medicine” ABOVE: “Big Magic”
OPPOSITE PAGE (L-R): “Worth his Weight” and “A Kinship “
A collection of soulful fine art oil-on-canvas paintings by Canadian artist Stefanie Travers www.stefanietravers.ca
MEET STEFANIE IN PERSON AT HER BOOTH AT THE 2025 CALGARY STAMPEDE
Th E a RT i S E m BEDDED in T h E h E a RT o F B o T h
S u B j E c T an D a RT i ST, an D i S a TEST imon Y
T o T h E L on GSTan D in G Fa S cina T ion o F T h E
REL a T ion S hi P BETWEE n man an D ho RSE R E ci PRoca L , S o L i D an D E n D u R in G
The aRT of the hoRSE
BY Debbie MacRae
The horse, in its truest form, conjures visions of symmetry in motion, sleek bloodlines, shimmering coats and majestic stance.
From the earliest civilizations, horses have been depicted in varying forms of art, from Paleolithic cave drawings to petroglyphs, from sculptures to frescoes, paintings to ornamentation, displaying a longstanding admiration and reverence for this venerated creature.
The Oxford Dictionary defines art, as “…the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power.”
The Merriam-Webster definition of a horse is that of “ a large solid-hoofed herbivorous ungulate mammal (Equus caballus, family Equidae, the horse family) domesticated since prehistoric times and used as a beast of burden, a draft animal, or for riding ” – not exactly a beautiful or emotional subject.
So what is it about the horse that captures the human imagination as a focal subject for art? What elements captivate the artist, the painter, or the sculptor to produce works worthy of royalty, the classics, and the Renaissance? What made the horse the centrepiece in the banquet of artistry for the likes of Leonardo da Vinci, Picasso, George Stubbs, or Edgar Dugas?
Drawings found in the Chauvet Caves of southern France have been carbon dated to between 32,400 and 29,700 years ago, making them among the oldest known artworks in the world.
The Chinese Horse, painted during the Paleolithic or Stone Age, was discovered in the caves at Lascaux, France in 1940. Using minerals as pigment, it is believed this painting dates back between 15,000 and 13,000 BC. It was given the name “Chinese Horse” by the discoverers in reference to similar art styles found during China’s Song Dynasty. Interestingly, the depiction resembles that of the Mongolian equine with its sturdy body and shorter legs.
Petroglyphs found in the American southwest have refuted long held beliefs that horses were introduced to Indigenous
people by Spanish conquerors in the 17th century. Evidence proves that horses were not only present but were integral to the daily lives of First Nations people who formed close, spiritual relationships with them.
The vast majority of early art forms depicted animals, not people nor civilizations. Many archeologists believe that by recreating their images, humans believed they could exert some type of ‘control’ over their spirit, giving them greater hunting prowess or being able to control bad spirits.
Regardless of the reason, the portrayal of horses in ancient art is indicative of one of the oldest partnerships in history, symbiotic and mutually beneficial, signifying reliance and reverence for the horse as a source of sustainability and power.
“Chinese Horse” CREDIT: E NC y CL o PEDIA B RITANNICA
Chauvet Caves CREDIT: E NC y CL o PEDIA B RITANNICA
Evidence proves that horses were not only present but were integral to the daily lives of First Nations people who formed close, spiritual relationships with them.
CREDIT: PAT D o A k
LADY GODIVA
Artist John Collier Chose to depiCt lAdy GodivA in her stAtement of protest, in his pAintinG of 1897.
The simplicity of the painting, the chaste colours of her steed, and the delineation of her only adornment – her wedding ring – augment the statement she was making in dissent of the high taxes imposed by her husband on local citizens. Legend states her husband agreed to lower the taxes if she would ride through the streets naked. The streets are bare in respect of her mission and her modesty.
In Egypt and Mesopotamia, horses were realized as symbols of royalty and divine favour. They were pivotal in terms of warfare and expansion. Egyptian tombs and Roman mausoleums often featured frescoes, carvings and sculptures of horses and chariots denoting their importance in terms of power and status.
The classical and Renaissance eras brought a new level of sophistication, portraying horses with exquisite realism, capturing anatomical detail and dynamic movement.
Leonardo da Vinci was the classic Renaissance Man, the artist accomplished in multiple genres – painting, sculpting, architecture, anatomy, geometry, optics, engineering and botany. Beneath his accomplishments was a solid foundation of research and analysis, revision and perseverance. Drawings were integral to his research, and revision, a corollary of his comprehension.
Da Vinci’s study of a horse encompassed vertical lines confirming proportions, analysis of the musculature, breaking it down into proportions in varying positions. His studies were strongly influenced by a request from the Duke of Milan who had commissioned him to execute an equestrian monument to his father.
Six hundred pages of drawings, central to his research, culminate in one of the greatest collections of Queen Elizabeth II at the Royal Library in Windsor Castle highlighting the significance of his work in the art world.
Perhaps the relationship between equine and mortal being is most vividly portrayed in the immortalization of equestrian artistry. Such depictions make a statement, and the statement is varied depending on the symbolism utilized.
Napoleon crossing the Alps makes a strong statement of authority and power, displayed in the dynamic movement of horse and rider creating an extension of man to horse.
Artist John Collier chose to depict Lady Godiva in her statement of protest, in his painting of 1897 (see above)
With the advent of modern colours and techniques,
modalities and textures, the evolution of “art” as a discipline becomes more transitory, and traditional philosophies merge with modern concepts creating an ever-expanding platform for expression. But the concept of the horse remains more than just a physical subject. It is a constant – a reminder of the duality of our existence, of freedom and adventure, coupled with identity and connection.
Captured in a wide range of artistic mediums from traditional oil on canvas, to photography to digital art, the horse continues to inspire artistic endeavours in cultures worldwide. From the pages of Black Beauty to the collections of My Little Pony , from the roots of western civilization to the adrenalin of horse-racing, the subject of the horse is a continuum that resonates deeply within the art world, regardless of genre.
“
the portrayal of horses in ancient art is indicative of one of the oldest partnerships in history, symbiotic and mutually beneficial, signifying reliance and reverence for the horse as a source of sustainability and power. . “
Will
HOW TO NOT GET INTO AN ARENA
Every barn has its quirks. Some insist on mucking out clockwise, some feed supplements with more precision than a pharmaceutical lab, and some have a strict, “Don’t touch the dog, he bites everyone except Janet” policy. But there’s one rule you’ll find in most well-run barns: announce “Door!” before opening the arena entrance. It’s a basic safety measure. Horses can spook at sudden movements or loud noises, and yelling “Door!” gives everyone inside a chance to brace for impact – or at least steer clear of the gate area.
But of course, not everyone gets the memo. Or, in this case, not everyone understands how the memo works.
A clinician – who shall remain nameless – was conducting a seminar in a barn that housed both English and Western riders. A noble setup, but not always a seamless one. Cultural crossover in the equestrian world can be… interesting. (PS - You haven’t lived until you’ve seen a reiner and a dressage rider passive-aggressively circle each other at opposite ends of a warm-up pen.)
Anyway. The seminar was underway, and the clinician happened to glance over at the arena door, which was high enough to keep horses from jumping out, but low enough that a person
By Bronco Betty
could still see overtop. There, a man stood, intending to join the clinic inside. Newish-looking, upright posture, holding his horse and clearly waiting for something.
“Door!” he called.
Nothing happened.
Again, the man announced: “DOOR!”
From the middle of the arena, the clinician paused. Looked around. No one was near the end arena door. No one responded.
“DOOR!” The man hollered again. Still, nothing happened. No opening. No movement. Just him. Standing. Waiting. Like someone had told him the arena door was voice-activated and he was inputting the password.
Finally, and bless his heart, he tried one more time. “DOOR!” Now with a little added urgency, as if maybe volume was the problem.
The clinician couldn’t take it any longer. He interrupted the seminar, walked over and asked, “What are you doing?”
The man, clearly trying to follow the rules to the best of his ability, explained: “Well, I understand there’s a policy that you have to say ‘Door!’ before you’re allowed in. But I don’t know.. Am I saying it right? Is my tone wrong? Is it not low enough?”
The clinician blinked. Then blinked again.
“It’s not automatic,” he said gently. “You’re supposed to say ‘Door’ so you don’t startle the horses inside. But… you still have to open the door yourself.”
A beat passed. Realization bloomed.
“Oh,” said the man, eyes widening as the pieces clicked into place. “Oh.”
And with the kind of humility you only see in people who have just spoken loudly to an inanimate object, he reached out and opened the door.
Manually.
With his own two hands.
In the man’s defence, arena etiquette isn’t always written down, and when you’re new to the horse world – or just visiting a barn with its own set of customs – it can feel like you’ve walked into a secret society where everyone else knows the handshake.
But that moment became barn legend. The guy yelling “Door!” at the door like it was going to swing open on command? Unforgettable.
The moral of the story? In the barn, there are no dumb questions. Just occasionally… very polite misunderstandings.
Also, don’t wait for someone else to open your doors. Literally or figuratively.
The farm and ranch community are inherently proactive and aware that hazardous atmospheres exist. When it comes to installing any equipment with a potential ignition source (auger motors, lights) into such environments, it’s impertive that the Canadian Electrical Code (Section CEC C22.1-18) is followed for the safety of people, animals, and your farming operation.
Hazardous Area Classification defines areas where:
• Explosive gas atmosphere is present in the air in quantities that require special precautions for the construction, installation, and use of electrical equipment
• Dusts and Grain Dusts are present in the form of clouds or layers in quantities that require special precautions for the construction, installation, and operation of electrical equipment
